01 Sep
Blog

Asus ZenFone 7 Review: The Selfie Connoisseur’s Choice

Asus Zenfone 7 Pro review forehand

Asus ZenFone 7 Pro Review: The Best Selfie Camera You Can Get on a Phone

"Thanks to the motorized flip camera of the ZenFone 7 Pro, the phone has the most versatile selfie camera available."

  • The reversing camera is equipped with numerous functions

  • The front camera is the best you can get

  • Bright, colorful screen

  • Long lasting battery

  • No water resistance

  • Heavy

For the ZenFone 7 Pro, Asus has brought back the motorized flip camera it introduced for the ZenFone 6, but added to its list of capabilities and features to make this phone a dream phone for selfie lovers. Anything you can do with the rear camera – wide angle, 8K video recording, super sharp telephoto – you can do for selfies, and that is what makes it very special indeed.

The rest of the spec has also been improved, and therefore the price has increased over the previous model. So should you still consider the ZenFone 7 Pro if selfies aren't that important to you? Let's find out.

design

Asus wants to build your muscles. The Zenfone 7 Pro weighs 230 grams, significantly more than most large flagship devices. Take this and the 240-gram ROG Phone 3 to step up the intensity of your home workouts. It's 9.6mm thick and you really notice the size and bulk of the Zenfone 7 Pro when you compare it to its closest competitors, the OnePlus 8, LG Velvet, and iPhone 11. The weight is fairly evenly distributed but is definitely biased towards the top of the phone due to the motorized flip camera module.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The camera module is a significant improvement over the Zenfone 6. It sits flush with your body and doesn't move when you shake the phone around. This largely prevents annoying rattles. It's made of strong and light liquid metal, but it's bigger than the Zenfone 6, but I think that's why it looks better. The engine has been revised compared to the original and is quiet and fast. However, the software often prompts you to perform a recalibration check, especially after the phone has knocked.

The larger flip module isn't the only visual enhancement. The narrower bezels around the screen give the phone a modern look, and moving the fingerprint sensor to the side does the same. The sensor performs various functions, e.g. E.g. a double tap to open the Google Assistant, or it can be programmed to open an app of your choice. Fortunately, adding new features didn't affect the speed or accuracy of the fingerprint sensor and it works very well.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The back of the Zenfone 7 Pro is made of glass, but it doesn't really feel like it and is so slippery that it feels like it's been greased at the factory. The panel feels warm and is surprisingly flexible. An almost hollow sound is heard when typing. The green, almost blue color is attractive, but the tactility of the panel itself isn't as comfortable as on the OnePlus 8 Pro or LG Velvet, or as comfortable to hold as on the Huawei P40 Pro, and without a lot of grip, the weight sometimes means two hands are required to keep.

The glass back doesn't feel cheap, but I doubt the durability, which is an issue with a phone this size, weight, and smoothness. Asus may know this as it has two sleeves in the box – one sturdy and one transparent. I suggest you use one. The fact that the otherwise perfectly acceptable-looking ZenFone 7 Pro is 40 grams heavier than the ZenFone 6 is an unfortunate misstep and makes life with it harder than it should be.

screen

Bigger, wider, brighter and more colorful sums up the differences between the ZenFone 7 Pro and the ZenFone 6. It's a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with a refresh rate of 90 Hz and an aspect ratio of 20: 9. Asus even used the special tuning that makes the display of the ROG Phone 3 on the 7 Pro so pretty . Asus isn't wrong about brightness either, it's stunning and even makes the iPhone 11 Pro look a little dark.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

However, it's not that natural to look at. When you watch Carfection's Ferrari F8 Spider review on YouTube, the road isn't as atmospherically gray as it is on the iPhone, and the yellow car pops off the screen with such aggression that you reach for your sunglasses. If you like high-energy AMOLED screens with borderline radioactive colors, the ZenFone 7 Pro won't disappoint. However, watching videos shows the slightly quiet sound from the stereo speakers, and it would have been great to hear the same brilliant Dirac audio from the ROG Phone 3 on the ZenFone 7 Pro.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's worth talking about the screen's overall responsiveness here. The 90 Hz refresh rate should be considered standard at this price point, but it is significantly enhanced by a one millisecond response time and a 200 Hz touch sample rate. What does that mean? The ZenFone 7 Pro always feels snappy, responsive and fluid regardless of the app used. Coupled with some software tweaks for speed, the phone always feels modern and powerful.

The flip camera eliminates the need for a notch or hole punch and improves film viewing. If you notice the notch or hate the punch, the ZenFone 7 Pro's pretty, uninterrupted screen is just what you want.

camera

The Asus Zenfone 7 Pro has the best selfie camera in the business. With selfies filling your gallery app, this phone gives you plenty of opportunities to get creative, with a variety of features, modes, and general capabilities than any other selfie camera you've used before. How is that possible? It is Asus' decision to use the motorized flip module to turn the rear view camera into a front camera.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

You get a 64-megapixel Sony IMX686 main camera sensor with an aperture of f / 1.8, 8K video recording and optical image stabilization, as well as a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with optical image stabilization and a 3x optical zoom. Features include 4K time-lapse video recording, slow motion video at 4K and 120 frames per second, and special features like auto panorama and motion tracking.

To make this clear, all of these features are available in the selfie camera and the results are dramatic. The colors are vivid, the exposure is just right, the edge detection in portrait orientation is excellent. When was the last time you took 8K video with a selfie camera or took a sprawling 113-degree selfie with an extremely wide frame? With the ZenFone 7 Pro, you can do all of this and more.

The flip module itself has been redesigned and redesigned to be more robust, faster and more powerful. It requires regular calibrations, but according to Asus, the endurance tests are good for 100 flips a day for five years, which makes it twice as powerful as the ZenFone 6 module. It's also adjustable. You can move the module from flat to completely upside down in 0.5 degree increments, which is very fluid.

From a technical standpoint, it's a work of art and enables some fun features. The automatic panorama function is excellent, with very effective seams and a really large scale. It is not immediately clear how to best take advantage of the module's adjustable angle. However, if you start experimenting, you will find that often it is not about the photos you can take, but rather the benefits of holding the screen at an angle that you can properly frame different shots, such as picture taking. B. from below without guessing the frame or lying on the floor.

asus zenfone 7 pro review wide angle "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/zenfone-7-pro-wide-angle- 640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAAZenFone 7 Pro wide angle Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

asus zenfone 7 pro review standard "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn6.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/zenfone-7-pro-standard-640x640.jpg "srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7ZenFone 7 Pro Standard Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

asus zenfone 7 pro review 3x zoom "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn7.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/zenfone-7-pro-3x-zoom- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAAZenFone 7 Pro 3x zoom Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I'm also impressed with the consistency between the standard and wide-angle camera, where shots from both appear similarly dynamic, although photos can be a bit boring at 3x optical zoom. It also repeatedly warns that you are too close to a subject and may move back for better focus when taking close-ups, even though the final photo is properly focused.

Overall, though, I had a lot of fun using the ZenFone 7 Pro's camera and figuring out how best to use the fun motorized module. I also don't feel like I've scratched the surface of what it can do, and that's a good feeling. It's unfortunate that the flip module adds to some of the phone's drawbacks – weight and lack of water resistance, for example – but the ZenFone 7 Pro is the phone of choice for selfie aficionados.

Software and performance

The Zenfone 7 Pro uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus processor with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage. Here's how it works in some benchmark tests, but the phone didn't complete a Vulkan test on 3DMark and crashed halfway. The same problem occurred with the ROG Phone 3.

Geekbench 5: 3125 multi core / 980 single core

3DMark Sling Shot Extreme: 7,706 (OpenGL)

These values ​​are slightly lower on the Asus ROG Phone 3, but it has less RAM, similar to the OnePlus 8. I played Asphalt 9 Legends and Hill Climb Racer without any problems and the phone didn't get hot either. However, it feels warm during extended periods of time where a number of apps are used and calls are made.

asus zenfone 7 pro review apps "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/asus-zenfone-7-pro-apps-640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

asus zenfone 7 pro evaluation fingerprint sensor "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/asus-zenfone-7-pro-fingerprint- sensor- 640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAThe side-mounted fingerprint sensor has programmable linking functions Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

asus zenfone 7 pro check settings "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/asus-zenfone-7-pro-settings-640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

asus zenfone 7 pro review cases "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/asus-zenfone-7-pro-cases-640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Two cases come with the Asus ZenFone 7 Pro Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Asus is stuck when it comes to 5G. If it wasn't added, the phone would be cheaper, but its long-term appeal could suffer, while the addition leads to the price increase being accepted. Unfortunately, the only way to get it was to include it and so the price went up. 5G is for the future and currently offers few benefits to regular consumers, even if there is no 5G connectivity in an area where you live.

There's no such mystery to the software, as Asus continues to build ZenUI into a neat, easy-to-use, and relatively bloat-free version of Android, as we've seen with the ROG Phone 3 and ZenFone 6. There are a number of improvements here that increase speed, such as: B. Cut the phone startup time to 13 seconds and speed up everything from loading thumbnails to unlocking the phone with the fingerprint sensor. It's clean and tidy and I have no problems with it.

battery

Asus talks a lot about extending the battery life, not really daily, but about the life of the phone. It includes graphs and data on how overnight charging, wireless charging, mega-fast wired charging, and other bad habits of the battery (at least according to Asus) reduce the cell's capacity to hold a charge for years. Measures have been taken for the ZenFone 7 Pro to reduce long-term battery degradation and to keep its capacity longer.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The cornerstone of this battery care system is a slow charge option, where the battery is 80% charged when you first plug it in at night and the last 20% is zapped just before the scheduled wake-up time. You can set this to only charge the battery at set times or not to fully charge it to protect it over time. If you dive even deeper, you can shut down apps, prevent them from starting automatically, and limit background activity as well.

ZenFone 7 Pro battery mode options Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Wireless charging isn't on board due to concerns about Asus' battery and one such feature that takes up even more space in the already large phone. That didn't stop the ZenFone 7 Pro from coming with a quick wired charger, however. The zipper is 60% in 35 minutes and 100% in 90 minutes. The useful life is good, but not incredible. With moderate usage, I've spent two days on the ZenFone 7 Pro's battery, but with heavy usage with camera, games, and video calls it's really difficult, and around 11pm on those days. The battery had dropped to 5%.

Make no mistake, you are not scared of a day here but don't expect it to be two full days if you use it hard.

Price and availability

Asus has announced the Taiwanese and European price for the ZenFone 7 Pro, but has not yet confirmed the US price. It costs 799 euros, which is the equivalent of $ 950. Based on how Asus has converted prices in the past, the ZenFone 7 Pro could cost around $ 799.

The final release date has not yet been confirmed, but Asus acknowledges that it has been difficult to find a ZenFone 6 for sale and has announced that the ZenFone 7 Pro will have a bigger range on offer. We'll update here as we learn more about availability in the US.

Our opinion

The ZenFone 7 Pro's flip camera makes it the absolute best selfie smartphone you can buy. Coupled with the great software, pretty 90Hz screen, and thoughtful features like battery saving technology and 8K video recording, the ZenFone 7 Pro is a good value even at a higher price point than the ZenFone 6. However, if selfies aren't yours, the phone's size and weight are too heavy compared to others in its class.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. The biggest downside to the ZenFone 7 Pro is the overall size and weight of the device. If you are concerned about this, there are several much slimmer and lighter phones available for roughly the same price. The $ 700 OnePlus 8 is a great everyday phone with reliable software and a good camera wrapped in a 180 gram case. The $ 600 LG Velvet also weighs 180 grams and looks even better than the OnePlus 8, is waterproof, and has a great screen.

Alternatively, the iPhone 11 is still priced at $ 700, though a replacement is in sight, with plenty of power, good battery life, and a powerful camera. Do you want something else? Check out the $ 700 Motorola Moto Edge with its stunning screen, great battery life, and unusual design.

How long it will take?

The ZenFone 7 Pro isn't waterproof, but it does come with a decent, sturdy case that should protect it from too much damage. The phone's specs are good, and Asus promises that two major Android software updates will be available for the ZenFone 7 Pro, including the Android 11 update that will be released by Google later this year. However, the time frames for these updates vary. Coupled with Asus' efforts to ensure that the battery stays fresh over time, it means the phone will last at least several years depending on your needs.

Should you buy it?

Yes. For selfies, there's no other phone that comes close to the ZenFone 7 Pro, and luckily the rest of the phone is impressive too.

Editor's recommendations




06 Jul
Blog

Arlo Pro 3 Review: A Great Choice For Smart Home Security

Netgear Arlo Pro 3

"The Alro Pro 3 is a premium choice for smart home security."

  • Weatherproof, wireless cameras

  • High quality 2K video

  • Smart A.I. properties

  • Easy to install and use

  • Easy upgrade for existing Arlo owners

  • Minor performance issues with multiple 2K streams

  • A subscription is required for advanced features

Since its beginnings as a peculiar offshoot of Netgear, Arlo has found its rhythm with an excellent selection of wireless and weatherproof smart cams. The high-resolution Arlo Pro 2 tops our list of the best outdoor surveillance cameras in 2019 – and it is also a good choice for indoor surveillance.

In April Arlos became Ultra 4K came and marked the first shot in a next generation battle for the supremacy of the UHD Smart Cam. It offers superior sharpness and impressively large views, but a price tag of $ 300 per camera and a restrictive upgrade path for existing Arlo owners meant it wasn't a big hit.

The Arlo Pro 3 ($ 499 for a 2-camera kit with additional cameras at $ 199 each) sits exactly between the two. While Arlo Ultra 4K's headline-breaking UHD resolution is lacking, it does offer a wider range of enhancements that make it a better choice than Arlo's most expensive kit.

There has been fierce competition in this area, but Arlo's excellent track record has given consumers confidence that this should succeed.

Netgear Arlo Pro 3Terry Walsh / Digital Trends

This new model improves the Arlo Pro 2's 1080p image resolution to sharper, more vivid 2K (2560 x 1440 pixels) and supports a high dynamic range (HDR), which promises better video quality in very dark or bright areas. A 160 degree field of view may be narrower than the Arlo Ultra 4K's generous 180 degree field of view, but it's a significant advance over the 130 degrees offered by the outgoing model.

Additional functions are performed directly by the Arlo Ultra 4K. An integrated headlamp allows Arlo to take advantage of color night vision support, while noise-canceling two-way audio and a siren in front of the camera further strengthen the Arlo Pro 3's security requirements. It also benefits from the clean magnetic charging system that we got to know in April that promises a battery life of up to six months between charges.

A better choice for Arlo upgrades

Visually, the cameras and the SmartHub of the Arlo Pro 3 look identical to those we saw when we tested the Arlo 4K Ultra. That's not a bad thing, as Arlo's much-copied design is one of the more compact and attractive systems. The curvy all-plastic case is sturdy enough to withstand the elements, while installation is simplified by a strong magnetic mounting system (a screw-mounting option is also available). A partially flattened base also allows the camera to be placed indoors on a shelf or desktop. In short, you can install the Arlo Pro 3 anywhere.

The often copied design by Arlo is one of the more compact and attractive systems.

It also includes Arlo's latest SmartHub (VMB4540), which enables the network connection between the cameras and your router. Again, it looks identical to the slimmer device introduced with the Arlo Ultra 4K, but a closer look reveals important differences. External video storage for camera shots is available, but this model enables it via a single USB 2.0 port instead of the microSD slot equipped with the Arlo Ultra.

This is good news for surveillance video horters who benefit from storage capacities of up to 2 TB. The With Arlo Pro 3's lower resolution video, the system can also operate with reduced bandwidth requirements. This SmartHub works with 802.11 b / g / n Wi-Fi and not with the faster "AC" standard supported by the Arlo Ultra 4K.

Netgear Arlo Pro 3Terry Walsh / Digital Trends

Perhaps the best news is that owners of some older Arlo systems You can add Arlo Pro 3 cameras to your existing network and take advantage of enhanced 2K video streams without having to replace the SmartHubs. This makes the Arlo Pro 3 a better upgrade option than Arlo's top tier kit. Arlo Pro 3 owners can even add Ultra 4K cameras to their systems at a later date without losing functionality.

Setup is a breeze

As with every Arlo system we tested, commissioning Arlo Pro 3 is very easy. Arlo recently launched a new version of its smartphone app that guides you through the installation. While cheaper smart camera systems can switch between direct Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections during setup, Arlo's wired SmartHub does the installation smoothly.

Hardware installation is just as easy. The scope of delivery includes options for screw and magnetic fastening. Arlo's newer concave magnetic mount is fabulous and combines strength and versatility. Cameras snap into place on the bracket on the back and can be precisely angled despite the fixed connection. For more ambitious assembly, the included adjustable safety bracket can be screwed into walls, fences, ceilings, trees, etc. It supports 360 degree rotation and 90 degree tilt.

A step in video quality

In use, the Arlo Pro 3's 2K image quality is a noticeable improvement over the previous generation camera (and a big leap over the 720p that is supported by the original Arlo system). While it's not quite as clear as Arlo Ultra 4K or wired Nest Cam IQ models, it's still very good indeed.

The improved resolution allows you to use the camera's 12x digital zoom without instantly breaking images into blurry chaos. If you exceed the 3x zoom, the quality will be noticeably affected. Arlo Pro 3 is equipped with an intelligent automatic zoom and tracking function, which is practical for security monitoring. As we found with the Arlo Ultra 4K, the resolution of the camera is unfortunately reduced to 1080p when the function is activated.

Night vision offers greater sharpness and clarity than many competitors.

We found that the image quality is balanced during the day, with precise colors and good contrast. Arlo's Auto HDR feature makes it one of the few smart cameras we've tested indoors that avoid overexposure near bright windows. This means taking pictures of people looking through your windows to see if you are at home. The 160-degree field of view is wide enough to cover all but the most spacious rooms or huge gardens, and the distortion of the fisheye is negligible.

At night, Arlo Pro 3's color night vision feature requires the camera's built-in headlight to be illuminated. The resulting images are certainly more natural than the creepy standard monochrome images produced by competitors. Although the range is good, color night vision suffers from the blurring and noise that normally occurs in high ISO photography. If the headlight is deactivated, the camera returns to a standard night vision setting. The lighting area is good here too, and while monochrome images are a bit noisy, the night vision of Arlo Pro 3 offers greater clarity and clarity than many of its competitors.

Piercing alarm, integrated headlight

While the Arlo Pro 3 doesn't necessarily compete with those Easy or nest safe As a full-fledged smart home security system, it comes with a number of overlapping features that are worth considering until we wait for the next one to arrive Arlo security system.

The Arlo Pro 2 SmartHub piercing alarm was transmitted to the cameras themselves. The option can be triggered when motion is detected. The resulting racket is certainly enough to scare an intruder and, together with the camera's bright, integrated LED spotlight, forms an effective first line of protection for your home.

The Arlo app supports a number of configurable modes for activating the system. In addition to manually switching, you can enable monitoring using a timed schedule or geolocation setting. Each mode can be customized with simple IFTTT rules for motion detection, video recording and built-in alarm, or you can quickly create a custom mode that suits your preferences. Everything is very simple.

Easy to use, but it's super smart under the hood.

Elsewhere, we found the updated Arlo app easy to understand. There are few ways to tweak camera settings, but they do include useful options such as brightness, low-light settings, and video quality controls. Navigating, reviewing, and sharing video clips from the library is easy. A standard daily timeline view is supported by filters that allow users to zoom in on certain cameras or check clips based on the type of alert triggered or the object detected. Our only criticism of the app is that connecting to a camera's livestream can take a while, even on the local network. In some cases, we watched live videos within 5 seconds. In other cases, there is a delay of up to 30 seconds.

Terry Walsh / Digital Trends

Since both cameras broadcast 2K video live at the same time, we noticed some temporary performance problems during stress tests. About every 20 seconds, both streams were replaced by a black screen for one second before the livestream was restored. When 2K local streaming was disabled, the performance improved, although there was occasional flickering. Since both cameras report a good signal, we can only assume that this was a problem with the network bandwidth or a processing bottleneck. Maybe it would have been better to maintain Arlo Ultra's 802.11ac connectivity?

Intelligent functions behind Paywall

While Nest often praises Smart Cam A.I. Received, the Arlo Pro 3 is equipped with an admirable set of improvements that offer real comfort and benefit. Unfortunately, most are locked up behind you Arlo Smart Subscription service for $ 3 per month. A 3-month free trial version is available during setup so that you can try out the functions and check whether the upgrade makes sense.

This includes extended object recognition, which the camera can use to differentiate between people, vehicles, animals and packages (the latter is currently in the beta phase). Smoke and carbon dioxide alarm detection sends you a smartphone notification when a camera detects an audible alarm. US subscribers also benefit from an e911 feature that allows you to call emergency services with a single touch of a button on your smartphone.

We loved Arlo's extensive notification feature, which adds a thumbnail to the smart notifications sent to your phone. When a person is recognized, an image captured by your camera is displayed. Many smart cams do the same thing, but Arlo also darkens the image and clearly highlights the person in the frame. A quick look and you can check if the friend or foe of the camera has been recognized. Arlo is easy to use, but super smart under the hood. With everyday features like custom activity zones and a 30-day video recording cloud, Arlo Smart functions well. Only you can decide whether they are worth the extra effort.

Our opinion

While the Arlo Ultra 4K made headlines with its eye-catching UHD video resolution, we think the Arlo Pro 3 is a more worthy and economical successor to our favorite Smartcam of the past two years, the Arlo Pro 2. It is certainly not cheap, but the improved one Image quality, the integrated security functions and the simple app control of the Arlo Pro 3 make it an excellent choice for home surveillance. If you enjoy investing in a monthly subscription, you can take advantage of an expanded suite of useful A.I. Features that make the Arlo Pro 3 one of the smartest systems around. In the meantime, owners of Arlo systems of the first and second generation have a reasonable way to update their cameras and / or SmartHubs. We were waiting for a competitive Arlo Pro 2 smart cam to hit the bar – maybe it was inevitable that the Arlo Pro 3 would do the job.

Is there a better alternative?

Few intelligent cameras offer Arlo's convincing mix of lightness, quality and versatility. With a limited budget, however, there are numerous cheaper systems available. The Swann Smart Security Camera ($ 129) is a solid budget device with similar wireless connectivity and weatherproof protection to Arlo and 1080p HD imaging.

At the premium end of the market, the Arlo 4K Ultra ($ 599 for a 2-camera bundle) definitely beats the Arlo Pro 3 in terms of video quality, but you should be aware that you are into new cameras and a replacement SmartHub must invest Use UHD video. It's also worth noting that Arlo recently expanded its line and introduced new models like the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight and the Arlo Essential.

The Cam Cam Outdoor ($ 329) and Nest Cam IQ Indoor ($ 229) cameras are top-notch performers that lack the versatility and value of the Arlo Pro 3.

How long it will take?

Arlo Pro 3 was developed to withstand the hard temperament of mother nature with operating temperatures between -20 ° C and 45 ° C. So expect the hardware to be robust. In terms of software, Arlo continues to publish improvements and optimizations for all Arlo systems. We therefore expect the owners to live a long and happy life with the Arlo Pro 3.

Should you buy it

Yes. It's an investment, but the Arlo Pro 3 is a great choice for those considering their first smart home camera system.

Editor's recommendations




11 May
Blog

Ring Smart Lighting Solar Floodlight Review: A Bright Choice

Ring Smart Lighting Solar Floodlight

"You won't find a more intelligent and useful solar safety light on the market."

  • Adjustable brightness

  • Can connect to other smart devices

  • 1200 lumens of white light

The Ring Smart Lighting Solar Floodlight is the answer to your outdoor security requirements, especially if you don't know anything about wiring and don't want to hire an electrician to install security lights outside your home. This lamp is easy to assemble and is powered by a solar panel. You don't have to worry about batteries or wiring, and installation takes an amazingly quick 5 to 10 minutes. Even better? With the Ring app you have full control over this intelligent light. Really, there is nothing you don't like

about this ring product.

Brighten the night

This writer's back yard gets as dark as a mine shaft at night, so I need a floodlight that can really turn off the light. I wasn't sure if a solar light would do the job. But when I tried the Ring Smart Lighting Solar Floodlight on a cloudy night, it lit up most of the 4-acre lot behind my house.

If you need a little less power for your cottage, you can control the brightness with the Ring app.

It is also adjustable. If you need a little less power for your holiday home, you can use the ring app to control the brightness as you wish. In total, the light provides up to 1,200 lumens of white light (3500K color temperature).

App functions

Ring Smart Lighting Solar Floodlight in the Ring app

You'd think that a simple spotlight wouldn't have too many app features. Just on, off and maybe a brightness control, right? Well, the Ring Smart Lighting Solar Floodlight offers a lot more functions in the Ring app. In addition to changing the brightness, you can also enable a motion detection option that turns on the light when it detects something is moving in the area. You can also choose whether or not to receive a warning on your phone every time a movement is detected.

It was really only recognized when my dogs were moving and not seeing any insect movement, which can be a lot here in Texas.

You can also adjust the sensitivity so that the light doesn't come on every time a moth floats by. I set the light to medium sensitivity and then left my dogs in the back yard for a few hours. A look at the "Event History" section of the app showed me that the light only came on a few times, which means that it was really only recognized when my dogs were moving and not detecting any insect movements, which can be a lot here in Texas .

Ring Smart Lighting solar floodlight and blue skyAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

The app also gives you the option to set your floodlights on a schedule. You can connect it to other lights in your house or set it on your own schedule. I have set it to turn on only from dawn to dawn, which gives it time to turn the battery on fully during the day. The combination with other devices such as the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus is also a good idea. For example, each time your floodlight detects motion, it can be set up to automatically turn on the camera on your video doorbell. This ensures that if someone tries to sneak around your property, you have a better chance of capturing video footage of the person – and it's a wonderful deterrent.

Power from the sun

Ring Smart Lighting solar floodlight and solar panel Alina Bradford / Digital Trends

By far my favorite feature of the Ring Smart Lighting Solar Floodlight is that it is solar. You don't have to wire anything or replace batteries. As long as you set up the 2 W solar panel in a sunny place, you can get started. My garden has a lot of shade, but the battery is still well charged. The solar panel is fantastic, but it is dedicated to light so it cannot be used with other products.

It takes a buddy

Ring bridge in handAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

An important thing to remember is that you have to buy one Ring bridge In order for the floodlights to be connected to the app and to be coupled with other lights and intelligent devices in your home, the WiFi in your home is less used. The ring bridge costs $ 50 and is about the size of half a deck of cards. So it takes up very little space in your house. Unfortunately, it cannot be used with devices that were not made by Ring.

Our opinion

I really can't say enough good things about this light. The Ring Smart Lighting Solar Floodlight ($ 90) is affordable, easy to install, and maintenance-free. The app gives you the control you've ever dreamed of when it comes to outdoor lighting. This product really met all of my outdoor security lighting requirements.

Is there a better alternative?

Not really. There are some solar powered floodlights on the market at prices between $ 35 and $ 600, but there are very few that can be controlled with an app, and probably none that can be connected to other lights in your home. The next light that the Ring Smart Lighting Solar Floodlight can be compared to is the Link2Home Security Solar Floodlight ($ 40): It is programmable, but not really "intelligent" and cannot be connected to other smart devices.

How long it will take?

I think it will stand the test of time. It is designed for a temperature of -20 ° C to 50 ° C and is weatherproof with protection class IP66. There is also a 1 year limited warranty.

Should you buy it

Yes, there really is no reason why you would not love this light.

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02 May
Blog

PlayStation 4 Slim Review: The Default Choice

Sony PlayStation 4 Slim

PlayStation 4 Slim 1 TB console

"The updated PlayStation 4 is now slimmer than ever and strengthens Sony's legendary gaming platform."

  • Faster WiFi can make a big difference

  • Smaller chassis with a fun design

  • Same great PS4 game library

  • Cheaper than ever

  • No more optical connection

  • A more powerful PS4 console is also available

Three years after the launch of PlayStation 4, Sony redesigned its outdated console to breathe new life into it. As with previous PlayStations, the updated console has a sleeker new look, some new features, and even some minor internal upgrades.

Unlike previous generations, however, the new version of the console came at a turbulent time for the PlayStation brand. There are currently not just one, but three new PlayStation devices: this revised PlayStation 4, a 4K-compatible version of the PS4 called PlayStation 4 Pro, and a PlayStation VR headset that works with any PlayStation 4 device. Not to mention the PS5, with which the next generation of consoles will start.

The "Slim" could appear overwhelming alongside such ambitious brothers. It was designed to attract players who have not yet bought a modern console than to appeal to current PS4 owners. After all, nobody wants to buy the smaller start console.

If you have strong feelings for the PlayStation 4 – good or bad – this console will not change your mind. Aside from a thinner figure, there are only one or two notable changes from the original model. The key elements – computing power, the feel of the controller in hand, and the game library available on the PlayStation Store – have not changed. The new PlayStation 4 is "better" than the original, but the difference is not necessarily worth the extra investment, especially with a more powerful version on the market.

PlayStation gets a "fun" makeover

The most noticeable changes to the new PlayStation 4 are shown while playing and are not noticeable.

Functionally, the new console is significantly smaller than the original PlayStation 4, just over two-thirds the total size of the original PS4. It's also a little lighter: the slim weighs 4.6 pounds versus the 6.2 pounds of the original.

More importantly, the Slim has been given an aesthetic makeover. The characteristic shape of the PS4, a sharp, oblique parallelogram, was slightly softened with rounded corners. At the front, the drive and two USB ports are now somewhat hidden in a flat indentation. The console also has the PlayStation logo. Underneath the console rests on "feet", which are shaped like triangles, circles and exes on the buttons of the console.

The on / off buttons, initially two thin black buttons on the front, are now much smaller and are located on the "lip" of the console in front of the drive. A large indicator light attached to the top of the console has been removed. The light that informs you when the console is starting up or shutting down can now be seen in a small series of dots on the console power switch.

If you already have a PlayStation 4, there are few reasons to upgrade to a PlayStation 4 Slim.

The DualShock 4 controller has also been slightly revised. The touchpad is now translucent and allows a light bar from the console's colorful indicator lamp to pass through. Although you won't notice the change too often, unless you routinely hold the controller in front of your face, it provides easier access to the light at a glance. The back, the analog sticks and the buttons on the directional pad are now gray and no longer black.

While each change feels slightly light, the PS4 together feels less self-serious than the original model. They feel that, although it is an essential piece of technology, this product is meant for gaming, not for business. The long strip of light on the top of the console gave the console a first-class feel and a bit of flair. Overall, the new console looks good and maintains a lower profile. People looking for it will enjoy the attention to detail. others won't notice when it pops up on a shelf of routers, streaming devices, and other set-top boxes.

Wi-Fi friendly

The most significant improvement to the PlayStation 4 – the only reason why you should buy one over the original – is the improved Wi-Fi compatibility. The Slim now supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi, which should result in faster download speeds and more stability when playing online for those whose routers support it. In my apartment in New York, I was finally able to play online via WiFi instead of connecting via an Ethernet cable.

There is another system change that most people don't notice: with the slim redesign, the PlayStation 4 loses its optical output. If this message doesn't make you scream immediately, it doesn't matter to you at all. The optical output is used for high-end home theater systems and makes no difference to the majority of players.

Warranty information

The PlayStation 4 comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty from the day the console is purchased.

Our opinion

Thanks to a few minor improvements and internal upgrades, the PlayStation 4 retains its place as one of the leading dedicated gaming platforms, if not as such. If you want to play video games and don't plan to make the little things work up a sweat, you've come to the right place.

Is there a better alternative?

Not at the moment and probably only when the next generation is released.

The Nintendo Switch is an excellent console, but it's hard to call it an alternative. The switch can be used as a handheld or docked console. To achieve this, the visual quality is compromised. The Nintendo console also has a completely different game library. So your choice depends on what you want to play.

However, Microsoft's Xbox One X is clearly a step behind the PlayStation 4, although it is much more powerful. Some players may still prefer it (for example, if you're a serious Gears fan), but most stick to the Sony console better.

However, the PlayStation 5 is almost there, and you'd better wait for it since it will play many of the same games on your system right from the start.

How long it will take?

PlayStation 4 is nearing the end of its lifespan, as PlayStation 5 will be released in late 2020 as long as production is not affected. If you don't mind being a generation behind, the hardware itself should take years, maybe decades, with a huge library full of great games.

Should you buy it

Maybe if you don't already have a PS4. The PlayStation 4 Slim is the cheapest version of the most popular console of this generation and therefore a great way to experience all the fantastic games of this generation on a budget. However, if you can wait a bit and have the money for it, you might just want to wait for the PS5 this Christmas season.

This article was last updated on April 28, 2020 by Cody Perez, a Digital Trends employee.

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