Tech

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Review: E for everyone – MobileSyrup

Published

4 years ago

October 6, 2020

Samsung’s Galaxy S20 Fan Edition (FE) is a smartphone specifically designed for fans, according to the South Korean tech giant. Samsung claims it listened to its consumers and made the most affordable version of the S20 possible while still offering high-end features, including stellar battery life and solid camera experience.

In some ways, the S20 FE reminds me of OnePlus because it designed its smartphones specifically with its consumers in mind. It wasn’t always about selling the best smartphone on the market, but the company would listen to complaints made with other devices and fix those issues with their handset.

While the S20 FE was not made with my personal taste in mind (I’ll touch on that a bit later), I understand what Samsung had in mind when it created this piece of hardware.

I can definitively say that Samsung’s Galaxy S20+ is my favourite smartphone I’ve used this year so far, and the S20 FE does a lot of the same things as that device, which makes it a worthwhile purchase.

To say the least, this phone isn’t perfect, and I came across a couple of concerns, but for the most part, I think Samsung actually made a pretty good device for its fans.

Elegantly flat

From a design standpoint, the S20 FE looks like the company’s Galaxy A71 mid-range smartphone with slightly thicker bezels. This isn’t particularly pretty from my perspective, given I loved the design of the S20+ and its slightly curved screen edges that create an almost bezel-less design. Even the A71’s smaller black bars make for a better aesthetic than the S20 FE.

Despite the slightly thicker bezels, the handset still looks sleek. And The camera cutout on the ‘Infinity-O’ display is actually smaller than the S20 series and the A71, which I thought was a nice touch.

On the bottom of the phone, there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, which I expected and don’t mind since I often use Bluetooth headphones. Unlike the other S20 smartphones, the FE doesn’t come with USB-C wired earbuds. It’s worth noting that Samsung’s Galaxy Note series also lacked wired earbuds. On the right side of the device, there’s a volume rocker and power/Bixby button.

When you flip the handset over to its back, you’re greeted with the now-familiar feeling of plastic, similar to the Galaxy Note 20. I don’t know which fans wanted this plastic material, but I wasn’t one of them. What’s nice about this plastic rear is that it comes in tons of cool colours, including ‘Cloud Lavender,’ ‘Cloud Red,’ ‘Cloud Orange,’ and more.

However, there’s a $450 price difference between the Galaxy Note 20 and the S20 FE that makes the plastic on the rear of the S20 FE a lot more acceptable than it was on the Note 20.

Additionally, despite the plastic, I like the way the back feels, and it doesn’t attract fingerprints or smudges, which is always a plus.

2There’s also a triple camera setup in the top right corner that looks similar to the Note 20’s.

Smooth as the other S20s

Samsung’s Galaxy S20 FE also has a lower resolution than the S20 handsets with a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution, compared to the 1440 x 3200 resolution available on the other S20 series devices.

Side by side, you can tell the quality difference between the S20 FE and the S20+ or Pixel 4 XL, but it’s not that noticeable. To most people, the S20 FE’s display will still look impressive and vibrant.

Additionally, the S20 FE sports a 120Hz refresh rate that makes on-screen animations look especially fluid. A higher refresh rate results in smoother motion when scrolling, swiping and gaming.

The S20 FE doesn’t have the same issue as the Note 20 or other S20 series, where it’s unable to switch to a 120Hz refresh rate with the display set to WQHD+ considering its screen only feature an FHD+ resolution.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the same variable display available on the Note 20, which changes the refresh rate depending on what you’re doing with the phone.

Take a snap for the fans.

Samsung’s Galaxy S20 FE’s main camera sports a 12-megapixel primary shooter, an 8-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and a 12-megapixel ultrawide shooter. This S20 device lacks a depth sensor, but it still takes great pictures.

You can definitely see some of Samsung’s scene optimization at work when taking pictures, making each shot more vibrant and slightly oversaturated, but I don’t mind it anymore.

I thought photos were detailed, clear, crisp and offered a great range of colour as well as superb contrast. With the world on shutdown due to the ongoing pandemic, I actually didn’t take any photos of other people, since I haven’t seen my friends or family in quite some time, which means that I haven’t been able to test out the portrait mode or how the S20 FE handles pictures of faces with beards or long hair.

The S20 FE’s camera is excellent and good enough for everything the average smartphone users will need to put it clearly.

Moreover, the quality of its Night mode pictures is great. I found that the S20+’ were a bit brighter, but the difference is negligible, and anyone taking pictures at night with the S20 FE will be satisfied.

Samsung’s Night mode pictures aren’t as sharp as Huawei’s, and some detail is lost, but for the most part, these images are good. Similar to Huawei’s low-light mode, Samsung’s S20+ requires users to hold their phone still while taking shots, and if your hands shake, it can result in a somewhat blurry picture.

That said, I experienced unexpected issues with the S20 FE’s camera. I find when you turn on the S20 FE in ultrawide mode at night, it sometimes causes the camera app to crash immediately, and when it doesn’t, it’s pretty slow. When using the ultrawide camera at night, the quality isn’t that great either, and the pictures are very dark. This is only an issue when using the ultrawide shooter at night.

The phone also sports an 8-megapixel telephoto camera capable of taking 3x zoom pictures that look great. Again, Huawei’s P40 Pro does a better job, but the S20 FE’s images are clear and detailed.

Phone selfie shooters aren’t always that great as a black man because these cameras are, to put it simply, not made for me. I found that the FE’s shooters made my skin look a bit brighter, but the colour isn’t that far off from my actual skin tone. In fact, the colour was better than it was with the S20+, and I thought that the phone did a pretty good job of almost reproducing my actual skin tone, so that’s saying something.

Not crazy strong, but still works

The S20 FE features 6GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 865 processor. It’s important to note that this is half as much RAM as the other S20 smartphones, and sometimes, this is surprisingly noticeable.

The S20 FE can handle about 10 apps open at once; whereas, the S20+ could handle about 15 apps and runs them at a speedier pace. With the S20 FE, everything but the camera app seems to be really quick, though sometimes I’ve noticed that re-launching some apps takes a moment longer than I expected. That said, I might only be noticing this because I used the S20+ for several weeks.

What’s important to note is how great the S20 FE’s battery life is. I consistently get more than a day and a half of usage out of the phone, and I only ever used the device with a 120Hz refresh rate. I could get anywhere from seven to nine and a half hours of screen time depending on whether I was watching a lot of YouTube and Netflix, or if it was more of a chill day and spent it scrolling through Instagram, Twitter and reading the news.

Ferda fans

The $949 S20 FE will likely offer stiff competition to the $799 Pixel 5, but the S20 FE’s battery is bigger, it has a 120Hz refresh rate and a faster processor. Without having yet touched the Pixel 5, I can’t say either smartphone is better than the other, but the S20 FE is definitely a viable option if you’re looking for a new smartphone.

The S20 FE is a great device despite its design, camera issue and display; it has an exemplary battery, a speedy processor, and a 120Hz refresh rate. I would recommend this smartphone to anyone who wants a high-end device but doesn’t want to spend a lot of money since it is $949 outright. $949 does still seem like a lot of money, but if you compare to other flagships on-the-market from 2020 like the Note 20, S20, LG V60 ThinQ 5G, Moto Edge+ and Huawei P40 Pro (all with 5G), $949 is a steal.

I would recommend this smartphone to anyone who wants a high-end device but doesn’t want to spend a lot of money since the device is $949 outright. $

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

2 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:

Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.

Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers

While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:

Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source

Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:

Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.

3. Sign Up for Notifications

Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.

Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.

4. Prepare for High Demand

Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:

Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.

For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

2 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.

Key Features of the PS5 Pro

The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:

Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.

Optimized Games & Patches

Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:

Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West

These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.

Design & Compatibility

Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.

Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.

Pricing & Availability

The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:

$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY

Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.

The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.

Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.

Tech

Google Unveils AI-Powered Pixel 9 Lineup Ahead of Apple’s iPhone 16 Release

Published

1 month ago

August 13, 2024

Harry Miller

Google has launched its next generation of Pixel phones, setting the stage for a head-to-head competition with Apple as both tech giants aim to integrate more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their flagship devices. The unveiling took place near Google’s Mountain View headquarters, marking an early debut for the Pixel 9 lineup, which is designed to showcase the latest advancements in AI technology.

The Pixel 9 series, although a minor player in global smartphone sales, is a crucial platform for Google to demonstrate the cutting-edge capabilities of its Android operating system. With AI at the core of its strategy, Google is positioning the Pixel 9 phones as vessels for the transformative potential of AI, a trend that is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with technology.

Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president overseeing the Pixel phones, emphasized the company’s commitment to AI, stating, “We are obsessed with the idea that AI can make life easier and more productive for people.” This echoes the narrative Apple is likely to push when it unveils its iPhone 16, which is also expected to feature advanced AI capabilities.

The Pixel 9 lineup will be the first to fully integrate Google’s Gemini AI technology, designed to enhance user experience through more natural, conversational interactions. The Gemini assistant, which features 10 different human-like voices, can perform a wide array of tasks, particularly if users allow access to their emails and documents.

In an on-stage demonstration, the Gemini assistant showcased its ability to generate creative ideas and even analyze images, although it did experience some hiccups when asked to identify a concert poster for singer Sabrina Carpenter.

To support these AI-driven features, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with a special chip that enables many AI processes to be handled directly on the device. This not only improves performance but also enhances user privacy and security by reducing the need to send data to remote servers.

Google’s aggressive push into AI with the Pixel 9 comes as Apple prepares to unveil its iPhone 16, which is expected to feature its own AI advancements. However, Google’s decision to offer a one-year free subscription to its advanced Gemini Assistant, valued at $240, may pressure Apple to reconsider any plans to charge for its AI services.

The standard Pixel 9 will be priced at $800, a $100 increase from last year, while the Pixel 9 Pro will range between $1,000 and $1,100, depending on the model. Google also announced the next iteration of its foldable Pixel phone, priced at $1,800.

In addition to the new Pixel phones, Google also revealed updates to its Pixel Watch and wireless earbuds, directly challenging Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech market. These products, like the Pixel 9, are designed to integrate seamlessly with Google’s AI-driven ecosystem.

Google’s event took place against the backdrop of a significant legal challenge, with a judge recently ruling that its search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly. This ruling could lead to further court proceedings that may force Google to make significant changes to its business practices, potentially impacting its Android software or other key components of its $2 trillion empire.

Despite these legal hurdles, Google is pressing forward with its vision of an AI-powered future, using its latest devices to showcase what it believes will be the next big leap in technology. As the battle for AI supremacy heats up, consumers can expect both Google and Apple to push the boundaries of what their devices can do, making the choice between them more compelling than ever.