Category: Editorials

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Pixel 6A: Popularity and Toxic Review Trends…

Before I finish my Pixel 6A review, we need to have ONE more chat about review trends and YouTube popularity. If you’re NOT interested in a conversation about metrics on YouTube, GET OUT NOW.

That said, we still see frustrating data on how smaller competitors are handled when we factor in the idea of how online influencers often make money. If we’re trying to guide enthusiasts and consumers to make better purchasing decisions, looking at the search popularity to guide our review content is a HORRIFICALLY bad trend… Continue reading “Pixel 6A: Popularity and Toxic Review Trends…”

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vivo X80 Pro Follow Up: Two Months with A GREAT Phone

vivo X80 Pro two months later!

This is high on the list as one of the best phones of 2022. The X80 Pro is a monster camera performer, has some cutting edge lifestyle features, and is a POWERFUL premium pocket computer.

Sharing some thoughts on using it for a couple months, it’s been A VERY nice experience.

X80 Camera vid 1 (Intro)
X80 Camera vid 2 (Upgrades)
X80 Camera vid 3 (Showdown)

Continue reading “vivo X80 Pro Follow Up: Two Months with A GREAT Phone”

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Galaxy S22: A Phone to Skip (Samsung in 2022 Part 1 of 2)

The Galaxy S22 is a mediocre option for a premium tier phone.

If you’re going to spend a lot on a phone, this aint it. I have a lot of really complicated feelings about smartphones in general and Samsung specifically. Let’s break down our options.

Where might someone get a better bang for their gadget buck?

Part 2 – https://somegadgetguy.com/2022/04/11/galaxy-s22-ultra-the-productivity-champ-of-2022-part-2-of-2/

Continue reading “Galaxy S22: A Phone to Skip (Samsung in 2022 Part 1 of 2)”

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What makes a phone design “desirable”?

It feels really nice in the hand. It arrives in different colors. It might be shiny or matte. It might have curved glass or beveled metal edges.

What makes a smartphone “desirable”?

I’m in the rare position of getting to play with numerous smartphones throughout the year. I don’t need to speculate on phone design, or rely on press photos. I really get to hold them in my hand and use them.

I often criticize reviews that focus too much on aesthetic conversations about a phone’s “feel”, and I still highly recommend people put a case on their phone to protect their main communication gadget.

Even for those points though, I can’t deny that I still get an emotional thrill out of handling a new phone. Continue reading “What makes a phone design “desirable”?”

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Samsung DeX CAN replace a laptop, but it needs your help…

DeX rocks.

A desktop mode on a phone is a crown jewel feature. It’s a disruptive way to use a smartphone. We CAN replace the need for other computers and tablets. However, these features WON’T get better if we don’t use them.

The conversation matters, and sharing these experiences might help save someone a LOT of money they don’t need to spend.
Continue reading “Samsung DeX CAN replace a laptop, but it needs your help…”

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Galaxy S22: Getting run over by the hype train…

Galaxy S22 first impressions, and a conversation about how we keep getting reviews wrong. The “entry premium” phone from Samsung is mediocre at best, and a PAIN POINT phone at worse. I believe the main reason for its existence is to move people up to spend more on an S22+.

This is gonna take a bit of explaining… Continue reading “Galaxy S22: Getting run over by the hype train…”

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How Can We Save Premium Android Phones When Samsung Can’t Get It Done?

Let’s not try and pretend the “Emperor” is wearing any clothes. Samsung is not inspiring consumer to spend more on smartphones.

From the Galaxy S10 to the S21, sales of premium Galaxy phones have fallen sharply. At the same time Apple increased sales of more expensive iPhones significantly.

The Average Selling Price of a Samsung phone in 2021 was around $270. The ASP of an Apple smartphone was over $800.

A recent list of the top selling phones in 2021 listed only one Samsung device, the Galaxy A12. The A12 starts at $179.99. The top selling phone of last year was the iPhone 12, which had a starting price of $799.

For fans of expensive phones, there is no metric by which we would judge this as success. Overwhelmingly, it would seem that when consumers have the means to buy more expensive phones, they opt for an iPhone.

Samsung significantly outspends almost every other company in marketing (currently trailing Amazon and Proctor and Gamble), but that doesn’t seem to be winning the hearts and minds of consumers. Lopsided coverage of expensive Samsung products on YouTube isn’t making up the difference.

Is Premium Android doomed? Continue reading “How Can We Save Premium Android Phones When Samsung Can’t Get It Done?”

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Samsung Throttles THOUSANDS of Apps on the Galaxy S22: Reacting to Reddit Hot Takes!

Samsung throttles thousands of apps on the Galaxy S22 line of phones, but does NOT throttle benchmarks!

Samsung pulled an uh-oh! Let’s talk about what this really means, and respond to some of the comments and replies flying around tech blogs and on Reddit!

@garyeonhan Tweet with more info https://twitter.com/GaryeonHan/status/1499009797035008002?s=20&t=l55-4CzZ94C285zm-et6eg

Continue reading “Samsung Throttles THOUSANDS of Apps on the Galaxy S22: Reacting to Reddit Hot Takes!”

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