At its advent, you would have been completely justified to think that 2020 would not be a good year for smartphones and other devices. It did not seem like it would be a good year for anything to be frank. The biggest (annual) mobile device trade show of the year – Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2020 – was cancelled due to health concerns and most of the big companies pulling out. CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2020 happened early enough in the year not to be affected by the pandemic. Other events like IFA 2020, the Apple Event, and other big announcement events were different this year. No tech enthusiasts were in attendance, and instead, the events were live-streamed over various platforms. It was a new way of doing things, and while hands-on experiences are so important for tech devices, this new way was necessary.

 

A Good Year for Smartphones

Luckily, the resilience of smartphone manufacturers shone through and we got a plethora of devices – arguably more than previous years. The big players unveiled the latest and greatest they had to offer and more. To the credit of the manufacturers, this year saw more price points catered to so that no one was left out during these trying times. There truly is a device for everyone.

With the new released came further innovation. The manufacturers’ attempts to outshine each other brought about some great features and prices. There were attempts to push the boundaries of today’s technology, and as a result, we saw some great things this year, with a promise of even better things in the next few years.

 

We take a look back at what we got in 2020 and use that as a baseline to predict what we might get to see come 2021. All in all, there are reasons to be excited. No matter what kind of a smartphone user you are, you just cannot deny how cool some features we’ve seen are.

 

Big Smartphone Features We Saw in 2020

 

1. 5G

5G has been the topic of discussion in prior years and 2020 finally saw it debut on smartphones. On paper, 5G is revolutionary. It brings with it a change in how we use our phones and other devices. The data transfer speeds are (sometimes) miles ahead of what is achievable on 4G. Running a speed test on 5G for the first time is like seeing a new magic trick. You can download a movie in seconds and an entire season of episodes in minutes. There is one caveat though: coverage.

 

5G coverage has improved and is set to be even better with the inclusion of the technology in the 2020 iPhones. It is bound to be mainstream within the next year or two. Because of its nature, total 5G coverage would require many receivers placed all over, at least for the top tier 5G bandwidth (mmWave). As a workaround, carriers are providing slower 5G with better reach. It is worth noting, however, that even slow 5G is better than 4G.

 

2. The First 5nm Processors

Smartphone processing power has come leaps and bounds and yet another milestone was reached in 2020. The already fast 7nm architecture processors became second best to the first 5nm chip – Apple’s A14 Bionic. It is efficient, powerful, and became an even bigger deal when it was used as the blueprint for Apple’s revolutionary M1 chips for the Macbooks. The second 5nm chip was Huawei’s Kirin 9000, which was then followed by Qualcomm’s announcement of the Snapdragon 888 chip. Even Samsung is expected to feature their new Exynos 1080 chip in their next flagships. What all the 5nm chips have in common is the raw power and efficiency, which means greater performance with no negative effect on battery life.

 

3. Android 11 & iOS 14

Each year sees the newest flavors of both Android and iOS. In 2020 we got both, with each bringing something different when compared to previous offerings. IOS 14 brought Android-like UI changes in the form of widgets that changed how users interacted with their home screens. Android 11 built on top of Android 10 and doubled down on privacy and security. There are some nifty features like a smarter AI Assistant that improve the overall user experience.

While the experience is very streamlined and standard across the board for Apple devices, it is a vastly different case for Android. Each manufacturer uses a skin to deliver what they think is the best version of the OS. Samsung introduced OneUI 3.0 for its newer devices while Oxygen OS 11 was unveiled for OnePlus devices. New versions of MIUI, ColorOS, and FunTouch OS were also unveiled, all based on Android 11.

 

4. 108Mp Cameras

Devices bearing the Ultra and Pro monikers have brought some insane features in the past, but 2020 saw that taken to new heights. Devices like the S20 Ultra and the Mi Note 10 had 108MP main cameras – a mind-blowing figure. Using such a large sensor on a phone is an achievement in itself, and the images captured had lots of detail even when zoomed into.

 

5. Insane Zoom Capabilities

On top of 108MP cameras came over 100x zoom, albeit hybrid (optical + digital). It was more of a marketing gimmick than anything else because zooming past a certain level makes photos unusable. Still, owners of phones like the Samsung S20 Ultra have all the bragging rights when it comes to zooming capabilities. From a more realistic standpoint, an optical zoom of 5x or 10x is very, very impressive. Such telephoto cameras are the gold standard.

 

6. Super-Fast Wired & Wireless Charging

The huge numbers did not just stop at the cameras in 2020. The Mi 10 Ultra debuted with 120W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. I do not know what part of that you find most impressive. When wired, the phone goes from 0 to 41% in 5 minutes, and up to 100% in 23 minutes. Its wireless charging can fill it up in 100 minutes. Additionally, it has 10W wireless reverse charging, a technology that appeared in more upper echelon devices in 2020.

 

7. High Refresh Rates

Smooth scrolling, responsive gaming – benefits of high refresh rate screens. What started at 90Hz quickly moved up to 120Hz and subsequently 144Hz as seen in 2020 gaming phones and some mainstream ones. High refresh rates improve the experience of the user, not exactly the phone’s raw power or capabilities. There are split camps as far as high refresh rates go – some do not care and some just cannot live without it. Which side are you on?

 

8. The Return of Mediatek

You’d be forgiven for not knowing about MediaTek. The chip makers have been second best to Qualcomm for the longest time but had their resurgence in 2020 through their Dimensity range of chipsets. Cheap, but powerful, they featured in many midrange devices allowing manufacturers to offer very competitive prices, something not quite possible with Snapdragon chips.

 

9. Weird, but Cool Smartphones

The LG Wing was a standout 2020 phone because of its rotating screen and all the possibilities it brought. This was in addition to the second generation foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and the clamshell design Moto Razr throwback.

 

10. The First Under-Display Camera

The ZTE Axon 20 became the world’s first smartphone with an under-display camera. It was announced in September and became available for purchase in December, although with limited availability.

 

 

What big features are coming in 2021?

 

1. More 5nm Processors

While a lot of 5nm processors were announced in 2020, we are bound to see the bulk of them incorporated in smartphones in 2021. The most powerful generation of smartphones yet will make its way to your pocket in the course of this year, with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 making its debut on the Xiaomi Mi 11 and S21 soon after.

 

2. Qualcomm Snapdragon 888

Announced in 2020, the Snapdragon 888 is more than just another 5nm processor. The improvement from the previous gen 875 is quite significant, with boosts in CPU and GPU capabilities. Other huge talking points are camera capabilities, AI, and 5G. For camera, the 888 is capable of HDR video, insane low-light shots and snappy performance. Unlike the previous processor, the 5G modem is hosted on the chip making it cheaper and more power-efficient. There is a new AI chip that will make AI tasks all the more awesome.

 

3. Invisible (Disappearing) Cameras

At CES 2020, OnePlus showcased the Concept One phone that had one headlining feature – the cameras at the back were there in one second and gone in the next. It electrochromic glass, the same technology that McLaren uses in its supercars to darken the sunroof. It is an aesthetic feature that will probably be in niche devices. It is still cool though.

 

4. Rollable Displays

First showcased on TVs, we could very well see a smartphone with a rollable display for the mass market. Bets are up for which manufacturer will be the first to do it and the first to do it right. Unlike the disappearing cameras, rollable displays solve an actual problem – foldable phones have a crease and an unorthodox form factor. A rollable display can maintain the shape of a normal phone while still being able to extend to larger sizes.

 

5. Even Faster Charging Speeds

Manufacturers like Oppo have already showcased 125W wired charging and 65W wireless charging. If this is anything to go by, 2021 will be the year where battery capacity does not matter as much if all it takes is a few minutes to get it charged to full capacity.

 

6. Under Display Cameras

While the feature debuted in 2020, it is bound to go mainstream in 2021 – at least for the high-end devices. Having an uninterrupted display without the moving mechanisms required for a pop-up selfie camera should be quite the addition to smartphones.

 

7. First Portless Phone

This is most likely going to be Apple if the past years are anything to go by. They made the headphone jack irrelevant – and with the inclusion of Magsafe – they might do the same to their infamous lightning port, at least on their iPhones. They already removed the charging brick from the retail packaging.

 

8. The Return of TouchID

With the inclusion of OLED displays on the 2020 iPhones, Apple can now include TouchID on the 2021 iPhones and hopefully reduce or get rid of the huge notch entirely.

 

 

What devices are coming in 2021

 

9. Samsung Galaxy S21 Lineup

Sources claim that we might see the S21 as early as January. The camera bump might see a new design with flat displays. There should be a new color as well – Mystic Purple. The best news? The series might start at a lower price than its predecessors.

Past years have seen complaints from regions that received S-series phones with Exynos processors because they were inferior to the Snapdragon versions. 2021 may be different though. Samsung’s in-house 5nm processor may finally be just as good as the latest Qualcomm processor, at least in terms of raw performance.

Lastly, we may see the last Galaxy Note device this year, or none at all! The S21 might just have S-Pen support.

 

10. Galaxy Z Fold 3

The Fold 3 might just be replacing the Note in 2021. It is set to have S-Pen support and under-display cameras.

 

11. Pixel 6

Google chose to focus on good performance and more affordable pricing and the result was a mid-range flagship. Chances are that Google will go the same route for the Pixel 6, but with much better camera performance, which is saying a lot for a Pixel device.  More interestingly is that the Pixel 6 might use a version of Samsung’s 5nm Exynos processor.

 

12. iPhone 13 Lineup

Not a lot is known about the iPhone 13 series, but it might just be the first portless smartphone lineup. A 120Hz ProMotion display is all but guaranteed at this point. Fingers crossed that the notch shrinks in size!

 

13. OnePlus 9 Lineup

OnePlus might have three devices in their lineup – the standard 9, the Pro, and the new 9E. The 9E might be the affordable flagship, sort of like the 8T. The design of the OnePlus 9 might be new, specifically on the placement of the camera modules.

 

14. 2021 iPads

Apple’s iPads are the best tablets – period. With the strides that Apple is making both in hardware and software, the gap between them and second-best can only get wider. 5G may be included in the entire lineup, as well as iterative upgrades.

 

Looking Forward

There is certainly a lot to look forward to in 2021 – this applies to both smartphones and life in general. We can only sit and wait – as we protect ourselves – and protect all our current devices with the brilliant Tech Armor Accessories.

What comes to your mind when you think about the Pixel phone lineup? Cameras and software, right? You know the drill by now, every tech reviewer with a Pixel device in hand almost always talks about the “best point-and-shoot” cameras and “guaranteed, fast software updates”. While true, is that really all there is to a Pixel?

Throwback to the Nexus

Taking a quick trip down DDR5 memory lane, the 5^th Pixel installation corresponds to the 5^th device in the Nexus phone line: the Nexus 5 – arguably the best (most popular?) device from Google. While fondly remembered, the Nexus 5 had glaring flaws, especially in the hardware department. The cameras were not great and neither was the battery life; two areas that could kill a release on launch in today’s market. The flaws were, however, extremely easy to overlook thanks to the Snapdragon 800 and the brand new Android Kitkat for just $349.

 

A Second Chance

Last year’s Pixel 4 line-up was not exactly received well. Google’s innovative additions were mostly overlooked and instead, the focus was on the relatively lofty price, uneven bezels, and underwhelming battery life. That was last year though. Google’s release of the Pixel 4a much to positive reception might bode well for the Pixel 5.

So, what should you as the user expect from the Pixel 5?

 

Better Camera Options

The Pixel 4 is right up there with the most leaked phones of all time. Even Google themselves got in on the action. The camera cut-out looked like it had a triple-lens setup. It eventually turned out to be 2 cameras, but the most disappointing aspect was that neither was a wide-angle lens.

This year bodes well for Pixel lovers and users because the word is that the Pixel 5 might have a triple-lens setup with the wide-angle lens joining the foray. Google has surely taken feedback from the Pixel 4 into account this time around.

Leaked renders show a familiar square-shaped camera cut-out on the back, with a flash unit and what looks like three lenses (it looked the same last year so…). The front has a single selfie camera, this time in a punch hole as Google will supposedly ditch the chunky top bezel in the Pixel 4 and 4xl.

As good as Pixel photos are, having more camera options would be a huge plus for Google. With competitors like Huawei, Samsung and Apple catching up (and even surpassing, depending on who you ask) with Google, more lenses will help re-cement themselves as the camera dons.

 

A Friendlier Price Tag

For devices that received a ‘meh’ verdict, the price tag accompanying last year’s Pixel was a huge point of contention. To be honest, they did have 90Hz refresh rate screens, high-res OLED screens, and 7nm processors; all standard for flagships. The small batteries and dim screens could not be overlooked though.

For this year, Google might just be re-thinking their strategy and going for a significantly lower price to be more competitive. Flagship prices are on the rise, making them harder and harder to get for the everyday user. Google might want to appeal to users by pricing the Pixel 5 competitively.

An image that surfaced on Reddit shows a $349 tag for a ‘Google Pixel Phone’ and a $699 tag for a ‘Premium Google Pixel Phone’.  The Pixel 4a was announced for $349 so the premium may very well be the Pixel 5. The premium phone is described as having the best-in-class camera, wireless charging and water resistance, which are all flagship staples. It would offer great value for money as compared to other flagships.

 

A 5G-Capable Processor

One of the more interesting rumors about the Pixel 5 is that Google will forego a flagship processor and instead opt for an upper-midrange 700 series. This could be the 765G or the newer 768G with slightly better performance. This could explain the aggressive pricing. Both options are 5G-capable, but some worry is bound to be brought up by Pixel fans who expect the latest flagship processor instead. It is worth noting that by optimizing its software, Google can make the performance of the Pixel 5 feel almost as smooth as the higher-end processors, especially for the everyday user.

 

More Storage

The Pixel 5 is said to start shipping with a 128GB base storage, ditching the 64GB variant from previous years. This would follow in the steps taken with the released Pixel 4a which only has the 128GB option. Roland Quandt, a twitter leaker with a solid reputation, is said to have found no evidence of the existence of lower storage options.

 

A Simple Design

If you have seen the 4a, then you have an inkling of what the Pixel 5 might look like. David Kowalski shared an image with a seemingly textured finish, a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, a square camera bump, an accented power button and a punch-hole selfie camera with slim bezels. The design, as always, depends on the user. It definitely looks like a typical Pixel phone though.

 

A Smooth Experience

Last year’s Pixels had 90Hz screens and this year’s phones should either have the same or a rumored 120Hz panel. Ross Young from Display Supply Chain Consultants stated that it would be not only 120Hz but also a 6.67” Samsung display. This would make it the biggest Pixel phone yet.

Coupled with the high refresh rate could be 8GB of RAM, up from the 6GB on the Pixel 4.

 

A Bigger Battery

One of the biggest gripes users have had with Pixel phones has been in the battery department. With the upgrades that the Pixel 5 is rumored to get, the battery will have to be on point. Leaks say that the Pixel 5 will see a significant bump in battery capacity, up to 4000 mAh. Rumors also claim that it will have wireless and reverse wireless charging at 15W and 5W respectively.

 

Android 11

As always, the Pixel brings with it the new Android version and the Pixel 5 will come with Android 11 out of the box. Android 11 is set to bring with it great improvements in privacy, optimization, foldable screens and 5G use.

 

An Overall Improvement to the Pixel 4

Fingers crossed for the Pixel 5. It will hopefully be a significant improvement to the so-so Pixel 4 lineup. Meanwhile, make sure that you get the best armor for all your beloved devices here at Tech Armor!

Google Pixel 5 Rumors, Leaks, and Everything in Between

Fall 2020 is fast approaching—aka., the period when smartphone companies ‘wage war’ against each other to woo consumers before the holiday season. As tension and anticipation grow to a fever pitch, we can’t wait to see what this year has in store for us.

One particular device that cannot afford to disappoint is Google’s Pixel 5. Its immediate predecessors—the Pixel 4 and 4 XL—failed to live up to expectations. This year’s flagship is a chance for retribution. A chance to improve where the Pixel 4 failed and win back the favor of consumers. So, what can we expect from the Google Pixel 5 come Fall?

 

 

Google Pixel 5 Release Date

Based on their track record, Google has a remarkably consistent release schedule. The Pixel 3 was released in October and so was the Pixel 4. Drawing on this trend, it’s only logical to assume the Pixel 5 will debut right around the same period. Then again, nothing is running according to schedule nowadays—with the COVID 19 pandemic and all. So before you confidently ink October as ‘Pixel month’, prep yourselves for anything.

 

Rumored Google Pixel 5 Design

Leaks for the Google Pixel 5 have largely been under wraps with little-to-no concrete information to go by. The most notable rumor on the device’s design comes from a rendering of a prototype shared by Jon Prosser on his YouTube channel. The back of one of the prototypes features a peculiar halved-oval design for the camera module. In another leak highlighted by BGR (originally posted by Slashleaks), the front part still has relatively chunky bezels—supposedly housing the Face Unlock feature.

As for the display, we can only expect an improvement or replication of last year’s model. This includes a 5.7-inch or a 6.3-inch display for the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4L, respectively. The 2019 flagships also featured OLED panes, a 90Hz refresh rate, and HDR support.

 

Improved Charging and Power Management?

Last year, users were up in arms criticizing the Pixel 4’s uninspiring battery. A battery capacity of 2,800mAh for a leading smartphone with a 90Hz refresh rate drained significantly faster than its peers.  For this reason, Pixel 5’s battery life will be one of the most sought-after features. Battery capacity aside, Google may introduce an interesting power-management feature—i.e. reverse wireless charging. This is according to data unearthed by XDA Developers.

 

Other Rumored Features

• Foregoing Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865? Google always ships its Pixel smartphones with the latest Android version and Snapdragon chipset. While the former is true, 9to5Google notes that the Pixel 5 may feature a Snapdragon 765G processor instead.
• Camera: As shown in the CAD render by Jon Prosser, Google Pixel 5 may finally get a wide-angle lens—which has become a staple in the latest devices.
• Google might ditch the Soli Sensor: According to a source linked to 9to5Google (via Tom’s Guide), Google may drop its motion-sensing feature. We don’t know how you’d feel about that, but it may translate into a smaller bezel and improved battery life.

 

Google Pixel 5 Price

Both the Pixel 3 and Pixel 4 debuted at $799 for the base model and $899 for the XL model. With stiff competition from Samsung Galaxy S20 and the upcoming iPhone 12, it’ll be interesting to see the direction Google takes. There are even rumors that the devices could have a starting price of $699.

Whether or not you’re in the Pixel camp, there’s no denying that the devices tend to have an excellent display. With this in mind, you want to keep it free of blemishes and micro-abrasion. This is possible with a high-quality screen protector—fitted to take the abuse on behalf of your device.

Google Pixel 3 / 3XL: What’s the Verdict?

Is this the Android device you’ll come to love? Still checking out the long list of devices which you’ll treat yourself with for the holidays? Did the new Google Pixel 3 or probably the 3 XL catch your eye?

Quick Review of Specs:

 

	Pixel 3	Pixel 3XL
Display	5.5-inch FHD+ flexible OLED at 443ppi	6.3-inch QHD+ OLED at 523ppi
Memory & Storage	4GB LPDDR4x RAM; 64GB or 128GB storage
Battery	2915 mAh battery	3430 mAh battery
Materials	Aluminum frame + hybrid coating
Colors	Clearly White, Just Black, Not Pink

 

Now, let’s see how reviewers found the new devices:

 

Pros

• Android Authority’s Kris Carlon dubbed both devices as the Android iPhone as it combined the good parts of both devices. It’s got an amazing camera which the Pixel devices has always been known for. Plus a contemporary hardware design which is the best-looking Google devices that’s been made.
• While Engadget’s Cherlynn Low gave the Google Pixel 3 a score of 90 and the Pixel 3XL an 89. For the smaller sibling, she loves the display that makes photos, videos and games look great. While for the bigger sibling, she loves its performance and Clever Assistant features to name a few. Low also liked the new color option: Not Pink.
• Lauren Goode from the Wired gave the new Google devices a score of 9 out of 10 expressing these have the most optimized version of Android on a smartphone. Another pro is the bigger and brighter display thanks to Edge-to-Edge to keep the sizes the same with the Pixel 2 devices.
• 9to5Google’s Stephen Hall considers the devices  “third time is indeed the charm” production of the tech-giant. Displays of both devices are identical and enjoyable to the naked eye. Another great feature of the Google Pixel 3 and 3XL is the Always-On display which some of the wallpapers shipping with the devices also maximize that not much competitors have done so far.

 

Cons

• TechRadar’s Matt Swider didn’t like the weaker battery life which he considers is the biggest con from the Pixel 3 which can definitely limit what you can do on just one full charge for a day.
• Digital Trends’ Julian Chokkattu also feels the same way for the battery in the Pixel 3 XL describing it as mediocre which can be very problematic for heavy users that does quite a number of picture taking, browsing and gaming for most of the day.
• Max Parker from Trusted Reviews recommends to get protective gear for the bigger sibling as with just a week’s use he noticed there were scratches and/or micro-abrasions on his white Pixel 3 XL. He noticed some too with others who were using the black version.

That’s a wrap for the Pixel 3 and 3XL reviews! Did it help finalize your decision?

Going with the one of the newest Pixels? Congrats! Let’s help you out by arming your device from the nasty drops and scratches life throws your way: visit this page here for the latest accessories available for the new Google Pixel 3 devices.

 

Or will you be sticking to your current device? Let’s keep that investment protected at ALL costs! Check this page for everything and anything that you might need for your phone or tablet! Tech Armor will always have you covered!

 

Get the latest on everything and anything iPhone! Join our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest accounts to stay in the know! Join the TA Nation too!

 

Sources:

https://store.google.com/us/product/pixel_3_specs?hl=en-US

https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-3-xl-review-911391/

https://www.engadget.com/2018/10/15/google-pixel-3-pixel-3-xl-review-android-pie/

https://www.wired.com/review/pixel-3-and-pixel-3-xl/

https://9to5google.com/2018/10/15/google-pixel-3-pixel-3-xl-review/

https://www.techradar.com/reviews/google-pixel-3-review

https://www.digitaltrends.com/cell-phone-reviews/google-pixel-3-xl-review/

https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/google-pixel-3-xl

https://www.blog.google/products/pixel/google-pixel-3/

 

Google Pixel 3 / 3XL : ready to preorder?

Officially announced at the #MadeByGoogle event

Another tech-giant releases new devices! Yes folks we’ve got new Google Pixel 3 devices plus lots of other announcements too!

 

Thinking of switching to one of the newest Pixel phones? We’ve got a rundown of the info you may need to decide on the swap. And a review or two to help you out 😉

 

Let’s start with the specs:

Display and phone size is what mostly sets these siblings apart. The Google Pixel 3 sports a 5.5-inch FHD+ flexible OLED display with 443ppi. While the Pixel 3 XL has a 6.3-inch QHD+ OLED display with 523ppi. Plus, different aspect ratios too with 18:9 and 18.5:9 respectively. Oh and notch-wise…only the XL has one!

 

Both devices show full 24-bits depth or 16.77 million colors, true black level, 100,000:1 super contrast ratio and Always-on Display to name a few. As for their popular cameras, the rear camera is 12.2MP dual-pixel while their dual front cameras have 8MP wide-angle and normal FoV cameras for ultra-crips, wide selfies!

 

The Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chip and have 4GB RAM. Colors available are Clearly White, Just Black and Not Pink.

 

Their software also has tricks in their sleeve worth checking out! Their famous camera may have just gotten better with the help of AI which was highlighted during their event. Notable camera features are Top Shot where the AI will choose the best moment to take the picture, Night Sight where low-light will adjust to get that clear shot without flash and Super Res Zoom where you can say goodbye to pixelated photos even after zooming.

 

It’ll be available with 64GB/128GB storage options and will cost $799/$899 and $899/$999 correspondingly. You can preorder now while it will arrive on October 18 in the US. Several other countries will get it November 1.

Now for initial hands on reviews…

 

YouTube Reviewer Marques Brownlee says the devices are a bit heavier as it’s all glass now but does feel premium on the hand. The notch in the XL is quite taller than other devices (for the 2 front facing cameras and speaker) and a chin (for another speaker too). The features are great but still have to check if it’s worth it.

Engadget’s Chris Velazco thoughts on the new devices are quite similar even at the functional level and utilitarian design. Plus the tech giant pushed the levels to machine level and software features which showed surprisingly well photos. Plus has the best camera used all year round.

Tech Radar’s Matt Swider has a bit of concern on the Pixel 3 for the 4GB RAM which is quite smaller than most phones we have today. (Tech Armor can help with that!) While colleague John McCann says a con for the bigger sibling is the design’s a bit old.

 

Bonus: Made by Google also released 2 other new devices for that 360 degree experience. One is the Google Home Hub that is focused on managing your home with connected devices. The other is the Pixel Slate: a handy device fusing a tablet and laptop that you can use for work and play that has a Titan Security chip for data security and a massive 12.3 inch screen! Stay tuned as we’re in development for a screen protector that covers the Pixel Slate very soon.

 

That’s it for the #MadeByGoogle devices! Decided to go with Team Google?

Tech Armor is here to make sure your new devices are protected so head over to Amazon and pre-order a Ballistic Glass screen protector today!!

• Pre-order your Pixel 3 screen protector

• Pre-order your Pixel 3 XL screen protector

As for now, let’s keep your current device safe and sound for a fraction of its price! Head on to our website or Amazon Storefront page to arm your device ASAP!

 

Get the latest on everything and anything Google! Join our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Google+ accounts to stay in the know! Join the TA Nation too!

 

Sources:

https://9to5google.com/2018/10/09/pixel-3-made-by-google-2018-video-recap/

https://www.techradar.com/reviews/google-pixel-3-xl-hands-on

https://www.techradar.com/reviews/google-pixel-3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQzXwWYvJ4E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRh_iVXulXk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXogn99dOec

https://venturebeat.com/2018/10/09/everything-announced-at-the-2018-made-by-google-event/

https://www.cnet.com/news/pixel-3-xl-start-at-799-announced-bigger-screens-wide-angle-selfie-dual-camera/

https://store.google.com/us/product/pixel_3_specs

Google Pixel 3: Arriving on October 9?

Something big is about to come up from Google!

After the exciting announcement of the new iPhones, we realize not everyone is on team Apple, so let’s get down to the upcoming Google Pixel 3 rumored to be released this October!

Source: Google Store

 

What’s confirmed:

 

We know that Google sent out invites for an October 9 event. Plus, they updated their online store with a number “3” on it (the same day Apple started preorder for the new iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max) and everyone right now is betting that signal is referencing the Google Pixel 3.

 

A lot of leaks have come out!

 

First off, a Ukrainian dealer got hold of the yet-to-be-released/pre-production Google Pixel 3 XL unit with earphones, USB-C cable and he tested its camera capacity. To top it off: there’s even an unboxing video of it on YouTube! Two days later, it’s rumored that Google and Foxconn held internal talks about these specific leaks.

 

One of Mobilesyrup’s readers also caught a picture of what seems to be the Pixel 3 XL out in the wild in Toronto showing two front-facing cameras. One tester of the unit forgot the Pixel 3 XL after riding in a Lyft car. Yep, you read that right! It was so leaked that the driver knew he was looking at the un-launched device. That’s definitely one of the leaks you’d least expected! All 3 sources agree that there is a notch on the 3 XL. Rumors indicate it will also have a 6.2-in screen with a 2960×1440 display all powered by a Snapdragon 845 processor.

Meanwhile, another leak shows there will be no notch on the upcoming Pixel 3 and it is said to sport a regular 5.5-inch screen (it will likely look like a mini version of the Pixel 2 XL).

 

The screen resolution for this smaller device will be 2160×1080 with a 2:1 aspect ratio and a battery clocking in at 2,915mAh.

 

Both devices are said to have an all glass front and back design and the rumored colors at launch are white, black and mint green. The mint green can also be seen on the coming soon site of google in Japan.

 

Interested in grabbing a Google Pixel 3?

That’s it for the rumor roundup on the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL! Are you planning to go Team Pixel this year? Let us know in the comments section if you’ll go for the smaller sibling or go all out and go big on the Pixel 3 XL! For now, let’s keep your current device armed with premium screen protection to keep it in tip-top shape (in case you decide to sell it as additional funding for your next device). 😉

Head on to our website or Amazon Storefront page to get our signature Ballistic Glass Screen Protector and other mobile accessories like cables, chargers, power banks (you can use these with your other devices as well!)

Get the latest on everything and anything Google! Join our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Google+ accounts to stay in the know! Join the TA Nation too!

 

Sources:

https://mashable.com/article/google-pixel-3-teaser-iphone-preorder-day/#Qlga6h3KZZqg

https://store.google.com/us/product/three

https://www.cnet.com/news/official-googles-big-event-set-for-oct-9-new-pixel-phones-expected/

https://9to5google.com/2018/08/22/exclusive-ukrainian-black-market-dealer-pixel-3-xl-leaks/

https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/8/30/17801772/google-pixel-3-phone-photos-leak-features-specs

https://metro.co.uk/2018/09/16/google-pixel-3-xl-colour-options-could-include-black-white-and-mint-7949129/

https://comingsoon2018jp.withgoogle.com/

https://www.businessinsider.com/google-pixel-3-colors-leak-2018-9

https://www.engadget.com/2018/09/14/google-pixel-3-mint-teaser/

https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/9/14/17860908/google-pixel-3-colors-mint-white-black

https://www.engadget.com/2018/08/31/google-pixel-3-phone-leaks-reddit/

https://unsplash.com/photos/MGuxRnjniuU

https://unsplash.com/photos/E8yae0D5WZ8

 

Google Pixel 3: worth the wait?

There’s still a lot of awesome phones coming!

The last few months of the year will be intense with new awesome phones coming up! For this weeks blog, let’s go for the Google Pixel!

 

From the phone dimensions, which we shared on our last blog, let’s go to the specific screen sizes. Google’s new devices will have sport a 5.3-inch screen for the smaller Google Pixel 3 and the XL will boast a sizable 6.2-inch screen. New photos and renderings are coming out for the the Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel 3 XL. The most popular one so far is the crystal white Pixel 3 XL.

 

 

Let’s go to the overall look of the phone

 

For those who are not fans of the bezels, you can choose the smaller Google Pixel 3 …. sort of. The Pixel XL is catching on with the notch trend (even deeper notch from the iPhone X). But for the chin (yes folks, we got a chin) both versions will have it. The Google Pixel phones are known for having one of the best cameras around (even if just single lens) and we can expect to have an upgraded single-lens rear camera on the back thanks to new software optimizations.

 

Both devices will be powered by the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor and they will also have Augmented Reality Features via Cloud Anchors and the Google Assistant.

 

One interesting feature the next batch of Paixels may have will be front-facing speakers that will be located on the front bottom bezel. And fingerprint print sensor? Unfortunately, it will still be at the back of the devices (similar to the Samsung Galaxy devices).

 

Rumors are pointing to a release date that is still quite a solid on October.  

 

Still deciding if you’ll switch to the either phones? For the meantime, let’s make sure your current phones are protected from scratches, drops, fiascos!

 

Explore our new and improved Tech Armor Website or visit our Amazon Storefront Page for excellent accessories for your devices! Let’s get those charged, synced and stable when in the car too!

 

Get the latest on everything and anything your phone needs! Join our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Google+ accounts to stay in the know! Join the TA Nation too!

Sources:

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/07/google-pixel-3-rumors-more-pictures-leak-hints-of-smart-display-dock-surface/

https://www.cnet.com/g00/news/pixel-3-xl-rumors-google-launch-specs-release-date-price-leaks/?i10c.encReferrer=&i10c.ua=1&i10c.dv=14

https://www.cnet.com/news/pixel-3-xl-rumors-google-launch-specs-release-date-price-leaks/

https://www.gizmochina.com/2018/07/25/exclusive-google-pixel-3xl-casing-gives-us-another-peek-at-the-design/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brookecrothers/2018/07/28/google-pixel-3-xl-pixel-3-specs-release-date-price-leaks-notch-headphone-jack-rumors/#24bddf162a0e

https://mashable.com/2018/07/30/google-pixel-3-leak-notch-chin/#TLfoD.IdZaqy

https://www.cnet.com/news/pixel-3-leaked-photos-new-show-deeper-notch-than-iphone-x/

https://www.xda-developers.com/google-pixel-3-xl-clearly-white-leak/

https://twitter.com/VenyaGeskin1/status/1005128354872389632/photo/1

https://twitter.com/VenyaGeskin1/status/1001075267186692096/photo/1

https://www.pcworld.com/article/3293431/android/google-pixel-3-specs-features-price-release-date.html

https://unsplash.com/photos/Qps3XIn4uQc

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Android_Assistant_on_the_Google_Pixel_XL_smartphone_(29526761674).jpg

 

Google Pixel 3 Rumors: leaked renderings are out!

Full 3D design coming from the rumor mill!

Just a few months before we get to see the Google Pixel 3 devices!

 

Let’s cut to the chase with the latest on the rumor mill!

 

We’re all aware of the screen display issue (blue shift, image retention and muted colors to name a few) from Pixel 2. The good thing is it’s reportedly fixed or at least will show big improvements, which we’ll see manifested on the upcoming Pixel 3. The rumor mill is quite confident with the display panels coming from LG as it looks like Apple will be sourcing from them as well for their upcoming iPhones.  

Photo by NA.dir on Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND

 

On our previous blog, we showed you leaked photos of the Pixel 3… now there’s CAD-rendered videos of the devices based from those images! It looks like both devices will have larger sizes than their predecessors with the Pixel 3 at 5.7 x 2.7 x 0.31-in dimensions and the Pixel 3 XL at 6.2 x 3 x 0.31-inches. The aspect ratio for the former will be 18:9 and the latter having a 19:9 aspect ratio (quite similar with the LG G7 ThinQ). Plus, they’ll be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor for fast-action tasks and apps. After that, some specs will be quite similar to the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL (like the front-facing stereo speakers).

Photo by NA.dir on Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND

 

For the camera, both devices may have a single-sensor rear camera and dual-sensor front camera. Both phones are said to positively have new AI tricks— stepping up the camera abilities with sharper photos, etc. All in all, the rumor mills still agrees the new phones will be launched on October (on the 4th to be more specific)

Photo by NA.dir on Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND

 

Bonus: Google Smartwatch[es]

 

Rumor has it that there will be 3 Google smartwatches that will be released codenamed “Ling,” Triton” and “Sardine”. These will be operated by the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 which can help users directly contact Google Assistant—without getting the watch out of standby mode among other perks. It may also have built-in GPS and heart-rate tracker. The rumored price will be mid to high-end somewhere between Samsung Gear S3’s $300 and Apple Watch that starts at $329.

 

These watches are expected to launch along with the Pixel buds by the end of the year (probably along with the Pixel phones).

 

That’s it for the rumor roundup!

 

Excited for the upcoming Pixel 3 phones? Have you already chosen which one you’ll buy? Don’t worry, we’ll make sure to keep both models protected with our signature Ballistic Glass screen protectors!

 

While waiting for your next awesome device, keep your current one safe from drops and scratches! Did you know a scratch-free screen is a major factor when determining how much money you get back on resale? Check out our new and improved website or our Amazon Storefront Page for our latest accessories.

 

Get the latest on everything and anything Google Pixel! Join our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Google+accounts to stay in the know! Join the TA Nation too!

 

Sources:

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/982796/Pixel-3-update-Google-fixing-Pixel-2-XL-worst-feature-Android

https://www.econotimes.com/Google-Pixel-3-Is-Expected-to-Solve-a-Known-Pixel-2-XL-Issue-1397993

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/pixel-3-xl-renders-design,news-27520.html

https://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2018/06/27/google-pixel-3-pixel-3xl-camera-design-specs-release-date-price-leak/#543cf0c74f3a

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/pixel-3-xl-renders-design,news-27520.html

https://www.mysmartprice.com/gear/2018/06/27/exclusive-google-pixel-3-pixel-3-xl-renders-leaked-reveal-notch-stereo-speakers-single-rear-camera/?_ga=2.1912433.1522024793.1530757461-1511325499.1529995299

http://www.73buzz.com/google-pixel-3-pixel-3-xl/

https://newatlas.com/iphone-xi-google-pixel-3-preview/55292/

https://www.techtimes.com/articles/231388/20180629/new-google-pixel-3-and-pixel-3-xl-leaked-renders-show-off-full-design.htm

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/technology/gadgets/040718/google-pixel-smartwatches-expected-to-come-this-year.html

https://www.gearbrain.com/google-pixel-smartwatch-rumors-leaks-2583480657.html

http://www.businessinsider.com/google-pixel-watch-smartwatch-rumors-release-date-specs-2018-6#the-pixel-watch-will-have-better-battery-life-than-past-wear-os-watches-3

http://winfuture.de/news,103172.html

https://www.gearbrain.com/google-pixel-smartwatch-rumors-leaks-2583480657.html

https://foter.com/ff/photo/26771077967/dcbd295368/

https://foter.com/ff/photo/40928870844/be982303b4/

https://foter.com/ff/photo/40928907824/bb1a84e25d/

Google Pixel 3: three devices too?

Another device line on the rumor mill folks! This time Google is stepping in the ring with a new flagship upgrade!

So, everybody’s heard about the $1 Billion deal Google made with HTC on its smartphone division and a lot is riding on that deal for the next Pixel phones. What has Google been up to after the acquisition? The rumor mill has some answers as to what might this be!

At the moment, two things are fairly certain:

1. there will be new Pixel phones coming out this year and they’re going to be called Pixel 3.
2. Google themselves accidentally leaked on the Android Open Source Project.

 

One notable and very early rumor we got is that Google would be releasing 3 devices coming out this year instead of 2. Although this has been an on-off situation with the past releases, this may be for real this time. There may be a notch for these phones too as the tech giant’s latest update to Android has better support for those in the phone display.

 

On the bright side (for those not a fan of the notch), the entire Google Pixel 3 line may be getting that edge to edge design for a better viewing experience.

 

The next question you might have is what price are these 3 phones going to be at launch? Right now, one would be a budget friendly version that is targeted for developing countries… and unsure yet if it’s coming to the US. This has another codename: “Desire” that’s reminiscent with HTC’s own mid-range phone line. This will also run on Android One and may even launch as early as July or August compared to its more premium siblings.

 

Now the next 2 will be premium devices and will be powered by Snapdragon 845 and have the Always-On Display. The screen size is still unknown for the Pixel 3 or smaller device… and we’re not sure if it will have a standard display with lower resolution than its larger counterpart.

For the larger phone (which for the meantime will call the Pixel 3 XL), it’s rumored to have an 18:9 pOLED display  or go larger with 19:9 to accommodate an iPhone X-like look/notch and a QHD+ display.

 

The expected launch for this year’s Pixel phones is around October just like last year’s Pixel 2, but we might also get surprised with a June launch to get a head start with the new iPhones coming out in September.  

So, it sounds like the next Pixel phones will be awesome! Might you be getting one?

 

If so, you won’t have to worry about drops and scratches on this device because we’ll make sure you have everything you need to arm, sync and charge this device!  Just like with the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, Tech Armor will give you nothing but the best! You can check out our Amazon Storefront page or website to get started on your current device now!

 

As promised, you keep on playing and we’ll keep on protecting your device!

 

Get the latest on everything and anything Apple! Join our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Google+accounts to stay in the know! Join the TA Nation too!

 

Source:

https://unsplash.com/photos/NHSnBQyE7RE

https://unsplash.com/photos/fecW3iL4Uxo

https://unsplash.com/photos/MGuxRnjniuU

https://unsplash.com/photos/2e6Ad-PwZSA

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/google-htc-deal-analysis,news-25870.html

https://www.standard.co.uk/tech/google-pixel-3-release-date-price-specs-rumours-a3810991.html

https://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2018/04/05/google-accidentally-confirms-new-pixel-3/#37ef3e077efb

https://www.droid-life.com/2017/10/23/google-pixel3-codenames-albacore-blueline-crosshatch-wahoo/?_ga=2.140217659.96074918.1525312090-1222952014.1524015847

https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-next-google-phone-pixel-3-launch-date-specs-rumor-roundup/

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/pixel-3-rumors,news-26647.html

https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/android/damien-cox/googles-pixel-3-name-has-been-spotted-in-the-wild-the-rumour-mill-starts/

http://bgr.com/2018/04/04/pixel-3-release-date-specs-android-go-desire/

http://www.techtimes.com/articles/224244/20180403/the-google-pixel-3-smartphone-will-have-a-mid-range-version-will-it-be-available-in-the-us.htm

https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/new-product/mobile-phone/google-pixel-3-3669066/

https://www.pocket-lint.com/phones/news/google/144114-new-google-pixel-2018-specs-release-date-news-and-rumours-everything-you-need-to-know

https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/new-product/mobile-phone/google-pixel-3-3669066/

https://www.mobileappdaily.com/2018/04/30/google-pixel-3-xl-price-release-date-specifications

https://www.valuewalk.com/2018/03/google-pixel-3-launch-date-what-we-know-so-far/?_ga=2.161672500.96074918.1525312090-1222952014.1524015847