24 Oct
Blog

iPhone XR Review: The ‘Budget’ XR is the iPhone to Buy

"The iPhone XR is a great choice if you want what iPhones do without the flagship price."

  • Beautiful, colorful design

  • One day battery life

  • Good performance

  • Strong camera

  • Easy to use software

  • The screen resolution could be higher

  • Portrait mode restricted to people

publisher's Note: Apple released the iPhone 12 which is now available for purchase. The iPhone 12 is the successor to the iPhone 11, which is itself the successor to the iPhone XR. It improves the quality and performance of the camera, but comes with a slightly higher MSRP of $ 799. We recommend stopping buying the iPhone XR. Instead, if you want to save money, consider buying one iPhone 11or the $ 400 iPhone SE. Here is our list of the best iPhones to buy.

The iPhone XR is the best iPhone of the year. Yes, the iPhone XS and XS Max have better screens and more versatile cameras, but none of them look as good as the XR in yellow, blue, or coral. The iPhone XR (pronounced "Ten-R") is also significantly cheaper and offers many of the best features of the flagship products. It is hands down great value at $ 750.

Colorful design, solid screen

We can't stop holding the iPhone XR the wrong way round. Sure, the screen is a window to our apps and notifications, but it's the glowing, bright yellow paint on the back that makes us smile every time we pull this phone out of our pockets. We feel like Gollum and we constantly admire the beauty of the one ring. It's perfection.

When you buy the iPhone XR – and you should – we can't envision the idea of ​​going black or white. For the first time since the iPhone 5C, you get a rich, colorful selection of Apple – red, blue, yellow, and coral in addition to black and white. This is a phone that you want to flaunt. We strongly recommend choosing the colors yellow, blue or coral. The product color (red) looks nice too, but we've seen it many times so it doesn't feel that special. The colors also mask any fingerprints that build up on the glass bottom.

Julian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

The edges around the phone are aluminum – a step up from the stainless steel of the iPhone XS and XS Max – but the color here is more metallic and offers a nice, complementary two-tone look. The buttons click as usual.

The iPhone XR looks a lot like the iPhone 8 from the back with its single camera lens, but flip it over and you get the full iPhone X treatment. There's a notch, no home button, and an edge-to-edge screen for the most modern iOS experience you can get at this price. The differences between the XS can be felt here as the black frames around the screen are thicker. However, the bezels are not so big that they clutter the device.

We feel like Gollum and admire the beauty of the one ring. It's perfection.

That's a good thing, because the XR has a large 6.1-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1,792 x 828. Apple calls it the Liquid Retina Display, and while the screen resolution may sound a little low, it looks like the The distance you normally hold your phone at. If you take a closer look, pixels become visible. We think Apple could have added at least a 1080p screen here – there are hardly any Android phones with such a low-resolution screen in this price range. Even the OnePlus 6 for $ 530 has a resolution of 2,280 x 1,080.

Even so, it's difficult to find anything else wrong with the display. The black levels aren't as deep as the OLEDs on the XS and XS Max, but they're close to each other. The screen is colorful and bright enough to be used outdoors. We believe the screen is good enough for most people, but it's one of the XR's few shortcomings.

The iPhone XR has the advantage of being the perfect size for people who find the XS too small and the XS Max too big. At 6.1 inches, it is right between the flagships (slightly smaller than the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus). It's not as easy to use one hand as the 5.8-inch iPhone XS, but we can still reach most parts of the screen. And it's not as cumbersome as the 6.5-inch XS Max, which is undoubtedly a two-handed phone.

Julian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

Face recognition is the primary method of unlocking your phone and it works just as quickly as it does on the iPhone XS. With a price range of $ 750, it's one of the few facial recognition tools you can use to log into secure apps. There's not a lot of competition here on the Android side, but that could gradually change.

The iPhone XR's stereo speakers are loud and sound good, although the sound isn't as dynamic or robust as the sound coming from the Razer Phone 2's speakers. You will be satisfied if you are in a quiet room, but you will fight outside when it is noisy. There's no headphone jack, and Apple has also decided not to include the 3.5mm headphone jack adapter in the box. You can opt for the included Lightning EarPods, which don't sound too good, or you can opt for wireless earbuds or headphones.

Great performance and iOS 12 is fluid

The iPhone XR is powered by the same chipset as its more expensive sibling, the A12 Bionic, although it offers less RAM (3GB instead of 4GB). We don't have any performance issues yet. The processor makes iOS 12 run smoothly and had no problem switching quickly through multiple apps. Games like Altos Odyssey and Tekken, and ARKit 2.0 games like AR Robot, run just fine.

  • Geekbench 4 CPU: 4,703 single core; 11,065 multi-core

In Geekbench 4, the iPhone XR rightly scores just below the iPhone XS and XS Max, but is faster than any Android smartphone tested so far. This phone can tackle just about anything you throw at it.

This is a phone that you want to flaunt.

We took a closer look at iOS 12, but the iPhone XR marks the first time Apple has brought several new features introduced on the iPhone X at a lower price. For example, thanks to the TrueDepth camera, you can create animojis or memojis in iMessage. Since there is no home button, it takes some getting used to the gesture navigation system, which is among the best on a phone.

The XR doesn't have 3D Touch, but Apple has replicated that with a feature called Haptic Touch. With 3D Touch on the iPhone XS, you can use the pressure-sensitive display to press and hold certain parts of the interface to see more actions. For example, if you press and hold an email notification, you can mark it as Done. Haptic touch is more limited. This only works in selected areas, e.g. For example, in the Control Center when you want to expand a tile, or on the lock screen when you want to turn the flashlight on or off quickly. How often you miss 3D Touch depends entirely on how often you use it. We suspect most people don't use it often.

Our iOS 12 guide will tell you all about the new features introduced in the latest version.

Strong camera

The iPhone XR has the same main camera on the back of the iPhone XS – a 12-megapixel lens with an aperture of f / 1.8 and optical image stabilization. It can record 4K video at 60 frames per second, record stereo sound, package Smart HDR and use portrait mode for the first time without the need for a secondary lens.

We tested the improvements in the iPhone XS main camera over the iPhone X. While not radical, groundbreaking changes, Smart HDR gives the new camera the edge. This function helps with high-contrast scenarios, minimizes hidden lights or sky and brightens the foreground in order to make it visible. It works as advertised on the iPhone XR and delivers great photos in extreme lighting, although it doesn't quite match the quality of HDR + on the Google Pixel 3.

Like the more expensive iPhones or flagship Android devices, the camera app has almost no shutter lag. This allows you to capture detailed, well-exposed photos that keep strong color. It can hold its own even in poor lighting conditions. However, you need to make sure you stay calm to avoid a blurry photo.

  • 1.
    Portrait mode selfie.
  • 2.
    Portrait mode.
  • 3.
    Portrait mode.
  • 4th
    Portrait mode selfie.

We miss the telephoto lens on the iPhone XS and XS Max. The 2x optical zoom lets you take shots that don't look as good when the iPhone XR is digitally enlarged. When we go back to a camera with a lens, we need to change the way we take some photos and physically move closer to the subject instead of standing some distance away. The lack of the secondary lens also affects Portrait mode, which allows you to take photos of a subject with a blurred effect that mimics a DSLR. We're really excited to see Portrait mode available on the XR, as Apple first incorporated it into a camera phone with a lens. Portrait lighting is also available, but there are only three options as opposed to the five options on the XS – Natural, Studio, and Contour.

The iPhone XR doesn't zoom in to take portrait mode photos like the XS, so you have more space to work. It's not as accurate as XS and XS Max, but we've been impressed so far. In low light conditions, the photos weren't as grainy as the iPhone XS.

Above: iPhone XR portrait mode, below: iPhone XS portrait mode

Portrait mode only works on people, however, and that's disappointing. On the iPhone XS, portrait mode can be used on food, people, objects, pets, and almost anything. The XR camera uses this mode, however, partly with the help of artificial intelligence and neural networks. It is trained to identify a face, and this is why it can outline people so accurately. When you try to take a portrait photo of a dog or object, the camera says "No Person Detected" and doesn't even try. Google's Pixel 3 smartphone has a single-lens camera and is great for using portrait mode on a variety of subjects. We hope Apple can expand Portrait Mode on the XR to get a bit more versatile with software over time.

The front-facing camera is the same TrueDepth camera system as the iPhone XS, so you can take great selfies in portrait mode here. It even worked with our dog. This 7 megapixel camera takes great shots even in standard mode.

While the iPhone XR's camera isn't as versatile as the iPhone XS or XS Max's, it's still top-notch and the photos it takes are excellent.

Don't worry about the battery

You don't have to worry about the battery of the iPhone XR. It's a 2,942 mAh unit, and we often ended a work day at around 50 or 45 percent by 6.45 p.m. It is taken from the charger around 7 a.m. and used to surf the Internet, take pictures, stream music and play games with the phone. On lighter days we reached 35 percent at 9.42 p.m. With this phone, you can easily get through a full day and have a few hours the next day if you forget to charge it.

The battery life of the iPhone XR doesn't worry you.

This day-long battery life is comparable to other phones on the market like the Galaxy S9 Plus and even outperforms the iPhone XS Max and iPhone XS. It lasts slightly longer than Google's Pixel 3 and 3 XL, which struggle to get through a day of moderate to heavy use.

It supports fast charging, but unfortunately the corresponding cable is not included. You can also charge this iPhone wirelessly, just like the XS series and last year's iPhone devices.

Price, availability and warranty information

The iPhone XR starts at $ 750 and is available now. The best deals and prices can be found in our buying guide.

Apple offers a one-year limited warranty that protects the device from manufacturing defects. You can purchase AppleCare for additional protection.

Our opinion

Undeniably outstanding value – this is the iPhone XR. Some features may be missing, but this is the iPhone that makes others yellow, blue, or coral with envy. The colors are stunning, the battery life is great, Face ID is still industry leading technology, iOS gestures are intuitive, the camera is superb, and the performance is fantastic. This is the iPhone to buy.

Is there a better alternative?

publisher's Note: Apple released the iPhone 12 which is now available for purchase. The iPhone 12 is the successor to the iPhone 11, which is itself the successor to the iPhone XR. It improves the quality and performance of the camera, but comes with a slightly higher MSRP of $ 799. We recommend stop buying the iPhone XR. Instead, if you want to save money, consider buying one iPhone 11or the $ 400 iPhone SE. Here is our list of the best iPhones to buy.

Yes. If you want all the bells and whistles, buy the iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max. They're more expensive, but you get better build quality, a nicer and sharper screen, and a more versatile camera. If $ 750 is too high, Apple is still selling the iPhone 8 and iPhone 7 at discounted prices. They are excellent phones, if not that futuristic.

On the Android side, you are spoiled for choice. Our pick, however, is the Google Pixel 3. It costs $ 50 more, but you get a slightly better camera, great software with quick updates, and a high-resolution screen.

How long it will take?

Apple's iPhones typically last four to five years, if not longer. The iPhone XR has an IP67 rating instead of IP68. That means you can get it up to 1 meter underwater for 30 minutes and nothing more. While Apple says it's the most durable glass on the front and back, it is wise to buy a case to protect the phone. Apple sells a clear case for the iPhone XR in case you don't want to hide the gorgeous, colored body.

Expect software updates for the next four to five years. The iPhone 5S, released in 2013, is the oldest iPhone that can run iOS 12, so your device will last a long time.

Should you buy it?

Absolutely. Buy it in yellow. You will not be disappointed.

Editor's recommendations




21 Oct
Blog

Get your hands on the best creatine supplements to buy in 2020

Best creatine becomes the need of the hour. Since this preparation promotes endurance and growth of the body, it is in great demand. Whether you're an athlete or a weight lifter, consuming creatine supplements can give you an energy boost for upcoming gigs. In the midst of all of the incredible creatine supplements hitting the market today, that's what we found out best creatine to you. Let's take a closer look at each one!

Optimal nutrition micronized creatine

Pure creatine is critical to providing healthy nutrients and the growth of the body. Optimal Nutrition Micronized Creatine is available in both powder and capsule form with multiple serving sizes. Even a teaspoon of this product dissolved in your favorite protein shake can double the energy. This best creatine powder does not contain any artificial sweeteners, flavors or additives. Thus, it offers an unquestionable quality that makes it an outstanding product that can be bought immediately. Made from pure micronized creatine, this product promises good health and speed in no time.

characteristics

  • No additional ingredients
  • No sweetener, taste, color
  • Impeccable quality
  • Well worth the money
  • Comes in different sizes
  • Comes in both powder and capsule form
  • Undoubtedly product with excellent reviews

disadvantage

  • No variation in flavors
  • Lack of a shovel that makes it less convenient

Power series creatine HMB

Scientifically based products are an excellent means of quality assurance. It indicates that a particular product can offer the right benefits. The creatine HMB of the Strength series is such a quality product that promises top performance. This best creatine supplement is made from ingredients that cause weight loss, increased performance and double energy. It also helps in reducing fat mass, which is vital to staying fit. With no artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors or additives, it is a perfect product for regular use. The fact that it is gluten-free adds to its wide-ranging benefits.

characteristics

  • No gluten, artificial color and sweetener
  • Scientifically Backed Product
  • Healthy ingredients that promise benefits
  • Best for efficient bulking
  • Unsavory

disadvantage

Slightly more expensive than other dietary supplements

Muscle Tech Platinum 100% Creatine

This best-selling creatine supplement is exactly what it shows. The product does not contain any additives or vegan-friendly ingredients. This supplement is a trusted addition to your diet. Whether you are looking for a healthy dose of bioavailability in the body or for endurance energy, this is the best choice for you. As the best creatine for menIt's an affordable product that's worth buying for all the right reasons. The unique quality of the item, micronized dietary supplements and a healthy dosage make this product the ultimate choice.

characteristics

  • HPLC tested
  • No additives
  • Vegan friendly
  • Affordable for its quality
  • Provides an adequate dosage
  • Worth buying

disadvantage

  • No flavor variations
  • No size deviation

New Foods Micronized Creatine Powder 500g

A supplement that provides your body with the right ingredients to grow, recharge your batteries, and perform better deserves the talk. New Foods Micronized Creatine Powder 500g is one such product that is the best so far. This incredible supplement is vegan with no steroid, GMO, or insolubility. Due to its micronized shape, the product is easy to consume without much inconvenience. This best creatine supplement Gives stability to the body and also increases the ability to carry out activities. So, if you are planning on purchasing a worthy product, this supplement will be the enabler for you.

characteristics

  • Steroid free
  • Not genetically modified
  • Worthy for its price
  • Kosher
  • Vegan friendly
  • Offers a variety of benefits
  • No uncomfortable texture
  • Contains creatine monohydrate
  • Quality product

Kaged Muscle C-HCL Creatine

If you want to improve your muscle growth and physical endurance, kaged muscle creatine is for you. The potent ingredients in this creatine are also healthy and ensure complete fitness. This best creatine for men offers exceptional quality. It is also available in capsule and powder form. This is easily absorbable for people with digestive problems. With no artificial colors, additives, or sweeteners, this product is a convenient purchase.

characteristics

  • Exceptional quality
  • Refund warranty
  • No additives, sweeteners and colors
  • Variation in serving
  • High dose of C-HCL creatine
  • Available in powder and capsule form

Easily absorbable

disadvantage

A bit expensive

Muscle Pharm Creatine

Muscle Pharm Creatine is a well-known brand that has always proven its reliability to customers. With excellent ingredients that instantly boost physical performance, this product is a valuable investment. The best creatine powder So far, this supplement has also been tested for purity. It contains 5 grams of creatine monohydrate and promises good health at all costs. The 100% creatine makes this supplement potential for everyone.

characteristics

  • Unsavory
  • Full of purity
  • Available in different sizes
  • Affordable product

disadvantage

  • No variation in taste
  • Lacks micronized form that makes it insoluble.

The Doctor's Best Pure Creatine Powder

The best creatine powder On Amazon, this product is an undoubted product for many reasons. This science-based product is an excellent nutritional supplement that ensures an improvement in performance and energy. Not only is it vegan-friendly, but it's also GMO-free, which makes it a standout product that can be bought out of the box. The product contains 5 grams of creatine monohydrate, which is gluten-free. Thus, everyone can consume it without major obstacles. If you are looking for a safe supplement, you can count on this product without a second thought.

characteristics

  • Vegan friendly
  • Scientifically supported and clinically tested
  • Budget friendly purchase
  • Not genetically modified
  • No additives, flavors, sweeteners

Comes from a reputable brand

Cellucor COR-Performance Creatine

If you are looking for the cheapest nutritional supplement option, this one will come to your rescue. This best creatine supplement on a budget comes in the micronized form and offers different portion sizes for suitability. It originally comes from the USA and does not contain any artificial colors or sweeteners. The product is also gluten-free and offers two different flavors that are rarely found in creatine supplements. With 5 grams of creatine monohydrate, no stone is left unturned to bring the best to the table.

characteristics

  • Free shipping in the US.
  • The article from the USA
  • Good quality
  • Affordable price
  • Comes in two different flavors
  • Offers different sizes
  • No sweetener, additives and artificial colors
  • Gluten free
  • Comes in a micronized formulation
  • Comes with an incredible discount

Adequately dosed creatine monohydrate

disadvantage

Nutritional information is not available for flavored varieties

Take that away

These are some of the best creatine Supplements That You Can Buy Right Now. Don't miss them for additional body benefits.

FAQ

1. Can you name two more? best creatine for men?

Beast Sports Nutrition Creature Powder and Evlution Nutrition Creation 1000 are the other two best creatine for men.

2. Is that best creatine powder helpful?

Yes. The best creatine powder is helpful in many ways.

15 Oct
Blog

OnePlus 8T Review: One of the Best Phones You Shouldn’t Buy

oneplus 8t review back

“The OnePlus 8T is a great smartphone – great software, fast, and a decent camera. With the exception of $ 749, the competition is too tough to recommend. "

  • Super fast loading

  • One day after 15 minutes of charging

  • Clean, fast and up-to-date software

  • Attractive photos from the camera

  • No wireless charging

  • No IP water resistance

The inconspicuous OnePlus 8 has been replaced by the OnePlus 8T. Wait, you don't remember OnePlus 8? This is not surprising as the phone was a safe and sensible choice that had absolutely no standout features and made it completely memorable. The OnePlus 8T will make you forget about it too, but this time you will forget about charging as the great new feature removes the worry of having a fully charged phone every morning.

Do you think that's the whole story? This is not the case as the smartphone world surrounding the OnePlus 8 has changed a lot since April, making the life of the 8T considerably more difficult than ever.

design

The OnePlus 8T is all about change. Instead of the unusual central camera module on the back of the OnePlus 8, this time it's an offset module that makes the phone look more like the Galaxy S20. I really like the look of the OnePlus 8T and am impressed with the total lack of fingerprints on the body, which makes it look clean and new.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Like the OnePlus 8, the 8T also has a flat screen on the front with a slight curvature at the edges. The aluminum housing is very well designed and has a pronounced curvature that leads from the flat screen into the cool, matt Gorilla Glass rear. This cleanly prevents the phone from getting tired for long periods of time, as does the relatively low weight of 188 grams and the 8.4 mm thick case. It doesn't dig into the palm of your hand or have any sharp edges.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

OnePlus doesn't make too much effort with the design of the 8T. It's clean and simple, sophisticated and attractive. While I appreciate visually unusual designs like the Oppo Reno4 Pro and Vivo X50 Pro, they are a little too eager. The cool, unpretentious look of the OnePlus 8T will appeal to more people and stay fresh longer. The phone is available in two colors: the Lunar Silver shown here and a pretty Aquamarine Green.

Screen and audio

On the OnePlus 8T, you get a 6.55-inch fluid AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, and an aspect ratio of 20: 9. It's hard to want anything else. Watch videos at 60 frames per second on YouTube and it's gorgeous, so smooth and easy on your eyes and with some stunning colors. The psychedelic colors in Iz * One & # 39; s Beware music video are hyper-realistic, and on the other hand, blacks, grays, and midtones look great too, as shown in the Audi RS7 video from Woyshnis Media.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

There are two stereo speakers with one big volume but not a lot of bass or finesse. It's better to keep the volume at a reasonable level to avoid too much harshness. Listen to WJSN Chocome's bouncing, high-pitched hmph! and it sounds much better at half volume than at three quarters of the volume. The phone also supports Dolby Atmos.

Oddly enough, even though the screen apparently has a maximum brightness of 1,100 nits, I never felt the phone's screen was that bright. It's not dark at this level, but it was rare for the auto brightness to be less than about 80% and during the day I still had the max to watch videos.

battery

The OnePlus 8T introduces Warp Charge 65T, a proprietary super-fast charging technology that means you no longer have to worry about charging your phone overnight. How? If you charge the battery to around 60% in just 15 minutes. OnePlus says this is enough juice for everyday use, right? Yes, although it depends on your definition of the time of day.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

First, the fast charge time is accurate. It only took 15 minutes for the battery on my OnePlus 8T to go from 3% to 60%. This means that if you frequently forget to charge your phone, or if you prefer to minimize the remaining time connecting and charging the phone, you can easily integrate the OnePlus 8T into your lifestyle. It takes about 40 minutes to fully charge the battery from an empty state.

While charging is quick, it is also quick to discharge. With a 60% charge, it ran from noon to 11:30 p.m. This was done with about 20 minutes of video, 15 minutes of Asphalt 9 Legends, about 45 minutes of WhatsApp video call, and then general usage. If you classify the power of a day as around 12 hours, you should get this from the OnePlus 8T, provided you handle it carefully. Energy-intensive tasks consume a lot of energy, video and games. An hour of video generally reduces battery life by 12% to 15%, which quickly affects the life of the phone if you start the day on just 60%.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Warp Charge 65T uses a special charging block and a USB Type-C cable to charge the dual-cell battery with 4,500 mAh in the phone. So you need to have it on hand. Cleverly, it charges each of the cells with 30 W, which minimizes wear and tear and keeps the heat at a reasonable level. The OnePlus 8T only gets a little warm during fast charging. The phone does not support wireless charging.

OnePlus' fast charging technology isn't the first of its kind. We've seen it on several Oppo phones and even on the budget Realme 7 Pro, but the OnePlus 8T is the first widely available phone in the US to have this kind of fast charging technology . That makes it special, and absolutely no one said that about the OnePlus 8.

camera

At first glance, the OnePlus 8T's camera is rather mundane. A well-known 48-megapixel IMX586 camera tops the list, followed by a 16-megapixel ultrawide and a 5-megapixel macro camera. It's the fourth lens that's different enough to make me sit up and take notice – it's a special monochrome lens that can be used on its own.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The OnePlus 8T's standalone monochrome camera is mainly used to enhance color photos and also takes true black and white photos without filters to achieve the desired effect. This was something I loved about Huawei's cameras until it was removed, which pissed me off enough to write an obituary on it. Unfortunately, it's not a replacement for Huawei's monochrome camera mode as it is only 2 MP, but I like the atmospheric shots it takes.

Otherwise, the OnePlus 8T continues the improvements we saw with the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro cameras. The main and wide angle cameras take pretty, colorful, and bright photos with good dynamic range, both outside and inside. The variety of cameras makes it versatile and I had fun taking photos especially since I was confident the results would look good.

There's no optical zoom option, although the app has a 2x mode. However, the results are noisy and show no details on closer inspection. Nightscape mode now works in videos as well and continues to be a subtle but effective night mode. It integrates with a video bokeh mode to blur the background when recording videos. This is not so good and doesn't fool anyone into thinking it's a real bokeh effect. The portrait effect in still images from the selfie camera and the rear camera is much better.

Software and more

The OnePlus 8T uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor and has 8 GB or 12 GB of RAM. This is the same as the OnePlus 8. It also has 5G connectivity. However, since 5G is not available in my region, this feature could not be tested. Calls made with the OnePlus 8T sound clear, and the speaker works well for hands-free calls too.

OnePlus is one of the first manufacturers to bring out a smartphone with software based on Android 11. There are some great features too. Pressing the power button activates a shortcut screen of controls for your smart home. There's also Google Pay and a screenshot button, as well as Google's new screen recorder feature. OnePlus has improved its dark mode and developed OxygenOS 11 for one-handed use.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

This creates more space at the top of the screen and options that move further down the screen so they're easier to find. The most obvious thing to do is to browse the top level of the Settings menu and OnePlus' own weather app. But it's not everywhere, including the OnePlus file manager app, some of the deeper settings screens, or all of the basic Android apps like the Apps Drawer.

OnePlus 8T's Insight is always displayed. Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

OxygenOS is finally seeing the introduction of an always-on screen. It seems strange that one of the best manufacturer versions of Android didn't have this simple feature, but here we are and, amazingly, it's not quite finished yet. The function that will do it differently, called canvas, will still be included in a software update. This will put an outline of your wallpaper on the lock screen for a comfortably seamless look when you lock and unlock it. You will also see a Snapchat Bitmoji that will always appear on the screen. The update will be available in November.

It is currently very similar to most of the other screens. It displays the time, battery percentage, and notification icons. Besides digital wellbeing, there is another option called Insight that can help you determine how many times you've unlocked the phone and how long you've spent on it. It's an option that is confusingly hidden under the clock style rather than the environment display setting, and it's also confusing to look at. That being said, I'm really excited to see an option in OxygenOS that always appears.

I played Asphalt 9 Legends and Hill Climb Racer with no problems. There's an improved game mode that's visually less intrusive (it pops in from a top corner of the screen and takes up almost no space), with a handy split-screen option for quickly replying to messages. Using the OnePlus 8T with OxygenOS on a daily basis has been glitch free, with bulletproof reliability and a decent speed change. It is also worth pointing out the pleasant haptic feedback.

Price and availability

The OnePlus 8T will be available from October 23rd. Pre-orders will start on October 14th in OnePlus' own online shop. Amazon will also sell the OnePlus 8T from October 23rd. The phone is priced at $ 749 for the 12GB / 256GB model, and the 8GB / 128GB model doesn't appear to be on sale in the US. For reference, the 12GB / 256GB OnePlus 8 model costs $ 800.

In the UK, the Lunar Silver OnePlus 8T will be the 8GB / 128GB phone and will cost £ 549. The 12GB / 256GB model will be available in Aquamarine Green for £ 649.

If you are looking for a OnePlus 8T Pro then don't. The OnePlus 8 Pro remains the company's best smartphone for now, and the OnePlus 8T will only replace the OnePlus 8 released in April.

Our opinion

The super-fast loading of Warp Charge 65T gives the OnePlus 8T the standout feature that the OnePlus 8 lacked, making it a better buying decision than its predecessor. In the time since this phone was sold, however, the mid-range smartphone market has shifted significantly. At $ 749, the OnePlus 8T is too expensive, and now it's a lot harder to justify paying the higher price for a top processor when cheaper phones with a high-mid processor are just as suitable for everyday use.

Is there a better alternative?

If you live in the US, yes. The smartphone world has changed significantly since April, when the OnePlus 8 was not unchallenged, but at the top of the pile. Now we have the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and the Google Pixel 5, both of which are $ 50 cheaper than the OnePlus 8T and arguably more compelling purchases.

There are also a few outliers to consider, including the LG Velvet, Motorola Edge, and Nokia 8.3. All of them are good smartphones that may not charge very quickly but still have other enticing features that range from design to stunning screens. If you're looking to save some cash, the Google Pixel 4a 5G is $ 499 and comes with great software and software. We also expect a good camera.

Then we come to OnePlus. In the UK, the OnePlus Nord is cheaper and really just as good, and the more expensive OnePlus 8 Pro has additional desirable features – water resistance and wireless charging – that make it a better deal in the long run. However, at £ 549, the OnePlus 8T 8GB / 128GB is cheaper than the 12GB / 256GB version and a worthy alternative to the phones mentioned above. It doesn't look like the cheaper phone will be sold in the US, which is unfortunate.

How long it will take?

The OnePlus 8T does not have an IP rating for water resistance, but should be splash-proof for use in the rain. It's not a sturdy phone as it is made of glass, but you get a transparent silicone case in the box. The latest version of Android is now installed, and OnePlus will be delivering critical updates over the next two years and security updates over the next three years. This, along with some care, should mean that the phone will keep you happy for two years.

Should you buy one?

No, not because it's a bad phone – it's not, it's very good. However, you can pay less for equally powerful smartphones from other well-known manufacturers.

Editor's recommendations




20 Aug
Blog

Jabra Elite 45h Review: The Best $100 Headphones You Can Buy

Jabra Elite 45h headphones

"Great sound, convenience, and battery life set a new standard for $ 100 headphones."

  • Very convenient

  • Very good sound quality

  • Incredible battery life

  • Pairing multiple devices

  • No analog input

  • Shifts easily with head movement

Shopping for $ 100 worth of wireless headphones is a near-impossible task. There are so many models to choose from, and so many styles and functions, that it is a wonder more people are not giving up on mere election paralysis.

The good news is that all of these choices result in fierce competition between companies with buyers who are ultimately the winners.

While you might see the launch of another model – in this case, Jabra's $ 100 on-ear Elite 100h – as something that will make that choice even more difficult, after reading our full review, you should still check out if you can still do.

Let's get into that.

What's in the box?

Jabra Elite 45h headphonesSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Jabra has been getting minimal with its packaging (I think it's like "Jumbo Shrimp") and the Elite 45h comes in a simple box with an even simpler cardboard sleeve. The only reference to plastic is the small shelf hanging loop.

Inside is the Elite 45h, which is protected by the thin but stretchy carrying case supplied and accompanied by a single accessory: a short USB-C charging cable.

design

Up until the Elite 45h, Jabra's cheapest wireless headphones were the $ 99 Move-Style Edition – a highly respected on-ear model. The Elite 45h may have taken the price of the Move, but its style and design elements are as much influenced by Jabra's flagship Elite 85h noise-canceling headphones as they are by the Move.

Regardless of which of the five color schemes you choose, these are really good looking on-ear cans.

With its ultra-clear lines and tasteful accents, the Elite 45h has a premium look that reminds me of Denmark's other major audio brands: Bang and Olufsen.

However, all traces of fabric have been removed so that the Elite 45h is completely covered with plastic, silicone rubber and synthetic leather. This could have resulted in a drab, sterile atmosphere, except that Jabra uses anodized aluminum for the one-piece sliders and ear pegs.

Regardless of which of the five color schemes you choose (titanium black, gold beige, copper black, black, or navy), these are really good looking on-ear tins.

The Elite 45h doesn't have flip hinges like the Beats headphones, but the earcups fold flat, making them easier to stow in a backpack, especially if you're already using a flat device like a tablet or laptop. Oddly enough, the ear pads point up when worn around the neck rather than down when laid flat.

Perhaps the most distinctive element of the Elite 45h design, however, is the continuous ear pad surface. In contrast to practically all other on-ear headphones that look like miniature versions of their larger over-ear siblings, the ear cushions of the Elite 45h have no defined edge – the synthetic leather cover simply moves all the way over. Only interrupted by circular perforations to let the sound through.

Why did Jabra choose this approach? Aside from the clear continuity they offer for the overall look of the Elite 45h, there are also comfort and sound benefits, which I will discuss below.

I can only find one flaw in the design of the Elite 45h: it lacks an analog headphone input. This may sound like a deal breaker, but as you'll see in a moment, I doubt you mind.

Convenience, control and connections

Jabra Elite 45h headphonesSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Elite 45h weigh a little more than the Move Style Edition (160 grams versus 150 grams), but you will hardly notice any weight once on your head.

Their mass is very well distributed and the clamping force of the headband prevents the somewhat tight contact point with the top of your head from feeling tired.

The continuous surface of the ear pads shouldn't make much of a difference in how they feel. After all, beneath this surface are the same oval cushions that you find on all on-ear headphones. And yet they distribute the clamping pressure further, like a set of miniature trampolines for your ears. Once you've positioned them, they're incredibly comfortable.

With the exceptional running time of the Elite 45h of 50 hours between charging processes, fear of range should now be a thing of the past.

However, this wonderful pressure distribution has a disadvantage. Because the ear pads no longer have a defined comb, they can no longer grip your ears as well as a more traditional design. Because of this (and the narrow contact ridge of the headband), they shift more easily when you move your head.

While it's not a problem when you're at a desk or on your daily commute, it's less than ideal for jogging or activities where impact or rapid head movements are part of the routine.

The Elite 45h has four physical button controls as well as a power / bluetooth switch, all of which are located on the right ear cup. Unlike many wireless headphones, including the Jabra Move, the four main buttons are located high on the outer edge of the auricle, near the slider.

This encourages you to grip the rim with your thumb and middle / ring finger while pressing down on the controls with your index finger.

Play / pause, volume up / down, answer / end call and skip tracks forward / backward are behind the slider, while the dedicated voice assistant button is in the front.

Now that I've gotten used to it, I'm a fan of the layout. I've found that not only is my index finger better at handling fine movements than my thumb (which is usually tasked with pressing headphone buttons), it is also more sensitive to small shapes and edges.

Pairing via Bluetooth is a breeze. Just follow the now familiar steps to turn on the headphones when you take them out of the box and find their name in your Bluetooth settings menu.

The real main attraction, however, is the Bluetooth multipoint function, which allows you to pair two devices at the same time. It's not a feature that you often find on headphones at this price point (Sony just added it to their $ 350 WH-1000XM4), and it's very handy for those who don't worry about switching between one Phone and a laptop or a phone and a TV – it just works with Bluetooth Multipoint.

The Elite 45h offer excellent sound quality with a balanced EQ.

The Elite 45h doesn't give you a long wireless range – just 30m under ideal conditions – but just like Jabra's other products, it's a stable, reliable connection that never falters.

Battery life

Jabra Elite 45h headphonesSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Do you remember when I said I didn't think you would mind that the Elite 45h doesn't have an analog headphone jack? That's because wired connections through wireless headphones really only exist to soothe the range anxiety of people who worry about the battery running out.

With the exceptional 50 hours running time of the Elite 45h between charging processes, this fear should now be a thing of the past.

Let's say you somehow manage to drain the Elite 45h's battery – although a pleasant voice will tell you the battery status every time you turn it on and they can automatically turn off when not in use – don't panic. If you can save 15 minutes on a quick charge, you'll be rewarded with an additional 10 hours of listening time.

Not only are these statistics good, they are also true for world-class wireless headphones.

Sound quality

Jabra Elite 45h headphonesSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Elite 45h offer excellent sound quality with a balanced EQ.

Jabra likes to boast about the size of the drivers in these cans, but at 40mm, not only are they similar to many other models in this price range, but they're also the same size as Jabra's own Move Style Edition.

What matters a lot more than size is the design, materials and tuning of the riders, and luckily Jabra did a great job.

Unlike some other Jabra products like the true Elite 75t wireless earbuds, which put a heavy load on the bass, the Elite 45h targets the sweet spot where all frequencies coexist harmoniously.

As on-ear headphones you don't get the immersiveness of an over-ear set, but the unusual ear pad design of the Elite 45h gives these cans a small advantage: they offer better passive noise isolation than I'm used to.

This gives the sound a better sense of intimacy and helps keep details clear that might otherwise drown out – not bad for $ 100 headphones with no active noise cancellation (ANC).

Find a quiet place to listen and the Elite 45h comes into its own. Whether it's the deep groove notes that Linkin Park's new track She Couldn & # 39; t perform, or Adele's signature, soaring vocals, these cans have managed to put a smile on my face.

I think they pretty much hit the mark, but if you disagree then that's fine. Thanks to the free Jabra Sound + app for iOS and Android, you can tweak the Elite 45h the way you want with a decent collection of EQ presets and the ability to save your own.

Call quality

Jabra Elite 45h headphonesSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Jabra is rightly proud of its call quality – its products have long been excellent for wireless calls in and out of the office.

The Elite 45h largely continues this tradition and offers a good mix of general speech quality and suppression of background noise. I wouldn't describe it as the kind of experience you would get with high-end headphones from Bose or Sony (that would be a miracle given the five or more microphones these fancy cans have), but for their price are you & # 39; I am very good.

What the Elite 45h lacks in most other headphones in this price range is a side tone option that can be set and turned on and off via the Sound + app.

When the side tone is on, you can more or less hear your own voice during a call. That way, there is a little less shouting and calls to sound like you are holding a phone to one ear.

It's a great feature, but you have to be careful with how much side tone you use. I found that more than 25% produced a noticeable high-frequency buzzing sound – presumably the result of two on-board microphones trying to amplify my voice without amplifying all the noise around me at the same time.

I would also like to be able to activate the background noise when you are not on the phone. However, this may be fixed in a future software update.

Our opinion

In the crowded $ 100 wireless headphone market, few models sound as good as the Jabra Elite 45h, and none that can do it with the Elite's combination of style and battery life.

Is there a better alternative?

I'm not sure if you'll find anything better than the Elite 45h for $ 100, but there are definitely other options. The 100 dollars Status audio BT-1They're great for sound and convenience, for example, and have an analog input that the Elite doesn't have. For a bigger bass-oriented sound, The $ 120 WH-XB700 from Sony are also good choices and often sell for $ 100.

How long will they last?

Jabra products are some of the best-built you will find. The Elite 45h comes with a two-year manufacturer's warranty against dust and rain, although Jabra does not claim an explicit IP rating for these headphones.

You can expect the ear pads to occasionally need replacing, but they are inexpensive and can be ordered through Jabra itself or one of its retail partners.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Elite 45h is a good buy unless you need it for jogging or other high impact, high movement activities.

Editor's recommendations




19 Aug
Blog

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Review: The Other Smartwatch to Buy

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 review case

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Review: The (Different) Smartwatch You Should Buy

"The Galaxy Watch 3 is the smartwatch you can buy if you have an Android phone."

  • Stylish, traditional watch look

  • Attractive, reliable software

  • The brilliant rotating bezel supports the control system

  • Comprehensive health monitoring functions

  • Solid battery life

  • Questionable fitness tracking accuracy

  • Slow charging of the battery

If you own an Android phone, which smartwatch should you buy? The answer isn't as obvious as you might think. You can't use the shoe-in option, the iOS-based Apple Watch, which is the undisputed top of our smartwatch recommendation list.

Samsung hopes the new Galaxy Watch 3 can take on the role. After all, it shares many of the appealing aspects of the Apple Watch. It comes in two sizes and has a good design, strong software and a unique control system.

That makes it an easy recommendation for Android phone owners – with one caveat. You have to be happy to spend a pretty large sum to get one, weaknesses and all.

design

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I wore the 45mm Galaxy Watch 3 which has a chronograph style and is a little more masculine than the 41mm model. It also has softer design features for a less sporty look. It weighs 53 grams (0.12 pounds) and is 11 mm (0.43 inches) thick. Due to its overall size, I initially chose the 41mm version as my preferred model, but the larger of the two models has proven to be handy and has established itself as a comfortable companion.

The roundness of the Galaxy Watch 3 makes it less obvious that you're wearing a smartwatch, and I really like that. The 1.4-inch Super AMOLED screen has a resolution of 360 x 360 pixels and is sharp and very colorful. You can choose an always-on screen that, unlike most WearOS watches, doesn't minimize the watch face much. It lowers the brightness and removes all animation like a second hand, but the overall design stays on the screen. This makes it look like a normal watch.

The party piece of the watch is the bezel, which physically rotates to move through the software.

Made of stainless steel, the Galaxy Watch 3 has Gorilla Glass DX above the screen and also looks like a glass showcase. Two buttons are separated by a protective piece on the right side of the housing, with the upper one being used to secure a step in the menu and the lower one being used for the app menu. Long press the top button activates Samsung Pay, and long press the bottom button brings up the Bixby voice assistant. If you look closely at the top button you'll see the words "Galaxy Watch" engraved on it, which is a really nice touch.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The watch's party piece is the bezel as it physically rotates to move through the software rather than having to swipe the screen or play around with a rotating crown.

Not only is this convenient and intuitive, but it also doesn't obstruct your view of the screen when you interact with the software. I really like the neatly dampened rotary motion and the quiet clicks when moving. The software's response is also very quick, so you can turn it one way or another without the clock getting stuck. In reality, you should be using it with care and precision, which shows how high-quality the action feels. If you're not touching the screen, less greasy prints are printed on it, a nice bonus, and the bezel's subtle texture makes it rotate naturally.

My test model has a black leather strap with white stitching that softens shortly after it is put on and is attached to the case with 22mm quick release pins. Switching to almost any other strap is easy, but the Galaxy Watch doesn't offer the same third-party support as the Apple Watch, which means you have to turn to traditional watch accessory manufacturers. That's not a problem, but not as new to newbies as buying custom-made Apple Watch straps.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Like all all-round smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch 3 is closely based on a traditional watch design, so you may not be immediately recognized as a “smartwatch wearer” if you don't want to. However, this comes with a certain degree of anonymity.

The uniqueness of the Galaxy Watch 3 is based more on its ease of use than its looks. I appreciate its presence on my wrist, but Samsung still hasn't found a way to make my heart beat faster when I look at it.

software

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Samsung uses its own Tizen software for the Galaxy Watch 3 and not Google's WearOS for Fossil, Mobvoi or Motorola smartwatches. While WearOS is better than it was, it can be frustrating to use. Tizen on the Galaxy Watch is nifty and mature and much closer to WatchOS than WearOS in terms of usability, but still has some weaknesses of its own, including the complete departure from Google Apps.

First the good things. I'll keep going but the rotating bezel is a work of genius. It's simple and cleverly implemented, and it's key to the Galaxy Watch's quality of life. 3. Turn left to view your notifications. Turn right to view fitness data, workouts, weather, shortcut buttons, and more. These widgets can easily be customized so that they remain relevant to you.

To its disadvantage, the Galaxy Watch 3 uses Bixby for voice control and not the Google Assistant.

Samsung does an excellent job of displaying data on the Watch 3's small screen. The text is clear, large, and legible in sunlight. Because the widget array can be personalized, you rarely need to go to the main menu of the app. Find what you want quickly. It's all very pretty too, with lots of pictures and graphics, right down to large profile pictures to be used with WhatsApp messages and bold colors to distinguish modes, icons, and menu options. It's fun and friendly without being cheap and off-putting. I like the choice of watch faces as there are hundreds available on the Galaxy Store if you don't like the pre-installed Samsung watch faces.

The feel is strong and noticeable, but you have to raise your wrist significantly for the notification to appear on the screen, which can be annoying. Notifications allow you to interact with predefined responses or emoji, speech or a small alphanumeric keyboard. The keyboard is a bit fiddly, but voice control is surprisingly accurate when dictating answers.

To its disadvantage, the Galaxy Watch 3 uses Bixby for voice control and not the Google Assistant. Bixby is in no hurry, and even the command "Hey, Bixby" means pausing for several seconds while he decides whether to listen or not. This mostly makes it useless and nowhere near as good as the Google Assistant on a wearable.

The lack of Google Apps is a problem. You will miss Google Maps the most. I find maps on my wrist helpful in areas I am unfamiliar with as I don't have to stare at my phone like a tourist, but the Galaxy Watch 3 has no pre-installed map option at all. The decent Here Maps app is available from the Galaxy Store, but Google Maps isn't. Samsung brings you into your own ecosystem with the Galaxy Watch. For example, you use Samsung Health instead of Google Fit and Samsung Pay instead of Google Pay.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I used the Galaxy Watch 3 connected to the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and it worked fine. It's easy and quick to set up, it connects and reconnects with ease even if you turn the watch off overnight, and it even displays a small haptic reminder when you are out of range of your phone. If you're using another Android phone or iPhone, you'll need to install the Samsung Galaxy Wear app in order to use the watch.

The big thing for me is that Tizen isn't annoying on the Galaxy Watch 3, which WearOS almost always is. After the notifications are sorted out during setup, it just sits back, gets on with its work, and isn't irritating when I have to interact with it. This is part of the success of the Apple Watch, and it's great to see it replicated for Android phone owners.

health and fitness

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Galaxy Watch 3 has all the usual fitness monitoring tools on board as well as a heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, automatic fall detection, VO2 max data and blood oxygen monitoring. Like the rest of the software information, it is displayed in a colorful, easy-to-read manner. It has meaningful reminders to keep you moving, and even little stretch routines that are easy and fun to follow – or shut up if you don't have time.

The automatic workout tracking is a little overzealous, however. It occurred while I was vacuuming and painting a door. The Galaxy Watch 3 will now track your sleep when you wear it overnight. The results were different from my Withings Sleep Analyzer – where the Withings tracked deep sleep, the Watch 3 seemed to classify it as light sleep instead.

The Galaxy Watch 3 covers everything I want in a fitness tracker, but there are some accuracy concerns.

Outside of the basics, it's not particularly informative. Personally, since I don't find wearing a watch very comfortable while I sleep, the dates didn't inspire me to wear it often. Heart rate is not measured at night, so battery life is not significantly affected. About 6% was used during seven hours of rest, which means that the watch is having trouble getting through a second day of heavy use without charging.

The data is synced with the Samsung Health app on your phone. In addition to basic information such as number of steps, calorie consumption and training data, you can also add food and water intake there. There is also a stress measurement tool that is linked to a breathing exercise program. The app is informative and attractive, and it has some basic explanations as to why you want to track features like stress.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 evaluation training app "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn8.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/samsung-galaxy-watch-3-workout- app-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEASamsung Health is used for health and fitness tracking Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 rating sleep app "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn9.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/samsung-galaxy-watch-3-sleep- app -640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAThe Galaxy Watch 3 supports sleep tracking Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 evaluation blood oxygen "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn1.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/samsung-galaxy-watch-3-blood- oxygen- 640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAThe Galaxy Watch 3's blood oxygen measurement Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 rating stress "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/samsung-galaxy-watch-3-stress-640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7The voltage meter of the Galaxy Watch 3 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Galaxy Watch 3 covers everything I want in an everyday fitness tracker, but there are some accuracy concerns. I noticed that some of the data points appeared to be on the low side compared to what I normally see, and I wore them next to the Apple Watch for comparison. During a set period of time, there were big differences in the steps taken, with the Apple Watch 940 and Galaxy Watch 3 recording just 380 over an hour of comparison.

Wearing both for a simple workout also made a massive difference in calorie consumption. The Galaxy Watch estimated 283 calories for a 64-minute session, which seemed low with an average heart rate of 133 beats per minute (beats per minute). The Apple Watch delivered an average heart rate of 127 beats per minute for the same session and an active calorie consumption of 471. However, the resting heart rates were identical.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

While neither may be absolutely correct, the Apple Watch results always match other wearables I've tested. Cause for concern? It's not a medical device, so not really. I'm also using a pre-release version of Galaxy Watch 3, so a software update may arrive before it starts to optimize the data collection algorithms.

Unfortunately, if you need the Galaxy Watch 3 for EKG or blood pressure monitoring, these functions are not yet available. Both must be approved by the local authorities before starting. Although the Food and Drug Administration has now approved the Galaxy Watch 3's EKG feature, it has not yet been enabled in my review model.

battery

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

With moderate use. The battery of the Galaxy Watch 3 lasts two working days if it is switched off overnight with the display active. Introduce GPS, continuous heart rate and stress level tracking, and additional fitness tracking, and that will drop to a little over a day. As I tracked my sleep, the battery dropped from 48% when I went to bed to 42% in the morning.

I find the battery life of the Galaxy Watch 3 acceptable, but certainly not desirable. It improves on many WearOS watches, which often can't make two full days even with light use, but the charging process is very slow. The magnetic puck sticks pretty loosely to the back of the watch 3, and regardless of which charging block I used, the charging time from 5% to 100% was at least two hours and 15 minutes.

I wore the Galaxy Watch 3 next to the Apple Watch for a few days to compare the battery consumption. Between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., the Galaxy Watch 3's battery dropped to 66%, while the Apple Watch's battery dropped to 75%. I turned the clocks off at midnight and back on at 9 a.m., then followed an hour's workout, and then continued using it all day. The Galaxy Watch 3 showed 5% at 10 p.m. while the Apple Watch had 10%. When it hit 15% and 5%, the Galaxy Watch 3 suggested turning on a battery saver that only shows the time to extend usage.

Using the Galaxy Watch 3 with other Android phones and the iPhone

The Galaxy Wearable app, which is required to connect the Galaxy Watch 3 to your phone, is available on Google Play and the iOS App Store. I tested it on a Samsung phone, but what is the experience like with a third-party device? I'll be updating this over the next few weeks as I use the Watch 3 with different phones. I will add the results to this story

Price and availability

The Galaxy Watch 3 is $ 399 for the 41mm WiFi model or $ 429 for the 45mm WiFi model. Samsung is also making a 41mm 4G LTE version for $ 449 and a 45mm 4G LTE version for $ 479. Both are compatible with all major US airlines. All Wi-Fi models will be released on August 20th and 4G models in September.

In the UK, the 41mm WiFi model is £ 399 and the 45mm WiFi clock is £ 419. The 4G LTE units cost £ 439 for the 41mm model and £ 459 for the 45mm model.

Our opinion

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 isn't perfect, but it's the best smartwatch you can buy if you own an Android phone. The software is reliable and pretty to look at, the control system is an absolute winner, there is a choice for small and large wrists, and it has extensive health features too.

However, they pay a heavy price. It's twice what you'd spend on some WearOS watches, and since smartwatches are more of a nice addition than an essential one, you really have to be sold for the concept to spend that much. Apart from the Apple Watch, the Galaxy Watch 3 is the only modern smartwatch that I still like to wear after the reporting period. I think that's a strong recommendation.

Is there a better alternative?

The Galaxy Watch 3's biggest rival is the Galaxy Watch Active 2. It's cheaper and has the same software but a touch-based version of the rotating bezel and a less interesting design. It's a good buy if you don't have the budget for the Galaxy Watch 3. If you want WearOS for Google's apps, the Fossil Gen 5 and Moto 360 are good. The Mobvoi TicWatch C2 Plus is still cheaper. Keep in mind that WearOS isn't as sophisticated or as easy to use as Tizen.

If you own an iPhone, there's nothing here to turn you off of the Apple Watch. Even if the experience is good, only the Apple Watch can be integrated with Apple's messaging system and apps. If you have an iPhone, you should still buy the Apple Watch.

How long it will take?

The Galaxy Watch 3 has IP68 water and dust resistance and a toughness rating of MIL-STD-810G, which means it should be suitable for everyday use and in most situations. The design shouldn't age badly. If Samsung continues to support the app, the Galaxy Watch 3 will last as long as you have your current phone.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It's expensive, but if you're connecting to an Android phone, it's worth it.

Editor's recommendations




10 Jul
Blog

Nokia 5.3 Review: $199 Really Can Buy You a Good Smartphone

hmd global nokia 5 3 Review backhand

Nokia 5.3 test: $ 199 can really buy a great smartphone

"The Nokia 5.3 offers everyday performance and future-proof software at an affordable price."

  • Two days of battery life

  • Large screen size

  • Two years of software updates

  • NFC for Google Pay

  • Camera disappointed

  • The screen lacks brightness

High-performance smartphones that cost $ 400 can do everything that many people expect from a cell phone, but what about phones that cost half as much? The Nokia 5.3 from HMD Global only costs $ 199 or £ 149. After a week on the phone, however, I can safely say that you won't cut the quality and performance of a more expensive model in half – in most regions. at least.

The Nokia 5.3 will surprise you with its functions, its software and its general capabilities as an everyday smartphone. No, the camera and screen aren't the best models, but you shouldn't expect them to be. If you buy the Nokia 5.3 and know what it can and can't do, you get one of the best smartphone values ​​I've seen in a while.

design

The back of the Nokia 5.3 is made of a plastic composite that is easy to grip but has no pleasant texture. It also has some flex and curves around the side to hit the plastic frame, which then leads into the 6.55-inch screen. The phone is 8.5 mm thick and weighs only 185 grams. It feels good in the hand but is wide, so owners with small hands may find it uncomfortable.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

In addition to the volume rocker and the SIM compartment, there are two other buttons on the housing of the Nokia 5.3. The power switch is an obvious necessity and is located under the volume rocker. A notification light is built in that is bright and eye-catching. It pulsates when there are messages waiting for you on the phone. This is useful when there is no screen and the positioning is unusual and noticeable.

The second button feels superfluous. It's on the opposite side and calls Google Assistant. I often accidentally pressed it when I picked up the phone or juggled with one hand. This is annoying, because unlocking the phone adds several extra steps, or taking extra seconds to cancel at other times. There's a way to turn the button off, but there's no way to reconfigure it for something more useful. Nokia has added a 3.5mm headphone jack and a single speaker at the bottom. It has a lot of volume but no bass, which results in a hard and thin sound.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

On the back is a quad sensor camera module that protrudes very easily from the body and is attached over a fingerprint sensor. The design is no different from many other phones in recent years, including the OnePlus 7T and the Poco F2 Pro, and is harmlessly attractive.

This phone doesn't look like it will cost $ 199, and that's the big advantage here. You don't get an ugly phone that screams "cheap" when you take off or look at it, but a reserved and balanced design. I suggest that you buy the Nokia 5.3 in either cyan or sand instead of the boring charcoal color of my test model to make the phone more attractive.

screen

The 6.5-inch IPS LCD screen on the front shows where money was saved. The resolution is 1,600 x 720 pixels, which means that YouTube videos are played with a maximum of 720p. While this is perfectly acceptable for a phone at this price, I have found that it suffers from a lack of brightness. I had to crank up the brightness most of the time, and even then it is difficult to see in bright sunlight. The automatic brightness function is also annoyingly random and rarely settles on a single level before fluctuating again and never at the right point.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

With the selfie camera at the top of the screen there is a drop notch and at the bottom a small chin bezel with Nokia logo. Assuming the maximum brightness and the intrusive night light function that reduces the blue light (it affects the colors too much, especially when scrolling), the screen is suitable for everyday use. Just don't expect it to be a media powerhouse.

However, you can expect it to be satisfactory. The low resolution means that details are missing, but I found the screen to have a very cool color palette by default. It cries out for more brightness, and some videos may lack life and vibrancy. However, this is not the real aim of the phone, and the Nokia 5.3 works well for casual viewing. I also like that the screen is huge, so you don't feel that the low price has led to other visual compromises outside of resolution.

camera

Even phones that cost $ 199 now have four lens camera sensors, but they shouldn't. The main camera of the Nokia 5.3 has 13 megapixels and an aperture of 1: 1.8. There is also a 5-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, a 2-megapixel depth sensor and a 2-megapixel macro lens. The selfie camera in the teardrop notch has 8 megapixels.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's functional, but not inspiring. As with the screen, expectations have to be mitigated because it is inconsistent and rarely took a photo that I want to share without editing. Neither the wide-angle nor the standard lenses provide the right lighting every time, either over- or underexposed, and the dynamic range also varies greatly between the two. Macro shots are as overwhelming as you would expect from a 2 megapixel sensor.

There is a night mode, but the shots are only slightly better than those without, and also a portrait mode. Edge detection is decent, but you have to wait for the camera to process the shots. When you switch to the selfie camera, the results often look washed out in bright conditions. However, the results are acceptable indoors.

If you combine all of this with slow software, the Nokia 5.3's camera is a letdown. This is a cheap phone and it will never take the best in terms of the camera, but there should still be a standard that needs to be maintained. Fast software and constant performance are required at all costs. I would rather have a camera with a lens that takes good photos than a camera with four lenses that takes mediocre photos.

Software and performance

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor with 3 GB, 4 GB or 6 GB RAM supplies the Nokia 5.3 with power. My rating phone is 4 GB and can handle tasks like social networking apps, messaging and calls with ease. If you do something more intense, including using YouTube, speed can suffer. Switching from landscape to portrait mode takes a few seconds, for example, and quitting performance-hungry game apps leads to a longer pause while the phone sorts itself out.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The benchmark tests are as follows:

Geekbench 5: 308 single core / 1312 multi core

3DMark Sling Shot Extreme: 1129 (volcano)

It's the same chip used in the Motorola Moto G8, Moto G Fast, and G Power, and the results are similar. Do you think you cannot play on Nokia 5.3? Think again No, it's not a ROG Phone 2, but I played Asphalt 9 Legends happily enough. Sure, it's not the smoothest experience, but it never develops into a situation that makes it unplayable. 1945 and playing Hill Climb Racer was fine too.

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hmd global nokia 5 3 check notifications "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/nokia-5-3-notifications-640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

hmd global nokia 5 3 reviews apps screen "class =" m carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/nokia-5-3-apps-screen - 640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Nokia 5.3 is an Android One phone. This means that the software is similar to Google Pixel phones, with no special user interface, additional apps, or other changes to Google's basic Android style. Android One also ensures regular and timely software updates. The phone receives Android 11 when it arrives and will be updated for the next two years in total. This is a serious selling point and ensures that your cheap smartphone purchase will not be out of date in the near future.

Aside from a few performance stutters, it runs very smoothly, and I think it's good that it has a dark mode and also comes with NFC for Google Pay. Again, this is another big advantage since some competing devices don't have this feature at all.

Battery and security

The 4,000 mAh battery in combination with the low resolution screen and the mid-range processor gave me great hopes for the battery life of the Nokia 5.3. In reality, it was nothing better than most other phones, regardless of the specification. I mostly tested the Nokia at home and therefore connected to Wi-Fi most of the time.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

For me, average usage includes social media, some photos, some video and voice calls, and news and a little bit of games. The Nokia lasted almost two full days, but only if the second day is less intense than the first. Video puts additional strain on the battery. The charging process takes place only via cable, and here too there is no quick charging.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Security is exactly what you want: a simple but secure fingerprint sensor on the back of the phone and a face unlock, both of which are fast and largely reliable. However, the rear fingerprint sensor didn't work well with wet fingers. It has a handy feature that swipes down to pull down the notification shadow on the screen.

Price, guarantee and availability

The Nokia 5.3 can be purchased in the US for $ 199 from Amazon. In the UK, it costs £ 149 and is available in Nokia's own online shop, Amazon and Argos.

The device is warranted for two years in the United Kingdom, but only for one year in the United States.

Our opinion

When reading this review, you run the risk of believing that the Nokia 5.3 is not worth buying. As with any phone, I've pointed out the drawbacks, but it's important to put them in context. The Nokia 5.3 costs $ 199, it does everything a smartphone could want, and it does some things quite well. You can find much better phones, but at the same time the Nokia 5.3 can easily handle what most people need a phone for.

It's refreshing to see that at $ 199 you buy an attractive, modern smartphone that plays top games, runs all your apps, and has enough power and battery to be a reliable companion for everyday life. Just be prepared for the fact that it doesn't have the excellent photography or display quality that you would expect from a model over $ 700.

Is there a better alternative?

For $ 199? The options are limited. Take a look at the Motorola Moto G Power for $ 249 or the Motorola Moto G Fast for $ 199 if you want similar alternatives. However, to really buy a better phone, you have to spend a lot more. We recommend the Apple iPhone SE for $ 399, the Poco F2 Pro for $ 500, or the OnePlus 8 for $ 600. Google has set the Pixel 3a. However, if you find another one, it is a solid buy.

How long it will take?

The Nokia 5.3 is not waterproof, but the composite back is scratch-resistant. Thanks to the Android One platform, HMD Global also promises software updates for the next two years. This is a significant advantage over the Motorola alternatives. Provided you don't expect your own phone to change use, Nokia 5.3 easily holds the entire two-year guaranteed software update period.

Should you buy it

Yes. Don't let the negatives catch you and instead rejoice that you can buy a powerful everyday smartphone for $ 199.

Editor's recommendations




29 Jun
Blog

Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 Review: What $410 Can Buy You

Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 review 14

"The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is the best Chromebook you can buy for under $ 500."

  • Responsive keyboard

  • Impressive performance

  • Great value for money

  • Under three pounds

  • Bad touchpad

  • Mediocre display

Chromebooks are getting more expensive every year. They also grow in quality. Display, performance and design improve. They're far from yesterday's cheap Chromebooks.

The Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook tries to be the best of both worlds. At $ 410, it captures the original spirit of highly affordable laptops, yet offers an Intel Core processor, a 1080p screen, and a solid appearance.

Lenovo has struck the balance carefully, but not without a few hiccups on the way.

design

I'm not looking for anything special in a laptop under $ 500. I want modern. I want thin and light. I want a solid build quality. And bonus points if it doesn't look gaudy or plastic.

The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 performs better than most Chromebooks at this price. The color "graphite gray" is initially subtle. Although each surface is made of plastic, it feels firm and well built. The hinge is firm and resists shaking, even when you tap and swipe on the touchscreen.

I have a few minor complaints. The bezels are large – especially the chin. The 360 ​​degree hinge provides additional space under the screen. It is hard to miss on such a small laptop. Premium chromebooks like the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook or the Asus Chromebook Flip C436 have the thin frames we see on Windows laptops, but they're about twice as expensive. It's a problem that the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 solves by using a slightly larger 16:10 aspect ratio.

Despite the frames, the Chromebook Flex 5 comes in a portable package. It's less than 3 pounds and 0.7 inches thick, and just a bit bigger than a MacBook Air. Options like the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook or Google Pixelbook Go are much smaller – but price tags aren't.

Most Chromebooks under $ 500 are bulky 15-inch laptops, which is a shame. The Chromebook Flex 5 fills this gap.

The Chromebook Flex 5 offers a standard selection of ports, at least for a modern Chromebook. On the right side there is a USB-C 3.1, a USB-A 3.1, a headphone jack and a microSD card slot. The other side contains another USB-C port and a Kensington lock. Unfortunately, only the right side can be used to charge the device.

As it is a 2-in-1 device, the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 has a volume rocker and a power switch in addition to the connections. The volume rocker is mushy and difficult to distinguish, which is a little frustrating. You'll use the volume control on the keyboard a lot more often, but that's no excuse for lousy keys.

Display and speakers

The Flex 5 Chromebook doesn't have the best display in the world. It is a 13.3-inch IPS LED display with a standard resolution of 1,920 x 1,080. It has a slight shade of green, which makes pale skin tones look sick.

It only brightens up to 250 nits. This is bright enough for home use, but if you stand under strong office light or sit next to a window, the glossy screen can cause strong reflections. A matte screen may have made the screen look cheap, but avoided this problem.

I've seen a lot worse on Chromebooks, but options like the Google Pixelbook Go or the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook do much better. The software on my colorimeter doesn't work in Chrome OS to measure color accuracy, but the Flex 5 Chromebook is probably not accurate enough for creative people. For what a Chromebook is made for $ 410, the screen does the trick.

The Flex 5 Chromebook has a set of upward-facing speakers that flank the keyboard on both sides. The placement is good, but they are as thin as laptop speakers. The Pixelbook Go is far superior in this category.

Keyboard and touchpad

The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 offers a pleasant typing experience. This is the typical Chrome OS layout outside of the oddly shortened left and right arrow keys. But the keycaps are big, the journey is long and the keystrokes respond. Lenovo has even installed a backlight with five brightness levels. I felt at home.

The touchpad is a different story. It's big enough, but of below average quality. The plastic, structured surface leads to skipping and sloppy tracking. Inexpensive touchpads like this slow down my workflow and make detailed tasks such as text selection difficult. The click mechanism is also quite stiff and loud. As my daily driver, the touchpad was the only hurdle to usability that I kept tripping over. I'm not shocked by the price, but I was hoping to be surprised. The switch back to a Google Pixelbook Go felt heavenly in comparison.

The Flex 5 Chromebook has a 720p on-screen webcam that can be serviced for occasional zoom calls.

performance

Many cheap Chromebooks use slow MediaTek or Intel Celeron processors. Not the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5. It offers an Intel Core i3-10110U processor of the latest generation of Intel chips. This is a full 15-watt processor, while many other Chromebooks use an 8-watt processor. More performance means more potential performance, and the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 offers.

Other Chromebooks that use this 10th generation Core i3 are usually much more expensive, such as the Asus Chromebook Flip C436 for $ 800. The Flex 5 corresponds to this processor in multi-core scores in Geekbench 5 and is 18% faster than the Google Pixelbook Go.

The two cores and four threads it offers may not sound impressive, and 4 GB of RAM may not. But it feels quick. Chrome OS works on this hardware regardless of how many tabs you have open. This can best be measured in a test like the Tachometer 2.0, which measures JavaScript performance. In web applications, the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is as fast as a quad-core Core i5 Windows 10 laptop. This is important because it is almost exclusively what you use this Chromebook for.

You can of course run Android apps on the Flex 5. 3D games like the mobile racing driver Asphalt 9 Legends were played smoothly. However, the integrated graphics cannot even start a match from PUBG Mobile. As strange as it may sound, your phone will perform better. Many of these Android apps are still not well optimized for the 16: 9 aspect ratio and a cursor. However, this is a problem with Android app emulation in Chrome OS in general, not the fault of the Flex 5.

A processor with higher performance has one disadvantage. Heat. The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is not a fanless device like the Pixelbook Go. Open a few YouTube videos, Slack, Spotify, and about a dozen websites – that's enough to hear the fans spinning and the keyboard warming up. I never had the feeling that the fans were turning prematurely or too often.

The laptop also has 64 GB of eMMC storage. It's not a ton of capacity – and not as fast as a solid-state drive. Unfortunately, both have become the standard for Chromebooks. As long as you do most of the things in the cloud, 64 GB shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Battery life

The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 offers decent battery life. It has always been a Chromebook strength and budget laptop deficit. These two properties meet in the Flex 5, a laptop has a better battery life than most at this price.

On average, it took me about six to seven hours of my daily workload. Not quite enough to get through a full day's work, but close.

It's not a Pixelbook Go – or even the current Lenovo Yoga C640 – but it should take you most of a working day. In our browsing test, I zeroed the battery through a selection of websites. The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 lasted almost eight hours. Playing videos took a few hours longer, and I looped a video clip until it died.

Our opinion

The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is one of the cheaper Chromebooks you can buy. It is characterized by excellent performance, excellent battery life and solid build quality. The touchpad is not great, and neither is the screen. It's not a no-compromise laptop, but this $ 410 Chromebook is still one of the best laptops you can buy under $ 500.

Are there alternatives?

The 14-inch Asus Chromebook C425 is worth considering. It doesn't have such a powerful processor, but it looks impressive and only costs $ 443. The Google Pixelbook Go costs a little more, but it remains my choice for the best Chromebook you can buy.

If you're looking for a Windows laptop with a similar price tag, the Acer Swift 3 is a good choice. The $ 399 model is equipped with an 8th generation Intel Core i3 processor, 4 GB RAM and a 128 GB SSD.

How long it will take?

The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 should last four or five years. Google extends software updates to older Chromebooks for many years. The warranty is a one-year limited warranty.

Should you buy it

Yes. If you are looking for a laptop under $ 500, the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is one of the best you can buy.

Editor's recommendations




08 May
Blog

What To Expect When You Buy Eminence Organic Skin Care

If you want to buy one Eminence Organic Skin Care You may not be aware that you are taking home much more than a new favorite product. We are committed to ensuring that each product is a unique experience that changes your skin, supports the environment and gives something back to the global community. Read on to find out exactly what to expect when buying an Eminence Organics product.

High quality ingredients

Rest assured that you are buying treatment that contains only that from Eminence Organics The best natural, organic and Biodynamic® ingredients ensure the healthiest and most effective results. All of our products pride themselves on being free of parabens, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates, harmful colors and fragrances, mineral oils, petroleum and other harsh cosmetic chemicals.

In addition, each product is handmade from handpicked ingredients. Strong heating or hydrogenation processes are avoided during production to ensure that vitamins are absorbed in their natural base. This means that our ingredients deliver dramatic results Actual seeds, pulp and peel convey the regenerative and healing powers that only nature can produce. As stated by our Product Support Representative and Certified Esthetician Alicia Hawthorne::

“We use ingredients such as fresh pulp, plants and spices such as peppers for result-oriented, effective skin care. All Eminence products are freshest in the first 12 to 15 months from the date of purchase – as long as they are purchased through an authorized Eminence Organics dealer. "

Products that last a long time

Although the ingredients have been harvested with the utmost freshness, there is no need to worry that you have to consume your entire product immediately. When you buy Eminence Organics, you are also buying a product that will last.

Eminence Organics face masks

The ingredients used are extremely strong and A small product goes far. You may even prefer mixing masks and moisturizers with water to make it easier to use and further extend the life of your purchase. If you are worried about product spoilage, don't fret! Alicia also mentions:

"Products do not necessarily go bad 12-15 months after buying Eminence. In this case, they are the freshest."

Our online reviews reflect our goal of developing durable and effective products. On Facebook, along with a five star rating, Jade Smith writes:

"The best skin care products worth every penny! Love how many products you have to choose from, different varieties, and how long it takes to use them every day. "

Also on Facebook, Jennifer Azzati Abjornson gives a five-star rating and shares:

"I just started in a spa a month ago. I love that line. I tried and bought several products. It's expensive, but I don't mind spending it because it takes a long time, as long as it does a little bit. I highly recommend it. "

Supporting the community and the environment

Not only will you see strong and effective results, but when you buy Eminence Organics you also support the community and the environment. Josie Barton, Product Support Officer at Eminence Organics and Certified Cosmetician, says:

"I've been an Eminence fan for a long time. I think it's great that it's a result-oriented, organic line that I can trust. The products are fresh, fun and make my skin feel and look healthiest! Apart from that, Eminence is a future-oriented, environmentally friendly company. I have always loved supporting this brand because I know that my money contributes to extraordinary purposes. "

Eminence Kids Foundation child holding sign

As a Certified B Corporation®, we strive to meet the highest standards of total social and environmental performance. In collaboration with Trees for the Future, every time you buy a product, a tree is planted in a developing country. Through this Forests for the future We successfully planted over ten million trees in the program – and it counts!

In addition, part of every retail product sold is donated to our charity: The Eminence Kids Foundation. The Eminence Kids Foundation is dedicated to providing organic products from the region nutritious foods for seriously ill children as an essential part of their treatment. Through Eminence Kids, we were able to work with six long-term care organizations around the world dedicated to healing children.

Find out more about our milestones, awards, donations to charity, the Eminence Kids Foundation and how many trees we planted in our video. Bring luck – corporate success:

[Embed] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoOEtpMMupY [/ embed]

Professional techniques

Not only will you find that our retail products are a luxury purchase that you can feel comfortable in, but with the support of your local spa, you will be introduced to the pure relaxation and healing that only professional techniques can do. We firmly believe in our partnership with spas and offer them additional ones Products only suitable for professional use that make your skin radiant and fresh.

The certified beauticians in our partner spas are trained in the latest ingredients, special techniques and massages to ensure that your treatments are an unforgettable experience. We regard our spas as a goal to change your psychological and physiological well-being and as a decisive step in your holistic skin care ritual.

Where are Eminence Organics products made?

All of our products are formulated in Hungary, where most are also made and then hand-cast to Canada. Although a large number of our natural, organic and Biodynamic® ingredients are sourced worldwide, the majority are grown in Hungary.

Where can you buy Eminence Organics products?

Eminence Organic Skin Care is now available in over 60 countries worldwide. Since we firmly believe in professional techniques, we recommend buying from an authorized partner spa. The The spa locator helps you to find the closest location. The advantage of buying Eminence Organics in the spa is the additional support and guidance from a beautician. If you have trouble finding a spa or want to shop internationally, please email our product support team who will be happy to help you find an authorized dealer.

Note: This post was originally published in August 2018 and updated for accuracy and completeness.

24 Apr
Blog

Apple iPhone SE (2020) In-Depth Review: Buy This iPhone

iPhone SE

"The new iPhone SE is the fastest phone you can buy for $ 400."

  • Light, compact design

  • Class leading performance

  • Loud, pleasant audio

  • Great camera

  • iOS is excellent

  • Not a great display for $ 400

  • The battery life is ok

Apple develops devices for a long service life and not just because they like them. Apple can also refurbish an old device with new specifications and sell it as a new one. The iPhone SE is the latest example, but hardly the first. Apple took a similar approach to the iPhone 8 and continues to sell a MacBook Pro 13 with a touch bar that is essentially the same as the 2015 model.

It's a polarizing strategy, and the new iPhone SE has created a schism for the usual reasons the moment it was announced. Some see the wise reuse of a great design that still makes sense. Others see a rotten rebranding of an outdated phone. People in both camps tend to have their opinions ready before they ever put their hands on the phone in question.

Whatever your thoughts may be, one fact is undeniable: the iPhone SE ($ 400) is the cheapest iPhone, and that makes it important regardless of design or hardware. Many people will buy it because it is the new standard selection.

But is it a good phone?

design

I'll get an uncomfortable shot out of the way. As a technical appraiser, you can expect me to update my equipment every year. Not me. My everyday phone is an iPhone 7 Plus, which despite the lack of knockout functions on modern devices is still a nice phone.

The only thing I don't like is a disadvantage that it shares with the iPhone SE: chunky frames around the display. They are massive compared to other modern phones. Every Android competitor in this area offers slim frames with maximum screen size for a certain space requirement.

Can you live with them Certainly. I have been for years. However, this is certainly the biggest problem with the design of the iPhone SE. You get jealous when a friend pulls out a Google Pixel 3a or Moto G stylus. While the iPhone SE replaces the iPhone 8, its design is based on the iPhone 6 – a phone that came out in 2014. It's not unfair to say that the new iPhone SE looks like a six-year-old phone.

Fortunately, the bad news ends here.

iPhone SEMatthew Smith / Digital Trends

Despite its frame, the iPhone SE remains a slim, slim device with pockets. It's 5.45 inches tall, 2.65 inches wide, 0.29 inches thick, and weighs only 5.22 ounces. It is the lightest of the current iPhones. The Google Pixel 3a, which is one of the smaller mainstream Android phones, is still half an inch larger, more than a tenth of an inch wider, and a tenth of an inch thicker – although it has the same weight.

If you compare the iPhone SE with a powerful Android phone like the Moto G Stylus, you will notice a bigger difference. The phone with a 6.4-inch display is three quarters of an inch larger, a quarter of an inch wider, and much thicker. It's also about 30 percent heavier. That's a difference you'll notice easily, and I complained that the G stylus felt too heavy and too thick in my test.

As a small phone, the iPhone SE answers the prayers of those who preach the path of using one-handed smartphones. I am 6 feet, 1 inch tall and never needed two hands to use it. In fact, it feels a bit silly to put two hands on it.

Owners under 5 feet, 4 inches can find a way to reach the top edge, but the maneuver is still possible with a slight flicker. In this sense, the new iPhone SE lags behind the highest one-handed use of its 4-inch predecessor. Still, it's small enough that I don't think most people find this a problem.

Here you will find all the usual buttons: power supply, volume up and down and a physical switch for switching vibrations on and off. Like the chassis, they are all made of aluminum and feel good.

The Touch ID sensor, which enables error-free registration via fingerprint, continues to serve as a home button. This is a subtle but significant design decision. Since the iPhone SE has a home button, it does not use the new gesture navigation system of other new iPhones. I like that. Gesture control is clearly the new normal, but I like the button that I think is more intuitive.

As for the ports, you get a Lightning connector – a proprietary dead horse that I don't have to dig up and whip. You just need to know that you need either wireless audio or a Lightning to 3.5mm audio adapter that is not included.

display

The iPhone SE has a 4.7-inch IPS multi-touch display with a resolution of 1,334 x 750 (or 326 pixels per inch). It is a true tone screen (ie it adapts to the light in your environment) with a wide color support, haptic touch and a maximum brightness of 625 nits per Apple.

Is a 4.7-inch screen too small for a smartphone sold in 2020? No … but it's close.

This is an undeniably small screen next to what you might find elsewhere. Many Android competitors offer 6.2-inch to 6.5-inch screens at the same price, and some may even be OLEDs. I'm not going to say that these displays look "more realistic", but they'll please your eye in a way that the iPhone SE's 4.7-inch IPS screen can't. They are of course larger and often look more powerful and lively.

iPhone SEMatthew Smith / Digital Trends

Let me put it differently. The screen of the new iPhone SE is about 23 percent smaller than that of a Google Pixel 3a and 40 percent smaller than that of a Moto G stylus or Samsung Galaxy A51. It's also 33 percent smaller than Apple's iPhone 11. It is much smaller than other phones that you will see in this price range.

I had no problem using it every day. In fact, the smaller size feels more comfortable in normal everyday use.

The new iPhone SE is a great device to create a quick text response, take a few photos, or go to Yelp to see what foods are nearby. It's small, nimble, easy to get to, and shows just enough information to get the job done.

The longer I used the device, the more I felt restricted. This starts on the home screen, where apps are icons that are much closer together than on most iPhones. Text can be more difficult to read because it is smaller and you need to scroll more when navigating websites.

Then there is a video. Mobile video consumption is a big deal for many people, and here the iPhone SE has to make a sacrifice. Viewing a video on the 4.7-inch display is nowhere near as comfortable as on a larger 6.4-inch or 6.5-inch screen. Even the 5.5-inch display of my iPhone 7 Plus belongs to a different league.

Audio

While the display of the iPhone SE impressed me just as I expected, the audio quality was a surprise. This little phone can rock.

The iPhone SE offers stereo playback with enough volume to fill a living room with sound. There's even a hint of bass that opens the sound stage and reduces distortion on complex tracks.

While listening to lo-fi hip hop beats, I noticed a depth of sound that I don't often hear on a midrange smartphone. It sounds like an older Oontz speaker that I use a lot, although the maximum volume of the iPhone SE is much lower.

iPhone SEMatthew Smith / Digital Trends

The clear middle section also helps in films. Large explosions and deep bass soundtracks usually destroy the smartphone speakers, with smaller and cheaper phones suffering the most. The iPhone SE isn't free of subdued dialogues, especially in action scenes where explosions and dialogues often occur simultaneously, but it's better than most of the others.

And yes, it's a huge upgrade for anyone still stuck on the original iPhone SE.

As already mentioned, there is no 3.5 mm audio jack here. To use external audio devices, you need wireless audio or a Lightning-to-3.5 mm audio adapter.

camera

Take a look at the specs and the iPhone SE's camera doesn't look impressive. It is a single lens system with a 12MP shooter. It has optical image stabilization, portrait mode, panorama mode and Smart HDR among other things, but none of it is really remarkable.

Apple claims the secret sauce is its image pipeline, powered by the powerful A13 Bionic Neural Engine. And you know what? It's a good sauce. This is the entire camera I will ever need for a phone.

Outdoor picture quality

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iPhone SE outdoors "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/iphone_se_outdoors-3-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

iPhone SE outdoors "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/iphone_se_outdoors-2-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

The new SE takes appealing photos outdoors. I wouldn't call it neutral, but the iPhone SE is less prone to dramatic, vivid shots than most Android phones. This can make the iPhone SE look flat, but the iPhone largely avoids excessive color saturation. Photos look realistic and balanced.

I have to praise the new SE's ability to handle bright light. This is a place where Android phones in the middle range are often neglected. It's not perfect, but the blue sky is less likely to overwhelm a photo's background, and the new SE usually sets the right white balance without the need for tricky adjustments.

Indoor picture quality

iPhone SE inside "class =" m carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/iphone_se-3-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / / www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

iPhone SE inside "class =" m carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn6.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/iphone_se-indoors-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / / www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

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The interior quality of the new SE didn't inspire me so much. The phone is still setting the correct white balance. However, due to the tendency towards neutral, realistic shots, some photos may look flat.

This is a different problem than the noisy, grainy images you see on a below-average smartphone camera. I think the photos look very sharp. You just lack the wow factor that you can see from a flagship smartphone.

However, I still think that the new SE does well in its category and you can take great indoor shots. I don't like taking test photos and I haven't done anything to improve the lighting. Simply turning on a lamp will significantly improve your results.

Image quality in low light conditions

iPhone SE in low light conditions "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn8.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/iphone_se_poor_lighting-3-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: //www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

iPhone SE in low light conditions "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn1.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/iphone_se_poor_lighting-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: // www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

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I can't fault the performance of the iPhone SE in low light. Color saturation and contrast are missing, but I'm a little surprised at how clear and sharp these photos have become. You can see grain in the photo, but it's not that bad that the photo looks ugly – which is certainly the case with some medium-range phones.

However, please note that the iPhone SE does not have a night mode (or similar). If you try to take a photo outdoors at night, you won't see a lot of anything.

Enlarge image quality

Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

As a single-lens shooter, the iPhone SE lacks a zoom lens that can be used to take distant subjects. It only supports digital zoom up to 5x. However, I'm not sure if this is a big disadvantage.

Adding an optical zoom lens felt like a big deal the first time you spoke on the phone, but reception of the idea has cooled off over time, especially when the lens is only a 2, 3, or 5x zoom . I found it difficult to use and largely ignored it when I wasn't testing its quality.

I think the zoom performance of the new SE is fine for a midrange phone, even solid. If you zoom in all the way, you will see a drop in quality, but the photo is still sharp enough to use. This is better than some inexpensive phones that I have tried.

Image quality of the front-facing camera

The iPhone SE has a 7 megapixel front camera and did not impress me. It fights indoors and often delivers grainy, flat photos. Take it outdoors and it struggles with white balance and contrast. It is a functional shooter that can take good photos in ideal situations, but is not well suited for quick selfies. The salvation is the fact that all phones in this price range have similar problems.

Image quality of the portrait

Apple iPhone Se Review 2020 portrait mode 1

iPhone SE portrait mode

iPhone SE Portrait Mode "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-19-2486446

  • 3rd
    Portrait mode on the front-facing camera

The portrait mode remains breathtaking.

Suddenly, photos from the front-facing camera are raised from disappointing to not bad. The main camera, meanwhile, can take fantastic portrait photos. Remember, I am not staging the associated photos. I don't use special lighting or turn on lights in a room to take photos better. Nevertheless, I would like to share the photos I took in portrait format with friends.

It is not perfect. Portrait mode is handled entirely in software and can cause errors. Take a close look at my curly locks and you will see that sometimes they are out of focus when they shouldn't be. This is a common problem on phones with a lens that try a depth of field.

On the positive side, you can edit the pictures after taking them in different ways. You can change lighting and aperture, or omit the background entirely. It all happens with surprising speed and is a lot of fun to play with.

Photo quality: iPhone SE vs. Google Pixel 3a

The Google Pixel 3a, like the iPhone SE, costs $ 400 and is often considered the master of mid-range cell phone photography. Fortunately, I have a Google Pixel 3a XL so I can compare it directly.

iPhone SE (left) and Google Pixel 3a XL (right)

iPhone SE "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-20-2486462

Google Pixel 3a XL "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-20-2486455

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  • 1.
    iPhone SE (2020)
  • 2nd
    Google Pixel 3a XL
  • 3rd
    iPhone SE (2020)
  • 4th
    Google Pixel 3a XL
  • 5.
    iPhone SE (2020)
  • 6.
    Google Pixel 3a XL
  • 7.
    iPhone SE (2020)
  • 8th.
    Google Pixel 3a XL

I prefer the new SE, but it's not a blowout. I think Apple's phone does a better job with white balance. This can be seen most clearly in the photo of the pizza logo against a partly cloudy sky. The iPhone delivers an accurate photo much better, while the color temperature of the Pixel 3a XL becomes too cool.

The new SE also takes the lead in portrait format. I think the image quality is comparable – but have a look at mine! The Pixel 3a XL's algorithm is significantly less aggressive. While the iPhone blurs some unpredictable locks, the Pixel 3a gives me a strange halo.

However, Apple doesn't win every photo. I prefer the photo of the Pixel 3a XL from the lush garden sidewalk. It is more alive and still looks natural. You can almost smell the fresh spring air. The photo of the iPhone SE is too flat and cannot capture my memory of the scene.

Photo quality: New iPhone SE compared to the original iPhone SE

You may be wondering what 4 years of progress you will bring. What is the answer after versions 2016 and 2020 of iPhone SE are pitted against each other? A lot of.

iPhone SE 2nd generation (left) and iPhone SE 1st generation (right)

iPhone SE Portrait Mode "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-21-2486447

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iPhone SE "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-21-2486460

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  • 1.
    iPhone SE (2020)
  • 2nd
    iPhone SE (2016)
  • 3rd
    iPhone SE (2020)
  • 4th
    iPhone SE (2016)
  • 5.
    iPhone SE (2020)
  • 6.
    iPhone SE (2016)
  • 7.
    iPhone SE (2020)
  • 8th.
    iPhone SE (2016)
  • 9.
    iPhone SE (2020)
  • 10th
    iPhone SE (2016)

The most striking thing is the enormous improvement in the white balance and color temperature of the new SE. The original iPhone SE suffers in many outdoor situations. It can't even deal with a cloudy sky. This results in excessively bright images that lack color, contrast, depth, and other features that you would associate with a good photo.

The inside photo of a hearty piece of coffee cake shows less difference in lighting and color, and you can briefly confuse the photos of each SE. However, if you take a closer look, the photo of the new iPhone SE is obviously much sharper.

Portrait mode isn't available on the original iPhone SE, of course, and that makes a big difference. Portraits of the new iPhone SE look sharper, with better contrast and far better focus on the subject.

IPhone SE camera quality summary

The new iPhone SE has a great smartphone camera. I think it outperforms the Google Pixel 3a, which is generally considered the benchmark in this category. It works well in most situations and can deliver some really great shots.

I miss something the lack of an additional camera, such as. B. an Ultrawide to improve versatility. You can find that on some competing phones. However, these phones cannot keep up with the main camera of the iPhone SE.

What the new SE lacks in versatility makes up for it by making solid recordings with little preparation.

Video quality

You can record 4K videos at up to 60 frames per second on iPhone SE or videos with extended dynamic range at up to 30 frames per second. Optical image stabilization ensures even shots, and the digital zoom works up to three times. The phone also supports slow motion 1080p videos up to 240 fps.

I don't shoot videos on cellphones often – or not at all – so I admit that I'm not the best quality assessor. I think it looks great, especially at 4K. I can imagine that most casual users will do the same. Professionals and enthusiasts can have a different opinion.

What struck the most was not quality, but speed. The new SE is a snappy performer, even when shooting 4K 60 fps. There is no delay to start recording and no delay during recording. This definitely does not apply to medium-range phones, some of which cannot record 4K at 60 fps.

performance

Apple's decision, P.A. The half-year 2008 is easily one of the most important in the company's history. Outstanding performance is a key feature of Apple phones and tablets in all price ranges.

The iPhone SE is proof of that. Although it starts at $ 400 and is significantly smaller than other newer iPhones, the SE has the same A13 Bionic processor that you find in the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro. This is paired with 3 GB of RAM.

  • Geekbench 5 single core: 1,324
  • Geekbench 5 multi-core: 3,192
  • Antutu: 484.479
  • 3DMark Sling Shot: 4,024

The iPhone SE is a mid-range phone, but its performance corresponds to a flagship. The new SE's single-core Geekbench 5 score of 1,324 is almost four times faster than that of a Google Pixel 3a, and the multi-core score is almost two and a half times better. The CPU of the iPhone SE easily defeats the more expensive Google Pixel 4 XL. With the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra and the OnePlus 8 Pro it goes from head to toe, wins in single-core and almost in multi-core.

All of this performance is achieved on a 4.7-inch screen with a resolution well below 1080p. The iPhone SE doesn't just fly. It screeches through apps and games like a supersonic jet. The performance is almost perfect as I have never seen it before. It's not just great. It sets new standards for mid-range phones, which I doubt Android competitors will be affected by in the next few years.

The iPhone SE doesn't just fly. It screeches through apps and games like a supersonic jet.

This is the part where I would normally try digging deeper and highlighting a few nitpicks that affect the experience. Not here. I have nothing to add. It's perfect.

warehouse

The iPhone SE for $ 400 has 64 GB of storage space. You can upgrade to 128 GB for $ 450 or choose 256 GB of storage for $ 550. You have to choose the right amount from the start, because like with other iPhones, you won't be able to add more storage later.

In contrast to some earlier entry-level iPhones, the basic storage of the new SE is sufficient. My iPhone 7 Plus has 256 GB of storage, but I only use half of it, and more than half of my use is old podcast episodes and unnecessary photos. I think a lot of people can get by with the 64GB model.

iPhone SEMatthew Smith / Digital Trends

Still, it's not a bad idea to spend an additional $ 50 on the 128GB model. Memory is something you don't really care about until you run out, but doing so can be annoying. The 128GB model lets you create podcasts, photos, and apps without constantly deleting old files.

I do not recommend the 256 GB model. Anyone who uses so much storage space is a serious smartphone enthusiast, and the iPhone SE's small screen doesn't take this into account for most heavy users. I know there are a handful of die-hard small phone lovers who want the 256GB model, but for most, it's overkill.

Wireless connection

The iPhone SE is not a 5G phone. Apple has been slow to adopt 5G, and the technology hasn't yet been filtered down to that price. This makes little difference for me and most buyers as 5G availability is limited. As far as I know, I would have to travel more than 250 miles to get a 5G signal.

This is a dual SIM device that can be useful for travelers and is somewhat surprising given the price of the phone. The iPhone SE supports Bluetooth 5.0 and the Wi-Fi 6 standard.

Battery life

A 1,821 mAH battery supplies the iPhone SE with power. Apple claims a battery life of up to 8 hours when streaming videos or 13 hours when playing videos from the phone's local storage. The phone supports fast charging with an 18-watt adapter (unfortunately not included in the scope of delivery) and wireless charging via Qi chargers.

Like all iPhones, the new SE draws very little juice in standby mode. I suspect it could take a week, though I didn't have it long enough to test it.

At heart, I'm not a heavy smartphone user. My personal iPhone tells me that I switched on the display between one hour and one and a half hours every day. It's been years since I last tested a phone that can't hold all day, and many can hold two. The iPhone SE is no exception.

iPhone SEMatthew Smith / Digital Trends

I suspect heavy users would have more problems. A half-hour benchmarking of the phone, for example, cost 12 percent of the full charge. If you want to play demanding 3D games or use the phone to watch streaming movies, it may be necessary to charge a lunchtime fee.

As already mentioned, the iPhone SE is not aimed at these owners, since the small screen size is not suitable for games or films. If you want this, buy a bigger phone.

But let's face it: Android phones can affect the battery life of the iPhone SE, just as the iPhone SE can affect the performance of Android. The Moto G Power that I recently tested has a 5,000 mAh battery. In my hands it could take two to three days. The iPhone SE can certainly not keep up.

However, battery life is not a problem for me. The iPhone SE can hold in my hands all day, and I can't get anything from a phone that lasts longer.

software

On the iPhone SE, of course, runs iOS 13. It is the killer function of the phone. Since I bought my first "real" smartphone, the HTC Thunderbolt, in 2011, I've been switching back and forth between iOS and Android phones. I always found iOS to be preferable.

Apple's iOS is faster, safer and more attractive. I despise the bloatware and the flood of senseless notifications that attack most Android phones. Yes, it is possible to configure Android to (mostly) fix the problem, but I prefer not to.

I'm not going to cover every aspect of iOS 13 here, but there are a few key features to keep in mind.

On the iPhone SE, of course, runs iOS 13. It is the killer function of the phone.

Switching from another iPhone is a breeze. Place the new and old phones side by side and use the new phone to take a photo of a pattern that appears on the screen of the old phone. This will start the transfer. This can take minutes if an iCloud backup is available. Your apps and files are making the leap, and although you'll need to sign in to some accounts again, this isn't always the case. I had the iPhone SE ready for use in 20 minutes with all my previous data.

Since the face ID is missing and the home button is present, the new SE does not use the new touch gesture navigation of the iPhone X and newer models. Wenn Sie ein alterndes iPhone wie mich besitzen, wird es Ihnen nichts ausmachen. Wenn Sie ein neues Modell besitzen und verkleinern möchten, seien Sie jedoch vorsichtig. Sie müssen alles verlernen, was Sie über das Navigieren in neuen iPhone-Modellen gelernt haben. Das könnte eine frustrierende Erfahrung sein.

Dem iPhone SE fehlt auch die Gesichtserkennung. Ich mag Gesichtsanmeldungen, wenn sie schnell und sicher sind, wie es auf dem iPhone der Fall ist, aber es ist purer Luxus. Touch ID ist schnell, flüssig und sicher. Auch hier richtet sich das iPhone SE an Personen, die ältere Telefone besitzen. Wenn Sie Face ID noch nie verwendet haben, werden Sie es nicht verpassen.

Garantie

Apple liefert das iPhone SE mit einer einjährigen Garantie. Das ist der Industriestandard.

Sie können zusätzlichen Schutz über AppleCare + erwerben, wodurch die Garantie verlängert und einige Unfälle abgedeckt werden. AppleCare + kostet 80 US-Dollar für eine Versicherungsdauer von 24 Monaten, oder Sie können von Monat zu Monat 4 US-Dollar bezahlen. AppleCare + mit Diebstahlschutz kostet 150 US-Dollar oder 8 US-Dollar monatlich.

Ich empfehle AppleCare für dieses Telefon nicht. Dies ist ein kostengünstiges Telefon und ein kleines Telefon, das (theoretisch) weniger wahrscheinlich fallen gelassen wird. Schlagen Sie einfach einen Fall darauf und nennen Sie es gut. Das Brechen eines Telefons ist zum Kotzen, aber in diesem Fall ist es nicht wahrscheinlich, sodass Sie wahrscheinlich keinen AppleCare-Dienst benötigen.

Es sei daran erinnert, dass Apple im Gegensatz zu den meisten Marken über ein großes Netzwerk von physischen Geschäften verfügt, die Service anbieten können. Ich hatte mehr Glück beim Lösen von Problemen bei einem Besuch in einem Apple Store als beim telefonischen Support anderer Marken.

Unsere Stellungnahme

iPhone SEMatthew Smith / Digitale Trends

Das iPhone SE ist ein gutes Telefon und einen Wert von 400 US-Dollar. Es ist nicht jedermanns Sache, aber für viele großartig, und ich würde es ernsthaft in Betracht ziehen, wenn ich jetzt ein neues Telefon kaufen müsste.

Gibt es eine bessere Alternative?

Googles Pixel 3a ist der klare Konkurrent. Es ist ein großartiges Android-Handy zu einem niedrigen Preis. Das iPhone SE ist schneller und hat eine bessere Kamera, aber das Pixel 3a hat ein größeres Display, und Sie können sich für das Pixel 3a XL für ein etwas größeres entscheiden. Derzeit kostet das Pixel 3a XL bei Amazon nur 420 US-Dollar. Ich bevorzuge iOS, daher würde ich das iPhone SE kaufen, aber Sie könnten sich für das Pixel 3a entscheiden, wenn Sie ein Fan von Android sind.

Der Platzhalter ist Googles Pixel 4a, der erwartet, aber noch nicht angekündigt wird. Dies wird wahrscheinlich zu Verbesserungen der Kamera und einer noch besseren Anzeige führen. Die Leistung wird jedoch immer noch zurückbleiben, da derzeit niemandes Silizium den A13 Bionic von Apple übertreffen kann.

Sie könnten auch das Samsung Galaxy A51 oder den Moto G Stylus in Betracht ziehen. Diese Android-Handys der Mittelklasse bieten Ihnen mehr Funktionen, von denen einige sehr schön sind. Das Galaxy A51 hat ein schönes OLED-Display und der Moto G Stylus hat einen Stylus. Es handelt sich um größere Telefone mit großen Bildschirmen, die trotz günstiger Preise für starke Benutzer geeignet sind. Sie sind solide Telefone, aber das iPhone SE bietet ein zusammenhängenderes, intuitiveres Gerät mit einem Prozessor, der beide umkreist.

Einige Käufer werden das iPhone 11 in Betracht ziehen. Es ist deutlich teurer, hat aber einen viel größeren Bildschirm und eine Ultrawide-Kamera. Machen Sie keinen Fehler, das iPhone 11 ist ein besseres Telefon. Die 300-Dollar-Lücke zwischen dem iPhone SE und dem iPhone 11 ist jedoch beträchtlich, und nicht jeder wird feststellen, dass die Vorteile des größeren Telefons den Preisanstieg wert sind.

Wie lange wird es dauern?

Das iPhone SE ist ein Fünfjahres-Telefon. Die Leistung ist ausgezeichnet und Apple liefert im Gegensatz zu den meisten Android-Marken jahrelang Betriebssystem-Updates, nachdem ein Telefon veröffentlicht wurde. Das einzige zu beachtende Problem ist die Akkulaufzeit. Es ist nur in Ordnung und nach fünf Jahren Abnutzung müssen Sie sich wahrscheinlich mit dem Aufladen am Mittag befassen.

Solltest du es kaufen?

Yes. Das iPhone SE ist ein solides iPhone für Einsteiger. Sie können ein besseres Gerät kaufen, benötigen jedoch kein besseres Gerät. Wenn Sie, wie ich, ein Smartphone als eines von vielen Geräten betrachten, für die Sie Geld ausgeben könnten, kann die Entscheidung für die 400-Dollar-SE sehr sinnvoll sein.

Editor's recommendations




22 Apr
Blog

Fitbit Charge 4 Review: The Fitness Tracker To Buy

Fitbit Charge 4 review 1

"The Fitbit Charge 4 is a great fitness tracker at an affordable price."

  • Excellent fitness tracking

  • Some intelligent functions

  • Good battery life

  • GPS installed

  • Solid value

  • Limited music support

  • Slightly outdated design

  • Ad could be better

It is important to me to keep track of my health. I use MyFitnessPal to track what I eat, Sleeptracker to monitor my sleep, and Apple Watch to track my fitness and activity. All of this information is linked in the Apple Health app. The Apple Watch even made me aware that I might have atrial fibrillation – a diagnosis that was later confirmed by cardiologists. In a world with all of these high-tech, artificially intelligent tracking systems, the humble Fitbit can feel a little old-fashioned.

While the Fitbit Charge 4 can't keep up with the Apple Watch in many areas, it's pretty much the best fitness tracker you can buy for the price. This is especially true since the device now finally offers integrated GPS and new heart monitoring functions.

Let’s take a closer look.

design

The Fitbit Charge 4 looks almost identical to the Fitbit Charge 3 – and although the Charge 3 offered an updated design, it still feels a bit dated at this point. That doesn't mean it's ugly. The device is small enough to look good on wrists of all sizes, and easily adaptable thanks to the wide range of straps.

There is a 1-inch monochrome OLED display with a resolution of 160 x 100 pixels on the front of the device. The display is pretty boring and sometimes frustrating to use. It is not always on and often does not wake up when you raise your wrist. In addition, it is not very bright and can sometimes be difficult to read in sunlight. An updated display would have been desirable here.

On the Charge 4 side there is a haptic button that activates the display and serves, among other things, as a home button in the device software. It works well, although sometimes you have to push harder to make it work. However, you will get used to it. The charging pins and a heart rate monitor are located on the underside of the device.

As you would expect from a fitness tracker in 2020, the device is waterproof up to 50 meters and therefore supports swimming tracking. I was unable to get to a pool due to the ongoing ban to test this.

In general, the overall design of the Fitbit Charge 4 could be described as "good". It does the job. It is not noticeable and the display is somewhat lackluster. After all, this is not a smartwatch, but a fitness tracker. And it looks like this.

Track fitness

Before you actually track your fitness, you should dive into the app and find out which activities you think will be used the most since the device contains only six shortcuts each. I actually thought the Charge 4 couldn't track tennis, but it can track a variety of activities – you just have to indicate which ones are most important to you. By default, the shortcuts include running, cycling, swimming, treadmill, outdoor training, and walking.

It's a little annoying that only six links can be included. I wouldn't call myself the most active person out there, but I'm still chasing walks, runs, weight training, and occasional tennis and swimming lessons. It's easy to imagine that someone has to do more than six types of activities on a regular basis.

New for the Charge 4 is the built-in GPS, a very welcome addition. With the GPS, you can finally leave your smartphone at home if you want to physically follow your run. I found the GPS accuracy to be pretty accurate – and even slightly more accurate than the Apple Watch.

The fact that the device has an integrated GPS surpasses most other trackers, especially in this price range. Most other GPS-enabled devices are fully functional smartwatches, with the exception of Garmin Vivosport, which deals with other features like swimming tracking and some other fitness metrics.

The workouts that use GPS track things like pace, speed, distance, time, and heart rate. Other workouts record time, calories burned, and heart rate. It's a good range of metrics, and these things can all be seen directly from the Fitbit app.

The Charge 4 can automatically track some workouts like running, walking, cycling, elliptical training and more. This has been useful more than once. During this period of social distancing, I try to take at least a few walks a day – and I may not remember starting a workout to follow them because I do not always see them as "workouts". The Fitbit Charge 4 covered me because I was pleasantly surprised to see all of my walks in the app.

You can also track your sleep with the Fitbit Charge 4. While wearing a device in bed takes a bit of getting used to, a lot of data is collected – and when you get Fitbit Premium, you'll see how Fitbit breaks down your score. It's hard to determine how accurate sleep tracking is without a dedicated sleep lab, but the results seem to match my attitudes toward my sleep and the rating I get from Sleeptracker.

Although I haven't tested it for obvious reasons, the Charge 4 offers menstrual cycle tracking. With the app you can log symptoms and moods and compare them with other users and previous months. The Charge 4 also helps with mental health – thanks to the integrated Relax app, which allows you to do breathing exercises.

Not quite a smart watch

Now let's get this out of the way. The Fitbit Charge 4 is not a smartwatch. If you want a smartwatch, you should look elsewhere.

That doesn't mean the Fitbit Charge 4 doesn't have intelligent features. On the contrary, it can do a number of things you would expect from a smartwatch. You can see many notifications on your wrist, including text messages, calls, and more. The device now supports Fitbit Pay, which makes mobile payment easier.

Another new feature is the ability to control music playback on your phone using Charge 4. Unfortunately, the feature is limited to Spotify and you cannot control the music during exercise. This makes the tracker function pretty useless for fitness purposes. You also cannot save music to your device. If you want to use GPS support to leave your phone at home but still want to listen to music, you're out of luck.

This essentially completes the Smartwatch-like list of functions in Charge 4. It does not have to be included in an app store. It cannot record audio. No calls are answered. GPS navigation cannot be provided. The local weather is not shown. And so on. The lack of this feature is not a real flaw on the Charge 4, as its focus on fitness undoubtedly adds to the tracker's reasonable price.

If you're looking for a real smartwatch, you should consider other options. If you're an Apple user, you can only pay a little extra for an Apple Watch Series 3. The Apple Watch is not quite as detailed in fitness tracking, but it is very powerful and offers all the other functions you would expect from a smartwatch.

The Fitbit app

Merging all the data the tracker collects is the app – and it's a home run. Fitbit has been working on his app for years and it is incredibly detailed. The app's dashboard shows things like the number of steps you've taken, the number of floors you've climbed, your heart rate, and more. Tap these metrics to see more detailed information.

During a run, you can see on a map where you ran, along with the “heart zones” reached on that map and your pace. Scroll down and you'll get an overview of your height, a breakdown of your heart zones, heart rate information, calories burned and much more.

The app is great for tracking and rewarding goals. You can find all types of goals on offer, including weekly and daily goals. Active Zone Minutes takes recommendations from the World Health Organization and the American Heart Association and converts these recommendations into minutes of training. It can be a little confusing, but the essence is that you give more credit to your goals for more intense training, which encourages users to push themselves.

You have to look in the settings to find some of the features offered. However, once you get used to the design of the app, it's easy to find out. For example, you can't just go to the Settings menu to tweak your device's settings, you have to tap your device first and then go to its own Settings menu. It makes sense if you think about it, but it can still be a little confusing.

Overall, the Fitbit app is fantastic. It is well designed and makes it easy to sort the huge amount of data that the Fitbit Charge 4 collects.

Battery life

The Fitbit Charge 4's battery life is up to an impressive week of use – but this largely depends on how often you use GPS. According to Fitbit, you only get five hours of operation when GPS is activated. In practice, the battery will be empty for a few days when you use the device to track workouts.

That's not bad. With “real” smartwatches, you can only work for a day or two.

Although battery life is good, the fact that you may be using this device to track your sleep means that you need to actively think about when to charge your charge. For some, it's in the shower or when you're sitting at your desk.

Our opinion

The Fitbit Charge 4 is the best fitness tracker on the market. Thanks to the built-in GPS, it's significantly better than the Charge 3, and the Fitbit app allows those who want to dive into their fitness metrics to do so.

However, the age of fitness trackers is coming to an end. If you're an Apple user, you can purchase a new Apple Watch Series 3 for just $ 50 more. If you can afford it, an Apple Watch Series 4 or 5 is even better. On the Android side there are watches like the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2.

On the fitness tracker side, the only competition comes from devices like the Samsung Galaxy Fit, the Huawei Band 4 Pro, and some Garmin devices – but in any case, you sacrifice either GPS or decent software. The Fitbit Charge 4 is the complete package.

Is there a better alternative?

If you're looking for a traditional fitness tracker, the Fitbit Charge 4 is the way to go, and competition is very little in the way. If you're looking for a versatile device that can do more than just fitness tracking, consider something like the Apple Watch.

Do you want more options? Check out the best fitness trackers for 2020.

How long it will take?

The Fitbit Charge 4 should last at least a few years under normal use. The body is designed to withstand a few bumps and has a water resistance of up to 50 meters.

Should you buy it

Yes. The Fitbit Charge 4 is a great fitness tracker, and the Fitbit app is an almost perfect companion.

Editor's recommendations




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