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Your tech news roundup, via the DGiT Daily technical bulletin, for Thursday, October 15, 2020.
1. Google Pixel 5 and 4a 5G reviews
The Pixel 5 and 4a 5G reviews finally dropped and there are plenty of solid scores in the 8/10 range floating around for both devices. The vibe I have is that the Pixel 5 is fine, but the 4a 5G is one of the best mid-range phones. Forever.
The Pixel 4a 5G at $ 499 is really in a different category. It cuts out a few corners to be cheaper, with a larger screen, and at $ 499 it’s mid-range price perfection.
The Pixel 5 is a bit more finished and a bit more expensive, but he’s raving about it. At $ 699, that’s $ 200 more, and that $ 200 takes you further.
Google Pixel 5 initial review: the best premium Pixel
- Finally, great battery life, with a large screen and camera.
- The Pixel experience remains top-notch and there are no flaws in the performance of the flagship processor, slightly less than yours.
- The camera is starting to show a bit of age in terms of Google still using a small sensor, but the image processing prowess remains.
TechCrunch has a really nice review of the Pixel 5 too, getting straight to the point about Google’s slightly unusual pixel lineup that doesn’t have much in between.
Google Pixel 4a 5G review: perfectly balanced, how all pixels should be
I’m just going to quote the accolades here from the review:
- “Concessions had to be made to reach a price below $ 500, but almost all the compensations are justifiable. The main exception is the 60Hz display. While wireless charging, water resistance, and premium materials are “flagship” features, the lack of a 90Hz refresh rate seems arbitrary.
- “However, the positives outweigh any complaints. There are the expected maximums. The software is the best Android deal, while the camera cleans the floor with other rivals in the price bracket. But there are also the little extras that make the Pixel 4a 5G feel special. These include the complete audio package, the nice haptics, and the exclusive Pixel apps and services. “
- “2020 has been a turbulent 12 months for Google with the premature end of the Pixel 4 series and long delays for the Pixel 4a. But the Pixel 4a 5G isn’t just a bright spot in a difficult calendar year. It’s one of the best phones Google has ever produced. “
2. OnePlus 8T release and reviews
OnePlus held the OnePlus 8T launch event yesterday, with a new design and shape, and a $ 50 price increase over the OnePlus 8, now from $ 749 unlocked.
So what do you get for your money?
- A 120Hz refresh rate display, compared to the previous 90Hz refresh rate.
- On the cameras, there is a new higher resolution macro sensor and the addition of a monochrome sensor to complete the quad rear setup.
- It also has a flatter screen, which is a huge departure from earlier curved displays and builds, and already brings it closer to the iPhone 12.
- You also get more RAM, more storage, more battery. All 8T models come with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, eliminating the lower-tier 8GB / 128GB options.
- The battery has also gone from 4,300 mAh to 4,500 mAh.
- Oh, and a faster 65W charge too.
OnePlus ‘T’ models have rarely been mandatory upgrades, if you already owned the previous model. For everyone else, there is a new contender.
- Our 8T review, from my colleague Ryan Thomas-Shaw, says that there’s really no reason unless the flat panel really appeals.
- The additional camera seems unnecessary.
- And one of the disappointments of the phone compared to the competition is also the camera, which looks over-processed and just a touch. OnePlus hasn’t really been able to nail a camera for a few years now, although many just transfer the GCam mod app to use Google Pixel processing on a OnePlus device.
For everyone else, the OnePlus 8T is an interesting option and is likely to attract even with the price increase.
- It still has the performance and speed, and now with a faster load, while the highest refresh rate was at least from 90Hz, so not a huge leap.
- And the OnePlus Nord was noted as a better buy for many: “For half the price, you get a capable display, good battery life, good camera, and solid speed.”
- It will continue to be one of the leading near-flagship devices At $ 899, the OnePlus 8 Pro also remains in a decent position, even if the 8T catches up in some areas.
One more thing: OnePlus confirms that a smartwatch is coming.
3. OnePlus will not pre-install Facebook apps on its new phones, including OnePlus 8T. The problem was, it couldn’t be removed once pre-installed … (Android Authority).
4. Samsung explores a dual folding phone design similar to Xiaomi (Android Authority).
5. The iPhone 12 Pro models have 6GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 and 12 mini remain at 4GB (MacRumors).
6. iPhone 12 ships without a charger. Will it stop electronic waste? (Cabling).
7. By CNBC: “Facebook and Twitter decided to limit the distribution of a New York Post story that claims to show “smoking gun” emails related to Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son. The editorial decision to reduce the spread of the story, which provides minimal evidence, is important to Facebook. “(CNBC)
8. Zoom News: OnZoom is a new tool that allows paid users to charge for admission to online events (such as conferences or fitness classes) (Business Insider). And Zoom will begin rolling out end-to-end encryption next week, first with a technical preview. In addition to some more features like immersive backgrounds (Android Authority).
9. LAFD just hired America’s first firefighting robot (Engadget).
10. A Soyuz capsule just made a record 3-hour flight to the ISS. An impressive effort with his latest manned mission (Space).
11. The first superconductor at room temperature is reported: superconductivity is exciting again. (Ars Technica).
12. The tiger hugging the hidden camera wins the wildlife photography award, the finalists are amazing too! (BBC).
13. AI can now remove moving images from video. Really amazing (YouTube).
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