Sure, they are a bit thicker than a typical smartphone, but the versatility they offer is unparalleled.

Unfolding the phone reveals a tablet-sized inner display that will surely make any tech enthusiast’s eyes well up with joy. The size and design aren’t for everyone, but as the technology matures, this is likely the future of smartphones.

It might also be the future of laptops, as big names like HP have recently released single-screen foldable devices.

Samsung was the first manufacturer to release a foldable device and has been steadily improving its designs ever since. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the latest Z Fold device and it’s a technical marvel.

OnePlus recently entered the foldable market with the OnePlus Open, and on its first try, built an impressive device. Let’s find out which device truly reigns supreme.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs OnePlus Open: Price, availability, and specs

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 has been available to purchase since August 11, 2023, and comes with a starting price of $1800 for the 256GB model. The 512GB version retails for $1920 and the 1TB comes in a whopping $2160.

At first glance, the price seems extremely high, and it is, but at least there is a ton of technology packed into it. It comes in blue, grey, phantom black, cream, and icy blue.

You can get the Galaxy Z Fold 5 from Samsung directly, from major carriers such as Verizon or T-Mobile as well as authorized retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

OnePlus launched the OnePlus Open on October 19, 2023, and comes in a single configuration that retails for $1700. The OnePlus Open is a bit harder to find compared to the Z Fold 5.

No carriers have picked up the device, so if you want the OnePlus Open, you are going to have to get it from OnePlus directly or from a retailer like Amazon or Best Buy. It’s available in two colorways: emerald dusk and voyager black.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5	OnePlus Open
4.0	4.5
$1,760.39	$1,699.99$1,499.99
Check Availability	Check Availability
Display: 7.6-inch, AMOLED, 2176 x 1812, 120Hz - Cover: 6.2-inch, AMOLED, 2136 x 904, 120Hz	Display: 7.82-inch, AMOLED, 2440 x 2268, 120Hz - Cover: 6.31-inch, OLED, 2484 x 1116, 120Hz
Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2	Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Ram: 12GB	Ram: 16GB
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB	Storage: 512GB
Front Camera: 4MP f/1.8 under display - Cover: 10MP f/2.2	Front Camera: 20MP f/2.2 - Cover: 32MP f/2.4
Rear Camera: 50MP f/1.8 main, 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide, 10MP f/2.4 telephoto with 3x optical zoom	Rear Camera: 48MP f/1.7 main, 48MP f/2.2 ultrawide, 64MP f/2.6 telephoto with 3x optical zoom
Battery: 4400mAh	Battery: 4805mAh
Charging: 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wired	Charging: 67W wired, reverse wired
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C	Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C
IP Rating: IPX8	IP Rating: IPX4
Dimensions: Unfolded: 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1mm - Folded: 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4mm	Dimensions: Unfolded: 153.4 x 143.1 x 5.8mm - Folded: 153.4 x 73.3 x 11.7mm
Weight : 253g	Weight : 239g
Operating System: Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6	Operating System: Android 13, OxygenOS 13.2

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

4.0

$1,760.39

Check Availability

Display:

7.6-inch, AMOLED, 2176 x 1812, 120Hz - Cover: 6.2-inch, AMOLED, 2136 x 904, 120Hz

Chipset:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Ram:

12GB

Storage:

256GB, 512GB, or 1TB

Front Camera:

4MP f/1.8 under display - Cover: 10MP f/2.2

Rear Camera:

50MP f/1.8 main, 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide, 10MP f/2.4 telephoto with 3x optical zoom

Battery:

4400mAh

Charging:

25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wired

Connectivity:

Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C

IP Rating:

IPX8

Dimensions:

Unfolded: 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1mm - Folded: 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4mm

Weight :

253g

Operating System:

Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6

OnePlus Open

4.5

$1,699.99$1,499.99

Check Availability

Display:

7.82-inch, AMOLED, 2440 x 2268, 120Hz - Cover: 6.31-inch, OLED, 2484 x 1116, 120Hz

Chipset:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Ram:

16GB

Storage:

512GB

Front Camera:

20MP f/2.2 - Cover: 32MP f/2.4

Rear Camera:

48MP f/1.7 main, 48MP f/2.2 ultrawide, 64MP f/2.6 telephoto with 3x optical zoom

Battery:

4805mAh

Charging:

67W wired, reverse wired

Connectivity:

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C

IP Rating:

IPX4

Dimensions:

Unfolded: 153.4 x 143.1 x 5.8mm - Folded: 153.4 x 73.3 x 11.7mm

Weight :

239g

Operating System:

Android 13, OxygenOS 13.2

01/26/2024 08:26 am GMT

Design

Both devices are well built and just scream quality. From the outside, they look like any other flagship device. The front is all display, with a hole-punch camera at the top, and their respective camera assemblies on the back.

Both the Z Fold 5, and the OnePlus Open have aluminum frames and are similar in size. When folded, the Galaxy is 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4mm and 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1mm when unfolded.

The OnePlus Open is a tad shorter, wider, and thinner than the Z Fold 5. The Open is 153.4 x 73.3 x 11.7mm when folded and 153.4 x 143.1 x 5.8mm when unfolded.

The Z Fold 5 clocks in at 253g, and the OnePlus Open is 239g for the black version or 245g for the green one.

Whether open or closed, the Z Fold 5 has its power and volume buttons along the right edge of the device and a USB-C port at the bottom.

The OnePlus Open also has its power and volume buttons along the right edge and a USB-C port on the bottom. The alert slide is on the right side when folded or the left when unfolded.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5’s IPX8 gives solid water protection but lacks dust protection. The OnePlus Open has an IPX4 rating, which means it can survive some rain or a splash of water.

The lack of a dust rating on both devices is disappointing and a pain point for foldables as a whole.

Turning these devices over, you will notice the first major difference. Samsung went with its tried-and-true triple camera setup, with each lens neatly tucked in a vertical line. It’s a clean aesthetic and does its job of being unintrusive.

The OnePlus Open, on the other hand, has a massive circular camera bump that takes up a little less than half of the back.

I don’t find it as offensive on the black version because it blends in nicely, but it just looks gaudy against the green color. It also protrudes out of the back, so the phone rests on the camera housing.

Display

If you are considering a foldable device, you are likely most interested in the displays. Luckily, both devices knock it out of the park in that department.

The Samsung Z Fold 5 has a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover display. It has a 2316 x 904 resolution, a 120Hz (adaptive) refresh rate, and is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

The internal AMOLED 2X display is a whopping 7.6 inches. It has a 2176 x 1812 resolution and a 120Hz (LTPO) refresh rate.

The internal display is protected by a plastic cover and has a peak brightness of 1,750 nits, allowing easy viewing outdoors.

The OnePlus Open has a 6.31-inch, 2484 x 1116 OLED cover display protected with a Ceramic Guard. It has an eye-searing peak brightness of 2800 nits and a LTPO3, 120Hz refresh rate.

Opening the OnePlus reveals a massive 7.82-inch AMOLED LTPO3 display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It has the same 2800 nits of peak brightness, making it easy to see in the brightest of conditions.

Of the two devices, the OnePlus Open has the better overall displays. I have always found the Z Fold cover display too narrow, and the OnePlus Open fixes that.

The OnePlus Open also has a higher peak brightness and more pixels per inch on the internal displays, 426 for the OnePlus compared to 373 for the Galaxy.

Performance

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the OnePlus Open are absolute performance beasts thanks to their Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processors.

Now that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processors are here and used in devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24, you would be forgiven for thinking that the previous generation is inferior.

The benchmarks and total performance might be lower on the previous generation Gen 2 chipset, but in real-world use, these devices fly.

Where these two devices differ is in their overall configurations. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 comes with 12GB of RAM and either 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage.

The OnePlus Open has a single configuration and ships with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

The extra RAM is nice to have on the OnePlus Open, but unless you are the ultimate power user, you will not likely notice much of a difference between 12GB and 16GB of RAM.

What you will notice is that neither device will have issues multitasking, playing your favorite games, or even editing videos.

Camera

For years, fans of foldable devices had to make do with subpar camera setups. The typical excuse thrown out is due to the phone’s thinness; there just wasn’t space to put flagship-level cameras on these devices.

Then the competition came for Samsung and upended that belief.

Whether in image quality or overall versatility, these two devices aren’t on the same playing field. The OnePlus Open’s camera setup trounces the one on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.

The OnePlus Open has a triple camera setup consisting of a 48MP f/1.7 OIS primary lens, a 48MP f/2.2 ultrawide lens, and a 64MP f/2.6 OIS telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.

Depending on what you need, all three lenses will give you some excellent shots with good details.

The Z Fold 5’s primary lens is comparable to a 50MP f/1.8 OIS lens. Where the Z Fold 5 falls off is with its 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide lens and 10MP f/2.4 OIS telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.

They will work in a pinch but won’t be as clear or have as much detail as the ones on the OnePlus.

The OnePlus Open and Z Fold 5 give you two different selfie cameras each. Again, the OnePlus Open has better cameras for taking a great selfie.

The Open has a 32MP f/2.4 cover camera and a 20MP f/2.2 lens when the device is opened. The Z Fold 5 has a 10MP f/2.2 cover camera and a 4MP f/1.8 under-display camera.

Software

Foldable devices rely heavily on software to take advantage of the larger screens, and both Samsung and OnePlus have their takes on Android that do just that.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 shipped with Android 13 and One UI 5.1, which has since been upgraded to Android 14 and One UI 6. The OnePlus Open comes with Android 13 and OxygenOS 13.2.

Both One UI and OxygenOS offer great customization options, allowing you to tweak the theme and feel until you are completely satisfied.

You get split-screen multitasking on both devices, each allowing for up to three apps to be active simultaneously. Android apps take advantage of the larger internal display, allowing you to open apps side by side.

Samsung’s One UI pulls away with the inclusion of DeX, which allows you to plug your Z Fold 5 into an external display, giving you a ChromeOS-like experience. It’s great when you need to get real work done and don’t have a ,computer nearby.

Samsung is also a bit more reliable when updating their devices. Both phones offer four years of Android updates and a fifth year of security updates.

Samsung provides security updates every month, while OnePlus updates theirs on a bi-monthly basis. Samsung is also faster to upgrade Android. The Z Fold 5 has already been upgraded, while the OnePlus Open is still on Android 13.

Battery life

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 comes with a 4,400mAh battery and is capable of 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.

OnePlus is the leader in the battery department when it comes to capacity and charging speeds. It equipped its device with a 4,805mAh battery that offers 67W wired charging and reverse wired charging.

OnePlus decided not to equip the Open with wireless charging, which is a huge letdown. At this price point, manufacturers shouldn’t be skimping out on features, no matter how big or small.

The Z Fold 5 can charge about 50% of its battery in about 30 minutes using a 25W wired charger. The Open can charge 100% of its battery in about 42 minutes.

The extra capacity of the OnePlus Open gives it the edge in overall battery life as well. You can expect the OnePlus Open to last anywhere from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours longer than the Z Fold 5.

Which is right for you?

Samsung and OnePlus both offer fantastic devices that do so much right. Overall, the OnePlus Open has done enough to unseat Samsung from its throne.

The OnePlus Open offers a wider and more comfortable cover display, great performance, awesome cameras, and amazing battery life. OxygenOS is also customizable and enjoyable to use daily.

The issue for OnePlus is how quickly it will get its software updated and the lack of wireless charging. Even with these minor shortcomings, it does so much right that it deserves to be the winner.

OnePlus Open

4.5

$1,699.99 $1,499.99

The OnePlus Open is a true foldable flagship killer, with great cameras, bright and beautiful screens, and a sturdy construction. It's also got tons of power and productivity tweaks to the software for multitasking performance.

Check Availability Check Availability at OnePlus

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

01/26/2024 09:03 am GMT

That’s not to say the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a bad phone, far from it.

It still offers a fantastic package and a great user experience. It too has great performance and amazing-looking displays, but trails in the camera and battery categories.

Samsung is more reliable when it comes to software updates and its software is a little better. This is especially true if you take advantage of DeX.

Just make sure you put a quality Galaxy Z Fold 5 case on it to make sure that it stays looking amazing for years to come.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

$1,760.39

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a book-style foldable phone with a large, bright AMOLED screen and the ability to use the S Pen stylus for notetaking and other tasks.

Check Availability

01/26/2024 08:26 am GMT

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Best PlayStation 5 accessories
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The post Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs OnePlus Open: Competition is good appeared first on KnowTechie.

Edifier QD35 Tabletop Bluetooth Speaker

4.0

$199.99

Quick Verdict: Edifier made a few odd choices with the QD35, but this is otherwise a great Bluetooth speaker. As long as you can get past the polarizing design, it has good build quality and sounds fantastic.

Pros:

• Fantastic sound quality
• LED lights look great
• App is easy to use

Cons:

• Polarizing design
• On the pricey side
• Front is a fingerprint magnet

Check Availability at Edifier Check Availability at Amazon

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

LED lights can routinely be found in mice, accent lighting, and even earbuds. LED lights are sometimes included as an afterthought, rather than a deliberate choice.

The $200 Edifier QD35 is a tabletop Bluetooth speaker that was seemingly built around the deliberate inclusion of an LED lighting system.

The Edifier QD35 looks flashy, and I hope it sounds as impressive.

Design and features

The Edifier QD35 has a unique design when compared to other Edifier products and looks slightly out of place in its lineup.

At 10.94 x 6.49 x 5.58 inches and 5.82 pounds, this tabletop Bluetooth speaker isn’t exactly portable but is easier to place in your home decor than a pair of bookshelf speakers.

Looking directly at the Edifier QD35 reveals an industrial aesthetic that exudes some serious gamer vibes.

You’ll find two exposed speakers, a 3-inch mid-base driver, and a 1-inch treble dome tweeter that protrudes slightly from the clear plastic casing. Looking through the casing you’ll find a metallic insert that continues the industrial feel. 

Once you plug this speaker in, the front of the device truly shines. There is an LED light strip that runs horizontally under the 3-inch speaker and another LED strip that runs around that same speaker.

The lighting is fully customizable in the Edifier Connect app or can be turned off. There’s also a knob on the right side of the device that lets you quickly cycle through preset lighting modes.

The bottom left has a digital clock, which was an awesome touch.

The right edge has one button and two knobs that are stacked vertically. There is a power button that also lets you select from its various inputs, a mode selector knob, and the bottom knob lets you adjust the lighting effects.

The left edge of the device reveals a 35W GaN charger that can charge devices via USB-A and USB-C. The USB-A port can charge at a max of 18W, and the USB-C port charges at 35W, or 18W if you use both ports at the same time.

The left side has a somewhat peculiar design. There is a giant 35W text and an odd “Born For Speed, Born For Safety” tagline.

The huge text feels like Edifier was just trying to fill in the white space, and the tagline feels out of place on the speaker. I’m sure it’s referring to the GaN charger, but doesn’t belong on this speaker.

Speaking of odd design decisions, you can find another one at the top of the device. The top of the speaker features an oversized Edifier logo.

You can also find Edifier on the front of the device, opposite the clock. Clearly, they didn’t want you to forget who makes this speaker and detracts from what is otherwise a great design.

Around the back, you will find a power switch, the plug outlet, an AUX port, and a USB-A port. You can also connect your device to this speaker via Bluetooth 5.3, which is by far the most convenient method.

The design is polarizing for sure, but I absolutely love it. The LED lighting is well done and adds to a great overall look. I especially love how the lights reflect off the metallic plate directly behind it.

It’s not at all perfect though. The front can be a fingerprint magnet and the oversized text detracts from it a little bit. The Edifier QD35 can be found in either black or white.

Sound Quality

The Edifier QD35 has a 25W 3-inch bass speaker and a 15W 1-inch treble speaker. It outputs mono sound and supports 96kHz sampling when using LDAC via a Bluetooth connection or high-resolution audio when using the AUX or USB-A ports.

With 40W RMS, Edifier claims this speaker can cover a little over 500 square feet of space. This claim seems accurate as the Edifier QD35 had no trouble filling my apartment with sound.

The sound quality is quite good through most of the volume range, with it losing a bit of clarity at high volumes. That wasn’t an issue for me because this speaker was plenty loud once you get the volume to about ten. 

At anything less than the upper volume range, the entire sound range sounded quite good. Edifier uses digital signal processing (DSP)  which results in music that is crisp and clear over Bluetooth.

The clarity improves a bit when connected directly through the AUX port. Thanks to the two passive ports on the back, this speaker puts out plenty of bass. Way more than I was expecting from its 3-inch speaker. 

Edifier Connect app

The Edifier Connect app is needed to connect to the Edifier QD35. Without the app, my phone couldn’t detect the speaker. Depending on your preference, this can be a positive or a negative.

On one hand, it’s another app on your device. On the other hand, this can be a huge positive for those living near other people.

I live in an apartment, and I have had the unfortunate experience of people around me connecting to my Bluetooth speakers. To say this is frustrating would be an understatement, but hasn’t been an issue thanks to the app requirement.

Luckily, you don’t have to create an account to use the app and the app itself is pretty basic. Just pick your speaker, hit connect, and you are all set. 

From there you can adjust the volume, change your input, play white noise in the soothing sounds section, and change the settings. Swiping right shows the light effects menu and lets you change the lighting effect, colors, and modulation rate.

Alternatives to the Edifier QD35

Tribit XSound Mega Portable Bluetooth Speaker	Monoprice Harmony Capsule 200 Bluetooth Speaker	Edifier WiFi Smart Speaker
3.5	3.5	3.5
$129.99$99.99	$59.46	$149.99
Check Availability	Check Availability	Check Availability

Tribit XSound Mega Portable Bluetooth Speaker

3.5

$129.99$99.99

Check Availability

Monoprice Harmony Capsule 200 Bluetooth Speaker

3.5

$59.46

Check Availability

Edifier WiFi Smart Speaker

3.5

$149.99

Check Availability

01/25/2024 01:50 pm GMT

The Tribit XSound Mega Bluetooth speaker is great for anyone who likes the idea of LED lights but needs something more portable. This speaker gets plenty loud, has built-in LED lights, and solid bass. It’s a bit heavy and lacks 360-degree sound.

The Monoprice Harmony Capsule 200 is another portable Bluetooth speaker, loud enough for outdoor use and gives you full 360-degree sound. Like the Edifier QD35, the sound quality diminishes at higher volumes and is a tad heavy. 

The Edifier MS50A is a larger and more portable speaker. The sleek wooden design has wireless connectivity and can even connect with Alexa, Spotify, and Apple AirPlay. It is a mono speaker and has no waterproofing, which limits its ability to be used outdoors.

Final verdict

Should you go out and spend $200 on the Edifier QD35? That largely depends on a couple of important factors.

With its polarizing design, this speaker isn’t for everyone. The LED lights were integral to its design and I happen to love it. So does the rest of my family, but not everyone will appreciate it.

Then there’s the borderline obnoxious placement of the Edifier logo on the top and the tagline on the left. 

If you can look past those shortcomings, the Edifier QD35 is a fantastic speaker.  It’s compact enough to fit just about anywhere in your home.

The sound quality is quite good, as long as you aren’t pushing it to its maximum volume. The app is easy to use, and this speaker offers plenty of input options.

At $200, the Edifier QD35 is a bit pricey but well worth the price for its blend of fantastic sound quality and its unique design. It can be found directly through Edifier or from retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy.

Edifier QD35 Tabletop Bluetooth Speaker

4.0

$199.99

The Edifier QD35 is a tabletop Bluetooth speaker that combines an industrial aesthetic with LED lights for an intriguing, but polarizing design. If you love the look, you can look forward to good sound quality and great build quality.

Check Availability at Edifier Check Availability at Amazon

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

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The post Review: Edifier QD35 Tabletop Bluetooth Speaker appeared first on KnowTechie.

Both companies have complete control of the underlying operating system, utilize custom processors in their devices, have great update policies, and are well-optimized.

While there are a lot of control similarities, Apple and Google have a very different approach when it comes to their implementations. Regardless of the process, the result is fantastic devices, which is a win for the user.

Both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Pixel 8 Pro are fantastic devices and the best one for you will likely come down to what you value most in a smartphone. Let’s break it all down to see which device is best for you.

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Pixel 8 Pro: Price, availability, and specs

Apple released the iPhone 15 Pro Max on September 22, 2023, in three configurations. The 256GB version retails for $1,199, the 512GB version costs $1,399, and the 1TB version sells for a whopping $1,599.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max comes in four colors: natural titanium, blue titanium, white titanium, and black titanium. 

The Pixel 8 Pro was officially released on October 12, 2023, and is slightly less expensive but starts with less storage. The 128GB version is $999, the $256GB version is $1,059, the 512GB costs $1,179, and the 1TB version retails for $1,399.

The Pixel 8 Pro comes in three color options: bay (blue), obsidian (black), and porcelain (white). 

Being some of the more popular devices on the market, you can find the iPhone and Pixel just about anywhere a smartphone is sold.

They can be found at just about every primary carrier, as well as smaller MVNOs. They can also be purchased through authorized retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy, as well as the respective manufacturer’s sites.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max	Google Pixel 8 Pro
Check Availability	Check Availability
Display: 6.7-inch, OLED, 2796 x 1290, 120Hz	Display: 6.7-inch LTPO OLED, 2992 x 1344, 1-120Hz
Chipset: A17 Pro	Chipset: Tensor G3
Ram: 8GB	Ram: 12GB
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB	Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
Front Camera: 12MP f/1.9	Front Camera: 10.5MP f/2.2
Rear Camera: 48MP f/1.78 main, 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide, 12MP f/2.8 telephoto with 5x optical zoom	Rear Camera: 50MP f/1.68 main, 48MP f/1.95 ultrawide, 48MP f/2.8 Telephoto with 5x optical zoom
Battery: 4441mAh	Battery: 5050mAh
Charging: USB-C quick charge, 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi wireless, 4.5W reverse wired	Charging: USB-C quick charge, Qi wireless, battery share
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C	Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C
IP Rating: IP68	IP Rating: IP68
Dimensions: 6.29 x 3.02 x 0.32 inches	Dimensions: 6.4 x 3.0 x 0.3-inches
Weight : 7.81 ounces	Weight : 7.5 ounces
Operating System: iOS 17	Operating System: Android 14
Software Support: Six to eight years of OS updates until 2029 - 2031	Software Support: Seven years of OS and security updates until 2030
$1199	$999

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

Check Availability

Display:

6.7-inch, OLED, 2796 x 1290, 120Hz

Chipset:

A17 Pro

Ram:

8GB

Storage:

256GB, 512GB, or 1TB

Front Camera:

12MP f/1.9

Rear Camera:

48MP f/1.78 main, 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide, 12MP f/2.8 telephoto with 5x optical zoom

Battery:

4441mAh

Charging:

USB-C quick charge, 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi wireless, 4.5W reverse wired

Connectivity:

Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C

IP Rating:

IP68

Dimensions:

6.29 x 3.02 x 0.32 inches

Weight :

7.81 ounces

Operating System:

iOS 17

Software Support:

Six to eight years of OS updates until 2029 - 2031

$1199

Google Pixel 8 Pro

Check Availability

Display:

6.7-inch LTPO OLED, 2992 x 1344, 1-120Hz

Chipset:

Tensor G3

Ram:

12GB

Storage:

128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB

Front Camera:

10.5MP f/2.2

Rear Camera:

50MP f/1.68 main, 48MP f/1.95 ultrawide, 48MP f/2.8 Telephoto with 5x optical zoom

Battery:

5050mAh

Charging:

USB-C quick charge, Qi wireless, battery share

Connectivity:

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C

IP Rating:

IP68

Dimensions:

6.4 x 3.0 x 0.3-inches

Weight :

7.5 ounces

Operating System:

Android 14

Software Support:

Seven years of OS and security updates until 2030

$999

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Pixel 8 Pro: Design

Apple and Google are both capable of creating beautiful and well-built devices, and that expertise is on full display with these two phones.

Both devices have 6.7-inch displays and very similar overall dimensions. The iPhone 15 Pro Max measures 6.29 x 3.02 x 0.32 inches and weighs 7.81 ounces. The Pixel 8 Pro is slightly bigger at 6.4 x 3.0 x 0.3 inches and weighs 7.5 ounces. 

Apple went with a boxier titanium frame, ceramic shield on the front, and Corning-made glass on the back.

The left side of the device has the volume and action buttons, while the right side has an additional button with multiple actions. The bottom of the device reveals a USB-C connector!

Apple has officially caught up with the times and the Lightning port is now dead.

Flipping over the iPhone reveals its triple camera. Apple’s setup neatly tucks the camera lenses into the upper left-hand corner with each lens prominently displayed.

Google has more rounded edges for a slightly less boxy frame.

The Pixel 8 Pro has a frame made from aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and the back. Google placed the power and volume buttons on the right-hand side, and the USB-C port is located at the bottom.

The biggest design difference is with Google’s camera setup. Google places its triple rear camera setup in a visor. This camera visor is a rectangular bar that runs the entire width of the device and is made from the same polished aluminum as the frame.

Both the iPhone and Pixel have an IP68 rating, giving them great protection against dust and water. They also come with great-sounding stereo speakers and dual sim capabilities (although the iPhone is eSim only).

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Pixel 8 Pro: Display

The iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Pixel 8 Pro have two of the better displays on the market.

Apple uses a Super Retina XDR 6.7-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2,796 x 1,290. This always-on display has an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. And with up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness, even sunlight won’t defeat it.

Google stuck a 6.7-inch Super Actua display with a resolution of 2,992 x 1,344 in the Pixel 8 Pro. This LTPO display dynamically changes refresh rate from 1-120Hz for responsive interactions.

The display is always-on capable and reaches a higher peak brightness of 2,400 nits.

The Pixel 8 Pro can technically get brighter and has more pixels per inch, 489 vs 460, but you likely won’t notice too much of a difference in day-to-day use.

What you will notice is at the top of the display. The Pixel 8 Pro uses the standard hole-punch camera at the top of the display. On the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the notch is gone and Apple has incorporated Dynamic Island at the top of the display. 

Dynamic Island is a unique feature allows it to hide the front-facing camera and Face ID tech in plain sight. The feature can react to different apps to show information, such as the folder art for whatever song you are listening to.

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Pixel 8 Pro: Performance

The iPhone 15 Pro Max ships with Apple’s custom A17 Pro chipset. This new chipset features a six-core CPU (two performance and four efficiency cores), a six-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine.

The iPhone also comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage. 

Google also uses a custom SoC, the Tensor G3. It has nine cores and Arm’s beefy new Immortalis-G715s GPU. Google says it has tuned the Tensor G3 chipset to optimize AI.

The Pixel 8 Pro also comes with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of UFS 3.1 storage.

Apple and Google have tuned their custom chipsets with different priorities, but there is only one winner here.

If you are going by core count, you would think that the Tensor G3 is more potent, but Apple’s implementation is significantly stronger than Google’s.

The difference between these two chipsets is easiest to see when comparing benchmarks. In AnTuTu 9, the A17 Pro scores 1,545,034, while the Tensor G3 gets 1,089,187. That’s nearly a 50% increase between the two chips.

In real-world usage, the iPhone is snappy and chews through anything you could need it to do. Tasks like web browsing, gaming, and video editing perform exceptionally well.

The Pixel 8 Pro is not nearly as performant, but you likely won’t notice it when performing routine tasks. It will slow down when performing complex AI tasks, and the device does tend to get warm. Luckily, there are no issues when playing the latest games.

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Pixel 8 Pro: Camera

The triple-camera system in the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Pixel 8 Pro is superb. The most significant differences here are in software, with Pixel skewing towards cool tones and iPhone aiming for a warmer image.

The iPhone comes with a 48MP f/1.78 primary lens, a 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide, and a 12MP f/2.8 telephoto lens that has 5x optical zoom and up to 25x digital zoom. The front-facing camera is a 12MP f/1.9 TrueDepth camera. 

The Pixel 8 Pro has a 50MP f/1.68 primary camera, a 48MP f/1.95 ultrawide camera, and a 48MP f/2.8 telephoto lens that has 5X optical zoom and a digital zoom of up to 30x. The Pixel 8 Pro also has a 10.5MP f/2.2 front-facing camera.

Both devices can record 4K and 1080p video at up to 60 fps. They also have optical image stabilization and cinematic modes.

The Pixel 8 Pro incorporates a few AI tricks, such as Magic Eraser to remove unwanted visual elements from your photo and Audio Eraser to remove unwanted video audio. 

These devices are excellent and are going to trade blows depending on the scenario, but the Pixel 8 Pro is going to edge out the iPhone 15 Pro Max when it comes to still photos. The iPhone is going to perform better when video recording.

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Pixel 8 Pro: Software

The iPhone 15 Pro Max runs on iOS 17, and the Pixel 8 Pro ships with Android 14. This isn’t going to be a who does it better piece, as both iOS and Android are well-established and have ardent fans.

Apple makes iOS, and Google makes Android. This means both devices will be well-optimized to use their respective software.

iOS and Android have an enormous app library so that you will find just about every major app on both devices.

The iPhone will come with iMessage and FaceTime and use iCloud for backups. The Pixel 8 Pro uses Google’s Messenger and Google Drive for backups.

When it comes to software support, both of these devices are top-notch.

Apple has routinely supported its iPhone devices for six to eight years. Google has increased its software support with the Pixel 8 series and now gives seven years of OS and security updates.

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Pixel 8 Pro: Battery life

The iPhone 15 Pro Max ships with a 4,441 mAh battery that should easily last you a full day. You get up to 25 hours of streaming video playback and up to 95 hours of audio playback.

It is fast-charging capable and will give you up to a 50% boost in about 30 minutes using a 20W adapter. It is also capable of MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W and Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W. 

The Pixel 8 Pro comes with a 5,050 mAh battery, which will get you through a full day, but not much more.

It is also fast-charging capable using a 30W USB-C charger and will give you a 50% boost in about 30 minutes. It is Qi-certified, and supports reverse-wireless charging.

Which is right for you?

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max	Google Pixel 8 Pro
4.5	4.0
$1,199	$999
Check Availability	Check Availability

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

4.5

$1,199

Check Availability

Google Pixel 8 Pro

4.0

$999

Check Availability

How can you pick a winner when both devices are competent and a blast to use?

Your choice is likely to be determined by your preferred operating system. If you are open to switching or this is your first smartphone, then your decision becomes a lot tougher. 

The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers exceptional performance, good battery life, great cameras, and a beautiful display.

It also is well-integrated within the Apple ecosystem and efficiently works with the Apple Watch, AirPods, and MacBooks. It also has FaceTime and iMessage, which could be a determining factor for many people.

If camera capabilities are your top priority, the Pixel 8 Pro will be the winner. It also has decent performance, a fantastic display, and good battery life. The AI features are nice to have and promise long-term software support.

In the end, both devices are fantastic.

If we had to pick, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the ultimate winner in this comparison because the iPhone has historically been more reliable than the Pixel series. If something does happen, you can always bring it to your local Apple Store to get looked at.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro & 15 Pro Max

4.5

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro, with its advanced features, elevates the smartphone experience. It boasts a 48-megapixel main camera, a titanium frame for enhanced durability, and a new touch-sensitive volume control. With a larger battery and thinner bezels, it offers a seamless user experience.

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Editors Recommendations:

• Samsung Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S23 FE: Which should you buy?
• QuillBot vs Grammarly: Which co-writing assistant is best for you?
• 2.4GHz vs 5GHz – what’s the difference?
• Apple Arcade vs. Google Play Pass: Is there any difference?

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The post iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Pixel 8 Pro: Worthy of the Pro moniker? appeared first on KnowTechie.

Withings Body Comp Scale

4.0

$199.95

Quick Verdict: The Withings Body Comp Scale is a great smart scale for anyone who takes their health seriously. It's a pricey option but the level of detail this scale gives is second to none.

Pros:

• Gives a comprehensive overview of your health
• Health Mate is fantastic
• Can keep you motivated when the weight isn't coming off

Cons:

• It's expensive
• Withings Body Smart Scale offers similar features for less

Check Availability Check Availability at Withings

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01/24/2024 08:23 pm GMT

If you have shopped for or researched scales anytime in the past 15 years, you have likely come across various models from Withings. The company produces some of the best smart scales on the market with deep health tracking features for any budget.

The Withings Body Comp Scale we’re looking at today takes the Body Cardio Scale and ratchets things up a few notches. 

At $200, this scale isn’t cheap, and that’s fine, as it wasn’t designed for those who want to track weight. Scales of this caliber aren’t for everyone.

Instead, Withings targets those who understand and value the power of tracking health metrics over time.

Additionally, your weight can only give you a birds-eye view of what’s happening. The Body Comp Scale gives you a more holistic view of your overall health.

Design 

The Withings Body Comp Scale looks exactly like your standard run-of-the-mill smart scale, albeit very pretty.

The Body Comp is the perfect size at 12.8 x 12.8 x 1.1 inches. Its square shape isn’t too bulky but leaves ample space to get on without fear of it tipping over. 

The top of the scale is made from tempered glass and can hold individuals up to 440 pounds. Vertical and horizontal lines run from edge to edge across the top, breaking the look of the deviceinto four quadrants.

It’s a subtle design but is effective at making it pleasing to the eye. You can also find the scale’s 2.8-inch color LCD display near the device’s top edge. With a resolution of 320 x 240, the display is large and easy to read. 

Flipping the device over reveals a plastic underbelly and four feet. The Body Comp Scale was designed to be used on a hard surface, but Withings does include four additional feet that allow this scale to take measurements on a carpeted surface.

The bottom also houses four AAA batteries needed to make this scale run. It is available in either black or white.

Setup 

To get the most out of the Withings Body Comp Scale, you will have to download the Withings Health Mate app and create a profile.

Using your profile allows the scale to seamlessly transfer your weight and body composition data directly to the app on your Apple or Android device. 

The scale doesn’t necessarily force you to download the app or create a profile, but it severely limits the device if you don’t.

Without the app or shape, you will be limited to a fancy, expensive, dumb scale that can only track your weight. To track any body composition, the scale needs to recognize who is on it, and the only way to do that is by creating a profile.

The scale pairs with your device in two ways. The first and more convenient method is to connect the scale to your Wi-Fi network.

This allows the scale to automatically send the results directly to your online profile. Your phone doesn’t have to be near you for this to happen, making it super convenient.

If, for some reason, you prefer to keep the scale off of your network, it can connect directly to your phone via Bluetooth. Just know you’ll need your phone near you to transfer results.

Luckily, if you forget your device, the scale can store up to 16 readings if it can’t sync at that moment.

Withings Body Comp Scale Performance 

The Body Comp Scale can track many biometrics beyond your weight, BMI, and weight trends. You also get heart rate and vascular age, important for your overall health.

It can also give you a complete body analysis by tracking your fat and water mass, visceral fat, muscle and bone mass, extracellular and intracellular water, BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate), and Metabolic Age.

This tracking happens in about 10 seconds and, more importantly, is consistent. We couldn’t verify the measurements, but after a month of monitoring, they looked what we expected.

The consistently accurate results allow you to track your progress, with the four weight sensors offering within .11 pounds of precision.

I began exercising at the onset of getting this scale, and while my weight hasn’t budged much, it has been fantastic to see my visceral fat and fat mass decreasing while my muscle mass has increased.

If I had a traditional scale, I would have been disheartened by my lack of progress, but the insight I got from this scale has allowed me to peek deeper into my health journey and show I am making progress.

The scale can track all this by sending a small electrical signal through your feet and then calculating how long it takes to return. You don’t feel anything, and if I hadn’t read up on it, I would have just accepted it as magic. 

To test the scale’s accuracy, I stood on it, let it do its thing, and then got off. I then got on again and went through the cycle all over again.

No matter how often I repeated that process, the results were always the same. The clinically validated Body Comp Scale has been the most consistent scale I have ever used.

Health Mate App 

All the metrics in the world won’t do you any good if you don’t have a coherent way to view them. Luckily, the Health Mate app is well-designed and easy to use. You can also view your data on the web.

Loading the app drops you on your home screen, where you can see your latest measurements. There’s also a Measure tab, which gives you access to your health data.

Selecting a measurement opens a new and more detailed window for that specific measurement. Choosing the weight tile gives you complete insight into your overall weight.

You can get a breakdown of your weight over the past week, month, quarter, year, or all time. This is presented to you in an easy-to-read graph. Scrolling down gives your Body Mass Index, BMR, and metabolic age. 

Selecting the Body Composition tile opens a similar graph showing your muscle, fat, and skeletal mass. Scrolling down reveals your visceral fat, lean mass, and water mass.

There are additional tiles for your vascular age and electrodermal activity.

The Health Mate app isn’t limited to just scales. Withings creates various health accessories and can aggregate your information into one easy-to-see location.

The Health Mate app can also integrate with Apple Health, Google Fit, Fitbit, Samsung Health, MyFitnessPal, and other applications.

Alternatives to the Withings Body Comp scale

Withings Body Smart Scale	Withings Body	Fitbit Aria Air Smart Scale
4.4	4.4	4.3
$95.99	$59.95	$49.95$39.95
Check Availability	Check Availability	Check Availability

Withings Body Smart Scale

4.4

$95.99

Check Availability

Withings Body

4.4

$59.95

Check Availability

Fitbit Aria Air Smart Scale

4.3

$49.95$39.95

Check Availability

01/25/2024 09:00 am GMT

Final Verdict 

The Withings Body Comp Scale has been an accurate and eye-opening journey into my overall health. Whether you are well into your health journey or just getting started, this scale can provide valuable insight into many facets of your body.

This is especially true if you are in the early stages of improving your fitness. 

The data that you can get from the Body Comp scale allows you to track your progress.

It also allows you to dive deeper into that data, so when the weight isn’t dropping, you can still track your progress in other ways, such as monitoring your muscle and fat mass or visceral fat.

The Body Comp is an accurate and easy-to-use scale.

It is expensive, and the Withings Body Smart Scale offers many of the same features for a lot less, but if you want something that doesn’t compromise on the data it can give you, you can’t do much better than the Body Comp Scale.

It can be found through Withings or from various retailers such as Amazon or Best Buy.

Withings Body Comp Scale

4.0

$199.95

The Withings Body Comp Scale gives you a comprehensive look at your overall health. This scale digs much deeper than your typical smart scale by giving you access to health metrics like your muscle mass, fat mass, lean mass, and even your visceral fat.

Check Availability Check Availability at Withings

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01/24/2024 08:23 pm GMT

Editors Recommendations:

• Review: ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air Mechanical Keyboard
• Review: OnePlus Open
• Review: Nuphy Halo96 wireless mechanical keyboard
• Review Roundup: Motorola Razr 2023 – best affordable Android?

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The post Review: Withings Body Comp Scale appeared first on KnowTechie.

Quick Verdict

QuietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds

4.5

$289.00

Quick Verdict: The QuietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds eliminate low to mid-frequency sounds by using Active Noise Cancellation. These earbuds are great, especially if you live in a busy city or in an apartment building. At $289, these earbuds are expensive, but if you struggle to fall asleep due to a noisy environment, you can't do any better than the QuietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds.

Pros:

• Active Noise Cancellation works wonderfully
• Helps you get to sleep
• Battery life is superb
• Emits no EMF radiation

Cons:

• It is expensive
• Only comes in white
• Can't be used to listen to music

Bonus Offer: Use promo code KnowTechie and save 10% with this exclusive discount.

Check Availability

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

Falling asleep can prove to be very difficult for people. While this issue has many reasons, ambient noise is a common culprit.

QuietOn is one of the companies leading the charge to relieve those who can’t sleep due to sound issues.

The $260 QuietOn 3.1 sleep earbuds take your traditional earplugs and dial up the effectiveness through active noise cancellation (ANC).

I have spent some time with these earbuds to determine if QuietOn can quiet down the noise and bring some relief.

Design and hardware

Unboxing the QuietOn 3.1 earbuds reveals a product that can be easily mistaken for traditional earbuds.

In addition to the earbuds, you get a relatively thin and wide charging case, as well as a charging cable and different-sized eartips.

When you open the lid, you’ll notice that QuietOn has gone with a white color scheme and added a stainless steel accent.

The QuietOn 3.1 charging case measures 12 x 12 x 4.6 cm and weighs in at 59 grams. The earbuds themselves weigh 1.8 grams each.

QuietOn uses various plastic materials (PC-ABS, PMMA, and polycarbonate) for the housing and polyurethane rubber for the eartips.

Up front, you get six LED battery indicator lights, three for the left earbud and three for the right earbud.

The back of the device is where you can find a USB-C port for charging and three additional battery indicator lights to show the battery level of the charging case. The QuietOn logo is displayed prominently on the top of the case. 

As for the earbuds themselves, they are tiny in size. QuietOn did their best to design these as small as possible to fit inside your ear. This is to prevent feeling them if you are a side sleeper. 

QuietOn did a remarkable job of making these earbuds simple to use. You don’t have to fuss with an app, a power button, or any other kind of setting. You don’t have to pair it to anything as it lacks a radio of any kind.

Unlike other sleep earbuds, like the ones from Anker, these weren’t made for listening to music or white noise. They exist purely as high-tech earplugs and are fantastic for that use case.

Another bonus of not having connectivity options is that these buds have no electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation.

How the Quieton 3.1 works

The QuietOn 3.1 sleep earbuds work by combining the idea of a traditional earplug and adding ANC to take it to a whole different level. Sound comes in the form of frequencies and is measured in Hertz (Hz). 

A low-frequency sound is typically 500 Hz or less and can be considered background noise.

For example, your partner’s snoring, sounds from loud neighbors coming through the walls, and street traffic, all reside in this low-frequency band.

Higher frequency sounds are generally 2000 Hz or higher. This includes things like alarms, car horns, and even your kid’s high-pitched squeals.

Mid-band frequencies are the remaining sounds from 500 Hz to 2000 Hz. This includes people talking and dogs barking.

The ANC in the QuietOn earbuds always listens for these sound waves and generates an opposite waveform to cancel the sound. This opposite soundwave prevents the original sound from getting to your ear, providing you with silence. 

Performance

I took the QuietOn 3.1 earbuds out and put them in my ears, expecting to hear some sound. I got nothing, but it didn’t sound different from your traditional earplugs.

Everything fell silent as I fumbled through the documentation to figure out how to turn these buds on. The ANC kicks in about 20 seconds after taking the earbuds out of the case.

You can hear it kick in and drown out the sound if you are quick. It is that simple to use.

I live in an apartment where I can frequently hear cars in the parking lot, doors shutting, people talking and walking down the stairs, or someone above me who only knows how to walk on her heels.

The QuietOn earbuds were able to eliminate all of these low-frequency sounds very well.

As the frequency increased, the QuietOn 3.1 earbuds were able to drown out less and less sound. This may sound negative, but I was still able to hear my wife and kids talking to me, although it was much more muted.

It also meant that I could hear my alarm in the morning and didn’t have to worry about missing work. These earbuds excel in anything less than 500 Hz and can reduce the harshness of sounds through the mid-range frequency.

They were comfortable to use as well. I did go through a period of getting used to them, but after a couple of nights, I barely noticed them.

The earbuds are small and fit snugly inside your ear, which makes them good for sleeping on your side. Just keep in mind that you may feel some pressure against your ear at first, but you’ll get used to it after a while.

Battery life

Battery life is a critical factor when it comes to wireless earbuds, and the QuietOn 3.1 earbuds do not disappoint. With up to 28 hours of use, you won’t have to worry about constantly recharging them.

And, if you do need a quick boost, the charging case provides an extra three charges.

In my testing, I found this to be accurate as I was able to get a week and a half out of the product before it had to be recharged. 

You can charge the case separately (which takes about two hours), so there is no reason to run out of juice. If you see the charging case getting low, plug it in and it’ll be ready to charge your buds when you are done with them.

The charging case can be charged separately, which takes about two hours. This means that you won’t have to worry about running out of battery power.

But If you notice that the charging case is running low on battery, simply plug it in and it will be ready to charge your earbuds once you are finished using them

The earbuds and charging case each have a separate LED battery indicator.

• Three lit LEDs on either the earbuds or case mean you have between 85-100% power.
• Two lit LEDs on either the earbuds or case mean you have between 60-84% power.
• One lit LED on either the earbuds or case mean you have between 30-59% power remaining.
• A single blinking LED on either the earbuds or case means there is less than 30% power remaining and it’s time to recharge.

Who should buy this

If you live in a city or an apartment, these earbuds can be life-changing. Even if you don’t have any issues falling asleep, the earbuds do a remarkable job of cutting out the background noise and letting you concentrate.

I wore them when I wasn’t sleeping and they do a great job of letting you keep your focus on the task at hand. I could see these helping people get through college, especially if you live in a dorm setting.

If you have young children, these will help lower the intensity of their squeals, but it will not eliminate them.

It also won’t get rid of sounds like a car horn blowing. But, if you are like me and find yourself working in public spaces from time to time, these do a great job of keeping the noise to an acceptable level.

Alternative options to consider

When it comes to finding alternatives, the Sleep A10 from Anker’s Soundcore is the only one that truly stands out.

It provides similar features and benefits to QuietOn’s option, making it a great alternative for those who are looking for a similar experience.

However, for those who are looking for something more affordable, there are certainly other choices available.

These options may not provide the same level of features or benefits as the reviewed product, but they can still be effective alternatives for those who are on a budget or prefer non-tech solutions

Best Non-Tech Option	Best Alternative	Best Inexpensive Option
Loop Quiet Ear Plugs	Soundcore by Anker, Sleep A10 Bluetooth Sleep Earbuds	Hearprotek Sleep Earbuds
3.5	3.5	3.5
$24.95	$169.99$119.17	$26.99$18.99
Check Availability	Check Availability	Check Availability

Best Non-Tech Option

Loop Quiet Ear Plugs

3.5

$24.95

Check Availability

Best Alternative

Soundcore by Anker, Sleep A10 Bluetooth Sleep Earbuds

3.5

$169.99$119.17

Check Availability

Best Inexpensive Option

Hearprotek Sleep Earbuds

3.5

$26.99$18.99

Check Availability

01/25/2024 11:56 am GMT

Quieton 3.1 Review: Final Verdict

The QuietOn 3.1 earbuds are remarkable. I entered this review not realizing how much I needed them, let alone how much I enjoy them.

They do a superb job of blocking out the noise that matters and are effective at reducing noise that resides at higher frequencies. 

At $289, the QuietOn 3.1 earbuds are far from inexpensive. Unfortunately, a price tag that high takes these out of consideration for many people, which is a shame.

If QuietOn could develop earbuds for less than $100, even if it loses some of their overall performance, it would go a long way to truly bringing relief to many people.

If you can afford them, the QuietOn 3.1 earbuds are an amazing product. I love how it uses negative sound waves to cancel out the sound without producing its own (like white noise).

The battery life is fantastic and will truly help you sleep better.

Again, the QueietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds retail at $260. Use promo code KnowTechie and save 10% with this exclusive discount. You can find them at QuietOn.

QuietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds

4.5

$289.00

The QuietOn sleeping earbuds are an effective solution for anyone who wants to enjoy a more peaceful and productive environment. With their advanced noise-canceling technology, these earbuds can help to reduce background noise and increase focus, thereby improving productivity and concentration

Quick Verdict: The QuietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds eliminate low to mid-frequency sounds by using Active Noise Cancellation. These earbuds are great, especially if you live in a busy city or in an apartment building. At $289, these earbuds are expensive, but if you struggle to fall asleep due to a noisy environment, you can't do any better than the QuietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds.

Pros:

• Active Noise Cancellation works wonderfully
• Helps you get to sleep
• Battery life is superb
• Emits no EMF radiation

Cons:

• It is expensive
• Only comes in white
• Can't be used to listen to music

Bonus Offer: Use promo code KnowTechie and save 10% with this exclusive discount.

Check Availability

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: Liene Mini Photo Printer
• Review: XGIMI Aura 4K UHD projector
• This Logitech mouse gives Apple’s Magic Mouse a run for its money
• Review: Abode Wireless Video Doorbell

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more. KnowTechie was provided a review unit for the review.

The post Review: QuietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds appeared first on KnowTechie.

Quick Verdict

HP Sprocket Studio Plus WiFi Printer

4.0

$149.99

The HP Sprocket Studio Plus is a fantastic little photo printer, even if it's a bit pricey. Most photos look fantastic but it can struggle a bit if there are a lot of light images. The HP Sprocket app is well-designed and gives you quite a bit of functionality including making quick edits and building a simple collage.

Check Availability

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01/26/2024 01:48 am GMT

Being able to print photos at home is a great way to bring the family together or quickly tackle your latest scrapbooking project. While there are many styles of printers that can print photos, they aren’t all created equally.

The HP Sprocket Studio Plus is a dedicated photo printer that brings lab-quality prints to the comfort of your home.

Having a dedicated photo printer means getting quality prints no longer necessitates the need to run to the nearest photo store or have them shipped to you.

Who is this good for?

The HP Sprocket app is great for anyone that enjoys looking at physical photos but doesn’t want the hassle of having them shipped or driving to pick them up.

It would be particularly useful for printing 4 x 6-inch photos for frames and photo binders. This is also an excellent choice for people who enjoy scrapbooking.

Who it’s not good for

Anyone who wants professional-quality prints will want to look elsewhere. The HP Sprocket Studio Plus isn’t as accurate with colors, especially for photos with a lot of light colors.

The perforated edges don’t leave clean lines on two edges of the printer. If you are looking to save money, this printer isn’t the most cost-effective solution for printing your photos.

At $150, the HP Sprocket Studio Plus wants to show you how reliable, fun, and convenient photo printers have become.

Hardware and device setup

Setting up the HP Sprocket Studio Plus was an absolute breeze. At first, it can look intimidating as you pull all the pieces out of the box. And once you see how it all goes together, it’s a quick and painless process.

The printer is relatively small at 6.65 x 10.75 x 2.68 inches and weighs only 2.05 pounds.

Opening the door on the front of the printer reveals a power button, three indicator lights, and a large hole. The large hole is where you attach the removable paper tray and where your prints will ultimately come out from.

When you aren’t actively using the printer, the removable paper tray stores neatly on top of the printer. It’s a wonderful space-saving design, although it could have been designed to be more secure. It could be easily knocked off the top of the printer.

The right side of the printer has another door, which is where the dye-based ribbon cartridge goes. Installing the cartridge is easy, but be careful to insert it in the correct orientation as part of the ribbon is exposed.

Around the back is a fan grille, an opening for the power cord, and a thin slot. This thin slot is where the paper temporarily comes out from while it’s printing, only briefly sticking out the back.

HP Sprocket app

Loading the HP Sprocket app brings you to an account creation screen (which you can skip) and then guides you through the printer setup process.

This setup process is mainly just pairing the Hp Sprocket Studio Plus to your Android or iPhone with the built-in Bluetooth 5.0. It will then connect you to your Wi-Fi and drop you to the main screen of the app.

The HP Sprocket app is well laid out, intuitive to use, and gives you plenty of features to satisfy most users. The main app screen displays your gallery of photos, allowing you to quickly and easily select the photo that you want to print.

The main screen also gives you the chance to easily create a collage or make pre-cut stickers if you have the proper sticker paper.

You can also easily connect the app to Instagram, Facebook, and Google Photos to gain access to any photos you may want to print from your social media accounts.

Selecting a photo will give you a preview of what it will look like printed. If you would like to edit the photo, you can click the pencil icon to bring you to the editing screen.

This is where you can adjust things like brightness, contrast, apply filters, and crop your photos. You also get access to photo-enhancing features such as stickers, borders, and a text addition tool.

Using the Sprocket app was simple but not without its fault

Make sure you pay close attention to what your photo will look like, as you will most likely need to crop it to make it look right.

Toward the end of my testing, I noticed the app would occasionally force close. It didn’t do this at first, so I believe an update may have caused some instability.

Performance and media

The HP Sprocket Studio Plus performance was quite good, and it can print up to 300 dpi for both color and black ink. For the most part, the colors were accurate, and each print took about 1 minute and 30 seconds to go from start to finish.

The only time I saw colors struggle on the HP Sprocket Studio Plus was when the image had a lot of lighter colors in it. Most prints come out equal to what you would get from CVS or Walmart.

The 4×6 prints have a tab with perforated edges on the shorter sides of the paper.

This makes for easy handling after printing and can be easily torn off. It does leave the edges feeling a bit rough compared to normal paper, but it’s tough to tell just by looking at it.

The printer came with 10 sheets of paper and a single printer cartridge. After 10 prints, the cartridge promptly ran out of ink.

This was a bit of a concern, considering a pack of 108 sheets of replacement paper and two cartridges costs $47 on Amazon.

You can’t buy the paper and cartridges separately, so it could feel like a leap of faith investing in more paper, not knowing how many prints you can get out of a single cartridge.

Luckily, HP sent along one of those packs to test out. It was a pleasant surprise to find that the cartridge in the replacement pack can print a significantly higher number of photos.

I have printed 50 photos since swapping the replacement cartridge, and it has yet to run out of ink.

If you are worried about the longevity of your prints, then you will be happy to hear that HP says the paper used in the Sprocket Studio Plus is smudge-proof, waterproof, and tear-resistant. I never encountered any smudges or tears during my testing.

What the Sprocket Pro is stacked up against Alternatives

Product Image	Product Name / Primary Rating / Price	Primary Button
Smaller photo only option	Liene 2×3” Mini Photo Printer 3.0 $79.99	Check Availability
Budget option	Canon SELPHY CP1500 Compact Photo Printer Black 4.5 N/A	Check Availability
Multifunction option	Canon TR8620a All-in-One Printer Home Office 4.3 $137.24	Check Availability
	HP Sprocket Portable 2x3" Instant Photo Printer 4.0 $79.99	Check Availability

Smaller photo only option

Liene 2×3” Mini Photo Printer

3.0

$79.99

Check Availability

Budget option

Canon SELPHY CP1500 Compact Photo Printer Black

4.5

N/A

Check Availability

Multifunction option

Canon TR8620a All-in-One Printer Home Office

4.3

$137.24

Check Availability

HP Sprocket Portable 2x3" Instant Photo Printer

4.0

$79.99

Check Availability

01/25/2024 05:31 am GMT

If you are looking to print smaller photos, then the Liene Mini Photo Printer may suit your needs better than the HP Sprocket Studio Plus. This printer prints 2×3 inch photos with a removable back, allowing you to stick it on all kinds of things.

Even more, you can use it to convert standard images that you have taken and make retro-looking Polaroid photos.

For those of you on a budget, the Canon Selphy CP1500 is a similar printer to the HP Sprocket Studio Plus but can be found on sale for as little as $100.

They are both dye sublimation printers and can print 4×6 photos, but unlike the HP Sprocket printer, you don’t have to rely on an app for printing. You can print from your wireless network, memory cards, and flash drives.

Maybe a dedicated photo printer is too limiting for you, and you want something a bit more robust The Canon TR8620a can cover your photo, scanning, copying, faxing, and printing needs for less than $200.

The price is a bit higher, but this is a true multifunction printer and is much for versatile.

Final verdict

The HP Sprocket Studio Plus successfully brings the convenience and thrill of printing physical pictures to the comfort of your home.

If you are the type of person who prefers having physical photos, loves scrapbooking, or wants to easily swap pictures in and out of frames, the $150 HP Sprocket Studio Plus will be a surefire hit.

The photos this little printer can make look quite good, with the minor exception of photos with a lot of light colors. It’s not that those photos are bad; they pale in comparison to the photos that you would normally get from the HP Sprocket.

At $0.44 per print, the HP Sprocket Studio Plus doesn’t end up being very expensive after the initial cost of the printer. Each photo takes about a minute and a half to print, and the paper tray can hold 20 pieces of photo paper.

If you like to batch a lot of pictures at once, you may want to get your pictures developed by someone else or be prepared to wait a while.

It would have been nice to have a printer capable of adjusting between 4×6 and 5×7 photos to tackle two of the most common sizes, but you are limited to 4×6 with this printer.

Overall the HP Sprocket Studio Plus is a fantastic little printer, especially if you fall into the use cases outlined above.

And keep in mind eliminating the need to send your photos somewhere else and then having to pick them up may result in printing more photos than you ever have.

Quick Verdict

HP Sprocket Studio Plus WiFi Printer

4.0

$149.99

The HP Sprocket Studio Plus is a fantastic little photo printer, even if it's a bit pricey. Most photos look fantastic but it can struggle a bit if there are a lot of light images. The HP Sprocket app is well-designed and gives you quite a bit of functionality including making quick edits and building a simple collage.

Pros:

• Most pictures look fantastic
• Space-saving design
• HP Sprocket app is well-rounded with a lot of features

Cons:

• Can struggle a bit if an image has a lot of light colors
• Can only print 10 photos with the initial purchase
• Only works with the HP Sprocket app

Check Availability See at HP

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

01/26/2024 01:48 am GMT

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: Liene Mini Photo Printer
• Review: Linksys Hydra 6 Mesh Router
• Review: 1Password
• Take your work anywhere with this portable monitor, now $102

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Review: HP Sprocket Studio Plus WiFi Photo Printer appeared first on KnowTechie.

Getting a brand-new iPhone 14 is an exciting and expensive purchase. Finding the best case for your iPhone 14 is necessary to keep your investment in pristine condition.

We have put together a list of the best iPhone 14 cases on the market designed to keep your iPhone looking fresh and new.

While looking at the best iPhone 14 cases, you will see MagSafe-compatible cases.

Introduced on the iPhone 12, MagSafe is made up of magnets that allow you to connect various accessories to your device.

These accessories include items such as chargers and stands. But not all MagSafe cases are the same. The best MagSafe cases have built-in magnets to ensure a great experience.

Some manufacturers claim its cases are MagSafe-compatible but don’t include magnets.

While these cases technically work because they are so thin, it usually results in a weak magnet connection and a poor experience.

READ MORE: Best iPhone 15 cases

The best wireless earbuds have a trifecta of qualities – audio quality, solid connectivity, and comfort.

Once those are satisfied, you can add other features, like active noise canceling, stylish exteriors, and charging cases for times you’re away from a charger.

And thanks to advances in Bluetooth protocols, you can get great sound out of wireless earbuds. Sure, there are other options, but nobody likes jogging in bulky over-ear headphones.

But with so many options out there, what are the best earbuds? Well, that’s where we come in, and we’ll give you plenty of options to sift through.

The best iPhone 14 cases

The best iPhone case is the one that provides your device with the most protection in the style that you want. All types of case designs tend to come in various colors.

Whether you are looking for an ultra-thin case, one built like a tank, or something in between, there is no shortage of cases on the market.

Here are our top picks for the best cases for the iPhone 14.

Apple Silicone Case with MagSafe

The Apple Silicone Case with MagSafe is a great thin-style case from Apple. It features a silicone exterior with a microfibre-lined interior to give your iPhone the protection it deserves.

In my opinion, it’s arguably the best iPhone 14 Pro case out there.

This case has built-in magnets within the case to securely hold your MagSafe accessories. It also comes in a variety of colors to suit your needs.

The smooth exterior can be slightly slippery initially but will become less slippery over time. The biggest issue with this case is that it can get dirty quickly.

The silicone does attract dirt and pet hair so it may need routine cleaning. It’s available for purchase from Apple or Amazon for $49.

Apple iPhone 14 Silicone Case with MagSafe – Midnight

4.4

$49.00 $37.41

Introducing the Apple iPhone 14 Silicone Case with MagSafe. Designed to perfectly complement your iPhone 14, it offers a silky, soft-touch finish, enhanced protection, magical attachment, and seamless wireless charging.

What We Like:

• Perfect fit: Designed by Apple specifically for iPhone 14, ensuring a seamless and precise fit.
• Premium feel: The silky, soft-touch silicone exterior provides a delightful tactile experience.
• Enhanced protection: The soft microfibre lining offers an additional layer of protection against scratches and impacts.
• MagSafe compatibility: Built-in magnets ensure a secure attachment and enable faster wireless charging with MagSafe technology.

See at Amazon See at Apple

01/24/2024 11:47 pm GMT

Mkeke iPhone 14 Cases

Mkeke’s range of iPhone 14 cases features a thin and stylish design. It has a 3.5mm raised bezel to protect the camera housing and a 1.9mm bezel to protect the screen from directly contacting surfaces. 

This Mkeke case, in particular, is made from a blend of TPU and Acrylic materials. This durable blend of materials is designed to give you military-grade drop protection and to prevent the case from yellowing over time.

The blend of materials creates a great grip, so you can be confident your phone won’t fall out of your hand. You can get the Mkeke iPhone 14 case from Amazon.

Additionally, the company has a variety of some of the best iPhone 14 cases out there. Check out their Amazon store for more options.

Mkeke for iPhone 14 Case & iPhone 13 Case Clear

4.7

$14.99 $9.99

The Mkeke Clear Case for iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 offers a slim and stylish design, featuring a protective bumper for added durability. Keep your device safe while showcasing its sleek aesthetics.

What We Like:

• Ultra crystal clear: Showcases your phone's vibrant color while providing protection without bulk.
• Anti-Yellow technology: Prevents discoloration over time, with precise cutouts and easy installation.
• Raised edges protection: 3.53mm raised edges buffer impact and reduce pressure on camera and screen.
• Double protection: Scratch-resistant outer bumper and shockproof air bag provide military-grade drop protection.

See it Amazon

01/24/2024 11:06 pm GMT

CASETiFY Essential Case

The CASETiFY Essential Case is another thin case with excellent grip.

With a clear back and colored edges, you can show off the beauty of your device. The backplate consists of hard plastic, and the sides consist of TPU.

The front of the case and around the camera ring have 1.2mm raised edges to protect those areas. The raised edges also do wonders for keeping your display from coming in contact with surfaces.

This case is not MagSafe compatible but is thin enough to support wireless charging.

The clear plastic back can scratch easily, and I’m not in love with the CASETiFY branding around the camera ring.

It is available exclusively from Amazon for $35.

Casetify Essential iPhone 14 Case - Clear Black

4.3

$35.00 $26.25

Experience ultimate protection for your iPhone 14 with the Casetify Essential Case. Military-grade drop tested and offering 4ft drop protection, its sleek clear black design adds style to safety.

What We Like:

• Compatibility: Specifically designed for iPhone 14 (6.1" screen size), ensuring a perfect fit.
• Slim and Non-Slip Grip: Provides a sleek and comfortable hold, preventing accidental slips.
• Military Grade Drop Protection: Offers 2x MIL-STD-810G certification for robust protection against accidental drops and impacts.
• Wireless Charging Compatible: Conveniently supports wireless charging without needing to remove the case.

See at Amazon

01/24/2024 09:51 pm GMT

Cyrill Classic Charm Mag

The Classic Charm Mag is a unique case from Cyrill. Cyrill is the sister brand to Spigen. Its main feature is that it has two hooks on the bottom of the case where you can attach a shoulder strap.

It has built-in magnets to ensure great MagSafe compatibility. The case is made from Polyurethane Leather (PU Leather or vegan leather).

Depending on pocket size, the shoulder strap hook can become annoying if you put this case in your pocket. Other than the shoulder strap, there isn’t much personalization going on. It only comes in black.

You can get the case from Cyrill and Amazon.

CYRILL Classic Charm Mag Compatible with iPhone 14 Plus Case

5.0

$26.99

Elevate your iPhone 14 Plus with the CYRILL Classic Charm Mag Case. Enjoy MagSafe compatible charging, crossbody and wrist strap, multi-layered protection, and a travel-friendly design. Perfectly compatible with iPhone 14 Plus.

What We Like:

• MagSafe Compatible Charging: Convenient and efficient charging with built-in magnet and precise cutouts for easy access to ports.
• Crossbody & Wrist Strap: Versatile black vegan leather strap prevents drops and can be worn as a crossbody, wristlet, or standalone protective case.
• Multi-layered Protection: Premium vegan leather, sturdy frame, TPU bumpers, and soft microfiber lining safeguard your phone from scratches, with raised bezels for camera and screen coverage.
• Travel-friendly: Sleek and hands-free design allows quick access while on-the-go, making it ideal for travel, work, shopping, or any activities.

See at Amazon See at Cyrill

01/24/2024 11:47 pm GMT

Gear4 Crystal Palace Clear Case

The Gear4 Crystal Palace Clear Case by Zagg is built well to show off the full style of your iPhone 14. It’s constructed with D30, which is a thin and lightweight material.

It is military drop-tested and can withstand up to a 10-foot drop. The case has a beveled edge to keep your screen and camera lenses off the surface. The case supports wireless charging

The Gear4 isn’t MagSafe compatible. It also tends to get dirty and lose its clearness over time.

You can get the case from Amazon or directly from Zagg.

Gear4 ZAGG Crystal Palace Clear Case for iPhone 14

4.4

$39.99

Introducing the ZAGG Gear4 Crystal Palace iPhone 14 case: ultimate impact protection with D3O Crystalex, MagSafe compatibility for wireless charging, slim design for easy handling, and textured edges for enhanced grip.

What We Like:

• Ultimate Impact Protection: Made with D3O Crystalex for long-lasting transparency and drop protection up to 13 feet (4m).
• MagSafe Compatibility: Enables wireless charging and easy use of magnetic accessories with a clear cell phone case.
• Sleek Aesthetic: Show off your device with a minimalistic design that fits perfectly in your hands or pocket.
• Enhanced Grip: Textured edges provide a secure hold for your iPhone, reducing the risk of accidental drops.

See at Amazon See at ZAGG

01/25/2024 01:46 pm GMT

LUPA Legacy Wallet Case

The Lupa Legacy Wallet Case is a high-quality case made from PU leather with handcrafted stitching. It can hold up to four cards and has an additional spot to hold your cash.

The case has a 0.5 mm raised edge around the camera and a 1.6 mm raised edge around the main display to offer greater protection.

Unlike many wallet cases, this one supports wireless charging compatibility. This wallet case has a magnetic clasp to keep the case closed.

This case isn’t MagSafe compatible. You can get the case from Lupa and Amazon.

LUPA Legacy iPhone 14 Wallet Case

4.4

$49.99 $22.99

Introducing the LUPA Legacy iPhone 14 Wallet Case: a slim, protective, and stylish companion for your iPhone. With card slots, high-quality PU leather, and a luxurious gift box, it's perfect for any occasion.

What We Like:

• Compatibility: Specifically designed for iPhone 14 (6.1" screen) with dual cameras. Supports wireless charging, excluding MagSafe.
• Slim Wallet Design: Thin and pocket-friendly, it holds up to 4 cards and cash, keeping everything organized in one place.
• Comprehensive Protection: Wraps around all corners, safeguarding your phone from scratches and damage, including screen and camera protection.
• Gift-Ready: Comes with a luxurious gift box, making it an ideal present for any occasion, be it birthdays or anniversaries.

See at Amazon See at LUPA

01/25/2024 12:17 am GMT

Mujjo Full Leather Wallet Case

Mujjo hit it out of the park with its leather wallet case. This case leaves no edges exposed, can carry up to 3 cards, and features premium Ecco leather.

The buttons are made from machine metal, died to match the rest of the case. The camera lens and screen edges are raised and wrapped in leather.

Being made of leather, this case can show marks and scuffs that develop over time. The leather can stretch if more than one card is placed in each slot. This can loosen the card slot and make holding your cards less secure.

You can find the Mujjo Full Leather Wallet Case at Mujjo and Amazon.

Mujjo Full Leather Wallet Case for iPhone 14 with Card Holder

4.3

$53.95

The Mujjo Full Leather Wallet Case for iPhone 14 is a precision-crafted slim-profile case that provides premium leather protection, a built-in card holder, and a stylish design acclaimed by Forbes and the New York Times.

What We Like:

• Quality Craftsmanship: Slim profile, premium leather construction with machined metal buttons and Japanese microfiber interior.
• Gold Rated Apple Leather Case: Vegetable-tanned Ecco leather ages beautifully, environmentally friendly, and offers enhanced rich colors.
• Convenient Wallet Design: Carry up to 3 cards, ideal for ID, access, and commuter cards, making it perfect for men and women.
• Remarkably Simple: Protects camera lenses and screen, raised bezel, satin-like interior, 2-year warranty, and compatibility with screen protectors.

See at Amazon See at Mujjo

01/25/2024 12:00 am GMT

OtterBox Defender Series Pro XT MagSafe Case

Otterbox is known for its indestructible cases. The Defender Series Pro XT lives up to that reputation and can withstand 5 times more drops than the military standard.

This two-piece case has a polycarbonate shell and synthetic rubber slipcover. It has port covers to block dirt, dust, and lint from getting into the jacks and ports.

The outside of the case has an antimicrobial additive that prevents the growth of bacteria. It has built-in magnets to work with MagSafe chargers and accessories.

You can get the case from Best Buy and Otterbox.

OtterBox - Defender Series Pro XT

4.7

$69.95

The OtterBox Defender Series Pro XT for iPhone 14 offers ultimate protection with its military-grade durability, thin design, MagSafe compatibility, comfortable grip, lanyard attachment, and optional holster. Backed by a lifetime warranty.

What We Like:

• Exceptional Protection: Meets military drop standards (MIL-STD-810G 516.6) and offers 5X more drop protection, ensuring your iPhone 14 stays safe in any situation.
• MagSafe Compatibility: Equipped with built-in magnets that seamlessly interact with MagSafe chargers and accessories for convenient and efficient charging.
• Comfortable Grip: Designed for a comfortable hold, allowing you to securely handle your iPhone 14 without compromising on comfort.
• Versatile Design: Includes a lanyard attachment for added convenience and is upgradeable with an optional holster, providing flexible carrying options.

See at Best Buy See at OutterBox

OutterBox Symmetry Series+

The OtterBox Symmetry Series+ is a thinner case compared to traditional OtterBox cases. This case is designed to withstand 3 times more drops than the military standard.

The case has an antimicrobial coating to prevent the growth of bacteria. It has built-in magnets, allowing it to utilize MagSafe accessories and chargers.

You can get the Symmetry Series+ from Best Buy and OtterBox.

OtterBox - Symmetry Series+

4.6

$37.46

Introducing OtterBox SYMMETRY SERIES+ Case with MagSafe for iPhone 14 & iPhone 13. Stylish and eco-friendly, with 50% recycled plastic. Offers 3X more drop protection, works with wireless and MagSafe charging. Easy installation, raised edges, and backed by a lifetime warranty.

What We Like:

• Eco-Friendly Design: Made with over 50% recycled plastic
• Superior Drop Protection: Exceeds military standards for drop resistance
• Convenient Charging: Compatible with wireless and MagSafe charging pads
• Enhanced Protection: Raised edges safeguard camera and screen

See at Best Buy See at OutterBox

Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagFit

The Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagFit case is made from a blend of PC and TPU for increased durability. It utilizes Air Cushion technology to provide military-grade drop protection.

This case is infused with blue resing to keep the case looking clear. It has raised edges to keep your screen off of any surface. This case is wireless charging compatible and has built-in magnets for MagSafe accessories.

You can get the Ultra Hybrid MagFit case from Amazon or Spigen.

Spigen Ultra Hybrid iPhone 14 Case

4.7

$44.99 $24.99

Experience the Spigen Ultra Hybrid iPhone 14 case: MagSafe compatible, raised lip protection, tactile buttons, shock-absorbing Air Cushion Technology. A perfect fit for your iPhone 14. Keep your device stylish and secure.

What We Like:

• MagSafe Compatible: Integrated magnet for seamless MagSafe functionality
• Enhanced Protection: Raised lip safeguards screen and camera
• Responsive Buttons: Tactile buttons offer solid feedback and effortless pressing
• Shock Absorption: Air Cushion Technology absorbs impacts for reliable protection

See at Amazon See at Spigen

01/25/2024 12:00 am GMT

Torras Guardian Shockproof

The Guardian Shockproof is a slim profile case from Torras. The sides feature a soft bumper for enhanced grip and a nano-oleophobic coating to endure a silky smooth touch without being sticky.

Torras designed this case for ultimate protection. It is rated to keep your phone safe with up to three times more protection than standard military-grade protection.

This is not a MagSafe case, but it is wireless charging compatible. You can get it from Amazon or Torras.

TORRAS Designed for Shockproof iPhone 13 Case/iPhone 14 Case

4.6

$26.96 $18.99

Introducing the TORRAS Shockproof iPhone 14/13 Case: Military-grade protection, slim profile, wireless charging compatible. Premium touch feel, customized multi-color buttons, and a 180-day warranty. Safeguard your device in style.

What We Like:

• Military-grade shockproof protection: X-SHOCK 3.0 and 360° shock-absorbing airbag for all-around defense.
• Premium touch feel: Elegantly curved edges and matte-coated back for a comfortable and sleek experience.
• Slim profile & wireless charging compatibility: Balances protection and style without sacrificing wireless charging capability.
• Customized multi-color buttons: Easily replaceable buttons for personalized style and responsive feedback.

See at Amazon See at TORRAS

01/25/2024 06:11 pm GMT

Totallee iPhone 14 Case

Totallee iPhone 14 case is an ultra-thin case with a minimalistic design. At just 0.02 inches thin, Totallee claims it is the world’s slimmest iPhone 14 case.

Its color cases and clear hard cases are made of polypropylene, while its clear soft cases are made of TPU. These can have MagSafe built-in, or you can get it without it (although they are so thin, it will technically still work).

These cases are thin but don’t offer the best drop protection. Totallee says it designed them to offer everyday protection from bumps, scratches, dirt, and minor drops.

You can get the Totallee iPhone 14 case from Amazon or Totallee.

totallee Thin iPhone 14 Case

4.3

$39.00 $29.99

Ultra-thin and pocket-friendly, the totallee Thin iPhone 14 Case maintains your phone's original beauty while providing everyday protection. Designed to fit perfectly and backed by a satisfaction guarantee.

What We Like:

• Ultra-thin design: Only 0.02 inches thin, preserving the original beauty of your iPhone 14 without adding bulk.
• Everyday protection: Shields your phone from scratches and minor drops, with a raised lip for camera lens protection.
• Better quality: Designed to fit your phone perfectly, ensuring it doesn't become loose or peel off. Trusted quality from a USA-based company.
• 100% satisfaction guarantee: Backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, providing peace of mind and excellent customer support.

See at Amazon See at totallee

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

01/25/2024 12:25 am GMT

UAG Monarch Series

UAG built the Monarch case like a tank, rated to keep your phone safe from a 20 ft drop. It is comprised of five layers to keep your iPhone protected.

You get a shock-resistant core, signature armor frame, a layer of leather, kevlar, or carbon fiber, a polycarbonate plate, and impact-resistant rubber sides.

Somehow UAG kept this case relatively thin. It is capable of wireless charging, but don’t expect any MagSafe products to work. You can get the UAG Monarch from UAG.

MONARCH SERIES IPHONE 14 CASE

4.0

$119.97

UAG Monarch iPhone 14 Case: The ultimate rugged protection with 5-layer premium construction including top-grain leather, Kevlar® or carbon fiber, and alloy metal hardware. Built to withstand any adventure with style.

What We Like:

• Unmatched Protection: Equipped with 5-layer premium protection, including a shock-resistant core, armor frame, top-grain leather (or Kevlar®, or carbon fiber), polycarbonate shear plate, alloy metal hardware, and impact-resistant rubber surround.
• Rugged and All-Terrain: Designed as the quintessential all-terrain case, it provides reliable protection for your iPhone 14 in any environment.
• Stylish and Durable: The layered construction combines functionality with a touch of elegance, featuring top-grain leather, Kevlar®, or carbon fiber, and alloy metal hardware.
• Classic UAG DNA: Built with Urban Armor Gear's signature DNA, the Monarch case reflects the brand's commitment to quality, durability, and adventure-ready design.

See at UAG

TORRAS Shockproof Magnetic Case

The TORRAS shockproof magnetic case for iPhone 13/14 offers exceptional protection with its 3X Mil-Grade Shockproof certification.

It features innovative C-shock technology and a unique Halbach Array design for seamless compatibility with MagSafe accessories. The case also includes a foldable and invisible stand, providing convenient hands-free viewing angles.

With its slim profile and smudge-proof coating, this case offers both style and functionality. You can pick one up either at Amazon or directly from TORRAS.

TORRAS Shockproof Magnetic Case

4.6

Experience unrivaled protection with the TORRAS shockproof magnetic case for iPhone 13/14. It exceeds 3X Mil-Grade Shockproof standards and features innovative technology, foldable stand, slim profile, and smudge-proof coating. Get peace of mind and functionality in one sleek case.

What We Like:

• Exceeds 3X Mil-Grade Shockproof: Passed rigorous military-grade certification, enduring 10FT drops with zero damage, thanks to TORRAS' C-shock technology.
• Snap Firmly & Never Falling: Unique Halbach Array Technology ensures a secure and flawless attachment with MagSafe accessories.
• Foldable & Invisible Stand: Enjoy silky touch and three adjustable stand positions for convenient hands-free viewing experiences.
• Smudge-Proof & Slim Profile: Nano-coating and anti-fingerprint features keep the case looking clean, while the slim design remains pocket-friendly and wireless charging compatible.

See at Amazon See at TORRAS

What type of iPhone case should I buy?

Buying the best iPhone case is a personal choice based on your lifestyle and preferences.

If you work in construction or engage in activities that can destroy your iPhone, you may want to check out the OtterBox or UAG cases.

Maybe if you like to take your phone running or don’t want the bulk in your bag or pocket, something from Torras, Totallee, or Spigen might do the trick.

If you want functionality, then a wallet case can protect your device and double as your wallet.

Do I need a case for my iPhone 14?

No matter how careful you are, the odds are you will drop your iPhone at some point. A case will likely be the differentiating factor if the device remains unscathed or a spider web of cracks.

Apple has done a remarkable job engineering the iPhone. But it still has glass on the front and back of the device and is susceptible to cracking.

These devices tend to hold their value incredibly well. When it comes time to upgrade your device, you may choose to sell your current one to lower the cost of the new one.

The best way to keep your resale value high is to protect it with a case. Keeping your device looking fresh and new.

Is a MagSafe case the best for my iPhone 14?

MagSafe cases may or may not be a necessity for you. You may not have any MagSafe accessories, but you may look into them in the future.

So getting a case today that includes MagSafe may be the future-proofing you are looking for. MagSafe is a critical component of many of the best accessories available for these devices.

You may not use the feature now, but you very well could in the future.

A case doesn’t need to be MagSafe Compatible to be a great case. If MagSafe does not interest you, then your options for a great case expand considerably.

The hallmark of a great case is how well it protects your device, not how well accessories attach to it.

Are iPhone 13 and 14 cases the same? Does an iPhone 13 case fit on an iPhone 14?

Sure, the iPhone 13 and 14 are basically the same size. They both have a 6.1-inch screen and are about 5.78 inches tall and 2.82 inches wide.

The difference in depth is only 0.01 inches, so you don’t need to buy a new case if you don’t want to.

Will the iPhone 13 Pro case fit iPhone 14 Pro?

However, the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro is another story.

The iPhone 13 Pro and 14 Pro are different enough that they can’t use the same case.

The 14 Pro has a bigger camera, and the buttons are in different places, so an iPhone 13 Pro case won’t fit. So if you’re getting the 14 Pro, you’ll need to get a new case

The best iPhone 14 case for you

Any of the cases in this list can be at the top of our best iPhone 14 cases list. The truth is that the best case is one that fits your specific needs.

Just because I prefer a slim case that I can easily slip into my pocket doesn’t mean your tank-like case isn’t just as good.

A case is also a great opportunity to add your personal touch to your device. The list here represents the best cases we have found and the ones we recommend.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• The best Steam Deck accessories
• The best mechanical keyboards
• iPhone Clean Energy Charging: what is it and how does it work?
• New Best Buy program lets you get a new MacBook every three years

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s but one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post The best iPhone 14 cases (2024) appeared first on KnowTechie.

Quick Answer: To turn off Crash Detection on your iPhone and Apple Watch, Open the Settings app, Scroll down to Emergency SOS, and turn off Call After Severe Crash.

Crash Detection is a potentially life-saving safety feature for the iPhone and Apple Watch.

If your device thinks you were in a severe car accident, you will receive a message allowing you to call emergency services quickly.

If your iPhone or Apple Watch doesn’t get a response within 20 seconds, it will automatically alert emergency services of your location.

While this new feature has the potential to save your life, it can also be prone to false alarms.

For activities that cause abrupt stops, such as riding a rollercoaster, you may want to disable this feature to prevent accidentally triggering Crash Detection.

How to turn off Crash Detection

Crash Detection is available on all iPhone 14 models and up, Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE 2nd gen, and the Apple Watch Ultra. This feature is on by default but is quickly disabled with a few quick taps.

Turn off Crash Detection on the iPhone

Before you proceed, remember that disabling this feature will prevent the automatic calling of emergency services in the event of a car crash.

Turn off Crash Detection on Apple Watch

If you are going somewhere and decide to leave your iPhone behind, you may want to disable Crash Detection only for your Apple Watch.

1. Open the Watch app

2. Scroll down and select SOS

3. Scroll down and select Crash Detection

4. Toggle off Call after Severe Crash

These steps will only disable Crash Detection for the Apple Watch. If you need to turn the feature off on the iPhone, please follow the steps listed above.

Proceed with caution

Some iPhone features are worth disabling, while others are designed to potentially save your life. You can disable the Crash Detection feature, but you should do so with caution.

If you decide to turn it off temporarily, always remember to enable it after you finish the activity that could have accidentally set it off.

Apple has said that this feature will become better over time. As Apple collects more data from actual accidents and false alarms, it will be able to make this feature more reliable.

Until then, you may want to disable Crash Detection before getting on a rollercoaster.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How to force restart an iPhone 13 and enter recovery mode
• How to disable the always-on display on iPhone 14 Pro
• Here’s how to use the Walkie-Talkie feature on Apple Watch
• How the Apple, Pixel, and Galaxy watches compare in automation

The post How to disable Crash Detection on iPhone and Apple Watch appeared first on KnowTechie.

Quick Breakdown: The Google Pixel 7a is a flagship-caliber device at a midrange price, but the Pixel 6a is the true value king. Ultimately, it comes down to a price decision and whether certain features are worth the $150 price difference.

Over the past few years, there has been a slow shift in the smartphone market. In years past, it was necessary to get a flagship phone to ensure you received a device powerful and capable enough to last more than a year or two.

As flagship prices have crept up to $1000 or more, manufacturers have begun to take notice of the midrange market segment and have steadily made their offerings stronger and more capable.

Over the past few years, Google has arguably provided the best blend of features in midrange devices. With the Pixel 6a, Google took its flagship quality camera, processor, and design language and brought it to the midrange.

The Pixel 7a continues that trend and raises the bar and price. Both devices are great and very much alike. Their price points will play an important factor in determining the outcome of this battle.

So, which one is right for you? We’ll break everything down to help you make an informed decision. Let’s get started.

Google Pixel 6a	Google Pixel 7a
4.0	4.5
$329.99	499.99
Check Availability	Check Availability

Google Pixel 6a

4.0

$329.99

Check Availability

Google Pixel 7a

4.5

499.99

Check Availability

Google Pixel 7a vs. Pixel 6a: Price availability and specs

The Pixel 7a is available as of May 10, 2023, and can be found in the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, and France, as well as in 12 additional countries.

The Pixel 6a launched a year earlier, on May 11, 2022, and is available in the previously mentioned countries and eight additional countries.

Both devices are available at all major carriers in the United States and the typical retailers such as the Google Store, Amazon, and Best Buy.

The Pixel 7a will retail for $499 ($549 for Verizon’s mmWave version), while the Pixel 6a is getting a price cut to a ridiculous $350.

Google Pixel 6a	Google Pixel 7
Check Availability	Check Availability
Display: 6.1" 2400 x 1080, 90Hz refresh rate, OLED, HDR	Display: 6.1" 2400 x 1080, 90Hz refresh rate, OLED, HDR
Chipset: Google Tensor	Chipset: Google Tensor G2
Ram: 6GB	Ram: 8GB
Storage: 128GB UFS 3.1	Storage: 128GB UFS 3.1
Front Camera: 8MP f/2.0	Front Camera: 13MP f/2.2
Rear Camera: 12MP f/1.73 main; 12MP f/2.2 114-degree FOV ultrawide	Rear Camera: 64MP f/1.89 main; 13MP f/2.2 120-degree FOV ultrawide
Battery: 4,400mAh	Battery: 4,385mAh
Charging: 18W wired	Charging: 18W, 7.5W Wireless
Connectivity: 5G sub6, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2	Connectivity: 5G sub6/mmWave, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
IP Rating: IP68	IP Rating: IP673
Dimensions: 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9mm	Dimensions: 152.4 x 72.9 x 9mm
Weight : 193g	Weight : 178g
Operating System: Android 13	Operating System: Android 12 (updated to Android 13)
Software Support: Three OS updates until 2026, five security updates until 2028	Software Support: Three OS updates until 2025, five security updates until 2027
$329.99	499.99

Google Pixel 6a

Check Availability

Display:

6.1" 2400 x 1080, 90Hz refresh rate, OLED, HDR

Chipset:

Google Tensor

Ram:

6GB

Storage:

128GB UFS 3.1

Front Camera:

8MP f/2.0

Rear Camera:

12MP f/1.73 main; 12MP f/2.2 114-degree FOV ultrawide

Battery:

4,400mAh

Charging:

18W wired

Connectivity:

5G sub6, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2

IP Rating:

IP68

Dimensions:

152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9mm

Weight :

193g

Operating System:

Android 13

Software Support:

Three OS updates until 2026, five security updates until 2028

$329.99

Google Pixel 7

Check Availability

Display:

6.1" 2400 x 1080, 90Hz refresh rate, OLED, HDR

Chipset:

Google Tensor G2

Ram:

8GB

Storage:

128GB UFS 3.1

Front Camera:

13MP f/2.2

Rear Camera:

64MP f/1.89 main; 13MP f/2.2 120-degree FOV ultrawide

Battery:

4,385mAh

Charging:

18W, 7.5W Wireless

Connectivity:

5G sub6/mmWave, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3

IP Rating:

IP673

Dimensions:

152.4 x 72.9 x 9mm

Weight :

178g

Operating System:

Android 12 (updated to Android 13)

Software Support:

Three OS updates until 2025, five security updates until 2027

499.99

Google Pixel 7a vs Pixel 6a: Design

The Google Pixel 7a and the Pixel 6a share a very similar design. Both have an aluminum frame and a plastic back. Google continues its recent horizontal camera visor design scheme with both devices. The Pixel 7a’s camera visor is covered in aluminum, while the Pixel 6a’s is covered in glass.

The Pixel 7a has a solid color scheme and is available in four colors: coral (Google Store exclusive), sea, charcoal, and snow.

Google uses a two-tone color scheme with the Pixel 6a, with the camera visor acting as the logical break between the two colors. The 6a is available in three colors: charcoal, chalk, and sage.

Both devices are about the same exact size. The Pixel 7a measures 152 x 72.9 x 9.0mm and weighs a slightly hefty 193.5g. The Pixel 6a is 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9mm and weighs a bit less at only 178g.

Both devices are IP67 certified and should have no issues handling an accidental drop in water.

The power and volume buttons are also on both devices’ right side. The fingerprint sensor is located under the display on both devices.

The Pixel 7a has 5G, Wi-Fi 6e, NFC, and Bluetooth 5.3. The Pixel 6a has 5G, Wi-Fi 6, NFC, and Bluetooth 5.2 on board.

Google Pixel 7a vs Pixel 6a: Display

The Pixel 7a features a 6.1-inch, OLED, 90Hz display with a 2400 x 1080 resolution. The 7a’s refresh rate can be set to stay at 60Hz or bounce between 90Hz and 60Hz, depending on the use case, to save some battery.

The Pixel 6a has a 6.1-inch, OLED, 60Hz display with a 2400 x 1080 resolution.

The difference of 30Hz may not seem like much between these two displays, but it makes a world of difference. The 7a will look significantly smoother when scrolling around on the web or in an app like Instagram.

Both devices are covered in Corning’s Gorilla Glass 3 for added glass strength and durability.

Google Pixel 7a vs Pixel 6a: Performance

Both the Pixel 7a and the Pixel 6a run on custom-made Google chipsets. The Pixel 7a has the Tensor G2, while the Pixel 6a has the original Tensor. There is not a significant difference between the two chipsets, despite being released one year apart.

The Tensor G2 will be a little stronger than the original, but Google spent much more time optimizing it for AI. The Tensor G2 is about 12% faster in AnTuTu, with a score of 797k compared to 711k for the original Tensor.

Single-core Geekbench scores are almost identical, with the Tensor G2 getting a score of 1068 and the original Tensor getting a score of 1047.

The 7a is 14% stronger in the multi-core test with a score of 3265 compared to a score of 2860 for the Tensor. Gaming performance is about the same on both.

Both devices have 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage, but the Pixel 7a has 2GB more RAM than the Pixel 6a. The Pixel 7a has 8GB of RAM, while the Pixel 6a has 6GB of RAM.

You may notice more apps closing when not in use on the 6a due to the lower amount of RAM. In real-world usage, both phones are going to feel about the same.

Google Pixel 7a vs Pixel 6a: Camera

The camera is where these two devices see their biggest divergence, as Google has overhauled the camera system used in the A-series devices.

The Pixel 7a has a dual camera setup with a 64MP f/1.89 main camera and a 13MP f/2.2 ultrawide lens with a 120-degree field of view.

The main lens can record video at up to 4K and 60 fps, while the ultrawide lens tops out at 4K and 30 fps. The 7a also has a 13MP f/2.2 front-facing camera that can record 4K or 1080P videos at 30 frames per second.

The Pixel 6a also has a dual camera system and uses Google’s dependable Sony Exmor IMX363 as its main sensor. The 6a has a 12.2MP f/1.7 main lens and a 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide lens with a 114-degree field of view.

The main camera can record video at 4K and up to 60 fps. The front-facing camera is 8MP f/2.0 and can record 1080p videos at up to 30 fps.

Due to Google’s excellent post-image software, both devices take amazing photos. The 7a will have the edge in low-light situations as it has the extra megapixels to bin its images. While the 7a will be the more capable shooter, the 6a can still give it a run for its money.

The biggest difference between the two will be when zooming in or cropping a photo. The 7a just has more megapixels at its disposal.

Google Pixel 7a vs Pixel 6a: Software

With any Pixel device, you can expect to receive Google’s Pixel UI and virtually no bloatware on the device.

The Pixel UI is a mostly a stock experience with a few useful apps that take advantage of Google’s AI prowess. For example, a few software tricks up the Pixel 7a’s sleeve leave the 6a a little behind.

The 7a has Google’s Photo Unblur technology to help remove any blur taken in your pictures. It also has cough and snore detection while you are sleeping. Outside of these two features, the 7a and 6a are running the same version of Android.

The Pixel 7a launched with Android 13 and will receive three years of OS upgrades and five total years of security updates.

The Pixel 6a launched with Android 12, which has since been updated to Android 13, and has the same level of software support. The 7a being a year newer means it will get an additional year of software support.

Google Pixel 7a vs Pixel 6a: Battery life

The Pixel 7a has a 4,385mAh battery and can be charged via 18W wired or 7.5W wireless charging. The Pixel 6a has a 4,410mAh battery and is limited to 18W wired charging.

Both devices should easily last a full day and about six to seven hours of screen time.

You can expect charging speeds to be a bit slow thanks to the max 18W charging speed. Adding wireless charging to the 7a is a big deal for those who love the feature.

Which Pixel is right for you?

This battle will ultimately come down to a price decision and whether certain features are worth the $150 price difference.

If you want an inexpensive phone that checks all the boxes, the $350 Pixel 6a is a surefire bet. It has a good camera, all-day battery life, decent performance, and a great display.

The 7a is $150 more expensive, but you are getting a stronger and more capable camera setup, a slightly stronger processor with more RAM, the same all-day battery life, an excellent display, and an extra year of software support.

The $499 Pixel 7a really is as close to being a flagship device at this price as you can get.

If you already have the 6a, keep it and save your money. If you are in the market for a new device, you will need to determine if the slightly stronger performance and better camera are worth the asking price.

Either way, you are getting an excellent phone.

Google Pixel 6a	Google Pixel 7a
4.0	4.5
$329.99	499.99
Check Availability	Check Availability

Google Pixel 6a

4.0

$329.99

Check Availability

Google Pixel 7a

4.5

499.99

Check Availability

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Google’s new Pixel Fold is here, and it costs a whopping $1,799
• Preorder the Pixel 7A and get a $50 Best Buy gift card
• Verizon will give you a Google Pixel 7 Pro for free. No trade-in req’d
• Latest Pixel Fold leak unveils almost every spec imaginable

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Google Pixel 7a vs. Pixel 6a: Which one’s right for you? appeared first on KnowTechie.

Liene 2×3” Mini Photo Printer

3.0

$79.99

Quick Verdict: The Liene Mini Photo Printer is a small, fun way to quickly print your favorite memories. This inkless printer doesn't require any ink swaps, but the cost of the 2 x 3-inch zink paper can add up in a hurry. If you love the look of a Polaroid or want something that prints photos to stick to things, this is the printer for you.

Pros:

• It doesn't require any ink
• Can print up to 30 photos on a single charge
• Its compact size makes storing this a breeze
• It's exceedingly simple to use

Cons:

• The Zink paper is a bit pricey
• Photo color accuracy is a bit off
• Each photo takes about a minute to print

See at Amazon See at Liene

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

01/25/2024 05:31 am GMT

Having something in hand is often much more pleasing than looking at it on a screen. For many people that is the case when it comes to photos, but not every photo needs a full-sized image printed.

Sometimes you need something smaller for a craft such as scrapbooking, or to personalize a product with an image that is important to you.

Liene looks to provide you with a quick and convenient way to add those personalized touches to your life. I spent some time with the Liene Mini Photo Printer to see if it can truly deliver a painless and fun experience.

Who does it stack up against?

Best Alternative	Best All-in-One	Best for Larger Photos
HP Sprocket	Canon PIXMA G620 All-in-One Printer	Liene 4x6 Photo Printer
4.5	4.5	4.5
$79.99	$329.99$249.00	$169.99$115.99
Check Availability	Check Availability	Check Availability

Best Alternative

HP Sprocket

4.5

$79.99

Check Availability

Best All-in-One

Canon PIXMA G620 All-in-One Printer

4.5

$329.99$249.00

Check Availability

Best for Larger Photos

Liene 4x6 Photo Printer

4.5

$169.99$115.99

Check Availability

01/25/2024 02:50 pm GMT

Hardware and setup

At 4.9 x 3.3 x 0.9 inches and weighing 0.4 pounds, the Liene Mini Photo Printer is a small device that is slightly larger and about the same thickness as a deck of cards.

It has a sliding mechanism that removes the top cover, allowing you to load the 2 x 3-inch Zink adhesive photo paper. The printer has a single USB-C port used for charging. The device also has a power button and an indicator light along the left edge.

READ MORE: The PhotoStick Omni may look hideous, but it’s insanely practical

Setting up the Liene Photo Printer was an absolute breeze. After downloading the required Liene Photo app, you are prompted to select a region, accept an agreement, and provide your email address.

You will then receive a code that lets you proceed. It was a painless, no-fuss process that didn’t end with me having to remember yet another password. 

The next screen lets you pair your printer, which does so over Bluetooth. Once successfully paired, you are just about ready to go.

The last step is to use the included blue card to properly align the printer. I managed to complete the entire process in just about five minutes.

The Liene Photo app

Liene carried its minimalist design over to the required app. It has an exceedingly simple design that anyone can follow.

Loading the app brings you to the main screen which will let you know if the printer is connected or not. There are only two buttons to choose from: one for checking your print queue and the other for classic photo printing.

Selecting classic photo print brings you to your camera gallery, where you can choose any image that you want to print. Selecting a photo brings up another menu with additional options.

In addition to giving you a preview of the image and selecting the number of copies to print, Liene gives you a basic editing tool.

Liene 2×3” Mini Photo Printer

3.0

$79.99

See at Amazon See at Liene

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

01/25/2024 05:31 am GMT

Here you can choose between borderless, Polaroid, and no crop. You can also apply filters to your image as well as adjust the brightness, contrast, sharpness, saturation, and shadow detail.

The only other tab to choose from is the Me tab where you can follow Liene on Facebook, ask for help, or provide feedback. Clicking on Store will let you quickly find Liene’s other printers and their photo paper for purchase.

Selecting any one of these products will bring you to their corresponding Amazon page. Settings are straightforward, allowing you to log out, switch languages, and view the current software version.

Performance and media

Performance was generally alright for the Liene Photo printer. The printer takes about an hour to fully charge and about 50 seconds to go from selecting print to the printer finishing the job.

That’s relatively quick and I loved being able to retroactively turn any photo I wanted into a small Polaroid.

Image quality leaves a bit to be desired though. The picture doesn’t come out super sharp and the colors can be slightly off. With an MSRP of $84.99, its performance is on par with my expectations.

What I didn’t like was getting just five 2×3-inch Zink photo papers with the printer.

Its minimal design allows you to go from downloading the app, setting it up, choosing your images, and printing five photos in less than 15 minutes. Then you are out of luck and on the hook for buying more Zink paper, which will run you $24.99 for 50 sheets.

Zink Photo Paper 2x3"

$26.99 $24.99

Check Availability

01/25/2024 02:00 pm GMT

Liene ought to provide at least 10 sheets with the printer, if not more. On the bright side, you don’t have to stress about changing ink cartridges, thanks to Zink’s inkless printing technology – so, at least it has that going for it

Liene claims the printer can print 30 sheets before needing to be recharged, which I couldn’t test due to not having that many sheets for printing.

Additionally, Liene also claims that the photos won’t fade, even after being around for a decade.

Alternatives to consider

Best Alternative	Best All-in-One	Best for Larger Photos
HP Sprocket	Canon PIXMA G620 All-in-One Printer	Liene 4x6 Photo Printer
4.5	4.5	4.5
$79.99	$329.99$249.00	$169.99$115.99
Check Availability	Check Availability	Check Availability

Best Alternative

HP Sprocket

4.5

$79.99

Check Availability

Best All-in-One

Canon PIXMA G620 All-in-One Printer

4.5

$329.99$249.00

Check Availability

Best for Larger Photos

Liene 4x6 Photo Printer

4.5

$169.99$115.99

Check Availability

01/25/2024 02:50 pm GMT

Final Verdict

My time with the Liene Mini Photo Printer wasn’t perfect but it was a blast to use. I didn’t expect to have as much fun as I did printing mini photos.

I get that there’s no need to buy ink, but I still think 50 cents per sheet is somewhat pricey. Despite that concern, I can see plenty of people having fun with this printer. 

It’s so simple to use that anyone of any age can use it. The resulting images aren’t perfect but they result in a cute and completely usable photo.

My kids quickly stole my printed pictures and put them on their desks. They didn’t even want the back peeled off.

If you are looking for full 5 x 7-inch photo capabilities, you are going to have to look elsewhere.

If you are looking for small, cute photos then the Liene Photo Printer has you covered and can be found on Amazon or the company’s website.

Final Verdict

Liene 2×3” Mini Photo Printer

3.0

$79.99

The Liene Photo Printer is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable ZInk printer to print photos on demand from their smartphone. While it's not perfect, it certainly gets the job done.

See at Amazon See at Liene

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

01/25/2024 05:31 am GMT

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: XGIMI Aura 4K UHD projector
• This Logitech mouse gives Apple’s Magic Mouse a run for its money
• Review: Abode Wireless Video Doorbell
• Review: Qobuz – is this music streaming service better than Tidal?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Review: Liene Mini Photo Printer appeared first on KnowTechie.