READ: Gemini Nano will not be coming to the Pixel 8

With that being said however, recent news that the base model Pixel 8 will be missing out on Gemini Nano (due to supposed hardware limitations) has cast a bit of doubt on Google’s dedication to its mobile AI prospects. Yes, one could argue that the company was clear about certain features being locked away on the Pixel 8 Pro, but given that a ton of its AI features are cloud-based for the most part, the Pixel 8 seems like it could at least handle Gemini Nano despite the lesser amount of RAM inside, which many are suspecting might be the cause of this limitation.

This is only further fuelled by the fact that Google managed to bring over its “Circle to Search” function to the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro (both of which come with older Tensor hardware), and has seemingly confirmed that the Pixel’s battery stats page will be exclusive for the midrange Pixel 8a and future handsets once they launch – another locked-away feature, at least at the time of this writing.

it’s quite unfortunate that the Pixel 8 is getting left behind this early into its advertised seven-year lifespan

For a flagship phone with a heavy emphasis on software updates as part of its major selling points, it’s quite unfortunate that the Pixel 8 is getting left behind this early into its advertised seven-year lifespan – just five months, actually. As someone who owns a Pixel 8 (and has always had Pixel phones as his main devices), this doesn’t exactly put a lot of confidence into owning the product, and given Google’s track record with services such as Stadia and Pixel Pass (to name a couple) it brings back some rather unpleasant memories.

We also have to consider what other companies are doing at the moment – Qualcomm and MediaTek are pumping out chipsets which are capable of on-device AI, albeit with a little software optimization on behalf of the respective smartphone brand. Google has had its headstart with Tensor and the Pixel 8, and it’s a shame if it were to “nerf” the Pixel 8, especially in a day and age where generative AI is on nearly every new smart device.

Looking at the bright side though, there’s still a chance that things could change. Going back to the arrival of Circle to Search on the Pixel 7, it is possible for Google to bring newer software features to older devices. Take for example Magic Eraser – once touted as an exclusive Pixel editing feature, it’s since become available for different devices, and all users need to do is sign up for a Google One subscription to get it on an older Pixel, Samsung, or even an iPhone.

READ: The “Circle to Search” Feature Finally Arrives for Older Pixel Phones

With that in mind, who’s to say that Gemini Nano won’t arrive for the Pixel 8? Maybe there’s some sort of planned surprise update, but should the folks at Mountain View decide to do so, they should keep in mind that the race for AI is already underway – and no one’s slowing down for Google.

The post How is Google a Leader in AI, if the Pixel 8 is Already Left Behind? appeared first on Phandroid.

By comparison, the Pixel 7 from 2022 seems a lot more outdated now – it’s got a display with slightly older specs, a considerably slower chipset, and it loses out on some of the newer software tricks introduced in the Pixel 8 series. Take a closer look however, and it’s clear that the phone still has a certain charm to it.

A Better Choice, Economically Speaking

Perhaps one thing that most people will notice about the Pixel 7 nowadays is that it’s gotten a considerable price cut, especially if you’re shopping from a third-party retailer other than Google. The phone originally launched at around $599, which to begin with was already cheaper than most flagship competitors on the market at the time.

Take a quick look on Amazon nowadays though, and you can find the Pixel 7 for less than $450, making it cheaper than even the midrange Pixel 7a. For folks after a relatively wallet friendly Pixel phone, the 7 is already a more ideal model versus the 7a, since it comes with faster charging speeds, a more premium design, a larger display, and newer software features.

A Tale of Updates

Speaking of newer software features, Google recently brought over its “Circle to Search” feature – once exclusive on the Pixel 8 series – to the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. This is a terrific move on Google’s part as the Pixel 7 is pretty much capable of handling Google’s major software tricks (fingers crossed for Magic Editor), and hopefully it receives more feature drops this year.

READ: The “Circle to Search” Feature Finally Arrives for Older Pixel Phones

It should also be said that the Pixel 7 does come with support for major platform upgrades until October 2025, with security updates until October 2027. That means the phone will still receive Android 16, and users will still get a considerable amount of use from the Pixel 7, even if they’re buying one just now. Based on personal experience, the recent Andoid 14 update from a few months back has seemingly improved the Pixel 7’s battery performance; yes, it’s mostly a subjective scenario, but from what I’ve seen so far it’s been a better experience in general.

Based on personal experience, the recent Andoid 14 update from a few months back has seemingly improved the Pixel 7’s battery performance

Now while some might scoff at the notion of going with an older smartphone especially with more powerful ones readily available on the market, the Pixel 7 still holds its own in some key areas aside from software.

Seeing is Believing

Perhaps the biggest strength of the Pixel 7 lies within its cameras – it’s a simple setup for sure, so you’re not getting any dedicated telephoto or macro lens apart from the built-in primary and ultrawide sensors. But despite this “limitation,” the Pixel 7’s photographic prowess allows it to capture rich shots with a good amount of detail.

It’s not a perfect camera phone, although its hardware setup is rather similar to that of the Pixel 8 from last year, and comes with many of the same camera features with the exception of Magic Editor. But despite being a year older, its camera manages to hold its own especially against phones twice its price. Its easy-to-use camera app is also ideal for casual mobile photographers, resulting in good-looking results with minimal effort.

Still Worth It?

For first-time Pixel buyers or veterans looking to upgrade from a much older model (and looking to save some cash), the Pixel 7 is still a solid contender. The consistent camera performance, the improvements brought by software updates, as well as the much cheaper price all add up for a tempting choice, and for a phone that will get updates for a few more years down the line, the Pixel 7 might be worth taking a look at.

There is a ton of competition of course, and bargain hunters patient enough to hunt around for deals on phones like the Pixel 8 (and even the 7 Pro) will no doubt end up with better hardware – but again on its own, the Pixel 7 remains a capable Android phone.

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The post The Pixel 7 is Still a Great Flagship Phone, Even in 2024 appeared first on Phandroid.

With that in mind, this does raise a question – are the days of innovative Android hardware design truly left in the past, or are minor iterative updates not so bad at all?

Brand Identity

This trend isn’t exclusive to a handful of brands – take a look at the big names in the industry, and chances are you’ll notice a lot of visual similarities especially with their flagship devices. In addition to the S24 series we have the Xperia 1 devices, Google’s Pixel flagships, the Nothing Phone 1 and 2, and so on – it’s clear that companies are sticking to tried-and-tested designs without straying too much in terms of looks.

Perhaps one good reason for this is that it works towards establishing a definitive brand identity for a company. Take for example Samsung’s S-Ultra phones – one look at the rectangular design and multiple camera bumps, and you’ll immediately know that it’s a Samsung phone, regardless of whether or not it’s an S22, S23, or S24 Ultra.

“It’s clear that companies are sticking to a tried-and-tested design without straying too much in terms of looks.”

The same goes for Google’s Android phones – one good look at the phone’s rear camera visor, and you’ll immediately know that it’s a Pixel. It’s a move that managed to work nicely for Apple, and given its successful marketing strategy it’s understandable why Android manufacturers would also want to stick with recognizable designs.

If it Ain’t Broke

Other than looks, another reason why manufacturers tend to stick to familiar designs is because of functionality – again we look to the Pixel line of smartphones as an example. A while back, Google gave an in-depth look into how functionality plays a major part in the Pixel’s camera window design, allowing engineers to stuff a good amount of hardware features into the phone’s camera without adding much to the device’s overall thickness.

READ: Google Gives an Insight into How it Designed the Pixel’s Camera Bar

Another example would be the Nothing Phone series – one major hardware feature baked into Nothing’s handsets is the Glyph Interface, which consists of LED lights designed for notifications and such. As a result, it’s a design that works and there’s little reason for Nothing to develop a hardware makeover.

There are of course some exceptions – for one, the Galaxy S8 and S9 both featured slim bezels on the top and bottom of the display, although Samsung removed this later on with the Galaxy S10 series, instead opting for a hole punch display to accomodate the front-facing camera, while at the same time increasing the overall screen real estate.

Final Thoughts

Of course, this is all subjective – an Android manufacturer might have entirely different reasons for sticking with familiar-looking designs, and not every user will enjoy the fact that next year’s phone might end up looking like their current daily driver. On the other hand though, it’s a discussion which reminds us that hardware designers and engineers are capable of coming up with groundbreaking products, and who knows – we might see an interesting new phone or two within the next few years.

The post Smartphone Hardware Design has Stagnated, but that’s Actually a Good Thing appeared first on Phandroid.

The Pixel 3a proved to be a winning formula, and Google would continue the A-series line with the 4a, 5a, and so on – this year, Google fans are expecting the arrival of the Pixel 8a, which while still unannounced has been leaked to oblivion in the past few months.

READ: Google Pixel 8a could see a massive battery upgrade

With that being said, there are still some concerns about why Google still needs the A-series line in its roster. Sure, it does help to have a more affordable option in a manufacturer’s device lineup, but is this still the case in this day and age?

Affordable Flagships

Take for example last year’s situation with the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7a – launched many months after the Pixel 7, the 7a arrived with a 500-dollar price tag, and was technically a more affordable option compared to its flagship sibling at the time, which launched at a not-so-distant 600-dollar price.

“For nearly the same price, buyers had the option of going with a full-fledged flagship device with the Pixel 7”

On the other hand however, the Pixel 7 had been reduced in price by the time that the 7a arrived. For nearly the same price, buyers had the option of going with a full-fledged flagship device with the 7, as opposed to its A-series counterpart which sacrificed some hardware components such as the build quality, main camera sensor, and features such as cinematic video recording to name a few. As a result, the quick drop in price made the Pixel 7a somewhat pointless, unfortunately.

Formidable Competition

There’s also the argument that Google’s A-series devices face an increasingly competitive budget-to-mid phone market. Again we go to the 7a – in terms of specs, Google’s 2023 midranger is easily outclassed by similarly-priced rivals, which offer more impressive hardware components, i.e. 120Hz displays, larger batteries, faster SoCs, and so on.

Sure, one could argue that the Pixel 7a’s strengths lie in its camera performance and software support, and there’s no denying that. For a lot of buyers however, the price-to-spec ratio of the 7a wasn’t the best-looking out of the bunch, regardless of photographic capabilities and such. Its appeal was for Google fans and first-time Pixel buyers, but this takes us back to our first point of discussion.

Back to Basics

Perhaps Google could go back to its strategy with the Pixel 3a – the phone managed to offer a very similar user experience to the Pixel 3, and even featured the same form factor, with some minor differences. What set it apart though was the price, which was half of the Pixel 3’s price tag ($400 vs $800).

Aside from the all-plastic build, another move that allowed Google to lower the 3a’s price was with the phone’s internals – the Pixel 3a was powered by a midrange chipset in the form of the Snapdragon 670, as opposed to the Snapdragon 845 found in the base model Pixel 3. Some will scoff at the notion of a phone having a low-end chipset in 2023, but this is where the importance of pricing comes in.

Is this the Way?

Of course, this is all coming from an end user’s point of view. Perhaps Google has some masterful plan with the upcoming Pixel 8a and even the 9a, but it’s clear that its game plan from the days of the Pixel 3a has changed. At this point in time, some enthusiasts might wait for a price drop instead of going with an underpowered A-series phone, especially since Pixel phones seem to get discounts all the time.

With that being said though, a cleverly-priced Pixel A phone is something we’re still wishing for. How about you?

The post Google’s Pixel “A” Series Needs a Full Reset appeared first on Phandroid.

It’s all about customization

Apple undeniably excels in delivering timely software updates to its entire ecosystem. If the latest version of iOS is released today, Apple doesn’t even need to prompt its users to update as many will rush to update as quickly as they can. This ensures that iOS users receive the latest features and security patches the moment they become available. However, the price to this approach is customization.

Android’s update process may lag behind, but thanks to its open-source nature, it allows for an unparalleled degree of flexibility and customization.

One of the strengths of Android is the ability for users to tailor their devices to their exact preferences. From tweaking the user interface to installing third-party apps outside iOS the Play Store, the customization options are virtually endless. This can be taken even further with custom ROMs. These ROMs introduce functionalities and features that are not part of Android. In fact, there have been some instances where Google “borrowed” some ROM features and made it part of Android.

Not everyone is bothered

The reality is that not every feature introduced in Android updates will be used by all users. While new features are exciting, if they don’t fit into our daily routine, it might as well not exist. Speaking with friends and family, it seems that the lack of updates don’t really bother them.

Some have also pointed out that while they would like to receive the latest updates, third-party apps already allow them to achieve what they want to do from their phones. Some of them are aware that there is a new version available.

They might miss out on features like OS themes or PiP, but since their devices aren’t eligible, there’s really not much they can do.

Based on this, it feels that the speed of updates becomes less important versus the actual impact on the user.

Updates still matter

However, it’s important to note that updates still matter. For instance, security patches help prevent the exploitation of malware and security flaws. Updates are also important as it can offer overall improvements. For example, updates can refine existing features and functions. Smoother animations, enhanced security measures, improved accessibility options, and optimized battery management are just a few examples.

Sometimes updates aren’t necessarily about fancy new features that you see everyday, but the things it does behind the scenes.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, Android’s perceived fragmentation is not necessarily a bad thing. Sure, it can be annoying to see other Android phones get the latest software update while you’re stuck on an older version for months. But at the same time, Android users have a myriad of ways to customize and make their devices truly their own. This means that even if updates come slow, or if their devices aren’t even eligible for updates anymore, it’s not the end of the world.

The post Android’s update fragmentation… no one really cares appeared first on Phandroid.

With that in mind however, this does raise a question of whether or not we’ll see a competing device emerge from the Android side of things. While there have been numerous VR and AR products released over the past several years, there’s arguably a vacant space in the market for an Android-based product that could serve as a market alternative to the Vision Pro. But speaking from a consumer perspective, is it ideal to have one?

READ: The Apple Vision Pro doesn’t usher in the AR future we were promised

Android is Hardware-Agnostic

At this point it goes without saying that a huge part of Android’s appeal both to end users and developers is an in-born flexibility that allows it to be designed for a wide range of different hardware. We’ve seen Android go beyond the confines of smartphones and tablets, eventually making its way to EV dashboards, gaming systems, and even refrigerators of all things. That being said, it’s this same malleability which makes it an ideal software platform to power a mixed reality headset.

It’s not an unexplored concept however – for example, Samsung and Google both had smartphone-based solutions with Samsung Gear VR and Google Cardboard, which required an Android phone to serve as the internal monitor of the headset. Even the Occulus Quest runs on a modified version of Android, although its forked version somewhat limits the possibilities with regards to software, which brings us to our next point.

It’s Open Source

Given that we’ve seen Android molded and modified by different OEMs to work with their respective device ecosystems, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Android’s open source nature makes it ideal for mixed reality and “spatial computing” technology, as anyone can essentially do what they want with the software. Sure, it will take considerable time and funding to fully adapt it to a compatible hardware platform, but it helps that the framework is already there.

…it will take considerable time and funding to fully adapt it to a compatible hardware platform, but it helps that the framework is already there.

By comparison, the Vision Pro runs on Apple’s custom “Vision OS” which itself is separate from iOS and iPad OS for example, requiring app developers to work on another version of their software for an additional device with a smaller user base, something which has been an issue for certain companies.

A Large App Catalog

In relation to this, another advantage of having an Android-powered MR headset would be the pre-existing multitude of apps already available for Android, unlike Vision OS which is still in the process of working with developers towards specialized apps.

Of course these apps would have to undergo a bit of redesign to fit a different approach to user interaction, as we’ve seen with versions of Android such as 12L for example. In the past, Android has been notorious for the lack of app optimization on devices other than smartphones, although thankfully this has improved in the past few years. Since nearly every Android app is designed to work with a touch interface, it only makes sense for an Android-based headset to work differently in terms of usability and UI experiences.

Is it Practical Though?

It’s probably safe to say that there’s still a long way to go before dedicated spatial computing headsets become the norm, despite what Apple’s marketing campaigns and a barrage of influencer videos might tell you. Of course as with any new technology, it will take a while before it becomes more accessible to the general public (remember phablets?), although the earlier onset of other VR/AR headgear such as the Meta Quest and PSVR  – while being designed for different purposes – helps to somewhat normalize the product category in the eyes of “average” consumers.

At this moment though your guess is as good as ours – maybe Apple’s relative popularity will further propel consumer adoption of spatial computing headsets into the mainstream, although on the other hand a more affordable Android alternative could have the same effect. Either way, seeing a more modern take on the Samsung Gear VR, or maybe even a Pixel MR headset is undoubtedly something to look forward to.

A guy can dream, right?

The post Apple’s Vision Pro Needs an Android Competitor appeared first on Phandroid.

A hard sell

Despite it’s unique design and unique feature set, it’s hard to ignore the price of the Vision Pro. Priced at over $3,000, it is going to be a hard sell for the average consumer. Competing devices or devices in a similar category are going for way less.

Secondly, battery life on the Vision Pro isn’t that great. For a device that’s supposed to be portable, a battery life of about 2.5 hours is quite disappointing. It might be good for one movie but that’s about it. Lastly, it is too damn conspicuous. Remember when the less-conspicuous Google Glass first launched and the public’s visceral reaction to it? Apple’s Vision Pro doesn’t even bother trying to disguise itself.

This brings us to our next point – the form factor. If Apple is hoping for the Vision Pro to become a daily part of our lives, it needs to be made into a form factor that is easily “forgettable”. Think about products like smartwatches. They can be worn on the wrist and are easily forgotten except when you need it. They don’t get in the way and we don’t need to carve out a special time or place to use them.

Meta’s Ray-Ban smart sunglasses are a great example. Even when their smart features aren’t being used, they double up as a cool fashion accessory that you or I would easily wear on a daily basis.

There is potential

That being said, the Apple Vision Pro is far from a failure. Judging by the various reviews of the device, Apple has indeed created a device that works pretty much as marketed. It is quite an impressive engineering feat, especially with its gesture-based controls. The integration with Apple’s ecosystem is another plus, making it a great extension for iPhone or Mac users.

To be fair, we think that Apple already expects that the first-gen Vision Pro won’t be a smashing hit. The price alone is enough to put off the majority of customers. Like any new form of technology, there is room for improvement and refinement. At the end of the day, Apple needs to decide what they want from the Vision Pro and who exactly they are targeting.

If there is one good thing that the Vision Pro has accomplished is that due to Apple’s marketing efforts and reputation, it can further propel the discussion and interest in AR and VR technology. It can also help serve as a catalyst for broader acceptance and integration of the technology into our daily lives.

The post The Apple Vision Pro doesn’t usher in the AR future we were promised appeared first on Phandroid.

To a certain extent, Apple is probably aware that they’ll never catch up to Android’s market share. It would be an impossible task anyway, as Android phones have such a huge variety, catering to different needs and more importantly, different budgets. But for the first time in a long time, Apple could be in some serious trouble with Samsung officially adopting AI features in its latest Galaxy S24 series of smartphones.

Apple and Samsung’s rivalry

Samsung is probably Apple’s biggest rival in the smartphone space, despite the fact that both companies run different hardware and software. But with Samsung adopting the use of AI, partly in thanks to their close relationship with Google, they have taken a significant leap forward.

Instead of being just about iOS versus Android, the debate will soon shift to a broader discussion of what a smartphone, regardless of platform, is truly capable of. This is because hardware for smartphones has peaked. There’s only so much improvements a new chipset or new set of cameras can make.

This means to set themselves apart from each other, smartphone makers now have to rely more than ever on the software experience, and that’s where AI comes in.

Google’s helping hand

As we have seen with the Galaxy S24, Samsung had a bit of help when it comes to AI from Google. If Google were to extend this partnership to other handset makers, it would give the Android platform a huge boost. Google is already slowly integrating AI features into its own products and services, and it is expected that they will bring some of those features to Android.

Google Assistant being integrated with Bard comes to mind. If all those AI features were to come with the base version of Android, handset makers probably don’t need to do much to reap the rewards. If that were to happen, Apple would find themselves in an awkward position. The image of them being an innovative company would be shattered.

The race is on

Thankfully, Apple isn’t sitting idly by. There have been rumors that Apple is working hard behind the scenes to start integrating AI into its own products and services, like Siri. It remains to be seen what Apple’s approach is, and more importantly, how it stacks up against the competition like Samsung, Google, and OpenAI.

Doing well in this space could also convince Android users to jump ship. Doing badly could also set Apple back years. It is a pity that the stain of Siri will forever plague the company. In some ways, Siri could be seen as Apple’s early attempts at AI, but it failed spectacularly from the get-go.

Apple has spent years and a lot of resources improving the virtual assistant, but to date, its capabilities is but a fraction of what Google Assistant and Alexa can do. The company has been notorious for not listening to its customers. Instead, more often than not, they tend to do what they think is best.

Hopefully Apple is avoiding the same pitfalls when developing their own generative AI and that they can recognize how big the stakes are. Unlike other smartphone features we’ve seen in the past, AI isn’t some trend or fad that will die out, and Apple definitely shouldn’t approach it that way.

Conclusion

We’ll admit that based on some of the flops of Apple’s own services in the past, we’re a bit apprehensive when it comes to the company’s approach to AI. On the flipside, they could surprise us all. Apple has had more than a fair share of products that were initially mocked only to become hits, so hopefully this will be one of them for the sake of the iPhone’s future.

The post Samsung’s adoption of AI could spell serious trouble for Apple appeared first on Phandroid.

For those unfamiliar with Samsung’s market practices, the company tends to launch different variants of its smartphones worldwide – some markets like North America will get the 8 Gen 3-equipped variants, while others such as Europe are limited to Samsung’s own Exynos 2400 chip. This is a stark contrast to the Galaxy S23 series, which featured Snapdragon chips globally.

READ: No surprises as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 outperforms the Exynos 2400 in benchmarks

As a result, this move has been deemed by some as unfavorable as Exynos chips are often seen as inferior in terms of overall performance, especially when compared to their Snapdragon counterparts. With that being said, there are some reasons as to why Samsung might have gone with this route for 2024.

For one, using the Exynos chipset does mean that Samsung saves a bit on costs and licensing fees – for example, the base model Galaxy S23 in the UK launched at around £849, while the base model S24 variant came in with a £799 price tag, a slightly more affordable change since the S24 ships with Exynos chips outside the US.

The Exynos brand is seen by most enthusiasts as an unfit competitor to the Snapdragon series

While budget-conscious buyers after an up-to-date flagship Android phone might appreciate this somewhat cheaper approach to pricing, we again go back to the concerns regarding performance. The Exynos brand is seen by most enthusiasts as an unfit competitor to the Snapdragon series, due to issues such as thermal management, battery endurance and sustained performance, which brings us to our next topic of discussion.

There are some reports pointing to improved performance on this year’s Exynos 2400, with some even claiming that it’s on par with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 from 2023. In particular, tests show that the 2400 was capable of supporting ray-tracing and improved graphics support in gaming sessions, which indicate that Samsung might be that confident about the Exynos 2400.

A post which has since been taken down showed that the Exynos 2400 managed to hold its own in the 3D Mark Solar Bay Stress Test, achieving a maximum score of 8,905 and a minimum score of 5,755, and a stability of 64.6%. By comparison, the 8 Gen 3 managed a maximum and minimum score of 8,249 and 3,894 respectively, with a stability score of 64%.

Meanwhile, other tests have shown that the Exynos 2400 still struggles against the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, with stutters and slowdowns even during simple navigation of the user interface.

READ: Leaked Samsung Exynos 2500 specs suggests an incremental upgrade

Of course we have to note that benchmarks aren’t everything, and daily usage, personal system configurations, as well as an individual’s usage patterns and choice of apps will play key factors as to how the Galaxy S24 will perform. Regardless, Samsung’s decision to release the S24 series in two different flavors won’t sit well with everyone, especially folks who were hoping to grab the tried-and-tested 8 Gen 3 variant.

For diehard fans (as well as casual users) outside the US though who don’t mind the switch-up, the improvement over past Exynos models and the slightly cheaper price might be things to take into consideration – but the sting of missing out on a potentially-perfect Samsung flagship will always linger in the back of many minds.

More Galaxy S24:

• Protect and enhance your Samsung Galaxy S24 with Encased cases
• The Best Slim Cases for the Samsung Galaxy S24!
• Galaxy S24 goes all in on AI – new AI features

The post Samsung Galaxy S24: Was Exynos the Better Choice this Time Around? appeared first on Phandroid.

This means that as long as a phone is using the latest flagship Qualcomm chipset, you can more or less expect similar performance across the board. But then AI came into the picture and we think that’s where the battle between smartphone makers truly begins.

We’ve reached peak hardware

Every new chipset release will undoubtedly bring about performance improvements. Unfortunately, those improvements are generally incremental and any differences can’t really be seen or felt by the average smartphone user. Benchmarks can help paint a pretty picture, but at the end of the day, can you really tell the difference?

Not to mention, the Android ecosystem has become somewhat homogenous. The majority of flagship phones tend to share similar hardware in terms of chipset and RAM. Cameras are where things get a bit more obvious, but as Google has demonstrated multiple times over the years, good software can more than make up for the lack of megapixels.

This means that the main reason why someone might choose one model over another would be its design and price, and which company has the better marketing campaign.

The difference in software

Software is where phone makers can better set themselves apart. But with the underlying platform being Android, there’s really only so much phone makers can do, kind of like a coat of paint. Unfortunately, these surface-level changes don’t really offer up much in the user experience or bring anything super unique to the table. Plus, with Android being so customizable, it’s not that hard to just download a new launcher and ditch the default UI for something else.

AI innovation

This is where we believe AI comes in. With AI, our phones are starting to feel truly “smart”. Being able to automate tasks, or do something that would otherwise take us several steps is astonishing. We’ve already seen great AI implementation examples from the likes of Google. Samsung is also introducing AI to its latest flagship phone, the Galaxy S24 series.

It brings features like being able to translate a live phone call, automatically transcribing and translating voice recordings, making photo editing a breeze with a simple tap or two, and being able to search for anything you see on your screen.

Google is also expected to integrate its Bard AI into Google Assistant. This will definitely change the way we interact with the virtual assistant. If you’re familiar with Google Bard or ChatGPT, imagine being able to pull it up anytime on your phone and get answers that are actually relevant.

Don’t get us wrong, hardware is still important. Powerful hardware is required to process AI requests, but we think that it will start taking a backseat to the software experience.

Potential issues

One of the issues we foresee, at least in the early days, would be the fact that not all smartphone makers might be willing to invest resources into developing their own AI. There is a lot of cost involved in developing AI, plus the servers it would take to process it. Also, not all phone makers necessarily have the know-how.

This means that for some phone makers, the AI experience could be less than satisfactory. Alternatively, some might go down the Samsung route and work with Google to integrate AI. Google will probably at some point start introducing more AI features into future versions of Android, giving these phone makers a basic place to start.

This also means that there is a chance that in the end, we could be back where we started where a lot of phones end up sharing similar AI features. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does diminish the uniqueness.

Conclusion

AI will definitely change the way we use and interact with our smartphones. The technology is still in its infancy stages and there is a lot of room for potential. Without a doubt, this will be an exciting new frontier for smartphones and we can’t wait to see what the future holds!

The post Forgot hardware! AI is where the smartphone battle truly begins appeared first on Phandroid.

READ: Battle of the Brands: Has Samsung Overshadowed Google as the Face of Android?

While Samsung pretty much dominates the Android landscape in North America, it should be said that Google’s efforts in building up its Pixel brand has led to a bit of success, and while it still has a long way to go in catching up with Samsung it’s definitely made people aware of its presence. With that being said, which phone should you go with? Let’s take a look at some key factors.

Performance

In terms of raw power, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus is a performance champ, thanks in part to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip inside as well as 12GB of RAM, which should no doubt help with performance. The 8 Gen 3 chip is designed for better battery endurance, ray-tracing support for gaming, as well as an overall boost to performance, making it an ideal choice for folks who above all else, desire power.

Of course one consideration is that S24 Plus models outside the US come with Samsung’s own Exynos 2400 chip, which has led to doubt among fans regarding its performance when compared to the Snapdragon version, although at this point it’s too early to tell.

As for the Pixel 8, Google’s base model flagship features its custom Tensor G3 chipset (in addition to 8GB RAM), which was designed in collaboration with Samsung. The G3 plays a part in the Pixel’s photographic capabilities, AI features like Magic Editor, and speech recognition, to name a few. However, it is underpowered compared to the 8 Gen 3, and isn’t really the best in terms of thermal management and performance.

Sure you’ll be able to play some moderately-heavy games on the Pixel, but it might have trouble keeping up for extended gaming sessions. With that being said however, it is an improvement over the Tensor G2 in terms of battery life, as well as wireless connectivity.

Cameras

These days, a smartphone’s photographic quality is often a subjective matter, although there are times when hardware plays a slight advantage. For example, the S24 Plus features a triple-camera setup with 3x zoom capabilities, consisting of an ultra-wide and telephoto sensor in addition to the main camera. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 settles for a main sensor and a single ultra-wide lens, with somewhat limited zoom capabilities.

Both cameras are very capable, and personal preference will play a big role as to how one might prefer their camera quality when it comes to photos. It’s worth noting however that the S24 Plus has more versatility in terms of video capabilities, allowing users to record up to 8K resolution videos at 24/30 fps, versus the 4K + 24/30/60 fps videos on the Pixel 8.

Software

While both the Pixel 8 and S24 Plus run on Android 14, there are some considerable differences between the two devices with regards to how they handle Android. The S24 Plus adds a heavy layer of customization with its proprietary One UI 6.1 platform, which for all intents and purposes is a double-edged sword.

You see, one of the advantages of Samsung’s One UI is that it comes with a ton of useful features for customization, as well as synchronization with Samsung’s extensive hardware and software ecosystem (watches, laptops, tablets, etc). On the other hand, users are greeted with a ton of additional software (including third-party apps) which take up system storage, as well as Samsung’s own apps in addition to pre-existing ones on the base version of Android; as a result, we end up with two file manager apps, two messaging apps, two different app stores, and so on.

we end up with two file manager apps, two messaging apps, two different app stores, and so on.

Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 comes with a more “pure” version of Android; it’s not necessarily “stock”, but it features the core essentials such as Google system apps, and all the basics required to make Android run smoothly on your phone. Additionally, no third-party apps are included – no shady storage cleaner apps, no extra app stores, and no unwanted mobile games, for example.

Both phones do offer up to seven years of Android software upgrades, which is ideal for users looking to keep a smartphone for long-term use.

AI Features

Both the Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 Plus come with a ton of generative AI features, which come in handy for photo editing, speech-to-text transcription and voice recognition, smart message composing, and more. Again, there are factors to consider.

For one, it’s reported that Samsung is planning to charge S24 owners a fee to use AI features. A footnote on the Galaxy S24’s listing on Samsung’s website reads, “Galaxy AI features will be provided for free until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties.”

Now of course, things might still change depending on how the general public reacts to this policy, but at the moment Google does offer the Pixel 8’s AI features all for free. Of course there are some features such as Video Boost which are exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro, but by and large you won’t have to pay extra to use generative AI tools on the Pixel 8 at least in the long run.

Price

Perhaps this is where the Pixel 8 takes the win – at $699, Google’s current flagship is easily the more affordable of the two devices, and there’s also the fact that Pixel phones tend to go on sale faster (and more frequently), especially for buyers in the US.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy S24 Plus starts at $999, the same price as a Pixel 8 Pro. Of course the higher price is understandable due to the advantages in hardware that the S24 Plus comes with, but folks on a strict budget will definitely want to go for a more affordable option.

At the end of the day however, personal preference will be the ultimate factor as to which phone buyers will go for. There’s no doubt that Samsung fans will want to stay with their beloved brand, and those faithful to Google will continue on with their Pixel handsets. Both phones excel in different categories, and it’s up to you and your wallet to pick which works best for you.

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The post Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus vs Google Pixel 8: No Contest! appeared first on Phandroid.

It’s not hard to imagine why more companies are turning to in-display readers versus physical ones. Pretty much all smartphones these days have ditched the home button, which is where the fingerprint reader used to reside. As a result, manufacturers are using in-display sensors as an alternative which also keeps their phones looking sleek.

But as the post points out, physical sensors are superior in the sense that they are “faster”. By faster, we don’t mean the speed of unlocking. Instead, it refers to how users can quickly and easily unlock their phones instead of having to fumble trying to get their thumb or fingerprint onto the optical/ultrasonic sensor.

It reminds us of the good old days of feature phones and its T9 keyboard, where if you’ve practiced enough, you could easily type out messages without having to look at your phone at all. We doubt a single Reddit post is enough to convince manufacturers to return to physical sensors, but it does seem to say that not everyone is enamored by these modern day alternatives. What say you? Should the physical fingerprint readers return to our smartphones?

The post Should physical fingerprint readers return to smartphones? appeared first on Phandroid.

Improved hardware performance

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. This is the most powerful chipset from Qualcomm. Not only does it pack a punch in processing power, but it features improved graphics and also the ability to process AI features. Seeing as how the Galaxy S24 Ultra packs a bunch of new AI tools, this will be important.

The handset also now comes with a base RAM of 12GB. Previously, the base Galaxy S23 Ultra came with 8GB of RAM, which meant that you had to spend more money to get the 12GB version. With the Galaxy S24 Ultra, the default amount of RAM is 12GB so even if you opt for the cheapest model, you’ll have the same amount of RAM as the other more expensive models.

More RAM is a good thing. It allows apps to continue to remain in the phone’s memory even after you close it. So the next time you need to open it again, it will be ready instead of having to reload itself. Samsung is also boasting improvements in the thermals of the phone with a larger vapor chamber. There is support for ray tracing so the graphics of your games should look amazing.

A stronger, more durable build

Samsung is using titanium for the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s build. Titanium is a great material of choice for smartphones. This is because the use of titanium allows Samsung to make a phone with potentially less material but yet is more durable. It also means that the phone can be thinner and lighter, a feature that some of you might appreciate.

Samsung is also adopting a new design with the Galaxy S24 phones by utilizing a flat screen display instead of a curved one. Curved displays are annoying because sometimes you might accidentally activate something when you’re gripping the phone. A flat display prevents that from happening. It also makes the S Pen that comes with the Galaxy S24 Ultra easier to use since you now have slightly more defined edges.

The new display on the Galaxy S24 Ultra uses Corning’s Gorilla Glass Armor, making it stronger than the Victus 2. It also makes it more durable when it comes to micro-scratches and offers better drop protection.

AI, AI everywhere

There is no doubt that the Galaxy S24 Ultra will be a beast in performance. But overall, the phone’s hardware upgrades are more iterative. Instead, what we’re most excited about are the brand new AI features.

Samsung has demonstrated once again their close relationship with Google. This results in some of the phone’s AI features that they would be getting first. This includes Circle to Search. This is a new way of searching for things on the phone’s screen itself without having to switch apps.

AI is also used to help users compose messages, where it can rewrite your message in a tone you prefer, whether you want to craft a professional-sounding message or a casual one. Samsung will be using AI features in its cameras as well. This allows users to make adjustments when it comes to repositioning and reframing the subject, getting suggestions when it comes to choosing the best edits, and more.

There are also useful AI features for translating calls in real-time, transcribing voice recordings, creating summaries, and so on. If you use your phone extensively for recording talks and lectures, these AI tools will come in handy.

Pre-order bonuses galore!

If the reasons above have convinced you to get the new Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, then you definitely don’t want to miss out on these pre-order bonuses. There are a bunch of bonuses that are being offered across various platforms. If you prefer shopping on Amazon, you can get up to $200 in an Amazon gift card if you pre-order the phones.

• Galaxy S24 Ultra – $1,300 with $200 gift card (use code FEA7SP3UFDJN)
• Galaxy S24+ – $1,000 with $150 gift card (use code MJ93PYFCJHOJ)
• Galaxy S24 Ultra – $800 with $50 gift card (use code TTYSDPOR7WPL)

Alternatively, you can also buy the phones directly from Samsung where you can enjoy enhanced trade-in values. This will knock up to $750 off the phone, plus you’ll also get additional Samsung Credit, a free memory upgrade, and more if you click on the links below.

Galaxy S24 Ultra

• Offer: Up to $750 Enhanced Trade-In + $50 Howl-Exclusive Samsung Credit + Free Memory Upgrade + $100 eCert + 10% Student Discount

Galaxy S24+

• Offer: Up to $650 Enhanced Trade-In + $50 Howl-Exclusive Samsung Credit + Free Memory Upgrade + $75 eCert +7.5% Student Discount

Galaxy S24

• Offer: Up to $550 Enhanced Trade-In + $50 Howl-Exclusive Samsung Credit + Free Memory Upgrade + $25 eCert + 5% Student Discount

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The post 3 BIG reasons you should be excited for the Galaxy S24 Ultra! appeared first on Phandroid.

With that being said, here’s five big reasons why you should be excited for Samsung’s new powerhouse smartphone.

Display Quality

With the Galaxy S24, Samsung has included an impressive 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120hz refresh rate, making it one of the best-looking screens on the market. Samsung’s expertise with its display technology is unmatched by most of the competition, and the Galaxy S24 continues the legacy of earlier S-series models.

While it is a bit larger than the 6.1-inch screens of past S-series phones, although the S24 manages to remain fairly compact overall, making it a great choice for folks after a reasonably-small smartphone that doesn’t compromise on performance.

Performance Upgrades

Speaking of performance, the Galaxy S24 comes with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, one of the best mobile SoCs that we’ve seen in a while, and a worthy follow-up to the 8 Gen 2. The 8 Gen 3 comes with support for advanced camera systems, improved battery endurance, ray-tracing support for gaming, as well as new generative AI features, to name a few.

One caveat however is that buyers outside the United States will have to settle for the Exynos 2400 variant of the Galaxy S24; Samsung states that its own chip is capable of handling performance-heavy apps and games, although this remains to be seen in the long run.

A Sturdier Design

Visually, the galaxy S24 plays it safe as far as design is concerned – the phone retains the general look of the S23 and S22 before it, with some minor tweaks to its appearance. With that being said, Samsung has included an interesting upgrade with the phone’s build however.

Referred to by the company as “Enhanced Armor Aluminum,” Samsung’s specially-enhanced design supposedly packs tougher resistance for knocks and bumps as well as added peace of mind, and it will be interesting to see how this material fares in the long run (we’d still recommend a good case, though).

One UI 6.1 & Software Updates

While One UI might not be everyone’s cup of tea, there’s little doubt that Samsung’s own approach to Android comes with some much-welcome customization features, as well as functionality which works nicely with the rest of Samsung’s device ecosystem.

With that in mind, the Galaxy S24 will ship with One UI 6.1 pre-installed, so users have access to all the latest Samsung apps and software services, in addition to all the new tricks that come with Android 14. Another big highlight is that Samsung will provide up to seven years’ worth of software support and updates for the S24 line, which is great news for folks who seldom upgrade their phones.

AI Features

This year, Samsung has decided go all-in with AI, following in the footsteps of other big names such as Google, which has likewise integrated a bit of artificial intelligence into its smartphones. The Galaxy S24 ships with Samsung’s own Galaxy AI, which combines the company’s foray into generative AI capabilities in addition to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s native support for AI.

As a result, users can now tap into a wealth of software features to compose messages, translate conversations in real-time, edit and improve their photos, and even transcribe recordings on their device. It’s clear that Samsung wants to challenge Google for the mobile AI crown, and Galaxy AI is a significant stride in doing so.

More on the Galaxy S24:

• The Best Slim Cases for the Samsung Galaxy S24!
• 3 BIG reasons you should be excited for the Galaxy S24 Ultra!
• Samsung promises seven years of updates for its Galaxy S24 series

The post 5 Reasons to be Excited for the Samsung Galaxy S24! appeared first on Phandroid.

We’re still waiting to go hands-on with the device and see what it’s like on our wrist, but that hasn’t stopped the internet from dismissing the Pixel Watch already, purely based on the size of the display in comparison to the body of the smartwatch.

How to watch the Pixel 7 & Pixel Watch launch event

Due to the all-glass design on the front of the Pixel Watch, it looks like the device should have a pretty large display. Unfortunately, all the images we’ve seen so far seem to indicate that there will be a lot of extra real estate that won’t be lit up by the display. This is definitely disappointing since the latest Apple Watch has shaved off a significant chunk of the bezel around the display, increasing the screen-to-body ratio by quite a bit.

As you’d expect, some people aren’t happy about the screen-to-body ratio of the new Pixel Watch. Actually, everyone seems to be shunning the device outright, based exclusively on this one aspect. Personally, I’m not a fan of round displays on smartwatches. While it allows the watch to be smaller, it also means that the display area is smaller well since the corners have all been cut off.

That being said, the bezels around the display of the Pixel Watch aren’t as bad as you might think.

I create this image, showing the Pixel Watch, alongside various other popular smartwatches that are out right now. For this comparison, the images of all the smartwatches have been altered so that their widths are all the same so that we can get a better idea of their screen-to-body ratios.

Out of these 6, the Pixel Watch is the only device that offers edge-to-edge glass on the front of the watch.  But besides the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, all the other smartwatches have significant glass bezels around their displays, followed by a metal or plastic frame as well.

The Pixel Watch’s bands could be priced at $50 each

The new Apple Watches have taller rectangular displays that deliver substantially more usable screen space, but the only other circular display smartwatch that has a better screen-to-body ratio than the Pixel Watch is the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro — but not by much.

I’m not here to tell you that the Pixel Watch will be perfect or that I love the screen-to-body ratio. If Google wants to compete with the established players in this space, it has a lot of work to prove itself. The Pixel Watch will likely be a letdown for most smartwatch enthusiasts, but I think it’s a good starting point for a first-generation device.

If those Pixel Watch bezels are too much for you to handle, there are plenty of other Wear OS smartwatches with even larger bezels for you to choose from.

The post Stop complaining! The Pixel Watch screen bezels are not as bad as you think appeared first on Phandroid.