Cheaper – Appliances catalogue

13 Nov

Google Pixel 6 Review: Don’t Overlook the Cheaper Pixel

November 13, 2021
Posted by Samson

Google Pixel 6

RRP $ 599.00

"The Pixel 6 may be thinner and cheaper than the Pixel 6 Pro, but the software, performance, and even the screen and camera come close enough to make it still alluring."

advantages

Great camera
Screen is colorful and vibrant
Latest Android 12 software
Years of software updates

disadvantage

Flakey connectivity
Quick charger not included

The Pixel 6 Pro is Google's big hitter in its new line of smartphones for 2021, but the Pixel 6's lower price tag – $ 599 instead of $ 899 – makes it a lot more enticing to most people. But now that we know how good the Pixel 6 Pro, which was recognized by Digital Trends' Editors ’Choice, does the cheaper version still make sense given the hardware tradeoffs?

draft

If you just take a cursory look, the Pixel 6 doesn't differ much from the Pixel 6 Pro, especially when both are face down. Take a closer look and it's obvious what it is as the Pixel 6 has a smaller body section above the camera module compared to the 6 Pro. If the light is right, you'll see that the Pixel 6's camera module doesn't contain a periscope zoom camera either.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Pick up the Pixel 6 and the flat-screen design gives it a more "classic" feel in the hand, and it actually gives it a better grip than the curvy Pixel 6 Pro. I didn't have to juggle the Pixel 6 as much as I did the Pixel 6 Pro, and I generally felt that it was less likely to accidentally drop it. However, the Pixel 6 is made of glass and metal, which makes it still slide on many surfaces. At 8.9 mm thick and 207 grams, it's also quite substantial.

In fact, it's barely smaller than the Pixel 6 Pro – just flatter – and that creates a minor problem. While the Pixel 5 was compact by modern standards, no Pixel 6 phones are slim you. It's the Pixel 5a (if you are in the US or Japan) or opt for a different brand.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The color of the phone in my photos is called Seafoam and the mint tone is really very pretty. I've been using the phone for a few weeks now and it has spent time in and out of pockets and bags but hasn't been treated too badly. I noticed a few superficial scratches on the back of the Gorilla Glass 6, which can be felt with the fingertip, but which are only visible when the light falls properly. Oddly enough, the Pixel 6 Pro didn't collect these markings, despite being made of the same materials.

Pixel 6 Pro (left), Pixel 6 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Pixel 6 Pro (below), Pixel 6 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I would have liked the Pixel 6 to be smaller to really be a clearer choice over the Pixel 6 Pro, but otherwise the design is a winner. It's got character and visual appeal, the body-wide camera module looks cool and the colors are inspired, silly names aside. This time around, it's a very different and welcome approach compared to Google's drab designs on previous Pixels.

screen

The other crucial design aspect of the Pixel 6 is its screen, which is flat compared to the curved Pixel 6 Pro. It measures 6.4 inches and has an aspect ratio of 20: 9 and a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 90 Hz. It supports HDR and has an always-on screen. This is a lower spec than the 6 Pro, but in reality the two aren't that different.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Interestingly, before we dive into that, it doesn't seem to suffer from the same issues that I encountered with the Pixel 6 Pro's 120Hz refresh rate. Scrolling is smoother in the apps, which was problematic on the Pixel 6 Pro at 120 Hz, although perhaps not as smoothly as on other phones. It still doesn't feel quite right, but it is significantly better than the Pixel 6 Pro.

The refresh rate issues were the only flaw against the Pixel 6 Pro's screen, which is otherwise glorious. So can the Pixel 6's lower screen keep up? Due to the lower resolution, it is of course not that razor-sharp, but you have to look for the difference. Watching videos reveals that it's a tiny bit cooler than the deliciously natural and warm Pixel 6 Pro screen, but it takes a few minutes of careful study to see the difference.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The screen is really nice and a highlight of the Pixel 6, but it's not flawless. It disappoints with the bezels and overall flatness. There will be those who don't mind the flat screen, but to me (along with the 20: 9 aspect ratio) it looks cheap and aged, and the bezels are quite large, especially on the chin. The automatic brightness can be dull, and the overall brightness is not that high either. I can still see it in sunlight (well, most pathetic sunlight in the UK) but it requires maximum brightness which makes me question its ability when I go to a place with real sun.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The in-display fingerprint sensor is more reliable and slightly more accurate than that of the Pixel 6 Pro. I didn't have to re-enroll my fingerprint to make it work more consistently, and I was also able to use the PIN less. Google says that improved security measures make using the sensor slower than some others, but I've had different experiences on both phones so I'm not sure if this is really the case. For me, the Pixel 6's fingerprint sensor is better to use and live with every day than the Pixel 6 Pro's.

camera

If you want the best camera from Google, you have to buy the Pixel 6 Pro, but the Pixel 6 still has the same main camera with 50 megapixels, f / 1.85 aperture and 12 MP wide-angle camera with a 114-degree field of view. It does not have a 48 MP telephoto zoom camera. The selfie camera is also different, with the Pixel 6 getting by with an 8MP camera with fixed focus in the hole punch.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

With the same main camera, you'd expect the photos to be the same between the two phones, but there are some unexpected differences. No better or worse, just a slight change in shade and balance – and not always. In all of my comparisons, however, it was the Pixel 6 Pro that took the better photos, suggesting that there is more to it than just changes in light, angle, or surroundings. Check out the gallery below to see what I mean.

However, there is nothing to worry about as the main camera on the Pixel 6 is superb. You can find more details on this and the wide-angle camera in our Pixel 6 Pro review. The Pixel 6 has the same Action Pan and Long Exposure camera modes as the Pixel 6 Pro, and you can use Magic Eraser in Google Photos too. The lower price means a telecamera is not included; Instead, Google offers up to 7x digital zoom. It's decent for a digital zoom, but the 6 Pro's optical telephoto camera is of better quality, which makes it more versatile.

How about the selfie camera? Despite the technical differences between them, both the 6 and 6 Pro take decent and fairly similar-looking selfies, with the Pixel 6 producing slightly warmer skin tones and higher contrast in general, but both offering a similar level of detail. I prefer the lighter image and wider field of view of the Pixel 6 Pro, but there's little in the Pixel 6's selfie that couldn't be fixed with a filter. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro's Real Tone feature enhances the way photos of people with darker skin are exposed and balanced, something no other phone camera can claim.

Yes, the Pixel 6 Pro is the smartphone you should buy if you're really into photography, but if you're just looking for a capable camera for everyday snapshots, the Pixel 6 will be more than enough. What is impressive is how precisely and effortlessly great photos are captured that are seldom disappointing, regardless of the situation or time of day. I also compared the Pixel 6 Pro's camera to the Apple iPhone 13 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, so check out how good the camera is.

software

The Pixel 6 has Android 12 and is as up-to-date as Android phones. I speak at length about the software experience in the Pixel 6 Pro review, and I suggest that you look there for insights into the wonderful material you are designing. What I'm going to add here is how much I like the always-on screen, which is very helpful in showing a big clock and notification details, as well as the overall speed of the software.

It's very fast throughout, but it's the bigger buttons, clearer menus, and Google Assistant integration that help you hone your workflow. I even got used to telling Assistant to turn off the phone instead of messing around with the repurposed power button. There are a couple of keyboard shortcuts that speed things up, including a double press of the power button to wake up the camera from the lock screen and Quick Tap where a tap on the back can activate a selected feature. I've used it to bring up Google Assistant accurately and conveniently.

Also of particular note is the Google Assistant Typing, which lets you speak pretty much any message out loud anywhere in the operating system and the phone understands it. You can even send messages with your voice, which is completely hands-free. It's very accurate and very fast, which makes it useful every day.

The Pixel 6 has Android 12 and is as up-to-date as Android phones.

Any Problems? The setup process took a couple of tries to get right, a very unusual process, and when I finally got to Android 12, the performance wasn't entirely right for the first day or so. There were stutters and some errors when opening the app, but everything soon cleared up and I haven't had any problems since then. However, I am also aware that I may have been lucky with my general lack of issues with the Pixel 6. I've received emails and heard anecdotal pointers from people about bugs and other issues that make the Pixel experience less sophisticated than it seems appropriate. This inconsistency is worrying but difficult to quantify, although I seem to have heard more about Pixel 6 software bugs than any other recent version of the phone.

Performance and connectivity

The Pixel 6 contains Google's Tensor processor, plus 8 GB or RAM, which is less than the 12 GB in the Pixel 6 Pro. In everyday use, I didn't notice any difference in speed or when switching between apps, as I got directly from the Pixel 6 Pro to the Pixel 6 even after an hour of playtime.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Much more frustrating is that my phone is plagued with connectivity issues. It's the same issues I had with the Pixel 6 Pro where it doesn't seem to switch between Wi-Fi, 4G, or 5G very effectively. A signal is displayed but the data connection is not working and often even a reboot won't fix it. It's frustrating, and while it seems to get better on its own, I wanted to toss it across the room if it wasn't working.

I use the UK version of the Pixel 6 that connects to a sub-6 5G network, but a version with a mmWave 5G connection is also available in the US. A 5G connection is a necessary addition to a phone as it increases its lifespan, but since coverage is still sparse, you are unlikely to benefit from it every day.

battery

Google says it can expect the 4614 mAh battery in the Pixel 6 to be "beyond 24 hours," and that's about right. If I use the phone normally – emails, messages, calls, photos, and social networks – mostly over WiFi with a little 4G and turn it off overnight, it easily lasts for two full days. I regularly ended the day with about 60% battery remaining after about three hours of screen time.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Pixel 6 is equipped with wireless charging according to the Qi standard and a 30 watt fast charging option. The charger included in the box doesn't support the fastest charging speeds, so you'll need to buy a 30W USB PD 3.0 charger to get it and even then it falls short of the competition. This is an unfortunate omission as most other manufacturers include wired fast charging for midrange devices as well. WarpCharge from OnePlus, for example, is part of the Nord 2.

Price and availability

The Google Pixel 6 is Now availableeven if it can get tight. It costs $ 599 in the US or £ 599 in the UK.

Our opinion

If the Pixel 6 had been the same overall size as the Pixel 5, it would have impressed me even more than it was. Since it doesn't, all of the design changes (a flat panel display and fewer curves) emphasize that this is just the cheaper, lower-tier version of a better phone. It's not a phone that suits someone with different preferences, just one that appeals to a different wallet. That's okay, but it's also a wasted opportunity. Otherwise, if you want a smaller Google phone, you have the Pixel 5a, but again only in the US and Japan.

If you buy the cheaper Pixel 6 instead of the Pixel 6 Pro, you are actually missing out on the better camera. Otherwise, I've found that the software and performance are essentially the same, issues and everything. The battery life is decent at up to two days, plus it has all the durability and software updates you need for a permanent purchase. The screen may have different specs, but most of the time you won't notice the difference in resolution or refresh rate. Fortunately and perhaps bizarre, the fingerprint sensor somehow manages to be better than that of the 6 Pro.

The Pixel 6 Pro's higher price tag is reflected in its camera, design, and really nice screen. If both of these are within your budget and you're unsure which one to buy, we always recommend the Pixel 6 Pro. The Pixel 6 doesn't lag that far if you're not serious about the camera, however, and at $ 599, it's great value for money. It's a shame that it's not much more compact than its more expensive brother.

Is there a better alternative?

For roughly the same price as the Google Pixel 6, you can choose the Samsung Galaxy S21, the OnePlus 9, or the Galaxy A52 5G. All of them have important advantages, including a high refresh rate screen, quick security methods, quick charging, and good cameras. All three phones are good value for money, even the Galaxy S21, which is available at a lower price than when it launched, but none can rival the Pixel 6's camera.

If you're in the UK, consider the OnePlus Nord 2 if you're looking to spend a little less, and take a look at the Realme GT too. Both have a great design, and the Nord 2 has a fast charge function, while the Realme GT has the top processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 888.

How long it will take?

Aside from the standard one-year warranty, Google's software commitment means the Pixel 6 will receive critical Android updates through October 2024 and security updates through October 2026. This means that if you buy the Pixel 6 (or Pixel 6 Pro) you will get updates longer than any other currently available Android smartphone.

The phone is IP68 waterproof, Gorilla Glass Victus above the screen and Gorilla Glass 6 on the back. The chassis is made of metal. Despite the overall sturdiness these features offer, we recommend a case as the phone is quite slippery and has already suffered minor scratches on the back. If you buy the Pixel 6, you shouldn't have to think about upgrading for the next three years.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. Unless you prioritize the camera or a curved screen, the Pixel 6 does almost everything the Pixel 6 Pro does for less.

Editor's recommendations

23 Feb

Blog

Amazfit GTR 2e Review: It’s the GTR 2, Just Cheaper

February 23, 2021
Posted by Samson

amazfit gtr 2e smartwatch review wrist shirt

Amazfit GTR 2e Smartwatch

“The Amazfit GTR 2e is almost exactly the same as the Amazfit GTR 2, only $ 40 cheaper. Save yourself some cash and buy this one. "

Lots of workout and health tracking functions
Low price
Nice design
Convenient to carry

Limited notification support
Battery life much shorter than advertised

Smartwatch and wearables company Amazfit decided that their already inexpensive GTR 2 smartwatch wasn't good enough and announced the GTR 2e at CES 2021. It costs $ 140 compared to the $ 180 GTR 2 and looks almost identical on the surface.

Dig deeper and there are few changes that make us wonder why we should buy the GTR 2 in the first place. After a while with the GTR 2e, the answer is clear: save some money and buy the cheaper one. Let's get to the why.

design

Before we start, you should know that like the GTR 2, there are two models – the Amazfit GTR 2e with a round case and the GTS 2e with a square case, similar to the Apple Watch. Apart from the differences in design, the two watches are identical. So if you prefer the square version and want to know if it's any good, don't worry as all of the following about the GTR 2e apply to the GTS 2e.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The design definitely lets you know that the GTR 2e is a "watch" as it has little visual impact as it is round, has two buttons and is attached to a bracelet. It's definitely not unattractive, but a little generic. The GTR 2e is available in a few colors, including a lighter green. In black, however, it is a simple, stealthy and inconspicuous smartwatch on the wrist.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The case is made of aluminum alloy with curved glass over a 1.65-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels and a PPI density of 341 pixels per inch, just like the GTR 2. Amazfit says it was vacuum coated applied to the tempered glass to ensure that it will withstand fingerprints. However, it doesn't have the added scratch protection that you get on the GTR 2's glass. The 2.5D curve on the body and glass is supposed to be different from the GTR 2's 3D curve, but I can barely feel any change when I directly compare the two.

Amazfit GTR 2e (right) and Amazfit GTR 2 (left) Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It feels solid but is very light and can feel a little cheap. For example, the case back is plastic, and although it's made of glass above the screen, it's so thin that it doesn't feel like it. There are two buttons on the side of the body, the top one with a sporty red flash, and they have a precise, if not very tactile feel. It's all attached to a simple black silicone bracelet that offers lots of customization options and doesn't get uncomfortable. Due to the light construction and the soft strap, I was happy to wear the GTR 2e day and night.

amazfit gtr 2e smartwatch review dashboard face "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/amazfit-gtr-2e-dashboard-face- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAA Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

amazfit gtr 2e smartwatch review petal face "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/amazfit-gtr-2e-petal-face- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAA Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

amazfit gtr 2e smartwatch review wrist complications face "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/amazfit-gtr-2e-wrist-complications -face -640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAAABA Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Dislikes surround the screen. The bezel of the GTR 2e is simpler and that of the GTR 2 and optically not so conspicuous. The thick bezel around the screen is very noticeable in some lighting conditions and angles. While the curve makes it easier to wipe, the tempered glass doesn't feel as comfortable. It's nowhere near as fluid or deliciously cold to the touch as the Apple Watch or high-quality Wear OS smartwatches like the Citizen CZ Smart. The small collection of watch faces is generic and boring.

Due to the light construction and the soft strap, I was happy to wear the GTR 2e day and night

You can't have it all for $ 140, and overall, the GTR 2e is a nice-looking, if somewhat generic, solidly made smartwatch. Despite the price difference, it isn't much different from the GTR 2 either, and there's absolutely no reason to spend more on it.

Software and operations

The Amazfit GTR 2e uses the company's own operating system rather than Google's Wear operating system, which syncs with the Zepp app on your phone. The setup process is quick, possibly faster than setting up a Wear OS watch. For the app, however, you need to check the phone's settings to give it various permissions. When you do this, you'll get notifications more reliably than most Wear OS smartwatches.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Scrolling through the menus on the watch is done by swiping up and down the screen. The layout is familiar to anyone who has used a modern smartwatch – down for shortcuts, up for notifications, and up for various tile-style widgets. while the buttons open the menu or activate the training tracking.

amazfit gtr 2e smartwatch review menu "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/amazfit-gtr-2e-menu-640x640.jpg " srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

amazfit gtr 2e smartwatch verification settings "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn6.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/amazfit-gtr-2e-settings-640x640.jpg " srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

amazfit gtr 2e smartwatch review notifications "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn7.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/amazfit-gtr-2e-notifications-640x640.jpg " srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

amazfit gtr 2e smartwatch review spo2 "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn8.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/amazfit-gtr-2e-spo2-640x640.jpg " srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Scrolling through the menus, opening the apps, and generally interacting with the watch is painless. It's fast and fluid enough not to be disruptive. Just don't expect the Apple Watch to be polished and smooth. Notifications are mostly reliable, but not every app delivers them. Microsoft Teams, for example, was a no-show, and when they arrive the text is sometimes strangely formatted. You can't interact with them either. Therefore, consider the notifications of the GTR 2e for your information only. When activated to wake up, the incoming notification is not always displayed, which reduces convenience.

I used the GTR 2e connected to a Xiaomi Mi 11 smartphone. The Zepp app collects all of your fitness tracking data and also has various settings for the watch. It's more functional than beautiful, and for the most part has remained attached to the watch. There is a notification on the phone that makes it clear if the connection has been disconnected. This is helpful if the bluetooth fails in rare cases. The GTR 2e doesn't have WiFi, the biggest spec difference from the GTR 2, but I didn't notice the lack.

Amazfit GTR 2e (below) and Amazfit GTR 2 (above) Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The GTR 2e is a relatively simple smartwatch as it doesn't use apps. Hence, I didn't miss the WiFi which usually allows for faster app performance. I also didn't notice the GTR 2e connection to my phone dropping regularly, so I didn't feel like the lack of WiFi was affecting general usage at all. Another feature that is missing compared to the GTR 2 is a loudspeaker so that you cannot take calls on your watch.

The GTR 2e doesn't have WiFi, the biggest spec difference from the GTR 2, but I didn't notice the lack.

When I first tried an Amazfit product, the software was one of the worst aspects. The company has continuously and significantly improved the watch's app and operating system since then. This is no longer a reason not to buy. It's great to see that the software has improved over the version installed on my GTR 2 review, including more workouts and faster activity tracking detection. It's not as fully functional or polished as Apple, Samsung, or Google operating systems, but it can be used on a daily basis. Although the software has been shown to be reliable, battery performance suggests that optimization is required.

battery

Amazfit states that the GTR 2e's battery is typically used for 24 days. This is 10 days more than expected from the GTR 2. However, this goal was not achieved or even came close in my reporting period. Without the automatic heart rate tracking required for features like Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI) measurement, a single daily non-GPS exercise and sleep tracking depleted the battery about 10% per day.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Turn on heart rate tracking with the one-minute interval recommended by the PAI app and the constantly active time display. The battery had dropped to 20% on the sixth day and had to be recharged on the seventh day. This was a major disappointment as even with these active, performance hungry features, it still misses Amazfit's goal of heavy use for 12 days. The battery should be one of the main advantages of the GTR 2e, but instead it's its biggest disappointment.

Fitness tracking and other functions

Health Amazing instead of Smartwatch functions is the specialty of the Amazfit GTR 2e. There is a huge list of 90+ activities that can be tracked on the GTR 2e. All activities can be called up via the lower button on the housing or via the menu. The displayed list can be edited so that your favorite workouts are immediately available. The data is clearly displayed on the watch. Starting and stopping the workout is easy. There's GPS for running and biking, as well as a heart rate monitor for detailed tracking and data.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Keeping track of indoor activities is quick and easy, and provides the usual information like calories, elapsed time, heart rate, and handy stats like the heart rate zone when you're on a stationary bike. Swimming does have some extra stroke data but doesn't have specific stats like SWOLF, while the GPS signal is captured in around 20 seconds when you are outside.

With the GTR 2e you can get a comprehensive picture of your health.

In addition to the heart rate sensor, the GTR 2e has a blood oxygen sensor (Sp02) and can also measure stress. None of these are medical grade, so the results are best treated as reference, although the Sp02 data can be of benefit in tracking sleep. I've found the results to be the same as the Apple Watch. The Amazfit GTR 2e also has a built-in temperature sensor that the more expensive GTR 2 does not have. It measures the skin temperature when worn or the ambient temperature when it is not and also serves as a reference.

amazfit gtr 2e smartwatch review zepp app training "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn9.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/amazfit-zepp-app-workout-640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7 The Zepp app from Amazfit shows training data Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

amazfit gtr 2e smartwatch review zepp app watch "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn1.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/amazfit-zepp-app-watch-640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7 Amazfit Zepp app with watch data and settings Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

amazfit gtr 2e smartwatch review zepp app steps "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/amazfit-zepp-app-steps-640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7 Amazfit's Zepp app displays step count data Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

amazfit gtr 2e smartwatch review zepp app sleep "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/amazfit-zepp-app-sleep-640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7 Amazfits Zepp app with sleep data Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Combine all of this with Personal Activity Intelligence metrics and sleep tracking. The GTR 2e allows you to get a complete picture of your health, even if you are a relatively dedicated fitness fanatic. The package disappoints with the Zepp app, which hides your workout data and isn't particularly inspiring. The app is far less user-friendly than the wellness app from Fossil or as visually appealing as Apple Health or Google Fit. However, it can be linked to popular apps like Google Fit and Strava.

Temperature sensor of the Amazfit GTR 2e Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

For my daily, simple fitness tracking needs, the Amazfit GTR 2e has everything I need. I really appreciated the updated workout list compared to the version I used for the GTR 2 and consider the watch a step further than a simple tracker like the Galaxy Fit 2 and a better workout partner than more fashionable smartwatches like the Citizen CZ Smart.

Price and availability

The Amazfit GTR 2e is priced at $ 140, or £ 120, and is available on Amazon – at the time of writing, it's available for just $ 125. It is available in either black, gray or muted mint green.

Our opinion

You pay less for the GTR 2e than you do for the GTR 2, and while there are some style and design differences between them, they're barely noticeable. Removing Wi-Fi won't affect battery life, which is nowhere near as good as advertised, but all fitness and health metrics are the same.

I have already recommended the Amazfit GTR 2 and not only recommend the GTR 2e to anyone who wants a fitness-oriented smartwatch without spending too much on one. It really is a better buy compared to the GTR 2. They are neither design-oriented nor do they have significant material advantages, so why not just buy the cheaper one?

Is there a better alternative?

The Amazfit GTR 2e is much cheaper than our usual smartwatch recommendations. If cost is not an issue, the Apple Watch is the smartwatch you can buy if you own an iPhone, or for Android phone owners we recommend either the Mobvoi Ticwatch Pro 3 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3. All of these are but at least all twice as expensive as the Amazfit GTR 2e.

They're also true smartwatches, meaning they run apps and offer better smartphone integration. If you're more interested in fitness tracking than the smartwatch aspects of it, consider a model from Fitbit. The $ 230 Fitbit Versa 3 has a watch-like design and features, as does a $ 120 Fitbit Charge 4 with just a traditional fitness band design.

What about the Amazfit GTR 2? It costs a little more than the GTR 2e, but does not offer any additional, indispensable functions and the construction and material advantages are minimal. When you look at a smartwatch like the Amazfit GTR 2 and GTR 2e, budget probably plays a huge role. So you can save as much as possible and make the GTR 2e for sale.

How long it will take?

The watch strap, metal case, and glass shade should be durable if you handle it normally. It also has a water resistance of 50 meters so you can swim with it. If the Zepp app is still supported by Amazfit, it will technically last two or more years. The design is relatively generic, however, and you may get tired of what it looks like before the watch or software is out of date.

There are also enough fitness features to keep both casual and more dedicated fitness fans happy with the watch. Even if your habits or interests change, the versatility of the Amazfit GTR 2e means you won't have to suddenly upgrade if you decide to go surfing or long distance running.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The battery life may not be as impressive as the specs stated, but it is decent and will hopefully be improved with a software update soon. Apart from that, the Amazfit GTR 2e is a reliable, inexpensive, fitness-oriented smartwatch.

Editor's recommendations

13 Jan

Blog

Moto G Power (2021) Review: Bigger, Cheaper, and Little More

January 13, 2021
Posted by Samson

moto g power 2021 rating Motorola 3

Excellent battery life
Retired Software
Solid design
Huge ad

Below average camera
720p display
Missing NFC

The Moto G series has long been great value for money, adorned recommendation guides for the best budget phones, and offers a reliable experience for those who don't want or need a flagship phone. In recent years, however, competition has intensified. Phones like the iPhone SE, Google Pixel 4a, and others offer flagship-level features for only about $ 100 or more.

For 2021, Motorola has updated the Moto G series, with the main phone, the Moto G Power, getting one impressive price of only $ 200or $ 250 for the top of the line. That's $ 100 less than the Pixel 4a, $ 150 less than the iPhone SE, and significantly undercuts other phones of similar quality.

Is the Moto G Power the way to go for phones under $ 250, or should you keep saving? We put the 2021 Moto G Power to the test to find out.

Design and display

The 2021 Moto G Power looks and feels like a natural evolution of the previous year's model. It has a similar design on the front, with a cutout hole for the front-facing camera on the top-left of the phone and a slightly larger, edge-to-edge, 6.6-inch display with a small chin at the bottom. It looks great for a phone under $ 300, especially considering that edge-to-edge displays came at a high premium just a few years ago.

On the back of the phone is the camera module that has been moved to the center in a square camera pile. I don't mind that the module is centered, and although it was placed in the top left, it might look better than more expensive phones, but it still looks good where it is. The back is of course made of plastic. The slimy sheen looks cool but feels cheaper than it looks – obviously not as top notch as a glass appliance.

On the edges of the phone is a USB-C port at the bottom and luckily a headphone jack at the top. On the right side there is a volume rocker and an on / off switch with an integrated fingerprint sensor. The sensor worked very well in my tests. It was quick and accurate, which is very nice to see. You need to get used to using the power button to get inside your phone if you haven't already. However, this is a minor change.

As already mentioned, the display has a size of 6.6 inches and a resolution of 720p, which is well below the 1,080p display of the previous year. You might argue that it's difficult to tell the difference between a 1080p and a 1440p display, but the difference between a 720p and a 1080p display is definitely noticeable, and it's frustrating to see how Motorola resigns. The display does the job, but to a minimum.

I wish Motorola had better water resistance here. The so-called "water-repellent coating" weighs little more than a marketing message, and those who buy a $ 250 phone probably don't want to have to replace it if it accidentally gets wet. This is a feature that all phones should offer.

Technical data and performance

Under the hood, the Moto G Power has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor that is paired with either 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage in the base model or 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage for an additional $ 50. In both cases there is also a microSD card slot for expanded storage. Oddly enough, compared to last year's Moto G Power, which came with a Snapdragon 665 processor and 4GB of RAM, the base model of the phone includes components with lower power consumption – although I think that makes sense given the new lower starting price.

Now the impact is pretty small, and in fact the phone performed pretty much the same on benchmarks (the 720p display probably helps there). The Snapdragon 662 and 665 are based on the same architecture and eventually use the same GPU – the notable shortcomings are some lack of audio components and a lower-priced modem. But it's still a bit strange to see Motorola take such a step back. At least you expect the same chipset year after year.

Oddly enough, there are cuts from last year's Moto G Power.

In daily use, the Moto G Power did well with a few jumps and jumps every now and then, as you'd expect for $ 200. In general, the device responded quickly and quickly, even with simple mobile games and multitasking. Playing a game like Call of Duty: Mobile worked well, and while games like Asphalt 9 had a drop out frame and stutter, it still worked well enough for most.

Unfortunately, Motorola hasn't added NFC to the Moto G range yet, so you still won't be able to use features like Google Pay. This was a minor complaint a few years ago. At this point in time, this is an important loophole.

Battery life

The Moto G Power comes with a massive 5,000 mAh battery. This is the same as last year, but this is one situation where we don't mind that it isn't an upgrade – and you might get even better battery life thanks to the lower resolution display.

Most modern flagship phones offer much smaller batteries. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 2,815 mAh battery, while the Pixel 4a has a 3,140 mAh battery. And when you consider that these phones are more sophisticated and have higher resolution displays, they last significantly less.

Battery life is one of the main reasons to buy a Moto G Power.

I haven't had too long to test the phone, but based on my initial tests, I am sure you can use the device for two days and even a third day for lighter users. Really, this phone's battery life is so good and one of the top reasons to buy it.

The Moto G Power supports fast charging up to 15W, but unfortunately there is no wireless charging here.

Cameras

Like the 2020 Moto G Power, the 2021 model also has a three-lens camera. However, Motorola has swapped the ultrawide camera for a depth sensor, and the result is a less versatile experience.

You get a 48-megapixel main camera with a f / 1.7 aperture, but it has an effective output of 12 megapixels due to the quad-pixel technology used by Motorola (and most other companies). There is also a 2MP macro camera and a 2MP depth camera.

Photos from this phone are pretty boring. The colors are muted and despite the quad-pixel technology, the photos are a bit noisy than I would like. The macro lens is fun to use for five seconds before you leave the gimmick behind and realize that in everyday life you will probably never actually use it. Unfortunately, this is a reality of any cheap macro camera.

All is not bad now. The phone is capable, but not much more. I see – this is a $ 200-250 phone. However, when you have phones like the Pixel 4a with a standout camera for just $ 100 more, it's hard not to complain.

software

One of the best things about Motorola phones is the software experience, and that is true here too. The Moto G Power has a pared-down software experience that should appeal to anyone looking to cut out the lint. It's almost standard Android, and as such, it's responsive and easy to navigate.

One of the best things about Motorola phones is their software experience.

There are some improvements to the system, however. The Moto G Power runs software called "My UX" by Motorola, which includes gestures such as the ability to take a screenshot by touching the screen with three fingers, silence the phone by picking it up when it rings, or turn the phone to launch the camera. The Moto app also makes it easy to change wallpapers and the layout of the home screen, as well as enabling Gametime mode, which allows you to optimize the way notifications and power supply work when gaming on the go.

It's all relatively helpful, and it's really nice that Motorola put all of these tweaks and settings into the Moto app instead of breaking into the UI and cluttering everything – something other manufacturers have done.

Price, availability and guarantee

The new Motorola Moto G Power starts at $ 200which is impressively cheap. That gives you the base model with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, or you can up to $ 250 for 4GB and 64GB – which I would recommend. The base model is available in silver (shown in this review) and the taller model in dark gray.

After a short pre-order period, the phones will be available direct from the Motorola website, Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and others starting January 14th. Motorola’s proliferation is extraordinary.

The device comes with a 12-month standard warranty, which practically only covers manufacturer defects. You should be careful with your device, especially given its water resistance.

Our opinion

The Moto G Power won't break records or blow people away with features. But it offers a solid experience with a huge display and great battery life for a low price. It will find a place on our list of the best cheap phones available today. Sure, if you can afford to pay more you should, but if $ 250 is your budget, this phone should be bought.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes, if you can pay more. If you can expand your budget to $ 350, then the Google Pixel 4a The phone is easy to find thanks to the better processor, software updates on day one, and great camera. It isn't the size or battery life of the Moto G Power, but those are simple compromises.

If you can stretch up to $ 400, the iPhone SE is also worth considering, but I know this is a bit tricky when your original budget was $ 250. In Android land, the Pixel 4a is the phone to beat.

Alternatively, if you only buy last year's Moto G Power, there is something to be said for it. It is still available and now reduced to $ 220. As mentioned earlier, it has practically the same performance as well as a higher resolution screen and amazing battery life. This could be the biggest problem facing the 2021 G Power.

How long it will take?

The Moto G Power doesn't have any real water resistance to lean on, but the plastic body should withstand most drops and stains. With caution, the phone should run a normal two year cycle, although by the end of those two years it will likely slow down seriously.

Is there a better alternative?

Not in this price range. The Moto G Power is far from perfect, but at $ 250, it's about as close as possible.