Xiaomi is a Chinese electronics company that is known for its affordable and high-quality smartphones. Xiaomi phones are typically popular among budget-minded consumers and tech enthusiasts alike.
As of October 2023, Xiaomi offers a variety of smartphones in different price ranges. Here is an overview of the key devices available from Xiaomi today:
Xiaomi 13
The Xiaomi 13 is the company’s flagship smartphone for 2023. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and comes with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone also has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 200MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 5MP telemacro sensor.
The Xiaomi 13 is a good choice for users who want a powerful and feature-rich smartphone at a competitive price. It is especially well-suited for gamers and mobile photographers.
Xiaomi 13 Pro
The Xiaomi 13 Pro is a slightly more expensive alternative to the Xiaomi 13. It shares many of the same features as the base model, but it has a slightly larger 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a quad-lens rear camera system with a 200MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, a 5MP telemacro sensor, and a 5MP periscope telephoto sensor with 50x digital zoom.
The Xiaomi 13 Pro is a good choice for users who want the most powerful and feature-rich Xiaomi smartphone available. It is especially well-suited for gamers, mobile photographers, and users who need a smartphone with a powerful zoom camera.
Xiaomi 13 Ultra
The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is the company’s ultra-premium flagship smartphone for 2023. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and comes with a 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone also has a quad-lens rear camera system with a 200MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, a 5MP telemacro sensor, and a 5MP periscope telephoto sensor with 100x digital zoom.
The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is a good choice for users who want the best possible smartphone camera experience. It is also a good choice for power users who need the most powerful and feature-rich Xiaomi smartphone available.
Xiaomi 12S Ultra
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is the company’s flagship smartphone for 2022. It is still a great option for users who want a powerful and feature-rich smartphone at a competitive price. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and comes with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone also has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide sensor, and a 48MP periscope telephoto sensor with 120x digital zoom.
The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is a good choice for users who want a powerful and feature-rich smartphone with a great camera system. It is also a good choice for power users who need the most powerful Xiaomi smartphone available.
Who is the target user for each Xiaomi device?
Xiaomi 13: Power users, gamers, mobile photographers
Xiaomi 13 Pro: Power users, gamers, mobile photographers, users who need a smartphone with a powerful zoom camera
Xiaomi 13 Ultra: Power users, mobile photographers, users who want the best possible smartphone camera experience
Xiaomi 12S Ultra: Power users, gamers, mobile photographers
To safeguard your valuable data housed on your Android phone it is imperative to fortify its security measures. Neglecting this could leave your data vulnerable to cyberattacks. While a multitude of Android phones come equipped with built-in security components like biometrics, it falls upon you to tailor your device settings to your specific privacy requirements. Here are the Android security features that you should apply.
Top Android security tips
#1 Enable 2FA
Android users can enhance their security with two-factor authentication, which involves a two-step verification process. This security measure is becoming standard across various platforms, not just limited to Android settings.
To protect your accounts, especially those with sensitive data, enable 2-factor authentication wherever possible. Here’s how you can get started:
Access the “Settings” on your Android device.
Choose “Google.”
Select “Manage my Google Accounts.”
Scroll down to your email and tap on “Security.”
Locate “2-Step Verification.”
Open your browser.
Choose “Get Started” and follow the provided instructions.
#2 Audit app permissions
When installing an app, it typically requests permission to access various hardware and system services like the microphone, camera, location, and more. It’s easy to mindlessly tap through these notifications, but some apps may collect and sell your location data to marketing firms, even if it’s unnecessary for their functionality. Fortunately, Android 11 onwards automatically resets permissions for unused apps. Nevertheless, it’s always beneficial to occasionally perform an audit of your app permissions.
To ensure apps only have access to necessary services, follow these steps:
Go to Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager
Review each section to confirm no apps have access to unnecessary services.
If you’re running Android 12 or later, you can also check the Privacy Dashboard:
Go to Settings > Privacy > Privacy Dashboard
Get an overview of recent app access.
#3 Enable VPN
One of the key privacy tips for Android is VPN. It offers something that a default smartphone can’t do. It’s wise to figure out how to set up a VPN on Android. The principle is quite simple: install VeePN for Android and connect to remote servers. Specifically, VeePN protects your data, hides IP and DNS addresses, encrypts the channel, prevents DDoS attacks, and fights phishing and viruses.
#4 Activate automatic updates
To ensure the security and privacy of your device, it is important to keep both the operating system and downloaded apps up to date. You can enable automatic updates for apps by following these steps: open the Google Play Store app, tap Menu, go to Settings, select Network preferences, and enable Auto-update apps. The operating system, on the other hand, updates automatically by default, so there is no need to worry about that.
#5 Check the security of your Google account
Google collects a significant amount of data about your activities, some of which you may be uncomfortable with the company storing. While it’s nearly impossible to completely stop Google’s data collection on devices running an Android operating system, you can have some control over what is collected and how long it’s stored. These settings are tied to your Google account.
To manage your privacy settings, you can use Google’s Privacy Checkup feature or access each setting directly from your phone. Open Settings > Privacy > Activity controls to make the necessary changes.
Under the “Web and app activity” setting, Google collects various data, including Maps data, Search history, and Assistant usage. Enabling this setting allows Google to use factors like search history and location to provide you with specific results or ads. If you prefer to limit data retention, you can ask Google to delete the data every few months. Additionally, you can delete audio recordings if you use Google Assistant.
Google keeps a record of your location history using your phone. While this feature offers benefits like improved search results and event notifications on Google Calendar, most people can disable location history with little impact on using Google Maps or related apps.
For YouTube, your search and watch history is tracked. If you’re uncomfortable with this, you can pause the tracking. Other YouTube data, such as comments and survey answers, can be found on the “Other Google activity” page.
In the Google Photos settings, you don’t have many privacy options, but you can enable the “Remove geolocation in items shared by link” option to remove location information from your photos.
If you prefer not to see personalized ads on Google’s services, you can disable them in the ad settings.
On the “Other Google activity” page, you’ll find a collection of almost all the data you’ve provided across Google’s platforms. Consider deleting or reviewing items such as Place answers, news preferences, and product survey responses.
#6 Safe Browsing
The Android safe browsing feature alerts users when attempting to access a potentially harmful website or download a suspicious app.
To enable Safe Browsing:
Navigate to “Settings.”
Select “Privacy.”
Activate the checkbox beside “Safe Browsing.”
Additionally, be selective while choosing an internet browser for your Android device. This does not replace the need for a VPN. It is wise to use at least free VeePN for your Android device. Opt for privacy-oriented ones like DuckDuckGo that support private searches and browsing.
#7 Lock screen controls
To ensure device security, a passcode must be entered to gain access by enabling a lock screen. Having a lock screen provides greater security compared to not having one. Follow these steps to turn on or change your lock screen:
Access Settings.
Click on Lock Screen.
Enter your current passcode if activated.
Modify your Screen lock type.
#8 Block access to the camera or mic
On Android, you can easily control access to your camera and microphone on a per-app basis. However, sometimes you may prefer to have a clearer indication of when these functions are being used or to temporarily limit access overall. One way to achieve this is by accessing the Quick Settings menu and blocking the camera and microphone. This method proves handy especially when you wish to avoid navigating through various software options or simply require peace of mind during call interruptions.
Conclusion
Android offers a number of tools that focus on device security. However, most of us ignore them or do not use them to their full potential. This article offers a solution and instructions to make your Android device more resilient in the face of cyber attacks.
If you’ve ever watched the movie Predator and wished you had heat vision, then the P2 Pro is the product you’ve been searching for. Our friends over at InfiRay were nice enough to send one out for review and I’ve spent the last few weeks testing it out.
Features
The InfiRay P2 Pro is a compact and versatile thermal camera with a sensitivity of -4 degrees Fahrenheit to 1112 degrees Fahrenheit, also known as -20 degrees Celsius to 600 degrees Celsius in metric. It utilizes an infrared sensor with a resolution of 256 x 192 and is capable of producing detailed images that are 1.6 megapixels in size with an accuracy of ±2 degrees Celsius.
Speaking of size, the P2 Pro weighs in at only nine grams, making it so minuscule and lightweight that you can barely tell you have anything attached to your phone or tablet while using it. Packing the sensor and lens into this tiny metal body is an awe-inspiring feat, and it’s impressive that InfiRay was able to pull it off. Additionally, the compact size also makes it possible to get the P2 Pro into tight spaces when using it with the included USB extension cable.
The macro lens is another handy accessory found in the box, and it uses magnets to attach quickly and easily to the P2 Pro. With the macro lens, it is possible to get a close-up view of circuit boards and other small materials for a more precise temperature reading.
Finally, we can’t discuss the features without mentioning the P2 Pro app. This is where you’ll be able to view everything once the camera is connected to your mobile device. The app provides you with up to 11 different color palettes to choose from, as well as displaying the temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius. It also offers a photo and video mode that records in 25 frames per second for smooth playback.
User experience
Having used the InfiRay P2 Pro for the past few weeks, I can vouch that it is easy to use and convenient to carry with me everywhere I go. Once the app is installed, it will ask to launch each time you connect the P2 Pro to your phone. However, I’d caution against checking the box to make that happen by default because then the app wanted to launch for every USB Type-C device I connected to my smartphone.
I found the P2 Pro very useful for analyzing the temperature of everything around me. Whether it was checking the temp of my electronics and mobile devices, looking for where warm air is leaking into the house, or checking up on my hot water heater and the engine in the car. Overall, it became a great tool to have on hand, and it’s also a lot of fun to check the running temperature of everything around you.
For the most part, the app works well. It was easy to turn off the watermark that’s enabled by default and set the temperature to Fahrenheit. Afterward, I was able to start checking and photographing everything around the house. The P2 Pro app even has tools to help you pinpoint the exact areas you want temperature readings and it can output an analysis that can be saved and referenced later on.
Another useful feature is that the P2 Pro app allows you to use the back camera on your phone simultaneously with the attached camera. This makes it possible to see a normal and thermal view in a single photograph. Considering, it can be difficult to decipher what some items are in infrared view, having an image of both together can be invaluable.
One thing to note, photos were always saved as if they were taken in the portrait orientation, even though I used it exclusively in landscape view. This can be easily fixed by rotating the images manually, but it would have been nice if they were saved in the proper orientation to begin with.
Normal lens
Macro lens
Another minor issue I encountered was the app occasionally refused to connect with the camera if I had used it previously that day. Disconnecting the camera, swiping the app away from the overview menu, and plugging the camera back in fixed this.
Last but not least, the P2 Pro runs without draining a ton of power. InfiRay rates it for 5-7 hours of use with a Samsung phone. In my experience, I never used it for longer than an hour on any given day and I didn’t notice a significant impact on the battery.
Final thoughts
The P2 Pro from InfiRay can be an essential tool for many professionals and engineers, as well as being a lot of fun to play with for curious individuals like myself. It’s light, compact, uses a premium and rugged aluminum body, and has a feature-packed app with all the tools and settings you could ask for.
If you’re interested in picking one up for yourself the P2 Pro can be purchased from Amazon or InfiRay’s website for $299. At this time, there’s even a $50 off coupon available through Amazon dropping the price down to $249.
Roku, to me, has become the standard for smart TVs. While the company has seen multiple competitors, it’s still one of the most popular smart TV platforms around. Recently, Roku has taken its no-nonsense approach to your entertainment and applied similar logic to DIY home security.
I’ve been testing the majority of the Roku Home Security lineup for a few weeks now, and based on what I’ve seen, Roku has something here for the casual user.
Easy setup
If you’ve ever used a Roku TV you know these are dead simple to setup. The Roku Security system is the same. The app and included materials do a fantastic job walking you through the process.
It’s as simple as scanning a QR code on each device and following the app’s instructions. You start with the monitoring Hub and then move through the accessories. Our review package included a motion sensor, indoor and outdoor SE cameras, and two entry sensors.
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As mentioned, the app does a great job of keeping straightforward details of adding each new item to the system. Once the hub is set, you have a pairing sequence to add each new sensor. Each has good visual keys in the app to make sure you get it right.
Decent array of additions for first-generation
Even for an initial lineup of devices from Roku to enter the security market, the selection is pretty decent. You get the keypad, base station, two entry sensors, and a motion sensor with the default $99 bundle. It’s comparable to others in the segments and is a great starter kit.
Additional components can be added like indoor cameras, doorbells, and a new outdoor camera. That’s on top of extending the starter kit options. You can easily add another keypad or entry sensor as you see fit for your home. For our review, we were sent the starter kit with additional indoor and outdoor cameras.
As mentioned, I like the options Roku has in the lineup, but I do want to point out something that makes the cameras feel slightly dated. Both the indoor and outdoor cameras are wired via a micro-USB connection. It’s a small nitpick, but USB-C has been the universal standard for several years now.
Integration with Roku OS
We can’t go any further in this review without mentioning one of the best features if you already own a Roku OS device or Roku TV. With the full monitoring package, you can get alerts, and view your live camera feeds, directly on your television. This truly makes the Roku security system feel modern and seamlessly drops into your current setup with no additional hardware or services.
You can access these cameras on-demand as well as enable notifications on your Roku home screen. This allows you to drop into the camera feeds as alerts come in. It’s worth noting that notifications on the TV are only sent over if the system is set to armed for Home or Away.
Smartphone notifications
I’ve found the smartphone notification in the Roku Smart Home app to be solid. Logging into your account from a fully closed app is fast and seamless. Camera live feeds take a few seconds to load, but nowhere outside the norm for these types of systems.
The outdoor camera does a decent job of recognizing humans versus objects as well. I was concerned that my dog would set it off more often, but that hasn’t been the case. I’ve had a few false alerts from the trees in my yard that are close by, but otherwise no issues.
The app in general is very simple and well designed. Accessing all your controls, camera views, and remote monitoring is accomplished in an easy fashion. Apps can easily drag down and hinder home security monitoring in the DIY space, but Roku has avoided this.
Conclusion
Roku has always impressed with a no-nonsense approach to the smart TV and the company has brought this DNA to the smart home with its security bundle. With a competitive price and simple setup, you can have your home protected and professionally monitored, in under 30 minutes.
Finally, let’s talk pricing. The initial Roku Security bundle will cost you $99. This includes the base hub station, keypad, motion sensor, and two entry sensors. The additional indoor and outdoor cameras will set you back another $27 and $50 respectively. Hit the links below to snag any of this lineup.
Embracing the van and camper lifestyle is about choosing adventure over routine, and finding freedom in simplicity. It’s a growing movement that turns compact living into boundless experiences.
Our office recently became a hub for various products catering to this lifestyle. While not all are tech-savvy, each embodies the essence of this nomadic life: functionality with a dash of comfort.
Below, we’ve curated a list of essentials to enhance your journey, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out on this exciting path.
Yoshino B4000T SST Portable Power Station
Journey into the wilderness with the assurance of unwavering power supply, courtesy of the Yoshino B4000T SST Portable Power Station. This solid-state power depot is not just an epitome of modern technological refinement, but a testament to how far human ingenuity can stretch to make off-grid living a reality. With its remarkable storage capacity and a plethora of output options, it’s more than just a power station—it’s your ticket to unfettered exploration. $3,299
Ugreen 65W Nexode GaN 3-Port Charger
The Ugreen 65W Nexode GaN 3-Port Charger is not just a device, but a promise of unyielding connectivity. Crafted for the modern wanderer, this charger boasts a trifecta of ports, ready to resurrect your gadgets from the dead. Its compact design is a subtle nod to the nomadic lifestyle, ensuring you stay connected, no matter where your journey takes you. $40
ALLPOWERS S300 Portable Power Station
via ALLPOWERS
The ALLPOWERS S300 is a beacon of unyielding power, encapsulated in a sleek, portable design. This remarkable power station is engineered to fuel your adventures, ensuring your gadgets remain juiced up irrespective of where the road takes you. Its robust capacity and multiple output options manifest as a reliable power source, making it an indispensable companion for your van life exploits. $99
Gourmia FoodStation
The Gourmia FoodStation is a harbinger of culinary versatility in a compact form. This multi-functional marvel is a passport to a realm where every meal is a celebration, even when on the road. As you explore the unknown, the FoodStation ensures your culinary prowess travels with you, unfettered by the confines of a traditional kitchen. $100
Typhur Dome Air Fryer
The Typhur Dome Air Fryer is your gateway to a world where culinary excellence is not confined to the four walls of a conventional kitchen. This nifty appliance is a marvel of modern engineering, enabling you to whip up gourmet meals on the go. Its compact design is a perfect fit for the van life, and its efficient operation ensures you’re not trading convenience for quality. $500
Dreo CF714S Air Circulator Fan
The Dreo CF714S Air Circulator Fan is an ode to flawless engineering, designed to keep the breeze flowing, even in the compact confines of your van. Its meticulous design ensures optimal air circulation, keeping the environment within your mobile abode fresh and invigorating. As you chase the horizon, let the gentle breeze from this masterful fan keep your spirits soaring. $110
Brandless Fabulous Fryers
The Brandless Fabulous Fryers are a testimony to the fact that great meals can be conjured in compact spaces. Engineered for the nomad at heart, these fryers are a perfect blend of efficiency and compact design. As you traverse through unchartered territories, this culinary companion ensures your palate ventures on an exploratory journey of its own. $120
TOZO S3 Smart Watch
Embrace the epitome of technological finesse with the TOZO S3 Smart Watch. This wrist-bound marvel is more than a timepiece—it’s your personal assistant, fitness trainer, and wellness monitor, all rolled into a sleek, stylish design. As you explore the vistas in your van, let the TOZO S3 be your companion, ensuring you remain connected, healthy, and on schedule. $50
Gravastar Delta 35 GaN Fast Charger
In a world where time is of the essence, the Gravastar Delta 35 GaN Fast Charger emerges as a token of efficiency. Its compact form belies the immense charging power housed within, ready to propel your devices back to life in a fraction of the time. The road might be long, but with Delta 35 in your arsenal, charging downtimes will be the least of your concerns. $30
Monoprice Compact 20,000mAh Power Bank
Unfurl the wings of unbridled adventure with the assurance of relentless power supply, courtesy of the Monoprice Compact 20,000mAh Power Bank. This power behemoth is a silent guardian, ensuring your gadgets remain charged as you wander into the unknown. Its compact design is a testament to modern engineering—massive power encased in a pocket-friendly design. $30
Hisense C1 Laser Mini Projector
via Hisense
Transform the wilderness into a private theater with the Hisense C1 Laser Mini Projector. This compact projector is a window to a world of visual excellence, bringing your favorite films and shows to life under the starlit sky. As you lay back in your van, let the C1 Laser Mini Projector paint your adventure with shades of cinematic brilliance. $2,000
Dr. Plotka Mouthwatchers Toothbrush
Embrace the ritual of oral hygiene with a touch of innovation, courtesy of Dr. Plotka’s Mouthwatchers Toothbrush. This dental marvel boasts antimicrobial bristles ensuring a thorough clean, promoting oral health as you journey through the landscapes. Let each stroke of this toothbrush be a step towards holistic wellness, even on the road. $5
via Dreo
Dreo HM713S Warm & Cool Mist Humidifier
The Dreo HM713S Warm & Cool Mist Humidifier is a sentinel of comfort, ensuring the air you breathe is of pristine quality. This dual-function marvel battles the dryness and ensures a comfortable humidity level, making your van feel like home, no matter where it’s parked. The journey might be long, but with this humidifier, comfort is a constant companion. $80
Aer Gym Tote
The Aer Gym Tote is not just a bag, but a statement of organized, active living. Its ingenious design is a perfect blend of style and functionality, ensuring your gym essentials are always at arm’s reach. As you traverse the trails, let this gym tote be a testament to your commitment to fitness and style. $110
EcoFlow Glacier
The EcoFlow Glacier is a the fridge and freezer combo designed with modern-day convenience, ensuring your perishables stay fresh as you venture into the unknown. This portable refrigerator is a marvel of cooling technology, promising to be a steadfast companion in your van life journey. The EcoFlow Glacier transcends the traditional, bringing the comfort of a chilled beverage to the heart of the wilderness. $1,100
Sutera Lavender Zen Memory Foam Aromatherapy Cooling Pillow
As the day’s adventure morphs into night’s tranquility, lay your head on the Sutera Lavender Zen Pillow and drift into a serene slumber. Infused with the calming essence of lavender and designed for optimal comfort, this pillow is more than a cushion—it’s your passport to a realm of peaceful dreams amidst the wild. $75
Reencle Home Composter
Embrace sustainability on the go with the Reencle Home Composter. This ingenious device transforms food waste into usable compost, promoting a cycle of eco-conscious living even on the road. As you navigate through nature, let the Reencle Home Composter be a reminder of your pledge to a greener planet. $450
HOVERAir X1 Pocket-Sized Self-Flying Camera
Capture the essence of van life from vantage points hitherto unimagined with the HOVERAir X1 Self-Flying Camera. This airborne marvel is your eye in the sky, capturing breathtaking aerial shots as you revel in the beauty of nature. Compact yet capable, the HOVERAir X1 is a testament to how far the quest for perfect capture has come. $350
Wash Yo Self
Unveil a new dimension of cleanliness with Wash Yo Self, a product designed for the meticulous traveler. These face and body wipes are a breath of fresh air, promising a quick refresh whenever you need it. As you tread the paths less traveled, let Wash Yo Self be your companion in maintaining a pristine presence. $10
Wabi Whiffs
Venture into the wilderness with the assurance of freshness, courtesy of Wabi Whiffs. These toot sprays are a novel solution to keeping your van ambiance pleasant, no matter where the road takes you. A spray or two is all it takes to keep the journey as enjoyable as the destination, making Wabi Whiffs an indispensable companion in your van life adventure. $10
OnePlus has come a long way from the Nexus killer days of old. Now, the company is a member of the full premium club taking on the likes of Samsung much more directly. OnePlus has continued to sharpen its skills of increased hardware engineering.
With the launch of its first foldable, the OnePlus Open shows just how well OnePlus has become at making quality smartphones. I’ve spent close to four weeks with the device now and the Open checks a ton of boxes making it a viable competitor even as a first-generation form factor for OnePlus.
Design
The pure hardware of the OnePlus Open is impressive. The hinge and screen are always the first places you look on any folding smartphone and both are two of the best available. The Flexion hinge is stiff without getting in the way and makes you feel like it’s more than sturdy enough to take normal use. OnePlus also rates its testing to withstand up to 4 million instances of being opened and closed.
This Flexion hinge is built around a single-spine architecture. This allows for a sturdier structure overall while lending to the lower profile compared to the normal three-spine in other competitors. OnePlus has also reduced the amount of components needed down to just 69 versus over 100 found in other foldables.
Next is the crease of the flexible screen. Again, OnePlus has made a great effort to make this as smooth as possible. I’d argue this is the least noticeable crease of any foldable. The latest Moto RAZR+ is close, but the pull this off on the much larger Open is admirable.
The display is a three-part system of Ultra-Thin Glass layer, TPU impact shielding, and anti-reflection. Atop these layers, is another protective application of Ceramic Guard making the OnePlus Open even more durable. The company claims it’s 20% more robust than Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, but only long-term use will really find out if this is true.
The back of the OnePlus Open is covered in two colorways: Emerald Dusk and Voyager Black. Each comes with its own material featured. The Emerald Dusk has a matte-frosted glass finish that has a slight shimmer to it depending on lighting. Our review unit is the more subtle Voyager Black consisting of vegan leather.
The last thing that really stands out when you first take it out of the box is the lightness and slim design compared to other foldables. The entire setup is only 239 grams and 11.7mm closed. At only 5.8mm open its slim form factor is even more evident. Oh, and the coveted alert slider makes a magnificent return!
Lastly, let’s talk internals. The OnePlus Open contains 16GB of RAM and a whopping 512GB of storage. The entire phone is also IPX4 rated for water resistance. This includes drainage holes in the actual internal hinge. The engine behind all this would be the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 platform with 4nm processor tech.
Software
You can’t mention a foldable like the OnePlus Open without considering the software. I like what OnePlus has done with this variant of ColorOS 13.2 on the Open. At first glance, it’s not dissimilar to Samsung’s OneUI on the Galaxy Folds. However, once you dive into the OS I think OnePlus has one of the most complete options when using the Open.
First, you have a dedicated taskbar at the bottom that holds your favorite apps and recently opened ones. Moving to the left side of the bar you’ll notice some newcomers. Here you have a dedicated app tray and Recents menu.
The app tray is self-explanatory and is somewhat redundant with the swipe up to get to your apps, but Recents borrows a ChromeOS element some may remember. When using Recents on the Open, you get a quick viewfinder to any files you may have recently interacted with. This includes Files, Docs, and Photos.
Unique software additions are some of the best things about the OnePlus Open. Another is window management. You have the option to implement one, two, or even three app windows at one time. These can be side-by-side for two or a mosiac that adds the third in the bottom third of the screen below the split view dual pane.
Windows can also be used in a smaller floating panel much like a traditional desktop. Even more akin to the desktop, you can also resize each as needed on the fly. Each combination can be saved as a preset with up to nine to have on-demand.
One portion of software that isn’t available is a true desktop mode. Those wanting a DeX competitor to use this with external monitors simply isn’t here. As I mentioned in my Pixel Fold review, for devices costing over $1600 and meant to be possibly the only device you carry, each OEM needs to really contemplate this omission being in the next generations.
The OnePlus Open launches with ColorOS 13.2 based on Android 13. The company is promising four full years of Android updates and five years of security support. While this isn’t the whopping seven years found in Pixels, it’s well in the realm of all other Android OEMs.
Cameras
The OnePlus Open wields some serious camera hardware and finally, I think the post performance is much improved on a OnePlus phone. With a combination of new features like Hasselblad portrait tuning, ProXDR, and LYTIA Pixel Stacking the company has actually caught up with the performance of other Android flagships in my eyes.
The hardware is a combination of the 48MP Sony LYTIA with OIS and Pixel Stacking. The Open also has a 64MP telephoto lens with OIS and 3x optical zoom/6x in-sensor zoom. Lastly, there’s another 48MP ultra-wide camera.
This combination has allowed me with some impressive shots. Even night mode on a moving boat allowed me some great shots of Lady Liberty in NYC. The new hardware and post-processing show that OnePlus might finally have solved some of its camera woes.
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Battery life
The endurance of the OnePlus Open has been surprisingly good with a 4,805mAh pack. OnePlus always does well in this regard but I expected the larger screen to cut into this more in my usage. Thankfully, this wasn’t the case. I’m still consistently getting around four and a half hours of screen time for mixed media consumption and communication.
This mixed time was split mostly using the outside screen with the occasional video and emails being handled on the inside larger one. I only point this out as full-time reading or more streaming could definitely decrease your screen time away from the charger.
When you need to plug in, the OnePlus way of incredibly fast charging is here as you’d expect. The included 80W SUPERVOOC charging brick can fully recharge the OnePlus Open from 1% to 100 in around 42 minutes.
While that’s all good and the battery life is great, I can’t help but point out the lack of wireless charging. Much like the lack of DeX, this is the most hero item in OnePlus’ portfolio and should just have it. When the iPhone SE and even the Pixel a-series now include under $500, this just needs to be there. I challenge OnePlus to not settle with making another “premium” model without it.
Pricing
OnePlus has a few key offerings and deals whether you pre-order starting today or if you decide to wait until the launch day of October 26 at an MSRP of $1699. The two points that jump out are $200 off with the trade-in of any phone in any condition and the exclusive white edition OnePlus Buds Pro 2 for free.
OnePlus.com:
Subscribe to get $50 coupon between 10/12 – 10/19
Launch Offers with Pre-Order: 10/19 11:00 am EST – 10/25 11:59 pm EST/ Full retail starts with the same incentives on 10/26 12:00 am EST
○ $200 trade-in credit with ANY PHONE IN ANY CONDITION
■ This will continue throughout the product’s lifecycle
Up to $1000 off with an eligible trade-in○ Free, Limited Edition, Buds Pro 2 (image attached below). White colorway with only 5000 manufactured
■ Unit numbers from 0001 – 5000 laser engraved on the charging case
24 months 0% APR financing
3 months of YouTube Premium
6 months of Google One 100GB membership
Amazon US:
Launch Offers with Pre-Order: 10/19 11:00 am EST – 10/25 11:59 pm EST/ Full retail sales begin with same incentives 10/26 12:00 am EST
$200 Amazon gift card (eligible from 10/26-11/05 after retail sales start)
12 months 0% APR financing
3 months of YouTube Premium
6 months of Google One 100GB membership
Best Buy US:
Open Sales starting on 10/26 at 12:00 am EST
Enhanced Trade-In (Can get values up to $800 depending on the device)
○ $200 bonus based on original eligible trade-in$
300 or $400 off with an activation offer
3 months of YouTube Premium
6 months of Google One 100GB membership
Conclusion
OnePlus has always been a company that bucks the status quo in the Android market. Over the past few years, I think they’ve matured to a more steady iteration model of existing phones without pushing that envelope as much. The Open is a return to the company’s DNA of taking items already in the market and challenging to make them better.
The much-improved camera array processing paired with the better than average battery life and we have a compelling device. Add in the powerhouse internals you’d expect from OnePlus, and you might have the most complete foldable on the market.
Samsung is setting a trend for its every 2023 smartphone with the “same design for every smartphone”. Just like other A series and S series smartphones, Samsung’s latest A05 entry-level smartphone debuts with the same rear design.
Starting at $210, the Samsung Galaxy A05 is available in a sole 6GB of RAM and 128GB storage option. It comes in three new color options- Black, Light Green, and Violet.
Samsung went with Qualcomm, powering the Galaxy A05 smartphone with Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset paired with Adreno GPU and 6GB of RAM. It boots Android 13 based on Samsung’s signature OneUI 5 out of the box. The device draws a power from massive 5,000mAh battery with support for 25W fast charging tech.
Up front, you are welcome with the stunning 6.7-inch FHD+ LCD display that offers great viewing angles. At the back, the A05 has a vertical triple rear camera setup, featuring a 50MP wide-angle camera. The main unit is joined by a 2MP depth sensor and a 2MP macro sensor, and a 13MP snapper at the front for selfies and video chats.
Realme is a Chinese smartphone company that is known for its affordable and feature-rich smartphones. Realme phones are typically popular among young consumers and tech enthusiasts.
As of October 2023, Realme offers a variety of smartphones in different price ranges. Here is an overview of the key devices available from Realme today:
Realme 11
The Realme 11 is the company’s entry-level smartphone for 2023. It is powered by the MediaTek Helio G88 chipset and comes with a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The phone also has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor.
The Realme 11 is a good choice for users who want an affordable smartphone with good performance and features. It is a good option for general users and gamers alike.
Realme 11 Pro+
The Realme 11 Pro+ is the company’s flagship smartphone for 2023. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and comes with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone also has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 200MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor.
The Realme 11 Pro+ is a good choice for users who want a powerful and feature-rich smartphone at a competitive price. It is especially well-suited for gamers and mobile photographers.
Realme 11 Pro
The Realme 11 Pro is a slightly less expensive alternative to the Realme 11 Pro+. It shares many of the same features as the Pro model, but it has a slightly slower Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The Realme 11 Pro also has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 108MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor.
The Realme 11 Pro is a good choice for users who want a powerful and feature-rich smartphone at a more affordable price. It is a good option for gamers and general users alike.
Realme GT Neo5 SE
The Realme GT Neo5 SE is a mid-range smartphone with a focus on gaming performance. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8100 chipset and comes with a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. The phone also has a dual-speaker system with Dolby Atmos support and a large 5080mAh battery.
The Realme GT Neo5 SE is a good choice for gamers who want a mid-range smartphone with good gaming performance and battery life. It is also a good choice for general users who want a mid-range smartphone with a high refresh rate display and a large battery.
Realme V30
The Realme V30 is a mid-range smartphone with a focus on photography. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset and comes with a 6.56-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone also has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 108MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor.
The Realme V30 is a good choice for users who want a mid-range smartphone with good photography capabilities. It is also a good choice for general users who want a mid-range smartphone with a high refresh rate display and a good camera system.
Who is the target user for each Realme device?
Realme 11: Budget-minded users, general users
Realme 11 Pro+: Gamers, mobile photographers, power users
Realme 11 Pro: Gamers, general users
Realme GT Neo5 SE: Gamers, general users who want a smartphone with a high refresh rate display and a large battery
Realme V30: Users who want a mid-range smartphone with good photography capabilities, general users who want a mid-range smartphone with a high refresh rate display and a good camera system
Anyone who knows me will also know that I’m a huge fan of wireless charging. The convenience of a nightstand or desk having a charging method that doesn’t require me to fumble with a cable is always welcomed at the Allen household.
I’ve recently been testing the new Trio charger from Journey. This 3-in-1 wireless option is a great addition to anyone’s setup.
Versatile design
The Journey Trio wireless charging comes in two module pieces. The main “stand” allows you to charge your iPhone via a MagSafe connection and AirPods in the base of the unit. I can also report that the base charger works with any other earbuds case with Qi support.
The fun part is the modular USB-C connection on the back. This allows you to snap on another mount for your Apple Watch. The additional charger is very similar to the Framework Chromebook modules we recently reviewed. It uses a sliding mechanism to snap in place and power over USB-C.
The module is included in the box, but it’s a neat trick to allow this to be optional. Whether you don’t have an Apple Watch or you want to save space when not charging it every day, it’s a nice touch.
Power and daily use
The Journey Trio charger is powered over a single USB-C port in the back of the bottom stand. The box includes a USB-C to C cable, but no charging brick. While this is a trend with most mobile charging, it would have been nice to have the complete solution in the box.
Otherwise, I love this charger from Journey. The design makes it slim and very verticle to take up very little space. The MagSafe mount has an adjustable arm to allow you to swivel and tilt to your liking. It requires a minimum of 20 Watts of power but is capable of pushing 30 Watts of output.
The connections have been consistent and the MagSafe magnet is perfectly balanced between being stable and still able to be easily taken off the Journey Trio charger. This is a key for me moving forward with MagSafe home accessories.
I think if it’s a mobile charging option the magnetic connection should be extremely strong, but not so much for something meant to be stationary. I want to know it’s well placed and mounted, but I don’t want to jerk it off my nightstand every morning.
Conclusion
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time using the Journey Trio 3-in-1 wireless charger. It’s a well-balanced option for anyone fully immersed in the Apple ecosystem. The flexible design and expandable Apple Watch charging make it a fantastic choice.
The Journey Trio is available directly from the company’s website. You have two color options: white or black. The MSRP is only $140 making it competitive in the intended market. Hit the link below if you’d like to place your order.
Choosing a new mobile phone is not just about the device itself but also about the service plan that goes with it. Two common options are unlocked phones and prepaid phones, each with its unique benefits and considerations. In this guide, we’ll compare unlocked and prepaid phones to help you make the right choice for your mobile needs.
Unlocked Phones: A Closer Look
Advantages of Unlocked Phones
Network Freedom: Unlocked phones can be used with any compatible carrier, providing flexibility to switch carriers without changing your device.
Cost Savings: While unlocked phones often have a higher upfront cost, they typically offer cost savings in the long run due to the ability to choose from a variety of carrier plans.
International Travel: Unlocked phones allow you to use local SIM cards when traveling abroad, avoiding costly roaming charges.
No Bloatware: Unlocked phones typically come with less pre-installed bloatware and carrier-specific apps, providing a cleaner user experience.
Considerations for Unlocked Phones
Upfront Cost: The initial purchase price of unlocked phones can be higher than that of prepaid phones.
Warranty and Support: Consider the manufacturer’s warranty and customer support options when purchasing an unlocked phone.
Prepaid Phones: A Closer Look
Advantages of Prepaid Phones
Lower Upfront Cost: Prepaid phones often have a lower initial purchase price, making them more budget-friendly.
No Contracts: Prepaid plans don’t require long-term contracts, providing flexibility to switch plans or carriers with ease.
No Credit Check: Prepaid plans usually don’t require a credit check, making them accessible to individuals with varying credit histories.
No Bill Surprises: Since prepaid plans are paid upfront, there are no unexpected bills or overage charges.
Considerations for Prepaid Phones
Limited Device Selection: Prepaid phones may have a limited selection of devices compared to unlocked options.
Limited Network Options: Prepaid plans are tied to specific carriers, limiting your choice of networks.
Long-Term Costs: While upfront costs are lower, prepaid plans may result in higher long-term expenses compared to unlocked phones.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between unlocked and prepaid phones depends on your priorities and needs:
Choose an unlocked phone if you value network flexibility, cost savings over time, and the ability to use your phone internationally without hassle.
Choose a prepaid phone if you prefer lower upfront costs, no long-term commitments, and a simple, no-contract approach to mobile service.
Conclusion
Deciding between unlocked and prepaid phones ultimately hinges on your specific requirements and preferences. Consider the advantages and considerations outlined in this guide to make an informed decision that aligns with your mobile needs and budget.
Whether you opt for the freedom of an unlocked phone or the simplicity of a prepaid plan, you’re now equipped to make the right choice for your mobile experience.
