13 Nov
Blog

DJI Mavic 3 Review: A Return to Flagship Territory

dji mavic 3 hands on rating 17 out of 21

DJI Mavic 3

RRP $ 2,200.00

"This is the drone for the serious user who wants the best of the best in a portable package."

advantages

  • Versatile dual camera system

  • Flies incredibly smooth

  • Above average battery life

  • Excellent dynamic range

disadvantage

  • Expensive costs

  • Telephoto lens not good for low light

Never the one who sits still and lets the competition take a little of the limelight, DJI has set a wild pace in recent years. Since the release of the Mavic 2 series in 2018, the company has diversified its fabulous range of drones. Well, it's back to where it all started with a real successor in the DJI Mavic 3.

Instead of splitting it into two versions like its predecessor, the Mavic 3 combines everything in one package – complete with a Hasselblad dual camera system with a telephoto zoom lens. Seriously, it pretty much covers anything professional users could want. Knowing this, DJI is the only one that DJI competes with.

draft

Unsurprisingly, the Mavic 3 follows the same clean design language that has followed the company's range of products. Although, at 895 grams, it's technically bigger and heavier than that Mini 2 and Air 2S, the Mavic 3 still features the same foldable design DJI is known for, which makes it easy to travel. Throw it in a backpack with the controller and spare batteries, you still have room for all your other normal gear.

DJI Mavic 3 hovers in the air.John Velasco / Digital Trends

I highly recommend buying the Fly More Combo just because for the extra cost ($ 2,200 versus $ 3,000) you can get the replacement batteries, ND filters, charging station, and the most versatile drone bag I've ever seen. The sturdy fabric of the bag makes it feel sturdy, but I'm particularly amazed that it can be transformed from a shoulder bag into a backpack.

The design is not particularly innovative here. We've seen it countless times, but at least it's solidly built. There's a difference between its build quality and its entry-level drone in the Mini 2 – this one feels a lot thinner!

camera

The focus here is on the Hasselblad dual camera system that the Mavic 3 carries. Without question, it's what most folks serious about drones will pay attention to the most – and since it contains the largest sensor in the Mavic line, there are no surprises about its performance.

Close up of the camera on DJI Mavic 3.John Velasco / Digital Trends

Let me start with the main camera: a 20 megapixel 4/3 CMOS sensor that can record videos at 5.1K / 50fps, 4K / 120fps. When it comes to snapshots, they are accompanied by sharp detail and incredible dynamic range. The latter is worth describing in more detail because I'm impressed with how well it handles such contrasting light sources – it degrades highlights to compensate for the exposure of the rest of the scene. It is a joy to use for all types of aerial photography, ensuring that it is well equipped to handle it in all conditions.

The video quality of the Mavic 3 is just as impressive. Even if I don't use many of the Mavic 3's functions enough, there is a Pro mode to adjust video settings in the blink of an eye, and the option for 10-bit D-Log – perfect for everyone who who want to get the most out of the camera. Needless to say, the 5.1K video recording is handy for post-production, but I left it at 4K for the majority because it is less stressful on my computer.

When it comes to low light, this is still an area of ​​possibility in my opinion – just because shadows tend to have more noise, which becomes more noticeable if you decide to increase the exposure in post-processing. Videos in particular can still appear noisy in the shade, but their low-light performance is by and large significantly better than that of the Mini 2 and Air 2S.

The 162mm f / 4.4 aperture telephoto lens is useful if you know how to use it effectively. Technically, the drone switches to the secondary telephoto lens when it reaches the 7x zoom level – and I can tell the difference in real time because the image looks sharper on my phone. In addition, including the maximum 28x zoom, the quality will decrease as all of these zoom levels are nothing more than digital zooms.

It is a pleasure to use for all types of aerial photography.

I really love how I can get closer to a subject without actually having to control the drone to get closer. I can still be at a decent distance and get good shots. However, you will need some practice to keep the subject in the frame, as you will have to compensate for the zoom, which makes the controls more sensitive.

  • 1.
    DJI Mavic 3 1x zoom.
  • 2.
    DJI Mavic 3 7x zoom.
  • 3.
    DJI Mavic 3 28x hybrid zoom.

You should only use the telephoto lens when the lighting is good, just because it cannot be used in low light. In fact, I found that the Mavic 3 struggled to lock focus with the zoom lens when it was dark. Also, it doesn't help that the zoom lens quality can be riddled with noise – it just isn't meant for low light.

Controls

I've always enjoyed flying DJI's drones. The same smooth and responsive controls I've seen on previous DJI drones, the Mini 2 and Air 2S, can be seen here on the Mavic 3. The remote control is the same too, so I didn't have to spend time adjusting it. Part of the reason I enjoyed flying it is because of the new OS3 + technology which delivered a reliable 1080p feed to my phone at 60 frames per second here. I was really able to get a feel for how tightly the controls shift into sport mode, which allows you to push the Mavic 3 to its speed limits.

DJI Mavic 3 Fly More combo content.John Velasco / Digital Trends

The only hiccups I encountered while piloting the drone was when I was finishing a recording. Sometimes the feed froze for a brief moment, which was probably due to the microSD card I was using. So you should use one that can write to the card faster to avoid this particular problem.

Another reason the Mavic 3 is so comfortable to use is because of the omnidirectional obstacle sensors around the drone. The front, back, bottom and top of the drone are all covered so that first-time flyers or relatively young pilots can fly safely. These sensors help inform the drone if there is an obstacle in its flight path, such as a tree nearby.

Close-up of the omnidirectional sensors on the DJI Mavic 3.John Velasco / Digital Trends

The only thing missing from my tests was ActiveTrack 5.0, the system that would allow the Mavic 3 to fly autonomously while tracking a subject. Unfortunately, the firmware to enable this feature won't be available until January 2022 – along with other modes like MasterShots, Quickshots, and Panorama. Even so, I tested the Mavic 3's auto-tracking system by selecting a subject, either by selecting it on the screen or by drawing a frame around the subject on my phone. From there I was able to fly the drone while the camera remained fixed on the subject. It works fine of course, but I'm excited to see how the Mavic 3 will fly itself when ActiveTrack 5.0 is available.

battery

Sure, the Mavic 3's 47 mph top speed and 9.3 miles of transmission range should be applauded – mainly because I can fly the drone further than previous drones in the series. But the other notable thing is the 46 minute flight time. That's incredibly long compared to the Mini 2 and Air 2S, so I enjoyed flying the Mavic 3 without worrying about swapping out a new one frequently. However, in my tests, I found that the battery life got in the region of 35 minutes longer. That's still damn respectable in my book!

characteristics

Experienced pilots will eat up the drone's incredible camera performance and versatility to capture breathtaking content with its dual camera system. With this parallax effect, I was able to take gentle pans, but that was partly due to my experience. What is missing are the other recording modes that make DJI's drones easy to use, even for beginners who don't have a lot of flight time under their belt.

I can fly the drone further than previous drones in the series.

In particular, both MasterShots and Quickshots were inaccessible with the firmware I tested. However, having tried them both on the previous DJI Air 2S, I'm confident that they will work flawlessly on the Mavic 3. This is one of the Mavic 3's many attractions as it appeals to beginners, enthusiasts, and professionals alike.

DJI Mavic 3 hovers in the air.John Velasco / Digital Trends

I'm not saying the DJI Mavic 3 should be the drone you should buy when you're just starting out, but if you can afford it, there are tons of features to use to get you started. Instead, it is the pro user who is really going to get the most out of the Mavic 3 for commercial purposes.

Our opinion

DJI didn't take a moment to breathe. So when you think about what has happened in the past 3 years, it's incredible that the company continues to push the limits with its drones. After tackling the entry-level and mid-range market with its final drones, the DJI Mavic 3 screams out onto the stage to set the bar in the series. In fact, it's the one out there for those who are serious about their drone photography and cinematography – but I wouldn't go far to say it's the best drone out there.

In particular, the $ 2,200 startup cost is a significant investment for the average consumer. You can buy four DJI Mini 2 drones for the price of just one Mavic 3. Knowing this, it can be argued that many of its features are exaggerated if not used frequently. To reiterate, the Mavic 3 is for the serious user.

Is there a better alternative?

Fortunately, DJI has a few drones that are worth a look. The DJI Air 2S is a drone that bridges the gap between beginners and professionals, and it's only half the price of the Mavic 3. Alternatively, I can't overstate the appeal of the DJI Mini 2 as the perfect entry-level drone.

How long it will take?

Since it is largely considered the flagship drone in the DJI range, the Mavic 3 is solidly made from sturdy materials. Everything about its build quality and construction gives me confidence that it will work really well in the long run. There's a one-year limited warranty that covers defects, but you can purchase extended warranties through DJI that also covers damage.

Should you buy it?

You bet! If you want the best quality footage in a portable drone, you won't find anything better than the Mavic 3.

Editor's recommendations



12 Nov
Blog

Sony Xperia 5 II Review: A Compact Flagship Phone for 2020

Sony Xperia 5 II review shutter

"The Sony Xperia 5 II is just the right size and specification, but the best of features are yet to be exploited and some frustrating omissions make it difficult to recommend."

  • Compact, lightweight design

  • Nice OLED screen

  • Powerful processor

  • Long battery life

  • No wireless charging

  • No. 5G in the US

  • Camera quirks are frustrating

The Sony Xperia 5 II is the compact flagship smartphone that many yearn for. However, to get the most out of this desirable combination of high quality and small packages, you have to work hard and pay a significant price. I've been living with the phone for a few weeks now and it really is.

design

Shiny, glassy and slippery like a well-oiled fish. This is the best way to describe the Xperia 5 II outside of its modest dimensions and light weight. Because of the 8mm thickness and the larger, not wider shape that the 21: 9 aspect ratio screen allows, it's really compact. It weighs only 163 grams and thanks to its slim design, people with small hands can reach the other side of the screen with their thumbs. It slips easily into pockets and pouches, and unfortunately almost any surface it touches.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Xperia 5 II is made of glass with an aluminum frame and glides around with its own mind on anything that is not a perfectly flat surface. For this reason, you also need to hold on because the body does not offer much support. This brings me to the one thing I really don't like about the phone's design – a mass of buttons on the right side.

From top to bottom there's a small volume rocker, then the on / off switch with a built-in fingerprint sensor, then a Google Assistant button and finally a physical camera shutter button. Pick up the Xperia 5 II and it is almost certain that you will press a button. Usually it is the useless Google Assistant that cannot be remapped or simply disabled. A frustrating design decision that gets worse when I don't have the option to use the feature or not.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, but located a little too centrally on the side in my opinion, and I like the physical camera trigger that is placed on the bottom of the frame so as not to intrude. Finding a 3.5mm headphone jack on the top of the frame is great, despite the phone's slimness. I like the pull-out SIM card tray that doesn't require a SIM removal tool, but it doesn't compromise the phone's IP68 waterproof rating.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Sony Xperia 5 II is easy to use, compact enough for everyone, made of high quality materials and is almost the perfect size for a smartphone. You just have to deal with all of the smoothness.

screen

The 21: 9 aspect ratio is great for watching super widescreen movies and contributes to the phone's small size. While there are 21: 9 movies, the reality is that they're a little rarer than 16: 9 videos. This means you are still watching the most with black bars on either side, although there are plenty of games that take advantage of the super widescreen view, including Minecraft, Asphalt 9, and Fortnite.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

However, this is the specification we want for 2020. The OLED screen offers a resolution of 2520 x 1080, a refresh rate of 120 Hz and 10-bit HDR support. It's not the 4K monster adapted for the Xperia 1 II, but under normal circumstances you won't really notice the lower number of pixels. Plus, it has the same creator mode and image enhancement technology as the more expensive phone. I like the look of it and I doubt many would wish they could get the Xperia 1 II instead.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The display is very nice. Dreamy indeed. Carfection's Audi e-Tron Sportback review is sharp and colorful, while Mnet's live version of WJSN Chocomes Hmph! pops off the screen with its electrified, ultra-vibrant colors. Music videos are great on the Xperia 5 II because of its stereo speakers that have loads of volume and a sweet, controlled sound. Sony's dynamic vibration feature adds vibration that matches what is displayed on the screen. It works well because you can adjust the intensity. Keep it low and it's a pleasing added effect.

And if you use the phone vertically, as you do most of the time, that extra screen real estate gives you more content in feeds and messaging apps without scrolling.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

No, the Xperia 5 II doesn't quite match the Xperia 1 II in terms of sheer, astounding visual appeal of a mobile device, but it's arguably all that anyone needs.

camera

There are three 12-megapixel cameras on the back of the Xperia 5 II: a f / 1.7 standard camera, a f / 2.4 telephoto camera, and a f / 2.2 ultrawide camera. Sony worked with Zeiss Optics on the lenses. Features include optical and electronic image stabilization, HDR, 4K video recording, eye tracking, 3x optical zoom and dual-pixel autofocus. It's almost the same setup as the back of the Xperia 1 II, but with a few changes.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Because it's so similar to the Xperia 1 II, it has the same problems. The photos it takes are often beautiful, with excellent balance and dynamics, but it finds it difficult to focus up close and the results can be inconsistent. There is no night mode for super bright night pictures, so pictures in low light are not as noticeable as some other phones, but there is a lot of realism and detail. The 8-megapixel selfie camera washes out skin tone to death in the default settings. So it is advisable to turn off any enhancements before starting there.

Overall, I edit my pictures a lot. It uses the Google Photos editing suite to make them look just right. It's worth it because the Sony camera captures a lot of delicious detail. I didn't get a chance to play with the Xperia 5 II's eye tracking feature due to the lack of living things (thank you 2020) but I've used it in the past and was very impressed. Proper focus of the eye is critical to accurately capturing portraits. Only a few other telephones have this feature.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Sony sells the Xperia cameras because of their Photo Pro and Cinema Pro apps, which have been tweaked by Sony's experienced camera and cinema teams and are essentially pimped-up manual modes. If you regularly use manual mode for your smartphone's camera, you will appreciate the depth and versatility of each one, and be able to use it to create stunning stills and videos. However, if you've never touched manual mode and are unfamiliar with the principles of shutter speed, white balance, ISO, and manual focus, the learning curve is very steep.

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  • 1.
    The Cinema Pro app from Sony
  • 2.
    Sony's Photo Pro app

It sounds like I'm on the Xperia 5 II's camera, but I'm not really. It's just frustrating. Some wonderfully atmospheric photos with beautiful colors can be taken. I like the combination of ultrawide and telephoto, and the physical camera shutter is a great tactile, ergonomic addition. But it's inconsistent, sometimes outperformed by other cameras on phones that cost less, and places too much emphasis on features beyond many potential owners.

The Sony camera of the Xperia 5 II and Xperia 1 II has everything you need to take wonderful photos. Unlike the Pixel 5 or iPhone 12 Pro, however, this doesn't just happen by pressing the shutter button. If this sounds like something you like and you want to learn more about the mechanics of photography, you will appreciate the Sony phone more.

Software and performance

No performance issues were found when using the Xperia 5 II as a daily phone. It's as fast as you'd expect from a phone with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor, along with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Asphalt 9 Legends plays great and also makes use of the screen with an aspect ratio of 21: 9. The lightness of the phone makes it great for long games and movie sessions.

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Sony's user interface with Android 10 is unobtrusive and the software is fast and reliable. Various non-Sony apps are preinstalled, including LinkedIn, which annoy you with annoying notifications and make manual uninstallation difficult. The large screen takes a bit of getting used to once you've viewed a screen with a wider aspect ratio. Icons can appear tightly grouped, and scrolling apps like Twitter and Instagram feel limited at first, but the ergonomic benefits that the shape brings will soon be felt.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I experienced some problems with the WiFi range and cellular connection. The Xperia 5 II dropped its signal more often than other phones I tested, and it lacks the Wi-Fi range of other models, including the Pixel 5 and iPhone 12 Pro. Calls are good, but it's easy to cover the microphone on the bottom of the phone with your finger, and the front camera retains the faded look that can be seen in their selfies on video calls.

The phone supports 5G in the UK but not in the US. While 5G isn't a reason to buy a phone right now, it does matter later and should be considered when purchasing an expensive device. It is also unfortunate that the phone still has Android 10 instead of Android 11 and there is also no confirmed date for the software update.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The 4,000 mAh battery has proven to be very powerful and easily lasts me a full day, with average screen time per day being between two and four hours. The battery performance of the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE that I had used before was very similar. Long days ended up about 30%. Without video calls, the battery should last two days without any problems.

Unfortunately, there is no wireless charging, and while it supports fast wired charging at 21 watts, you get an 18 W charger in the box. If you already have the higher powered charger, it will be reduced to 50% in 30 minutes. If not, allow at least 45 minutes. However, I like the adaptive charge mode that manages overnight charge cycles to help extend battery life.

Price and availability

The The Sony Xperia 5 II can be pre-ordered in the US. before a December 3 release for $ 949 (it's already discounted to $ 900). It is available now in the UK for £ 799.

Our opinion

If you like Sony's 21: 9 aspect ratio and design, and really should, the Xperia 5 II is the model to buy compared to the Xperia 1 II. It does almost everything for $ 250 less. The screen, battery life, build, and compact size are impressive, although you will have to put some effort into making the most of the camera's talents.

I like the quirky Xperia 5 II, but realize that there are better purchases for the same price or less. It's definitely part of an extinct breed: a really high quality flagship compact phone.

Are there any better alternatives?

Yes. At $ 949, the Xperia 5 II has a lot of competition despite its high specification. The $ 900 OnePlus 8 Pro is our pick of Android alternatives because of the great software and screen, while the $ 1,000 iPhone 12 Pro is a great alternative and has great software, camera, and design. The Galaxy S20 Plus is now available for roughly the same price. If you're happy with the plastic back, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is great value for money at $ 699.

All of these phones are bigger than the Xperia 5 II, however. If you're looking for a brilliant point-and-shoot camera in a compact smartphone, the $ 699 Google Pixel 5 is our pick.

How long it will take?

The technology ensures that the Xperia 5 II has at least a two-year contract or financing plan on before it can possibly feel old. The lack of 5G can lead you to update around this time anyway. The phone is made of glass, but has an IP68 rating and should therefore prove to be relatively durable in a housing.

Sony has been frustratingly dull about its Android software update schedule. It told Digital Trends that it committed to providing regular and timely updates when we asked about Android 11 on the Xperia 1 II, but without providing any specific dates. It's similarly unclear for the Xperia 5 II. Then expect an update, but just be patient.

Should you buy it?

No, there are better phones with a generally accessible camera for the same price. And the lack of 5G in the US hurts its longevity. However, in the UK this is a better option due to the slightly better price and 5G support.

Editor's recommendations




01 Sep
Blog

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 Review: The AMD Ryzen 4000 Flagship

Lenovo Ideapad Slim 7 review 01

"The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 is a genre-bending laptop that does anything hard to beat for its price."

  • Incredible performance

  • Tiny footprint

  • Record battery life

  • Can handle light games

  • The screen is a little dark

  • Small palm rests

Disorder. It's not a word I idly use, but what AMD's Ryzen 4000 processors have been doing over the past eight months fits the definition. These chips offer the performance you previously paid dearly for, both in size and price.

So far, however, few laptops have been designed from the ground up to use these chips.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 should always be an example of how disruptive Ryzen 4000 can be. After many months of delay, the time has finally come to attempt a seemingly insurmountable task – being a laptop that can be ultra-slim, extremely powerful, and extremely affordable at the same time.

Have AMD and Lenovo just done the impossible?

design

The IdeaPad Slim 7 revolution is not broadcast high. It's not ugly, but it's also not attention grabbing. It's not far from Lenovo's current crop of conservative, dark gray laptops with rounded edges and an all-metal chassis. The design alone makes it difficult for you to pick this out of the wide range of similar looking laptops from Lenovo. It's reportedly offered in a possibly more eye-catching "Orchid" color option, but I haven't set my eyes on it yet.

In a sense, that's a shame. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 surpasses our traditional laptop categories in many ways. This is a tiny laptop. It's only 0.58 inches thick, thinner, and slimmer than the MacBook Air. It weighs only 3.1 pounds and fits the 13-inch MacBook Pro – and yet has an 8-core processor like the gigantic MacBook Pro 16 -Inch. That is the unique offering of this fascinating laptop.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro is possibly the best size comparison. The IdeaPad Slim 7 is a little smaller in almost every dimension, if not by much, and even has the larger 14-inch screen. More importantly, these two laptops share a 25-watt processor. That's 10 watts more power than your standard 13-inch laptop, which contributes to the unique performance of these laptops.

You'll find a healthy selection of ports on the sides of the laptop. On the left side, the IdeaPad Slim 7 has two USB-C ports, HDMI and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. On the right side, the IdeaPad Slim 7 offers two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, the power switch and a micro SD card slot.

Since this is an AMD laptop, you won't get Thunderbolt 3, a proprietary Intel technology. However, USB-C is still a versatile port. Each USB-C port can be used for charging, connecting to a monitor, transferring files, and connecting peripherals. You can't power an external graphics card, but these ports are very powerful for this laptop.

My only real complaint is that you can't charge the laptop from the right as both USB-C ports are on the left. It defeats the point of USB-C's versatility.

performance

A 25-watt, 8-core processor in a small laptop is a fascinating requirement, but only if it can actually deliver significantly better performance. I started my tests with Geekbench 5 and Cinebench R20, two benchmarks that can give a comprehensive picture of the CPU's performance. The IdeaPad Slim 7 particularly impressed with its multi-core performance. Amazingly, Geekbench 5 Multi-Core was only 9% behind the much larger Dell XPS 15 with its 45-watt eight-core processor. In the meantime, it was 23% ahead of the 13-inch MacBook Pro (with a 10th generation Core i5) and 16% ahead of the Acer Swift 3 (with the Ryzen 7 4700U). No laptop in this size class has the cores and threads that fit the IdeaPad Slim 7.

For a more realistic test, I encoded a 4K video in Handbrake, with performance limited to the CPU. Here, too, the IdeaPad Slim 7 and its Ryzen processor with eight cores knocked out the competition. It even beat some 45 watt six-core laptops like the HP Envy 15 or the Asus ROG Strix G15.

(pullqutoe) For a laptop of this size, the IdeaPad Slim 7 belongs to its own performance category. (/ pullquote)

The only place the IdeaPad Slim 7 can't really compete with these larger laptops is in video editing. Normally I wouldn't try Premiere Pro on a laptop this small, but I had to try the IdeaPad Slim 7. It took an hour and 18 minutes to export a two minute 4K project to ProRes 422. The higher clock speeds and discrete graphics of larger laptops like the Dell XPS 15 or MacBook Pro 16-inch help them finish the same test in well under 10 minutes.

This does not mean that the IdeaPad Slim 7 cannot be used for content creation workflows at all. If you are working with lower resolutions, less demanding codecs, or lighter applications, the IdeaPad Slim 7 should work just fine. It's just not a real replacement for one of those larger laptops. If portability isn't important, even a cheap gaming laptop like the Dell G5 SE can handle video editing far better than the IdeaPad Slim 7 for roughly the same price. For a laptop of this size, however, the IdeaPad Slim 7 belongs to its own performance category.

Interestingly, Lenovo also sells an Intel version of the IdeaPad Slim 7. But here's what you get: It's $ 150 more expensive, has half the memory, and only has a quad-core CPU. The only thing the Intel model has on its side is the Nvidia MX350 discrete graphics card, but AMD's built-in Radeon graphics outperform it. There's no reason to buy it through the AMD model.

Apart from the Intel variant, Lenovo does not offer any configurations. That could change in the future, but for now, this model with 8GB of RAM and 512GB SSD is the only option. I really wish a 16GB model was offered to pair it better with the high-core processor.

Game performance

You can play games on this laptop! Yes it's true and it's kind of a miracle. The Ryzen 7 4800U comes with eight Radeon graphics cores. This is easily the best discrete graphic I've ever seen on a laptop. It holds great promise for the future of AMD's Radeon graphics.

In the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark, it is 29% faster than the Dell XPS 13 with its integrated Intel Iris Plus graphics. It even outperforms discrete entry-level graphics such as the Nvidia MX350 in the Asus ZenBook Duo. The result is decent low-end performance in modern games.

These are easily the best discrete graphics I've ever seen on a laptop.

Take Fortnite, for example. As long as you keep the graphics settings at medium or below, the games play pretty smoothly. You'll find it hard to get up to 60 frames per second (fps) without tweaking the 3D resolution slider a bit. For the first time, however, Fortnite can be played without any problems with built-in graphics.

A less GPU-dependent game like Civilization VI will perform even better. The IdeaPad Slim 7 struggled to keep up with the Ultra settings, but averaged 45 fps on Medium. That's still a long way from what 15-inch laptops with discrete graphics can do, but again, you can play Civilization VI without having to resort to low graphics settings. This is really impressive for a laptop with no games.

The only real competition the IdeaPad Slim 7 has in this form factor is the GTX 1650 version of the Razer Blade Stealth. While you can get better frame rates on this computer, it's also far more expensive.

Keyboard and touchpad

This keyboard is not my favorite. The trip feels very short and the buttons have a muddy bottom effect. I prefer the Dell XPS 13, MacBook Air, or HP Specter x360. It didn't take me long to get used to it, however, and I like the curved shape of the keycaps.

The keyboard backlight doesn't have its own key, but Fn + Space is a solid replacement. The backlight is very bright – to the point where I would like a lower brightness setting.

My main problem with the keyboard is its location. The keyboard is farther from the screen than most laptops to make room for the speakers and ports. The result is less space for the touchpad and palm rests underneath. If you have small hands you're fine, but those palm rests were too small for me so I had to dig the edges of the chassis into my palms. It's not a comfortable position to type in for a long time. Laptops like the Samsung Galaxy Book Flex also suffer from this problem.

The touchpad performs better and offers a smooth tracking surface and enough space for swipes and gestures with two fingers. The click feels solid, although it's a little louder than I'd like it to be.

Battery life

When comparing AMD with Intel, there was no clear winner in terms of battery life. Until now. I don't know if it's the big 60 watt battery or the efficient 7 nm processor, but the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 is an absolute champion when it comes to battery life. This can disappear from the wall all day – and a few more.

In our lightest test of repeating a local video file until it died, the IdeaPad Slim 7 lasted over 18.5 hours. This is one of the best times I've seen on a laptop that isn't a Chromebook or ARM-based laptop.

The real record was set in our web browsing test. The IdeaPad Slim 7 lasted over 16 hours here, which was only surpassed by the Qualcomm-powered Lenovo Flex 5G. That's an insane lifespan for a load.

As my daily driver, I found that the IdeaPad Slim 7 could easily survive a whole working day despite my heavy multitasking, music streaming and countless open apps.

Display and speaker

If the IdeaPad Slim 7 has one notable flaw, it is the screen. It uses a 14-inch 1080p panel that does the job, but not with a lot of grace. The screen is a bit dark and only reaches 247 nits. This is both the 300 nit threshold that I like to see in laptops and the result of strong glare. When watching a movie with dark scenes, the first thing to do is to turn off any light in the room. The contrast is the only bright spot at 1,370: 1.

The display is also a slight shade of green, although it is adequate in terms of gamut and color accuracy. Unfortunately, a 4K 100% AdobeRGB model for professionals is not offered.

I was pleasantly surprised by the speakers. You're right on the keyboard deck, pointing at your ears – which does wonders for the clarity of the audio. These still don't replace a decent bluetooth speaker, but for the occasional music or video watching, they get the job done.

Our opinion

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 may not be the true flagship AMD wants. Its screen is lackluster and the design is far from remarkable. Thanks to its fantastic performance, long battery life and impressive integrated graphics, the IdeaPad Slim 7 surpasses the possibilities of small laptops.

Are there alternatives?

There are many Ryzen 4000 laptops out there that aren't as powerful as the IdeaPad Slim 7 but are available at a cheaper price. The most obvious option is the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14, which is not as powerful but is a lot cheaper. The HP Envy x360 13 is another good example of a cheaper AMD laptop with a little less performance.

If you're willing to pay a few hundred more dollars, the Dell XPS 13 is a better designed laptop. Performance and battery life can't quite keep up with the IdeaPad Slim 7, but the small form factor and better display make it worth the additional cost.

How long it will take?

The IdeaPad Slim 7 should last at least three or four years, which is normal for laptops. Due to the limited configuration options, you may want to upgrade the memory or memory yourself in the future, but everything is soldered up.

Lenovo offers a standard one-year warranty. You are on your own past.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It's the best laptop you can buy under $ 1,000.

Editor's recommendations




30 Apr
Blog

Motorola Moto Edge Plus Review: Yet Another Android Flagship

Moto Edge Plus

Moto Edge Plus review: overshadowed by giants

"The Moto Edge Plus looks like the future."

  • Beautiful "Endless Edge" display

  • Sleek, futuristic design

  • Sharp 108MP camera

  • Good performance

  • Massive battery

  • Fat and heavy

  • The aspect ratio of 21: 9 is cumbersome

  • Mediocre front and telephoto

Motorola's new flagship, the Moto Edge Plus, looks like something from the HBO Westworld series. The show shows handheld devices as edgeless displays, which, apart from a sharp, bright screen, largely lack any recognition features. Actually, they are not smartphones – just intelligent devices, a mixture of tablet, phone and PC.

The Moto Edge Plus feels like a big step towards Westworld's fiction. It's almost the entire screen, and thanks to a fast Qualcomm processor, 5G support, lots of RAM, and a smooth 90 Hz display, it responds to your touch with unnatural speed. There is a subtle Motorola logo on the back. Otherwise it is elegant and without branding.

Despite its futuristic design, Motorola also tries to undercut the competition. The Moto Edge Plus costs "only" $ 1,000. This is a lot, but also less than first-class flagships from Apple and Samsung. This is a daring, bold phone.

display

Motorola's Moto Edge Plus has an obvious, massive headline feature that you stare at every time you pick up the phone. This is the 6.7-inch "Endless Edge" display.

Phones with slim, curved-edge displays aren't brand new (believe it or not, the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is five years old), but the Moto Edge Plus is part of a new generation that takes it to the extreme. The edges wrap a full 90 degrees around the sides, with the side panels being practically eliminated when looking directly at the phone.

Moto Edge PlusMatthew S. Smith / Digital Trends

Phones like the Huawei Mate 30 Pro adopted this design concept last year, but the Moto Edge Plus is all-in. Perhaps more importantly, it's widespread in the U.S., while Huawei and Oppo phones are hard to find and use in North America. This is practically a first for an average US smartphone buyer.

The Endless Edge display is a beautiful OLED touchscreen with a long list of features, including FHD + resolution, 90 Hz refresh rate, 10-bit color support, and HDR10 + certification. The unusual and dramatic aspect ratio of 21: 9 results in a phone that feels large and narrow. This is an advantage when writing SMS, surfing the Internet or reading, because it increases the content that you can see without increasing the width of the phone.

Moto Edge PlusMatthew S. Smith / Digital Trends

However, it can be a problem when streaming videos or games, since most are produced with an aspect ratio of 16: 9. A 21: 9 display shows black bars on the sides when 16: 9 content is displayed, effectively reducing the usable screen area. For most videos and some games, you can enlarge the content to take up the entire display. However, this cuts off part of the image.

The touchscreen can also be difficult to use. It looks seductive and futuristic, but it makes it difficult to handle the phone without activating touch when it is not intended to. This was not a problem for me while surfing the Internet, but it did become a problem when playing. I never found a handle in Minecraft that was comfortable and avoided accidental touches.

Moto Edge PlusMatthew S. Smith / Digital Trends

The display has two more quirks. First, when viewing a website or document, text is often displayed on both sides of the phone. Although it remains legible, it looks strange. The extreme curve also distorts color and brightness at the edges due to the odd viewing angle. This is obvious when you see a uniform color streak on the display, e.g. B. the pure white background of many websites. I got used to it, but I would certainly call it a mistake.

Your appetite for the Moto Edge Plus mainly depends on whether you fall in love with this screen. It's insane and futuristic, but not flawless. Phone freaks like to adapt to the quirks of the display and enjoy the striking look. However, if you're more interested in function than shape, consider a more traditional large-screen phone like the Galaxy S20 Plus.

design

The Moto Edge Plus is a phone that was developed around the display. Its large, narrow, blocky body is tailored to the high, narrow aspect ratio of 21: 9.

But wow, it's an eye catcher.

Would you like to know what the phone feels like? Get a Hershey chocolate bar. I admit that I didn't have a candy bar to do a side-by-side comparison, but my mind immediately jumped to that comparison.

Despite the rounded edges, the phone feels chunky compared to an Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus. According to official information, the size of the phone is bulky 0.37 inches. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is 0.32 inches thick, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus is 0.31 inches and the OnePlus 8 Pro is 0.33 inches. This makes it more difficult to hold the phone than its slim profile suggests.

Moto Edge PlusMatthew S. Smith / Digital Trends

It's weirdly slippery. Even the slightest incline lets the phone slip slowly. It spontaneously threw itself from the edge of my desk, couch, and several chairs. It always feels ready to get out of your grip.

The phone also feels top-heavy because it is large and you naturally hold the phone near its bottom. My test device weighed 7.2 ounces on my kitchen scale. This is more than a Galaxy S20 Plus, but less than Apple's iPhone 11 Pro Max. This is a large phone that, like its competition, can be uncomfortable to hold in bed or while lying on a sofa.

But wow, it's an eye catcher. The entire Moto 2020 product line is clearly designed to offer luxury design at lower prices, and the Edge Plus is successful. The noble blue finish of my test device in combination with the slim appearance of the phone results in an elegant, professional device. The Moto Edge Plus seems to belong in a boardroom or private jet.

Optical fingerprint reader

The Moto Edge Plus uses an optical fingerprint reader for secure login. It appears in the lower quarter of the phone and is easy to use.

However, it does not avoid the shortcomings that have caused this technology. While fingerprint recognition usually worked, it often took a moment to recognize my fingerprint. This is sluggish compared to the almost instant login that traditional systems can offer. The system also has major problems with water, lint, or dirt on your hands.

5G, WiFi and ports

The Moto Edge Plus supports both mmWave and Sub-6 Hz 5G networks and, according to Motorola, can reach network speeds of 4 Gbit / s under ideal conditions. I couldn't test this myself because 5G wasn't deployed in my region. Still, it's good to see support for both 5G networks as this should improve connectivity and unlock access to the fastest speeds possible. New Android flagships will offer this feature in 2020, while the iPhone doesn't yet offer 5G support.

The phone is exclusive to Verizon. You must be a Verizon subscriber to use this phone or be ready to switch to the Verizon network.

You will also find support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. I would expect to see the latest wireless connectivity standards in a new flagship phone, but it's good to see that Motorola didn't skip any features to keep the $ 1,000 price tag going.

The wired connectivity includes USB 3.0 Type C and a 3.5 mm audio jack, both of which are located on the bottom lip of the phone.

Camera quality

Moto Edge PlusMatthew S. Smith / Digital Trends

The camera is the other heading feature of Motos Edge Plus. The triple lens system features a 108-megapixel main shooter, a 16-megapixel ultrawide lens and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens. It also includes optical image stabilization, video stabilization and laser auto focus with a time-of-flight sensor.

Yes, 108MP. As with the Endless Edge display, the phone's 108-megapixel camera isn't a unique feature, but it is up-to-date and somewhat unexpected on a $ 1,000 phone. If you're in the U.S., the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is just a generally available phone with this feature. And it costs $ 1,400.

That's a lot of megapixels. But translated into an excellent camera?

Main camera quality

Although it has a 108MP sensor, pixel binning is enabled by default on the Moto Edge Plus. This technique, called Moto Quad Pixel Technology, combines the light of four pixels into one. This reduces the output to 27 MP, but increases the brightness, contrast and color of the image – at least in theory.

At first glance, the Moto Edge Plus makes a strong impression. When shooting outdoors, the camera vibrates with a lively, saturated appearance, as is common with flagship cell phones. These shots will surely draw your attention and look great on a variety of screens.

However, I feel that the Moto Edge Plus has color problems. My close-up of a flower makes it look almost fluorescent while it was lukewarm in real life. Colors can become so extreme that they destroy details and remove subtle patterns or flaws that would otherwise be visible. It's not bad for Instagram, but sometimes far from reality.

The color was distorted in the opposite direction when I took indoor pictures with moderate to dim lighting. While the pictures looked sharp and bright, the colors appeared. The camera seemed particularly confused by the yellow wall of my kitchen and often leaned towards a faint, dark pastel that is not accurate at all.

Portrait mode solidly improves the appearance of portrait photos and works quite well even in moderate lighting, although it is more grainy than photos taken with a Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus or Apple's iPhone 11 Pro Max. My curly hair is, as always, a mode stress test, and Motorola’s camera is sure to have problems with broken curls, but the slight halo that dances around the edges of my frizz is not uncommon. Every portrait mode I've ever tried had problems coping with my locks.

The Moto Edge Plus is best suited for taking photos at a moderate distance with moderate to bright lighting. Breathtaking pictures can be taken in these conditions, but the main camera is not as versatile as I hoped.

108MP Ultra-Res / Tele quality

While the 108MP sensor uses pixel binning by default, you can disable this mode and take full 108MP photos. However, if you do this, you will encounter some problems. Using the 108MP Ultra-Res mode significantly extends photo processing time. The photos themselves are huge and take up a lot more space than the standard photos with 27 MP.

You will be disappointed if you expect an obvious improvement in clarity. The 27MP photos are output with a resolution of 6,016 x 4,512 – already well above 4K. The 108MP photos are output with a resolution of 12.032 x 9.024. This is much higher, but you need a display with a resolution well above 4K to see the difference.

Motorola does not know this problem and quickly points out the additional versatility of a high-resolution photo. A high-resolution image can improve the digital zoom because, first of all, more details have to be edited. However, the Moto Edge Plus also has an 8 megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.

I decided to compare them side by side by taking photos of text from a distance and then cropping them to see which ones showed the most detailed.

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The results are fascinating.

The telephoto lens clearly delivers superior sharpness. This is not an insult to Ultra Res mode because the detail here is impressive. These narrow crops contain less than 1 percent of the over 108,576,768 pixels in the 108MP photo. Nevertheless, the crop of the telephoto lens is easier to read.

However, you will notice a clear difference in the appearance of each shot. Photos from Ultra Res mode are significantly more colorful than those from the 8MP camera. This makes sense since the 108MP main camera has an aperture of 1: 1.8, while the telephoto camera has an aperture of 1: 2.4 and therefore captures less light.

Overall, these results lead to the assumption that experienced smartphone photographers will find a lot to discover. The ultra-res mode and the telephoto lens are each suitable for different situations. On the other hand, less experienced photographers (like me) are likely to ignore Ultra Res mode and use the telephoto lens when zoom is required.

Ultrawide and macro quality

A 16 megapixel ultrawide camera offers a field of view of 117 degrees for more expansive shots and works well. The dramatic photos you're likely to take with an Ultrawide lens go well with the Moto Edge Plus' tendency to oversaturate colors.

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Are the results realistic? No – but that's not what an ultra-wide smartphone camera is about. It's a fun, versatile option that gives a sense of scale and size that is normally not possible on a smartphone. I enjoyed it and the photos I took are easily some of the best I could take during my review.

The phone's macro mode has a job to do, but this job is probably more specific than expected. It can deliver solid quality if it comes very, very close to a subject. I speak at most a few inches away. Otherwise, I found that the main camera could take sharper, more colorful photos.

Front camera

The Moto Edge Plus has a 25-megapixel front camera that, like the main camera, has quad-pixel technology. 6.2MP images are output as standard.

My quarantine haircut doesn't make me the best subject, but I think the camera is solid. Photos of it are vivid, clear and crisp. The photo shows the overly saturated appearance of other cameras, but I think this is less of a problem for selfies. My skin tone certainly doesn't "glow", but here is a hint of warmth.

However, you need adequate lighting to get the most out of the camera. Even if pixel binning is activated, the front-facing camera cannot avoid a grainy appearance even with poor interior lighting, not to mention a really dark environment. There is no night mode or the like to improve quality with limited lighting.

Summary of camera quality

The Moto Edge Plus camera offers owners many options in the hope that some will stay. Some do it. Outdoor shots look great on the main camera, which does its best in good lighting with colorful landscapes. It's Instagram-friendly and sacrifices balance and realism for a lively, saturated look that stands out on every display.

I like the 108MP camera. This is not often used by most owners, but it increases the versatility of the phone. You can take pictures in 108MP Ultra-Res mode and crop them later for best results.

It's a great camera system, but it's not noticeable. All modern flagship phones offer excellent picture quality. The Moto Edge Plus can take spectacular photos, but it didn't blow me away.

Video quality

The Moto Edge Plus brings the warmth to the video specs. It can record videos with a resolution of up to 6K or 1080p videos with up to 60 frames per second (frames per second). Other features include optical image stabilization, video portrait mode, and a video snapshot function that can be used to retrieve 20 megapixel still images from the video while filming.

I have little experience with video recording on smartphones, so I cannot seriously test the video quality. Still, I found the video quality strong, with sharp details and vivid colors.

The phone continued to perform well when recording 6K video. I did not notice any significant delay or processing time before or after recording with 6K.

There is also a slow motion mode that captures up to 120 fps at FHD resolution or 240 fps at HD resolution.

Audio

Stereo speakers tuned by Waves, a Grammy award-winning audio technology company, give the Moto Edge Plus its voice. And, boy, does it really scream?

At full volume, the phone delivers a strong, balanced sound that can handle a wide range of content, from bass-heavy tracks to the most hectic action films. The phone doesn't deliver most of the bass, but it does offer a clear, distortion-resistant experience. Dialogues or vocals can also be distinguished from the roar of a jet engine or a constant, deep bass beat.

performance

A Qualcomm 865 processor supplies the Moto Edge Plus with power. This is the latest and best offer from Qualcomm, which serves eight cores. This is paired with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage connected via the UFS 3.0 storage standard. Motorola does not offer models with more storage space, and SD card expansion is not an option.

Since most Android phones are based on Qualcomm processors, the Moto Edge Plus has no particular advantage over the competition. Still, this is a fast processor. Only Apple's excellent A13 Bionic will defeat him.

  • Geekbench 5 single core: 910
  • Geekbench 5 multi-core: 3,297
  • 3DMark Sling Shot: 9,415

I noticed in previous reviews that smartphone performance has reached the point where most phones are "good enough". Still, you will feel the difference between a flagship like the Moto Edge Plus and any phone with a mid-range Qualcomm 600 processor.

The Moto Edge Plus flies through content and rarely hesitates even when you scroll through large lists of high-resolution images or videos. It's not flawless, but it's close. Combine this with the 90 Hz screen, which is more responsive than the 60 Hz screens that used to dominate flagship phones, for a pleasant experience.

The Moto Edge Plus flies through content.

I mentioned that Apple's A13 Bionic is faster, which you can see from benchmarks. For example, the iPhone SE from Apple scored 1,324 points for Geekbench single-core and 3,192 points for Geekbench multi-core. This means that the $ 400 Apple phone is significantly faster than the Moto Edge Plus in terms of per-core processor performance. The iPhone SE is also competitive in the multi-core area. But do you see this speed in practice?

I only noticed it when using the camera. For example, if you take a lot of pictures in succession, I noticed that current-generation iPhones can take multiple photos quickly and feel a little more responsive. I also notice a more responsive feeling in multitasking applications (despite the RAM memory in the Moto Edge Plus).

Nevertheless, "good enough" remains in force. Does a modern iPhone feel more responsive? Yes. Is it really important with 99% of usage? No, it doesn't.

Qualcomm's 865 has a built-in Adreno 650 GPU and can handle any game Android can give you. After all, this is Qualcomm's current top tier component. There is no superior chip for an Android game developer. Games fly, run with high frame rates and excellent quality settings.

I don't have an iPhone 11 Pro Max for direct comparison, but 3DMark's benchmark results make me believe that the iPhone 11 Pro Max and Moto Edge Plus offer an approximately equivalent experience. And since many other Android flagships have the same Qualcomm 865 part with the same Adreno GPU, you probably won't notice a big difference between them either.

As I said earlier, I have some complaints about how the design of the phone can make playing games more difficult when I rely on touchscreen controls, but I can not degrade performance in any way.

Battery life

A massive 5000 mAh battery powers the Moto Edge Plus. Batteries of this size are not uncommon in 2020, but this still gives the Edge Plus a capacity advantage over most of its competitors. The OnePlus 8 Pro has a 4,510 mAh battery, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus has a 4,500 mAh battery and the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max has a 3,969 mAh battery.

I assume that most people will end the day with 30 to 50 percent of the remaining battery.

Motorola gives the battery life after two days, and in my experience, that was the case. You can extend it to three days if you make little calls, or use it in a single day if you do everything you can to play games. I assume that most people will end the day with 30 to 50 percent of the remaining battery.

The phone supports an included 18-watt quick charger or 15-watt wireless charging. It also supports wireless power distribution up to 5 watts. These numbers aren't impressive for a flagship phone because the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus can charge up to 25 watts and the OnePlus 8 Pro supports 30 watts. However, given the long battery life, I don't think mediocre charging is worth worrying about.

software

Motorola ships the Moto Edge Plus with a relatively flawless version of Android 10. Much of the bloatware on my device came from Verizon, not Motorola, but even this mess was minimal. Apps like My Verizon can be largely ignored if you don't want to watch them.

The Moto Edge Plus has Moto promotions, a special bonus that can be found in all Motorola phones. These gesture-based shortcuts provide quick access to some common functions. For example, a quick double-chop process opens the flashlight, or you can quickly twist your wrist twice to open the camera.

Moto Edge PlusMatthew S. Smith / Digital Trends

I've been a Moto fan for many years after jumping on board the Moto G3 for the first time, and Moto promotions are a major reason for my preference. I love her. They are simple, reliable and affect functions that you use every day.

The camera app is my biggest complaint. The rudimentary look is not uncommon on Android phones, but it looks unaffected. It's not as attractive as the iOS camera app or the one you find on Google's pixel phones, and the tendency to rely on small icons and option lists can be anything but intuitive. It's usable, but not as user-friendly as some of its competitors.

Motorola informed me that the Endless Edge display is being used for notifications during my briefing over the phone, and I noticed that it was lighting up. However, I have not gained any value from the light show. I was hardly surprised. Any phone that offers a curved edge display has in some way claimed to provide helpful notifications, and it has never shown me a real utility.

Our opinion

Motorola's Moto Edge Plus is solid, but struggles to stand out from a crowded field. Apple, Samsung, LG, OnePlus, Oppo and Huawei offer their own flagships. In most cases, these companies offer several. They all have huge screens and lots of functions. You can opt for the Moto Edge because of the 108-megapixel camera or the extreme display, but these features aren't a must for most buyers.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. That is the problem with the Moto Edge Plus.

It's a nice phone, but there's a lot to choose from. Most buyers in this price range will likely opt for the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus, a reliable choice with a stunning yet functional design. There is also the OnePlus 8 Pro, which loses some ground in the camera specifications, but makes up for it with a larger 120 Hz screen.

If you want a flagship experience on a budget, Google Pixel 4 XL is a great choice. You can also wait for the Moto Edge to come later this year. It's a stripped-down version of the Moto Edge Plus that retains the screen, but is downgraded to a 64-megapixel camera, among other things. However, Motorola has not announced its price.

The iPhone Pro Max from Apple is another top choice. Here, too, the iPhone offers a design that better combines form and function. It outperforms the Edge Plus and, in my opinion, offers superior camera quality overall. However, since it is an iPhone, Android users need to consider changing the operating system in their decision.

Do you want more options? Check out our favorite 2020 smartphones.

How long it will take?

The Moto Edge Plus is a fast, full-featured phone that runs the latest version of Android. Therefore, it should perform well in the coming years. Support for new Android operating system versions will stop working after a few years, a problem that is common with Android smartphones.

Should you buy it

No. The Moto Edge Plus is a good phone that doesn't stand out in the impressive lineup of Android flagships from 2020.

Editor's recommendations




25 Apr
Blog

Samsung Galaxy S20 Review: It’s Not A Compact Flagship

Samsung Galaxy S20 review hand

"The Galaxy S20 is the smallest S20, but not small enough to be a compact flagship."

  • Nice screen, 120Hz refresh rate

  • The camera takes good photos

  • Slim, light and easy to hold

  • 5G for the future

  • The size does not do justice to the screen

  • Not small enough to be different

The Galaxy S20 is an excellent phone. It is also the smallest member of the Galaxy S20 family. However, Samsung was wrong in not adopting the even smaller 5.8-inch screen size of the Galaxy S10e.

What is the Galaxy S20? It's a brilliantly powerful smartphone that can't differ from the slightly larger Galaxy S20 Plus to reach the underserved crowd that is screaming for a tiny flagship phone. Let's take a closer look at where the Galaxy S20 is successful and where it fails.

design

The Galaxy S20 looks exactly like the Galaxy S20 Plus, only on a slightly smaller scale. It is thin and light with 163 grams and 7.9 mm thickness and is based on an aluminum metal housing with Gorilla Glass 6 front and back. The screen measures 6.2 inches, so it's smaller than the 6.7-inch Galaxy S20 Plus and just a tad larger than the iPhone 11. I'm very happy that I injected the blue version instead of the matte gray Galaxy S20 Plus much needed character. It's fun to watch, rather than something Winston Smith from 1984 could have come up with on a particularly depressing day.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

It's more natural to hold and use, also thanks to the 20: 9 aspect ratio compared to the Galaxy S20 Plus and OnePlus 8, but it's not that small. Although it's the baby of the S20 series, it's not a small phone. If you have the Galaxy S10 in hand, it's essentially the same size, only with a slightly larger screen. This is possible due to the amazingly slim bezels. They are almost invisible on the sides and only black splinters above and below. Using the Galaxy S20 is really like holding a big screen in your hand.

I also like the little details in the design, from the way the aluminum case bends around the volume and on / off buttons to the delicate camera joint on the back, which looks much less offensive here than the S20 Plus . It's a friendlier, tidier, and better all-round design. However, the larger screen of the S20 Plus convinces me every time it comes to watching videos and playing games.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

The Galaxy S20 is smaller than the other phones in the range, but not so small that the trade-off between screen size and portability matters. The Galaxy S20 isn't a really compact flagship, but it's the most attractive of the three Galaxy S20 devices available this year. It is a puzzle that was ultimately solved by buying the blue or pink Galaxy S20 Plus.

Screen and games

The 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED has a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels for an even higher pixel density than the S20 Plus with 563 ppi. It has a refresh rate of 120 Hz, HDR10 + support and is one of the amazingly beautiful and sharpest smartphone screens that you will stare at. This is also a problem since you really have to stare at it as it feels quite restrictive when you take the opportunity to watch videos. You will enjoy the colors and sharpness of the S20 Plus or S20 Ultra more.

The screen size is great for reading emails and notifications, as well as surfing the Internet. The refresh rate of 120 Hz is not activated by default, but is strongly recommended. Scrolling is smoothed continuously, which results in less strain on the eyes and a more pleasant visual experience. There is a limitation as it can only be operated with the screen with Full HD resolution and not with active QHD resolution.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

Start a video and YouTube shows content in 1080p quality with HDR, if available. Using the NowTV app to watch HBO's vapid but visually charged ballers looks incredible, with lots of details and a very natural color palette. However, the aspect ratio of the screen affects the viewing experience, since black bars run on both sides. Zoom in to fill the screen and you will lose part of the image above and below. Audio is very pleasant, with a lot of volume, although the bass is limited.

Playing is great, especially because of the immense power and performance of the phone and the wide variety of games available on the Google Play Store. Of course, it's not quite as impressive as the larger S20 Plus. Dariusburst is a good example of why you need to zoom out to compensate for the 20: 9 aspect ratio screen. Hill Climb Racer doesn't suffer the same way, and although I never really question the 240 Hz sample rate, the S20 always feels sharp and responsive, which makes playing comfortable.

The Galaxy S20 (from left), the Galaxy S20 Plus and the Galaxy S20 Ultra Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

The Galaxy S20's screen is excellent, but while I'm willing to bypass the 20: 9 aspect ratio drawbacks on the larger models, I'm less willing to do so on the mid-size S20. If I want to pay for the kind of specs and media skills here, I really want to be able to enjoy them. That means a bigger screen.

camera

The camera of the Galaxy S20 is the same as that of the Galaxy S20 Plus. It only has a slightly more compact bulge on the back. It houses the 12-megapixel 1: 1.8 aperture sensor with optical image stabilization as well as a second 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor and a third 64-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. It records 4K videos, has a time-of-flight sensor and there is a 10 megapixel selfie camera on the front.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

I found it to offer the same performance as the S20 Plus. The camera is versatile, with wide-angle and zoom functions, takes decent shots in night mode and has a great photo editing suite built into the app. Portrait mode is effective, but must be used with care, as it sometimes fails to focus and edge detection suffers in more complex shapes. If this works, the edit mode to remove color from the background when taking portraits can produce some atmospheric, eye-catching shots.

You can find more information on the rating in the Galaxy S20 Plus test because the camera is identical. Check out some of the photo examples here to see how the Galaxy S20 behaves against it. The degree of saturation may be a little daunting, but is more reserved than with previous Samsung cameras. I have found that pictures taken on sunny days offer just the right amount of life and visual impact. Note that night mode can increase noise while lightening shaded areas. Therefore, shooting outside of night mode is often preferable.

Ultimately, the Galaxy S20 takes detailed and colorful photos that you want to share with minimal editing. There are more powerful cameras, from the iPhone 11 Pro to the Huawei P40 Pro, but the S20 (and the S20 Plus) are crowd pullers that take photos day and night and in most situations that you are happy with.

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Like the phone itself, the camera is a brilliant all-rounder that does without the great functions of the Galaxy S20 Ultra.

Software and security

The same Android 10-based OneUI 2.0 software is installed on the Galaxy S20 as on the S20 Plus and S20 Ultra. I went into more detail in my Galaxy S20 Plus review, but my overall impression remains the same. The colorful, bold, and fairly large icons stand out on the screen, and you can see what they're doing at a glance. The appearance can also be customized. By default, for example, it is a 4 x 4 grid with symbols, which makes it look a bit childish. However, for those who don't like large print, it can be switched to a 5 x 4 layout or a 6 x 4 layout. Style version.

I had no problems with apps, notifications are delivered without any problems and the design on a Google Pixel 4 was not so far removed from Android that it is a mysterious journey – although it is so different that it has its own identity. The haptic feedback is tactile, but I don't like the standard Samsung keyboard because it doesn't offer swipe input. Therefore, it is preferable to switch to Google's Gboard.

The problems remain the same. The Samsung Daily screen that appears is useless, and the need to use a hidden software key to turn off the phone, since the hardware key is assigned to Bixby, is irritating. On a positive note, the use of Samsung DeX to connect to my MacBook works well and much better than before because photos and music can now be synchronized.

The Galaxy S20 (from left), the Galaxy S20 Plus and the Galaxy S20 Ultra Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

I mainly relied on the face unlock system to secure the Galaxy S20. It's fast and reliable, even if the phone sometimes doesn't wake up properly when I answer it, so I have to press the power button, which slows down the process. The built-in fingerprint sensor is the opposite. It is a bit slow and unreliable.

Power and battery

The golden glasses keep going. The Galaxy S20, bought in the USA, has the Snapdragon 865 processor with 12 GB RAM and is therefore one of the most powerful smartphones that you can currently buy. For this test I use the European version with a Samsung Exynos 990 chipset. Here are the benchmark results to see how they stand out from the competition.

Geekbench 5: 2753 Muilt-Core / 905 Single-Core

3DMark Sling Shot Extreme: 5198 volcano

Not surprisingly, this is almost the same as the Galaxy S20 Plus, which puts it slightly behind the Oppo Find X2 Pro and its Qualcomm Snapdragon 865. This shows how the U.S. Galaxy S20 phones will work. The OnePlus 8 Pro did better in the gaming benchmark test, which is probably not only due to the graphics chip of the Snapdragon 865, but also to the additional gaming modes of the phone, which are more comprehensive than those of the Galaxy S20.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

The smallest Galaxy S20 phone gets the smallest battery. It is a 4,000 mAh cell that performs adequately. For daily, moderate use, including some phone and video calls, the Galaxy S20 ended the day at around 15% until 11 p.m. However, this was the case when a Wi-Fi connection was made, so I would assume it would be fairly empty if it had used a cellular network. With the included 25W Type C wired USB charger, the value increases from 0 to 55% in 30 minutes, and the full charge takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes. The Galaxy S20 also has wireless charging.

Although the Galaxy S20 has 5G, I don't have 5G coverage in my area. I tried both the Vodafone and EE 4G networks. Calls are clear to both, and reception was good on both cellular and Wi-Fi calls. Even though the speaker is small, I never had to constantly reposition the phone to find the right position to hear the caller.

Price, availability and guarantee

The Galaxy S20 costs $ 1,000 and is available in the cloud blue color shown above, as well as in the colors Cloud Pink, Cloud White and Cosmic Gray. It is available now from Samsung, various retailers and with a contract with network operators. In the UK, the phone costs £ 800 and is sold through all major carriers and also through Samsung itself.

You get a standard one-year warranty to cover manufacturing defects. If you buy the phone directly through Samsung, you can add a premium care package that offers accidental damage coverage and 24-hour care for $ 12 a month.

Our opinion

The Galaxy S20 is an excellent smartphone, but it doesn't differ enough from the larger, more user-friendly Galaxy S20 Plus, it's not cheap enough to be tempting as a budget buy, and it's not small enough to buy a truly compact flagship. If you want to spend $ 1,000 or more on a phone with one of the best screens in the industry, you can also get it in a size you like, and that's more true for the Galaxy S20 Plus than the S20. Assuming you understand this, the Galaxy S20 is still an excellent smartphone.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. The Galaxy S20 Plus is the better buy in the Galaxy S20 range. However, if you only want to spend $ 1,000 on a new phone, you should take a closer look at the iPhone 11 Pro for $ 1,000 and the OnePlus 8 Pro for $ 1,000. Both seriously challenge the Galaxy S20 with excellent battery, camera and screen performance at the same price. The 5.8-inch iPhone 11 Pro will also meet your desire for a reasonably sized flagship.

We also think the $ 700 iPhone 11 is a great buy. If you're looking for a brilliant camera phone and don't want to worry about battery life, the Google Pixel 4 XL is worth a look. If you're in the UK looking for a less common alternative, the Oppo Find X2 Pro fills the gap if you don't mind spending more.

How long it will take?

With the fastest Qualcomm processor you can currently get, a nice screen, a decent camera, and 5G for the future, the Galaxy S20 easily lasts for a two-year contract and even longer.

It has an IP68 waterproof rating so it survives when it gets wet, but the vitreous can be kept in a suitcase if you're a bit clumsy. Samsung regularly offers software updates for its phones, and its flagships are usually well served. However, don't expect them to arrive as quickly as if you had bought a Google Pixel 4 XL or an iPhone 11 Pro.

Should you buy it

No. Most people should opt for the larger Galaxy S20 Plus.

Editor's recommendations




27 Mar
Blog

LG V60 ThinQ Dual Screen Review: Flagship Spec, Meh Features

lg-v60-thinq

LG V60 ThinQ 5G Dual Screen Test: Not quite a flagship

"The LG ThinQ V60 5G has a massive battery and a unique dual-screen case, but poor software and mediocre design hold it back."

  • Dual screen case can be useful

  • Excellent performance

  • Long battery life

  • Reasonable price

  • Frustrating software

  • Camera is far from the best

  • Slow fingerprint sensor

The LG V50 ThinQ brought a number of innovations to the company's smartphone line. It was the first LG phone to support standard 5G bands and the first LG phone to join the folding phone trend, albeit with an accessory that added a second display instead of a foldable OLED screen. Now LG wants to repeat the trick.

Just a problem. The phone on which it is built – the LG V50 ThinQ – was average at best.

That doesn't mean that the new LG V60 ThinQ is a bad phone. With a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor, 8 GB RAM and Android 10, the device has a lot to offer. However, given the price of $ 800 or $ 900 with the dual-screen accessory, it's hard for him to stand out from the many outstanding flagship phones you can buy today.

Design and ports

The LG V50 offered an iterative design update compared to the 2018 LG V40. So you would expect the newer LG V60 to modernize things a bit. Fortunately, it does.

While the V50 had a notch that was almost as big as that of the iPhone X, the V60 swapped things for a smaller semi-circular section. This makes the huge display look even bigger. While a hole cutout like the Samsung Galaxy S20 series would make the phone look even more modern, the small cutout of the V60 is acceptable.

Christian de Looper / Digital Trends

The phone has two design modes depending on whether you are using the dual screen case or not. Without the case, the phone looks and feels relatively slim, especially for a device of this size. The camera module on the back isn't flush like the V50, but it doesn't protrude as far as the latest iPhone, Pixel, and Galaxy models.

Below is a USB-C port and a headphone jack. The volume rocker and a special Google Assistant button are on the left. The power switch is on the right.

However, add the display case and it's a completely different ball game. The LG V60 is not small at first and the case is bulky. However, the advantage is the second display and the protection of your phone in the event of a fall.

The phone with a connected dual screen is actually thinner than "real" foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Fold. With the case, the LG V60 sits at 0.59 inches thick, while the Galaxy Fold has a bulky 0.66 inches thick when closed. This is surprising and a point for LG.

Placing the device in your pocket is easy. All you have to do is slide it in from the top and make sure the USB-C connector is inserted into the phone connector. You must then use the supplied magnetic USB-C adapter or wireless charging to charge the phone. On the front of the case you'll see a small monochrome display that shows information such as the time, battery life and notifications. It is a practical addition.

The LG V60 is available in two colors – Classy Blue and Classy White. They both look good, but I'm a fan of Classy White's slightly pearlescent look.

Display quality

While the LG V60 ThinQ 5G has an OLED display, the resolution is 1,080p – a step back from the 1,440p screen of the V50 ThinQ. Combine this with the fact that the refresh rate is only 60 Hz and you have a very mediocre viewing experience, at least compared to other modern flagships.

Christian de Looper / Digital Trends

Maybe mediocre is not the right word. The colors on the display were still bright and vivid, and thanks to the fact that it is an OLED display, the black levels were still deep and dark. We could see the display easily even in bright sunlight. It is an excellent representation in many ways. However, the competition has brought the display quality to a new level, so the LG V60 ThinQ feels left behind.

You will also see an optical fingerprint sensor on the display – another slight disappointment. Although the sensor was accurate, it reacted somewhat slowly. I can't help but assume that an ultrasonic sensor would have performed better. This phone has no face recognition. Therefore, a fast fingerprint sensor is important.

The dual screen case

The most interesting feature of the LG V60 ThinQ is of course the dual screen case. It's not a "real" foldable phone like the Galaxy Fold or Motorola Razr. While these phones offer a single foldable display, the dual screen accessory offers a second display of the same size and resolution.

Christian de Looper / Digital Trends

The dual screen can be useful, especially when multitasking and playing. With multitasking, the second display makes it easier to watch videos on one side and record them on the other. By using the LG Game Pad with compatible games, mobile gaming becomes even more intense.

On the other hand, the extra bulk is a serious problem. If you are used to a big phone and use your phone for high productivity, the case is absolutely worth the extra batter. But if you see it more as a gimmick, you can safely skip buying a game.

You can also turn the case on and off if you want. It is easy to add or remove the case. You can just keep it at home. Or you can leave it at home for everyday use, but bring it with you for trips of several days. This increases the versatility that a "real" folding phone cannot offer. You also have additional accessories that allow you to keep an overview.

performance

The LG V60 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor as well as 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. There is also a microSD card reader so you can expand the built-in memory if necessary.

In daily use, the V60 ThinQ is relatively fast even with heavy multitasking. This is expected from a Snapdragon 865-equipped phone. It did well in benchmarks, although there aren't many Snapdragon 865 smartphones to compare with. Here are the benchmark results we've achieved.

  • Geekbench 5 CPU: 920 single-core, 3410 multi-core
  • AnTuTu 3DBench: 548.375
  • 3DMark Sling Shot Extreme Volcano: 6,542

The phone continued to perform well during mobile gaming. I played a few rounds of Fortnite and Asphalt 9 on the phone with good results. However, this is what I would expect from any flagship phone, so LG doesn't earn any bonus points here.

software

The LG V60 ThinQ 5G has Android 10 with the LG skin over it. At first glance, the software looks good. But the more I used it, the more bloatware I found, and much of it can't be easily removed.

Part of the bloatware is common for Android skins – like a gallery app when most people are likely to use Google Photos. Other unnecessary software is less common and includes preinstalled games like Modern Combat 5 and Sniper Fury, which are thankfully removed. Some apps are installed by the network operator. McAfee recommended by T-Mobile. It all adds up to too many apps and is frustrating. Even worse, many of the apps can only be "deactivated" so that they still take up space.

Christian de Looper / Digital Trends

Other aspects of the software could also use work. It has long been known that LG's skin apps are reordered, and that still happens here. After we decided to sort apps alphabetically, we installed some new apps – and they were placed at the bottom of the list instead of in alphabetical order. Also, the phone kept telling me to learn how to use gestures.

In a word, LG's software can be described as annoying. At a time when even Samsung is trying to downsize its Android skins, LG would do well to follow suit.

Photo and video quality

Christian de Looper / Digital Trends

LG updated the camera array for the V60. The end result is a triple lens system with a 64 megapixel 1: 1.8 main sensor, a 13 megapixel 1: 1.9 ultrawide lens and a 0.3 megapixel time-of-flight lens that captures depth information.

It is somewhat disappointing to see the lack of a telephoto lens. Most flagship phones offer this feature, and some, like Samsung's S20 range, offer zoom features that range from great to class-leading. In defense of LG, the fact that the main sensor has 64 megapixels allows the phone to take lossless pictures with 2x zoom. This is just as easy in the camera app as in phones with telephoto lenses. With the digital zoom, the phone can deliver photos with up to 10 times the resolution.

In general, photos taken in good light are detailed, but the camera struggled with low-light conditions, which will be disappointing in 2020 when iPhone 11 Pro and Pixel 4 are great for shooting in low-light conditions.

The most interesting thing about the camera of the V60 is the fact that thanks to the Snapdragon 865 chipset it can record 8K videos. However, this takes up space (362 MB per minute). Despite the high resolution, the video did not look as good as the one recorded on the iPhone thanks to the iPhone's improved stabilization and image processing.

The front-facing camera has a size of 10 megapixels and is fine for most applications. The camera struggled again in low light, and in portrait mode it had some problems with edge detection and hair. This is not a big disadvantage, but something to consider when other manufacturers put millions in their camera software.

Great battery life

The best thing about the LG V60 ThinQ is the battery. The device is powered by a huge 5,000 mAh battery. That's a lot of juice, even for a phone with a 1440p 120Hz display. When you consider that the display comes with 1080p and 60 Hz, the phone easily lasts a day of heavy use, with a solid 40 percent remaining.

As expected, the dual display accessories drained the battery considerably, and I found that the phone still contains a lot of petrol even after the second display has been used for a long time.

To really put the battery to the test, I set it up so that a 1080p video is continuously streamed over WiFi, with the display at full brightness. It took almost 13 hours. It is an excellent result.

Price, availability and warranty information

The LG V60 ThinQ costs $ 800 without the dual display accessory or $ 900 with the accessory. Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, it was only available from AT&T and T-Mobile, and there is still no word on an unlocked version of the phone.

The V60 comes with a one-year warranty. If you register the device with LG, you will receive a second year free of charge. The limited warranty covers manufacturer defects, so you are unlikely to discover them in the second year of use.

Our opinion

The LG V60 ThinQ is a solid phone that is disappointed by a frustrating software experience and so-so functions. From the camera quality to the design to the display, the LG V60 ThinQ stands short of its competition.

However, if you're just looking for a flagship phone and don't want to pay more than $ 1,000 for the Samsung Galaxy S20, consider the LG V60 ThinQ.

Are there alternatives?

If you want a Snapdragon 865-equipped phone in the price range below $ 800, this is the way to go – but only because it's the only option. If you can wait a bit, it is worth doing so as OnePlus 8 is likely to offer a better viewing and software experience and is likely to support 5G.

If you don't mind spending a little more money, consider the Samsung Galaxy S20, which offers a more modern design and better camera, but still supports 5G.

How long it will take?

If you choose the LG V60 ThinQ 5G, you should expect a lifespan of at least two years, which you can extend to three or four years. The device has a glass facade, so we recommend buying a housing. It also has an IP68 water resistance. Although we don't recommend letting it swim, it should survive accidental falls in the pool or bath.

LG doesn't have the best track record of software updates. Although the phone comes with Android 10, the latest version of Android, you shouldn't expect timely updates in the future. For this reason, the phone may lose relevance earlier than expected.

Should you buy one?

No. We only recommend buying this phone if you like the idea of ​​the dual display case. Otherwise, the features are not convincing enough to warrant the purchase of this device.

Editor's recommendations