Where we can finally admit the Samsung Galaxy S21 is just a dog?

Hot takes! Samsung stories get all that tasty SEO traffic! OUTRAGE HEADLINE!

Sales figures are in, and the Galaxy S21 is selling poorly. Expectations were high on this line of phones, but even with price drops, Samsung’s premium offerings are failing to impress consumers.

Galaxy S21 sales are down about 20% over last year’s S20, and SIGNIFICANTLY lower than the S10 from two years ago. We’re seeing roughly a 45% drop from the S10, which has to be concerning for Samsung. That two-year period is often prime for consumers looking to upgrade.

There are obviously numerous issues facing technology manufacturers right now. We’re still in the middle of a global pandemic. Component shortages are affecting distribution. Consumers are wisely budgeting more conservatively for big purchases like electronics.

However, if the Galaxy S line is supposed to be a premium tier, where purchases are often as emotional as they are practical, Samsung’s 2021 phones aren’t inspiring consumers to part with their cash. Continue reading “Where we can finally admit the Samsung Galaxy S21 is just a dog?”

XPERIA 1iii vs 1 ii: Worthy of a One-Year Upgrade?

XPERIA 1 iii comparison!

The highest praise I can award a new phone is that it’s so improved over last year’s phone that it’s worth upgrading after a year. The XPERIA 1 iii brings some GREAT quality of life improvements, but are they enough to recommend flipping your XPERIA 1 ii?

It’s time for a showdown! Continue reading “XPERIA 1iii vs 1 ii: Worthy of a One-Year Upgrade?”

Sony XPERIA 1 III: FINALLY a phone for ME!

Sony XPERIA 1 iii first impressions! Long-term first impressions? This all got SUPER weird. I had the phone back in May, had to send it back, and then they changed the embargo.

Yeesh…

Still, we can FINALLY share some thoughts on my favorite phone of 2021.

Where MANY premium phones are getting rid of features, Sony stands as the most complete premium option on the market today. Improvements for the camera. Improvements for the audio. AND the most beautiful screen available on any phone. We have a LOT to chat about. Let’s dig into the XPERIA! Continue reading “Sony XPERIA 1 III: FINALLY a phone for ME!”

TCL 20 Pro 5G First Look: The Most Feature Complete?

With more premium phones losing features, the argument for mid-rangers keeps getting stronger. TCL following up last year’s 10 Pro with a gorgeous update. Clean design, improved cameras, wireless charging, an IP rating, and that all important 5G!

Spending a couple days with the 20 Pro 5G, we can share some early thoughts on TCL gen 2! Continue reading “TCL 20 Pro 5G First Look: The Most Feature Complete?”

Xiaomi Mi 11i VS OnePlus 9: Stepping up to the Premium Tier

OnePlus 9 vs Mi 11i!

I’ve been itching to do a showdown for a while now.

As soon as I got my hands on the Mi 11i, I thought it would make for a fun fight against the OnePlus 9. Premium chipsets, lots of RAM, high end camera features. OnePlus and Xiaomi are keeping competition healthy in a price window near Galaxy S21’s and iPhone 12’s.

An important step above mid-range hardware, but well below the more luxury tier pricing. What should we call these phones? Premium mid-rangers? Budget friendly flagships?

Regardless, the two put up a great fight, and here are m thoughts on which comes out on top! Continue reading “Xiaomi Mi 11i VS OnePlus 9: Stepping up to the Premium Tier”

OnePlus Camera Update! They FIXED my BIGGEST complaint!

OnePlus 9 Pro camera update!

It’s the little things in life. Like when a massive international smartphone manufacturer has obviously heard your gripes about their product, and takes swift action to correct those issues. I must be a really big deal to OnePlus. I feel validated.

But seriously, this most recent OTA helped polish up one of my biggest pet peeves with the 9 Pro. Let’s chat! Continue reading “OnePlus Camera Update! They FIXED my BIGGEST complaint!”

Xiaomi Mi 11i Review: MIUI 12.5 and GREAT Hardware!

A month after launch, it’s clear Xiaomi is REALLY stepping up their game.

This is a fantastic “entry” level option for the premium tier of phones. Blurring the line between nicer mid-rangers and more expensive flagships. Compromises are NOT deal breakers if you know what you want!

Now running the newest build of MIUI, let’s geek out on a rad phone! Is it a “budget flagship” or a “premium mid-ranger”? Continue reading “Xiaomi Mi 11i Review: MIUI 12.5 and GREAT Hardware!”

Infinix Note 10 Pro Review: Good And Cheap!

Infinix Note 10 Pro review! I have a soft spot in my heart for budget phones that have LOTS of hardware features. Infinix is pricing this phone WELL below many other mid-rangers, but is it TOO cheap? Continue reading “Infinix Note 10 Pro Review: Good And Cheap!”