Pixel 4a vs iPhone SE: The Best Budget Battle of 2020

I know I started with the Velvet comparison, but you know I had this video ready to go too!

Apple made a less expensive mid-ranger. Google made a less expensive mid-ranger. Aside from a similar price, these two phones couldn’t be more different if they tried.

This is good for competition. Let’s discuss! Continue reading “Pixel 4a vs iPhone SE: The Best Budget Battle of 2020”

How Microsoft is Gaming Influencers and Algorithms with the Surface Duo

It’s a little bit brilliant.

I’ve written several editorials voicing my concerns about popularity algorithms and the responsibility of reviewers. We can’t escape the fact that online content creators need to be compensated for their work, but YouTube and Facebook style algorithms are designed to manipulate viewers into staying on a platform as long as possible. When those two objectives meet, it creates an echo chamber, a reinforcing cycle of confirmation bias which highlights and celebrates the most popular options. Any product outside the algorithm zeitgeist is dismissed as efficiently as possible.

Precious few smaller-volume sellers have successfully broken through this popularity trap.

What’s a manufacturer to do? Play the influencers against themselves! Continue reading “How Microsoft is Gaming Influencers and Algorithms with the Surface Duo”

Pixel 4a vs LG Velvet: How much more phone do you get?

One of the most requested comparisons I’ve gotten this year!

Pixel 4a has a lot of people excited about a punchy low price phone, and whether this lil Pixel can outperform more expensive phones. There’s an obvious comparison to be made with phones like the Velvet. The two phones have similar performing processors, but one costs a LOT more than the other. Let’s see why… Continue reading “Pixel 4a vs LG Velvet: How much more phone do you get?”

Android 11 Desktop Mode! Can the OnePlus 8 Replace a Computer?

The OnePlus 8 is a monster powerful performer, but what can you do with all that power?

Our phones are capable computers, but we need good software! A quick look at Android’s desktop UI, it’s still pretty raw, but we are seeing some improvements. Let’s see what’s new! Continue reading “Android 11 Desktop Mode! Can the OnePlus 8 Replace a Computer?”

Pixel 4a By the Benchmarks: Performance Punching above the Price!

The Pixel 4a is a champ!

Redefining mid-ranger performance, Google’s optimization punches well above the modest price tag. This phone hangs with more expensive options!

Let’s take a look at some numbers! Continue reading “Pixel 4a By the Benchmarks: Performance Punching above the Price!”

NETFLIX! FIX YOUR ANDROID APP! Bring Back Multi-Tasking!

One of Android’s strengths is multi-tasking. Netflix used to embrace this, but recent updates have removed some of my favorite features! NETFLIX! HELP! FIX YOUR APP! Continue reading “NETFLIX! FIX YOUR ANDROID APP! Bring Back Multi-Tasking!”

Google Pixel 4a: Who is this even for?

Eff it. Let’s just go clickbait for this title. Why not?

The 4a is pretty much for anyone who wants a good cheap phone. Instead of reading specs at you, and pretending any of us care about the packaging the phone came in, let’s DO something with this phone.

My very first video ABOUT the Pixel 4a was shot, edited, and rendered FROM the Pixel 4a! Continue reading “Google Pixel 4a: Who is this even for?”

TCL 10L vs LG Stylo 6: LOW Budget Battle!

We can’t put EVERYTHING into one phone. We need to choose features, and balance that against a target price. As we near the entry level tier of handsets, there’s also a little less room for price fluctuations. Devices with smaller margins won’t find the same dramatic sales, or the same bargain used prices, as more premium handsets.

Right now, mid-rangers are enjoying some time in the spotlight. Pricing from Nord to Velvet, and several phones in between, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore the competition of even less expensive devices. We should expect more compromises, but as long as we keep expectations properly informed, someone shopping a modest budget should still be satisfied.

What should we look for in a phone that costs less than a screen replacement on an iPhone 11? Continue reading “TCL 10L vs LG Stylo 6: LOW Budget Battle!”