2021 12 01AndroidAdvisor

REVIEWED: SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FOLD 3
ANDROID
ADVISOR
ISSUE
93
GOOGLE PIXEL 6 PRO

THE ULTIMATE ANDROID SMARTPHONE
CONTENTS
GOOGLE PIXEL 6 SPECIAL 19

4 Review: Google Pixel 6
19 Review: Google Pixel 6 Pro
37 Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro? Some
real-world guidance that
might surprise you
46 7 hidden Pixel treasures to
find in Android 12
REVIEWS 37
54 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3
69 Sony Xperia 5 III
83 Honor 50
FEATURE
96 5 Android 12 features you can
bring to any phone
2 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

83
54
96
69
46
ISSUE 93 • ANDROID ADVISOR 3

Credit: Getty Images/Inside Creative House
GOOGLE PIXEL 6 SPECIAL
Review: Google Pixel 6

Price: £599 from fave.co/3kah6eu
A
new dawn has arrived for Pixel and may well result in many fans
Google’s own-brand Pixel going elsewhere.
phones and with the 2021
models receiving a design and DESIGN
hardware overhaul, they aim to be the Gone, it seems, are the days of the
firm’s most exciting flagships to date. standard Pixel being one of the most
The regular Pixel 6 on test here is compact and easy-to-handle phones on
on sale now and starts at a more than the market. There’s no two ways about
reasonable £599, arriving with new it, the Pixel 6 is chunky and this is despite
cameras, Android 12 and Google’s own being the smaller option.
Tensor processor. There’s a lot of good I should probably address the
stuff that’s gone into this phone, but the elephant in the room first, meaning that
design is more divisive than any other there Camera Bar – a camera bump so

large it warranted its
own name, although
I’m not sure Google
drawing attention
to it like this is the
best strategy.
Personally, I don’t
mind the look of it,
and the fact it goes
across the entire
width of the phone
does at least avoid
the wobbly table
effect when on a flat You can’t miss the Pixel 6’s huge Camera Bar.
surface. Still, the thing
is huge and not even the official case there is supposedly a fingerprint‑resistant
can smooth it out. coating, but the glossy finish is more of
Even without the Camera Bar, the a problem in terms of how slippery the
Pixel 6 is 8.9mm thick, although it Pixel 6 is. It certainly feels precarious and
feels like more despite the rounded worry‑inducing when not protected.
frame. Worse is the weight of 207g, I’ve tested the Stormy Black colour
a whopping 56g more than the Pixel but you can also choose, in Google’s
5, so this phone feels like a brick and jovial names, Sorta Seafoam (green
the camera bump makes it somewhat tones) and Kinda Coral (red/peach). I’m
top‑heavy and unbalanced. not so keen on the colours, but it’s nice
If you don’t mind a phone on the to have more choice again.
hefty side, then the Pixel 6 does at least Rounding off the design is an IP68
feel premium despite its mid‑range dust and waterproof rating, but despite
price. There’s Gorilla Glass Victus on the the thickness of the phone, there’s no
front and Gorilla Glass 6 on the back, headphone jack.
sandwiching an aluminium frame.
The result is luxurious, but if you DISPLAY
don’t use a case there’s the usual issue Quirky design out of the way, we can
of smudges on the glass back, although turn to the 6.4in display next which is,

of course, one of the

reasons the Pixel 6 is a lot
bigger than before – the
Pixel 5 used a 6in screen
and had a slightly better
screen‑to‑body ratio, too.
The display is flat
rather than having curved
edges, and this results in
a bigger bezel. Sure, the
look isn’t fully‑fledged
flagship in this respect,
but Google is asking a
mid-range price and the
quality of the screen is
very good indeed. Images look crisp thanks to the Full HD+ resolution.
The OLED screen
offers 24‑bit colour and is very vibrant in The display is one of the big
this respect. The resolution is plenty high differences between the Pixel 6 and the 6
enough and I measured peak brightness Pro. The more expensive phone offers a
at an impressive 494 nits. Furthermore, larger 6.7in curved screen with a slimmer
contrast is excellent and there’s HDR bezel, higher Quad HD+ resolution and
support, too. dynamic 120Hz refresh rate, so there are
With a Full HD+ resolution images plenty of reasons to tempt you to plump
look perfectly crisp and smooth thanks for the Pro instead if you can afford it.
to a 90Hz refresh rate, which is fast Something you might have noticed
enough for most – especially if you’re already is that the fingerprint scanner
coming from a standard 60Hz phone. is no longer on the rear of the phone
Navigation, animations and scrolling as per previous Pixels. Much like
are silky smooth most of the time, many phone makers, Google has now
although Twitter is still jerky, but this is embedded it into the screen.
not an issue exclusive to the Pixel 6. If I quite like scanners on the back
you want to save the battery, you can go of phones, they’re fast and on Pixels
down to 60Hz in the settings. could be used to pull the notification

shade down, too. I find the scanner various other tasks better. It’s coupled
here perhaps a tad too high up the with the Titan M2 security co‑processor.
screen and it’s not as fast as some In terms of memory, the Pixel 6 comes
others, sometimes telling me to hold with 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB of
my finger on for longer. speedy UFS 3.1 storage. As usual, there’s
Google doesn’t offer any kind of no microSD card slot for expansion.
face unlock here, which is a shame, Google is perhaps talking about
especially when you consider that the what the Tensor chip can do in terms
Pixel 4 dropped the fingerprint scanner of features rather than raw performance
entirely in favour of face unlock – we’ve because it doesn’t benchmark
now come full circle. particularly well.
There might not be a headphone Then again, there’s some truth to
jack, but the stereo speakers on the Pixel Google’s argument that benchmarks
6 are decent, with good clarity, above are, as we often point out, synthetic and
average bass and a decent amount of don’t always reflect real‑world usage.
punch if you crank the volume. I was able to shoot and edit a
4K/60fps video with minimal hassle,
PERFORMANCE with the phone only taking a couple of
A big change for the Pixel
range this year is found under
the hood. It’s been known
that Google would move
from Qualcomm to its own
chip for a long time and it
comes in the form of the
Tensor processor.
Google hasn’t gone into
too much detail about the
specs of the chip, choosing
to focus on what it can do
instead. Tensor is mainly
about using machine learning
and AI to enable features like The Pixel 6 comes with 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB
Live Translate and cope with of speedy UFS 3.1 storage.

seconds to load the editor and while OnePlus 9: 95%

it drops the resolution for some tasks, Samsung Galaxy S21: 56%
it pings back to full‑res quickly. Apple iPhone 13: 46%
Gaming is also smooth with popular Google Pixel 5: 45%
titles such as PUBG and CoD Mobile
hitting 60fps throughout. In terms of other specs, the Pixel
Despite scoring lower than rivals 6 is kitted out nicely with connectivity
in Geekbench 5, the Pixel 6 performs features such as NFC and GPS, as well as
well in my experience and did solidly in the latest standards, including Bluetooth
GFXBench anyway. You can see all the 5.2 with dual antennas. It’s also one of
benchmark scores with rivals below. the first phones we’ve seen with Wi‑Fi
6E. You also get 5G support, too.
Geekbench 5 (multi-core)
Google Pixel 6: 2,897 PHOTOGRAPHY
OnePlus 9: 3,492 With the arrival of the Camera Bar, it’s
Samsung Galaxy S21: 3,263 no surprise that the Pixel 6 phones
Apple iPhone 13: 4,675 have been given an overhaul in the
Google Pixel 5: 1,625 photography department after using
the same 12Mp sensor for a number
GFX Manhattan 3.1 of years. The main sensor now jumps
Google Pixel 6: 50fps to 50Mp and although the ultra‑wide
OnePlus 9: 61fps camera drops from 16Mp on the Pixel 5
Samsung Galaxy S21: 67fps to 12Mp here, it’s wider angle and uses
Apple iPhone 13: 60fps (Metal) larger 1.25μm pixels.
Google Pixel 5: 20fps It’s just those two at the back (the Pro
has a 48Mp telephoto camera featuring
Battery life 4x optical zoom) leaving an 8Mp hole‑
Google Pixel 6: 10 hours, 38 minutes punch camera at the front for selfies.
OnePlus 9: 9 hours, 6 minutes I’m personally fine with just the
Samsung Galaxy S21: 8 hours, 4 minutes main and ultra‑wide cameras for my
Google Pixel 5: 12 hours, 34 minutes typical usage and overall, I’ve found the
experience of the Pixel 6 in this area to
Charge in 30 minutes be excellent. Google has had one of
Google Pixel 6: 48% the most user‑friendly camera apps for a

with some incredible
detail, just be aware that
you’re likely to get radial
blur for these types of
shots where only the
centre is in focus.
As well as the usual
modes, the Pixel 6 has
some new tricks up its
sleeve for photography,
including Motion mode,
The Pixel 6 phones have been given an overhaul in the Face Unblur and Magic
photography department. Eraser. They all utilize
clever software and
long time with the hard work taken care the Tensor chip to improve the quality
of for you resulting in easy point and of your pictures.
shoot photography, yet top‑notch results. Magic Eraser is a post‑production
The quality from both is formidable feature in Google Photos that promises
with the brains under the hood to remove unwanted people or objects
calculating exposure correctly and – essentially Photoshop at the touch
shooting without hesitation. The results of a button. It will suggest anything
are vibrant without being unnatural with it can find, but you can also brush or
plenty of detail and contrast, too. circle objects manually. Results are a
Colours are consistent across both mixed bag depending on the scene,
the rear cameras and features such as with objects often getting half erased
portrait mode and night mode are as or the space left behind still visibly in
reliable as ever, simply getting the job the shape of the object, although it’s
done when needed. There’s some noise more noticeable if you know what’s been
in certain shots if you look for it, but I’ve removed. It’s worth trying, but typically
seen much worse elsewhere, so it isn’t for small objects in the distance.
something to worry about. Motion mode has two options –
Google doesn’t include a silly 2Mp Action pan and Timelapse – with the
macro lens like a lot of phone makers, former adding motion blur to a photo,
but you can still take close up shots such as a car or train. It’s also supposed

Over the
following
pages we
have a
selection of
shots taken
with the
Pixel 6.


to work on pets but I haven’t been able I’ve found battery life to be
to get success with my dog. However, excellent and even with more usage
my colleague Alex Walker‑Todd who than would be typical for me, the
has been testing the 6 Pro has some phone still lasted two days – and
nice results (see page 19). without using the Extreme Battery Saver.
It’s a shame Face Unblur doesn’t work Even heavy users should be able to
on dogs because I would have ended comfortably get through a day.
up with more nice photos. Ironically, the In the PCMark Work 3.0 battery
cameras are so good that I’ve not even test, the Pixel 6 managed a respectable
been able to deliberately take a blurry 10 hours and 38 minutes.
photo of a face to test this feature. So, Charging is also faster with wired at
perhaps you’ll never need this anyway. 30 watts and wireless rated at 21 watts
The front camera offers excellent using the £69 Pixel Stand (2nd gen), or
detail in good light and includes modes 12 watts if you have a Qi‑certified EPP
like portrait. It’s just not particularly wide (Extended Power Profile) charger. You
angle, so not ideal for big group selfies. can also use it to top up other devices
With OIS on the main camera, the such as wireless earbuds, as it supports
Pixel 6 is a good option for shooting reverse wireless charging.
video. I was able to follow my dog Like most big tech brands, Google
running around the garden, shooting at no longer includes a power adapter in
4K/60fps and you wouldn’t know I didn’t the box, just a USB-C cable so you’ll
have a gimble to keep things stable. The need to buy the £25 official charger or
videos I shot were crisp, colourful and use one you have lying around. This
did an amazing job of adjusting the focus can supposedly get the phone to 50
as she ran around. per cent in 30 minutes.
The Pixel 6 uses PD (Power Delivery)
BATTERY LIFE PPS (Programmable Power Supply) so
Google has made improvements in this thanks to the complicated mess of fast
area and you’d think so considering the charging standards we are subjected
size increase of the device versus the to, even if you have other fast chargers
Pixel 5. The battery inside the Pixel 6 from previous phones, you might not
is now minimum 4,524mAh (around 11 get the full speed.
per cent larger), although we’ve seen For example, a 65-watt PD laptop
bigger cells in more compact phones. charger I have doesn’t support PPS so

only charged the Pixel
6 at 18 watts resulting
in 30 per cent in 30
minutes. However,
switching to a Realme
45‑watt charger with
PD PPS meant it could
reach 48 per cent in
the same time. It’s
reasonable but in 2021,
30 watts can hardly be
considered ‘fast’, even
if the iPhone is slower.
You’ll know you’ve
got it right when the The Pixel 6 comes with Android 12.
screen says ‘rapidly
charging’. The phone also supports personality, or in practical terms, your
Adaptive Charging, so it steadily charges choice of wallpaper. It can analyse the
overnight when speed doesn’t matter to image and decide what is a dominant
help prolong the lifespan of the battery. tone and what are complementary
highlights. This will then be reflected
SOFTWARE across the phone from the colour of
With a new set of Google flagship your clock to the quick settings and
phones come a new version of Android more. You’ll even see it on the keyboard
and we’re up to 12 now, with the sweet and in apps such as the calculator and
treat names in the distant past. It’s one camera. There is some control as you
of the biggest refreshes to the mobile can choose from four different, but
operating system in a while, bringing a similar, colour schemes or switch to
new design language that Google calls basic colours if you prefer.
Material You as well as a range of other There’s also the option to switch
tweaks and improvements. on themed icons, which makes them
Material You is the biggest change fit into the design, although it’s in
as it allows the UI to dynamically change beta at the moment and only applies
the colour scheme based on your to Google’s own apps so looks a bit

half‑finished if you put

other apps on the main
home screen.
It’s all things that
Android users have
been able to do in
the past, but often via
third-party launchers or
round‑about methods.
It’s now an inherent part
of the operating system
bringing it in an easy There’s the option to switch on themed icons, which makes
way to anyone, though them fit into the design
it’s exclusive to Pixel
smartphones for now. centre unless it’s small or huge – a nice
While I think Android 12 is a success medium size requires it to be off‑centre.
overall, there are some changes I’m not I hope Google changes these things
so keen on. They’re small, but make for to at least give users choice as that has
unnecessary annoyances on a daily basis. long been the draw of Android over
First up is the Internet quick setting tile, rivals like iOS. If it doesn’t then I guess I’ll
which now combines mobile data and have to get used to them.
Wi‑Fi into one. Tapping on it opens up Sweetening the deal somewhat is that
a menu at the bottom of the screen with the Pixel 6 phones get a whopping five
toggles and a done button. It means years of guaranteed security updates,
switching one on or off is three taps two more years than normal. You’ll also
rather than just one. get the usual three years of operating
There are also some interface system updates and will get Android
restrictions that I don’t like that are 13 and beyond quicker than non‑
Pixel‑specific. Mainly the date and Google devices.
weather at the top‑left of the home There are plenty of more favourable
screen as this can’t be moved or things in Android 12 to make use of such
removed and takes up the entire top-row as the Security Hub, which will let you
of the grid. And while I like the new know if any action is needed to keep
analogue clock widget, it can’t be in the things secure. Also on the security front

are new quick setting toggles for the Battery life is another plus, with two‑
camera and mic. day performance for many users. Reverse
Keep delving into the settings menu wireless charging is handy for things like
and you’ll find loads of potentially useful earbuds, although it’s worth noting that
features like the Privacy Dashboard and Google doesn’t include a power adapter
a whole section dedicated to safety in the box for wired charging and faster
and emergency. Anti‑malware and charging can be found elsewhere.
phishing technology is baked in to scan With the Pixel 6 not particularly
messages across apps such as WhatsApp pushing the boundaries in any particular
and Facebook Messenger to warn you area, Android 12 is one of the biggest
if something looks suspicious. lures here. It looks great with its
new dynamic Material You scheme
VERDICT and although there are some small
Although the Pixel 6 feels more premium annoyances here and there, it’s packed
and luxurious than its predecessors, the with useful features and runs really well.
new design might well be a hurdle too You’ll get future updates first and five
high for some to get past. It’s 8.9mm years of security patches, too.
thick, weighs over 200g and the Camera Google has clearly taken the Pixel
Bar could put some people off. range in a new direction and while it’s
The design is also precariously successful in various ways, the divisive
slippy, so a case feels almost necessary, design may be a step too far for many
increasing the size factor further. Pixel fans. Chris Martin
If you don’t mind a larger phone,
although it feels like a lot of buyers get SPECIFICATIONS
a Pixel due to its compact size, then • 6.4in (2,400x1,080; 411ppi) AMOLED,
the Pixel 6 comes in a variety of colours 90Hz, HDR10+ display
and a solid set of hardware. • Android 12
Performance is good, despite the • Google Tensor (5nm) processor
odd benchmark score behind rivals; the • Octa‑core (2x 2.8GHz Cortex‑X1,
cameras are great, even if some of the 2x 2.25GHz Cortex‑A76, 4x 1.8GHz
new software features are hit‑and‑miss; Cortex-A55) CPU
and the screen is also top‑quality. The • Mali‑G78 MP20 GPU
bezel around it could be smaller, but the • 8GB RAM
asking price here is very reasonable. • 128GB/256GB storage

• Two rear‑facing cameras: 50Mp,

f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31in, 1.2µm,
omnidirectional PDAF, Laser AF, OIS;
12Mp, f/2.2, 17mm, 114‑degree
(ultra‑wide), 1.25µm
• Selfie camera: 8Mp, f/2.0, 24mm
(wide), 1.12µm
• Wi‑Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual‑band,
Wi‑Fi Direct, hotspot
• Bluetooth 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
• GPS with dual-band A-GPS, GLONASS,
GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
• NFC
• USB Type‑C 3.1
• Fingerprint scanner (under display,
optical)
• Non‑removable 4,614mAh lithium‑
polymer battery
• Fast charging 21 watts
• 158.6x74.8x8.9mm
• 207g

Review: Google Pixel 6 Pro
Price: £849 from fave.co/31oPQ5k
A
fter the initial hype surrounding greatest entry in the Pixel lineage –
Google’s answer to the iPhone the Pixel 6 Pro – sporting a feature
– with the debut of the original set specifically engineered to position
Pixel, back in 2016 – subsequent it as a direct competitor to the Pro
releases, although competent, have Maxes and Ultras that occupy the top
failed to capture the attention of end of the smartphone market, all the
mainstream smartphone buyers and while maintaining an approach that’s
remain reserved for the tech‑savvy distinctly ‘Google’.
Android fans already aware of the The ‘Pro’ suffix may already be
Pixel line’s particular strengths and commonplace in the smartphone
standout selling points. space but this is the first time Google
This year, however, Google is hoping has applied it to a Pixel; with previous
to shake things up, with the latest and entries only ever really being separated

by size – sporting an ‘XL’ on the end of sandwiched between a curved Gorilla

their names. It’s the first indication that, Glass Victus front and curved Gorilla
despite some familial traits, this year’s Glass 6 back – helping the phone feel
Pro is meant to be seen as a different thinner than it actually is in hand, while
breed to the Pixels that have preceded it. the top edge of the metal frame is
Google bills the Pixel 6 Pro as its interrupted by a strip of plastic that
first proper flagship phone, and while doesn’t quite colour match with the top
that seems unnecessarily disparaging half of the phone’s back, undermining
to some of the line’s previous entries, the otherwise premium finish.
you can see why the company might Just as Samsung’s S21 range opted
be throwing a little extra mustard on for the ‘Contour Cut’ camera bump as its
this particular release. It has upgraded standout design trait this year, Google
the primary camera hardware for the has replaced the decidedly iPhone-
first time in years, pushed the display esque camera squircle from the last
tech to new heights and imbued both two generations of Pixel with what it’s
entries with its first own‑brand SoC dubbed the ‘Camera Bar’.
(system‑on‑chip), in Tensor. We’ve seen horizontal camera
arrays on phones before – most recently
DESIGN from TCL and Samsung’s Galaxy S10
The 6 Pro is the biggest, thickest, series – but the bar on the Pixel 6 Pro
heaviest Pixel ever, and by quite some makes much more of a statement.
margin; sporting a squared silhouette Side on, it juts out defiantly from the
and an industrial design
that’s undeniably unique,
it’s instantly recognizable,
though it might struggle
to find as broad appeal as
some of its competitors.
It’s a strange mix of
precision and elegance,
offset by some jarring
details. There’s a polished
(partially recycled)
aluminium alloy frame, The 6 Pro is the biggest, thickest, heaviest Pixel ever.

phone’s already thick
profile and by dressing
it in a contrasting black,
Google’s clearly making no
apologies for its presence
or implementation.
It’s also what divides
the two‑tone finish of
the glossy, segmented
back glass, with the Sorta
Sunny colourway (pictured) Just like the Pixel 6, the 6 Pro has a new Camera Bar.
sporting a pastel peach
and cream colour scheme, accompanied Beyond its distinctive visuals, the Pro
by a gold treatment across the visible feels nicely put together, with pleasingly
metalwork that feels decidedly Neo tactile hardware controls down the right
Deco and unlike practically anything side of the frame and a construction
else currently out there. The phone also that’s IP68 certified against dust and
comes in a more muted Stormy Black or water. Its size and weight, however,
Cloudy White, both of which feature two do mean that it’s likely safer and more
tones of dark or light grey, paired with a comfortable to use as a two‑handed
black or silver metal frame, respectively. device the majority of the time.
There’s a consistent visual identity Google’s also nixed the long-
across both Pixel 6 phones, however, running fabric Pixel cases, replacing
the segment of glass above the Camera them with partially recycled plastic
Bar is taller on the Pro than it is on translucent cases, which don’t have as
the standard model, creating a sort of much character in their own right but
‘forehead’ – a visual imbalance that do at least let you better appreciate the
results in a less elegant, top-heavy sort colour of the phone you’ve bought.
of appearance. It’s a small quirk of the
Pro’s design but something previous DISPLAY
Pixels have suffered from as well; with The 6 Pro’s sizeable footprint comes
the smaller Pixel 2’s reversed camera from its expansive 6.7in 19.5:9 QHD+
and flash positioning (compared to its OLED panel. It makes an excellent first
2 XL sibling) looking equally as odd. impression, trumping anything existing

Pixel users will be used to; primarily As nice as curved-edged displays –

as a result of its sheer size, but also its like the one on the Pixel 6 Pro – look,
impressively high pixel density (512ppi), there’s a valid argument against them
and the raised ceiling of its maximum compared to flat screens, when it comes
refresh rate – surpassing the Pixel 4, Pixel to user interaction. If you’re weighing
5 and Pixel 6, which all top out at 90Hz. up which of this year’s Pixels to go for,
Being a high-quality OLED, it also should this be a factor, don’t be fooled
offers wonderfully vibrant colours, great by the promise of a ‘flat’ display on the
contrast and inky blacks (it could be standard Pixel 6.
brighter, though), while being built on The smaller model (on the right,
an LTPO process facilitates the panel’s in the image opposite) still features
dynamic refresh rate support, which can pillowed cover glass, the display itself
ramp up to 120Hz (for super‑smooth just doesn’t extend as close to the
scrolling and responsive gaming) or scale edge, meaning you’re left with a less
right down to 10Hz to help with battery elegant looking flat screen, surrounded
longevity, similarly to Apple’s ProMotion by a markedly thicker bezel compared
tech, which was introduced to this year’s to the 6 Pro, in other words all of the
iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max. weaknesses, none of the benefits.
There are a
heap of additional
technologies slotted
in behind the 6 Pro’s
expansive screen
too. You have the
option of always‑on
display functionality
or what Google
calls ‘At a Glance’,
which shows a
clock and pertinent
information –
like pending
Being a high-quality OLED, it also offers wonderfully vibrant colours, notifications – the
great contrast and inky blacks. moment you touch

the display or pick
the phone up (which
proved responsive
enough to negate
using always-on
mode, during review).
Night Light
filters out blue light
for easier and less
disruptive viewing
in low light, while
the new Extra Dim
feature (tucked
away in Android 12’s
accessibility menu),
lets you push screen The smaller Pixel 6 (on the right) still features pillowed cover glass.
brightness below
its normal minimum, for even greater the notifications tray, for example). By
viewing comfort. Google has finally moving to an in-display system, you lose
seen fit to make one‑handed mode a such gesture support and, surprisingly,
native part of the Android experience while the optical sensor used is reliable
this year and it’s essential when trying to enough in day to day use, it’s markedly
reach content near the top of the 6 Pro’s slower than the capacitive alternatives
huge display, shifting everything down of old, as well as the ultrasonic in‑
momentarily in a similar fashion to iOS’s display sensors used by the likes of
long‑standing Reachability feature. Samsung. In a sense, despite using
For the first time on a Pixel phone, more up-to-date technology than
there’s also an in‑display fingerprint previous Pixels, the 6 Pro’s in-display
sensor. Aside from the ill‑fated Pixel unit sort of feels like a downgrade.
4, every Pixel has featured a rear‑
mounted capacitive sensor and all have AUDIO
been responsive and reliable, with With no headphone jack in sight (and
gesture support made available on none having featured on a mainline Pixel
later iterations (letting you swipe down for a few generations now), you’re two

options for in‑ear listening are wired SOFTWARE

audio via the phone’s USB-C port or Curious Pixel owners (along with a
wireless audio by way of the phone’s handful of devices from other brands,
Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity (bolstered by like Realme, Oppo and Xiaomi) have
“dual antennas for enhanced quality and been able to get hands-on with the
connection”, according to Google). various beta releases of Android 12
For those looking to use wired throughout 2021, however, the Pixel
audio who are already fans of the 6 and 6 Pro are the first phones to
brand, Google doesn’t include any sport the finished release of company’s
related accessories in-box but does sell latest mobile OS, out the box.
both Pixel-branded USB-C buds and a Android 12 primarily offers a visual
USB‑C to 3.5mm adapter, while wireless overhaul, dubbed ‘Material You’, and a
headphones fans have the option of host of new features, most of which are
Pixel Buds A (or any other Bluetooth focused on privacy and security.
headphones, if you’re brand‑agnostic). There’s a wonderful level of polish on
Codec-wise, wireless audio supports display with Android 12 running on the
everything from SBC and AAC up to Pixel 6 Pro. Material You changes how
aptX, aptX HD and LDAC too. staples of the Android experience on
The Pixel 6 Pro also sports a set Pixel – like quick settings – appear and
of stereo speakers, although there’s a behave (although the ‘Internet’ toggle
definite bias – with the down‑
firing grille to the right of
the USB-C port handling the
majority of the bass tones,
while the earpiece speaker
skews towards the mids
and highs. As such, it gives
imperfect stereo separation
but good clarity throughout its
volume range, meaning you
can blast your tunes without
audio quality falling apart.
Louder maximum volume
would have been nice, though. The Pixel 6 Pro’s wallpaper options.

is a little more cumbersome
than the separate mobile data
and Wi‑Fi toggles of old),
while the operating system can
now auto-generate a colour
palette for themed UI elements
– like on-screen controls, the
keyboard and even app icons
(limited to Google’s own apps,
for the time being) – based
on your wallpaper.
Joining existing features like
Focus Mode, Dark Mode and
Google Assistant voice input Google Pixel 6 Pro quick settings.
are the likes of the security
hub – which, similarly to BlackBerry’s While this is unlikely to be a feature
DTEK software, makes recommendations that a lot of users seek out, its inclusion
on how to improve the security of the in Android 12 is wholly appreciated
phone/Google account (enabling Find and will hopefully become an aspect
My Device, making sure you’re running of Android on all devices – not just
the latest Google Play system update, Pixels – going forward.
and so on) and the Privacy Dashboard. There’s also a new gaming
New settings for microphone and dashboard that can be set up to display
camera access can now be enabled an fps (frames per second) counter and
from the phone’s quick settings, but offers quick access to screenshots and
the privacy menu and subsequent screen recording; letting you capture
dashboard offer a more complete and share your last kill streak or five‑
set of controls, covering device user star unlock in Genshin Impact.
data management to permissions Even with these new additions,
accessed by apps over the last 24 Android on the Pixel 6 Pro still feels
hours (including location, camera and like one of the cleanest and easiest to
microphone access); with the ability to navigate implementations of the OS to
manage such apps and permissions, date; although now it comes with more
straight from said dashboard. personality and fluidity than ever before.

Buying Pixel has

also always also
guaranteed the best
and longest-running
software support of
any Android phone,
but for those who
opt for this year’s 6 or
6 Pro, the company
has gone the extra
mile, adding to its
predecessor’s three Tensor, as detailed during the Pixel 6’s launch.
years of operating
system and security updates with five SoC. For the first time on a Pixel,
years of the latter. however, Google has opted to create
This trumps even Samsung’s generous its own silicon, with Tensor.
commitment, which at the start of 2021, Tensor’s architecture is modelled
granted four years of security updates around the notion of ‘heterogeneous
to a huge contingent of the company’s computing’ – a blend of processors
portfolio from the last few years. and coprocessors tailor‑made for
specific tasks that come together to
PERFORMANCE create a more power‑efficient chipset
While, for the most part, the Pixel 6 when compared against more generic
Pro reads like a pretty cookie-cutter alternatives. Bringing chip design in‑
upgrade – with new software features, house allowed Google to make sure
a nicer screen and better cameras than Tensor was optimized for doing the things
last year’s entry – one area that walks a they wanted the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro to do,
wholly untrodden path is its chipset. better than off‑the‑shelf silicon would.
Google’s no stranger to slipping its As stated during the phone’s launch,
own silicon inside Pixel phones – with Tensor is “designed and optimized to run
the likes of the Pixel Visual Core and Google’s ML (machine learning) models”,
later, the Pixel Neural Core – but these with an architecture that’s “based on
chips have always operated alongside where ML models are heading, not
a lead Qualcomm-made Snapdragon where they are today”.

While Tensor is by no means a Battery life
slouch – at launch, company reps Google Pixel 6 Pro: 9 hours, 15 minutes
were keen to highlight just how much Google Pixel 6: 10 hours, 38 minutes
of a performance (80 per cent) and Google Pixel 5: 12 hours, 34 minutes
graphical (370 per cent) upgrade it was Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra: 9 hours, 51 minutes
compared to the (admittedly mid‑range)
Snapdragon 765G inside last year’s Pixel Charge in 30 minutes
5 – this focus on machine learning means Google Pixel 6 Pro: 39%
it doesn’t directly compare with top-tier Google Pixel 6: 48%
silicon from Qualcomm, MediaTek or Google Pixel 5: 45%
even Apple inside the best and brightest Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (Exynos): 56%
rivals on the market – something that’s Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra (Exynos): 56%
reflected in our benchmarking results. Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra: 88%
Geekbench 5 (multi-core) Pound for pound, the artificial figures

Google Pixel 6 Pro: 2,875 place Tensor (backed up by 12GB of
Google Pixel 6: 2,897 RAM on the 6 Pro) at around the same
Apple iPhone 13 Pro: 4,653 level of performance as last year’s Exynos
Google Pixel 5: 1,625 990‑powered Samsung Galaxy S20
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (Exynos): 3,511 Ultra or this year’s budget champ – the
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra (Exynos): Poco X3 Pro – in terms of straight CPU
2,646 horsepower, but that doesn’t take into
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra: 3,499 account Tensor’s dedicated TPU – which
Google refers to as the chipset’s “ML
GFX Manhattan 3.1 engine”, or its Context Hub – which
Google Pixel 6 Pro: 35fps handles low power ML tasks. It’s clear
Google Pixel 6: 76fps that there’s more to Google’s bespoke
Apple iPhone 13 Pro: 60fps (Metal) hardware than the numbers suggest.
Google Pixel 5: 20fps Practical real‑world performance
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (Exynos): proved consistently rapid throughout
50fps testing, with demanding games, like Call
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra (Exynos): of Duty Mobile, running at a rock‑solid
39fps 60fps (and, where supported – on titles
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra: 53fps such as Real Racing 3 – 120fps), all with

acceptable heat build‑up. Multitasking can handle up to two days of use per
was a doddle and while you might be charge. As for charging, at first glance,
treated to Android 12’s new splash the 6 Pro is a nice (although admittedly
screens when you open up an app, you still behind the curve) upgrade, topping
won’t be looking at them for long; with out at 30 watts via wired charging and
practically every app testing live and up to 23 watts when charged wirelessly.
ready within a second of being tapped That said, the age‑old issue of charging
on – even the camera. standards may prove problematic for
those looking to get the best out of
BATTERY LIFE the Pixel 6 Pro’s supported charging
Tensor, paired with Android 12’s speeds, especially when you consider
underlying optimizations and that that Google no longer includes a
dynamic LTPO display should also mean power adapter in‑box.
better power efficiency, helped by the Your best bet is to buy Google’s new
fact that the 6 Pro boasts the largest own‑brand 30‑watt USB‑PD 3.0 (PPS)
battery of any Pixel to date, at 5,003mAh. power adapter (for £25), if you want to
Artificial testing once again suggests hit the intended 50 per cent charge in 30
that the Pixel 6 Pro is behind the curve, minutes that Google quotes, otherwise
however, in real-world use, it handily trying to find a charger that adheres to
beat out its predecessor, as well as both the right Power Deliver standard
newcomers like the iPhone 13; despite and supports PPS (programmable
having a larger, higher resolution, power supply) technology isn’t as easy
higher refresh rate
display to power.
The Pixel 6 Pro
consistently delivered
approximately 9.5 hours
of screen‑on time per
charge, whereas the
iPhone managed 8.5
and the Pixel 5 managed
only 5 hours – a wholly
respectable figure that
means this handset The Pixel 6 pro can be charged via the USB-C port

as you might think (based on cursory untouched since 2018’s Pixel 3. The
research during this review). Pixel 5’s camera was comparable to the
Testing with multiple third-party competition of the time, despite the
PD chargers, the closest to Google’s ageing hardware at work, but it hinted
estimated charge time came from a 45‑ at the fact that Google’s imaging team
watt laptop charger, which surpassed 50 might have truly exhausted how far they
per cent charge (enough for a day’s use) could push their computation tech on
after approximately 40 minutes, with a such hardware in any meaningful way.
full charge still taking 2.25 hours total. As such, the shift to a new 50Mp
primary snapper on the Pixel 6 Pro is
PHOTOGRAPHY a pretty significant milestone for the
Google’s Pixel phones have always line, and that’s before you factor in that
served as the poster children for this is the first Pixel to also boast both
computational photography, with an ultra‑wide (12Mp) and a (48Mp)
their prowess continuing to grow, periscopic telephoto camera too.
despite Google leaving the underlying Something the standard Pixel 6 loses
12.2Mp primary (Sony’s IMX363) sensor out on – an all‑in‑one camera set‑up.
Our first
test shot is
an example
of a photo
taking
using
the main
camera’s
default
setting.

This series
of shots are
of the same
scene, but
taken using
the ultra-
wide lens…
…the 4x
zoom…

…the 7x
zoom…
…and
finally, the
20x zoom.

Next up we
have a low
light shot…
…and a low
light photo
with Magic
Erase
enabled.

Next up
we have a
selfie…
…and
a selfie
portrait.

Finally, we have a comparison of HDR mode.
Despite a new set of sensors, likes of the iPhone 13 Pro, which tries to
Google’s imaging smarts – helped by more aggressively white balance under
Tensor’s integrated ISP – are alive and similar conditions.
well. It takes top‑class shots across the Accurate colours do, however, mean
board, demonstrating some of the best that shots lack some of the visual ‘pop’
dynamic range of any phone currently that entries like Samsung’s Galaxy S21
on the market and by extension, some Ultra offer up, but whether that’s a failing
of the most accurate colours. falls more to preference.
In low light, while there’s There’s a strong consistency between
unmistakable noise and grain when the main and ultra-wide snapper on the
you crop in, you’ll get a more honest 6 Pro too, although the 4x telephoto
representation of colour compared to the loses out on the same degree of

vibrance. Where the zoom does stand Motion Mode, meanwhile, defies
apart is in low light, with a maximum 20x logic, in terms of being able to capture a
algorithm-supported ‘Super Res Zoom’ scene in less than a second but still serve
still delivering impressive detail, even up long-exposure-style shots with motion
in the dark. blur that looks as if it was captured over
Portrait mode, be it via the main a far longer period of time. It’s a feature
or front camera, is pleasing, with first popularised on phones by the likes
some of the nicest looking artificial of Huawei, but Google’s implementation
bokeh produced by a smartphone – is significantly faster and easier to use.
particularly when snapping on that rear At the same time, the camera’s built-
sensor, which appears to add variation in face unblur is meant to keep faces
in the level of blur based on distance sharp, even when subjects are moving,
from the camera; something difficult to and – at least in the well-lit scenarios
reproduce artificially. tested – it proved unflappable.
Then there are the Pixel 6 line’s party
pieces to talk about. Alongside a camera VERDICT
trained to better and more accurately Despite the bravado of the hardware
represent a wider array of skin tones, Google’s presented here, the use cases
the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro also debut new and functionality that the company has
shooting options like Magic Eraser and worked hard to implement with Android
Motion Mode (which takes the form of 12 and Tensor aren’t necessarily what
Action Pan and Long Exposure). immediately appeal to the hardcore
Magic Eraser isn’t perfect, but it’s an audience considering the very rivals the
impressively quick way of painting out Pixel 6 Pro feels designed to take on.
unwanted people or objects in a scene. At the same time, the hardware on
It doesn’t always make its mark – be it offer seems wholly impressive and worthy
detecting which elements in a scene of the attention Google seems keen to
you might want removed or leaving a give the 6 Pro: from everyday use to
convincing after‑image once elements gaming, top‑notch camera performance
have been removed – but it’s one of the with some powerful and unique features,
better implementations of such a feature; and real‑world battery life that’s among
and one that Google will no doubt be the best in the business.
keen to improve upon, being one of the Seldom do we say that you should
Pixel 6’s camera’s biggest selling points. upgrade from last year’s equivalent

flagship but the jump from the Pixel (ultra‑wide), 1.22µm

5 to the Pixel 6 Pro is unquestionably • Wi‑Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual‑band,
meaningful, as are the feature set Wi‑Fi Direct, hotspot
and abilities it offers up against its • Bluetooth 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
most capable competitors. • GPS with dual-band A-GPS, GLONASS,
Provided you’re also comfortable GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
with the XL size this Pro sports – not to • NFC
mention Google’s promise that Tensor • USB Type‑C 3.1
is a long‑term bet in terms of the • Fingerprint scanner (under display,
smartphone industry’s growing reliance optical)
on ML and AI – then there’s little reason • Non-removable 5,003mAh lithium-
to avoid the Pixel 6 Pro, especially polymer battery
for those who already appreciate the • Fast charging 23 watts
Google approach. Alex Walker-Todd • 163.9x75.9x8.9mm
• 210g
SPECIFICATIONS
• 6.71in (3,120x1,440; 512ppi) LTPO
AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ display
• Android 12
• Google Tensor (5nm) processor
• Octa‑core (2x 2.8GHz Cortex‑X1,
2x 2.25GHz Cortex‑A76, 4x 1.8GHz
Cortex-A55) CPU
• Mali‑G78 MP20 GPU
• 12GB RAM
• 128GB/256GB/512GB storage
• Three rear‑facing cameras: 50Mp,
f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31in, 1.2µm,
omnidirectional PDAF, Laser AF, OIS;
48Mp, f/3.5, 104mm (telephoto),
1/2in, 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 4x optical
zoom; 12Mp, f/2.2, 17mm, 114‑degree
(ultra‑wide), 1.25µm

Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro?
Some real-world guidance
that might surprise you
If you’re thinking about picking up one of Google’s new Pixel phones,
you’ll definitely want to read this first. JR RAPHAEL reports
T
o Pixel 6 or to Pixel 6 Pro? That is what you’ve already seen in several
the question. dozen other places, I thought we’d
By now, you’ve no doubt focus on a purely practical, real‑world
heard plenty about Google’s latest and comparison for anyone torn between the
greatest Pixels. So rather than repeat two Pixel 6 models. I’ve been carrying

around both the regular Pixel 6 and technical differences between the Pixel 6
the Pixel 6 Pro and living with them for and Pixel 6 Pro – just to make sure we’re
nearly two weeks now, and I’ve collected all on the same page and to give us a
some pretty telling observations that starting point for this conversation. Then,
might be a bit different from the more we’ll break down how much all of these
spec-oriented comparisons you’ve measurements do or don’t matter and
pored over elsewhere. what you’ll actually notice when using
First and foremost, I’d say this: lots the phones in real life.
of traditional tech reviews tend to focus On paper, the primary differences
on measurement minutia and place the between the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are:
greatest emphasis on numerically driven,
objective variables. It’s understandable, Display
as that’s part of the job of the traditional Pixel 6: 6.4in (2,400x1,080; 411ppi)
tech reviewer – and coming up with an AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ display
authoritative assessment is certainly Pixel 6 Pro: 6.71in (3,120x1,440; 512ppi)
easier when you have consistent LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ display
variables to add up and compare.
But I’d also say this: that kind of Dimensions
thinking often misses the forest for the Pixel 6: 158.6x74.8x8.9mm
trees. As an actual tech‑toting human, Pixel 6 Pro: 163.9x75.9x8.9mm
the amount of RAM in a phone or the
number of pixels in its display won’t RAM
mean much for you. All that matters is Pixel 6: 8GB
what the phone is like to use in your Pixel 6 Pro: 12GB
day‑to‑day life. In contrast to all those
objective measures, figuring out which Cameras
phone is worth carrying is an inherently Pixel 6: Two rear‑facing cameras:
subjective, experience‑based judgment. 50Mp, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31in,
And that sort of thinking is 100 per 1.2µm, omnidirectional PDAF, Laser AF,
cent what we’re going to get into here. OIS; 12Mp, f/2.2, 17mm, 114‑degree
(ultra‑wide), 1.25µm. Selfie camera: 8Mp,
THE FOUNDATION f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Before we get going, I want to step back Pixel 6 Pro: Three rear‑facing cameras:
for a second and quickly run over the 50Mp, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31in,

1.2µm, omnidirectional PDAF, Laser AF, THE SCREEN AND THE BODY
OIS; 48Mp, f/3.5, 104mm (telephoto), We’ll start with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
1/2in, 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 4x optical displays and overall sizes, because that’s
zoom; 12Mp, f/2.2, 17mm, 114‑degree where you might be the most surprised
(ultra‑wide), 1.25µm. Selfie camera: by some of these devices’ real‑world
11Mp, f/2.2, 20mm (ultra‑wide), 1.22µm differences. First things first, the Pro’s
display is indeed noticeably larger than
Storage the regular Pixel 6’s, though not by any
Pixel 6: 128GB/256GB sort of massive, experience‑changing
Pixel 6 Pro: 128GB/256GB/512GB margin. It’s also more pixel‑dense, but
we’re talking a level of difference that
Battery no one without Superman-level vision
Pixel 6: Non-removable 5,003mAh would possibly notice.
lithium-polymer I’ll take that same thinking a step
Pixel 6 Pro: Non‑removable 4,614mAh further: in general, I don’t think any
lithium-polymer normal person would give any of the
Other than that, the

phones are more or less
the same – same Google-
made processor, same
exceptional Android
experience, same thoughtful
and genuinely practical
feature additions, same
unmatched level of ongoing
software support, and same
lack of added nonsense
that you see in most other
Android devices).
Got it? Good. Now,
with all of that in mind, let’s
dive into how the phones Does size matter? The larger Pixel 6 Pro, at left, and the
actually differ. regular Pixel 6, at right.

quality‑related differences between the As for the idea of the Pixel 6 Pro
devices’ displays an ounce of thought. giving you more screen space, here’s
Even when looking at the two phones an unexpected reality: the Pixel 6 Pro’s
side by side, I suspect most folks would screen actually tends to be less info
say, “Okay. The Pro’s screen is a little dense than the regular Pixel 6’s. In other
bit bigger. Cool?” words, if you’re looking at the same
The same holds true for those exact web page, email or document on
attention‑demanding refresh rates. both phones, you’ll often see slightly
The Pixel 6 Pro’s 120Hz figure may more of the content on the regular 6’s
sound impressive on paper, but you’re screen than you will on the Pro’s (even
almost certainly not going to notice the though the individual characters and
difference between that and the Pixel 6’s elements are a bit larger on the Pro).
90Hz refresh rate in real‑world use. That aside, one thing you’ll
absolutely notice is the
shape of each phone’s
display. More specifically,
the Pro’s screen curves over
at the edges – and that
makes a very noticeable and
meaningful difference in what
the device is like to use.
First things first, credit
where credit’s due: the
curved smartphone screen
certainly looks futuristic, cool
and fitting for a ‘premium’
product. Heck, it’s kind of
a technological wonder.
The problem is that from
a practical perspective, it
actually makes the phone
Paradoxically, you end up seeing more text on-screen at considerably less friendly
the same time with the regular Pixel 6, at left, than you to both your hands and
do with the Pixel 6 Pro, at right. your eyes.

noticeable
difference in
what the phone
is like to hold
in your sweaty
meat-hooks
compared to its
smaller sibling.
As a result of that
curved screen,
the Pixel 6 Pro has
a much smaller
Living on the edge: The Pixel 6 Pro’s curved screen, at left, next to the straight-edged
regular Pixel 6’s flat display. area of its frame
on the phone’s
Visually speaking, the curved display sides. Since the screen is curved,
frequently causes text to be harder the device’s perimeter has more of a
to read and images, videos and other slope to it and ends up feeling almost
content to be awkwardly sloped over at uncomfortably sharp against your
their edges. This effect isn’t unique to palm when you hold it.
the Pixel 6 Pro, either. It’s just the nature Here’s a photo showing the Pro on
of the technology. It’s a striking example top and the regular Pixel 6 on bottom.
of prioritizing form over function, and it’s See how the area you actually hold
almost a relief
to go back to
a flat display
after spending
time with a
curved one.
The other
effect the Pixel
6 Pro’s curved
screen causes
is an extremely Side view: The Pixel 6 Pro, on top, and the regular Pixel 6, on bottom.

of that (aside from

the curved display’s
appearance, of course).
But if you’re planning to
use the phone without
anything around it, you
The part of the phone that rests against your palm on the Pixel might want to give it
6 Pro (top) versus regular Pixel 6 (bottom). some thought.
against your hand is so much smaller THE CAMERA, THE

and more angled on the Pro compared BATTERY AND BEYOND
to the regular Pixel 6? So that’s where the Pro feels like a bit of
On the regular Pixel 6, the entire a step down compared to the regular
perimeter is basically flat, and that’s Pixel 6. Where the Pro comes out ahead
what rests on your palm when you’re is absolutely in the realm of the camera.
holding it. On the Pro, it’s just a tiny Both phones take phenomenal
strip of flat perimeter with sloped photos, following in the tradition of
edges leading into it. Google’s Pixel line – with some subtle
Combined with the Pro’s extra height but meaningful improvements over
and width compared to the regular Pixel Pixels past, both in the core quality of
6, I’ve actually found that my hand starts the images the devices capture and
to cramp after holding that phone for a in the tools they provide you for fine‑
while – with one-handed use in particular, tuning and enhancing those images after
but even when I’m hanging onto the the fact. When you want to zoom into
thing in one hand and actively swiping or something far away, though, the Pixel 6
tapping with the other. has a massive advantage.
And one more thing on this same On the opposite page we have the
subject: on the Pro, the surface of that same shots taken on the Pixel 6 and
frame on the phone’s sides is shiny Pixel 6 Pro.
and glossy, which makes the material As you can see they are pretty much
noticeably more slippery than the identical, aside from the ever‑so‑slightly
regular Pixel 6’s grippy, matte‑finished different positioning of my hand – right?
alternative. If you’re planning to put But then you zoom into Mr. Turtle, and –
the Pro in a case, that’d mask most well, here’s what you get when you zoom

A regular shot taken from the Pixel 6. A regular shot taken from the Pixel 6 Pro.
A fully zoomed-in shot taken from the Pixel

A fully zoomed-in shot taken from the Pixel 6. 6 Pro.

all the way in with the regular Pixel 6. exactly, you’re using the phones on any
So, yes: a definite, significant difference given day. In my non‑scientific real‑life
when it comes to longer‑range zooming. observations, I’ve found the Pro to have
No question about it. a slight edge over the regular Pixel 6,
As for the rest of the contrasts but they’ve generally been in the same
between the two devices, the RAM basic ballpark. And both phones have
is almost certainly not going to be done well; even with heavy use and
something you’ll notice in regular day- several hours of active screen time, I’ve
to‑day use. I certainly haven’t. When yet to run out of juice on either model
I asked Google for context on what before the end of the day.
difference the Pixel 6 Pro’s extra 4GB of
RAM might make for anyone in practical PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
terms, a Pixel team member told me that Let’s put it all together as simply as
8GB is generally plenty for everyday use possible: the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
and that the Pro’s additional memory is are both lovely devices, and Google
mostly there to help power the larger, is smartly positioning the larger,
high-resolution display, which requires higher-priced option not just as the
more graphical resources. They did bigger version but as the ‘pro-level’
say there might be some effect with experience – the “fully loaded”, most
being able to keep more things in “premium” phone available for the “ultra
active memory and thus switch between technophile”, as the company has put it.
apps more quickly when you have a That branding is nice. It certainly
lot of stuff open at once, but any such made me want to get the Pixel 6 Pro
difference has been fairly subtle and – up until I actually spent time using
difficult to detect for me. both models for extended periods in
That same caveat is worth keeping the real world.
in mind when it comes to the battery Based on my experiences with the
size as well. Yes, the Pro has a larger regular 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro, I wouldn’t
battery, but it also has larger power say that the Pro is any more suited to
requirements. I’ve seen some tests, in professional use than the regular Pixel 6
fact, that give the regular Pixel 6 the model. In fact, I think it comes with some
stamina edge. In real‑world terms, meaningful productivity disadvantages
there are tons of variables involved, compared to the regular 6 – namely
and it really comes down to how, around what its screen is like to look at

ask yourself is how
often you’d use that
telephoto zooming
and how much it
actually matters
to you, especially
with everything else
in the picture.
For most people,
and in particular
professionals, the
Unless you need pro-level performance we recommend the Pixel 6. regular Pixel 6 is
the best all-around
and the effect its curved‑edge, glossy‑ experience you can find on Android (and
framed construction has on the comfort arguably beyond) right now. Once you
of its use. What the screen looks like and factor in its price and its actual per‑year
what the phone is like to hold are pretty value, nothing else even comes close to
consequential factors, if you ask me, and comparing – and that includes both the
they deserve an awful lot of weight. Pixel 6 Pro and the lower‑priced Pixel 5a.
So all considered, I’d say this: if the See? We weren’t kidding when
Pixel 6 Pro’s exceptional photo-zooming we said these phones could change
capability is important to you – and/or everything. And what we’re seeing
if you absolutely need the highest‑level now is still only the start.
512GB storage option that it alone offers
– then think carefully about whether that
outweighs everything else and makes
the Pro worthwhile for your needs.
Otherwise, I’d strongly suggest going
with the regular Pixel 6 instead. You’ll
save yourself £250 – almost half of the
regular Pixel 6 price – and you’ll get
the better all-around experience, even
if you don’t get that impressive super‑
zooming power. The real question to

7 hidden Pixel treasures to

find in Android 12
Hey, Pixel owners. Think you’ve found all that Android 12 has to offer on
your Google‑made phone? Think again. JR RAPHAEL reports
A
ndroid 12 may seem like old We explored a dozen such treasures
news to those of us in the land the other day, but there’s even more
of Pixels at this point, but hold juicy goodness where that came from.
the phone: Google’s latest software has So here now are seven more spectacular
some pretty phenomenal features that hidden gems you’ll absolutely want to
are lurking beneath the surface and all dig up in Android 12 on your Pixel phone
too easy to overlook. – regardless of whether you’re packing

the new Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro or one of your phone’s lower edge instead.
the older Pixel models. • Find Chrome in your list of recent apps.
• Look for the curiously shaped link icon
1. FAST LINK-GRABBING in the thumbnail’s upper‑right corner.
Android’s Overview area – the card-
driven app‑switching interface you see
when you swipe up from the bottom
of your screen and then hold your
finger down, using the current Android
gestures system – has been given
some seriously cool superpowers on
Pixels as of late. And with Android
12, your favourite Googley phone has
another tucked away time-saver to
discover there.
So here it is: anytime you look at
Chrome in your Overview area, you
can grab the link of the currently open
1a.
page with one quick tap – without
ever leaving Overview or opening
the app. And from there, it’s just one
more press of your finger to copy
the link or share it anywhere else on
your phone.
How to find it
This one’s easy:
• Open the Overview interface by

swiping up from the bottom of
your screen about an inch and then
stopping – or, if you’re still using the
old legacy three-button nav system,
1b.
tap the square-shaped button on

• Tap that icon and that’s it. You’ve got what purpose they serve. Once you’ve
your link. got that up and running:
2. QUICK DEVICE CONTROLS • Swipe down twice from the top of your
One of Android’s best buried treasures screen and tap the pencil shaped icon
is the device control panel introduced in in the lower‑left corner of the Quick
Android 11 and then weirdly tucked away Settings panel.
to an out‑of‑the‑way place in Android 12. • Scroll down until you see the ‘Device
Fear not, though, for your Pixel’s fancy controls’ tile. It may well be at the
new software has a couple cool ways to very bottom of the list, way down in
bring that panel back to the forefront. the inactive tile area.
The panel, in case you aren’t familiar, • Touch and hold your finger to that tile
gives you easy access to adjusting any and drag it all the way up. I’d suggest
connected devices associated with putting it into one of the top four
your account – smart lights, cameras, positions, which will make sure you can
thermostats, speakers and displays, you always see and access it above your
name it. It’s an awesome time‑
saver, but it’s up to you to pull
it out of Android’s bowels and
make it accessible.
How to find it
First things first, you need
to download the confusingly
named Google Home app, if
you haven’t already, and make
sure you’re signed into it and
set up with any connected
devices you’ve got. And
don’t let the app’s name fool
you: it’s essentially just an
interface for interacting with
any and all connected gadgets,
2.
no matter where they are or

notifications with just a single swipe
down from the top of your screen.
There’s another Android 12 added

Pixel feature along those same lines.
3. A SMARTER LOCK SCREEN

In addition to showing basic info
like the time or weather, your Pixel’s
lock screen can offer up a one‑tap
shortcut to that connected device
control panel. In fact, the shortcut
might already be there, but there’s a
decent chance you haven’t noticed it
3.
or realized what it does.
How to find it show an icon for your wallet on your lock

Once you have the Google Home app screen and keep your Google Pay card
installed and configured, look for a selector one tap away. You’ll need to
house‑shaped icon in the lower‑left have the Google Pay app installed and
corner of the lock screen. Tap that configured in order for that one to work.
house and you’ll be staring at your
connected device controls. If you have 4. THE KILL SWITCHES
the Home app set up, but don’t see Among its many under-the-hood privacy
that icon on your lock screen: enhancements, Android 12 introduces
a pair of new kill switches that make it
• Open up your system settings and super‑easy for you to disable your Pixel’s
head into the Display section. camera or microphone anytime the need
• Tap the line labelled ‘Lock screen’. arises. They also have the advantage
• Look for the ‘Show device controls’ of allowing you to talk about using
toggle and make sure it’s turned on. ‘kill switches’, which makes you sound
totally hard‑core...until people figure
While you’re there, take note: you can out that you’re actually talking about an
also turn on a toggle in that same area to advanced privacy feature on your Google

4.
Pixel phone. So let’s find and enable • Repeat that same process with the
those options, shall we? ‘Camera access’ tile.
How to find it After that, it’ll just be a single tap

We’ll need to go back into your Pixel’s on either of those tiles to turn off the
Quick Settings editor: associated function and know no one
can possibly see and/or hear whatever
• Once again, swipe down twice from it is you’re up to.
the top of your phone’s screen and tap
the pencil shaped icon in the lower‑left 5. COLOUR COORDINATION
corner of the Quick Settings panel. Android 12’s Material You theming
• Scroll all the way down to the inactive system is surprisingly impressive,
tile area at the bottom of the list and but for some reason, one of its most
look for the tile labelled ‘Mic access’. prominent elements seems to be
• Press and hold your finger to that tile disabled by default on Pixels that
and drag it up into the active area are upgrading to Android 12.
of your Quick Settings – in whatever That element is the auto-theming
position you like. (Just remember that of icons on your home screen so that
the first four tiles are the ones you’ll they’re coordinated with your current
see with a single swipe down from wallpaper and the rest of your phone’s
the top of the screen, while the first dynamically changing motif. It’s a subtle
eight are the tiles you’ll see with two touch and a purely superficial one, but it
swipes down. Anything beyond that really does create a nice effect and make
will require an additional swipe to a meaningful difference in how pleasant
the side to access.) your phone is to use.

How to find it their apps to be a part of it – but with
Provided you’re using your Pixel’s default any luck, we’ll see more of that soon.
Pixel Launcher home screen set-up:
6. A SIMPLER ASSISTANT
• Press and hold on any blank space SHORTCUT
on your phone’s home screen. Google Assistant’s got tons of worthwhile
• Tap ‘Wallpaper & style’ in the menu time-savers, with new options showing
that comes up. up all the time. But uttering ‘Hey
• Scroll down on the next screen Google’ isn’t always the most practical
you see until you find the ‘Themed way to summon your trusty virtual
icons’ option. companion. And Android’s swipe‑up‑
• Flip its toggle into the on position. from‑the‑corner‑of‑your‑screen gesture
for activating Assistant is often awkward
Just note that as of now, it’s mostly and inconsistent (which might be at least
only Google apps that are affected by in part why Google disabled it by default
this system. It’ll take some time for non‑ on the new Pixel 6 devices).
Google app developers to get on board Well, take note: as of Android 12 on a
with the system and start empowering Pixel, you’ve got another option, and it’s
about as easy as can be. A simple
press and hold of your phone’s
physical power button can pull up
your friendly neighbourhood genie
and have it standing by to help with
whatever you need.
How to find it
Thankfully, there’s not much to
this process:
• Open up the System section of

your Pixel system settings.
• Tap ‘Gestures’.
• Look for the line labelled ‘Press
5.
and hold power button’, and tap it.

• Activate the toggle next to ‘Hold (but not, curiously enough, the regular
for Assistant’. Pixel 4 or Pixel 4a devices).
Now press and hold that protruding How to find it

power button of yours, and your If you have the Pixel 4a 5G or higher:
Assistant will be there in a flash. When
you want to power down your phone or • Go into the System section of your
access any other items in the traditional phone’s settings.
Pixel power menu, press the power • Tap ‘Gestures’.
button and the volume-up key together • Tap the line labelled ‘Quick Tap’.
(and that’ll override the previously • Flip the toggle at the top of the next
available muting shortcut connected screen into the on position.
to that same key combination). • Select which action you want your
taps to trigger.
7. TAP ACTION
If you love shortcuts as much as I do, If you go with the ’Open app’ option,
you’re going to adore this final Pixel‑ be sure to hit the gear-shaped icon
specific Android 12 treat. It’s a new along that same line to select which
system that lets you tap twice
on the back of your phone to
have a specific action performed
– capturing a screenshot,
summoning Assistant, playing or
pausing any active media, opening
your recent apps, opening your
notifications or opening any app
you want. As an added bonus,
it also makes a lovely percussive
pitter‑patter.
The only catch is that is seems
to be available only on the Pixel
4a 5G and higher – so the Pixel 4a
5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, and then the
7.
new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro models

app, specifically, you want to have
open. And if you find your phone is
activating the tap action inadvertently,
when you aren’t tapping, head back into
that same area of the settings and try
activating the ‘Require stronger taps’
toggle to see if that helps.

REVIEWS
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3

Price: £1,599 from fave.co/3CTZY40
I
t may not have been the first but latest and greatest technologies, and as
Samsung has managed to position a representation of foldable innovation
itself as the category‑defining brand in general; serving as an indicator
when it comes to foldables; with its of how far the technology (and the
latest Galaxy Z Fold3 likely to serve associated costs) have matured, all in
as the standard that similarly-styled a relatively short time.
rivals will be measured against.
The Z Fold3 aims to meet DESIGN
expectations on three fronts: as a There was a brief moment where
worthwhile refinement of the phone‑to‑ Samsung’s foldable future nearly didn’t
tablet foldables that the company has make it out of the gate.
produced so far, as a platform on which The original Galaxy Fold was a
Samsung can test and implement its groundbreaking piece of consumer

tech, to be sure, but it also suffered While the polished surfaces pick up
from some pretty significant engineering smudges and smears, there’s a pleasing
and build quality issues; most of which confidence and precision in how the Z
weren’t much of a surprise to those with Fold3 fits together and sits in the hand.
an appreciation for just how technically It’s both thinner (16mm at its thickest
complex creating one of the first point when closed, versus 16.8mm)
consumer‑ready foldables must have and lighter (271g versus 282g) than its
been. In his review, Android Advisor’s predecessor, and Samsung has also
then-Consumer Tech Editor, Henry Burrell performed what I assume is some sort of
described the phone as “an aspirational black magic (although more likely a mix
mess”, which still feels apt, even with the of grease, rubber and CIPG) in order to
hindsight of the Fold line’s evolution. render this Fold (alongside the Flip 3) the
Three years on and the anatomy of first water‑resistant foldable(s) ever.
the original Fold persists in this fourth As impressive as this new trait is
iteration, but it’s littered with signs of though, I do have concerns about
the lessons Samsung has learnt along the long‑term validity of the phone’s
the way. IPX8 certification, considering the
You’re still getting a wedge‑shaped, moving parts at work; particularly when
book‑style, vertically folding form factor, compared to more traditional ‘static’
dressed with an external cover display candy bar devices, like the company’s
and an expansive internal screen, all own Galaxy S21. What’s more, despite
housed in what Samsung has branded the dust caps (which were first added on
‘Armor Aluminium’
(or ‘Aluminum’ to our
Stateside readers).
Durability is one of this
generation’s biggest
upgrades, with a
blend of polished and
brushed aluminium
alloy, surrounding the
displays and spine
of the phone’s all‑
important hinge. The hinge mechanism is reassuringly sturdy.

REVIEWS
the Fold 5G), the fear of fine dust, grit or at the seam line would make opening
powder working its way into the Fold3’s up the Fold3 significantly easier and far
mechanisms still feels very real. less precarious, though.
While no mechanical issues emerged Unlike last year, where Samsung
in over a month of testing, the teardrop tied the design of the Fold2’s camera
silhouette of the Fold3 when closed – module to the Galaxy Note 20 range
formed in the negative space created that launched alongside it, the stepped
by the range’s ongoing inability to truly array in the top right of the Fold3’s back
close flat – did welcome dust and lint shies away from the bold ‘contour cut’
that accumulated right around the most camera ‘island’ found on this year’s S21
likely point of ingress; needing to be series and instead offers up something
wiped off each time it was unfolded, markedly less obtrusive.
after sitting in a pocket for more than Provided you don’t opt for the Thom
a few minutes. Browne limited edition, colourways are
Speaking of unfolding, the hinge more understated this year (compared
mechanism is reassuringly sturdy – to its predecessor); with Phantom Black,
instilling confidence with regards to Phantom Silver or the signature colour –
long-term reliability – as well as being Phantom Green. There’s also no option
able to remain fixed at any point through to customize the hinge of the Fold3, as
its range of motion. Some small ridges or there was with the Fold2, when bought
texturing for added grip along the frame directly from Samsung.
The Fold 3’s back shies away from the bold ‘contour cut’ camera ‘island’ found on this year’s
S21 series and instead offers up something markedly less obtrusive

DISPLAY
Using the Fold is a tale of
two screens: the tall, narrow
6.2in 25:9 cover display on
the outer face – which most
closely portrays a traditional
smartphone experience (even
if it is oddly tall and thin) – and
the titular 7.6in folding main
display that, for the first few
times you open and close the
Fold3, defies expectations as
you watch pixels curve in on The main panel is reportedly 29 per cent brighter than
one another. the Z Fold2’s equivalent.
At the phone’s launch,
Samsung claimed that Fold owners Perhaps one of the most important
use that cover display about as much questions is ‘can you see or feel and the
as its main screen, so upgrading fold line running down the centre of the
the refresh rate to a consistent Fold3’s main display?’ In a word, ‘yes’,
120Hz across both panels helps with but it isn’t a debilitating shortcoming
the sense of seamlessness when as some might assume, so much as an
transitioning between the two. inherent quirk of the current state of
Samsung’s also worked to improve folding display technology.
the hardware on offer, with a main In most situations, when viewed
panel that’s reportedly ‘29 per cent head-on, you cannot see the crease
brighter’ than the Z Fold2’s equivalent line at all; with colour and contrast only
and also apparently 80 per cent more being thrown out of balance compared
durable. In real‑world use, I still wasn’t to the rest of the panel when viewed
brazen enough to push a fingernail off‑angle (more likely noticeable if you’re
into it to see if I left a mark, but it did watching something with a friend and
provide greater peace of mind for you’re both sat at an offset position).
what is still unquestionably one of the As such, the visual fidelity of the main
most vulnerable components on an screen feels comparable to that of
expensive device. Samsung’s other 2021 flagship phones

REVIEWS
has also upped the ante

with the Z Fold3’s panel
by adding its first ever
under-display camera
(more on that later) and
implementing S Pen
support too; making
it the most versatile
display on a consumer
mobile device right
now, by quite a margin.
While Samsung’s
In most situations, when viewed head-on, you cannot see the signature stylus is an
crease line at all. optional extra (and you
need a special Fold
(albeit with a lower 374ppi pixel density Edition variant with a softer, sprung nib
– the 6.7in S21+’s Full HD+ display to use on the Fold3’s display), it makes
sports 394ppi) in most situations. for a strong pairing with the foldable’s
The 4:3 aspect ratio is unconventional expanded canvas.
by modern standards – offering The S Pen Fold Edition still
up what amounts to two standard delivers a familiar stylus experience,
smartphone displays side by side and with sensitivity comparable to touch
fused together – but the result is an input (even when drawing across the
impressively expansive canvas that, display’s slightly dipped crease) and
not only fits more‑screen in terms of latency that feels more than usable
displaying certain types of content at a for the supported experiences.
larger scale than a conventional phone If you’re looking to jot notes down,
(such as 16:9 video) but also allows scribble some quick doodles or get
for multiple apps at once (up to three, some digital illustration practice in,
based on Samsung’s software). the S Pen is well‑equipped for such
tasks. For anything more serious, you
S PEN might be better served by the likes
As if sticking a folding screen on a phone of Apple’s latest iPad Pro and Apple
wasn’t enough of a challenge, Samsung Pencil combination or a dedicated

graphics tablet. Although stylus input – when using the main display – an
works in most apps, only a small handful optional split keyboard for more
capitalize on the S Pen’s pressure and tilt convenient two-handed typing, Cover
recognition, limiting its full potential – Screen Mirroring lets you choose
something that Samsung has to work to whether your home screen layout
improve across its various S Pen-capable remains consistent across both displays
phones and tablets. or whether you want independent
layouts for the two discreet use cases
SOFTWARE they serve.
While running on Samsung’s own take With the screen real‑estate on
of Android 11 (with the promise of years offer from the main display, the Fold3
of subsequent updates) from the outset, can accommodate up to three apps
OneUI version 3.1.1 comes with
optimizations specific to the Fold
experience. You’ll still find both
Google and Samsung apps pre-
loaded on the Fold3 (with only
light overlap), while extras from
both sides of the fence (such as
note and calculator apps) are
available from their respective
app stores; letting you pick and
choose, as needed.
It’s more about how the apps
you like to use are utilized across
the Fold’s two displays that
govern whether this form‑factor
is right for your needs, and
Samsung’s worked hard to equip
its latest foldable with a host of
features designed to maximize
such functionality.
Beyond obvious inclusions, A screenshot of three app split-screen multitasking on
like one-handed mode and the Fold 3’s main display.

REVIEWS
at once (the best way to showcase its a device powered by Qualcomm’s top-
productivity prowess), with the ability tier Snapdragon 888 SoC and 12GB
to scale, resize and reorder chosen of RAM (paired with either 256GB or
apps on the fly and even save them as 512GB of fast UFS 3.1 storage).
a shortcut trio which you can reopen Even with more demanding hardware
with a tap, whenever you like. requirements – including that 120Hz
The only quirk is that, as Android refresh rate across both displays –
still struggles as a tablet OS natively, compared to rivals, benchmarking
Samsung’s window management sits places the Fold3 in-step with equivalent
atop stock Android’s rudimentary split- devices, like the Huawei Mate X2
screen multitasking (which only supports and other, more conventional, high-
two apps). It would have been cleaner performance phones, such as Realme’s
and less convoluted if Samsung had GT and Samsung’s own Galaxy S21.
simply hidden or disabled Android’s
own implementation; ensuring users Geekbench 5 (multi-core)
only ever interacted with OneUI’s Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3: 3,291
optimized take on this (essential, in Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2: 2,478
the case of the Fold) feature. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3: 3,331
There are even options to force Huawei Mate X2: 3,260
apps to adhere to certain aspect ratios Samsung Galaxy S21 (Exynos): 3,263
– necessary for games like Call of Duty
Mobile – which would otherwise fill GFX Manhattan 3.1
the screen at an awkward resolution Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3: 43fps
or with odd UI element placement. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2: 50fps
However, a few of the more powerful Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3: 58fps
settings that wrangle unwieldy apps Huawei Mate X2: 22fps
into submission like this remain tucked Samsung Galaxy S21 (Exynos): 67fps
away in the Labs menu, which the
average user might miss. Battery life
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3: 6 hours, 58
PERFORMANCE minutes
Unlike the S21 range, there’s no regional Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3: 6 hours, 21
chipset split with the Fold3, meaning minutes
wherever you pick one up, you’re getting Huawei Mate X2: 7 hours, 38 minutes

Samsung Galaxy S21 (Exynos): 8 hours, video devoid of lag, despite the Fold
4 minutes technically having to re-scale the app on
the fly as it moved from one aspect ratio
Charge in 30 minutes and resolution to another.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3: 40%
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3: 46% BATTERY LIFE
Huawei Mate X2: 65% With a body that resembles two phones
Samsung Galaxy S21 (Exynos): 56% welded together, there are two cells –
one nestled on either side of the hinge
Sure, it’s not chart-topping – based mechanism – powering the Fold3, adding
on the numbers – but the real-world up to 4,400mAh in total (marginally
results only ever seemed to demonstrate smaller than the Fold2’s capacity).
flagship‑class performance; with no Thankfully, you still have only one
obvious lag, crashes or heat build‑up. USB‑C port to contend with – affixed
Gaming is wholly enjoyable across both to the right half of the Fold, when open
displays, even if some titles require a – which supports Samsung’s 25‑watt
little optimization during set-up, in order fast charging, along with up to 11‑watt
to run as intended. wireless charging and 4.5‑watt reverse
Perhaps what’s most impressive is wireless charging. Dubbed ‘Wireless
the continuity offered when switching Power Share’, this feature is ideal for
from the cover display to the main topping up compatible true wireless
screen. Even during video playback, the headphones or the company’s latest
Fold3 didn’t skip a beat, with audio and Galaxy Watch 4, for example.
Although
25 watts is
unquestionably
behind the
curve – especially
compared to entries
from the likes of
Oppo, Realme and
OnePlus, which
The Fold3 is powered by two cells – one nestled on either side of the breeze past 65
hinge mechanism. watts – refilling the

REVIEWS
Fold3 with Samsung’s official charger As such, in testing, I experienced

(which doesn’t come in‑box, no power strong variation, with one charge
adapter does), takes a still-respectable delivering 7.25 hours of screen‑on time,
90 minutes. Testing with a third‑party while another only resulted in 4.25 hours.
27‑watt PD charger actually shaved For those looking to eke more hours
a few minutes off even that time, out of their Fold – beyond resorting
reaching 100 per cent in only 83, with to the phone’s battery saver settings –
over 40 per cent charge reached in there are small tweaks that the Galaxy
half an hour, on both occasions. Fold community recommend to help
As for longevity, beyond factors extend the Fold3’s longevity (besides
that affect all modern smartphones, intentionally cautious use); such as
like display technology (LCD or OLED), enabling Dark Mode and disabling
adaptive brightness and refresh rate ‘Nearby Device Scanning’ in the
– depending on how you use the Fold3’s connectivity settings.
Fold3’s two displays can have a huge
impact on battery life. PHOTOGRAPHY
If you’re on the go, there’s every Unlike the Huawei Mate X2 – which
chance you’ll more readily favour the launched with the brand’s best phone
smaller cover display and likely use the cameras to date – the Galaxy Fold3
phone less (as the narrow panel is less doesn’t try to go all-out in the same
conducive to
productivity),
while days spent
at home or at
a desk may
welcome more
frequent two‑
handed use of
the main display,
resulting in
faster battery
drain as a result
of the larger On the rear you’ll find a trio of 12Mp rear sensors that capture imagery
panel at work. comparable to the likes of the S21.

fashion; instead offering up a trio of comparative lack of dynamic range, but
12Mp rear sensors that capture imagery images are consistent and usable to
comparable to the likes of the S21, albeit a degree that other high-end phones
with a smarter, optically stabilized 2x don’t always match.
telephoto snapper in place of the S21/ One could argue that a measly 2x
S21+’s 64Mp sensor. magnification from the telephoto sensor
There’s an impressive confidence raises questions about the value of its
to the three sensors on the back of the inclusion at all – particularly when, at its
Fold3; with colour accuracy and low maximum 10x digital zoom, detail gets
light performance that’s surprisingly pretty dire – but the real offender here is
comparable across the board. the main display’s front‑facing snapper.
Shots feature Samsung’s signature While the cover display also houses
colour vibrancy and more extreme a (10Mp) front‑facing camera, which
contrast, compared to camera kings takes decent selfies with nice colour
like Apple and Google, which at the reproduction (although perhaps with
flagship level, might be seen as a a touch too much oversharpening),
We’ll start
off with an
example of
a low light
shot.

REVIEWS
This series
of shots
were taken
using the
main lens…
…the ultra-
wide lens…

…the 2x
zoom…
…and
finally, the
10x zoom.

REVIEWS
Indoor selfie rear camera. Indoor selfie cover display camera.
Samsung decided that making a folding

display with S Pen support wasn’t
challenging enough, deciding to use it
as the stage on which they’d also debut
their first under‑display camera on a
phone too.
While the technical feat itself is
impressive, the general consensus
is that it would have been better if
Samsung hadn’t bothered. The idea of
an under-display camera is to hide the
black cut-out that in-display cameras
usually create behind a mesh of pixels,
but the Fold3’s implementation has
the opposite effect. ZTE’s Axon 30 5G Indoor selfie under-display camera.

already features second‑generation design that somehow integrates water
under-display camera technology, hidden resistance, an expanded feature set
behind a grid of pixels the same density (including S Pen support) and a lower
as the rest of the display; making it starting price. While processing,
nearly imperceptible. By comparison, the gaming and camera performance may
resolution of the Fold3’s implementation not be industry-leading, the Samsung
is so low that you can actually pick out Galaxy Z Fold3 focuses on making
individual red, green and blue pixels with the foldable concept more attainable
the naked eye. without presenting any real sacrifices
There’s also the fact, even with all in any particular area. What the Fold3
of the post‑processing that Samsung’s does highlight within this burgeoning
imaging team clearly coded to try and product category, however, is that
clean the resultant images up the 4Mp building experiences for folding form
sensor used is generally terrible, with factors is hard and right now, Samsung
narrow dynamic range, poor colour is the principal driving force behind that
reproduction and bad low light support, getting any easier. Alex Walker-Todd
especially when capturing video.
The silver lining in all this is Cover SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Preview, which lets you snap • Foldable 7.6in (2,208x1,768; 374ppi)
selfies using the main rear camera while Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10
the Fold is open, showing a preview display; 6.2in (2,268x832) Dynamic
of the viewfinder on the cover display AMOLED 2X cover display
simultaneously. Even so, the under‑ • Android 11, One UI 3.1.1
display technology Samsung’s used • Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888
on the Fold3 should have been kept 5G (5nm) processor
within a lab until it was more mature • Octa‑core (1x 2.84GHz Kryo 680, 3x
and comparable to the competition 2.42GHz Kryo 680, 4x 1.8GHz Kryo
before making its way onto a 680) CPU
consumer‑ready product. • Adreno 660 GPU
• 12GB RAM
VERDICT • 256GB/512GB storage
There are a host of refinements that • Three rear‑facing cameras: 12Mp, f/1.8,
the Galaxy Z Fold3 lords over its 26mm (wide), 1/1.76in, 1.8µm, Dual
predecessor; with a cleaner, hardier Pixel PDAF, OIS; 12Mp, f/2.4, 52mm

REVIEWS
(telephoto), 1/3.6in, 1.0µm, PDAF,

OIS, 2x optical zoom; 12Mp, f/2.2,
123‑degree, 12mm (ultra‑wide), 1.12µm
• Selfie camera: 4Mp, f/1.8, 2.0µm,
under display
• Wi‑Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual‑band,
• Bluetooth 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
• GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO,
BDS
• NFC
• USB Type‑C 3.2
• Fingerprint scanner (side‑mounted)
• Non‑removable 4,400mAh lithium‑
polymer battery
• Unfolded: 158.2x128.1x6.4 mm;
Folded: 158.2x67.1x14.4‑16 mm
• 271g

Sony Xperia 5 III
Price: £899 from fave.co/3GW2tW0
S
ony increasingly makes its phones The oddities mean this is a phone
for a small – but vocal – niche, and best suited for those willing to work
the Xperia 5 III is no different. at the camera or anyone who needs a
For those who are drawn to the small, but flagship, Android phone and is
unusual aspect ratio, complex camera willing to pay for it. If that describes you
features, and powerful display this is an then there’s a lot to love here.
excellent package – arguably even more
appealing than the flagship Xperia 1 III – DESIGN
but like that phone it comes with serious The first thing you’re likely to notice
drawbacks too. The camera in particular about the Xperia 5 III – like any recent
is only powerful if you know how to Xperia phone – is the unusually tall,
use it well, and makes for a fairly poor slim design. This is driven first and
point‑and‑shoot option at the price. foremost by Sony’s preference for a 21:9

REVIEWS
aspect ratio display – intended to be jack – an increasing rarity, especially in

ideal for watching movies – but it holds high‑end devices.
more appeal than that alone, not least There’s the fact that instead of a
because the slim screen is much more notch or a pin-hole camera, Sony has
comfortable to hold. kept the selfie shooter in a thick top
Combined with the fact that the 5 III bezel (with a chin below to match). That
is essentially a compact version of the does give you an uninterrupted display,
flagship Xperia 1 III, this is one of those but adds to the elongated aesthetic and
increasingly rare beasts: an actually arguably feels a little less modern.
small phone, and one that doesn’t Then there are the buttons. The
compromise on specs to do it. volume button is unremarkable, but the
It helps that it’s also a premium power button doubles as a fingerprint
phone, with an aluminium frame and sensor (a frustratingly inconsistent one,
a protective Gorilla Glass 6 coating on I must say), and below that you get
both the front and back. I’ve reviewed dedicated buttons for Google Assistant
it in black, but you can also buy the (which I don’t love) and the camera
phone in green and pink. shutter (which I do).
The slim shape isn’t the only respect Even the water-resistance here is
in which the 5 III is an unusual phone. odd – Sony uses an IP65/68 rating,
For one, it still has a 3.5mm headphone which means the phone is technically
rated against two
different types of
water damage:
low-pressure jets
and full immersion
(in 1.5 meters for
up to 30 minutes).
One final gripe
before I move on:
the only part of
the phone that
feels badly build is
Instead of a notch or a pin-hole camera, Sony has kept the selfie the SIM tray. This
shooter in a thick top bezel (with a chin below to match). supports either

two SIM cards
or one SIM and
a microSD, but
the actual tray
is so flimsy that
I genuinely
couldn’t get the
dedicated SIM
slot to hold my
card in place,
so I’d worry that
anyone hoping
to use both The 6.1in (2,520x1,080) display gives you a dense 449ppi pixel density.
slots will actually
struggle to do so. It’s simply a baffling colour modes – a vibrant ‘Standard’
way for a phone to go wrong in 2021. mode, and a more natural skewing
‘Creator’ mode – along with an auto
DISPLAY mode that decides which to apply
Sony has done much to hype the 4K, when. Customizable white balance
120Hz panel on the Xperia 1 III, and gives you even more versatility, along
while the 5 III doesn’t quite match with an automatic video enhancement
that resolution, on this smaller scale it option – though the display as a
doesn’t need to. whole is oddly dim.
Instead, the 6.1in display here runs I’ve already mentioned the thin 21:9
at 2,520x1,080, which at this size is still aspect ratio, but it’s worth emphasizing
enough to give you a dense 449ppi pixel again. This is really optimized for
density. It’s still 120Hz refresh rate, so watching movies, which often come in
you’ll get smooth and fluid animation that or similar aspect ratios, though other
throughout, though you can only choose content will often end up being letter‑
between fixed 60Hz or 120Hz modes, boxed, and apps fortunately adapt well
with no dynamic adjustment. to the different shape.
This is an OLED panel, so you can The unusual shape arguably makes
expect great colours and deep blacks, less sense on this smaller screen, which is
and Sony offers a choice of different in a sense not so well-suited to watching

REVIEWS
movies, but I’m a fan of it for general have matched its cooling tech to the
usage too, not least thanks to the small form factor here, and the result
more comfortable hand‑feel. is that the Xperia 5 III gets hot when
Audio is another point where Sony running anything challenging – not to
excels. There’s that aforementioned mention when charging – and it seems
headphone jack, along with stereo clear that this is limiting performance.
speakers for when you want to listen
out loud. Geekbench 5 (multi-core)
On a software side, those are backed Sony Xperia 5 III: 3,202
up by audio tech including DSEE Sony Xperia 5 II: 3,347
upscaling, 360 Spatial Audio, 360 Reality Sony Xperia 1 III: 3,658
Audio and Dolby Atmos support, aptX Xiaomi Mi 11: 3,684
HD, and LDAC for Hi‑Res audio. Samsung Galaxy S21 (Exynos): 3,263
Then there’s Sony’s own unusual OnePlus 9: 3,492
dynamic vibration system. This uses
the haptic motors to buzz the phone in GFX Manhattan 3.1
time with your audio for an ‘immersive’ Sony Xperia 5 III: 60fps
experience. I hate it – though fortunately Sony Xperia 5 II: 69fps
you can switch it off. The buzzing phone Sony Xperia 1 III: 60fps
is a distraction more than an immersion, Xiaomi Mi 11: 54fps
and at times actively compromises the Samsung Galaxy S21 (Exynos): 67fps
audio rather than improving it, so feels OnePlus 9: 60fps
like a rare swing‑and‑a‑miss from Sony.
Battery life
PERFORMANCE Sony Xperia 5 III: 8 hours, 33 minutes
Some small phones drop their specs Sony Xperia 5 II: 15 hours, 5 minutes
down to cut costs, but Sony’s approach Sony Xperia 1 III: 7 hours, 44 minutes
with the 5 III is similar to Apple’s with the Samsung Galaxy S21 (Exynos): 8 hours,
iPhone 13 mini. 4 minutes
That means you’ll still get the OnePlus 9: 9 hours, 6 minutes
flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
chipset, here paired with 8GB of RAM Charge in 30 minutes
and either 128GB or 256GB of storage. Sony Xperia 5 III: 52%
Unfortunately, Sony doesn’t seem to Sony Xperia 5 II: 48%

Sony Xperia 1 III: 52%
Xiaomi Mi 11: 79%
Samsung Galaxy S21
(Exynos): 56%
OnePlus 9: 95%
Looking at synthetic
benchmarks, the phone
performs well but clearly
behind some other key
Snapdragon 888 rivals,
including the Xperia 1 The phone comfortably hits a day and a bit of use.
III. In fact, its Geekbench
5 CPU performance is even below that The 4,500mAh battery itself is a
of last year’s Xperia 5 II. typical size these days – though given
Benchmarks aren’t everything, and that the phone itself is small, it’s at least
in day-to-day usage the phone still runs welcome that the battery capacity isn’t
very smoothly, so for the average person similarly diminutive.
this certainly shouldn’t be a concern. In regular use I’ve found that the
But power users and gamers might be phone comfortably hits a day and a bit of
best looking elsewhere, as for any heavy use even using 120Hz mode, though it’s
use this will run hot and start to throttle, more of a stretch to hit two days. Even
reducing performance. a fairly aggressive power user should
Connectivity is at least find that this is an all‑day device though,
unambiguously strong. In addition to which is the main thing that matters.
5G you’ll find Wi‑Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, Charging is similarly average. The 30‑
along with NFC of course. watt wired speeds match the likes of the
Pixel 6 and slightly beat Samsung’s S21
BATTERY LIFE phones or the new iPhones, but fall far
The Xperia 5 III has many strengths, but below the fast charging speeds delivered
it must be said that the battery is not by the likes of OnePlus, Oppo, or Xiaomi
one of them. Which isn’t to say that it’s – the latter’s recent 11T Pro delivers four
a weakness either, but rather that it’s times more power at 120 watts.
distinctly average. Still, there are arguably diminishing

REVIEWS
returns here. Sony says that the 5 III will in general are restrained and mostly
get half its charge back in half an hour true‑to‑life – if even a touch faded at
– an almost exact match for my results, times – so will appeal if you’re not a fan
which saw 52 per cent charge back in of the Instagram‑ready, heavily saturated
that time. That’s most of a day’s power in aesthetic popular with other brands.
half an hour, which I’m sure is sufficiently The telephoto is arguably the
speedy for most people. most impressive, and not only for the
One big omission – compared to the added versatility afforded by its ability
1 III – is that there’s no wireless charging to change zoom levels. Zoomed in
at all here, which is a shame given the shots are routinely crisp and detailed
phone’s price. Even cheaper competitors – helped by the inclusion of optical
now offer at least some wireless charging stabilization, no doubt – and even
option, even if it’s slow, and I would have handle dynamic range well, which not
liked to see the same here. every zoom lens manages.
It’s low‑light where I’m less satisfied
PHOTOGRAPHY with the 5 III, in part because there’s no
The camera on the Xperia 5 III is a funny dedicated night mode. I’ve taken a few
old beast, with phenomenal hardware great shots to be fair, including concert
let down by so‑so software – unless you photos of Caroline Polachek that even
have the photography prowess to go came out well from 4.4x zoom – not
manual and treat this like a DSLR. many phones could handle that.
The actual lenses and sensors found But I’ve taken just as many night-
on the rear of the phone are the same time shots that have emerged blurry
found in the Xperia 1 III: a 12Mp, f/1.7 or lacking detail. Most often you’ll find
main lens with OIS; a 12Mp, f/2.2 that light sources are over-exposed
ultra‑wide; and a rather clever 12Mp and blown out, ruining otherwise solid
periscopic telephoto lens that’s capable shots. This is a problem for most phones,
of shooting both at 2.9x zoom with an to be fair – but flagships from Vivo and
f/2.3 aperture, and then moving to 4.4x Google have made serious headway
zoom at f/2.8 – also with OIS. in fixing this problem. Sony positions
In good light all of these lenses itself as a smartphone camera expert,
impress, apart from the familiar problem so it does feel like a drawback that
of slight colour inconsistencies between the phone lags well behind on this,
them – far from a dealbreaker. Colours especially given its price.

We’ll start
off with a
couple of
examples
of low light
shots.

REVIEWS
This series
of shots
were taken
using the
default
lens…
…the ultra-
wide lens…

…the 2.9x
zoom…
…and
finally the
4.4x zoom.

REVIEWS
Our final
two test
shots are a
selfie…
…and
a selfie
portrait.

The problem stems
in part from the fact
that Sony intends this
to be a smartphone
for photographers, not
everyday users. Given the
company’s camera pedigree
you can see why it might
take that approach, but it
has clear drawbacks.
You can see it in the fact
that the strong rear cameras
are let down by a weak
selfie shooter. This 8Mp The Xperia 5 III’s camera app.
camera is low on detail
and doesn’t impress on dynamic range But it’s a shame that in offering this, Sony
either, despite the wide f/2.0 aperture. has stripped back the regular mode by
But serious photographers don’t take so much, leaving users with few of the
selfies, right? additional shooting modes that are now
More than that, the evidence is in the smartphone staples.
app. Sony’s new camera app is modelled The UI is messy too. When shooting
closely on the software that runs on its with the rear cameras I can access bokeh
actual cameras, complete with a virtual effects for portrait shots from a simple
dial to select your shooting mode. Most slider right next to the timer and flash
people will want to stick with ‘Basic’ – options. But if I’m taking a selfie, that
which feels essentially like a standard option isn’t there – instead I have to
smartphone camera – while the other head to ‘More’ and then select ‘Portrait
modes open up vastly more complicated selfie’. Why?
interfaces for managing ISO, shutter Things get even more complicated
speed, focus, and so on. when you switch to video. The main
It’s not all that unusual to offer a pro camera app will let you record video in
experience, and I suspect those who the ‘basic’ mode, but the other modes
enjoy exploring the more manual side of are all photo-only – not that the app tells
photography will relish the options here. you that, instead simply bumping you

REVIEWS
back to photo mode without a warning. Xperia 5 III camera set-up, but it didn’t
Instead, pro video requires that you need to come at such a cost to the
open a second app called Cinema Pro basic point‑and‑shoot abilities. The
that’s only for shooting video, with an result is that this camera might appeal
entirely different interface. to people with genuine professional
Again, those with the know-how to ambitions for the phone – or just keen
take advantage will likely love the depth hobbyists looking to delve deeper – but
of options here, with an expansive set of anyone who just wants a phone to take
options for ISO, shutter speed, manual good photos on the go will find the
or auto‑focus, and colour profile. You can experience challenging.
even shoot 4K footage at up to 120fps. To end on a good note, I do want to
The problem once more is that single out the physical shutter button
the basic experience is terrible. Your for praise. This certainly isn’t new to
only quality options are between HD, Sony phones, but it remains a USP in
1,080x1,080, Full HD, Full HD (60fps), my eye – there’s something great about
and 4K. There’s no information given having a physical button to hit, and used
on the frame rates for any of these right it can also help reduce camera
except the single option that specifies shake for crisper shots. I wish more
60fps, and no other way in this app to phones had one.
set frame rate.
Want to use
HDR? Great! There’s
a quick toggle on
the main camera
display – except
it’s not available
in either the 60fps
mode or, more
cryptically, the lowest
resolution HD mode.
Offering such
a wealth of pro
options is a clear
strength of the The Cinema Pro app is designed for shooting video.

SOFTWARE
After ragging on Sony’s
camera software for a while,
it’s only fair to acknowledge
that the company gets it
right elsewhere. The Xperia
5 III runs Android 11 out of
the box, and like other Sony
phones this is a version with
minimal modifications from
the manufacturer.
That means a simple, The Xperia 5 III runs Android 11 out of the box.
clear aesthetic and smooth
performance. There are few extraneous blunt, two updates is at the lower end
features and settings clogging up of the market and is really the bare
menus, and fewer pre‑installed apps or minimum, especially for a flagship – this
bloatware. This is a fairly clean Android is one software area where Sony really
experience for the most part. should do better.
Of course that also means you’re not
getting the extra perks that some other VERDICT
developers pack into their Android skins. There’s a lot to like in the Xperia 5 III.
Many features found in Android version The display is top notch, the audio
updates actually appear first in Samsung, options are unparalleled, and the small
Xiaomi, or OnePlus phones – but Sony form factor is likely to be a big draw for
users will generally have to wait for some, just because of its relative rarity –
Google to catch up. especially for a phone that also contains
Speaking of, Sony hasn’t promised a a flagship chipset and camera.
specific number of Android updates for It’s not all smooth sailing though,
the 5 III, but has said that the Xperia 1 III with a battery life and charging spec
will get two major updates – so it seems that are average at best, and a software
likely that the same will hold true here. update promise that isn’t even that,
That will carry you through Android reducing the longevity of the hardware.
12 and 13, though it’s not clear when And even though the specs are top-tier
either version would arrive. To be on paper, the small body has clearly

REVIEWS
created cooling challenges that lower its 3x/4.4x optical zoom, OIS; 12Mp,
performance in practice. f/2.2, 124‑degree, 16mm (ultra‑wide),
Ultimately though, the appeal of 1/2.6in, Dual Pixel PDAF
the phone will come down in large • Selfie camera: 8Mp, f/2.0, 24mm
part to the camera. While the hardware (wide), 1/4in, 1.12µm
here is indisputably capable – and the • Wi‑Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual‑band,
shutter button a rare treat – Sony’s Wi‑Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
software choices simply mean that this • Bluetooth 5.2, A2DP, aptX HD, LE
isn’t a good choice for anyone who just • GPS with dual-band A-GPS, GLONASS,
wants to point‑and‑shoot. BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
If you’re not willing to get to • NFC
grips with the advanced settings and • USB Type‑C 3.1; USB On‑The‑Go,
tinker with shutter speeds, you’ll find video output
better cameras – that are easier to • Fingerprint scanner (side‑mounted)
use – elsewhere. And often for less. • Non‑removable 4,500mAh lithium‑
Dominic Preston polymer battery
SPECIFICATIONS • 157x68x8.2mm
• 6.1in (2,520x1,080; 449ppi) OLED, • 168g
120Hz, HDR BT.2020 display
• Android 11
• Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888
5G (5nm) processor
• Octa‑core (1x 2.84GHz Kryo 680, 3x
2.42GHz Kryo 680, 4x 1.8GHz Kryo
680) CPU
• Adreno 660 GPU
• 8GB RAM
• 128GB/256GB storage
• Three rear‑facing cameras: 12Mp,
f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.7in, 1.8µm,
Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS; 12Mp, f/2.3,
70mm (telephoto), f/2.8, 105mm
(telephoto), 1/2.9in, Dual Pixel PDAF,

Honor 50
Price: £450 from fave.co/3CTG8px
I
t’s all change for Honor at the moment. Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset and
Once part of Huawei, the brand was to run on software developed at least
spun off into its own company last partly without Huawei’s support.
year to escape the worst impact of The good news is that Honor has
a restrictive US trade ban. It’s taken hit the ground running with a phone
a while, but the Honor 50 is the first that fits right in with its old game
phone the company has released plan: flagship design, near‑flagship
globally since striking out on its own. performance, non‑flagship price.
That means that the Honor 50 is
the first Honor phone in some time DESIGN
to ship with full support for Google In many ways, this is a pretty classic
Mobile Services – but it’s also one modern slab phone with familiar touches
of the first Honor phones to use a like a curved display, slim bezels and

REVIEWS
a reflective rear – all of which help theory but can’t quite resist the allure
the phone feel premium, but also of a big screen.
decidedly Honor. The camera module is obviously the
I’ve been testing the phone’s other main talking point. Honor says that
‘Emerald Green’ finish, but you’ll also the dual ring design is inspired by twin-
find it in ‘Frost Crystal’, ‘Midnight lens reflex cameras, and also compares
Black’, and ‘Honor Code’. I’m a fan it unsettlingly to a pair of eyes. I can’t
of the balance the green model say I love the design, but it is at least
strikes between understatement and memorable and does help the Honor
pizzazz, but it is a fearsome fingerprint 50 stand out.
magnet, so you may find you want to It only stands out so far though, as
throw a case on it anyway. there’s another phone with the exact
Thanks to the large display this same design. It would seem Honor is still
certainly isn’t a small phone, but Honor working through the release of phones
has kept it light (175g) and slim (7.8mm) that were designed while Huawei was
so it feels far less bulky than many of still paying the bills, as the Honor 50 is
its rivals. With the help of the curved the spitting image of the Huawei Nova 9,
display, it actually feels rather slender, also launching in Europe this autumn.
so this should be a great choice for The phones have much in common
anyone who likes small phones in beyond their design, though are
ultimately distinct
– not least because
the Nova 9 can’t
access Google apps,
including the Play
Store, giving the
Honor 50 a clear
leg up. In design
though, there’s really
nothing to pull them
apart, so bear that
in mind if it’s the
aesthetic that you’re
This is a pretty classic modern slab phone. interested in.

DISPLAY
Mid‑range phones have
better displays than ever,
and fortunately, Honor
has managed not only
to keep up, but to excel
compared to most other
phones at this price.
The 6.57in panel here
ticks off a whole host of
boxes: curved, OLED,
Full HD+ resolution,
120Hz refresh rate,
300Hz touch sampling The Honor 50 has a fantastic display.
rate, 100 per cent
DCI‑P3 colour gamut and support for kind driven by the solitary selfie camera
over a billion colours. found in a central punch‑hole.
In fact, it would be quicker to list As with most flagship phones
the top specs this screen doesn’t have: these days, you won’t find a 3.5mm
there’s no LTPO tech to dynamically alter headphone jack anywhere. Instead,
refresh rate (it can only jump between you’ll have to make do with USB-C or
60Hz and 120Hz); it doesn’t go up to Bluetooth headphones, or make do with
Quad HD+ or 4K resolution. the phone’s respectable speaker sound
Assuming you can live without those – though there’s no stereo support.
two – and really most people should be
able to – then there’s no reason not to PERFORMANCE
be happy with the panel here, which is One of the other small compromises
bright, vivid, and colourful no matter in the Honor 50 is on the chipset. You
what you throw at it. won’t find a flagship 8‑series Qualcomm
The display also contains the phone’s chip here, but instead the mid-range
under‑screen fingerprint reader, which Snapdragon 778G.
is about as fast and reliable as they I call this a compromise, but in all
come. Face unlock is also available if you honesty, you’re not giving up much here.
prefer, though it’s the relatively unsecure Even paired with just 6GB of RAM in the

REVIEWS
model I tested, which comes with 128GB Realme GT Master Edition: 10 hours, 4
storage, performance was rock solid minutes
throughout my time with the phone and Google Pixel 6: 10 hours, 38 minutes
it’ll likely be even better in the 8+256GB OnePlus 9: 9 hours, 6 minutes
version of the handset. OnePlus Nord 2: 11 hours, 17 minutes
In our benchmarks, the Honor 50 Samsung Galaxy S21: 8 hours, 4 minutes
posted similar scores to the Realme
GT Master Edition – which uses the Charge in 30 minutes
same chipset – and on CPU tests came Honor 50: 83%
close to some flagship Snapdragon Realme GT Master Edition: 96%
888‑powered devices. Those tended to Google Pixel 6: 48%
pull apart further on the GPU‑focused OnePlus 9: 95%
GFXBench tests, but the Honor 50 still OnePlus Nord 2: 100%
performed solidly and will hold its own Samsung Galaxy S21: 56%
while gaming.
This is one of Honor’s first phones
Geekbench 5 (multi-core) using Qualcomm silicon, after mostly
Honor 50: 2,861 using Huawei’s own Kirin chips before,
Realme GT Master Edition: 2,882 and the company has no doubt faced
Google Pixel 6: 2,897 teething pains working around the
OnePlus 9: 3,492 new hardware.
OnePlus Nord 2: 2,694 It says that tech like its GPU Turbo
Samsung Galaxy S21: 2,861 X graphics acceleration have already
been adapted for Snapdragon, but it
GFX Manhattan 3.1 seems plausible – if not guaranteed –
Honor 50: 48fps that performance here will only improve
Realme GT Master Edition: 50fps as Honor’s engineers get more time to
Google Pixel 6: 50fps optimize the new hardware.
OnePlus 9: 61fps As for connectivity, the Snapdragon
OnePlus Nord 2: 57fps 778G does pull its weight here. Along
Samsung Galaxy S21: 67fps with 5G support you get NFC, Bluetooth
5.2 and Wi‑Fi 6.
Battery life The long and short of it is that while
Honor 50: 9 hours, 1 minute this certainly isn’t the most powerful

phone on the market, it’s
no slouch. Factor in the
price and the performance
here feels truly
competitive, with only the
likes of the regular Realme
GT and a handful of
gaming phones delivering
more bang for your buck.
PHOTOGRAPHY
When it comes to camera You’ll find four cameras on the phone’s rear.
chops, the Honor 50
is a bit of a mixed bag. It has some is detail lost, but shots often feel grey
undeniable strengths, and for most and washed out, suggesting that Honor
people, the capable main camera and has some fine‑tuning to do here, though
selfie shooter will be enough to satisfy the lack of any physical optical image
but the lack of versatility may well stabilization (OIS) is no doubt playing
frustrate others. a part too.
The headline is the 108Mp main lens, It’s been a recent trend to incorporate
which takes up half of the rear camera more and more night mode features
array all by itself. That’s thanks in part into the default shooting mode when it
to a large sensor, which helps the lens detects low light, but there’s not much
capture more light for better results sign of that here. That means you will
in almost all lighting conditions but have to remember to switch to night
especially in the dark. mode in the dark, which produces
This camera is undeniably capable, dramatically improved results. Check out
and I captured a few lovely shots with the my comparison shots of two identical
Honor 50. As you’d expect from such a photos from London’s Leicester Square,
high resolution camera it’s rich with crisp one with night mode and one without.
detail, and in good lighting, it produces The selfie camera tells a similar
punchy, vibrant colours. story. The 32Mp sensor here is capable
I’ve been a little more disappointed of some really rich, detailed shots, but
in performance in dimmer light. Not only quality drops off even in only slightly dim

REVIEWS
This series
of shots
were taken
using the
main lens…
…the ultra-
wide lens.

Our next
shots of
Leicester
Square
were taken
with night
mode
switched
off…
…and
switched
on.

REVIEWS
Next up,
we have a
selfie…
…and
a selfie
portrait.

Our final
two test
shots were
taken using
the macro
lens.

REVIEWS
lighting. The portrait mode produces In itself this is nothing new, but
attractive bokeh, but was a little Honor has worked hard to develop an
aggressive on blurring my hairline. The interface that makes it impressively easy
hardware used here is capable enough, to switch between camera options (even
so it suggests some algorithmic tweaks while recording, albeit with a second-
are needed to make the most of it. long blurry transition) and capture still
There are three more cameras on shots simultaneously.
the rear to consider, but don’t get There are two big downsides though.
too excited – like on many mid-range First up, the aforementioned lack of OIS
phones, these seem to have been added means you’ll be able to record more
mostly to make up the numbers. stable video elsewhere. Second, while
The 8Mp ultra‑wide is disappointing, the main rear camera can shoot 4K at
with a massive gulf in quality between it 30fps, the front‑facing camera is limited
and the main sensor. If you need to shoot to 1080p despite being high‑res enough
wide landscapes it’s an option, but you to handle 4K. So while ease‑of‑use is
won’t want to rely on it. top notch here, there are some strict
The 2Mp depth sensor will help limitations on final quality.
with portrait mode but isn’t used
otherwise, and the 2Mp macro camera BATTERY LIFE
isn’t the worst I’ve tested, but like The Honor 50 offers impressive battery
many dedicated macro lenses it feels life, though it’s not likely to set any
superfluous – Apple has proven with records. Much like many mid‑tier Android
the iPhone 13 that a strong ultra‑wide phones, the 4,300mAh battery here will
camera with a macro mode is a more easily last a full day without breaking a
effective solution. sweat, even with 120Hz refresh rate and
One other area that Honor has put the always‑on display enabled – two of
work in is the phone’s video capabilities, the biggest battery drains around.
in an open attempt to court bloggers. Making it to the end of the second
In addition to regular video shooting day is more of a stretch, but with light
modes, there’s a ‘multi-video’ option use the phone will make it. Of course,
that allows you to record split-screen that’s with a brand-new review sample,
or picture-in-picture video using a so expect battery life to deteriorate
combination of the main, ultra‑wide a little over time – but unless you’re
and selfie lenses. an extremely heavy user, I don’t think

there’s anything to be
concerned about here.
The phone also
takes what’s becoming
a familiar stance in
mid-range Android
phones: deliver
lightning fast wired
charging speeds by
ditching wireless
entirely. The 66‑watt
wired charger – which
is included in the box,
don’t worry – topped The Honor 50 runs Android 11 rather than the newer Android 12.
the phone all the way
up to 52 per cent in just 15 minutes in Services. Over the past two years, Honor
my testing, hitting 83 per cent by the phones have been subject to the same
half‑hour mark. It takes well below an trade restrictions that crippled Huawei,
hour to get a full charge. which prevented the company from
It is a shame not to get any wireless licensing Google’s smartphone software.
charging option now that we’re seeing it Now that Honor is an independent
work down into other mid-range options company, that’s no longer the case.
like the OnePlus 9 and Pixel 6. Still, Yes, this runs Android 11 rather than
those are the exceptions rather than the latest Android 12, but it’s come out
the norm, and the Honor 50 remains just a little too early to give Honor time
cheaper than either of them, which to implement that update. Besides, it’s
justifies the omission somewhat. worth it just to boot up an Honor device
and see all the standard Google apps
SOFTWARE pre-installed – including the Play Store
The big news with the Honor 50 isn’t for access to the full Android ecosystem.
really anything to do with Honor itself, or Honor’s own Magic UI runs on top of
the phone: it’s the fact that it includes a Android, and not too much has changed
full, up‑to‑date version of Android with here. The interface will feel pretty familiar
complete support for Google Mobile to anyone who’s used a Huawei or Honor

REVIEWS
provide software and

security updates to the
device, so it’s hard to
know what sort of long‑
term software support you
should expect – a definite
downside if you’re hoping
for a phone that’ll last you
for a few years.
VERDICT
The Honor 50 is a
Honor’s own Magic UI runs on top of Android. welcome return to the
global market from Honor,
handset before, with a clean white‑and‑ though it hasn’t quite done enough to
blue colour palette – I’ll be curious to see stand out from a competitive pack – yet.
how this develops now that Honor is free The design is the biggest standout
to design its own software. feature, as while the aesthetic is a little
The main area that Honor has already generic – giant camera circles aside
made its mark is in the new always-on – the slim build and premium finish
display options. There are a few familiar make this feel a little more expensive
quirky clocks and text options, but the than most other phones around the
highlight is new abstract ‘artistic designs’. same price, helped by a display that’s
These echo the ‘Material You’ design difficult to beat.
language of the new Pixel software by Battery life, charging, and processor
allowing you to extract three colours performance all impress, though none
from a photo (or just use pre‑set options) excel. It’s a similar story with the camera:
to create custom designs. the main lens proves powerful, but
As I mentioned, the Honor 50 doesn’t lacklustre secondary lenses hold this
ship with Android 12, and it’s not yet back against the camera competition.
clear when the new version of the OS In short, the Honor 50 is good,
will arrive on the handset. More to the but it’s not quite great – though if the
point, Honor hasn’t yet promised any aesthetic appeals, the phone likely won’t
set number of years in which it will disappoint. Plus, it finally has Google,

and that’s enough to make this handily optical)
the best Honor phone in years – and • Non‑removable 4,300mAh lithium‑
a good sign of things to come from polymer battery
the company’s comeback. With the • Fast charging 66 watts
flagship Honor Magic 3 set for a global • 160x73.8x7.8mm
release next, let’s hope this is only the • 175g
start. Dominic Preston
SPECIFICATIONS
• 6.57in (2,340x1,080; 392ppi) OLED,
120Hz display
• Android 11, Magic UI 4.2, Google Play
Services (market/region dependent)
• Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G
5G (6nm) processor
• Octa‑core (4x 2.4GHz Kryo 670, 4x
1.8GHz Kryo 670) CPU
• Adreno 642L GPU
• 6GB/8GB/12GB RAM
• 128GB/256GB storage
• Four rear‑facing cameras: 108Mp, f/1.9,
(wide), 1/1.52in, 0.7µm, PDAF; 8Mp,
f/2.2, 120‑degree, 17mm (ultra‑wide);
2Mp, f/2.4, (macro); 2Mp, f/2.4, (depth)
(wide), 1/3.14in
• Wi‑Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual‑band,
• Bluetooth 5.2, , A2DP, LE, aptX HD
• GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO,
BDS, QZSS
• NFC
• USB Type‑C 2.0, USB On‑The‑Go
• Fingerprint scanner (under display,

FEATURE
Credit: Getty Images/Inside Creative House

5 Android 12 features you
can bring to any phone
Want a taste of Android 12? Here’s how to recreate some of the more
interesting additions from Google’s latest software. JR RAPHAEL reports
G
oogle’s Android 12 software is another day. Here, I want to explore
packed with interesting treasures some creative solutions for bringing
– but unless you’re using one a small but significant smidgeon of
of Google’s own Pixel phones, it’s still a Android 12’s goodness onto any
ways off from landing in your hands. device this minute.
The tortoise‑like pace of most This minute, you say? Why, yes, Mr.
Android updates is another subject for Giggles! With a touch of creativity, you

can experience a handful of
select Android‑12‑inspired
treats on any Android
device, with any Android
version – and with very little
effort – right now. All you
need is the right app and a
few minutes of set‑up, and
some scrumptious Android
12 flavours will be ready and
waiting for your ingestion.
To be clear, these aren’t
the biggest, most earth-
shifting changes Android
12 has to offer. When it
comes to elements like
1.
the Material You system
theming engine or the
engine‑room‑level Android 12 privacy apps are accessing sensitive types of info
enhancements, nothing short of the and then to reclaim control as you see fit.
operating system update itself can If you don’t have Android 12, an
deliver the goods. But outside of those app that’s also called Privacy Dashboard
foundational features, Android 12 has (see fave.co/3wqc16P) can fill the
some delightful experience‑enhancing void. It’s modelled after its Android 12
features – and those are the ones you namesake and almost identical to that
can emulate most anywhere. Android doppelgänger in every outward-
facing way. It’s completely free to use.
1. THE PRIVACY DASHBOARD The app sports some optional in-app
One of Android 12’s most prominent donations if you want to support the
surface‑level privacy features is the developer, but as of now, they don’t
Privacy Dashboard. It’s an expanded and unlock any extra features.
enhanced control centre for all things As for the related subject of privacy,
privacy on your phone, and it makes it the app does require a couple forms of
easier than ever to monitor exactly how advanced system-level access in order

FEATURE
to do what it needs to do, but it’s all Privacy Dashboard.

perfectly justifiable. The developer even Just install the app, if you haven’t
explains what exactly the permissions already, and then tap ‘App Settings’ on
are and why they’re needed on the app’s its main screen. There, you’ll see the
Play Store page and within the initial set- option to ensure the ‘Privacy Indicators’
up screens. The code is open sourced, feature is active along with an ‘Indicator
too, so anyone can peek in and see Customization’ feature that goes a
exactly what it’s up to. And if you’re still step beyond Google’s own Android
worried about how the app might handle 12 implementation.
your data, just look at its app info page It allows you to control exactly how
within your system settings. You’ll see each indicator looks and where it shows
that it doesn’t even have the ability to up on your screen and enable an option
access the Internet, which means there’s to make those indicators tappable, so
no real way it could transfer information you can easily open up the associated
off of your device even if it wanted to. permission log for more context anytime
you see one of them.
2. ENHANCED PRIVACY What’s nice is that by default, the
INDICATORS
Continuing with our privacy-
empowering theme, another
Android 12 element you can
grant yourself this second is the
Apple‑inspired system of visible
indicators that pop up anytime
an app is accessing your device’s
microphone or camera. It’s
hopefully something you’ll never
need or be surprised to see, but
it’s a smart bit of added privacy
protection and a worthwhile
pinch of extra awareness to have.
And guess what? The best
app to handle the task is the
2.
same one we just went over:

indicators show actual icons that make The app adds exceptional screen-
it easy to see at a glance exactly which enhancing intelligence onto your phone.
sensor is active at any given moment. Just open the app up, make sure to
It’s a much more intuitive interface than select ’Auto‑rotate off’ as the general
the interpretation-required dots you get default on its main screen, then tap the
with the native Android 12 equivalent. three-line menu icon in the upper-right
In addition to the camera and corner and select ‘Conditions’.
microphone indicators, Privacy Tap the line labelled ‘Accessibility’
Dashboard also includes an on-screen and follow the prompts to allow the
indicator for location access, which app access as an accessibility service
Android 12 for some reason does not. – something that sounds scary, but is
And if you really want to go all genuinely required in order for it to be
out, the app can even alert you with able to see what your phone is doing at
a notification anytime one of those any given moment and then adjust your
sensors is actively in use. rotation accordingly. (The developer
goes through this and other permissions
3. SMARTER AUTO-ROTATE and exactly how they’re used on the
One of Android 12’s snazziest tricks app’s Play Store page.)
(and one that appears to be a Pixel‑ Then look through the options on
exclusive element for now) is a new that screen and the ‘Apps’ tab alongside
and improved auto‑rotate system. The it. You can carefully control exactly how
feature relies on your phone’s front‑ and when your phone’s screen will and
facing camera to watch which way your won’t rotate itself to make it work any
lopsided head is tilted at any given way you want.
moment and then make sure your Personally, I like keeping the rotation
screen matches that orientation. locked into portrait mode with all but a
You can’t quite bring that full small and super‑specific handful of apps
experience to any phone at this point, – things like Camera, Photos, Maps and
but you can give yourself something YouTube, where I actually want to view
with a similar sort of purpose – and the screen in its horizontal orientation
perhaps an even more reliable result. some of the time. Outside of those titles,
The answer resides within an app it’s pretty rare for me to want the screen
called Rotation Orientation Manager to rotate, and Rotation Orientation
(fave.co/305RGr5). Manager makes sure it never does.

FEATURE
4. SMARTER SEARCH contacts, and even your calendar events.

Android 12 provides Pixel owners with It indexes specific areas within apps, too,
the long-overdue ability to search so you could start typing the first couple
the web and their phones in a single letters of a Slack team, for instance, and
streamlined spot on the home screen. it’d pop up a direct link to take you right
Here’s a little secret, though: you to that part of Slack.
don’t need Android 12 or a Pixel to And, of course, it’s just one more tap
enjoy that extremely practical power. from those results to move into a more
An app called Sesame (fave. traditional web search.
co/3c7RJpr) will add the same sort of
supercharged search set-up onto any 5. ONE-HANDED ACTION
Android phone – and just like with Last but not least in our Android 12
some of the other items on this friendly adoption collection is a something for
little list of ours, it’ll actually outdo anyone with a plus-sized screen and a
Google’s implementation in some normal‑sized hand.
pretty significant ways. Android 12 at long last introduces a
Install Sesame on your phone and go native one‑handed mode for Android
through its set‑up. Next, tap its search that lets you shrink the active area of
widget onto your home screen and start your screen down into a smaller window
typing. As you enter letters, Sesame for more ergonomic access when you
will return results from your apps, your need it. But once more, you don’t
4.

actually need Android 12 to get that screen when you want the cursor to click.
kind of capability. Smart Cursor has tons of options
First and foremost, lots of Android for customizing exactly how all of that
device‑makers have been offering their works. You can shift around the trigger
own one-handed optimization systems zone, change the size and appearance
in their versions of Android for a while of the cursor itself, and adjust how long
now. On Samsung devices, for instance, the cursor stays visible after it’s been
try searching your system settings for activated. All in all, it’s a thoughtful way
the phrase one hand. That’ll pull up the to extend your reach without resorting
switch along with instructions to activate to the screen-squashing silliness most
a one-handed mode that’s already on native one‑handed modes (including
your phone and almost shockingly similar Android 12’s) require.
to what Google did in Android 12. Smart Cursor is free in its base
If your device doesn’t have such form with in‑app purchases that unlock
a system built in, grab an app called some extra advanced options. The
Smart Cursor (fave.co/3wpu11b). Then app does require the same system
congratulate yourself for having such accessibility service permission we’ve
a shrewd pointing program on your talked about a couple times now –
virtual companion. again, inevitably, given what it needs
Smart Cursor takes a different to do – but it doesn’t have any other
approach to optimizing a large Android alarming permissions or even access
phone for one‑handed use, and even if to the Internet.
your device does have a built-in one- Android 12 may be out of your grasp
handed mode feature, you might actually for now, but with clever creations like
find it to be the superior choice. What these, you can bring some splendid
it does is give you a way to pull up a new features onto your phone while
floating cursor at the top of your screen you wait – and feel at least a little less
that can then access any areas you can’t left out than you did before.
reach and interact with.
By default, you swipe inward from
one of the lower areas of your phone’s
edges to pull up the cursor. Then you
move your finger around to position the
cursor, and you tap anywhere on your

2021 12 01AndroidAdvisor

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

2021 12 01AndroidAdvisor

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

REVIEWED: SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FOLD 3

GOOGLE PIXEL 6 PRO

GOOGLE PIXEL 6 SPECIAL 19

2 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

ISSUE 93 • ANDROID ADVISOR 3

Review: Google Pixel 6

4 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

ISSUE 93 • ANDROID ADVISOR 5

of course, one of the

6 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

ISSUE 93 • ANDROID ADVISOR 7

seconds to load the editor and while OnePlus 9: 95%

8 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

ISSUE 93 • ANDROID ADVISOR 9

10 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

12 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

14 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

ISSUE 93 • ANDROID ADVISOR 15

half‑finished if you put

16 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

ISSUE 93 • ANDROID ADVISOR 17

• Two rear‑facing cameras: 50Mp,

18 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

ISSUE 93 • ANDROID ADVISOR 19

by size – sporting an ‘XL’ on the end of sandwiched between a curved Gorilla

20 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

ISSUE 93 • ANDROID ADVISOR 21

Pixel users will be used to; primarily As nice as curved-edged displays –

22 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

ISSUE 93 • ANDROID ADVISOR 23

options for in‑ear listening are wired SOFTWARE

24 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

ISSUE 93 • ANDROID ADVISOR 25

Buying Pixel has

26 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

Geekbench 5 (multi-core) Pound for pound, the artificial figures

ISSUE 93 • ANDROID ADVISOR 27

28 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

ISSUE 93 • ANDROID ADVISOR 29

30 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

ISSUE 93 • ANDROID ADVISOR 31

32 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

ISSUE 93 • ANDROID ADVISOR 33

Finally, we have a comparison of HDR mode.

34 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

ISSUE 93 • ANDROID ADVISOR 35

flagship but the jump from the Pixel (ultra‑wide), 1.22µm

36 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

ISSUE 93 • ANDROID ADVISOR 37

38 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

Other than that, the

ISSUE 93 • ANDROID ADVISOR 39

40 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

ISSUE 93 • ANDROID ADVISOR 41

of that (aside from

against your hand is so much smaller THE CAMERA, THE

42 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

A fully zoomed-in shot taken from the Pixel

ISSUE 93 • ANDROID ADVISOR 43

44 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93

ISSUE 93 • ANDROID ADVISOR 45

7 hidden Pixel treasures to

46 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 93