Tag: in-depth

Samsung Galaxy S24 EF: Price & In-Depth Review

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is a shining example of how to build a more budget-friendly phone right. You get a high-quality display, strong performance, and even impressive cameras – there’s a lot to love here. However, the real focus of the Galaxy S24 FE isn’t just on performance or price – it’s all about AI.

That’s right, artificial intelligence – or as Samsung calls it, “Advanced Intelligence” – plays a starring role in the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. While you won’t miss out on the features found on the pricier Galaxy S24 models, such as photo editing, transcription, and text-generating tools, the AI features are a bit of a mixed bag.

AI transcription and translation tools work well, as does Browsing Assist, which provides handy summaries of web pages. The Chat Assist can generate AI-made text messages, though they may feel a bit impersonal, but they work efficiently.

Samsung has leaned heavily into AI for photo editing, but the Photo Assist feature is hit or miss, sometimes having issues with object removals and blurriness. However, Sketch to Image is a fun addition that allows you to add AI-generated elements to photos by sketching whatever comes to mind. Oddly enough, many of these AI features are hidden in Settings, despite Samsung’s marketing emphasis on them.

Beyond AI, the Galaxy S24 FE hits all the right notes where it counts. The design is sleek and minimalistic, though it has a slightly iPhone-like feel, and the color options are more low-key. The display is excellent too, even though it’s not the sharpest or brightest on the market (with a peak brightness of 1,900 nits), colors still pop beautifully, and details are clear.

Even though the Galaxy S24 FE has a slightly less powerful processor than the classic Galaxy S24, it runs fantastically well, even with resource-intensive apps like video calls or AI tools. Additionally, the combination of a lower-power processor and higher battery capacity means the Galaxy S24 FE lasts longer than the standard model. The phone charges at up to 25W, so you can juice it up quickly.

On top of all that, you’re getting capable cameras with 3x zoom – a delightful inclusion for a phone that starts at $649.99 USD / £649 / AU$1,099. That’s what makes the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE so appealing – it.

October 17, 2024

iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Plus: Price and In-Depth Review

Early Verdict
Pros:

Vibrant new color options
Powerful A18 chip
Enhanced macro photography with updated ultrawide camera
Same Apple Intelligence features as Pro models
Spatial photo and video support

Cons:

60Hz display refresh rate

Apple continues its effort to make the standard iPhone models compelling options, and this year’s iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus take that a step further. With striking new colors, a new ultrawide camera with macro capabilities, and the powerful A18 chip, the gap between the standard and Pro models has certainly narrowed. While not entirely eliminated, these upgrades make the iPhone 16 lineup an attractive option, especially for those looking to save money without sacrificing too much in terms of features.

In this hands-on review of the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, I’ll explore whether these new enhancements are enough to sway users away from the pricier Pro models.

Specs: iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Plus

Feature	iPhone 16	iPhone 16 Plus
Starting price	$799 / £799 / AU$1,399	$899 / £899 / AU$1,599
Screen size	6.1 inches	6.7 inches
Refresh rate	60Hz	60Hz
Processor	A18	A18
Storage options	128GB, 256GB, 512GB	128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Rear cameras	48MP main, 12MP ultrawide	48MP main, 12MP ultrawide
Front camera	12MP	12MP
Battery life	22 hours video playback	27 hours video playback
Weight	170g	199g
Colors	Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine

Price and Release Date

Fortunately, there’s no price hike for the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, with prices starting at $799 USD for the iPhone 16 and $899 USD for the iPhone 16 Plus. Pre-orders start on September 13, with full availability from September 20. Both models come in storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, and are available in five striking colors: black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine.

Design

Apple has given the iPhone 16 lineup a refreshed look, with bolder and more vibrant colors that shimmer beautifully under light. The aerospace-grade aluminum body makes both models feel incredibly lightweight and durable. The cameras now have a vertical alignment, and the introduction of a capacitive Camera Control button adds functionality. The addition of the Action button from the Pro models is another welcome change, offering more control over the phone’s features.

Display

While the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus maintain their previous screen sizes of 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches, respectively, there’s still no upgrade to the 60Hz refresh rate. Although the display offers vibrant colors and sharp details, the lack of a higher refresh rate feels outdated compared to other smartphones. That said, the OLED Super Retina XDR display still impresses with excellent viewing angles and color accuracy.

Cameras

The camera upgrades are one of the most exciting features of the iPhone 16. The new 12MP ultrawide camera now supports macro photography, a feature previously reserved for the Pro models. The 48MP main camera continues to deliver impressive photos, and Apple’s software improvements allow for optical-quality 2x zoom without a dedicated zoom lens.

The new Camera Control button offers a more tactile shooting experience, allowing you to press lightly for zoom control or press down fully to snap a photo. This change makes it feel more like using a traditional camera, although advanced manual controls like ISO and shutter speed are still missing.

Performance

Powered by the A18 chip, the iPhone 16 series promises a significant performance boost with 30% faster CPU speeds compared to the A16 Bionic. The hardware-accelerated ray tracing, previously a Pro-exclusive feature, enhances gaming performance as well. While everyday tasks run smoothly, the real difference will be noticed in gaming and other intensive applications.

Battery and Charging

The iPhone 16 boasts larger batteries, though exact capacities remain undisclosed. Heat dissipation improvements and the energy efficiency of the A18 chip suggest longer battery life, particularly for the iPhone 16 Plus. Charging also sees a slight improvement with 25W MagSafe and Qi2 support, but USB-C wired charging speeds remain unchanged.

Software

iPhone 16 and 16 Plus benefit from all of Apple’s Intelligence features, such as the upgraded Siri, Writing Tools, and integration with ChatGPT through OpenAI. Surprisingly, none of these features are exclusive to the Pro models, leveling the playing field in terms of software. The upcoming iOS 18 will also introduce Emergency SOS Live Video, further enhancing safety features.

Outlook

Apple has closed the gap between the standard and Pro models more than ever with the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. With shared features like the A18 chip, Apple Intelligence tools, and the Camera Control button, they offer tremendous value at a lower price. While the Pro models still have advantages like higher refresh rates, larger screens, and more advanced cameras, the iPhone 16 lineup may be “Pro enough” for most users.

Conclusion

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus bring significant upgrades to Apple’s standard iPhone lineup, making them more compelling than ever. With vibrant new color options, a powerful A18 chip, and macro photography capabilities, these models bridge the gap between the standard and Pro versions more closely than before. While there are still some compromises—like the outdated 60Hz display—most users will find the performance, camera quality, and shared Apple Intelligence features more than sufficient for everyday use.

At a starting price of $799 USD for the iPhone 16 and $899 USD for the 16 Plus, Apple delivers excellent value. If you’re looking to save money without missing out on key features, the iPhone 16 series might just be “Pro enough” for your needs, offering an appealing alternative to the pricier Pro models.

September 10, 2024

Pixel Watch 3: Price, Features, and In-Depth Review
Google’s journey with smartwatches has been somewhat tumultuous. The original Pixel Watch, while intriguing, left room for improvement. The Pixel Watch 2 made strides but still wasn’t perfect. Now, with hopes of getting it right, Google has introduced the Pixel Watch 3.

The Pixel Watch 3 is a significant step forward, offering two body sizes: 41mm and 45mm. This change addresses one of the main criticisms of previous models, providing a better fit for those who found the earlier sizes too small.

What’s New?

The Pixel Watch 3 isn’t just about size. It features a revamped design with a larger display while maintaining the signature look of the Pixel Watch. Beyond the cosmetic updates, it also boasts enhanced features including advanced exercise tracking, AI-driven daily recommendations, and energy monitoring. Here’s what you need to know:

Google Pixel Watch 3: Price and Availability

The Pixel Watch 3 is priced as follows:
- 41mm model: Starting at $349, up to $449 with LTE.
- 45mm model: Starting at $399, up to $499 with LTE.
Available in various colors and bands, the Pixel Watch 3 can be found at major retailers and online stores. Preorders began on August 13, with general availability starting September 10.

Google Pixel Watch 3: Specs
- Display: Google Actua OLED, protected by Gorilla Glass 5
- Body Size:
  - 41mm: 41 x 41 x 12.3mm
  - 45mm: 45 x 45 x 12.3mm
- Weight:
  - 41mm: 31 grams (without band)
  - 45mm: 37 grams (without band)
- Resolution: 320 pixels-per-inch (ppi)
- Touchscreen: Actua OLED, always-on display
- Storage: 32GB
- Wireless Interfaces: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band, NFC, LTE
- Sensors: Blood-oxygen, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ambient light, Heart rate, Barometer, GPS (GPS, Galileo, Glonass), Compass
- Water/Dust Resistance: 5ATM & IP68
- Battery Capacity:
  - 41mm: 306mAh
  - 45mm: 420mAh
Google Pixel Watch 3: First Impressions

We’ve had a chance to test the Pixel Watch 3, and initial impressions are promising. The introduction of new sizes is a welcome improvement, with the 45mm model offering a more substantial feel without being overly bulky. The reduced bezels provide a 40% increase in usable display area, addressing one of the previous models’ major shortcomings.

Design and Display

While maintaining its distinctive style, the Pixel Watch 3 has been updated with slimmer bezels, enhancing the display area by 40%. The Actua OLED screens are brighter, with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits and an adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 60Hz. Durability is also a plus with Gorilla Glass 5 and an IP68 rating, making it suitable for swimming but not diving.

Health and Fitness Tracking

Integrated with Fitbit’s technology, the Pixel Watch 3 excels in health and fitness tracking. It offers comprehensive tracking including step count, heart rate, blood-oxygen levels, and exercise options. New features include improved run tracking, customizable running plans, and AI-powered daily recommendations. Features such as Readiness and Cardio Load help monitor and optimize your workout intensity and recovery. Automatic sleep detection with Bedtime Mode is a useful addition, turning off notifications and reducing battery use during sleep.

Performance and Battery

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor, the Pixel Watch 3 promises efficient performance. The 41mm model’s battery matches the Pixel Watch 2’s capacity, while the 45mm model features a larger battery, potentially offering longer usage. Charging is faster, with Google claiming a 20% improvement over the Pixel Watch 2. The 41mm takes about an hour to charge, and the 45mm around 80 minutes.

Software and Updates

The Pixel Watch 3 runs on Wear OS 5, with enhanced connectivity to other Google devices. You can view Nest cameras, interact with Nest Doorbells, control Google TV, and use additional features like UWB-powered phone unlock and advanced camera controls.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel Watch 3 represents a significant advancement in Google’s smartwatch lineup. With its expanded size options, improved display, and robust health and fitness features, it addresses many of the shortcomings of its predecessors. While it may not be perfect for everyone, particularly with its premium pricing, it offers a compelling package for those seeking a high-quality smartwatch with deep integration into the Google ecosystem. For users looking for a stylish, feature-rich smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3 is definitely worth considering.
September 7, 2024
HP Elite x360 1040 G11 2-in-1: In-Depth Review and Price Breakdown

As someone who’s always on the go, finding the right laptop that can handle my workload while withstanding the rigors of travel isn’t easy. Many laptops boast longer battery life, but finding one with durable build quality that can endure a few bumps is more challenging than expected. Plastic models often feel flimsy, while metal builds come at a premium. Enter the new HP Elite X360 1040 G11, starting at $2,299 USD. Marketed toward “road warriors” and business professionals, let’s see if it lives up to its price tag.

What’s New?

This year’s HP Elite X360 1040 series takes a leap in design and usability. The new Glacier Silver finish stands out, even changing to white in different lighting, while resisting fingerprint smudges for a cleaner look. HP has also expanded the trackpad and enlarged the keyboard keycaps, making navigation smoother and typing more comfortable.

Internally, it packs Intel’s latest Core Ultra 5 and 7 processors, with my unit featuring an Intel Core Ultra 7 165H. Despite its slim design, HP has improved the thermal system to keep things cool and quiet during use.

Design

HP upgraded the Elite X360 1040’s lid from magnesium to aluminum, improving durability without adding weight. The base remains magnesium but shows no signs of flex, even under pressure.

The laptop’s rounded edges, particularly around the keyboard, make extended typing sessions more comfortable. This subtle design also adds comfort when using the laptop in tablet mode, avoiding sharp edges digging into your hands.

One small but useful addition is the webcam shutter, allowing you to hide the camera for added privacy.

Ports/Connectivity

One common downside of slim laptops is the lack of ports, but HP addresses this well. The left side includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI 2.1, and a headphone/mic jack. The right side features a nano lock slot, a USB 3.2 Type-A port, a USB 3.2 Type-C port, and a nano SIM card reader. While an SD card slot would have been nice, the selection is generous enough to connect most devices.

Keyboard/Touchpad

This year’s model has 16% larger keycaps, and while they’re not the biggest out there, they offer a significant improvement. The stabilized keys reduce accidental keystrokes, and overall, the typing experience is excellent—better than most laptops I’ve used. HP has also expanded the touchpad by 6%, making it one of the largest in this class, offering smooth and responsive control.

Both the touchpad and keyboard use recycled materials, including ocean-bound plastics, reflecting HP’s sustainability efforts. The included stylus charges via USB-C and feels like a natural pen, providing a smooth experience when drawing or writing on the display.

Display

HP offers several display options, and my review unit has a 1920×1200 WUXGA panel with 400 nits of brightness. There’s also a 2.8K option and a Sure View privacy screen for security-conscious users. The matte screen in my unit minimizes glare, making it easier to use in bright conditions.

The display’s hinges are sturdy, keeping the screen stable in any position, and the magnets securely close the lid when not in use.

Performance

Equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 165H processor and 16GB of LPDDR5x memory, the HP Elite X360 1040 G11 delivers impressive performance. In Cinebench R23, it scored 13,768, outperforming many laptops in its class. While it’s not a gaming laptop, it can handle casual games like Fortnite at medium settings with 60 FPS, and even older titles like GTA V perform well at 1080p.

The laptop also shines in audio quality, with four speakers, each equipped with a discrete amplifier, providing rich and clear sound that rivals even premium laptops like the MacBook.

Battery Life & Extras

Battery life is crucial for a travel-friendly laptop, and HP delivers. I consistently got around 10 hours of use, and on lighter days, it stretched even further. While short of HP’s claimed 20 hours, it’s still impressive for an Intel-powered machine.

The laptop also scores high in repairability, with easy access to key components like the SSD and battery, making it an attractive option for business fleets where quick maintenance is needed.

Conclusion

The HP Elite X360 1040 G11 is a top-tier business laptop, offering excellent build quality, impressive performance, and thoughtful features. Its keyboard and typing experience are among the best, making it a pleasure for long work sessions. Although the price may be steep at $2,299 USD, for professionals and businesses looking for durability, power, and flexibility, it’s worth the investment.

September 7, 2024
Motorola Edge 40: In-Depth Review and Price
The Motorola Edge 40 is a sleek Android smartphone that I’ve genuinely enjoyed using throughout the review period. It offers a stylish design, capable cameras, a long-lasting battery, and fast charging—all at a competitive price point.

While the Motorola Edge 40 Pro competes with flagship devices, the Edge 40 takes on their more modestly equipped counterparts. It’s smaller than the Motorola Edge 40 Pro, with less powerful internals and a less impressive camera setup, but at £529 (approximately $690 / AU$1,015), compared to the Edge 40 Pro’s £799 (approximately $1,045 / AU$1,535), it presents a compelling option.

Sure, it doesn’t come with all the high-end features of more expensive flagship phones—there’s no dedicated zoom camera, variable refresh rate display, or 12GB of RAM, for example—but what you do get is a mostly fast, fluid, and reliable experience. Alongside the Edge 40 Pro, the Edge 40 is certainly among the best Motorola phones available.

However, it does have its drawbacks. Expect a smaller accessory market compared to the likes of the Google Pixel 7a, a weaker camera than the iPhone 14, and fewer regular updates than the Galaxy S23. But if these aren’t deal-breakers for you, its notable strengths and affordability might make it the perfect fit.

The target audience for the Motorola Edge 40 includes those who prioritize value for money, prefer a phone that’s relatively light and slim—not as bulky as many of the top-tier smartphones—and aren’t too concerned about having the latest version of Android the moment it’s released.

Motorola Edge 40: Price and Availability
- Priced at £529.99 in the UK (about $690 / AU$1,015)
- Unconfirmed for the US, though it may appear as the Motorola Edge (2023)
- Available as of May 4, 2023
The Motorola Edge 40 is currently on sale in the UK for £529 (approximately $690 / AU$1,015). This is significantly lower than the £700-ish asking price of the OnePlus 11, Galaxy S23, and other premium Android phones, making it worth considering for those seeking a high-quality experience on a tighter budget.

However, while it’s more affordable, it doesn’t undercut equivalent rivals by a significant margin. As of the time of writing, Google sells the Pixel 7 for £549 in the UK, just £20 more than the Edge 40. With time-limited deals, you might even find the Pixel 7 and other powerful flagship phones for less than £500 if you keep an eye on Amazon or refurbished phone markets.

Other phones available around the £529 (approximately $690 / AU$1,015) price point include the Google Pixel 7a at £449, the Nothing Phone 1 at £499, and the iPhone 13 mini at £599, according to popular UK retailers.

These phones are all solid choices in their own right, but the Motorola Edge 40 offers better battery life and faster charging than the Pixel 7a, snappier performance than the Nothing Phone 1, and a more conventional size than the iPhone 13 mini.

The Motorola Edge 40 is also available through carriers, a significant improvement over the Edge 40 Pro, which Motorola confirmed is only available for purchase unlocked directly from their store. You can get the phone from carriers like Three and Vodafone in the UK.

Conclusion

The Motorola Edge 40 offers a well-rounded experience with a stylish design, long battery life, and fast charging at a reasonable price. While it doesn’t have the cutting-edge features of flagship models, it delivers solid performance, making it a great option for those looking for value without sacrificing too much.
September 4, 2024
Google Pixel 8a: In-Depth Review, Key Features, and Price Guide

The Google Pixel 8a stands out as one of the best midrange smartphones available today. Priced at $499, it brings together premium features from the $699 Pixel 8 and the $999 Pixel 8 Pro, including advanced AI tools, Google’s G3 processor, exceptional cameras, and an impressive seven years of software support. While it could benefit from faster charging and newer protective glass on the front, these are minor drawbacks considering the overall value. With its competitive performance and excellent features for the price, the Pixel 8a easily earns our Editors’ Choice award for midrange Android phones.

Design: Refined Looks
Measuring 5.99 by 2.86 by 0.35 inches (HWD) and weighing 6.63 ounces, the Pixel 8a is nearly identical in size to the Pixel 7a, though slightly lighter. However, both are larger and heavier than the Pixel 8, which measures 5.93 by 2.79 by 0.35 inches and weighs 6.60 ounces. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, which costs $599.99, is larger than all three Pixels at 6.22 by 3.01 by 0.32 inches and weighs 7.37 ounces.

The Pixel 8a closely resembles the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro with its rounded corners and camera bar. The back has a matte finish similar to the Pixel 8 Pro, resisting fingerprints and grime well, unlike the glossy back of the Pixel 8. The phone features nine visible antenna lines around the frame, with four outlining the camera bar. Available in four colors—Aloe (green), Bay (blue), Obsidian (black), and Porcelain (off-white)—the Porcelain version was tested.

A 6.1-inch OLED display dominates the front, with slightly thicker bezels than the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. While the bezel is noticeable, it doesn’t detract from the device’s functionality, similar to the black ring around the Pixel Watch’s display.

The Pixel 8a combines aluminum and glass for a sleek, smooth design. The front is covered by Gorilla Glass 3, an older generation of protective glass. Like the Pixel 7a, it has an IP67 rating, which is solid but slightly less robust than the IP68 rating of the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. For comparison, the $399.99 Samsung Galaxy A35 also has an IP67 rating, while the Galaxy S23 FE offers IP68 protection. However, the difference between IP67 and IP68 is minimal unless you frequently submerge your phone in water. The Pixel 8a should handle accidental spills and rain without issue.

The power button and volume rocker on the right side offer perfect responsiveness and are easily accessible. The bottom houses a single down-firing speaker, a USB-C port (USB 3.2), and a slit mirroring the speaker’s size and shape. The SIM tray is on the left edge, supporting a single nano SIM card and an eSIM.

Google maintains its distinctive camera bar on the Pixel 8a’s rear, though it doesn’t protrude as much as on the Pixel 8. The bar houses two cameras on the left side, with a flash on the right.

For biometrics, the Pixel 8a offers an under-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock, both of which meet the highest Android biometric security standards, making them reliable for authenticating purchases. In testing, both methods worked flawlessly.

Display: Bright and Fast
The Pixel 8a features a Google Actua Display, similar to the Pixel 8’s Super Actua panel. A standout feature is the display’s brightness and its quick adjustment to ambient light. In testing, when the adaptive brightness mode was off, the screen was difficult to see outdoors. However, turning on the adaptive brightness made the display perfectly visible, and the brightness boost was impressively fast.

The 6.1-inch OLED display has a resolution of 2,400 by 1,080 pixels, an adaptive refresh rate of 60-120Hz, and a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits (1,400 nits HDR). The screen performs beautifully in almost any lighting condition, remaining easy to see even on bright, sunny days.

Animations are smooth thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate, and colors are vibrant in both Adaptive and Natural modes. Although the Pixel 8 Pro’s screen is slightly more efficient with a 1-120Hz range, the Pixel 8a’s display holds its own.

Performance: Just as Good as the Pixel 8 Pro
The base Pixel 8a model comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, with a 256GB option available for $60 more, but only in the Obsidian color. This is similar to the Pixel 8’s options, while the Pixel 8 Pro offers up to 12GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. All Pixel 8 devices run on Google’s Tensor G3 SoC.

In general, the Pixel 8a handled various tasks with ease. Casual activities like browsing, shopping, and social media scrolling were smooth, and multitasking was seamless.

In benchmark tests, the Pixel 8a scored similarly to the Pixel 8, with slightly lower results than the Pixel 8 Pro but still competitive. For example, on Geekbench 6, the Pixel 8a scored 1,545 (single-core) and 4,208 (multi-core), comparable to the Pixel 8 but slightly behind the Pixel 8 Pro.

In real-world tests like gaming, the Pixel 8a performed excellently, even with resource-intensive games like Genshin Impact. The phone did get warm, particularly around the metal camera bar, but it never became uncomfortable to hold.

Battery Life: Competitive for the Cost
The Pixel 8a is equipped with a 4,492mAh battery, supporting 18W wired charging and 7.5W Qi wireless charging. While the wired charging speed is slower than the Pixel 8 (27W) and Pixel 8 Pro (30W), it’s comparable to other phones in its price range.

In battery tests, the Pixel 8a lasted 12 hours and 15 minutes while streaming a 1080p video over Wi-Fi at full brightness—two hours longer than the Pixel 8 and Galaxy S23 FE.

The Pixel 8a charged from 0% to 100% in 1 hour and 50 minutes using a fast charger. A quick 15-minute charge brought the battery up to 23%, while a 30-minute session took it to 43%. However, a charger is not included in the box, so you’ll need to provide your own.

The Pixel 8a does not support reverse wireless charging, a feature available on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro.

Connectivity: Modern Radios and Clear Audio
The Google Pixel 8a supports 5G (sub-6GHz, including C-band, and mmWave) on all major US carriers, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC for mobile payments. While it lacks the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard found in the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, its connectivity features are still modern and reliable.

In tests, the Pixel 8a performed well on T-Mobile’s 5G UC network in New York City, with download speeds of 446Mbps and upload speeds of 122Mbps. On Wi-Fi 6, the Pixel 8a achieved peak download speeds of 486Mbps and upload speeds of 15.6Mbps, outperforming the Galaxy S23 FE in similar conditions.

Call quality on the Pixel 8a is excellent, with clear voice transmission and effective background noise rejection. The earpiece speaker reaches 87.2dB, and the speakerphone hits 78.8dB, making calls easily audible in noisy environments.

For music playback, the Pixel 8a’s stereo speakers deliver full sound, though deep bass is somewhat lacking. For better audio quality, especially in the low end, Bluetooth headphones are recommended. The speakers reached 93.2dB while playing music.

Cameras: Superb, As Usual
The Pixel 8a’s camera system is impressive, especially for a phone under $500. It features a 64MP f/1.89 main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 13MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera with a 120-degree field of view. The front-facing camera is a 13MP f/2.2 sensor with a 96.5-degree field of view.

Photos taken with the Pixel 8a closely resemble those from the Pixel 8 Pro, with rich colors and sharp details. The main camera produces crisp, vivid images, though you can’t shoot at the full 64MP resolution, a feature reserved for the Pixel 8 Pro.

The ultra-wide camera also delivers high-quality photos, though some distortion is noticeable at the edges. Selfies are sharp, with good color and detail, though portrait mode can occasionally blur the wrong areas, leading to an unnatural look.

The Pixel 8a supports 4K video recording at 60fps with both the front and rear cameras. The rear camera’s OIS provides smooth, gimbal-like footage, while the front camera’s video quality is also excellent, albeit without the same level of stabilization.

AI Features: Magic Throughout
The Pixel 8a incorporates several AI-powered features, including Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser, and Best Take, all of which work as well as on the more expensive Pixel 8 devices.

Magic Editor allows you to remove or resize objects in your photos, and while results aren’t always perfect, the tool is incredibly easy to use. Audio Magic Eraser can separate and remix different audio elements in a.

Conclusion: A Midrange Marvel

The Google Pixel 8a is a standout in the midrange smartphone market, delivering a blend of premium features, strong performance, and exceptional camera quality at an attractive price of $499. It successfully brings many of the high-end features from the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro to a more affordable level, making it a compelling option for anyone looking for a reliable, well-rounded smartphone without breaking the bank.

While it could benefit from faster charging speeds and more modern protective glass, these minor drawbacks are easily overshadowed by its bright display, capable cameras, solid battery life, and the promise of seven years of software updates. For those seeking a midrange Android phone that punches above its weight, the Pixel 8a is a top contender, earning its place as our Editors’ Choice.

August 31, 2024