Podcast Summary
Discussing favorite tech gifts and popular videos: The blind smartphone camera test created excitement and removed bias, while Viator offers 300,000 travel experiences with free cancellation and 24-7 customer support.
Technology gifts were a popular choice during the holiday season. During this episode of the podcast, the hosts discussed their experiences with their new tech gifts, including a smartwatch and a white noise machine. They also reminisced about their most popular videos of the year, which included a blind smartphone camera test and smartphone awards. The blind smartphone camera test involved putting various smartphones against each other in a bracket-style competition, allowing people to vote for their preferred camera without knowing which phone they were choosing. This concept removed bias and created excitement, much like March Madness. Another takeaway is the importance of having a tool like Viator to help plan and book travel experiences, as mentioned at the beginning of the podcast. With over 300,000 travel experiences to choose from and free cancellation and 24-7 customer support, Viator can help make travel planning worry-free and enjoyable for everyone.
Unexpected upsets in annual smartphone camera showdown: The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus won the annual smartphone camera showdown, with the Samsung Galaxy S10E making it to the finals. User preferences on social media sites led to unexpected upsets, such as the Asus Zenfone 6 outperforming the OnePlus 7T and the Huawei Mate 30 Pro giving the Zenfone 6 a tough battle.
The annual smartphone camera showdown, where participants put various phone models against each other on social media to determine the best camera, resulted in some unexpected upsets last year. The first round saw many favorites knocked out, including both the Pixel and the iPhone models. The organizers tried to include a diverse range of photos with good dynamic range and interesting backgrounds to give each phone a chance. The user experience on social media sites is fast-paced, with people quickly scrolling through and making decisions based on preference rather than technical analysis. The eventual winner was the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus, with the Samsung Galaxy S10E making it to the finals as well. Interestingly, before the competition, the team made their own predictions, and some, like Vin, correctly guessed the winner. The first round saw some surprising results, such as the Asus Zenfone 6 outperforming the OnePlus 7T, which was a favorite among the team. The closest matchup was between the Huawei Mate 30 Pro and the Zenfone 6, which was a tough battle. If the Zenfone hadn't faced the Mate 30 Pro, it might have made it to the finals against the Samsung phones. The team took photos with every phone after the first round but only used the necessary ones for the competition. Overall, the event showed that the smartphone camera market is competitive, and user preferences play a significant role in determining the "best" camera.
Unique flip camera feature of the Zenphone 6 could offer better selfie experience: Tapping the subject of a photo before taking a shot can improve focus and exposure, especially for closer shots or individuals with darker skin tones. Unique camera features, like the flip camera of the Zenphone 6, can set one device apart from another in terms of photography performance.
The Note 10 may have still outperformed the Zenphone 6 in terms of overall photography performance, but the unique flip camera feature of the Zenphone 6 was impressive and could potentially offer a better selfie experience. Another interesting point raised during the discussion was that people might not always tap on the subject of their photo before taking a shot, as suggested by an email from a Google employee involved with the Pixel camera team. This could impact the focusing and exposure of the photo. Despite having a smaller sample size, the testers noticed that tapping the subject helped ensure proper focus and exposure, especially for closer shots or for individuals with darker skin tones. The discussion also touched upon the varying performance of different phones in different lighting conditions, with some phones performing better in certain scenarios than others. Overall, the conversation highlighted the importance of considering various factors when evaluating smartphone cameras and the unique features that can set one device apart from another.
Pool play: A fairer approach to smartphone camera competitions: Smaller groups in rounds before bracket play can help ensure stronger phones don't face tough opponents early on in smartphone camera competitions, making it more scientific and fair.
The annual smartphone camera competition, while exciting, is inherently unfair due to various uncontrollable variables. To make it more scientific and fair, an idea was proposed called "pool play," where phones would compete in multiple rounds within smaller groups before advancing to bracket play. This would help ensure that stronger phones don't face tougher opponents in the initial rounds. Another point of contention was the use of compressed photos on social media for voting, which some felt was unfair. However, it was argued that most people view photos on social media platforms, and trying to make the competition fair by having everyone use high-resolution displays would not be practical. Instead, the competition should be viewed as reflecting a more natural environment where people use various devices to view and vote on the photos.
Twitter to Display Full Size Images, Benefitting Instagram and More: Twitter's new feature to display full size images could improve user experience on platforms like Instagram, where high quality visuals are important.
During the Smartphone Awards 2019, it was announced that Twitter will soon allow users to view full size, uncompressed JPEGs in the image viewer, providing higher quality images. This could potentially benefit image-hosting platforms like Instagram, where a large number of votes were recorded in a recent blind camera test. The Galaxy Note 10 won the awards due to a minor detail in the color of the phone during the voting process. Housing affordability was discussed as a major issue, with many young adults struggling to move out and buy homes. Viator was introduced as a solution for travelers to book guided tours, activities, and excursions to make their trips more memorable. The Smartphone Awards, which started as a simple video recap of favorite phones, has evolved into a grand event showcasing various categories of phones in the market.
Best Big Phone of the Year: Hardware vs Software: The Asus ROG Phone 2 won Best Big Phone of the Year for its impressive hardware features, including a high refresh rate OLED display, a huge battery, a headphone jack, and a terabyte of flash storage, despite strong competition from the Galaxy Note 10 Plus' software capabilities and multitasking features.
The Asus ROG Phone 2 was named the best big phone of the year due to its impressive hardware features, including a high refresh rate OLED display, a huge 6000mAh battery, a headphone jack, and a terabyte of flash storage. Although the Galaxy Note 10 Plus was also a strong contender with its software capabilities and multitasking features, the ROG Phone 2's hardware offerings ultimately won out. However, it's important to note that there were varying opinions on the matter, and many people had their own favorite picks for different categories. The author encouraged listeners to argue with their choices and even shared some comments from viewers on social media. Overall, the awards were based on the author's personal picks, but they were open to discussion and debate.
Samsung S10E vs iPhone 11 Pro: A Battle of Big Phones and Compact Devices: The iPhone 11 Pro had better overall specs but Samsung S10E offered smaller size, bigger battery, expandable storage, faster fingerprint reader, making it a strong contender. iPhone 11 Pro won in camera category with impressive photos, ultra-wide lens, better mic, superior video capabilities.
The Samsung Galaxy S10+ and iPhone 11 Pro were the top contenders for best big phone and best compact phone of the year, respectively. While the iPhone 11 Pro had better overall specs, the Samsung S10E offered smaller size, a bigger battery, expandable storage, and a faster fingerprint reader, making it a strong contender. In the best camera category, the iPhone 11 Pro took the lead with its impressive photos, ultra-wide lens, better mic, and superior video capabilities. The discussion also highlighted the subjective nature of comparing experiences between iOS and Android devices. The budget phone category was the most challenging, with no clear winner mentioned in the conversation. Overall, the iPhone 11 Pro emerged as a strong contender in multiple categories, making it a standout device of the year.
Two Affordable Smartphones: Google Pixel 3a vs Redmi K20 Pro: Google Pixel 3a won Best Buy of 2019 for its camera and software features, while Redmi K20 Pro offered better performance and a flagship-like feel at a lower price.
The Google Pixel 3a and Redmi K20 Pro were two standout smartphones in the affordable price range in 2019, each with their unique strengths. The Google Pixel 3a won the title of Best Buy of 2019 due to its affordable launch price, awesome camera, and great software features. However, some argue that the Redmi K20 Pro should have been the unanimous choice due to its better performance, higher-end chip, and more flagship-like feel, despite being roughly $100 cheaper. Ultimately, the decision between the two may come down to personal preference, with some valuing the camera and software experience of the Pixel 3a, while others prioritize the performance and build quality of the Redmi K20 Pro. Both phones offer great value for their respective prices and have their merits.
Choosing a Smartphone: Balancing Camera Quality, Performance, Design, and Battery Life: Google's Pixel 4 and Redmi K20 Pro offer different strengths, with Redmi K20 Pro providing better value for most people globally. In the U.S., Pixel 3A is a better choice due to Google's market presence. Consider individual priorities when deciding between camera quality, performance, design, and battery life.
When it comes to choosing a smartphone, there are various factors to consider such as price, performance, design, camera quality, and battery life. While Google's Pixel 4 and Redmi K20 Pro excel in different areas, the Redmi K20 Pro generally offers better value for most people around the world. However, in the U.S., the Pixel 3A is a better choice due to Google's strong market presence. Another interesting consideration is the trade-off between camera quality and other features. For instance, a phone with a great camera but poor performance might not be an ideal choice for everyone. Similarly, a phone with impressive design and performance but a less-than-stellar camera might not appeal to those who prioritize photography. The Asus ROG Phone 2 stands out for its exceptional battery life, which can last up to two days with 120Hz refresh rate. It also offers fast charging capabilities, making it a top contender for those who value battery performance. Ultimately, the decision to buy a smartphone depends on individual preferences and priorities. While some might prioritize camera quality, others might focus on design, performance, or battery life. Understanding these trade-offs can help consumers make informed decisions when choosing a smartphone.
Asus ROG Phone 2: The Most Improved Phone of the Year: Asus ROG Phone 2 transformed from a rookie to a dominant player with a massive 6,000mAh battery, 120Hz OLED display, and ditching Zen UI.
The Asus ROG Phone 2 made significant improvements from its previous model, making it the most improved phone of the year. Despite not having wireless charging, its massive battery life and powerful specs make it a standout option for those who need a long-lasting device. The ROG Phone 2 was not a popular choice last year, but its transformative upgrades, including a 6,000mAh battery, 120Hz OLED display, and ditching Zen UI, have turned it into a top contender in the market. This improvement can be compared to a rookie athlete who spends their off-season practicing and returns as a dominant player the following year. While the iPhone 11 also made improvements, it was already a strong contender, and the ROG Phone 2's massive leap forward pushed it over the edge for the most improved award.
Discussion on the best smartphone designs of 2019: Samsung Galaxy Fold won the design award for 2019, ROG Phone 3 and Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus were also notable designs, unique and risky design choices are essential for standout smartphones.
Innovation and risk-taking are essential components of good design, as evidenced by the Samsung Galaxy Fold winning the design award for 2019. However, there were other notable designs mentioned, such as the ROG Phone 3 and the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus. The ROG Phone 3 could potentially win over more users with a few improvements, including a closer-to-bezel-less design, IP rating, and wireless charging. The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus was also a contender for the best design of 2019, with its notchless display and larger battery. The Zenfone 6 also received a mention as a deserving special nod in the design category. Overall, the discussion highlighted the importance of unique and risky design choices in creating standout smartphones.
Design Debate: Swiveling Cameras vs Foldable Screens: Innovative designs like swiveling cameras and foldable screens set smartphones apart in 2020, but their large sizes and durability concerns limited their appeal. The Pixel 4 received the 'Bust of the Year' award due to unmet expectations.
The design of smartphones in 2020 was a mix of unique innovations and compromises. The Zenfone 6 with its swiveling camera and Galaxy Fold with its foldable screen were standouts, but their large sizes held them back. The Samsung Galaxy Fold received an honorable mention for its unique design, despite its notorious issues in the past. The debate for the best design phone of the year was between phones with moving parts, like pop-up cameras and swiveling cameras. None of them faced significant durability issues, which was a relief. However, the Pixel 4 received the "Bust of the Year" award due to the significant gap between expectations and delivery, despite being a "fine phone" overall. The Pixel 4 user, who had advocated for it to win the award, acknowledged that it was a solid device, but the award was given based on the disappointment felt by many in the tech community.
Comparison of ROG Phone 2, Pixel 4, and OnePlus 7T Pro: Despite the Pixel 4's impressive camera, its decreasing performance and inconvenient Soli radar chip led to disappointment. The ROG Phone 2 and OnePlus 7T Pro received less attention but performed well. Managing expectations and avoiding marketing hype are crucial for consumer satisfaction.
The discussion revolved around the comparison of various smartphones, specifically the ROG Phone 2, Pixel 4, and OnePlus 7T Pro. The speaker expressed their preference for the Pixel 4 due to its excellent camera but was disappointed by its decreasing performance. They also criticized the Royal Flex Pi as a "bust of the year" not because it was a bad phone, but because it had low expectations due to its lackluster showing at CES. The speaker argued that the Pixel 4, which was highly anticipated, received more criticism due to unmet expectations and the removal of certain features. The speaker also shared their frustration with the Soli radar chip on the Pixel 4, which they found to be inconvenient. Overall, the conversation highlighted the importance of managing expectations and the impact of marketing hype on consumer perception.
Pixel 4 XL: Disappointing Battery Life and Unintended Unlocking: Despite advanced features, the Pixel 4 XL's battery life issues and unintended unlocking due to sensors have left some users disappointed, affecting overall satisfaction and value for money.
The Pixel 4 XL, despite being a high-end phone with promising features like 90 Hertz display and advanced camera system, has fallen short of expectations due to its battery life issues. The user shared experiences of the phone unlocking unintentionally due to wireless charging and proximity sensors, causing inconvenience. Additionally, the user's experience did not align with the expected 90 Hertz display performance. These factors, combined with the high price tag, have made the Pixel 4 XL a disappointment for some users. However, there are still users who are satisfied with the phone's performance, and hopes are high for improvements in the upcoming Pixel 5 model. Overall, the discussion highlights the importance of meeting user expectations, especially when it comes to high-end technology and its associated price points.
OnePlus 7 Pro named MVP for 2019: The OnePlus 7 Pro, with its impressive performance, notchless display, decent cameras, affordable price, and 90 Hz refresh rate, was chosen as the MVP phone for 2019 by the speaker, and was widely accepted by the Reddit community.
The title of "Most Valuable Phone" (MVP) for 2019 is subjective and open to interpretation, as there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The speaker chose the OnePlus 7 Pro as their MVP based on its impressive performance, notchless display, decent cameras that improved with software updates, and affordable price point of $669. The phone's 90 Hertz refresh rate was a standout feature that set it apart from other phones in the market. Despite the availability of other high-end phones with similar specs, the OnePlus 7 Pro's overall value proposition made it a strong contender for the MVP title. The speaker acknowledged that there would be varying opinions on this matter, and that other phones could also make valid claims to the MVP title. The Reddit community, known for its diverse and sometimes contentious opinions, surprisingly agreed with the speaker's choice, recognizing the thoughtful explanations behind it.
Discussing the 'Most Valuable Phone' vs. 'Phone of the Year': OnePlus 7 Pro vs. iPhone 11 vs. Samsung Galaxy Fold: The 'Most Valuable Phone' and 'Phone of the Year' titles are subjective and depend on individual preferences, with the OnePlus 7 Pro offering excellent value for its price and the iPhone 11 boasting a superior chip and display.
The discussion revolved around the comparison of different smartphones, specifically the OnePlus 7 Pro and the iPhone 11, with some mention of the Samsung Galaxy Fold. The debate centered around the idea of "Most Valuable Phone" (MVP) versus "Phone of the Year." The MVP argument focused on the value for the price, while the Phone of the Year argument focused on the overall best phone, regardless of cost. The iPhone 11 was suggested as a contender for MVP due to its superior chip and display, while the OnePlus 7 Pro was defended based on its display and battery life. Ultimately, the conversation highlighted the subjective nature of determining the best smartphone and the importance of considering individual preferences and priorities.
OnePlus 7 Pro vs iPhone 11: A Closer Look: Both phones offer unique advantages, with iPhone 11 having a faster processor, better camera, and longer battery life, while OnePlus 7 Pro has a superior display and better software experience.
When comparing the OnePlus 7 Pro and the iPhone 11, both phones offer unique advantages and neither can be definitively said to "run circles around" the other. While the iPhone 11 has a faster processor, better camera, and longer battery life with wireless charging, the OnePlus 7 Pro boasts a superior display with a higher refresh rate and better software experience. Both phones are valuable options in the market, and the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and what features are most important to the individual user.
IPhone 11 Pro named Most Valuable Phone: The iPhone 11 Pro stands out for its top-notch performance, long battery life, and affordable price, making it a strong contender for the title of Most Valuable Phone.
The iPhone 11 Pro was deemed the Most Valuable Phone (MVP) in a discussion due to its impressive features including top-notch performance, long battery life, and affordable price. This comparison was made using basketball players as a reference, with LeBron James representing the iPhone 11 Pro as the best player in the game and a consistent performer. Other phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Note 10 Plus, and ASUS ROG Phone 2, were compared to NBA stars like James Harden, Janus, and Luca Doncic, respectively. The MVP title is subjective and depends on individual preferences and values, making the iPhone 11 Pro a strong contender for the title.
What makes a smartphone the MVP?: The MVP of a smartphone year is subjective and depends on individual preferences and values, such as camera quality, high refresh rate, user experience, wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and expandable storage.
The definition of the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the smartphone world can vary greatly depending on individual preferences and values. While some may prioritize having the best camera, others might prioritize a high refresh rate or user experience. For instance, one viewer argued that a phone without the best camera can still be the MVP, as long as it excels in other areas. Another suggested the Galaxy S10 Plus as a worthy contender due to its features like wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and expandable storage. Ultimately, the MVP of a smartphone year is subjective and depends on what users value most in their devices.
Smartphone Refresh Rates: A Key Factor in User Experience: Higher refresh rates enhance user experience and can be a deciding factor in choosing a smartphone, but individual preferences play a role in the best smartphone selection.
The refresh rate of a smartphone is becoming a significant factor in determining its overall user experience and value, according to Marques Brownlee and Andrew Martonik in their Waveform podcast discussion on the best smartphones of 2019. Marques expressed his preference for higher refresh rates, even if it comes at the expense of other features, making the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus his phone of the year. However, he also acknowledged that everyone has different values when it comes to smartphones, and there could be other legitimate contenders for various awards based on individual preferences. They also looked forward to the potential of high refresh rate iPhones and gaming phones in 2020. Overall, the podcast highlighted the importance of considering various features and personal values when evaluating and choosing a smartphone.