30 Sep
Blog

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Review: The Phone to Beat Under $700

Samsung Galaxy S20 Fe review 1

"Most of the great Galaxy S20 experience for hundreds of dollars less – it's a winning combination."

  • Colorful design

  • Great display with 120Hz refresh rate

  • Great camera

  • 5G connectivity (in the US)

  • Low price for the specs

  • Mediocre battery

  • Plastic back

There is no getting around it – phones are becoming very expensive. However, as flagship devices are becoming more and more expensive, a completely new market segment has emerged: the premium midrange. This is exactly where the Samsung Galaxy S20 Fan Edition lives. If you're looking for a premium Samsung experience without paying an arm and a leg, this is the way to go.

The name "Fan Edition" doesn't really describe what the phone really is. A better name would be the Galaxy S20 Lite. You don't really get all that the Galaxy S20 has to offer. But you get all the essentials with a few extra bonus features and a tempting price cut.

Hardware, design and display

It's clear that the Galaxy S20 FE is a derivative of the original Galaxy S20 – it looks just like the standard device. But it also consists of slightly different materials. Gone is the glass back in favor of the standard Galaxy Note 20's plastic back. Though it's not that high quality in theory, I like the soft-touch feel it offers and I didn't really miss the glass.

The device also differs from the standard Galaxy S20 in that it is available in a wider range of colors. I'm reviewing the Cloud Navy model, but it's also available in more interesting colors like Cloud Red, Cloud Lavender, and Cloud Orange. Safe to say there should be something for everyone.

The rest of the phone design is pretty normal. There is a USB-C port at the bottom, a volume rocker and a power switch on the right, and a rectangular camera module at the top left on the back of the phone. It's not as thick as the Galaxy S20 Ultra or the Note 20 Ultra, which is nice to see, but of course you don't get the same camera specs as the more expensive phone, either. We'll get into that later.

The Galaxy S20 FE is actually a bit larger than the standard Galaxy S20. While the original device has a 6.2-inch display, the S20 FE has a larger 6.5-inch display. Also in contrast to the Galaxy S20, this phone has a resolution of 1080p. It seems that the high resolution is a feature that Samsung wants to reserve for its more expensive devices.

It still looks good. It's a Super AMOLED display with an impressive 120Hz refresh rate, just like the other S20's. The result is an extremely smooth experience and a display that responds very well to touch. We hope to see more high refresh rate phones showing up in the next year, but by then it's pretty impressive to see a $ 700 phone running at 120Hz. It also beats competitors, if only marginally.

The most obvious competitor here is the OnePlus 8, which also has a resolution of 1080p but limits the refresh rate to 90 Hz. (The upcoming Google Pixel 5 will also have a 1080p 90Hz display.) To be clear, the difference between 60Hz and 90Hz is much more obvious than the difference between 90Hz and 120Hz. But for those who can notice a difference, 120Hz is estimated.

It should also be noted that the display is flat and not curved. I like the look of curved displays, but others disagree. With the flat panel display in mind, there is no way you should run into so many problems related to accidentally squeezing your palm.

Performance and specifications

Samsung has made clear compromises in design and display, but not really under the hood. You still get a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor in the US 5G version, or an Exynos 990 outside of the US, coupled with 6GB or 8GB of RAM – and as a result, the phone can easily handle anything you can throw at it in 2020 and beyond. This includes productivity apps, mobile games, etc.

Predictably, the phone handled games like Call of Duty: Mobile with no problem, and multitasking with even four or five apps is no problem. The benchmark results confirm the excellent performance in daily use. Here is an overview of the results we have achieved.

  • AnTuTu: 550,800
  • GeekBench 5: 889 single-core, 3,101 multi-core

These results don't quite get as high as we got with the OnePlus 8, but they are close and in real life you won't really miss the extra 20 single-core points on GeekBench 5, check the 6GB RAM model in the lower price range. So, if you really care about this performance benefit, upgrading your RAM might be the way to go.

Cameras

Gone are the days when incredible cameras were reserved for the best of the best phones. With devices like the Google Pixel 4a, it is becoming increasingly clear to phone makers that those who spend $ 450 or more on a phone should be able to get a premium camera experience. While you don't get the same zoom quality as the Galaxy Note 20 or the same main resolution sensor as the Galaxy S20 Ultra, the Galaxy S20 FE still offers a versatile, high-quality camera experience.

The phone offers three camera sensors, including a 12-megapixel standard sensor, an 8-megapixel sensor with a telephoto lens, and a 12-megapixel sensor with an ultra-wide-angle lens. I really appreciate that, and while some might prefer either a telephoto or an ultra-wide device to the other, simply having both means the camera will be useful in all sorts of situations.

On paper, the specs don't quite match the standard Galaxy S20, but the photos seemed pretty good in everyday use. They're still colorful and crisp, with enough dynamism to create a punchy photo, but not so much that they wander into unnatural territory. These days, photo quality may have more to do with post-processing than sensor quality. So it makes sense that the slightly worse specs don't really result in worse photos than the Galaxy S20.

The photos are pretty good in low light. As you would expect, photos can get noisy in very low light. However, in general, the phone can capture enough detail to get decent shots. The same goes for really enlarged photos. The telephoto camera offers 3x optical zoom and up to 10x digital zoom – and the result is up to 30x hybrid zoom. Photos at this zoom level aren't that sharp, of course, but Samsung has invested seriously in cleaning up zoomed footage from its photos, and it shows. The 3-10x shots are solid, but you'll rarely want to use 30x.

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The selfie cam looks pretty solid too. The front-facing camera is 32 MP and doesn't have the dual-phase detection autofocus of the original Galaxy S20, but it still captured colorful selfies with more than enough detail. The higher resolution selfie camera is here for a reason – if you're not using the wide angle sensor, the picture is really just being cropped, and therefore the photo is only at a lower resolution.

One feature that the Galaxy S20 FE lacks is the ability to record videos in 8K. This is because you will need a higher resolution camera to do this. Even so, the camera can record 4K video at 60 frames per second, which should be more than enough for most, and saves you the maximum storage capacity.

Battery life and charging

Power is supplied by a 4,500 mAh battery, which apparently can be used for a whole day without any problems. I ended a heavy use day with about 20% battery remaining, which is not a ton but is still okay. If you are used to charging your phone every night, you shouldn't have any problems.

Fortunately, the phone is easy to charge too. Unlike the OnePlus 8, this phone supports wireless charging. You also get 25W wired fast charging. At this point I was distributing wireless chargers around my house so it was nice to be able to use them while testing this phone.

software

As expected, the Galaxy S20 FE comes with the Samsung One UI 2.5 (Android 10). I'm not going to go into the specifics of the Android customizations – you can read extensive settings in our Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Note 20 reviews – but I'll say that the bloatware on this phone seems to have been reduced a bit compared to some others . This is mainly due to the fact that you can instantly choose which apps are installed on your device. While all of the additional Samsung apps and Microsoft apps are enabled by default, just take the extra moments to adjust the pre-installs when you set up your phone, it's worth it.

In general, the software was responsive and smooth. Love or hate One user interface, Samsung has done a great job of making the entire user interface coherent and easy to use with one hand. Samsung wins for customizability too. So if you really enjoy optimizing and thematizing, you will enjoy the experience here.

Our opinion

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE offers the flagship cell phone in a $ 700 cell phone. You really don't miss much here. Sure, a screen resolution of 1440p is always good, and some of the camera specs don't reach the height of the standard Galaxy S20 or Note 20. But with a premium processor, still awesome display, premium feel, and great camera system, you are it can't do much better in the price range.

I would have liked Samsung to have brought out this phone along with the rest of the Galaxy S20 lineup, but it makes sense why it didn't in order to get those high sales first. However, if Samsung continues to bring out phones of this quality in this price range, companies like OnePlus should be very concerned.

Is there a better alternative?

It depends on what you are looking for. The OnePlus 8 is the main competitor here. While it's a great phone, it doesn't have the same camera quality, it doesn't hit the 120Hz refresh rate, and it doesn't charge wirelessly. However, OnePlus offers a cleaner and arguably better software experience.

If you are really on a budget then you should also consider the Pixel 4a or wait for the Pixel 4a 5G. They have amazing cameras and simpler software, although the specs and performance don't match the Galaxy S20 FE or the displays.

Of course, if you're not married to Android, then you should also consider the iPhone 11, which is available at a similar price, has even better performance, and a fantastic camera. However, you will not get the same ad. You also don't get 5G and have to deal with the iPhone notch.

How long it will take?

With Snapdragon 865 water resistance and IP68, the Galaxy S20 FE should easily survive a normal two year phone cycle and longer if you want or need it. Again, the plastic back helps here – while it doesn't feel premium, it helps keep the phone more likely to remain crack-free throughout its lifespan.

Should you buy it?

Yes. Sure, you could spend an additional $ 300 on a slightly better phone, but if you want flagship quality for $ 700 this is the phone to beat right now.

Editor's recommendations




23 Jul
Blog

Asus ROG Phone 3 Review: An Incredible Feat Of Mobile Gaming

Asus Rog Phone 3 review

"The Asus ROG Phone 3 is a powerful, focused gaming smartphone that makes you feel like a champion."

  • Incredibly powerful

  • Breathtaking sound

  • Focused, useful game features

  • Large, smooth screen

  • Great software

  • Camera could be better

  • Heavy

Asus has shown how serious mobile gaming is with the launch of Republic of Gamers' ROG Phone 2 last year, which is equipped with technologies and features specifically designed to improve gameplay. Now it's back with the ROG Phone 3. Not much has changed externally, and if anything, the design of the space age has become less noticeable – but the story is different inside.

The difference that the internals make is remarkable. It's so powerful that when he plays PUBG Mobile, Thanos would do it on a ROG Phone 3.

design

The ROG Phone 3 has a similar look and almost the same size as the ROG Phone 2, but the sci-fi madness is somewhat weakened. The glass back is glossy rather than matte, and the exposed vents on the back of the ROG Phone 2 have disappeared and have been replaced by a cool, transparent area that shows the new cooling system inside. I have never seen a glass transition between transparent and dark, and it looks great.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Despite its exterior, the ROG Phone 3 has not collected any fingerprints, and the ROG logo with RGB looks even brighter and more colorful than the matt glass of the ROG Phone 2. The camera module has been given another lens for a total of three. and it runs horizontally across the device. Asus has reduced the silver angled lines on the body, making the design more mature.

Nevertheless, the gaming focus remains. The USB Type-C connector on the bottom is arranged on the side so that the phone can be held more comfortably in landscape format when plugged in. There is another USB Type-C charging port behind a rubber plug on the opposite side. The phone also has shoulder-mounted "AirTrigger" on the side of the phone (we'll talk more about that later).

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Although it's comfortable to hold, this is a great smartphone. It is 9.8 mm thick, 171 mm long and 78 mm wide. For comparison: The OnePlus 8 Pro is 8.5 mm thick, 165 mm long and 74.5 mm wide.

At 240 grams, the ROG Phone 3 is also one of the heaviest phones ever. The orientation in landscape is well balanced, but in portrait I noticed that the weight was tilted towards the front of the phone. In combination with the slippery body, it often threatened to fall in the face when I lay it down.

One thing that ROG Phone 2 users may notice is the disappearance of the 3.5mm headphone jack. The integration of 5G antennas in the ROG Phone 3 is one of the reasons why the connection no longer fits into the phone. However, if you really want it, there is a dongle in the box. There is also an additional AeroActive Cooler 3 accessory that attaches to the case to assist cooling. You will also receive these accessories in the packaging.

It is a great accessory. Asus has added two very helpful features: a space to store the rubber connector cover that you remove from the phone to attach the AeroActive Cooler 3, and a stand.

The stand is great and puts the phone in the perfect angle for watching movies or playing with a controller. The AeroActive Cooler 2 developed for the ROG Phone 2 is not compatible with the new phone. However, if you bought other accessories, including the Twin View Dock or the Kunai controller, these will work because the two phones are almost identical in size.

I appreciate the new, more sophisticated design of the ROG Phone 3, but I miss the madness of the ROG Phone and ROG Phone 2. I think gaming phones need craziness. Nothing in their existence makes sense. So why not celebrate a little more?

Play

The ROG Phone 3 is the king of gaming smartphones.

I'm a casual gamer, which means I don't spend hours playing online every day, but the ROG Phone 3 still manages to make the games I play look better and smoother while providing useful tools, that improve the experience. When I feel that way, I have no doubt that people who are more interested in mobile games will see even greater benefits.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The shoulder-mounted AirTrigger are a good example of where the ROG Phone 3 is successful. You can easily map, tap, press, swipe, or even split controls on the screen to effectively create four buttons. They made the simple controls of Asphalt 9 Legends faster to use and prevented my fingers from covering the screen.

The function is activated in the game via the Game Genie menu on the slide-in screen. When you position the AirTrigger activation points on the screen, they vibrate when you get the correct placement. In Transformers: Forged to Fight, I used both the tap and swipe functions, and while typing worked well, it can be difficult to activate the swipe function at the right time.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Pressing the sides of the phone activates X mode, which increases phone performance and minimizes distractions while gaming. Use the "Advanced X mode" setting, where everything is set to maximum and the processor is not throttled at all. I haven't noticed any slowdown, dropouts, or other performance issues while playing on the ROG Phone 3.

The 6.59-inch AMOLED screen has a refresh rate of 144 Hz, 270 Hz touch sampling, 10-bit HDR, HDR 10 Plus support and a touch latency of 25 ms. It reacts incredibly quickly. Dariusburst is played in a small window in the center of the screen and requires skillful, careful controls to switch between the landscape and the onslaught of bullets. The ROG Phone 3 made this much easier thanks to its large, very responsive touchscreen.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Then there is the sound. Asus worked with an audio company called Dirac and skipped major brands like Dolby. The result is often exceptional. There is a level of detail, clarity and definition that you won't always find on phones, as well as a wide sound stage and really full sound through the two stereo speakers. The ROG Phone 3 sounds like no other smartphone.

Within a few hours I played Asphalt 9 Legends, 1945, Real Racing 3 and Dariusburst as well as a few other casual titles and it went perfectly. You can feel some heat coming from the phone, but it's in the landscape format at the middle bottom of the device, so you'll have to look around for it. My hands didn't get sweaty and I never felt the need to move my grip because the body of the phone was warm.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The ROG Phone 3 is also compatible with Google Stadia and offers three months of free Stadia Pro access, so it's not just about Google Play games. It is easy to pretend gaming phones as meaningless, but if done properly and thoughtfully, the benefits are obvious. The Asus ROG Phone 3 demonstrates this perfectly.

camera

Asus has worked hard to make the ROG Phone 3 a usable smartphone for everyday use whether you are dedicated to gaming or not. The camera is an integral part of it.

The rear-view camera with three lenses has a 64-megapixel IMX686 main sensor with an aperture of 1: 1.8, together with a 13-megapixel ultra-wide sensor and a 5-megapixel macro sensor. There is a 24 megapixel selfie camera in the bezel above the screen. The rear view camera has several modes, including a night mode, a portrait mode, a motion tracking video mode and a pro video mode. It records videos in 4K and in HDR with electronic stabilization.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's decent and more than powerful enough, provided it's your second priority on a smartphone. There is no zoom mode, but both wide-angle and macro modes offer creative fun, so it is not necessarily overlooked. It can be inconsistent, especially under cloudy conditions where it is quite underexposed, which leads to loss of detail. HDR shots on sunny days can look great, and the macro camera definitely surprises with its ability.

The selfie camera has a cumbersome beauty mode as standard, a portrait mode with only average edge detection, which can also wash out skin tones.

I found the ROG Phone 3's camera to be okay for general use. While there are more versatile camera phones, it's solid. For a gaming phone where the camera is always a secondary concern, it's much better than many expect.

Power and battery

Asus wants to "take the industry to the next level" with the ROG Phone 3. It has pioneered 120 Hz screens and high touch sampling rates and explains how best to use a high-end processor ROG Phone 2. For the ROG Phone 3, the 144 Hz screen wins 270 Hz touch sampling rate and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus processor with up to 16 GB RAM easily handle the current wars of smartphone data sheets.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Snapdragon 865 Plus is a monster and the first mobile processor to exceed 3 GHz clock speed. In combination with 16 GB LPDDR5-RAM and 512 GB UFS 3.1 memory in my test phone, it is hard to imagine ever needing more power or capacity.

This is how it went in some benchmark tests:

3DMark Sling Shot Extreme: 6,601 volcano (Without X mode. App crashes with active X mode)

Geekbench 5: 970 single core / 3340 multi core

These values ​​exceed the ROG Phone 2, but are only slightly higher than the OnePlus 8 Pro. They are very similar to the Red Magic 5G, where the 3DMark test on the ROG Phone 3 was actually lower. However, this can be related to app problems as X mode is not active on the Asus phone.

The 6,000 mAh battery lasts two days, which seems somewhat disappointing given the total capacity. However, don't forget that it powers a lot of high-end hardware. According to Asus' own tests, 9.6 hours of Asphalt 9 Legends are played with a full charge compared to 5.7 hours with a OnePlus 8 Pro.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Asus has added a new PowerMaster app to extend the battery life. Interestingly, it has a slow charge mode, definable limits to make sure the battery doesn't stay 100% fit all night (not good for a long life, Asus says), and a choice of battery modes. Wired charging delivers 30 W of power, but there is no wireless charging.

If you take the phone apart, you'll find carefully placed WiFi antennas elsewhere to ensure the best possible portrait or landscape signal, four microphones positioned so that they won't be covered while playing in landscape mode, and 5G support. The cellular and WiFi reception was consistently excellent, and the call quality is also excellent. I don't have 5G reception in my region, so I couldn't test this aspect.

software

There are two main theme options on the ROG Phone 3: eye-catching, stylized themes and a classic theme so that the phone looks more like Android on a pixel. This is the same approach the company followed with the ROG Phone 2 and Asus Zenfone 6, and a very sensible decision. Both work identically, but the Classic theme undoubtedly makes the phone look more mature and may be a little faster for everyday use.

Apps are hidden in a drawer in both subject areas, while the notification shadow provides interactive notifications and there is a standard dark mode. Asus installs its own game app called Armory Crate, which stores all of your games together. You can define for each individual parameter, e.g. These include automatic activation of X mode, increasing the screen refresh rate and assigning macros. You can also change the system lighting here.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I used swipe gesture controls that worked fine. Although there is an option that always appears on the screen, the notification options are limited, which reduces its usefulness.

Asus' software on the ROG Phone 3 was reliable and fast, and it's great to see the company continue the good work it started on the Zenfone 6. The built-in fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable and has a face unlock to secure it. I also had no problems with it.

Price, guarantee and availability

Asus did not announce the final price in US dollars for the ROG Phone 3 at the time of writing, but only the price in euros. The 16 GB / 512 GB version tested here costs 1,099 euros and a 12 GB / 512 GB version costs 999 euros. The phone will be available in Europe from the end of July, but will start with the basic version "Strix", which offers a Snapdragon 865, 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage for 799 euros.

The ROG Phone 3 will be available in North America before September. We expect the euro prices to be converted directly to US dollars, which means that the 16 GB / 512 GB model should cost around $ 1,099. Asus will officially confirm prices when the U.S. launch date is announced. The cheapest Strix model is not sold in the United States.

Our opinion

The ROG Phone 3 is unrivaled among gaming phones. This should tell you everything you need to know if it's for you. It's a special monster that offers all the power everyone needs for just about any task they want to do on a phone. If a game doesn't run well on the ROG Phone 3, it won't run well on a phone.

What if you are not a big mobile player? The ROG Phone 3 is one of the best multimedia phones available. The video is outstanding due to the excellent screen and speakers of the phone. However, you won't be able to take advantage of the many game-centered features and may miss a better camera.

Is there a better alternative?

If you want a direct gaming smartphone, no. If you're looking for an all-round phone, the OnePlus 8 Pro for $ 900 offers good credentials and a lot of performance, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus for $ 1,100 and the Oppo Find X2 Pro for $ 1,300 are flagship products that focus on the camera. Perhaps the best alternative to the ROG Phone 3 is the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max, not only because of the performance of the phone, but also because of the games available on the App Store.

How long it will take?

Asus promises that Android 11 will be available for the ROG Phone 3 and will receive security updates for at least two years. However, no timeframe for the arrival of Android 11 has been set. The ROG Phone 3 is not waterproof. It is made of glass and is quite heavy, so it is advisable to buy one of the cool cases from Asus.

Aside from that, the massive specs keep the phone fresh to the touch in a few years, and Asus' efforts to help the battery perform better for longer should help add to the usefulness of the phone in recent years increase two years. If you want to hold onto your new phone, the ROG Phone 3 is a very safe purchase.

Should you buy one?

Yes. It is the mobile game champion who has the courage and the ability to make you a mobile game champion too.

Editor's recommendations




16 Jun
Blog

Motorola Moto G Fast Review: A Great Phone For $200

motorola moto g quick evaluation 2

Motorola Moto G Quick evaluation: Fast, but not expensive

"If your budget is a maximum of $ 200, the Moto G Fast is the best choice."

  • Modern design

  • Feels durable

  • Great performance for the price

  • Good battery life

  • Camera is just fine

  • Ad is not great

The Moto G Seires have weathered ups and downs. The device has long been considered one of the best budget options, but competition from Samsung companies has intensified in recent years. However, as so often, Motorola has launched a number of new Moto G models, including the extremely affordable Moto G Fast.

The Moto G Fast hopes to bring premium features and a thoroughly modern look at a price of $ 200. There are other phones in this price range, but not many – especially from well-known brands such as Motorola, Samsung and LG.

Is the Moto G Almost the Best Cell Phone Under $ 200?

Design and display

Two or three years ago, it would be difficult for you to find a phone with a modern, borderless display design in the price range below $ 250. Now they are becoming more and more common – and we are happy to see that.

On the front of the Moto G Fast is a nice large 6.4-inch display from edge to edge, which has a hole cutout in the upper left corner of the device. The neckline is slightly larger than some other devices, like the Galaxy A51 or the OnePlus 8 series, but it's still pretty remote, though you'll get used to it quickly.

The bezel is relatively narrow around the display, except at the bottom where there is a chin. It's not a big deal, and such design decisions are still expected in this price range. Here, too, you will get used to it.

The buttons and connectors on the edges of the phone are pretty standard. On the right side there is an on / off switch and a volume rocker, on the left a SIM and MicroSD card slot and below a USB-C port. There is also a headphone jack at the top, which is very nice in a world where higher-quality wired consumer audio disappears.

The back of the phone is also pretty sleek and stylish. At the top left you get a vertically aligned triple lens camera and at the top a fingerprint sensor. I have relatively large hands, but the sensor felt comfortable to me and appeared to be well positioned to naturally unlock the device.

The back of the device is mostly plastic, but generally felt solid. It definitely doesn't feel as premium as much more expensive phones like the iPhone 11 Pro or OnePlus 8, but this is also expected for a price-range phone, and the phone is still in my hand. The device is currently only available in one color – pear white. It doesn't look bad, but more color options would have been nice.

The display on the phone does the job, but isn't great. The 6.4-inch display is an LCD display with a resolution of 720p, and you can definitely see slightly jagged edges on fonts and surface elements when you search for them. The slightly more expensive Moto G Power has a 1,080p display, which makes the 720p panel of the G Fast a bit rough – but again, it does the job as long as you don't expect much. It can get bright enough for most purposes and is brighter than the $ 150 Moto E.

Performance and battery life

The Moto G Fast is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor, 3 GB RAM and 32 GB memory. Fortunately, a microSD card slot is also integrated in the phone, so you can expand this memory if you wish. The fact that it has the same processor as the Moto G Power is good news – and it helps the device outperform its weight.

The performance of the phone is great in everyday use. The phone can easily multitask easily without slowing down too much, and it can also handle basic games. It certainly won't charge as fast as more expensive phones, but Call of Duty: Mobile and Asphalt 9 worked pretty well.

Here is a brief overview of some of the benchmark results we have achieved:

  • AnTuTu: 161,627
  • GeekBench 5 single core: 312
  • GeekBench 5 multi-core: 1,391

Generally, these are good results for a phone in this price range. In fact, these values ​​correspond to the Samsung Galaxy A51, which is twice the price of the Moto G Fast.

The Moto G Fast offers a 4,000 mAh battery and is solid. I was easily able to survive a whole day of normal use, and at the end of the day I had 43% left. If you use your phone conservatively, you may be able to use it for two days.

camera

The Moto G Fast is equipped with a triple lens rear view camera that has a 16 megapixel main sensor, an 8 megapixel ultra-wide sensor and a 2 megapixel macro sensor. There is an 8 megapixel camera on the front.

The rear-facing camera can take decent photos in well-lit environments with relatively bright colors and solid details. The ultra-wide camera isn't the best on the market, but it definitely offers more versatility for the phone's camera and is a feature you don't normally get on phones in this price range.

However, without good lighting you are a bit unlucky. The phone can take better photos than the new Moto E, but that's not a high bar – and if you don't have enough light, you don't expect quality.

The phone also has a 2 megapixel macro lens and is pretty lackluster. There seems to be a trend these days to include macro lenses in phones of all price ranges. The problem, however, is that the macro lenses are of poor quality most of the time. This is especially true here. If you take a close-up of a small object, which I almost never do, you will likely get something of relatively poor quality.

The phone's front-facing camera is fine, but the colors aren't as deep as they could be, and the details aren't great. It will do the work for standard selfies, but don't expect much more.

In general, this is not a phone that you should buy for the camera. However, the camera is not bad for a phone in this price range – and it is much better than what you would have gotten just a few years ago.

software

The Motorola Moto G Fast comes with Motorola’s new Android skin, My UX. Fortunately, My UX is based on Android 10 and is very close to Android, with just a few minor changes to allow for some adjustments and gestures.

For example, you get Moto promotions with which you can easily access certain functions. These are pretty handy. You can take a screenshot by tapping the screen with three fingers, or you can lift the handset to turn off the ringtone. Some of these actions are enabled by default, while others must be enabled, and it's worth taking a look at.

While My UX is based on standard Android, it is possible that Motorola will deviate somewhat more over time – and it is currently unclear whether and when the device will get Android 11. Motorola has been doing Android updates well in the past, so we'll do it. I have to wait and see if it stays that way now, as the mix includes a new skin label.

Price, guarantee and availability

The Moto G Fast costs $ 200. This is an excellent price for a phone with these features. Sure, it doesn't compare to more expensive devices, but if you have a budget of $ 200, the Moto G Fast is the way to go. If you can stretch a little, the Moto G Power with its better display and bigger battery might be worth considering. However, if you are not interested in these features or do not have the money, you will be satisfied with the Moto G Fast.

The one-year warranty from Motorola, which covers practically only manufacturer defects, applies to the phone. You should make sure that you take care of this phone.

The Moto G Fast is available directly from the Motorola website.

Our opinion

The Motorola Moto G Fast isn't perfect, but in my opinion it's the best thing you'll get in this price range. It has a modern design and great performance in this price range, as well as a solid battery – and the latter two are extremely important when you buy an inexpensive phone.

Is there a better alternative?

There are better options if you can spend more money, but if your budget is a maximum of $ 200, the Moto G Fast is your best bet. If you can add another $ 200 to your budget, consider the iPhone SE, which is the most powerful phone for $ 400 or less. If you're more of an Android fan, consider the Google Pixel 3a or the Samsung Galaxy A51, which you might find for $ 300 if you're looking for it. Alternatively, you can wait for Google Pixel 4a, which may be released soon.

How long it will take?

The Moto G Fast is made of plastic, which means that it is likely to survive falls better than a glass device. That means it is not waterproof. So keep it away from the bath or pool.

Motorola has a decent track record of software updates, but given the price range here, no one can guess how many updates you will receive or when you will receive them. With normal use, you should be able to get two years out of the phone.

Should you buy one?

Yes, but only if your budget is $ 200 or less. If you can afford to spend a little more, it is worth doing so.

Editor's recommendations




14 May
Blog

Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro Review: A Phone That’s Too On-trend

xiaomi mi 10 per review front

"The Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro is impressive, but not without frustration, and its high price means fierce competition."

  • Colorful, detailed screen

  • Excellent audio

  • Very long-lasting battery

  • Capable, funny camera

  • Unreliable software

  • Hypersensitive screen edges

Xiaomi is known for its affordable, high-quality smartphones. The new Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro does not quite fit this description. It's a high-spec flagship, but costs $ 1,000 or $ 1,080. That is almost double the price of the Mi 9 from last year.

We cannot change the price, but we can decide whether this is justified. I've been using the Mi 10 Pro for a few weeks now to check if it's worth the four-digit price. Did Xiaomi really have to follow the trend of making desirable smartphones expensive?

design

The Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro is more of a mature than a striking phone. I hesitate to describe it as stealth because it is also a large, old bruise from a device and certainly does not fade into the background. It's a pretty phone, mainly due to the use of frosted glass on the back, which adds a modern, classic style that I also really liked on the Huawei P40 Pro. The colors of my solstice-gray evaluation model subtly alternate between blue, gray and silver. It is nowhere near as lively or eye-catching as the OnePlus 8 Pro, for example.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

The Mi 10 Pro made of glass and aluminum is heavy. It weighs 208 grams and the weight is slightly upwards, presumably due to the large number of camera lenses on the back. Adjusted to the left, the camera module protrudes a few millimeters so that it does not lie flat on any surface. Combine this with the slippery glass, and the phone refuses to remain silent when I put it on a table or couch. It's fallen off of things more than any other phone I've used lately.

The aluminum housing is also not flush with the glass back wall, so you can feel a burr when you pick up the phone. This is quite narrow due to the 9 mm case. It's not as comfortable to hold as the OnePlus 8 Pro or the Huawei P40 Pro. However, it is well done and feels very solid. Even after its various falls, it has not suffered any major damage.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

If you expect the design and materials of the Mi 10 Pro to be reasons for the above-average price, this is not the case. The Mi 10 Pro is what we expect from every flagship phone today and is no different from any other top Mi device. This means that it is attractive without being over the top. The build quality is great and you will be proud to put it on the table.

It will slide around when you do it, but it will get some admiring looks at the same time.

screen

The Mi 10 Pro's screen is exactly what we want for 2020. It is a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED panel with a refresh rate of 90 Hz and a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. Although this is lower than the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus, it is completely sufficient and also keeps the power consumption at bay. I'm struggling to tell the difference between a 90 Hz refresh rate and a 120 Hz refresh rate, so it's perfectly fine to have the 90 Hz rate here.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

The screen is bright and the AMOLED panel offers exactly what you expect by returning lots of contrast with deep black and some vivid colors. I love the balance here – it avoids too much satiety and keeps things alive. The level of detail is also just right, and watching videos is very good, also thanks to the decent stereo speakers. Placed on the top and bottom of the phone for maximum channel separation effect. What they lack in bass, they make up for in the overall volume.

In the top corner is a small hole-punch selfie camera that you can quickly get used to until it effectively disappears. When you zoom in on YouTube videos, you remove the black borders on both sides of the screen, but lose a bit of picture at the top and bottom.

The Grand Tour on Amazon Prime emphasizes the dynamic graphics, and because of the audio quality, I was happy to sit down and watch an entire episode without switching to a tablet or TV.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

There is a big problem: edge detection and the resulting numerous phantom touches. A software update improved this during my review, but it's still not perfect. I accidentally open the phone app forever and made at least one unintentional call.

During a call, my cheek activated mute, so the person I called suddenly stopped hearing me. Add the times when I would wipe my palm across screens or close apps, as well as the smoothness of the phone itself, and the Mi 10 Pro can be a little frustrating.

Apart from that, the Mi 10 Pro offers an outstanding visual experience that is worth noting.

camera

The Mi 10 Pro has a 108 megapixel main sensor, which it developed together with Samsung and which is probably almost identical to that of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra. The 1 / 1.33-inch sensor has an aperture of 1: 1.69 and optical image stabilization as well as three additional sensors. There is a 20-megapixel wide-angle lens, a 12-megapixel portrait sensor and an 8-megapixel zoom lens. The selfie camera has 20 megapixels.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

There is one word to describe most of the pictures taken on a sunny day with the Mi 10 Pro: Intense. If you are not a fan of high saturation, look away now, because the Mi 10 Pro is not afraid to intensify the shades of blue, green and red. The HDR is also strong, brings out details when the sky is cloudy and balances the environment well. It's not the most natural camera, but if you want photos you share to really catch your eye, it's set just right.

Browse through the camera app and there are many functions to try out. It can take 108 megapixel photos that are not as saturated as those taken with the standard camera and can be cropped without losing detail. I like the way you can switch from macro mode to wide, standard, 2x and 5x zoom in the viewfinder without looking for the macro mode setting, as is the case with other cameras. The large sensor also offers a nice, natural bokeh effect.

The zoom is decent, although there are significant dynamic and exposure differences with the 5x zoom. The actual test of the software takes place at 50 times the digital maximum. At this level, it can't come close to the Huawei P40 Pro, which surpasses it in detail and clarity and also has a much more stable viewfinder. Apart from that, the zoom takes good photos and is a lot of fun together with the wide angle of the camera.

I also like some of the software and modes. The filters from Xiaomi are particularly interesting. The sky filter actually turns cloudy skies into bright sunny skies and works incredibly effectively. The app itself is clear and quick to use, but it is quite complex and offers many functions that you need to keep an eye on. The gallery has a photo editor, but isn't as full as the Huawei or Apple app, or as effective as using an app like Snapseed.

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xiaomi mi 10 pro rating with sky filter "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-11-2495775

  • 1.
    Standard unfiltered photo taken with the Mi 10 Pro
  • 2nd
    Sky filter added to the Mi 10 Pro photo

Finally, the selfie camera takes good portraits with strong edge detection, but pay attention to the skin smoothing that always seems to be active regardless of whether the beauty mode is activated or not. I really enjoyed using the Mi 10 Pro's camera and found that the footage can be shared instantly without much editing. It's not as wonderfully nuanced or as incredibly powerful as the P40 Pro, but it will appeal to those who want a camera for Instagram.

Software and connectivity

Xiaomi has installed its own version of Android 10 – it's called MIUI, and this is version 11. Some may not like how you are forced to place apps on multiple home screens, such as: B. Apple's iOS. In fact, it's frustrating – twice because you have to turn on search in Settings or otherwise stare at screens full of app icons without finding what you want.

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xiaomi mi 10 pro review notifications "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn7.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/xiaomi-mi-10-pro-notifications-640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

xiaomi mi 10 pro review settings "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn8.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/xiaomi-mi-10-pro-settings-640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

This is only the first aspect that differs for those who come from a non-MIUI phone. The "Settings" menu is different, animations are not quite as smooth as, for example, the OneUI 2.0 from Samsung, and the helicopter view of open apps offers a different vertical list of maps and some quick start links. There are many customization options, and I like the way you can choose how you want the constantly active display to look. If you spend time making everything look and feel right, MIUI will be perfectly acceptable.

However, I have more problems here than with previous Xiaomi phones. Notifications are unreliable and I've missed various messages through the line app. I also connected the phone to a WearOS smartwatch and it had to be restarted every day to reconnect and send notifications. More astonishingly, the phone sometimes freaked out, got into a vibration loop, and refused to quit apps when it happened. On a more positive note, the calls were excellent and very clear, although I was unable to test 5G due to movement restrictions.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

Ah, 5G. Now we find out why the price of the Mi 10 Pro has risen. This is the only important new feature we haven't seen on a Xiaomi flagship yet, and it's a costly addition. This is also no reason to buy the Mi 10 Pro. Currently 5G may not be available in your region, making it a feature for the future and of dubious value today.

MIUI can be frustrating, especially if you don't trust it to send notifications, but it's constantly improving and Xiaomi releases updates to the platform regularly. The software is probably the biggest downside to the Mi 10 Pro, mainly because of its unreliability.

Power and battery

The Mi 10 Pro has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset and a 5G modem with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB internal UFS3.0 storage space. It has a single SIM compartment and has no space for a microSD card. The battery has an enormous capacity of 4,500 mAh, 50 W quick charge and up to 30 W wireless charging. Here are the results of two benchmark apps:

Geekbench 5: 908 single-core / 3,168 multi-core

3DMark: 6.422 (volcano)

These values ​​correspond approximately to those of the OnePlus 8 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus and the Oppo Find X2 Pro, which all have the same processor. I played Asphalt 9 Legends on the Mi 10 Pro for some time and the game never stalled and the sound really made it an exciting experience. The phone doesn't get hot either, as there is a multi-layer cooling system inside.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

Although there are phones with larger batteries, the Mi 10 Pro makes extensive use of its 4,500 mAh cell. With moderate usage, I have two days without turning it off overnight, although adding a long video call (which is common now) and a few short voice calls resulted in the day ending with less than 10% remaining performance.

Price, guarantee and availability

The Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro costs 1,000 euros and was launched worldwide in mid-April. Availability is still limited as the phone is sold in China and some other locations around the world. A release in the UK has not been confirmed, although it is quite possible that the phone will be launched in Europe. For U.S. buyers, the only way is to import the phone.

If you buy it from, it will affect the warranty. Most reputable online import stores offer a guarantee, but may need to be returned for repair.

Our opinion

The Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro frustrates me. Everything I want is there, and Xiaomi is carefully adopting the most important 2020 trends, from the 90 Hz refresh rate to the versatile camera. But the software is not as good as it should be, especially for the price. After all, the inclusion of 5G (at the moment) is more an indication of the future than something that most can use today. Taken by themselves, most of these issues are minor issues, but combined with a price tag over $ 1,000, and the availability of better devices and things becomes more difficult. I was happy enough with the Mi 10 Pro, but I never felt like I wanted to go on forever, and that's the frustration – it's good but not good enough to get that price.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. We recommend the Apple iPhone 11 Pro for $ 1,000, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus for $ 1,100 and the OnePlus 8 Pro for $ 900. Those in the UK should also check out the Oppo Find X2 Pro (£ 1,100). All of these phones have excellent cameras, screens, performance, and battery life.

How long it will take?

The Mi 10 Pro is well built and, as already mentioned, has survived a few falls. It also has IP68 water resistance, making it a relatively long-lasting smartphone. With 5G and the latest processor, the phone lasts many years before it is classified as "old". However, the software may be out of date before this time. Xiaomi is good at updating MIUI, but less at upgrading to a new version of Android.

Should you buy it

No, at least until Xiaomi updates the software to make it more reliable. The other big features are excellent, but the price puts them alongside very tough competition that doesn't all suffer from the same software annoyance.

Editor's recommendations




09 May
Blog

Huawei P40 Pro Review: The Best Camera on a Phone

huawei p40 pro review back jacket

"The Huawei P40 Pro has the best camera in the industry, but many will find it quite difficult to get the apps they need."

  • Outstanding design and comfort

  • Raised OLED screen with a refresh rate of 90 Hz

  • Brilliant, versatile camera

  • Long battery life

  • No Google services or apps

  • Audio is not great

There is a risk in everything. From mountaineering over the road to buying a used car, some decisions can go either way, good or bad. It often pays to take the risk and we are better people for it.

This is an analogy that fits the Huawei P40 Pro. If you buy it, you'll need to disconnect from Google and try something else.

I spent several weeks with the Huawei P40 Pro. The following happened when I took the risk.

design

This phone is beautiful. After juggling the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus, the OnePlus 8 Pro and various other modern smartphones over the past few weeks, the Huawei P40 Pro stands above everyone in terms of perfect design, clear identity and sensible design decisions.

The best thing is the choice of matt, matt glass on the back. Yes, the OnePlus 8 has something like the Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro, but they don't look as fabulous as the P40 Pro.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

My favorite section? The way the Huawei logo is reflected deep in the glass. The curved sides of the body catch the light, and the matte silver paint shown here changes between blue, gray, white, and silver.

The elegance is affected by the bumpiness of the monster camera, which gives the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra a run for its money when it comes to how big it is. Calls. It sticks out a few millimeters and although the lenses and sensors are neatly arranged, it distracts attention from the simple beauty of the frosted glass.

It is one of the most convenient phones I have ever held. It's not sharp on the sides and all corners are rounded to make sure they don't dig into your palm. The real triumph, however, is the rounded glass at the bottom of the screen. Swipe-based gesture control means you always swipe up from the bottom of the phone. This is a tactile nightmare if there is a bezel, comb, or sharp edge there. The P40 Pro has nothing but a cascading piece of glass that smoothes the progress of your finger on the screen.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

This makes the P40 Pro really feel different from any other Android smartphone you can buy today. Only the Apple iPhone 11 Pro can keep up with the ergonomics of the P40 Pro.

It is less positive to note that the P40 Pro – admittedly due to the camera sensors and the battery capacity – is chunky with a thickness of 9 mm and a considerable 209 grams. Though strong, it's well balanced and many other big phones this year are even heavier. For comparison, the Galaxy S20 Ultra weighs 222 grams and is 8.8 mm thick, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max is 226 grams and 8 mm thick.

Yes, the P40 Pro is a bit slippery at the edges. Apart from that, the P40 Pro is professionally designed, has real stylistic flair and manages to obscure part of its weight.

Display quality, security

There is a 6.58-inch OLED screen on the front of the P40 Pro. It has a resolution of 2640 x 1200 pixels and a refresh rate of 90 Hz. There is a built-in fingerprint sensor and a face release. There is a very narrow border around the display and a slight curvature on the sides. The selfie camera with two lenses is punched on the top left of the screen and may be three times the size of a standard pinhole camera with a lens. This means that valuable space on the screen for notification icons is eliminated and is always recognizable when watching videos.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

How is the video YouTube looks great, although I had to look through the Firefox browser (no Google Apps, do you remember?). It still supports 2160p video with no problems, but features like double tap to advance 10 seconds don't work.

Amazon Prime videos, like Netflix, can be viewed via the browser with a resolution of up to 4K. However, the user interface is not as intuitive as a native app. Everyone looks great, and the screen of the P40 Pro can match the details and balance of the iPhone 11 Pro, while the Galaxy S20 Plus lives up to that of the Galaxy S20 Plus. It is wonderful.

Unfortunately, the great viewing experience is diminished by the sound. I found the same problem with the Huawei Mate Xs, a device that's even more video-focused than the P40 Pro. There's a single main speaker on the bottom of the phone that's fairly thin and uninspiring. This is not supported by the fact that the sound to the right of the phone is biased. When the screen looks as good as it does, the overwhelming audio is even more noticeable, especially if the competing Oppo Find X2 Pro manages to do both aspects just right.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

The fingerprint sensor is located high up on the screen and makes it easier to find when holding the phone with one hand, although it wasn't quite as reliable as some others I've used, including the physical button on the Apple iPhone SE. The face unlock is excellent and usually still hits me for the fingerprint sensor. I also like the way the screen stays active when you look at it.

Camera performance

The outstanding function of the P40 Pro is the camera. The P30 Pro's camera is difficult to track, but the P40 Pro is definitely up to the task. A 50-megapixel 1 / 1.28-inch sensor is the headline grabber, followed by a 40-megapixel ultra-wide angle sensor and a 12-megapixel telephoto camera. Finally, there is a 3D depth sensor. The telephoto camera enables a 5x optical zoom and a 10x hybrid zoom as well as a 50x digital zoom.

Extras include image stabilization controlled by optical and artificial intelligence, 4K video at 60 fps and the improved XD Fusion image signal processor from Huawei. Huawei also worked again with Leica to produce the camera on the P40 Pro.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

The P40 Pro has a powerful zoom function. All others simply follow Huawei here, up to a maximum of 50x digital zoom. The app prompts you to use the 5x and 10x zooms, and there isn't a big difference in quality between the shots you take with both. This is proof of the excellent A.I. and camera tuning.

In reality, this means that you can safely use 5x and 10x zoom without questioning whether the results are reasonable. Huawei A.I. then miracle works with 50x zoom. No, you don't want to share the photos taken at this magnification level very often, but it is impossible to deny how good they are compared to the catastrophic photos that were taken a few years ago with even moderate zooms. The stabilization at long zoom is excellent and holds the subject with little movement on the screen in the viewfinder.

I am also impressed by the bokeh of the P40 Pro – both the artificial bokeh mode in aperture or portrait mode and the natural bokeh generated by the large sensor. Edge detection is great in artificial modes. In normal mode, you can also get close to small objects like flowers and achieve a strong natural bokeh effect. I am also glad that there is a standalone monochrome mode that gives your photos the atmospheric Leica look.

What about night mode? It has been a mainstay of Huawei cameras for several years and not the mainstay for night shots here because the standard camera is incredibly good in and of itself. You have to experiment with the camera, as night mode sometimes provides a brighter and more detailed picture. However, if you often leave it in normal mode, you'll get amazingly good pictures in low light.

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huawei p40 pro review rbsh "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn6.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/rbsh-8-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: //www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7With night mode Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

huawei p40 pro review n1022 "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn7.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/n1022-2-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: //www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Without night mode Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

huawei p40 pro review rbsh "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn8.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/rbsh-7-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: //www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7With night mode Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

All of this happens before you start looking at the video, where you can not only take wide-angle and zoom shots, but also 4K resolution at 60 fps and slow motion at 7,860 fps. The stabilization is excellent, the colors are vivid and an extensive video editing mode is integrated in the standard gallery app.

Does the P40 Pro camera have anything bad? Shots with different lenses look different. Exposure, color balance, and atmosphere vary in a scene depending on whether you take the photo with the wide-angle or standard lens. However, this does not only apply to the Huawei phone, as this is the case with all smartphones with multiple lenses.

It is difficult for me to complain about something else, since most people do not notice tiny inconsistencies in dynamics and colors. It's the new smartphone camera to beat.

software

You want the camera, don't you? Of course you do. But to get it, you have to make some compromises.

No Google Mobile Services (GMS) are installed on the Huawei P40 Pro. This means that neither Google Play nor Google Pay, Google Maps or other apps or services supported by Google are used. Instead, the phone uses Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) and the Huawei App Gallery App Store, which are all based on Android 10 and have Huawei's own EMUI 10.1 user interface.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

If you've used the Mate 30 Pro, the P30 Pro, or previous phones like the P20 Pro, the software is a familiar area. With Huawei, you can either hide apps in an app drawer or spread them across multiple home screens. There's a great dark mode and plenty of great Huawei apps instead of the Google apps. For example, Huawei's email client and calendar are excellent, as is Huawei Health's fitness tracking app.

Using the P40 Pro is very fluid, quick and easy. Huawei has refined EMUI so much that it comes close enough to the standard Android that it doesn't require much learning for newbies, but it's still quite obvious that Huawei overall has its own design experience. I haven't encountered any of the annoyances I found on the Huawei Mate Xs and found the P40 Pro's software to be polished and reliable.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

However, the app gallery does not meet all of my app requirements and possibly not all of yours. I've explained in detail what was missing and why it affected me when using the Mate Xs, and the situation with the P40 Pro is essentially the same.

There is good news. Maps is now officially available in the app gallery and is an excellent alternative to Google Maps, even if you cannot simply import all saved places from the Google app. The navigation is effective, although I haven't been able to test it much due to movement restrictions. The swipe-in ​​newsfeed on the start screen contains links that not only lead to websites behind a paywall, but also significantly increase their usefulness.

By using the Phone Clone app, the Amazon App Store, and some APK files to install most of my required apps, the P40 Pro can be fully used for users who are not deep in the Google ecosystem. But that's still the problem.

I can't easily access my files in Google Drive, so importing / saving WhatsApp and Line conversations is not possible. I can't use Google Pay, my Google Smart Home devices can't be controlled by an app, and my YouTube Premium subscription is less fun when I'm forced to use the browser to access the website. Using the browser as a replacement for apps is generally not the best experience, but you'll need to get used to it with the P40 Pro.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

I doubt some of the decisions that Huawei's app ecosystem has made. When I open the app store I am often greeted by an ad that cannot be skipped for a few seconds, which I think is unacceptable. Opening the music or video app leads me directly to the new Huawei content stores and pushes me into the payment areas instead of immediately to my own saved files. Huawei is still learning and finding its feet, but these actions won't help many make the transition to the App Gallery and HMS easier.

There is another issue with the random installation of apps outside of the app gallery, with notifications. For example, Twitter and Instagram are installed through the Amazon App Store, and the arrival of notifications is incomplete. Then there is an update of apps that does not happen automatically if they come from multiple sources and I have security concerns when installing apps from unofficial sources. All of this makes using the phone more time consuming and cumbersome than many prefer.

Bottom line? If you use Google’s services on a daily basis or rely on certain apps that are not available through the app gallery, you will encounter some problems when switching to the P40 Pro. If Google is not essential for your mobile life and your apps are available in the Huawei App Store, life with the P40 Pro is easier. Huawei is confident that the app gallery will improve in the future, but we can only assess today's app situation.

The software, more precisely the app store and the availability of apps, is the risk when buying and using the Huawei P40 Pro every day.

Performance and battery life

Huawei's own Kirin 990 processor, an octa-core chip based on the ARM Cortex A76 architecture with a separate Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for artificial intelligence tasks, is in the P40 Pro. It also has a built-in 5G modem instead of a separate modem for improved reception and efficiency. Due to movement restrictions, I was unable to test the 5G connection on the P40 Pro, but found it excellent on the Mate Xs. It has 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage space.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

Depending on your taste, there is a healthy selection of games in the app gallery. Asphalt 9 is available and is rendered flawlessly in high quality display and performance mode. Games can also be downloaded from the Amazon App Store. Although those that I tried out were played perfectly, I found that the selfie camera with two lenses disturbed the user interface by hiding the buttons on the screen. Benchmark tests downloaded as APK files gave the following results:

3DMark Sling Shot Extreme: 5,303 (volcano)

Geekbench 5: 755 single core / 2,993 multi core

These values ​​are far below the Oppo Find X2 Pro, which contains a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, and cannot keep up with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus with Exynos 990 drive. Since the apps had to be installed outside of an official store, there might have been compatibility issues affecting the results as there was no sign of slowness during my time on the phone.

Andy Boxall / DigitalTrends.com

The battery life is great, just like you'd expect from a Huawei P-series device, and the 4,200 mAh cell easily lasts two days. It has both a quick wired charge that took an hour and 10 minutes to get the battery from 5% to full and a quick wireless charge.

Price, guarantee and availability

The Huawei P40 Pro is now available in the UK via Huawei's own website and the Carphone Warehouse. However, it was not officially released in the United States, but could be obtained as an import. It costs £ 900, which is about $ 1,120. Huawei grants a two-year warranty against manufacturing defects on its phones in the UK.

Our opinion

The Huawei P40 Pro has fantastic hardware and a dreamy camera with a long-lasting battery so you can get the most out of both. You have to compromise on software that is not in the Google Play Store through no fault of Huawei. This means that you may need to find new work and communication methods to enjoy the P40 Pro.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. Let's start with Huawei's own alternative, the P40 Pro Plus, which will come on the market sometime in June or shortly after. The camera promises to be even better because it has a state-of-the-art 10x optical zoom. So if you want to use life without Google, it might be worth waiting for the best model of the P40 family to do so.

If you spend $ 1,000 to $ 1,100, you should go for the Apple iPhone 11 Pro at £ 1,000 or £ 1,000, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus at £ 1,200 or £ 1,000, the Oppo Find X2 Pro at £ 1,300 or £ 1,100 or so $ 900 or £ 800 OnePlus 8 Pro. All of these phones have great cameras and impressive screens, as well as better access to all the apps they want.

You can even turn the clock back and find Huawei's flagship for 2019, the P30 Pro, which is still outstanding today, costs less, and has Google Mobile Services installed on it.

How long it will take?

The P40 Pro is IP68 waterproof, but is not particularly durable because it is made of glass. A case is recommended to keep it safe. The hardware itself will be fresh in the coming years and there will certainly be no shortage of skills. Interestingly enough, there is a big chance that the App Gallery – the biggest disadvantage of the P40 Pro today – will get better over time and offer more apps that we want.

Should you buy one?

No, I say that with a heavy heart, because the Huawei P40 Pro has a lot to offer. However, access to apps is currently too limited for the majority of people.

Editor's recommendations




06 May
Blog

Google Pixel 4 XL Review: Remarkable Phone. Small Battery.

Pixel 4 xl protrudes behind

Google Pixel 4 XL Black only (unlocked) – 64 GB

"Google's latest pixel has a successful camera again and is fluctuating in battery life again."

  • Outstanding cameras

  • Good performance

  • Bright, sharp and smooth 6.3-inch screen

  • Face unlock is quick

  • Really helpful, intelligent software

  • The battery life is not good

  • Hardly any app supports Face Unlock

  • Only 64 GB of storage space

The Google Pixel 4 XL was released over six months ago – some lives in smartphone years. Since then, the Galaxy S20, the OnePlus 8 Pro, has blinded us and distracted us from conversations about Pixel 4a and 5G phones. Does the Pixel 4 XL still hold? Should you consider yourself a 5G model? Let's find out.

Do you want a smaller phone? Check out our Google Pixel 4 test, which takes a closer look at the 5.7-inch model.

A minimalist and eye-catching design

I've been reviewing Google's Pixel phones since they were launched in 2016. There were two constants: a killer camera and an insufficient battery. This topic continues with the latest version of the company, Google Pixel 4 XL. It's fantastic in almost every department, from an excellent screen to brilliant software, but the battery is still behind the competition. It's not bad enough to stop me from fully using the phone, but power users are careful. This phone will have trouble keeping you going all day. However, there is a lot to enjoy before the last battery percentage disappears. Let’s take a closer look.

I like contrasts, bright colors and minimalist design, which means that the Pixel 4 XL is just right for me. I spoke to the designers about the process of redesigning the phone – this is the first major redesign of the Pixel line – and I'm happy with the changes that have been made.

Pixel 4 xl hero shotJulian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

Gone is the line on the back of the phone that separated two different textures. This also means that there are no longer two textures on the back. Instead, this two-tone design is achieved through the sides of the phone. There is a black band on the edges, which can be used to cover some components such as the USB-C connector, the speaker grille and the SIM slot. The back is also framed to highlight it. I also like the texture of this black band because it feels like you are touching a stable eggshell.

Gorilla Glass 5 is on the back, which is why we ask ourselves: Why aren't more phone manufacturers using Gorilla Glass 6? Is it too expensive to afford? Regardless, it is cleaner than ever, especially since there is no longer a fingerprint sensor, but now a "pixel square", as the designers call the camera module. In contrast to the iPhone 11 Pro, in which the triple camera system clearly stands out, Google has masked the lenses with a black filter, which makes the square module itself bolder and more pronounced. Paired with the black band on the edges, this phone is easy to spot, and the accented color of the power switch adds a bit more visual flair.

I can't stop staring at Pixel 4. It is beautiful and the design makes me show it off.

I've heard that others call the design boring – sometimes ugly. I clearly disagree, but you cannot deny that it is distinctive. I took pictures in a dog park in Manhattan and three people came up to me at different times and asked if I would use a Pixel 4.

If you want to buy one, choose the colors "Clear White" or "Oh So Orange" (the latter is a limited edition), because the colors "Just Black" are simply too simple. Even worse, the black is the only one with a glossy glass structure on the back, while the other two colors opt for a matt glass. The matte texture feels smooth and has the added benefit of hiding stains and fingerprints. The same does not apply to the glossy black option, which is also a dust magnet.

I can't stop staring at Pixel 4. It is beautiful, feels fantastic in the hand and the design makes me show it.

A 90Hz screen

Google has put more emphasis on the appearance of the screen on the Pixel 4 XL than on the Pixel 3 XL last year, which has a terrible notch that looks hideous. This time there is a large bezel at the top and a slimmer one at the bottom, which is not particularly modern, but acceptable. It is easy to forget as soon as you use the phone.

Pixel 4 xl screenJulian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

The other problem that Google has solved is the brightness of the screen. I'm having trouble reading the Pixel 3 XL's screen in sunny conditions, but that's no longer the case with the Pixel 4 XL. Is it brighter or more bezel-less than the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus? No, but I still had no major problems here.

The resolution of 3,040 × 1,440 is sharp and black is beautifully deep, although the colors are not as saturated as on Samsung phones. The 6.3-inch screen size doesn't feel too big either, although I have big hands.

The large screen is ideal for watching movies and shows, especially thanks to the HDR10 support. Shows like Disenchanted and Peaky Blinders look crisp with vibrant colors that pop, though admittedly ultra-dark scenes aren't as easy to see as on the Galaxy Note 10 or iPhone 11 Pro.

The screen's spotlight feature is the 90 Hz refresh rate we saw on the OnePlus 7T, and it's fantastic. This means that you see 90 frames per second (FPS), which is more than the conventional 60 frames per second on most smartphones. However, the pixel is not always updated at 90 Hz. It is sometimes updated with the typical refresh rate of 60 Hz when the screen brightness is low. This strange fact undermines one of the outstanding features of the phone.

Since the smaller bezel is slimmer than its predecessor, the front-facing speaker has been moved to the bottom edge. It's a shame, but luckily audio still sounds good and can fill a small space without sounding too distorted at high volume. There is no headphone jack. So if you're in the wireless earbud market, you should consider Google's Pixel Buds 2.

Face unlock is great

It took me a day or two to get used to the loss of the fingerprint sensor on the back of the Pixel 4 XL. I used it not only to unlock the phone, but also to swipe to pull down the notification drawer. Although I miss this feature, I also appreciate Google's addition of Face Unlock. This is one of the reasons why the bezel at the top of the screen is so big: there are a variety of sensors, including Google's Soli technology, that the company has been working on for several years.

Unlock Pixel 4 XL Face GirlsJulian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

Soli uses radar to identify 3D objects, and the Pixel 4 detects when your hand is approaching the phone, so the Face Unlock camera can be activated to quickly unlock the phone or the volume of calls and alarms decrease when you have your hand approaching the phone. Practically! You can also use it for gestures to control some functions of the phone. However, we will come back soon.

Face Unlock is snappy and precise, and I think it's great that it goes straight to the home screen instead of swiping up. There are times when I have to tap the screen to make sure the camera is looking for my face. Otherwise, I had no problem accessing the phone.

Android has a new BiometricPrompt API that allows apps to support fingerprint sensors and facial recognition systems for Android 9 and Android 10 devices. It took developers some time to add support. At the start I complained that there are hardly any apps that support this. Nowadays most major apps do this, including banks like Citibank and American Express, Passwork Keeper like LastPass and 1Password, shopping apps like Dashlane and Venmo, and more. If you're curious, Android Central has a fairly extensive list.

Another problem with Face Unlock has been fixed recently: At launch, Face Unlock could be unlocked even when your eyes were closed. This is a security risk as someone can easily take your phone and point it at your face to unlock it even if you close your eyes to stop it. The April 2020 security update provides the option that the eyes must be open. With Face Unlocked, however, there is one peculiarity that still exists: there is no way to add an alternative face or look. You can do this on Apple's iPhone using Face ID. I know a colleague who uses Pixel 4 and it is difficult for her to identify her face after applying makeup.

Helpful gestures

I mentioned soli technology earlier – well, it's a sleeper hit. It's great to turn down the volume when I approach the ringing phone, be it during an alarm or a phone call, but I'm an even bigger fan of Motion Sense. With this new feature, you can move your hand left or right over the phone to turn off an alarm, mute a call, or even switch tracks while listening to music.

Pixel 4 xl sense of movementJulian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

At launch, Motion Sense was incredibly limited on the Pixel 4XL, although Google looked at other types of gestures it could integrate to add value. When I speak to other reviewers, I feel like a minority, but I find Motion Sense works well for me, and I used it to clear morning alarms by just waving my hand. I also love changing tracks with it while working and listening to music. I can do all of this without lifting the handset, and that's pretty good.

In March, Google added the ability to pause and resume music. What Motion Sense needed – and still urgently needs – at this time is more gestures and actions. Can you use it to scroll photos after you've transferred them to a Chromecast-enabled TV, for example? Nah. There are many potential use cases for this, and I hope that Google will continue to improve functionality instead of simply abandoning it like many of its other projects. There is a game called "Headed South" that supports this feature. It would be cool if it were adopted in other apps when Google opened the API.

A story of two cameras

Google has long believed that only one camera was required to deliver great photos, building on its expertise in computer photography as other manufacturers continue to add multiple cameras for versatility. This is beginning to change as the 12.2-megapixel main lens of the Pixel 4 with an aperture of 1: 1.7 is now paired with a 16-megapixel telephoto lens (1: 2.4), which is a 2x offers optical zoom. Still, Google continues to show us that you don't need 48-megapixel cameras to take stunning photos. This is the goal of most Android manufacturers.

Nevertheless, Google should have followed Apple's path and added a triple camera system here, as I never had the feeling that the zoom functions on pixel phones are missing. Google introduced a feature called Super Res Zoom on the Pixel 3 that uses artificial intelligence to clean up digitally zoomed photos and deliver a quality that is surprisingly comparable to telephoto shots from other phones. It would have been really nice to combine this with an ultra wide angle camera for more varied shots. Ah great. I have to hope that the Pixel 5 comes with this type of setup. Rumor has it that it will.

The image sensor for the main lens is the same as that for last year's pixel, except that the aperture is a little wider, so better photos should be taken in low light and the dynamic range improved. The camera app also feels much faster than ever.

The telephoto lens ensures optimal quality for enlarged pictures, but we have seen telephoto lenses on cell phones for a long time – Google couldn't have at least opted for a 3 × optical zoom lens like the Huawei P30 Pro? As the smartphone market develops, this stands out as a sore point: the Huawei P40 Pro has a 5x optical zoom, which leaves the Pixel 4 XL in the dust. It's a shame.

Regardless, the quality looks good. Unlike some cell phones, Google's excellent night vision mode works with the telephoto lens. So you get good quality photos regardless of the time of day. As you can see below, it towers above the iPhone 11 Pro and the Samsung Note 10 Plus with 5x digital zoom, with slightly stronger details and more depth.

Pixel 4 xl 5x digital zoom "class =" m-carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/pixel-4-xl-5x-digital-zoom -640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAPixel 4 XL. Julian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

iphone 11 pro 5x digital zoom "class =" m carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/iphone-11-pro-5x-digital-zoom - 640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAiPhone 11 Pro. Julian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

Samsung Note 10 plus 5x digital zoom "class =" m carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/samsung-note-10-plus-5x- digital- zoom-2-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAGalaxy Note 10 Plus. Julian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

There's a certain type of look that Google's pixel phones capture – a lot of contrast, as well as cooler and darker tones. It's a style I've always enjoyed, but not for everyone. For example, you might prefer the brighter and warmer photos from iPhone 11 Pro. Still, I think the latest iPhone outperforms the Pixel 4 in general in terms of image quality and versatility (which helps extra ultra-wide angle lens), though that's not always the case. There are times when the Pixel 4 takes a much more appealing photo with better details, making it a fairly close competition.

However, there are some improvements that improve the camera experience. The first is Live HDR +, which allows you to see what the photo will look like after processing – before you even tap the shutter button. This is handy because I don't have to wait a few seconds to see the result and can frame the photo if necessary.

The new double exposure mode also offers more creative controls that let you adjust shadows and brightness before taking a photo. There's also a learning-based white balance that tries to identify the scene you're in and uses lifelike colors in all photo modes. However, dark scenes are still best in night vision mode.

Speaking of which, night vision mode has some of the most notable improvements. Night Sight takes multiple pictures at different exposures and stacks them for a more detailed and brighter photo in low light. The colors are still somewhat saturated, but they continue to impress and deliver stunning photos from the darkest scenes. Even crazier, if you have a tripod, point the phone at the sky and night vision mode triggers “astrophotography mode”, which sets an exposure time that can take up to four and a half minutes.

You can take some stunning photos like the following taken by my colleague in Scotland. You can see my attempt in the gallery above that I took in New York City with its heavy light pollution, but it's still an amazing photo considering that the normal camera gives a spotty mess with no details.

Pixel_4_astrophotography_1Simon Hill / Digital Trends

Portrait mode is also a little better now, and although the blur application for a subject has been improved over the performance of Pixel 3, there is still plenty of room to grow. You can notice some sections of hair around my dog ​​and other people can look a little confused in some photos. So you should be aware of the background when taking portraits. The less happens in the background, the better.

These results are still among the best you can get with a smartphone and can compete with those captured on Apple's iPhone and Huawei phones.

Google's Pixel 4 XL has an 8 megapixel front camera with an aperture of 1: 2.0 and takes some excellent selfies, especially in portrait and night vision mode. Unlike the Pixel 3 with two cameras on the front that allow you to switch between a wide-angle lens and a normal lens, the Pixel 4 XL's only lens is a wide-angle lens, so you can still shoot a lot in the scene behind you. or take group selfies without trying to fit everyone.

Pixel 4 XL Night Selfie "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-15-2405863

Pixel 4 XL Portrait Selfie "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-15-2405864

Pixel 4 XL Selfie "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-15-2405865

  • 1.
    Pixel 4 XL night selfie
  • 2nd
    Pixel 4 XL Portrait Selfie
  • 3rd
    Pixel 4 XL selfie

The Pixel 4's camera has improved, perhaps not significantly compared to its predecessor, but in the right areas that make it one of the best camera phones currently available to buy. Note that Google can no longer save Google Photos in full resolution for free and indefinitely. You can still upload your photos in high resolution for free, but not in the original resolution.

The latest software: machine learning FTW

The next best part of owning a Pixel phone is software. Of course, the latest version of Android 10 runs on the phone with current security. This is a huge advantage as Pixel phones are among the first to get updates when developing Android from Google. This means new functions and improved security. Google promises this type of support on the phone for three years, which is more the case than almost all Android phones.

If you're the way beta software installs, one advantage of a Google-made gadget is the ability to install the latest Android developer build – currently it's the first beta of Android 11. No, it's not going to be fun make names like Jellybean or Gingerbread, but it will bring new features. We'll find out more at Google I / O shortly. At the moment the existing operating system is fine.

Android 10 offers great features like a system-wide dark theme, an improved gesture navigation system and more transparency about which apps access your location data and other sensors on the phone. You can check out the best features of Android 10 by looking for more details.

Pixel 4 xl recorder appJulian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

What makes me come back to pixel phones outside of the camera are some of the helpful features supported by machine learning. Now the playback is still available so that the phone can show you the name of the tracks played in your area (even without an internet connection). Then there is a call screen that checks potential robocalls so you don't have to speak to a telemarketer. The motion sense gestures also fall into this category of helpful functions that have only a minor impact on my daily use of the phone.

A new app called Personal Safety gives you security and allows the phone to alert your preset emergency contacts in an emergency, and the Pixel 4 can even detect car accidents using sensors on the phone. It can then make calls to emergency services and send your location if you are unable to work. Helpful indeed, although I can't test it closely to see how well it all works.

My favorite new addition is the recorder app, which can be used to transcribe interviews in real time. It uses machine learning on the device so no data is sent to Google and you don't need an internet connection for this to work. The transcription is not perfect, but it is pretty good and excellent for people like me who do a lot of interviews and hate the manual transcription process afterwards. This app found its way to the Pixel 3, Pixel 3a and Pixel 2 cell phones in December.

Live Caption is another one of those additions that I never thought would be necessary. Subtitles are automatically generated for each video with audio, and all of this happens on the device. I used it when I was on the subway and didn't want to put on my earphones but wanted to understand what was going on in a video. Live Caption's mostly accurate subtitles saved the day.

In a "Pixel Feature Drop" in December, Google improved some of the Pixel 4 XL's best features, including the call screen with A.I. support, background blur in photos, and duo video calls. It's nice to see these features continue to improve.

Google Assistant continues to hide

Also impressive is the new Google Assistant, which used to be run with algorithms that required more than 100 GB of storage space and have now shrunk to less than 500 MB. That means it's faster, works more often on the device, and some tasks like opening an app or setting a timer don't require an internet connection.

The user interface not only looks much better and takes up less screen space, but the best addition is the continued conversation. This feature is available on Google Nest devices and allows you to continue speaking to the wizard without having to constantly trigger it. After running a query, the bottom of the phone lights up with the colors of the wizard. This indicates that the phone is still listening if you want to ask something else. It's excellent and makes me use the wizard more often, especially with Active Edge, the "press the phone to trigger the wizard" feature, which is still available on Pixel 4.

Next generation Pixel 4 xl assistantJulian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

The wizard has improved in many other ways. For example, if you're in an app like Google Maps, you can just press the phone and ask the assistant to search for nearby restaurants. The query is carried out automatically via Maps instead of Assistant. Do you see a photo you like? You can ask the assistant to send it to someone in your contacts, and you can even reply to incoming text by triggering the assistant and saying "Reply to John" before dictating your answer.

I'm using Google Assistant a lot more now. I am sure that Google will be happy if more data about me is retrieved. However, there are more robust options that allow you to control how much of your data is stored. But in the end, I use Assistant because it's really helpful, and that's more than I can say about most other language assistants.

Snappy performance

The Pixel 4 XL has 6 GB of RAM and is powered by the same chip in most 2019 Android flagship phones: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855. In December, Qualcomm introduced the next generation 865 chip that you can find in the OnePlus 8, the Galaxy S20 series and some Chinese phones from Xiaomi and Oppo. If you're looking for the latest and greatest, this isn't the case right now – but it doesn't matter. The phone had no problems handling the apps I normally use and opened them quickly. Switching between apps and even multitasking is a biting affair.

Here are some benchmark results:

  • AnTuTu 3DBench: 362.158
  • Geekbench 5 CPU: 606 single core; 2,056 multi-core
  • 3DMark Sling Shot Extreme: 4,007 (volcano); 4,564 (OpenGL)

For comparison, here are some numbers from the Galaxy S20:

  • Geekbench 5: 905 single core; 2,753 multi-core
  • 3DMark Sling Shot Extreme: 5,198 (volcano)

The Pixel 4 XL's results don't differ much from those of other phones that use the same processor as the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus, and it remains at the top level of the powerful smartphones. However, the more modern chip is significantly faster (and of course much more expensive). Oh, and the iPhone 11 Pro still has a considerable head start.

Games like PUBG: Mobile, Altos Odyssey, Pako: Forever everyone without problems. You have no problems with the performance of this phone.

I am not a fan of the storage capacity that you get for the basic pixel 4 XL: 64 GB. That's far too little for a $ 900 phone, especially if $ 350 phones like the Nokia 7.2 offer the same amount. Google, you need to expand storage options and make 128 GB the default.

A missing battery

All of the amazing features of this phone are overshadowed by the battery that Google packed into the phone. At a time when most Android manufacturers use batteries with more than 4,000 mAh, Google's use of a 3,700 mAh cell is a joke. It can get you through a medium to heavy duty workday, but I often hit 30% around 5:30 p.m., sometimes even less. It's not bad for light to medium users, but not as good for power users.

Pixel 4 xl USB-C portJulian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

If I wanted to extend my night and go to a restaurant or bar, my phone would die around 9:30 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. if I didn't have a portable battery with me. I'm not sure why Google can't determine the battery life of its Pixel phones, as this is a problem for every single Pixel phone I've ever checked. Throw in a bigger battery, Google! Do what Apple did this year and make your phone fatter. It is not difficult. Thanks to the amazing battery life, I reached 20% on the iPhone 11 Pro Max around midnight, and I wish the Google phone could do the same.

Fortunately, using a Qi charger on your desk while at work or a portable battery can fix the problem. However, it's not great that you have to stick to these lengths.

In our standard video playback test, in which we play a 1080p YouTube video with maximum brightness via WiFi, the Pixel 4 XL lasted 9 hours and 31 minutes. This is respectable, but falls behind competitors like the iPhone 11 Pro with 12 hours and 30 minutes and the OnePlus 7T Pro with 12 hours and 19 minutes.

On the iPhone 11 Pro Max, I reached 20% of the battery around midnight. I wish the Google phone could do the same.

It's a shame that Google didn't choose to upgrade its fast-charging technology either. The Power Delivery 2.0 standard continues to be used instead of the newer PD 3.0. You can fully charge the Pixel 4 XL from zero to 100% in about an hour and a half, but you won't get the juice burst when you first connect it to the Galaxy Note 10 Plus, which is helpful in an emergency.

Price, availability and warranty information

The MSRP for the Pixel 4 XL is $ 900, but if you want the smaller Pixel 4, it costs $ 800 less. Both phones have been available from all major U.S. providers and several retailers since October 24, 2019.

However, the phones are currently on sale. The Pixel 4XL costs $ 600 and the Pixel 4 $ 500. This doesn't necessarily make them a better deal than when they were released, as their hardware is a bit dated compared to other phones. Nevertheless, the price cut lowers these phones in the mid-range market.

Google offers a standard limited warranty that protects the phone from manufacturing defects one year from the date of purchase.

Our opinion

Do you want the hottest, the fastest, the newest? There's always something better, and today the Pixel 4 XL isn't one of those things. That said, it could still be the phone for you. Als das Pixel 4 XL herauskam, gab es kein Android-Handy, das ich lieber verwenden würde als das Pixel 4 XL, da es eine hilfreiche, intelligente Software und eine Killer-Kamera bietet. Auch der 90-Hz-Bildschirm hilft. Dies bedeutet jedoch, die ganztägige Akkulaufzeit der Wettbewerber zu opfern – und an einen tragbaren Akku gebunden zu sein.

Das heißt, die schnellsten, neuesten und heißesten sind oft auch die teuersten. Die Galaxy-Linie startet bei 1.000 US-Dollar und steigt beispielsweise von dort aus an. Das Pixel war ursprünglich bei 899 US-Dollar gelistet, aber Google hat den Preis auf 799 US-Dollar gesenkt. Dank einer Vielzahl von Pixel-Smartphone-Angeboten können Sie es heute für rund 500 US-Dollar finden – ein hervorragender Wert für ein immer noch sehr beeindruckendes Gerät.

Gibt es eine bessere Alternative?

Ja. Sie sollten auf jeden Fall das OnePlus 8 in Betracht ziehen, das dem OnePlus 7T in jeder Hinsicht überlegen ist. Es hat einen Rockstar-Akku mit 4.510 mAh, eine Warp-Geschwindigkeit, wird schnell aktualisiert und verfügt über eine anpassbarere Software. Und bei 700 US-Dollar ist es ein echtes Schnäppchen – obwohl es einen kleineren Bildschirm hat.

Darüber hinaus hat das iPhone 11 Pro Max bedeutende Vorteile, wie eine noch bessere Leistung, eine vielseitige Kamera und eine beeindruckende Akkulaufzeit, aber es kostet wesentlich mehr. Wenn Sie sich nicht besonders für die Kamera eines Telefons interessieren, werden die Samsung Galaxy Note 10 und Note 10 Plus in jeder Hinsicht zufriedenstellen und dennoch solide, abwechslungsreiche Aufnahmen liefern – wenn Sie eine zu einem Schnäppchenpreis finden. Weitere Informationen finden Sie in unserem Leitfaden zu den besten Smartphones.

How long it will take?

Der Pixel 4 XL hält zwei bis drei Jahre, wenn nicht sogar ein wenig länger, bevor der Akku abnimmt. Es hat eine IP68-Wasserdichtigkeit, sodass Sie sich keine Gedanken über Einbrüche im Pool machen müssen, aber es ist in Glas eingewickelt, sodass Sie immer noch einen Koffer schnappen möchten.

Should you buy it

Ja. Das Pixel 4 XL ist vielleicht nicht das beste Android-Handy des Jahres 2020, es fühlt sich etwas veraltet an und wird durch seine unterdurchschnittliche Akkulaufzeit behindert. Es ist eine gute Wahl für Android-Fans, die ein großartiges Handy ohne Flaggschiff-Preisschild suchen.

Empfehlungen der Redaktion




16 Apr
Blog

Motorola Moto G Power Review: Big Battery, Big Phone

Moto G Power Display

Motorola Moto G Power Review: Heavy battery life

"The durable Moto G Power offers long battery life, but is too heavy for most buyers."

  • Two to three days of battery life

  • Nice display for budget phone

  • Feels solid and durable

  • Using an Ultrawide camera is fun

  • Heavy and thick

  • No NFC for Google Pay

  • Main camera is just OK

Do you want a cheap Android phone? Motorola is probably your first stop. The experienced smartphone manufacturer has two new releases, the Moto G Stylus and the Moto G Power, each aimed at very specific users.

They do what they say. The G-pen has a pen and the G Power tested here has electricity. Battery power. I know your child may be looking over your shoulder. Let's just call it a metric fudge ton – 5,000 mAh, to be exact.

That is much! The iPhone 11 has a 3,110 mAh battery and the Google Pixel 4 XL has a 3,700 mAh battery. Some phones, like the Asus ZenFone 6, are the same size as the G Power battery, but most are not.

What makes the G Power so exceptional is the price you pay for this battery. Motorola is selling this unlocked phone for $ 250. This brings you the huge battery, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage (MicroSD cards with up to 1 TB can improve this number). This is the only version available.

Is this durable budget phone worth finding a place in your pocket? Let's have a look.

Design and display

If you've ever hit a battery case on a phone, you know that the extra endurance comes with the price of extra weight and a thicker profile. The Motorola Moto G Power bundles the battery inside, but is not excluded from this problem.

The Moto G Power is 0.38 inches thick and weighs over 7 ounces when touched. The older Moto G7 Play is 0.31 inches thick and weighs only 5.3 ounces. The Samsung Galaxy A50 is only 0.3 inches thick and weighs about 5.9 ounces.

So, as Twitter could say, the G Power is THICC.

Moto G Power DesignMatthew Smith / Digital Trends

You will feel it. It is a powerful, extensive phone. On the plus side, this offers an aura of quality that is not often found in inexpensive phones. On the other hand, it is difficult. I noticed it most when I was holding the phone in bed or lying on my sofa. After a short while my arm felt tired.

Yes, I am a saggy wrist tech reviewer who couldn't put a big house cat on the bench. Still, the extra weight was annoying. I wouldn't buy the phone for that reason alone. This is not a problem I want to deal with in an everyday device.

As Twitter could say, the G Power is THICC.

The weight of the G Power does not only depend on its battery. It also includes a 6.4-inch display with an aspect ratio of 19.17: 9. It is a large display, although this is not uncommon for the category. The Samsung Galaxy A50 and Samsung M30 both have 6.4-inch displays.

It's an attractive screen that's vivid and bright enough to use on a sunny day. You will surely see a better contrast to the OLED panel, and here the cheapest devices from Samsung can achieve an undeniable victory. However, the Moto G Power's display is solid and I think most buyers will be impressed.

Turn it over and you will find the Moto G Power in the conservative new look from Motorola. Moto used to be synonymous with quirky design (I bought and loved a blue-and-orange Moto G3), but the company's newer phones are more elegant and frankly boring. Like many new phones, the G Power is shiny, subtle, and sophisticated. Moto hopes you will be mistaken for glass some distance away.

A fingerprint reader for secure login is included. It is quick and seldom possible to read a fingerprint like I am used to from similar readers on other devices.

Moto G Power camera

Ports? You will receive USB-C and a headphone jack. I have no complaints there. I wish Motorola made the phone waterproof. It is sold as "water repellent" but is not designed to be submerged for any length of time. Don't let it fall into the toilet.

The design of the Moto G Power is okay. The display even has somewhat slim bezels. It's a bit boring and a step back from Moto's more ambitious previous cell phones, but I understand. People want to buy cheap phones that look like expensive phones. From this point of view, the design of the Moto G Power is successful.

Battery life

The Moto G Power is all about battery life. It has 5,000 mAh of juice to be precise, and Motorola promises up to 72 hours of battery life.

That would have seemed a few years ago. Today it is still a lot, but not unusual. The Asus ZenFone 6, Samsung Galaxy M30 and Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra all have batteries of a similar size, although their endurance requirements are not that extreme.

It's an impressive battery for the price, to be sure. While the Galaxy M30 is available at low prices on Amazon, the ZenFone 6 costs $ 500 and the Galaxy S20 Ultra "How much do you have?" The large battery is an outstanding feature.

The battery lasted two full days and a few thirds.

I used the Moto G Power lightly in my first week on the phone when I turned my attention to the Moto G stylus. The battery lasted five days. After I switched mainly to the G Power, the battery lasted two full days and a few thirds. I admit that I am not the most demanding user. Nevertheless, this is an outstanding result.

In fact, it's over the top. I don't think charging a phone overnight is a problem. Therefore I think a battery is sufficient for a day with heavy use. Most modern phones can do this. The Moto G Power could take two, but I have to ask. What's the point Why should you put up with a heavier, thicker phone all day every day?

If your answer is "well, I need it because of …", then for sure. I understand that. The Moto G Power deserves recognition for bringing extreme endurance to a low price. But let's be real. This is a niche device. It was developed for people who want to talk a lot on the phone, but also don't want to spend a lot on it.

performance

The Moto G Power has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 octa-core processor and a Qualcomm Adreno 610 GPU. This is an option for a budget phone that will be sold in 2020.

Performance is usually not a problem. Most applications are started in no time and run well when active. While the phone's 4 GB of RAM on paper may be fine, there have never been any problems switching applications.

The Moto G Power has proven itself in benchmarks

  • Geekbench 5: 312 single-core, 1388 multi-core
  • 3DMark Sling Shot Extreme (volcano): 1.133

The Geekbench 5 score offers a modest improvement over last year's budget phones. A Moto G7 reaches 268 in single-core and 1,183 in multi-core. The result of Sling Shot Extreme is a huge upgrade over the older Moto G7, which only reached 543 when we tested it last year. Another one-year-old Samsung Galaxy A50 beats the Moto G Power with a score of 1,368 in the Sling Shot Extreme from 3DMark.

I only noticed the limits of the Moto G Power when scrolling quickly through long content lists such as news feeds or podcasts or when visiting websites that (frankly rather intrusive) elements such as pop-up video players or extensive animations put a lot of strain. In these situations there was an occasional jerk or a moment of pause. Even the fastest phones can have problems here, but I think the Motorola G Power feels a lot less fluid than, say, a Google Pixel 4 that shipped with a Snapdragon 855 late last year.

Still, it's a bit silly to be obsessed with the Moto G Power's performance. Modern smartphones, like laptops sold ten years ago, are fast enough for most people today. I had no problem using the Moto G Power every day. Is a Google Pixel 4 or iPhone 11 faster? Yes. With the G Power (or another phone with this SoC) you can get along easily.

Obsessed with being a bit silly about the performance of the Moto G Power.

Gaming is a mixed bag. Most cell phone games are designed to run on a variety of cell phones and not to press hard on a cell phone like the Moto G Power. Even Call of Duty: Mobile and SimCity Build went well enough that I didn't notice any hesitation. Demanding games like Injustice 2 and Asphalt 9 were a different story. These were playable on the Moto G Power, but occasionally stuttered and were rendered at a frame rate that was well below 30 frames per second.

It is important to know that G Power does not have an NFC. This means that Google Pay is not supported. This is almost certainly an unfortunate omission to keep the price down, but contactless payment is always helpful – and is even recommended in these days of social distancing – and is overlooked here.

Audio quality

Stereo speakers tuned by Dolby are on either side of the phone (when held horizontally). One speaker is above the display, the other on the bottom lip of the phone. This means that audio is stronger on one side than on the other. It stands out, but is not annoying.

The sound is loud and clear. There is not a lot of bass and the maximum volume is not what flagship phones can produce, but it is enough to keep you entertained in a room with little to no ambient noise. Audiophiles should bring headphones, earphones, or a Bluetooth speaker.

Camera quality

Despite its price, the Moto G Power does its best to emulate the camera functions of more expensive competitors. It comes with a 16MP main camera on the back, an 8MP Ultrawide with a 118 degree field of view and a 2MP macro camera. There is also a 16 megapixel front camera.

For me, the 8MP Ultrawide is the outstanding feature. This is unusual for low-cost phones and offers a lot of versatility. With this camera, you can take more convincing landscape shots or better capture a narrow space. The camera delivers subdued colors and extreme lighting issues, but a decent smartphone photographer could use it for some outstanding shots. It's also fun to play around with.

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Moto G Power Standard FOV "class =" m-Karussell - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpower_standard-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / / www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Moto G Power Standard FOV Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

The 16 megapixel main camera is what I would expect from an affordable smartphone in 2020. It takes neutral, balanced shots that often lack the vibrancy and sharpness that you find in the best phone cameras. Quality is best with excellent lighting and noticeably drops in dark situations, but excellent lighting can also affect color balance, so you can fumble with the rather delicate manual controls.

Although the main camera didn't set my hair on fire, I should note that this is a massive step over the inexpensive phones sold a few years ago. The main camera of the Moto G Power can be used for great photos if you have some skill.

Moto G Power photo example "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpower_sample2-2-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

Moto G Power photo example "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpower_sample4-2-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

Moto G Power photo example "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn6.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpower_sample5-2-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

Moto G Power photo example "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn7.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpower_sample3-2-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

With this option, the 2MP macro has the same difficulties as other smartphones. The ability to enlarge a subject is offset by reduced sharpness, poor performance in low light, and color balance issues. To be honest, I'm not sure if most macro shots look better with the 2MP macro camera enabled. Macro mode works when very, very close to very small objects, but how often do you take such photos? I'm not sure I will ever do that.

Moto G Power Macro Off "class =" m-Karussell - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpower_macro_off-2-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: //www.digitaltrends.com/data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Moto G Power macro lens Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

Moto G Power "class =" m-Karussell - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/motogpower_macro_on-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: // https: // www. digitaltrends.com / data: image / gif; base64, https: //www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Moto G Power macro lens Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

What about the 4MP (Quad Pixel) selfie camera? It works well enough. The quality depends on the lighting. However, if you have the right angle, your shots can look great. However, I am annoyed about the relocated camera location. It's in the top left corner of the phone, not the center, making finding the best angle less intuitive.

Video quality

The main camera of the Moto G Power can record 4K videos at up to 30 frames per second (fps) or 1080p videos at up to 60 fps. Slow motion videos can record up to 120 frames per second at 1080p or 240 fps at 720p.

This is solid for a budget phone, though you shouldn't plan to use anything other than 1080p frequently. 4K video can look sharp in ideal lighting, but quickly fall apart in more demanding situations. The same applies to slow motion.

If you stick to 1080p, you can expect a sharp picture with a generally neutral color balance that, like photos taken with the main camera, will struggle with very dark or excessively bright situations. Taking the budget into account, I think the video of the Moto G Power is solid.

software

The Moto G Power has a slightly skinned version of Android 10. My unlocked test device was delivered without any noteworthy bloatware, unless you count the slim and mostly unnecessary Moto and Moto audio apps. As with previous Motorola smartphones, the G Power greets you with a happy “Hello Moto” when you switch it on.

Moto Actions are back. They allow you to activate certain functions with certain gestures. For example, you can activate the camera by turning your wrist twice or turning on the flashlight with two quick cutting movements. Moto promotions are convenient and fun.

The camera app is Motorola’s only misfire. It looks fussy, with tiny control icons at the top of the app and a record button that looks like a camera shutter. Placed next to a Google Pixel 3a, the difference is day and night and not at all in favor of G Power.

Price, guarantee and availability

The Motorola G Power costs $ 250 and will be released in April. You can order one directly from the Motorola website. It is also sold through Verizon, Republic Wireless, US Cellular and Google Fi. If you live in Europe, Motorola has confusingly launched the G8 Power instead of the G Power. It's almost identical to the G Power in every way, but with an additional 8-megapixel telephoto camera on board. It costs £ 220 or about $ 270.

Motorola grants a one-year warranty on its phones in the United States. Buyers can also purchase an additional MotoCare plan to cover water and accidental damage. Prices vary between $ 23 and $ 64 a year, depending on coverage.

Our opinion

The Moto G Power is a good phone that sells at an affordable price but is a niche by nature. I don't think the transition between "power users who need a multi-day battery life" and "budget phone buyers" is wide.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes, but you have to pay more. If your budget isn't incredibly tight, it's worth spending more on a phone because it can be used longer regardless of whether your usage changes. If you can reach up to $ 400, Google Pixel 3a has a great camera and guaranteed software updates for several years. Spend $ 500, and the Asus Zenfone 6 is an excellent buy with its near-flagship specs and a fun flip camera.

If you only want to spend less than $ 300, have a look around and try to purchase the Samsung Galaxy A51 for this price. The international version, which is compatible with GSM networks, is often offered on Amazon for less than $ 300. Samsung also announced the new Galaxy A21, which will sell for $ 250. We don't have it in our hands yet.

If you choose Motorola, you can check out the Moto G stylus, which is only slightly lighter.

Finally, here is my professional tip. Wait to see what Google does with the rumored Pixel 4a that is expected in the coming weeks. It is certainly desirable, and even if your budget is not exhausted, the still excellent Pixel 3a can lead to significant price reductions. In addition, Apple is expected to show the iPhone SE 2 / iPhone 9 soon, which can be affordable for around $ 400. It's also worth seeing how long it takes for the Nokia 5.3 from HMD Global to reach the US in April. At this point, it will be launched in Europe for $ 205

How long it will take?

The G Power has no water-repellent housing, but is made of plastic and should therefore be slightly better off in the event of a fall than one made of glass. However, it is not a "hard" phone.

Budget Android phones also have a short lifespan because they don't get the latest Android updates quickly or at all. Motorola’s Android update schedules are confusing. It is promised that the Moto G Power will get through an operating system upgrade and frequent security updates. Better support would be excellent, but this is typical of an Android phone in this price range.

Should you buy one?

No. The Moto G Power fits into a certain niche of power users who are short of money, but is too heavy and too thick for most people.

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