Samsung receive hints that the next Windows laptop expected at Unpacked on February 1, will get the Ultra treatment, similar to the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra The tablet and the next Galaxy S23 Ultra Telephone. That likely means the S Pen is on board, as Samsung shut down the Note family of devices to focus on the Ultra. We can also see improved cameras as well as a very high price.
in Blog post from TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperiences (MX) Business, Samsung delves into what it means to evolve from Note to Ultra branded devices. Roh cites the performance and camera capabilities, then says that “Ultra means big”.
Ahead of the Samsung Unpacked event in San Francisco, the company is already taking online reservations for two devices, a smartphone and a Galaxy Book, presumably a Windows laptop to follow. Galaxy Book 2 Pro. This laptop is 15 inches in size, but we might see Samsung launch something larger, perhaps to compete with Apple The best Macbook Pro.
Here’s what the Galaxy Book Ultra will be like
the Today’s Macbook Pro is updated with a faster M2 Pro processor, so it would make sense for Samsung to try to regain some momentum in the weeks leading up to launch by teasing a new device. The company may be more of a competitor to Apple in the phone space, but the Galaxy Book 2 Pro reviewed very well in our tests.
The best guess is to add a stylus, Samsung’s trademark S Pen of course, to the Galaxy Book Ultra. We also expect to see a camera upgrade, and since the webcam is the most important lens in a laptop, this camera is the one that should get a boost. We also expect to see a performance boost, so the latest Intel silicon would be a good bet.
Samsung talks about connectivity quite a bit in its blog post, so we’d also expect the Galaxy Book Ultra to come with cellular connectivity options, perhaps even fast 5G networks. A laptop, which is still stationary and has a bulky antenna compared to a smartphone, is a better candidate for faster mmWave 5G, if you’ll be using the laptop in a connected area.
Of course, Samsung can only refer to the connection between the laptop and the new Galaxy S23 phones. It is possible for a laptop to rely entirely on new phones for cellular communication, with a host of automated programs to make that communication happen when both are within range. We hope for the latter, as 5G laptops are still a rarity.
Lots of hints but no real details
Unfortunately, the blog post gives us few actual physical details or even deductible hints about what to expect in a new phone. We can only guess a lot about a new laptop because there’s no Ultra version of the Galaxy Book, and these are the features the Galaxy Book needs to match. Galaxy S22 Ultra or Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra.
We’ll have more on new phones and laptops, and any new Samsung devices, in our ongoing work Samsung Unpacked coverage It happened. We’re expecting great new cameras, cool new laptops, and maybe even some surprises that are yet to come.
Google looks to have plans to change the worst thing about TV remotes and the same terrible thing about a lot of consoles: batteries.
Instead of relying on pesky replaceable cells, the new reference design for the Google TV remote from TW Electronics — the company that makes Google TV remotes — features a photovoltaic panel. The new light-powered remote control will be able to self-charge, which means it will (hopefully) never run out of charge or need its battery replaced, provided it gets enough light.
After a recent leak teased that a new Chromecast with Google TV is on the way — which will likely be a follow-up to 2020’s Chromecast with Google TV with 4K support — we expect this remote to be what they’ll be using. We may also see the design approved by Google TV displays from Hisense, TCL, and other partners.
Google’s previous Chromecast isn’t the best streaming device ever, but for its price it’s pretty good, so there aren’t a lot of upgrades we think this upcoming iteration needs. However, an improved controller would be a nice improvement as it removes another reason we need more single-use batteries.
Excited to announce the release of the #RemoteControl self-charging indoor light powered remote control. Developed with #Exeger, the device is #GoogleTV ready and can be easily integrated into your existing system. Contact us for more details. #CES2023 #solarpower pic.twitter.com/pO1bycCC2b January 12, 2023
Batteries started
Despise batteries. Well, more accurately I hate disposable batteries, especially the ones you’ll find in TV remotes.
This is because she always dries up at the most inconvenient moment. You then have to scramble for replacement parts only to realize you’re lousy with AAs and those coins, but you’re out of much-needed AAA batteries.
Then the same old scheme comes into your head: you find an underused tool that also relies on AAA and holds its cells for the time being. The plan works fine for a while until you get to use this batteryless tech now and have to start the process over.
But even if that first part goes smoothly, then you have to shake things up.
You should not dispose of the batteries with the rest of the trash, instead, they should be taken to a local recycling center or collection point so that the raw materials can be extracted and reused.
Here in the UK the most convenient battery connection points are the plastic tubs which can be found in most local grocery stores. Although I can hardly remember taking my purse for life when I go shopping – I now have a collection that will last more than 30 lifetimes. So instead I have a steadily growing pyramid of dead batteries growing in my kitchen, a monument that gnaws at me every time I come back from the stores.
And don’t even get me started on the battery-powered tech that includes nothing in the box…
The whole situation would be greatly improved if the items were rechargeable. And the Google solar remote will take things even further because you won’t even need to remember to plug it in – just leave the blinds open during the day or turn on the lights and the thing will slowly regain its lost potency.
We’ll have to wait and see if TW Electronic’s remote reference design becomes a physical item, but I hope it does.
When your next Chromecast arrives (whether or not it uses the new Google TV remote), be sure to check out our list of the best streaming services so you know where to find the best TV shows and movies.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 family of phones isn’t expected to debut until February, but we’ve already heard plenty of rumors and leaks about these devices — and the latest information to reach us is about the “signature colors” of the phones.
This is according to SamMobile, which has a good track record of getting details about Samsung products beforehand. These are called signature colors because they are the colors mostly used in marketing and promotional materials.
For the standard Galaxy S23 it will obviously be green, for the Galaxy S23 Plus it will be light gold/rose gold, and for the Galaxy S23 Ultra you can expect pink. Several other color options will be available on the three phones as well.
Rumors of the launch date
In a separate leak of known information ice world, the Galaxy S23 launch date is set for February 1 – that’s Wednesday. Follow-up tweets indicate that for “most parts of the world,” we’re looking forward to February 2nd.
Samsung is based in South Korea, which is far ahead of Europe and the United States in terms of time zones. Add it all together, and the Galaxy Unpacked event on the evening of February 1st in South Korea makes the most sense.
There have been conflicting reports on this launch date: other sources said later in February was likely, though it’s possible that this later date refers to when the phones went on sale rather than being initially revealed.
Analysis: Same design, better interiors
We haven’t heard anything confirmed about the Samsung Galaxy S23 until Samsung unveils the actual hardware — but when you bring all the rumors together, it doesn’t seem like much is changing when it comes to 2023 upgrades over the 2022 phones, at least when it comes to the phone’s aesthetics.
We’ve already seen dummy units showcasing the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus, and Galaxy S23 Ultra, and the designs and settings look very similar to the phones that came before them. However, the Standard and Plus models may borrow the extruded camera appearance from the Ultra.
We’ll see improvements on the inside: upgraded Snapdragon chips and possibly Exynos chips will power the Galaxy S23 series, so everything should run more smoothly than ever. On the software side, the phones are likely to come with the latest version of Android.
One area where the Samsung Galaxy S23 may follow the iPhone 14 is in satellite connectivity, giving users an emergency backup in case Wi-Fi and cellular links are unavailable. At the same time, when it comes to the rear cameras, we should see better photos and videos than ever before.
You’ve come to the right place for all the best value Nintendo Switch bundles available right now. We’ve scoured the internet to bring you the cheapest deals in both the US and UK that come with the best games and accessories. Just be aware that this year Nintendo Switch Black Friday Deals It’s almost here, so the savings can be even better in the coming weeks.
We’ve also rounded up the lowest Switch console prices available right now if you don’t like the look of any current bundles. You can also find all week’s best Nintendo Switch deals on games and accessories in case you want to purchase any add-ons separately. Of course, expect more discounts on these at Black Friday Deals throughout this month.
The biggest or best value Nintendo Switch bundles are usually saved for big retail events, but there are often good options throughout the year. There are packages that feature some of the The best Nintendo Switch games including the option to add modern Pokémon, Metroid, or Monster Hunter titles for next to nothing – or at a fraction of the usual cost.
There is good news when it comes to Nintendo Switch OLED stock situation too. The upgraded console is generally available at all retailers right now, so you shouldn’t have a hard time finding it – bundles are popping up too. We’ve included any of these on this page as well, including none Nintendo Switch OLED Black Friday Deals.
And while there are some pretty good deals out there today, keep in mind that we usually see excellent value, limited-time Nintendo Switch bundles or deals on games and accessories during the year-end sales. Wait if you can, as Nintendo has confirmed that deals will be rolling out from November 20th.
Today’s best Nintendo Switch deals
The comparison chart below shows all the cheaper prices for the Nintendo Switch console by itself. Just make sure you don’t overpay for an MSRP of $299 in the US and £259 in the UK – even if it’s in short stock again. Sometimes it’s best to get one this way and buy your games or accessories separately if there are great deals.
We’ve also taken a look at the best prices for the Nintendo Switch OLED today, too. Remember, the suggested retail price for this is $349.99 in the US and £309.99 in the UK. It’s still early days, but there have already been small discounts of up to $30 / £30 off this new version of the console.
If you want some games or accessories with your purchase, scroll down a bit for all the Nintendo Switch bundles on offer.
Nintendo Switch bundles: How to spot a good deal
Just because Nintendo Switch bundles are cheap might not mean they’re good deals. Many retailers often include cheaper games with their Nintendo Switch bundles and still charge the standard price. Games readily available for $20-$30 can sneak up on premium-priced deals, reducing the overall value proposition.
In this case, it’s worth picking up a Nintendo Switch bundle with a full game for $60 and getting the cheaper title separately if you desperately want to play it. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to double check the going price of the bundled game you choose against the total cost to make sure you’re getting a good deal. Nintendo Switch sales outside of busy shopping periods (Black Friday or holidays) are more likely to try this tactic.
The best games in the Nintendo Switch bundle
As mentioned above, first-party releases are the games you’ll want to look out for for the best Nintendo Switch bundle deals. These are the games that are developed and produced by Nintendo themselves, that is the likes of Mario Kart, Mario Party, The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Pokémon, and so on.
Since these titles aren’t much lower than their usual price (even years after launch), your best option for getting them on the cheap is as part of a Nintendo Switch bundle. We’ve seen games actually get discounts of up to 50% when you buy them as part of a bundle.
When to shop for Nintendo Switch deals
The best Nintendo Switch deals are usually found around the holiday period. You’ll find that the biggest games of the year are released between October and December, which gives bundles a higher value when those games are included at a discount. However, a new Nintendo Switch bundle generally appears with any major first-party release. We’ll be looking for any Metroid Dread feature when it launches later this year to help you save some cash on your Switch.
Nintendo Switch Lite
The Nintendo Switch Lite was released at just $199.99 / £199.99 in 2019. That’s $100 / £80 less than the original Switch console. If you want to play games on your TV as well, you should use the standard Nintendo Switch instead, as the Lite can only be played in handheld mode.
Nintendo Switch Lite comes in multiple color options. You can pick one up now in turquoise, grey, yellow, or coral pink, as well as the special edition Pokemon Zacian and Zamazenta. We have a larger center dedicated to all The best Nintendo Switch Lite bundles If you want to check it out in more detail.
Nintendo Switch Game Deals
Looking for something to play? Some of the newer Nintendo Switch bundles may not offer the game you are looking forward to first. If not, use the price comparison chart below to find the cheapest Switch titles around or head over to our larger guide to find more. Cheap nintendo switch games. Remember, to play multiplayer online and get other benefits like free games, you’ll want to choose Nintendo Switch Online subscription deal like that.
Joy-Con deals
If you’re looking for more multiplayer options, you might want to check out the latest Joy-Con deals. These controllers come in at $10 more expensive than the Pro controller (more on that below) but you do get two separate controllers to expand your options. Nintendo Switch deals rarely include these consoles in their bundles either, so it’s not worth the wait to get your hands on a huge bundle.
Or maybe you fancy a few different colors for your own use – the Neon Red / Blue Joy-Con bundle offers colors that are opposing to those the controller came with, for example (left red and right blue). Check out the latest prices below, or shop at Best selling cheap Joy-Con Go now.
Nintendo switch pro controller deals
You wouldn’t actually do need to Nintendo Switch Pro console to play any games, so don’t feel pressured to buy one. The Nintendo Switch Pro controller is a more traditional pad and was launched alongside the Nintendo Switch. Prices aren’t cheap though, starting at $69.99 / £64.99. Nintendo Switch bundles have offered a Pro controller in the past, but they’re rare — and higher value bundles often set you back a little more money — so we don’t recommend waiting for them. Check out more Nintendo switch pro controller deals in our dedicated guide.
Maybe not! Remember how the Joy-Con controller split into two? Flip it sideways and you’ve got two primary controllers, each with an analogue stick and face buttons—the d-pad acts as the face functions on the left controller. We’ve seen 2K’s NBA series, Snipper Clips, FIFA 19, and Mario Kart used in this way for local players in docked and tablet modes. So you get multiplayer functionality right out of the box with no additional purchase required.
However, if you want to play four-player games, you’ll need to invest in an extra pair of Joy-Con controllers or some Pro controllers. We’ll be buying the Joy-Cons as a pair (see comparison chart above) as you’ll save a little money buying them separately. Better yet, if your friends own a Switch, ask them to bring their own controllers to the party!
Nintendo Switch bundles rarely offer additional consoles at the standard price, as they are particularly expensive game consoles. However, retailers sometimes include the Pro console in their Nintendo Switch sales at a slightly higher price.
Nintendo Switch MicroSD card deals
With only 32GB of internal storage, you’ll want to grab a cheap memory card or two for your new Nintendo Switch for any inevitable digital purchases or game install patches. Not to worry, they’re actually surprisingly cheap, with even a 64GB one coming in at under £20 / $25.
What memory cards does Nintendo Switch need? These would be Micro SD cards also known, depending on their size, as MicroSDHC (up to 32GB) or MicroSDXC (up to a whopping 2TB soon). Nintendo also has its own branded cards, but you’ll pay more for just a sticker. So for now, we’re going to take a look at this set of cheap Nintendo Switch friendly MicroSDXC cards.
As we go to file Black Friday Deals The Apple MacBook Air is one of the most sought after items year after year. It’s not hard to see why, obviously. It’s a great computer with excellent performance, is lightweight and very portable, and for most consumers, it’s the “just work” type of device.
It certainly doesn’t hurt that it’s also more affordable than any other Apple computer other than the Mac Mini. The MacBook Air’s reputation for (relatively) affordability is one of its biggest appeals, which is why we weren’t too disappointed because the latest MacBook Air, powered by m 2 apple chip saw a significant price increase over the M1 MacBook Air it replaces.
However, the M2 MacBook Air might be it Best laptop Apple has ever made it for the general consumer market, and we’re seeing some really good ones Black Friday MacBook Air deals on the new M2s, but look beyond Starlight’s FOMO and you’ll see that the perfect MacBook Air has been here the whole time, and it’s just getting some serious price cuts right now.
Most people don’t need an M2 chip right now
We love the new MacBook Air, without a doubt (although I personally don’t like the way Apple has redesigned it, but it’s not the best). It’s a powerful computer with a great screen that’s still as portable as ever, which makes it a great laptop to take with you around town.
The same can be said about Apple MacBook Air with M1, anyway. And while it makes perfect sense to try to buy the most powerful laptop you can while it’s on sale, for most users who just want to do some productivity work, stream videos, FaceTiming, and the like, the M1 chip is more than capable of delivering Fast and excellent battery life at a much lower starting cost.
Layer on the types of discounts we see Black Friday MacBook Deals and the M1 MacBook Air doesn’t just become a bargain, it’s increasingly outright stealing.
If you really need something more powerful than the M1 chip, you should really look at the 13-inch MacBook Pro, which will be more in line with your needs, and they’re also on sale so you can save.
Retailers need to move M1 MacBook Air units to make room for M2 MacBooks
(Image credit: CNN)
Now that the MacBook Air with M2 has been on sale for a few months now, there is increasing pressure on retailers to make room for the newer models. This means getting rid of their stock of M1s, so prices will be lower on average than they were last year.
There’s no reason not to waste a lot buying a MacBook Air that will serve you well Years Just because Apple has poured in a slightly more powerful chip in its new devices.
Essentially, retailers will price M1 MacBooks more aggressively, and that can mean savings of 20% to 25% off an entry-level configuration, which is more than enough for most users.
Even higher-tier configurations will see price cuts, especially if those configurations are usually hard to sell.
The sales price of the M2 MacBook Air is still higher than the M1 Air at full retail
(Image credit: Future)
Finally, times are tough right now, and the new MacBook Air with M2 is somewhat inconsistent with this. Sure, prices have gone up on everything and it’s not like Apple and every other manufacturer big and small haven’t dealt with supply chain issues over the past couple of years.
But there’s no getting around the fact that the typical sales we’re seeing on M2 MacBook Air models are still higher than the nearly powerful M1 MacBook Air at full retail.
Right now, the Apple MacBook Air M2 with 8GB of memory and 256GB of storage is $1,049.99 at both B&H Photo and Best Buy. That’s $50 more than the launch MSRP for the M1 MacBook Air with the same memory and storage options, and we haven’t seen the MacBook Air M1 consistently sell at full retail price at any major retailer outside of an Apple Storefront for over a year.
With black friday and Cyber Monday deals Dropping the prices on the two-year-old M1 MacBook Air, you’ll likely get some big savings by going with the M1 model instead. To better illustrate this, I’ve rounded up some of the best Black friday laptop deals on both models of the Apple MacBook Air so you can see the difference for yourself.
And remember, it’s not just US buyers who are out of luck here, but in the UK we’re seeing a similar story play out at major outlets like Amazon, Box and Currys.
It’s still important to keep Black Friday pricing in perspective
While the Apple MacBook Air with M1 is already heavily discounted, there is very little that can go effectively. Getting the M1 MacBook Air for $749 is about as good of a deal as getting a new unit, so you’ll still be paying a decent amount of money for the MacBook Air regardless.
If you’ve got room in your budget, and you really want the best MacBook, there’s a case in point that M2 MacBook deals offer better value even if they’re more expensive since you’ll get better future-resistance, and you’ll obviously get improved performance.
But if you’re on a tight budget this year, as we are all, there’s nothing wrong with going for the M1 MacBook Air, and it’s an excellent way to save some real money on a new laptop.
If you’re looking to upgrade your mobile device then look no further than Pakistan’s biggest sale, Daraz 11:11. Xiaomi Pakistan’s most popular mobile devices and eco products are available at a substantial discount on Daraz giving you the best deals of the year. The sale will last till November 21, 2022, but if you are late and stock runs out, then don’t worry you’ll find that Xiaomi’s Mi Store has the same offers available.
The Redmi 10C is now available for Rs. 31,999, the 64GB Redmi 10A is now available for Rs. 24,699, the 128GB Redmi 10A is now available for Rs. 27,999 and the Redmi Note 11 is now available for a low price of Rs. 42,499.
Equipped with features that provide value to your purchase Xiaomi has gone above and beyond to deliver high-quality products at a lower price. So what are you waiting for grab your new upgrade before the time runs out.
No gaming setup is complete without a great screen, and great screens come from those who know exactly what gamers need from their setup. GIGABYTE has been building some of the best gaming consoles for decades, so it was only natural that they made some of the best gaming monitors on the market.
GIGABYTE offers a range of AORUS and GIGABYTE monitors from 28″ to 55″, with a range of features that help gamers take their gaming to the next level. Each monitor is equipped with 4K connectivity, HDMI 2.1, at least 120Hz refresh rate along with some exclusive tactical features designed to enhance the experience:
Black Equalizer 2.0 – Independently adjusts 1296 divisions at the same time, providing a deeper in-game black without affecting other parts of the screen – perfect for lining up the perfect sniper shot
Aim Stabilizer Sync – Reduces motion blur and uses V-Sync technology to provide a clear view when aiming
OSD sidekick – Use the keyboard and mouse to adjust the on-screen display easily
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) – Exclusive to AORUS models, use ANC without headphones to improve communication between your teammates and gain the advantage in the heat of battle.
Choose your screen
The first step in finding the right monitor is to look at your setup. For shared gaming spaces with roommates or officemates, the wide viewing area is 48 inches AORUS FO48U (Opens in a new tab) And the amazing size of the huge 55-inch screen Gigabyte S55U (Opens in a new tab) It offers an unparalleled experience.
For more intimate settings such as a personal gaming area, 43″ AORUS FV43U (Opens in a new tab) It features Space Audio to deliver high-level acoustics with specific modes to match everything you do.
And for those who play at their desk, the 28-inch GIGABYTE M28U Arm Edition (Opens in a new tab) And the 32 inch M32U Arm Edition (Opens in a new tab) Provides additional working environment and SuperSpeed IPS panels.
Looking for adaptability? her arm prints
The well-received M28U and M32U have been upgraded to include a monitor arm option, giving everyone the ability to find the right position for absolute viewing. The 144Hz frame rate and 1ms response time mean that screens now respond as fast as you can pull the trigger.
Both monitors also offer best-in-class color accuracy with the M28U Arm Edition featuring 8-bit color depth and a wide color gamut of 94% DCI-P3. The M32U Arm Edition has 10-bit color depth (8-bit + FRC) and a wide color gamut of 90% DCI-P3.
Looking for smoothness? The M32UC from GIGABYTE is what you need
Equipped with an advanced panel, GIGABYTE SuperSpeed display provides four times faster response time and significantly reduces ghosting.
it’s the The world’s first 31.5-inch UHD 144Hz curved monitor (Opens in a new tab) And it’s more than fast enough to keep up with the most intense game sessions. Superspeed VA provides massive ghost reduction and a 1ms MPRT and 2ms GTG response time eliminates image lag and tearing.
The 1500R original curvature gives gamers a fully immersive experience and the 3000:1 contrast provides a cinematic visual experience. In the end, the M32UC is the perfect gaming monitor for playing console games in any environment.
Powered by a dedicated digital signal processor with custom firmware, AORUS Space Audio delivers consistent sound through a A set of custom amplifiers (Opens in a new tab).
For gamers who play with the latest technology, the FO48U is the world’s first 48-inch gaming monitor to feature a premium OLED panel and with HDMI 2.1 support, next-generation consoles can run at full 4K/120Hz performance. The built-in amplifier also provides high-quality sound without the need for additional peripherals.
GIGABYTE KVM monitors provide gamers with a one-stop shop for all their peripherals and devices. With a single button, quickly switch your mouse and keyboard to your smartphone or tablet so you never miss a beat, no matter what you’re doing.
GIGABYTE has spent years building quality PC gaming components that gamers have known and trusted over the years, and that expertise is evident throughout the company’s GIGABYTE and AORUS gaming monitors.
No matter their setup or performance needs, every player will find something that perfectly fits their unique setup.
With the Google Pixel 7 successfully launched, the next flagship phone on the horizon is the Samsung Galaxy S23 – and the latest update from the rumor mill gives us an idea of what color options we’ll see.
According to the analyst Ross Young who is usually right when it comes to mobile industry predictions, we will have the phone in beige, black, green and light pink when it arrives in the first few months of 2023.
That’s a rather limited selection compared to the Samsung Galaxy S22, which showed up across the full range – the S22, S22 Plus, and S22 Ultra – in white, black, rose gold, green, graphite, blue, violet, cream, burgundy, red and finally purple.
color calls
It’s also interesting to compare the color choice to the recently launched Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 foldable phone options: the former comes in green, black, beige and burgundy, and the latter comes in purple, graphite, rose gold, blue, yellow, white, navy, khaki and red.
Maybe there’s more to come in terms of colors, or maybe Young is just referring to the standard S22 model – in which case the pale pink will replace rose gold, beige will replace white, and the purple option will be dropped.
These colors may also vary depending on the region you are in. All indications are that the Galaxy S23 series will launch in February, after the Galaxy S22 range has been scheduled, so we have a few months to wait yet before we know for sure what Samsung is up to.
Analysis: Colors Really Matter
The colors that the phone comes in may not immediately seem the most important aesthetic choice compared to the rest of its design – and still less important when you look at them against the internal specifications of a particular device.
It’s also fair to say that colors aren’t always the most exciting aspect to talk about a phone. Black and white are almost always present, and manufacturers seem unwilling to experiment with the many different looks on offer.
However, color choices can make a big difference to consumers and the phone’s appeal. Phone makers seem to be starting to realize this — take the green iPhone 13 that Apple unveiled earlier this year, for example.
The Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 Pro also feature some bold color options, and we’d love to see more of them in the future. Hopefully, Samsung has some extra colors lined up for the Galaxy S23 beyond the ones we’ve mentioned here.
Major smartphone manufacturers have made a concerted effort to make it easier to get their phones fixed, but it looks like Google’s new Pixel 7 Pro could fly against the trend.
Youtube PBKreviews managed to get its hands on the Pixel 7 Pro (Opens in a new tab) Ahead of its October 13 release date and with a set of phone repair tools, it rips the device down to its individual parts. It’s well known to do this with other smartphones as a way to check their repairability. His process involves prying open the screen with a pick and, at one point, using isopropyl alcohol to scrape off the glue holding the battery in place. Admittedly, it’s great to see the inner workings of the phone on full screen.
After getting the Pixel 7 Pro, PBK reviews gave it a score of 5.5 out of 10 in terms of repairability. This score is in line with his other videos of him crashing Pixel Pro phones, the Pixel 6 Pro, which got the same number.
hard to fix
It specifically points to the various parts of the Pixel 7 Pro as the most difficult to repair. The video doesn’t list every problem part but does mention the charging port and back screen. According to the video, the charging port is soldered directly to the main board which makes it difficult to replace if damaged. PBK reviews go on to say that it can’t take off the rear screen, so it’s believed to be stuck to the Pixel 7 Pro’s frame.
As for the rest of the parts, PBKreviews reports that it’s easier to replace if it’s a little tricky. Removing the battery was difficult because the strength of the adhesive made it nearly impossible to remove, even with pulling tongues. Additionally, he seems to have found the internal organization of the parts quite complex with PBK reviews giving this aspect of the phone an average score.
History repeats
If there are two things to take away from this ripping, they are that a) the Pixel 7 Pro can be hard to fix, at least for hobbyists and B) not much has changed from the 6 Pro. By perusing the PBKreviews catalog, you will find a file Pixel 6 Pro (Opens in a new tab) It’s built very similarly from a hard-to-remove battery and a strong adhesive that keeps everything together. The only difference is that PBKreviews was able to remove the back glass on the 6 Pro.
It’s worth noting that disassembling the Pixel 6a revealed a device that was easy to fix, as it’s not as physically secure as the 6 Pro. If history repeats itself, a possible Pixel 7a might be easy to fix if Google decides to build a mid-range version.
While you’re with us, be sure to check out TechRadar’s coverage of Google’s collaboration with iFixit to provide repair kits for Pixel phones. There’s no support for the Pixel 7 (it hasn’t been released yet at the time of writing), but it can, and we recommend learning how the software works, in case you do need it in the end.
Now that Google has announced the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, it’s likely only a matter of time before the company unveils its affordable alternative to these two phones – the Google Pixel 7a.
Nothing has been officially confirmed about this phone yet, but it’s possible that it’s coming and we have an idea of what to expect; Based on early leaks along with what we know about the Pixel 7 and previous models.
You’ll find all the leaks and educated guesses below, and then, within that, we’ve included our wishlist of things we want from the Google Pixel 7a. We’ll update this article whenever we hear anything new – so check back soon.
cut to chase
What is this? An affordable alternative to the Pixel 7
When does it come out? Maybe mid 2023
How much will it cost? Probably around $449 / £399 / AU$749
Google Pixel 7a release date and price predictions
Google hasn’t been entirely consistent with the launch of its A-model, with the Pixel 6a announced in May 2022 and shipped in July, the two previous models launching in August of their release years.
However, we think that May 2023 is probably the earliest we’ll see the Pixel 7a, and that it may ship later, even if it’s announced at the time.
There aren’t any pricing rumors, but given that the Pixel 7 costs the same amount as the Pixel 6, Google may be pricing the Pixel 7a the same as the Pixel 6a. That means a price tag of $449 / £399 / AU$749.
It may cost the same as the Google Pixel 6a (Image credit: TechRadar / Stephen Lambrechts)
Google Pixel 7a news and leaks
So far, there is only one real Pixel 7a leak, and it comes from Digital Chat Station, which is a fairly reliable leak.
They claim – via machine translation – that Google is working on a small home screen codenamed “Nella”, which has a flat screen, a single punch-hole camera, and a design similar to other modern pixels.
That doesn’t give us much to go on, and there’s a chance they’re not even referring to the Pixel 7a – since they don’t use that name and call it a flagship – but we’d expect the phone otherwise to fit that description.
You’ll likely have an aluminum camera strap, like the Pixel 7, and a similar look overall, along with the Tensor G2 chipset that this phone offers. Beyond that, we’re not sure what to expect.
What we want to see
There are five main things Google could do that would make the Pixel 7a much better than the Pixel 6a. Here’s what it takes if Google wants to ensure 7a is successful:
1. Give it a 90Hz refresh rate
Google Pixel 6a stuck at 60Hz refresh rate (Image credit: Future)
The Pixel 6a is stuck with a 60Hz refresh rate, which seems a bit outdated these days even for an affordable phone. We’re not expecting 120Hz from the Google Pixel 7a, but a boost to 90Hz would be much appreciated.
However, that would bring it in line with the Pixel 7 benchmark, in terms of refresh rate, so Google may not want to do that, so phones are better differentiated.
2. Upgrade to a 50MP camera
The last few Pixel A-line generations all have the same 12.2MP main camera (also used by the numbered pixels predating the Pixel 6), and while it’s a reasonable endgame, it’s a late upgrade.
Google uses a much better 50MP camera on its latest Pixel phones, so it would be good to see the upgrade to that here. Although, as with the increased refresh rate, that could make the Pixel 7a too close to the Pixel 7 to please Google, so don’t count on it.
There’s a whole lot of other sensors to consider, however, a large 12.2-50MP range for Google to consider would distinguish the 7a better than its predecessor in the camera department.
3. Provide better battery life
Google Pixel 6a doesn’t last long between charges (Image credit: Future)
In our Google Pixel 6a review, we found that the phone struggled to last a full day of use, which is the bare minimum we’ve come to expect from our smartphones. So for the Pixel 7a, we really want to see an improvement.
The good news is that an improvement is likely, as the phone will likely use the Tensor G2 chipset, which is much more efficient than the original Tensor in the Pixel 6a.
4. Faster charging
At just 18W, the Pixel 6a doesn’t charge quickly. Even the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro aren’t among the fastest chargers, but with 30W support they at least make the most sense, and that’s an upgrade we’d love to see on the Pixel 7a as well.
We will say there is an average chance of that happening. It’s not a big enough feature for Google to necessarily want to keep the flagship, but it could also drive up the price, which the company will likely try to avoid.
5. Lower price
Speaking of price, for the specs on offer, the Pixel 6a was a bit pricey, especially since it landed long after the Pixel 6, so the lower price means you can sometimes get this phone at a similar price.
As such, we’d like to see a lower price tag for the Pixel 7a, or enough of a spec boost to justify its price. Or if any of those things fail, the company could launch the 7a earlier in the year than the Pixel 6a — that way it ranks higher among the best Pixel phones.
