Get 5% cash back on select purchases on your new Apple Card

The Apple Card comes with plenty of perks that make it stand out. Most notably, users receive 2% cash back on every purchase they make through it. And in some cases, users can get up to 3% cash back when buying from select companies using this card. The Cupertino giant’s latest offer enables new Apple Card users to take advantage of even bigger discounts on select purchases. For a limited time only, new users can get 5% cash back when buying certain Apple products directly from the company.

As per a MacRumors report, new Apple Card customer can receive 5% cash back when buying select Apple products from the company. Users would have to buy them directly from an Apple Store — a physical one, the website, or the official app. This new offer only covers iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac purchases. Additionally, payments must be made in full — monthly installment customers can’t take advantage of the extra cash back. This is a limited time offer that will remain available till January 31.

This isn’t the first time Apple offers a promotion of this kind. Back in late 2019, the company offered all Apple Card users 6% cash back when buying its products. It’s worth noting that this time around only new customers can get the 5% cash back. You can apply for an Apple Card directly on the company’s website.

Apple highlights that its Card customers get unlimited cash back on every purchase they make. So there’s no limit on how much money you can get back from the company. It’s also worth mentioning that the received cash can be sent to friends and family or transferred to a bank account. So there are no constraints on how or where you spend this money.

Will you be applying for an Apple Card to take advantage of this promotion? Let us know in the comments section below.

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These are the Best Camera Apps for Android in 2022

Cameras on smartphones have improved by a huge margin over the years. Modern smartphones have eliminated the need for a point-and-shoot camera, and come very close to what a DSLR or a mirrorless camera can capture in terms of colors as well as details. While you can find several phones with the best camera hardware for multiple scenarios, one thing that differs between those phones is the software responsible for processing the captured images. Every OEM employs an image processing pipeline that’s unique to their camera app and this processing can either make or break the deal. For a very large part, most users do not have to explore camera apps beyond the stock camera app that comes pre-installed on their phone.

But a fair few are let down by poor software optimization and image processing, and that’s where a third-party camera comes into the picture. Not just the image processing, but a few phones may have a camera app that’s barebones and may not have a lot of built-in features. To tackle such issues, it’s a good idea to install a third-party camera app. Or maybe you are just bored of the stock camera app and want to try out something fresh and new.

To make things easier for you, we tried several camera apps from the Play Store and came up with a list of the best camera apps you can download to improve the camera performance of your smartphone (OEM-agnostic), or get more features and use manual controls that may not be present on your smartphone’s default camera app. We have a similar list for those of you looking for the best Android apps overall other than just for taking pictures.

Google Camera and GCam Ports

Google’s Pixel line of smartphones has consistently been one of the best smartphones to shoot pictures and that’s primarily because of their computational photography prowess. Even with older hardware, Pixel smartphones produce incredible images thanks to the processing done by the Google Camera app. Google also introduced Night Sight a few years back and it has since then revolutionized low-light photography.

Both Night Sight and Portrait Mode on Google Camera are unmatched and the best part is you too can install a ported version of Google Camera on your existing smartphone and enjoy Pixel-like images. You can refer to our guide for the best Google Camera port for your phone and install it, and you will surely be surprised by the results.

Open Camera

Open Camera is a free and simple app that can be used to take photos and shoot videos using your smartphone. If you want extra control over the photographs you click, and you want to experiment with manual settings, Open Camera is a good app to start with.

You get some nifty features like an alignment blip that makes sure your photos are straight, noise reduction in low-light, and the ability to take photos by saying some catchphrases like cheese or by making a specific sound. The UI is straightforward and there are no ads in the app.

Open Camera (Free, Google Play) →

Candy Camera

This one is from back in the day when default camera apps on most smartphones used to be barebones and you needed an app that could capture good selfies with colorful filters. Candy Camera is mainly for selfies and specifically for those who love posting their pictures onto Instagram or other social media apps.

While most social media apps have their own set of filters nowadays, Candy Camera has a good selection too, and a few years back was the go-to camera app for taking nice-looking selfies alongside Retrica, another app that the OGs would know.

Candy Camera - photo editor (Free⁺, Google Play) →

Retrica - The Original Filter Camera (Free⁺, Google Play) →

Footej Camera 2

If you’re looking for a reliable alternative to your stock camera app for both photos and videos, Footej Camera 2 might be a good option for you. There are various aspect ratios and resolutions to choose from, along with Auto-HDR capabilities. There’s support for Live Photos as well, similar to the iPhone or the motion-enabled photos taken by Google Camera.

As for videos, you can pause a video while recording and then resume from a different frame and merge the two clips together in real-time, and also convert small videos to GIFs. You also get multiple different effects built-in along with a photo editor as well to make some basic edits.

Footej Camera 2 (Free⁺, Google Play) →

Simple Camera

As the name would suggest, Simple Camera is probably the simplest app on this list both in terms of the UI as well as the features it has to offer. The UI looks clean and minimal and only displays the bare minimum options you would need to capture either a photo or video. There are no ads on the app which adds to the simple user experience.

While this app doesn’t offer a lot of features, it’s simple to use and doesn’t have too many confusing options. If you’re handing a phone to someone who doesn’t have a lot of prior experience with smartphones, this camera app will surely give them a hassle-free experience.

Simple Camera: Photo & Video (Free, Google Play) →

Camera FV-5 Lite

Camera FV-5 is an app that provides some powerful tools to capture photos just the way you want to. The reason we chose the lite version of the app is it’s free of charge, so it’s a nice way to try out the app. If you like the way it works, you can always get the full version to unlock the complete set of features.

Camera FV-5 offers a full range of manual controls which you may be familiar with if you’ve used a professional camera. From exposure to focus distance and shutter speed, you get complete control over the images you’re clicking. You can shoot in RAW as well using this app and you also have the option to display a histogram in the viewfinder which can be handy.

Camera FV-5 Lite (Free, Google Play) →

Silent Camera

Looking at the name, you probably realize the emphasis of this app is on clicking pictures silently without a shutter sound. While most camera apps, including your default one, may already have the ability to disable the shutter sound, some phones don’t come with that option, or it may not be available in certain regions around the world.

Along with silencing your shutter sound, Silent Camera also provides a good set of additional features like the ability to take 40 images in a second using the burst mode and also some effects and filters built into the app. One caveat with this app though is it displays ads in the camera UI which can put some people off.

Silent Camera [High Quality] (Free⁺, Google Play) →

ProCam X – Lite

Yet again, we’ve included a lite version of an app since it’s free, and if you like the features, you can go ahead and buy the full version. ProCam X – Lite offers some pro-level features like granular control over shutter speed, white balance, ISO, etc., and all the options you would expect from any manual camera app.

As for videos, you also get manual shooting options along with the option to select a custom bitrate and support for shooting of up to 4K. There’s an interval shots feature which you can use to shoot stop motion videos or time-lapse videos straight from the app.

ProCam X - Lite ( HD Camera Pro ) (Free, Google Play) →

Bacon Camera

All the camera apps we previously mentioned require support for Camera2 API on your smartphone, which ideally should be present on all modern smartphones. However, if your phone doesn’t have support for Camera2 API, Bacon Camera is the app for you.

This is one of the only apps on the Play Store that offers full-fledged manual controls without the need for Camera2 API support. You get manual focus, ISO, white balance, live histogram, exposure bracket, GIF creation, and a lot of other features you can explore on the app. The UI is also simple and intuitive.

Bacon Camera (Free, Google Play) →

---

These are some of the best camera apps you can use on your Android smartphone to either take better quality pictures or just improve the functionality of your camera to shoot GIFs or long exposure shots in low-light with manual controls. If the best image quality is what you’re aiming for, Google Camera is your best bet. You just can’t go wrong with it, especially when shooting human subjects or when clicking pictures in extreme low-light conditions.

Which camera app do you use on your smartphone? Did we miss out on a camera app you found interesting and useful? Let us know in the comments below.

The post These are the Best Camera Apps for Android in 2022 appeared first on xda-developers.

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These are the Best Pens for the Surface Duo 2 in 2022

Along with some Surface PCs, Microsoft has just launched the Surface Duo 2, the successor to its flagship folding phone from last year. The Surface Duo was a unique phone in the sense that it had two displays attached with a hinge. It was Microsoft’s first attempt at making a smartphone after the entire Windows Mobile fiasco, and it didn’t end up that well for them. While the hardware on the Surface Duo was excellent, it was let down by half-baked software. The fact it was available to buy more than a year after it was announced didn’t make things any better.

This time, the Surface Duo 2 brings some much-needed improvements like up-to-date specifications and a dedicated camera array to compete against the best foldables in the market. It also retains one of the best features from the original Surface Duo — stylus input. The Surface Duo 2 supports pen input which can improve the experience of using the device. It can also help with multitasking and taking notes while you’re on the go.

Here are some of the best pens for the Surface Duo 2 that you can use with the device. We’ve included both official and unofficial options which you can pick based on how much you really want to spend. Needless to say, the official accessories always work the best.

Surface Slim Pen 2

The best Surface pen

This pen is made directly by Microsoft and works well with the Surface Duo 2. It comes with 4,096 pressure points and is also easy to carry.

View at Amazon

Microsoft Surface Pen

The next best option

This pen is also made by Microsoft and should be your second choice. While it's slightly older, it's considerably cheaper and also has 4,096 pressure points.

View at Amazon

Renaisser Stylus

Good third-party stylus

This is a third-party stylus that also claims to have 4,096 pressure points. It has a D-shaped body and attaches magnetically if you have a Surface Book.

View at Amazon

Ankace Stylus

A cheap option

If you're looking for a pen for your Surface Duo 2 that's cheap and gets the job done, this is an option you should consider.

View at Amazon

Kimwood Pen

Good for starters

This is a pen that's quite affordable and has some good features including 1,024 pressure points. It comes with a 1mm nib for precision.

View at Amazon

Uogic Stylus

Cheap and functional

Here's another affordable stylus that has good functionality. It has 1,024 pressure points and comes with two different nibs for different use cases.

View at Amazon

TKTK Stylus Pen

Comes with an eraser

This stylus too has 1,024 pressure points and a 1mm nib. It has a few additional buttons and also an eraser on the rear which can be useful.

View at Amazon

Abazar Active Pen

With four tips

This stylus is similar to the previous one in terms of functionality and pressure points. The main difference here is it comes with four interchangeable nibs.

View at Amazon

JDiction Stylus Pen

Looks stylish

While the functionality of this pen is also just like any other on this list, it looks slightly more stylish than the others. It also has 1,024 pressure points.

View at Amazon

These were some of the best pens for the Surface Duo 2 that you can buy if you want to jot down notes on the device or even if you want to sketch something. If budget isn’t an issue, we recommend getting the official Surface Pen Slim 2 from Microsoft since it works the best and has the best pressure sensitivity too.

For cheaper, you can also get the older Surface Pen with similar functionality. If you don’t want to spend so much on a stylus, we recommend getting the Renaisser Stylus Pen since it has 4,096 pressure points just like the original stylus from Microsoft and it isn’t very expensive either.

Microsoft Surface Duo 2

The Surface Duo 2 is the latest foldable from Microsoft that comes with some much-needed improvements like updated internals and a dedicated camera module.

View at Best Buy

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These are the Best Google Fi Phones in 2022

If you’re planning to buy a new smartphone, finding a device that fits your budget is not difficult. But choosing amongst some of the best phones can be a little difficult if you’re hoping to use it with a flexible carrier plan. Google Fi is a virtual network operator that offers such flexibility, with support for unlocked phones ranging from budget up to the top flagship smartphones.

While Google Fi is said to work on every iOS and Android device regardless of whether they are cheap or expensive, certain features that the MVNO offers are limited to those certified for use with the network. Hence, this article consists of a list that we think are the best options to consider for Google Fi since they can make the best use of the plans and features offered.

Navigate this guide:

• Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
  • Also Great: Samsung Galaxy S21
• Best Camera: Google Pixel 6 Pro
  • Also Great: Google Pixel 6
• Best Midrange: Google Pixel 5a (5G)
• Best Battery Life: Moto G Power (2021)
• The Balanced Option: Samsung Galaxy A71 5G
• The Best Affordable Camera: Google Pixel 4a
• The Stylus Option: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
• Best Budget: Samsung Galaxy A32 5G

Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

If you’re looking for a smartphone experience that doesn’t compromise much in the way of specifications, while still hoping to make the most of your Google Fi plan, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is a tough choice to beat. While its version of Android isn’t the cleanest, if you compare the performance and feature set offered by the other devices on this list, this Samsung flagship does stand out.

With a Snapdragon 888 processor, a 6.8 inch WQHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display with a variable refresh up to 120Hz, and a four-sensor camera array headlined by a 108 MP shooter, this device will never let you down, especially with its 5000 mAh battery.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is a device that packs in one of the best displays available, a powerful SoC, a versatile camera array, and the bells and whistles of a flagship smartphone in a premium build.

Buy from Samsung

Also Great: Samsung Galaxy S21

If the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s price tag is a little hard to stomach, the Galaxy S21 makes for a pretty good alternative. While the only component that it shares with the Ultra is its processor, the rest of its parts are mostly par for the course.

The Snapdragon 888 in this device powers a 6.2-inch FHD+ 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED display (with adaptive refresh rate) and handles the image processing from a triple camera system. You’ll also find a 4000 mAh battery within the polycarbonate chassis of this device, capable of wireless charging and fast charging speeds of up to 25W.

Samsung Galaxy S21

If the S21 Ultra is too big for you, or perhaps you're not looking to spend as much, the S21 makes certain compromises but still provides a similar camera performance and user experience. Although, you may miss the more premium materials used in the Ultra.

Buy from Samsung

Best Camera: Google Pixel 6 Pro

The Pixel 6 Pro is Google’s latest flagship smartphone for 2021 and is arguably one of the best Pixel smartphones ever launched. It has the latest Tensor chip custom-made by Google along with flagship-grade specifications that make it a truly enticing option for a price tag of $899. The display is a QHD+ LTPO AMOLED panel that can refresh at 120Hz and has curved edges. Both the front and back are protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus.

The new Tensor chip allows for better AI and ML processing on the phone. It’s not just the chipset, but Google has also refreshed the camera hardware on the Pixel 6 Pro. It’s got a new 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 4X optical zoom. The front has an 11.1MP ultra-wide camera. A large 5000mAh battery is what powers everything. Other features like wireless charging and IP68 rating that are generally found on flagships are also present on the Pixel 6 Pro.

Google has also promised 3 years of Android version updates and 5 years of security patches on the Pixel 6 Pro. It comes with the latest Android 12 out of the box with all the Material You goodness. If you’re looking for a flagship Pixel with excellent cameras, this is the one to get. It’s a reliable point-and-shoot device that is sure to produce a good image no matter what situation you’re shooting in.

Google Pixel 6 Pro

The Pixel 6 Pro is the larger sibling that comes with Google's new Tensor chip, a modern design, and an extra telephoto camera.

Buy from Google Fi

Also Great: Google Pixel 6

The Pixel 6 slots in right below the Pixel 6 Pro and is an excellent value offering which is why a lot of people may even opt for the Pixel 6 over the Pixel 6 Pro. It’s got the same new Tensor chip with all the AI and ML capabilities. The display has been slightly toned down with the Pixel 6 compared to the Pro. It’s still a good display though with a 90Hz OLED panel. The rear houses the same two cameras — a 50MP primary sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide but misses out on the telephoto lens from the Pixel 6 Pro.

The camera on the front isn’t as wide as the one on the Pro and also drops the resolution to 8MP. Other than that, there’s not a lot you’re missing out on with the standard Pixel 6. The Pixel 6 is also slightly smaller than the Pixel 6 Pro which a few people may prefer. You get the same sort of software support on the Pixel 6 too. The battery is slightly smaller at 4600mAh but the smaller screen and lower refresh rate mean that the battery life is going to be as good as the Pro if not better. For $300 lesser than the Pro, the Pixel 6 is a great value offering and should be the phone most people should get if you want the best value flagship with excellent, reliable cameras.

Google Pixel 6

The Pixel 6 comes with Google's new Tensor chip, a modern design, and flagship cameras.

Buy from Google Fi

Best Midrange: Google Pixel 5a

With Google Pixel 5 discontinued, the Pixel 5a is the best phone to just “point and shoot” photos. It packs the same no-frills camera setup as the Pixel 5 with a 12.2MP primary wide-angle shooter and a 16MP ultra-wide camera. So you don’t have to worry about camera tricks or crazy zoom range, and can just take fantastic photos whether it’s day or night. In addition, there is optical image stabilization available on the primary shooter to help you take sharp images even in challenging conditions.

Apart from its superior camera capabilities, the Pixel 5a is also a great all-rounder. So if you don’t want to spend too much on a smartphone but still need speedy performance, the promise of software updates, and all the basics, you can’t go wrong with the Pixel 5a.

Google Pixel 5a

Google Pixel 5a comes with Snapdragon 765G SoC, 4,680mAh battery, and a 6.34-inch full-HD+ screen.

Buy from Google Fi

Best Battery Life: Moto G Power (2021)

If you are someone whose primary use for a smartphone involves quite a bit of social media scrolling and having the best display around isn’t the highest priority, the Moto G Power 2021 might be a great pick. The device also offers one of the cleanest Android experiences after the Pixel line.

With an HD+ LCD panel and Snapdragon 662, both of which are components that will just about sip on a battery, this phone is capable of being titled an endurance champ with its 5000 mAh cell. Keep in mind, the processor on this device is serviceable but might struggle under heavy loads.

Moto G Power 2021

The Moto G Power couples a 5000mAh battery with the Snapdragon 662 to make it a smartphone capable of all-day battery life, perfect for someone on their feet and whose usage does not involve heavy gaming or apps.

View at Amazon

The Balanced Option: Samsung Galaxy A71 5G

While not quite the looker, this offering from Samsung is for users who prefer to have a large display but would rather not spend extra to get a Galaxy S21+. It offers a decent mixture of performance and hardware similar to other devices in its price range.

The Galaxy A71 5G has a 6.9 inch FHD+ AMOLED panel powered by a Snapdragon 765G and a 4500 mAh cell. These specifications make it perfect for heavy users. With Samsung’s One UI 3.0 and a capable quad-camera setup headlined by a 64MP sensor, this device is an option for those looking at mid-tier phones in search of a jack of all trades.

Samsung Galaxy A71 5G

The highest-end model from the A-Series, Samsung Galaxy A71 5G, is a smartphone that packs in enough features that make it worth its price. Powered by a Snapdragon 765G, this phone shouldn't struggle in most demanding tasks and comes with a camera setup capable of taking great pictures.

View at Amazon

The Best Affordable Camera Phone: Google Pixel 4a

The Pixel 4a is a simple-looking device with what is arguably the best camera at its price point. Like the Pixel 5, it mixes and matches a set of specifications that can very well justify its price tag. The phone offers the cleanest software experience compared to its competitors and is also first in line to receive Android updates like all phones from Google.

It comes with a 5.8 inch FHD+ OLED panel that doesn’t compromise on quality. Powered by a Snapdragon 730G and a 3140 mAh cell, this device is good enough for day-to-day tasks, but the processor’s lack of power is visible when you have to wait a few seconds for the 12 MP images to process. Although, the images produced are almost always worth the wait.

Google Pixel 4a

The Google Pixel 4a might be a simple-looking phone, but it brings a flagship-level camera and guarantees the latest version of Android with a low price barrier.

View at Best Buy

The Stylus Option: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

Last year’s Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is arguably still a top performer in 2021. First made available in October 2020, the device is a little over half a year old, with a Snapdragon 865+ powering its WQHD+ Super AMOLED 120Hz display supported by a 4500 mAh battery and a 108 MP sensor similar to the one in S21 Ultra, it can compete with the top performers on this list.

The addition of the S-Pen with its dedicated silo also makes a good case for users who want quick access to a stylus. While the Galaxy S21 Ultra does support the use of this tool, you will have to deal with the hassle of carrying it around or buying a dedicated case giving the Note an advantage due to design.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is a phone that the S21 Ultra takes several cues from, so if you're looking for a similar package with a stylus that's convenient to use and at your disposal, this is the phone to pick.

Buy from Samsung

Best Budget: Samsung Galaxy A32 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is your best bet for a capable budget phone on Google Fi. It’s among the least expensive 5G phones in the market and comes with specifications like an HD+ display, Android 11, MediaTek Dimensity 720 SoC, and a large 5,000mAh battery.

There is nothing particularly exciting about the phone, but that’s the case with all budget phones. Fortunately, even with its not-so-exciting features, the A32 provides pretty much everything that you need for a decent performance. Its primary shooter is surprisingly good for its price and takes nice photos in Google lighting conditions. Of course, the same can’t be said about pictures in low-lighting situations, but that is expected on a sub-$300 phone. In addition, Samsung is promising four years of security updates for the A32 5G.

Samsung Galaxy A32 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is a good option for anyone who is tight on the budget but still seeks a decent phone.

Buy from Samsung

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As mentioned earlier, each of the phones listed in this article will support Google Fi’s features like network switching, Wi-Fi Hotspots, and VPN service. So if you still haven’t made a decision, in our opinion, for those who want the flagship experience, they should consider getting the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. For those who want a larger screen but do not want to spend a lot, the Galaxy A71 5G is a great option. And lastly, if you are a point-and-shoot buff, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are the way to go.

The post These are the Best Google Fi Phones in 2022 appeared first on xda-developers.

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These are the Best Pixel Phones to buy in 2022

Google Pixel phones are often ranked as the “god tier” of the best Android devices, often earning praise from reviewers and users alike. After all, Google makes Android, so a phone made by Google running Android should be the perfect Android phone, right? Well, some people would definitely agree. While Pixels have slowly made their way to the mainstream, there’s still a lot of improvement needed to get there. While that happens though, they still have their charm. It’s not a coincidence they consistently become fan favorites and they’re often considered among the best smartphones. You can’t truly experience Pixel phones without trying one out, though. So if you’re interested in getting a Google Pixel phone, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best Pixel phones you can currently get.

From flagship devices like the Pixel 6 Pro to cheaper ones like the Pixel 5a (5G), Google’s lineup has gotten extensive enough to warrant making a list.

Navigate this guide:

• Best Overall: Google Pixel 6 Pro
  • Second Best: Google Pixel 6
• Best for Most People: Google Pixel 5a (5G)
• Best Mid-Range: Google Pixel 4a
• Best Older: Google Pixel 5
• Best Budget (Compact): Google Pixel 4
• Best Budget (Large): Google Pixel 4 XL

Best Overall: Google Pixel 6 Pro

The Pixel 6 Pro is Google’s latest flagship smartphone for 2021 and is arguably one of the best Pixel smartphones ever launched. It has the latest Tensor chip custom-made by Google along with flagship-grade specifications that make it a truly enticing option for a price tag of $899. The display is a QHD+ LTPO AMOLED panel that can refresh at 120Hz and has curved edges. Both the front and back are protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus.

The new Tensor chip allows for better AI and ML processing on the phone. It’s not just the chipset, but Google has also refreshed the camera hardware on the Pixel 6 Pro. It’s got a new 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 4X optical zoom. The front has an 11.1MP ultra-wide camera. A large 5000mAh battery is what powers everything. Other features like wireless charging and IP68 rating that are generally found on flagships are also present on the Pixel 6 Pro.

Google has also promised 3 years of Android version updates and 5 years of security patches on the Pixel 6 Pro. It comes with the latest Android 12 out of the box with all the Material You goodness. If you’re looking for a flagship Pixel with excellent cameras, this is the one to get.

Google Pixel 6 Pro

The Pixel 6 Pro is the larger sibling that comes with Google's new Tensor chip, a modern design, and an extra telephoto camera.

Order from Amazon

Order from AT&T

Second Best: Google Pixel 6

The Pixel 6 slots in right below the Pixel 6 Pro and is an excellent value offering which is why a lot of people may even opt for the Pixel 6 over the Pixel 6 Pro. It’s got the same new Tensor chip with all the AI and ML capabilities. The display has been slightly toned down with the Pixel 6 compared to the Pro. It’s still a good display though with a 90Hz OLED panel. The rear houses the same two cameras — a 50MP primary sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide but misses out on the telephoto lens from the Pixel 6 Pro.

The camera on the front isn’t as wide as the one on the Pro and also drops the resolution to 8MP. Other than that, there’s not a lot you’re missing out on with the standard Pixel 6. The Pixel 6 is also slightly smaller than the Pixel 6 Pro which a few people may prefer. You get the same sort of software support on the Pixel 6 too. The battery is slightly smaller at 4600mAh but the smaller screen and lower refresh rate mean that the battery life is going to be as good as the Pro if not better. For $300 lesser than the Pro, the Pixel 6 is a great value offering and should be the phone most people should get if you want the best value flagship.

Google Pixel 6

The Pixel 6 comes with Google's new Tensor chip, a modern design, and flagship cameras.

Order from Amazon

Order from AT&T

Best for Most People: Google Pixel 5a (5G)

If you don’t need all the bells and whistles that come with the Google Pixel 6, you might do just fine with the Pixel 5a (5G). Or even if you do want some of them, actually. See, the thing about the Google Pixel 5a (5G) is that it’s actually closer to the Pixel 5 than it is to the older Pixel 4a. It has the same Snapdragon 765G, the same dual rear camera setup, and the same software. The phone is also bigger than both the Pixel 5 and the Pixel 4a. It’s got a beefy battery too so it’s going to last you all day with ease.

It’s one of the best Pixel phones to get if you’re looking into something to get into the Google ecosystem, don’t want to break the bank, and still want to get the absolute most out of it.

Google Pixel 5a (5G)

The Pixel 5a (5G) is the successor to the Pixel 4a 5G from last year with some minor changes that make it a great mid-range offering.

View at Google Store

Best Mid-Range: Google Pixel 4a

The Google Pixel 4a is dipping well into the mid-range territory. While the Pixel 4a 5G sort of did (and even the flagship Pixel 5 for that matter), the Pixel 4a is the option Google pitches for those looking into getting a phone on a tighter budget. It features a Snapdragon 730G SoC, a tiny 5.8-inch display, and a single 12MP camera on the rear, which manages to punch well above its weight thanks to the stellar camera processing that’s become a hallmark of Pixel smartphones.

The best part of all? It’ll run you $349, making it an excellent deal for those looking for one of the best mid-range phones in the budget segment, as well as one of the best cheap Android smartphones overall.

Google Pixel 4a

The Google Pixel 4a comes with a Snapdragon 730G SoC, a decently sized battery, a compact frame, and everything you could possibly want out of a phone that costs $350.

Buy on Amazon

Best Older: Google Pixel 5

The Google Pixel 5 was Google’s top-of-the-line flagship for 2020. They made an odd decision with it though. Instead of putting a Snapdragon 865 on it, like any other 2020 flagship, they decided to put a Snapdragon 765G on it in order to not make costs astronomical. It paid off. With the previous Pixel 4 phones starting at $799 and most other 2020 flagships coming in with price points over $1,000, the Pixel 5 at $699 wasn’t actually the craziest thing ever. Now, even with 2021 phones out, it still manages to keep some of its shine.

It was praised by reviewers and users alike, and it comes with an awesome display and camera, and most importantly, at one of the cheapest price points for a Pixel flagship. It truly is one of the best Pixel phones out there.

Google Pixel 5

The Google Pixel 5 was Google's flagship for last year, running a Snapdragon 765G, 8 GB of RAM, a dual rear camera setup, and a 90Hz display.

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Best Budget (Compact): Google Pixel 4

If you’re looking for a more compact option, then Google’s Pixel 4 might just fit the bill. It’s roughly around the same size as the Pixel 4a and the Pixel 5, carries the same Snapdragon 855 SoC as the bigger model and doesn’t skimp on specifications elsewhere. There are tradeoffs that come with having a smaller phone, however, and one of them is the battery. The Pixel 4’s battery sits at 2,800 mAh, which was actually a contentious point back when it came out, with reviewers slamming the phone’s poor battery life, further worsened by the fact that it carries a 90Hz display.

Still, if you’re willing to look past that, the Pixel 4 is still a very respectable device in the compact territory. It’s quite old at this point which means you should be able to get it for cheap. Plus, Google is providing one more year of software support for the Pixel 4 series which is great.

Google Pixel 4

The Google Pixel 4 is one compact little beast, running the same specifications as the XL model and not skimping out on anything except size and battery. If you're looking for a performant Pixel on the compact size, this might be the one to get.

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Best Budget (Large): Google Pixel 4 XL

Not a fan of the fact Google didn’t release a smartphone with a Snapdragon 800-series chipset? If so, you might want to look at Google’s last “true flagship” phone, the Pixel 4 series. The Pixel 4 XL in particular was a pretty good option back in the day. It launched with the Snapdragon 855 CPU, which was ballin’ fast then and is actually still fairly respectable well into 2021 (the recently-released Snapdragon 860, which powers phones like the POCO X3 Pro, is based on this silicon). We also have 6 GB of RAM, no display notch (and Google’s Soli sensor which was retired with the Pixel 5), and a 3,700 mAh battery.

If you can grab one today, it’s still one of the best Pixel phones you can currently get on a budget given that it’s already quite old.

Google Pixel 4 XL

The Google Pixel 4 XL is still a very respectable, albeit older, smartphone running a Snapdragon 855 CPU, a 90Hz display, and Google's Soli gesture system and face unlock for a Pixel experience still perfectly relevant in 2021.

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This is pretty much it for our list of the best Pixel phones you can get right now. The most logical choices you can get right now include the Google Pixel 6 Pro and the Pixel 6. They are arguably the best Pixels phones ever made. If you don’t have $700 to pony up on a smartphone though, then you might be well served by the Pixel 5a (5G) or, heck, even the Pixel 4 or the Pixel 4 XL.

The post These are the Best Pixel Phones to buy in 2022 appeared first on xda-developers.

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Lenovo exec confirms the Motorola Razr 3 is in the works

Foldable phones are getting more and more mainstream, with Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 pre-orders far exceeding Samsung’s previous foldable. However, at least in the U.S., it actually started with the Motorola Razr. It went on sale in the U.S. on February 6th, 2020. While the Motorola Razr 5G (the original Razr’s successor) was a bit lacklustre as a sequel, a Lenovo executive has confirmed that the Motorola Razr 3 is in the works.

The Lenovo executive in question is Chen Jin, who earlier this year also confirmed the greatly increased GPU performance of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. His confirmation of the Motorola Razr 3 came through Weibo (via Android Authority). In the (machine translated) post, Chen Jin says that it will have more advanced computing power, a better interface, and a better appearance. It’s vague, but it confirms that the device is coming, though it’s unclear if it will use a flagship chipset this time around.

The Motorola Razr was indeed one of the first vertically folding phones in the world, though it wasn’t exactly a fan favourite. It had decidedly mid-range specifications for a high price, and its successor was more of the same. In contrast, devices like the Samsung Galaxy Flip, even at the time, outclassed it by a large margin. Foldable phones are fun, but it definitely wasn’t one of the best foldable phones.

Either way competition in the space means more improvements and faster innovation. We’ve already seen the entry of a new competitor in the OPPO Find N, and we’re excited to see what Motorola can bring to the table with its third generation foldable phone.

Featured image: Motorola Razr

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