10 Sep
Blog

Nokia XR20 Review: A Beautiful Beast of a Phone

Back of the Nokia XR20.

Nokia XR20 put to the test: a beautiful beast built to last

RRP $ 550.00

“Don't let its looks fool you, the Nokia XR20 is a rugged phone through and through. It doesn't have the specifications to rival most other mainstream phones, but its value comes with impressive longevity. "

advantages

  • Attractive but robust body

  • Software updates for 3 years

  • Extended warranty (depending on location)

  • Wireless charging

disadvantage

  • Bad camera

  • Mediocre performance

  • Screen with 60 Hz refresh rate

Hard doesn't have to be ugly anymore, now that HMD Global has unveiled the Nokia XR20 smartphone, which it says can "take anything life throws on it and look great doing it". That's a pretty bold claim when rugged phones usually look like they're tucked away in a clunky, rarely very attractive case.

But does this mean that the XR20 is a rugged phone for everyone, whether or not you spend time in situations where a lesser phone would be pulverized in a matter of moments or not?

draft

The Nokia XR20 effectively straddles the world of rugged phones and clunkier mainstream models by avoiding protruding bumpers and bevel cuts on the back to symbolize ruggedness. It also has a subtle blue tint instead of a black or yellow color scheme that just screams "danger"! While it's obviously not a mainstream phone like the OnePlus Nord 2, it doesn't just look at home when it's dusty and haphazardly tossed in the booth of a heavy device.

The Nokia XR20 in the color Ultra Blue, seen from the rear.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Just look at some details. For example, I like the exposed aluminum metal case on the side of the phone and the simple X pattern on the camera module. But despite those pretty visuals, Nokia hasn't forgotten what the phone is really about by including a cutout for a strap, a textured polymer back for added support, and a programmable emergency button.

One-handed operation is practically impossible with small hands.

It's a chunky beast with a thickness of 10.64 mm and 248 grams. A slim plastic case covers the phone, effectively looks like an ergonomic, sturdy case on a slimmer phone and gives it the "military specification" MIL-STD-810H- Certification and an IP68 rating. This means that it has withstood falls from a height of 1.8 meters and up to an hour's water depth to a depth of 1.5 meters, as well as withstanding dust and much more. It has Gorilla Glass Victus above the screen.

It is a very wide phone and one-handed operation is practically impossible with small hands, but it is comfortable and natural to hold as it has no protrusions or protective sections on the body. There's a subtle raised lip around the screen to protect it when it's face down, but it's not so extreme that you feel it every time you swipe through the menus.

Unusually for a phone test, I deliberately dropped the XR20 and also put it in the water. It still works as you'd expect after various dunkings and drops from waist height onto a variety of surfaces from grass to gravel. However, the hard plastic shell has already had some abrasion, suggesting that while it looks pretty now, it may not last as long if it is really abused. That's the price you pay for the XR20 to look vaguely normal. I like the confidence of being able to quickly scrub it off with mild soapy water.

The Nokia XR20 is not a catwalk model, but it is not just made for the construction site. It definitely wants to cross into both worlds, but once we get into the rest of the phone it becomes clear that while the beauty is all disguised, it is only superficial. It's not a criticism, just don't mistake it for something it isn't. If I was a surfer, weekend hiker, or someone who worked in environments that were generally not electronics focused, it really fit the bill. Not really as a primary phone, but certainly as a second “lifestyle-friendly” phone.

camera

The camera module may look like it contains three or four camera lenses, but in reality it has two, with the other two spots being occupied by two flashes – a dual-tone LED and a single LED. There is an 8-megapixel selfie camera in a hole punch in the top center of the screen.

Nokia XR20 camera module.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The dual 48 MP main rear camera and 13 MP wide-angle camera mean the XR20 will never be a camera superstar, and in fact, it can't compete with phones that are built for camera performance. Color balance, white balance, and dynamic range are ubiquitous, and rarely do two photos have the same tone. The inconsistency continues when you switch to wide angle.

It may be called Zeiss, but the Nokia XR20's capabilities don't do it justice. It's not worth judging too harshly because Nokia really doesn't sell the phone as a top camera performer, and the photos it takes are mostly acceptable in decent lighting, but really good ones if you're interested at all Taking pictures and having some creative fun with a camera, this is not the phone for you.

power

The Nokia XR20 has many buttons. The Google Assistant button on the left side of the case is big and easy to find, which also means you'll definitely press it by mistake. There is a programmable button on the top of the phone that can be set to perform a single action like turning on the flashlight or dialing an emergency contact after a long press. It is almost flush with the body so it is unlikely that you will accidentally do this.

Fingerprint sensor of the Nokia XR20.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The fingerprint sensor is located inside the power key and is in the middle on the right side of the case. Annoyingly, I find that when I pick up the phone, my finger naturally presses the volume button above it, which doesn't help because the tiny sensor is flush and has no texture to help locate it. It's reliable when you find it, and a quick face unlock system is there as a backup.

It has enough power for general tasks.

A Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 processor with either 4 GB or 6 GB of RAM makes the XR20 a mid-range mobile phone. It has enough power for general tasks, and I have had no problems browsing, social networking, swiping through Google Discover, and editing photos. The main difference to more powerful phones lies in the overall speed of performing tasks such as starting the phone and starting apps or playing games. In these cases the XR20 responds a little slower. It's not annoying in most situations, but it can be if you're multitasking or just want to get things done quickly.

You will also notice the underperformance in watching videos and games where there are sometimes some stuttering when watching 1080p movies. The 6.67-inch LCD screen with an aspect ratio of 20: 9 and 1080 x 2400 has large bezels and unfortunately only a refresh rate of 60 Hz. The screen sits "under" the bezel, which makes the design look a bit antiquated. The brightness of 550 cd / m² doesn't sound like much, but it is easy to read in sunlight.

Nokia XR20 screen.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Looking at Carfection's Ferrari Portofino M test results in good viewing angles and a pleasant color palette. It's a good screen for a mid-range phone, but it's not very modern and many mainstream phones have the more desirable higher refresh rate. There are two speakers, but the stereo separation is minimal, with most of the volume – of which there is plenty – coming from the speaker on the bottom of the phone. The mobile phone plays Asphalt 9: Legends relatively smoothly and does not get hot. The overall weight of the Nokia XR20 means it's not exactly the ideal video or gaming partner, and the Snapdragon 480 lacks the guts to impress.

Battery, software and connectivity

Android One is neatly designed and laid out in the same way as it is on a Google Pixel phone, so it's very easy to use and I haven't encountered any reliability issues. HMD Global promises three years of phone version updates and four years of security updates, which is excellent. It has 5G, assuming you have coverage near you and NFC for Google Pay, plus a 3.5mm headphone jack, but the Wi-Fi connection struggles to maintain a weak signal compared to other phones.

Emergency button on the top of the Nokia XR20.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Google Assistant button on Nokia XR20.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Charging port for the Nokia XR20.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The 4,630 mAh battery is very powerful and offers two days of run time even when you're playing games, watching videos, or making a few calls. It's great to see that 15 watt wireless charging is included, as is wired charging 18 W Quick Charge 4.0. However, it does not come with a charger, so actual charging speeds will depend on the charger you ultimately use.

Price and availability

The Nokia XR20 is priced at $ 550 and is available for pre-order now from B&H Photo and is likely to be available in other outlets as well. In the UK, the XR20 is available now and costs £ 399 / $ 552 or £ 449 / $ 621 for the 6GB / 128GB model. It is available in either Ultra Blue, as seen in our photos, or Granite Gray.

Our opinion

An uninspiring camera, a 60Hz refresh screen, and a Snapdragon 480 processor are a recipe for a phone that costs $ 250, but the Nokia XR20 costs $ 550. Though it looks better than most rugged phones, at its core it's still a rugged phone – and a good one at it – and you pay for the tech and certification that go into it, rather than a camera and processor-centric spec list .

The XR20 will almost certainly outlast phones that cost half the price and still look decent when you take it around town.

The story often ends here, which means that ruggedness is really the only reason to buy, but that's not exactly the case with the XR20. It's not just the body that makes it last – there is real longevity elsewhere as well. HMD Global promises three years of Android version updates and four years of security updates. It's also backed by a three-year warranty if purchased in the UK or Europe, complete with a one-year free screen replacement warranty. The US warranty details vary, and HMD Global states it comes with a two-year extended warranty.

Combine that with the rugged case, Gorilla Glass Victus, and IP68 water resistance, and you have a phone that will last through 2024 and beyond. The performance might not offer much value, but the updates and warranty do a far better job. As a second phone when things get muddy or rocky, the XR20 will almost certainly outlast phones that cost half the price and still look decent when you take it around town.

Is there a better alternative?

The ruggedness of the Nokia XR20 sets it apart from the Cat S61 and Cat S62 Pro, which both cost more but have Flir's thermal imaging technology and a far more traditional rugged design. The Cat S48c is older but is available at a much lower price, as is the current Motorola Defy.

If you're looking to spend around $ 500 on a phone without the rugged design, we recommend the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G. It's waterproof and made of plastic, so it should be moderately durable, but the screen and camera are superior to the Nokia XR20.

How long it will take?

As mentioned above, the Nokia XR20 Android software will be updated for three years and the security updates will continue for another year after that. The warranty period varies depending on where you buy the phone, but it may be covered for up to three years. That means you should be able to securely own and use the phone until at least 2024. Plus, it has 5G so you can take advantage of the fastest connection speeds too.

Should you buy it?

Yes, but only if “tough treatment” is at the top of your wish list.

Editor's recommendations



01 Jul
Blog

Realme GT Review: Top-tier Chip in an Average Phone

Realme GT yellow and black back

“The Realme GT is a solid mid-range smartphone with a flagship processor inside and an attractively low price. But don't expect it to compete with most other top of the line phones elsewhere. "

  • Vegan leather model is an eye-catcher

  • The Snapdragon 888 chip works great

  • Compact and light

  • Mediocre camera

  • No watertightness

It's impossible to ignore the yellow and black color scheme of the eye-catching Realme GT, as well as Realmes repeated claims that the phone is a "flagship" because it uses the top Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor. But a phone takes more than a fast processor to impress, and while the phone's other specs are good, they don't stand out. The Realme GT has the show and the run, but is that enough to make it a phone?

design

If Bumblebee used a smartphone, it would be the Racing Yellow Realme GT. The yellow vegan leather is softly structured and feels very comfortable and has so far left no traces from my hands covered with sunscreen and moisturizer or from being tucked into pockets and bags, which would suggest that it is durable. It's adapted to a strip of glass, but could very well be made of plastic that runs along the left side of the back and contains the camera module.

Realme GT yellow and black back close-upAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

At first glance it looks jet black, but on closer inspection it has a very faint V-shaped motif, complete with a slight bluish cast that runs along it. It's actually a little too faint and would look better if it were visible more often. While I think the Realme GT looks beautiful, these two primary design features elevate it well beyond what it actually is – another reworking of the same Realme and Oppo phone design we saw recently.

Paint the Realme GT black and it will look very, very similar to the Realme 8 5G, Oppo A54 5G, and other phones that have been released in the past few months. The lens layout can change a bit within the camera module, but on closer inspection, the crossover in the Oppo and Realme phone design is painfully obvious. Both are part of the BBK Electronics empire along with OnePlus, Vivo and IQOO, but work independently of each other.

Does that make the GT less attractive? Not really. If you want to reuse a drab design, it's best to disguise it in a crazy, eye-catching yellow and black color scheme. The Realme GT is pleasantly light at 186 grams and quite thick for the leather model at 9.1 mm, but overall reasonably proportioned to live with. A version in which the vegan leather back is exchanged for glass is also available.

screen

The GT's 6.43-inch Super AMOLED screen comes as a surprise. The resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, the lack of curves on the sides, and the screen-to-body ratio of around 85% aren't the stuff of mobile dreams, so I wasn't expecting anything special. However, it is very attractive for videos and can even compete with the higher-resolution Fluid AMOLED screen of the OnePlus 9 Pro without HDR10 + and massive brightness.

Realme GT screenAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

If you look at Carfection's Litchfield Toyota GR Yaris review on YouTube at 1440p, there's nothing different from each other. Compare it to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro, and the Apple phone's more natural tones appeal to the standard coolness of the Realme GT screen, but it really manages to hold its own against these two display heavyweights in some ways.

The flatness doesn't appeal to me. I prefer a screen with a certain shape and I appreciate the way curved glass catches the light and feels in my hand. The GT lacks that, which makes it feel ordinary. Outside of video, the Realme GT's screen lacks vibrancy – even in Vivid mode – and the screen protector is poor quality, attracting fingerprints, and dulling the display when the operating system is in general use. On the positive side, the refresh rate of 120 Hz makes scrolling incredibly smooth.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

There's a fast and reliable fingerprint sensor at the bottom of the screen, but it has an annoying habit of not always activating when I pick up the phone or tap the screen to wake it up. However, face unlock with selfie camera usually worked before I became too frustrated. Audio is delivered through stereo speakers and is fine for casual use, plus the phone supports Dolby Atmos, but the phone's sound doesn't have much depth.

camera

Inside the module on the back there are three cameras, a 64-megapixel Sony IMX682 main camera, an 8-MP wide-angle camera and a 2-MP macro camera. There is a 16 MP selfie camera in a hole punch at the top of the screen. Realme calls the GT a flagship phone, but this isn't a flagship camera setup. The IMX682 is used in the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, for example.

Realme GT camera moduleAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

The camera is acceptable but inconsistent and unable to compete with the best cameras available on phones today. On its worst days, the main camera tends to become oversaturated and does not always set the white balance correctly, while it destroys the mood in more complex lighting conditions with dark shadows and missing details. The wide angle camera is where the inconsistency is found mostly in the way it matches the colors.

Realme GT review wide cam path

Realme GT main camera Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

Realme GT Review Main Cam Path

Realme GT wide angle camera Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

Realme GT rating 2x path

Realme GT 2x digital zoom Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

Realme GT rating 5x path

Realme GT 5x digital zoom Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends

When the conditions are right, the Realme GT can take well-balanced, detailed photos that I'm happy to share with minimal editing. It seems to favor general photos of people, pets, and food, struggling with scenes that required more nuance and skill to capture effectively. The selfie camera has an activated beauty mode as standard, which significantly smooths the skin.

The camera app annoys me. Although the Realme GT doesn't have an optical zoom feature, Realme adds a 2x and a 5x option that you can use in the camera app. Unsurprisingly, the photos aren't very good. The 2x digital zoom can be passable, but the 5x is bad, and by making it an option, Realme confuses people about the actual capabilities of the camera, causing people to ruin photos they are too Rightly expected them to get better.

A "flagship" camera must encourage you to take pictures by producing stunning photos that will increase your creativity and fun. The Realme GT's camera lacks the general capability or hardware to do this, which is unfortunate given the imaging capability of the Snapdragon 888, but is fine for general everyday use.

Performance and battery

The Realme GT's flagship references come almost entirely from using a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor. The Snapdragon 888 chip is tremendously powerful and I had no issues playing Asphalt 9: Legends and Genshin Impact. Realme speaks of a 360Hz adaptive touch sampling rate, but I didn't notice any difference when gaming on the GT compared to other phones.

Realme GT viewed from aboveAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Realme UI 2.0 software, which is based on Android 11, is almost identical to Oppo's Color OS V11 software, to the point where you can choose the same icon shape and size, as well as the same font, to do just that to achieve the same look, all from identical settings pages. Both brands are part of the BBK Electronics empire so this is no surprise, but don't buy a Realme phone if you've used an Oppo phone and didn't like the software.

The Snapdragon 888 chip is tremendously powerful /

Is it below average? No, it's fine and has plenty of customization options to make it your own if the look is awkward. I've found it to be reliable and fast, the settings menu is logical enough, and notifications have been delivered for the most part without any problems, although some apps don't always notify you of a new message until you unlock the phone. I find that the keyboard is set very low on the screen, which has resulted in more typos than usual.

Inside is a 4,500mAh battery that has enough power to last for almost two days, but only under normal conditions of use. Make a video call and play a few games and the battery will run out by the middle of the second day. It is charged with the 65-watt SuperDart Charge from Realme, which fully charges the battery in about 35 minutes, but has no wireless charging.

Price and availability

The Realme GT is available now in Europe and is coming soon in the UK, but the only official prices are currently available in euros. The phone costs 449 euros, which is around $ 550 for the 8GB / 128GB version or 599 euros / $ 725 for the 12GB / 256GB model. It's not currently available directly through Realme's UK online store, but it can be found through Amazon in Europe and as an import from sellers on AliExpress, where it starts at $ 480. If you choose to import the phone, make sure it is the Global model or you will not have Google Play or Google Services installed.

Our opinion

I've been using the Realme GT every day for a couple of weeks now and have had no real problems with it at all. People have commented on the striking yellow and black color scheme, and the battery has kept up with my activities, but I haven't really settled down with the phone. The problem is, outside of the vegan leather and yellow paintwork, it's not very exciting.

The camera and screen are satisfactory but do not encourage me to use them and certainly do not offer anything above the competition. The existence of the Realme GT is based solely on the Snapdragon 888 processor and the performance it delivers.

While it's a solid everyday phone, the rest of the specs don't take full advantage of the Snapdragon 888's capabilities or what we expect to go with it, which is unfortunate. It also lacks many other features that we would expect from a top-of-the-line phone, including wireless charging, a great feature-rich camera, and water resistance. It certainly has a lot of guts and gaming is great. So if all you're looking for is performance, the GT delivers it for a reasonable price. But the rest of the phone doesn't keep that monster processor's promise.

Is there a better alternative?

The unclear pricing of the Realme GT in the UK and the lack of an official US release make it difficult to compare directly, but we'll compare it to phones that cost less than $ 500. The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G doesn't have the Snapdragon 888, but it does have a better camera and screen, plus long battery life and a pretty design. The software is great too, and it's our recommended Android smartphone for this price point. Similarly, the Google Pixel 4a beats the Realme GT's camera and software, but it can't keep up with its processing power.

Less obvious competitors include the Asus Zenfone 8 and Xiaomi Mi 11, both of which cost about the same as the Realme GT and offer similar specs, but also have disadvantages.

How long it will take?

The Realme GT has 5G so it can be connected to the fastest mobile data service at any time, which gives it a good start in terms of longevity. The phone isn't waterproof, and other than the leather back being likely to be moderately more durable than the glass version, it's not a particularly rugged phone either. It is advisable to put it in a case.

Realme offers software updates for two years, but doesn't go into timing. Due to the custom user interface via Android, it takes longer for major Android version updates to arrive than for example on a Google Pixel phone. However, the Snapdragon 888 processor will help ensure that the phone lasts for at least two years.

Should you buy it?

No, unless your only requirement is to have the fastest Qualcomm processor at the cheapest price. There are better all-rounders for a similar price.

Editor's recommendations



29 Jun
Blog

OnePlus Nord CE 5G Review: A Cheap Phone Made to Last

OnePlus Nord CE

“The OnePlus Nord CE 5G is a lightweight, affordable phone with a two-day battery that is future-proof and long-lasting with 5G and a range of software updates, provided you're not too demanding. But just a little more money brings you something better. "

  • Two days of battery life

  • Reliable, fast software

  • Light

  • Screen lacks liveliness

  • Processor struggles with intensive tasks

The OnePlus Nord CE 5G is a phone that is designed to last for a few years and is good value for money with no high starting price. It's no surprise that the Nord CE 5G has such a strong bang-to-buck ratio on paper as OnePlus has focused on delivering quality hardware for years. But is a value-oriented data sheet enough? Now that I've spent almost two weeks with the Nord CE 5G, it's clear why you don't have to spend more, but it's also clear why you should.

design

My Nord CE test model is in the color Blue Void and it's nice. It's obviously closely related to the Ultramarine Blue on the OnePlus 8 Pro, but with fewer shades of green and prefers to turn subtly into purple around the edges instead. It catches the light well and the back of the glass – not Gorilla Glass, but from another unnamed manufacturer – is handy and feels cool.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The chassis is made of plastic. It weighs 170 grams and is 7.9 mm thick, and that's thinner and lighter than the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, Realme 8 5G, and the first OnePlus Nord. The rounded case and flat screen make it comfortable to hold, but the plastic volume and power buttons feel cheap.

It's unfortunate that the Nord CE 5G doesn't have that wonderful OnePlus alarm slider that has been standard on most other OnePlus phones from the start and is an integral part of the brand's identity. This is despite the company's insistence that the Nord CE is just as much a OnePlus phone as these more expensive devices. It has a 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom of the phone which can be enough for some compensation.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I could complain about the lack of imagination in the design – it's basically the same as the first Nord, and how many more times will we see this shape camera module on a phone? – but it seems a bit silly to do so. The OnePlus Nord CE 5G has a pretty, completely undemanding design that is more noble than the price suggests and is a real eye-catcher in this special color. It's one of the cheapest 5G phones you can buy, but you would never know if you just looked at it from the back.

screen

Here's the first time you want to spend more on a phone, and a small downgrade from last year's Nord. The Nord CE 5G has a 6.43-inch fluid AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 90 Hz and Full HD resolution, which is a decent spec on paper but misses HDR10 +. In reality, it can't compete with the screen on phones that cost little more, like the Galaxy A52 5G.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It lacks warmth and vibrancy when it comes to watching video, even after you've dug into settings and made sure Vivid is set to display mode. Watching Carfection's Shelby Mustang GT500 review reveals the screen's coldness as the crazy green paint job didn't show up like it did on higher-end screens.

At maximum brightness, the screen is visible in all lighting conditions, but it loses a bit of clarity at extreme angles. It comes standard with a screen protector that is covered in fingerprints and it really doesn't make the front of the phone look very attractive. I wiped this phone a lot more than most of the others.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Hard comments? Possibly, but OnePlus is good at screens, and while the 90Hz response rate is much to be welcomed, the Nord CE 5G's performance can't compete with that of the Galaxy A52 5G, and even the Google Pixel 4a adds some of the life to it, that is missing the screen of the Nord CE. However, it is very similar to the Realme 8 5G, which suggests that we should expect it from a phone at this price point.

camera

On the back of the OnePlus Nord CE there are three cameras, a 64-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel wide-angle camera and a third 2-megapixel monochrome camera, which can be used separately. The main camera's photos are bright and colorful, but sometimes a little too saturated, and it struggles in difficult lighting conditions. The wide-angle camera becomes even more saturated and struggles in the shadows, where it loses details.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The camera app will show a 2x zoom option, but this is not an optical mode and if you use it the final picture will lose detail. The monochrome camera takes pure black and white photos, but with a low number of megapixels, although I've still enjoyed using it in the past. The video mode can record at up to 4K at 30 frames per second, there is a night mode for still images and a pro mode.

It can't compete with the Google Pixel 4a in terms of photo quality, but that's not really surprising, and the Galaxy A52 5G's camera gives photos a warmer, slightly more attractive look. That being said, and apart from the inconsistency between the main and wide-angle cameras, the Nord CE's camera takes photos that you'll be happy to share, but they may need to be edited beforehand. OnePlus includes an editor in its Gallery app, but the filters are mostly terrible and the customizations aren't as extensive as in Snapseed or Google Photos.

Where the Nord CE stumbles is when you try to do something too technical. It's stupid trying to focus in portrait mode, and it often refuses to focus on something that seems too close to it. Provided you aren't expecting too much, the Nord CE 5G's camera is fine, but if you experiment and really enjoy playing with the camera, it won't often impress.

Performance and software

My Test Nord CE has 8 GB of RAM, more than enough for most smartphones, and is paired with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G processor. The 750G released in 2020 is a confusing little thing. It's a step up from the Snapdragon 765G in the First North with newer Kryo 570 cores, but its Adreno 619 GPU is a step backwards compared to the Adreno 620 in the 765G. It's made in an 8nm process instead of a 7nm process, but uses the same X52 modem and supports both Sub-6 and mmWave 5G connections.

The Snapdragon 750G is newer than the still-current 765G, and although the G in the name indicates that the processor is geared towards gaming, the Nord CE 5G is happiest when playing casual games like Asphalt 9: Legends, which is rather fast and more exciting than anything more intense.

Genshin Impact is playable with minimal slowing down, but the phone gets warm, verging on hot, after playing for a while, especially if you spend a lot of time fighting. While I have never received an overheating warning, after long sessions with Genshin Impact, I have received a “Your phone's operating temperature has returned to normal” on a few occasions. What lets the Nord CE down more when playing is the sound, which is delivered through a single speaker and can be uncomfortably tinny.

The phone wins in general software, however, with OnePlus's excellent OxygenOS 11 running smoothly and bug free during my time with the phone. I like the always-on screen, which can be customized in a number of ways, and the battery scheduling feature for overnight use. I didn't have any issues with app compatibility or updates, and the settings menu is easy to navigate. It's one of the Nord CE 5G's greatest strengths.

OnePlus Nord CE 5G always on the screen

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

oneplus nord ce 5g review apps

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

oneplus nord ce 5g review browser

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

OnePlus Nord CE 5G settings

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

While the Snapdragon 750G sounds like it should be a little powerhouse, it's not always as snappy as I'd like it to be. For example, it can stall while multitasking. It's not a deal breaker, but you will definitely notice an improvement in speed and responsiveness when using a more powerful phone. The Nord CE is fine for general use, and it has enough power for casual gaming too.

Battery and security

The OnePlus Nord CE is a great phone for casual use, and the battery reflects that. Use it carefully – around two hours of screen time – and barely 30% is consumed before the end of the day. On some quiet days, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G still had power at the end of the second day when connected to either Wi-Fi or 4G LTE. Play games for an hour, play a video, and mix it up with general usage, and the battery should still last a full day with some spare.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

OnePlus' proprietary Warp Charge 30T Plus charge reliably brings the 4,500 mAh battery to 70% in just over 30 minutes, but it takes at least a full hour to reach capacity. Battery life and fast charging are two of the best things about the Nord CE 5G. The Galaxy A52 5G is the Nord CE's archenemy, and while Samsung's phone outperforms the Nord in some places, the Nord's fingerprint sensor is superior. It works really well, even though it's placed quite low on the screen, and there's a quick face-unlock system there as an alternative.

Price and availability

The OnePlus Nord CE 5G has only been announced for the UK, and it is unknown if it will ever officially come to the US. In the UK, it starts at £ 299, around $ 420 for the 8GB / 128GB version and £ 369 / $ 525 for the 12GB / 256GB model. It is now available for pre-order through the OnePlus online store and is sold through Amazon, John Lewis retail stores and the Three Network. It will be released on June 21st.

Our opinion

The OnePlus Nord CE 5G proves that an affordable phone can be powerful, good-looking, and come with great software. If this covers all of your needs then great, you will be happy with it. However, this is where it is worth understanding whether you should spend a little more to get a superior product that will last even longer, and while there is nothing wrong with the Nord CE 5G, making sure your new phone lasts is crucial.

It's Samsung's fault that the Galaxy A52 5G made such a strong offer. It has an IP67 water resistance rating for increased durability, a better screen, a good camera, two days of battery life, and looks just as pretty (maybe even a little more modern). Add an equally robust software commitment and microSD card slot, and it's worth the extra over the 8GB Nord CE 5G as it will almost certainly last longer.

At no point did I feel the need to rip my SIM card out of the Nord CE 5G, so its frustrations never climbed high, and the brilliance of OxygenOS makes up for some of them anyway. However, there is no escaping the fact that while the OnePlus Nord CE 5G is a solidly reliable phone that is reasonably future-proof with 5G and two years of software updates, if longevity is one of your goals and it really should be at all costs, a balanced one Longer-lasting phones are available for little more money.

Is there a better alternative?

The price of the OnePlus Nord CE 5G is very competitive. We recommend going for the £ 299 8GB / 128GB version as it represents the best value. In the UK, the Realme 8 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 5G are challenging the Nord CE on price, but there's little to technically separate them.

We recommend the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G because it has a generous, well thought-out range of functions, is probably more stylish and durable and has a larger, more beautiful screen for little more money. It costs $ 499 in the US and £ 399 in the UK. Getting a 5G phone under $ 500 in the US is a challenge, but also consider the Google Pixel 4a 5G if the camera is a priority.

How long it will take?

The Nord CE doesn't have a waterproof rating or a particularly tough case, so you'll need to put it in a bag if you want to protect it. OnePlus offers a selection of very colorful cases that are perfect for the job. There is good news on the software side, with the company promising two years of updates and three years of security updates. Provided your usage doesn't change there is no reason not to hold up for three years.

Should you buy it?

No. As good as it is, we recommend buying the Galaxy A52 5G for its added features and increased durability.

Editor's recommendations



30 Apr
Blog

Sennheiser’s Mic Kit Brings Pro-Grade Audio to Your Phone

sennheiser mke 400 mobile kit review mke400 microphone switch

Sennheiser MKE 400 Mobile Kit Review: Pro grade audio recording for your phone

"With the Sennheiser MKE 400 Mobile Kit, you can exploit the potential of your smartphone as a mobile vlogging tool by adding high-quality audio and a comprehensive set of accessories."

  • Excellent audio quality

  • Complete set of accessories included

  • Compatible with phones and cameras

  • Headphone monitoring function

  • Requires you to learn new skills to put it to good use

  • The volume can be low

Your smartphone almost certainly has a high-performance video camera. Since it's always with you, it's really the perfect tool for vlogging and video creation on the go. Except that it always disappoints with the built-in microphone that has to do too many different tasks and just can't all be great.

Solving the problem has frustrated me for a while as very few of the options available are an idea. Sennheiser has now launched it MKE 400 Mobile Kitwhich allows you to record videos recorded on your phone with first class audio recording. Could this really be what I was looking for? I found out.

Why use your cell phone?

Every iPhone since the iPhone 6S has recorded 4K video, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra and the latest Galaxy S21 series phones record 8K video. Hence, recording high quality videos with your phone has not been a problem for a while. If this is a huge priority for you, companies like Moment make impressive lens accessories for phones, and there are plenty of video editing apps out there for iOS and Android. Your phone is really a one stop shop for video creation.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Almost. Good audio quality is important when you want to publish your videos. Nobody will want to see if they can't hear you or if they can just hear wind noise or distortion. The microphone on your smartphone is a compromise as it has to perform various tasks and it isn't high on the priority list that makes you sound good on videos. It is not suitable for remote shooting or in noisy environments.

There are several ways to cure this. Lavalier microphones are popular, but they get tied down with a cord or you could invest in an expensive wireless microphone system. But there is a fine line between this step and considering taking fully to the next level with a DSLR-based setup, and the money really adds up at this point. It can feel demoralizing looking at the different options and sometimes unnecessary with your phone right there capturing perfectly good videos.

Everything you need

What does that matter MKE 400 Mobile Kit The special thing is that it was mainly developed for use with a smartphone. The packaging includes the Sennheiser MKE 400 shotgun microphone, a sturdy aluminum smartphone clamp to hold both the phone and your phone, and a Manfrotto Pixi mini tripod that doubles as a handle. A 3.5mm TRRS cable to connect the microphone to your smartphone and another 3.5mm TRS cable to use with DSLRs offer a lot of flexibility.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The MKE 400 is attached to the smartphone clamp with a standard cold shoe holder, as two AAA batteries are used for its own power supply. The mount itself has multiple 1/4 "threaded holes for attaching to a tripod, as well as a single 3/8" threaded hole and rubber lined clamp for your phone. This can be rotated from portrait to landscape and the clip can snap into place so it doesn't move – and your phone won't come loose.

The Manfrotto Pixi tripod is small but very robust. It's made of stainless steel and has a maximum height of 5.3 inches, with each of the feet ending in a rubber grip for added stability. It's fine for use with a phone, but Manfrotto doesn't recommend it to support something heavier than 2.25 pounds, so it might not work well with some DSLRs. Firmly press the button on the side and the head can be repositioned which gives it a lot of versatility.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Pixi tripod can be used on a surface or a handheld. The clamp is big enough to fit most phones – I've used it with the iPhone 12 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra – and the connection system is simple. You'll be done and ready in less than five minutes. It is incredibly portable and very solidly made.

What about the microphone?

The MKE 400 is a Shotgun microphone with a supercardioid pattern, that is, it is designed to pick up audio directly from the front and slightly from the back, but not so much from the sides, to reduce unwanted ambient noise. The MKE 400 name has been used by Sennheiser for years, but the company has updated the design and added functionality to this newly introduced model.

sennheiser mke 400 mobile kit review mke400 mic pageAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

sennheiser mke 400 mobile kit review mke400 microphone switchAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

sennheiser mke 400 mobile kit review mke400 dead catAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

sennheiser mke 400 mobile kit review mke400 clampAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

The windshield and shock mount have been placed in the metal microphone housing for a more compact and visually appealing look. A furry cover for "dead cats" is also included to further reduce wind noise. On the side of the microphone there is a volume-controlled 3.5 mm headphone output for monitoring the audio, a three-stage sensitivity gain control and a low-pass filter.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

There are two AAA batteries in the box that can be used to power the microphone. Sennheiser estimates that they last 100 hours before they have to be replaced. It weighs 93 grams, about half of most modern smartphones, but still feels robust. It looks very modern and professional too, and if you only have the Sennheiser name on the side, it's very believable. It may sound strange, but that's a big deal.

How does it sound

I recorded audio with the Sennheiser MKE 400 outside when I was walking around and inside when I was sitting, in the car and in other relatively noisy environments. I connected it to an iPhone 12 Pro using the included 3.5mm cable and a Lightning dongle. It performed very well at all times, but most of all, it's a huge improvement over the audio recordings you would get if you just used the built-in mic or other cheaper mics.

The most obvious difference is the drastic reduction in background and ambient noise. The MKE 400 records your voice clearly and still picks up just the right amount of ambient noise. For example, if you are recording while taking an early morning walk, the microphone will still record the sounds of the surrounding forest for a natural, pleasant tone that accurately captures your surroundings without overwhelming your voice.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Plus, my voice sounds less artificial and removes the echo and harshness you get from the iPhone 12 Pro's microphone. I also compared it to a Rode SmartLav + lavalier microphone and again there was much less background noise and echo. Outside, it works well at about a meter to two meters away, provided you are facing the general direction of the microphone. It also records well when you are behind the microphone, as long as you are not too far away. In a moving car there is a little more echo behind the microphone, but since the ambient noise is minimized, the recording is not ruined.

The downsides are learning how to get the most out of the MKE 400. While it's not particularly complicated, there are a ton of trial and error that can't really be found with a simple plug-in lavalier microphone. For example, the volume is pretty low at the normal setting. In order to hear them well during playback on the iPhone, the volume must be around 75%. There is three-stage gain control, but setting this to the high level increases the overall noise, so there is a tradeoff between recording from further away and introducing more ambient noise.

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The headphone jack on the microphone body lets you hear what is being recorded, which helps to a certain extent. This is difficult when you are alone and want to check the distance record, for example. I don't think the MKE 400 requires any experience or knowledge at a professional level, but I think you need patience and a willingness to learn about sound recording in order to get the most out of it.

The use of the Sennheiser MKE 400 has been approved. I'm used to recording with a wired lavalier mic and it's great not to have to worry about the cord. I also hate that I forgot to turn the microphone back on when I have to move away from the camera, which you won't worry about with the MKE 400. The sound quality is great too. It also works with the camera or voice recorder app and, if necessary, with a DSLR. Hence, it is hard to imagine that you would wish for much else.

Price and availability

The Sennheiser MKE 400 Mobile Kit costs $ 230 or £ 200. It is now available from Sennheiser's own online shop or from other Sennheiser dealers.

Our opinion

The Sennheiser MKE 400 Mobile Kit is a comprehensive, high quality and easy to use sound recording system for your phone. While it's made for a smartphone, don't think that it is fundamental as all of the features here will help you capture the best possible audio with your smartphone.

Sennheiser's decision to make it a full kit is inspired because you don't have to buy anything else. Hence, it's ideal for anyone just starting out or looking to upgrade from a more basic setup. Even so, performance is not straightforward, and the audio quality is a huge improvement over your phone's built-in microphone and even over competent lavalier microphones.

The versatility means it is suitable for handheld shooting facing the camera, desktop use, outdoor shooting, and even in noisy environments like the inside of a moving car – all without wires or a wireless bluetooth connection. It's not cheap, but the price reflects the capability, quality, and welcome simplicity of the overall package.

Is there a better alternative?

There are several different shotgun microphones that will work with your smartphone, but very few come with the accessories that the MKE 400 Mobile Kit offers. The prices also vary widely. This comica kit with a wireless microphone system is $ 170 while Rode's VideoMic camera mount kit is $ 147. A good lavalier microphone like the Rode SmartLav + costs around $ 90, and the Audio Technica ATR3350xiS microphone costs around $ 35.

All of them can pick up audio better than the built-in microphone in your phone. However, before you decide on a microphone, consider how and where you want to record. Sennheiser is never the cheapest brand, but quality is almost always guaranteed.

How long it will take?

The components contained in the mobile kit are robust and robust. They are mainly made of different metals, with only the base of the microphone being made of plastic. The universal 3.5mm headphone jack for connecting the microphone to your phone requires a dongle if it does not have the appropriate port. So make sure you have one on hand. No apps need to be installed and no firmware needs to be updated. The MKE 400 will last for years if handled well.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It is all you need to greatly enhance the audio recorded by your smartphone.

Editor's recommendations




14 Apr
Blog

Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Review: Buy This Phone

Samsung Galaxy A52 5G

"The excellent Samsung Galaxy A52 5G has a clever trick: it looks good, does everything you need, takes good photos, and has a battery life of two days, but is reasonably priced."

  • Colorful 120 Hz screen

  • Two days of battery life

  • The camera takes photos that can be shared

  • IP67 water resistance

  • Useless fingerprint sensor

Samsung made the best Android phone of 2021, the Galaxy S21 Ultra, but at more than $ 1,000 It's a serious investment. The Galaxy A52 5G costs less than half the amount it would take to back up an S21 Ultra. However, does this mean that it is not worth thinking about? Samsung has made great strides in the attractiveness and overall performance of its mid-range A-series hardware, and while the A52 5G obviously doesn't compare to the S21 Ultra, it has a lot going for it.

While we expect smartphones to have decent cameras and good software, Samsung has thought about what features will improve the A52 5G in meaningful ways and has added them. It turns a good phone into a great one. I lived with the Galaxy A52 5G and so it is.

design

Don't think too long about what the Galaxy A52 5G is made of, but think about how it looks and feels. The matte back has a soft, glass-like surface that is warm to the touch and still offers a reasonable grip. The case has a shiny chrome finish. It's not metal and the back wall isn't glass, but from a distance you would never know. The camera module appears to be part of the back, which reinforces the illusion that it is made of a considerably more expensive material than it actually is.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The white paint on my review unit looks excellent and doesn't attract any nasty smudges or fingerprints, although the chrome finish on the sides did notice a few small scratches during my time with the phone. However, you will have to search hard to find them. Although it weighs 189 grams, it is perfectly weighted and does a very good job of disguising this larger than expected mass.

Another welcome surprise is that in addition to a USB-C charging port on the bottom of the phone, the phone also has room for a 3.5mm headphone jack and the SIM slot also has room for a MicroSD card. The phone is 8.4mm thick and the overall shape is quite "angular," which adds up to the one minor downside of the A52 5G in that it feels quite large, especially when trying to use it with one hand. It's not impossible, but when compared to a slimmer, more curved phone like the OnePlus 9 Pro, which is almost the same width as the A52 5G, the range of thumb movement is significantly less.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

This isn't an isolated case for the Galaxy A52 5G, however, and apart from the slight lumpiness, it's otherwise a good-looking, well-balanced smartphone with a premium feel without a high price tag.

screen

Yes, the screen has a noticeable bezel, but no, it doesn't matter. The chin is the largest area, and even then, the A52 5G still looks like a modern phone. The 6.5-inch Super AMOLED has a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 120 Hz, eliminating any frame concerns. When I started using the Galaxy A52 5G, I had come straight from the cheaper $ 250 Nokia 5.4, which has one of the darkest smartphone screens I've ever used. The A52 5G has twice the brightness and is readable outdoors in most situations. In addition, the viewing angles are excellent.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's lovely to look at. We've always sung the praises of the screen on the Galaxy S20, the Galaxy S20 FE, and even the Galaxy S10 before that. The Galaxy A52 5G really gives you the same visual experience as these phones, but for a lot less money. When Carfection reviewed the Nomad R, the colors and vibrancy of the surroundings jumped off the screen. The car's Evo group test, the A52 5G's willingness to show lots of detail, and the superb contrast values ​​are all on show.

A good-looking, well-balanced smartphone with a premium feel without a high price.

Add the 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling throughout the OS – it's adjustable to 60Hz if you want to prioritize battery life – and the tiny selfie camera in a hole in the top center and the Galaxy A52's screen 5G is much more like expensive phones. A real highlight of the phone until you get to safety.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Galaxy A52 5G has a built-in fingerprint sensor. Unfortunately, it's not the updated versions of the Galaxy S21 range, but rather the older, much less reliable version that has frustrated us with the Galaxy S20 Ultra and Note 20 Ultra. Because of its unreliability, where it often refuses to recognize input, I turned it off out of frustration, and that makes it a serious security problem. There is face unlock that you can resort to, but even that isn't the fastest or most accurate system. I relied on a PIN to secure the A52 5G because of the phone's hardware defects. That’s not good enough.

camera

The decent five-camera module on the back of the Galaxy A52 5G has a 64-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilization, phase detection autofocus and an aperture of f / 1.8. There is a 12MP wide angle camera and a pair of 5MP cameras for macro and depth. It can record videos at 4K and 30 frames per second (fps). There is also a night mode and Samsung's single-take mode.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Photos are generally good. On bright days, it's not oversaturated and shows a pleasing palette with enough pop to catch the images. However, there are situations where the camera will emphasize green colors too much, resulting in a slightly unnatural appearance. However, this is mostly the case when using the wide-angle camera. There's also very little consistency between the main and wide-angle cameras, and some may also find the HDR effect to be too clumsy.

Portrait mode is decent and likes its subject, although edge detection doesn't challenge more expensive Galaxy models. The Galaxy A52 5G's camera is not as powerful as the Google Pixel 4a and suffers from the same problems as older Samsung cameras – inconsistency and oversaturation – but I never chose not to take a photo with it. Photos were taken every day, which I found perfectly acceptable.

Software and performance

It's Android 11 with OneUI 3.1 on my Galaxy A52 test device, which is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G processor and 6 GB of RAM. The software is almost the same as that installed on the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 +, and Galaxy S21 Ultra. So take a closer look at these reviews. It is crucial that I have no concerns about the speed, smoothness or functionality of the software on the A52 5G.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The OneUI 3.1 from Samsung is easy to use and offers clear menus and settings. The notifications are reliable and most can be interacted with. I also like the constantly active screen with its helpful icons and large time display. Samsung removed (or hidden) its Samsung Daily screen and replaced it with Google News when you swipe right on the home screen, which I personally find more useful. I've used OneUI a lot this year and haven't found it frustrating (other than the power button) or bad, and that trend continues with the A52 5G.

Samsung Galaxy A52 5G review appsAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Samsung Galaxy A52 5g review refresh rateAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Samsung Galaxy A52 5g review shortcutsAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Instead of using its own Exynos processor, Samsung built the Galaxy A52 5G with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G octa-core chip, whether you are in the US or the UK. With both Asphalt 9: Legends it is great for games and Genshin Impact play very well without generating a lot of heat. It doesn't have the instant response you get with the Galaxy S21 Ultra, but I use it for normal tasks every day and it hasn't missed a beat. Top specs are always nice, but the Snapdragon 750G does everything you need.

Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Review GameAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Samsung Galaxy A52 5G review headphone jackAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Samsung Galaxy A52 5g review pageAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

The battery life of the 4,500 mAh cell was very good. With normal use, two days can be achieved without any problems. If you get crazy about gaming this will change, but with general usage, some photos and videos, and the 120hz screen active, I ended most days with over 50% remaining time. It only charges at Samsung's fastest 25W speeds, which is around 80 minutes to fully charge. Wireless charging would have been a welcome addition, but it's rare at this price point.

Price and availability

The 6GB / 128GB Galaxy A52 5G is priced at $ 499 in the US and £ 399 in the UK. It's available through Samsung's own online store and retailers, including Amazon. You can buy it in the white color shown here, or in black, blue, or purple.

Our opinion

What a great phone the Galaxy A52 5G is. It's not overpriced, looks really good, is very well built, takes highly shareable photos, and is powerful enough to do whatever you need to do every day. The battery even lasts two days on one charge. We really expect that from every phone these days, and where the A52 5G really wins are all the extras Samsung has packed.

The Galaxy A52 5G has a number of useful extra features – water resistance, a microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack – that you don't always see on more expensive phones, plus 5G for the future if you so choose. These are not gadgets, but rather features that you will actually benefit from, and that is really welcome. It's also what turns the phone from simply good to great.

While there are still plenty of reasons to buy a Galaxy S-series flagship phone, the A52 5G ticks all the boxes for half the price or less if you're not that into top-notch photography or hardcore gaming. That's a good value, and while we're inundated with great flagship phones, the less you want to spend, the fewer the choices. So it's great to have a strong recommendation here.

Is there a better alternative?

The Galaxy A52 5G's biggest competitor is the Google Pixel 4a 5G, which also costs $ 499. If the camera is the most important part of your new phone it might be a better buy, but the design and materials can't be the same as the A52 5G. Since Samsung has strong software support for the future, it manages to regain some attraction in this area.

The battery even lasts two days on one charge.

It also takes on the OnePlus 8 in the US, which is available for $ 500, but it's considerably older than the brand new A52 5G. Some might also check out the Apple iPhone SE for $ 399, which is a whole different deal. It's slim and beautifully done, but much smaller and with a less versatile camera.

In the UK, the price of the A52 5G is even more competitive as it undercuts the Pixel 4a 5G and is closer to the Pixel 4a which means it is excellent value for money. There's a lot of competition, however, from the £ 280 / $ 385 Realme 8 Pro and the £ 469 / $ 645 Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G to the £ 380 / $ 520 Oppo X3 Lite.

How long it will take?

There is some good news here. The phone is IP67 water and dust resistant (yes, even with the 3.5mm headphone jack) and Samsung says the phone will get three Android version and security updates over the next four years. The 5G connection means you're ready to connect to the fastest network, if it's available where you live.

In addition, the MicroSD card slot expands the standard internal storage of 128 GB as well as NFC (in my UK version) for Google Pay and offers everything you need from a smartphone. The Galaxy A52 5G should last two to three years, assuming you're not a hardcore gamer.

Should you buy one?

Yes, the capabilities, style, and performance of the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G exceed expectations.

Editor's recommendations




22 Jan
Blog

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Review: 2021’s Best Galaxy S Phone

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Review Hand Shirt

"The only real flagship of the Galaxy S series of 2021 is the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which has exceptional capabilities, especially from the camera, at a lower price than its predecessor."

  • High performance, versatile camera

  • Nice AMOLED screen

  • Elegant new design

  • Long battery life

  • Latest software from Google and Samsung

  • The price is lower than last year

  • Shaky Wi-Fi connectivity

  • Intermittent loading issues

  • The top-heavy design affects the balance

  • No microSD card slot

As cute as the new design is, the Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21 + do not have the technical specifications that we expect from the top S-series phones from Samsung. To get that true S-series experience, you have to buy the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which is fully focused on performance, screen, camera and battery technology to please hardcore fans.

But at $ 1,200 that is Galaxy S21 Ultra This is a sizeable investment, certainly compared to the $ 800 Galaxy S21 already tested. In addition, it faces serious competition both on the outside – for example the iPhone 12 Pro Max – and on the inside (the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Fold 2).

I am one week in the time that I live with the S21 Ultra. So, consider this a very detailed early look rather than our final test at this point, but both myself and mobile editor Andrew Martonik will add our continued thoughts to this article over the phone over the coming weeks as we build our final review out.

But even after seven days, the extraordinary capabilities of the Galaxy S21 Ultra are clear, especially when it comes to the camera. The top Samsung S-series phone may be here earlier than usual, but there's no doubt that it has a lot going for it.

design

Yes, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is a big phone, but the dimensions and weight don't tell the full story. The thickness of 8.9 mm and the weight of 227 grams sound pretty normal for large smartphones these days. Placing them next to the S20 Ultra and the Note 20 Ultra actually takes up less space. This is deceptive, however, because it isn't as good as any of these phones or much of the competition, and it all has to do with the S21 Ultra's standout design feature – that large camera module – and its construction.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Instead of being a separate module on the back of the phone like the S20 Ultra, the S21 Ultra's massive camera array is part of the case itself, molded from metal and separated from the Gorilla Glass back. It's a different approach than most other smartphones and really gives the S21 Ultra a unique style – I especially like the “solid metal” design. It also looks a lot better than the S20 Ultra. However, all of this comes at the expense of balance.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Balance is important. This makes the phone feel natural in our hand and holds it securely in our grip. Since there is a large lump of metal with four camera sensors on one side of the S21 Ultra, the balance is easily disturbed. It's not a lot, but after a while you feel it. The 227g weight gets tiring after being held in portrait orientation for some time, especially with one hand. It's not the end of the world, but when the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra feels thinner, lighter, and more balanced in the hand, you know you are dealing with an animal.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Balance aside, the sides of the S21 Ultra are neatly curved and comfortable to grip, the volume and on / off buttons are well placed, there is no stupid Bixby button in the way, and the matte body is not covered in smudges or fingerprints . On this subject, my test model is in phantom black, a new color Samsung talked about extensively during the launch event. So is it worth the attention or is it just another black phone? The answer is that it is actually judged very well and is one of the best looking black surfaces you will see. With the ceramic black Oppo Find X2 Pro, it's just right for you.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The matte finish is broken up by a glossy Samsung logo and the chiseled polished metal that surrounds the camera module, as well as the reflective glass over each camera lens. I find it elegant and expensive. There are versions in lighter colors too, including some exclusive Samsung colors, but it really is one of the first times I can say that buying the black one is a good choice.

camera

As with the Galaxy S21 Ultra's dimensions, the camera's basic specs don't reflect what they look like in real life. The specification is as follows: A 108 megapixel camera includes a 12MP ultrawide, a 10MP 10x periscope zoom and a 10MP 3x telephoto zoom. Even with laser autofocus, optical image stabilization, 8K video recording, and many other features on paper, this is nothing we haven't seen before. In practice, however, its ability quickly makes it clear that while we've seen the specifications before, we haven't implemented them as effectively as Samsung did here.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Let's talk about the zoom. At 10x and 3x optical zoom levels, the results are often astonishing. The photos contain a variety of details that are not compromised by aggressive software enhancements. This results in crisp, sharp, colorful, and balanced images that you are happy to share. However, there are some problems. If you compare it to the Huawei P40 Pro, with which we received a high-performance 10x hybrid zoom in May 2020, you will find that the Huawei can capture far more realistic colors – and often in greater detail. However, the S21 Ultra is not as underexposed as the Huawei, so it is the more consistent camera at this zoom level.

Use the digital zoom outside of the optical settings and the quality will decrease compared to the optical levels. Compare the 2x optical zoom of the iPhone 12 Pro with the 2x digital zoom of the S21 Ultra. The results are very different. The Samsung phone blurs details and loses realism. Increase the S21 Ultra to 3x optically and compare it to the 2x zoom of the iPhone. They are very similar in detail and tone.

Aside from the 10x optical zoom, the good news is that the photos are mostly usable, and that includes up to 100x. Photos taken with the Galaxy S20 Ultra with a maximum of 100x zoom were ridiculously bad, but the S21 Ultra allows you to photograph a sign and it remains perfectly legible. At 30x, even photos of wild animals look good – divisible good – and it's a welcome surprise. If a business wants to add these relatively niche, long zoom features, they need to be usable and reside on the S21 Ultra.

How about photos in general? While the physical phone struggles with its balance, the photos generated by the camera don't. Gone are the days of Samsung's radioactive greens and constant azure skies being replaced with a more natural color palette and a beautiful HDR system that works hard to bring out masses of detail without ruining the surroundings or subject. It's not always 100% effective, but you actually have to make an effort to get it off track, and there are times when Samsung is typing again and making the skies better.

The S21 Ultra takes photos that are immediately pleasing to the eye, and that wasn't the case with the S20 Ultra. The Note 20 Ultra has improved over the S20, but the S21 Ultra goes way beyond either. I use it to take photos like I did with the iPhone 12 Pro – content where the results are great and I don't feel the need to review and retake the shot because I don't trust it. I've never had this much confidence in a Samsung camera.

I just haven't had enough time to try out all of the camera's functions as there are many. Here are a few that I've tried that can't be seen on other phones. In Pro mode for video there is a new BT Mix audio option that allows the phone to record audio from a Bluetooth source and from the phone itself, delivering natural ambient sound paired with commentary. I've tried this on a pair of Galaxy Buds Live and it's really very effective. I can see it is being welcomed by vloggers. The single take mode, in which the camera captures a variety of content from a short video, offers more choice and more effective artificial intelligence.

The S21 Ultra takes photos that are instantly engaging, and that wasn't the case with the S20 Ultra.

In Director's View, videos are recorded with all cameras at the same time, and you can choose which view is used at what time. It also adds a picture-in-picture view of the selfie camera for reactions and comments. It works well and switching between cameras is smooth and quick. However, I would have liked a full editing suite for this mode that would allow you to capture video from any camera at any time. Without this, you have to edit on the fly, with the end result being created on the go.

What else? Edge detection for portraits has been improved. Samsung dropped the old Live Focus name in favor of the more explanatory portrait name here. The selfie camera has a natural or light setting for better colors and the A.I.-controlled scene recognition works faster, as does the optional instructions for composing best shot scenes. On the other hand, 8K video is still a memory hog and meaningless to most people, despite being technically impressive.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Review and Note 20 Camera "Aria-Descriptionby =" Galerie-13-2617164

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Review and S20 Camera "Aria-Descriptionby =" Galerie-13-2617165

  • 1.
    Galaxy S21 Ultra with the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
  • 2.
    Galaxy S21 Ultra with the Galaxy S20 Ultra

I haven't done much research on the lowlight features yet. In the dark, the phone introduces noise as it compensates for the lack of light and, in situations with better lighting, often smooths out clouds and the surrounding area. I've been with the S21 Ultra's camera for less than a week and only a few hundred photos, but right now it's well on the way to being the best Samsung camera I've ever used and one of the best cameras out there there is moment.

Screen and performance

The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x screen supports a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels at 120 Hz, but can be switched to a lower resolution to extend the battery life. The refresh rate is adaptable and changes to the optimal setting depending on your activities. The screen supports HDR10 + and a whopping 1500 nits of brightness.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Unsurprisingly, it gets incredibly bright so I didn't feel the need to bring it far above half brightness. The high refresh rate is very effective, maybe even more effective than I've seen before. The text remains legible even when scrolling very quickly. I kept the resolution at the highest level for all of my time with the phone. Watching YouTube at 1440p produces very lifelike, extremely attractive content. For example, the Ghost Town Living videos are bright and colorful at this resolution, but it also highlights that the standard vivid screen mode enhances colors too much and switching to the natural setting is easier on the eyes in some situations.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The screen of the S21 Ultra has no pronounced curvature on the sides and is somewhere between the S20 Ultra and the Note 20 Ultra in this regard. It's far less curved than the Huawei P40 Pro. Swiping is convenient, but the phone's top-heavy nature means that swiping from the bottom of the screen really does require two hands to be safe.

Samsung added support for S Pen pens to the S21 Ultra, and I tested it with the pen on a Note 20 Ultra. The rejection of palms is correct, and it is easy and natural to write notes on the screen. However, the phone does not support the Bluetooth function of the S Pen of the Note 20 Ultra, so no additional functions such as the remote shutter button are available. There's also no way to stow the S-pen when it's not in use. So it is questionable how useful this feature will ever be. You can buy an ugly case for the S21 Ultra to hold the S-Pen if you are really set on having it.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I am using a Galaxy S21 Ultra with the Samsung Exynos 2100 processor which is used in the UK, Europe and parts of Asia. In the US, the phone uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor. Both have 12GB of RAM if you choose 128GB or 256GB of storage, or 16GB of RAM with 512GB of storage. Unfortunately there is no microSD card slot on the S21 Ultra. So choose it carefully here as this is all of the physical space you will have.

Oddly enough, Asphalt 9: Legends is not compatible with my Galaxy S21 Ultra at the time of writing, which robs me of my usual go-to game. Instead, I played Real Racing 3 and Crazy Taxi and saw no performance issues at all, as you would expect from a phone with this performance. It shook off every other task in the same way, and I'd be surprised if anything most people do on a phone taxed it.

Security and Connectivity

Samsung has finally upgraded the gruesome fingerprint sensor and not used the endlessly unreliable sensor found on the S10, Note 10, S20, and Note 20 phones. The new, larger ultrasonic sensor is an immediate improvement as it actually works when you want it to, and for the most part on the first try. It still needs some tweaking, and a software update has already improved it, but there is fast and reliable facial recognition for those times when things get messy. Unlocking your Samsung phone has never been easier.

Although the S21 Ultra has 5G, I don't have 5G coverage in my area so I couldn't judge its performance. 4G LTE connectivity was similar to other phones, but Wi-Fi wasn't entirely reliable. Both before and after a pre-release software update, the phone did not maintain a strong connection to my home WiFi even when it is near the router.

I ran into connection issues while watching YouTube videos as 1440p versions were constantly being buffered, but switching to 720p fixes the problem. They also occurred while downloading game data that got stuck or accidentally disconnected. I haven't experienced this with any other device, including the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. It's likely a software issue that should be fixed with an update that doesn't affect my colleague's phone. As such, this didn't affect the overall score and we notified Samsung of the problem.

software

My test S21 Ultra has Android 11 with the One UI 3.1 interface from Samsung and the installed Android security update from January 1st. A UI 3.1 is not that different from a UI 2. You still have the same big, bold icons and smooth transitions and the same overall reliability and minor annoyances. Visual changes are hard to spot – the PIN code entry screen has been redesigned with easy-to-use buttons and a blurry background, on-screen notification notifications are smaller and less intrusive, and the volume controls are larger.

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Choosing Samsung's power regulators is still annoying. The side button (according to Samsung no on / off button) activates Bixby and you access the power control via a software button in the notification shadow. Even then, the excellent Android 11 power menu with Google Pay and Smart Home controls won't appear – it's just the usual Samsung power and restart buttons. This is the default, and the functionality of the side button can be changed under Settings if that's what you're looking for.

Samsung Pay and Google Pay live side by side, but Samsung has removed the Magnetic Secure Transaction (MST) feature that was used to fool old payment terminals into stealing a physical card. Only useful in some regions of the world, its removal will surely frustrate some, but NFC – which the S21 Ultra supports for Google Pay – is so commonplace that most people haven't used MST at all.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Review screen resolution "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/galaxy-s21-ultra-screen-resolution- 640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAAAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

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Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Review refresh rate "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn7.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/galaxy-s21-ultra-refresh-rate- 640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAAAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Samsung Daily, the useless swipe-in ​​panel of news and other nonsense that sits to the left of the home screen, has been replaced with a Samsung Free that apparently only focuses on news from the Upday service. It's terrible too, but can be replaced or turned off entirely with the slightly less terrible Google Discover page. Bixby is also on board. I'll say the speech recognition is very accurate, but I just can't find a reason to use it through the Google Assistant.

battery

The Galaxy S21 Ultra's battery performance assessment is just beginning, but the signs are good that the 5,000mAh cell will easily last a full day, or possibly two business days, with light use. It supports 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging and reverse charging.

This is how my initial use worked. Starting at 9 a.m. on a full battery, the S21 Ultra handled an hour of podcast streaming, some photos, general social and web usage, an hour of YouTube, some light games, and being connected to a smartwatch. It ended the night with around three and a half hours of screen time and 29% battery remaining. This corresponds to the battery life of a Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

There may be some differences in power consumption between the Exynos and Snapdragon S21 Ultra phones. Martonik, DT's mobile editor, uses a Snapdragon S21 Ultra and ended a day on 50% battery life in 15 hours, including two and a half hours of screen time.

The Galaxy S21 does not come with a charger. While I don't think this is a problem in itself, I've had some issues charging with third-party chargers. I charged the phone every night I used it. In three cases it was charged by about 20% and stopped. I only noticed that in the morning. I used a Google Pixel 4 charging block and cable. I will continue to monitor this and experiment with other chargers. Just like the Wi-Fi issue, it doesn't affect the review score and we have informed Samsung. This is likely an isolated issue as it does not affect my colleague's S21 Ultra.

Price and availability

The Galaxy S21 Ultra can now be pre-ordered. The delivery is expected to take place from January 27th. It is available through Samsung's own online store, Amazon and other retailers, as well as most network operators. The 128GB version is $ 1,200, the 256GB version is $ 1,250, and the 512GB version is $ 1,380. In the UK, the S21 Ultra costs £ 1,149 for the 128GB model, £ 1,199 for the 256GB model and £ 1,329 for the 512GB model.

Our opinion

Let's take this step at a time. The Galaxy S21 Ultra isn't the biggest phone out there, but it definitely feels that way. However, the new design and color choices are Samsung's best. The camera is versatile and extremely powerful. The processor offers more power than ever before. There are a few minor issues with software and connectivity, however. Samsung continues to strive to deliver a stunning screen, and the price is significantly lower than its predecessor. Last year, however, it became clear that you don't have to spend more than $ 1,000 to get a really great smartphone. The advantages still definitely outweigh the disadvantages.

The Galaxy S21 Ultra really wins when placed alongside the other Galaxy S21 smartphones. It's the only model that really looks and feels like an S-series flagship. Samsung's shift in product range and pricing structure means that the S21 Ultra is the only version for you if you really want to own the latest and greatest in the S series phone, by which we mean the best technology for the most stylish case. The very good news is that when you receive them you will not be disappointed.

Is there a better alternative?

The Galaxy S21 Ultra has two main competitors: the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. The iPhone is slightly cheaper, has a great camera, arguably more compact and easy to drill, and the software and long-term ownership experience are excellent.

The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra may have a slightly older processor, but you probably won't notice. The camera is not that powerful, but it still takes great photos. It's slimmer and more balanced, plus it comes with the S Pen pen, and there's a place to keep it too. It's also a lot cheaper than the S21 Ultra.

Both are strongly recommended. If you don't mind spending more money and want to stay with Samsung, then the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is excellent and will really turn heads with its foldable design. If you're looking to save a little money and prioritize the camera's capabilities, take a look at the iPhone 12 or the Google Pixel 5.

How long it will take?

If you get a two-year contract, the S21 Ultra will almost certainly still feel fresh in the end. There's no reason why it won't help you for another year.

If you handle the phone properly, it should be durable too. It is IP68 water and dust resistant, and the screen is covered in Gorilla Glass Victus, which is said to withstand damage from drops of up to six feet. We wouldn't put this to the test, but it does indicate that the screen can handle pocket and bag pulling in and out, and will survive general use without scratches building up.

The software installed at the time of writing is fully up to date with Android 11, OneUI 3.1, and the latest Android security update. Samsung recently committed to deliver three Android updates to various devices, including the S20 series. It is therefore to be expected that the S21 series will offer the same benefit. However, it is unknown when the updates will arrive on your phone after they are posted by Google.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It's the most advanced Android smartphone you can buy right now, and it makes decisive use of the high-level technology it contains.

Editor's recommendations




18 Nov
Blog

Apple iPhone 12 Mini Review: Tiny Yet Mighty Phone

iPhone 12 Mini

"The iPhone 12 Mini is exactly what small phone fans have been waiting for: a full-featured iPhone in a tiny size."

  • Incredibly compact size

  • Great camera quality

  • First class performance

  • Any iPhone 12 function

  • Weak battery life

  • The screen can actually feel tight

The iPhone has not been "small" since the iPhone 8. Although Apple has kept its main models compact compared to major Android competition, your only choice for a really small phone from Apple was to buy or keep an iPhone SE with an older model. Either way, you had to choose between the latest features and capabilities and a phone the size you prefer.

That is no longer the case. Now we have it iPhone 12 Mini.

I'm so excited that Apple chose the $ 700 iPhone 12 Mini because there's no reason why people who want a small phone should be treated like second-class citizens. You should be able to get a fully functional modern iPhone in a size that won't challenge your hand. And with a few caveats expected, we have just that.

The basics: hardware, specifications and functions

Apple's consistency between iPhone models isn't exactly exciting, but when you think about it, it's exactly what you want to see. Considering the iPhone 12 Mini is smaller and cheaper than the base iPhone 12, there has been ample opportunity for Apple to sacrifice – just look at the iPhone SE. But that was not the case. Aside from the fact that the battery and screen shrink, which are obvious changes, the iPhone 12 Mini is identical to the iPhone 12.

iPhone 12 Mini

iPhone 12 Mini

It starts with the design, which translates very well when scaled down to that size. The lack of curves and the focus on sharp edges suits a small phone that tries to be as efficient as possible with space, and Apple's hardware finish is exquisite again. The lineup's bright color options also go well with the playful size – though I loved the completely incognito look of my black phone that was spiced up with a red leather case.

Apple had ample opportunity to sacrifice in the 12 Mini, and it didn't.

It's not typical for a phone of this size (and price) to match the rest of the top-end specs of the iPhone 12 Mini. The A14 Bionic chip in the controller is equally powerful when compared to the other iPhone 12 models, so the performance of the 12 Mini is excellent. You get good speakers, the latest in Ceramic Shield screen glass, IP68 water resistance, top-notch feel, face recognition, and more on the list. Apple will also remind you that this is the smallest phone that doesn't yet have a full 5G implementation with Sub-6 and mmWave, as well as global network band support.

I went through all of the specifics of this platform's features in my full iPhone 12 review. I recommend reading them for a complete picture of what the iPhone 12 series offerings are. After that, you can see here what makes the iPhone 12 Mini special.

A lovely little phone

Unlike modern mini cars, the iPhone 12 Mini is actually small. And it's not just "small" because it's smaller than the iPhone 12, which has now grown to a 6.1-inch screen – it's really small. It's shorter, narrower, and lighter than the iPhone 8 (and the latest iPhone SE) and one of the smallest fully featured modern smartphones.

iPhone 12 MiniAndrew Martonik / Digital Trends

You can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia when you get to the iPhone 12 Mini from another phone. Think back to a time when you could have a phone that was compact and yet was considered state of the art. But after a day with the 12 Mini, I didn't think of its size as something new – I just used it and enjoyed hell.

The iPhone 12 Mini doesn't expect anything from you. It's so light and your hand folds lightly around the sides for a secure grip. It actually makes sense to use your thumb to reach across the screen or up. And gosh, it doesn't just fit in a pocket, it doesn't even stretch the fabric. On several occasions, I kept the iPhone 12 Mini in my coat pocket and forgot it was there. Half an hour later, I caused a moment of panic when I feared I had left it somewhere.

The iPhone 12 Mini doesn't expect anything from you. Still, it's an incredibly powerful phone.

It's very liberating to have a small phone that doesn't feel like a burden to carry and use, but is more than capable of doing everything you need in the day.

iPhone 12 Mini

iPhone 12 Mini

With a 5.4-inch display, the 12 Mini has just enough screen space not to feel cramped. And iOS 14 is identical to a bigger screen on this smaller screen – you get the same icon grid and buttons, but things are just a little bit smaller. Every app works perfectly, and I never felt the need to go into settings and increase the font size or the screen zoom. Basically, when you view your inbox, you're just missing an extra email or reading an article in the browser, missing a few extra lines. Everything is just as lightning fast as it was on the iPhone 12 as I was able to run apps and multitask with no issues. To my surprise, I didn't have any thumb collisions with two-handed typing, but because it's so tight I really enjoyed typing with my finger.

Size comparison: iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 12 Mini vs. iPhone 12 Pro max

iPhone 12 modelsAndrew Martonik / Digital Trends

I admit that the 12 Mini doesn't provide an immersive video viewing experience, nor does the screen give you an expansive viewfinder for taking photos. But it's perfectly functional on both accounts. If you plan on using your phone for a lot of media operations, you probably won't even consider the 12 Mini in the first place.

I know the screen is the same as the iPhone 12, but I swear it won't get quite as bright as the larger phone's screen. There have been a few situations with the 12 Mini out in the sun where I've pulled the Control Center down to increase the screen brightness only to see that it was already set at 100%. Other than these cases, the screen is fantastic: great colors, good viewing angles, low reflectivity, and crisp text.

Battery life

When the rubber hits the road, the only place the iPhone 12 Mini falls short is in the fuel area. On a weekend trip to beautiful Mystic, Connecticut, I spent a lot of time outdoors with 100% screen brightness, taking tons of photos, and leaning on Google Maps while keeping up with my usual messaging and social media apps. And the results … weren't great.

Battery life is the only annoying part about using such a small phone.

On Saturday I took the phone off the charger at 8 a.m. and was discharged to 10% battery by 9 p.m. as we enjoyed a nightcap under a patio heat lamp. That's four hours of screen on, which is respectable, but when the battery is very low it's not to be trusted. Sunday brought more of this with it when the phone went off the charger at 8 a.m. After more than three hours of on-time, the battery was charged with a worrying 40% battery by 1:00 p.m. when I plugged in to use CarPlay to drive home.

iPhone 12 MiniAndrew Martonik / Digital Trends

Apple's cited estimates for video playback paint a rosier picture than reality. It is clear that if I use the iPhone 12 Mini the same way as the 12 or 12 Pro, I am going to exceed the limits of the battery life by the end of the day. On lighter days, with time inside and via WiFi, I got through the day by 20% to 30% – but that's still not a good sign for late evenings or days when I need a hot spot or have to spend a lot Navigate time in Google Maps.

If you get stuck to your phone all the time, this is not the phone for you. However, I don't think this will be a problem for so many people as the philosophy of many who want a small phone is also consistent with the expectation that there is no need to have a phone in hand all the time. Know what you are getting into and be ready to charge it up a little in some situations and you will be fine.

If you want to live connected to your phone, this is not the phone for you.

The advantage of a tiny battery is that it charges very quickly. With a 20 W charger, it accelerates from 0% to 50% in 30 minutes. And because the capacity is so small, it even charges a little quickly from a computer, a charger with a smaller wall thickness, or the MagSafe charger. Even my car's low-power USB port easily drained enough power to add a significant charge when running CarPlay.

Cameras

Perhaps the best thing about the iPhone 12 Mini is that Apple didn't skimp on its cameras in this small case. This was something you had to keep in mind when considering an iPhone SE as a small phone option. The 12-megapixel main camera and 12-megapixel ultrawide camera make a great pair – that's what the $ 999 iPhone 12 Pro does, and all the more so at the price.

Few people expect a camera to be this good on a $ 700 cell phone, but it delivers.

In daylight, you get bright and colorful photos with just enough pop and added warmth to make them feel a little more alive. The sharpness and level of detail are excellent, even with mixed lighting photos that require additional processing. In low light, photos are just as good as long as you can keep your hand steady. The camera relies on long exposures in night mode, but the results are excellent. And if you keep the lights on, the selfie camera is good too.

I'm so familiar with this camera setup that I often forget how impressively it relates to the competition. Anyone who picks up this phone will be amazed at the photos that come out of it. Same goes for video, where you can get crisp 4K 60fps footage with great colors and stabilization. You may choose not to shoot in Dolby Vision HDR due to limited playback compatibility. You can also skip it to save space. My friend Michael Fisher made maximum use of his 128GB Mini the first afternoon after installing apps, recording videos, and syncing iCloud Photos to the phone. You should spend at least an additional $ 50 on the 128GB model as the 64GB base feels very tight.

You won't be missing out on the camera features of the $ 300 iPhone 12 Pro anymore.

On rare occasions, I'd miss the 12 Pro's 2X zoom camera, but otherwise this is a camera setup that is perfectly on par with this phone. Anyone who buys the 12 Mini won't be missing out on the subtle improvements to this third camera and the promise to take RAW photos with a future software update.

Our opinion

The $ 700 iPhone 12 Mini plays in a category of its own: a really small phone with an otherwise first-class experience. It's small enough to be manageable in everyone's hands and pockets, but it has full iPhone 12 features, from the great hardware, to the processing speed, to the camera quality and software experience.

If the annoying decision of choosing between a phone with high-end features or a handgrip phone put you off, this is it iPhone 12 Mini should be your next purchase. But not everyone has such a strong sense of size, and if so, they should look out for the slower battery life and a screen size that after years of getting used to 6-inch displays may feel restrictive.

I absolutely like the size of the iPhone 12 Mini, but I don't think I can make it my main phone. I need more confidence in battery life and that means moving back to the iPhone 12. And as much as I love the size of the 12 Mini, I can handle the Standard 12 without feeling weighed down by its size – that makes it an easy choice to get the medium sized phone.

Are there any better alternatives?

In this size and price range, you really have no other choice. You can get one for literally half the price Google Pixel 4a It's the same size but not a competitor outside of the camera.

Then there are phones that are larger but still handy and comparable in price and options. You can buy these for a $ 100 premium iPhone 12This is a logical choice if you can handle more screen and want longer battery life. The Google Pixel 5 is still relatively compact and costs the same as the 12 Mini – it also has a great camera and streamlined software experience that iPhone owners will be familiar with.

How long it will take?

Because the 12 Mini was built on the same platform as the iPhone 12, it should have a long lifespan. There will be several iOS updates in the future, and the A14 Bionic chip is very powerful to run them. It also has strong water resistance should it take a splash or a dunk. The iPhone 12 Mini will easily last two years, or up to four years if you are tight on your budget.

Should you buy it?

Yes, if you feel disenfranchised by the ever-growing size of smartphones and are longing for a compact model that doesn’t save on functions.

Editor's recommendations




13 Nov
Blog

Nokia 8 V 5G UW Review: Phone Is Just Too Expensive

Nokia 8 V UW

"The Nokia 8 V UW is a solid proposition but is beaten by tough competition for the same price or less."

  • Great camera

  • Long lasting battery

  • Solid display

  • Retired Software

  • Too expensive

  • No water resistance

  • 60Hz display

Right now, 5G is all the rage. With networks claiming "nationwide" coverage and phone companies putting "5G" in the name of every new phone, it makes sense that you think this is a big deal. One day it will be, but for now, you face a decision: should you get a 5G compatible phone now, although it won't be really revolutionary for you, or should you wait until 5G really matters?

Nokia thinks you should do the former. The company recently unveiled the Nokia 8.3 5G, its first 5G-enabled version. With the new Nokia 8 V 5G UW, this device goes one step further. (Yes, it's a mouthful.)

The new device is the first carrier-focused phone from HMD Global, whose name "Ver" stands for Verizon. The rest of the name is pretty standard – aside from the fact that the UW stands for "Ultra-Broadband". Right, this phone supports Verizon's 5G mmWave network.

Other than that, however, the phone is no different from the original Nokia 8.3. It even costs the same at $ 699. Here are my thoughts after a few days on the phone. Note: As the phone is so similar to the standard Nokia 8.3, we are not doing a full review. You can read our full review of the Nokia 8.3 here.

The good

The Nokia 8.3 V 5G UW is a relatively large phone with a 6.81-inch display and 1080p resolution. It's not the highest resolution, but it supports HDR always on, gets nice and bright, and is definitely sharp enough for most uses.

There are relatively thin bezels all around the display, although the chin at the bottom is quite large for a 2020 device.

The rest of the design is modern but doesn't stand out as much aside from the big old round camera on the back. There's a fingerprint reader to the side, which is fast and responsive, and there's a headphone jack at the bottom that's easy to see. There is a hole punch cutout in the top left of the display.

Nokia 8v 5g uw rating 7

nokia 8 v 5g uw review 1

The phone comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor, plus 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. It's powerful enough for most tasks, and while it's not quite as nimble as an 8-series processor, the vast majority of users won't notice a difference.

The power is supplied by a 4,500 mAh battery, with which you can easily work for a whole day. Many people can work for two days. The phone comes with Android 10 and gets Android 11. Unfortunately, updates beyond Android 11 are not displayed, which is a major disadvantage compared to the competition.

The overall software experience is pretty low-key, but the Verizon-ness undo this a bit. Immediately after setting up your phone, there will be four Verizon apps on the home screen that you need to deal with. You cannot delete them either. So the most you can do is do it in your app drawer.

The camera is a four lens camera and is great. There are four sensors on the back, including a 64-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, a 2-megapixel macro camera, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. The photos are vivid and bright, with lots of detail most of the time, especially in low light. I would have loved to see a telephoto lens instead of a macro sensor, and the macro sensor isn't great, but those are really the only complaints that need to be made about the camera.

The bad

I've really only focused on the good things about this phone so far, but there are some bad things too – and those bad things essentially mean that you should avoid the phone entirely.

Let's talk about 5G very quickly. There are two types to watch out for: Sub-6, which can travel long distances but doesn't necessarily get that fast, and mmWave, which is very fast but can't travel distances or penetrate obstacles. This phone supports both, especially on Verizon. But you really shouldn't care – Verizon's mmWave is pretty much irrelevant right now, and while you can get widespread Sub-6 connectivity, it's not that fast yet and won't change much in how you use a phone. In my area, Verizon's Sub-6 5G is available and relatively fast, but not much faster than a good LTE connection.

Then there's the price – and it's the real killer. At $ 700, the phone is a little tough to sell. Sure, there are good things and the camera is great, but you could buy a Google Pixel 4a 5G instead, which is significantly $ 200 less than this device and has better software support, a camera that is at least as good as no better , the same processor and more. MmWave isn't supported, but that shouldn't matter – and if you're really into mmWave, you can get the Verizon variant of the Pixel 4a 5G, which is $ 600. That's still $ 100 less than the Nokia 8 V UW.

Our opinion

The Nokia 8 V 5G UW is by no means a bad phone. It's relatively powerful, with a nice big screen, great camera, and pared-back software experience. But the price is just not right. Nokia and Verizon are charging a premium for 5G, and it's not worth it to venture into just yet.

The only way this phone makes sense is when (or more likely when) Verizon decides to give it a huge discount as part of the latest vacation or add-a-line promotion. It wouldn't be surprising if the Nokia 8 V UW was available for around $ 450 in a few months if added to a financing plan, and at that point it's dramatically more enticing.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. If you're looking to save some cash, you'll get a better experience with the Google Pixel 4a 5G, which costs $ 200 less for the unlocked model or $ 100 less for the Verizon mmWave model. However, buy the unlocked model – you won't have to worry about mmWave for a few more years and it will still work flawlessly with Verizon.

If you don't mind spending $ 700 and are simply looking for the best phone you can get, then go for the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, which has a better processor, great camera, and price. Or you can get the new iPhone 12 Mini, which is more powerful than any Android phone currently on the market and comes in a nice pocket size.

How long it will take?

The Nokia 8 V 5G UW should be updated for two years, so only one major software update is guaranteed. It's also not waterproof, so do your best to keep it out of water.

Should you buy one?

No, you should look into that Galaxy S20 FE, Pixel 4a 5G, or iPhone 12 Mini instead.

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




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