22 Apr
Blog

Apple iPad Pro (2020) Review: The Definitive Tablet

Apple iPad Pro 2020 review back

"The iPad Pro 2020 is the best version of the best tablet you can buy, and no task will impress you."

  • Amazing screen

  • Versatile, easy-to-use software

  • Packed app store with tablet-specific apps

  • Neat, comfortable and light design

  • Good performance

  • Perfect for work or leisure

  • Important accessories increase costs

  • The LiDAR sensor currently has no advantage

  • Expensive against competitors

The Apple iPad is the most popular tablet in the world and that we would recommend to anyone buying a new tablet. There's a brand new version of the top iPad Pro for 2020 now, but does that mean you should buy it?

Oh well. Of course. The iPad Pro has dominated the tablet market since its launch. The 2020 iPad Pro is a small update, but it's still way ahead of its rivals.

design

I purchased the 11-inch iPad Pro for review. The only difference from the 12.9-inch version is the screen size. Even the pixel density is the same for both models at 265 pixels per inch. Quite simply, one is bigger than the other and you have to decide which one best suits your needs. The larger model is probably better for artists and anyone who is serious about working with the iPad, but it may also feel a bit too big to watch videos in bed or for general home use, which I think is great for 11- works better. Inch version.

Apple iPad Pro 2020Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

The tablet is super slim at 5.9 mm and light at 471 grams, and I've never felt tired when I propped it up or put it on my lap. The weight and dimensions are exactly the same as the iPad Pro 2018, and the overall design is similar. The back of the tablet is flat, as are the sides, which are only interrupted by perforations for the quad speakers, the USB charging port type C and three buttons. It's all very industrial, especially in space gray. It cannot be called beautiful, but there is no doubt that much has been thought about doing it just right.

For example, you would think that the flat edges would feel sharp after a while. You don't. The slightly beveled edge provides comfort and the curved corners fit exactly in the palm of your hand, so you can hold the iPad Pro for hours without digging into your hands. The matte metal case has a lot of grip and doesn't draw many fingerprints, which spoils the screen and puts it in a terrible state. The narrow 6mm bezels are just the right size to hold the tablet without accidentally touching the screen.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

The camera with two lenses on the back separates it from the 2018 model and brings it stylishly closer to the iPhone 11. It gives the design of the tablet character, does not protrude too much from the surface and means that the camera is more powerful here than on anyone iPad previously. Since the selfie camera is very well hidden in the thin screen bezels and the buttons are almost flush on the sides, the feeling for the camera shock is the best way to determine which end was "up".

An ergonomic problem related to Face Unlock occurs occasionally. The camera setup is in the narrow bezels. If you hold the tablet in landscape format, you can easily hide it. It is not uncommon for the tablet to accidentally go to sleep by pressing the button. You may also need to use Face Unlock to make purchases, and you'll need to readjust your grip for the cameras to work. Fortunately, there is an arrow on the screen that points to the camera location. Like the 2018 model, the iPad Pro 2020 unfortunately does not have a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

I haven't updated my iPad since the first generation iPad Pro 12.9 released in 2015. It is a tablet that I liked very much, but was often perceived as unwieldy. Switching to the 11-inch iPad Pro 2020 is like traveling back in time, as the tiny victim of 1.9-inch screen space is nothing compared to the benefits of improved design, weight reduction, and reduced space requirements. By comparing like this, you understand how slim and user-friendly the new iPad really is and how far Apple has gotten in design in a few years.

display

The iPad Pro's Liquid Retina IPS screen measures 11 inches and has a resolution of 2388 x 1668 pixels, Apple's ProMotion 120Hz technology, true tone colors and 600 nits of brightness. The iPad Pro was the ideal video partner not only thanks to the wonderfully calibrated screen, but also thanks to the abundance of available media apps.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

Although the iPad Pro doesn't show 4K video, the quality above 1080p is absolutely wonderful. The colors are perfectly coordinated – lively, bright and dynamic in equal measure, but never exaggerated or too saturated. Of course, the quality varies with the video content itself, but provided it has been filmed competently, it looks great.

The Grand Tour on Amazon Prime usually looked stunning – crisp, sharp, and full of detail. Watching Wheeler dealers via the Dplay app is not quite as nice, but not with the iPad. However, this doesn't make it any less pleasant. In contrast to a foldable smartphone like the Samsung Galaxy Fold or the Huawei Mate Xs, the aspect ratio of 4: 3 is better for watching videos, as the black bars are minimized. I preferred to watch videos on the 11-inch iPad Pro over my older 12.9-inch iPad Pro. It's just easier to use without compromising the screen size.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

One of the most striking aspects is the ProMotion 120Hz screen. If you're like me and you're from a first-generation iPad Pro or other tablet without a high-refresh screen, it's amazing to look at. There is no blurring at all, and this makes viewing menus about surfing the Internet and playing games more enjoyable. It is a wonderful addition to this stunning screen.

Disadvantage? It's a shame that the screen gets pretty greasy and doesn't clean very effectively even with special cloths. If you don't buy a case or stand for the tablet, you have to hold it or pry it against things to watch videos for extended periods of time. The compatibility of video files can also be incomplete, especially if they are run from external drives. Otherwise it is error-free.

Software and productivity

IPadOS 13.4 is installed on the iPad Pro 2020. This brings with it various improvements for iOS 13, which were published at the end of 2019 and brought the tablet closer to a laptop alternative for the first time. When used normally, it feels like the iOS it is based on, and is more suitable for the larger screen with the slide-up dock menu and other improvements. Multitasking has been significantly improved, and there are now two ways to use more than one app.

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Both are easy to use and logically set up. The first is split view, where two apps, or in some cases two views of the same app, appear on the screen at the same time. Once you've learned the swipe and tap combination to make it work, it's easy, but it's a shame that not all apps work with it. For example, you cannot open a browser window next to Autotrader. If you are swiping too fast to access the dock, you can simply exit the app instead.

Slide Over fixes the problem that not all apps work with Split View and instead hovers other app windows over a main full screen app. This is helpful because you can open many windows at the same time and then switch between them in the synopsis view. This is very helpful. I have found that using pages to write an article with a research browser window open has speeded up my workflow.

The new software also introduces USB device management. The iPad has a single USB Type-C port to which I connected a hub to provide USB Type-A ports and an SD card reader. It worked fine, read and played compatible video files from a USB stick and imported pictures and videos from an SD card. However, I found that the hub – a Vava multiport model – was drawing a lot of power from the tablet. Therefore, please note that the battery will discharge faster if you use it to work or play videos.

I like typing on the glass screen of the iPad during work. The size is correct so I can still touch the guy quickly, and the software's automatic fix is ​​activated when I make mistakes. I use Pages anyway and the quick sharing between the tablet and my Mac is very helpful. At the time of writing, I hadn't tried the new Magic Keyboard with the trackpad, which promises to really improve productivity. Without a case, the iPad Pro must be on your lap to type, which is not the most ergonomic solution. If you want to use the iPad this way, invest in a case or stand that tilts the tablet toward you.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

What else? Having widgets on the home screen is nice, rather than swiping in the left view as is required on iPhone. This leads to an excellent Apple News experience on the iPad. Here too, the 11-inch model is more suitable for reading in bed than the 12.9-inch tablet due to the space requirement. Books and comics can also be read excellently on the tablet. I could keep talking about iPadOS 13.5 and all the things I like about using the iPad Pro 2020. It's quick and easy to use, animations are nifty without being intrusive, and the app store is packed with apps optimized for tablets.

The iPad Pro 2020 without a keyboard case is a fabulous all-rounder that can play beautiful videos in one minute and is suitable for some quick e-mails and basic work tasks in the next. You can later read or play games. To use it seriously for work, you need a keyboard, but even without it, the way it is recorded and used for everything is appealing and practical, supported by the clever software and this amazing screen.

Performance and games

One of the most important changes compared to the 2018 version is the new Apple A12Z bionic processor with octa-core graphics, which focuses on hardcore work tasks such as 4K video editing. Apple claims it is faster than most PC laptops. We ran a benchmark test to see how it works:

The latest Samsung tablet, the Galaxy S6, does not even come close to this score and underlines the incredible performance of the new iPad Pro. Perhaps the least pleasing thing about the iPad is that holding the tablet is painful compared to a phone or console controller. How this affects you depends on the games you enjoy. Games that rely on swiping, like Asphalt 9 Legends, Minecraft, and Bullet Hell Monday, are better than others. Asphalt 9 also looks fantastic and the performance is undoubtedly excellent.

There's not much else to say, and that's proof of the iPad Pro's flawless performance. It undeniably beats any other tablet and is not even close. If you need a device that is faster than an iPad Pro, you need something that is not a tablet.

camera

There is a double camera on the back of the iPad Pro 2020, which is one of the most important hardware updates compared to previous models. The main lens is a 12 megapixel sensor with an aperture of 1: 1.8 and the other is a 10 megapixel wide angle lens. You get the Smart HDR function, 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second in standard and wide angle, and five microphones. In addition, the iPad Pro has a lidar sensor for measuring distances, which currently has only limited functionality. On the front is a 7 megapixel TrueDepth front camera with face unlock.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

The lidar sensor is not much help at the moment. There's no obvious advantage to using the main camera, and Apple doesn't go into great detail outside of the Measure app for what you should use it for. In this way, you can quickly measure objects in the real world with the camera on the iPad. Basic shapes and elements can be recognized quickly. I think it's great that the closer you move the camera, the more detailed measurement data you can see. However, I'm not sure how often I would use it.

The camera is acceptable for a tablet and takes decent photos, but can't keep up with the iPhone 11 Pro or similarly powerful Android camera phones. The color balance is pleasant, the blue sky appears natural, the definition is good in cloudy conditions and the level of detail in close-ups. I felt that the tablet was too big to use as a camera on a regular basis. Since many tablets don't leave the house, the camera of the iPad Pro is perfectly acceptable, especially the video camera for taking quick pictures of your children or pets. However, don't be too excited about the wide-angle camera as the field of view is narrower than that of the iPhone 11 Pro and is only slightly different from the main lens.

battery

The battery in the iPad Pro lasted approximately five days with moderate daily use of approximately two hours. Charging with the included 18-watt charger took an hour to reach 47% and reached 100% in about two and a half hours. With Apple's 29W fast charger, which has to be purchased separately, the battery reached 68% in one hour and it took another hour to reach 100%.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

How quickly the battery drains depends on what you do. Of course, video requires a lot of power, and at least 35% of the battery energy is used for two and a half hours. This corresponds to about seven to seven and a half hours of total video playback, which is less than the 10 hours of video usage Apple has specified. Otherwise, after two hours of general use a day, the tablet lasted five days before it needed to be recharged.

Like the last iPad Pro, the charging port is a USB Type-C port, so the Lightning cable used for the iPhone doesn't work. The included charging cable has a USB Type-C connector at both ends and not a USB Type-A connector, which may limit the wall charging blocks you use. This means you may have to carry multiple chargers around or invest in a single new charging block.

Price, guarantee and availability

The iPad Pro we spent time with is the 11-inch version with 128 GB of internal storage. It costs $ 800. If you want the same version with a 12-9 inch screen, it costs $ 1,000. Choosing more storage increases the price to a maximum of $ 1,500 for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro with 1 TB. If you want a cellular connection, the total cost of your new tablet will increase by $ 150.

Apple grants a 1-year basic warranty against manufacturing and material defects. You can also pay for the extended AppleCare warranty, which also covers accidental damage and the battery, and provides technical support for two years. The prices vary depending on the coverage and product. The iPad Pro 2020 is available from Apple's own online shop and retailers such as Best Buy, as well as from mobile operators.

Our opinion

It's not often that a product meets the criteria for being "expensive but worth it", but the Apple iPad Pro 2020 does just that. It's the best version of the best tablet you can buy. If you already have version 2018, you don't really need to update it. This underscores the fact that there is nothing drastically new here, other than more power and the promise of augmented reality functions that will be activated with the lidar sensor in the future version.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes, but it depends on how you imagine using your iPad in the next few years. There's no question that the iPad Pro 2020 is the best tablet you can buy today because it's so versatile – but it's expensive. If you want a very similar experience at a lower price, you might want to look around for an iPad Pro 2018. which can still be found for less money. The simple 10.2-inch iPad only costs $ 330 and is also ideal if you don't expect a lot of work.

However, if you want to switch from a laptop to an iPad, the extra performance is worth it in the long run. If you want an Android tablet, we are fans of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 worth $ 650 and the media-oriented Galaxy Tab S5e worth $ 400. Although we haven't tested it for a long time, the Huawei MatePad Pro 5G impressed during our practical time and certainly has an enormous amount of technology, including wireless charging and a 5G connection.

You can find more recommendations in our favorite tablets from 2020.

How long it will take?

The replacement of your tablet is not carried out as regularly as with your smartphone. Depending on how often you use your tablet and what you use it for, up to five years are roughly correct. If you plan to use the iPad Pro for work, it may need to be replaced earlier, depending on your needs. If you buy a model with more internal storage, it will last longer.

The iPad Pro 2020 is not waterproof and although it has a metal back cover, the screen is still made of glass, so it can easily break when dropped. As iPad tablets focus more on productivity, they spend more time outdoors making a case and Apple's extended warranty investments. Apple regularly delivers software updates and the iPad will be supported for a few more years. For example, iPadOS 13.4.1 is also running on my original iPad Pro 12.9 2015.

Should you buy it

Yes absolutely. It is difficult to find a common entertainment or productivity task. The iPad Pro 2020 doesn't work very well, but you'll need to buy a few accessories to get the most out of its talents, and there's little reason for last-generation owners to upgrade to it.

Editor's recommendations




21 Apr
Blog

Lensbaby Velvet 28 Review: The McDreamy of Camera Lenses

Lensbaby Velvet 28 Rating 16

"With a wonderful sheen, the Velvet 28 is an excellent creative tool – for the right photographer."

  • Dreamy soft glow

  • Robust metal construction

  • 1: 2 macro functions

  • Unique range of functions

  • Manual focus

  • You need to decrease the aperture to focus

  • Not compatible with auto mode

If McDreamy were a lens, it would be the Lensbaby Velvet 28. From the company known for its lenses, which avoid optical perfection in favor of creative effects, the Velvet series was developed to capture an ethereal glow.

While most lens manufacturers aim to develop sharp, distortion-free lenses, Portland, OR, based Lensbaby is an art lens company that accepts the strange, unusual, and surprising. The simple, electronics-free lenses produce a variety of in-camera effects, from swirling blur to a controllable vignette.

Like the Velvet 56 and 85 before, the Lensbaby Velvet 28 creates a soft glow that is strongest at large openings and dissolves with increasing aperture. The larger focal length brings the popular effect on landscapes and environmental portraits for headshots and floral close-ups. Close-ups remain an option as well, as the Velvet 28 retains the 1: 2 macro functions of other Velvet lenses.

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Launched on April 21 for $ 550, the Velvet 28 is a manual focus lens that is available in both DSLR and mirrorless mounts, including Canon EF, Nikon F, Canon RF, Nikon Z , Sony E, Fujifilm X and Micro Four Thirds. We tried an early Nikon F-Mount model to see what types of shots this new lens baby can imagine.

All-metal design

The Lensbaby Velvet 28 looks a little different than the other high-end lenses in my kit, but still feels ready for professional use. Although there is a lack of autofocus and automatic exposure, the all-metal housing is robust and well made.

It's a powerful lens, but the small stature and lack of an auto focus motor help make up for this. It doesn't feel particularly heavy on the front of my Nikon D850, a fairly large DSLR. This version of the lens weighs a touch over a pound, while the mirrorless version weighs about 1.3 pounds.

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The focus ring takes up most of the lens barrel. As a lens with manual focus, the ring rotates smoothly and has much more degrees of movement than a typical autofocus lens, which allows the smallest settings. There is also a traditional aperture ring, because you cannot control the aperture from the camera due to the lack of electronic contacts.

The lens also includes a nice metal lens cap and can accommodate 67mm filters.

Note: We tested a pre-production model of this lens. The exterior has some minor changes from the lens shown, including the 1:22 aperture setting label.

A fun experience

Manual focus can be both good and bad. Good, because manual focus forces you to slow down. And as you slow down to get the right focus, you may be more inclined to think more about the composition.

However, the convenience of autofocus cannot be denied. While the focus tip simplifies the task with mirrorless cameras and in live view mode with DSLRs, a sharp image requires more time and effort. It is difficult to take a sharp image with a lens that is both manually focused and somewhat soft. The best way to get a sharp picture is to focus with a f-stop of at least 1: 4 and open it if necessary before taking the picture. This is not ideal and will result in manual focus taking longer.

While working with manual focus is tedious, the Velvet 28 has a wide focus range. The lens can take 1: 2 macro shots so you can focus on objects just two inches from the lens. This makes it more versatile than the typical 28 mm.

Without an electronic connection to the camera, not only is the automatic exposure removed from the table, you also have no lens metadata stored in your files.

Manual focus may be a problem, but there's nothing like the creative thrill of using such a lens. Working with the Velvet 28 is simply a blast. The soft focus effect is another tool for creativity in the camera that goes beyond aperture and shutter speed.

Dreamy picture quality

The maximum aperture starts at 1: 2.5, but a “+” symbol on the lens allows the user to rotate beyond it to achieve an additional 1/3 light stop and even more of this glow effect. With the largest aperture, the entire image is soft and bright, while with the narrowest aperture, the Velvet 28 looks almost like a normal lens.

At the widest setting, the entire image looks as if it is covered by fog. Colors bleed across edges and objects appear to glow, especially white or overexposed areas of the image. The contrast decreases again at 1: 2.8, although the middle is still soft. At 1: 4, a certain sharpness begins to build up in the middle of the photo, while the edges retain this ethereal glow. The sweet spot is 1: 5.6, which ensures decent sharpness without completely erasing the glow effect. The image center is still not quite as sharp as a typical lens, but admittedly, this can also be a user error with manual focus.

At 1:16 or 1:22, this velvety glow is much less obvious throughout the picture.

The white areas of the photo tend to capture most of the glow when shooting wide open. With this setting, the color of white objects bleeds across the edges and creates a halo effect. This can be increased if the image is intentionally overexposed. This creates another way to use the velvet creatively by adding lights to create a halo.

Despite the wide angle, I still filled the frame with my motifs to make these dreamy edges much more obvious. Otherwise, the glow fuses to the edges with the blur of the background. However, the lens can still be used for landscapes, causing deliberate hazing over the entire image or creating a soft blur at the edges.

Our opinion

The Lensbaby Velvet 28 gives wide-angle shots a dreamy shine. It's a look that, if done right, can be great, but without time and foresight, it just looks like a blurry picture. Art photographers will love it; Pixel peeper, not so much.

The metal construction and the easily rotatable focus and aperture rings give it a first-class feeling, while the macro focusing further expands the creative possibilities.

The lack of auto focus and auto exposure mixed with the deliberate softness means that taking pictures with this lens requires patience and a few tries.

Is there a better alternative?

The Lensbaby optics are unique – but in this case Lensbaby competes with itself. While the new lens is the widest in the Velvet series, the Trio 28 is a 3-in-1 lens that allows photographers to rotate a dial to switch between the Swirl, Velvet and Sweet effects. That means there is already a 28 mm option with a velvet effect.

However, there are some differences between the effect on the trio and the velvet. The trio's aperture is fixed at 1: 3.5 so that the soft effect cannot be adjusted. The trio also lacks the macro functions and is only intended for mirrorless mounts, so you can't put it on a DSLR. Some photographers may still overlook these missing features because the trio is a 3-in-1 lens that costs half the price of the Velvet 28.

Lensbaby also offers the Velvet in the 85 mm and 58 mm versions, which makes it easier to fill the frame and exaggerate these soft edges.

How long it will take?

Well built and without an auto focus motor, there is no reason why the Lensbaby Velvet 28 doesn't last many years. While other lenses with advancing technology are being replaced by sharper versions, this does not apply to the Velvet 28. However, this does not mean that you will continue to enjoy the effect in the future – some photographers may get tired of it over time.

Should you buy it

Yes, if you want to have control over creative effects in the camera. For photographers whose style harmonizes with the softness and shine of the Velvet 28, the lens could be a valuable creative tool. Do not buy it if you need autofocus or automatic exposure, or if you want the pictures to be as sharp as possible.

Editor's recommendations




21 Apr
Blog

3Doodler 2.0 Review | Digital Trends

3Doodler pen

"While you probably won't find many practical uses for it, 3Doodler is an incredibly entertaining tool for creative people of all ages, abilities, and skills."

  • Simple, intuitive and fun

  • Smart, comfortable design

  • Lots of accessories and add-ons

  • The precision of conventional printers is lacking

  • Not particularly practical

When the original 3Doodler pen fell on Kickstarter in 2013, it was a success almost immediately. After the original funding goal was reached within a few hours, the device, which was the world's first “3D printing pen” at the time, raised more than $ 2.4 million before the campaign ended.

Now, less than two years later, the company is back with a new and improved design that's slimmer, leaner, and more user-friendly than ever. We did a round to see if drawing three-dimensional objects in the air is as easy as it would look in this Kickstarter pitch video. We found the following:

Features and specifications

The 3Doodler 2.0 offers some significant improvements over its predecessor. In addition to a significantly smaller form factor, the second generation 3Doodler also offers a new and improved nozzle design, a better heating algorithm and variable speed and temperature controls. It also has a new feed system that makes extrusion more reliable and consistent, and is compatible with a number of new accessories. No matter how you look at it, version 2.0 is better than ever.

Setup and configuration

Getting started with 3Doodler 2.0 is absurdly easy. It is essentially a freehand 3D printer, and what you lose in precision you gain in simplicity. Simply connect it to a power source, insert a rod made of ABS or PLA plastic and set the switch to "High". An indicator light shows when the nozzle tip is hot enough to start extruding. At this point, just hold down the spray button until molten plastic comes out. It takes a few seconds to get started, but once it does, you're good to go.

Construction quality & design

3Doodler 2.0 cuts the socks off version 1.0 in almost every way, but build quality and design are definitely the most important. In addition to a new slim new aluminum housing, the new version is also ¼ the size of its predecessor, so you can hold it much more comfortably in your hand.

Other additions such as variable speed buttons and temperature controls make it easier for users to draw at the pace they feel comfortable with. There is even a new "continuous feed" mode that you can activate by double clicking the "extrude" button. This feature allows you to draw large objects without having to strain your hand by holding down a key for the duration of your scribbling.

Printing performance and learning curve

Simply put, 3Doodler for 3D printing is what the ballpoint pen is for the inkjet printer. Because it is designed for hands-free operation, it is nowhere near as accurate or precise as a conventional 3D printer. But that doesn't mean it's not a useful tool for creativity. With a little practice and imagination, you can do some amazing things with this gizmo.

3Doodler 2.0 cuts the socks off from version 1.0 in almost every way.

What we liked best about 3Doodler 2 was that you don't need any technical knowledge to use it. You don't have to mess around with 3D modeling software or download pre-made STL files to download to your printer. The device offers creativity in the truest sense of the word. It removes the technological barriers between your mind's eye and what comes out of the nozzle.

The disadvantage is that with this freehand approach, printing performance is directly related to your drawing skills. Just like sketching in two dimensions, it takes a bit of practice before you can start doing really cool things. For the first half hour, the only “doodles” we could do were abstract clumps of plastic with irregular lines and spirals. But after a few failed attempts to do things, you start to get the hang of it.

Maintenance, repairability and upgradeability

The simplicity of 3Doodler goes beyond drawing and creating objects. It's also ridiculously easy to wait. Thanks to its incredibly simple design, it almost never gets clogged or jammed – and if it doesn't, the tips can be easily unscrewed for easy inspection or simply removed with a needle.

3Doodler Pen "data-image-id =" 821805BIll Roberson / Digital Trends

BIll Roberson / Digital Trends

The design of the pen also offers a number of upgrade options. You can't change any of the machine's innards, but 3Doodler offers a variety of different extruder tips, as well as a portable battery that allows you to use the pen without being tied to an electrical outlet.

judgment

Honestly, you won't create many practical, functional, or really useful objects with 3Doodler – but it's not really made for that. Ultimately, it's really just a fun artistic tool. If you are looking for a real 3D printer that you can use to create useful objects, you should definitely look elsewhere. 3Doodler is probably not what you want.

However, if you like the idea of ​​drawing objects in three dimensions without having to overcome all the hurdles that lie between idea generation and creation (such as software, computer models and properly calibrated machines), the latest 3Doodler should definitely be in your possession as an artist -Toolkit.

Available from: Amazon Brookstone

Heights

  • Simple, intuitive and fun
  • Smart, comfortable design
  • Lots of accessories and add-ons

Lows

  • The precision of conventional printers is lacking
  • Not particularly practical

Editor's recommendations




19 Apr
Blog

Dyson V11 Outsize review: In This Case, Bigger is Better

Dyson V11 oversized cleaning

"A full-size cleaning foot and 18 cyclones of air make this cordless vacuum cleaner clean like no other."

  • Super suction power

  • Self-cleaning trash can

  • LCD screen

  • Large trash can

  • Large cleaning foot

  • Expensive

  • No self-cleaning filters

The Dyson V11 outsize is exactly what it sounds like. It's bigger than any other Dyson wireless vacuum on the market and, at $ 800, more expensive than the other leaders in the wireless vacuum category. Do its size and capabilities justify the price?

Here's what we liked about this powerful cordless device and what we didn't like.

Bigger and better

Think of the outsize as the older brother of the Dyson V11 torque drive. The outsize has almost the same functions as the torque, it is only bigger. The container is 150 percent larger and is the same size as a container that you would find in a corded vacuum cleaner. This is great because you don't have to empty it as often. The cleaning head is also 25 percent larger, which is the same size as most upright vacuum cleaners.

Dyson V11 oversized cleaningAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

Somehow, Dyson was able to add these additional features and make the outsize less than a pound heavier than the V11 Torque Drive. This means that it weighs 7.85 Pounds overall, slightly heavier than its biggest competitor, the Tineco Pure One S12that weighs 6.61 lbs.

A clean swing

The Outsize is a monster when it comes to sucking up clutter. The motor rotates the brush bar up to 60 times per second at 125,000 rpm and generates 18 cyclones to generate centrifugal forces of up to 79,000 Gs to suck up lint and dust. The six-layer filter system traps 99.99 percent of the particles, which are only 0.3 micrometers in size, to ensure that these little guys don't escape.

Dyson V11 outsize displayAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

The overall performance is controlled by three different modes. Eco mode has less suction power and offers a longer battery life. The auto mode automatically adjusts the suction power to the needs of your floor and the boost mode is basically a super suction mode. The elegant LCD display on the handle of the outsize shows which mode you are in and when there is a blockage.

I wonder if the pull is too strong.

It all sounds good, but how well does it really suck? As I tested, my huskies accidentally took egg shells from the trash can and crumbled them all over the carpet. The outsize soaked them up in one pass in auto mode, no problem, and even soaked up any piece of husky hair without clogging it up. In fact, I wonder if the pull is too strong. There were times when I had big problems pushing the cleaning foot across the floor, especially in boost mode.

Dyson V11 oversized canister and handleAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

The cleaning foot consists of two bristle lines that are wrapped around the roller. It does a really good job of clearing up clutter, although it seems to have some problems throwing small pieces around. I tried cleaning up some nerd candy that I dropped on the floor, for example, and the brush tossed the tiny candy all over the place. On the top, hair and pieces of thread don't seem to be wrapped around the brush. This is a big win for people with long hair.

Clean the cleaner

I really like how easy it is to empty the 0.5 gallon container. You simply lower it into the trash can, press the release button and all the dust falls directly into the trash can. Most other vacuum cleaners, both cordless and not, have a filter in the container that can trap dog hair, lint, and other debris and prevent them from falling out of the canister. This means that you have to put your hand inside to free everything that's up there. Outsize has solved the hand-in-bin problem. When you press the canister release button, the entire canister moves down from the filter. This frees everything that is trapped.

Dyson V11 outsize canister openedAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

One thing the outsize lacks is a self-cleaning tool for its filters, like the one included in the Tineco Pure One S12. This is only a small point of criticism when you consider how well this wireless vacuum cleaner cleans. By regularly cleaning the filter, the vacuum cleaner sucks better and extends the life of the vacuum. To clean a filter, you need to dust it in a trash can, rinse it with clean water, and air dry it, which doesn't take much work.

Battery life

The outsize has a running time that is comparable to other first-class cordless vacuum cleaners. For example, the Tineco Pure One S12 runs for 100 minutes and the Roborock H6 can clean for about 90 minutes, while the outsize can run for up to 120 minutes. The runtime of course depends on the energy mode used, the soil type and the type of attachments used.

While I was doing outsize on auto on a low pile carpet, the display on the handle showed me that the run time was a little over 40 minutes. Under the same conditions in Eco mode, the display indicated that I had about 65 minutes of cleaning time and Boost had about 10 minutes of cleaning time. This is not bad for a vacuum cleaner. I was hoping to see the 120 minutes appear on the screen, but no matter what I did, I couldn't make it. That was a little disappointment.

The outsize also has replaceable batteries and two chargers. So if you have a really big job, you can keep going as long as you want. However, each pack takes 4.5 hours to charge.

Not so loud

Dyson V11 oversized cleaning footAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

The outsize is quieter than many vacuum cleaners, but don't expect to be able to watch TV while vacuuming. It won't blow your ears, though there are moments when you wonder if you have hearing loss. When the outsize switches to boost mode, it is understandably very loud. Fortunately, you don't need it very often.

Our opinion

If you want a cordless vacuum that works like a wired post, the Dyson V11 Outsize ($ 800) is a good choice. It has a large container, a large brush and a lot of power for most cleaning tasks. The suction power is strong and very difficult to beat and the battery life is pretty good. Overall, it's an excellent vacuum.

Is there a better alternative?

It is quite a bit more expensive than the top of the line Tineco Pure One S12 ($ 430) and a little heavier. There are no self-cleaning filters like the S12, but if you want a cordless vacuum that cleans like a post, you can't beat the outsize.

How long it will take?

Dyson doesn't have a great track record with longevity in its cordless vacuum cleaners. In fact, consumer reports found that almost half of Dyson's vacuum cleaners develop problems within the first five years. This includes V-rated vacuum cleaners. I hope the outsize breaks away from this trend, but it seems to be very similar to its predecessors.

Fortunately, there is a 2-year warranty on parts and labor. When I turned to Dyson, they disproved the reliability of the results of the consumer report, and a representative said: “We conduct stringent battery life tests, including thousands of battery life cycles, when we develop our products. We also run very intensive reliability tests where we subject our machines to the worst conditions to ensure that they can withstand the long term use our owners expect. "

Should you buy it

Yes. I would definitely recommend it.

Editor's recommendations




18 Apr
Blog

2020 Toyota Avalon TRD Review: Are We Having Fun yet?

2020 Toyota Avalon TRD

2020 Toyota Avalon TRD rating: Big on space, short on hustle and bustle

"The 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD is a full-size entertaining sedan, but not a good value."

  • Powerful engine

  • Composite chassis

  • Spacious interior

  • Overwhelming technology

  • Inconspicuous interior materials

  • Performance increases don't go far enough

  • Bad value

It is hard to imagine that a car currently in production has a less exciting image than the Toyota Avalon. The largest sedan from Toyota is traditionally geared towards an older population group and attaches importance to comfort and space compared to sportiness and technology. Why does this new Avalon have a TRD emblem on the trunk? After all, TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development.

The Toyota Avalon TRD 2020 is an attempt to break out of a clumsy stereotype. Toyota hasn't changed anything under the hood of this sedan, but it did give the Avalon TRD stiffer suspension, bigger front brakes and other performance improvements, and a sportier design inside and out.

These upgrades are not cheap. Prices for the TRD model start at $ 43,330. That's $ 6,500 more than a basic Avalon XLE and puts the TRD at the top of the trim hierarchy. Given the limited performance improvements, the TRD had to work hard to justify its price and meet its bill as an exciting Avalon.

Design and interior

The current generation Avalon, launched for the 2019 model year, already had a rather extrovert design as part of Toyota's ongoing effort to make it more distinctive. The massive grille takes the Avalon XSE model, and the TRD adds a body kit with a new front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser and tailgate spoiler. The TRD also gets model-specific 18-inch wheels. Overall, the car looks like it was designed by an Uber driver who watched too many Fast and Furious films. But unlike previous Avalons, it stands out.

We are used to seeing traditional wood and leather in Avalon interiors. So it was surprising to open the driver's door and find seats with suede inserts and red stitching, red seat belts, and aluminum pedal covers. This is the kind of thing you'd normally expect in a Honda Civic Type R, not a big sedan. That's not a bad thing as these boy racer elements give the Avalon TRD the sporty feel that Toyota wanted.

2020 Toyota Avalon TRD2020 Toyota Avalon TRD

It's just a shame that the materials look so cheap. Although this car cost over $ 40,000, it didn't have real leather seats and other materials weren't a significant step up from cheaper Toyota models.

When you buy an Avalon, you really pay for the space. The interior volume is a big step up from the medium-sized Toyota Camry and is cheap compared to other large sedans like the Dodge Charger, the Kia Cadenza and the Nissan Maxima. The Avalon has more rear legroom than the competition, although the Cadenza and Maxima have a little more space in the front. At 16.0 cubic feet, the trunk space is average for a large sedan, but the Kia Stinger hatchback offers 23.3 cubic feet of cargo space.

Technology, infotainment and driver assistance

The Avalon is Toyota's flagship, but that doesn't happen technically. This car has a decent array of technical features, but Toyota could have gone further.

While some Toyota vehicles received both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the 2020 model year, the Avalon is only available with CarPlay (along with Amazon Alexa connectivity). The standard 9.0-inch infotainment screen is easy to reach from the driver's seat and is supported by strategically placed analog controls. However, the integration into the dashboard is cumbersome.

2020 Toyota Avalon TRDStephen Edelstein / Digital Trends

The 7.0-inch screen, which is clamped between the analog speedometer and the tachometer, provides important information such as fuel consumption. However, the setup seems a bit dated, as other automakers offer fully digital instrument clusters. The TRD model is charged with Qi mobile phones as standard, but does not have the head-up display that is available in the Touring and Limited equipment variants.

The Avalon has the same standard Toyota Safety Sense-P bundle of driver aids as most of the automaker's models. These include autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning with steering assistant, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam, blind spot monitoring and rear traffic warning.

2020 Toyota Avalon TRD

Experience behind the wheel

The TRD model has the same 3.5-liter V6, the eight-speed automatic transmission and the same front-wheel drive as the basic Avalon. Engine power remains unchanged at 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. That roughly corresponds to the closest rival of the Avalon TRD, the Nissan Maxima. Like the TRD, the Maxima is a light, sporty large sedan with front-wheel drive and a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 300 hp and 261 lb.-ft. accomplishes. The Maxima's continuously variable transmission (CVT) has nothing to do with the fast-switching eight-speed automatic transmission of the Avalon.

However, broaden your horizons and it is possible to get more horsepower per dollar. For around $ 6,000 less than the TRD, you can buy a Dodge Charger R / T with a 5.7-liter V8 that delivers 370 horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. accomplishes. The Kia Stinger GT is also a little cheaper than the Avalon TRD. It packs a 3.3-liter V6 with two turbochargers with 365 HP and 376 lb.-ft. The Dodge and Kia are both fitted with rear-wheel drive, and Kia offers all-wheel drive at an additional cost.

However, the Avalon still has a lot of power for a car of its size, and the cat-back exhaust system of the TRD model gives the V6 a nice growl. Toyota also threw more resources into the car's chassis.

The relatively small increases in performance work on the go, but only up to a point.

Most TRD upgrades relate to handling. Toyota added thicker underbody struts to increase torsional rigidity, TRD-specific shock absorbers, new stabilizers, and new springs that lower the car by 0.6 inches. According to Toyota, the stabilizers and springs increase the roll stiffness at the front by 44 percent and at the rear by 67 percent to prevent the car from fluttering around corners. The TRD also has larger front brakes than a standard Avalon.

Stephen Edelstein / Digital Trends

These relatively small changes work on the road, but only up to a point. The Avalon TRD feels much more relaxed on a winding road than such a big car. The brakes are fantastic too. But like a person with social fear at a party, you feel like the Avalon would rather do something different.

While the suspension keeps the body swaying at bay, the TRD doesn't feel as agile as a Nissan Maxima built with a similar template. This is probably due to the Avalon's longer wheelbase, which is great for space in the rear seats, but not for carving in corners. The front tires of the Toyota were also slightly overwhelmed by multitasking. Steering, braking, and channeling 301 horsepower is a big question as to why performance sedans typically have rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Drive the Avalon back and forth with a Kia Stinger and you'll see why.

Fuel consumption and security

The TRD treatment has no influence on the fuel consumption values. This version of the Avalon has the same 25 mpg (22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway) as most other trim levels. Toyota also offers a hybrid powertrain up to 44 mpg, which however cannot be combined with the TRD upgrades. According to the car's on-board computer, we reached an average of 24.8 mpg over a week's drive.

The 2020 Avalon received the highest Top Safety Pick + rating from the Road Safety Insurance Institute (IIHS) and a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Toyota offers a three-year warranty of 36,000 miles and a five-year warranty of 60,000 miles for the powertrain. The Avalon and other Toyota models enjoy an excellent reputation for reliability.

How DT would configure this car

Since the TRD is a specific equipment variant in the Avalon series, not many configuration decisions need to be made beyond the color. We thought the white color of our test car caused the black grille, the wheels and the body kit to burst well.

But is the TRD the best Avalon you can buy? It's worth noting that the Limited trim level offers more features (including leather seats and a 360-degree camera system) for about the same price. The Limited is also available with the hybrid powertrain. This combination shows the strengths of the Avalon better than the sporty TRD.

Our opinion

The Toyota Avalon TRD 2020 is a good idea with poor execution. It's possible to turn a large sedan into a high-performance car – just look at the BMW M5 – but Toyota hasn't gone far enough with the Avalon TRD. The TRD upgrades make the Avalon better to drive (and look at), but they don't transform it.

If you want four doors, lots of space, and a little fun, other cars offer more for the money. For the base price of the Avalon TRD, you could have the most expensive Nissan Maxima. The Nissan is not without its flaws, but it is a better implementation of the idea that Toyota was aiming for. The Maxima has less interior than the Avalon, but its interior also feels more upscale. While the Maxima is equipped with a slow-reacting CVT, it feels more comfortable on winding roads.

Similar money could also buy a Kia Stinger GT with more power and better handling than the Toyota or a Dodge Charger R / T, a real muscle car with a Hemi V8 under the hood. The Avalon TRD is cool and different, but so are these cars. They also have more substance to support their style.

The Toyota Avalon is simply not designed for aggressive driving, and no changes can fix that. If you want a really beautiful Avalon, the XLE model is the way to go. If you are looking for a large sedan that looks more aggressive and moves faster, you should buy another car.

Should you get one?

No, the price-performance ratio is bad.

Editor's recommendations




17 Apr
Blog

Garmin Quatix 6 Review: It’s Much More Than a Boat Watch

Garmin Quatix 6 review img 1728

"Garmin's Quatix 6 is a great multisport watch that is easy to look at."

  • Multiple fitness sensors

  • Battery life

  • Build quality

  • Music storage

  • Suitability for everyday use

  • Expensive

  • One size only

  • No touch screen

Whenever a product contains the words "marine" or "boat connection" in the description, I turn away as soon as possible. These words are usually reserved for overpriced niche articles that are flooded with features that I will never use. When I found out that the Garmin Quatix 6 was going to arrive on my doorstep, my first thought was: "I'm not going by boat." How am I supposed to check this? "

Fortunately, the Quatix 6 is not just a boat watch. It could be the best multisport smartwatch you can buy today.

Furnishing and design

While the packaging says Quatix 6, it is essentially a variant of the Garmin Fenix ​​6 Pro that can do everything the Fenix ​​6 Pro does. It only has a number of pre-installed boat functions.

Starting with the basics, the Quatix 6 monitors the usual suspects: steps, calories burned, sleep and climbed floors. It also connects to your iPhone or Android device to receive notifications. Such features are expected these days, but the Quatix 6 offers GPS, a heart rate monitor, a barometric altimeter, a compass, a thermometer, an accelerometer, a pulsox, and a gyroscope. What is special about the Quatix 6 is not that it has all these sensors, but what it does with the data.

Garmin's new user interface is certainly an improvement over previous iterations. If there are several complications on the standard screen, I get all the data fields I want without the face feeling cluttered.

I usually make a sacrifice when I select "home screens," but the Quatix 6's various facial options strike a balance between clean aesthetics and the information available at a glance. In the meantime, the widget loop shows a list instead of taking up the entire screen, which enables faster scrolling. These minor changes make the user interface less cumbersome.

Battery life

Another minor change from previous models is the battery format, which is now displayed in days for charging instead of being full in percentage. The battery life depends heavily on your usage mode. Garmin offers the following:

  • Smartwatch mode: Up to 14 days
  • GPS mode: up to 36 hours
  • GPS and music: up to 10 hours
  • Maximum battery GPS mode: 72 hours
  • Expedition GPS activity: 28 days
  • Battery saving mode: 48 days

This type of adjustability for battery usage is helpful when you are out on the water or in the wild.

Activity tracking

Life on the water is the goal of the Quatix 6, and for this reason all possible widgets are pre-installed so that you can switch from landlubber to seal in no time. With full connectivity from all chartplotters to autopilot controls to Garmin's Sailing Assistant, the Quatix 6 is ready to go to meet all of your boat needs.

But as I said, the Quatix 6 is much more than a water dog – it's a multisport pony that improves your fitness game regardless of activity.

In addition to the skills the Fenix ​​6S Pro demonstrated in a previous wilderness test, the Quatix 6 can guide you through home workouts, including yoga, P.ilates, weight training and cardio, all with on-screen animations to guide you through the process. For the most part, these are extremely practical and I had to mix in various workouts that I would normally not have looked up.

My only criticism are the noises that the watch makes when switching between positions during yoga training. They are shrill electronic beeps that are not wanted when I try to turn on my Zen.

I mainly train indoors these days and the Quatix 6 has a special tracking for indoor cycling. Most of the time I search for my readings at Zwift, but the Quatix 6 can connect directly to my Wahoo Kickr to show my performance and distance without interrupting my Zwift training. This may seem a little unnecessary, but for anyone who has decided which apps to connect to your Strava, this is a nice addition that allows you to keep your data in one place.

If running, swimming or cycling are part of your weekly work, the Quatix 6 with PacePro keeps track of your target pace, offers new bike courses with Cycle Map and monitors your swimming efficiency in the pool. And if you like to play golf, 41,000 golf courses are preinstalled.

To be honest, there are far too many features to mention here. So if you are interested in the full list, you can read it on the website Garmin site.

The Quatix 6 can combine your activities and evaluate them with its numerous functions. With features like a heart rate sensor, GPS and the Pulsox sensor, which estimates the amount of oxygen in your blood, the Quatix 6 can estimate your fitness level.

What I liked most about the Quatix 6 was the stress and body battery functions. In all likelihood, this has more to do with checking this watch during a pandemic. Nevertheless, it was a nice change to pay more attention to my stress and my energy level.

That doesn't mean I needed a watch to say I'm more stressed than usual, but when the Quatix 6 asked if I wanted to do a breathing exercise because he knew I was nervous, I was happy to remember to get offered. This is a small part of the general capabilities of the Quatix 6, but this was a welcome addition for this journalist who struggles to meet deadlines in a world that works a little differently than before.

Additional functions

The onslaught of functionality doesn't stop with breathing exercises and sports. With 32 GB of storage space, the Quatix 6 can record 2,000 songs. Since it is Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatible, you can stream from Spotify, Amazon Music and more.

Another smart feature is Garmin Pay, which allows you to set up a virtual wallet for contactless payments.

Everything I've mentioned up to that point applies to the Fenix ​​6 Pro at $ 700. The only difference is that the marine functions automatically included in the Quatix 6 must be downloaded to the Fenix ​​6 Pro via the Garmin Connect app.

So why buy the Quatix 6 and not the Fenix ​​6 Pro? Aesthetics matter.

With its silicone band "Captain Blue", the bezel made of brushed stainless steel and a touch of red, the Quatix 6 gives a completely different atmosphere than its all-black tactical brother. I'm usually a fan of the all-black options, but the classy look of the Quatix 6 is a wonderful change from the watches I've had in the past. If you want to stand out even more, the Quatix 6 is available in a titanium version for $ 1,000, which is equipped with a sapphire crystal lens, a titanium bezel and a titanium band, as well as a weight loss from 83 to 72 grams.

Our opinion

You may not know Quatix 6, but you should be. It has the same functionality as the Fenix ​​6 Pro, with a different look that's as classy on a boat as it is on the trail or in the gym.

Is there a better alternative?

In the north of the $ 500 price range, look for the best smartwatches available on the market, such as the Apple Watch, Suunto 9 Baro, and Polar Vantage V Titan. Much of this choice depends on your personal preferences, price, and willingness to learn how different brands work.

The main blow against the Quatix 6 is the high price that can throw it out of competition for many people. However, if you want to be patient, Garmin watches are often on sale, more than most other brands.

How long it will take?

Garmin watches are built to throw around, and the Quatix 6 is no exception. If previous experience indicates this, you will wear your Quatix 6 for at least three to four years. From this point on, you will notice something shiny and new long before it lets you down or runs out. The watch comes with a one year warranty.

Should you buy it

Yes. If you can afford it, it is arguably the most robust multisport smartwatch currently available.

Editor's recommendations




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.

Moto G Stylus no macro "class =" m carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/moto_g_stylus_no_macro_1-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / / www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Macro one

Moto G stylus macro "class =" m-Karussell - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/moto_g_stylus_macro_1-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: // www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Macro off

Moto G stylus macro "class =" m-Karussell - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/moto_g_stylus_macro_2-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: // www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Macro one

Moto G stylus no macro "class =" m carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/moto_g_stylus_no_macro_2-3-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: //www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Macro off

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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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




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