Category Archives: Reviews

Honor View 20 – 10 Part Review – Deep Dives with the Camera & Audio System & Much More

Android, Reviews, Tech News, , , , ,

As a reviewer of smartphones and gadgets, I am privileged to use a significant number of phones across a number of different manufacturers.

The Honor View 20 is a phone that has surpassed all my expectations. Here’s why.

Main Review

Honor originally provided me with a Honor View 20 on loan for the purpose of this review. However, after the loan period, I had enjoyed the phone so much I bought my own View 20 in phantom blue. This is the 8gb ram 256gb storage option. Some of you would have been aware that I had had a Pixel 3 XL. I sold this and replaced it the Honor View 20. That’s how impressed I have been with this phone.

So below are the key aspects of the Honor View 20 that have stood out for me.

Battery – In real daily use the battery life whether on wifi or 4g is astonishing. Today, I am likely to end with around 9 hours screen on time from coming off charge at 6.00am this morning. I have watched a movie on it, streamed from Netflix, streamed Tidal MQA Master quality audio into a USB DAC ( iFi Audio xDSD ) , messaged, browsed, played games and so much more. The fact it comes with a super charger plug which gives 50% recharging in 30 mins is really the icing on the cake. Compared to my Pixel 3 XL, the Honor View 20 totally crushes it. The Pixel 3 XL would only manage 4 hours screen on time.

Signal strength – whether on wifi, cellular, GPS or bluetooth, the phone just has remarkable coverage. This is likely due to the 3 bands for wifi and the double GPS signal system. Bluetooth is the latest version 5, with LDAC Hi-Res Codec support. Wifi calling all works a treat.

Screen. It’s a big 6.4 inch IPS screen that nearly goes edge to edge. That’s is what is feel like when watching YouTube or movies that fill the entire screen with just a hole punch for the front camera. Face unlock works instantly as does the rear fingerprint sensor. It is worth noting that if you wear polarised sunglasses, the screen is visible in portrait but not landscape.

Cameras. These are amazing. The rear cameras consist of a 48mp and 3D Time of Flight Sensor. The front camera is 25mp. My dedicated camera review is below. I have been out several times and taken shots with my Pixel 3 XL and Honor View 20. I then did a blind viewing with several people and 75% of the time, the View 20 was the winner. I subsequently have done more tests and ended up preferring the Honor View 20 shots. Add to the fact the diversity of camera modes makes this one blockbuster of a phone for taking pictures. Even the video is good especially at 1080p with all the Video AI modes.

Audio. The Honor View 20 has a 3.5mm headphone jack and its really good. Here’s why and more on the audio aspects of the phone.

Other features – It is great for making actual phone calls. It has an infra red blaster, great for adjusting the volume on my TV.

Price. It costs £499 for the 128gb version and £579 for the 256gb version. Link at end to Amazon where you can currently order and get a free Honor Watch Magic smartwatch. The Honor Watch Magic is worth around £155. When you think that Apple charge £1,149 for their 256gb iPhone XS Max, that’s a huge difference.

Camera Samples

The above shot was taken using the Aperture mode which allows post photo to adjust the focus point and blur from f/0.95 to f/16.

The above traffic trails light painting mode is so easy to use. For this a tripod is needed or a firm surface. This mode is built in to the default camera app.

The above is a hand held night mode. No tripod needed. Check out the main video review after one month which has over 40 additional camera samples.

Main Video Review

Additional Articles on the Honor View 20

The Barbican Historic Harbour Shot on the Honor View 20

Can your phone deliver this level of battery performance on 4G?

Portishead Quay Marine – Long Exposure Night Shots

Trip to London – Shots of Hyde Park

Honor View 20 – Secret Extra Night Mode discovered

Honor View 20 – Check out these battery stats

Conclusion

This phone sits at the top of my tree for recommendations. The sum of its parts creates a superb user experience.

Available from Amazon UK

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Honor 10 Lite Review

Android, Reviews, Tech News

The Honor 10 Lite is a budget smartphone that retails at £199.

Key Features

– Display – 6.21 inch IPS screen
– Chipset – Kirin 710, GPU Mali-G51 MP4
– Android 9.0 (Pie)
– Sensors: Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
– 3 GB RAM,
– Non-removable Li-Po 3400 mAh battery
– 64gb storage, micro SD card support
– Dual 4g sim
– 24mp Selfie Camera
– 13mp AI rear camera + 2mp depth camera

Main Review

Conclusion

The Honor 10 Lite is a fabulous looking smartphone, complete with a decent camera and a headphone jack. Recommended.

Useful Links

More info & latest pricing on the Honor 10 Lite on Amazon

Honor View 20 – 10 Part Review after 1 Month + Camera Showcase + Camera Deep Dive + Audio Review

Android, Reviews, Tech News

As a reviewer of smartphones and gadgets, I am privileged to use a significant number of phones across a number of different manufacturers.

The Honor View 20 is a phone that has surpassed all my expectations. Here’s why.

Main Review

First up, full disclosure. Honor provided me with a loan device for the purpose of this review. After the loan period, I enjoyed the phone so much I bought my own View 20 in phantom blue. Some of you will know that I have a Pixel 3 XL. I have now sold this and will be replacing it with my own Honor View 20. That’s how impressed I am with this phone!

So below are the key aspects of the Honor View 20 that have stood out for me.

Battery – In real daily use the battery life whether on wifi or 4g is astonishing. Today, I am likely to end with around 9 hours screen on time from coming off charge at 6.00am this morning. I have watched a movie on it, streamed from Netflix, streamed Tidal MQA Master quality audio into a USB DAC ( iFi Audio xDSD ) , messaged, browsed, played games and so much more. The fact it comes with a super charger plug which gives 50% recharging in 30 mins is really the icing on the cake. Compared to my Pixel 3 XL, the Honor View 20 totally crushes it. The Pixel 3 XL would only manage 4 hours screen on time.

Signal strength – whether on wifi, cellular, GPS or bluetooth, the phone just has remarkable coverage. This is likely due to the 3 bands for wifi and the double GPS signal system. Bluetooth is the latest version 5, with LDAC Hi-Res Codec support. Wifi calling all works a treat.

Screen. It’s a big 6.4 inch IPS screen that nearly goes edge to edge. That’s is what is feel like when watching YouTube or movies that fill the entire screen with just a hole punch for the front camera. Face unlock works instantly as does the rear fingerprint sensor.

Cameras. These are amazing. The rear cameras consist of a 48mp and 3D Time of Flight Sensor. The front camera is 25mp. My dedicated camera review is below. I have been out several times and taken shots with my Pixel 3 XL and Honor View 20. I then did a blind viewing with several people and 75% of the time, the View 20 was the winner. I subsequently have done more tests and ended up preferring the Honor View 20 shots. Add to the fact the diversity of camera modes makes this one blockbuster of a phone for taking pictures. Even the video is good especially at 1080p with all the Video AI modes.

Audio. The Honor View 20 has a 3.5mm headphone jack and its really good. Here’s why and more on the audio aspects of the phone.

Other features – It is great for making actual phone calls. It has an infra red blaster, great for adjusting the volume on my TV.

Price. It costs £499 for the 128gb version and £579 for the 256gb version. Link at end to Amazon where you can currently order and get a free Honor Watch Magic smartwatch. The Honor Watch Magic is worth around £155. When you think that Apple charge £1,149 for their 256gb iPhone XS Max, that’s a huge difference.

Camera Samples

The above shot was taken using the Aperture mode which allows post photo to adjust the focus point and blur from f/0.95 to f/16.

The above traffic trails light painting mode is so easy to use. For this a tripod is needed or a firm surface. This mode is built in to the default camera app.

The above is a hand held night mode. No tripod needed.

Main Video Review

Additional Articles on the Honor View 20

The Barbican Historic Harbour Shot on the Honor View 20

Can your phone deliver this level of battery performance on 4G?

Portishead Quay Marine – Long Exposure Night Shots

Trip to London – Shots of Hyde Park

Honor View 20 – Secret Extra Night Mode discovered

Honor View 20 – Check out these battery stats

Conclusion

This phone sits at the top of my tree for recommendations. The sum of its parts creates a superb user experience.

Available from Amazon UK

Honor View 20 – Audio Review – Bluetooth, Loudspeaker and 3.5mm Headphones all tested

Android, Audio, Headphone, Reviews, Tech News

Welcome to my audio review of the Honor View 20.

My audio review will focus on the following aspects –

– Bluetooth quality and codecs

– Loudspeaker quality

– System Audio options

– 3.5mm headphone jack and recommended headphones to use

Don’t forget to check out my dedicated camera review and future posts on the Honor View 20.

Audio Review

Useful Links

Honor View 20 is currently on offer at Amazon, the 6gb and 8gb version, with a Honor Magic Watch included free of charge Amazon UK.

Honor View 20 Camera Review – The 48mp AI Camera – All Modes Tested in 4K

Android, Reviews, Tech News

Welcome to my camera review of the Honor View 20.

This is the first part in a series of dedicated reviews focusing on particular aspects of the new Honor View 20. Tomorrow, the Audio Review will be published, and later on my camera/gallery app tutorial and after using the phone for an extended period of time to properly assess it, my main review will get published.

The Honor View 20 features a 48mp f/1.8 AI rear camera (Sony IMX586) along with a 3D Time of Flight sensor and flash. The front camera is 25mp f/2.0 with HDR.

The camera review looks at the following modes from the front and rear cameras –

– 4K, 1080p video front and rear camera
– Video AI modes – colour, background blur, vintage, suspense, fresh
– Slow motion at 960fps and 120fps
– Time Lapse
– Portrait front and rear
– Night mode
– Aperture Mode
– Light Painting – Traffic trails, light graffiti, silky water, star trails
– AR Lens
– Pro Mode
– Panorama / 3D
– HDR
– Artist Mode
– Stickers

Main Review

Conclusion

The Honor View 20 is has an excellent camera, that is versatile and easy to use. Recommended.

Useful Links

Honor View 20 is currently on offer at Amazon, the 6gb and 8gb version, with a Honor Magic Watch included free of charge Amazon UK.

Best USB-C Headphones in 2019 – OnePlus Type-C Bullets vs Google Pixel USB-C Buds vs Soundmagic E11D

Headphone, Reviews, Tech News,

Welcome to my review of the best USB-C headphones in 2019. With the rapid loss of the 3.5mm headphone jack and at the same time more devices from phones, macbooks, chromebooks, laptops and more adopting USB C over the outgoing micro USB, my review covers the best affordable options.

The three headphones chose are –

1) Soundmagic E11D which retails at £60.

2) OnePlus Type-C Bullets which retail at £16.

3) Google Pixel USB-C Earbuds which retail at £30

All three have different qualities, build and strengths, however I do pick a winner.

Main Review

Useful Links

Soundmagic E11D on Amazon UK
Google Pixel USB-C Earbuds on Amazon UK
OnePlus Bullets Type-C on Amazon UK

Honor View 20 – Unboxing and Full UI & Camera

Android, Reviews, Tech News, ,

Welcome to my unboxing of the new Honor View 20 smartphone with a 48mp rear camera. Photography just took a huge step forward.

My full review will be coming very soon.

Key Features

– 48mp Sony IMX586 AI Rear Camera with a 3D TOF Sensor (Time of Flight)
– 25mp AI Front Camera
– 6.4 inch IPS screen with a punch hole cutout
– Kirin 980
– 6gb ram/128gb storage
– 4,000mAh battery

Huawei P Smart 2019 – The Review – Full UI Tour incl Camera – Camera & Audio tested in detail

Android, Reviews, Tech News

Welcome to my review of the Huawei P Smart 2019 smartphone. The Huawei P Smart 2019 retails for around £199 and is Huawei’s budget offering. Camera aside they were 2 other surprises with this phone that made it really stand out for me.

Key Features/Specifications

– Huawei Full view display with an 6.21-inch 18: 9 screen with smart split screen
– Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4G BT4.2, USB 2.0.
– Rear Cameras 13MP f/1.8 + 2 MP dual rear cameras including Bokeh effect, face beauty and gesture shoot
– 8mp from camera
– EMUI 9.0.1 AI intelligent engine + smart multitasking + 2nd Gen fingerprint sensor + speed sharing + dual Bluetooth connection
– 3 GB RAM + 64 GB memory (up to 512 GB with microSD)
– Android 9.0
– Kirin 710 processor
– 3400 mAh battery
– 3.5mm headphone jack included
– TPU case included

Main Review

The video review includes an index at the start of the video.

Camera Samples

The video review includes many more photo and video samples. Below are a few shots from the camera. First photo is using the hand held 5 second night mode. No tripod is needed. Apart from being extremely dark, it was also foggy.

Below is shot of Bellever Tor on Dartooor. Auto mode.

Conclusion

The budget Huawei P Smart 2019 offers a lot of phone for the money. Recommended.

Useful Links

More info and latest pricing on Amazon UK – click HERE.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 review + 15 reasons why it crushes the iPad Pro 2018

Android, Reviews, Tech News,

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 is one of the best android tablets available, and this in my review which incorporates 15 reasons why it crushes the iPad Pro 2018.

In fact the Tab S4 is probably the only decent android tablet available, but it actually is far more capable, thanks to all the Samsung tweaks.

Key Features

– 10.5 inch OLED screen
– 4gb ram, 64gb storage plus micro SD card support
– 481g weight
– Slim bezel and no home key for a more immersive display
– True-to-life sound experience with auto rotate stereo and AKG tuned louder output
– A more immersive game environment with Game Launcher with the most famous and consumed games preloaded
– Adaptive Fast Charging (AFC) technology means you can get off zero and on your way faster than ever
– DeX mode operates with a recognisable interface, including multi windows, PC like task bar, drag and drop and maximise windows
– 7,300mAh battery

Main Review

Useful Links

Samsung Tab S4 on Amazon UK

DJI Osmo Pocket Review – with nearly 13 mins footage from the Osmo Pocket

Photography, Reviews, Tech News

Welcome to my review of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3-axis gimbal.

Key Features

– the smallest 3-axis stabilized handheld camera DJI has ever designed
– Osmo Pocket snaps photos in stunning detail, thanks to a 1/2.3-inch sensor, 80° FOV, and f/2.0 aperture. It can also shoot 4K/60fps video at 100Mbps and photos at 12 MP with a pixel size of 1.55 μm
– In real time, it precisely adjusts for your movements
– A sandstone handle is non-slip and sweat-proof, offering a comfortable grip. The built-in touchscreen and buttons provide a quick, single-handed user experience, letting you choose modes and adjust settings in a few swipes and taps.
– Intelligent functions include ActiveTrack, NightShot,Motionlapse, and Panorama.
– DJI Mimo, a dedicated app with editing tools with exclusively-designed filters and soundtracks give a unique finish to your footage. Mimo is the companion to let you point, shoot, edit, and share amazing moments. My Story lets you set the tone of your video with templates, filters, music, and watermark stickers with a single tap.

The Review

The DJI Osmo Pocket is available from Amazon UK.

DJI Osmo Pocket First Impressions with new firmware plus detailed look at functions and app

Photography, Reviews, Tech News

Welcome to my first impressions of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3-axis gimbal.

Key Features

– the smallest 3-axis stabilized handheld camera DJI has ever designed
– Osmo Pocket snaps photos in stunning detail, thanks to a 1/2.3-inch sensor, 80° FOV, and f/2.0 aperture. It can also shoot 4K/60fps video at 100Mbps and photos at 12 MP with a pixel size of 1.55 μm
– In real time, it precisely adjusts for your movements
– A sandstone handle is non-slip and sweat-proof, offering a comfortable grip. The built-in touchscreen and buttons provide a quick, single-handed user experience, letting you choose modes and adjust settings in a few swipes and taps.
– Intelligent functions include ActiveTrack, NightShot,Motionlapse, and Panorama.
– DJI Mimo, a dedicated app with editing tools with exclusively-designed filters and soundtracks give a unique finish to your footage. Mimo is the companion to let you point, shoot, edit, and share amazing moments. My Story lets you set the tone of your video with templates, filters, music, and watermark stickers with a single tap.

Useful Links

DJI Osmo Pocket on Amazon UK
Samsung EVO U3 High Speed Micro SD Cards

Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless In-Ear Headphones – THE REVIEW – AirPods finally de-throned! + Comparisons with Bose, Jabra & Sony

Audio, Headphone, Reviews, Tech News
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Welcome to my review of the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless In-Ear Headphones. It has taken Sennheiser a while to release true wireless earphones, but finally they have and blown ALL the competition out of the water. The retail price is £279.

The earphones feature a brand new 7mm driver. The key focus on the earphones is the sound quality. And this is where Sennheiser have hit gold. But there is more to earphones than just the sound quality, so let’s take a look at the key features.

The Key Features/Specs

– Control your music, calls, volume and voice assistant simply through the touchpad technology built into both earbuds
– Transparent hearing mode keeps you aware of your surroundings, allowing you to easily listen and chat without having to remove your earbuds
– 4 hours of listening becomes 12 with the compact charging case that gives you two full extra charges
– durable, tough, splash resistant materials, IPX4 rated
– AAC and APT-X codecs, and APT-X Low Latency, SBC
– Bluetooth 5, class 1
– USB C for Charging
– 4 Hours battery plus 2 further charges via the case
– iOS and android Smart App
– MEMS microphones

The Sennheiser Momentum are also smart in ear headphones. Music pauses the second you remove an earbud, then starts again the second you put them back in. They also feature auto on/off. Place them back in the case, and they start charging. Sennheiser have clearly looked at how easy AirPods are to use and copied everything they did, and then added even more options. They also looked at all the other earphones from Bose, Sony, Jabra and more.

Another feature is transparent hearing mode keeps you aware of your surroundings, allowing you to easily listen and chat without having to remove your earbuds. High-quality noise pick up even in the noisiest environments, thanks to the two-mic beam technology and the MEMS microphones.

You can fine-tune your audio just the way you want to hear it through the integrated internal equaliser, by using the Sennheiser Smart Control App. The app also controls firmware updates.

So now let’s take a closer look at the earphones, talk more about the sound quality,pro and some of the cons,usability, comfort, noise cancellation, call quality and comparisons with other competitors including AirPods, Bose, Jabra and others.

Main Review

Conclusion

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless in-ear headphones are simply the best true wireless earphones available. Period. Grab a pair on Amazon UK.

Lindy NC-60 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones Review – A Budget King

Audio, Headphone, Reviews, Tech News

Welcome to my review of the Lindy NC-60 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones review. What makes these headphones stand out is the budget pricing of around £53, along with all the accessories included.

Key Features

– Active Noise Cancellation technology delivers up to 85% reduction of ambient noise
– 40mm high output drivers with neodymium magnets
– Adjustable headband and soft cushioned earpads
– Rotatable earpieces for safe storage in the supplied, hard durable vinyl carry case
– Flexible 1.5m audio cable with 3.5mm jack, adapters for connecting to dual plug in-flight entertainment systems and hi-fi are also included
– Lindy’s 2 year warranty

Main Review

Conclusion

At this price point, Lindy have produced a good noise cancelling headphone that is comfortable to wear.

Latest pricing on Amazon UK

Focal Spark Wireless Earphones Review

Audio, Headphone, Reviews, Tech News

Welcome to my review of the Focal Spark Wireless earphones. The Focal Spark Wireless earphones retail for £89.99.

Key Features

– Lightweight and comfortable
– Fastening system for sports use
– Available in Black, Silver & Rose Gold
– Exceptional performance / price ratio
– 3-button remote control with omnidirectional microphone – works with windows, android & iOS
– Bluetooth 4.1
– Impedance 16 ohms
– Sensitivity 103db
– Battery – up to 8 hours

Main Review

Conclusion

Focal have produced a lovely wireless earphone, using their hi-end audio pedigree.

Latest pricing on Amazon UK

iFi Audio xDSD Review – Bluetooth Hi-Res DAC & Amplifier with MQA

Audio, Reviews, Tech News

Welcome to my review of the iFi Audio xDSD. The iFi Audio xDSD retails for £299.

Key Features/Specifications

– Wirelessly connect any smartphone or digital audio player to wired headphones.
– APT-X and AAC Bluetooth streaming receiver.
– USB type A OTG/CCK connector.
– 3.5mm coaxial/TOSLINK combo S/PDIF input.
– Sensitive IEMs are super quiet using iFi Audio Cyberdrive circuit design (incorporates the iFi exclusive OV4627 ultra low noise FET input Op-Amp and W990VST digitally controlled stepped attenuator) which puts the analogue volume under digital control.
– Natively playback Hi-Res audio with iFi Audio signature Burr Brown digital to analog converter chip. Supports native PCM 384, quad DSD 256, and MQA.
– 3.5mm balanced output works with single ended connections and cuts crosstalk in half.
– XBass – cleans up and restore a rich, deeper bass line.
– 3D Matrix- recreates the recording’s original sound field.
– Two modes – speakers or headphones.
– Up to 10 hours battery life.
– MQA included. Stream Tidal with ease.
– True Native® playback of all music formats from MP3 to DSD512, PCM768 and 2xDXD.
– Separate power input (micro USB) to charge its own internal battery, it does not draw from your smartphone
– Dynamic Range > 113dB (A)
– Output power – 2.82V/500 mW @ 16 Ohm, 3.7V/270 mW @ 50 Ohm, 3.8V/48 mW @ 300 Ohm, 3.8V/24 mW @ 600 Ohm
– Line out Level – 2.1V @ 0dBFS
– Dimensions 95(l) x 67(w) x 19(h) mm
– Weight 127g

Main Review

Conclusion

The iFi Audio xDSD is a cracking versatile piece of kit and highly recommended.

iFi Audio xDSD on Amazon UK