Google’s Pixel 8 Pro is my favorite Android phone… ever? My review is live
Techtober is almost over
What a week. I spent the majority of it finalizing testing and writing my reviews of Google’s Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro and the Pixel Watch 2. Two of which are live now, with the last one to follow next week.
Amazon’s Prime Day came and went, and I didn’t buy a single thing. That’s usually the case, though. Too many deals to sort through that I get overwhelmed and just ignore Prime Day altogether, outside of any assignments for work (of which I had a couple this week).
I’m not going to opine about anything this week, instead I’m just going to get straight to all of the work I had published around the web this week. Let’s get right to it.
Stories I had published this week
Reviews:
- Google’s Pixel 8 is the smaller of the two phones, but still just as capable and impressive as the 8 Pro. The new display tech is fantastic, the cameras are as impressive as ever and the AI camera features seal the deal. Read my Google Pixel 8 review on Pocket-lint.
- Google’s Pixel 8 Pro, however, is easily my favorite Pixel phone.. ever. The new design, that Bay color, advanced camera chops and long battery life and those same AI features the regular 8 has make for the best Android experience. Read my Google Pixel 8 Pro review on CNN Underscored.
- Apple’s new FineWoven material for iPhone cases and Apple Watch straps got off to a bad start, with many tech reviewers and members of the press not recommending it due to scratching and staining. Instead of being quick to judge, I decided to test the case for a couple of weeks, and you know what? It’s fine. I wouldn’t (and didn’t) pay $60 for it, but I have no major complaints about the case. Read my FineWoven mini-review on Pocket-lint.
How to:
- Google’s new Pixel 8 line has some scary good AI photo editing tools, one of which is called Best Take which lets you swap faces in group photos around to ensure you get the shot you want. It’s crazy to use, but not perfect. Read how to use Best Take on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro on Pocket-lint.
- The Pixel 8 Pro has a temperature sensor built into the camera bar that you can use to take the temperature of random objects. It’s kinda cool, but also I’m not entirely sure why it exists. Nonetheless, I broke down how to use it and why you might find its performance inconsistent. Read about the Pixel 8 Pro’s temp sensor on Pocket-lint.
Comparisons:
- I went out on took a bunch of pictures using Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Utlra and Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max to figure out which phone has the best camera setup. The winner? It depends on your personal taste. Read about and compare the results for yourself on Pocket-lint.
- Debating whether or not you should get the Apple Watch SE or the brand-new Apple Watch Series 9? I compared and contrasted the smartwatches to help people like you make a decision. Read my Apple Watch SE vs Apple Watch Series 8 on Pocket-lint.
Roundups:
- Random tech can be some of the best tech we own, so I rounded a bunch of random gadgets that I’ve tested and reviewed myself. Check out the list on Inside Hook.
Deals:
While I know the deals are no longer valid, in the spirit of thoroughness, here are a couple of deals posts I wrote for The Street for Amazon’s latest Prime Day sale extravaganza:
Our favorite Kindle just hit $95, a record low price for Amazon Prime Day
You still have time to get the Peloton Bike and Bike+ at the lowest prices yet at Amazon
Other tidbits and looking ahead
My Pixel Watch 2 review will run next week, so I’ll include it in next week’s newsletter. Want a spoiler? The new stress monitoring feature is surprisingly great and battery life is much better than last year’s model.
OnePlus is teasing its first foldable smartphone, the OnePlus Open. It will launch on Oct. 19. I’m a huge fan of foldable phones, and love the fact there are so many different options now. Looking forward to seeing what the OnePlus Open offers.
T-Mobile is pulling something very carrier-like for dubbing itself the Uncarrier for the last decade or so. If you’re currently a T-Mobile subscriber on one of its unlimited plans, the carrier is automatically switching you to a new, more expensive plan. You can opt out of the switch, though. 9to5Mac walks you through what you need to do to ensure you aren’t migrated to the new plan.
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