Google Pixel 5 and 4a 5G get great reviews, OnePlus 8T launch, and more tech news

Your Tech News Digest via the DGiT Daily Tech Newsletter for Thursday, October 15, 2020.

1. Google Pixel 5 and 4a 5G Reviews

The Pixel 5 and 4a 5G ratings eventually fell, and there are plenty of strong 8/10 ratings floating around for both devices. The vibe I get is that the Pixel 5 is fine, but the 4a 5G is one of the best mid-range phones out there. Ever.

The $ 499 Pixel 4a 5G really falls into a different category. It cuts off a few corners to be cheaper, with a bigger screen, and at $ 499, it’s perfect mid-range pricing.

The Pixel 5 is a bit more finished and a bit more expensive, but raves about it. At $ 699, that’s $ 200 more, and that $ 200 will get you ahead.

Google Pixel 5 First Review: The best premium pixel

• Finally great battery life with a great display and camera.
• The Pixel experience remains top-notch, and the slightly less than the flagship processor has no performance issues.
• The camera shows a bit of age in terms of Google which still uses a small sensor, but the image processing ability remains.

TechCrunch also has a really nice review of the Pixel 5 that gets to the point about Google’s somewhat unusual Pixel lineup that doesn’t have much in between.

Google Pixel 4a 5G Review: Perfectly balanced as all pixels should be.

I will only quote the praise from the review here:

• “You had to make concessions to get below $ 500, but almost all compromises are justified. The main exception is the 60 Hz display. While wireless charging, water resistance, and high quality materials are all “flagship” items, the lack of a 90 Hz refresh rate is arbitrary.
• “However, the positive results outweigh all handles. There are the expected highs. The software is the best Android offering while the camera wipes the floor with other competitors in the price range. But there are also the little extras that make the Pixel 4a 5G something special. This includes the comprehensive audio suite, the appealing feel and the exclusive pixel apps and services. “
• “2020 was a turbulent year for Google with the premature end of the Pixel 4 series and lengthy delays for the Pixel 4a. However, the Pixel 4a 5G is not just a bright spot in a difficult calendar year. It’s one of the best phones Google has ever made. “

2. Start and test the OnePlus 8T

OnePlus hosted the launch event for the OnePlus 8T yesterday with a new design and shape, plus a $ 50 increase in price over the OnePlus 8, which now starts at $ 749.

So what do you get for your money

• A screen with a refresh rate of 120 Hz versus the previous refresh rate of 90 Hz.
• The cameras have a new macro sensor with a higher resolution and a monochrome sensor to round off the quad-rear setup.
• It also has a flatter screen, which is a big change from the curved previous displays and builds and already brings it closer to the iPhone 12.
• You also get more RAM, more storage, more battery. All 8T models have 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, eliminating the lower tier options of 8GB / 128GB.
• The battery has increased from 4,300 mAh to 4,500 mAh.
• Oh, and faster charging at 65W.

OnePlus’ ‘T’ models were rarely a must-have if you already owned the previous model. There is a new contender for everyone else.

• Our 8T test from my colleague Ryan Thomas-Shaw says there’s really no reason unless you really like the flat screen.
• The additional camera looks unnecessary.
• And one of the phone’s disappointments compared to the competition is also the camera, which looks overworked and only has a hint of it. OnePlus hasn’t been able to nail a camera for a few years now, though many are just porting the GCam mod app to use Google Pixel processing on a OnePlus device.

For everyone else, the OnePlus 8T is an interesting choice and should be attractive even with a price jump.

• It still has the power and speed and is now charging faster, while the higher refresh rate started at at least 90Hz, so it’s not a big jump.
• And it was pointed out that the OnePlus Nord is a better buy for many: “For half the price, you get a powerful display, good battery life, good camera and solid speed.”
• It will remain a top flagship. At $ 899, the OnePlus 8 Pro stays well placed even if the 8T is catching up in some areas.

One more thing: OnePlus confirms that a smartwatch is coming.

3. OnePlus doesn’t preinstall Facebook apps on its new phones, including OnePlus 8T. The problem was that after preinstalling it couldn’t be removed … (Android Authority).

4. Samsung is investigating a Xiaomi-like design with two folding phones (Android Authority).

5. iPhone 12 Pro models have 6 GB of RAM, iPhone 12 and 12 Mini stay at 4 GB (MacRumors).

6. The iPhone 12 does not come with a charger. Will it contain e-waste? (Wired).

7. Via CNBC: “Facebook and Twitter have decided to restrict the distribution of a New York Post story alleging reading emails titled“ Smoking Gun ”referring to Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and relate to his son. The editorial decision to reduce the spread of the story that provides minimal evidence matters to Facebook. “(CNBC).

8. Zoom News: OnZoom is a new tool that allows paid users to bill for entry to online events (such as conferences or fitness classes) (Business Insider). And Zoom will begin rolling out end-to-end encryption next week, with a technical preview first. Plus some more features like immersive backgrounds (Android Authority).

9. The LAFD has just hired America’s first fire fighting robot (Engadget).

10. A Soyuz capsule has just completed a record-breaking 3-hour flight to the ISS. An impressive achievement with its latest manned mission (Space).

11. First superconductor at room temperature reports: Superconductivity is exciting again. (Ars Technica).

12. The hugging tiger of the hidden camera wins the Wildlife Photo Award. The runners-up are fantastic too! (BBC).

13. AI can now remove moving images from videos. Really stunning (YouTube).

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