In a repeat of the schedule from two years ago, Google looks to be rolling out Android 14 on the same day as the Pixel 8 launch event.
According to Telus, “Android U” has an “Approx date” of Wednesday, October 4. The Canadian carrier says this update is coming to the Google Pixel 7a, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 6a, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 5, Pixel 4a (5G), and Pixel 4a.
Everything about the last device on that list is correct. The Pixel 4a is no longer getting OS updates and was never eligible for the Android 14 Beta. The carrier says “All dates are approximate and subject to change,” and that to “Please note posted dates reflect when the update is targeted for release but can take a few weeks to roll out to all devices.”
This Software Update Schedule list was updated on September 29.
Many expected the upcoming OS to hit stable in early September. Instead, Google looks to be rolling out Android 14 on the same day it unveils the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. The last time this happened was with Android 12 and the Pixel 6. That update with a Material You overhaul warranted the later release. From what we have today, Android 14 is not that big of a release and doesn’t feature major changes.
Announcing new phones and software on the same day is somewhat overwhelming from a news perspective, but does give existing owners something to immediately experience.
Android 14 Beta 5.3 was the last preview on September 6 before Google started testing Android 14 QPR1. Even though the stable release is not out yet, Google has to start testing the next Quarterly Platform Release in order to hit a December launch.
Oppo K7 5G is the company’s first K series phone to support 5G. Oppo K7 is the successor to Oppo K5. Adding more about the phone, Oppo K7 5G includes a 6.4-inch full-HD+ AMOLED display. Under the hood, the phone has Snapdragon 765G SoC coupled with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. Oppo K7 5G is backed by a 4025mAh battery with a 30W fast charger out of the box. Let’s read more about Oppo K7 5G in detail and see how the phone stands against its competitors.
Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
Display and Camera
Oppo K7 5G is fitted with a 6.4-inch color AMOLED multitouch display with a waterdrop notch. The panel has a Full HD+(1080×2400) resolution which amounts to 411 PPI. The aspect ratio of the phone is 20:9 which means you get a decent screen size to treat your eyes. Biometrics features include an in-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock. Also, the display has a protective layer of Gorilla Glass5.
Oppo K7 5G has vertically aligned quad-rear cameras. It features a 48MP primary sensor coupled with an 8MP ultrawide lens and two 2MP’s of B/W sensor and a depth sensor with autofocus. It does offer a wide variety of popular lenses that you can experiment with to capture decent photographs. As far as the recording is concerned, you can record UHD 4K videos @30fps using the rear cameras. For selfies and video calls, it has a 32MP camera with f/2.0 aperture.
Performance and Battery
Oppo K7 5G runs on Android 10 based on color OS7. The phone has Qualcomm’s mid-range gaming Snapdragon 765G SoC coupled with 8GB of RAM. This ample size of RAM is likely to handle multitasks smoothly and help run demanding applications. To meet the graphic demands it houses Adreno620 GPU which is capable of rendering high-end graphics to give a stable performance. These specifications can be appealing to gamers looking for a performance gaming phone.
Oppo K7 5G is backed by a 4025mAh Li-Po battery which may last a day depending upon your usage. Also, it supports a 30W flash charge out of the box which means you can charge it quickly.
Storage and Connectivity
Oppo K7 5G has 128GB of internal storage capacity which is enough to store in your pictures, photos, videos, music, and documents. However, the phone lacks any external sd-card slot which limits the storage capacity.
Oppo K7 5G has the usual sets of connectivity options that includes 3G 4G VoLTE that enables HD voice and video calls on supported Jio networks, WiFi, Bluetooth v5.1, USB v2.0 with Type C connectivity, NFC for sharing small amounts of payloads. Online constellations like GPS with A-GPS, QZSS, Glonass, Galileo, and BDS are supported.
The Galaxy S23 is getting its fifth One UI 6 beta update, which could only mean One UI 6 based on Android 14 is getting closer to public release.
After a rocky start, the Galaxy S23 and a few other devices have been included in the One UI 6 beta program. So far, it’s gone through five different versions of the OS, each addressing bugs and issues common to beta versions and including new features.
Now, Samsung is releasing version 5 of the One UI 6 beta, and the Galaxy S23 is the first to see it (via SamMobile). This variant ends ZWIK and is being pushed to the Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra – Samsung’s flagship devices.
This version of One UI 6 seems to have one purpose – fix issues introduced in previous versions. While other versions included new features, One UI 6 beta 5 only mentions hotfixes.
Bugs that have been fixed
Fixed the problem of not being able to record during a call
Fixed no touch at the bottom of the screen or ghost touch issue
Fixed the issues of stuck after entering camera, forced termination, and not being able to take pictures
Fixed the problem of not being able to use Motion Photo
Fixed infinite rebooting problem when entering Maintenance Mode
Many other improvements
Some of these fixes address experience-ending issues, like not being able to register touch input at the bottom of the screen. Another urgent fix takes on the infinite boot loop some have experienced in Maintenance Mode. The changelog seems to infer that this version brings a much more stable version of One UI 6, as the “Many other improvements” entry suggests.
This version of the One UI 6 beta was first spotted in the UK but is likely going to expand to other regions in a very short amount of time. You can keep an eye out in the Samsung Members app. A One UI 6 beta card should appear at the top if your device is eligible.
Galaxy A53 sees first One UI 6 update
As the Galaxy S23 lineup is seeing its fifth iteration of One UI 6, the Galaxy A53 is finally getting its first. We’ve seen One UI 6 make its way to the Galaxy A54 and A34, but doubling down on budget device betas with a previous generation is a great move from Samsung.
This year the company started prioritizing not only its flagship lineup but budget models as well, which make up a huge portion of the market. By requesting feedback from beta versions on these devices, it’s likely Samsung is able to round out the experience a little better for all users.
The Galaxy A53 should see the new update in the Samsung Members app under the version number A536EXXU7ZWIA.
Nokia G20 : A long-lasting budget phone with one too many compromises
When it comes to the best cheap Android phones, most fall somewhere in the $250–$350 range and offer similar specs and speeds. Outside of special deals, not too many “good” smartphones with decent components can cost less than that. But Nokia wants to undercut that class of smartphones with the $200 Nokia G20 and $150 Nokia G10.
Nokia sells its fair share of cheap and mid-range phones, known for their stock Android software, guaranteed updates, and striking designs. Where the Nokia G20 stands out is its giant 5,050mAh battery, which is rated to last two or three days of standard use. That kind of longevity in such a cheap phone — cheaper than the Moto G Power, one of our favorite long-lasting phones — is a pretty great perk. Unfortunately, the G20 has some cheap hardware and obsolete wireless standards that hold it back from greatness.
Comparing the Nokia G20 vs. Nokia G10, the G20 wins handily, making it worth the $50 extra to boost performance and specs. But after testing the G20 for a week, hoping it would surprise me, I can’t fully recommend it unless you’re on a strict budget and really want a massive battery and display. Some consistent issues cancel out its surprising upsides.
Following the Nokia G10 in late April, the Nokia G20 shipped out on July 1, 2021, in the United States. Also available in India and Europe, the G20 can be found on most major retailer sites, plus Nokia’s site. It currently sells for $199 / £135 / ₹12,990. The phone is unlocked by default; while it’s compatible with some US carriers — including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Cricket — it won’t work with Verizon or Sprint.
Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
Nokia G20: The competition
Compared to the other best Nokia phones, the Nokia G20 handily beats other sub-$200 handsets like the Nokia 1.3 and 2.3. The Nokia 5.3 technically has a faster processor and similarly massive display, but it still runs on Android 10, has a smaller battery, and will get one fewer year of support if you buy it now. You could consider the Nokia 5.4, which has an FHD+ display and a better Snapdragon for slightly more money, but it too will get about a day less of battery life and hasn’t updated to Android 11 yet.
Thus, you may want to look outside of Nokia’s phones if you want a stock Android phone with a similar price. The Moto G Power 2020 hits the same notes as the G20 with its 5,000mAh battery and reliable cameras, with the bonus of Verizon and Sprint compatibility. Its main downside: It still runs Android 10 and will stop at Android 11, giving it much less longevity.
For reliable stock Android performance, you certainly can’t go wrong with a Pixel 4a, which tops our list of the best cheap Android phones. It’ll immediately get Android 12 in September and receive an Android 13 the following year, has more RAM and a faster processor, and it hits FHD+. The downside is that you get a much smaller screen and battery for almost double the price. You also might want to wait until the Pixel 5a comes out for even faster speeds.
NOKIA G20: SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
You should buy this if …
You need long battery life
A 5,050mAh battery and an energy-efficient display and chipset help this phone last longer than almost any rival phone today.
You’re on a strict budget
Other more expensive phones may be better, but you really can’t expect better specs or performance at this low price point.
You want your phone to last for years
With security updates through 2024 and a battery that’ll last even when it loses some capacity, the Nokia G20 will spare you from buying another phone for a good while.
You shouldn’t buy this if…
Your carrier is Verizon or Sprint
Unlike more mainstream brands that support as many carriers as possible, Nokia focuses on GSM-based carriers only, at the expense of some of the most popular carriers.
You care about gaming specs or display resolution
You can find smartphones for slightly more money with FHD+ displays, 90Hz refresh rates, and faster processors. The G20 is better suited for casual use.
You want more protective features
There’s no water or dust resistance, nor Gorilla Glass on the Nokia G20. It does come with a cheap case and pre-installed screen protector, but other phones offer better protection.
The Nokia G20 is a bundle of promising features that never quite coalesces into a perfect budget product, mainly thanks to its wimpy processor. It’s a shame because it has so many perks in a single cheap package: a 3.5mm headphone jack, dual SIM, NFC support, side fingerprint sensor, dedicated Google Assistant button, a powerful 48MP camera, and (of course) a workhorse of a battery. That’s a pretty impressive list for such a cheap phone.
3.5out of 5
It was a struggle to choose a definitive rating for this phone. I found myself annoyed by the slight delays when opening apps or looking up information. Still, I had to recognize that I’ve grown accustomed to faster phones that cost much more and that this phone will work perfectly well for thrifty people who aren’t quite so impatient as I am. For its price range, it’s about as good as you could expect; but if you can afford it, I’d expand my price range beyond the Nokia G20.
Nokia G20
Bottom line: The Nokia G20 offers a massive battery and display size on a phone with stock Android 11 and no bloatware to speak of. So if you’re looking for a simple Android smartphone that competently completes any task you need, the G20 could work for you. But keep in mind you get what you pay for, and other faster smartphones are available if you don’t mind the extra cost.
The Nokia G20 has a genuinely impressive battery that barely drains when idle and should remain functional for days. Its satisfyingly simple stock Android software, striking design, and decent main camera all add up to a more-than-respectable package for a $200 phone. But its slow chipset, last-gen Wi-Fi support, and low-resolution display undermine the experience. Anyone willing to spend just a bit more can likely find something better.
Samsung has been continually expanding both the A-series and the M-series lineup of smartphones. They might compete in the same pricing but the M-series is different as this one packs different specs inside also this smartphone series is online-only. Today, we’re gonna review the Samsung Galaxy M23 5G, one of their most affordable smartphones with 5G inside.
Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
Design and construction
The one that we got for review comes in Green and I do like the shade that they used here as it doesn’t look cheap and despite having a plastic build on the smartphone, I do like the feel of it when I’m holding the smartphone.
Speaking of holding the smartphone, the ergonomics are pretty good as we got here the curves on the side and it’s also light to the hand. However, the frame of this one is also plastic which makes it less premium just like the A-series smartphones.
On the right, the smartphone comes with the power button and also the volume rocker and the power button of the smartphone also serves as the fingerprint scanner for security.
For the ports, the smartphone comes with USB-C port, and it also supports up to 25W of fast charging which might not be the fastest in the market, but it will do its job definitely along with the 5000mAh battery of the smartphone.
As for the battery, they did a pretty good job as well as we’re getting a long battery life and it can definitely last up to a day or two depending on your usage. But as for me, I was only able to use the smartphone for a single day due to heavy usage. But it still is a heavyweight in the battery series. In our PC Mark Work 2.0 Battery test, we got a score of 11 hours and 57 minutes which is great
Software and performance
The Samsung Galaxy M23 5G runs on the latest One UI 4.1 based on Android 12 and I can say that this one does have a smooth and carefree UI. Everything was smooth and the colors and icons on the smartphone were really fine and easy to the eyes. Thankfully, there were less apps that are preinstalled on the smartphone.
For the performance, the Samsung Galaxy M23 5G comes with Snapdragon 750 5G. It’s not new and we’ve seen this before on other smartphones from Samsung as well and it was initially pegged for midrangers to have a 5G connectivity inside and while the chipset might fall a little bit behind the Snapdragon 695, the Snapdragon 750 5G is still a very decent one for its affordable price tag.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy M23 5G is a very decent smartphone from the Korean company. While there are some drawbacks including the lack of the AMOLED display, the performance that we got on the smartphone is decent enough. We got 5G inside and the camera of the smartphone is decent enough to be used for everyday usage.
The battery of the smartphone is pretty good as well and the competitive pricing of this one makes it more interesting.
The OnePlus 11 this year comes without a Pro model, so the vanilla has a tough job carrying the weight of two devices. After all, it has to convince older OnePlus 9 users, for example, and those using the Pro. And it appears that the company was able to splice the two versions into one.
We see the OnePlus 11 as a strange mixture between the OnePlus 10 Pro and the OnePlus 10T from last year. Compared to the Pro, it has a couple of notable downgrades, but in the context of the 10T, it offers a substantial upgrade. For example, the OnePlus 11 is now equipped with a third-generation LTPO OLED display with support for Dolby Vision and a 120Hz refresh rate. It also bumps up the resolution to QHD+.
Of course, the latest and greatest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is running all those pixels and is paired with up to 16GB of RAM. The camera department gets a solid upgrade too – 2x telephoto camera with a big 32MP sensor and the ultrawide is now 48MP with support for autofocus. Moreover, the 11 is now featuring the Hasselblad Color Calibration, which wasn’t present in the 10T from last year. Oh, and the alert slider is back!
Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
Wireless charging is off the menu this year, but we get 100W fast charging almost everywhere except in the US where it’s 80W, which is nonetheless a welcome upgrade in both markets. It should fill up the battery from flat to full in just 25 minutes.
Other standout features include advanced cooling hardware, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos-tuned display and speakers, respectively. This should allow for immersive multimedia and gaming experience on the go. Of course, we put that to the test in the following pages, so make sure to stick around and find out whether this year’s OnePlus phone is worth your hard-earned money.
Unboxing the OnePlus 11
The OnePlus 11 comes in a standard OnePlus-styled big, red box containing all the usual stuff like user manuals, USB-A to USB-C cable for charging and the appropriate 100W-rated charger. Interestingly enough, the OnePlus 10 Pro last year came with a USB-C to USB-C cable, but OnePlus said that due to users’ feedback, they decided to switch back to USB-A as most sockets and PCs still have the older standard giving them more flexibility.
There’s no protective case this time around. Only Chinese customers get an extra case.
Competition
According to OnePlus, the 11 is missing the Pro designation from its name, not because they don’t believe it’s a Pro model, but rather because there’s only one OnePlus 11 phone (except for the 11R). However, the pricing and the feature set speak for themselves. The OnePlus 11 is a clear step down from the 10 Pro from last year in some aspects, but it also asks a bit less at launch – $699/€849. On one hand, it’s pretty competitive, but on the other, you can find quite a few adequate alternatives. It’s considerably more expensive than the OnePlus 10T as it’s a more capable phone overall, while being more attractive than the 10 Pro as it carries most of its high-end features.
In the context of the 2023 flagships, the OnePlus 11 is kind of a flagship killer, even. The Samsung Galaxy S23 came out pretty pricey, and the Xiaomi 13 Pro is expected to be around the €1,000 mark (educated guess).
One of the few proper flagship phones that undercut the OnePlus 11 is the Pixel 7 Pro. In our opinion, the latter is the more desirable option if photography is your top priority. It has a better overall camera experience with superb performance and further zoom reach (5x). It also has a brighter display, IP68 certification against dust/water (higher rating than OnePlus 11’s IP64) and a clean Android. Because let’s face it, if you came here looking for that good old OnePlus experience, the Pixel 7 Pro will probably cater better to your needs.
Google Pixel 7 Pro • Motorola Edge 30 Ultra • Realme GT2 Pro
On the other hand, the OnePlus 11 is more powerful; it offers better sustained performance under load and lower surface temperatures, substantially faster wired charging and longer battery life too.
Another clean Android alternative is the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra, which also checks all the boxes and sells for a bit over €700. Charging is almost as fast, the display is faster and brighter and almost as quick to charge, while using a more widely spread charging protocol. OnePlus’ contender, though, has the upper hand with better overall camera experience (particularly the telephoto and ultrawide).
Surely, the Realme GT2 Pro is due for an upgrade already, given that its initial release was exactly one year ago, but its price makes it a very lucrative alternative to the OnePlus 11. It runs the same software, offers a similar level of camera experience (better ultrawide, albeit no telephoto), excellent LTPO2 OLED panel, fast charging and outstanding battery life. It’s the same size as the OnePlus 11 too, minus the premium build.
OnePlus 10 Pro • Oppo Find X5 Pro
Now, the hard part. Should you get the OnePlus 10 Pro or the OnePlus 11? After the recent price cuts, the newly announced 11 is just €10 cheaper, going by OnePlus’ official web store, but third-party retailers will sell you the Pro for a little over €700. Still, like most things in life, it depends.
The 10 Pro has fast wireless charging but marginally slower cable charging. It also has a longer reach with a 3x zoom (but not as good quality). And it’s got the nicer overall ultrawide camera, but no AF.
The rest of the hardware and overall experience is pretty much identical, for all intents and purposes. The upgrade to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 isn’t negligible, but it would go unnoticed by the vast majority of users. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is still a very capable SoC.
All in all, one could make a case that the OnePlus 11 is just a more affordable version of the 10 Pro (going by the launch prices of both phones). That’s not to say the OnePlus 11 isn’t a competitive handset in the context of H1 2023.
Verdict
After years of uncertain releases, the OnePlus 11 seems to have a good chance of winning over many fans this year. It’s a competitive upper-tier phone with little missing from its specs sheet. It has a cutting-edge LTPO3 AMOLED panel, the latest hardware from Qualcomm, good overall camera experience in both day and night, long battery life, blazing-fast charging, nice-sounding stereo speakers and great sustained performance.
Sure, the OnePlus 11 isn’t flagship-level in some aspects, but it doesn’t need to be. In the context of its pricing, it’s a well-rounded phone with little to complain about. A better variable refresh rate handling would be nice as this current implementation produces issues with some apps, and we would love to see OnePlus finally catch up with the competition in terms of zoom level – 2x doesn’t cut it on a flagship in 2023. But that handicap is true for Oppo’s flagships, too, so it doesn’t come as a surprise.
Finally, the software changes will surely be polarizing. The new OxygenOS 13 has nothing in common with the older versions, and OnePlus clearly isn’t sticking to its promise about keeping true to its roots in this regard. While we like ColorOS in general, we would have liked at least some of OxygenOS’ native features retained. Right now, there’s little to no reason to opt for OnePlus’ smartphones because Oppo and Realme phones are already running the exactly the same software. OyxgenOS is what defined OnePlus for all those years.
Nonetheless, if you don’t care about the current state of OxygenOS or you are completely new to OnePlus’ ecosystem, we see no reason not to get the OnePlus 11. It’s a solid all-rounder that would ultimately become even more desirable with time as the price settles in.
Pros
Distinctive design with great ergonomics (feels thin and light in hand).
Superb 120Hz LTPO3 AMOLED display with granular HRR control and great color accuracy.
Excellent battery life.
100W SuperVOOC charging speeds are almost unrivaled.
Excellent sustained performance and thermals.
Good overall camera experience day and night.
Cons
OxygenOS is just ColorOS at this point, and fans will miss some OnePlus features.
Display has issues with the HDR and adaptive refresh rate.
OnePlus‘ latest flagship offering is here. After launching in China in 2022, we wondered when the rest of the world would see the new OnePlus flagship. Alas, the OnePlus 10 Pro is now available outside of China, and we are having our rounds with it. It includes the flagship-grade Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, a larger battery, a new selfie camera, and an updated ultrawide camera.
On paper, these updates feel more like they should belong to a vanilla OnePlus 10, with more significant upgrades reserved for the “Pro” model. The recent rumor of a OnePlus 10 “Ultra” to arrive later this year is starting to make more sense – speculatively, of course.
Update, 26 Aug 2022: A OnePlus 10 Pro unit made its way to our HQ and we jumped at the opportunity to fill in some of the gaps left from the review. Those include the loudspeaker test, photo and video samples from the usual locations, and entries in our Photo and Video compare tools. You can find the new additions on the respective pages.
In any case, we hope to see improvements in battery life, and we’re happy to finally see an updated 32 MP selfie camera module. We’re also excited to test out the new 150-degree ultrawide camera, and we wonder if we’ll see improvements in the main camera’s image processing despite the 10 Pro using the exact same main camera as the 9 Pro.
Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
The display panel is the same as that of the 9 Pro. It is rated for 1300 nits of peak brightness, and it has HDR10+ support and a variable 120Hz refresh rate that optimizes battery life by switching down to as low as 1Hz. One new tidbit for the 10 Pro is Dual Calibration, which means OnePlus has color-calibrated the panel at both 500 and 100 nits – for more consistent accuracy across brightness levels.
In North America, OnePlus is launching the 10 Pro with a single memory configuration of 8GB + 128GB, though there are plans to bring the 12GB + 256GB variant to the market sometime in the future (India and EU get the 12GB + 256GB at launch). Otherwise, there’s no vanilla 10 variant, and OnePlus has been mum as to why that is. We will reserve all judgments for the end of the review, so let’s dive into OnePlus’ flagship option and find out what makes it stand out.
Unboxing
The OnePlus 10 Pro comes in standard OnePlus packaging affair: a sturdy red box with all the essentials included. Our North American variant didn’t include a protective case (despite there being a space for it in the box), but it did include a USB OTG adapter (USB-A to USB-C) for transferring data from an old device. Recent OnePlus flagships never included this in North America.
The package includes OnePlus stickers, documentation, SIM-eject tool, 65W SuperVOOC charging adapter, and USB-C to C cable.
If you were to pick up the phone in, say, India, you’d get an 80W SuperVOOC fast charger. This charger has a USB-A port instead of USB-C and is thus incapable of supporting USB-Power Delivery standard. This charger can only fast charge OnePlus and Oppo phones, but everything else will get the standard 10W, making it much less useful compared to the 65W model.
Competition
In North America, the OnePlus 10 Pro is positioned at $899, which goes head to head with the Google Pixel 6 Pro, and it sits between two iPhone 13 models, and two Galaxy S22 models. Overseas, OnePlus sees competition from Chinese brands Huawei, Oppo, Xiaomi, and Realme.
Google Pixel 6 Pro • Realme GT2 Pro • Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G • Oppo Find X5 Pro
The Google Pixel 6 Pro features Google’s camera prowess and updates directly from Google. It has the stock Android 12 experience, though Google has had a few software snafus with delayed updates and new bugs that come with each update. Of the two, we think the 6 Pro has a more consistent software experience considering OnePlus’ recent and inconsistent rebranding of OxygenOS.
Realme’s GT2 Pro is identical to the 10 Pro in many ways. It has the same display, same chipset, same battery and 65W charging, but its triple camera setup is different due to the lack of a telephoto camera. Still, if you wanted to save a few bucks, you could get an identical smartphone with even similar software, as Realme UI 3 is derivative of ColorOS – which invaded the real OxygenOS starting with version 12.
Samsung’s Galaxy S22/S22+ feature(s) a more complete and consistent software experience. Both offer capable camera suites and yield great battery life, though the OnePlus 10 Pro will certainly charge faster. If you’re looking for an ecosystem to be a part of on the Android front, Samsung’s is a great choice.
The Oppo Find X5 Pro is similarly equipped with its triple cameras and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. In our first-impressions review, we noted that the Find X5 Pro didn’t feel like much of an upgrade over the Find X3 Pro, which is kind of how we feel about the 10 Pro relative to the 9 Pro. We might even suggest you can save some bucks if you manage to find a 9 Pro at a discount.
Although the Huawei P50 Pro doesn’t include Google services, it does offer a competitive camera suite. If you can also get over the fact that there’s no 5G connectivity and battery life isn’t up to par with competitors, the P50 does have beautiful hardware.
The iPhone 13 Pro is chosen for its camera and video capabilities, as well as its software suite and excellent interoperability with Apple’s ecosystem of products. If you’re coming from an iPhone and looking to switch to Android, OnePlus does offer a way to transfer data in, but only offers the option to transfer from an iCloud account.
OnePlus 9 Pro • Huawei P50 Pro • Apple iPhone 13 Pro
Verdict
So far, the OnePlus flagship had a different launch from previous years. Aside from not launching a vanilla OnePlus 10 model, the brand staggered its Chinese launch from the rest of the world by several weeks. Plus, with recent reports of a OnePlus 10 Ultra coming later this year, perhaps the company is restructuring its brand strategy as it figures out how to cope with its unification of OnePlus and Oppo’s resources.
We (and OnePlus fans alike) have been disappointed by the most recent release of OxygenOS. It feels like OnePlus grasped at a bunch of elements of ColorOS and stuffed them into a package, and pretended that it was still OxygenOS. We’re happy to hear that OnePlus has taken the feedback from its community on this, but users won’t see the brand’s undoing of the ColorOS-ification of OxygenOS until Android 13 comes out in the later part of the year.
The recent rumors of a OnePlus 10 “Ultra” are what gives us hope for the brand in 2022. Otherwise, the OnePlus 10 Pro feels like it could have been the vanilla 10 model. Disappointments aside, we were quite impressed with the thermal handling and the raw performance of the OnePlus 10 Pro. There are enough features to keep semi-serious gamers happy.
But by far the most perplexing aspect of this phone is the camera. While the camera is good in general, we expected some upgrade over the previous year’s model. Except, there’s none to be found here. In fact, the camera system is quite simply worse than the OnePlus 9 Pro due to downgrading of the ultra-wide camera. While the quality difference isn’t massive, it is still objectively and measurably worse and also drops the macro functionality in favor of a frankly pointless fisheye effect.
If you are ready to drop $899 on a OnePlus 10 Pro, you might consider that paying a bit more will get you a more polished and more consistent experience somewhere else, but we would also say that the OnePlus 10 Pro is still worth considering. The 10 Pro is certainly a strong contender, but that might depend on who you ask. If you’re looking to buy into an expansive ecosystem, you might want to look elsewhere. Otherwise, the 10 Pro does have a capable all-around camera with enough features to keep photographers and casual picture-takers happy while also catering to content creators who appreciate a color-accurate display.
Pros
Distinctive design with premium finish.
Superb 120Hz LTPO2 AMOLED display with granular HRR control and great color-accuracy.
Competitive battery life.
80W SuperVOOC charging speeds are excellent.
Excellent sustained performance and thermals.
Reliably good performance from the primary camera.
Cons
No formal IP rating outside US.
OxygenOS 12 no longer has that OnePlus fan-favorite look and feel.
Ultra wide is not at the level of last year’s model and also lacks AF or Macro.
Most games limited to 60Hz refresh rate.
Front camera and telephoto camera only offer 1080p video recording.
80W charger shipped globally is not much faster than 65W charger in the US, and it doesn’t support USB-PD for fast charging your other devices.
As part of the September 2023 Google System Updates, Android is set to gain better support for using a PIN with the FIDO2 security standard, among other improvements.
While most of the flashier changes for our smartphones often arrive as part of annual Android OS updates or quarterly QPRs or Feature Drops, Google is constantly rolling out improvements and new features through the Play Store. These range from “Play System updates” that affect core OS components to updates for apps like Play Services, the Play Store, and more. The company collectively refers to these as the “Google System.”
Each month, Google publishes (and gradually extends) a list of changes included in that month’s updates. We’ll do our best to keep an eye on these changes and explain the most important ones here. So be sure to check back throughout September.
The easiest way to check whether you need to update Google Play Services on your phone is to follow a direct link to the app’s Play Store listing and update from there, if available. To update the Play Store, tap your avatar in the corner, then “Settings.” Under the “About” section, you’ll see an option to “Update Play Store.” Meanwhile, Google Play system updates can be found through the Settings app, under About phone > Android version > Google Play system update.
Updating Google Play Services
In the first wave of updates for September 2023, Google has shared that Android’s support for the FIDO2 security standard is getting updated this month. While FIDO2 (often taking the form of a Titan/Yubikey security key) was originally most commonly used for two-factor authentication alongside a password, the tech industry’s recent push for “passkeys” (passwordless login) has made FIDO2 far more prevalent.
With that increased usage comes a need for increased security, and one such solution is to add a PIN to protect your passkey against theft. In the coming weeks, Android is set to support this “Pin Protocol,” but it’s unclear what precisely this will mean.
One explanation is that Android will natively support entering the necessary PIN for a connected FIDO2 security key. Alternatively, since Android 7+ phones can themselves serve as a FIDO2 key, it’s possible this means you’ll be able to add an extra layer of security by requiring a PIN. We’ll likely learn more once Google Play Services version 23.35 rolls out.
Meanwhile, in the same update, Google Wallet is set to gain some minor improvements, including “new email preference settings.” Google Wallet users in Japan should also soon notice a “better card management” experience.
On the Play Store side of things, Google is introducing “a new settings page” that simplifies “survey choices.”
Google Play Store
[Phone] A new settings page makes it simpler for you to manage your survey choices and preferences.
Security & Privacy
[Phone] Adding Pin Protocol support for Fido2 on Android Platform.
Wallet
[Phone] New email preference settings in Wallet.
[Phone] This feature enables better card management in Japan.
System Management
[Auto, PC, Phone, TV, Wear] Updates to system management services that improve Network Usage and Privacy.
[Phone] Changed terms of service for auto updates in setup screen.
For the third time this cycle, Google is rolling out another bug fixer with Android 14 Beta 5.3 for all Pixel devices. With this patch, it does seem the stable release might be further off.
There are nine fixes with UPB5.230623.009 for Pixel phones, as well as the Pixel Fold and Tablet. It’s notable that Google has moved back to a single build. Looking ahead, this update is still running the August 2023 security patch, with another release bringing September’s seeming likely.
Fixed an issue where apps crashed in some cases after a CallStyle notification was posted.
Fixed various issues that could cause call or carrier service interruptions.
Fixed an issue where the system was using an inefficient path when placing CPU restrictions on apps running in the background.
Fixed issues with SurfaceFlinger that were causing a loss in system performance.
Fixed an issue on Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet devices where the taskbar sometimes turned invisible while interacting with it.
Fixed an issue on Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet devices where the animation on animated wallpapers stuttered when launching apps.
Fixed an issue on Pixel Fold devices where the interface layout was misaligned while customizing the Home screen.
Fixed an issue on Pixel Fold devices where the clock on the lock screen was flickering while animating.
Fixed various issues that were impacting system stability and performance.
If you’re currently enrolled in the Android Beta Program and running the latest Beta 5 builds, you will automatically get offered an over-the-air (OTA) update to Android 14 Beta 5.3.
Android 14 Beta 5.3 with the August 2023 security patch is available for the Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel Fold, as well as the Android Emulator.
Instead of the stable release of Android 14 for Pixel phones, as well as the Fold and Tablet, we got a series of Google app updates and updated branding this morning. While unexpected, this isn’t Google’s latest OS release just yet.
With Beta 5 at the start of last month, Android 14 looked on track for a stable launch as soon as mid-August, which would have mirrored Android 13’s August 15th rollout. At the time, Google said the “official release” was “only weeks away.” Beta 5 was followed by 5.1 and 5.2, with no other release this cycle seeing a second patch. While Beta 5 was the “last scheduled update in our Android 14 beta program,” Google doesn’t consider patches to be scheduled, so there’s nothing unexpected about those bug fixers.
With no launch in August, the next window shifted to September 5th (since the first Monday of the month is a holiday in the US). Considering that window has now also passed, let’s look at the recent history of Android launches:
The latest launch in recent memory is Android 12, which had an AOSP release in early October followed by an October 19 Pixel launch tied to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro announcement. However, in the case of Android 12, the last beta milestone (5) came a month before (in September). Before that, Google has launched in August or September since 2016.
The fact we don’t have a stable yet is complicated by the fact that Android 14 does not seem to be a major release from a visual or new features perceptive. Given the Material You redesign, it made sense why Android 12 took so long.
Android 14’s stage presence during the I/O 2023 keynote in May was unusually limited. We’ve been beta testing lockscreen clock and customization shortcuts for some time now, while generative AI wallpapers hardly seem like a showstopper (and are something I’d expect to debut first on the Pixel 8 anyway before coming to older phones with the December 2023 Feature Drop).
Speaking of Pixel Feature Drops, there clearly wasn’t one today. There also wasn’t one in September of 2021 or 2022, with Google waiting until December both years.
For those waiting, Android 14 Beta 5.2 is quite stable on the Pixel 7 series, Tablet, and Fold. I’ve been using it as my daily driver for several weeks now without issues, thus adding to the intrigue of why it isn’t out yet.
It will be interesting to see whether there will be Android 13 or Android 14 Beta 5.3 with the September security patch at this point. Depending on how many bugs are addressed in the latter, that could signal how far away we are from a stable launch.
Google updates the Android brand with new logo and 3D robot
Following our previous report, Google is officially unveiling a new 3D logo for Android. The broad goal of this updated branding is to “help connect Android to Google,” and it follows the previous modernization in 2019.
Each time we overhaul our branding, we evaluate not only changing needs, but also future goals. We know people today want more choice and autonomy, and we want our brand to be reflective of Android: something that gives people the freedom to create on their terms. As an open platform, it’s important that both our technology and brand are an invitation for people to create, connect and do more with Google on Android devices.
Google says it drew “inspiration from Material design to complement the Google brand palette, as well as be adaptable.”
It starts by moving away from Android’s “longstanding lowercase stylization” to help elevate the logo and add “more weight to its appearance when placed next to Google’s logo” (as seen above in the top-left corner).
While we’ve added more curves and personality unique to Android, the new Android stylization more closely mirrors Google’s logo and creates balance between the two. We hope these small but significant updates to the Android typeface will better communicate the relationship between Android devices and the Google apps and services people already know.
The other big aspect is the Android robot, which, since 2019, has appeared alongside the wordmark. In going 3D, Google gave the bugdroid “more dimension, and a lot more character.” It can be depicted with different materials, colors, and even accessories.
As a visual signifier of our brand, we wanted the bugdroid to appear as dynamic as Android itself.
Google has also updated the full-body appearance to “ensure it can easily transition between digital and real-life environments, making it a versatile and reliable companion across channels, platforms and contexts.” The body is now a domed capsule instead of having a flat bottom and legs protruding from it. With the last branding update, it seemed that Google was moving away from this version.
The updated logo, 3D bugdroid, and brand identity will “appear on Android devices and in more places starting this year.”
Redesigned Assistant At a Glance widget rolling out to all Android phones
Android is rolling out its quarterly drop of new features today, with a redesign of the Assistant At a Glance widget being the highlight.
The current widget available on all Android phones was never updated when the fixed Pixel Launcher version was updated with Android 12. Now, it features a Material You redesign in which the weather is prominently shown in an M3 shape at the right, while text appears at the left. Two lines of text are supported, while a three-dot overflow menu provides additional options, as we previously enabled.
This At a Glance redesign is available for all Android 9+ devices and is rolling out starting today.
In terms of new app features, Google is rolling out the ability to ask questions – by voice or typing – about images with Lookout. Announced back in May, this uses a visual language model to describe images that do not have alt text. Lookout is also adding support for 11 new languages (including Japanese, Korean, and Chinese) for a total of 34.
Google Wallet is also rolling out the previously announced ability to import/upload passes with QR codes or barcodes. This could be used with some library or gym cards, parking passes, and tickets.
You can add what time you slept and how many hours (from Google Fit or Fitbit) to your Google Assistant “Good morning” Routine.
Rounding out the app front are Android Auto apps from Zoom and Webex that will let users join conference calls (by audio) and browse meeting schedules. Google says all “active calls are managed through Android Auto,” with the ability to mute your microphone as needed.