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Pixel 4a raises questions about why Google bothers with flagship phones – ZDNet

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Over a year has passed since Google released its Pixel 3a, a phone that did a pretty good impression of Nexus devices, which were solid value for money without all the bells and whistles.

In the time since, Google has released a new flagship in the form of the Pixel 4, and as if to prove that reception from punters was utterly lacklustre, Google removed it from sale after less than a year, although stock is still being sold.

Until the Pixel 5 arrives, that leaves the 4a carrying the weight of the series. Luckily for Google, this little phone can do that.

With the 3 and 3a, it was clear that the former was the flagship and the latter was the cheaper cousin. For the newer devices, that division is murky due to the 4a having some hardware improvements over the 4.

The most obvious upgrade is the hole-punch camera, which gives the 4a an extra 3mm of display in a smaller physical package compared to the Pixel 4 due to ditching much of the top bezel. The 4a has a 5.8-inch 19.5:9 OLED screen and physical dimensions of 144 millimetres by 69.4 millimetres, while the 4 is 19:9 5.7-inch OLED display with dimensions of 147.1mm by 68.8mm.

Cipriani take: Google’s Pixel 4A is nearly perfect, but it’s missing a key feature

The 4a also improves on the 4 by having a larger battery, rated at 3140mAh versus 2800mAH for the 4, makes 128GB of storage standard compared to the 64GB/128GB options of the 4, and offers two things the 4 cannot: Fingerprint scanning and a headphone jack.

On the flipside, what the 4 offers over the 4a is a better processor in the Snapdragon 855 compared to the 730G, water resistance, the ability to run the display up to 90Hz, a Neural Core processor, wireless charging, a telephoto lens, and a choice of colours.

Here’s the rub for the Pixel 4 though, most of those missing features are neither here nor there. Water resistance would be nice, but in using the 4 for a year, I’m not going wild for the 90Hz display, the neural processing capabilities, nor the telephoto lens. I miss wireless charging but that is only because my house has Pixel Stands, but it’s hardly a deal breaker.

In everyday use, the slower chip in the 4a doesn’t have an impact and all phones in the 4 series have 6GB of memory at any rate.

Of course, unmentioned until now is the third 4-series Pixel on offer, the 4 XL which has a 537ppi 6.3-inch display against the 443 ppi screen in the 4a. The 4 XL also houses a much larger 3700mAh battery due to its much bigger dimensions.

But you pay for that bigger screen and battery, with a 4 XL costing more than double what it costs for a 4a. In Australia, the 4a retails for AU$600, the 128GB Pixel 4 is sold for AU$1,200, and the 4 XL costs AU$1,430 for 128GB of storage — 64GB versions were still available at the time of writing for AU$150 cheaper.

That price figure really is the killer number in this comparison.

If you are a fan of large Pixel phones, then the XL is for you, but otherwise, there is little reason to seriously contemplate a 4 over a 4a, other than someone else is offering to pay for it or you really hate money.

At no point while using the 4a over recent weeks did I think it was half a phone compared to the 4. Visually, it is a better looking phone, feels considerably lighter than the 4 — thanks to its polycarbonate backing instead of glass in the 4 — and where it does fall short, it isn’t a deal breaker.

Vogel review: Google Pixel 4a review: Excellence at an affordable price

Should I need a new phone tomorrow, I would have no hesitation in picking up a 4a, and if the need arises in a few months’ time, maybe that purchase would be replaced by the previously announced 4a 5G.

The 4a closes the feature gap on its flagship brethren to such an extent, all the while being AU$50 cheaper than the 3a, that it raises questions about whether Google should even be in the AU$1,000+ smartphone category at all.

If the rumours are true, and Google shifts from the 800-series Snapdragons down to the 765G chip for the Pixel 5, while also giving the 5 a hole-punch camera and a fingerprint reader, then the 4a looks to be the future of the Pixel series. At the very least, it should be an acknowledgement that fingerprint readers are superior and more convenient than a hit and miss facial recognition system for unlocking phones, and that app makers never really embraced it.

In many ways, moving out of the premium flagship market would make a lot of sense. The phones haven’t moved many people out of Apple’s ecosystem, so that leaves them fighting with Samsung’s cavalcade of Galaxy devices — from Note to S and Flip — that offer all sorts of hardware tricks and different cameras that Google does not compete with.

If there is a psychological barrier to paying over $1,000 in the United States for a phone, it is doubly so in Australia where the upper end of Samsung’s range trades for over AU$2,000.

Provided Google lowers the Pixel 5 price by a reasonable amount, it might give the series a new lease on life for a new time.

Money is tight, people are wearing masks, and despite Apple having more powerful silicon in phones than ever, what is it actually used for? Late 2020 could be the time for a good enough phone — with a fingerprint reader that doesn’t cost four figures — to storm back into favour.

Of course, if Google doesn’t lower the price of the Pixel 5, the company might end up thinking its underwhelming Pixel 4 sales were the glory days.

ZDNET’S MONDAY MORNING OPENER

The Monday Morning Opener is our opening salvo for the week in tech. Since we run a global site, this editorial publishes on Monday at 8:00am AEST in Sydney, Australia, which is 6:00pm Eastern Time on Sunday in the US. It is written by a member of ZDNet’s global editorial board, which is comprised of our lead editors across Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America.

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United Airlines will offer free internet on flights using service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX

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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.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

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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.

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Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

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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.

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