Pixel 11 Pro XL: Is it cooked?

Believe it or not, I’m only just now seriously getting started on this phone.

In the same way that I might hold for an update on a phone brand I like, it’s important to me, that I treat devices I don’t like the same way.

Sadly, this is also a poor business decision for me. Allow me to rant-explain for a minute… or eight…

This makes keyboard phones better! (Mink Launcher on the Unihertz Titan 2)

The Titan 2 has been out for a little while.

I couldn’t wait any longer to spend some time with a keyboard phone. After a price hike and a promise to improve the software support, the Unihertz was the best current option available to play with.
Which is good, because a pal of ours here on the Patreon has been working on an interesting launcher… Continue reading “This makes keyboard phones better! (Mink Launcher on the Unihertz Titan 2)”

My Summer with the Vivo X300 Ultra

Vivo X300 Ultra Long Term Review!

It’s tough shooting a review, or a longer term follow up to a phone, where the majority of the video is me saying “it WAS my favorite phone of the year, and it still IS my favorite phone of the year”.

Still, I felt after a couple months, it was worth chatting about the experience. What’s changed? What’s improved? How have the accessories held up?

Let’s chat!

8849 Tank 5 Pro Rugged Phone Review! One Important Update…

Tank 5 Pro Review!

The most absurd phone on the market gets MORE PRO! It’s not terrifically different from the Tank 5, but the 5 Pro has one new feature you might want on a rugged phone! Continue reading “8849 Tank 5 Pro Rugged Phone Review! One Important Update…”

No. Pixel 11 Pro Does NOT Take Better Close Up Photos Than The Pixel 10 Pro.

A rumor I was hoping to be true, but like so many other areas of the Pixel Pro experience, the 11 Pro might actually be worse than its predecessors.

Google has changed the camera sensors on the 11 Pro. They’re functionally VERY close to the kinds of sensors we had on 9 Pro and 10 Pro. With those changes come rumors though, and one interesting rumor was that Google might be improving the telephoto camera to include a lens that can physically focus closer to your subject.

Continue reading “No. Pixel 11 Pro Does NOT Take Better Close Up Photos Than The Pixel 10 Pro.”

Made by Google ’26 Pixel 11 Reactions: A Celebration of Mediocrity

I woke up early on Wednesday to help get my daughter ready for school. I was enjoying a lazy morning, content in the thought that I had hours to go before the Made By Google event launching all the new Pixels. Instead of gearing up to write and shoot reactions at 10am, Google was pushing “GO” at 3pm pacific. I’d even be able to enjoy a lunch while writing up a few notes. No rush at all. Nice.

While enjoying my morning coffee I scrolled through some feeds, and saw that the reviewer embargo had already lifted on Pixel 11 Pros. The “reviews” were already live, and the event wasn’t going to happen for another seven hours.

What’s the point of doing the event? Continue reading “Made by Google ’26 Pixel 11 Reactions: A Celebration of Mediocrity”

The WORST Expensive Phone I’ve Ever Spent Money On…

Pixel 10 Pro XL Long term review!

Google’s most expensive slate phone of last year! I bought it at launch, and had a lot of plans to cover it for apps and updates. Now the Pixel 11 is right around the corner, how has the 10 Pro aged? Is there anything exciting for us to look forward to?

Let’s chat!

8849 Tank 5 Rugged Phone Review: HUGE Battery, BIG Projector, FAST CPU!

8849 Tank 5 Review!

This is a CRAZY smartphone. Everything and the kitchen sink! Or literally, a smartphone with a HUGE battery, camping lanterns, rugged shell, and a built in projector! This generation 8849 includes a POWERFUL new SOC from MediaTek!

Let’s take a look! Continue reading “8849 Tank 5 Rugged Phone Review: HUGE Battery, BIG Projector, FAST CPU!”