17 Apr
Blog

Google Nest Mini Review: Even Faster, Even Smarter

nest mini review 2 google 2nd gen feat

Nest Mini (2nd generation)

"Google's Nest Mini makes an already good device even better and remains the first choice among affordable smart speakers."

  • Fast answers

  • Adjusts the sound based on background noise

  • Environmentally friendly materials

  • Affordable price

  • The maximum volume could be louder

  • Same look as the previous model

This review was updated by Digital Trends editor John Velasco on 04/16/2020.

The Nest Mini (2nd generation) is the newest mini speaker from Google. The Nest Mini was released on October 22, 2019 and offers a number of improvements, including: B. better sound, faster processing and much more to offer the user a better experience than its predecessor.

We tested the Nest Mini to see how it can compete with the rest of the pint-sized smart speaker pack. Here is our full review of the Nest Mini (2nd generation).

Try these new features

wash your hands

It is more important than ever to make sure that you wash your hands properly, especially if the pandemic continues to spread. The Nest Mini offers a brand new feature to help children. They just say "Hey Google, help me wash my hands" and a melody will play from there for 20 seconds to give you a reasonable amount of time to wash your hands.

Find your keys

Isn't it annoying if you've left your keys somewhere at home while you're late for an appointment? With Google Nest Mini, you can track them down using any of Tile's Bluetooth trackers. To track them down, just say, "Hey Google, where are my keys?" From there, Google Assistant reports the last known location.

Stay up to date on COVID-19 news

Getting the latest news about the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic can be life-saving. For this reason, you can get the latest news about the situation by saying, "Hey Google, tell me the latest corona virus news." Google Assistant will then play sound bits from reliable sources.

Same look, but only a few design improvements

The Nest Mini looks almost identical to the Google Home Mini. It is 1.65 inches tall and 3.85 inches in diameter. It has a fabric design and the same rounded shape. The Nest Mini is available in four colors: chalk, charcoal, coral and a new sky color. We received the chalk color for our evaluation.

Google Nest Mini on the tableJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

The new Mini has some design improvements over its predecessor. Although you may not notice a big difference at first glance, the differences become clearer during the setup process. For example, on the back of the device there is a small cut-out for a screw that you can use to attach it to a wall. The upper part of the Nest Mini fabric is made from 100 percent recycled plastic, while the outer casing is made from at least 35 percent recycled post-consumer plastic. The Nest Mini is slightly heavier than the Home Mini (181 grams vs. 173 grams), and you can feel the quality of the craftsmanship when you hold the Nest Mini in your hand.

Key controls, sensors and connections

The Mini is powered by a 15 watt power supply connected to a DC jack. This is a change from the Mini standard Micro USB connector. Even though it would have been ideal to purchase USB Type C, since the Nest Mini is unlikely to move around frequently, Google is perfectly fine with choosing a proprietary connection. There is no 3.5mm audio jack to connect an external speaker, but Bluetooth support.

Erika Rawes / Digital Trends

The Mini also has a side microphone off slider on the side, so you can turn the microphone off at any time. The volume controls are capacitive touch buttons, but are now on the sides of the device – with associated embedded LEDs to indicate their placement. If you touch each side of the device, the volume will increase or decrease.

However, manual control of the volume is not necessary with the Nest Mini, as the device automatically adjusts the volume to the background noise in the room. We noticed that the Nest Mini produced louder music and reactions during many conversations or when playing television than when the room was completely quiet.

Better sound, but if you put it next to the Echo Dot …

The Nest Mini has a 360-degree sound and the same speaker driver (40 mm) as the Home Mini. With the Nest Mini, however, Google has updated the audio tuning software to improve the sound quality. It is said to have a bass twice as strong without affecting the sound quality.

Google Nest Mini on ledgeJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

When we heard the same songs in full volume on the Nest Mini and on the Echo Dot 3rd generation (with a 1.6-inch driver), there was no doubt that the Echo Dot 3rd generation had a louder sound and had a stronger bass. However, the sound of the Nest Mini was clearer and we could hear every level of music – clear midtones, high notes and bass.

When it comes to speech recognition, the Nest Mini is top notch. It hears commands even in the loudest situations and we believe it outperforms the Echo Dot 3 in this area, although the Dot has four far-field microphones and the Nest Mini only three.

A faster assistant

Google has expanded Nest Mini with a machine learning chip with up to a TeraOPS computing power, with which the device can process commands locally. We absolutely noticed a difference in the response time and quality of the Mini's responses.

Google Nest Mini on the wallJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

It quickly answers certain questions such as "How much does it cost to remodel my kitchen?" And then listen and answer immediately the following questions such as "How long does it take to renovate my kitchen?". The answers are becoming more useful and more detailed.

A feature-rich device

Google is adding more and more features to its home devices. The Nest Mini can make free calls using Google Duo (it basically acts as a home phone) and you can use it as an intercom to call other Google / Nest speakers at home. In addition, you can use the stream transmission and transfer content (music, podcasts, etc.) with your voice from your Mini to other compatible devices. Google Nest speakers can now control more than 30,000 different smart home devices. You can let the Nest Mini speak multiple languages ​​and more.

Our opinion

We were somewhat surprised that Google waited so long to update its mini speaker, but didn't make any drastic changes to the overall appearance of the device. This is partly because they didn't want to fix what wasn't broken. Google made changes to the Mini only when needed to maintain the affordable price without compromising on design quality.

Is there a better alternative?

It depends on whether. Some people may prefer the Echo Dot 3rd generation (retail for $ 50) or the Echo Dot 3rd generation with LED clock (retail for $ 60) simply because of them prefer the Amazon Assistant, Alexa, or the Amazon Alexa app. Some people think that the Google Home app is not as intuitive and user-friendly as the Alexa app. Amazon's Echo Dot speakers also have a 3.5mm audio output jack, while the Nest Mini doesn't.

The Nest Mini now offers a faster and smarter assistant. Yes, the Echo Dot offers a slightly better app and more options (more speaker selection, better compatibility with smart home products, compatibility with Apple Music, etc.), but the Nest Mini still has a lot to offer for those who like Google Home devices . It's also available online for $ 29, making it a better buy than its predecessor, the Google Home Mini for $ 39.

Do you want more options? Check out our favorite 2019 smart speakers.

How long it will take?

Longevity and longevity are areas where Google Nest speakers are typically successful. In the past, Google routinely makes important updates to its assistant than to its smart speakers. In this way, customers can be sure that their devices are not immediately out of date, as they will be replaced with an updated version a few months later.

Should you buy it

Yes. If you're looking for a powerful, fast, and attractive smart speaker at an affordable price, you won't be disappointed with the Nest Mini.

Editor's recommendations




16 Apr
Blog

Motorola Moto G Stylus review: An A-OK Stylus On A Budget

Moto G stylus

Motorola Moto G Stylus Review: Play on a stylus

"The Moto G Stylus has a niche function and cannot make a profit from it."

  • Attractive 6.4-inch display

  • Solid battery life

  • Rounded performance

  • Long lasting, expensive feeling

  • Heavy and thick

  • Action camera is a miss

  • The pen is not often useful

The smartphone arena has become a cruel battlefield. Buyers have chosen a set of preferences that don't offer much room for differentiation. Budget phones that are plagued by low prices find it particularly difficult to stand out. Motorola's two new phones, the Moto G Stylus and Moto G Power, solve this problem by going to the extreme.

While the Moto G Power is in a massive battery, the Moto G stylus that is the subject of this review adds something that you won't find anywhere else. Obviously a pen.

A pen is of course not the new sharpness. The Galaxy Note line has long positioned itself as a brand for stylus super fans. However, the Moto G stylus combines the stylus with an unusual feature – a low price. The phone costs $ 300. This gives you 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal memory (MicroSD cards with up to 512 GB can further upgrade the memory). This is the only version available.

Does the Moto G Stylus make sense or does it feel more like a gimmick? Here is the ball.

Design and display

Motorola attached great importance to its unusual design sensibility, which included the option to customize the appearance and color ex works for certain cell phones. However, you will find no evidence of this. The Moto G Stylus wants passers-by to think it's a more expensive device. It is sleek and elegant, with a glossy plastic back that gives an appropriate impression of glass.

The G stylus weighs 6.77 ounces and is 0.36 inches thick. This makes it heavier and thicker than some of its competitors. The Moto G7 Play is 0.31 inches thick and weighs only 5.3 ounces. The Samsung Galaxy A50 is only 0.3 inches thick and weighs about 5.9 ounces (its replacement, the Galaxy A51, is similar). The G Stylus is slightly lighter and thinner than the G Power, and the difference is noticeable, but the G Stylus is still a powerful device.

This adds a feeling of quality and durability that is not often found on inexpensive phones. However, weight can be a problem. I noticed it most when I lay down on my sofa or read articles in bed. After a short time, my arm began to tire and the phone felt ready to slide onto my chin as soon as I loosened my grip.

Moto G Power / Stylus displayMoto G Power (from left) and G Stylus Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

The weight and volume of the phone are shared between the pen and the battery. The pen is not massive, but slides into the phone when not in use and takes up valuable space. The battery is contained in a 4,000 mAh device. This is rather large and can add weight to the phone. However, some alternatives have a battery that is at least as large or larger.

A fingerprint reader for secure login is included. It is fast and rarely cannot read a fingerprint like I am used to from similar readers on other devices. NFC is not here. That means the phone is not compatible with Google Pay.

On the front of the Moto G stylus is a 6.4-inch IPS LCD touchscreen with a resolution of 2,300 x 1,080. It is an attractive, sharp display with vivid colors. The backlight is bright enough to use the phone on a sunny day. It's better than most budget phones, but Samsung's OLED displays, available in budget options like the Samsung Galaxy A series, offer better contrast.

The screen is surrounded by relatively thin bezels. Flagship phones have sleeker frames, but frankly, I'm not convinced that the difference matters. I think most buyers will be impressed with the Moto G stylus display. It's a massive upgrade from what a budget phone could offer a few years ago and very close to what you would see on a flagship phone.

Use the pen

Motorola's 2020 lineup clearly hopes to define itself as more than a low price. With the G Stylus, the heading function is exactly in the name. The phone comes with a stylus that snaps into the body of the device.

This is a fascinating choice because very few phones offer a pen. The LG Stylo series is the only real alternative, but let's face it: have you ever heard of the LG Stylo? The LG Stylo 5, a 2019 phone that also sells for $ 300, is inferior in almost every way.

The pen suffers because it is unique. Most Android phones don't have a pen, so the Android ecosystem isn't really designed for using pens. It is rare to find an app that has really been improved by the pen.

Moto G stylus with penMatthew Smith / Digital Trends

Microsoft OneNote, which I use a lot, supports it. But an app is not a killer feature. As with the Samsung Note series, Motorola tries to compensate for this with some built-in apps, but I didn't find them convincing. Why should I use Motorola’s Notes app instead of OneNote?

This is just another smartphone stylus. The pen is useful for writing a short note, but too small to be comfortable for more than a few minutes. Its awkward, thin design makes it difficult to hold and it dug into my palm.

I think the pen is a failure. After trying to incorporate it into my daily use for a few days, I gave it up, snapped it back on the phone, and mostly forgot about it. Die-hard stylus fans may not agree, but I think most people will feel the same way.

performance

The Moto G stylus has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 octa-core processor with a Qualcomm Adreno 610 GPU. It is a new chip that will be the first choice for phones that will sell between $ 200 and $ 350 in 2020.

The performance is solid. Applications are usually started in a few moments and run smoothly while they are active. The phone's 4GB RAM doesn't look particularly good on paper, but multitasking felt relatively quick. I think 4 GB of RAM go well with the processor's performance.

Here are some benchmarks:

  • Geekbench 5: 311 single-core, 1,392 multi-core
  • 3DMark Sling Shot Extreme (volcano): 1,046

The limits of the phone become apparent when you quickly scroll through long lists of content such as news feeds or podcasts or visit websites with intrusive elements such as pop-up video players or extensive animations. Occasional jerks and problems were obvious, but even the best phones can have problems here. I think the Moto G stylus feels less fluid than a Google Pixel 4 and roughly corresponds to last year's budget cell phones like the Samsung A50 or the Moto G7.

In truth, it's stupid to be obsessed with the performance of this phone. Modern phones that sell over $ 200 are fast enough for most people most of the time. I had no problem using the G Stylus regularly. Is a Google Pixel 4 or iPhone 11 faster? Absolutely. With the G Stylus, however, you can easily cope.

In truth, it's stupid to be obsessed with the performance of this phone.

Gaming is a mixed bag. Mobile games are often designed for a variety of hardware and most won't push the Moto G stylus hard. Call of Duty: Mobile and SimCity BuiltIt ran without problems. The most demanding games like Injustice 2 or Asphalt 9 push the phone to its limits. These games were playable, but stuttered and delivered poor frame rates. Serious mobile gamers need a more powerful device.

Battery life

As already mentioned, the Moto G Stylus has a 4,000 mAh battery. This is a large battery that goes beyond mid-range phones like the iPhone 11 and Google Pixel 4. On the other hand, many phones offer a battery that is larger or larger. An obvious example is the Moto G Power, which drops the stylus for a larger 5,000 mAh battery.

Moto G stylus cameraMatthew Smith / Digital Trends

Still, the G Stylus is no problem when it comes to endurance. I never ended a day with less than 30 percent, and the phone was usually used for two days before it needed to be charged. That is more than enough for most people.

However, the loading process is somewhat slow. The phone's USB-C port is the only way to charge and does not support fast charging.

Audio quality

Stereo speakers tuned by Dolby flank the phone when held horizontally. One is above the display while the other is on the bottom lip of the phone. This asymmetrical design makes audio stronger on one side than the other. It stands out, but I didn't find it too distracting.

Audio is loud and clear, although the bass is missing. The maximum volume is significantly lower than that of flagship phones, but it's enough to keep you entertained when the phone doesn't have to compete with significant ambient noise. Audiophiles should bring earphones, headphones, or a Bluetooth speaker.

Camera and video quality

Motorola made some strange choices for the G Stylus cameras.

A 48-megapixel camera (with 12-megapixel output) is coupled with a 2-megapixel macro camera and a 16-megapixel action camera (4-megapixel output) with a field of view of 117 degrees.

The 48-megapixel main camera has quad-pixel technology, in which four pixels are combined into one. For this reason, photos are output at 12 MP, exactly a quarter of the 48 MP sensors. This is said to result in better performance in low light conditions, and I think there is evidence of this here. I was surprised at how vivid and sharp photos looked with poor indoor lighting.

However, don't expect the Moto G stylus to blow your mind. The main shooter is great for an inexpensive phone and can deliver attractive results in many situations. However, photos are often lacking in the vivid color and breathtaking contrast found in the best smartphone cameras. This was obvious when I took the G Stylus outside. Photos often look flat, and the phone's automatic white balance is difficult in bright light.

The 2MP macro camera detests anything that resembles poor lighting and therefore often does not provide an image that is sharper than the standard camera. In my tests, I almost always found the main camera to be more user-friendly than the 2MP macro camera. Macro mode works very, very close to tiny objects, but how often do you take such photos? I'm not sure I will ever do that.

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Then there is the action camera. In a startling decision, Motorola decided to make the Ultrawide camera available only for videos. This differs from the Moto G Power, which offers the opposite. Aside from an extremely wide perspective, the action camera is designed to take horizontal videos while holding the phone vertically.

I will be dull. Motorola made the wrong call here. This is pointless since mobile video platforms are based on vertical videos. You can shoot vertical videos with the action camera, but you must keep the phone horizontal and the ultrawide effect is largely lost. Better use the standard video camera.

The Moto G Stylus can record 1080p videos at up to 60 frames per second or 4K videos at up to 30 frames per second. It can also process slow motion videos at 120 frames per second and a resolution of 1080p and slow motion at 240 frames per second and 720p. The video quality is acceptable, but not remarkable. It shares the main camera's problems with auto white balance, and while 4K recording is supported, the image quality is often not sharp enough to really appreciate what 4K can deliver.

There is another 16 megapixel camera with quad-pixel technology on the front. It's solid for a budget phone that takes sharp photos in good lighting and usable photos in moderate to poor lighting.

software

Motorola delivers a fair-skinned version of Android 10. It's not as easy as some previous Motorola phones, but the additions and tweaks are largely unremarkable, and the overall look and feel of the phone's user interface resembles that of an Android 10 phone.

A pop-up widget provides quick access to Moto Note when the stylus is removed from the phone. The widget is easy to use, but Moto Note is extremely simple. Don't worry – the widget can be customized so you can add the notes app you want. I found it more useful after adding OneNote. Screenshots can also be taken with the widget.

A pop-up widget provides quick access to Moto Note when the stylus is removed from the phone.

The camera app is Motorola’s only misfire. It has a minimal, monochrome surface with tiny control icons at the top of the app and a record button that looks like a camera shutter. Bad camera apps are generally hardly new on budget smartphones or Android phones. Placed next to a Google Pixel 3a, the difference is day and night and not at all in favor of Motorola.

Like previous Motorola phones, the Moto G Stylus offers Moto promotions. These gesture-based shortcuts provide quick access to some common functions. Two quick chops turn the flashlight on and two quick turns of your wrist turn the camera on. I like these shortcuts. They are fun and faster than playing on the touchscreen.

Our opinion

The Moto G Stylus makes a game of chance that doesn't pay off in full. The pen is not a killer feature and appears to increase the size of the phone. Most people want a thinner, lighter device.

Is there a better alternative?

Most buyers will want to consider the Samsung Galaxy A51 or maybe even a Moto G7 device. These phones are widely available, have a slim frame, and are sold at similar prices (or less). However, the Moto G7 is an older device and does not currently have Android 10 in the U.S.

Here is my professional tip. Just wait. April is early in the release schedule for smartphones. The release of Google Pixel 4a and iPhone SE 2020 is planned for soon. It's unclear whether they're offered at competitive prices with the Moto G stylus, but they could lower prices for other devices, including the still desirable Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL.

How long it will take?

The G Stylus is not waterproof, but is made of plastic and should therefore do a little better in the event of a fall than a glass phone. However, it is by no means a "hard" phone.

Budget Android phones have a short lifespan because they don't get the latest Android updates quickly or at all. It is promised that the Moto G stylus will be received with an operating system upgrade and frequent security updates. Better support would be excellent, but this is typical of an Android phone in this price range.

Should you buy one?

No. The Moto G Stylus is ideal for stylus fans, but too heavy and thick to recommend to most people.

Editor's recommendations




16 Apr
Blog

Motorola Moto G Power Review: Big Battery, Big Phone

Moto G Power Display

Motorola Moto G Power Review: Heavy battery life

"The durable Moto G Power offers long battery life, but is too heavy for most buyers."

  • Two to three days of battery life

  • Nice display for budget phone

  • Feels solid and durable

  • Using an Ultrawide camera is fun

  • Heavy and thick

  • No NFC for Google Pay

  • Main camera is just OK

Do you want a cheap Android phone? Motorola is probably your first stop. The experienced smartphone manufacturer has two new releases, the Moto G Stylus and the Moto G Power, each aimed at very specific users.

They do what they say. The G-pen has a pen and the G Power tested here has electricity. Battery power. I know your child may be looking over your shoulder. Let's just call it a metric fudge ton – 5,000 mAh, to be exact.

That is much! The iPhone 11 has a 3,110 mAh battery and the Google Pixel 4 XL has a 3,700 mAh battery. Some phones, like the Asus ZenFone 6, are the same size as the G Power battery, but most are not.

What makes the G Power so exceptional is the price you pay for this battery. Motorola is selling this unlocked phone for $ 250. This brings you the huge battery, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage (MicroSD cards with up to 1 TB can improve this number). This is the only version available.

Is this durable budget phone worth finding a place in your pocket? Let's have a look.

Design and display

If you've ever hit a battery case on a phone, you know that the extra endurance comes with the price of extra weight and a thicker profile. The Motorola Moto G Power bundles the battery inside, but is not excluded from this problem.

The Moto G Power is 0.38 inches thick and weighs over 7 ounces when touched. The older Moto G7 Play is 0.31 inches thick and weighs only 5.3 ounces. The Samsung Galaxy A50 is only 0.3 inches thick and weighs about 5.9 ounces.

So, as Twitter could say, the G Power is THICC.

Moto G Power DesignMatthew Smith / Digital Trends

You will feel it. It is a powerful, extensive phone. On the plus side, this offers an aura of quality that is not often found in inexpensive phones. On the other hand, it is difficult. I noticed it most when I was holding the phone in bed or lying on my sofa. After a short while my arm felt tired.

Yes, I am a saggy wrist tech reviewer who couldn't put a big house cat on the bench. Still, the extra weight was annoying. I wouldn't buy the phone for that reason alone. This is not a problem I want to deal with in an everyday device.

As Twitter could say, the G Power is THICC.

The weight of the G Power does not only depend on its battery. It also includes a 6.4-inch display with an aspect ratio of 19.17: 9. It is a large display, although this is not uncommon for the category. The Samsung Galaxy A50 and Samsung M30 both have 6.4-inch displays.

It's an attractive screen that's vivid and bright enough to use on a sunny day. You will surely see a better contrast to the OLED panel, and here the cheapest devices from Samsung can achieve an undeniable victory. However, the Moto G Power's display is solid and I think most buyers will be impressed.

Turn it over and you will find the Moto G Power in the conservative new look from Motorola. Moto used to be synonymous with quirky design (I bought and loved a blue-and-orange Moto G3), but the company's newer phones are more elegant and frankly boring. Like many new phones, the G Power is shiny, subtle, and sophisticated. Moto hopes you will be mistaken for glass some distance away.

A fingerprint reader for secure login is included. It is quick and seldom possible to read a fingerprint like I am used to from similar readers on other devices.

Moto G Power camera

Ports? You will receive USB-C and a headphone jack. I have no complaints there. I wish Motorola made the phone waterproof. It is sold as "water repellent" but is not designed to be submerged for any length of time. Don't let it fall into the toilet.

The design of the Moto G Power is okay. The display even has somewhat slim bezels. It's a bit boring and a step back from Moto's more ambitious previous cell phones, but I understand. People want to buy cheap phones that look like expensive phones. From this point of view, the design of the Moto G Power is successful.

Battery life

The Moto G Power is all about battery life. It has 5,000 mAh of juice to be precise, and Motorola promises up to 72 hours of battery life.

That would have seemed a few years ago. Today it is still a lot, but not unusual. The Asus ZenFone 6, Samsung Galaxy M30 and Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra all have batteries of a similar size, although their endurance requirements are not that extreme.

It's an impressive battery for the price, to be sure. While the Galaxy M30 is available at low prices on Amazon, the ZenFone 6 costs $ 500 and the Galaxy S20 Ultra "How much do you have?" The large battery is an outstanding feature.

The battery lasted two full days and a few thirds.

I used the Moto G Power lightly in my first week on the phone when I turned my attention to the Moto G stylus. The battery lasted five days. After I switched mainly to the G Power, the battery lasted two full days and a few thirds. I admit that I am not the most demanding user. Nevertheless, this is an outstanding result.

In fact, it's over the top. I don't think charging a phone overnight is a problem. Therefore I think a battery is sufficient for a day with heavy use. Most modern phones can do this. The Moto G Power could take two, but I have to ask. What's the point Why should you put up with a heavier, thicker phone all day every day?

If your answer is "well, I need it because of …", then for sure. I understand that. The Moto G Power deserves recognition for bringing extreme endurance to a low price. But let's be real. This is a niche device. It was developed for people who want to talk a lot on the phone, but also don't want to spend a lot on it.

performance

The Moto G Power has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 octa-core processor and a Qualcomm Adreno 610 GPU. This is an option for a budget phone that will be sold in 2020.

Performance is usually not a problem. Most applications are started in no time and run well when active. While the phone's 4 GB of RAM on paper may be fine, there have never been any problems switching applications.

The Moto G Power has proven itself in benchmarks

  • Geekbench 5: 312 single-core, 1388 multi-core
  • 3DMark Sling Shot Extreme (volcano): 1.133

The Geekbench 5 score offers a modest improvement over last year's budget phones. A Moto G7 reaches 268 in single-core and 1,183 in multi-core. The result of Sling Shot Extreme is a huge upgrade over the older Moto G7, which only reached 543 when we tested it last year. Another one-year-old Samsung Galaxy A50 beats the Moto G Power with a score of 1,368 in the Sling Shot Extreme from 3DMark.

I only noticed the limits of the Moto G Power when scrolling quickly through long content lists such as news feeds or podcasts or when visiting websites that (frankly rather intrusive) elements such as pop-up video players or extensive animations put a lot of strain. In these situations there was an occasional jerk or a moment of pause. Even the fastest phones can have problems here, but I think the Motorola G Power feels a lot less fluid than, say, a Google Pixel 4 that shipped with a Snapdragon 855 late last year.

Still, it's a bit silly to be obsessed with the Moto G Power's performance. Modern smartphones, like laptops sold ten years ago, are fast enough for most people today. I had no problem using the Moto G Power every day. Is a Google Pixel 4 or iPhone 11 faster? Yes. With the G Power (or another phone with this SoC) you can get along easily.

Obsessed with being a bit silly about the performance of the Moto G Power.

Gaming is a mixed bag. Most cell phone games are designed to run on a variety of cell phones and not to press hard on a cell phone like the Moto G Power. Even Call of Duty: Mobile and SimCity Build went well enough that I didn't notice any hesitation. Demanding games like Injustice 2 and Asphalt 9 were a different story. These were playable on the Moto G Power, but occasionally stuttered and were rendered at a frame rate that was well below 30 frames per second.

It is important to know that G Power does not have an NFC. This means that Google Pay is not supported. This is almost certainly an unfortunate omission to keep the price down, but contactless payment is always helpful – and is even recommended in these days of social distancing – and is overlooked here.

Audio quality

Stereo speakers tuned by Dolby are on either side of the phone (when held horizontally). One speaker is above the display, the other on the bottom lip of the phone. This means that audio is stronger on one side than on the other. It stands out, but is not annoying.

The sound is loud and clear. There is not a lot of bass and the maximum volume is not what flagship phones can produce, but it is enough to keep you entertained in a room with little to no ambient noise. Audiophiles should bring headphones, earphones, or a Bluetooth speaker.

Camera quality

Despite its price, the Moto G Power does its best to emulate the camera functions of more expensive competitors. It comes with a 16MP main camera on the back, an 8MP Ultrawide with a 118 degree field of view and a 2MP macro camera. There is also a 16 megapixel front camera.

For me, the 8MP Ultrawide is the outstanding feature. This is unusual for low-cost phones and offers a lot of versatility. With this camera, you can take more convincing landscape shots or better capture a narrow space. The camera delivers subdued colors and extreme lighting issues, but a decent smartphone photographer could use it for some outstanding shots. It's also fun to play around with.

Moto G Power ultra wide field of view "class =" m-carousel - image dt-faul-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpowe_ultrawide-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: // www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Moto G Power ultra-wide field of view Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

Moto G Power Standard FOV "class =" m-Karussell - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpower_standard-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / / www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Moto G Power Standard FOV Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

The 16 megapixel main camera is what I would expect from an affordable smartphone in 2020. It takes neutral, balanced shots that often lack the vibrancy and sharpness that you find in the best phone cameras. Quality is best with excellent lighting and noticeably drops in dark situations, but excellent lighting can also affect color balance, so you can fumble with the rather delicate manual controls.

Although the main camera didn't set my hair on fire, I should note that this is a massive step over the inexpensive phones sold a few years ago. The main camera of the Moto G Power can be used for great photos if you have some skill.

Moto G Power photo example "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpower_sample2-2-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

Moto G Power photo example "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpower_sample4-2-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

Moto G Power photo example "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn6.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpower_sample5-2-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

Moto G Power photo example "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn7.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpower_sample3-2-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

With this option, the 2MP macro has the same difficulties as other smartphones. The ability to enlarge a subject is offset by reduced sharpness, poor performance in low light, and color balance issues. To be honest, I'm not sure if most macro shots look better with the 2MP macro camera enabled. Macro mode works when very, very close to very small objects, but how often do you take such photos? I'm not sure I will ever do that.

Moto G Power Macro Off "class =" m-Karussell - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpower_macro_off-2-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: //www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Moto G Power macro lens Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

Moto G Power "class =" m-Karussell - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpower_macro_on-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: // https: // www. digitaltrends.com / data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Moto G Power macro lens Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

What about the 4MP (Quad Pixel) selfie camera? It works well enough. The quality depends on the lighting. However, if you have the right angle, your shots can look great. However, I am annoyed about the relocated camera location. It's in the top left corner of the phone, not the center, making finding the best angle less intuitive.

Video quality

The main camera of the Moto G Power can record 4K videos at up to 30 frames per second (fps) or 1080p videos at up to 60 fps. Slow motion videos can record up to 120 frames per second at 1080p or 240 fps at 720p.

This is solid for a budget phone, though you shouldn't plan to use anything other than 1080p frequently. 4K video can look sharp in ideal lighting, but quickly fall apart in more demanding situations. The same applies to slow motion.

If you stick to 1080p, you can expect a sharp picture with a generally neutral color balance that, like photos taken with the main camera, will struggle with very dark or excessively bright situations. Taking the budget into account, I think the video of the Moto G Power is solid.

software

The Moto G Power has a slightly skinned version of Android 10. My unlocked test device was delivered without any noteworthy bloatware, unless you count the slim and mostly unnecessary Moto and Moto audio apps. As with previous Motorola smartphones, the G Power greets you with a happy “Hello Moto” when you switch it on.

Moto Actions are back. They allow you to activate certain functions with certain gestures. For example, you can activate the camera by turning your wrist twice or turning on the flashlight with two quick cutting movements. Moto promotions are convenient and fun.

The camera app is Motorola’s only misfire. It looks fussy, with tiny control icons at the top of the app and a record button that looks like a camera shutter. Placed next to a Google Pixel 3a, the difference is day and night and not at all in favor of G Power.

Price, guarantee and availability

The Motorola G Power costs $ 250 and will be released in April. You can order one directly from the Motorola website. It is also sold through Verizon, Republic Wireless, US Cellular and Google Fi. If you live in Europe, Motorola has confusingly launched the G8 Power instead of the G Power. It's almost identical to the G Power in every way, but with an additional 8-megapixel telephoto camera on board. It costs £ 220 or about $ 270.

Motorola grants a one-year warranty on its phones in the United States. Buyers can also purchase an additional MotoCare plan to cover water and accidental damage. Prices vary between $ 23 and $ 64 a year, depending on coverage.

Our opinion

The Moto G Power is a good phone that sells at an affordable price but is a niche by nature. I don't think the transition between "power users who need a multi-day battery life" and "budget phone buyers" is wide.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes, but you have to pay more. If your budget isn't incredibly tight, it's worth spending more on a phone because it can be used longer regardless of whether your usage changes. If you can reach up to $ 400, Google Pixel 3a has a great camera and guaranteed software updates for several years. Spend $ 500, and the Asus Zenfone 6 is an excellent buy with its near-flagship specs and a fun flip camera.

If you only want to spend less than $ 300, have a look around and try to purchase the Samsung Galaxy A51 for this price. The international version, which is compatible with GSM networks, is often offered on Amazon for less than $ 300. Samsung also announced the new Galaxy A21, which will sell for $ 250. We don't have it in our hands yet.

If you choose Motorola, you can check out the Moto G stylus, which is only slightly lighter.

Finally, here is my professional tip. Wait to see what Google does with the rumored Pixel 4a that is expected in the coming weeks. It is certainly desirable, and even if your budget is not exhausted, the still excellent Pixel 3a can lead to significant price reductions. In addition, Apple is expected to show the iPhone SE 2 / iPhone 9 soon, which can be affordable for around $ 400. It's also worth seeing how long it takes for the Nokia 5.3 from HMD Global to reach the US in April. At this point, it will be launched in Europe for $ 205

How long it will take?

The G Power has no water-repellent housing, but is made of plastic and should therefore be slightly better off in the event of a fall than one made of glass. However, it is not a "hard" phone.

Budget Android phones also have a short lifespan because they don't get the latest Android updates quickly or at all. Motorola’s Android update schedules are confusing. It is promised that the Moto G Power will get through an operating system upgrade and frequent security updates. Better support would be excellent, but this is typical of an Android phone in this price range.

Should you buy one?

No. The Moto G Power fits into a certain niche of power users who are short of money, but is too heavy and too thick for most people.

Editor's recommendations




16 Apr
Blog

TurboGrafx-16 Mini Review: Hardcore Retro Gaming

turbografx 16 mini pc motor core grafx review

TurboGrafx-16 Mini Review: Hardcore retro delight for everyone

"The TurboGrafx-16 Mini is the latest retro console you have to have."

  • Affordable price

  • Beautifully designed hardware and software

  • Extensive game selection

  • Optional multiplayer support

  • Second controller not included

  • Whimsical games can limit the attractiveness

Do you think you are a hardcore player? Do you usually end the video games you play in a couple of sessions and giggle when a friend describes a game as a "challenge" after hitting it several times? If it's you, it's time to put your money where your mouth is and buy the TurboGrafx-16 Mini, home to some of the toughest games ever.

Andy Boxall / Digitaltrends.com

The TurboGrafx 16 Mini, known in Japan as PC Engine Mini and in Europe as Core Grafx Mini, is another entry into the popular world of the newly released retro game consoles. Apart from its robustness, it is a little pleasure. I spent a long weekend diving in and out to see what it was like.

Design and furnishings

The model you see here is the European Core Grafx Mini, which exactly replicates the original model except for a 10% reduction in scale. The TurboGrafx 16 Mini is also a faithful replica of the original from the 90s, but differs greatly in its appearance. The small console is made of plastic and is very light. There are two USB Type A ports on the front for connecting the controller. One is included, but you can buy additional controllers and an adapter that lets you add up to five controllers for some games. This is a bit of a shame as it contains some great two-player titles. If you pay extra in addition to the $ 100 price, some people will be prevented from trying them out.

Andy Boxall / Digitaltrends.com

On the back there is a removable plate that hides the HDMI connection for your TV, as well as a micro USB for the power supply. You will receive a cable in the box, but no power supply. I used a basic charger that came with an Apple iPhone and it worked fine, so you don't have to buy a special charger before using the console. On the front there is a power switch in the same place as the original.

It only takes a few moments to connect the console and press the switch. At this point, it is immediately ready for use. There is no need to wait, no internet connection to be set up and no profile to be created. It's a welcome change from some of the more complex game consoles and makes the Core Grafx Mini perfect for quick game correction.

Andy Boxall / Digitaltrends.com

The two-button controller is the same size and design as the original and has quick switches for both buttons. It's smaller than a PlayStation 4 dual shock controller and a lot lighter. It's convenient to hold and use, and connects to a generous 3-meter cable, but anyone who has only used a modern controller will find it easy. The D-Pad is less precise than an analog stick or even a touchscreen, and it feels tight at first because of its small size, although I got used to it after a short time. All of this is part of the appeal, true to the original and representative of its time. This is also one of the reasons why the line-up of the games puts your skills to the test.

Menu and game selection

What a beautifully designed software and menu system this console offers. From the various background images – the animated with the moving PC Engine character – to the cheerful stereo music and the simplicity of the game selection, it is both lovingly created and perfectly executed. You scroll through a horizontal list of games organized by console. This means that you get a selection of games released on TurboGrafx 16 and PC Engine in Japan.

Select a game and you will receive a cool animation of the Hu-Card or CD-ROM, which is "inserted" into the virtual console, with precise sound effects. It is this care and attention that makes those who played with the original smile smile. This continues when you go to the Settings menu because you can play your game as if it were displayed on the handheld version of PC Engine. There is a 4: 3 aspect ratio CRT filter for added retro realism.

How about the games? There are 57 games preinstalled and the list contains most genres, with an emphasis on shooters, platform games, arcade ports and RPGs. There are several exclusive PC Engine titles and 32 PC Engine games in the original Japanese language. This can make getting into some of the more complex games challenging, but most games are easy to learn and play. This was before the on-screen instructions, the complicated control methods or the movement mechanics with several buttons. Therefore, in some games you will have to experiment a lot to find out what to do if no instructions are provided.

play games

Here are a few things you really need to know to play PC Engine games: some are pretty weird, there are a lot of shoot em ups, you probably won't have played many of the titles before, and almost all of them are it really hard. Shortly after it was released in Japan, I had a PC Engine, so some of the titles were known and I started to get into PC Engine games again.

Andy Boxall / Digitaltrends.com

When I originally bought the PC Engine, I did it for a shoot-em-up known internationally as Gunhed or Blazing Lazers. It's here and it's as fun as it was then. It rolls vertically, has a cool selection of upgradeable weapons, an unforgettable soundtrack, and some tough enemies. This sets the tone for most games on the console. However, it's not the only shooter I've played on the new console, and it turns out to be a treasure trove of crazy shoot-em-ups.

Soldier Blade and Super Star Soldier are very similar to Blazing Lazers. The intense, exclusive title of the super CD-ROM Ginga Fukei Densetsu Sapphire is joined by many others. Don't be fooled by the first relatively easy levels of the Soldier's Blade. It will be very difficult, very quick, but it has nothing to do with Ginga Fukei Densetsu Sapphire. I had never played that before, but it immediately and totally obsessed me. It is so insanely difficult, so incredibly difficult that you giggle when your ship is blown up again. It does a lot of things that got old quite quickly and made Soldier Blade and Super Star Soldier more fun to play with.

Massively difficult shooters are common here. Dragon Spirit has both land and sky enemies to roast. With Fantasy Zone, you can move both left and right through a landscape (a crazy world that's like a twist in The Beatles & # 39; Yellow Submarine movie, just with bullets), in which enemies come from all directions shoot. Psychosis lives up to its name because the ship does not move as fast as you want it, so that you are overwhelmed in a few moments. It is interesting that I don't mind trying the games over and over again, because the challenge is welcome and still fun.

What else? I love the pinball game Alien Crush, the bubble bobble-like Parasol Stars and the PC Engine classic Ninja Spirit. Yes, it's difficult too, but achievable because of the mega-weapons and a steep but reasonable learning curve. The Space Harrier arcade game comes along with R-Type and the best Bomberman games, including Bomberman Panic Bomber, an excellent Tetris / Candy Crush-style mashup.

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turbografx 16 mini pc motor core grafx review controller basis "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn8.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/turbografx-16-controller-base - 640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAndy Boxall / Digitaltrends.com

turbografx 16 mini pc motor core grafx check buttons "class =" m-carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn9.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/turbografx-16-buttons-640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digitaltrends.com

What about the craziness? There is enough of that. Probably the best is Lords of Thunder, a barking, crazy side-scrolling shooter straight out of the imagination of an 80s metalhead. There is a hair metal guitar soundtrack, a Thor-like character and a high level of difficulty. Then there is J.J. and Jeff, a weird platformer with cackling birds and a farting hero, as well as other weird but really fun platform games like Air Zonk, PC Genjin, and Bonk & # 39; s Revenge. Be sure to check out the Japanese-language sports game Appare! Gateball, which is a bit like croquet and a lot more fun than it sounds.

This little console has hours of entertainment. The games above have kept me busy for a weekend, and all before I looked at some of the longer RPG games like Neutopia and Neutopia 2. Just be aware that none of these games is easy. Whether it is the control method, the mechanics or the game design itself, you are absolutely challenged by many games here. Of course some are frustrating because of that, but not so many. The best titles are fair and well designed, so you rarely feel like you can't get ahead with a little more practice.

Andy Boxall / Digitaltrends.com

The list of quirky titles and extremely tough gameplay may not appeal to anyone who has never played games from that time or heard of PC Engine. It is probably the least mainstream of the retro consoles out there. I was familiar with him and some of the games, so I knew what it was going to be like. That doesn't mean you shouldn't get one, just because you know it's a little different.

Unfortunately, this time I wasn't able to try multiplayer on the console, but when I saw an early version in early 2020. Playing Bomberman against a real opponent is ridiculously entertaining, and if you have like-minded friends, investing in a second controller increases the longevity offered here.

Price, availability and guarantee

The TurboGrafx-16 Mini costs $ 100 through Amazon in the US and £ 100 through Amazon in the UK. Although the console could already be pre-ordered, deliveries were delayed and the dates are still in the air. Konami sent Digital Trends the following shipping and approval status statement:

“We are working closely with Amazon to provide regular updates to our customers who pre-ordered the Core Grafx Mini and TurboGrafx-16 Mini PC engines. For the latest delivery date information, visit the Track Your Package page on Amazon. Amazon is still accepting new pre-orders for the consoles and we are working hard to resume normal delivery schedules as soon as possible. We thank everyone for their patience in this uncertain time. "

Our opinion

The TurboGrafx-16 Mini was reborn from a time when no prisoners were caught. The wonderful list of games means that one title is too hard and another is waiting to seduce you. Thanks to the extensive list of real classics on board, not only retro fans will appreciate the console, but also fans of shoot-em-ups. Lovingly designed software, simple setup and a reasonable price make this mini console accessible to everyone.

Is there a better alternative?

No. If you want to play TurboGrafx-16 and PC Engine games, there aren't many other ways to do it than to locate an original console and buy games. However, if you just want a retro gaming experience and are not interested in the console, there are several other options. The $ 80 Sega Genesis Mini will likely offer a larger selection of more popular games, as will the $ 80 Nintendo SNES Classic, if you find one on sale.

How long it will take?

The console should withstand normal use with no problems, and even the controller should be fine, even if a frustrated bump or two falls on the floor. The list of games is extensive and varied, and some are difficult to master, providing hours of entertainment. The best thing about such retro consoles is how quickly they can be set up and used. Even in a few years, when the temptation to play arises, it's easy to get started quickly.

Should you buy one?

Yes, definitely. The generous list of games as well as the nifty software and design make it easy to recommend.

Editor's recommendations




16 Apr
Blog

Don’t be an AskHole | Breaking Muscle

Do you ask "strangers" about your training online? Post videos and get technical advice? I bet you're even the type to follow the sheep with the ideals that best suit you. The comments that allow you to subside or the path of least resistance. Congratulations, you are an askhole!

Best defined as someone who constantly asks for advice and yet always does the exact opposite of what you have been told. In this case, you interviewed a large group of the population and chose the easiest way.

And against the popular opinion here … Professional athletes are not always the best people to ask. They are talented in their sporting skills, are trained by a qualified expert in the field and can only speak for what works for them. That doesn't make her a trainer.

Accredited and valuable trainers do not become like this with a weekend course and spend their entire career learning. From courses to reading magazines and studies to guinea pigs or working with other trainers and groups to help you get the most out of you.

In my 17 years as a coach, I still learn and pass on things. I use scientifically sound principles for the many successes of my athletes. Don't even let me start with subscription-based generic robot programming!

Before following Karen's advice, which works for her and could still injure you, you should investigate whether Karen is qualified enough to offer you free social media coaching without any background information about your fitness level and skills.

Not all experienced, trained coaches cost an arm and a leg, some of us do it for the growth of the sport. You may even find one that only helps you with your technique. Welcome to the digital age where you don't have to have the same zip code.

Can we agree to end the social media madness and focus on building the machine to have the healthiest, strongest, and fastest season yet? I'm cheering you on!

16 Apr
Blog

Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab Review: Flexible and Smart

Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab Rating 2 hands on 4 of 21

"As the name suggests, this Android tablet proves to be intelligent and flexible with many useful functions."

  • Built-in stand

  • You can hang it up

  • Works as a smart home hub

  • Google Assistant built in

  • The YouTube dashboard is broken

  • Unbalanced weight

The Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab is an Android tablet that really stands out from its competitors. It offers a number of useful functions in a 10.1-inch device, including a versatile stand, Google Assistant, Smart Hub functions and much more. Here you can see how intelligent the Yoga Smart Tab really is.

design

Yoga Smart Tab hangs on a wall

Where most tablets need outside help in the form of covers or stands, the Yoga Smart Tab is designed to do everything you need. It has a built-in stand that pops out to watch films at the push of a button and can be adjusted to the desired angle. It also has a support to make typing easier when it is on a flat surface. You can even hang it on a wall with the stand if ever needed.

Since there are speakers on one side of the tablet, holding is a bit cumbersome, especially in portrait mode, as it is heavier on one side than the other. It's also a bit chunky which made my arm tired. It weighs 581 grams. The Galaxy Tab S6 weighs 420 g and the Amazon Fire HD 10 504 g. That doesn't seem to make much difference, but if you hold a tablet in your hand for an hour or two, every little bit counts.

The 10.1-inch FHD IPS screen (1920 x 1200) is very clear and shows no major distortions when viewed from different angles. The colors are vivid and when looking at photos it almost seemed like I was looking at a high quality print.

software

The Yoga Smart Tab is smarter than a regular tablet because it has a special Google Assistant mode and a variety of skills. Opening the tablet stand automatically activates the Google Assistant environment mode. The tablet turns the constantly on display into an intelligent screen that shows the weather, your agenda, entertainment, memories and much more. Most tablets don't have environmental mode access, so this is a great additional feature.

I really like the ambient option because it's even more useful than your average Android tablet.

If you don't want all that jazz on your screen, you can also use the feature to turn your tablet into a photo frame or remote control for your Google Assistant-compatible smart home devices. I really like the ambient option because it is even more useful than the average Android tablet. In addition, it has 360-degree far-field voice recognition, so Google Assistant can hear you no matter where you are in the room.

Audio quality

Yoga Smart Tab speaker

Another feature that distinguishes the Yoga Smart Tab from other tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is the fact that it has speakers on both sides of the screen. The two JBL HiFi speakers and Dolby Atmos support do a pretty good job.

If you turn up the volume all the way, it loses its quality.

The bass is nice as long as you don't want it to knock too hard or to listen at full volume. If you turn the volume all the way up, it loses quality. This can be a problem if you enjoy listening to YouTube videos on your tablet, although most tablets have this problem.

performance

Yoga smart tab screen

The Yoga Smart Tab also has a literal Smart Tab. You drag the tab to the right and a YouTube dashboard opens. While this is practical, it is also incorrect. Sometimes I wasn't able to play videos on the dashboard (I just saw the sinking circle of doom). However, when I opened the actual YouTube app, the videos played perfectly.

The screen's performance was excellent. Scrolling, navigating, and opening apps went smoothly without the lag you see on some tablets. However, with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 processor and 4 GB of RAM, it's not a good choice for graphics-intensive games. Many 3D titles will stutter and hesitate.

The battery life on the tab is decent. It can take up to 11 hours if you only surf the Internet and offers up to 10 hours of video playback. This is comparable to the battery life of the Galaxy Tab S6.

Our opinion

The Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab may not be perfect, but it is a reliable, dual-purpose device that combines the smart display with a tablet. Thanks to its versatile stand and smart home hub functions, it is more useful than many tablets on the market. Otherwise, the screen and sound are on par with the competition. The only real downside is the unbalanced feel and extra weight when you hold the Smart Tab.

Are there any better options out there?

Perhaps. It just depends on your needs. If you're looking for an excellent Android tablet, the Galaxy Tab S6 is hard to beat. However, one thing that the S6 doesn't have is the Google Assistant environment mode feature. This means that it cannot be used as a hub for your smart devices like the Yoga Smart Tab. If the hub was not so interesting for you, you can choose the S6. If the price matters, the Yoga Smart Tab is around half the price of the S6 at around $ 300.

How long it will take?

The Smart Tab is very well made and I think it will go the distance because it is made of aluminum instead of just plastic. It also comes with a one year warranty.

Should you buy it

Yes, if you have many smart home products compatible with Google Assistant, this tablet is a good choice.

Editor's recommendations




15 Apr
Blog

Don’t be an AskHole | Breaking Muscle

Do you ask "strangers" about your training online? Post videos and get technical advice? I bet you're even the type to follow the sheep with the ideals that best suit you. The comments that allow you to subside or the path of least resistance. Congratulations, you are an askhole!

Best defined as someone who constantly asks for advice and yet always does the exact opposite of what you have been told. In this case, you interviewed a large group of the population and chose the easiest way.

And against the popular opinion here … Professional athletes are not always the best people to ask. They are talented in their sporting skills, are trained by a qualified expert in the field and can only speak for what works for them. That doesn't make her a trainer.

Accredited and valuable trainers do not become like this with a weekend course and spend their entire career learning. From courses to reading magazines and studies to guinea pigs or working with other trainers and groups to help you get the most out of you.

In my 17 years as a coach, I still learn and pass on things. I use scientifically sound principles for the many successes of my athletes. Don't even let me start with subscription-based generic robot programming!

Before following Karen's advice, which works for her and could still injure you, you should investigate whether Karen is qualified enough to offer you free social media coaching without any background information about your fitness level and skills.

Not all experienced, trained coaches cost an arm and a leg, some of us do it for the growth of the sport. You may even find one that only helps you with your technique. Welcome to the digital age where you don't have to have the same zip code.

Can we agree to end the social media madness and focus on building the machine to have the healthiest, strongest, and fastest season yet? I'm cheering you on!

15 Apr
Blog

Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit Ghost Canyon Review: All Potential

Intel Ghost Canyon

Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit "Ghost Canyon" test: all possibilities

"Intel's NUC 9 Extreme Kit is a unique vision of computing, but far from perfect."

  • Extremely small

  • Modular structure with upgrade potential

  • Excellent connectivity, including Thunderbolt 3

  • Upgrades are more difficult than expected

  • Loud fan

I built a plywood computer case earlier this year. With a height of 9 inches and a depth of 5.5 inches, it is an extremely small system. I spent a good thirty hours researching, designing, and optimizing the case that now houses my main desktop PC. It was an enjoyable and rewarding project.

But I could have just waited for the Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit.

The NUC 9 Extreme kit I received for review had an Intel Core i9-9980HK processor, 16 GB RAM, an Nvidia RTX 2070 graphics card from Asus and two solid-state hard drives: One Kingston 2 TB Drive paired with a 380 GB Intel Optane ride. Note that the NUC 9 Extreme Kit usually does not contain any memory, memory or a graphics card.

With these components, it is way ahead of my personal desktop with a Ryzen 5 3500 processor and the GTX 1650 Super from Nvidia. However, the Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit ($ 1,700) is slightly smaller. It is a few tenths of an inch less deep and tall and almost two inches narrower.

No system I've reviewed offers more performance per square inch. The latest NUC is a fascinating, unique and ultimately faulty experiment in compact gaming PCs.

Design and ports

Oddly enough, the Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit basically looks like a NUC. I find it strange because I expected a more drastic redesign given the performance gap. Nevertheless, it has the same square, round appearance as previous NUC devices.

NUC fans might be surprised by its mass, which is many times higher than that of any previous device in the NUC range. However, most people will think the system is tiny. Its volume is approximately 5 liters. In comparison, the XPS Special Edition desktop from Dell – our top desktop for most people – takes up almost 25 liters of space.

Intel Ghost CanyonIntel NUC 9 Extreme Kit (left) and home-made plywood desktop (right) Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

That's a big difference. Though larger than in the past, the NUC 9 is small enough to be stowed almost anywhere you want. Place it on your desktop, on a shelf, or even in a closet (if you can guarantee adequate airflow). It is important that it remains small enough to be easily used as a home theater PC.

The NUC 9 has an industrial appearance that does not communicate its unique approach. Apart from the skull logo that is used on other game-oriented NUC devices, there is nothing in this PC to indicate performance. Personally, I don't mind. I will do the job every day of the week.

The excellent selection of ports speaks for the dual approach of the NUC 9.

And it works. At the front, the NUC 9 offers two USB-A 3.1 connections, a combined headphone / microphone connection and an SDXC card reader. On the back you will find four more USB-A 3.1 ports, two Gigabit LAN ports, DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0 and DVI. There are also two Thunderbolt 3 ports, a rare thing that is still unusual on PC desktops.

It is an excellent selection of ports that speak for the dual purpose of the NUC 9. It can hold a graphics card for games, but can also serve as a small workstation for a videographer, photographer, streamer, or other creator. The wired connectivity is rounded off by the support of Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.

Internals and upgrades

The NUC 9 Extreme Kit would be fascinating if it were “just” a powerful, pint-sized PC, but there's more to it than that. It contains the Intel Compute Element, which is a working PC that is pressed onto a PCI Express card that is smaller than most graphics cards. The compute element houses the processor, memory and hard drive – although the NUC 9 Extreme Kit is only supplied with the processor. You must purchase the storage and hard drive separately.

Intel's focus for the compute element is on upgradeability and customization. In theory, this step offers NUC 9 owners an excellent upgrade path. The processor, RAM, hard drive, graphics card and power supply can be replaced.

I could even say it's better than a regular desktop because you don't have to worry about replacing the motherboard. By exchanging the computing element, you can also update your port selection, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

That is the pitch. Does it work in practice?

Intel Ghost CanyonWorking with these connections is cumbersome Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

I was disappointed to find that the modular structure of the NUC 9 was difficult. Opening the case is easy enough. Simply remove two screws and slide the top back. However, the adapted compute element is decorated with numerous connections at unfavorable angles. These must be carefully removed.

In my experience, gamers who want to upgrade a rig are afraid because they don't want to break an expensive PC. The NUC 9 does not solve this problem.

Intel Ghost CanyonComputing element (closed) Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

As soon as the connections are removed and one last screw is loosened, the Compute Element slides freely like any other PCI Express card. The element is a plastic cover on a circuit board that contains the processor, memory (in the form of two SODIMMs) and solid-state memory.

The processor cannot be removed while memory and memory can be replaced. It is a mobile chip that, like other NUC devices, is permanently connected. That is why the compute element is important. You cannot replace the processor without them. This means that at least a processor upgrade is possible.

Intel Ghost CanyonCalculate item (open) Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

What computer elements will be available and how much will they cost? Intel's roadmap is not precise. However, the company has promised that future Compute Elements will be backward compatible. Intel plans new Compute Element models for 2021 and 2022. Partner companies will also sell standalone Compute Element upgrades.

Personally, I tend to believe Intel's plan. The company has supported the NUC line for years, even though it only makes up part of its overall business.

I expect processor options to be limited compared to a standard desktop, but it might make sense to swap flexibility for simplicity and size. The subtle differences between processors are not relevant to most people, including most enthusiasts. If Intel (or partners) can simply offer a Core i5, i7 and i9 computing element for every future generation of mobile processors, I think that's appropriate. And I'm convinced that Intel will do it.

Processor power

As mentioned earlier, the Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit I received had an Intel Core i9-9980HK processor, 16 GB of memory, and an Nusidia RTX 2070 graphics card built by Asus. The Core i9-9980HK is not the most modern processor since it was launched almost a year ago. Still, it's a top-notch option in the Intel range of mobile chips, which offers eight cores, 16 threads, and a maximum turbo boost frequency of 5 GHz.

The i9-9980HK ran as expected. Geekbench 5 achieved a single-core score of 1,232 and a multi-core score of 7,312. These numbers are in the baseball stadium of the Core i9-9980HK laptops we tested. The Apple MacBook Pro 16 was a little slower and the Acer ConceptD 9 a little faster. Remember that while the NUC 9 is a desktop, its processor is a mobile component.

While the i9-9980HK performs well in Geekbench 5, the latest AMD components express it. We recently tested the Asus Zephyrus G14 with AMD's new Ryzen 9 4900HS. It was competitive with the NUC 9 in the single core and won in the multi core. This is not good for the Intel i9-9980HK. The Asus Zephyrus G14 is a small gaming notebook. So you wouldn't expect the NUC 9 to beat it, but its victory is clear.

Other benchmarks tell a similar story. Our handbrake benchmark, which uses popular video encoding software to transcode a 4K movie trailer, was completed on the NUC 9 in 114 seconds. That is hardly in front of the Acer ConceptD 9, but behind the Asus Zephyrus G14. The Core i9-9980HK also falls behind the Intel Core i9-9900K, a processor for desktops.

I saw a Cinebench R20 of 3,348 from NUC 9. This is also slightly above most laptops with the same chip, but not at the top of the class.

I don't think this processor performance will lower it in 2020 – not at a retail price of $ 1,700.

It's worth noting that the Core i9-9980HK isn't a problem despite these mixed results. It easily defeats the currently available mobile processors of the Intel Core i7 H series. It also easily defeats previous NUC desktops. This is a fast processor capable of handling heavy workloads like 4K content creation or high resolution photo editing. It will shame the majority of laptops and keep up with some mid-tower desktops.

However, I don't think this processor performance will affect 2020 – not at a retail price of $ 1,700 excluding RAM, hard drive, and graphics card that aren't included in the kit.

Gaming performance

As already mentioned, the Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit does not contain a graphics card. You have to get one yourself so that your mileage varies depending on the graphics card you bought. The NUC 9 can be used for dual-wide graphics cards with a length of up to 20 cm. My test device came with an Asus RTX 2070 that fits into the NUC 9, so I tried it out.

I started with 3DMark, where the NUC 9 had a fire strike score of 17,932 and a time spy score of 8,350. This is exactly what I would expect from an Nvidia RTX 2070 desktop packaging. The RTX 2070 Super is slightly faster and achieves 10,136 points in a testbed desktop packing Intel Core i9-9900K. The desktop class RTX 2070 of the NUC 9, however, easily defeats any laptop incarnation of the RTX 2070 we tested.

Fortnite was a breeze. An average of 141 frames per second with a resolution of 1080p and epic details as well as 90 frames per second with a resolution of 1440p and epic details were generated. These numbers are not surprising for a desktop that packs Nvidia's RTX 2070, but they easily outperform laptops with RTX 2070 hardware. The Razer Blade 15 with Nvidia RTX 2070 Max-Q only reaches 72 frames per second under the same conditions. The small size of the NUC 9 clearly doesn't hold it back.

Assassin's Creed Odyssey, our most demanding game benchmark, slowed down the NUC 9 – but only with a resolution of 1440p.

Civilization VI performed exceptionally well. It averaged 120 fps at 1080p and Ultra Detail with 2x MSAA turned on and still 100 fps at 1440p and the same settings. These numbers place a large gap between the NUC 9 and laptops with Nvidia RTX 2070 hardware.

Assassin's Creed Odyssey, our most demanding game benchmark, slowed down the NUC 9 – but only with a resolution of 1440p. The NUC 9 averaged a very respectable 57 fps at 1080p and ultra high details, but only reached 47 fps at 1440p and ultra high. While the NUC once again outperforms laptops with RTX 2070 hardware, it falls slightly behind our testbed desktop with an RTX 2060 Super, which averaged 51 fps at 1440p and ultra high.

Since the Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit doesn't come with a GPU, the main question is: does the CPU hold the system in any way? I think the answer is definitely "no". The Core i9-9980HK is a powerful processor with a strong balance between single-core and multi-core performance. However, it is not the new sharpness and is currently surpassed by newer processors that have just been launched by Intel and AMD.

Heat and fan noise

The NUC 9 Extreme Kit has a lot to offer, but its performance is not without consequences. Packing a large amount of hardware in a small space can make cooling difficult, and the NUC 9 encounters this problem.

Intel Ghost CanyonMatthew Smith / Digital Trends

Fan noise is the real problem. The NUC 9 has several small fans, including those in the power supply and in the processor itself. These fans sometimes have to spin quickly, which inevitably makes a racket. Even worse, the mesh side panels of the NUC 9 do not isolate the sound.

This results in a loud little desktop. The fans of the NUC 9 often race in action and sound at maximum speed ready to drown out your robot vacuum. The fans are unpredictable and hard and bounce between high and low speed states.

Price and availability

The NUC 9 Extreme Kit is expected to retail for $ 1,700 when it arrives at Intel's channel partners next month. Intel also has retail Core i5 and i7 models for $ 1,050 and $ 1,250, respectively. These will arrive within three months.

Our opinion

The Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit is an experiment that is promising but not quite working. The compute element is a fascinating way to give a very small desktop upgradability. Unfortunately, it's not as intuitive as I hoped.

The NUC 9 Extreme Kit is also held up by its sky-high retail price of $ 1,700 – without memory, memory, or a graphics card, all of which must be purchased separately.

Is there a better alternative?

It depends on what you're looking for.

The unique modular design of the NUC 9 Extreme Kit leaves it out without direct competitors. However, you can also combine it with other small PCs such as the Apple Mac Mini or smaller incarnations of the Lenovo ThinkCentre and the HP Z Workstations. The Intel NUC 9 could be a compelling little workstation due to its excellent port selection and promises of future upgrades, although I'm not sure if its processor performance is competitively priced. It's a great mobile chip, but in some systems you can find standard desktop components at a comparable price.

The NUC 9 is simply too expensive as a gaming desktop. A system configured like the one I tested would set you back between $ 2,400 and $ 2,800, depending on the exact components you purchase and the sales you may be able to make. That is simply too much for the service offered. With an RTX 2070 Super, you can easily grab a desktop for that price, and it doesn't have to be much bigger. The Origin Chronos and Falcon Northwest Tiki are less well known alternatives.

How long it will take?

Like most high-performance desktops, the Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit remains useful for many years. It will easily take a decade or more, although after a few years it will obviously fade compared to new hardware.

Intel grants a 3-year standard warranty on NUC hardware. That's unusual. Most competitors only give a 1 year warranty.

Should you buy one?

No. The Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit, as it exists today, works better as a thought experiment than an everyday desktop.

Editor's recommendations




15 Apr
Blog

Training During COVID-19: The Quarantine Machine

As we all try to figure out how to cope in these difficult times of closure and social distance, we seem to have this strange mix of a lot of time to train, but a lack of options to use them.

The challenges of training from home (minimal equipment and space are the main problems) have made it really difficult to develop strength training options that can at least maintain or potentially develop the power production and neuronal drive required for athletes.

If this situation finally resolves and we can get back into the competition, those who have been consistently exposed to this type of stimulus will have a dramatic performance advantage over those who have not.

One of the best solutions for this is a setup and program that uses certain variations of isometry.

Isometric contractions can be performed safely with minimal equipment so that we no longer have to overwhelm Rogue / Amazon with orders or our wallet with large purchases. You can also work in a small space, which means that stuck in a garage or even a living room doesn't have to be a big obstacle.

Training during COVID-19: The quarantine machine - fitness, strength and condition, training at home, sore muscles, competitive sports, DIY, home gym, training at home, isometric handles

Some time ago I came across the above structure from Ross Enamait of Ross Training, a super creative guy and great innovator in the strength and conditioning world.

As we continued to recognize the situation that many people would face in the foreseeable future, I began to see the potential value that this facility could bring.

By providing options for isometric contractions that can be done with minimal equipment and space, we can offer options for people who are still under some force while waiting for things to be over.

The setup can also be easily expanded, as I'll show below, to provide many more training options. In addition to the numerous isometric options, we can also do dynamic tape work, power work with tapes, vertical and horizontal pulling of the upper body and vertical and horizontal pressing of the upper body.

We not only offer people the opportunity to regain access to strength work, we also dramatically expand their training options overall to avoid things becoming too monotonous.

The isometric furnishings

Training during COVID-19: The quarantine machine - fitness, strength and condition, training at home, sore muscles, competitive sports, DIY, home gym, training at home, isometric handles

  1. Plywood – 48 "x 36" (This can be really any size, just make sure you have enough surface to get good squat / press positions.)
  2. 4 Stück pieces 4×4, halved
  3. 2 pieces of chain, mine are each about 6 inches long
  4. Steel tube (I have a 1 inch diameter here so it mimics a 28.5mm barbell.)
  5. Carabiner x 2-4
  6. 2-inch eyebolts x 4-6 (you really only need 2 at first, but the add-ons need additional ones.)
  7. 4 ”deck screws (I only used 8 in total.)

Total cost: approximately $ 75.

The basic construction of the isometric structure

I'm as far away from a handyman as anyone can get, and yet it took me a total of 15 minutes to put this project together.

Find out how far the 4×4 parts should be approximately apart by crouching regularly and then placing the 4×4 parts on each side outside of your feet. You can then place the plywood on top of the parts and center it as best as possible and then use your deck screws to secure the plywood to the top.

Then flip it over and screw the eye bolts into the center of the 4×4 pieces (I pre-drilled some holes to make this a little easier). Connect the chain with the quick couplings with the eyebolts. Use the carabiners to adjust the length of the chain.

I chose to use the steel tubing to attach to the chains compared to Ross' build where he had the playground handles mainly because I wanted to make sure there were options for front / rear rack isometrics too , not just to hold hands, but you can do both if you want.

Overcome isometry

There are several types of isometric contractions: isolated versus complex, endurance versus explosive, overcoming versus yielding. All of these have specific methods and goals. Our settings above are mainly used to equip us to overcome isometrics.

Overcoming isometrics occurs when the athlete creates force to overcome an external force. This is an almost maximum or maximum effort, which means that as much tension as possible is created for a short time.

For our purposes at a time when most of us do not have access to conventional power equipment, we can use these contractions with maximum effort to achieve a strong stimulus and maintain a higher level of neuronal drive.

If we can include these sessions 2-3 times a week, our strength and strength production will be much less likely to decrease when it's time to return to normal training.

Some examples of how to overcome isometrics with hinges, squats and pressing patterns. A great advantage of using chains and connectors is that we can easily vary the positions and heights at which we perform the isometric contractions. We can quickly switch from isometric pulls to isometric squats and adjust the height with the carabiners as needed.

<img load = "lazy” alt=”Quarantine machine collage” class=”imagecache-full_width” src=”https://cdn3.omidoo.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full_width/images/bydate/202004/quarantinecollage.png” title=”Quarantine machine collage”/>

Tips for implementing isometrics

Here are some quick tips for programming and performing isometrics at home without going into too much science and nuance.

Think about the joint angles at which you want to improve your power generation ability and try to replicate them as closely as possible. Strength gains are usually fairly specific to the trained angle (+/- 15 degrees), although this can be somewhat minimized if you put the muscle in an elongated state (i.e., performs an isometric contraction on a muscle in an elongated state) much greater power transmission to other joint movement areas).

When working on strength training, place the contraction around your usual sticking point. If you are working on a dynamic lift, approach the point of maximum acceleration. Alternatively, you can find a position that is weak / unstable for you and attack it to build better strength and control.

If you make a maximum effort to overcome the isometry (like the one shown above, in which the athlete is bumping hard against a stationary object), take 1-2 seconds to reach your maximum force contraction and hold it then pressed for the duration of your repeat take 1-2 seconds to shutdown. Don't just hit the resistance, this can affect both position and balance and you lose the advantage.

After you've completed your isometric overcome, do a few repetitions of your target movement pattern to "lubricate" the groove of power production in the pattern that directly affects your athletic performance.

Banded add-ons

If we move away from the isometry, there are some additional options that we have by including some bands for those who have access to them. When I put this together, I noticed the similarities to other minimal products on the banded hipbuttons market.

By attaching a few extra eyebolts to the sides of the 4×4 parts, you can create a simple station to perform band-resistant hipbuttons, and it's easy enough to change the height and appeal of them by walking off the floor or your upper back put on a bench / chair / couch.

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The same ribbon setup can also be used for banded glute marches. Using the chains and carabiners, we can make a belt attachment that the strap can hook on.

We can also do banded pushups, banded overhead presses, band-resistant squats, band-resistant pulls, etc. The options increase very quickly with the addition of some tapes.

<img load = "lazy” alt=”Banded isometrics” class=”imagecache-full_width” src=”https://cdn4.omidoo.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full_width/images/bydate/202004/img-4836copy1.jpg” title=”Banded isometrics”/>

Additional isometric setup add-ons

Another addition that has been planned but not yet implemented is the use of a PVC pipe to attach it to all-wheel drive vehicles and to create some tall parallel bars. These can be used for horizontal pulling, vertical pulling, diving / support handles and L-Sit variations.

I will either update this form or my social media posts to include details after we add them. I hope that we can find a cheap, simple and effective facility Anyone with access to a hardware store can build up their training opportunities and improve them immediately.

15 Apr
Blog

OnePlus 8 Review: Reliable, But Not Compelling

oneplus 8 evaluation bag

OnePlus 8 Review: A good phone that needs a killer feature

"The OnePlus 8 does everything you want and is a great daily partner, but it doesn't provide an excellent reason to buy."

  • Nice design

  • Excellent software

  • Long battery life and quick charging

  • Good everyday camera

  • No wireless charging

  • Not IP68 waterproof

  • No outstanding camera function

The $ 600 OnePlus 7T was an easy-to-recommend phone, but will the story repeat itself with the OnePlus 8 Pro? You'll have to spend an additional $ 100 on last year's phone to get one, since it now starts at $ 700. To justify an increase, the OnePlus 8 needs to significantly improve its game, as it has to compete with many other high-performance phones.

My time with OnePlus 8 shows that doing this is difficult because the addition of 5G is not yet widespread to be called a must.

design

The OnePlus 8 looks almost identical to the OnePlus 8 Pro – only a little smaller, a little thinner and a little lighter. This makes a big difference in carrying the phone around and using it with one hand. Unlike the choice of the 5.8-inch iPhone 11 Pro over the 6.5-inch iPhone 11 Pro Max, the compromise between screen size isn't that big. The 6.55-inch fluid AMOLED screen of the OnePlus 8 is not a compromise compared to the 6.78-inch OnePlus 8 Pro.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

At 180 grams, the OnePlus 8 is light for a modern smartphone. I like the aspect ratio of 20: 9 in combination with the 8 mm thick body because I can easily stretch my thumb over the screen. The side buttons on the OnePlus 8 are also easier to reach and press than on the 8 Pro. There is a fingerprint sensor under the screen. Even though it's lightning fast, the face unlock usually unlocked the screen before I got there.

I like the feel of the matte gorilla glass finish, which feels cool and doesn't take too many fingerprints, but still captures the light neatly – especially in the stunning green color shown above. Yes, it is green, but in different lighting conditions it turns to a beautiful aquamarine blue, as you can see in our photos below. Due to the curved corners and the low weight, it sits comfortably in the palm of your hand. However, the edges of the body are still very tapered, so fatigue appears when holding the phone.

OnePlus 8 Pro (from left) and OnePlus 8 Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

The back of the camera is not overly pronounced, and fewer sensors mean that it also looks less overloaded. The decision to use a punch-hole selfie camera instead of a complicated and heavy motorized selfie camera has a similar result on the front, keeping it neat and functional. The OnePlus 8 is sleek and chic, with no unnecessary bulk, but doesn't ignore the need for a large screen. It is exactly right.

Screen and software

While the OnePlus 8 performs better in design and size than the OnePlus 8 Pro, the story isn't that easy when we look at the technology inside, starting with the screen. The OnePlus 8 has a Fluid AMOLED screen with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 90 Hz, but does not use the motion smoothing function. If you put them side by side, there is a subtle difference: The OnePlus 8 Pro looks a little sharper, smoother and more attractive.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

However, it's not that the OnePlus 8 looks bad – far from it. Play a 1080p HDR10 movie and it is still excellent, while the video is entertaining and impressive. This is supported by the two speakers and the support of Dolby Atmos. Worried about the lack of motion smoothing? Do not be so. While it is sometimes effective to artificially reduce blurring when watching videos, the effect is not always desirable. I didn't miss it. The OnePlus 8 also had fewer problems with touch sensitivity.

The lower resolution means a lower pixel density. The PPI rating (402 pixels per inch) of the OnePlus 8 is significantly lower than that of the 513 PPI of the OnePlus 8 Pro, the 525 PPI of the Galaxy S20 Plus and the 458 PPI of the smaller iPhone 11 Pro. It is not as impressive to look at as one of these phones and is therefore not considered to be of high quality or premium. Here the OnePlus 8 Pro really stands out, and here the cost reduction has had an impact on the OnePlus 8. It's good, but not a reason to buy, as is the case with the OnePlus 8 Pro.

OnePlus 8 Pro (from left) and OnePlus 8 Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

I'm pleased to say that the OnePlus 8 software experience, which has its own OxygenOS 10.5 user interface based on Android 10, is identical to the OnePlus 8 Pro. It's excellent, with a nifty design, lots of speed and little annoyance. I'll take a closer look at this in my test of the OnePlus 8 Pro.

camera

The cost reduction continues with the camera. Gone are the new Sony IMX689 sensors as headliners for the OnePlus 8 Pro. It is replaced by the proven IMX586 sensor, which we have seen many times, with an aperture of 1: 1.75, optical and electronic image stabilization and the ability to record 4K videos at 60 frames per second. There is also a 16-megapixel wide-angle lens and a 2-megapixel macro camera.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

It makes very pleasant pictures, but it will not amaze with incredible, eye-catching pictures. My gallery ended up with solid, reliably decent photos, but nothing that I was particularly proud of. The IMX586 needs good software optimization to get the most out of it. Here OnePlus is at the top of its game. The colors pop, the dynamic range is strong and the HDR is effective. Portrait mode has good edge detection, but takes a few moments to capture the subject.

Use the OnePlus 8's camera to take regular everyday shots and you will be happy with the results. The 16 megapixel selfie camera is good, but not as good as the competition. The macro camera lacks color and definition, the night mode is not particularly good in very poor lighting conditions and there is no optical zoom function. You don't get a bizarre color filter lens with the OnePlus 8 Pro that inverts the colors of your photos for a really weird look, but that's not a bad thing.

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Finally, the OnePlus 8's camera is not noticeable. There is no major new innovation, be it a successful software-controlled improvement like Samsung's single take mode or Apple's excellent Deep Fusion technology, or 8K video recording or a periscope zoom like the Huawei P40 Pro.

Power and battery

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor controls the OnePlus 8. It has a 5G modem and either 8 GB or 12 GB RAM. The chip and 5G modem are probably the main reason the price of the phone has gone up, but 5G isn't available in many places, which means you pay more for something you can't use. This will change over time. However, it is currently difficult to recommend most people to buy a 5G phone. I tested the 12 GB version and the benchmark results are as follows:

  • 3DMark: 6,695 (volcano)
  • Geekbench 5: 3,314 multi-core / 910 single-core

The performance corresponds to that of the OnePlus 8 Pro and therefore also surpasses the Galaxy S20 Plus and the Oppo Find X2 Pro. The calls were clear and reliable, although I couldn't test the 5G connection. I played a lot of the 1945 vertical scrolling shooter, which has a high frame rate and uses the 90 Hz screen refresh rate, and I really liked it. DariusBurst has to be played in a smaller window due to the 20: 9 aspect ratio screen, but that doesn't matter as the gameplay is still exciting. Playing on the OnePlus 8 is similar to playing on the Galaxy S20 Plus, with the right weight and comfort in hand for longer gaming sessions.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

The battery in the OnePlus 8 has a capacity of 4,300 mAh and is supported by Warp Charge 30T quick charge. In contrast to the OnePlus 8 Pro, wireless charging is not possible. Wired charging from Warp Charge is very fast and results in the battery being fully charged in about 20 minutes and in my tests in just over an hour.

In this time of social distancing, OnePlus 8 spent most of the time connecting to Wi-Fi, making video and voice calls, and using it for games, social networking, and video. It easily took a whole day even under heavy use. However, try this activity, which is connected to a 5G network, and the battery will suffer. One feature that I liked was the new intelligent charging optimization, in which the phone learns your charging routine and optimizes the charging around it.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

Like many people, I charge the phone when I go to sleep and then pull it out of the socket in the morning. Even after a few days, the OnePlus 8 brought the battery up to 80% in the first hour and only charged it about an hour before waking up. According to OnePlus, the battery stays charged longer so that you can charge it safely. The optimization can be deactivated if your daily hours are not set.

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The battery and the software already mentioned are two of the most important reasons to buy the OnePlus 8.

Price, guarantee and availability

The OnePlus 8 shown here with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage costs $ 800 or $ 700 if you choose the 8 GB / 128 GB version. In the UK, the OnePlus 8 costs £ 600 for the 8GB / 128GB model and £ 700 for the 12GB 256GB version. OnePlus grants a one-year warranty on its phones that covers manufacturing defects. OnePlus 8 is expected to be available on the OnePlus website and carriers in April.

Our opinion

The OnePlus 8 is a good smartphone. It has an attractive screen, a decent camera, great software, and long battery life. I love the design, the matte glass and the green color. Nevertheless, every function that distinguishes it is missing. This didn't matter with the OnePlus 7T, as it only cost $ 600 – which makes the price a standout feature. At $ 700 or $ 800, the OnePlus 8 has no other function that could take its place. The OnePlus 8 has left the value segment and needs to improve its game.

Is there a better alternative?

The price increase means that the OnePlus 8 worth $ 700 / $ 800 is now available with the Samsung Galaxy S20 worth $ 1,000, the Google Pixel 4 worth $ 800 and the iPhone 11 im Worth $ 700 is struggling. though strong in most areas.

You can pay less and get a good phone. Last year's $ 600 iPhone XR is still a good buy, as is the Asus Zenfone 6 $ 500, and if you find one, the Realme X2 Pro is still a surprisingly good value for around $ 450 .

How long it will take?

OnePlus has not given the OnePlus 8 an IP68 degree of protection, so it is splash-proof and that's all. The body is made of glass and can break if it falls. It is best to put it in a case. OnePlus is good at providing software updates and the phone has enough power, which means it has been in use for at least two years. It's great to have 5G on board to keep it going longer.

Should you buy one?

The $ 100 increase over the OnePlus 7T may not sound like much, but the limited appeal of 5G isn't enough to justify the extra. Therefore, we do not recommend buying the OnePlus 8, even though it is a decent modern smartphone. There are better options at higher and lower prices.

Editor's recommendations




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