OnePlus has become a mainstay of the Android landscape. The once upstart is now standing toe to toe with the likes of Google and Samsung with the OnePlus 10 Pro. While that covers the high end these days, the company continues to shoot for mid-range perfection with the latest OnePlus 10T.
This mid-season refresh of the OnePlus 10 series comes with myriad specs and performance boosts to justify the release. However, let’s take a deeper dive into just how that compares to the competition in this full review of the OnePlus 10T.
Design
OnePlus has kept many of the elements in the look and feel consistent with the 10 Pro. You get a similar slab design with a slightly lower resolution screen. The size of the touch panel is the same 6.7-inches and still looks great.
The back panel is plastic instead of glass, but doesn’t feel cheap; it has a grainy textured feel that will remind some of the OnePlus One’s sandstone. The rear of the 10T also houses the same designed camera array with a new 50MP sensor for the main shooter, 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens.
One thing that will immediately be missed by OnePlus faithful is the alert slider. Yep, you read that correctly, the mainstay differentiator to choose your alert profile is gone. After being present on every OP phone to date, including the 10 Pro, the company nixed it on this model to make room for extra internals.
Personally, I find this to be a negative and that every effort should be made to include the slider button. Iconic hardware features are something a brand like OnePlus has prided itself on over the years. This makes it look like the company is tone-deaf to how its fans will inevitably react to the omission.
Performance
One key philosophy that still rings true is OnePlus’ dedication to performance. The 10T is packed full of the latest tech to make sure you get an optimal device that can compete with any other Android phone. With the combination of Snapdragon 8+ Gen1 CPU, HyperBoost Gaming Engine, and 3D cooling the OnePlus 10T has gaming phone standard specs that will get you through any task.
The new mobile 8+ Gen1 from Qualcomm offers 3.2GHz of peak CPU power while also being 30% more efficient. The on-chip 5G modem also supports speeds up to 10Gbps where carriers can keep up with those speeds.
The 3D cooling system is just as interesting. Using eight dissipation channels and 3D graphite, OnePlus has created its largest cooling chamber yet. This works in tandem with the HyperBoost Gaming Engine to offer superb gaming experiences. Frame rate fluctuations, touch response, and graphics rendering are greatly improved on the 10T.
Our unit added to all this with the full 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. This adds up to a total package that handled absolutely everything I could throw at it. From gaming to general messaging, I never felt the OnePlus 10T stutter or stumble once. Along with RAM management OnePlus has been able to allow for 35 simultaneous apps at one time to be open.
OxygenOS
The OnePlus 10T comes pre-installed with OxygenOS 12.1 and the company promises that OxygenOS 13 will follow later this year after it’s launched on the OnePlus 10 Pro. The current iteration is full of what I would call an amalgamation of many existing UI elements across Android.
The overall feel of 12.1 takes a huge key from what Samsung has done recently with OneUI. While this isn’t a bad thing, it’s not my personal favorite. The additional layers of settings menus change to the tiling in the notification shade, and other tweaks just add bloat to Android I don’t think is necessary and hide features honestly.
Another, “borrowed” element is the pull-down side panel. This is heavily influenced by many custom launchers like Action Launcher. Again, it’s not my cup of joe but may find this additional space to house shortcuts and widgets helpful.
Overall, even with the UI changes, Android feels relatively comfortable on the OnePlus 10T. All your apps are here and function as normal. OxygenOS might take a slight learning curve, but nothing outside the norm from any phone not running Google’s version of Android.
Battery Life and Charging
Performance and high-end specs can often translate to poor endurance. Fortunately, OnePlus doesn’t fall victim to this issue. With a 4,800mAh battery pack, the OnePlus 10T had no issues lasting me all day of normal usage. Can you game out of hours or play YouTube half the day and kill it? Yes, but in most instances, you should have no issue making it through your daily needs.
When you do need to charge on the goal, it’s a tradition that OnePlus supports some of the fastest charging in the market. The 10T can use the company’s proprietary SUPERVOOC protocol to deliver 125W of power. It’s worth noting that the adapter will technically output 160W but this is limited to 125W in the United States.
This allows for the included charger and the OnePlus 10T to regain from 1-100% charge in just 20 minutes. The additional wattage can often lead to degradation of the battery but OnePlus ensures us that the Battery Health tech included can retain 80% of the capacity up to 1,600 charge cycles.
Conclusion
OnePlus has always been a polarizing manufacturer in the Android space. They’ve continued that with some of the hardware and software decisions of the OnePlus 10T. However, this is still a fantastic device that starts at $649 for the 8GB variant.
You will get superb performance, good battery life, and a large screen at the base price point. The OnePlus 10T can be purchased from the company’s website now with orders shipping in September. But don’t forget you can get early access during certain time frames before the official retail dates.
People tend to purchase their mobile tech gadgets based on a couple of factors. More often than not we start with a budget in mind and look at the selection that fits within the range. Then there are those who have specific features that they look for and filter based on brand and price.
When it comes to wireless earbuds we tend to look for features such as battery life, water resistance, comfort, build quality and sound. For many, audio quality just needs to be good, not fantastic. Sure, we like our music but we aren’t necessarily audiophiles.
There is a segment of consumer, though, who appreciates the intricacies and fine details of music. To them, the audio experience is the main factor in buying headphones or earbuds.
AXS Audio, a brand that’s new to the ever-expanding space, arrives with a pair of noise-canceling true wireless earbuds. Priced $150, they’re tuned by hand and promise perfect balance and music in its purest form.
I’ve had a chance to use a pair of the AXS Audio Professional Earbuds over the last couple of weeks and have a few thoughts and impressions I’d like to share.
When it comes to design, there’s only so many ways you can build earbuds. Are they beans and pea pod shapes or do they have stems? That’s pretty much it. There are varying degrees of “build quality” to contend with but it large comes down to whether they are comfortable and if they feel cheap.
The AXS Audio are not promoted for their design and as such, I did not find them to be anything remarkable in the looks department. They’re comfy out of the box, but you’ll find additional tips sizes in the event you need a looser or tighter fit. Other than that, you might easily overlook these in the crowded field of AirPod lookalikes.
The same goes for the carrying case which also looks like someone aping Apple. Is it low-effort or might it be following the concept of not fixing something that doesn’t appear to be broken? I posit that it’s more of the latter scenario. Just know that if you get the white pair, you’ll undoubtedly have someone mistake your earbuds for AirPods at some point.
I imagine the stems are a necessary evil and conscious decision. Partly for ease of use and partly for some of the tech that makes the audio experience so good.
Is the audio good in the AXS Audio Professional Earbuds? Yes, indeed. They’re designed and tuned to the preference of Rikki Farr, a music expert and producer who has worked with the likes of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, Prince, Tom Petty, Jimi Hendrix, and many others.
Music is represented very well in the AXS earbuds, no matter the genre. While they may sound less heavy or deep in the beginning, it doesn’t take long to realize it was on purpose. Mids and highs are evenly spaced and balanced with things generally feeling neutral.
Maybe it’s placebo effect, but I felt like I was picking up tiny fragments of instruments and sound that I previously did not. Thumping earbuds tend to sound “good” at first but they ultimately drown out the nuance and effort from audio engineers. That’s not the case here.
While some earbud makers provide a mobile app companion for adjusting the EQ settings or toggling different modes, you won’t find that here. Changing things would undo all that work by Farr and his team.
The AXS earbuds pair over Bluetooth 5.2 LE so they’re able to deliver high-definition and lossless playback. Moreover, the dual microphones and active noise cancellation (ANC) help eliminate background distractions when settling in for Wish You Were Here.
Battery life is more than sufficient, if not a little surprising. With up to 10 hours of playback per charge, you’ll also get another 38 hours of music from the carrying case — without using ANC. Those numbers, from as far as I can tell, are fairly accurate as I’ve only had to charge the case up one time over the last three weeks.
Charging is done via USB Type-C or through a standard Qi-compatible wireless charger. You’ll find a short charging cable in the package but you’ll have no issues finding something else. Four LED indicator lights on the front of the case will help you get a feel for how much juice is left.
The AXS Audio Professional Earbuds are IPX4 rated which means they’ll stand up to sweat and rain without worry. What’s more, the eartips are resistant to bacteria as well.
If you’re more concerned with how your earbuds sound than their beauty and aesthetics, the AXS are a good pair to consider. Not only do they deliver on audio, but they do so for hours upon hours. For about $150 you’ll get a premium audio experience without spending extra money for looks.
Learn more about the AXS Audio Professional Earbuds at the manufacturer’s website where you can also purchase them in black or white color options.
Since Blackview launched Tab 8 which proved to be one of the bestsellers, the company has never stopped its steps to upgrade its tablet portfolio with the Blackview Tab 10 pro, Tab 11, Tab 12, each with their own compelling updates, and now the latest Tab 13, too, with innovative upgrades, but this time much bigger and more exciting. We have learned about its expected specifications from the Blackview official sources and here is what we know.
Highlights Worth Expecting—-Big Upgrades!
More Eye-friendly Low Blue Light Screen
——10.1-inch TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certified FHD+ Display
According to some noted tipsters who share on Twitter the possible specification of Blackview Tab 13, it is likely that the slate will bear a 10.1-inch FHD+ screen panel claimed to be the first-ever TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certifieddisplay among all Blackview devices. Working in conjunction with 3 well-customized screen modes, namely Dark mode, Reading mode and Eye-protection mode, Blackview Tab 13 can protect its users against the harm from low blue light and reduce eyestrain in an effective way.
Bigger Battery
——7280mAh Battery
Blackview Tab 13 is said to house a humongous 7280mAh battery, the largest one among all its tablet siblings, allowing more than 30 hours of use between charges for moderate users. Hence daily gaming, taking loads of pictures, streaming videos or using navigation from day till night seems unlikely to deplete the battery before next charge.
Gigantic Capacity
——128GB ROM +6GB RAM+ 4GB Memory Expansion + 1TB Expandable
As for the memory, Tab 13 is expected to offer 128GB ROM and up to 1TB expandable support. Plus, the slate is said to be backed by Memory Expansion Technology to expand its 6GB RAM further to 10GB. That means not only the capacity of Blackview Tab 13 to store more digital content will be upgraded, but also the ability for more fluent multitasking will be greatly improved.
More convenient Outdoor Wifi Solution
——Simo Internet
Another possible feature on Blackview Tab 13 will be the Simo Internet powered by SIMO, a company that offers smart device users uninterrupted fast mobile Internet access anywhere, anytime by automatically switching to the best available local network among multiple operators. This marked the initial cooperation between SIMO and Blackview. With Simo Internet, Blackview Tab 13 users have no need to purchase a SIM card to access the Internet when there is no Wifi connection, while they can go wireless literally anywhere. It is said that Tab 13 will carry the SIMO 1.0 which is only available in certain areas, but the company is working to upgrade its future tablet with SIMO 2.0 for more availability of the service in more regions.
Brand New PC-style Interaction
——The PC Mode
According to an OS designer from Blackview, Tab 13 is likely to provide the PC-style interaction with the use of PC Mode that allows users to open multiple app windows at the same time while not sacrificing the convenience of screen-touching capability. Hence, scenarios like online conferencing or online classes will be significantly improved in productivity.
Upgraded OS Design with Ultra-responsiveness
——DokeOS_P 3.0 Upgraded from 2.0 Based on the Latest Android 12
With the latest upgrades to DokeOS_P 3.0 from 2.0 and Android 12, Tab 13 will probably witness better UI fluency, more responsiveness in all gesture operation and more secure and customized privacy control thanks to the Android 12.
Superior Dual Smart PA-supported Box Speakers
An engineer from Blackview leaked that Tab 13 is likely to be streets ahead of all its elder siblings when it comes to audio quality since the slate is said to carry dual Smart PA-supported Box speakers offering louder, crystal clear, stereo and exceptional surround sound effects that will probably rock everyone’s world. In music-listening, films-watching or media-streaming, how Tab 13 will perform with its powerful speakers is indeed worth expecting.
Other Thrilling Features
According to some leakers, Blackview Tab 13 is likely to be powered by MediaTek Helio G85 and shipped with dual Smart PA-supported Box speakers. For optics, Tab 13 is expected to house 8MP Samsung® front camera and up to 13MP + 0.3MP rear cameras. With regard to the external design, Blackview Tab 13 can be billed as the most gorgeous and minimalist combination among all Blackview slates with aluminum alloy back panel and flattened frame and being 7.7mm ultra-slim and 450g extremely light, maxing portability to the fullest. What’s more, the screen of Tab 13 is said to be protected by a reinforced tempered film for better crack-resistance. With so much to offer, it is no wonder that the company applauds Tab 13 by saying it is the combination of four upgrades——boost in speed, upgrade in design, further eye protection and up-a-notch recreation.
Price & Release Date
Among all the great advantages of Blackview Tab 13, what surprises us most is surely its lower-than-average price point, which is said to be the record low. But as for the authenticity of this, we will have to wait to know until August 22nd, the expected world premiere day. Stay tuned for more information.
Shopping for a smartphone doesn’t have to be a difficult endeavor but we sometimes make it out to be one, don’t we?
Which phone is the right one for your needs? What if you’re working with a limited budget? What if you’re switching service providers and don’t know what’s available?
We field questions all the time friends, family members, readers and listeners. One of the most common topics is helping to determine which phone is the best one for them.
When dealing with the topic of which is the best phone at a particular carrier we often look at a number of things, including price, hardware specifications, version of software, and age.
Between these details we pare down the selection into a couple of options, typically spanning three levels: entry level, mid-range, and flagship. On occasion we’ll also find that a carrier offers a specialty or niches experience, too, such as folding, gaming, and productivity-based phones.
Below you’ll find our selection for the best phones available at Pure Talk as of summer 2022. Note that these are not the top devices across the lineup; these are aimed at specific user types or budgets.
We invite you to subscribe to our podcast where we highlight a wide range of wireless service providers and their respective phone selection. Moreover, we can also help you to get a better understanding of the MVNOs and carriers available in the US.
Perfect for smaller budgets, first time users, and those with minimal needs
Samsung Galaxy A13
A great phone for users who don’t want or need a lot from their device, this one is generous in a few areas. The big 6.5-inch screen is easy on the eyes and the 5,000mAh battery should last around two days.
An octa-core processor is paired with a fair amount of memory; the storage capacity is respectable and expandable, too. Toss in a recent version of Android (12), a triple camera setup, and a 3.5mm headphone jack and you’ve got pretty much all of the things that are important. $50.
Samsung Galaxy S22
A phone that’s as beautiful as it is powerful, you’ll get everything you need plus plenty of extras. Here you get a large 6.1-inch screen with high refresh rate, a powerful processor and plenty of memory.
The triple camera system is led by a 50-megapixel shooter and the battery is not only generous, but it charges quickly and wirelessly, too. Oh, and it can share its charge with other devices as well. $550.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
The tip of the spear for Samsung phones in 2022, this is the biggest and boldest version of the flagship line. You’ll get a massive screen that’s easy on the eyes and works with the included S Pen digital stylus, a tremendous 108-megapixel camera system, and tons of power.
The 5000mAh battery is generous, charges incredibly fast, and supports wireless power sharing. The One UI software built atop Android 12 is one of the best user experiences around. $950.
Looking for something else?
While these are our picks for the best Android phones available at Pure Talk, we understand that budgets and needs are different for everyone.
Take a look around and you’ll see other options available. And don’t forget, you can likely bring your current phone or purchase one direct from a device manufacturer, too.
Google on Monday announced that Android 13 has officially been pushed to the Android Open Source Project. Moreover, the latest version of Android has begun rolling out to select Pixel devices as well.
Looking ahead, Google says that Android 13 will arrive on “your favorite devices” from Samsung Galaxy, Asus, HMD (Nokia phones), iQOO, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, Vivo, Xiaomi and other manufacturers.
What’s new with Android 13? Quite a bit, actually. There’s plenty of personalization and customization for users to create unique device experiences. Additionally, there are more granular controls over security and privacy, ensuring you’re protected better than ever.
As more devices become connected and smart, even have interoperability, it helps when they play nice together. To that end, Android 13 is created with that in mind. That is to say there are features for better multitasking and working between devices.
One of the features we like best about Android 13 is the refreshed and enhanced Material You experience. It allows for a more cohesive look and feel and makes our device feel uniquely ours.
Longtime Android users have seen notifications go through a number of changes, and that continues with Android 13. With the latest release we find that apps now need your permission to send notifications rather than the general assumption that it’s okay to do so.
Digital wellbeing gets a punch-up, too, with a customized bedtime mode with wallpaper dimming and dark theme. If you struggle to put your handset down at night, this could be the tool to help make it easier.
Also cool is the ability to decide whether to share specific videos or photos with an app. Rather than granting full access to your collection you can select individual files.
Many of us work in Android and Chrome environments, taking advantage of the benefits of each. If you find yourself hopping back and forth between the two, you’ll enjoy some of the interoperability. You can stream messaging apps to your Chromebook; in the future you’ll be able to copy URLs, pics, text, and other content from your phone and paste it on your tablet. And vice versa.
Rounding things out we can also look forward to Bluetooth Low Energy Audio for lower latency, Spatial Audio, HDR support in third-party camera apps, an updated media player, and more in Android 13
For more information on what’s in Android 13, check out Google’s blog post on the new launch.
Growing up, my dad had a turntable and speakers that my sister and I were not allowed to touch. They were revered. And dad only used them once every so often. When he was done, things were wiped clean and put away properly.
Today I’ll occasionally refer to my own high-end earbuds or headphones as “dad” products. These are the items that I put back in their box when done and I really only use them when I want to enjoy music. These definitely don’t go outside for mowing the grass.
Pretty much any other day of the year I find myself reaching for much less expensive earbuds and headphones. I don’t want to grab a $150+ pair to listen to podcasts while mowing; I’m cool with something a fraction of that. I’m willing to concede a few features just so long as the earbuds work.
There are plenty of options to choose from in the ever-popular $50 price range with new brands and models popping up all the time. The Ugreen HiTune T3 are one of the more recent products to arrive with a budget-minded price tag. Priced around $40 (or less), the HiTune T3 deliver a fairly decent smattering of features.
I’ve had a pair of these on hand for the past few weeks, using them for regular duties and listening. I’ve found them to be a really compelling option not just for their price, but even another $20-$30 higher.
If you’re looking for a pair of utility earbuds that are comfortable, plenty loud, and have a decent battery, the Ugreen HiTune T3 are worth adding to your list of options.
Available in two colors (black and white), the earbuds are IPX5 rated against water so they’ll be alright in light splashes and rains and a tiny bit of sweat. These are a decent option for working out, running, and bumming about.
Battery is more generous than expected at seven hours per charge, and the carrying case adds in at least a dozen more hours. Charging is quick (via USB Type-C) with an hour of listening available after just 10 minutes of being plugged in.
I found the HiTune T3 to be comfortable out of the box; there are additional ear tip sizes included should you need a larger or smaller fit. They generally feel well made, especially when considering the price.
Sound is good, not great. I think they get plenty loud, and the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) does a decent job of blocking out external noise. That’s fine when I’m mowing the grass or doing dishes and don’t need to get too deeply into music. Podcasts and audiobooks are my go-to for those sort of activities and the HiTune T3 fare well there.
Turning specifically to music, the earbuds seem to be a bit heavy on the bottom. Bass sometimes overpowers the full soundscape and they tend to feel like I’ve turned on a “bass boost” button. My son, 18, doesn’t see anything wrong though, and was surprised at how “great” they sound.
I would have appreciated a mobile app with equalizer settings, but I understand that the juice is probably not worth the squeeze for uGreen.
Parting Thoughts
All in all, I’ve been moderately pleased with what I’ve seen from Ugreen and the HiTune T3 are no exception. I won’t go screaming from the rooftops about them but I’m more than happy to recommend the brand and this model for those shopping with a budget.
If you’re concerned about taking a chance with a lesser known brand, know that these earbuds are backed by a two-year warranty.
Learn more about the HiTune T3 and other uGreen products at the manufacturer’s website where you can purchase them for about $33 as of today.
Boost Mobile on Thursday announced a new rate plan that’s going to be pretty damn tough to beat.
Effective immediately, the new Carrier Crusher option provides customers with unlimited talk, text, and high speed data for just $25 per month.
This is not a limited time deal that expires after a few months or which requires prepayment of service. And unlike what a lot of other carriers do, it doesn’t need multiple lines on the account. That’s it – just $25 per month. The plan is good for as long as the subscriber stay on it and keeps automatic bill payment in place.
The fine print, for those who wonder, indicates that the plan allows for up to 30GB of data transfer before speeds are slowed. Also, it’s only offered to new customers only.
The Carrier Crusher plan is available at Boost Mobile locations and BoostMobile.com immediately.
Smartphone maker BLU on Thursday announced a new model under its BOLD brand. Priced $350, the N2 marks the first in the handset line in nearly three years.
The BOLD N2 is unlocked with support for T-Mobile’s 4G LTE and 5G networks and features a modest amount of hardware for the money.
Key details include a 6.6-inch full HD curved-edge display, a 64-meagpixel quad-camera system, and a 4200mAh battery. Under the hood are an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity processor with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage.
The BOLD N2 runs Android 11 at launch; however, the phone maker promises two years of security updates.
Like its predecessor, the N1, the BOLD N2 has a more elegant looking design. The phone is comprised of a metal housing and a textured leather on the back side. Dubbed “Cyprus Teal” it’s more of a darker green color.
Other noteworthy features include an in-display fingerprint reader, a pair of front-facing cameras, a number of AI and camera settings, and a 4200mAh battery with 30W quick charging.
The BOLD N2 will sell for $350 on Amazon but BLU/BOLD is offering a “flash launch deal” where early adopters can pick it up for $100 off, or $250.
It may have taken nearly three years, but BOLD is back with a new handset. The summer of 2022 finds the Blu sub-brand introducing its N2, a $350 phone with a solid assortment of mid-range hardware.
EDITOR NOTE: A flash launch sale puts the price at just $250 for the phone. It’s a limited time offer but one that you won’t want to miss.
Much like it did with its predecessor, the N1, BOLD’s approach is more of a premium experience than what Blu typically offers. While the first generation employed metal and glass, this time around its highlights are a thin metal housing and textured Cyprus Teal leather.
Design: Initial Impressions
Just as with the N1, I could tell that the N2 was more of an upscale and deliberate design from the moment I looked at it. It’s thin, clean and curved in the right areas.
The leather is an interesting choice, and it’s one that I find pretty fascinating. How will it wear over time? Will it develop a patina or unique feel as oils and dirt slowly have their way it? I like the dark teal color and would be in no hurry to cover it up.
If I am being forthcoming, I would like to see a different color offered for the leather back of the phone. I mean why not go “bold” and give us something bright and eye-catching? The teal is more sophisticated and business-like. Give me something on the opposite end of the spectrum like Electric Mango.
The frame of the BOLD N2 seems to dance somewhere between a silver and seafoam with the “Cyprus Teal” feeling more of a dark marine. They complement each other nicely.
Speaking of which, included in the box are earphones, a USB Type-C charger, silicon protective case, sticker, and a USB-C adapter for the earphones.
The screen has a curved glass that tapers to the middle of the side edges of the phone; the volume and power button are located on the right side of the display. The SIM card slot is found below the screen next to the charging port.
The front-facing camera is actually two sensors, one being a 16-megapixel and the other being a 2-megapixel depth sensor. The pair sit side-by-side in the top left edge of the screen. It’s not often that you find two cameras on the front so that’s certainly an interesting choice.
Around back is the 64-megapixel main camera with three others aligned below; also present are a 2-megapixel depth sensor, 5-megapixel wide-angle (115-degree), and 2-megapixel macro lens.
Hardware and Specs
The BOLD N2 does a decent job of balancing mid-range hardware with an attractive finish that’s usually reserved for devices with a higher price tag. The term “premium” is thrown around quite often and usually means glass, metal, or heavier or unique materials.
As we often see with BLU handsets, the BOLD N2 looks like a more expensive phone. Here, though, it’s a little more obvious. It’s curvier and slim, and the leather goes a long way to class things up.
Internally, the N2 is right in line with the specifications that a moderately sophisticated user might want in a device. It’s nestled neatly between that “first time user” experience and the junior flagship space occupied by the Pixel 6a.
The Octa-Core MediaTek Dimensity 810 processor is bolstered by 8GB RAM with storage capacity coming in at 256GB. Performance-wise, I’ve had plenty of luck with this sort of package in other devices so I don’t imagine any long-term issues for the N2.
The 4200mAh battery, while pretty ample, surprised me as we’ve seen a growing number of phones closer to 5,000mAh. Still, it’s more than enough to get typical users through a day or more without worrying about a charge.
Speaking of which, the battery does support 30W quick charging but it does not allow for wireless charging.
I’m torn when it comes to curved displays on phones. I tend to appreciate it more when the handset has a smaller screen and kind of hate it when devices get closer to 7-inches. The BOLD N2 has a 6.6-inch (1080 x 2340 pixel) screen with Gorilla Glass 5 that feels good in hand. I’ve not had any issues with unregistered swipes or phantom touches in my first week with the handset.
Features
MediaTek Dimensity 810 ARM Cortex A76 Octa-Core 2.4GHz 6nm Processor
Antutu Benchmark Score 393,468
6.6” Full HD+ AMOLED 1080×2340 Infinity Dot Curved Display
Given that Android 13 is about to formally debut any day, I was a bit bummed to see the BOLD N2 running Android 11. I’m not sure how the decision was made but I hope that Android 12 arrives in short order. For one, it would help signal to the consumer that this is a more upscale brand.
To be fair, most of the people I know don’t know which version of software runs their phone. Furthermore, they don’t know the differences in various releases. And really, things have become more cosmetic over time.
I’m anxious to see how BOLD handles its major software updates and security patches. Most phone makers are sticking their neck out and making promises in this area. I’ve learned from BOLD that it pledges “at least two years of Android security updates.” Does that mean we’ll get Android 12 or 13? Time will tell.
As far as the user experience goes, it’s business as usual for BOLD (and BLU). That is to say the software is a largely stock Android build on the surface. There’s no extra layer or skin to make the look different or flashy.
My review unit came with a handful of extra apps loaded on it, some of which I suspect would have been installed sooner or later. Titles include Pandora, Solitaire, TikTok, Dancing Road, and Woodoku.
There is also an app loaded called NewsPop which is a news hub for a range of topics. It’s helpful and customizable, but it’s also removable. You’ll also find a widget on the home screen when swiping to the left panel. Additionally, you can swap the widget out for a smaller version.
The Games app is more of a portal to find additional games. It’s a nice way of discovering new titles if you’re a game player and it also serves as a folder of sorts to locate and launch games on your device. This, too, can be removed if it’s not something you’d use.
I appreciate some of the additional settings found in the phone under the Intelligent Assistance. If you want to make the phone a little bit more personalized, check out the options here.
Camera
To me, the benchmark for a phone’s camera experience is the way Google treats it with the Pixel phones. It’s lean, intuitive, and smart. And the devices take amazing shots without effort.
The BOLD N2 does a great job of capturing pictures with a wide array of options. Not only are there multiple cameras to work with, but there are also plenty of settings such as AI, HDR and filters.
If you like to play around with your camera, capturing fun and interesting pictures or videos, the N2 has a well-stocked toolbox. Look for panoramic, time lapse, slow motion, macro, pro, beauty, and other modes.
There’s an option to take pictures at 128-megapixel but I didn’t find it worth the effort. It slows down the capture rate a bit as pics are in excess of 40MB a piece and the overall result is not that distinguishable from other resolutions.
It doesn’t take long to master the camera and get a feel for its capabilities. There’s nothing happening here that feels like it’s in the way of the user. If you like to quickly open a camera and snap pics, you’ll enjoy what’s on offer.
Image quality has been as good as I expect, especially when viewing them on a mobile device. Without doing any post-processing or editing the pictures have been worthy of sharing on social media or sending to friends.
I did notice that some results seemed to be a little overexposed when viewing on a computer. And, depending on how you back your pictures up, you might want to keep the original quality in place. Some of my pictures were noisier than I’d like when backing up using “storage saving” under Google Photos.
The various shooting modes meet my needs with portrait and HDR my go-to for a lot of pictures. The depth of field and color have treated me well, including the front-facing camera. I don’t often take a selfie but the portrait mode does a remarkable job.
Performance
I’ve only had the BOLD N2 for about ten days so I cannot attest to long-term performance. With that said, I’ve enjoyed adding more and more apps and games to the phone, making it more “me”.
In the past I would find myself reluctant to throw my main SIM card into a review unit because I didn’t want to find out the hard way how underpowered of an experience it might be. Or to learn that the camera just didn’t want to do what I needed it to do. That’s not so much of a problem in 2022, especially when dealing with mid-range devices.
The BOLD N2 is everything I expect my handset to be. It’s snappy to unlock, easy to navigate and interact with, and doesn’t aggravate me. Both the facial recognition and in-display fingerprint reader have performed well thus far. In fact, it feels quicker than what I get from my Google Pixel 6.
Battery is more than reasonable and besides, I’m usually around a charger most of my day. To me, 30W charging is is still plenty fast. I have become more fond of wireless charging but I still prefer to plug in whenever possible. But, were wireless charging included in the N2, it would have been icing on an already tasty cake.
I’ve come to love 120Hz (and higher) refresh rates for some of the games I play. Likewise, scrolling of texts and videos are also just a bit better when you’ve got something like that at work.
There’s a setting in the aforementioned Intelligent Assistance that enables “high speed refresh” which I’ve learned is 90Hz (default setting is 60Hz). Thus far I’ve not seen a significant impact on the battery. And prior to enabling it the picture was still very sharp, vibrant, and accurate.
I was surprised to learn that the phone isn’t unlocked for all GSM carriers in the US. Unlike its predecessor and others from BLU, you’ll only find compatibility with T-Mobile, Metro, and other brands that use its towers. That’s a little deflating and unexpected, and it cuts off a sizable segment of buyers.
Conclusion
I was really glad to see that BOLD was not a casualty of the pandemic and that the brand was ready to introduce a new phone. I enjoyed the N1 and looked forward to putting the N2 to work for me.
Although I’ve only had the device for a little over a week, I’m in no hurry to put it down. I feel increasingly confident in its capabilities and don’t have any anxiety over missing a candid moment with the camera.
I’d like to feel more confident in the Android versions, especially as the software gives us more control over personalization and UI customization. Were this phone to stay with Android 11 it would look and feel outdated in the next year or two.
The processor and memory are more than sufficient for my needs and that should be the case for another year or more. I can’t imagine there being anything different that I’d do with my phone in 2024 that I am not doing today. And to that end, the N2 should be still handling the duties.
I like the price point for the N2 and have no reservations in recommending the phone for most of the people in my personal circle. If you can get yours for less, you’re doing very well.
Remember, though, the BOLD N2 is not compatible with AT&T, Cricket, or any of the other carriers that use AT&T’s network. Moreover, it’s not a CDMA phone so Verizon and Sprint networks are out, too.
You can purchase learn more about the BOLD brand at the phone maker’s website. To purchase the N2 you’ll end up at Amazon where it retails for $350. BOLD, like BLU, offers flash sales and launch deals of its devices. If you act fast, you can get the BOLD N2 for just $250.
I love to outfit my home with smart speakers and displays. From day one I’ve been adding various devices to my home with Google Assistant capabilities, slowly taking up all of my power outlets.
A few years ago I added the Lenovo Smart Clock to my bedroom and have loved having it on the nightstand next to my bed. It’s a great alarm clock with a number of customizable features, a decent speaker, and a handy personal assistant.
I’ve spent the last few weeks using the Lenovo Smart Clock Essential with Alexa, putting the $40 unit through its proverbial paces. How does it fare? Is it worth the asking price or should you opt for a more capable Smart Clock 2 and spend a few extra bucks?
As much as I love the original Smart Clock, I can admit that I don’t always use all of its features. Even the display, really, doesn’t matter to me all that much. I just need it to tell me the time and maybe display a graphic or two with weather. Other than that, it’s a speaker and a clock.
I was interested in the Smart Clock Essential as it seemed to address some of that. It’s not a full color screen, it’s a bit smaller, and it’s a lower price. It’s a smart clock without a bunch of frills. Cool, right? Not entirely.
My home has very little in the way of Amazon Alexa devices. Some of them have the capability but I often have it disabled or outright ignore it. I’m a Google Assistant guy though and through. On the other hand, there are plenty of people who love the Amazon ecosystem and its myriad devices and tie-ins.
Knowing that the clock would not feature Google Assistant, I was curious as to whether I’d still find it usable or worth having in the bedroom. As it turns out, I can certainly do without.
I care little about the display not being full color, or that it more closely resembles a traditional alarm clock. In fact, I sort of embrace that concept as it marries the traditional alarm clock with today’s modern aesthetics. Even though it’s an LED screen the clock resembles the LCD stuff of yesterday.
Now, to be sure, this is not a touch screen so you may have to resist the urge to swipe or tap in the first few days. Fortunately, the screen does provide quite a bit of information on it and it feels intuitive in its layout.
Setup is interesting in that you cannot just plug it in and turn it on. You’ll have to walk through the Amazon Alexa app the first time and that process takes but a few minutes. You will basically connect your phone to it and teach the Smart Clock Essential the Wi-Fi settings, and assign it to a room.
Beyond that, if you want to adjust configurations, you will need to work with the Amazon Alexa app. Things you may, or may not, tweak can include time zone, sound settings, Wi-Fi, and Do Not Disturb. And if you want to adjust more basic things like brightness, toggle Fahrenheit and Celsius, or 12/24 hour clock, that’s also in the app; however, it’s in a slightly different spot. Some features and settings can be managed via Amazon Alexa voice controls but it’s not entirely obvious as to what those are up front.
This isn’t the time or place to argue Google Assistant versus Amazon Alexa so I won’t get into that. Suffice it to say, it does have a microphone and can take your commands. In my testing I found the mic to be accurate from a variety of angles and distances in the bedroom.
In a related note, there is a physical mute button on the back of the alarm clock. If you’re not planning to use Alexa here, or don’t like the idea of something that could potentially listen to you, simply toggle it and you’re good.
The buttons at the top of the device are pronounced, easy to identify, and responsive. You can quickly locate them while lying in bed and pressing without looking.
One area where the Lenovo Smart Clock Essential with Alexa shines is the speaker. It’s louder than expected, and does a pretty decent job of providing a balanced audio. I don’t often play music but the clock’s speaker works great for those times when I’m putting laundry away, cleaning the house, etc.
I would have liked to see the inclusion of a USB port on the back of the unit. Given this uses one of the outlets on my night stand, it would be nice if I could plug a device in and piggyback the charge. It wouldn’t have to be fast charge or anything special, just functional.
I do appreciate that the Lenovo Smart Clock Essential with Alexa comes with a nice long power cord. I was able to plug it into a lesser-used outlet, freeing up the one closer to my night stand.
I don’t like having to work with the app as much as I do, or did at the start. Setup was a bit more contrived than I would have wanted.
As for a clock that largely sits idly by, passively displaying the time and temperature, it does a great job. And when you pair a phone to it for Bluetooth music, it delivers the goods. But truth be told, there are other alarm clocks out there priced around half of this which offer most of what we get here. And that’s good enough for most people.
To ask for more from this speaker would contradict the “Essential” aspect of the product. It’s a good option if your house has a lot of Amazon Alexa tech in place but it’s a little too pricey for an otherwise standalone experience.
Lenovo has a few options in the Smart Clock 2 line that currently come in around $40-$60 and I would recommend spending the extra money.
