22 Jan
Blog

Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 Review: An excellent 14-inch convertible

Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 review featured picture

Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 "2-in-1 laptop

"The Yoga 9i 14 is a fast and efficient 2-in-1 convertible that only suffers from a too short 16: 9 display."

  • Very solid build quality

  • Competitive productivity performance

  • Excellent battery life

  • Superior audio quality

  • Pen is included in the scope of delivery and docks comfortably

  • The keyboard remains a bit flat

  • 16: 9 display is yesterday's technology

  • The colors are a bit muted and inaccurate

Lenovo's Yoga 9i 14 – the replacement for the Yoga C940 – is an incredibly innovative 2-in-1 convertible that comes in two different flavors that stand out for much more than just color.

The Shadow Black Leather Edition contains a continuous glass palm rest, a haptic touchpad and an ultrasonic fingerprint reader, which is combined with a leather cover on the lid. The mica-colored model has a traditional palm rest and touchpad, as well as a simple metal lid. And they cost the same. A more direct replacement for the Yoga C940, the Mica version offers a more traditional 2-in-1 experience that begs the question: should you consider the Mica version without the added innovations?

We tried a well-configured Mica device with a top-notch 11th generation Intel Tiger Lake Core i7-1185G7 CPU, 16 GB of RAM, a 512 GB PCIe solid-state drive (SSD), and a Full HD (1,920) x 1,080) IPS display. This configuration is $ 1,380 at Best buy, Pricing next to the best 2-in-1 laptops, but competitive with similar machines.

design

Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 designMark Coppock / Digital Trends

As with most mid-range and better Lenovo laptops, the Yoga 9i 14 feels solidly built. I couldn't get anything bend or bend, including the lid, keyboard deck, and case bottom. Seriously, this laptop is rock hard and in the same class as the HP Specter x360 14, Dell XPS 13, and Apple MacBook Pro 13. The Yoga’s stiff hinge requires two hands, but does a great job of holding the 2-in. 1 in the desired mode, be it clamshell, medium, tent or tablet.

Aesthetically, the Yoga 9i 14 follows Lenovo's recent preference for simple, clear designs without any gloss. The aluminum housing in the color "Mica" (light gray-silver) looks banal apart from two outstanding features: the notch on top of the display for the webcam and the Dolby Atmos soundbar integrated in the hinge (more on this later). Compared to the Specter x360 14 and the XPS 13, the Yoga 9i 14 is not noticeable. However, that's fine as it still looks attractive and I'm sure there are many users out there who prefer a simpler design. Let's call it "reserved elegance" and leave it at that.

The Yoga 9i 14 has small bezels at the top and on each side, but the chin is a bit big – as is often the case with 2-in-1 models that require more complicated hinges. That makes it a smaller 14-inch laptop, but certainly not the smallest you will find. The MSI Prestige 14 Evo, for example, is only slightly smaller in depth and width (although this is a fraction of an inch), but it's also thicker than the Yoga 9i 14 at 0.63 inches versus 0.57-0.61 Inch. The yoga is slightly heavier at 3.02 pounds than it is at 2.84 pounds. Compare that to the HP Specter x360 14, which is available at 0.67 inches and 2.95 pounds.

Connectivity is quite poor for a 14-inch laptop. You get two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB 3.2 port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, all of which are on the left side of the laptop. Many 14-inch laptops have multiple USB-A ports, a full-size HDMI port, and a microSD card reader, but not here. You get Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 so your wireless connection is up to date.

performance

Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 performanceMark Coppock / Digital Trends

My test device was equipped with the fastest Tiger Lake CPU, the quad-core Core i7-1185G7, and ran accordingly. All along the line, the Yoga was competitive with our current Tiger Lake laptop database, which also puts it at the top of the list of Intel U-series processors.

In Geekbench 5, the Yoga 9i 14 achieved 1,532 points in the single-core test and 5,415 points in the multi-core test. The Dell XPS 13 9310 and the MSI Prestige 14 Evo with the same CPU scored 1,549 and 5,431 and 1,593 and 5,904 points, respectively. Note that each of these machines is faster than Intel 10th generation laptops, but far behind the AMD Ryzen 4000 series and Apple Silicon M1.

The Yoga 9i 14 performed better in our handbrake test, which encodes a 420MB video as H.265. I've used the Yoga's performance utility, which has battery saving, smart cooling (default), and extreme performance modes, to see how much tuning is available, and switching from smart cooling to performance has made a significant difference. In Standard mode, the Yoga took 3.45 minutes to complete the test compared to 2.85 minutes in Performance mode. That's faster than the Dell XPS 13 in performance mode (the Dell was a few seconds faster in standard mode) but slower than the MSI Prestige 14 Evo, which took 2.7 minutes. These values ​​are also much faster than 10th generation Intel laptops, but slower than AMD Ryzen and Apple M1 when a version of Handbrake optimized for this processor is used.

The Yoga 9i 14 managed 1,441 in single-core mode and 4,988 in multi-core mode in Cinebench R23, both with the performance activated. It again outperformed the XPS 13, but couldn't compete with the MSI Prestige 14 Evo. 10th generation Intel CPUs lagged, while the Apple M1 was significantly faster. We did not test the AMD Ryzen chips with this version of Cinebench.

I ended up running the PCMark 10 Complete benchmark suite and the Yoga 9i 14 got 4,836 points in performance mode (4,800 in smart cooling mode, so not a huge difference). The Dell XPS 13 9310 with Tiger Lake CPUs wouldn't complete the test, and the MSI Prestige 14 Evo came in at just under 4866. The Essentials (web browsing, video conferencing, app launch), productivity (spreadsheet and word processing), and creation (photo editing, video rendering and playback, and video editing) parts of the test were similar, with the Yoga 9i 14 outperforming Intel 10-laptops a fair head start and keeping up with the rest of the Tiger Lake class.

Overall, the Yoga 9i 14 performed solidly in our tests and will meet any productivity requirement. It won't be able to compete with either AMD Ryzen or the Apple M1, especially on content creation tasks, but the performance was above average for everything else.

The gaming was the same: The Yoga 9i 14 scored 1,774 points in the 3DMark Time Spy test in performance mode, compared to the Dell XPS 13 9310 with 1,657 points and the MSI Prestige 14 Evo with a surprisingly low 1,465 points. In Fortnite, both Yoga and MSI hit 40 frames per second (fps) or faster at 1080p and high graphics, with the XPS 13 only managing 29 fps. None of the laptops could exceed 30 fps with Epic Graphics enabled. As with other Tiger Lake laptops with Intel Iris Xe, you can expect performance on par with an entry-level discrete GPU like the Nvidia GeForce MX350, allowing casual gaming at reasonable frame rates, as long as you meet your expectations for resolution and graphical detail.

display

Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 displayMark Coppock / Digital Trends

Lenovo equipped the Yoga 9i 14 with a Full HD IPS display (1,920 x 1,080) with an increasingly archaic aspect ratio of 16: 9. Many, if not most, of the new machines unveiled today have taller screens (16:10 or 3: 2). The HP Specter x360 14 is an example with its impressive 3: 2 OLED display that is a joy to use. Directly behind the gate is the yoga behind the market.

According to my colorimeter, this is mostly just an average display for a premium laptop. It was pretty bright at 341 nits, above our 300 NIT threshold, but below 458 nits the Dell XPS 13 with its own Full HD display could manage. The MSI Prestige 14 Evo suffered from an exceptionally low brightness of just 228 nits, which made the Yoga 9i 14 significantly better. The contrast exceeded our threshold of 1,000: 1 at 1060: 1. This is a good thing that blew black text on a white background. The XPS 13 Full HD managed 1350: 1, while the MSI fell below our threshold with 940: 1. By these standards, the display of yoga was excellent.

This is probably the best audio system on a Windows 10 laptop.

However, when it came to colors, yoga fell behind. It managed only 71% of AdobeRGB and 95% of sRGB, which is below the averages of 73% and 96%, respectively. The XPS 13 was stronger with 75% by AdobeRGB and 98% by sRGB, while the Prestige Evo 14 scored 73% and 97%. Worst of all, however, was the Yoga’s color accuracy, which was a poor DeltaE of 3.74 compared to 1.36 on the XPS 13 (less than 1.0 is considered excellent) and 1.3 on the MSI.

I found the Yoga display good for productivity work where brightness and contrast were most important, but I wouldn't recommend it for creatives looking for wider gamuts and more accurate colors.

However, the Yoga 9i 14 featured a Dolby Atmos soundbar integrated into the hinge. The two tweeters are located in the soundbar, while the system also uses two subwoofers in the housing for deeper bass. Volume was significant with no distortion, and mids and highs were great with an above average bass touch. This is probably the best audio system on a Windows 10 laptop and is only surpassed by the superior sound on Apple's MacBook Pro computers. You can use the laptop for Netflix bingeing and listening to music without unplugging your headphones – unless you want to keep your audio to yourself.

Keyboard and touchpad

Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 keyboard and touchpadMark Coppock / Digital Trends

Lenovo's yoga keyboards traditionally suffer from shallow depth and a squishy feel. The Yoga 9i 14, on the other hand, uses the company's new TrueStrike keyboard, which is as slim as it was before, but slightly faster. It's a much better experience, though it's still not as good as the HP Specter x360 14, Dell XPS 13, and best of all, the Magic Keyboard on the latest MacBooks. The keyboard offers two levels of backlighting that I found consistent and effective under different lighting conditions.

The touchpad is a decent size and has a smooth surface that is easy to slide over. It's a Microsoft Precision touchpad, so Windows 10 multi-touch gestures work as expected. The touch display responds equally and supports the included active pen from Lenovo, which parks and charges in its built-in silo on the back of the case. My only complaint about the pen is its size – it's quite small and doesn't mimic the feel of an ink pen.

A fingerprint reader in the upper right corner of the palm rest provides support for logging in without a Windows 10 Hello password. It worked well and logged me in quickly and efficiently without a lot of errors. The ThinkShutter privacy webcam cover remains a manual affair – you physically slide it over when you want to keep your video to yourself. Compare this to the competing Specter x360 14, whose keyboard has a button that instructs the device to electronically close the shutter.

Battery life

Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 battery lifeMark Coppock / Digital Trends

The Yoga 9i 14 has a battery capacity of 60 watt hours, which is not much for a 14-inch laptop. And as far as I can tell, there is no specific technology like a low-power display that will keep it running for a long time with such limited battery power. How did it take so long during my tests?

First, I ran our web browsing test, which iterated over a number of popular (and complex) websites until the battery ran out. In this test, the Yoga 9i 14 lasted just over 10 hours, which leads the Tiger Lake class. The closest competitor is the Asus ZenBook 14 UX425EA with a Core i7-1165G7 that lasted almost 10 hours. The rest of the field averaged nine hours or less, which gave the Yoga 9i an impressive performance.

This is a 2-in-1 convertible that you can work with for a full day.

Next, I ran our video test going through a Full HD Avengers trailer. Here the Yoga 9i 14 lasted 18.25 hours, which is incredibly impressive for a laptop without a power-saving display. That's hours longer than the other Tiger Lake laptops I tested. The closest is the MSI Prestige 14 Evo with the same CPU (and a low-power display) that managed it to last 16.25 hours.

Finally, I ran two PCMark 10 tests. The first, the Gaming Battery Benchmark, emphasizes that the CPU and GPU must mimic demanding tasks while using the battery. The Yoga 9i 14 lasted a little over two hours, which is roughly the average of all the laptops we tested. The XPS 13 9310 Full HD lasted almost four hours and was much more efficient at balancing CPU and GPU usage against battery life, while the MSI Prestige 14 Evo lasted about 30 minutes less than the Yoga. In the PCMark 10 Applications battery test, which mimics a typical productivity load, the Yoga 9i 14 lasted the longest of all the machines we tested at 14.45 hours. The closest machine was the XPS 13, which took just under 11 hours.

The Yoga 9i 14 makes the most of its 60 watt-hour battery life and exceeds the Evo certification requirements of nine hours of typical use. This is a 2-in-1 convertible that you can work with for a full day.

Our opinion

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 Mica version is an excellent 2-in-1 convertible with solid productivity performance, great build quality, and great battery life. The keyboard has been improved over previous iterations, and a hand-held pen is parked in the case.

The only weakness is the 16: 9 display which is suddenly old school compared to the newest machines hitting the market today. Most of these are 16:10 or 3: 2 and have more vertical information, less scrolling, and better productivity. Many people are not (yet) interested in the difference, and so the Yoga 9i 14 still has its place. But his time window is closing.

Are there alternatives?

The HP Specter x360 14 is a great alternative with a 13.5-inch 3: 2 OLED display that significantly improves its suitability for productivity work. It's a little more expensive than the Yoga, depending on the configuration, but it's worth it.

The Dell XPS 13 9310 is also a solid competitor, albeit with a smaller display in the productivity-friendly 16:10 aspect ratio. The XPS 13 is equally well built, offers a superior display, and can be configured with more RAM and storage.

How long it will take?

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 is built like a tank and should last just as long. It comes with the latest components and should meet your computing needs for several years. It is subject to industry standards and a one-year warranty that is too short.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Yoga 9i 14 offers great performance and battery life in a solid and attractive design. However, the 16: 9 display holds it down from its size, and you should seriously consider whether a taller display is better for you before buying it.

Editor's recommendations




22 Jan
Blog

An Overview about Healing Crystals, their purpose and benefits

People have always been attracted to crystals for healing rituals and spiritual development. For thousands of years, wonderful, mysterious and magical healing crystals have been used for protection, healing and as ornament. Ancient people admired crystals and gemstones for their mystical and spiritual strength. Rulers, kings and queens wore amulets and crowns adorned with precious crystals and precious stones. Crystal can strengthen your health, regulate your emotions, and help you achieve spiritual powers and much more with abundance and access. Commonly used in Feng Shui, vastu shastra, space healing, astrology corrections, crystal geodes, and raw natural Himalayan clusters are used. The key instruments for Reiki, crystal healers and astrologers and gemologists are crystals. Crystal quartz does not decay and some claim that because of its amplifying capacity, it acts as a holding system for valuable celestial information. So always try to find a spiritual store for high quality healing crystals.

The advantages of crystals

The proposed therapeutic benefits of crystals relate primarily to regions of mental wellbeing, including feelings of increased calm, positivity, and focus, as well as improved immunity and pain relief.
Individual crystals are also known to have their own unique energies that resonate with different areas of your life, with their shape and color affecting their power and type.

How do I choose your crystals?

In terms of color, dark crystals prefer to focus on protecting an individual in general, with black for protection and brown for cleaning. At the same time, white is the color of purity and green is the hue that must be used to look for peaceful moments. Likewise, it is said that pink stones focus on passion, red on resources, and yellow on wealth and abundance.

Round crystals are often said to help emit energy around them in a similar way, while those with a point directly inward or negative energy from the body lead to positive energy. Find a spiritual store online for the best quality crystals.

People use these stones for several reasons. Here are the most important.

● Healing and body cleansing

It is known that gemstones such as garnet, aquamarine and blood stone have healing properties. It is recommended that these stones build positive energy in your body to heal and fortify it from within. They are also claimed to have cleansing properties for anyone who wears them; They help to remove the harmful energy accumulated in the organism. A few days after wearing a gemstone on your wrist or hanging it on a necklace, you will feel completely different.

● Sustainable use of precious stones

Wearing them as accessories is one of the most convenient and enjoyable ways to use gemstones. Wearing around the neck is preferable. With a gemstone as a necklace, you can radiate good energy in any direction of your body, making your entire aura much easier to improve. Fortunately, these stones are timeless and you will live with them for as long as you want. Any day of the week, you can bring your gemstones to improve your physical and mental health.

● Soothing and astronomical beliefs

Have you ever heard of practicing a gem on a specific area of ​​the body to focus its healing powers on that part of the body? Give it a try if you don't have it. Astrologers believe that by choosing the right gemstone, you can absorb more calming energy from nature. They also claim that wearing stones like sandalwood, pearl, and hematite can get rid of fear and worry.

Where can you buy healing crystals?

For others, crystal healing is an alternative medical procedure that uses crystals and other gemstones to balance an individual's energy. These crystals can affect your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual balance, whether they are under your pillow, on your bedside table or even in your drinking water. Although this has not been confirmed by science, many people assume that the vibrations of the stones communicate favorably with the energy field or chakra of our body.

You'll want to buy one and try it out for yourself if you're curious about the therapeutic benefits of crystal. Who knows, maybe it will help you in these chaotic times. So find a spiritual shop that has all kinds of real healing crystals.

Before selecting a gemstone, it is always a good idea to consult an experienced astronomer. Even if it's just for accessory purposes, you never know when a stone will bring you more luck or wisdom. To get the benefits of a gemstone, keep it in a safe place and maintain it regularly. Some claim that cleaning your gemstones regularly can make them the most powerful. Hence, it is best to stay healthy when dealing with such magical powers.

Increase your vibration with soothing crystals!

Healing crystals are mystical beings that are very much alive. Since the beginning of time there has been a reason people have used them for their healing powers. When used properly and with deep reverence, they will help you live a more balanced and vibrant life. Although they are beautiful to look at, they are also powerful.

Crystal culture has flourished over the past decade; Suppliers who deliver crystals sustainably and who deliberately do not collect these precious gifts from Mother Earth are becoming more and more relevant.

22 Jan
Blog

Oppo Enco X Review: Android-Friendly AirPods Pro Killers

Oppo Enco X.

Oppo Enco X review: Android-friendly AirPods Pro killers

"The only thing Oppo didn't copy from the AirPods Pro is the price."

  • Cozy

  • Very good sound quality

  • Excellent ANC and transparency

  • Very good call quality

  • Seamless switching of devices

Oppo, the Chinese electronics company that has produced some of the biggest sleeper hits in categories like Blu-ray players and smartphones, just released its latest true wireless earbuds, the Oppo Enco X, valued at $ 150. Digital Trends got an early look at the earbuds, which won't be available in the US until spring. Yes, they look a lot like Apple's AirPods Pro and have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), just like Apple's Buds. But don't write her off as another copycat hoping to get Apple's coattails at the checkout for a payday. The Enco X are real business, with both words deservedly in the foreground. Let's look at them.

What's in the box?

With the exception of the black plastic inner shell, the Enco X box is a simple cardboard container that should prove to be easily recyclable when you aren't storing it. Inside you will find the earbuds, their charging case, a short USB-C charging cable, two additional sizes of silicone earbuds (small and large to accompany the standard medium) and a quick guide.

If you love the vibe of apple, you will love the look of these buds.

design

Oppo Enco X and AirPods ProOppo Enco X (right) and Apple AirPods Pro Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Enco X doesn't just look a bit like the AirPods Pro – I'd call them as close as possible without incurring the legal ire of Apple. In white in particular (they are also available in black), the bulbous main body, the semi-oval silicone tips, and the downward-pointing stems are direct copies of the Apple design. That said, if you love Apple's mood, you will love the look of those buds.

But oppositional flattery from Jony Ive's aesthetic doesn't end there. The charging case is also a pure AirPods Pro, right down to the perfectly movable hinge and the LED charging indicator on the front. Sure, there are a few differences. Oppo wrapped its case in sleek aluminum tape that gives it a touch of sophistication, and the pairing button sits a little proud of that tape on the side instead of sitting flush on the back like Apple. This button could be accidentally pressed, which wouldn't be ideal, but the real head scratch in Oppos's design is the decision to orient the earbuds so the tips are facing away from each other. This means that every time you take them out of the case – which is easiest if you pinch the silicone tips between your thumb and forefinger – they are pointing the wrong way for your ears.

Why did Oppo do that? Maybe to avoid accusations of a complete Apple copy, or maybe the slightly longer stems of the Enco X made it necessary.

There's one area in the Enco X's design that actually improves Apple's work: The Enco X's are rated IP54, which means they're just as waterproof as the AirPods Pro, but also have some dust resistance.

Convenience, control and connections

Oppo Enco X.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The AirPods Pro are some of the most comfortable true wireless earbuds I've ever tried, and (surprisingly) the Enco Xs offer an equally comfortable fit. There's even a Fit Test in the free HeyMelody app for Android (an iOS version coming soon) and another AirPods Pro feature to add to the list. I had to switch to the large earbuds for a perfect fit, but even the standard media was pretty good. As long as you don't mind having buds in your ear canals, the Enco X is comfortable enough for many hours of continuous use.

The earphones use a touch user interface. I'm usually not a huge fan of touch controls. I find them inaccurate and I don't like the lack of click feedback that physical buttons offer. But the Enco X could turn me into a convert. Tap the registered stems almost every time, and you can adjust the volume by sliding your finger up or down the length of either stalk. This is still not possible with the AirPods Pro.

The HeyMelody app lets you customize these controls, update the firmware, and customize the ANC (more on that later).

The Enco X doesn't support Bluetooth multipoint (which allows two devices to connect to a set of earbuds at the same time), but the pairing feature is so fast that it almost doesn't matter. If you press the pairing button for two seconds, you can quickly connect to a new device or reconnect to a previously assigned device.

Even better, in the HeyMelody app, you can assign a long press command that automatically switches the earbuds back to the last connected device. I've never seen this feature on any set of wireless earbuds. It worked like a charm and let me switch seamlessly between my iPhone and Pixel XL.

Full and rich, with a bass response that is powerful but never overwhelming, they deliver a well-balanced sound signature.

The Enco X's wireless range averages 30 feet outdoors, which is closer to 15 feet indoors. The connection is very reliable within these distances.

Sound quality

I'm not going to by the bush – the Enco X sounds really good. Full and rich, with a bass response that is powerful but never overwhelming, they deliver a well-balanced sound signature. The sound stage strikes a middle ground between intimate and expansive.

Compared to similarly expensive products like that Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro or even the AirPods Pro, the Enco X, can more than hold their own. Only when you compare it to more expensive products like the Jabra Elite 85t or the Sony WF-1000XM3 will you notice limitations. The Enco X can't quite keep up with these earbuds when it comes to clarity and precision, especially at higher frequencies.

When I found that the HeyMelody app didn't offer EQ adjustments, I was a little concerned – I tend to tweak most of the earbuds slightly to get a sound profile that suits me. Now that I've spent some time with these earbuds, I don't miss that lack of EQ control at all, and I'm confident you won't either.

Another observation that surprised me: the Enco X sounded better when used with my Pixel XL test phone than it did with my iPhone 11. This is a mystery. In general, I don't hear much of a difference between iOS and Android, especially when streaming from the exact same source (in this case, Tidal HiFi). And while there is no Bluetooth codec advantage (the Enco X uses AAC when connected to both phones), I found that stereo imaging, clarity, and soundstage were improved when using the Pixel XL.

The Oppo Enco X have the rare distinction of being some of the best noise canceling earbuds you can buy.

Speaking of codecs, the Enco X may sound even better when used with Oppo phones that support LHDC, a high-resolution, low-latency Bluetooth codec that competes directly with Sony's LDAC and aptX HD. The Enco X are some of the first true wireless earbuds on the market to come with LHDC support.

Noise cancellation and transparency

Oppo Enco X.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Oppo Enco X has the rare distinction of calling the AirPods Pro, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, and Jabra Elite 85t some of the best noise-canceling earbuds you can buy.

Not only do they excellently reduce unwanted noises like traffic, conversation, and the booming hum of machines while listening to music, but they also deliver an impressively quiet cone of silence when there is no music at all.

Transparency mode is equally effective, doing that magical balancing act of amplifying the outside world so far that you can hear it, but not so much that it sounds like you're listening to a recording of the outside world.

It's not perfect: I found that while other people's voices were crisp and clear, my own voice still felt a little muffled. But it makes conversation easy, what matters.

In the HeyMelody app, you can choose which ANC modes are available when you touch and hold an earbud. You can switch between all four modes (Off, Transparency, Regular ANC, and Maximum ANC) or any combination thereof. I found maximum ANC and transparency most useful.

Changes in ANC mode are as quick as the AirPods Pro, but not as quick as the Elite 85t.

Battery life

Oppo Enco X and AirPods ProOppo Enco X (right) and Apple AirPods Pro Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

If there is one area the Enco X could do better, it is battery life. Oppo claims four hours per charge if the volume is 50% and you use the maximum ANC which is 20 hours with the charging case included. By switching off ANC, up to 5.5 or 25 hours are achieved.

As far as I can tell, these numbers are slightly conservative. There were almost 4.5 hours between charges with ANC. Once again, the Enco X seems content to replicate the AirPods Pro – these battery life stats are close to Apple's – although the AirPods Pro offer a slightly better lifespan in this case.

One feature that Oppo should have mimicked is the AirPods Pro's fast charging capability. Five minutes of charging adds an hour to AirPods Pro playtime, but the Enco X cannot be charged quickly. From the empty state, it takes 80 minutes to charge the earbuds in their case. If you charge the Enco X for five minutes, you only have 17 minutes of play time.

Call quality

The Oppo Enco X may not be as crystal clear as the Bose or Jabra earbuds, but it still offers very good call quality. Competing noises, such as car traffic driving past, were very effectively suppressed. My voice wavered and fluttered occasionally, but it was always intelligible.

Our opinion

Oppo made a near-perfect clone of the Apple AirPods Pro that offers better sound quality and a much cheaper price.

Is there a better alternative?

As long as Oppo can keep the Enco X's price tag at around $ 150 or less, these earbuds have no serious competition at all.

You can get better sound quality and more features, but you'll have to spill an additional $ 50 to $ 80 Jabra Elite 85t come to mind. You can certainly spend less and still get ANC – like the Edifier TWS NB2 – but these earbuds don't meet the Enco X's very high bar for ANC and design.

Even iPhone owners should seriously consider the Enco X before buying a set of AirPods Pro. The Enco X does not allow you to speak hands-free with Siri, and Apple spatial audio is not supported. However, this seems like a fair trade to save $ 100.

How long will they last?

The Enco X seems to be very well built, with high quality materials and workmanship. At the time of this review, no US warranty information was available, but I'm assuming these earbuds can be used regularly (or better) than comparable models.

Should you buy it?

Absolutely. If you like the idea of ​​the AirPods Pro, the Enco X are cheaper and outperform Apple's sound quality.

Editor's recommendations




22 Jan
Blog

Eight Significant Health Benefits of Curry Leaves

Curry leaves are commonly used as a condiment; This leaf gives every dish a special and unique taste. But the humble curry leaf has a lot more to offer than just the flavor it adds to any dish. These are filled with fiber, calcium, carbohydrates, iron, phosphorus, and vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin E. Curry leaves help fight infection, the heart works better. It can revitalize your hair and skin with vitality. Let's look at the following benefits of curry leaves:

● Help in treating diabetes:

Not only do curry leaves lower blood sugar levels, but they also keep them in check for a few days after you are given curry leaves. It helps your blood sugar levels by affecting the body's insulin activity and lowering blood sugar levels. The amount of fiber in the leaves also plays an important role in lowering blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, this is the best natural way to keep your blood sugar levels under control. Consuming curry leaves greatly helps in treating diabetes and its associated complications. These have been found to be highly effective in lowering blood sugar levels.

Curry leaves are high in fiber, which slows digestion and thus reduces sudden spikes in blood sugar. There are several benefits of curry leaves that one should be aware of.

● Improves digestion:

Curry leaves improve digestion and alter the way your body absorbs fat, thereby helping you lose weight. Since weight gain is a major cause of diabetes, curry leaves treat the problem right at the root. Alkaloids present in the leaves help maintain cholesterol levels in the body. Curry leaves also act as a detoxifier, removing toxins from the body and preventing fat from building up. This will help you lose weight.

Some research also shows that curry leaves have properties that can lower blood cholesterol levels. These leaves are filled with antioxidants that prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, which forms LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). This in turn increases the amount of good cholesterol (HDL) and protects the body from heart disease and arteriosclerosis.

● Help in the treatment of breast cancer:

Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer. Current breast cancer treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, all of which have their side effects and risk factors.
However, one study suggests that curry leaves may help treat breast cancer by causing cancer cell death.

● Support for immune health:

As important as it is to prevent illness, curry leaves keep you from getting sick in the first place. These leaves are high in antioxidants that can prevent you from getting sick. This can help reduce the amount of time you remain sick.
Some studies suggest that curry leaves can help your body fight genetic mutations that have been linked to chronic diseases, including cancer.

● Good for hair, skin and oral health:

Cooking curry leaves with coconut oil creates an excellent hair tonic that prevents hair from graying and stimulates hair growth. It has always been known that such sheets help prevent hair from graying. It effectively treats damaged hair, strengthens thin hair shaft, gives bounce to limp hair, hair loss and treats dandruff. The best part is that you can either apply it to your scalp as a remedy or eat the curry leaves to help with your hair problems. They strengthen your hair and prevent hair loss. They prevent dandruff and a dry scalp.

Curry leaves are also helpful for minor burns, bruises, and eruptions on the skin. They protect your skin from infection. This is why curry leaves are part of some soaps.

Curry leaves create an environment in your mouth that prevents bacteria from developing. They thus contribute to maintaining oral health and preventing oral diseases.

● Protect the liver:

Research on curry leaves has shown that they have hepatoprotective properties that can prevent liver damage. Curry leaves contain antioxidants that protect the liver from harmful toxins and oxidative stress. It also helps protect the liver from free radical and viral or bacterial attacks that can lead to infection. They help alleviate liver damage from heavy drinking.

● Relived stress:

also help you control stress. Studies show that inhaling linalool in curry leaves reduces anxiety, stress, and helps with depression. The essential oil of curry leaves is used to relieve symptoms of stress. Apply a few drops of oil to your pillow before bed. The scent of curry leaves soothes the body and mind.

● Treats diarrhea and constipation:

Curry leaves are used to treat upset stomach. They are suitable for the digestive system. They aid bowel movements and even stimulate digestive enzymes. Curry leaves have carbazole alkaloids that contain diarrhea properties. You can grind them into a paste or eat them raw.

22 Jan
Blog

Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro Review: Affordably Awesome

Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro

Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro

"Great sound quality and tons of features make these ANC Buds great value for money."

  • Very convenient

  • Very good sound quality

  • Effective ANC

  • Customizable sound and controls

  • Some functions still require phone access

  • So-so call quality

Much to the surprise of seasoned audio reviewers, Anker Soundcore has evolved from the depths of the Amazon brand basement into a manufacturer of great sounding wireless headphones, bluetooth speakers, and true wireless earbuds. In 2020, Digital Trends reviewed the $ 110 worth of Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro, praising the wide soundstage and overall sound quality, despite some concerns about the overall design of the buds.

Now Soundcore is back with nothing less than its sights on dethroning Apple's AirPods Pro for $ 249 at $ 130 Liberty Air 2 Pro, the company's first true wireless earbuds to offer active noise cancellation (ANC). Can Soundcore deliver the same functionality as Apple for almost $ 120 less? Let's take a look.

What's in the box?

Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 ProSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Anker Soundcore continues to use way too much packaging for its true wireless earbuds. The Liberty Air 2 Pro comes in a glossy, book-style, printed box with the lid closed by magnets. Inside there is a lot of plastic and foam that surrounds the important parts: the earphones, the charging case, a USB-C charging cable, and some documentation. But as much as I dislike all of this unnecessary material, I have to give Soundcore props for nine sets of silicone earplugs. A good fit is critical to comfort, sound quality and noise cancellation. Having a variety of earbud sizes is key to a good fit.

design

Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 ProSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Liberty Air 2 Pro, which comes in four colors (black, blue, pink, and white), certainly looks a bit similar to the AirPods Pro. This is mainly due to the elongated stem sticking down from your ear. But they are even more similar to Earfun's $ 80 Air Pro and the $ 100 Edifier TWS NB2. All three use an ergonomically shaped main body that sits in your outer ear, a silicone-tipped horn that goes into your ear canal, and a pronounced stem.

It's the only case design I've tried that can be effortlessly opened and closed with one hand.

Whether or not you like this AirPods-inspired shape is a matter of personal preference, but I think they look pretty good.

What I like most about the Liberty Air 2 Pro's design is the wireless charging case. It's light and relatively compact – albeit nowhere near as small as the AirPods Pro – and has the same sliding lid mechanism as the Liberty 2 Pro. It's the only case design I've tried that can be effortlessly opened and closed with one hand.

The earbuds snap into their charging sockets easily and precisely, and can just as easily be removed – which isn't always the case.

I can't say if the sliding lid is as sturdy as a traditional hinge in the long term, but it immediately feels very sturdy, which is a good sign.

Convenience, control and connections

Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 ProSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Liberty Air 2 Pro are very comfortable. I was able to find an earbud size (thanks to the wide choice) that provided a very good seal, which also helped the earbuds sit securely. I've found that stem-style earbuds feel less ear-filling than stem-less designs. This also applies to the Liberty Air 2 Pro.

Soundcore includes a small feedback tone for taps – this should be standard on all touch-based earphones.

However, the stems of these earbuds are longer than those of the AirPods Pro, and to me this meant they made contact with the side of my face. While this wasn't a comfort issue in and of itself, it meant that the act of speaking gradually loosened the fit so I had to adjust it more often.

The Liberty Air 2 Pro uses touch sensors on both earbuds to control key functions. I prefer physical buttons, but I found the sensors were sensitive enough and almost always detected my tapping. I really appreciate that Soundcore includes a little feedback tone to let you know when these taps have been successfully detected – this should be standard practice for all touch-based earphones.

You can customize how the touch controls work using the Soundcore app. However, you need to prioritize which functions are most important as only four commands can be assigned. Double tap and long press control volume, play / pause, track forward / backward, access to voice assistant and ANC mode. However, there aren't enough gestures to use all of them. Fortunately, you can assign one of these options to control switching between ANC and transparency modes without going through the third (normal) mode without ANC, as so many other earbuds require.

Thanks to the built-in wear sensors, the music will automatically pause and resume when you remove and replace an earbud. That worked perfectly.

The Bluetooth connection was also very reliable as both the initial pairing and subsequent repairs went smoothly. Switching from one earbud to both (and vice versa) was also very reliable.

Sound quality

The Liberty Air 2 Pro sounds really good. They offer strong bass response, a well-balanced midrange, and highs that are clear and never sizzling. What's impressive is that the bass isn't just a boom – tracks like Hans Zimmer's Time show both warmth and subtlety while also offering the deep resonance you need to appreciate the complexity in the lower range. Better still, this low end doesn't trample the chant. Billie Eilish's Bad Guy, a song that is a torture chamber for a headphone's ability to separate lows and highs, comes into its own beautifully, with Eilish's whispering ASMR-like tickle while the persistent booming bass beat remains anchored to the floor.

The Soundcore app allows you to tweak the EQ using a variety of genre-based presets and save your own custom EQ settings. The app also offers you the option of activating the HearID hearing profile system, which can be used to compensate for any frequency losses. I didn't find it improved my sound enjoyment so I left it off.

The Liberty Air 2 Pro doesn't just block outside noise.

The Liberty Air 2 Pro have a richer and more punchy sound than the AirPods Pro, but they don't display the same extremely expansive soundstage as the Liberty 2 Pro. Even so, I think most people will really enjoy the Liberty Air 2 Pro sound.

Modes for noise reduction and transparency

Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 ProSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Liberty Air 2 Pro's ANC performance is solid. The most intrusive noises outdoors, such as traffic and construction, were effectively canceled out so I could hear podcast voices without having to turn up the volume. Unlike some cheaper ANC earbuds, there's a noticeable difference between ANC on and ANC off, which shows that the Liberty Air 2 Pro can do more than just block outside noise.

In the Soundcore app, you can activate four different ANC modes: Transport, Indoor, Outdoor or Custom – each with its own focus on different frequencies. The transparency setting has two modes: fully transparent and vocal mode.

I like the choices this gives you, but I have a feeling that most people will just choose transport and full transparency as these are the most noticeable differences.

The fully transparent mode lets in a good amount of sound, but isn't quite as clear as on more expensive ANC earbuds like the Jabra Elite 75t or 85t or the AirPods Pro.

When listening to music, the Liberty Air 2 Pro's ANC goes well with the AirPods Pro, but when the music is turned off, you'll find that the Liberty Air 2 Pro has a noticeable noise, unlike the AirPods Pro, which produces almost noticeable noise Noise shows an eerie cone of silence.

Battery life

Soundcore has a battery life of six hours when using ANC and seven hours when the device is switched off. The charging case brings these numbers to 21 or 26 hours. I didn't fully run the Liberty Air 2 Pro during these cycles, but after each listening session I checked the Soundcore app's battery gauge and found these claims to be spot on.

Those numbers are okay, but not exceptional. The AirPods Pro might not last as long on a single charge (4.5 hours with ANC), but their case extends that time to almost 24 hours.

The quick charge is fine, with 15 minutes in the case of an extension of the game time by three hours.

Call quality

The call quality on the Liberty Air 2 Pro is a mixed bag. The noise cancellation of the six microphones is impressive. Passing cars and even noisy trucks were almost completely undetected, and wind noise – often a challenge for earphones – was handled perfectly. However, that same noise cancellation also tends to muffle your voice, especially when those other noises are around.

You can still make your voice heard, but it's rarely a crystal clear experience for your callers.

It's great when you can hear yourself on a call while in transparency mode. However, unlike the AirPods Pro, you need to turn on transparency before you make or receive a call. Once you make a call, you cannot switch.

Our opinion

The Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro offers a really compelling alternative to AirPods Pro at a cheaper price.

Is there a better alternative?

If you are looking for a great set of noise canceling true wireless earbuds, the Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro is hard to beat at this price point. The two closest models are the $ 80 Earfun Air Pro and the $ 100 edifier TWS NB2.

I think the Liberty Air 2 Pro has better sound quality and ANC than these two models, and the Soundcore app has a ton of customization options for sound, controls, and ANC. They also offer wireless charging, which neither the Earfun nor the Edifier have. That means they have a slightly better battery life and the Earfun Air Pro has a bit more water resistance (IPX5 versus IPX4 for the Liberty Air 2 Pro). I think the Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro definitely justify their higher price.

How long will they last?

The Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro comes with an 18-month warranty and lifetime technical support that is above the industry average. They appear to be very well built, so I'm assuming at this price point they can be used just as well as many similar models. The sliding lid on the charging case could be a weak point over time, but so far I haven't seen any complaints about the Liberty 2 Pro using an identical design.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro offers great sound and a very good ANC at a price that is far below that of many comparable products.

Editor's recommendations




22 Jan
Blog

How can eating habits help prevent cancer

When it comes to your health You have to be careful what you eat. This is important because eating habits have a deep impact on your health. For example, if you have a habit of eating lots of junk foods like cheeseburgers, pizza, and more on a regular basis, you are definitely not healthy on the inside.

With this type of diet, you make your body very vulnerable to various life threatening diseases. There are many foods that actually help keep the body healthy, fit, and active at all times. In addition, with the help of a healthy diet, various deadly diseases such as various types of cancer can be prevented. There are many foods that are actually made up of cancer-fighting properties. We can't say that a particular food can help you stay away from a disease like cancer. However, eating a healthy and balanced diet high in vegetables, fruits, and vegetables can prove to be perfect for your health.

Various research conducted for cancer research by health experts around the world suggests that eating healthy foods that are largely of plant origin offers amazing benefits. Edibles like garlic, berries, and broccoli are said to be the superfoods that can help with cancer prevention. But if you or some of your loved ones have gotten stuck with this disease and want the best treatment, this is what you should look for best cancer hospital in delhi or at another place where the treatment should be carried out according to your wishes.

We have always heard that prevention is better than cure, and the same is true of cancer or other diseases that can be easily prevented with a healthy diet. You should always try to eat low-calorie, high-energy foods with phytochemicals and antioxidants to reduce the risk of cancer. There are many foods that can help prevent cancer in the body if you consume them regularly and in a balanced way.

Garlic makes you super healthy

The sulfur compounds found in garlic, which do not cause a bad smell, can help stop cancer-causing substances from growing in the body. A small but powerful ingredient, garlic fights bacteria that are responsible for colon cancer, esophageal cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and stomach cancer. So, consuming just a single clove of garlic daily can keep your body extremely healthy and prevent cancer from developing in the body. It can be said that garlic is extremely smelly, but it has immense health benefits. In addition to garlic, you can also add leeks and onions to your food preparations, as experts say they also help protect the body from stomach cancer.

Broccoli is loaded with phytochemicals

Believe it or not, all vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower are superfoods with phytochemical properties. These edible items release protective enzymes and the body also makes these enzymes and these are activated when broccoli is consumed. This is why broccoli is said to be the best source for keeping this protective enzyme called sulforaphane in the body.

These vegetables help detoxify the body's harmful components that build up from smoking and various other pollutants in the air that you unknowingly inhale. Therefore, to avoid the risk of cancer and stay healthy, it is high time you eat well. All vegetables that fall under this family are highly protected against different types of cancers like bladder cancer, oral cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and more.

Tomatoes are a great weapon for preventing prostate cancer

The red color of tomatoes acts as an amazing barrier that prevents prostate cancer from developing in the body. In addition to this, this magical food also helps keep any kind of heart disease away. Phytochemical lycopene is found in tomatoes, which makes this red color stand out. This enzyme works perfectly as a powerful antioxidant in the body. Various health experts say that starting a diet high in lycopene can lower your risk of developing prostate cancer.

To stay away from various types of cancer that can affect the body, it is highly recommended that you eat healthy and include the foods that will help you stay healthy inside. If you have already been diagnosed with cancer, you can still live a healthy life by getting treatment from expert doctors at the best cancer hospital in Delhi or elsewhere around the world.

22 Jan
Blog

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Review: 2021’s Best Galaxy S Phone

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Review Hand Shirt

"The only real flagship of the Galaxy S series of 2021 is the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which has exceptional capabilities, especially from the camera, at a lower price than its predecessor."

  • High performance, versatile camera

  • Nice AMOLED screen

  • Elegant new design

  • Long battery life

  • Latest software from Google and Samsung

  • The price is lower than last year

  • Shaky Wi-Fi connectivity

  • Intermittent loading issues

  • The top-heavy design affects the balance

  • No microSD card slot

As cute as the new design is, the Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21 + do not have the technical specifications that we expect from the top S-series phones from Samsung. To get that true S-series experience, you have to buy the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which is fully focused on performance, screen, camera and battery technology to please hardcore fans.

But at $ 1,200 that is Galaxy S21 Ultra This is a sizeable investment, certainly compared to the $ 800 Galaxy S21 already tested. In addition, it faces serious competition both on the outside – for example the iPhone 12 Pro Max – and on the inside (the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Fold 2).

I am one week in the time that I live with the S21 Ultra. So, consider this a very detailed early look rather than our final test at this point, but both myself and mobile editor Andrew Martonik will add our continued thoughts to this article over the phone over the coming weeks as we build our final review out.

But even after seven days, the extraordinary capabilities of the Galaxy S21 Ultra are clear, especially when it comes to the camera. The top Samsung S-series phone may be here earlier than usual, but there's no doubt that it has a lot going for it.

design

Yes, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is a big phone, but the dimensions and weight don't tell the full story. The thickness of 8.9 mm and the weight of 227 grams sound pretty normal for large smartphones these days. Placing them next to the S20 Ultra and the Note 20 Ultra actually takes up less space. This is deceptive, however, because it isn't as good as any of these phones or much of the competition, and it all has to do with the S21 Ultra's standout design feature – that large camera module – and its construction.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Instead of being a separate module on the back of the phone like the S20 Ultra, the S21 Ultra's massive camera array is part of the case itself, molded from metal and separated from the Gorilla Glass back. It's a different approach than most other smartphones and really gives the S21 Ultra a unique style – I especially like the “solid metal” design. It also looks a lot better than the S20 Ultra. However, all of this comes at the expense of balance.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Balance is important. This makes the phone feel natural in our hand and holds it securely in our grip. Since there is a large lump of metal with four camera sensors on one side of the S21 Ultra, the balance is easily disturbed. It's not a lot, but after a while you feel it. The 227g weight gets tiring after being held in portrait orientation for some time, especially with one hand. It's not the end of the world, but when the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra feels thinner, lighter, and more balanced in the hand, you know you are dealing with an animal.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Balance aside, the sides of the S21 Ultra are neatly curved and comfortable to grip, the volume and on / off buttons are well placed, there is no stupid Bixby button in the way, and the matte body is not covered in smudges or fingerprints . On this subject, my test model is in phantom black, a new color Samsung talked about extensively during the launch event. So is it worth the attention or is it just another black phone? The answer is that it is actually judged very well and is one of the best looking black surfaces you will see. With the ceramic black Oppo Find X2 Pro, it's just right for you.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The matte finish is broken up by a glossy Samsung logo and the chiseled polished metal that surrounds the camera module, as well as the reflective glass over each camera lens. I find it elegant and expensive. There are versions in lighter colors too, including some exclusive Samsung colors, but it really is one of the first times I can say that buying the black one is a good choice.

camera

As with the Galaxy S21 Ultra's dimensions, the camera's basic specs don't reflect what they look like in real life. The specification is as follows: A 108 megapixel camera includes a 12MP ultrawide, a 10MP 10x periscope zoom and a 10MP 3x telephoto zoom. Even with laser autofocus, optical image stabilization, 8K video recording, and many other features on paper, this is nothing we haven't seen before. In practice, however, its ability quickly makes it clear that while we've seen the specifications before, we haven't implemented them as effectively as Samsung did here.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Let's talk about the zoom. At 10x and 3x optical zoom levels, the results are often astonishing. The photos contain a variety of details that are not compromised by aggressive software enhancements. This results in crisp, sharp, colorful, and balanced images that you are happy to share. However, there are some problems. If you compare it to the Huawei P40 Pro, with which we received a high-performance 10x hybrid zoom in May 2020, you will find that the Huawei can capture far more realistic colors – and often in greater detail. However, the S21 Ultra is not as underexposed as the Huawei, so it is the more consistent camera at this zoom level.

Use the digital zoom outside of the optical settings and the quality will decrease compared to the optical levels. Compare the 2x optical zoom of the iPhone 12 Pro with the 2x digital zoom of the S21 Ultra. The results are very different. The Samsung phone blurs details and loses realism. Increase the S21 Ultra to 3x optically and compare it to the 2x zoom of the iPhone. They are very similar in detail and tone.

Aside from the 10x optical zoom, the good news is that the photos are mostly usable, and that includes up to 100x. Photos taken with the Galaxy S20 Ultra with a maximum of 100x zoom were ridiculously bad, but the S21 Ultra allows you to photograph a sign and it remains perfectly legible. At 30x, even photos of wild animals look good – divisible good – and it's a welcome surprise. If a business wants to add these relatively niche, long zoom features, they need to be usable and reside on the S21 Ultra.

How about photos in general? While the physical phone struggles with its balance, the photos generated by the camera don't. Gone are the days of Samsung's radioactive greens and constant azure skies being replaced with a more natural color palette and a beautiful HDR system that works hard to bring out masses of detail without ruining the surroundings or subject. It's not always 100% effective, but you actually have to make an effort to get it off track, and there are times when Samsung is typing again and making the skies better.

The S21 Ultra takes photos that are immediately pleasing to the eye, and that wasn't the case with the S20 Ultra. The Note 20 Ultra has improved over the S20, but the S21 Ultra goes way beyond either. I use it to take photos like I did with the iPhone 12 Pro – content where the results are great and I don't feel the need to review and retake the shot because I don't trust it. I've never had this much confidence in a Samsung camera.

I just haven't had enough time to try out all of the camera's functions as there are many. Here are a few that I've tried that can't be seen on other phones. In Pro mode for video there is a new BT Mix audio option that allows the phone to record audio from a Bluetooth source and from the phone itself, delivering natural ambient sound paired with commentary. I've tried this on a pair of Galaxy Buds Live and it's really very effective. I can see it is being welcomed by vloggers. The single take mode, in which the camera captures a variety of content from a short video, offers more choice and more effective artificial intelligence.

The S21 Ultra takes photos that are instantly engaging, and that wasn't the case with the S20 Ultra.

In Director's View, videos are recorded with all cameras at the same time, and you can choose which view is used at what time. It also adds a picture-in-picture view of the selfie camera for reactions and comments. It works well and switching between cameras is smooth and quick. However, I would have liked a full editing suite for this mode that would allow you to capture video from any camera at any time. Without this, you have to edit on the fly, with the end result being created on the go.

What else? Edge detection for portraits has been improved. Samsung dropped the old Live Focus name in favor of the more explanatory portrait name here. The selfie camera has a natural or light setting for better colors and the A.I.-controlled scene recognition works faster, as does the optional instructions for composing best shot scenes. On the other hand, 8K video is still a memory hog and meaningless to most people, despite being technically impressive.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Review and Note 20 Camera "Aria-Descriptionby =" Galerie-13-2617164

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Review and S20 Camera "Aria-Descriptionby =" Galerie-13-2617165

  • 1.
    Galaxy S21 Ultra with the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
  • 2.
    Galaxy S21 Ultra with the Galaxy S20 Ultra

I haven't done much research on the lowlight features yet. In the dark, the phone introduces noise as it compensates for the lack of light and, in situations with better lighting, often smooths out clouds and the surrounding area. I've been with the S21 Ultra's camera for less than a week and only a few hundred photos, but right now it's well on the way to being the best Samsung camera I've ever used and one of the best cameras out there there is moment.

Screen and performance

The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x screen supports a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels at 120 Hz, but can be switched to a lower resolution to extend the battery life. The refresh rate is adaptable and changes to the optimal setting depending on your activities. The screen supports HDR10 + and a whopping 1500 nits of brightness.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Unsurprisingly, it gets incredibly bright so I didn't feel the need to bring it far above half brightness. The high refresh rate is very effective, maybe even more effective than I've seen before. The text remains legible even when scrolling very quickly. I kept the resolution at the highest level for all of my time with the phone. Watching YouTube at 1440p produces very lifelike, extremely attractive content. For example, the Ghost Town Living videos are bright and colorful at this resolution, but it also highlights that the standard vivid screen mode enhances colors too much and switching to the natural setting is easier on the eyes in some situations.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The screen of the S21 Ultra has no pronounced curvature on the sides and is somewhere between the S20 Ultra and the Note 20 Ultra in this regard. It's far less curved than the Huawei P40 Pro. Swiping is convenient, but the phone's top-heavy nature means that swiping from the bottom of the screen really does require two hands to be safe.

Samsung added support for S Pen pens to the S21 Ultra, and I tested it with the pen on a Note 20 Ultra. The rejection of palms is correct, and it is easy and natural to write notes on the screen. However, the phone does not support the Bluetooth function of the S Pen of the Note 20 Ultra, so no additional functions such as the remote shutter button are available. There's also no way to stow the S-pen when it's not in use. So it is questionable how useful this feature will ever be. You can buy an ugly case for the S21 Ultra to hold the S-Pen if you are really set on having it.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I am using a Galaxy S21 Ultra with the Samsung Exynos 2100 processor which is used in the UK, Europe and parts of Asia. In the US, the phone uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor. Both have 12GB of RAM if you choose 128GB or 256GB of storage, or 16GB of RAM with 512GB of storage. Unfortunately there is no microSD card slot on the S21 Ultra. So choose it carefully here as this is all of the physical space you will have.

Oddly enough, Asphalt 9: Legends is not compatible with my Galaxy S21 Ultra at the time of writing, which robs me of my usual go-to game. Instead, I played Real Racing 3 and Crazy Taxi and saw no performance issues at all, as you would expect from a phone with this performance. It shook off every other task in the same way, and I'd be surprised if anything most people do on a phone taxed it.

Security and Connectivity

Samsung has finally upgraded the gruesome fingerprint sensor and not used the endlessly unreliable sensor found on the S10, Note 10, S20, and Note 20 phones. The new, larger ultrasonic sensor is an immediate improvement as it actually works when you want it to, and for the most part on the first try. It still needs some tweaking, and a software update has already improved it, but there is fast and reliable facial recognition for those times when things get messy. Unlocking your Samsung phone has never been easier.

Although the S21 Ultra has 5G, I don't have 5G coverage in my area so I couldn't judge its performance. 4G LTE connectivity was similar to other phones, but Wi-Fi wasn't entirely reliable. Both before and after a pre-release software update, the phone did not maintain a strong connection to my home WiFi even when it is near the router.

I ran into connection issues while watching YouTube videos as 1440p versions were constantly being buffered, but switching to 720p fixes the problem. They also occurred while downloading game data that got stuck or accidentally disconnected. I haven't experienced this with any other device, including the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. It's likely a software issue that should be fixed with an update that doesn't affect my colleague's phone. As such, this didn't affect the overall score and we notified Samsung of the problem.

software

My test S21 Ultra has Android 11 with the One UI 3.1 interface from Samsung and the installed Android security update from January 1st. A UI 3.1 is not that different from a UI 2. You still have the same big, bold icons and smooth transitions and the same overall reliability and minor annoyances. Visual changes are hard to spot – the PIN code entry screen has been redesigned with easy-to-use buttons and a blurry background, on-screen notification notifications are smaller and less intrusive, and the volume controls are larger.

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Choosing Samsung's power regulators is still annoying. The side button (according to Samsung no on / off button) activates Bixby and you access the power control via a software button in the notification shadow. Even then, the excellent Android 11 power menu with Google Pay and Smart Home controls won't appear – it's just the usual Samsung power and restart buttons. This is the default, and the functionality of the side button can be changed under Settings if that's what you're looking for.

Samsung Pay and Google Pay live side by side, but Samsung has removed the Magnetic Secure Transaction (MST) feature that was used to fool old payment terminals into stealing a physical card. Only useful in some regions of the world, its removal will surely frustrate some, but NFC – which the S21 Ultra supports for Google Pay – is so commonplace that most people haven't used MST at all.

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Samsung Daily, the useless swipe-in ​​panel of news and other nonsense that sits to the left of the home screen, has been replaced with a Samsung Free that apparently only focuses on news from the Upday service. It's terrible too, but can be replaced or turned off entirely with the slightly less terrible Google Discover page. Bixby is also on board. I'll say the speech recognition is very accurate, but I just can't find a reason to use it through the Google Assistant.

battery

The Galaxy S21 Ultra's battery performance assessment is just beginning, but the signs are good that the 5,000mAh cell will easily last a full day, or possibly two business days, with light use. It supports 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging and reverse charging.

This is how my initial use worked. Starting at 9 a.m. on a full battery, the S21 Ultra handled an hour of podcast streaming, some photos, general social and web usage, an hour of YouTube, some light games, and being connected to a smartwatch. It ended the night with around three and a half hours of screen time and 29% battery remaining. This corresponds to the battery life of a Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

There may be some differences in power consumption between the Exynos and Snapdragon S21 Ultra phones. Martonik, DT's mobile editor, uses a Snapdragon S21 Ultra and ended a day on 50% battery life in 15 hours, including two and a half hours of screen time.

The Galaxy S21 does not come with a charger. While I don't think this is a problem in itself, I've had some issues charging with third-party chargers. I charged the phone every night I used it. In three cases it was charged by about 20% and stopped. I only noticed that in the morning. I used a Google Pixel 4 charging block and cable. I will continue to monitor this and experiment with other chargers. Just like the Wi-Fi issue, it doesn't affect the review score and we have informed Samsung. This is likely an isolated issue as it does not affect my colleague's S21 Ultra.

Price and availability

The Galaxy S21 Ultra can now be pre-ordered. The delivery is expected to take place from January 27th. It is available through Samsung's own online store, Amazon and other retailers, as well as most network operators. The 128GB version is $ 1,200, the 256GB version is $ 1,250, and the 512GB version is $ 1,380. In the UK, the S21 Ultra costs £ 1,149 for the 128GB model, £ 1,199 for the 256GB model and £ 1,329 for the 512GB model.

Our opinion

Let's take this step at a time. The Galaxy S21 Ultra isn't the biggest phone out there, but it definitely feels that way. However, the new design and color choices are Samsung's best. The camera is versatile and extremely powerful. The processor offers more power than ever before. There are a few minor issues with software and connectivity, however. Samsung continues to strive to deliver a stunning screen, and the price is significantly lower than its predecessor. Last year, however, it became clear that you don't have to spend more than $ 1,000 to get a really great smartphone. The advantages still definitely outweigh the disadvantages.

The Galaxy S21 Ultra really wins when placed alongside the other Galaxy S21 smartphones. It's the only model that really looks and feels like an S-series flagship. Samsung's shift in product range and pricing structure means that the S21 Ultra is the only version for you if you really want to own the latest and greatest in the S series phone, by which we mean the best technology for the most stylish case. The very good news is that when you receive them you will not be disappointed.

Is there a better alternative?

The Galaxy S21 Ultra has two main competitors: the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. The iPhone is slightly cheaper, has a great camera, arguably more compact and easy to drill, and the software and long-term ownership experience are excellent.

The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra may have a slightly older processor, but you probably won't notice. The camera is not that powerful, but it still takes great photos. It's slimmer and more balanced, plus it comes with the S Pen pen, and there's a place to keep it too. It's also a lot cheaper than the S21 Ultra.

Both are strongly recommended. If you don't mind spending more money and want to stay with Samsung, then the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is excellent and will really turn heads with its foldable design. If you're looking to save a little money and prioritize the camera's capabilities, take a look at the iPhone 12 or the Google Pixel 5.

How long it will take?

If you get a two-year contract, the S21 Ultra will almost certainly still feel fresh in the end. There's no reason why it won't help you for another year.

If you handle the phone properly, it should be durable too. It is IP68 water and dust resistant, and the screen is covered in Gorilla Glass Victus, which is said to withstand damage from drops of up to six feet. We wouldn't put this to the test, but it does indicate that the screen can handle pocket and bag pulling in and out, and will survive general use without scratches building up.

The software installed at the time of writing is fully up to date with Android 11, OneUI 3.1, and the latest Android security update. Samsung recently committed to deliver three Android updates to various devices, including the S20 series. It is therefore to be expected that the S21 series will offer the same benefit. However, it is unknown when the updates will arrive on your phone after they are posted by Google.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It's the most advanced Android smartphone you can buy right now, and it makes decisive use of the high-level technology it contains.

Editor's recommendations




22 Jan
Blog

3 Essential Factors You Must Consider Before Buying A Disposable Mask

Face masks are an absolute necessity in today's world. Especially after the Covid-19 branched out, it has become necessary to wear a face mask in public spaces to stop the spread of the disease. There are several types of face masks, including the cloth mask and the disposable mask. Some people prefer to use the reusable mask to save on their expenses. However, this poses a major health risk if these masks are not properly cleaned after each use. After all, the main purpose of wearing a mask is to stop contamination. Repeatedly using the same mask without disinfecting a person will only increase the likelihood of contamination.

Hence, it is important to understand the importance of using a face mask before purchasing. The careful choice is to purchase disposable masks to stop disease contamination. To ensure the ultimate protection, manufacturers have developed a two-layer or multi-layer protection that prevents the respiratory droplets from moving. This makes the buying process more confusing as people often wonder which of these masks is right for them. So let's take some essential factors that you need to check before purchasing a mask for its use.

  1. Have a clear choice

The most common problem with purchasing a face mask is making a clear choice between disposable masks and reusable masks. Reusable masks usually consist of clothing with several layers of protection. It has removal filters that make the mask a safer choice. Some of these masks are simple strips that cover the face. However, reusable masks are not an ideal choice for everyone. Opting for a reusable mask is not an ideal choice, especially for food service employees. This is because the masks are the source of contamination if not properly cleaned. These topics are convincing enough to make people switch to disposable masks. Disposable masks are the best for every type of worker and pose no risk of contamination. However, there are numerous types of these masks, so users need to check other factors before finding face masks made in North America.

2. Choose the ideal ventilator

Basically, masks prevent the droplets in the air from coming into contact with others. This means that the masks are designed to protect others rather than protecting the wearer. It is recommended to prevent contamination of the disease. It covers the wearer to some extent, but protects them completely, and one must also choose the ideal respirator. Respirators can prevent airborne droplets from being inhaled. Thus, it protects the wearer from all harmful particles in the air. There are mainly two different types of respirators. This includes the N95 respirator and the K95 respirator. Let's look at these:

  • N95 breathing mask: The N95 respirators are widely used by health professionals who need top-notch protection as they work closely with patients. According to experts, these masks should only be used for patient care. These masks are tight fitting and have high filtration, which makes them safer than regular masks. It can filter out almost 95% of the particulate matter in the air, which can be harmful to a person's health. However, the ventilator must be discarded after each use to prevent the disease from spreading.
  • K95: K95 is similar to the N95 respirator used as a PPE kit. However, sometimes people have problems with mask fitting. So this needs to be checked before buying. Several protective layers are available within this mask, which also protect 95% of the particles in the air.

3. Choose the right type

Choosing the ideal type of face mask is important in preventing the spread of disease. Most people are unaware of the use of a mask and tend to make the wrong decisions when purchasing one. The best and most prudent choice would be to purchase surgical masks made from single-use materials. In general, these masks were used by health care workers who were in close contact with the affected patients. Now these masks are available to ordinary people to help stop the spread of the disease. These masks have the ability to protect people as they have a thick protective layer. However, the fittings must be properly checked before purchasing the mask. This is because sometimes the masks do not adjust as desired. However, it is important to follow best practices when wearing masks to ensure safety. These practices include washing your hands with a disinfectant, inspecting the mask for holes or tears, and placing the mask over your nose and mouth.

22 Jan
Blog

Samsung Galaxy S21 Review: Cameras, Battery, and Performance

"The Galaxy S21 makes a wise bet on value with a lower starting price, but feels stuck in 2020. A good phone, but not a particularly exciting one."

  • Smooth and colorful hardware

  • Excellent advertisement

  • Improved fingerprint sensor

  • Lower price translates into great value

  • Plastic back on base S21

  • No 2021 flagship camera experience

  • Galaxy S21 + disappointing value at $ 1,000

When Samsung introduced the Galaxy S21, it took an incredibly rare step in the high-end smartphone space: it cut its prices. The Galaxy S21 series is cheaper across the board for $ 200 than the introductory prices of the Galaxy S20 phones. Given that sales of the Galaxy S20 were significantly lower than the S9 and S10, and that 2021 may not be as economically stable as originally hoped, this seems like the right move.

Samsung isn't taking this move for charity, however – it is cutting the price down hopefully to increase sales and making big bucks on every phone sold regardless of that. The reality of these prices is that the Galaxy S21 and S21 + are not full upgrades from the S20-series phones they've replaced – and that smartphone enthusiasts are scratching their heads.

At first glance, there is no reason for anyone with a Galaxy S20 to consider buying an S21. Samsung knew this for sure, considering the vast majority of people update their phone every two years at the earliest. For this reason. I'm not going to come to terms with how the Galaxy S21 is better than its predecessor – what matters is the assessment of whether the Galaxy S21 can stand on its own as a good phone for the money in 2021.

I have to note that this review focuses on the base Galaxy S21 that I've been using for a week. Much of my experience can also be applied to the Galaxy S21 +, which I've spent less time with but which has the exact same platform and which is simply bigger. Since the Galaxy S21 Ultra has so much going for it that is quite different from the S21 and S21 +, we have a full separate review of this phone.

Hardware, design and display

The design of a modern smartphone is so strongly influenced by the limitations that an incredible number of complex components – processors, a large battery, antennas, speakers and several cameras – fit into one another. This leaves us with phones that look roughly 90% identical on the market. The final 10% includes material choices, camera pod design, color choices, and tiny differences in the details of the surface. The Galaxy S21 looks absolutely different from the Galaxy S20, but honestly if you covered the new rear view camera pod it would look … like an S20 again.

Samsung Galaxy S21 colorsAndrew Martonik / Digital Trends

However, there are still nuances to appreciate here. The shiny metal frame looks and feels great. I like the way the camera pod is integrated into this frame – it's sleek and distinctive. My review unit is particularly impressive in the gold and purple colors, but it's not what I would choose. Thankfully the entire color palette is superb. Interestingly, it's the base S21 that has the widest range of color options, although the S21 + has a nice set of three to choose from.

I wouldn't call the S21 a "compact" phone, but it's refreshingly small compared to the S21 + and S21 Ultra. It's almost identical to the S20 and just a bit bigger than the iPhone 12 and Google Pixel 5. My larger-than-average hands wrap around the S21 with ease, and it's not a burden in my pocket. The story is different with the S21 +: it's a typical modern large phone that's 10mm taller, 4mm wider, and 18% heavier than the S21.

I appreciate the switch from Samsung to a matte back that is finally bringing the shiny (aka greasy and stained) back to rest of the old days. It is controversial that the Galaxy S21 uses a plastic back – yes, on an $ 800 phone. This is the same material we saw on the Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy S20 FE, and it's an effective cost-cutting measure. From a distance, it looks identical to matte glass, but with a single touch of a button you know it's plastic.

From a practical point of view, I get it. It's cheaper, more damage-resistant than glass, and makes the phone lighter and easier to use. It's an $ 800 phone from a futile point of view, and it's absurd not to get quality materials. Using a case is likely to have the biggest impact on whether this bothers you – I just don't like how this phone feels without a case.

From a distance, it looks identical to matte glass, but with a single touch of a button you know it's plastic.

If the bigger Galaxy S21 + is faster, then this plastic conversation can be ignored – Samsung put Gorilla Glass Victus glass on the back of the larger model. It feels a lot better, which is around the price – and it should be, as the S21 + is $ 1000.

Although the Galaxy S21 has a smaller display than the Galaxy S21 Ultra (and the Note 20 Ultra) on paper, anyone would be incredibly excited to see it every day. Yes, it's "only" 1080p, but it doesn't matter. What is more important is that it is incredibly bright, clear, colorful, and has great angles. Samsung has also added a variable refresh rate that dynamically switches from 48 Hz to 120 Hz to keep everything as smooth as possible – while conserving battery life. Samsung is once again the king of mobile displays.

The new fingerprint sensor in the display is also remarkable. This is the Qualcomm second generation ultrasound machine. It's significantly bigger and faster than before – though that doesn't say much since the Galaxy S and Note phones have had a bad sensor for the past two years. Even so, we're cutting-edge in terms of the responsiveness of the sensors and unlike previous phones, I didn't get mad at tricky false negatives. How refreshing!

Performance, software and battery life

As is usually the case, a month ago Samsung rolled out the software update for Android 11 + One UI 3 on the Galaxy S and Note phones last year. Nothing has changed here, although I have to say this software is great – as long as you like Samsung's approach to Android. I still prefer the Google version on the Pixels, but I feel at home on a UI too.

This is a neutral, good looking interface with lots of nifty animations and subtle color uses. A UI still requires a significant amount of tweaking and tweaking to get set up the way you want – in terms of the multitude of settings, the default settings that need to be changed, and the duplicate apps that need to be managed. The fact that you can tweak so much is great, but it can be overwhelming at first.

Samsung Galaxy S21Andrew Martonik / Digital Trends

The Galaxy S21 uses the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset (or Samsung's internationally comparable Exynos 2100 chipset) and surprisingly offers exceptional performance. While I "only" had 8GB of RAM, I never had a single hiccup while multitasking or gaming, which shouldn't come as a surprise given the processing and graphics power of the 888.

The Galaxy S21 only has average battery life, but the S21 + should be significantly better.

With an unchanged 4000 mAh battery, it's not surprising that the S21 is just average in the battery life division. I did it every day without a charge but didn't leave a ton behind when I went to bed – between 15% and 25%. My usual day with 3 to 4 hours of on-screen viewing and no heavy use like 8K video recording or gaming got me familiar with the battery – but anything heavier, like a day of travel, probably takes an afternoon. above. This new variable refresh rate display and more efficient chipset save some battery, but don't make a big difference.

The Galaxy S21 + should shine here with its 4800 mAh battery. Given that everything else about the phone's functions is identical to the S21 and only a slightly larger display is available for power supply (with exactly the same resolution and refresh rate), I would expect a direct 20% increase in lifespan here. Based on my experience with the S21 Ultra, which has a 5000 mAh battery and a more power-hungry screen, but has a comparatively long battery life, I expect the S21 + to perform well.

Samsung is clearly happy with the charging speed as things haven't improved from the last generation. Although some models briefly flirt with 45W fast charging, the S21 series opted for 25W cable charging. This is paired with 15W wireless charging (assuming you can find a compatible charger) as well as reverse wireless charging for earbuds and smartwatches. So yeah, it's the same as before – that's enough for what we actually need, but it doesn't get things moving either.

Cameras

What Samsung did, or didn't do in this case, with the Galaxy S21 cameras is drawing the ire of smartphone enthusiasts. The camera system is, in simple terms, the same as the Galaxy S20 phones. Samsung claimed the S20's sensors and lenses had been changed so subtly, but there's no doubt that this setup is almost identical to the previous one. This means that a 12-megapixel main, a 12-megapixel ultrawide and a 64-megapixel zoom camera are grouped on the back.

Samsung claims that improvements in the ISP (image signal processor) of the new chipset combined with new processing software make better use of the raw data collected by these sensors. In practice I experienced an intense déjà vu – the Galaxy S21 takes photos more or less exactly like the S20, for better and for worse.

In general, the Galaxy S21 takes impressive photos. You get great colors and clarity from shot to shot, and Samsung's processing changes seem to have subtly reduced the overly warm and blown out HDR footage of the S20 series. These are still very punchy and bright shots as you would expect from a Samsung camera, but people generally seem to appreciate that. In good lighting, the S21 produced the shot I was expecting most of the time – and that goes for all three cameras as long as you don't try to zoom in past 3x. All of Samsung's claims about zoom quality in the S21 series lie in the S21 Ultra.

The S21 only shows its age in difficult lighting conditions. When the lights go out, the zoom camera becomes unusable – the phone quickly switches to a digital zoom on the main camera instead. The ultrawide sticks a little longer, but the quality also degrades in low light. With night mode turned on, you get solid, but not spectacular, main camera footage. S21 shots in low light are characterized by mottled, overprocessed grain and soft lines, with the sky being regularly over-brightened in landscape shots. Often times, the subject of your shot will look good, but the darker parts of the picture will be completely washed out. This is a complete step up from what the Google Pixel 5, iPhone 12, and Galaxy S21 Ultra can do in low light.

Where the S21 shows its age most is in the 10MP front camera. This is just … not a great camera right now. It's fine in daylight. Especially if you turn off the face smoothing beauty mode. And Samsung actually offers you the option of choosing between "normal" and "bright" selfies! The detail is seriously lacking, however – and in low light the camera is only useful for creating watercolor images of a scene.

As much as I get into photography, I don't put more than a toe into videography. Even so, I was happy with the video capabilities of the S21, which were mostly shot at 4K 60 and 4K 30, with the video being fluid, stable, and colorful. I also didn't see focus chase or frames dropped which is always a relief. The S21 can shoot 8K at 24 frames per second (fps), but the viewfinder is severely cropped, which is a bit irritating, and 24 fps just doesn't offer the silky smooth look most people want right now.

Most of the camera experience is solid, but at night you will be reminded that this is not a 2021 level camera.

The biggest criticisms of the S20's camera were poor indoor performance and sometimes uncomfortable processing of people's faces. The S21 still struggles with the former – indoor shots quickly become soft and overworked when the lighting isn't optimal, which isn't surprising given the size of the sensors. Samsung specifically pointed out the face processing in its announcement, but I didn't see any dramatic improvement either – even with beauty modes turned off, the excessive smoothing lacks detail in the faces compared to the Pixel 5 and iPhone 12. Once again, the problem is compounded by bad ones Exacerbated lighting conditions in which the overall camera tends to over-smooth textures.

It feels like I'm tough given the price, but it's reasonable to hold one Galaxy S. to a higher standard.

It feels like I'm overly tough with this camera given the S21's lower starting price, but it's reasonable to keep a phone named "Galaxy S" of a high standard. These cameras are good, but not significantly better than those on last year's S20 phones, and that's tough to work with. If not on the $ 800 Galaxy S21, then absolutely on the $ 1000 Galaxy S21 +.

The top-end S21 Ultra model has significant camera changes, but we'll cover those in the full review of this phone. Stay tuned.

Our opinion

The Galaxy S21 is a good phone, it's just not particularly desirable or exciting. You can argue about the decision to use a plastic back or remove the SD card slot, but even with those two choices, there is nothing wrong with the Galaxy S21. The biggest problem with the S21 is that it doesn't move the needle. It doesn't push things. And that's a first for the Galaxy S line.

The redemption is associated with the price. The Galaxy S21, with its name and predisposed idea of ​​what it should offer, is a really good value at $ 799. Aside from plastic, this is a strong bang for the buck. Samsung doesn't skimp on specs, the display is excellent, and the useful functions related to the experience are all here. The performance, software, and even battery life are all good. At this price point, you can even be forgiving of some of the shortcomings that haven't been addressed with the cameras from last year.

The equation changes a bit with the Galaxy S21 +. Obviously, the bigger screen, longer battery life, and glass back are pluses that justify the price hike to $ 999. At this price point, you just can't forgive the camera quality, and it's reasonable to expect more for your money.

How you view the Galaxy S21 and S21 + depends a lot on your current phone and how price conscious you are. Anyone upgrading from a phone two year old or older will see a lot of value here and will be especially happy with the display and speed of the experience. But smartphone fans, special nerds and avid photographers will be absolutely better off with another phone – maybe Samsung's own Galaxy S21 Ultra.

Are there any better alternatives?

If you look at the base Galaxy S21, Samsung's own Galaxy S20 FE is worth considering. For $ 600, it offers the same core experience. The processor isn't as fast and the camera isn't quite as good, but the everyday experience is basically the same – including the plastic back.

The biggest competitor for the larger S21 + is its direct predecessor, the Galaxy S20 +. Samsung sourced the S20 + from Amazon, Best Buy, and its own store, but assuming you can find new / old inventory, there are likely to be deep discounts. Ultimately, it's very similar to the S21 +, although the newer phone has fresh hardware and a nice, variable refresh rate display. Given that, you might not care if the nearly identical S20 + is available at a discount.

The elephant in the room is natural the iPhone 12This corresponds to the price of the S21 and is directly comparable in size, camera and functions. Very few people compare Androids and iPhones in any given upgrade cycle. So this isn't as big a factor as the nerds would lead you to believe. Choose an operating system (and ecosystem) first, then choose the phone – one of them is a good choice.

How long it will take?

You shouldn't have a problem with the Galaxy S21 for three years. This metal frame is sturdy, the plastic back is unlikely to crack like a glass jar, and water resistance means it is unlikely to get fried in an accident. Samsung is also committing to three years of software updates for its high-end phones.

Should you buy it?

Yes, for most people. If you've come from an older phone and are looking for a flagship phone without spending a lot of money, the S21 is a great choice. If you've got a newer phone or are looking for the best that Samsung has to offer, you'll need to upgrade to the S21 Ultra.

Editor's recommendations




21 Jan
Blog

Normal Skin: The Ultimate Guide & Skin Care Routine

Normal skin is best defined as what it is not: neither oily nor dry, rarely sensitive and not particularly problematic. With a complexion like this, you may tend to just let it be. Why play with perfection, right? Not correct. Normal skin also needs a little love and attention. Read on to find out all about your normal skin type and how to care for it properly.

What is "normal" skin?

Skin is generally classified as "normal" if it is not excessive oily or dry and has no persistent skin problems or conditions. This balanced, healthy skin type has even levels of moisture and moisture, even texture, and no obvious problem areas (in other words, you hit the skin care jackpot). Even so, normal skin can experience slight fluctuations in oiliness and dryness – and even the occasional breakout – when exposed to environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution.

Skin types infographic

Balanced oil production

A healthy balance of oil and water makes normal skin feel even and balanced. It can simply do its job: be a barrier, eliminator, regenerator and absorber. When you have that healthy skin type, all you need to do is maintain a great one Skin care routine that we're going to unwrap below.

Hardly visible pores

Your pores are obviously not large (which would be a sign of oily skin) – in fact, they are barely noticeable. Lucky you!

Cleaning feels good

Whether you use a foaming cleanser, balm, or even an oil cleanser, your skin will always feel clean and calm. Overall, your healthy skin doesn't feel tight, dry, or tender.

Minor breakouts

You rarely experience Outbreaks. If you do, it can usually be attributed to neglecting your skin care routine and forgetting to remove makeup and sunscreen or hormonal fluctuations (such as your period).

Minimal sensitivity

They don't respond to new skin care products or ingredients. Your skin tone is even and smooth.

After you determine that your The skin type is a normal skin type. How to take care of your complexion so that it continues to perform at its best.

Important steps in maintaining healthy skin

Normal skin may not have any obvious problems, but it does require proper care to stay healthy and youthful. Caring for normal skin is a three-step process: treat immediate problems, maintain your skin's health, and protect your skin from future damage.

To treat

Treat your skin according to the needs of the moment. You can make minor adjustments to your skin care regimen to combat intermittent dryness or greasiness and to combat that weird dark spot or blemish. Do you feel dry? Swap your lightweight moisturizer for a richer formula. Show up flaws? Add a spot treatment to your nightly routine. Pick products that you can easily incorporate into your skin care routine so you can make those quick decisions at game time.

Care for

No immediate skin problems or conditions? Normal skin types likely don't need to focus on skin problems like acne or hyperpigmentation. But you're not off the hook yet. Even Normal skin requires the right care to maintain its healthy glow. You can focus your energies on maintaining the happy, healthy-looking complexion you already have. For example, a spa facial is still a great way to avoid potential skin problems and improve your glowing complexion. You can talk to your beautician about the Blueberry Detox Firming Peel, a professional treatment that combines blueberry, raspberry and blackberry juices, as well as pineapple extract, to refresh the skin. Your esthetician will also recommend a range of home products to help maintain skin health and appearance. If you can't make it to a spa, we've put together a skin care routine that you can do at home below.

Protect

The key to maintaining the health of your skin is protecting it from drying out from environmental stressors. UV rays, blue light and pollution expose the skin to free radicals – unstable and highly reactive molecules that damage otherwise healthy cells. Over time, cumulative exposure leads to premature aging and the development of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. You can protect your skin by minimizing sun exposure, adjusting your lifestyle, and adding sun protection and antioxidant-rich products to your skin care routine.

Normal skin care

Part of having normal and healthy skin is choosing the right products. Here is what Eminence Organics Product supervisor and certified beautician Alicia Hawthorne recommends for normal skin care:

1. Cleaner

For normal skin, Alicia says that "the choice of cleanser has more to do with preference, as normal skin type can handle a gel, cream or oil cleanser well." Her tips are:

Gel cleaner: Stone Crop Gel Wash
These A gentle gel cleanser washes away impurities without removing moisture from the skin. Stone harvest, chamomile and shea butter work together to hydrate, brighten and balance the complexion.

Cream cleaner: lemon cleaner
If your normal skin is occasionally dry, try a cream cleanser. Our Lemon Cleanser contains lemon and herbal oils that moisturize, tighten and soften the skin.

Oil cleaner: Stone Crop Cleansing Oil
For normal to oily complexions, try an oil-based cleanser like Eminence Organics Stone fruit cleaning oil. This non-greasy cleansing oil removes impurities and excess oil for a fresh complexion. Here's a video on how to add a cleansing oil to your skin care regimen:

(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIWjfMjWcgo (/ embed)

2. Toner

Cleansing and toning work together like shampoo and conditioner: Toning completes the cleansing process by providing moisture, moisture and essential nutrients to keep your skin as healthy as possible. For normal skin, try a moisturizing face mist like the Stone Crop Hydrating Mist, which uses stone fruit juice to keep the skin clean, fresh and moist all day long. The other main ingredient, lavender, promotes skin restoration and contributes to the appearance of easily irritated skin.

3. Peeling

Try the rice powder based one Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant to absorb oil and remove dead skin cells for a radiant look. The strawberry ingredient helps with cleansing, while salicylic acid gently exfoliates scrubs and removes impurities to lighten the appearance of your skin and reduce the appearance of pores. Rhubarb is a good source of ascorbic acid and vitamins to help fight the appearance of wrinkles, while lactic acid sheds dead skin cells to improve skin texture.

4. Mask

Our Stone Crop Masque contains moisturizing stones that have been used by herbalists for centuries to smooth and tighten the appearance of the skin. This gel mask contains our BioComplex formulation, a booster of antioxidants, coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve the overall appearance of your skin. All you have to do is apply a small amount and leave it on for 5-10 minutes.

5. Serum

Protect your complexion from the onset of drying environmental stress by adding an antioxidant-rich serum to your daily skin care routine. Alicia's Tips: Eminence Organics Citrus & Kale Potent C + E Serum and the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum. Even with normal skin, you may want to minimize the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles. This is exactly why the Citrus & Kale Potent C + E Serum was developed, which helps the skin to appear firm and plump. To ensure that your skin stays hydrated, the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum supports skin that has been dried out from cold weather. Have the serum ready and apply a thin layer a few times a day (no more than three). You should be sure that it contains healthy and natural ingredients like strawberry, rhubarb and honey.

6. Moisturizer

All skin types need moisture to stay soft, supple and protected. Moisturizing supports the skin's natural lipid barrier and helps it retain water better and ward off external irritants and stress factors. Again, the consistency you choose depends on preferences:

Light: Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer
The Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer contains mangosteen, an antioxidant-rich superfruit that improves the appearance of the skin and minimizes the appearance of environmental stress. This moisturizing formula also minimizes the appearance of large pores. The formula starts as a wet gel and then melts beautifully into the skin for a smooth, matte finish.

Medium: Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream
If you prefer a medium consistency, reach for that Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream. This daily moisturizer contains an exclusive peptide lighting complex that makes the skin appear smooth and firm.

Rich: Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer
For a richer cream, Alicia recommends ours Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer. This moisturizing cream is enriched with coconut oil, a natural retinol alternative and PhytoCellTec ™ Swiss Green Apple stem cells and firms, fills and tightens the appearance of the skin.

SPF moisturizer
To reduce your risk of skin cancer and keep your skin healthy, it's important to put on a sunscreen or SPF moisturizer every day, preferably one with an SPF factor of at least 30. The Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40 is a lightweight, all-in-one daily moisturizer that improves the appearance of skin exposed to blue light stress and pollution.

7. Eye cream

Alicia tells us, “Everyone should wear eye cream! The Wild Plum Eye Cream would be a fabulous choice for normal skin. It's high in vitamin K (from iron-rich wild plums) to help reduce the appearance of dark circles. "

8. Face oils

Face oils can be used before or after moisturizers, depending on the skin care products you use. If you prefer, facial oils can be applied to pre-moisturize your skin, or you might want to leave this step until the last time to allow the facial oil to penetrate your skin through the moisturizer. The third option is to mix your oil with your moisturizer. Choose the method that works best for your skin and give it a try Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil. This luxurious face oil contains the highly moisturizing camellia oil, which revitalizes and rejuvenates the appearance of the skin. This oil makes the complexion soft and supple.

Trust us: Even normal skin types can benefit from a skin care regimen, and your favorite facial doctor can help you choose the best products. Visit our Spa locator to find your nearest Eminence Organics Spa partner.

Do you think you have a "normal" complexion? We'd love to hear how you take care of your skin's needs! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on social media.

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