Is the Pixel 9 Pro “Cheating” its RAW Files?

Well… No… But kinda? Maybe?

When I talk about camera sensor improvements, I’m mostly impressed by sensor sizes getting larger. When we increase sensor surface area, we see more dramatic improvements to photo quality. The aesthetics of a photo change with a larger sensor, and we can demonstrate things like depth of field and bokeh more easily.

That’s not to say that staying at the same sensor size, and adopting new tech at that size, can’t ALSO bring benefits. It’s just, in my time reviewing phones, I haven’t seen where the “tech” upgrade has ever been as noticeable as the “size” upgrade.

Recently, one of the few times that pattern has been challenged was while reviewing the Xiaomi 14. My expectations were REALLY low as it was another phone with a 1/1.3″ type sensor, but this time the sensor was from Omnivision.

In my experience, Omnivision made the “cheap” sensors for companies that wanted to save money on manufacturing.

With my expectations that low, it was shocking to see the Xiaomi 14 outperform the Galaxy Note 24. Had sensor tech (at comparable sizes) finally made a noticeable impact on low light performance? Did this change the whole game?
Continue reading “Is the Pixel 9 Pro “Cheating” its RAW Files?”

#SGGQA 371: Snapdragon 8 Elite Runs HOT, Microsoft Fumbles AI Strategy, Net Neutrality Argued Before Judges, Apple Buys Pixelmator

Happy Monday!

The courts are arguing over Net Neutrality again! The DA investigating Musk over $1 Million prices is getting death threats. Russian fines Google an IMPOSSIBLE amount of money. Microsoft stock is down after earnings call, they’re delaying Recall again, and they’re already set to abandon “CoPilot” branding to copy Apple. Tidal needs more marketing, so Jack Dorsey fired the marketing team. Intel is in ROUGH shape. NVIDIA might make an ARM chip. Apple is buying a popular photo editing app.

And lets talk about those Snapdragon 8 Elite benchmarks…

Let’s get our tech week started right!
Continue reading “#SGGQA 371: Snapdragon 8 Elite Runs HOT, Microsoft Fumbles AI Strategy, Net Neutrality Argued Before Judges, Apple Buys Pixelmator”

The BEST MacBook Dock Apple WONT Sell You! Thunderbolt 4, Dual Monitors, and TWO SSDs!

Acasis TBU405 Pro Review!

This is one of the most powerful laptop hubs I’ve ever used. Not just supporting Thunderbolt 4 and multiple displays, but also acting as a portable RAID enclosure for up to 8TB of storage! Plus it’s super easy to set up!

Let’s take a look!

Acasis on Amazon https://amzn.to/3NMY2Bv Continue reading “The BEST MacBook Dock Apple WONT Sell You! Thunderbolt 4, Dual Monitors, and TWO SSDs!”

DOUBLE Your MacBook Battery Life! Super Charge Your Xiaomi! (CUKTECH P20 Power Bank)

CUKTECH P20! It’s a BIG battery, in a SMALL shell, with a nifty little screen! Sharing some thoughts on a handy little power bank that can fast charge your thirstiest gadgets! Best of all, you can bring it on an airplane! Continue reading “DOUBLE Your MacBook Battery Life! Super Charge Your Xiaomi! (CUKTECH P20 Power Bank)”

#SGGQA 370: Snapdragon 8 Elite vs Dimensity 9400, Redditors Pollutes Google Search, Free the McFlurry!

Happy Monday!

Cable companies want a stay on the FTC’s new Click To Cancel rule. The McFlurry machine can now be repaired! Videos games can not be archived for history. Redditors are working to pollute Google search results. Intel’s chips are underwhelming AND showing issues.

And we should probably chat about these new phone chips from Qualcomm and MediaTek…

Let’s get our tech week started right!
Continue reading “#SGGQA 370: Snapdragon 8 Elite vs Dimensity 9400, Redditors Pollutes Google Search, Free the McFlurry!”

Razer Barracuda X Chroma Wireless Gaming Headset Review: More than just some pretty lights…

Razer Barracuda X Chroma Review!

Razer is giving their headset a refresh and adding those pretty RGB lights! Chroma brings a fun color accent for sharing your game play on stream. But this headset is more than just a new set of pretty lights.

Let’s take a look! Continue reading “Razer Barracuda X Chroma Wireless Gaming Headset Review: More than just some pretty lights…”

Snapdragon DESTROYS Intel and AMD Laptops!!!

Or maybe it doesn’t?

Maybe performance is more nuanced than a bargraph?

Reacting to the Snapdragon Summit Keynote, I had some performance tests to share on my Surface Laptop. Maybe it’s just nice to have choices in the market?

Continue reading “Snapdragon DESTROYS Intel and AMD Laptops!!!”

soundcore Aerofit 2: HUGE Update! Open Earbuds Get Better!

soundcore Aerofit 2 are here!

I’m still not the biggest fan of open earbuds personally, but it’s exciting to see more options in true wireless for EVERYONE to enjoy premium audio. I have a LOT of thoughts on what this means not just for entertainment, but also hearing health.

Let’s chat! Continue reading “soundcore Aerofit 2: HUGE Update! Open Earbuds Get Better!”