The KOVOL 65W charger fulfills every charging need you will have at your house or office. It offers up four ports that are able to fast charge your phone (18W) and most computers (45W) at the same time. If all four ports are used up it has smart power allocation that will balance the amount of output to each port which has fast charge capability to each device. At just $40 this charging option provides a solid value proposition.
via KOVOL
Packaging
One of the most important parts of receiving a tech item is how it is packaged and presented to the consumer. This specific KOVOL product came in a very minimal but effective box. It comes with an AC input cable which powers the charger, a thank you card, and the user guide. All you need to do is connect the parts and charge away!
Quality and Performance
I used this charger to charge my surface laptop and my Samsung Galaxy S21 phone and it delivered exactly what it promised: fast charging on both devices — and the advanced GaN technology kept it cool and efficient.
I tested it out across multiple phones and my laptop and found it still delivered the fast charging needs that we expect with modern devices. And thanks to the smart power allocation, it balances things quite nicely.
In terms of its build quality, I knew as soon as I picked up the packaging that this charger was legit. It doesn’t feel poorly made in the slightest and with the power to size ratio, I was impressed.
The KOVOL unit houses an LED indicator that shows you if it is getting the proper power output from the outlet it is plugged into.
If you need specifics, there is a breakdown below of all the output distribution details and how it allocates for each scenario.
When connected to all ports: USB-C – PD 30W/ USB-C – PD 20W/ USB-A+USB-A=15W
Conclusion
This charger provided all the charging needs that I required. Four ports is more than enough to supply all the needs for most appliances that a single person would have.
If you are looking for something that has more power output, the KOVOL company has another charger that produces 120W of power for a bigger price tag. In fact, the KOVOL brand has quite a portfolio and seems to be highly recommended on Amazon, too.
At $40 this is definitely a bargain for the quality. Plus, if you’re unsure with the brand, the year long warranty can be extended to two years if registered on their website.
Samsung recently began taking preorders for the Galaxy A53 5G smartphone, an upgrade on the popular mid-range experience from 2021. As somewhat of a moderate update to the A52 5G, it actually arrives with a lower price tag than its predecessor.
For the new model Samsung has tapped its Exynos 1280 processor in place of the Qualcomm chip used in last year’s US version. It’s paired with 6GB RAM, a respectable amount for a phone that runs just $450, and it also packs a 5,000mAh battery. According to Samsung this should provide up to two full days on a single charge; this aligns with claims from other phone makers with that much battery.
As far as storage goes, the IP67-rated phone houses 128GB of space, also fairly generous given the price point.
Other key specifications in the Galaxy A53 5G include a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and a quad-camera configuration that includes a 64-megapixel main, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 5-megapixel depth, and 5-megapixel macro camera. The front boasts a 32-megapixel camera.
Also interesting, and perhaps the most important feature to some consumers, Samsung has promised four years of OS and five years of security updates to the Galaxy A53 5G. The phone launches with Samsung One UI 4.1 which is based off of Android 12.
Galaxy A33 5G
Nearly identical in design, Samsung does have a Galaxy A33 5G for 2022 however it’s likely not going to hit the US market anytime soon.
It’s slightly smaller at 6.4-inches and features a 90Hz refresh rate with specifications dialed down a bit. Here we find a 48-megapixel main camera, 8-megapixel ultrawide, 2-megapixel depth, and 5-megapixel macro camera. Around front is a 13-megapixel sensor.
Like its counterpart, the Galaxy A33 5G has 6GB memory and 128GB storage. Also available, however, are 8GB/256GB options, and this model features a microSD expansion card slot.
Also powered by Android 12 with Samsung One UI 4.1, the phone is backed by four years of OS updates and five years of security patches.
Availability
The Galaxy A53 5G will be available in select markets beginning April 1 with the Galaxy A33 5G arriving three weeks later on April 22.
T-Mobile this week announced new Connect by T-Mobile plans for its prepaid customers with options as low as $10 per month.
In short, these are the no-frill (read as: bare bones) plans that help people stay connected. That is to say they come with talk, text, and data, and little else.
The new Connect by T-Mobile rate plans go into effect March 25 and shake out as follows:
$10 per month plus tax for 1000 minutes of talk, 1000 texts and 1GB of high-speed smartphone data
$15 per month plus tax for unlimited talk and text, plus 3GB of high-speed smartphone data
$25 per month plus tax for unlimited talk and text, plus 6GB of high-speed smartphone data
$35 per month plus tax, for unlimited talk, text and 12 GB of high-speed smartphone data
Indeed, the $10 plan is the lowest ever offered by T-Mobile and comes at a perfect time. With rising inflation and the economy in flux, it’s the perfect way to tighten up the budget for people will little expendable income.
The Connect by T-Mobile plans do not require any credit checks and include benefits like Scam Shield protection and free Caller ID. Moreover, they included access to T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G network.
Worth noting, though, is that these new options do not come with T-Mobile Tuesdays or some of the other benefits found with more standard plans. Also, should one hit the data allowance in the month, they’ll have to wait until the next cycle or purchase a data pass.
Interested consumers can check out a T-Mobile store, swing by a retailer, or go online to T-Mobile’s website to learn more or sign up for service.
Amazon company eero on Wednesday introduced a pair of new models in its 6 series of mesh wifi systems. Available in single, double, and triple packs, the new routers offer gigabit speeds and support for at least 75 connected devices.
Eero Pro 6E
The Eero Pro 6E is billed as the company’s “most advanced Wi-Fi system ever,” and is its first Wi-Fi 6E-enabled system. This means it can leverage more parts of the wireless spectrum previously unavailable to Wi-Fi 6 systems. Thanks to this additional bandwidth, eero Pro 6E supports fast connections for activities like AR, VR, and even 8K streaming.
The tri-band connection (6GHz, 2.4GHz, and 5GHz bands) can handle more than 100 devices at once with speeds up to 2.3 gigabits per second (Gbps). More specifically, it’s 1Gbps for wired devices and 1.3Gbps for wireless devices.
As on might expect from an Amazon brand, the Pro 6E also works with Alexa as a smart home hub for Thread and Zigbee devices.
According to Amazon, A single eero Pro 6E covers up to 2,000 square feet; the 2-pack supports up to 4,000 square feet; the 3-pack blankets up to 6,000 square feet.
Eero Pro 6E one-pack is available for pre-order for $299
Eero Pro 6E two-pack is available for $499
Eero Pro 6E three-pack is available for $699
Eero 6+
Priced more affordably, this gigabit-capable eero system is no slouch. With dual-band connection at 2.4GHz and 5GHz, it can support 75+ devices at once. Moreover, it also works as the smart home hub and taps into the 160MHz range for faster connectivity than previous eero dual-band models.
A single unit covers 1,500 square feet; the two-pack supports up to 3,000 square feet; the three-pack comes in with 4,500 square feet of coverage.
Eero Pro 6+ one-pack is available for pre-order for $139
One of the key areas in which smartphones continually evolve is in the area of cameras. Whereas not all that long ago we had one rear camera with a 12-megapixel experience, today’s handsets routinely have three and four shooters. And it’s not just about the number of cameras.
More and more we find software advances and AI to take the hardware capabilities and push it even further. There’s way more at play than just bullet points and megapixels.
Despite these advancements, we still operate our phones the same way. That is to say that we hold it in our hand portrait mode for TikTok and Snapchat and turn it on its side for YouTube and long-form videos. And even with optical image and video stabilization, we ultimately end up with less than smooth video.
Surely you know that using two hands is better than one when it comes to stabilizing our phones for recording. But did you know that there are accessories that make it so that you can hold your phone in a more comfortable and natural manner?
The ShiftCam ProGrip is the sort of mobile accessory that would-be filmmakers and vloggers should have in their arsenal. It’s a jack of multiple trades that makes it easier to record better video.
In short, the ShiftCam ProGrip is a Bluetooth accessory that pairs to your phone and then locks it into place. It features a grip for the right hand that feels very much like holding a DSLR camera. It’s got just the right angle to feel comfortable and secure, never straining the wrist.
Similarly, there is a thumb rest to make it feel natural to hold onto the unit. Located near that is a shutter button which, when paired to your phone, makes shooting feel more intuitive.
To stop here would still make it a pretty cool device worth keeping around; however, there are a few other features we like. One, it has an internal 6400mAh battery which can be used to power your phone. That’s awesome, especially if you’re capturing quite a bit of footage. In essence, it’s like having a pair of extra batteries for most mid-range phones.
Users can tap into the battery by directly plugging into the USB port or, if their phone allows for it, use Qi wireless charging. That’s zero cables to mess with and a power source that slowly pours back into your handset.
ShiftCam ProGrip Features
Offered in charcoal and ash colors
Ergonomically designed with hand strap
Built-in 6400mAh battery with wireless charging support for phones
Tripod mount and cold shoe mount
Compatible with devices 58-90mm wide
Optional lenses
Other cool features we appreciate are the shoe mount for adding a light or external microphone and the universal tripod mount. So, if you’ve already got a few accessories in your bag, chances are you can use them with the ShiftCam ProGrip.
Switching from portrait to landscape shooting is as easy as rotating the phone in the clamp. Speaking of which, the unit can handle pretty much any phone size you throw in there, even with protective cases.
The ProGrip is also compatible with ShiftCam’s family of lenses. Available separately, and as a bundle, you can pick up a telephoto, fish eye, macro, or other lens for your phone. Although we did not get a chance to test those out, we can imagine these making for very interesting video content.
Availability
You can learn more about the ProGrip at ShiftCam’s website where you can also purchase one for yourself. Sold by itself it runs about $120 but for the extra ($30) money you gain a hand strap, carrying pouch, cold shoe mount, and adapter.
I have had the opportunity recently to get my hands on the EZVIZ C8PF smart home camera. EZVIZ has a series of many different cameras for different purposes such as outdoor, inside, and pet specific. Today we will be focusing on this specific outdoor camera.
This camera is great for keeping tabs on what is happening outside of your home whether that be your front porch or driveway. I can comfortably say that this camera does just about everything you will need it to do with almost no trouble.
Design
The EZVIZ C8PF outdoor camera has a very solid feel to it and seems to get the job done just right. A downside of course is the fact that it is a wired connection. Batteries will never be a problem but managing your cords could potentially prove to be a problem as it can easily be disconnected if the wires are exposed. The camera is bulky compared to other competitors but with it being outdoors it shouldn’t be a problem.
The EZVIZ C8PF provides a nice 1080p resolution which is perfect for being able to see what you need no matter the time of day. Even at night, it has an IR(98ft.) that helps it see everything you need to.
This camera has an AI powered person detector that tries to efficiently rule out any objects or animals that may not be what you are looking for. With the app that accompanies the camera, you can easily receive alerts with person detection and help give you peace of mind when dealing with certain situations.
It comes with dual lenses so you can have a picture in picture display in the app when monitoring your home. This camera comes with 340-degree swivel and 80-degree vertical rotation with an 8x zoom. Seeing exactly what you need will never be a problem.
The camera provides two way talk if you ever need to exchange communication with a mailman, for example, and is also weatherproof since it will be outside for all the assortment of weather it will have to endure. Storage is also never a problem as it comes with 512 GB of SD storage AND comes with a one week free trial of the EZVIZ cloud storage so you can get a feel for what their award winning cloud storage is like (Personal Data Privacy Protection Management System Certification).
Installation
If you have a small window of time with a drill and an idea of where you want to put your camera and cords, then you have enough time to set this up. It isn’t a difficult process once you know where you want to put it. Then you get the app up and running and scan the QR code on the camera and you are ready to go.
Once inside, you’ll see full control on how your notifications are set up, when you want it to record, when you can have it sleep if you are home, and so on.
Apps and Notifications
In terms of the app that is paired with the camera, it has just about everything you would expect it to have. It has a hub with all of your connected cameras and you can easily click on the one you desire and access a whole list of tabs that can be used with the EZVIZ C8PF. That can range from activating sleep mode, recording, two way talk, or you can simply just watch the camera live and see what’s going on at home.
You can also customize when you receive notifications in the app. Usually people set it to send a notification when motion is detected which I personally think is the best way to go. I never had any problems with the notifications and felt it was a top-notch notification system. With all the competitors in the area, this camera definitely delivered.
Conclusion
I enjoyed using this camera and could definitely see myself using it as my own camera system. With its price tag sitting around $170, it feels right in line with other cameras in this price point. Depending on what kind of security you are looking for, EZVIZ is sure to have it and give you what you need.
Everybody is looking for love. And many are looking for it online these days. But there’s a big risk with finding romance online: you could become the victim of catfish, also known as a romance scam.
Do you ever wonder if the partner you’re chatting with online and seem to fall for is legit? Most online daters do.
Online dating is pretty popular today. Even before the pandemic, a lot of people used various dating apps to meet their soulmates or just a date for a fun party. But, the activity on dating apps has surged during the pandemic as people were locked in their homes and with everything being closed, including event venues, online was the only environment where they could meet people.
Take Tinder, for example. The popular dating app reported recording its highest number of swipes in march 2020: 3 billion. OkCupid, another popular dating app, said that from March to May 2020, it had seen a 700% in dates. Bumble also reported experiencing a 70% increase in video calls. All these stats make it clear that not even a pandemic can stop us from looking for love.
Keep reading below to learn more about catfishing and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of it!
First things first, let’s make sure we’re on the same page with what catfishing is so that you can better know what to protect yourself from.
Catfishing is the use of a fake online profile or persona to lune someone else into a false relationship, usually for financial purposes. Simply put, catfishing is when someone creates a fake online profile to trick people who are looking for romance or dates, usually to get money out of them. But, note that catfishing isn’t always a matter of romantic partners. Sometimes it can come in the form of family, friends, or even business relationships.
Now, with online being pretty much everywhere in the world, catfishing is a very widespread issue. In fact, there’s an interesting analysis of where the catfish hotspots are if you want to find where the biggest fraudsters live.
5 tips for outsmarting a catfish
You know what catfishes are and why they are doing it. But you’re likely wondering how to protect yourself from them. Here are five tips for outsmarting a catfish:
Research them
Everybody who has been in the world of dating, be it online or offline, has, at least once, met someone who we thought was too good to be true. Truth be told, oftentimes, that’s exactly what we end up discovering: the person is not at all that perfect.
In the online world, wearing the mask of perfection is even easier than it is in the offline dating environment. The virtual nature of the interactions allows people to shape their identity, personality and even look precisely how they want, and it is challenging for the other person to know the truth, especially at the beginning.
So, if you meet someone who simply seems perfect (good-looking, with financial success, a pet lover, empathic, etc.), don’t immediately fall for that because the chances are that person is actually not that good. There can be a scam behind that “perfection.”
What can you do to find out whether they are as good as they seem or not? Research them! And, we’re not talking about researching them in a creepy way of scrolling on their social media to their first post ever. However, do make sure that the person really exists. Here are some strategies:
Search their name on social media to see if they have actual profiles that tell everything they are telling you in your conversations;
Search their name on google and see if there’s an article mentioning a scam that includes the same fake name;
See if other real profiles have liked or commented on their posts.
Ask them to meet face-to-face
Another thing that can really be a warning sign regarding the identity of a person you meet online is their refusal to meet in person.
A catfish will do anything possible to prevent face-to-face meetings as that would expose their fake identity. So, they might tell you that they live in a very far country, that they can’t travel for some reason, or even if they agree to meet, they might find a last-minute excuse to avoid that.
Ask the person you’re dating online to meet you in person and see how they respond to that. A direct refusal or attempt to avoid that is a red sign that you should consider.
Don’t fall for very early romance signs
Let’s be honest, even in the offline world, love at first sight is a very rare phenomenon. While not impossible, it is pretty difficult for two people to fall for each other irremediably and decide they love or want to spend their future together in a matter of days or even weeks. When this happens, the chances for it to be real love are pretty small, so naturally, there seems to be something fishy there.
The story is the same in the online dating world. Sharing a few messages with someone, even if you do discuss some intense topics, doesn’t mean that you’re now in a relationship. But a catfish would definitely want you to believe that.
So, if the relationship is moving too quickly and you get huge promises like “I love you” or “I can’t live without you” within a few days, that’s a significant sign that you may be a victim of a catfish. Make sure that you don’t fall for this, no matter how eager you are to find your soulmate. Try to remain anchored in reality and determine objectively if the person really means what they are saying or not.
Don’t offer the person money
We simply can’t stress this one enough: do not send money to people you meet online.
No matter how legit the person seems, you shouldn’t send them money. Think about it: a person that is in the online world for finding their soulmate, just as you are, would never ask for money. However, a scammer would definitely do so.
No matter the reason they are giving you, or how small the amount is, do not let yourself be fooled by the romantic scammer trying to get money from you.
Don’t share your personal data
Last but not least, know that ill-intentioned Internet users often use catfishing to obtain something other than money. More precisely, they are aiming to get their victim’s personal data which they can later use for illegal activities.
If you have doubts related to the legitimacy of the person you’re chatting with online, avoid providing them with any of your personal data, like email, phone number, financial details, address, passwords, and others. In fact, it would be best if you wouldn’t share such data with anyone, no matter how close your relationship seems to be.
Writing about headphones, earbuds, and earphones can be pretty boring at times. While it might sound exciting to get to try to so many options out, it can become mundane and tedious.
Mentally, I start out my reviews for earbuds by putting them into a price basket. Are these budget-minded and low-end options that hit the $50 and under mark? Do they swing a little harder, coming in around $100-$150? Or, might they be a pair of “premium” earbuds that command a price tag of $250 or more?
From there I start to look at what the specs are and whether they seem to fall in line with others. Indeed, I’ve already started to subconsciously grade them before even listening to a single note of music.
In doing this I’ve found that some models surprise me, and stick out from the bunch. Every so often I find a pair that are comfortable, long-lasting, and feature-rich, and at a price that seems almost too good to be true. That’s what I’ve found in the Nothing Ear 1’s.
As the first accessory from OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, I didn’t quite know what to expect. Were these going to be a decent effort with plenty of promise for the brand? Or, might they have fallen into the territory of forgettable and uninspiring? As it turns out, the Ear 1 have become my preferred option for listening around the house.
The Nothing Ear 1, in my opinion, sit at the intersection of fashionable and practical, with an eye on the horizon that is wide adoption. Priced just $99, I was surprised by the set of features and capabilities. And best of all, they sound pretty damn nice, too.
Key Features
34 hours playback including case
11.6mm driver
Available in black and white color options
Active Noise Cancellation
Case charges wirelessly
IPX4 rating
Design
The Ear 1 employ the stem design with a semi-transparent plastic which more or less lets you see into the inner workings. The “black” pair I’ve received are more along the lines of a smoky grey but you can see through them.
The square carrying case has its share of curves and soft edges but it’s largely a square that opens up like a makeup compact. Between the color choice, the use of metal, and a seemingly random circle indentation, it’s interesting to look at and different. And it’s very pocketable.
Included in the box are three silicone ear tips; the medium are in place upon arrival. All in all, they look similar to others yet somehow manage to look unlike anything else in the space.
The Ear 1 offer wireless charging and the carrying case has a couple of visible metal pieces on the bottom. The whole affair is fun and interesting to look at and the semi-transparent case seems to do a fair job in handling. Thus far I’ve yet to scuff the case and I’m not always the most precious about my tech. I suspect that scratches and wear might only add to the aesthetic if and when they arrive.
Performance
Cool headphones are nice and all, but I don’t care much for how they look — my focus is on performance. Do they sound good? Does the battery last? Are there any nifty or practical features?
The Nothing Ear 1 are a well-balanced pair of earbuds, with solid sound and long-lasting battery. You may find yourself toggling the various in-app EQ settings based on what you’re listening to, or on a general preference, but I’ve settled in and left things alone.
The soundscape is a bright and tight one, especially on the default settings. Once I toggled on the extra bass EQ setting I noticed quite a difference as it brought the lower end more into play. Initially I would go back to the more flat option for podcasts and books but have since stuck with the extra bass.
Don’t read this as to say these have a thump or heavy feel to music; they do not. I just find them to have a bit more overall presence.
There are two modes for activenoise cancellation (ANC), one being stronger than the other. Additionally, there’s a transparency mode that lets you hear ambient or environmental sounds through music. I tend to favor either strong noise cancellation or transparency as the lighter cancellation sits closer to transparent.
One thing that tends to happen with less expensive models is that transparent listening leads to an “airy” or hissing sensation. That’s not the case here as it just feels more like Nothing has simply turned down the music.
Battery life is rated at around four hours with ANC enabled and upward of six hours with it turned off. As far as the carrying case goes, it looks to provide 24-34 hours total, based on how you listen to your music.
I found this to be accurate in my few weeks with the Ear 1 earbuds; I appreciate that my phone occasionally displays the percentage of each earbud and the case. Most weeks I only find myself charging the case one time, usually overnight or while showering. I never really have to think about battery.
I dig that the Nothing Ear 1 case charges up via USB C and wireless charging. The latter is one of those features where I was not quite sure if I’d get that in a $99 pair of earbuds. Plugging the case in for only 10 minutes is good enough to provide a few hours of music playback. Similarly, ten minutes of putting the earbuds in the case can get upwards of an hour of ANC listening.
Another feature I really liked is the IPX4 splashproof rating. Not that I get too sweaty or dance in the rain all that often, I do recognize that I’ll be outside and more active in the coming months. With that said, it’s nice to not have to worry about getting the Ear 1 earbuds wet.
I also really enjoyed the customization and freedom that comes with the app and playback. It’s easy to setup or change how you want the tap gestures to operate; you can listen with one earbud in and it doesn’t matter which one. Shortly after receiving my review unit I saw an update that brought about access to Google Assistant, something that I could enable in the app.
Parting Thoughts
Often I will qualify a review with how the product sits in its price point, comparing it to others, and in the process suggest that maybe shaving $20 or $50 off might be the “sweet spot”. For the Nothing Ear 1 earbuds I am on the other side of that concept. Were they to charge $130 for these I wouldn’t bat an eye.
The Ear 1 punch above their weight, delivering on a whole bunch of fronts. They’re comfortable and light, last as long as I need them to, and charge quickly. Toss in a fully customizable app experience and water resistance and you’ve got a solid product. And that’s to say nothing of how interesting they are to look at, too.
I’m truly excited by the Nothing brand and look forward to anything and everything it has on the horizon.
Learn more about the Ear 1, or purchase a pair in either black or white, at Nothing’s website where they’re currently available for just $99.
As March gets underway we’re in that time of year that I always find to be quite interesting. That is to say it’s more or less “new phone season” as many handset makers trot out flagships and high-end devices for the coming months.
Things have been slowly changing over the years and US consumers are more educated than ever. Further, they understand that they have more choice then they thought. Buying an unlocked phone is no longer as taboo or confusing as it was in the early days of Android.
With that said, the phone space is a becoming a more crowded one than ever before. Looking at 2022 I’ve noticed I’ve noticed that we’ve received more “new” names here at the office. Companies like Xiaomi, realme, and POCO have sent us phones for review whereas previously they didn’t seem to be making the play for a global audience. If anything, they didn’t seem to care all that much for the US market.
Miami-based BLU is back with a new phone of its own, the G91 Max. Priced just $250, it builds on a series that started a few years back.
Naturally, one looks at that price and assumes that this model is anything but a flagship. Surely it’s just another entry-level experience that offers up little more than the essentials, right? As it turns out, there’s quite a bit of hardware under the hood and the overall package might surprise a few readers.
BLU G91 Max Specifications
6.8-inch Full HD+ Infinity Dot Display
MediaTek Helio G95 octa-core processor
8GB RAM
128GB Storage
Quad AI 108-megapixel rear camera setup
16-megapixel front-facing camera
5,000mAh battery with 10W wireless charging and power sharing
Fingerprint reader and Face ID unlocking
Android 11
Taking a Closer Look
Take a look at that list of hardware and you’ll see there’s quite the value proposition at just $250. And if you were lucky enough to pick one of these up for $150 upon launch, you damn near stole it.
For a large segment of the population, cutting edge features matter little. For every high-end mobile gamer you find, I wager there’s 10 people who just want to stay connected and take a random picture for social media here and there.
If you’re a heavier user, or dig deeper into the details, you’ll surely find a few threads to tug on here. For instance, while the BLU G91 Max has an impressive 8GB RAM, a typical 2022 flagship might have not only more memory, but a faster type of memory. And it’s distinctions like this where I envision a flow-chart of sorts.
Don’t know what I am talking about when I mention LPDDR5? You’ll be fine to keep considering the BLU phone. Those who do understand the difference tend to know whether it matters to their daily usage and can decide whether the juice is worth the squeeze.
Similarly, the 5,000mAh battery is a massive one to be sure, but its wireless charging speeds are limited to 10W and its overall charging is capped at 18W when plugged into a wall. By comparisons, pricier phones have faster speeds, sometimes in excess of 60W. But, if you’re the type of person who barely has to charge their phone, or only plugs it in at night, you won’t care that much.
Lastly, before moving on, we might talk about the Full HD+ display, which is measured at 2460 x 1080 pixel resolution with 396 pixels per inch. Do you know what the resolution is in, say, a Samsung Galaxy S20? It’s 3200 x 1440 pixels at 563 pixels per inch. Moreover, can you recognize the difference when browsing Instagram and sharing memes? I suspect many readers do not.
Phones were already powerful and fast, outpacing the needs of the masses. Over the last few generations of devices we’ve seen implementation of cool stuff like higher refresh rates and touch sampling rates. If you’ve ever had the chance to use a phone with 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rate, you surely notice how buttery smooth it is in places.
The BLU G91 Max is the sort of phone that ticks most of the boxes that matter to average consumers. That is to say it has a large screen, long-lasting battery, better than average camera, and semi-recent software. It stops just short, though, of adding the “frills” and extra details that come with pricier phones.
What is it Like to Use the BLU G91 Max?
The short answer to this question is that it’s enjoyable and familiar. As someone who likes the “stock Android” experience, I appreciate when phone makers get out of the way and leave things alone. BLU does that here, leaving things fairly lean and clean.
One thing worth noting here is that the phone runs Android 11 with the most recent software update being from December, 2021. With chatter already starting for Android 13 it’s easy to pick at this seam and view this handset as “outdated”.
Would it be nice to have Android 12 here? Sure. Does its target user base know what’s missing out on, though? Probably not. It would be nice if BLU were to make an announcement or pledge at least one update just for the peace of mind in not feeling like you’re buying yesterday’s phone.
There are a handful of apps and games pre-installed on the phone, some of which are fairly popular and likely to be downloaded by the user in the long run. Among those are TikTok, Pandora, Solitaire, Wish, and SHEIN. There’s also a “Games” client which recommends a number of other games for installation.
Along the same line, the facial recognition and unlocking is incredibly simple to setup. And as for getting into your device, it’s lightning quick.
As far as personalization goes, there’s not as much here visually so much as gestures and interfacing. I suspect that part of that comes with not having the Material You extras that come with Android 12. Nevertheless, if you spend a few minutes on the first day of owning this one, you’ll have it feeling very much like “you” in how it operates.
What about the G91 Max Design?
Physically, the BLU G91 Max feels great in the hand, if not a little soft or slippery to the touch. Taller than the Google Pixel 6, it’s also a smidge thinner. As someone with a tad smaller hand I appreciate the 20:9 aspect ratio quite a bit.
Similarly, I kind of dig it when phone makers put the power button and fingerprint reader in the same spot. Setting up the fingerprint takes but a few moments and it makes it easy to hop right into action.
Whereas most phones have the power and volume buttons on the same side of the device the G91 Max splits them up. It might take a little getting used to if you’re coming from another phone.
As a whole, the G91 Max doesn’t stray from any standard phone designs. It’s gently curved in the normal spots and sits nicely in the hand and has a flat display with minimal bezels. The SIM card slot is located above the volume buttons with the bottom edge housing the charging port, speaker, and 3.5mm headphone jack.
The screen is generously sized and has a rather respectable image with high contrast and sharp colors. It’s also fairly easy to see when outside; that’s not always the case when dealing with phones in this price point.
Sound could be louder when watching videos or on speakerphone calls and the single speaker on the bottom edge can be easily muffled or covered. With that said, I don’t always find myself playing music loudly or viewing long-form videos.
Bonus points are awarded for the inclusion of the headphone jack. Sure, plenty of people have already decided that they don’t need this port, or have moved on to wireless options, but not me. I still appreciate that it is part of the experience.
The review unit we received was the Spectrum Grey; however, there’s a Sky Blue option available, too. If I were to describe the color it’s like a dark grey at the bottom, transitioning into a silver up near the top third. It’s subtle, but it’s better than a standard flat color.
In the box is a rugged-like protective case that hides all those little curves and design choices. If you wanna show off the color and aesthetics, you’ll have to look for a third party case. That said, BLU was one of the first phone makers to even bother to include a case so it’s nice to see them continue that tradition forward. Oh, and they also throw in a pair of earbuds, too.
How about the camera?
Typically, the Pixel line is my personal benchmark for the camera experience. If I am testing a handset, I’ll usually carry my Google phone with me, too, just in the event I want to capture something specific. That’s largely because I have come to trust that my Pixel is going to get the best result and I have not come to trust the other device.
Things changed a bit for me with the Pixel 6 as it doesn’t deliver that all-around perfect shot using dead simple software. I feel like I took a step backwards with results. I’ve become a little more forgiving in my shots as other phones in the $500+ space seem to deliver something on par.
The G91 Max surprised me with its camera, offering up better than average results. What’s more, the app was easy to use and there’s a whole array of features to play with.
I like the idea of just opening up a camera and snapping more than toggling settings and fooling with filters. This phone does make it easy to open, point, and shoot, but it has a fairly robust suite of extras, too. If you like to punch up pictures with different filters or color palettes, you’ll enjoy what’s on offer.
Additionally, there are modes for time lapse, panorama, slow motion, macro, night, and creating gifs. The 128MP one, for its part, does capture a decent shot but its file sizes are often in excess of 25MBs and the pictures take 2-3 seconds to save. It’s certainly not an “everyday” mode, but it’s here. The same goes for 4K video capture or Pro mode. I don’t use them all that often but it’s nice to know that they exist for those who do.
As a whole, I feel like the G91 Max captures an accurate image. It didn’t take me too long to trust the phone and understand its capabilities. Given that most of my photos are viewed on a phone now, they look about as good as I would hope and I’ve not had to do much retouching or discarding of poor results.
What About Overall Performance?
Thanks to the MediaTek Helio G95 processor and 8GB RAM there’s more than enough power to satisfy my needs. I’m a gamer from time to time, a social media stalker, task manager, and message sender.
I often find that I have to “test” a device with more rigorous activities to see when they stutter or slip up. That’s because I’m not an overly demanding user. The stuff that I do on a day-to-day basis is no challenge for this phone and I don’t see that really changing a year or more down the road.
I imagine that the people who spend $400 or less on a phone are much like me. To that end, the G91 Max should not only deliver on their expectations, but it will leave some money in the bank, too.
The 5,000mAh battery is a generous one that doesn’t dwindle quickly. Thanks to the mid-range processor and “lower-resolution” screen I find that I can go around two days before I start getting anxious about battery life.
When it comes time to charge, the 18W quick charging keeps me from being plugged in very long. I might have spoiled myself with other, pricier phones and their charging speed but this still beats what we had just a few years back.
Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are two features we don’t often see in lower-priced devices but we get both of them here. How can you be mad at that?
Do I miss the 5G connectivity? No, not really. The 4G LTE speeds are just as good for me in 2022 as they were in 2020, if not better. Having the next-gen network support would be nice, but it’s still not necessary.
Parting Thoughts
If you’re fortunate enough to have gotten off the treadmill of device payments or long-term commitments, you know how nice it is to buy a phone outright. Buying unlocked is the way to go for most people, but many of them just don’t know it yet.
Once you get into buying an unlocked phone, you realize there’s an awful lot out there, and for less money than you’d think. BLU has been dining out on that concept for a long time now, and seems to do a great job of finding the “sweet spot” for entry-level and mid-level consumer needs.
I really like the BLU G91 Max, especially for its price. Currently one can find it at Amazon for as low as $229. With benchmarks that rival the Samsung Galaxy A52 and Xiaomi Note 10S, it’s a great value proposition.
The unlocked phone space has become increasingly more crowded and 2022 looks to be no different with realme, POCO, Xiaomi, and other players making a bigger play for the US market. How will the BLU brand do?
I suspect that as more consumers come to trust these less-familiar companies, BLU can do well for itself. It’s a brand that’s been around long enough and has been seen in places like Amazon and Best Buy consistently enough to make people feel at ease.
If you are currently subscribed to AT&T, T-Mobile, or one of their respective prepaid and MVNO labels, the G91 Max will work just fine for you. And if you’re looking for a great all-around, no-frills experience that doesn’t cost very much, it’s one worth considering.
Learn more about the G91 Max and other models at the BLU website or head to Amazon to purchase one today.
When it comes to picking out a pair of headphones, many people start with a specific budget in mind and shop from brands they know. It’s not often that consumers like to take a risk on a new brand, even if it is priced lower than the competition.
Here at AndroidGuys we recently familiarized ourselves with a brand that we’d not had any experience with, SuperEQ. After checking out a handful of different models we’ve come to appreciate what it does and how it positions itself in the space.
SuperEQ S2 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Bluetooth 5.0
18 hours playtime with ANC, 25 hours without
20-25db reduction Active Noise Cancelling
Multi-function button for voice assistant
Dual 40mm drivers for powerful deep bass
As an offshoot or sub-brand of OneOdio, we like where SuperEQ’s head is at with its product line. The models we received were a little bit of fashion sense mixed with a bit of general functionality. Best of all, they were affordable and leave a little bit of money in the wallet.
Comfortable to wear, even for a few hours at a time, the S2 fit on the ear and provide a fairly respectable amount of volume. Toggling Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on and off is pretty noticeable and we appreciate being able to settling into our music and playlists.
When it comes to battery life, you’ll get a decent amount of the SuperEQ headphones. We had no issues in getting day’s worth of listening out of the S2, with and without ANC. According to the device maker you can expect upwards of 18 hours of life per charge when using ANC and 25 without. Charging is done is as little as two hours.
Learn more about the SuperEQ S2, or order a pair for yourself, at the SuperEQ website. The pair we received were “Green” but we found them to be more mint and orange in a sort of classic car combination. Other options include all black and a teal blue/black combo.
Pricing shakes out to around $60 per pair but there are often deals and discounts, including a Buy One, Get One offer from time to time.
