Tech Products Reviews and Technology New - Technowize Review https://www.technowize.com/reviews/ Wise Word on Technology and Innovations Tue, 29 Oct 2024 10:04:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.technowize.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/favicon-32x32-1.png Tech Products Reviews and Technology New - Technowize Review https://www.technowize.com/reviews/ 32 32 iPad Mini 7 Review – A Marvel or a Letdown? https://www.technowize.com/ipad-mini-7-review-a-marvel-or-a-letdown/ https://www.technowize.com/ipad-mini-7-review-a-marvel-or-a-letdown/#respond Tue, 29 Oct 2024 10:04:22 +0000 https://www.technowize.com/?p=42883 iPad Mini 7 Review: Can the Latest Updates Overcome an Outdated Design?

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If you’ve been a fan of the iPad Mini, you’ll surely love the iPad Mini 7 as well because Apple isn’t trying to attract new users right now. We can’t say if Apple is just testing the loyalty of their consumers or if they believe in “Keeping it simple.” On October 15, Apple made a subtle announcement of the iPad Mini 7. The price of the iPad Mini 7 starts at $499 for the basic model.

The updated version of the mini tablet has an A17 Pro chip, supports the Pencil Pro, increased storage to 128GB, and comes in vibrant colors. However, the design and screen are just like the predecessor models. The old design and basic updates will disappoint users who had high expectations of the new mini tablet. 

iPad Mini 7 price

Image – iPad Mini 7 collection

Exploring the Features of the iPad Mini 7

The iPad Mini 7 offers all the features of tabs in a much smaller size. Additionally, it also has better storage capacity compared to its predecessors. Measuring 7.69 x 5.3 x 0.25 inches and weighing just 0.6 pounds, the iPad Mini 7 truly embodies portability. It’s smaller and lighter which makes it easy to carry without any hassle.

Similar to earlier models, the iPad Mini 7 has four speakers, volume buttons, a single USB-C port, and a power button/touch sensor ID. The camera placement for the device remains the same for the new version. The camera placement has always been an issue for iPad users and even this time Apple didn’t think much of it. 

iPad Mini 7 can surely be good when it comes to mini iPads, but if you are already using one, upgrading it won’t make much difference. The 2021 and even earlier models will work fine if you are not very excited about the upcoming Apple Intelligence. 

In the new iPad Mini, you will also be able to use Apple Pencil Pro as it comes attached to it. The device supports Apple Pencil Pro which means now you can design and explore everything just like any other iPad but for some baffling reason, it will not support the Pencil 2.

Display 

With the iPad Mini 7, it seems like Apple has solved the jelly scrolling issue. Jelly-scrolling is generally when one side of the screen doesn’t work at the pace of the other mostly in portrait mode. The iPad Mini 7 has an 8.3-inch screen similar to any iPad Air and has an anti-reflective coating with a lamination on the front glass. The resolution density remains the same as the earlier models.

The iPad Mini 7 has a basic LCD with a 60 Hz refresh rate as Apple always saves their best screens for the iPad Pro. However, users were expecting the new mini to have a better refresh rate which is surely a miss from Apple.

Battery Life

Apple claims the new iPad Mini 7 has an improved battery life compared to its predecessor. While users didn’t find much accuracy as the iPad Mini 7 lasted for 10 hours and 26 minutes. On the other hand, the iPad Mini 6 lasted for 10 hours and 57 minutes, not making much of a difference. Even though it didn’t last as long as the earlier model but still has a good battery life for an iPad.

iPad Mini 7 features

Image Credit – Apple

Apple Intelligence

The major feature of the iPad Mini 7 is the A17 Pro chip which will support the Apple Intelligence whenever it is unveiled. Additionally, the chip also enhances the performance of the device making it process faster.  

This is a significant dilemma for the Mini, as purchasing it now hinges entirely on the expectation that Apple’s upcoming AI will make the upgrade worthwhile. Would you bet that Apple’s AI, which hasn’t even been fully released and likely won’t be until next spring or later, will be a game-changer before the next Mini hits the market? We certainly wouldn’t take that risk. While Apple has some intriguing ideas about enhancing Siri’s capabilities and using AI to simplify tasks like solving math problems or composing emails, many of these features are still in their infancy and far from flawless, and plenty of others are simply non-existent.

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OnePlus OxygenOS 15 Review – What Exciting Features Await You? https://www.technowize.com/oneplus-oxygenos-15-review-what-exciting-features-await-you/ https://www.technowize.com/oneplus-oxygenos-15-review-what-exciting-features-await-you/#respond Mon, 28 Oct 2024 09:56:57 +0000 https://www.technowize.com/?p=42868 OnePlus is all set to roll out its operating system update, OxygenOS 15 featuring major AI features.

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OnePlus is finally taking steps towards AI integration with its latest operating system update, OxygenOS 15 is all ready to surprise users with a box full of new features and a seamless experience. The OnePlus 12 device comes with the OS’s closed beta, however, the new version will have an open beta version. It will be very similar to the beta version of the OS, OnePlus is planning to release later this year.

The OnePlus Oxygen OS 15 will be introducing AI features to the brand’s device users by the end of October. From seamless switching between the apps to the AI writer, the company has a lot to reveal.

OnePlus OxygenOS 15 features

Image – OxygenOS 15 and OxygenOS 14

OnePlus OxygenOS 15 Review – Unveiling Key Features and Enhancements

The new update has some of the major updates from the new icons to improved security and multitasking features. OnePlus has changed the icons of all the first-party apps and users will get the two new themes to customize the apps. There has also been a change in the notification settings as app notifications will show up individually floating on the screen, unlike the cluttered spam in earlier versions.

OnePlus users will be able to customize their wallpapers and lock screens. The new update offers the feature of applying a style filter on wallpaper and it could also be blurred.

The company has also completely revamped the animations in the OxygenOS 15 update. Earlier, animations of launching apps and multitasking would work one after another, the users had to wait for one to finish to start the other one. If someone tries to start another animation in between earlier one would end abruptly.

Finally, the OxygenOS 15 will have the feature of parallel processing which allows two animations to play together, allowing everything to flow smoothingly. There won’t be annoying stutters anymore for the users.

In addition to all the updates, OnePlus has added the game-changing features of AI Imaging Power including AI Detail Boost, AI Unblur, AI Eraser, and AI Notes.

AI Detail Boost 

The AI Detail Boost option will allow users to convert low-pixelated images into sharp and polished ones with better resolution. This feature can be really useful for those aggressively cropped zoomed photos.

AI Unblur

As the name suggests, this feature will allow users to unblur the blurred images. It provides much more stable images that can be used but only when the images are blurred because you moved the camera. If the image was blurred because of the subject’s movement. The results wouldn’t be great.

OxygenOS 15 update

AI Eraser

The AI Eraser is much of a miss from the company, the results are not good as you can see that something has been deleted from the image. If users will completely remove any object from the image there will be uneven patches. OnePlus also provided an option to remove the human from the image, the human can only be detected in the image if they are standing upright which makes it more of a miss.

AI Notes

OnePlus has introduced the AI feature to the Notes app, providing options for AI Speak, AI Summary, and AI Write. Through AI Speak, users can remove filled pauses and create the personal voice of any note. With the AI summary option, users can summarize the data in an arranged format to present the required information and AI Write will help users to complete their content. If users will provide it with half-written content it will complete it.

OnePlus OxygenOS 15 – Security Update

For the better security of the data, OnePlus has also introduced the feature of Theft protection in the new update. Theft Protection Lock is designed to save your data if someone snatches your phone away. If the phone detects that someone snatched the device and starts running the Theft Protection will be active. 

As the theft protection depends on the phone sensors and in-built instructions there are high chances of errors. However, if it works properly it will be a great option for the users.

OxygenOS 15 marks a significant leap forward for OnePlus, integrating advanced AI features and enhancing user experience like never before. With the introduction of parallel processing, improved animations, and a more intuitive interface, users can expect a smoother, more responsive interaction with their devices.

While there are still areas for improvement, particularly with some of the AI tools, the overall developments signal a pleasant experience for OnePlus users.

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OnePlus Open Review: Is This the Ultimate Foldable Smartphone? https://www.technowize.com/oneplus-open-review-is-this-the-ultimate-foldable-smartphone/ https://www.technowize.com/oneplus-open-review-is-this-the-ultimate-foldable-smartphone/#respond Sun, 27 Oct 2024 09:00:59 +0000 https://www.technowize.com/?p=42845 OnePlus Open Review - Can It Challenge Samsung's Foldable Smartphones Monopoly in the U.S. Market?

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OnePlus came out as a breath of fresh air for US customers stuck with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series and Google’s Smartphone. It is the first foldable smartphone offering polished hardware and much better camera quality than any other foldable in the market. OnePlus Open is the first foldable smartphone of the brand and it managed to understand the needs of users.

The OnePlus Open was launched in October 2023, with a price tag of $1,699. Since 2023, OnePlus Open price has remained consistent showing a maximum fluctuation of $200. The company has done a commendable job with the shape of its foldable smartphones as all the earlier foldable looked wrong and funny shaped. 

OnePlus Open Specs

Image Credit – OnePlus

OnePlus Open Review: Key Specifications You Need to Know

The OnePlus Open provides one of the most comforting feelings when you wide open the phone. Overall, the phone invites you to open it and provides the right shape when closed, unlike Galaxy and Apple smartphones which need the hard push to open it up.

Also, foldable smartphones have limited space which results in degraded camera qualities. Amazingly, OnePlus managed to maintain good camera quality with a triple-lens 48 MP primary plus a 64 MP telephoto and 48 MP ultrawide setup with 3x optical zoom. There is a camera bump that comes with good camera quality but it can be compromised for the quality of images.

Coming to size, OnePlus Open is one of the thinnest foldable smartphones to exist in the US market. It also offers a larger display with more battery life while remaining lighter than others. There are some setbacks with OnePlus too as it is not water resistant and close exposure to dust can be an issue for the smartphone.

Overall, the OnePlus Phone provides the most joyful experience of all foldable smartphones. If you are not thinking of going in a dunk or swimming pool, OnePlus Open is the most affordable and convenient foldable available in the US market.

Discover the OnePlus Open Apex Edition

In August 2024, OnePlus released a limited edition of its foldable smartphone in crimson red. The OnePlus Open Apex Edition was priced at $1,899.99 and came with 1TB of storage and 16GB of RAM. Apart from the color, the company has also made several alterations to the smartphone’s hardware. The alert slide switch is made thinner with a carved-out splash of orange in the middle.

OnePlus Open price

Image – OnePlus Open Apex Edition

The OnePlus Open Apex Edition had a new VIP mode feature. After activating the VIP mode, all the security chips are locked to create a secure environment as all the cameras and microphones are disabled on the phone. This mode also prevents anyone from opening chats and recording them from other devices. Unfortunately, the limited edition stock has sold out for now.

OnePlus Open 2: Exciting Rumors 

As per the sources, OnePlus is planning to launch the OnePlus Open 2 by the first quarter of 2025. The camera setup for the upcoming model will remain the same as its predecessor, a triple-lens 48 MP primary plus a 64 MP telephoto and 48 MP ultrawide setup with 3x optical zoom.

OnePlus Open has set a standard for foldable smartphones and it will be challenging for them to create an upgraded version. 

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OnePlus Watch 2R Review – Is It Better than Watch 2? https://www.technowize.com/oneplus-watch-2r-review-is-it-better-than-watch-2/ https://www.technowize.com/oneplus-watch-2r-review-is-it-better-than-watch-2/#respond Sat, 26 Oct 2024 08:44:47 +0000 https://www.technowize.com/?p=42855 OnePlus Watch 2R review - The lighter and cheaper option for Watch 2.

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The OnePlus Watch 2R is a fusion of durability and style. It has the same essence as the OnePlus Watch 2, but at a price that won’t break the bank. It is built in lightweight aluminum, cleverly cutting the production cost and making it more budget-friendly. This also gave the watch a better design look than its predecessor.

The OnePlus Watch 2R was released in July 2024, six months after the release of its flagship OnePlus Watch 2. The watch is priced at $229 making it much cheaper and affordable. Fortunately, OnePlus decided to not add an endless rotating crown button like the earlier model. Now, the crown button only has the option to click it, not the one where you mindlessly scroll it without any function.

OnePlus Watch 2R features

Image – OnePlus Watch 2R

Inside the Key Features of the OnePlus 2R

The OnePlus Watch 2R has a long battery life, lighter weight, and several workout tracking options. The company has tried its best to include all the features of its predecessor at a much lower cost. 

Display

The OnePlus Watch 2R features a bright AMOLED display for easy and amazing visuals. The screen also makes the visuals clear in all kinds of lighting. There is a large difference when it comes to design as the OnePlus Watch 2R has an aluminum alloy chassis and silicon straps unlike the stainless steel of the OnePlus Watch 2 making it more of a sports aesthetic.

Battery Life

The 2R has a long battery life as it can work for three straight days with one-time charging. Samsung and Apple smartwatches have a maximum battery life of one and a half days which gives an upper hand to the OnePlus Watch 2R. Without GPS running in the background, the battery can stay much longer. So, you will need to charge the device only for 2-3 times a week.

Weight

OnePlus Watch 2R weighs much lighter than its predecessor OnePlus Watch 2. While the Watch 2 weighed around 49 grams without its straps, the OnePlus Watch 2R weighs only 37 grams. Anyone who has used the earlier model can easily notice the difference in weight between both models. The lighter weight makes the OnePlus Watch 2R more convenient to use.

Sports Mode

The OnePlus Watch 2R offers a ton of workout options, from jump rope and dog walking to ten different types of yoga. However, it surprisingly skips high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which is a big miss since HIIT is super popular, second only to traditional workouts based on recent searches. It’s funny that you can track kite flying and tug-of-war, but not one of the hottest fitness trends!

OnePlus Watch 2R fitness tracking

Image Credit – OnePlus

App

OnePlus’ health app, OHealth, feels a bit basic compared to competitors like Samsung Health, Fitbit, and Apple Health. While it offers a sleep score and lets you track daily progress easily, it lacks deeper insights and trends on the main dashboard. As wearables become smarter, simply showing fitness stats isn’t enough anymore, people want real-time insights to make a difference in their day-to-day lives.

Issues with the OnePlus 2R

The biggest issue with the OnePlus Watch 2R is its big size. The watch is only available in one big size which turns out to be uncomfortable for people with small wrists. Users have the same issue with its predecessor and OnePlus didn’t work on making the size smaller for OnePlus Watch 2R. 

The OnePlus Watch 2R claims to be focused on the physical fitness of its users. However, you can only wear this watch comfortably while working out, if you have a big wrist or you like having big round watches which becomes a point of attraction. Additionally, the heart rate monitor isn’t always as accurate as it should be. Every time you would need an actual heart rate you would need to move the watch a little above on wrist and position it perfectly.

Overall, the OnePlus Watch 2R can be a great choice coming with an affordable price, long battery life, and several workout tracking options. The only catch? You’ll be sporting a bold, oversized watch that makes a statement!

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Another Day, Another iPhone 16 Review Coming Your Way https://www.technowize.com/another-day-another-iphone-16-review-coming-your-way/ https://www.technowize.com/another-day-another-iphone-16-review-coming-your-way/#respond Tue, 10 Sep 2024 10:30:05 +0000 https://www.technowize.com/?p=42551 The iPhone 16 specs are an upgrade from the iPhone 15 but its main attraction is the AI and the camera button. If these sound appealing to you, the $799 iPhone 16 price should be worth your while.

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Apple says its “Glowtime” but will the iPhone 16 get its fair share of glowing reviews? Only hours after the Cupertino company’s announcements, we now have more insight into the iPhone 16 specs and features, and on the surface of it, the details are impressive for a base model. The main focus, just as it was for the Pixel and S24 launch, has been centered around the AI capabilities of the smartphone, so if you want to give Apple Intelligence a whirl, this device is your best bet to do it at an affordable price.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is obviously the best of the lineup, but let’s reserve that review for later and focus our attention on the base model—the humble iPhone 16. 

iPhone 16 specs

Image: The teal iPhone 16

iPhone 16 Review—More Buttons For Everyone

The iPhone 16 was announced on September 9, 2024, at 10:00 am PT (1:00 pm ET), during the special event held at Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park. Its earlier WWDC 2024 event showed us all the software advances that the team has been working on so we had a good idea of how the product performance was going to take shape, but the recent event filled in all the holes we had in our understanding of the hardware.

With a wider range of colorful options on showcase, the iPhone 16 series has one other crowd-puller to set it apart from its older models—other than the AI function of course. We’re talking about the camera button and the emphasis on photography. 

The base iPhone 16 model has the much-loved action button from the Pro models that came before, but along with it, there’s a new camera button to take photos, zoom into the view, and adjust settings for the perfect shot. This single new feature makes the smartphone a desirable upgrade for photography enthusiasts but is it enough to warrant a purchase for the wider customer base? Let’s dive in deeper to know more.

iPhone 16 Design and Display—Colorful Companions With a Familiar Camera Layout

Apple’s iPhone 16 has a much more fun take on the colorways than the iPhone 15 did. The color-infused glass backs come in ultramarine, teal, and pink for those who want something more adventurous, along with a black version and a white version for those with a more subtle taste. With the power button and volume buttons on the left, and the action button and camera control on the right, there’s a lot of attention on the frame of the phone, all of it showcased on its aluminum frame. 

The ceramic shield front provides sufficient protection for its users, also employing a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating to protect it from the users. Turning face-up to showcase its Super Retina XDR display, you’ll find that the Dynamic Island only takes up minimal-screen real estate. At 6.1 inches diagonally, the screen supports 2556x11w79-pixel resolution at 460 ppi, a 60Hz refresh rate, and swings between 1 nit minimum brightness up to 2,000 nits peak brightness outdoors. 

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus feature a dual rear camera setup that looks familiar to the vertical style we’ve seen in older models, but the raised square design around the cameras has been replaced with a pill-shaped design around the lenses. There are more than enough jokes online about the minimal changes from older models, but these are inevitable every time an iPhone is launched and reviewed.

iPhone 16 price

What About the Internal iPhone 16 Specs?

The iPhone 16 has the A18 chip with a new 6‑core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores. This gives the device a decent leg up from the A16 Bionic chip featured on the iPhone 15, skipping the A17 Pro to go straight to the next generation of chips to match up better with the rest of the series.

The 5-core GPU also promises to support all the users’ needs, paired with the 16-core neural engine for advanced processing. The device also provides support for hardware-accelerated ray tracing so smartphone gamers should have a much easier time keeping up the fast-movie graphics and capabilities of their games. For those wondering about software, the smartphone ships with iOS 18 capabilities.

Apple hasn’t revealed the RAM capacity of the device, which is an odd move from their otherwise detailed specs list, but there are three storage options available—128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB. Users have hypothesized that a minimum of 8GB RAM is essential for Apple Intelligence to function, but we’d prefer if the company gives us more than the bare minimum on their latest lineup. 

We appreciate Apple’s chipset choices when it comes to the iPhone 16 review, but the RAM detail has us wondering about the device’s capabilities.

iPhone 16 camera

Are we Impressed With the iPhone 16 Camera?

Apple’s choice to regress back from its staggered camera layout to this linear pill-shaped setup is interesting. It’s not unappealing or impractical, but it does stand out in a way that doesn’t do anything favorable for it. Perhaps the company thought it better to change the layout from the iPhone 15 to eliminate any complaints echoing the “same old design” sentiment, but those reviews of the iPhone 16 are innumerable anyway.

The iPhone 16 camera setup includes a 48MP fusion main lens with a ƒ/1.6 aperture, that allows high-resolution images with the option of zoomed images with 2x optical-quality Telephoto capability. There is also a secondary ultrawide lens at 12MP with ƒ/2.2 aperture and 120° field of view. The secondary lens is just as good at close-up macro shots as it is with wide full-scene shots. Apple says “It’s like having four lenses in your pocket,” which is a minor exaggeration, but we’ll let them have this one.

The various shooting modes and video quality enhancements will be quite useful for those who frequently put the cameras to use. The audio mix setting to determine how sound is portrayed in your video post-recording is particularly interesting, and so are the stylistic customizations you can make with the Photographic Styles in your photos. 

The Camera Button Is Innovative But It Isn’t Enough to Warrant Buying a New Phone

The camera button is the most innovative addition Apple has made to the device since the Action button. The button’s most basic use is to launch the camera app and then capture a photo when clicked successively. When you switch to video mode, the button can be used to start recording. Lightly pressing the button allows you to slide through your zoom setting, and a double light press brings up additional settings that you might want immediately available. We have to say, we’re more fascinated with the feature than impressed by it enough to recommend spending money on the device just to try it.

iPhone 16 feature list

Image; The Photographic Styles feature

iPhone 16 Battery—Apple Doesn’t Want to Talk About Size

Apple has withheld the details regarding the battery size, only claiming a “big boost in battery life” without evidence. The iPhone 16 battery is expected to last much longer due to the optimizations of the A18 chip. The company claims you can expect up to 22 hours of video playback and 80 hours of audio playback on the iPhone 16. 

It supports MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W and Qi2 wireless charging up to 15W. It is also capable of fast charging, climbing up to 50% battery in 30 minutes, which is a decent proposition but it’s nothing particularly impressive to write about in an iPhone 16 review. 

AI Unleashed—iPhone 16 Does Not Get Left Behind

The iPhone 16 features list undoubtedly revolves around Apple Intelligence and it’s good to see that the baby of the new family hasn’t been left behind. With the A18 chip locked in, the iPhone 16 gets to enjoy the benefits of the AI through the camera and photo editing tools, writing tools, call transcripts, focus mode, smart reply mail functions, etc. 

The new and improved Siri will also bolster the device’s functionality, ensuring you’re in tune with your smartphone all the time. You should be able to create custom Genmojis, and eventually gain access to the emergency SOS live video functionality later down the line. It’s good to see that Apple hasn’t reserved all its best features for the Pro Max exclusively, so even with these cheaper models, you can enjoy the entire Apple experience.

iPhone 16 features

iPhone 16 Price—Will You Consider a Purchase?

The iPhone 16 is priced at $799 USD for the base model with 128 GB storage, which is the same as last year’s model. With the additional inclusion of the AI features, we assumed the company would aim for a higher number but the decision to stick to the older price is a very reasonable move. For 256 GB storage, the price of the iPhone 16 goes up by $100 to $899 USD, and for 512 GB, you can expect to pay $1,099 USD.

Preorders for the device will open on September 13 so if you’re of the mind to get your hands on the device, you have enough time to read through the initial stream of iPhone 16 reviews before you play your hand and put in your order. 

The iPhone 16 is a good phone well worth the price it is asking for. If you want to get on the iOS train and experience the popular universe for yourself, this is a great phone to start your journey with. It’s a comfortable size, its cameras work well, you get the latest processor, and you have access to all of Apple’s AI features. For existing Apple users who didn’t make an iPhone 15 Pro purchase but now want to experience Apple’s AI, the iPhone 16 is a good investment. 

For those who don’t care about AI, there is little reason to upgrade to the iPhone 16. There are phones with more advanced cameras and better battery lives out there and the iPhone 16 doesn’t even flip or fold so there aren’t any hardware upgrades that really warrant a purchase. The value of the device is entirely dependent on how you plan to use the phone, so read through the iPhone reviews carefully to see if they align with what you actually need from your smartphone.

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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review—Is Bigger Better? https://www.technowize.com/google-pixel-9-pro-xl-review-is-bigger-better/ https://www.technowize.com/google-pixel-9-pro-xl-review-is-bigger-better/#respond Wed, 04 Sep 2024 10:23:18 +0000 https://www.technowize.com/?p=42519 The Google Pixel 9 XL features pretty decent upgrades in design, camera, battery, and most importantly AI. The Pixel 9 Pro works just as efficiently, however, and at $999, it feels like a better investment than the $1099 phone.

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The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a quintessentially Google product and reviewing it comes with the joy of celebrating some considerable upgrades while mourning the minor issues that Google could have easily overcome. Google’s Pixel 9 series of devices was announced at the Made by Google event on August 13, 2024, and Google surprised everyone with its four new smartphones—the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. 

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has AI to thank for being its central selling point, but even without the decorative but ultimately unsatisfying AI gift basket, there’s a lot to love about the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Google Pixel 9 XL features

Image: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review—6 Key Elements of the New Smartphone

The latest Pixel series has some interesting new models on offer. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold stands out from the rest in the most distinct manner with its efficient folding screen and improved design, but these fold phones aren’t for everyone and that’s entirely understandable. Standing next in line for the title of Google’s most premium smartphone is the Pixel 9 Pro XL, patiently waiting to be reviewed. 

Pixel 9 Pro XL Design—What Aesthetic Changes Are We Looking At?

Right at a glance, the Pixel Pro XL has received some obvious upgrades like the more boxy design and the redesigned camera bar. The colors are also a little more muted, dropping the mint greens in favor of more stock colors like porcelain, obsidian, hazel, and the one standout rose quartz color. The standard colors don’t matter as much to us—it’s nothing a phone cover isn’t going to fix—but there could be fans out there disappointed by the basic style.

The silky matt glass back paired with the dual-finish camera bar and polished metal frame come together quite harmoniously to leave us with a finished product, so even if the colors don’t impress, the quality of the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s design will. 

The curved edges of the device are perhaps not as rounded out as predecessor devices, but they still maintain a smoother edge than other brick-shaped devices on the market, for example, the S24 Ultra. The rounded edges are so much easier to love and we remain hopeful that the Pixel maker doesn’t take that away from us in successive devices. There have been some complaints about the device being incapable of sensing taps in the corner of the screen, but these issues have only affected a few devices.

As we look at and review the design of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the smartphone retains many of the design elements and display quality we’ve come to expect from this series while bringing something new to the table. Keeping the external aesthetic of the device aside, let’s take a look at what else the new smartphone has to offer.

Pixel 9 Pro XL display

Image: Pixel 9 Pro XL series

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Display Features

The Google Pixel 9 pro XL features a 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO display, with 1344 x 2992 OLED resolution at 486 PPI. The 1-120 Hz refresh rate is to be expected and the device claims peak brightness up to 3000 nits. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for the matte screen, the display has a sleek, unobtrusive bezel around the screen that is thinner than its predecessors. The display on the Pixel 9 Pro is almost exactly the same, the only difference being a change in size to a 6-3-inch display. 

In terms of setting up the screen, Google offers only two color profiles to choose from, Vibrant or Natural, so you don’t have a major element of control over the screen. Yes, you can change your wallpaper as you please and the dark themes could be convenient to test but despite Google being the center for all things Android, it does very little work on experience customization. From the always-on display setting to the other internal changes, Google provides a small selection of tools but all of them are far from perfect.

The Pixel 9 Chipset—Taking Time off at Tensor Town

As expected, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by a Google Tensor G4 chipset with a Titan M2 security coprocessor. Now the Tensor chips are pretty impressive and extremely capable of handling all of the work assigned to them simultaneously, but their processing speeds have often fallen short of the Snapdragon 8 chips that other smartphone makers have turned to. 

Thankfully, this difference will only be noticeable to the most tech-savvy and critical users who are trained to look for the flaws. For the average consumer, the Tensor G4 chip will be perfectly responsive enough to handle their needs and the demands of the AI that runs amok across its features.

One of the biggest criticisms of the Pixel 9 Pro XL that we have to mention in the review, is the 12GB storage space. The RAM of the device sits at a nice and reliable 16GB where 3GB is supposedly reserved for the AI, but the storage capabilities are pointedly lacking. For a $1,099 USD smartphone, you would expect Google to provide a 256GB upgrade at the least.

made by google launch

Pixel 9 Pro XL Camera Quality

The camera is always the highlight of any Pixel device and this one is no different. The triple camera setup on the device involves a 50 MP Octa PD wide-angle lens, a 48 MP Quad PD ultrawide lens with macro focus, and a 48 MP 5x telephoto lens with Super Res Zoom up to 30x. The front camera features a 42 MP Dual PD selfie camera with auto-focus and a 103° ultrawide field of view, which is a big upgrade from its Pixel ancestors. The cameras are efficient and reliable across situations, whether you’re trying to get a panorama shot in or narrow down on a portrait. 

The telephoto lens works best up to 15x but beyond that, it does tend to get a little blurry. The cameras don’t over-enhance the colors or up the quality of the image unnaturally—what you see is what you get. The Pixel 9 Pro XL camera quality is impressive and you can get a good range of pictures across bright and low light settings and it does not lose out on the details of the image in either scenario. Solely based on the camera in this Pixel 9 Pro XL review, the device is worth a buy.

Is the Battery of the Pixel 9 Pro XL Good?

The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 5,060 mAh battery which is a pretty decent offering by anyone’s standards. The device guarantees a 24+ hour battery life that supposedly can be extended to 100-hour battery life with the Extreme battery saver mode—a setting that will be rarely tested or put to use, but is generous all the same. 

The device comes with fast charging capabilities, promising a 70% charge in 30 minutes. It is also supported by Qi-certified wireless charging capabilities for those who prefer this mode of charging. The Pixel devices are not sold with a charger so for the full experience, you’ll have to go out of your way to purchase the Google 45 W USB-C charger separately. 

Reverse wireless charging is also possible using the device so if your Qi-certified earphones need a quick boost, you can technically rely on the device. Overall the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s battery is pretty good. 

AI Takes Center Stage on the Pixel Devices

Google’s Gemini-powered features are central to the device and its capabilities, and the purchase of the device will make the most sense to those who plan to use all of these capabilities. Many of the key AI features like Gemini Live are unfortunately locked behind the Gemini Advanced paywall, so for the full experience, you’ll have to invest in the subscription plan, but you do get a year of free access with the purchase of the Pixel Pro models. 

“Tensor G4 was designed with Google DeepMind and is optimized to run our most advanced AI models. It will be the first processor to run Gemini Nano with Multimodality — which helps your phone understand text, images, and audio.”

Pixel offers a screenshot scanning feature that will let you search for relevant information from the screenshots with simple text prompts. Much like the Microsoft Recall tool, your device is capable of “understanding” the content of your screenshot. 

The weather app also gets AI support for personalized daily reports, and the call notes feature to summarize conversations can also be handy. The main focus of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL AI efforts is in the photo editing app, where you can merge photos more easily, reframe photos effectively, see better processing of your videos, etc. The Satellite SOS feature in the U.S. promises access to emergency services even without a cell connection, so you always have help available at the touch of a button.

Google smartphone

Image: The Google Pixel 9 Pro vs the Pixel 9 Pro XL

Final Thoughts in Our Pixel 9 Pro XL Review

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a good phone—that much is apparent. The camera, battery, and design are better than older models and if you like what it can do with AI, you’ll enjoy using the device. 

If you’re looking for the smartphone at a better price and don’t mind compromising on the battery slightly, the Pixel 9 Pro works just as well and is almost similar in every way. It only differs in its 6.3-inch screen and 4700 mAh battery which also promises a 24+ hour charging cycle. The Pixel 9 Pro is priced at $999 USD, and we don’t see any reason why you wouldn’t benefit from investing in the smaller phone.

Apple is all set to launch its iPhone 16 series this month so if you wait another few days, you might have a chance to compare the two series and see what works better for you. Huawei has its own massive tri-fold phone set for debut but that is not going to see a U.S. release, so the Pixel 9 Pro XL may be the biggest buy for you right now.

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Pixel 9 Pro Fold Review—Bend It Like Google Does https://www.technowize.com/pixel-9-pro-fold-review-bend-it-like-google-does/ https://www.technowize.com/pixel-9-pro-fold-review-bend-it-like-google-does/#respond Mon, 19 Aug 2024 06:53:15 +0000 https://www.technowize.com/?p=42440 The Google Pixel 9 Fold has a stunning display and its new emergency feature is one we’re grateful for, but in many ways, the smartphone does not feel entirely worth the price.

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The Pixel Fold has a new identity now, so it’s only fair that we explore it with a Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review. Google has decided to give up on what we assumed was going to be the Pixel Fold 2 and added the “Pro” title just to set it apart from the older version of the device. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold launch came one year after the original Google Pixel Fold and it looks like a handful—in a good way. 

The device comes equipped with some fun new capabilities and has all the makings to challenge the Samsung series of folding phones. From the updated camera design to Google’s new favorite word “AI,” here’s everything the new smartphone has to offer.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold launch

Image: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Review

The Made By Google Event on August 13 brought an impressive lineup of four new smartphones—Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold—along with a collection of other releases like the Pixel Watch 3 and the Pixel Buds Pro 2. It has been only a few months since the release of the demure and delightful Pixel 8a, but Google came out guns blazing and ready to go with the latest flagship offerings. 

The foldable phone category is a growing, still untapped segment that only some companies have been able to make a mark on, Apple being the prime example, however, this has been a great year for the category. 

We’re a tad bit more partial to the clamshell folds that have been revived, but the book-type Folds are not to be ignored. With the ease of using a regular smartphone and the added joy of unfolding it into a tablet, this Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review will largely stand in favor of what the company has done with the device.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Specs—It’s Tensor Time

Unlike the squat but wide-bodied marvel that the original Pixel Fold was, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a 6.3-inch outer display with an 8-inch screen on the inside. The outer screen is similar to what you will find on the Pixel 9 Pro, while the inner screen is slightly larger than the one on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. 

Protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the OLED “Actua Display” on the outside has 1080 x 2424 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate that ranges between 60 to 120Hz, and it supports 2700 nits peak brightness. The inner “Super Actua Flex” LTPO AMOLED display also supports 2700 nits peak brightness and has a 120Hz refresh rate but it scales from 1-120Hz.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a Tensor G4 chip just like the rest of the new lineup, which is an essential part of how the smartphone will support AI functionalities. One of the most significant changes with the new Pixel 9 lineup is the Google Satellite SOS connection in the U.S. This will allow for a connection to emergency services even if you find yourself in an area with no cell signal. 

This is reportedly supported by the new Exynos 5400 modem on the chip and the service may be expanded to other regions over time. According to 9to5Google, the company has partnered with Garmin and Skylo to make this possible. Apple already provides this service for the iPhone 14 and beyond so it’s not necessarily new, but we’re always happy to see a wider range of smartphones take up safety as a priority. 

Pixel 9 Pro Fold features

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Camera Review

The new smartphone has a trip camera setup that flaunts a 48MP Quad PD wide main lens, along with a 10.5MP ultrawide camera and 10.8MP 5x telephoto lens that has 5x zoom. The rear camera also has 20x digital zoom capabilities. The redesigned camera bar appears quite different from the original, but it’s not unpleasant to look at. The selfie camera can be found both on the outer and inner screens and their capabilities match up at 10MP.

The rear cameras can support 4K and 1080p video recording at 24,30, and 60 FPS and have a collection of features to support their performance and use. Slo-mo video support at 240 FPS, astrophotography timelapse, night sight video, cinematic pan video stabilization, 4K timelapse with stabilization, etc., it’s all there to make of it what you will. 

There is a lot of support for photography. For example, the Made You Look feature is a nice detail, which uses the outer screen to play a video and grab a kid’s attention while you take a photo of them with the rear cameras. These little details add to the full experience, but strictly from a hardware point of view, Google hasn’t changed anything too dramatically.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold specs

Battery Power and Storage—Will It Make It Through 24 Hours?

One thing that confused us while working on the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review was the battery. The new smartphone has downgraded from the already questionable 4,821 mAh battery on the original Fold to a 4,560 mAh battery. Google states that the battery can last over 24 hours and can be extended to up to 72 hours with the Extreme Battery Saver mode. It’s rare to use a smartphone that sparingly so we’ll assume 24 hours is the standard the device sets. 

Google has not made any claims that the battery has been redesigned to be more power efficient so reviewers are left hoping that the Tensor G4 chip is more capable of reducing the drain on the battery during its operation. 

The phone has 16GB RAM and its storage capabilities come with two options, 256GB and 512GB. From the looks of it, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold specs are a decent match to other fold phones on the market.

Gemini Flexes Its AI Powers

The most prominent use of AI following the Pixel 9 Pro Fold launch will likely be the photo editing tools like Autoframe and Reimagine, along with image generation in the Pixel Studio. The Add Me feature is a very fun way to stitch images together and add in a missing family member when they miss the group shot. From generating stickers to recomposing your images, there’s a lot of focus on photography to distract from the slightly above-par cameras for a flagship model. 

Google’s AI summaries will make it much easier to access information while Circle to Search can summon information to your screen more efficiently than ever before. Gemini AI is expected to make your smartphone more intelligent so you can take photos to ask it questions or brainstorm ideas when you’re stuck in a creative rut. 

Google Pixel 9 Fold display

Image: “Google Translate makes face-to-face conversations in different languages even easier with Dual Screen support.”

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Price

Before we wrap up the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review, one pressing question we need to get to is the price. The device is priced the same as the original Fold, standing at $1,799 USD. It is not an easy amount to swallow but it is slightly better than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 starting at $1,899 USD. 

Along with its weaker battery, IPX8 rating, and inferior camera compared to the other Pro models in the Pixel series, it all boils down to how badly you want a phone that folds. The dual screen mode or the ease of turning it into a split screen is quite appealing, and so is the hands-free mode and the availability of all that screen space. 

With all those features considered, it might be a worthwhile investment for you, but we’re still on the fence about whether we would truly recommend the phone to anyone reading this Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review. For comparison, the base Google Pixel 9 is priced at $799 USD, the Google Pixel 9 Pro is $999 USD, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is $1,099 USD.

To wrap it all up with a nice bow, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold features come with seven years of OS and security updates so if you want to buy a phone that will last you a while, this one is guaranteed to do it. We’re not sure how the folding display will hold up in that time, so the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL feels like a much safer bet for that timeline.

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Making a Case for the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Its Top 5 Features https://www.technowize.com/making-a-case-for-the-galaxy-z-flip-6-and-its-top-5-features/ https://www.technowize.com/making-a-case-for-the-galaxy-z-flip-6-and-its-top-5-features/#respond Sat, 10 Aug 2024 10:30:44 +0000 https://www.technowize.com/?p=42393 If you’re on the fence about the Galaxy Z Flip 6 specs and are debating whether to settle for its predecessor which is $100 cheaper, then we recommend the upgraded model with its improved battery and durability.

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We’re all about the flip phone trend but haven’t gotten around to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6’s top features yet. Now that we’ve had some time to see the big picture and explore the Galaxy Z Flip 6 specs, we’re ready to map out what makes Samsung’s latest phone so appealing. Launched on July 10, 2024, during the Galaxy Unpacked showcase, the flip phone continues that company’s legacy of leading the market with the most diverse range of smartphones. The Galaxy Ring tried to steal all the attention for itself, but the smartphone isn’t giving up without a fight.

Galaxy Z Flip 6 specs

Image: Galaxy Z Flip 6

The Top 5 Features of the Samsung Z Flip 6

Samsung has enjoyed a very secure place at the top of the smartphone hierarchy as a provider of phones across price ranges. While the company’s main releases of the year are admittedly expensive, the company hits many price points with its more affordable offerings. Samsung has also been credited with being the company that revived the folding phone category of devices, but its position as the lead in this category has been challenged by the likes of Huawei and Motorola. 

We’ll begin by admitting that we’ve loved the Motorola Razr Plus 2024 device and its predecessor and if you’re looking for a slightly cheaper flip phone, the Motorola can be a good place to start. However, the device isn’t perfect. Everyone loves a reliable smartphone with some fun AI features to play around with, and the Razr Plus 2024 can be found lacking in that department. 

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 specs promise a more well-rounded experience for its users and guarantee a longer period of OS and security updates, making it a better choice for most. Let’s break down the Z Flip 6’s top features.

The Z Flip 6 Highlights its Camera Upgrades

One of the best features of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is its upgraded camera. The flip phone has a 50 MP main camera and a secondary 12 MP ultrawide lens. This is a significant upgrade from the two 12 MP lenses that could be found on the Z Flip 5. It isn’t anything to beat the other flagship phones that arrive on the market every year, but for a flip phone, it’s a decent upgrade. 

The selfie camera remains at 10 MP which is disappointing for such an expensive gadget, but considering you can get creative and use your external cameras for your selfies, it doesn’t pose too much of a problem.

The lens of the new flip phone also asserts its presence more loudly with the ring design around it, but it doesn’t obstruct the screen since it has a curved edge around the camera anyway. The outer screen does disappoint when you consider the more expansive screen on the Razr Plus 2024, but if you’re not all that picky about a few additional inches of space, the Z Flip 6 features will hold up just fine.

The Improved Galaxy Z Flip 6 Specs Include a Better Battery and RAM

Next on the list of the top features of the new Z Flip 6 is the battery. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 specs include a 4,000 mAh battery, which is an improvement from the 3,700 mAh battery on the Z Flip 5. Flip phones can be very demanding on their batteries due to the need to support the two screens and our habits of playing around with both just because we can.

The phone offers 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, which is the same as the previous model. The RAM capacity has also gone up from 8GB to 12GB, which is a blessing in any smartphone. 

The Galaxy Z Flip 6’s Performance Relies on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Chipset

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset which is the same as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and any other top smartphone you’ll find today. This is probably one feature of the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 because it supports all of its other advanced capabilities. 

It gives the device the support it needs to run smoothly and powers all the AI tools sprinkled around the device. The Full HD+ AMOLED screen with 2640×1080 resolution has an adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate, so you should be able to enjoy streaming anything you want to without a hitch.

Another one of the Z Flip 6’s top features is the vapor cooling chamber to keep the device balanced. Gamers can use this device to play to their hearts’ content, even though it might not be able to push out the kind of performance you’d expect from a gaming phone. The foldable nature of the phone means it isn’t the most convenient gaming device, but if playing games is what you enjoy, it’s easy enough to do on this smartphone. 

Z Flip 6 highlights

Durability Improvements Approved

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 highlights included an upgraded armor aluminum casing for better protection from external damage. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and the crease on the folding screen is much improved. The durability of the flip phone screen is a major concern for most users considering buying such a device, but it’s almost inevitable that it will take some damage over time.

The device has also been upgraded from an IPX8 rating to an IP48 rating, which means it has some resistance against dust and water. It is still going to be more fragile compared to a standard smartphone, but use it with care and you should be able to enjoy a few years with it. 

Best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Feature? Its AI Tools

One big advantage that the Galaxy phone has over its competitors is the integration of AI. Considering the popularity of artificial intelligence, many companies have made it the selling point of the device. Some premium Galaxy AI features could require a paid subscription later down the line similar to the strategy Apple is expected to introduce, but for now, the AI tools are entirely free. Unsurprisingly, the Z Flip 6’s top features center around the integration of AI.

The live translate feature is one of the first tools we’d heard about and it works quite effectively when you call someone who speaks a different language. The FlexWindow offers some AI assistance when it comes to messaging and the circle-to-search tool is another nifty trick that’s easy to get used to. The AI integration in the photo editing function is probably one of the features you’ll get the most use out of, although it doesn’t always work perfectly.

All of the Galaxy Z Flip 6’s highlights suggest that this is a great phone to get started with if you want to try your hand at using a flip phone. The device starts at $1,100 USD so you’ll have to consider the investment carefully, but if a new smartphone experience sounds appealing to you, then give this one a try.

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Reviewing the Motorola Edge (2024) as It Makes a U.S. Debut https://www.technowize.com/reviewing-the-motorola-edge-2024-as-it-makes-a-u-s-debut/ https://www.technowize.com/reviewing-the-motorola-edge-2024-as-it-makes-a-u-s-debut/#respond Wed, 05 Jun 2024 09:40:45 +0000 https://www.technowize.com/?p=41864 Looking for a Motorola Edge 2024 review in preparation of its U.S. launch? The $550 USD device has a decent display and camera setup and the action button is a great addition to support its functionality.

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The midrange Motorola Edge (2024) is arriving in U.S. markets after some initial doubts about its international debut. The Motorola Edge (2024) specs resemble the older 2023 model that was released in October last year, but it does have a cheaper price tag and new features that make it a more appealing investment. The Motorola Edge (2024) pOLED display still maintains the curved screen design which is a polarizing factor on smartphones today, but if you can overlook that detail, the device has a lot to offer up. 

From the Motorola Edge (2024) battery life to the new action button that mimics the much-loved feature on the iPhone 15 Pro, the smartphone is a great addition to the mid-range collection on the market right now. 

Motorola Edge 2024 specs

Image: The Motorola Edge (2024) is coming to the U.S.

The Motorola Edge (2024) U.S. Release is Scheduled for June 20, 2024

Motorola has been slowly dipping its feet back into the U.S. markets trying to recapture some of the popularity it once enjoyed. The company’s extensive range of devices regularly brings up some confusion due to the varying naming gimmicks and staggered release strategies in different markets, but the general appeal of the smartphone is hard to ignore. Motorola has made the biggest impact in the foldable smartphone category over the last few years, with its Razr series bringing an affordable alternative to those who want to experience a flip phone but can’t handle Samsung’s prices. 

The company has a serious chance of making a comeback and while many naysayers believe the brand is headed out of the smartphone market entirely, it does have room to grow instead if it plays its cards right. The Motorola Edge (2024) U.S. debut should give us more insight into where the Lenovo brand is headed. 

The Motorola Edge (2024) Display Specs Review

The curved Gorilla Glass 3 display of the Motorola Edge (2024) is the main talking point but that isn’t where the specifications end. The device has a 6.6-inch pOLED 2400 x 1080 resolution display with a 144 Hz refresh rate and 360Hz touch sampling rate. The 1300 nits peak brightness is nothing to write home about but it’s a permissible number on a mid-range phone. The Motorola Edge (2024) display can render 10-bit colors and supports an FHD+ resolution so the device screen is not an aspect of the smartphone that will let you down.

Motorola Edge (2024) U.S.: Processor Power and Memory 

Stepping away from the Dimensity 7030 SoC on the previous model, the Motorola Edge (2024) specs are now powered by a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor that brings peak clock speeds of 2.4GHz. The Motorola Edge (2024) specs also include an Adreno 710 GPU. The device should ship with Android 14 support so you have access to the latest version right out of the box. 

The device has 8GB of RAM (LPDDR4X) and 256GB of storage, which is not extensive but it is enough for a stable user experience. The Motorola Edge (2024) releasing in the U.S. soon has a customizable quick button that can be set to give you instant access to a collection of apps and services that you use regularly. 

Motorola Edge 2024 price

Camera Specifications on the Motorola Edge (2024) U.S. Model

The dual cameras on the Motorola Edge (2024) aren’t a game-changer if a top-quality setup is what you’re looking for. The device has a decent camera array but if a good camera is a top priority for you, this device may not suit your needs. The device has a 50MP Sony LYT-700C main sensor which is on the same line as the 50MP Sony LYT-808 in the OnePlus 12. There’s another 13MP ultrawide sensor at the back and the 32MP front camera promises “stunning high-res selfies.” 

The main camera captures 4K UHD videos at 30FPS and FHD at 60/30 fps. The slow-motion FHD videos at 240/120 fps are also an interesting detail. Other shooting modes on the device include adaptive stabilization, time-lapse with hyper-lapse, dual capture videos, etc. Reviewing the Motorola Edge (2024) specs, we can tell that some thought has gone into the details, but it does fall a little short of other competitors on the market.

Motorola Edge (2024) Battery Life and Durability

The battery of the newly released Motorola phone guarantees up to 36 hours of use packed into the 5000mAh battery. This is better than the Google Pixel 8a’s 4,492mAh battery and on par with the Nothing Phone (2a). The Motorola Edge (2024) U.S. model brings 68W TurboPower charging that can give you a day’s power in 15 minutes. If you’re a fan of wireless charging, then you get a 15W charging capacity in that regard as well. A good battery is an essential detail in any smartphone considering the number of times we pick it up throughout the day so if you want a reliable device then consider this Motorola Edge (2024) U.S. model review was meant for you.

The device also has an IP68 rating so it should be resistant to water submersion for up to 30 minutes. These ratings are provided under laboratory conditions and are not meant to be tested to their limits but they do suggest you’ll have a durable smartphone.

Motorola Edge 2024 US

Putting Together a Motorola Edge (2024) Review

The Motorola Edge (2024) price has been set at $549 USD which is a great mid-range price. The device will be available for purchase on June 20 via the Motorola website but you can also register for the device right now. Following the Motorola Edge (2024) U.S. release, there may be an Edge Plus launch similar to the release schedule in 2023, but the company has not offered any details to suggest that this is how they are planning to proceed.

Taking care to note an honest Motorola Edge (2024) review of all the specs and features, the upcoming device is a good contender for mid-range devices like the Google Pixel 8a and OnePlus 12R. The camera setup may not be as showy and the single “Midnight Blue” color option may feel limiting for those who like variety and these details need to be taken into consideration. In addition, the leathery texture is adored by many and while we’re not fans of it, you might enjoy the unique design. 

The dual-SIM phone has eSIM compatibility and its connectivity options include 5G sub-6GHz, Wi-Fi 6E (ax), Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC according to GSMArena. The device only offers two years of software upgrades and three years of security upgrades so you may not find it supported for very long, but if you’re someone who switches up your tech frequently, it should hardly matter. The display, the Snapdragon chipset, the endless edge display, and the reliable battery are all features that make the Motorola Edge (2024) price feel reasonable and well worth the expense so if you want to consider a purchase when it finally arrives in the U.S., we’d say that’s a good idea. 

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Sonos Ace Review—A Shaky Launch For A Stunning Device https://www.technowize.com/sonos-ace-review-a-shaky-launch-for-a-stunning-device/ https://www.technowize.com/sonos-ace-review-a-shaky-launch-for-a-stunning-device/#respond Wed, 22 May 2024 10:42:00 +0000 https://www.technowize.com/?p=41744 The Sonos ACE design is simplistic and classy—everything about it whispers “comfort first.” The connectivity capabilities and battery life are decent but the lack of a reliable app seems to be holding many potential customers at bay.

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A Sonos Ace review is to be expected after the company revealed its “most requested product ever” recently. After years of suspense surrounding the Sonos Ace launch, the company announced the headphones on May 21, 2024, opening their website up for preorders. The official release date for the Sonos Ace noise-canceling headphones has been set for June 5, 2024. Just as the leaks had predicted, the Sonos Ace design features some stark similarities to the WH-1000XM5 and the AirPods Max and the limited color options don’t help its case. Still, there is enough to love about the new headphones to warrant a purchase.

Sonos ACE features

Image: Sonos Ace Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Sonos Ace Review—Strut Around In Style

Sonos has had us waiting on its every word for years now, dangling the possibility of the Sonos Ace noise-canceling headphones in front of us without any updates. After its Q1 2024 financial highlights, we had our first sign that the headphones would be arriving soon when CEO Patrick Spence suggested the company was going to transition to a new product category. The announcement had fans waiting for a Sonos Ace launch but they were met with disappointment when the recent Sonos app update arrived instead, whisking away many well-loved features without notice.

The backlash following the Sonos app update has been very noteworthy, both in scale and the range of complaints that people now have. The company has promised that these software functions will be restored soon enough with future updates, but will this do enough to placate users enough to look at the Sonos Ace reviews and consider a purchase? We’re not sure just yet.

One aspect of the Sonos Ace reviews that will stay consistent no matter who you ask is that the new headphones look great but they also look quite familiar. The simple black and white matte color options are permissible, but the Sonos Ace noise-canceling headphones look a little too much like Apple and Sony’s existing products. There is probably little room and reason for redesigning so many features that other companies have already got right so we see why the Sonos Ace design was kept simple and classic. 

Sonos Ace Design—Classic Comfort Now in Black and Soft White

The main drawback of the Sonos Ace’s design is that there are no defining design features that make it stand out from the market in terms of appearance. If you look at the structural design features though, the Sonos Ace noise-canceling headphones have replaceable magnetic ear cups that you are free to change out over time, increasing the longevity of the gadget. The cups are also color-coded on the inside, making it easy to see which side each replacement cup goes.

The thick memory foam and vegan leather covers go all the way around your ears for a comfortable fit, and the headband over the head is just as well-padded to ensure the headphones don’t leave you with a headache. The stainless steel section of the headband is visible only on the sides, and they have quite enough room to adjust the size and swivel enough to get the angle of the cups right so they can sit comfortably on your ears.

Instead of overengineering the controls with touch features, the device has some stylish sliders and physical buttons for volume and music control. There’s even a control to switch between transparency modes. While we started the Sonos Ace review disappointed that there weren’t any unique appearance details to make the headphones stand apart, we will admit that regardless, the headphones look amazing and are truly well-designed for comfort.

Sonos ACE launch

Does Sonos Ace Support Dolby Atmos?

The Sonos Ace noise-canceling headphones are equipped to provide a Dolby Atmos experience with the custom-designed 40 mm dynamic drivers in each cup and they support spatial head tracking features to boot. The device’s “ported acoustic architecture” allows for a bass-boosted experience for those who really like to feel the beat. Guaranteeing high-fidelity audio and distortionless playback, the headphones make a lot of promises that might be easy enough for this audio gadget company to keep. 

One of the highlights of the Sonos Ace review is the gadget’s efficient noise cancellation systems. The device uses 8 optimally positioned microphones to cancel out sounds from the outside, so you can focus on listening to the things you want. If you’re out and about and don’t need quite as much ANC support, the Aware mode should let ambient sounds filter in and keep you alert. 

Sonos Ace Review of Its Connectivity and Battery Features

The Sonos Ace specs include Bluetooth 5.4 and support AAC and Qualcomm’s AptX Adaptive audio codec, according to CNET. For a lossless audio experience, you can connect to a device that supports it via Bluetooth or through the USB-C to 3.5mm cable that is available with the device. The provision of the cable is one detail we appreciate in this Sonos Ace review, and the storage case that comes along with the device is quite a wonderful consideration. The headphones also offer a Bluetooth multipoint connection so you can have two devices paired at once. 

The Sonos Ace features include a 1060 mAh Li-ion battery that should easily leave you with 30 hours of use between charges. This falls to 24 hours when the transparency modes are enabled. The device makes the most of its wired charging option which should provide 3 hours of listening in three minutes. A full charge takes 3 hours. The battery life is another positive we have to offer in our review of the Sonos Ace.

Sonos ACE design

Image: The Sonos Ace headphone comes with a travel case with a cable pouch, a USB-C to USB-C cable, and a USB-C to 3.5 mm cable

Most Interesting of Sonos Ace Features

One of the more interesting aspects of the Sonos Ace noise-canceling headphone’s functionality is the option of connecting to other Sonos speakers over Wi-Fi. Users can swap TV audio between the headphones and the Sonos Arc soundbar when they want a different listening experience. Future sound bars by the company like the Beam 2 should also support this connection. For a company that has an entire range of devices to coordinate with, it is a little disappointing for it to require a specific soundbar to make full use of its capabilities.

The Sonos app is not necessary to use when you just want to connect it via Bluetooth, but in order to set up these additional features, you may just have to download the app. The company’s TrueCinema feature coming later this year “precisely maps your spAce then renders a complete surround sound system for a listening experience so realistic you’ll forget you’re wearing headphones.” So it does look like the headphones—and the app—will improve in upcoming months. 

Final Verdict to Wrap up the Sonos Ace Review

Right off the bat, most Sonos Ace reviews are positive and see the potential of the new headphones. They look great, they feel great, and they appear to be built to last. There’s not much to dislike with the Sonos Ace noise-canceling headphones other than the absence of better Wi-Fi connectivity options. It’s very evident that the company has put in quite some effort to perfect the device. 

However, you do have to consider that the Sonos headphones are priced at $449 USD and rely on an app that is not quite reliable at the moment. From a single glance at the Sonos community update page, it is quite evident that users are determined to hold off on considering a purchase until the app is fixed to their satisfaction. “Why would anyone buy these when the underlying app is feature-lacking and bug-ridden?” said one reviewer. “Join me—boycott the headphones,” said another, and many echo the same sentiment. We’re surprised Sonos didn’t just delay the launch for a while until they could support the new headphones without compromising the quality of the app, but perhaps there is too much work to be done with no fixed timeline on when it will be achieved. 

As a standalone pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones, the Sonos Ace headphones are amazing and can guarantee you have a good time listening to your podcasts or answering calls. If you’re looking for something that can do more than that, you might have to wait for the additional features to roll out before you purchase the device. 

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