02 Nov
Blog

Nokia G50 Review: Buy For The Battery and Software, Not 5G

The Nokia G50 in blue.

“The 5G connection of the Nokia G50 is not a reason to buy, just a decent advantage for the future. Instead, the battery life and the software make it worthwhile to search. "

advantages

  • Long battery life

  • Strong build quality

  • Straightforward, reliable software

  • Guaranteed software updates

  • 5G for the future

disadvantage

  • Screen with 60 Hz refresh rate

  • Low resolution screen

  • Big and heavy

The $ 300 Nokia G50 might hit the headlines because it includes 5G priced at $ 300, but no matter what the wireless industry wants you to be, there is no real reason to get this phone or any other phone right now to buy. Instead, you should still look at all of the common suspects – software, battery, screen, and camera – before making a decision.

With the G50 in my daily use for over a week, I've found it wins in two of these four categories, which means 5G is enough to make it a buy recommendation. But you still need to be aware of its one major disadvantage.

draft

The Nokia G50 is a very large cell phone. The 6.82-inch screen is massive, the case is almost 9 mm thick and 174 mm high (the Galaxy S21 Ultra is 10 mm shorter by comparison), and it weighs 220 grams. Small pockets will bother you, but never one Bag get lost. There is absolutely nothing subtle about it and it is completely unsuitable for one-handed use.

Nokia G50 seen from behind.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The back is made of plastic and has a moderate grip. On the right side there is a fingerprint sensor in the power key, on the left side there is a Google Assistant button. It's in just the right place to hit all the time and is a hateful addition as it can't be switched to something more people might find helpful. You can turn it off completely, but that way it feels like a wasted opportunity.

On the back, the design is as usual for Nokia with a round camera module, simple branding and an ocean blue color, another in a range of Nokia colors inspired by the Nordic environment. It catches the light in an attractive way and is not covered with fingerprints. There is a 3.5mm headphone jack on the top of the phone, and charging on the opposite end is through a USB Type-C port.

Nokia G50 fingerprint sensor.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

For the past week the G50 has been in and out of pockets and bags, roughly tossed in my car's door pocket and generally not handled with kid gloves. There is something about the sizeable frame and gigantic size that encourages this type of treatment, and the good thing is that the G50 looks exactly the same as it did when it was unboxed. It's not a rugged phone, but there is a distinct sturdiness here, and while the design makes it difficult to distinguish from many other newer Nokia phones, it is still attractive in a simple way.

screen

Oh dear, the screen is where the G50 really loses points. It's 6.82 inches, which is gigantic, but the 1560-by-720-pixel resolution definitely isn't. It's an IPS LCD panel so there is no always-on display available, there are some serious bezels, the 450 nits maximum brightness is only acceptable but the worst part is that it is a 60Hz refresh rate -Panel acts.

Nokia G50 screen.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Be it the low resolution that matches its large size, or that my eyes are very used to a 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rate screen, scrolling on the G50 is often an uncomfortable, fuzzy mess. The G50 could be used to sell phones with higher refresh rate screens because the difference between them is so great that even the most ardent “I don't get the excitement” denier will quickly be convinced that 90Hz or higher is the only way are.

Almost as bad is the weak automatic brightness, which is far too slow to react in sunny outdoor conditions, and it is often faster to actually adjust the brightness manually. It has to be at maximum brightness to be seen anyway. Does that mean it's a video disaster? No, it's not that bad. The viewing angles are good, but you quickly lose some of the color, which is vivid and beautiful when viewed directly. It's all a lot better than you'd expect. I can even live with the clear and loud single speaker on the bottom of the phone.

However, the fuzzy blur of the 60Hz refresh rate is tough on your eyes, makes everything from Twitter to Google Discover uncomfortable to use, and is by far the worst part of the Nokia G50's screen. Too bad, otherwise it's fine for a cell phone at this price point.

power

Nokia is pushing the G50 as an affordable 5G phone, and in fact, I got a 5G signal delivered here by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 processor and modem. You get Sub6 5G but not mmWave. 5G is nice to have, but not essential for everyday use, and I would rather have a screen with a higher refresh rate, for example.

Games on Nokia G50.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Snapdragon 480 is a decent performer, but it's never what you'd call really fast. Apps open and screens switch at a calm, but never frustrating, pace. You can play Asphalt 9: Legends, but it never feels pale, fast, just acceptable. The G50 has 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, and the good news is that there is a microSD card slot to add up to 512GB to that total. The call quality is really good and I haven't had any problems with network, WiFi or Bluetooth connections.

camera

It's standard in the round module on the back of the G50, with a 48-megapixel main camera, a 5-MP wide-angle camera, and a 2-MP depth camera. The results are consistent with similar camera setups on other phones as well, with the main camera producing pretty, colorful, and divisible (with some editing) images. I like this.

Nokia G50 camera module.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The wide angle is less successful. It takes photos that are too dark and details are lost in the shade, especially on cloudy days. I wouldn't use it in situations where the results are important to me. The depth camera helps with portraits that have acceptable edge detection, but also suffer from problems in low light. There are several portrait selfie modes that will add an unusual background to your shots, but because of their incredibly artificial appearance, they are not very successful.

If the 48MP / 5MP / 2MP camera combination hasn't already given it away, the Nokia G50's camera doesn't stand out from the competition, but it does its job, provided you don't expect too much outside of the main camera.

Software and battery

The Nokia G50 has Android 11 installed with no special user interface, which means it is similar to the software experience of a Google Pixel, and all the better. The Snapdragon 480 chip is brave enough that the software never feels clumsy, it runs all of the apps I installed, received notifications with no issues, and was a trusted partner during my time on the phone.

Charging the Nokia G50.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Friendly software like the one installed on the G50 makes a world of difference to ownership. The phone may not have flagship hardware, but the software is better than some other phones that have more enviable specs. It's logical and easy to use right from the start, and a highlight of the G50.

It is similar with the battery. The 5,000 mAh cell in the G50 certainly adds to the size and weight of the phone, but since the phone can last two to three days without a charge, it probably won't matter to everyone. If you want a long battery life, the G50 is worth it. It also consumes electricity in standby mode. When the phone wasn't used a lot outside of messages and a few photos, it barely used 20% of its power, despite switching between 4G and 5G connections all day.

If you want a long battery life, the G50 is worth it

Unfortunately, it doesn't have a very fast charge – just 18W fast charge and no wireless charging – and it takes at least an hour and 45 minutes to charge.

Price and availability

The Nokia G50 can be purchased via Nokia's own online shop in the US for $ 300 or in the UK for £ 200.

Our opinion

The wireless industry wants you to think 5G is a reason to buy a smartphone, but it isn't. At least it isn't yet. Better to think of it as a feature that can help you hold the phone longer, and instead look at features that are now improving ownership every day, such as: For example, the screen and camera when you decide to buy a new phone. The G50 is not outstanding in either area, but offers reasonable performance for the price and convinces with its great software and long battery life.

Is there a better alternative?

In the US, check out the Moto G Stylus (2021) or Moto G Power (2021), which costs between $ 250 and $ 300, the OnePlus Nord N200 5G with a 90Hz screen, or the US $ 280 Dollar Samsung Galaxy A32 5G. But if you spend 400 US dollars, you can get the Google Pixel 5a with its excellent camera and even better software or the currently reduced OnePlus 8 with Snapdragon 865 chip and 90 Hz screen.

Don't confuse the G50 with the recently announced Nokia G300, which will be released over the Tracfone and Straight Talk networks. It only costs $ 200 but has a smaller screen and lower spec camera.

In the UK, the Realme 8 5G has a 90 Hz screen, a large battery, and a good camera for the same price as the Nokia G50, as does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G. If you can expand your budget to £ 300 the OnePlus Nord 2 CE 5G is great value, or for £ 400 you can get the OnePlus Nord 2 5G or the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G.

How long it will take?

There is good news for the software as it will receive major version updates for two years and security updates for three years. While 5G isn't a reason to buy the G50 on its own, its presence can make a difference as you own it as the network becomes more accessible and useful. The G50 doesn't cost a lot of money, but it can realistically be used for three years.

It doesn't have a water resistance rating and it's not a rugged phone by design. A case would be a good idea, although the phone feels like it needs to be handled a little harsh on its own.

Should you buy it?

Yes, the software, battery life, and build quality, plus a decent but simple camera are the reasons to buy. The 5G will only help you last longer.

Editor's recommendations



25 Aug
Blog

Google Nest Cam (Battery) Review: The Anywhere Home Camera

Google Nest Cam (battery) on the table.

Google Nest Cam (battery) test: The camera for anywhere in the house

RRP $ 180.00

“The Google Nest Cam (battery) is one of the most versatile cameras out of the box. You even get a free video history. "

advantages

  • Works both indoors and outdoors

  • Stores three hours of video history for free

  • Great contrast with HDR video

  • Magnetic plate has a strong connection

disadvantage

  • Bulky design

  • Details are a little soft

It may be surprising to learn that Google has been in the home security business for quite some time. In fact, the original Nest Cam was first released in 2014, long before any of us could have guessed that the Google Assistant would become the brains behind running the smart home. That's quite a long time if you think about it, and the company has released many more cameras – some of which have been well received by users and critics.

However, the latest intelligent surveillance camera is said to be the most ambitious offering to date. The Google Nest Cam (battery) may be the security camera to beat, not just because it works indoors and outdoors, but because it has enough intelligence and power to be the only camera you can count on, when You work you need it. And, oh yes, you don't have to sign up for a subscription service to get access to the best features.

That's not the rule, but I like where it goes.

Setup and installation

Designed to handle both outdoor and indoor situations, I have to admit, I love that you can choose where to place the Google Nest Cam (battery). Thanks to its IP54 protection rating, it can withstand the weather if it is placed outdoors. I chose to keep it as an indoor camera for this review, but it's worth noting that it comes with a wall plate, screws, and anchors if you set it up outdoors. Because it's battery operated, there's no need to run annoying cables around the house – unless it needs to be charged.

Google Nest Cam (battery) with internal stand on table.John Velasco / Digital Trends

While you can buy the optional $ 30 indoor stand that allows the Nest Cam (battery) to stand upright and move around like other indoor cameras, I just put it on the side of a door frame because its magnetic platter is impressively strong. It takes a lot of force to remove until you need two hands to remove it from surfaces.

Another interesting change is that the camera is no longer tied to the Nest app. Instead, everything is set up and managed by the Google Home app. After following the instructions in the app, your Nest Cam (battery) was up and running in less than five minutes.

draft

The new model bears no resemblance to the original Nest Cam from 2014. It actually follows Google's previous line of home surveillance cameras, the Nest Cam IQ series, which has a similarly rounded design with a short connector between the base and the camera body. The Nest Cam (battery) is only available in the snow color, so it would be nice to get at least a few more options. Am i in love with the design? Not really, especially when it's bulkier than other indoor cameras, but I can still appreciate its modern design.

Google Nest Cam (battery) attached to the fridge with a magnetic plate.John Velasco / Digital Trends

Interestingly, I found that if the camera is separated from the magnet base, it will become inoperable. It's a bit strange that its functionality is tied to the connection to the magnetic disk, but Google says it's a privacy protection feature when you're using it outdoors – so it turns off while it's charging indoors . However, you can turn this off by going to the device information settings in the Google Home app. In this way, it works regardless of whether it is connected to the magnetic disk or not.

I'm also not thrilled that it uses a proprietary power connector. I understand the pin connections help keep it weatherproof outdoors, but the proprietary connection means I just can't use any other charging cable I might have lying around. Instead, I would have to go straight to Google.

camera

In terms of specs, the Google Nest Cam (battery) is a small step down from the previous Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor. It has a 2-megapixel 1 / 2.8-inch sensor with a 130-degree field of view that can record video at 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second (fps). In comparison, the Nest Cam IQ Indoor has a decent zoom function that preserves details thanks to its 8 megapixel 4K sensor. With an outdoor camera, the Nest Cam's (battery) field of view is narrower than other all-outdoor cameras, so you'll want to strategically place it in one place to maximize coverage.

Screenshot of the live view of the Google Nest Cam (battery).

Fortunately, the Nest Cam (battery) still offers HDR video, which balances high-contrast scenes well, so the lights and shadows are tinted appropriately to give the entire scene a more neutral contrast. Even so, it doesn't capture nearly the same level of detail and clarity as the Nest Cam IQ Indoor with 4K sensors. Details are a little softer on the Nest Cam (battery). However, its night vision performance is still impressive.

software

As already mentioned, the Google Nest Cam (battery) only works with the Google Home app – unlike previous Nest Cams that could still work with the Nest app. I welcome this change as all of my smart home devices are under one roof. There is an events page through the app that lists all of the event triggers, complete with animated preview clips and detection type.

At first I found the app's navigation a bit confusing as I had to go through other menus to find filter options. Another strange oversight that I noticed while using the app is the ability to quickly take a snapshot or video clip while viewing the video stream live. There are no options for this, which I find quite strange as it is a standard feature on many cameras. I really hope Google will update the camera to enable this basic feature as it comes in handy.

privacy

If Google does one thing perfectly with the Nest Cam (battery), it has to be that they take your privacy seriously. As much as I would have liked to see a kind of privacy shutter over the camera lens itself, the camera can be completely switched off via the Google Home app. You'll find other standard privacy features like motion zones that let you choose which areas the camera should keep an eye on, as well as a green LED on the camera itself to indicate that someone is accessing the live feed.

It's one of the most feature-rich cameras I've come across right out of the box.

Just like the other Nest Cams, I love that you can set up a geofence to turn the Nest Cam (battery) on or off. Using my smartphone's GPS, the Nest Cam (battery) turns off when I enter my apartment – and turns on again when I leave the geofence and leave.

battery

The Nest Cam (battery) has a rechargeable 3.65 V lithium-ion battery with 6 Ah, which cannot be removed and therefore has to be charged at some point using the charging cable supplied. If you're using it as an indoor camera, just keep in mind that the charging cable is about a meter or so – so there is little wiggle room in how far it can be from a power source. Instead, consider picking up the indoor stand as it has a longer wire.

Bottom of the Google Nest Cam (battery) with proprietary connector.John Velasco / Digital Trends

Due to the battery power, the camera can of course be used anywhere. In the short time I've tested, it's still over 85% charged after almost a week of use, which makes me optimistic that it will last over a month on a full charge. This of course depends on how active it is.

characteristics

Many of the features of the previous Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor are locked behind a subscription service. The key feature of the Google Nest Cam (battery) is that it gives you up to three hours of event video out-of-the-box – with no subscription required. This is wonderful news because it captures and stores video of events over the past three hours. If you need more coverage, you'll need to subscribe to Nest Aware for up to 10 days of continuous video recording.

I'm also excited to announce that even in the event of a network failure, the Google Nest Cam (battery) can continue to function normally as it continues to detect events and save clips. I tested this by unplugging my router. This is especially useful as it will not become inoperable if there is a power failure or the Wi-Fi network is interrupted.

Close-up of the Google Nest Cam (battery) camera.John Velasco / Digital Trends

The Nest Cam (battery) will continue to provide intelligent alerts based on what it sees. So far, when it comes to discerning people and pets, it's pretty much right – and alerting me with a notification on my phone. When used outdoors, it also has the ability to detect vehicles. I like that I can customize the notifications through the app, which helps avoid false positives.

And finally, it includes two-way audio for interacting with people. The internal speaker sounds loud and clear enough when used indoors, but I suspect that ambient noise outside could potentially affect its performance.

Our opinion

While there are some minor inconveniences that could easily be resolved with a software update, the $ 180 Google Nest Cam (battery) is a well-rounded security camera that can be effective anywhere. It's a very versatile camera that doesn't hide any advanced features behind a paywall, and one of the most feature-rich cameras I've come across right out of the box.

Is there a better alternative?

When it comes to clarity and detail, the Arlo Pro 4 is hard to beat with its sharp graphics, color night vision, and removable battery. You pay a little more for it, but the extra features and powerful performance back it up.

At the other end of the spectrum is the $ 130 Eufy SoloCam E40. It shares many of the same functions, such as: B. local storage, which eliminates the need to sign up for a subscription service.

How long it will take?

The Google Nest Cam (battery) has a robust construction with a matte outer casing. It is also designed to operate in extreme temperatures ranging from -4 degrees Fahrenheit to 104 F. In the event of a malfunction due to a defect. Google offers a one-year limited warranty that covers this.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. It's rare that you find a security with so much flexibility and smarts out-of-the-box.

Editor's recommendations



22 Apr
Blog

Garmin Venu 2 Review: Superb Tracking With Superior Battery

garmin venu 2 review 2s

"The Garmin Venu 2 / 2S is near the height of fitness trackers and smartwatches."

  • Up to 11 days of battery life

  • Detailed tracking of important health data

  • Health alerts keep users informed about stress

  • Dozens of workout routines

  • Numerous dials

  • High price

  • iPhone users cannot reply to messages

The Garmin Venu 2 / 2S is proof that Garmin has successfully changed direction from car-mounted GPS devices to incredibly powerful, useful wearables. This smartwatch can do more than just display messages – it monitors a whole range of health information. It will also yell at you when your vitals get too out of whack. Think of the Garmin Venu 2 / 2S as your personal, health-focused Jiminy Cricket.

Minimalistic design

The Venu 2 has a simple yet elegant design. The all black band, face and bezel give the Venu 2 a subdued look, but the minimalist design goes with any outfit. It can easily take the place of a "fancier" bracelet without spoiling the overall look.

The Venu 2S is optionally available with a white band with a gold bezel. It also has a slightly smaller screen at 1.1 "compared to the 1.3" screen on the Venu 2. There are two buttons on the right side of the band that, along with the touchscreen, control most of the Garmin's functions. The band has approximately 20 micro-adjustment slots so you can get the perfect fit regardless of the size of your wrist.

The best part is that the smartwatch is convenient. I wore it to bed every night for two weeks and it didn't feel uncomfortable once, unlike many other wearables I've tried. The Garmin Venu 2 is lightweight and will quickly become a standard part of your everyday life. I don't feel it when I'm wearing it, but I definitely feel it when it's not on my wrist.

Health traits

The health features are where the Garmin Venu 2 really shines. This smartwatch takes almost all of the best features of fitness trackers and smartwatches and combines them into a single tool that has been used at almost every point in my day.

Battery life

The first thing to note is that this iteration of the Venu includes some new features that will bring it far more usefulness than before. The most important among these is the battery life. The first time I buckled up the Venu 2 was around noon on a Friday. I didn't take it off to recharge until the next Thursday evening – almost seven full days.

It has the range to provide charge for more than a week.

According to its specifications, the Venu 2 can last up to 11 days on a single charge as long as it is in smartphone mode (meaning the built-in GPS beacon is not used). I received a lot of notifications throughout the day that probably drained the battery faster than usual, but with minimal use I can easily believe it will last that long on one charge. It also charges quickly – just 10 minutes is enough to restore a single day's charge while four hours fully restore the battery.

Like the previous Venu, the Venu 2 can store songs in its on-board memory (although this version can store up to 650 songs instead of 500). Playing music and using your GPS will reduce battery life to just eight hours on a single charge. Still, it's impressive that the range is more than a week or less than a day, depending on the activity.

Health surveillance

Another useful feature is all-day health monitoring. This allows the Venu 2 to collect various health metrics throughout the day, including your heart rate, stress level, breathing, and even your pulse ox – your blood oxygen levels. Checking these stats can give you a good idea of ​​your fitness level, but you don't have to find out for yourself.

Another new feature is called Fitness Age. It gives you a rough estimate of the age of your body compared to your chronological age. You can check your fitness age on the Garmin app for suggestions on how to improve. For example, this could indicate that you are lowering your BMI or increasing your activity level during the day.

The new built-in workouts can help with this. The HIIT workouts help you keep track of your time and allow you to set up custom timers and intervals, while the Advanced Strength Training Tool keeps track of your personal bests at a glance and shows which muscle groups were trained during the workout .

Sleep score and health snapshot

The last two functions go hand in hand. The Sleep Score gives you an estimate of how well you slept on a scale from 1 to 100, as well as suggestions on how to improve your sleep. It shows you how long you've been through each phase of sleep – a useful feature when you're trying to get the most out of your lack of sleep.

If you want a complete overview of your health, you can use the Health Snapshot to do a 2-minute workout while the Garmin Venu 2 records your heart rate, breathing, stress and other measurements. At the end of the workout, you will receive a report of your score and a rough estimate of your health.

Body battery

The body battery is a really interesting feature that is frighteningly accurate. It measures your overall energy level from 1 to 100 based on how well you slept the night before, how much activity you have during the day, how much stress you are, and more. At the beginning of the day you can see how much you “charged” during the night, and during the day you can see how much energy is “used”.

In my time with the Venu 2, the value of the body battery is about what I feel. Every time I feel tired or have trouble concentrating, the body battery value is below 40. At least it has given me greater awareness of the ups and downs of my energy throughout the day, especially the slump after lunch.

Other properties

Aside from its numerous health features, the Garmin Venu 2 also functions as a smartwatch. You will receive notifications from your phone right on your wrist. One of the few downsides to the Venu 2 is the inability to respond to messages like the Apple Watch can.

The Venu 2 works with Garmin Pay so you can do your shopping without ever having to withdraw cash or a debit card. At a time when everyone is still trying to avoid touching objects, this feature is a fantastic option.

If you're struggling to motivate yourself to exercise, the Garmin Connect app can help. I know competition is the best way to get me going, and the ability to earn badges through badge challenges makes me want to fill my profile with whatever I can. You can also view a news feed to see how your friends fared compared to yourself this week.

And if you decide to customize your watch face to suit your personality, there are several watch faces to choose from in the Connect IQ Store. You can even create your own watch faces with pictures from your phone.

In the Connect IQ Store you can also install various music apps like Spotify or Amazon Music, navigation apps like Find My Car and even other training apps like a tracker for elliptical trainers or inline skating.

Price and availability

The Garmin Venu 2 and 2S are available now at Garmin.com for $ 400. It has not yet been announced whether it will be available from other retailers.

Our opinion

The Garmin Venu 2 / 2S is incredible technology that brings many features into one small package – and has enough customizations that you can change to be unique to your lifestyle. It's a full-fledged fitness tracker with most of the features you'd expect from a smartwatch. If iPhone users could reply to messages or post a social media post right from the watch, it would be perfect.

The depth of health monitoring features make it a valuable tool for anyone looking to get fit. However, it's especially useful for people who want to shed a few unwanted pounds before a big event. For example, if you have a wedding in a few months and want to make sure you look good in your suit, the Venu 2 / 2S will help you keep track of which exercises are best for you.

However, the $ 400 price tag is steep. As much as I enjoyed using the Venu 2 / 2S (and will continue to do so), $ 300 seems like a better price – that is, all of the advanced sensors explain the cost. It's worth noting that the screen is a little too easy to scratch for a $ 400 device. There is a small blemish on the face after banging the clock against the wall.

Ultimately, however, it's a great watch – and the health warnings are the icing on the cake. You can set your Venu 2 / 2S to notify you when your heart rate or stress level exceeds a certain level. This can remind you to stop, stand back, and take a breath.

Is there a better alternative?

The Fitbit Charge 4 offers many of the same fitness tracking features (as well as GPS) for just $ 150. While it doesn't have all of the smartwatch features, if you're looking for a fitness-only tracker it's hard to justify spending an extra $ 250.

The Apple Watch SE is another cheaper option for $ 325, especially if you're an iPhone user. At the moment, the Garmin Venu 2 / 2S is still aimed more at Android users than iPhone users (although I had no difficulty connecting or operating mine via iOS).

How long it will take?

With proper care, the Venu 2 / S should last quite a long time. Even so, the screen is a bit fragile and easily scratches. Be careful, but don't worry about water – the Garmin Venu 2 / S is rated at 5 ATM, which means it should withstand a pressure of around 50 meters. You should be able to shower with the water without worry. It comes with a 1 year limited warranty that covers defects.

Should you buy it?

Yes, without a doubt. The Garmin Venu 2 / 2S is the best fitness tracker I've ever used, and it will continue to be used for the months to come as I get in shape for my upcoming wedding.

Editor's recommendations




20 Mar
Blog

Acer Predator Triton 300 SE Review: Gaming, Display, Battery

Acer Predator Triton 300 se review 01

Acer Predator Triton 300 SE Review: Small stature meets powerful gaming

"The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE is small, but powerful."

  • Small, portable design

  • Stay cool and quiet when you're not playing

  • Smooth gaming at 1080p and 144 Hz

  • Good battery life

  • Limited configurations available

  • Not as fast as the Zephyrus G14

The ROG Zephyrus G14 was a revolutionary gaming laptop. With a screen size of just 14 inches, an RTX-grade graphics card, and decent battery life, it was a breath of fresh air. and for almost a full year there was no challenger to what this laptop could do. The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE is finally a worthy rival. So on the surface.

It's also a 14-inch gaming laptop, has the same RTX 3060 GPU and a 144Hz refresh rate screen. All of that costs $ 1,400, along with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD.

Because of its size and design, you may not even be able to identify the Triton 300 SE as a gaming laptop. But can a laptop this size really be powerful enough for modern gaming? You might be surprised.

design

Being the thinnest or lightest device rarely results in being the "best" device. The sacrifices made are often not worth the compromise. However, the Predator Triton 300 SE is less space-saving than ultra-thin or light.

Do not get me wrong. At 3.7 pounds and 0.70 inches thick, it's amply portable. But many gaming laptops have hit the 0.70-inch mark in the past few years, including the ROG Zephyrus G14. The 14-inch screen size is what makes the Predator Triton 300 SE so small. At just 12.7 x 8.9 inches, it doesn't feel much bigger than a 14-inch non-gaming laptop like the HP Specter x360 14.

Due to its smaller size, the Triton 300 SE can not only be used as a gaming laptop. It's easy to carry, easily fits in a backpack, and doesn't take up excessive table space. The Razer Blade Stealth 13 is the only gaming notebook that surpasses it, but the Razer's nowhere near as powerful.

The Triton 300 SE looks like this too. It's not overly game oriented or aggressive. The only freebies are a small Predator logo in the top right corner of the lid and some vents along the hinge. It's not as flashy as the ROG Zephyrus G14, but there are little bits of style if that's what you're looking for. It's a good balance, and I prefer the subdued aesthetic over the larger Predator Helios 300.

But that doesn't mean the design is totally modern. The fake brushed metal texture on the lid feels a bit dated, as does the bright silver color. Once opened, there are some features that are not keeping up with modern trends. First off, the lower bezel is quite large. A 16:10 screen would reduce this without having to shrink the overall size of the case. A black bezel on the sides may also have helped lessen the effect, even if it's still made of plastic.

I also don't like the location of the fingerprint scanner, which is in the top right corner of the touchpad. Most modern laptops incorporate this into the power button, although it is still rare in gaming laptops these days.

The location of the ports is a little awkward to make room for the side slots, but the variety will no doubt make you happy. On the left you will find a USB-A port, a Thunderbolt 4 port, and a barrel-shaped power plug. The Thunderbolt port can be connected to a display, used for ultra-fast data transfer or even charged the laptop. However, when gaming, you should use the proprietary charger.

On the right side, the Triton 300 SE has an additional USB-A port, HDMI 2.0 and a headphone jack. If you plan to use this laptop for photo or video editing, you will be missing an SD card slot, but the port selection is otherwise perfect.

display

I've talked about how important the size of the Triton 300 SE's screen is, but image quality is also important. It uses an IPS screen of 1,920 x 1,080 with a refresh rate of 144 Hz – ideal for smooth, responsive PC games. The matte layer on the screen means fewer reflections, but also less bright. I measured it at a maximum of 290 nits, which is just below the 300 nits I would like to see minimum on laptops.

Fortunately, the screen makes up for this with good color saturation and contrast. Achieving 99% of the sRGB and 77% of the AdobeRGB color spaces is quite good for a gaming laptop, as is the contrast ratio of 1,500: 1. The color accuracy is not that spectacular, although the Triton 300 SE does not rely on precise color corrections is designed. The ROG Zephyrus is better in this regard and also hits a maximum of 332 nits.

Of course, the refresh rate is the most important aspect of the display, which makes the performance under the hood of the RTX 3060 really flexible.

performance

Aside from its size, the Triton 300 SE's performance is the most intriguing proposition. It uses a unique 35-watt processor that sits right between a standard ultrabook (like the Dell XPS 13) and a traditional gaming laptop (like the Predator Helios 300). The ROG Zephyrus G14 also uses a 35-watt chip, although it's made by AMD instead of Intel.

The Triton 300 SE represents the attempt by Intel to develop such a processor type. The important thing is to use the latest 10nm SuperFin architecture, which is not yet available on the larger 45-watt gaming laptops. This is our first taste of what these chips will look like in a sense.

The special chip in my test device is the Intel Core i7-11375H, a quad-core processor with a base clock rate of 3.3 GHz. From now on the Triton 300 SE will only be offered in this single configuration, which also contains 16 GB DDR4 RAM and a 512 GB SSD. In addition, it is only sold through Best Buy, which means that availability is scarce. While it's a balanced configuration (especially at $ 1,400), I hope there will be more options available at some point.

In my runs in Geekbench 5 and Cinebench R23, this 35-watt processor consistently delivered stronger multi-core scores than ultrabooks (which also have four cores) and stronger single-core scores than 10th generation gaming laptops. Of course, 15-inch gaming laptops like the MSI GS66 Stealth or the Razer Blade 15 can support six- or eight-core chips, which achieve far better multi-core results. It is also far behind AMD's Ryzen CPUs with eight cores – even the 15-watt variants.

Cant say I am overly impressed by the raw performance of the Intel H35 chip.

Perhaps the most interesting comparison is between the Triton 300 SE and a 14-inch U-series laptop like the HP Specter x360 14 or Lenovo Yoga 9i 14. The multi-core values ​​of the Triton 300 SE are even 33% higher than those . That's what gives you 7-10 extra watts of power.

This improved multi-core performance should result in better results for content creation applications. I started with a CPU tied handbrake test encoding a 4K movie trailer for H.265. The results were good and took just under three minutes. That's about 17% faster than the Lenovo Yoga 7i 14. However, the eight-core Ryzen 9 4900HS in the ROG Zephyrus G14 stomped on the Triton 300 SE and did the job in just a minute and 40 seconds. Cant say I am overly impressed by the raw performance of the Intel H35 chip.

Fortunately, things get a lot better when you factor in the Triton 300 SE's discrete graphics card. In the PCMark 10 Creative test, for example, the Triton 300 SE is 12% ahead of the Lenovo Yoga 9i 14. Of course, you can make more money for video editing with a larger 15-inch laptop. If this type of performance is more important to you, the Triton 300 SE is not for you. The additional multi-core performance in the Zephyrus G14 is a better choice.

Gaming performance

The RTX 3060 in the Triton 300 SE naturally makes it a proven gaming laptop. Smaller gaming laptops like the Razer Blade Stealth with its GTX 1650 Ti are good for light gaming, but the Triton 300 SE is almost twice as powerful for gaming.

I haven't tested the updated version of the Zephyrus G14 yet, but as you'll see, this hasn't stopped even the older model from improving the Triton 300 SE's frame rates.

Laptop 3DMark Time Spy 3DMark Fire Strike Assassin's Creed Valhalla (1080p Ultra High) Battlefield V (1080p Ultra) Fortnite (1080p Epic) Civilization VI (1080p Ultra)
Predator Triton 300 SE (RTX 3060) 6038 13794 50 frames per second (fps) 68 fps 78 fps 84 fps
ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 2060) 5861 13876 n / A 70 fps 91 fps 91 fps
Razer Blade Stealth (GTX 1650 Ti) 3035 7186 n / A n / A n / A 49 fps
MSI GS66 Stealth (RTX 3080) 9097 19175 70 fps 117 fps 140 fps 149 fps

The Predator Triton 300 SE can almost keep up with the Zephyrus G14 in Battlefield V, but remains behind in other games. The frame rate is 14% lower in Fortnite and 8% lower in Civilization VI. You don't want to see that against the predecessor model of a direct competitor. I would expect the recently introduced RTX 3060 version of the G14 to move forward even further.

I didn't have a comparison rating for Assassin's Creed Valhalla for the Zephyrus G14, but I tested Assassin's Creed Odyssey on both systems. None of the laptops could play this game at 60 fps at extremely high settings, with the Triton 300 SE averaging 51 frames per second (fps). This was the only game in which the Triton 300 SE beat the G14, which only hit 42 fps.

Overall, however, the Zephyrus G14 is the faster gaming notebook in most cases. It seems that Asus has a more efficient cooling system and can push the graphics harder than the Triton 300 SE. Given that the two laptops are almost the same size, this is remarkable.

But I would be lying if I said that I didn't enjoy the gaming experience on the Triton 300 SE. If you set the settings to Medium or High in most games, the frame rates will jump over 100. This is the ideal place for silky smooth animation. The difference between the G14's 120 Hz and the Triton 300 SE's 144 Hz won't appear too often, but having extra leeway to play is never bad.

In addition, there is a clear trade-off in terms of fan noise. The Triton 300 SE is better able to stay quiet for simpler tasks, which was one of my main complaints with the Zephyrus G14. The vents on the top of the keyboard get warm during gaming, but the Triton 300 SE keeps the surface temperatures on the keyboard and palm rests extremely low. All of this helps the Triton 300 SE double as a standard work laptop better than the Zephyrus G14.

Battery life

I don't normally expect long battery life from gaming laptops, but the Triton 300 SE is different here, too. A lower power CPU is being used, which is designed to improve lifespan on a single charge. Acer claims that the Triton 300 SE can even last up to 10 hours under its specific conditions.

I tested this in two ways: a local 1080p playback test and an iMacros web browser test. The video loop lasted just under eight hours on a single charge, while the system lasted just under seven and a half hours in the more realistic web browsing test. You're far better with 25-watt laptops, but I was pretty impressed with how long the Triton 300 SE can last.

The system traded beats with the Zephyrus G14 in terms of battery life. The G14 lasted two more hours on the video loop and just under six hours on the internet. Other gaming laptops with decent battery life include the MSI GS66 Stealth and the Razer Blade 15, both of which are only 30 to 60 minutes shorter than the Triton 300 SE.

Keyboard and touchpad

The keyboard is not my favorite aspect of this laptop, but it is serviceable. Acer decided to move the standard Predator keyboard over to the Triton 300 SE, which feels like a missed opportunity. It's not a bad keyboard, but I would have preferred something with less feel, bigger keycaps, and more precise bottom-out action. The multimedia buttons on the right don't bother me, although I have to admit that they always put me off when screen brightness and volume control are not next to each other.

The keyboard has a three-zone RGB backlight with four levels of brightness for the backlight. Colors and patterns can all be customized in the PredatorSense application.

The touchpad does better. It's very big and the pursuit is smooth. It's a high quality touchpad, and even the click mechanism feels solid.

The Triton 300 SE has a 720p webcam above the screen. However, it lacks an IR camera, so Windows Hello hands-free logins are not possible.

Our opinion

The Predator Triton 300 SE represents a new generation of gaming laptops. Smaller, yes, but just as powerful. At $ 1,400, it's not overly expensive for a gaming laptop, either. For me, it's the future of gaming laptops.

The only problem? The Zephyrus G14 came here first and has better performance in both gaming and content creation. They are similar in price and end up in the same category depending on size. However, I prefer the way Acer optimized the Triton 300 SE for cooler and quieter operation, which makes it a better work laptop.

Are there alternatives?

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 can hardly be surpassed in this category. It is gaining performance across the board, which makes it a better option for most people. Asus also offers a lot more configurations, including options for cheaper graphics or higher resolution screens.

The Razer Blade Stealth is an even smaller gaming laptop, despite being more expensive and not as powerful.

When you're ready to move on to a bigger 15-inch laptop, you can find some more powerful options like the Razer Blade 15 and MSI GS66 Stealth.

How long it will take?

The Predator Triton 300 SE should last at least four or five years, especially if your main focus is on competitive esports games. The laptop comes with a standard one-year warranty.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It represents a new category of gaming laptop that many PC gamers will love. The category is still in its infancy, but the Triton 300 SE has confirmed to me that the highly portable 14-inch gaming laptop will become an extremely attractive option for PC gamers going forward.

Editor's recommendations




27 Feb
Blog

Xiaomi Mi 11 Review: Beautiful Screen, Bad Battery

xiaomi mi 11 rating camera back hand

Xiaomi Mi 11 review: specs to challenge the Galaxy S21 but not the battery

"The screen, camera and performance of the Xiaomi Mi 11 are enviable, but the battery disappoints and the software has yet to be polished."

  • Stunning screen

  • Capable 108MP camera

  • Very fast wired and wireless charging

  • Bad battery life

  • Software has yet to be polished

  • Not widely available (yet)

If you've looked at the Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus and shrugged your shoulders without being impressed by the decent but not standout specs, the Xiaomi Mi 11 may be exactly what you're looking for. It has the specs and feature lists we've come to expect from Samsung's reasonably large flagship S-series phones, then charges less than the simplest Galaxy S21 to own the device.

Xiaomi has long excelled by delivering strong specifications on paper coupled with an affordable price, but then stumbled in terms of ease of use and polish. It has a great chance to impress with the Mi 11. Did it do that too?

design

With its metal frame, the curved Gorilla Glass Victus above the screen and Gorilla Glass 5 for the back, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is made of exactly the materials that we expect from a top smartphone today. The hue of the ice blue paint on the back of my Mi 11 changes slightly as it catches the light, it doesn't attract too many fingerprints and the overall footprint of the phone is manageable. At 196 grams, it's not too heavy either.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The camera module on the back is unusual, not only in its shape, but also because of the number of "steps" it takes. There are three different levels, all in different shapes and with different lenses and colors, so that they are immediately recognizable. It's kind of busy like the S21's lens assembly, but it's certainly not to be confused with any other camera array out there.

Maybe it's a good thing it looks different, as the Mi 11 doesn't push smartphone design in any other way. As expected, the curved panes of glass meet the metal case, there are speaker grilles at the top and bottom, no headphone jack and three buttons on the right side of the case. In your hand, it feels like the OnePlus 8, Galaxy S20 +, Oppo Find X2 Pro, and many other phones that have been released in recent years.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

A strange part of the design involves the bezels around the corners of the screen. The edges of the device appear to be at a slightly different angle than the edges of the screen. Once you notice this, it becomes frustratingly difficult not to see them. Even if the glass is curved on the sides, the screen does not extend far down. Some may see this as an advantage, but it also means that the black bezels are more noticeable than we'd like them to be.

Screen and audio

The Mi 11 has a 6.81-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 3,200 x 1,400 pixels, a refresh rate of 120 Hz, HDR10 + support and a maximum brightness of 1,500 nits. This goes beyond the specifications of the Galaxy S21 + and is the same as the Galaxy S21 Ultra. However, does it really matter that the FHD + screen performance of the Galaxy S21 + is indistinguishable from the WQHD + screen of the S20 +?

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

When I put the Mi 11 next to the S21 +, I really can't see any difference when playing high definition videos on YouTube – but that's not a bad thing as it looks amazing. This version of Iz * One's panoramic music video (below) looks sharp and stunning on both phones. It offers a multitude of colors and deep contrasts, perfect control during the sequences with flashing lights and fast movements as well as high brightness. Xiaomi adapts Samsung's screen performance to the Mi 11.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The excellent dual speaker system from Xiaomi with audio tuned by Harmon Kardon is clear and loud, with only minimal harshness at maximum volume. The speakers are too small for a lot of bass, but the Mi 11 has a deeper sound than the iPhone 12 Pro and sounds very similar to the Galaxy S21 + overall. It's also great to see AptX HD and AptX Adaptive on the list of Bluetooth features, which means the Mi 11 will stream the highest quality audio to compatible headphones. YouTube music sounded great when listening to the Vivo TWS Neo earbuds with AptX Adaptive, and there was little occasional lag while gaming.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I couldn't find any downsides with the display itself, but was surprised that the 120Hz refresh rate had to be turned on instead of setting it by default. Some people may miss out because of this quirk. Otherwise, the Mi 11's audiovisual experience is superb and certainly on par with the very best phones you can buy today.

camera

The multilevel module on the back of the Mi 11 contains three cameras: a 108-megapixel main camera with a 1 / 1.33-inch sensor and optical image stabilization, a 13-megapixel wide-angle camera and a 5-megapixel macro camera. It doesn't have an optical zoom but has some unusual video camera features and it can also record 8K videos. The 20-megapixel selfie camera is located in a hole cutout on the screen.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The 108MP sensor seems to be the ISOCELL HM3 from Samsung, which can also be found in the Galaxy S21 Ultra. I enjoyed using the Mi 11 as I'm sure it will take good photos, but I missed an optical zoom feature and found there were more images to edit than on the Galaxy S21 Ultra. The white balance, for example, seems to be a weak point in the camera.

xiaomi mi 11 rating pond sign "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-7-2631160

xiaomi mi 11 review cropped character "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-7-2631171

  • 1.
    Mi 11 original
  • 2.
    Mi 11 cropped version

However, there is no denying how much detail the camera captures. In the photo of the pond above, there is a small sign on the wall in the center of the photo. Only when you zoom in to the right can you clearly read the message "Don't leave any trash, take it home". The same photo shows the beautiful tone of the Mi 11, which very effectively captures the colors at the end of winter.

The large sensor adds a deep, natural depth of field and is really more effective than the random portrait mode for adding bokeh to your photos. Dim light is good too. The early morning red sky photo still shows a decent level of detail, even though the 2x setting is a digital zoom. Some edge distortion is noticeable in wide-angle shots and the colors are a little muted.

The Mi 11's camera, whether it's still images or videos, is a great partner.

The auto focus makes the 5 megapixel macro camera more user-friendly than most, but it's still not quite as good as the Galaxy S21 Ultra's macro mode, which uses the wide-angle camera. It's problematic because it's a bit of a hit or a miss when it comes to whether it focuses on what you want. Tapping the screen helps, but the camera never seems to be happy with the distance from the subject. It therefore takes time to do everything “just right”. That's fine if your subject is stationary and you don't mind taking multiple photos, but not if it's moving. Either way, you will need patience and a blank gallery to get a usable photo or two.

Video and editing modes

The Mi 11 camera gimmick (and yes, they are gimmicks) is related to video. When you hit the Movie Effects setting, you'll get a selection of clever, but very niche video effects for you to try out. Magic Zoom creates your own dolly shot (like that famous shot by Jaws) while Time Freeze keeps your subject in the shot as the world continues to move around it, and Parallel World folds the scene on itself in an inception style .

Each works reasonably well and is due to Xiaomi's artificial intelligence (A.I.) and software efforts, but they can only be used in very specific situations. Magic Zoom works best when there is a large distance between you and your subject, so it needs to be quite large. Time Freeze needs people to work and they have to do something vaguely interesting to make it interesting. Movement restrictions that I live in mean these features are mostly unusable for the time being. But even when I see real people again, I can't see these features being used except out of curiosity.

Wed 11 edited sky photo Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The 8K video recording feature is available at 24 frames per second (fps) or 30 fps, resulting in massive file sizes (at least 500MB per minute) and content that you can only really enjoy on an 8K TV. There are plenty of other modes too, from a 15 second short video setting to a dual video mode that lets you record with both the front and rear cameras. There are a lot of things you can try out – just don't expect them to be features that you use every day.

Xiaomi's photo editing mode is similarly fun and once again shows its A.I. Skills. There is an effective editing feature that can be used to change the appearance of the sky, such as: B. a bokeh portrait mode for the sky, which is surprisingly good at completely changing the mood of a photo. The Mi 11's camera, whether it's still images or videos, is a great partner. The features can be playful, but there's plenty to do on occasion and the quality of the main camera is undeniable.

Software and performance

My test Mi 11 exaggerated Android 11 with MIUI 12 and installed the security patch from January 1, 2021. It's the best version of MIUI I've used, but that's not a clear recommendation – it just means it's not as fussy as older versions. On the positive side, it's very pretty and very fast, and for the most part, the settings menu is very well laid out. Every app I've downloaded has worked without any problems and isn't frustrating to operate.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

However, there are some issues that you won't find with the S21 + or iPhone. The keyboard is at the very bottom of the phone, which can be a hassle to use. Notifications do well in the notification shadow and you can interact with them there, but I didn't always get them all and sometimes the phone would deliver a multitude of notifications together when I unlocked them for some other reason. There is also no "jump" to the notification shadow. So if you swipe the screen to reveal hidden messages, the shadows will simply close and you will be returned to the home screen.

I like the different options that always appear on the screen, the numerous customization options for the display, and the dark mode. Oddly enough, dark mode also adds darkness to the wallpaper, but this can be turned off by digging into the settings. This is probably the biggest problem with MIUI. The endless customization means investing time getting it just right and sometimes not knowing why something looks or works like this.

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xiaomi mi 11 check camera modes "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/xiaomi-mi-11-camera-modes-640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Finding the macro mode in the camera app is a good example of MIUI being crowded and chaotic. This is not a standard setting in the option list in the viewfinder, is not a "flower" symbol next to the wide-angle and zoom options, and is not hidden in the "More" menu. Instead, it's under another menu at the top of the screen that is far too easy to miss.

None of these things make MIUI particularly bad. They just mean that the Mi 11's software has a steep learning curve before it really feels at home, especially if you're coming from an operating system like iOS or Android on a Google Pixel phone.

The new Snapdragon 888 chip from Qualcomm supplies the Mi 11 with power. My trial version has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, but a 256GB model with 12GB of RAM is also available. I can't understand why you need 12GB of RAM as I never thought the phone would be slow to respond. I've played Asphalt 9: Legends and it's fluid, very fast, and the screen looks wonderful. Due to its moderate weight, the Mi 11 is ideal for playing. There is also a game mode that can save notifications and mute calls.

Battery and security

Now we come to the biggest disappointment in the Mi 11 – the battery. The 4,600mAh cell may have the capacity to last a long time, and comes with wired and wireless fast charging, but doesn't have the guts to last longer than a full day (and even then, it's just that) when it does Fall is under heavy use.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

At the moment I mostly use Wi-Fi, and even then the Mi 11's battery life showed up. With some videos, some photos, a short gaming session, and normal use outside of those things, the battery dropped to 60% in the early afternoon. That's at least 20% less than most other phones, including the Galaxy S21 Ultra. Take it outside and connect to a cell signal and things are worse.

With moderate use, the battery drains at an alarming rate, and even in the middle of the day I wondered if I needed to charge it before going to bed. The cell is not small and the phone does not get hot, suggesting that it is a software optimization issue and future software updates may improve battery life. Fortunately, there is a wired 55 watt charger in the box, which promises a quick charging time of 45 minutes. If you have the Xiaomi 50W wireless charger, the charging time is still less than an hour. However, this is not included with the phone.

The biggest disappointment in the Mi 11 – the battery.

The security systems are better, but also not perfect. The built-in fingerprint sensor sometimes takes a few longer hits than expected to unlock the phone. So if you lift your finger too quickly, it won't open. It's frustrating that this isn't always the case. Hence, it is difficult to adjust your usage to compensate for this. However, the face unlock is very quick, so you may not be using the fingerprint sensor at all.

Price and availability

Choosing the Mi 11 over the Galaxy S21 or S21 + is one thing, but getting your hands on a Mi 11 is another. Xiaomi does not officially sell its smartphones in the US, so you will have to import one. Likewise, the phone has not yet been confirmed for launch in the UK, but we expect it to be available soon as it is available in parts of Europe. It starts at 749 euros, which converts to about 900 US dollars or 650 British pounds.

Our opinion

The Mi 11 is a really powerful device with a fantastic screen, a powerful 108 megapixel camera, and lots of the right features and specs for a very reasonable price. However, all of this doesn't quite make up for disappointing battery life and MIUI issues related to notifications and menu clutter. Xiaomi's hardware is excellent as always, but also, as we see too often, the software – although improved – can't compete with competing phones from Samsung, Apple and OnePlus.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. If you don't want to spend $ 1,000 on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or the iPhone 12 Pro – our top two picks – and want something around $ 700, then the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is just like the Google Pixel 5 a good buy If the Xiaomi Mi 11 launches in the UK in the near future, it will be a great alternative to the OnePlus 8 Pro which, while excellent, does not have the latest Qualcomm chip. The camera is also not as powerful as that of the Mi 11.

How long it will take?

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor is up to date and has more than enough features to keep the phone fresh for two or three years. Xiaomi's MIUI software updates are more frequent than the Android version updates. While the latest software is now running, it won't when Android 12 releases later this year and it may take a while for the update to be available.

Unfortunately, the Mi 11 is not waterproof and the glass body is not particularly resistant to damage if the phone is dropped. A case would be a very good idea if you want the phone to last a long time. The Xiaomi Mi 11 has 5G connectivity provided you have coverage near you.

Should you buy it?

No. It's a capable phone with a lot of good points, but the battery life is disappointing and the additional camera features – while technically impressive – don't keep enough long-term interest. Also, you need to import it to the US and there is no final UK release date yet.

Editor's recommendations




27 Jan
Blog

Moto G Play (2021) Review: Battery Life, Performance, Camera

motorola moto g play 2021 rating 4

"Motorola makes the best phone under $ 200 – just set your expectations before you buy."

  • Modern design

  • Great battery life

  • Good advertisement

  • Attractively priced

  • Below average camera

  • Limited software support

  • Mediocre performance

The Moto G series is back for 2021 and consists of the Moto G Power, Moto G Stylus and Moto G Play. While most might want to buy the Moto G Power or save up on the Google Pixel 4a for their competitor, the Moto G Play is great value for money and therefore only costs $ 170.

The phone looks great on paper. With a huge 5,000 mAh battery, a relatively modern design, and a lot more, it could be the ideal device for those looking for a decent phone under $ 200. Is it anyway? I've been testing the 2021 Moto G Play for a while to find out.

Design and display

The Moto G Play is an affordable phone. Hence, you shouldn't expect the design to look too expensive. That said, Motorola does a good job of making sure the phone looks modern enough in the age of edge-to-edge displays.

Gone are the holes in the more expensive Moto G models in favor of a small teardrop notch at the top. Honestly, the notch is as intrusive as the hole punch cutout anyway, and you'll soon forget about it after you've used the phone. The device also has a bigger chin than the other Moto G devices, and that might be more noticeable. Neither of these issues are real, but they do contribute to the fact that the device is a little less premium – which it is.

On the back of the device is the camera with two sensors and a back-mounted fingerprint sensor that appeared to be fast and accurate in our tests. In 2021, on phones like the Galaxy S21, the camera shock on this device is quite small and almost flush with the back of the phone, which is a nice touch. It's also centered so it doesn't wobble a lot on a desk.

On the edges of the phone are the standard volume rocker, power button, and USB-C port. You also get a headphone jack, which is especially good to see on phones in this price range.

The Moto G Play's display is a 6.5-inch 720p LCD display and does the job, but that's about it. Colors aren't particularly vivid and obviously don't have a high refresh rate here, but for things like scrolling Twitter and reading email, this is perfectly fine. It also gets quite bright, which is helpful in direct sunlight or brighter environments.

Power and battery

The Moto G Play is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 processor as well as 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage. This is a notable step up from the other Moto G-series devices, which come with 6-series chips and offer at least twice as much storage space. 32GB of storage is a bit weak in 2021, but something is expected from such a cheap phone. Fortunately, there is a microSD card slot so you can expand the storage if you want.

Despite the slightly underloaded processor, the phone works perfectly in daily use. There was little to complain about with basic tasks like emailing, browsing social media, and even multitasking. If you're doing more intense tasks like mobile gaming while playing games like Call of Duty: Mobile, you should expect some serious slowdowns, but despite the slower loading times and jittery menus, the in-game phone has mostly done itself with the occasional skip.

All of the Moto G-Series 2021 devices have good battery life, and the Moto G Play is no exception. The device comes with a powerful 5,000 mAh battery. Thanks to the lower resolution display, it can last two days even with heavy use. If you have a good charging capacity for your device, you won't have to worry about battery life with this phone – and if not, you will have plenty of time to plug it in. You'll have to plug it in but there isn't any wireless charging, though that's no surprise.

Cameras

On the back of the Moto G Play there is a dual camera system with a 13-megapixel main camera with an aperture of 1: 2.0 and a 2MP depth sensor. Despite the fact that great cameras are getting cheaper on smartphones, the Moto G Play doesn't give you the versatility of an ultra-wide or telephoto camera.

Unfortunately, the Moto G Play's camera is mediocre at best. With good lighting, you can take pictures that are … okay. They're not particularly vivid or detailed, but they will get it. However, if you add a bit of complexity to the shot, you don't get much. Low-light photos are either blown, very blurry, or both, and backlit scenes have little to no dynamic range.

If you didn't know you used a $ 170 phone, the Moto G Play's camera will remind you of it – every time.

Software and functions

The 2021 Moto G Play comes with Motorola My UX, which is based on Android 10, and it's a pretty good experience. Motorola is pretty good at providing scaled down software, and you get it on this device. Everything is pretty much where you'd expect it to be, and the user interface is generally easy to navigate.

Motorola has also been pretty good at delivering additional functionality in its software. The phone is equipped with the Moto app, which enables some handy gesture controls – for example, the ability to take a screenshot by touching the screen with three fingers, or turn the phone upside down to “do not disturb”. Other features like Gametime, for example, tweak notification settings while you play. The great thing about these features is that you can enable or disable them depending on which features you actually like. They're all included in the Moto app – instead of being spread across the My UX interface.

Now for the disadvantages (beyond the camera). The phone comes with the dated Android 10. Motorola has stated that it will receive Android 11, but has not yet stated when. Given that Motorola marketing says it will get "at least one software update", Android 11 is likely the end of the line for the 2021 Moto G Play. Fortunately, the device will receive software updates for two years, but it's still very disappointing to see such a lack of software support – which spans all Moto G devices.

Price and availability

Perhaps the best thing about the 2021 Moto G Play is how cheap it is. You can get a whole lot of phone for just $ 170. You can overlook many shortcomings at this price point if you probably won't be holding the phone that long in the first place.

The Moto G Play is available directly from the Motorola website as well as from a few select retailers such as Best Buy. Indeed the device was at the time of this writing Available at Best Buy for just $ 120 When you activate with a carrier, that's an incredible deal.

Our opinion

The Motorola Moto G Play (2021) isn't perfect, and you wouldn't expect it for the price either. The camera is really pretty bad, and while the device's performance is okay for everyday use, it does get slower with heavier multitasking and intense gaming. If you can afford to spend more, this is why you should. You can get it parent Moto G Power for $ 250. And the $ 350 Pixel 4a is more than twice as expensive, but it's also more than twice as good as a phone.

That said, if your budget is no more than $ 200, the 2021 Moto G Play is the way to go. Motorola continues to prove that you can get a solid phone at a super affordable price. As long as your expectations are set correctly.

Is there a better alternative?

No. In this price range, the Moto G Play is the best cell phone under $ 200. However, if you can afford to spend more, you can get the exact same recipe, only better, with this new Moto G Power for $ 250. For a phone that will last longer, perform better, and take better photos along the way, you can access the phone Google Pixel 4a.

How long it will take?

The Moto G Play should be in use for two years given its plastic construction. It's not water-resistant, so you'll need to keep it dry, and you should expect it to get seriously sluggish by the end of those two years.

Should you buy it?

Yes, but only if your budget is no more than $ 200. For $ 250, you get a Moto G Power that performs better in every way.

Editor's recommendations




24 Jan
Blog

Motorola One 5G Ace Review: Battery Life, Specs, Cameras

motorola one 5g ace review 1

“You get good performance, great battery life, and a nice big display. But below-average cameras and a short software life have harmed the One 5G Ace. "

  • Modern design

  • Excellent battery life

  • Solid display

  • Good performance

  • Below average camera for the money

  • Only one software update guaranteed

Motorola recently unveiled the Moto G-Series 2021, which is solid value for money for those looking to spend no more than $ 250. In addition to the Moto G, the company has also launched a new model in its high-end One line: the Motorola One 5G Ace.

At first glance, the Motorola One 5G Ace is a bit confusing (and an awkward name), but it's important not to think of it as a replacement for last year's Motorola One 5G. This device has a lower-priced processor, a poorer display, and other cutbacks – but it costs $ 400 or $ 150 less than the standard Motorola One 5G.

However, there is no lack of competition in this price range. Does the Motorola One 5G Ace compete with the Pixel 4a and iPhone SE among its competitors? We put it to the test to find out.

Design and display

Motorola has done well at offering relatively modern looking phones for the price, and the One 5G Ace is no exception to that rule. It's a large phone with a large 6.7-inch display with an aspect ratio of 20: 9 that is great for scrolling through Twitter, seeing all of your email at a glance, and seeing more anytime. Of course, there's a tradeoff: don't expect to be able to reach the top of the display without the help of a second hand.

While the original One 5G had a double front camera, the Ace has a single centered cutout for the selfie camera. And there's a tiny chin at the bottom of the display, although it's not too intrusive and you probably won't notice it at all in everyday use.

At first glance, the back of the phone looks metallic, but you won't be fooled for long. It feels like plastic. Well, that's not a big deal for the price – it doesn't feel as high-end as a glass or metal device, and its weight helps make it feel solid. Plastic makes the phone more durable against typical bumps and scratches, which is usually a solid selling point for those buying a device on a budget. On the back there is also a fingerprint sensor, which works relatively quickly and accurately, and a camera module with three sensors.

In addition to the standard power switch, volume rocker, and USB-C port on the edges, you also get a headphone jack. It's nice that Motorola has stuck to the headphone jack on its budget phones for so long.

Thanks to its higher resolution of 1080p, the display is a clear step forward over the Moto G series. Unfortunately, you don't get the 90Hz refresh rate that you get with the standard Motorola One 5G, but it still has decently vivid colors and gets relatively bright. It's a good looking display for a phone in this price range.

Power and battery

Under the hood, the Motorola One 5G Ace is a clear step up from any Moto G device thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G processor, 4 GB or 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB or 128 GB of storage. It's a solid setup, and the Qualcomm 7 series has proven to be a great way to get good performance over the past year without buying a flagship phone.

The phone is more than capable in everyday use. There were seldom problems even when used for heavy-duty multitasking, mobile gaming, and more. I have the 6GB RAM model and have never had issues with apps closing in the background before I was done with them. It even handled some Call of Duty: Mobile and Asphalt 9: Legends with ease. Sure, load times can be a little longer than the Snapdragon 765G-equipped Motorola One 5G, and it may slow down sooner, but in normal use they feel almost identical at this point.

The phone has a 5,000 mAh battery (yes, just like a Galaxy S21 Ultra) which is more than enough for a full day of heavy use. Although it doesn't last quite as long as the Moto G Power, most people can still work with it for two days due to the higher resolution display, as Motorola announced. If you can charge your phone well every day, no need to worry here. Unfortunately there is no wireless charging, which is a bit disappointing. It's still tolerable that a $ 400 phone doesn't offer it, but it won't be long – and it would have been nice if the One 5G Ace had been ahead of the curve.

Cameras

As mentioned earlier, the Motorola One 5G Ace has a triple camera system with a 48-megapixel main sensor with a f / 1.7 aperture lens, an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera with a f / 2.2 aperture and a 2 megapixel macro camera. I still don't think people really use macro lenses (more than just to check them out), but Motorola disagrees, arguing that in the era of COVID-19, more people than ever are taking photos of things up close At home. I would have preferred a telephoto to a macro.

The One 5G Ace's camera is fine, but not much better than fine. In good lighting conditions, a solid shot can be obtained even though the colors are not very vivid and the details are not as sharp as they could be.

The pictures are far worse in poor lighting conditions. There's little detail and a lot of noise – when you can actually lock the focus and even get a blurry picture. Highlights are often overblown, which is often the case with low-end phones in poor lighting conditions. So while you can tell what you photograph most of the time, don't expect much more.

The same is more or less true of the front of the phone. The 16-megapixel front camera can take fine selfies, but nothing will fake someone like you have a high-end phone.

The Motorola One 5G Ace's main problem in the camera department has more to do with competition than anything else. The fact is that great phone cameras are getting cheaper and cheaper and this fee is charged by Google. The Pixel 4a costs $ 50 less, but it offers a camera that is an order of magnitude better than that of the One 5G Ace. When you're ready to make the move to iOS, the iPhone SE has a better camera too – although it's not as good as the Pixel 4a. After all, the OnePlus Nord may not have the best camera, but it's still better than the One 5G Ace's.

Software and functions

Motorola has been offering near-production software for its phones for years, and the Motorola One 5G Ace is no exception to that rule. The software is pared down, easy to navigate, and well designed.

Motorola's My UX also offers a number of additional features and gestures that can be turned on or off at will that can help make using the device more natural. Things like pressing three fingers down to take a screenshot, rotating your wrist to jump to the camera, and a lot more are useful.

There are also mobile game settings that can be customized. My favorite thing with all of these features is that they are all included in the Moto app and not distributed via Android like other manufacturers do. That said, if you don't want to use or see it, you can hide the Moto app and essentially use the phone as your standard Android device.

Motorola's commitment to software updates is incredibly weak.

Well, almost a standard Android device. While other standard Android phones like the Pixel series update quickly for at least a few years, the Motorola One 5G Ace does not. It ships with the already dated Android 10 (Android 11 has been out of stock for months), and although Motorola has announced it will bring Android 11 to the Ace, it hasn't specified exactly when. And that will likely be it for the phone. Motorola has promised "at least one" OS update, but I wouldn't expect more than one – the track record in this department is poor. Fortunately, you will receive security updates for two years.

It's really disappointing to see old software paired with missing updates. With a $ 150 Moto G game this is more acceptable, but at $ 400 it's hard to deal with and we really hope that Motorola will improve their game in the near future.

Price and availability

As mentioned earlier, the Motorola One 5G Ace is priced at $ 400 available now from Amazon. In the US, 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage are provided.

Our opinion

The Motorola One 5G Ace is a solid phone. It works well, has a nice display, and great battery life. But in 2021, phones under $ 500 have to go a step further – and it just doesn't. The advantages of the Pixel 4a are years of software updates and a camera in flagship quality. The iPhone SE offers flagship performance and even longer updates. The Motorola One 5G Ace, on the other hand, is “good” in just about everything, but “great” in almost nothing – expect a battery.

Of course, we didn't really mention the "5G" aspect of this phone, but there's not much to talk about there. I would warn against buying this phone because of its 5G support. Get the Pixel 4a instead, fix the lack of 5G, and when you're ready for your next phone, getting something that is 5G capable is more important. Alternatively, you can get the Pixel 4a 5G, which has an even better camera and improved performance for $ 60 more.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. If $ 400 is a hard limit on your budget, then you can save $ 50 and get the best Google Pixel 4a. If you can just stretch a little and are interested in 5G and prefer a large display, then go for this Google Pixel 4a 5G instead.

How long it will take?

The Motorola One 5G Ace has a plastic back, so it should withstand most drops. However, it's not waterproof, so you'll want to stay away from the wet. Given the lack of software updates after Android 11, the features may be out of date within a few years – but this hardly prevents them from actually working.

Should you buy it?

No, go for that either Google Pixel 4a or the Pixel 4a 5G instead.

Editor's recommendations




22 Jan
Blog

Samsung Galaxy S21 Review: Cameras, Battery, and Performance

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

  • Smooth and colorful hardware

  • Excellent advertisement

  • Improved fingerprint sensor

  • Lower price translates into great value

  • Plastic back on base S21

  • No 2021 flagship camera experience

  • Galaxy S21 + disappointing value at $ 1,000

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

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

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

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

Hardware, design and display

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

Samsung Galaxy S21 colorsAndrew Martonik / Digital Trends

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Performance, software and battery life

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

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

Samsung Galaxy S21Andrew Martonik / Digital Trends

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

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

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

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

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

Cameras

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our opinion

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

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

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

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

Are there any better alternatives?

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

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

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

How long it will take?

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

Should you buy it?

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

Editor's recommendations




15 Jan
Blog

Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro Review: Sound, Battery, Features

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra with Galaxy Buds Pro

“Galaxy Buds Pro offers excellent convenience, solid audio quality and good ANC. But they're not a complete package with tricky touch controls and just average call quality. "

  • Automatic audio passthrough is awesome

  • Simple and small charging case

  • Comfortable design

  • Great bluetooth connection

  • Touch controls can be tricky

  • Touch controls still cannot be customized

  • The call quality is not "Pro" at all

Samsung's accessory strategy seems pretty consistent: switch to a category and repeat the process. The smartwatches and fitness trackers appear to be updated randomly and without a set schedule. The same applies to smartphone accessories. More recently, it has jumped into true wireless earbuds in large measure. The first Galaxy Buds were released less than two years ago in March 2019. Since then, we've released the Galaxy Buds + and Galaxy Buds Live, which only launched a few months ago, in August last year.

Now we are here with the new Galaxy Buds Pro. It's not immediately obvious what is so "pro" about them, other than having a few extra features over Buds Live and being more expensive. But I'm here to find out.

Sound quality and battery life

True wireless earbuds will never impress audiophiles. Fortunately for Samsung, I'm not an audiophile. As someone who is perfectly satisfied with the audio quality of mine Bose QC35 bluetooth headphonesWith my car's standard stereo system and my last half-dozen pairs of true wireless earbuds, I can't complain about the sound quality of the Buds Pro significantly.

A basic equalizer with presets for normal, bass boost, soft, dynamic, clear and treble boost is available in the app. The earbuds sound rather flat in "normal" and the other modes feel … overly processed, but luckily I was happy with "dynamic" for all of my listening. I spend most of my day playing podcasts or YouTube music, and the Buds Pro play swimming.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra with Galaxy Buds Pro

When you have active noise cancellation (ANC) activated, everything sounds “better” immediately because you can hear everything more clearly. This will never challenge the ANC offered through over-ear headphones and really shut out the world around you, but it does a decent job of softening ambient noise and keeping you focused on your own audio. Samsung says you can "fine tune" the noise cancellation you want, but … you can't. It's either high, low, or off.

Get your sound quality expectations right and remember, these are true wireless earbuds.

You can tell my standards are too low, but I agree with the majority of Buds Pro potential buyers. As long as the quality is above average for the segment, we will be happy. What matters more is how good the rest of the experience is.

Samsung Galaxy Buds ProAndrew Martonik / Digital Trends

Samsung nails it with its battery life estimates. The Buds Pro is quoted after eight hours of playback or after five hours with ANC enabled and that was right for me. I turned on ANC almost exclusively and I never received a low battery alarm. I won't be wearing wireless earbuds for more than five hours in a row – they'll come out to give my ears a break or because I just can't hear anything.

Five to eight hours of battery is just right, and the case charges the buds quickly.

Like all real wireless earbuds, they charge very quickly in this case. Just 10 minutes will bring back a significant amount of charge, and the case is designed to hold one and a half charges for the earphones. Not bad for a tiny case that includes wireless charging itself. The thick "circle" shape is still not as pocket-friendly as the elongated Google Pixel Buds case, but small enough not to be a problem.

One thing that could affect battery life more severely is answering phone calls during the day, which I rarely do but test because Samsung has put so much emphasis on call quality. Calls frankly were not clear or of any high quality. When used with my Galaxy S21, the inbound quality was flawless – my outbound quality was poor. Callers said I sounded "blurry" and it echoed when I spoke inside. If I do a quick test and listen to someone else talking on the Buds Pro, I understand what it means – the Buds Pro delivers outbound audio just like any random phone on the speakerphone. Her voice is flat and mixed with a lot of room noise.

Features, design and comfort

Samsung made a bold decision with the Galaxy Buds Live, introducing a new design that rests on the outside of your ear instead of using earbuds that fit in your ear. It had little to no passive noise isolation to make her more comfortable, and instead tried to rely heavily on ANC. It was uncomfortable and they never really fit my ears – in addition to providing noise isolation which was terrible on the city streets.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra with Galaxy Buds Pro

The Buds Pro revert to a "normal" design, with rubber earbuds that go into your ear and provide passive suppression, in addition to ANC. Even with these earplugs, I found the Buds Pro more comfortable than the Buds Live. I immediately adjusted to the larger tips like I usually do and they naturally found their place in my ears and didn't require much adjustment.

The Buds Pro are much more comfortable than Buds Live – with better noise isolation.

Even with hours of carrying around the house, running around running errands around town, and running, I never had problems with the readjustment or feeling like they were going to fall out. They are so small and so light that I've never had ear problems. My only problem with running was the ANC, which was causing annoying sound clips at almost every step. I had to turn it off, which honestly isn't a problem – it's best to have a feel for your surroundings while so out and about.

But that's a little bit opposite to the way the Buds Pro were set up. From Samsung's point of view, you should never have to manually turn off ANC or take out your earbuds as they have advanced intelligent audio pass-through capabilities. By default, a long press on one of the earbuds will activate audio pass-through and decrease the volume of your media so you can hear the world around you. More interestingly, the same thing can happen when the earbuds sense that you are speaking – it works seriously every time and wasn't accidentally triggered every time you walked down the street, shopping in stores, and on the subway with people nearby to lead.

Audio passthrough works, but you can't get around the awkwardness of speaking to other people.

The audio passthrough works! The problem is, no matter how good the speech recognition and audio passthrough are, it's still the hell of a lot of awkwardness to use in an actual conversation. I still have rubber earbuds in my ears, which affects my speaking volume. And the person you are talking to can see that you have earbuds, which only adds to the awkwardness.

Worse, for some reason if audio pass-through automatically turns on while speaking, your music just turns down the volume. So you know you are trying to talk to someone but you don't turn off your music or podcast? It is confusing. It's not a win-win situation, however, as it's always annoying to quickly pull out a tiny earbud or two when someone unexpectedly talks to you. So I assume that passthrough is better in a pinch – but I'd never plan to speak to anyone while wearing the Buds Pro.

Samsung Galaxy Buds ProAndrew Martonik / Digital Trends

The only problem with the Buds Pro design is the touch controls – quite a big problem. Going back to the original Galaxy Buds, I could never use them consistently. There's a single tap to pause / play, a double tap to search forward, and a triple tap to search back – but if I try either, there's no guarantee it will work. It usually fails when a tip is less registered than intended – a search becomes a pause, and a pause or game is simply overlooked. That could be my problem, although I've never had a problem with that Pixel Buds‘Touch controls.

It is imperative that Samsung start with the ability to customize touch controls. That's ridiculous.

A universal problem is that the controls are not customizable. You can just change the long press action – between ambient noise triggering, Bixby, volume down, and Spotify – and choose one action per earbud. Otherwise it's set in stone, and now I have to decide whether to trigger ambient noise or adjust the volume. Why? With other earbuds, you can customize and use separate Activities for each earbud. That's not very "pro".

Our opinion

The Galaxy Buds Pro are a great pair of everyday wearable true wireless earbuds. They're neither suitable nor would they ever be for audiophiles, but the sound quality on offer is okay for the segment – and with a good ANC, they more than get the job done. Comfort is excellent so you can wear them for hours and maximize their battery life from five to eight hours. The body is compact – it is the same size as the Buds Live but smaller than the Buds Live Jabra Elite 75T – and the basics of the earphone experience, like a strong bluetooth connection and easy device switching, are very much appreciated.

They don't have anything “pro” other than the fact that they are Samsung's most expensive earbuds. In a vacuum of Samsung's own line of earbuds, it's strange that you have to pay $ 200 for Buds Pro, which in most cases isn't much better than the $ 140 Buds Live – but when compared to over the competition They look pretty good at $ 200.

Are there any better alternatives?

Even at this high price, there are multiple competitors. Of course, if you have an iPhone, this is something you should consider the AirPods Pro – They don't look that great, but the audio quality, ease of use, and noise cancellation are just as good. Alternatively there is the Jabra Elite 85twho are all around fantastic earbuds.

It's also easy to find a great pair of earphones that are cheaper. Samsung Galaxy Buds Live have already been reduced to $ 140. If they fit your ears properly, they are a great alternative. It is Galaxy Buds +that don't have an ANC but are otherwise comparable cost only $ 110.

How long will they last?

The nature of wireless earbuds is that as long as you take care of them, they will last for several years with no problem. They are water and sweat resistant and have no moving parts. Just keep them in their case and they will look forward to years.

Should you buy it?

Yes. This is a great pair of true wireless earbuds for everyday use. They have solid audio quality, good noise cancellation, and audio passthrough that is the icing on the cake. They are expensive, but competitively priced with the other market leaders.

Editor's recommendations




22 Oct
Blog

TicWatch 3 Pro Review: Fast Performance, Long Battery Life

mobvoi ticwatch 3 pro review star face bag

"The latest Qualcomm processor and a clever second display system give the TicWatch 3 Pro good performance and long battery life, which fixes two common problems with the Wear operating system."

  • Three days of battery life

  • Latest Snapdragon Wear 4100 processor

  • Fast performance

  • The screen that is always on is now backlit

  • Wear OS is still frustrating

  • No color or strap selection

The most exciting thing about the Mobvoi TicWatch 3 Pro is what's inside. It is the first smartwatch available with Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear 4100 processor. Many hope to be the savior of Wear OS with its higher performance and efficiency, and an incredible battery for serious endurance.

Yes, the Snapdragon Wear 4100 is a massive improvement over the geriatric Snapdragon Wear 3100 and really makes Wear OS more user-friendly than ever. However, it's not the magic bullet that helps kill the Apple Watch or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3.

design

Mobvoi seems to have an aversion to changing the design of the Pro series. The TicWatch 3 Pro is a significant improvement over the first TicWatch Pro, but it's a shame that the knurled bezel and buttons from the Pro 4G / LTE model haven't been carried over. However, it's leaner and certainly not ugly. It's just a little bland with the single black color scheme. I'll be wearing this every day and the best wearables are an extension of your other fashion choices so I really would want more of a choice.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The watch is relatively compact with a 47mm case that weighs 41.9 grams, but there is no question that it is a male form. I cannot see the watch for women or those with smaller wrists. The case and caseback are made of plastic and don't feel particularly expensive, while the bezel is made of stainless steel and the strap is made of silicone with an orange tinge. It's soft and comfortable, and it hasn't got sweaty either.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

There are two buttons on the housing, the upper one opening the menu and the lower one being assigned to the TicExercise app immediately. However, it can be changed in the app of your choice. The top button on my test watch is very stiff and has not come loose over time, making it awkward and uncomfortable to press. The bottom button is far better, which makes me a little concerned about the overall build quality. Nevertheless, the watch was otherwise reliable.

screen

The design is a bit damp, but the screens are masterpieces. That's right, screens. The TicWatch Pro 3 has a bright and colorful 1.4-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels for Wear OS and a second FSTN LCD screen that acts as the permanent screen of the watch. You'd never know there are two screens, it doesn't add any extra size or weight, but it does reduce power consumption and is much more readable in different lighting conditions.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's the defining feature of the TicWatch Pro series, and Mobvoi redesigned the screen layout for the TicWatch 3 Pro to make it more consistent. Backlighting has also been added to ensure clarity in low light conditions. It makes a big difference.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The FTSN LCD shows the time, date, battery level and step count and is all you need from a screen that is always on. I can see it in daylight and in the dark and it doesn't seem to be affecting battery life at all.

battery

Amazingly, the TicWatch Pro 3's 595 mAh battery lasts three days before it needs to be charged. At first I didn't quite believe this and took special care to check the settings, monitor usage, and count the days it worked on my wrist. Not only did I get three days of life from it repeatedly, including an hour of exercise tracking on two of them, but with less use it was still on the fourth day. The battery life of many other Wear OS smartwatches rarely whistles beyond a full day. So having three days is something to celebrate.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

This is hardly known in earlier TicWatch Pro models and the Casio Pro Trek WSD-F30, which also uses the hardware approach for the second screen to ensure an always active view. It's sad that we don't see the dual-screen hardware setup for more smartwatches as it's clearly effective. The Snapdragon 4100 also plays a big role. Qualcomm claims to have reduced electricity consumption by 25%. Both Mobvoi and Qualcomm have really teamed up and improved the smartwatch's battery life significantly.

Qualcomm and Mobvoi really came together and significantly improved battery life.

If you want even more, there's Essential Mode, which turns off the OLED screen and leans on the LCD for the time, but continues to count steps and monitor sleep. Mobvoi claims this offers an excellent 45 days of usage versus 30 days claimed by other smartwatch manufacturers. You can really take the TicWatch 3 Pro with you for a long weekend without the hassle of grabbing the charger and still using both screens, or disappearing into the wild for a month and still having time on your wrist in the end.

The only downside is the charging, which is slow compared to some other Wear OS watches, taking around an hour and 40 minutes to go from 5% to full. That being said, the TicWatch 3 Pro's battery life really impresses with the hardware and improved Essential mode, and is a real reason to buy this smartwatch over many others.

Performance and software

Everything works quickly. If that sounds obvious with modern technology, you've never used a Wear OS watch with 512MB of RAM. The combination of the Snapdragon Wear 4100 and 1GB of RAM means everything works when you want it to. Apps open quickly, you can scroll through Google Maps and switch faces in no time. It's a world apart from the worst Snapdragon 3100 watches and a really good omen for the future of Wear OS.

The increase in performance should mean an all round better experience, right? I thought so, but the TicWatch 3 Pro needs to be optimized. With no rotating crown or bezel, the menus need to be wiped, and there's something pretty muddy about the TicWatch software. It doesn't flow like it should and usually requires a lot more wiping than I'd like. Sometimes taps and swipes are also misinterpreted, which leads me to options that I haven't selected and then slows down because it's confused.

You'll also have to play around with the settings a little to make them more user-friendly. Tilt-to-wake is not active by default and is essential. Otherwise, when notifications come in, you'll have to physically tap the screen to switch from the constantly on second screen. Mobvoi has created its own Wear OS launcher standard. While this is fine, I prefer the look of the default Google launcher, and you'll need to check the settings to change it.

The software still needs to be optimized – there are usability problems.

Then there are the many Mobvoi apps that are installed. There's Ticbreathe, TicExercise, TicHealth, TicHearing, TicOxygen, and TicKitchenSink (maybe). All of them require you to create a Mobvoi account. The general accounts only offer Google Fit. However, you need the TicOxygen app to measure the blood oxygen content (Sp02). It's attractive and fast, although the accuracy and usefulness of this metric continues to be in question for most people.

The notifications from Wear OS are terrible too, perhaps even worse on the TicWatch than on others I test. I received a small percentage of notifications when connected to the LG Wing and the OnePlus 8T. It's such a hit or miss too. Without the Outlook app installed on the watch, I won't get any Outlook notifications, but even if it's installed I still don't get all of them. Incredibly frustrating. I wore the TicWatch Pro 3 right after checking out the Apple Watch Series 6 which came in with 100% notifications, so the silence from Wear OS just got worse.

Health tracking

Most of Mobvoi's apps are related to health and activity tracking, and many replicate the capabilities of Google Fit. However, there are some advantages to using it. TicHealth has more data on your wrist than Fit without having to visit the app on your phone. I like the overall design of TicBreathe and TicZen, although the stress test takes a long time to run. There's a sleep tracking app too, but I didn't find the watch comfortable enough to wear all night.

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The TicWatch 3 Pro has a heart rate sensor, an integrated GPS, IP68 waterproofness for use in the pool and Sp02 blood oxygen measurement. Google Fit works with all of these sensors and is attractive and easy to use. The data collected is logically arranged in the Fit app on your phone, but isn't detailed enough for the really dedicated fitness fan, and Mobvoi's own collection of apps doesn't change that.

Overall, the TicWatch 3 Pro does a good job as an casual fitness tracking system, and I really like the way you can focus your daily goals on heart points rather than steps that seem like a better way to measure your effectiveness assess daily activities.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

What the TicWatch 3 Pro doesn't offer is much more than any other smartwatch when it comes to activity tracking or additional sensors. It's knowledgeable and perfectly acceptable to someone like me who wants quick digestible data and quick-to-activate workout tracking, but not someone who wants comprehensive hardcore sports training data.

Price and availability

The TicWatch 3 Pro is priced at $ 299 or £ 289 is now available from Amazon.

Our opinion

The TicWatch 3 Pro shows that Wear OS hardware is a lifetime, but it also reminds us that Google's software holds back even the most powerful watch. Mobvoi's smartwatch isn't the prettiest you can buy, but it does a lot of things right, from the second always-on screen to using the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100. This means more convenience, longer battery life and faster apps for you.

Is there a better alternative?

If you want the Snapdragon Wear 4100, the TicWatch 3 Pro is your only choice. That situation means it stands on its own right now and just an aversion to the design should make you consider another Wear OS smartwatch.

However, Wear OS is still frustrating and you can buy better smartwatches that don't use Google software. We recommend the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 for owners of Android phones and the Apple Watch SE or Series 6 for iPhone owners.

How long it will take?

With the Snapdragon Wear 4100, Qualcomm's latest smartwatch platform, you get the only smartwatch currently available. Hence, in terms of performance, it is the best choice in terms of longevity. The watch is IP68 waterproof and the reinforced nylon case should prove to be very robust. The quick release strap is easy to change if you don't like it or if it breaks.

The only question mark is above the software. Google provides updates for Wear OS regularly, but rarely includes important new features. However, due to the large amount of Mobvoi software on board, the watch needs ongoing support from both companies in order to stay up to date. Regardless, you can buy the TicWatch 3 Pro with the confidence that it will last two years or more.

Should you buy one?

Yes, the Snapdragon Wear 4100's perks, the superb screen that always shows up, and the long battery life outweigh the software frustrations.

Editor's recommendations




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