You can buy a gaming phone with RGB lighting and an fan for active cooling, or you could pick up a mid-range phone with a focus on value and performance. But if you want to go all out, Honro is hoping you’ll take a look at the new Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design — a device that combines the world’s thinnest foldable smartphone with design cueues includneced by one of my favorit automitive brands.

Specifications

• Cover Dislay: 6.43 inches, 120Hz, 1060 x 2376 pixels
• Internal Display: 7.92 inches, 120Hz, 2156 x 2344 pixels
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 1TB
• Android 13
• Rear Cameras: 50MP (primary), 20MP 2.5x telephoto), 50MP (ultrawide)
• Selfie Camera: 16MP
• Battery: 5,000 mAh silicor carbon
• Charging: 66W wired

Price

I typically leave the price of the phone for the end of my reviews, but I think this is one of the few reviews that needs some additional context at the onset.

The disparity in price between the regular Honor Magic V2 and the Porsche Design RSR version presents a curious case for introspection. While both phones boast the same core hardware, primarily the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, impressive LTPO OLED displays, and a capable triple-camera system, the Porsche Design variant carries a hefty €1000 premium.

That’s right, the Porsche Design Honor Magic V2 RSR will set you back a cool €2699

Ultimately, the choice between the two is a dance between appreciating cutting-edge technology at a competitive price point and indulging in the exclusivity and prestige associated with a well-recognized luxury brand.

Design

The Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design isn’t just a phone; it’s a love letter to the iconic Porsche 911. Every detail whispers of the legendary sports car, from the phone’s form to its materials.

Turn it over, and you’ll find the spirit of the 911 etched in the phone’s back. Unlike its standard counterpart, the Porsche Design version boasts a sleek, fiberglass back panel, reminiscent of the lightweight and aerodynamic materials used in the car’s construction. This not only evokes the 911’s heritage but also contributes to the phone’s comfortable weight and feel.

But the homage goes beyond materials. Look closer, and you’ll see the signature Porsche flyline, a subtle yet powerful design element that runs the length of the phone’s back. Just like the iconic curve that defines the 911’s silhouette, the flyline on the phone adds a touch elegance, ensuring it stands out from the crowd.

The asymetrical glass camera module sports a titanium frame, giving it a sporty look, unlike the standard rectangular shape Hnor featured on the original.

It’s a phone that exudes sophistication without being ostentatious, a reflection of the 911’s ability to blend power with understated style.

In essence, the Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design is more than just a phone; it’s a conversation starter, a way to showcase your appreciation for the timeless design and legacy of the Porsche 911, all condensed into a powerful and innovative mobile device.

Like the original, this phone is incredibly light and thin, thanks to the magnezium alloy frame and hinge. When closed, the device is only 9.9mm thick and the 234 grams could easily fool you into thinking that your holding a traditinoal smartphone rather than a foldable. 

The only drawback in the design and build quality comes down to the omission of an official IP rating. This isn’t too uncommon for a foldable smartphone, but we have started to see it from Samsung and a few other players i nthe segment since foldable devices need as much protection as possible form the elements if you want them to survice more than a year or two. 

Unboxing experience

The phone’s packaging is well-curated and caters to the phone’s premium positioning. The inclusion of a Porsche Design case, two chargers, two cables, a stylus, and its dedicated case paints a picture of a complete and luxurious package, potentially justifying the phone’s higher price point for those who value such extras.

It’s a bit unusual since most phones don’t even come with one these days, but Honor is assuming that show who buy this phone will be traveling from the UK to Europe on a regualr basis.

The incredibly thin stitched leather case which matches the austhetics of the phone’s deisgn. Unlike a lot of cases that come pre-packaged with phones these days, this is the only one that I’ve actually used on a daily basis. Since the phone is already so thin, you really don’t notice the extra bulk, but I also want to make sure I keep the Honor Magic V2 RSR in prestine condition for as long as possible.

Software

While the Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design boasts impressive hardware and a luxurious design, the software experience falls short of expectations, raising concerns for such a high-priced phone.

One major issue is that the phone runs on Magic OS 7.2 based on Android 13, placing it behind the current Android 14 offered by many competitors. Although Honor promises an upgrade to Android 14, this utilizes one of its three major OS updates, leaving it with less future-proofing compared to other flagships.

Beyond the outdated version, there’s simply a lack of polish in Magic OS compared to competing options like Google’s Pixel UI or Samsung’s One UI.

Adding to the concerns, Magic OS 7.2 still bears a strong resemblance to Huawei’s EMUI. Even the tutorial for using on-screen navigation gestures is stil la one-for-one copy from Huawei, as is the unintuitive pinch gesture on the homescreen to change the wallpaper or add widgets. The worst functional issue I have with the UI is that you can’t swipe down on the homescreen to acces notifications. Instead, you have to reach all the way to the top of the screen, making it a big hassle for a large phone like this.   The rest of my complains are purely superficial, but I think that’s somethign that needs to be addressed since the overall look of Honor’s software skin still feel like it’s from 2018.

Compared to Samsung and OnePlus, the software experience on the Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design presents a significant disadvantage. The outdated version, lack of polish, and similarity to Huawei’s software could be dealbreakers for users who prioritize a smooth, intuitive, and future-proof software experience.

Cameras

If you’re looking for a good all-around camera phone, the Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design seems to deliver competent performance with its versatile camera system and decent image quality. However, for users who prioritize exceptional camera capabilities, this phone might not be the top contender, especially considering the hefty price tag.

When you’re paying nearly $3,000 for a smartphone, you deserve a camera system that can compete with the likes of the Pixel 8 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The phone boasts a versatile camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide sensor, and a 20MP telephoto sensor with up to 2.5x optical and 10x digital zoom. This allows for some flexability in capturing shots, but being limited to just 2.5x zoom is unacceptable these days when we have foldable smartphones that offfer up to 5x zoom.

The final results are adequate for the average user, with the 16MP selfie camera performing noticeably worse than the rear cameras. If you don’t like the overly saturated color tone of the default settings, there are plenty of pre-set color filters to choose from that may deliver better results for you.

Final Thoughts

While the Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design boasts a luxurious design, cutting-edge display, and powerful specs, its staggering price tag of 2700 euro raises significant questions for value-conscious buyers. This hefty cost puts it in a different league compared to the OnePlus Open, which offers similar flagship-level features at a significantly lower price point.

For me, the main issue comes down to the software experience. That could all change in the coming months as Honor pushed out Magic OS 8.0 to this and other devices in its lineup, but I honestly wasn’t that impressed with the new build that I tested on the global variant of the Honor Magic 6 Pro.

Therefore, unless you specifically value the Porsche Design branding, unique foldable form factor, and are comfortable with the high price tag, the Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design might not be the most practical choice. The OnePlus Open, or even other high-end non-foldable phones, could offer better value for most users. However, if the unique features and luxury elements are highly desired, then the final decision should be based on individual priorities and budget considerations.

The post Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design Review: the most stylish foldable money can buy appeared first on Phandroid.

Through AI, developers can craft environments that not only respond intelligently to players but also evolve over time, ensuring each gaming session is as unique as the player themselves.

The Role of AI in Gaming

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the gaming industry by introducing a new level of interactivity and realism. Traditional games, with their static environments and pre-defined narratives, often limit the depth of player engagement. AI disrupts this norm by embedding adaptive content that evolves, ensuring no two gaming experiences are alike. 

This dynamic adjustment not only enriches the gaming world but also elevates the player’s role from a mere participant to a co-creator of their gaming journey.

Dynamic Content Generation: Tailoring Experiences to Player Behavior

AI algorithms are pivotal in generating content that adapts to individual player behaviors and preferences. This means that the game environment, storylines, and challenges can change based on the actions and decisions of the player, creating a highly personalized gaming experience. Such adaptability keeps the game fresh and engaging, encouraging players to explore new strategies and outcomes with every playthrough.

Enhanced Realism and Immersion: Creating More Lifelike Game Worlds

By leveraging AI, developers can craft game worlds that are astonishingly realistic and immersive. AI-enhanced graphics and environmental effects react in real-time to player actions, weather conditions, and other in-game events, creating a seamless and deeply engaging experience. This level of immersion is not just about visual fidelity but also about creating a believable, living world that players can lose themselves in.

Adaptive Storylines and Narratives: Evolving Plots Responsive to Player Choices

Incorporating AI into game design allows for adaptive storylines and narratives that evolve based on player choices. This means that the narrative journey can branch out in myriad ways, offering personalized story arcs that reflect the player’s decisions and actions. This not only enhances replayability but also provides a deeply personal connection to the game’s outcomes and characters. 

Player Modeling and Customization

AI systems are adept at modeling player behavior and preferences, allowing for unprecedented levels of customization. From adjusting difficulty levels in real-time to tailoring content and challenges to suit individual play styles, AI ensures that the game remains accessible and challenging for all players. This level of personalization enhances player satisfaction and engagement, making each session uniquely rewarding.

Procedural Content Generation: Infinite Variability for Endless Exploration

Procedural content generation, powered by AI, enables the creation of infinite landscapes, levels, and scenarios without extensive manual input from developers. This not only streamlines the content creation process but also ensures that players always have new worlds to explore and challenges to overcome. The result is a game that can offer new experiences indefinitely, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging over time.

Real-Time Feedback and Adaptation: Instantaneous Adjustments for Enhanced Gameplay

AI’s capability to provide real-time feedback and adapt content on-the-fly is a game-changer. Whether it’s modifying the game environment based on player performance or introducing new challenges to maintain the game’s difficulty balance, AI ensures that the gameplay experience is always optimal. This responsiveness encourages players to stay engaged and continuously experiment with different strategies and approaches.

Enhanced NPC Behavior

The behavior of non-player characters (NPCs) is significantly enhanced with AI, making them more intelligent and unpredictable. NPCs can now react dynamically to player actions, engage in complex decision-making, and exhibit behaviors that are more nuanced and lifelike. This not only adds depth to the game’s world but also creates more challenging and engaging interactions for the player.

Social and Collaborative Gaming

AI technology fosters more engaging social and collaborative gaming experiences by intelligently matching players of similar skill levels and preferences, creating a more balanced and enjoyable multiplayer environment. Additionally, AI can manage in-game events and challenges that encourage collaboration and competition among players, enhancing the social aspect of gaming.

Bridging the Real and Virtual Worlds

AI facilitates the seamless integration of real-world data into gaming environments, making the game world more responsive to real-time events and information. This could range from weather changes affecting in-game conditions to incorporating global events into the storyline. Such integration blurs the lines between the real and virtual worlds, offering a more immersive and relevant gaming experience.

For instance, digital online platforms like Ontario online casinos incorporate AI algorithms to continuously refine and enhance gaming for players ensuring that they are presented with fresh and engaging content based on their previous playing experience. 

The transformative impact of AI-enhanced adaptive content creation on gaming is undeniable. By leveraging AI, developers are not just creating games; they are crafting living, breathing digital worlds that respond, evolve, and grow with the player. 

Conclusion

This revolution in gaming technology not only enhances player engagement and satisfaction but also pushes the boundaries of what digital environments can achieve, offering a glimpse into the future of interactive entertainment.

This glimpse into the future of interactive entertainment reveals a horizon where the possibilities are boundless. As AI technology continues to advance, we can anticipate even more sophisticated and nuanced gaming experiences that further blur the line between reality and the virtual world. 

The ongoing evolution of AI-enhanced adaptive content creation promises to unlock new dimensions of creativity and immersion, transforming how stories are told and experienced within digital spaces. 

With each leap forward, gamers can look forward to worlds that are not only more engaging but also more reflective of their individual preferences and actions, heralding a new era of personalized and dynamic gaming landscapes.

These advancements promise to revolutionize the way we interact with video games, offering unprecedented levels of immersion and interactivity. From adaptive narratives that change based on player choices to environments that evolve in real-time, the future of gaming is poised to deliver experiences tailored to each player’s journey. 

This shift towards more customized gaming experiences not only enhances the emotional connection to the game but also encourages a deeper exploration of virtual worlds, making every playthrough unique. As technology continues to evolve, the boundary between player and game will blur, creating a seamless and captivating digital universe.

The post AI-enhanced Adaptive Content Creation for Immersive and Evolving Environments appeared first on Phandroid.

To be fair, the camera setups on the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Galaxy S24 Ultra are closer than ever this year, with both devices sporting a 5x periscope camera. That being said, Samsung still has a 200MP primary camera and an extra 3x zoom camera that the iPhone doesn’t have.

• Save $750 on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
• Get the iPhone 15 Pr Max for FREE!

Take a look at the video and image gallery below for side-by-side comaprisons between the Samsung Galaxy S24 Utlra and iPhone 15 Pro max and let us know which deive you’d use on a day-to-day basis.

Galaxy S24 Ultra versus iPhone 15 Pro Max camera specs

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

• 200 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.3″, 0.6µm, multi-directional PDAF, Laser AF, OIS
• 50 MP, f/3.4, 111mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom
• 10 MP, f/2.4, 67mm (telephoto), 1/3.52″, 1.12µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
• 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, Super Steady video
• Selfie 12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), Dual Pixel PDAF
• Video: 8k/30 (main), 4k/60 (all)

iPhone 15 Pro Max

• 48 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.28″, 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS
• 12 MP, f/2.8, 120mm (periscope telephoto), 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF, 3D sensor‑shift OIS, 5x optical zoom
• 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF
• TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth)
• Selfie 12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm
• Video: 4k/60 (all)

Galaxy S24 Ultra versus iPhone 15 Pro Max gallery

The post Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra versus iPhone 15 Pro max camera comparison: unexpected results appeared first on Phandroid.

We’re still waiting to go hands-on with the device and see what it’s like on our wrist, but that hasn’t stopped the internet from dismissing the Pixel Watch already, purely based on the size of the display in comparison to the body of the smartwatch.

How to watch the Pixel 7 & Pixel Watch launch event

Due to the all-glass design on the front of the Pixel Watch, it looks like the device should have a pretty large display. Unfortunately, all the images we’ve seen so far seem to indicate that there will be a lot of extra real estate that won’t be lit up by the display. This is definitely disappointing since the latest Apple Watch has shaved off a significant chunk of the bezel around the display, increasing the screen-to-body ratio by quite a bit.

As you’d expect, some people aren’t happy about the screen-to-body ratio of the new Pixel Watch. Actually, everyone seems to be shunning the device outright, based exclusively on this one aspect. Personally, I’m not a fan of round displays on smartwatches. While it allows the watch to be smaller, it also means that the display area is smaller well since the corners have all been cut off.

That being said, the bezels around the display of the Pixel Watch aren’t as bad as you might think.

I create this image, showing the Pixel Watch, alongside various other popular smartwatches that are out right now. For this comparison, the images of all the smartwatches have been altered so that their widths are all the same so that we can get a better idea of their screen-to-body ratios.

Out of these 6, the Pixel Watch is the only device that offers edge-to-edge glass on the front of the watch.  But besides the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, all the other smartwatches have significant glass bezels around their displays, followed by a metal or plastic frame as well.

The Pixel Watch’s bands could be priced at $50 each

The new Apple Watches have taller rectangular displays that deliver substantially more usable screen space, but the only other circular display smartwatch that has a better screen-to-body ratio than the Pixel Watch is the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro — but not by much.

I’m not here to tell you that the Pixel Watch will be perfect or that I love the screen-to-body ratio. If Google wants to compete with the established players in this space, it has a lot of work to prove itself. The Pixel Watch will likely be a letdown for most smartwatch enthusiasts, but I think it’s a good starting point for a first-generation device.

If those Pixel Watch bezels are too much for you to handle, there are plenty of other Wear OS smartwatches with even larger bezels for you to choose from.

The post Stop complaining! The Pixel Watch screen bezels are not as bad as you think appeared first on Phandroid.

Fortunately, Google is working on changing that with a server-side update for its Messages texting app which enables a new Spam Protection feature. While Google doesn’t explain exactly how its Spam Protection feature works, when the feature is turned on, data of the messages you receive is sent to Google’s servers. Before you protest yet another invasion of your privacy by Google, the Spam Protection feature does not send the “actual content” of the messages you receive or your phone number. The information that Google aggregates from millions of users will likely be used to identify patterns from numbers that are sending messages in bulk and weed out spam messages.

If you’re all in on the new Spam Protection feature in Messages or don’t want anything to do with it, the step-by-step instructions below show you how to enable or disable it.

Enable/Disable Spam Protection in Messages on Android

• Open the Messages app on your Android smartphone
• Tap the 3-dot Menu button in the top right corner
• Tap Settings
• Tap Advanced
• Tap Spam protection
• Toggle “Enable spam protection” on/off

The post How to block spam text messages on Android appeared first on Phandroid.

Both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro use the same new 50MP camera for their main shooters, but the 8 Pro has also received an upgrade with a new 48MP ultraside camera and its 10.5MP selfie camera now has autofocus, while the redualr Pixel 8’s selfie camera uses the same fixed-focus system from the past. And then of course, there’s a 5x periscope telephoto camera on the Pro that’s been omitted from the regualr Pixel 8.

• Pixel 8 Pro + FREE Pixel Watch 2
• Pixel 8 + FREE Pixel Pubs Pro

With all these differences, we thought a Pixel 8 versus Pixel 8 Pro camera comparison is needed to see if the $300 price difference bwteen these two phones really justifies the extra camera capabilities of the Pixel 8 Pro.

Take a look at the photos and video samepls below and let us knwo which device you think is the better option.

Pixel 8 & Pixel 8 Pro camera specs

Pixel 8

• 50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (main), 1/1.31″, 1.2µm, multi-directional PDAF, Laser AF, OIS
• 12 MP, f/2.2, 126˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.9″, 1.25µm
• 10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (selfie), 1/3.1″, 1.22µm, PDAF
• Video: 4k/60 from all cameras

Pixel 8 Pro

• 50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (main), 1/1.31″, 1.2µm, multi-directional PDAF, multi-zone Laser AF, OIS
• 48 MP, f/2.8, 113mm (telephoto), 1/2.55″, 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom
• 48 MP, f/2.0, 126˚ (ultrawide), 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF
• 10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (selfie), 1/3.1″, 1.22µm, PDAF
• Video: 4k/60 from all cameras

Pixel 8 versus Pixel 8 Pro camera comparison gallery

The post Pixel 8 Pro versus Pixel 8 camera comparison: all about that zoom appeared first on Phandroid.

• Pixel 8 Pro + FREE Pixel Watch 2: $999

Google’s Pixel 8 Pro has quite a few AI tricks to deliver better dynamic range and low light performance, but the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the clear advantage when it comes to zoom with dedicated 3x and 10x sensor and lens combinations. Samsung has historically performaed better in video capture as well, but as we saw in our Pixel 8 Pro versus iPhone 15 Pro Max camera comparison, the Pexel has improved quite a bit there as well.

Take a look at the photo and video sampels below to see whch device comes out on top.

Pixel 8 Pro & Galaxy S23 Ultra camera specs

Pixel 8 Pro

• 50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31″, 1.2µm, multi-directional PDAF, multi-zone Laser AF, OIS
• 48 MP, f/2.8, 113mm (telephoto), 1/2.55″, 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom
• 48 MP, f/2.0, 126˚ (ultrawide), 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF
• 10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (selfie), 1/3.1″, 1.22µm, PDAF
• Video capture: 4k/60 (all cameras)

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

• 200 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.3″, 0.6µm, multi-directional PDAF
• 10 MP, f/4.9, 230mm (periscope telephoto), 1/3.52″, 1.12µm, , 10x optical zoom
• 10 MP, f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto), 1/3.52″, 1.12µm, 3x optical zoom
• 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, Dual Pixel PDAF
• 12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (selfie), Dual Pixel PDAF
• Video capture: 4k/60 (all cameras)

Pixel 8 Pro versus Galaxy S23 Ultra image samples

The post Pixel 8 Pro versus Galaxy S23 Ultra camera comparison: not even close appeared first on Phandroid.

• Pixel 8 Pro + FREE Pixel Watch 2: $999

The new Pixel 8 Pro is sporting new camera sensors for its rear cameras with quite a few AI enhancements as well to make sure it can capture the best shot possible, even in the trichiest lighting conditions. The iPhone 15 Pro Max also has a new 5x telephoto camera this year as well, matching the zoom focal length from the Pixel, making this a pretty even matchup when it comes the basic photography and videography capabilities of both devices.

We’ve captured more than 100 side-by-side photo and video samples with the Pixel 8 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max in this camera comaprison. Take a look at the images and video below and let us knwo what you think of the results.

Pixel 8 Pro & iPhone 15 Pro Max camera specs

Pixel 8 Pro

• 50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31″, 1.2µm, multi-directional PDAF, multi-zone Laser AF, OIS
• 48 MP, f/2.8, 113mm (telephoto), 1/2.55″, 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom
• 48 MP, f/2.0, 126˚ (ultrawide), 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF
• 10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (selfie), 1/3.1″, 1.22µm, PDAF
• Video capture: 4k/60 (all cameras)

iPhone 15 Pro Max

• 48 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.28″, 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS
• 12 MP, f/2.8, 120mm (periscope telephoto), 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF, 3D sensor‑shift OIS, 5x optical zoom
• 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF
• TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth)
• 12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (selfie)
• Video capture: 4K /60 (all cameras)

Pixel 8 Pro versus iPhone 15 Pro Max image gallery

The post Pixel 8 Pro versus iPhone 15 Pro Max camera comparison: an easy win appeared first on Phandroid.

During the promotion, existing customers can enjoy a 20% discount on all orders, double points for purchasing products, and a chance to win a free order. New users can also get a 20% discount on a single product, double points, a free keyboard for orders over 200, and a chance to get a 50% discount on an order.

The ACEMAGIC AMR5 AMD Ryzen Mini PC and ACEMAGIC CK10 Intel Core i7 Mini PC are two of our favorite options from ACEMAGIC, delivering incredible performance and also a bit of flare with their designs. With the sale prices, you’ll save over $75 for each, making these powerful little machines even more affordable than they already are.

The ACEMAGIC Member’s Day Promotion runs from October 1 to October 10, giving you plenty of time to sort through their selection of mini PCs to find the one (or two) that’s perfect for you! So, if you’re looking for a powerful, compact, and energy-efficient computer, be sure to check out the ACEMAGIC Member’s Day Promotion! It’s the perfect time to save on the mini PC of your dreams

The post ACEMAGIC Member’s Day Promotion: A Magical Time to Shop! appeared first on Phandroid.

Sale

Google Pixel Watch

Google's Pixel Watch combines the best of Wear OS and Fitbit services, all with an attractive design and good performance.

−$30.99 $249.00

See on Amazon

The post Pixel Watch 2 will be the best Apple Watch alternative… if Google doesn’t screw it up appeared first on Phandroid.

You could go out and buy the MOGA Hero Power or a retro-styled 8Bitdo, but there’s no reason to spend money on a Bluetooth gaming controller if you already own a PS4. Follow the instructions below and you’ll be playing games on your Android device with your PS4 controller in less than 2 minutes.

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Press and hold the PS and Share buttons on your PS4 controller to put it into pairing mode. A white light will flash on the back of the controller once pairing mode is turned on.
2. On your Android device, go to Settings > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is turned on
3. Press Scan for new device
4. Tap Wireless Controller to pair the PS4 controller with your device

Once the PS4 controller is paired with your phone or tablet, you’ll be able to use it to play many of your favorite Android games. Most racing, flying, fighting and side-scrolling games have built-in support for Bluetooth controllers, but if you’ve got a soft spot for puzzle games, you may be out of luck. Hopefully that will change once the Play Store is available on Chromebooks later this year.

How to connect an XBox One controller to your Android device

If you’ve used the PS4 or any other Bluetooth controller to play games on your Android device, we’d love to hear which games you recommend.

The post How to connect a PS4 controller to an Android device (no root) appeared first on Phandroid.

Having attended the Samsung Unpacked event in South Korea for the launch of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Fold 5, it’s clear that the company is using its foldable lineup to distance itself from Apple and other players in the Android space, but that’s becoming harder and harder in 2023 as we’ve seen nearly a dozen foldable smartphone launches already, and we’re expecting a few more form Oppo and even OnePlus before we wrap up the year. 

But unlike its competitors, Samsung has consumer mindshare, a broader global reach, and five years of experience which counts for a lot. 

If you’re among those who are considering a foldable smartphone for the first time, this joint review of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 should help you decide if you should finally switch from a traditional slab smartphone and jump into the foldable revolution. 

Design

From a distance, there’s not much new regarding the design of either of these smartphones. To be fair, Samsung has been refining the looks and the folding mechanisms of its Fold and Flip lineup for years now, so there’s not really much to improve in that department. 

But upon closer inspection, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Fold 5 both share one major design improvement – the gap. Samsung’s engineers have finally eliminated the gap between the two sides of the phones when they are folded, as Motorola, Xiaomi, Oppo, and other foldable smartphone makers did two to three years ago. It may not sound like a huge deal, but not having a visible gap anymore means that the bodies of the two devices are not thinner, making them more pocket-friendly. This change also reduces the amount of pocket sand and lint that inevitably makes its way into the phone every time you put it away. 

Other than that, the Galaxy S Fold 5 looks nearly identical to last year’s model. The only real tweak that stands out is the placement of the camera flash on the back of the phone, which has been moved to sit beside the camera module bump. This makes the camera bump look smaller, which is always a good thing. 

For the Galaxy Z Flip 5, the phone looks pretty much the same, but you will definitely notice its most significant design upgrade when its cover display comes to life. Like the Motorola Razr+ 2023, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 now sports a huge display on the front cover of the phone. This not only gives the device a dynamic new look but also changes when and how you interact with the phone. 

Software

In general, I’m typically not a fan of Samsung One UI. The look and feel of the interface don’t align well with what I’m looking for in an Android device. That being said, Samsung is miles ahead of the competition when it comes to its foldable smartphones – especially book-style devices like the Fold 5. 

This phone’s software is built for multitasking, giving you dozens of different ways you can use multiple apps at once and even allowing you to use apps side-by-side when the app developer hasn’t enabled the feature. A great example of this is the ability to play a game on the bottom of the main screen while watching a YouTube video or show on Netflix on the top. 

The dock at the bottom of the screen – a feature that’s been around since last year’s Fold 4 – is back, and it’s definitely one of the most useful software features when you have such a large canvas as this. It makes switching between apps or jumping into split-screen mode a breeze. 

When it comes to the Flip 5, the software experience is completely different. The phone acts like a pretty traditional smartphone when the screen is unfolded, but the extra large cover display adds a new dynamic to how you use the device. 

Due to the larger footprint of the cover display, Samsung updated all its widgets and added a tone of new customization options. You can pinch to zoom out and see all the widgets and quickly navigate to the one you want rather than having to swipe between them all and then there are about a dozen different customizable clock widgets with static or animated backgrounds to give your phone a distinct look. 

The best new feature is the ability to use Android apps on the cover display. By default, you can only enable Google Maps, Messages, Netflix and Youtube when you go into the Cover Display setting page and turn on the Labs functionality. But if you download Good Lock from the Galaxy Store, you’ll be able to launch any app or game you want, matching the same functionality that Motorola has on the Razr+ 2023. 

This new feature is a game changer, making the Galaxy Z Flip 5 far more useful than last year’s model. Not needing to open the phone to check or reply to messages, call an Uber or find my favorite playlist on Spotify makes the Flip 5 feel like its a lot more than just another smartphone. 

Performance

Both the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Fold 5 use the same Snapdragong 8 Gen 2 Soc, so there’s a noticeable improvement in performance compared to last year’s models. The FOld 5 has 12GB of RAM as opposed to the 8GB you get on the Flip 5, but it’s hard to notice a difference since both devices are incredibly fast.

Naturally, the Fold 5’s book-style form factor does give the device much more space for cooling, which is clearly evident when playing games like Genshin Impact for longer than 5-10 minutes. The Flip 5 can still manage quite well with graphic-intense games, but the Fold 5 is definitely the way to go if you want to make sure you’re getting those high frame rates. The device also lends itself to a more immersive gaming experience since it has a much larger interior 7.6-inch 120Hz display, which makes the 6.7-inch 120Hz display of the Flip 5 feel minuscule.

Cameras

Foldable smartphones aren’t necessarily known for having high-end camera hardware. The reason for this has to do with the thickness of the phone. Larger camera sensors require mode z-depth between the sensor and the lens, so Samsung and other manufacturers are forced to use smaller sensors on their foldable devices since they are constantly looking to reduce the overall thickness of the phone. If you’re looking for a Samsung phone with the best smartphone camera system, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is definitely the way to go. 

That being said, the foldable smartphone form factor does allow you to use the cover displays with the main cameras, delivering much better results when you’re taking selfies or recording videos of yourself. 

Technically, the triple camera system (50MP primary, 10MP 3x telephoto, and 12MP ultrawide) on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the better camera setup when compared to the dual cameras (12MO primary and 12MP ultrawide) of the Flip 5, but the flip form factor and its new larger display make it a lot easier to use the external cameras for selfies. 

When looking at the overall image quality, the results from both phones fall fairly close to what the Galaxy S23 delivers. Images are bright and colorful and deliver enough dynamic range to ensure that your subject is well-lit, even when the sun or your light source is directly behind them. Low light performance is quite good as well if you’re also to switch to night mode and extend the exposure. 

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 definitely has the upper hand when it comes to resolution and capturing better shots in low-light situations, though the 3x zoom is what truly makes it stand out. But if I had to choose between the two, the Flip would be my go-to choice. 

Battery Life

Compared to a traditional smartphone, the Flip 5 and Fold have incredibly small batteries. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 sports a minuscule 3700 mAh battery with only 25W wired or 15W wireless charging speeds. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 does a little better with a 4400 mAh battery, though its charging speeds are the same. And of course, neither device comes with a wall charger in the box, so you’ll need to buy your own or find one from an older device.

Measuring battery life on a foldable smartphone is harder than it is on a traditional slab device since it all comes down to how you use the phone. The larger cover display on the Flip 5 dramatically changed how I interacted with the phone since I used the cover display to check notifications, send messages and emails and even play games. For the most part, the Flip 5’s small battery delivered 6-7 hours of screen-on time and should be more than enough to get you through a full day.

Things are significantly different with the Fold 5 as its cover display is 6.2-inches and the internal display takes things all the way up to 7.6-inches. No matter how you use it, you’ll have a hard time getting to 6 hours of screen-on time. While this may sound disappointing, that number is far better than the 5 hours of screen on time I achieved with last year’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 which sported the same battery capacity. The key difference between the two likely comes down to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset from Qualcomm which is dramatically more efficient in day-to-day use. 

Final thoughts

There’s no denying that Samsung is the leader in the foldable smartphone segment and that the new Flip 5 and Fold 5 will be the best-selling devices in their respective categories this year as well.

That being said, competition from the Motorola Razr+ and a half dozen book-style foldable devices from Chinese manufacturers will definitely close the gap over the next 12 months. Samsung’s slot iteration has allowed the competition to catch and even surpass them when it comes to foldable smartphone design, battery life and performance.

Choosing between the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Fold 5 is fairly simple. If you want the best-performing device, the Fold is the obvious answer, but personally, I’ll be leaving the Fold 5 in the drawer in favor of the Flip 5. It’s smaller, more convenient and feels like I’m using a futuristic device as opposed to the Fold 5 which feels like I’ve just pulled a mini- laptop out of my pocket. That’s not what I’m looking for in a smartphone.

The post Do you fold or Flip? Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5 review appeared first on Phandroid.

If you’re curious to see how the camera systems on the Flip 5 and Fold 5 compare, we’ve put together our usual camera comparison. Take a look at the video and image gallery below to see how these two devices stack up.

Galaxy Z Flip 5 versus Z Fold 5 camera specs

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

• 12 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.76″, 1.8µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
• 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
• 10 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (selfie), 1.22µm
• Video: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10+

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

• 50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1.0µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
• 10 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
• 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, 12mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
• 4 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (selfie), 2.0µm, under display
• 10 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (cover selfie), 1/3″, 1.22µm
• Video: 8K@ 30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10+

Galaxy Z Flip 5 versus Z Fold 5 gallery

The post Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 versus Galaxy Z Flip 5 camera comparison: battle of the foldables appeared first on Phandroid.

For today only, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ is getting a $300 discount! This means you can pick up the S23+ for $699 for the 256GB model or shell out $819 for the updated 512GB variant. The discount applies to all the color variants of the phone, even those exclusive to Samsung’s website.

If you are planning to take advantage of this insane deal, you might also want to save a bit more with an additional $95 in saving when you bundle the phone with the Galaxy Watch 6 or you could save $130 by adding the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro to your order.

For all the details, simply head on over to Samsung.com

The post This Galaxy S23+ deal is insane! Save $300 with no trade-in required! appeared first on Phandroid.

When looking for a phone upgrade, most people gravitate toward replacing their old device with a new one from the same smartphone brand that they’ve been using for the past few years. It’s a simple approach: just trust what you know. Those of us who obsess over tech will gravitate toward a device with the fastest chipset and more cameras on the back than we possibly need, but the average user typically checks their bank account and starts calculating how much money they should spend on a phone before they start weighing their options. 

Great value

I’m not sure if it’s pure coincidence or incredible execution, but the Nothing Phone 2 seems to be purpose-built to capitalize on the segment of users who care about style, performance, and photography with a device that’s noticeably cheaper than most of its competition. 

So let’s get the price out of the way. You’ll only need to pay $599 for the base mode which comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The unit I’ve been testing and probably the one I’d recommend to most people is $100 more, but gets a bump up to 12GB of RAM and double the storage, which is an insane deal. 

The only other Android phone that comes close to offering this much value in the US is the Pixel 7. Other than that, you have the Galaxy S23+ which does feature an added zoom camera on the back, but you’ll need to shell out an extra $300 more for that privilege and it’s not even that great of a zoom. The $800 Samsung Galaxy S23 could technically be considered an alternative to the Phone 2, but it has a significantly smaller display.

Of course, the Nothing Phone 2 isn’t perfect since it does have its fair share of compromise. There isn’t anything that truly detracts from the overall experience, but the one thing most smartphone enthusiasts will point to is its use of last year’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. Yes, it’s slower than the Snapdragong 8 Gen 2, but that’s not something you’re going to notice in day-to-day use. If you’re keeping a close eye on frame rates when playing Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile, you would probably tell the difference, but it still performs incredibly well while also sipping a lot less power than the regular Snapdragong 8 Gen 1 that was used on most of last year’s flagship devices. 

I do recommend that most people steer clear of devices that use less than 8GB of RAM, so the base model will have you covered. That being said, if you’re a heavy multi-tasker, I do recommend upgrading to the 12GB model as I’ve found its performance to be stellar. 

Software

The one thing I’ve found most surprising with the Nothing Phone 2 and what’s kept me using it for so long is the software experience. As many of you know, my personal device for the past 4 years has always been a Pixel smartphone — mainly for the cameras, but also because I truly appreciate Google’s simple take on Android. 

Nothing OS takes that simple approach and adds on a fresh coat of paint, giving you customization options that allow you to tweak the look and feel of the phone, without getting too crazy. You get customizable widgets on the lock screen, dozens of minimal widgets for the homescreen, that tie in perfectly with Nothing’s design aesthetic, custom folder shapes, and sizes and you can even give them custom cover icons so that you can keep all your apps organized and tidy. 

I love how simple it is while still giving you the tools to make the layout and overall look fit your personal needs. The only two apps that Nothing has truly customized are the voice recorder and the weather app, both of which fit in perfectly with the minimalist design. Personally, I love the layout of the weather app which has easy-to-read graphics for additional details like humidity, air quality wind speed, and direction. 

The Glyph

Of course, the Glyph, the defining feature of last year’s Nothing Phone 1 is back. Nothing has added more addressable LEDs this time so in addition to showing the battery level when the phone is charging, they can be used to show the phone’s volume level and as a visual indicator for the Glyph timer.

Nothing is also hoping third-party developers will also tap into the Glyph system as well. So far, the only app that does is Uber which uses the glyph light to show you how close your driver is to picking you up. I don’t see this catching on with many other apps unless Nothing somehow manages to grab a big chunk of the market share. 

Cameras

The main camera got a pretty decent upgrade this year. It uses the 50MP Sony IMX 890, which is the same sensor as the main camera on the OnePlus 11, but the ultrawide is the same 50MP sensor from last year’s Phone 1. 

The results you see here, truly speak for themselves. It’s not quite on the same level as the Pixel 7, but it’s much better than most other phones in its category. Throughout all the software updates that Nothign has pushed to the phone, the camera has gotten at least 3-4 updates since the phone launched, making it slightly better every few weeks. Low light performance is great as well when you’re using the main camera. I would have liked to see more improvements to the ultrawide, but it’s hard to complain when most other competitors are so far behind. 

What’s surprising to me is that the phone’s selfie camera got the biggest upgrade of all. 

Battery

The 4,700mAh battery inside the Phone 2 is a bit smaller than what we typically see on most flagship devices. That said, I didn’t have any issues getting through a full day on a single charge, typically averaging 6 and a half hours of screen-on time.

You only get a charging cable in the box, but the phone does support 45W PD fast charging, which managed to deliver a 60% charge in 15 minutes or you can go from 0-100% in just under an hour.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of other options available from Chinese brands that hit on a lot of these features while also coming in at cheaper price points. That argument is fair in many markets, but it definitely doesn’t factor into the conversation in the US. In European markets, things will play out a little differently, but if you want a flagship-tier device in the US that’s not ridiculously overpriced, the only real options you have are the Pixel 7 and the Nothing Phone 2.

Over the past few years, Google’s carved out a nice chunk of the US market with this approach. If Nothing can manage to save up some cash for a marketing push, the Phone 2 could easily become a go-to alternative that we so desperately need. 

The post Nothing Phone 2 60-day review: much more than good looks appeared first on Phandroid.