I’ve reviewed plenty of 5G phones in the last year, from the top-end Oppo Find X2 Pro to the affordable Moto G 5G Plus, and the launch of the iPhone 12 mini made me realize something; all existing 5G phones are way too big.
Phone makers are always trying to convince us we want bigger smartphone displays, so we can see more of a game or a film, but the resulting phablets can be pretty hard to comfortably use one-handed. We rarely see ‘compact’ or small, phones any more, especially those ready for 5G.
That’s changed with the iPhone 12 mini though, as with its 5.4-inch display it won’t stretch your grip. Apple even called the iPhone 12 mini the smallest, thinnest and lightest 5G phone in the world.
It’s pretty bizarre that Apple is innovating ahead of Android phones (however strange it is to call ‘making a small phone’ innovation), and other smartphone makers need to follow suit as soon as possible.
Bigger isn’t always better
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra had a huge 6.9-inch screen. (Image credit: Future)
At the moment, the main uses of 5G are downloading music, movies and games on the fly, or streaming them straight from the web onto your phone. You’d expect these are tasks that work well with big-screen phones, as the extra display real estate would let you see media better.
But bigger isn’t better, and most phone manufacturers bump up the screen size on their phones without also having higher resolutions – this can sometimes result in bigger phones making content look a little worse than smaller devices with the same resolution, as the pixel-per-inch count is lower.
This insistence on huge screens also shows phone companies making the flawed assumption that everyone will be making the most of it anyway. If you spend your free time playing Call of Duty: Mobile or Fortnite then maybe you’ll want a big screen that can show you more, but if you’re just going to be bingeing Friends on your commute, you really don’t need a portable cinema. Yet there are few phones for that audience.
Anyway, screen size is pretty moot when you remember the simple fact of perception that is ‘things that are closer look bigger’. Simply holding your phone closer to your face is an easy way of making content look bigger too, though one that could result in eye strain for some.
We need more compact phones
The iPhone 12 mini (Image credit: Apple)
The lack of compact phones isn’t a 5G-specific problem, though the relatively limited list of smartphones with next-gen connectivity makes the problem a lot more apparent.
Some people don’t want their smartphones for movies, TV shows or gaming at all – they just want a portable device for social media, note-taking or just calling people.
Huge phones aren’t great for that – they’re awkward to hold in your hand, as you have to stretch for power buttons and fingerprint sensors, and it’s hard to reach all the extremes of the display too. Plus, they’re annoying to carry around in a pocket depending on what you wear.
There are few phones on the market that really cater to people who want compact devices, and Apple seems to be one of the only companies that understands this. Few other makers put out sub-6-inch-display phones, yet Apple already had the 4.7-inch iPhone SE (2020) earlier in the year.
Sure, for now, most of the uses of 5G are in the ‘media consumption’ group, but as the technology develops people will start to create apps and functions that utilize the fast connectivity, that go beyond media. People will want a 5G phone for purposes beyond gaming and watching things.
Why other brands should follow suit
The pretty large Moto G 5G Plus (Image credit: Future)
The iPhone 12 mini might be the first truly compact 5G phone, but is it actually worth buying on that merit? Well, it’s hard to say since we haven’t tested it, but I’m not totally convinced yet.
You’ll be paying a lot for the iPhone 12 mini, with its $699 / £699 / AU$1,199 starting price, so people looking for a phone that’s both small, cheap and 5G-compatible won’t find it right for them.
Value hasn’t always been Apple’s thing though, and plenty of other smartphone makers offer better value for money. If you’re an Apple fan though, you may find this your best option.
If you’re brand agnostic, there are few different brands known for making smaller phones that’d be perfect for the task of making a smaller 5G handset in the near future.
Sony used to make compact versions of its top phones, though stopped a few years ago. Fans have been asking for more Sony Compact handsets for a while, though the company’s only offering in that vein, the Xperia 5 II device, isn’t actually that small.
Motorola has made some pretty great smaller phones in the past too, but its 5G phones like the Moto G 5G Plus and Motorola Edge have all been big.
If these companies, or any other, put out a phone that didn’t cost much, but was small and had 5G compatibility, it’d be a future-proof device that didn’t feel like a burden to use, and would be a more tempting buy than the iPhone 12 mini. I’m certainly looking forward to it, and I bet many phone fans are too.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
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.
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.
