25 Mar
Blog

The Top Benefits of Physical Activity

Long story cut short; physical activity is the order of the day. Especially if you want to become a better version of yourself every day, challenging your body and investing time in keeping it in good shape is important. Gone are the days when exercise, exercise, and various types of physical activity were reserved only for athletes and fitness trainers. We live in a time when the numbers of diseases are innumerable and no control of the body puts someone on the receiving end of harm. In this role, we're going to walk you through some interesting benefits of physical activity:

1. Reduced risk of heart attack

Terrifyingly, one of the leading causes of youth death in modern times is cardiac arrest. Thousands of young people die from heart disease every year. Spending an hour in the gym or running 30 minutes each day will slightly reduce your chances of having a heart attack. Instead of relying on conventional medication, it is best to challenge yourself physically and actively participate in various exercises.

2. Lower the blood pressure

High blood pressure is often sung as a silent killer because it can cause a heartbeat. Unfortunately, a large part of the world's population suffers from this problem. However, if you do a sport that you like or go to the gym regularly, the problem of high blood pressure will be solved automatically. High blood pressure is recognized as the high volume of blood that is pumped through the veins. This is dangerous as it can also cause a heart attack. So now is the right time to get rid of laziness and take care of your health.

3. Better looks

We strive in a social media era where it has become the norm to seek the best. People who are too thin or too fat find it difficult to keep up with global standards. It's good to feel good about yourself, however, but it's just as important to embrace the concept of staying fit. The easiest way to do this is to play any sport you like. You can buy sports supplements online from ATP Science to help you stay fit and healthy. Even if you are obese and find it difficult to lose weight, never lose hope and continue the war to look your best.

4. Good for mental health

Despite the high level of awareness, mental health is still heavily stigmatized around the world. Fortunately, when you work out at the gym, endorphins are released in the brain. If you don't know, they're stress-relieving hormones that make you feel happier. Next time you don't feel good, hit the gym and have some fun. Exercise and try to indulge in the various activities available. Eventually, the moment you start losing weight and getting fit, you will become more confident.

25 Mar
Blog

How to Plan a Romantic Couples Massage

What could be nicer than a massage? Get a massage with your significant other. Whether you are on your honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary, or just want to hang out together, couples massage is a great way to relax and be together. However, a couples massage is about more than just an appointment. Here are some tips on how to plan the best experience possible.

Plan your whole day around your appointment

Sure, your massage might only last an hour or two, but the effects will last much, much longer. If you want to plan something after your massage, that's fine, but make sure it's something relaxing. After all, you will feel incredibly relaxed after your massage. You might even feel a little sleepy. Save all of your exciting activities either before your massage or for another day.

Eat light ahead of time

You don't want to lie on your stomach for long periods of time when it's full. The food before the massage is perfectly fine, even recommended. However, skip the heavy meals. Instead, opt for a lighter fare and eat around an hour or two before your appointment. At the same time, you don't want to reserve dinner right after your appointment. That way, you don't have to rush, which will completely undo the relaxation you just did.

Turn off the tech

How can you possibly relax with glued to your smart devices all the time? The answer is you can't. Turn off your phones, or at least make them vibrate, and leave them where you can't reach them. This prevents unnecessary distractions and allows you to relax completely. The rest of the world will be waiting for you right there when you're done.

Take advantage of the extras

There are a number of day spas that have saunas, fitness centers, and other amenities that are part of your reservation. Arrive early or plan to stay a little later to take full advantage of these extras. An example of this is the upscale Viva Day Spa in Austin, which offers couples massages with an additional sauna session with cool peppermint towels and a treatment with hot herbal steam towels. Even if your day spa doesn't offer these amenities, arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes earlier. This will help keep you and your massage therapists from rushing around.

Consider some add-ons to your massage

When planning your couple's massage, you don't have to plan just one massage. Check out the little add-ons your spa has to offer. Perhaps your partner could use a little aromatherapy if he's been dealing with a lot of stress at work lately. If it's a little chilly outside, consider adding a little extra warmth to the two of you with hot stones.

They both don't need the same exact treatment

Both of you will be personally advised by your massage therapist. This way, you can both get the best massage that will suit your specific needs. They don't need the same type of massage. While you may benefit from a relaxing Swedish massage, deep tissue massage can help your partner get more out of the appointment. You may need to focus more on your shoulders while your partner needs to focus more on your lower back. By personalizing your massages you can rest assured that both of you are having the best time possible.

Go easy on the alcohol

You may be offered a bottle of champagne or a flute of champagne with your massage. While a small amount is fine, watch your intake both before and after your appointment. Drinking before the massage can affect your experience. If you want to have a drink afterward, watch your intake as it hits you faster as your circulatory system works faster. It is also important that you drink plenty of water.

With a little planning, you and your significant other can enjoy an amazing, romantic couples massage that you both enjoy immensely. After all, whatever the occasion, you both deserve to have a good time together.

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25 Mar
Blog

1More ComfoBuds Pro Review: Affordably Awesome ANC

Man on the phone wears 1more comfobuds pro

"Very effective ANC makes these buds a great AirPods Pro alternative."

  • Very convenient

  • Elegant design

  • Good sound quality

  • Very good ANC and transparency modes

  • Good call quality

  • Limited controls and adjustments

  • No wireless charging

  • No EQ adjustments

Earlier this year, 1More launched its $ 60 ComfoBuds, an affordable alternative to Apple's AirPods. Now the company is back with its $ 95 worth of ComfoBuds Pro, which – unsurprisingly given its name – is an attempt to appeal to potential AirPods Pro buyers. With a hybrid ANC system and a more secure fit, they're definitely a lot of boxes people look for in a new set of true wireless earbuds, but how do they stack up in terms of sound quality, battery life, and other key traits? Let's take a look at it.

What's in the box?

1More ComfoBuds ProSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

1More has a habit of using non-recyclable materials for its cardboard boxes, such as locking magnets, plastic, and foam, and the ComfoBuds Pro are no exception, but there are fewer of these materials than with previous products, so it's at least a step in the right direction is the right direction from a sustainability perspective. In the packaging you will find the charging case, the earbuds, a total of four sizes of silicone earbuds, a USB-C charging cable, a carrying case with a drawstring and a surprise: two thick silicone rubber shells that can be attached to the charging case for additional protection, what we've never seen in a set of true wireless earbuds.

design

1More ComfoBuds ProSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The ComfoBuds Pro are available in glossy black or matte white and look very similar to the original ComfoBuds, but differ in one major physical difference: The Pro are equipped with silicone earplugs that form a seal around your ear canal, while the ComfoBuds simply sit in the Inner sitting auricle. The long and slender stems that narrow at the ends to a fine point aren't everyone's idea of ​​a good design, but I think they look elegant and are a nice alternative to all of the existing stems and stemless designs we have offer I see these days.

The charging case is small and light and its rounded diamond shape sits comfortably in the pocket. The lid is easy to open and close, but feels a bit thin, which could explain 1More's decision to include the protective rubber shells. The hinge feels similarly sensitive and doesn't prevent the lid from accidentally closing in the open position – a minor point of contention.

The lack of wireless charging is an unfortunate omission, but at $ 95 we'll save 1More a little less time – tons of more expensive earbuds still don't have this handy feature.

While these rubber cups are a good idea on paper, they are a bit awkward to use. The supplied adhesive tape strips on the inside of the bowls hold them firmly to the bottom and to the lid of the housing. However, since there are no ribs or other grip points on the edges of the housing, the rubber shell can be easily pulled off the housing when you open the lid. It's also very easy for dirt and dust to get between the case and the rubber shell, which can eventually lead to small scratches.

One thing you don't have to worry about is sweat: with an IPX4 rating for water resistance (like the AirPods Pro), you can let them run if you want.

Convenience, control and connections

1More ComfoBuds ProSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The ComfoBuds Pro are indeed very comfortable. They are the same general shape as the AirPods Pro, but they use larger silicone earbuds and have a smaller body. If I compare them to several other in-ear canal earphones that I have on hand, they are the smallest overall size of them all. This results in an earbud design that most people find comfortable enough for all day.

Experimenting with the different sizes of earbuds will ensure a secure fit, as well as the best possible sound and ANC performance. You won't have a problem staying on a walk, but they may not be the best choice for high impact, intense activities.

The touch controls are easy to use and, for the most part, respond very well. Since the earbuds are so slim and (quite slippery on our black test unit), you'll need to be precise when typing as it's easy not to completely hit the small area of ​​the earbud that responds to touch.

You can customize the controls in the 1More Music app, but you still have some tough decisions to make. There are only three gestures: touch and hold, double-tap, and triple-tap. There is no way to assign different functions to each earbud. In addition, touch and hold is dedicated to the ANC mode function. This means that for the two remaining gestures, you need to select: do you want to play / pause, volume up / down, skip tracks forward / backward, or voice assistant access? You can have any two, but that's it.

These earbuds are great music companions regardless of your favorite genre.

One way to cheat this a bit is to take advantage of the built-in wear sensors. These can be configured to pause and play automatically (when you remove and reinsert an earbud), just pause automatically, or do nothing. With auto pause and play selected, you can use this feature instead of assigning play / pause to either of your two available gestures. The sensors are triggered immediately and the ComfoBuds Pro can be removed and reinserted very easily thanks to these long handles.

You can use one earbud at a time, and the Bluetooth range is excellent. I was able to insert two full stories between the ComfoBuds Pro and my phone before the signal went out.

Sound quality

1More ComfoBuds ProSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The ComfoBuds Pro sound great. They don't quite offer the same level of performance as the AirPods Pro, but they come close enough that the 1Mores are a hell of a good deal if the Buds of Apple are your only point of comparison.

Her sound signature is a comfortable balance that moves very slightly towards the bottom. The soundstage is wide enough to get a good feeling of immersion, and the bass creates the depth you need to enjoy bass-heavy tracks. There's a little bit of mud in the midrange, and you don't want to turn the volume up too high – it can get tough when you're north of around 75% – but overall, these earbuds are great music companions no matter what your favorite genre, as long as you are You don't expect a critical listening experience.

The ComfoBuds Pro offer the best ANC you can find in a pair of true wireless earbuds under $ 100.

My only gripe is that 1More didn't include an EQ adjustment in the music app.

Noise cancellation and transparency

1More ComfoBuds Pro Music App

1More ComfoBuds Pro Music App

Last year, I tested the 1More True Wireless ANC, the company's first true wireless noise-canceling earbuds. I found the ANC feature to take work and it certainly doesn't meet the standards set by Sony, Apple, Bose, or Jabra.

The ComfoBuds Pro, on the other hand, are surprisingly good, especially for the price. The ANC not only significantly reduces outside noise, it is also adjustable and, in addition to the switch-off and transparency mode, also offers settings for strong, mild and wind reduction. It makes a little noise when you're not playing music, but anyway I'll put myself to the test and say the ComfoBuds Pro have the best ANC you can find in a sub-pair of $ 100 real wireless earbuds .

The only thing stopping them from being a slam dunk in this department is the three-mode switch that 1More imposes on you when using the touch-and-hold gesture: there's no way between that Jump to the ANC strength and transparency you have chosen without first having to go through the off position. If 1More can give us the option to remove the off position from this gesture, possibly in a future firmware release, this will be a huge improvement.

Speaking of transparency mode, it's very good too. Some earbuds with this feature prefer sounds that are further away, making your voice sound muffled. Not so with the ComfoBuds Pro – they open the whole world, and this is exactly how this function should work.

Battery life

1More claims that the ComfoBuds Pro has a battery life of six hours with the ANC switched on, two more charges for a total of 20 hours. Turning off ANC increases these numbers to eight and 28 hours, respectively. As far as I can see these numbers are pretty accurate. They don't stand out, but when you consider that you can get a 2 hour boost after just 15 minutes of charging with the quick charge feature, that's more than enough to get you through a full day of listening.

Call quality

1More ComfoBuds Pro1 more

Like the ComfoBuds, the ComfoBuds Pro also have good call quality. Her voice comes through clear and surprisingly surprising. As with most true wireless earbuds, they occasionally have trouble blocking out background noise. However, as long as you're not trying to close a million dollar deal while standing next to a construction site, the ComfoBuds Pro are good for phone calls.

Our opinion

Good sound, good ANC, and great convenience – that's not bad for a set of true $ 95 wireless earbuds, and it should make the ComfoBuds Pro an attractive alternative to Apple's expensive AirPods Pro.

Is there a better alternative?

No – at least not at this price. The closest competitor to the ComfoBuds Pro is the $ 100 Earfun Air Pro, a great sounding set of true ANC wireless earbuds. The Earfun Air Pros aren't quite as comfortable as the ComfoBuds Pro, and their ANC / transparency features aren't as effective, but they have a long battery life and slightly higher water resistance.

How long will they last?

The 1More ComfoBuds Pro comes with a one-year guarantee. Despite their IPX4 rating for water resistance, the earbuds and charging case don't seem built to be rugged. To get the longest life out of them, you need to handle them carefully.

Should you buy it?

Yes. They may not sound quite as good as the AirPods Pro, but with very effective ANC, transparency, and call quality, and one of the most comfortable fits we've found, they are great value for a range of true wireless earbuds.

Editor's recommendations




25 Mar
Blog

The Double Cleansing Routine and Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser Review

uhh Going home after a long day at work, isn't it just for the best? There is nothing more peaceful than going home after a long day and sitting in your favorite chair and watching your favorite show. There is one other favorite thing I like to do when I return home, which is removing my make-up. I agree that there have been days when I've committed the sin of sliding between sheets and going to sleep without removing makeup, but I've learned my lesson the hard way.

Today I'm going to review one of the new products I've tried – CLARINS Gentle foaming cleanser for combination skin or oily skin. The price for this is $ 26 for 130 ml. The main ingredients for this facial cleanser are gypsophila extract and tamarind. The Micro-organic ecolia which are extracted from natural sugar help to maintain the skin's natural moisture balance and to cleanse the skin from the inside out. A small product that is only the size of a pea goes a long way.

The cleaning supplies comes in a light green plastic tube. The texture is creamy and light, like all foaming detergents. This has to be massaged on damp skin and forms a good foam after mixing with water. My skin feels really clean and after use I can say that every pore is deeply cleansed as my face looks very fresh and clear.

Apparently it is low in alcohol and sulfates because my skin reacts badly to these two ingredients. It contains glycerin, water and stearic acid in high concentration, hence the slippery feeling and also the lack of dry feeling after use. The scent of this product is very pleasant, but not strong to bother you.

Washing my face with this product is actually the second step in my DC night routine (double cleansing). For those who are not aware of it double cleaningLet me say it's a simple process, but we often ignore it.
First round I remove my makeup with micellar water or sometimes I even use an oil-based makeup remover for heavy makeup. Once I've removed all of the makeup, I use a water-based cleanser (at the moment this facial cleanser) and this is where I give all my attention.

The second step The double cleaning should never be done as quickly as a splash. You actually need to massage your cleaner for a minute to remove all of the toxins and makeup. It is always the best idea to use lukewarm water to cleanse your face. You don't want your skin to be irritated from extremely cold or hot water. By taking a few minutes to cleanse your face and using two types of cleansers, you are actually helping your skin stay flawless. As both the first layer of sebum, heavy makeup, sunscreen and deeper layers of Pore ​​bacteria Removing them with a double clean can help protect the skin from acne-causing bacteria and other skin problems.

Back to the product, I've used several facial cleansers and generally don't clean them thoroughly. CLARINS Gentle foaming cleanser for combination skin or oily skin. Cleans my skin without irritating or making it very dry. It does an excellent job of clearing blackheads from my skin. However, in winter, you need to add a good moisturizer to this cleanser.

A total of, this is a really Effective and Deep cleansing face wash This will remove all of my makeup and dirt from my face and leave the skin feeling fresh and clean. Highly recommend giving this a try!

BnB rating: 9.1 / 10

My hybrid product idea: I would like to create a mixture of make-up remover and cleaning cloth. So that you don't have to wash your face after removing makeup. Just get an all-in-one wipe that will foam up when you dip it in water and instantly remove all traces of makeup and dirt.

Copyright © Beautyndbest.com

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25 Mar
Blog

OnePlus 9 Pro Review: The Dependable Smartphone

oneplus 9 pro rating camera hand

“The OnePlus 9 Pro is as usual for OnePlus, with enormous performance, a breathtaking screen, excellent software and ultra-fast battery charging. Just don't expect the Hasselblad partnership to change the camera yet. "

  • All the power you could want

  • A breathtaking screen

  • Very fast wired and wireless charging

  • Reliable, smooth and fast software

  • Hasselblad involvement isn't that noticeable

  • At $ 969, it faces serious flagship competition

The OnePlus 8 Pro was introduced in April 2020 and is only now being replaced by the OnePlus 9 Pro. A year in the OnePlus world is an absolute age, as the company typically released an updated "T" model six months after a model was used. However, this is not the case with the 8 Pro. All that extra time should mean the OnePlus 9 Pro is very special, right?

It's the first OnePlus phone to come out in collaboration with the super-expensive camera brand Hasselblad, who put their know-how into the OnePlus 9 Pro's camera, and that certainly sounds special. Otherwise, the OnePlus 9 Pro seems to be as reliable as we expect from OnePlus. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but can it also be exciting to be reliable? Let's dwell on that in more detail.

If you're interested in the OnePlus 9, which is cheaper but technically not as powerful as the 9 Pro, read our in-depth review.

design

The OnePlus 9 Pro is less sharp-edged, significantly shinier and more than a little heavier. It looks very different from the OnePlus 8 Pro. The beautiful matte finish of the 8 Pro has been replaced with a high gloss mirror finish that can be seen below in the Morning Mist color, which is silver for you and me. It's more comfortable to grip because the sides are thicker and less tapered (8.7mm), but it feels much stronger in the hand. It weighs 197 grams, with a slight incline towards the camera module, which makes it feel slightly top-heavy.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The built-in fingerprint sensor is at the bottom of the screen compared to most other smartphones. It's in the same position as the Oppo Find X3 Pro, a comparison we'll come back to later in this review when we talk about the screen. On the side is OnePlus's signature and the always welcome alarm slider for muting notifications.

The camera module is located at the top left on the back. It shines with Hasselblad's branding and contains four cameras, a sensor, a flash and a microphone. It doesn't look as individual as the OnePlus 8 Pro or the Samsung Galaxy S21 +, but it's pretty flush with the body. It's all neat and undeniably functional, but there's not a lot of character to it. This is an issue with the way the OnePlus 9 Pro looks in general – it's not unattractive, but it doesn't have a lot of identity either.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Maybe this doesn't matter to you, and build quality is more important. You have no concerns here, as the aluminum housing is wedged between two gorilla glass panes and everything is beautifully finished. The glass body has just enough grip but slips around on some surfaces.

I don't mind the style and design of the OnePlus 9 Pro, but it's a bit general. If the only aspect that really tells me it's a OnePlus phone is the alarm controller, you know the rest is too memorable.

screen

OnePlus never really got to the heart of its designs, but it has rarely gone wrong when it comes to the screen. The 6.7-inch AMOLED screen has a resolution of 3,216 x 1,220 pixels for a density of 525 pixels per inch and a variable refresh rate between 1 Hz and 120 Hz. The sides have a less pronounced curvature compared to the OnePlus 8 Pro and clearer bezels (but only straight) to avoid unwanted screen activations. I've still found the screen to be very sensitive to side touches and I often accidentally open the camera app or try to change the wallpaper by simply holding the phone in my hand.

oneplus 9 pro review screen hand "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://img.dtcn.com/image/digitaltrends/oneplus-9-pro-screen-hand-640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

oneplus 9 pro review screen "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://img.dtcn.com/image/digitaltrends/oneplus-9-pro-screen-640x640.jpg "srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's a beautiful screen with rich colors and a natural hue that's warm rather than cold, as well as pinpoint contrast. By default, the resolution is set to FHD +. However, it pays to run out of battery and use QHD + when watching compatible videos. It's just lovely. This K Choreo version of Iz * One & # 39; s Fiesta is full of colors and details on the OnePlus 9 Pro's screen.

How about the 8 Pro, which is not a problem even in the visual department? It's not better or worse, but it's different. The screen of the 8 Pro is a little more vivid, while the screen of the 9 Pro is a little more natural, which adds some softness, which results in the 8 Pro sometimes looking more detailed due to sharper and more defined edges. The 9 Pro's screen is not a step forward from the 8 Pro. When you place it next to the Oppo Find X3 Pro, it looks the same. The positioning of the built-in fingerprint sensor and pinhole camera, as well as specs like 10-bit color depth and HDR10 +, suggest that they're probably the same panel anyway.

camera

In our year of waiting for the OnePlus 9 Pro, the company has been working on the camera, which, while good in the past, has failed to outperform, or sometimes even outperform, the competition. To change that, OnePlus is partnering with Hasselblad, a Scandinavian supplier of mega-expensive cameras, and a company with a very rich photographic history. It's a three-year partnership that begins with the support of the software and will in the future pass to the couple working on the hardware together.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

What does this mean for the OnePlus 9 Pro? The camera has a software-based function called Natural Color Calibration with Hasselblad on board, which promises to make the colors "more perceptible", according to the blurb. Hasselblad has also worked in Pro mode, so just like a Hasselblad camera, you get an orange shutter button and a specially recorded Hasselblad-style shutter sound.

The biggest problem for me is understanding what Hasselblad did on camera.

Unchallenged? I'm not blaming you, but this is just the beginning of the partnership and it will be some time before a significant change is made to the OnePlus camera. Hence, we should keep expectations in check. However, the Hasselblad branding is spread all over the camera module and a lot of noise has already been made about the shortcut so it's better to do something. I've taken 100+ photos with the OnePlus 9 Pro to date and the performance will split opinions.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Here are the camera specs. The main camera uses a custom Sony IMX789 sensor with 48 megapixels, an aperture of f / 1.8 and optical and electronic image stabilization. There is also a wide-angle camera with 50 MP f / 2.2 and an 8MP f / 2.4 telephoto camera with 3.3x optical zoom. There's also a 2-megapixel monochrome camera that can be used individually, as well as a dual-LED flash and a 16-megapixel selfie camera.

First off, it's important to say that the OnePlus 9 Pro's camera takes better photos than the OnePlus 8 Pro's, but it's not an instant winner and not everyone will appreciate the changes. The biggest problem for me is understanding what Hasselblad did on camera. The natural color calibration is always active, so that for me, as someone without any experience with a Hasselblad camera, any inherent “Hasselbladness” in the photos is completely lost.

To really see what the OnePlus 9 Pro's camera looks like, I spent more time than usual comparing the photos with those of other cameras. This shows how difficult it is to spot something that makes the OnePlus 9 Pro's photos special. The photos undoubtedly look "natural", usually with a nice tone and balance and sometimes better exposure than other cameras that take the same picture. However, this pursuit of naturalness can make photos look washed out and lack atmosphere.

oneplus 9 pro review main tree "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://img.dtcn.com/image/digitaltrends/oneplus-9-pro-main-tree-640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7OnePlus 9 Pro standard camera Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

oneplus 9 pro review wide-angle tree "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://img.dtcn.com/image/digitaltrends/oneplus-9-pro-wide-angle- tree-2 -640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAAABAOnePlus 9 Pro wide angle camera Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

oneplus 9 pro review mini main "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://img.dtcn.com/image/digitaltrends/oneplus-9-pro-mini-main-640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7OnePlus 9 Pro standard camera Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

oneplus 9 pro review mini wide "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://img.dtcn.com/image/digitaltrends/oneplus-9-pro-mini-wide-640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7OnePlus 9 Pro wide angle camera Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Trying to determine Hasselblad's appearance is made even more difficult by the massive differences between the main and ultrawide cameras. While the main camera takes on a cool tone, the ultrawide is a lot warmer, which means I have no idea what look Hasselblad is looking for. In the end, it's very difficult to figure out where the OnePlus 9 Pro's camera differs from others because of Hasselblad's involvement, and that's not a good selling point.

I like the photos taken with the OnePlus 9 Pro, but if I didn't know that Hasselblad is working with OnePlus on the phone, I wouldn't look any deeper at all, simply because it's just a good camera and nothing more. It's certainly better than previous OnePlus cameras, but the efforts of the two teams working together have yet to be realized.

Software and performance

OxygenOS version 11 with Android 11 is installed and excellent. It is essentially the same software as the OnePlus 8T. So don't expect new features to come with the new phone. Not that that matters, because OxygenOS is always a joy. Whether it's the new always-on screen, the effective dark mode, the sleek menus, the beautiful fonts and overall design, the clear notifications, or the deeper storage and power management tools, the software is some of the best you can get on an Android device can use smartphone.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor has the performance you could want – there were absolutely no performance issues for me – and there is a choice of 8GB or 12GB of RAM with 128GB or 256GB of storage. It's great for playing. Genshin Impact plays very well, with only a slight drop in frame rate during busy battle scenes, although the phone feels warm to the touch with prolonged gaming. I used the 12GB / 256GB model but can't imagine I would notice a speed difference if I were to use the 8GB model. However, there is no expandable storage space. So you need to consider whether you will need additional built-in storage in the future before buying this phone.

I've noticed that the WiFi range is shorter than some other devices, but the call quality is very good. And even though the built-in fingerprint sensor is set pretty deep on the screen, it's lightning fast. Particularly noteworthy is the feel, which is even more subtle and tactile than the OnePlus 8 Pro.

Battery and charging

It's a 4,500 mAh cell that takes care of all visual, playful and camera functions of the OnePlus 9T. I found it to be good for a day but not much longer as there is a charge every night, almost regardless of the day's activities. Ninety minutes of Genshin Impact drained 25% of the battery, leaving hardcore gamers to charge even more frequently.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The OnePlus 9 Pro uses the proprietary Warp Charge 65T fast charging system, so you have a charger and USB Type-C cable in the box that must be used to get the fastest speeds. OnePlus says it will go from zero to 100% in 28 minutes. So can it? Almost yes. In my tests, it took 31 minutes. I won't argue for more than three minutes. It's still faster than most of the competition. Helpfully, like Warp Charge 65, the Warp Charge 65T block pumps 45 watts into other devices that can absorb this charging power.

wireless charger oneplus 9 pro review

oneplus 9 pro review page for wireless charger

OnePlus' wireless charging system Warp Charge 50 has received a speed boost. However, you have to buy the OnePlus wireless charging dock for £ 70/70 to benefit from it. It promises to deliver a full charge in just 43 minutes, and in my tests it easily manages it. In contrast to the previous version, the USB Type-C cable is not integrated into the charger. However, you need to use OnePlus’s own charging block and cable to get full speed. The cable, not the block, is included, but if it's about a meter long, any added versatility is lost if it's not attached to the charger.

Price and availability

The OnePlus 9 Pro is $ 969 for the 8GB / 128GB model or $ 1,069 for the 12GB / 256GB model. It's available for Pre-order on March 26th and should be released on April 2nd. In the UK, the OnePlus 9 Pro costs £ 829 for the 8GB / 128GB model and £ 929 for the 12GB / 256GB version. The phone is available for pre-order in the UK on March 23rd.

Our opinion

There is both everything I want and everything I unfortunately expected from a OnePlus phone in the OnePlus 9 Pro. Right now there is the best mobile processor, excellent screen, super smooth and reliable software and fast battery charging. That's all I want and what OnePlus can do in my sleep. A camera that almost, but not quite, lives up to expectations, an acceptable but uninspiring design, and a price that is a little higher than I really wish for are aspects that I have come across in the past year or years OnePlus expected so. It works as usual.

When you buy one you will be very satisfied, but you may feel like something really special is missing.

I like the reliability of OnePlus phones. Daily use is completely problem-free. With the combination of OxygenOS and a wide variety of features, today you have a hard time finding a better user experience for smartphones. However, the extent of Hasselblad's involvement in the camera is too difficult to pinpoint right now, so there's not quite that special thing that makes me tingle with excitement while taking pictures, but there is potential for the future.

OnePlus fans will be happy with the OnePlus 9 Pro, and while the camera is definitely an improvement over the OnePlus 8 Pro, everything else is just a small generation step. So it's not really worth upgrading from 8 Pro unless you're really disappointed with its camera. It's harder to sell for those who aren't a dedicated OnePlus fan, as some aggressive pricing from Apple and Samsung this year means better smartphones are available for less. If you buy one you will be very satisfied as it follows OnePlus' proven, reliable phone formula, but you may feel like something really special is missing.

Is there a better alternative?

The OnePlus 9 Pro faces serious competition in the US. At the time of writing, the Samsung Galaxy S21 was Ultra costs $ 1,000 from Amazonand it's a better buy because of its great camera, beautiful screen, and overall performance. The Apple iPhone 12 Pro remains a fantastic buy if not set on an Android device at $ 1,000It's just as affordable as the Galaxy S21 Ultra.

In the UK, the phone is a better value as it is cheaper than both of the above and even cheaper than the 950 pound Galaxy S21 + 5G. It's significantly cheaper than the 1,100-pound Oppo Find X3 Pro, but even the 8GB / 128GB version can't keep up with the Xiaomi Mi 11 5G's value at 750 pounds.

How long it will take?

Thanks to the powerful processor, great screen, 5G connectivity, and fast charging of the OnePlus 9 Pro, you can use it for at least two years before you even consider upgrading. Three years is perfectly feasible if you are not a hardcore gamer. The phone has an IP68 rating but is made of glass so you may want to put it in a pocket.

According to OnePlus, the OnePlus 9 will receive new Android updates for two years plus another year of security updates, making it one of the better companies at handling critical software updates.

Should you buy it?

Yes, it's an excellent smartphone, but despite the promise of the Hasselblad partnership, it still lacks something special, especially since the price is higher than some of the best smartphones you can buy today.

Editor's recommendations




24 Mar
Blog

Soap & Glory Smoothie Star Breakfast Scrub Review

With the weather getting better here in Missouri, I thought about switching to some new skin care products, and Soap & Glory Smoothie Star Breakfast Scrub is one of them. This is an effective cream-based scrub that is perfect for a mild winter scrub. Because the sugar-based scrub does not sting like some salt-based scrubs, it contains honey as one of the main ingredients that helps moisturize the skin.

price: $ 11.99 in the US

Soap & Glory Smoothie Star breakfast scrub comes in one transparent Plastic jar with a pink cap. The jar is pretty sturdy and the cap closes tightly so the contents stay safe even in my checked baggage. Although I prefer tube packaging Since it is more hygienic, I would recommend removing the product with a spatula if you use it in the shower. For the first-When I used it in the shower, I found it difficult to use as the scrub made my bathtub messy (the raw sugar it contains dissolves quickly). After reading the manual properly I started applying this to damp skin and Not on slippery wet skin … that way it lasted long enough to properly scrub and exfoliate my skin.

Most of the body scrubs I've used in the past have been too abrasive, some even made my skin red, but honestly it didn't! The Cupuacu scrubbies softens my skin and gives a beautiful luxurious glow. Did I tell you that this scrub has an amazing smell, Oh YEAH! I can describe that Scent so tasty not that i would have eaten it but seriously wonderful fresh smell. The scent remains for a good 1-2 hours and persists even after this time. Soap & Glory Breakfast Scrub contains oats, sugar, shea, banana, almond, maple and honey as keys ingredients.

The scrub gently cleanses my skin and makes it smooth once you wash off the scrub. After washing, there is no residue and my skin does not dry out, although I always apply a body lotion after showering.

A total ofThis is a wonderful scrub that is suitable for all skin types. I especially like it in winter because it makes my skin soft. It exfoliates, helps remove dry skin, and my skin feels fresh and smooth. If you are looking for a good body scrub this is worth a try! Yes, and that delicious scent to wake you up to!

BnB rating: 8.9 / 10

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24 Mar
Blog

Monster Hunter Rise Review: A Dance of Dragons and Dango

Monster Hunter Rise Review Nintendo Switch RPG 09

"Post-game updates will ultimately determine whether this is a surefire classic or just a solid stepping stone to something bigger, but even at launch, Monster Hunter has never felt better."

  • Optimized, fair fight

  • Gorgeous graphics

  • Full of charm and detail

  • Deep but streamlined RPG systems

  • Too dependent on post-game updates

  • Frame rate spikes

With each new Monster Hunter title comes an tweaked experience designed to destroy the notion that Capcom's biggest series is a punishment designed to make you cry. On the surface, Monster Hunter Rise could easily be confused with a figurative Monster Hunter World Lite – a less visually eye-catching action role-playing game that simplifies Capcom's most successful game that could previously be played on the compact and comparatively weak Nintendo Switch console. But that couldn't be further from the truth.

Monster Hunter Rise is a brilliant standalone entry that builds on what the previous game did both right and wrong. It takes the franchise another bold step forward in the right direction while retaining just enough of the old-school charm not to further alienate veterans who are left with after the last shortage. However, whether it beats the previous depends on what the future has in store.

Web slinging wins again

As in previous games, Monster Hunter Rise competes against terrifying beasts at the top of their respective food chains. The eponymous monster hunts are protracted battles between the brain and muscles, in which even a poorly timed chugging of a drink can open you to a world full of injuries. Relentlessly long animations and steep learning curves have made many hunters pack up over the years. It's that stigma that recent titles have tried to shake without sacrificing what made it great.

The culmination of Monster Hunter Rise is the wirebug system, which gives the traditionally sluggish combat system a new level of verticality and speed. This new quick recharge resource allows players to move through a specific portion of the chase, turning the largely in-depth experience of past games into a far more fluid and reactionary affair.

Whether you're lugging around a powerful hammer or grabbing lightweight double blades, you can get close to fast-moving targets, get out of the way, or quickly perform a series of eye-catching weapon-specific attacks with the push of a button. It's both an offensive and a defensive toolkit, building on the situational Wedge Beetle and arguably unbalanced Clutch Claw from the previous title, with at least a half-dozen reasons to use it popping up every second.

Everything about the core formula has been optimized for the T-piece.

However, a certain amount of expertise is required to properly plan a wirebug skill. Getting involved in the attack is like watching a game-changing shot unfold in your favorite sport. It's a tense, risky judgment moment and you'll doubt your decision to the point of touching it down. From large enemy attacks that you can jump off of, to hurling from the quest hub and straight into a seat in the restaurant for a pre-hunt meal. It is clear that the game was designed around the wirebug from the start.

As the possibilities arise, it will be difficult to go back to an earlier time. Everything about the core formula has been optimized for the T-piece. From seamless battlefields full of supplies to player mobility far from the franchise norm, there is virtually no downtime between fights. Once you've decided the chase is on, it's on.

Another part of what Monster Hunter Rise's break-neck pace makes possible is the return of open-world gameplay. Although Rise is significantly less dense and detailed compared to the last main version, it offers extensive zones that at first glance often overshadow those of the predecessor. The reduction in soil clutter leads to areas that feel less embedded in far-fetched fantasies and are better suited to the hectic action of hunting. Tools like Great Wirebugs, additional spawn camps, and your wheeled palamute dog buddy make traversing the grandiose locations an adventure in and of itself.

To keep quick journeys from shrinking the size of the world, creatures that can increase your combat effectiveness are strategically dispersed and provide just enough reason to go all the way to your destination. There are even a number of secret messages expertly hidden on every map so that the few who are hungry for lore can find out when they are not on the clock. It should take a while to fully reveal them.

Hope you like dango

Kamura Village is a potential victim of efforts to streamline the core experience. It's a bit smaller than a typical in-game quest hub. But with a smaller village comes a greater concentration of the franchise's charming cast of disposable characters. The people of Kamura Village range from quaint and elegant to raw, boisterous, and theatrical – although some signature choppy facial animation can cause the English localization to lead to some edgy and awkward cutscenes.

It's a slight shame to see the Meowster boss get punished after making his big screen debut in last year's live-action movie, but Yomogi the cook and her cute little kittens pounding rice inject a level of cuteness that was sorely missed in the rudeness and goofy Monster Hunter World. Skip the adorable song and dance that come free with your meal of dubious nutritional value and you will prove that you are the real monster. Like much of the game's soundtrack, you'll struggle to resist the whistle as she skewers the little pudding pops like the culinary ninja that she actually is.

Skip the adorable song and dance that come free with your meal of dubious nutritional value and you will prove that you are the real monster.

And the fun extends beyond the characters too. When you need supplies, it is your clumsy dog ​​who needs to lose his weight by embarking on a submarine trip to trade for the goods while your feline friend waves goodbye from the safety of the shore. The handier the animals you adopt, the more tedious you can passively deal with them while you're out there risking life and limb. Just keep telling yourself that they enjoy doing it.

Tower defense makes everything better

The new type of Rampage quest is not satisfied with solely relying on the wirebug to keep the game moving, and it turns the formula upside down even further. It's not quite the rush that the occasional loading of screen graphics shows, but it's worth looking forward to. Rampage builds on the siege missions of previous titles and only swaps monsters of earth-shattering size for dozens of the races that you attack in your regular quests.

It's a glorified tower defense mode aside from the name. Waves of beasts storm the fences and you'll need to plant the cannons, ballistae, and even machine guns required to fight them off. Your strategy is also not imposed on you by any build limit. You can field as much artillery as you want. Your only limit is how fast you can throw yourself at one weapon or another to keep the beasts from knocking down the walls and smashing the village.

Monster Hunter has always been about tense altercations, and if what Rise has to offer right now are any signs of it, things will really warm up as his life goes on.

Things start out pretty tame, but since Rampage missions often keep you from the next level of quests, this is where you'll endure some of the most engaging moments in the game – especially in co-op. Having a team of four juggle various types of heavy artillery, stoke the fires to repair damaged towers, or try to host an explosive explosion as a last resort is as exhilarating as it is mentally exhausting. Monster Hunter has always been about tense altercations, and if what Rise has to offer right now are any signs of it, things will really warm up as his life goes on.

That brings us to some of the more uncertain parts of the title. For serial veterans, Monster Hunter World was a case of quality over quantity: a relatively short game with little challenge. Even at the end of his run, his list of monsters fell short of Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate.

Like it or not, a similar story plays out here. Monster Hunter Rise ends up on the hunt with around 31 favorite old, new, and returning animals. It's by no means a small number, but it suggests that history is repeating itself. Even higher difficulty content that is often viewed as a “real” experience is behind pending free updates. There's still a lot going on between the single player campaign, multiplayer quests, and arena battles. However, if you're hoping for a full game, it's time to simmer those expectations. It might not have enough content to please franchise veterans who are betting on the team to correct Monster Hunter World's few mistakes, but there are still dozens of hours of immersive gameplay to sink your sword into .

Our opinion

A mark of outstanding game design, Capcom has once again managed to breathe new life into the franchise without watering down what made it so special almost 20 years ago. Rampages are a riot and wirebugs are a triumph that opens the door to heartbreaking combat roles and first-pumping combos and even makes newbies feel like master hunters at the push of a button.

Post-game updates will ultimately decide whether this is a surefire classic or just a solid stepping stone to something bigger, but even at launch, Monster Hunter has never felt better. It is an absolute must and one more reason to never doubt Nintendo's tiny tablet that it could.

Is there a better alternative out there?

Yes and no. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate is currently the cheaper game. The Hunter Style System is a forerunner of today's Monster Hunter. It's still a great time to experiment with it, but the higher difficulty curve can put off those just looking for a bit of fun. If you don't have a lot of experience with the franchise's past, Rise is for you.

How long it will take?

Here you can burn through the core experience in around 100 hours. Far less if you're there just for the story. Free post-launch updates will last for at least a year, but it's far from the richest game in the series.

You should buy it

If you're a fan of intense action RPG, there's little else like it on the Nintendo Switch right now. It is a must. Once you get the fight under control, getting into the hunt in a rush is a rewarding experience.

Editor's recommendations




24 Mar
Blog

A new way to get instant beauty tips with Instantgo

We had the opportunity to play with a new little app that we really like. With Instantgo, beauty addicts like you can connect with their favorite beauty professionals. In fact, Instantgo allows you to get a direct and personal response, as well as personal advice, from the blogger or influencer you love to see every day. It's easy to use as you can decide whether to call your favorite via SMS, phone call, or even video Makeup artist and get an answer immediately. We often need help choosing the best combination of colors or the style that is appropriate for a particular occasion.

In a digital world, having instant answers to our most pressing questions is great. Think of the time just before you go out when nothing looks right and preparing becomes a real nightmare! Whether you're going on a first date or just an important meeting and have no idea what to wear. You urgently need some quick fashion or personal advice and maybe someone can give you that extra help.

The digitization of beauty is an important step forward as over three thousand new makeup videos are published daily on YouTube alone. Unfortunately, most of the time, these videos are general and not really aimed at you. We all have our own specific questions and needs. The real solution is to have someone who understands our specific situation: it is a real plus to be able to interact with someone on a video call, for example, and feel like you are personally being pampered with someone you care about. You can just feel the difference and this is a revolution for us and the way we look! Most of the time the cream, lotion, blush, lipstick suits us and has the same result on all of them, but there are also times when it just isn't what you expected. There is now another way to discuss your favorite products and get better results.

It's also nice that Instantgo works in both directions. As much as you can contact Beauty experts Also, for your personal needs, share everything you know about fashion and more so that people can contact you. It's an easy way to share your knowledge and time, and get rewarded for it.

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24 Mar
Blog

OnePlus 9 Review: Ultimate Performance And a Middling Camera

oneplus 9 review 5

"It's disappointing with a bland design and a camera that just can't compete with other devices in the same price range."

  • Excellent performance

  • Smooth software

  • Stunning display

  • Boring design

  • Camera still needs work

  • Rising prices

A lot has changed in the smartphone industry over the past year. While OnePlus was once the go-to place for those who wanted a flagship experience a few hundred dollars less than the competition, others got it. The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, for example, took the best things about the Galaxy S20 but sold them for just $ 700. Then came the Samsung Galaxy S21, which starts at $ 800, $ 200 less than its predecessor. Google's Pixel 5 is only $ 700, the iPhone 12 a palatable $ 800.

In other words, the price alone makes the OnePlus 9 not a flagship killer. The price is on the lower end of the flagship range and as such it has to compete on its merits.

I'm not trying to imply that it's not competing. With features like the latest and greatest processor, a beautiful screen, and a great software experience, the OnePlus 9 brings a lot to the table. Not to mention that there is also a OnePlus 9 Pro that we tested separately. He takes the OnePlus 9 and expands its features to 11. But let's get into that the OnePlus 9.

If you are interested in the OnePlus 9 Pro, which is more expensive but also technically a bit more powerful, read our in-depth review.

Design and display

The OnePlus 8T represented a number of changes for the company, but the OnePlus 9 is a lot more iterative. It's not the same as the 8T – but you'll be forgiven for thinking it. It has the flat screen of the OnePlus 8T and a rectangular camera module on the top left on the back. Both differ from the OnePlus 8 a year ago.

It's not a bad look, but it's a boring look. It looks like a Samsung Galaxy S20 – which is fine, but not that exciting in a world where Samsung has made a number of design improvements to the Galaxy S21 that help make it both unique and incredibly elegant looks like.

The OnePlus 9 has a glass back, but it feels a little cheap to me, and I thought it was plastic at first, although maybe that's because of its light weight. It is also easy to fingerprint and, as such, quickly loses its glossy appearance. To be honest, I prefer the look and feel of the Galaxy S21's plastic, which can be seen as frosted glass at a glance.

However, there are aspects of the OnePlus 9 design that I love. The most important among these is the physical ringtone switch. Yes, it's a small feature, but I wish more Android phone manufacturers would adopt it. I wish it had been swapped for the left-mounted volume rocker, as you'll likely use the power button more than the ringtone button, but that's a minor complaint and you will get used to the layout easily.

However, there are aspects of the OnePlus 9 design that I love. The most important among these is the physical ringtone switch.

Another thing I love about the OnePlus 9 is the display. It's a 6.55-inch AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and it looks great. Thanks to the high refresh rate and modern processor, the phone looks and feels incredibly responsive. So much so that you don't really notice that the display has a resolution of 1,080p rather than the 1,440p of the OnePlus 9 Pro. You can tell a little difference between the phones when placed next to each other. However, the OnePlus 9 proves that a high refresh rate is more important than high resolution for good reason. Samsung has found that out too.

The display also gets nice and bright and is easily visible outdoors. According to OnePlus, the display brightness is 1,100 nits, which is slightly less than the 1,300 nits of the OnePlus 9 Pro. Still, it's very bright and I never really wished it would get lighter.

Unfortunately, the device doesn't have the 1 Hz to 120 Hz variable refresh rate that is available on the OnePlus 9 Pro, but it does go from 60 Hz to 120 Hz, which is still great and helps reduce battery consumption a bit.

There is a fingerprint sensor under the display that works great. The sensor is fast and accurate and makes it easy to access your phone. The display is a bit low, which makes it a bit awkward to bend your thumb to reach – but you will get used to the placement.

Power, battery and charging

OnePlus phones were never really about their looks. It was about features for the price – and that includes the technical data under the hood. As you'd expect from a flagship phone in 2021, the OnePlus 9 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor that is paired with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage, depending on the model. I'm reviewing the model with 12GB of RAM

Thanks to the combination of high-end processor, high refresh rate and relatively light software, the OnePlus 9 works like a dream. In mobile gaming, it loaded quickly and rarely skipped a frame. During the heavy multitasking, the device responded quickly and quickly. If you are looking for a high performer, the OnePlus 9 is for you.

The battery life of the OnePlus 9 is okay. It has a 4,500 mAh battery that can keep you working a full day, and possibly a few hours until the next day if you miss a charge overnight. It's not a sucker, but it's not a multi-day phone.

However, it doesn't have to be a multi-day phone. OnePlus' Warp Charge technology is getting better and better and can now charge the OnePlus 9 from 0 to 100% in around 30 minutes. In other words, if you toss it on the charger during a morning shower, it should get most of its battery life back. This is pretty amazing and removes the fear of other phones battery life. Of course, the OnePlus Warp charger must be used, but you get one that came with the phone. Additional stones will be Reset $ 65 each.

For the first time, the base model of a OnePlus phone also supports wireless charging, which was previously limited to the “Pro” models. The OnePlus 9 supports up to 50 watts of wireless charging. However, to take full advantage of this, you'll need to purchase OnePlus' new Warp Charge 50 wireless charger for a whopping $ 70. Fortunately, you can still use standard Qi chargers even though they charge more slowly.

Camera quality

If you look at the back of the OnePlus 9, you'll see the name of another brand: Hasselblad. The two decided on the color matching of the OnePlus 9 camera. There is a difference between the color matching on the OnePlus 9 and the previous generation OnePlus 8, but the OnePlus 9 also has new hardware that makes it a little difficult to tell the differences.

The OnePlus 9 has a triple camera system with a 48-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 2-megapixel monochrome camera that is used for depth and level of detail. It's really unfortunate that there isn't a telephoto camera here, especially when you consider that the Galaxy S21 manages to fit one into its setup (although it is referred to as a "telephoto") for a similar price.

Ultimately, pictures taken with the OnePlus 9 aren't bad. They are not quite as colorful as those of a Galaxy S21, for example, and they also do not have as many details. Additionally, the camera isn't as consistent – sometimes it takes better photos than sometimes, despite being in a very similar situation. Still, they're not bad.

Unfortunately, at $ 730, not bad is still not good enough. In a world with the Galaxy S21, Pixel 5 and iPhone 12, the OnePlus 9 is still inadequate. But it seems like it will make things better – a software update during this verification process improved the camera quality quite a bit. Hopefully this trend will continue, although you should never buy a phone in the hopes that it will improve in the future.

The front-facing camera is 16 megapixels and is pretty good again – but by no means revolutionary. Photos taken with it appear to have decent contrast. They're not necessarily that detailed, but they do the job for an average selfie.

Unfortunately, at $ 730, not bad is still not good enough.

There are some things that I really appreciate about the OnePlus 9's camera. OnePlus has worked hard to take better photos in low light, and while the phone doesn't compete with any other device, it is leaps and bounds better than the OnePlus 8. Plus, the OnePlus 9 lets you take macro photos with the ultrawide camera like the Galaxy S21. This is a handy feature, and it means OnePlus can avoid shipping the inferior macro camera that other companies (including OnePlus previously) were fond of.

Software experience

If there's one thing that OnePlus has pinned down it's software. The phone comes with OnePlus OxygenOS 11 which is based on Android 11.

OxygenOS has moved further and further away from standard Android in general, but still offers a stripped-down experience that is smooth and easy to navigate. I like most of the improvements OnePlus has made to the software, such as the more consistent look and feel of the Settings app and the Quick Settings menu. Dark mode now looks and works great in both the core software and the OnePlus apps.

OxygenOS finally offers a solid always-on display. This feature was introduced on OxygenOS 11 and was available on OnePlus 8T. It provides an overview of information such as battery life, time and weather. It's similar to everyone else's permanent display, but it's still convenient that it is there in the first place.

OxygenOS also comes with a number of additional features. In particular, you get the App Locker, with which you need authentication to access certain apps. You also get parallel apps that allow you to install two instances of an app to log into two different accounts. This is great for apps that don't already let you sign in to multiple accounts. On OnePlus phones, you can still access the OnePlus shelf, which has quick information like the weather, deep links to some apps, the number of steps you took, and a lot more. For first-time OnePlus users, it may take a while to get used to using Shelf. However, if you do, it can be quite useful.

Our opinion

The OnePlus 9 is a strange version. It's a good phone. With top-notch performance, a fantastic display, and a great software experience, there is definitely a niche for it. But it's disappointing with a bland design and a camera that just can't compete with other devices in the same price range.

It really is a shame, especially given the software experience. You'll have a hard time finding another phone at a price that's as fast and as clean in terms of software as the OnePlus 9. This is in stark contrast to the Galaxy S21, which is fast but is cumbersome and more expensive bloated software.

At $ 730, the OnePlus 9 It's just not enough to have a full experience that is in line with the price. Hence, I recommend many users look elsewhere for this amount of money.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. Chief among these alternatives is the Samsung Galaxy S21which has similar performance and display quality, looks much better, and has a much better camera. If you want an Android phone in the $ 700- $ 800 range, this is the place to go. On the clean and simple side, but with a smaller display and specs, you can buy the Google Pixel 5 for similar money. Alternatively, you can get the last generation Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, which isn't quite as powerful but still has a great display and probably a better camera than the OnePlus 9. It costs only $ 600.

Of course, there's another phone in this price range that's worth considering: The iPhone 12. It offers some of the best performance you can get from a smartphone, and it will probably work just as well in three years as we are used to from OnePlus phones. It offers a clean software experience in iOS and has an excellent camera. The only real downside is the display, which looks nice but doesn't have a high refresh rate like the OnePlus 9 and Galaxy S21. And switching ecosystems can be a deal breaker for some people.

Last but not least is the OnePlus 9 Pro. If you really like the OnePlus style, you can pay $ 970 for a higher resolution display and telephoto camera. You still get the same processing power and software experience. It is up to you to decide for yourself whether these things are worth the extra money.

How long it will take

The OnePlus 9 works just as well as any other flagship of 2021, so it should last at least three years before it really slows down. It's made of glass, so you should probably put it in a case to protect it from drops and bumps.

Should you buy one?

No. The OnePlus 9 is not enough to justify its price. Instead, you should get a Samsung Galaxy S21, S20 FE, iPhone 12, or Pixel 5.

Editor's recommendations




24 Mar
Blog

Too Much Rest Or Not Enough?

I hated studying for certification tests. Right after college, I got one of the more serious certifications for strength and conditioning. During preparation, it wasn't very comforting to memorize concepts that the test makers thought were more important than me.

I was arrogant for sure, just like any twenty year old meathead, but to build a straw defense I had some real experience with formal strength and conditioning. I knew that many of the answers to the test questions would depend on the situation.

Theory and laboratory results are not always accurate in a practical situation.

One of those theoretical ideas that I never liked was normal rest periods. Most textbooks have strict guidelines for how long you should rest between strength training exercises or conditioning rounds and bouts.

I researched why they were recommended and found it arbitrary.

Textbooks would say that::

  • Strength training for strength requires you to rest for 2-5 minutes between sets.
  • For endurance cycling, 30-second breaks between exercises were best.

Heavier weight means you need more rest to recover and repeat – this makes sense.

I think the textbook authors haven't clarified the rest periods in terms of recovery or what to push?

Instead, it would be helpful if you had answers to:

  1. Has the specific duration challenged your body's ability to endure and recover from stress?
  2. Were they recommended because anyone, regardless of their training history, could fully recover and be ready to push hard again with that particular rest period?

These are two very different concepts and I'll explain them.

What is the purpose of the training?

If you want to feel strong or tireless at the start of each set, lap, or lap, you need to carefully consider your rest time.

If you want to challenge how much intense work you can do and resist fatigue, adjust to the stress of exercise and limit your rest.

You need to know how much rest you need first to understand how to strategically shorten them.

  • Sometimes you should have a full recovery and feel your best about each set. This recovery is the best method for training compound lifts with heavier weights.
  • Sometimes exercising isn't about feeling your best during the session or lifting the heaviest weights.
  • Sometimes it is best to work on a deficit during a single training session for long-term gain.

Training the endurance and tolerance of fast-twitch muscle fibers to curb fatigue is part of the foundation of your strength ability.

These fast-twitch types are the ones who dominate power and force movements.

Alactic capacity, the general ability to sustain high-intensity movements, forms this foundation. To exercise these skills, you need to monitor, reduce, and change how long you rest between stress periods of a workout as you get stronger and more conditioned.

Does a real standard exist?

Recommended rest times for heavy weight training are usually based on the amount of time it takes for the central nervous system (CNS) and the energy substrates that cause muscle contraction to recover.

It makes sense, but I don't think the average rest times given in the textbooks are standard for most people. I assume that these studies will take place under laboratory conditions.

I cannot emphasize enough how many people I have seen do not fit this model in a practical setting.

At least the values ​​need to be further investigated and tested. I base my view not only on what people tell me, but also on my specific observations of how long it took them to repeat exercises with the same effort and intensity. And I've seen these variances in both inexperienced and experienced customers.

Textbooks for the associations that certify coaches usually mention that rest times can be changed and an area is provided for this.

Still, I've never seen specific recommendations on how, when, or how much should be changed.

The breath can tell us something that a device cannot

Technology has created some great tools since these textbooks were written that monitor basic physiological shifts and recovery. Some of these are heart rate monitors and devices that track heart rate variability.

While tracking data is invaluable, I think we have a built-in regulator that we can use to decide how long to rest – our breath.

Observing the breath can tell us something that a device cannot.

It gives clues as to how mentally we are ready to take another heavy set or go through another intense period of practice. Controlled breathing can calm the mind and body. Just by watching it can tell if you are still panicking.

The word panic may seem dramatic, but it describes a stress-related state from a mental attitude that is manifesting itself, "I'm not okay or I can't. "

Even if your heart rate drops and other readings show your body is recovering, your breathing can still be fast or difficult.

And if your breath hasn't calmed down, your mind hasn't calmed down.

The mind can instantly quicken the heart rate and send blunt neural signals to the body to act in a coordinated, strong, and powerful manner. Even if the heart rate slows down and the nervous system and energy substrates have had time to reset, you will undo your efforts on the next set or lap.

This calm is primarily an overlooked point for performance and recovery, but we teach it extensively in our JDI Barbell course.

The signals to be observed

When trying to monitor your recovery by tracking your heart rate between sets, you need to be careful about the quality of your breath as well.

  • When you finish a series of weights or a round of conditioning, your breathing accelerates alongside your heart rate.
  • You may also feel your shoulders and chest rise with each breath, even though you typically have a healthier breathing pattern of expanding and contracting your inhalations and exhalations through your abdomen.
  • Your body tries to take in more oxygen to make up for what you put out during exercise.
  • The breathing muscles in your chest, neck, and shoulders make you bigger when you breathe in and shorter when you breathe out. But they are the supporting muscles for breathing, much like afterburners.
  • The lower core muscles, which expand and contract the abdomen, sides, and lower back as you inhale and exhale, should be the dominant muscles of your breathing, especially when you are resting.
  • While these secondary breathing muscles can and should be cranking to help you draw in more air while you exercise vigorously, the primary forces should be responsible for your breath before your next set or lap. If it doesn't, then you haven't fully recovered.

These inhalations and exhalations mean that you are breathing heavily and that you are still in a stressed state.

Observe the patterns of breath

To use the breath to determine our rest times, we need to make sure that we are breathing naturally horizontally, where the upper body expands as we inhale and narrows as we exhale. If you want to dig into that, you can check out the work I have done with Dr. Belisa do.

  • Having this excellent pattern will allow us to track how long it takes after a set to switch from using those afterburner muscles to taking a relaxed horizontal breath.
  • There is no need to force it. Look at it and draw it to use as a base. You can also track your heart rate to see the relationship between the two.
  • Keep a log of how long it takes to make this switch after each set, until you have the average time for all sets over two weeks of training.

Also, write down how you felt during each set or round::

  • Did you feel like you were pushing just as hard every time?
  • Were there any sets where you just waited a little longer because you were more in touch with your breath?
  • Were these sets better after you rested longer?
  • Were you able to keep applying pressure for each set as the more fatigue crept in the longer a workout lasted?
  • Following the above standards, did you start your next set as soon as your breathing became more relaxed?
  • What if you take a few more calm breaths, even if you start breathing horizontally before starting the next set?

Start somewhere

Sometimes it makes sense to shorten the rest period to exercise your ability to recover and to press the needle on both local muscles and total endurance. How do you challenge this without a baseline?

You need to know how long it takes to fully recover from each type of activity. You also need to know the feeling of returning to a fully rested state.

As you become more aware of the changes and the quality of your breath, you improve the connection and awareness you have of your body.

Often times you will see those who dive too deep, trying to work at an intensity that is unsustainable, with too high a stress level for them to recover or adjust.

They schedule short rest periods based on nothing more than what they have been told that makes the exercise difficult. If you have no idea how long it will take to fully recover, then just guess what, and you can cut your rest time too much to keep your exertions throughout your workout.

There is nothing wrong with testing your ceiling, and there is a time for that. But each set isn't your last and you can't treat it as it is.

However, knowing your baseline can create challenging rest periods at that sweet spot that will fuel you, challenge your ability to recover, and keep you moving too.

Consider the whole picture when planning strength or conditioning training. If you plan to do eight rounds or sets of something but only get through four of them because you hit a breaking point in the first few sets, what was it about?

You couldn't keep up the effort because you were too hard at the beginning.

You ended up working less, despite the frantic exertion of your first few sets fueled by listening to loops of Death Metal remixes with Rocky themes.

Sometimes the main focus of training should be to stay as close as possible to the same effort in each fight. This main focus encompasses all of your workouts in a given week.

And to give each set a similar effort, you need to monitor how much rest time it takes to keep this up after each set, shift, or lap, and tracking your breathing can give you the details.

Track your breath for a useful metric

Let's go through the details. For breath to be a helpful metric in deciding whether to rest, we need to make sure that we have an excellent horizontal breathing pattern and that our breathing muscles are strong. After that, we can start tracking the changes in breathing to get a clearer picture of our fitness.

Observe::

Do your set, sprint, racetrack or lap as usual and hit a punching bag. When it is time to rest, don't purposely slow down or control your breathing. Watch for a few breaths.

Ask yourself how the practice fight affected you::

Question 1. Is it difficult to breathe?

  • Do you breathe horizontally through your upper body and through your neck, shoulders and chest at the same time?
  • Don't you spread and constrict through your stomach, sides, and lower back, using only the secondary breathing muscles of your shoulders and chest instead?
  • Record yourself or look in a mirror. Do you only get bigger and smaller when you inhale and exhale, or does your middle section move with it?

ON. 1. The answers to the first question will tell you whether your primary breathing muscles need more work and how hard the exertion was.

  • When you find yourself using only the secondary muscles (breathing in and out without widening and narrowing your midsection), you need to be more conscious of practicing the correct muscles and patterns.
  • And when you practice and strengthen these muscles, your recovery ability and performance improve instantly.

Question 2. How do you breathe in and out?

  • Do you breathe in and out through your nose and mouth?
  • Do you breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth?
  • Do you breathe in and out synchronously through your nose and mouth?

ON. 2. If you answered yes to the second question, it likely means that you are using both primary and secondary muscles.

  • You may still be breathing well horizontally, but if you notice your chest and shoulders actively lock into place as you breathe, you will have more information on how heavy the set was.
  • When you breathe through both your mouth and nose, you are physiologically pushing yourself and taking more time to recover adequately.

Let it go

Instead of slowing down, controlling, or quickly switching your breath to nasal, let yourself breathe quickly, as is natural. Just watch it for at least 10-50 seconds continuously.

Right now it begins to relax a little, to deepen, and to lengthen the inhalation and exhalation without changing the tempo of your breath too drastically or trying to just inhale through your nose if you haven't done so naturally.

Take several breaths like this until you switch to a simple, nasal-only breath without forcing it.

Track and repeat

Take a stopwatch or watch and write down how long it took for your breath to change. Make sure you write it down. Then, make a judgment on whether you feel mentally ready to start, lap, run, or drill the next set and repeat the same efforts as the last one.

The longer you work out, the more fatigue you will build up no matter what you do between sets. The idea, however, is to work as consistently as possible throughout the training session.

Build your baseline

Track rest times based on changes in your breath and the resulting exertion. Follow this over a couple of weeks with whatever training method you go through, whether it's strength training or conditioning battles.

Now you have your average rest time needed for a baseline that can be broadly used based on your biology and condition.

Create your training plan

Remember that sometimes you can challenge your stamina (both strength and endurance) by limiting rest time. With a baseline that gives you specific indications of how long it will take to achieve a full recovery, you can strategically reduce your rest periods to challenge and improve them over time.

It's also easier to make adjustments. For example, let's say you cut your rest time by 20% but struggle to finish your workout every week. You can adjust and only do it 10% until you adapt to it first.

Reevaluate and adjust

Whenever you workout, follow your baseline or adjustments for the duration of a training cycle (3-6 weeks), but keep in touch with the feelings of your breath.

Then test your ability to recover. Now, based on that new baseline, you can set the rest and play with it.

Remember, this is not always linear progression. As you change the complexity or style of movement and movement, or get stronger and able to challenge yourself with heavier loads and equipment, the requirements for recovery may change.

But you can always check in with your breath.

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