In order to sell more foldable phones, this niche market segment needs to be as common as regular, non-folding phones. These normal phones, however, appeal to the masses because they can cater to a wide range of buyers, including those with tighter budgets. There has long been a clamor for more affordable foldable phones, both the larger book-style design as well as the clamshell type, but few manufacturers have dared to heed the call. The nubia Flip 5G is arguably the first flip-style foldable to really bring the design to the masses, boldly claiming the title of most affordable foldable. Nothing comes for free, however, especially in this industry, so we naturally wonder what nubia had to sacrifice to meet such an unbelievably low price point. We give the nubia Flip 5G a good turn to find out.

Designer: nubia

Aesthetics

Right off the bat, you wouldn’t be able to tell the nubia Flip 5G’s price just from its looks. The word “cheap” has unfortunately acquired a negative reputation, but there is definitely nothing cheap about this phone’s design. Aside from the large black disc on its back, which we’ll get to later, the phone is a poster child for minimalist design, simple yet evocative in its pleasing appearance. There is not a line, edge, or corner out of place, making it exude class and style that would shock you if you knew the price tag it carried.

nubia didn’t skimp on materials either, giving the phone a matte AG glass for its back that not only adds a better grip but also makes the “sparkling sand” surface of the design stand out even more. This is better seen on the Cosmic Black cover which gives you the impression of looking at a starry night sky, while the Sunshine Gold of our review unit gives off a more calming and ethereal presence. The aluminum alloy frame isn’t far behind with its zircon sandblasted finish, adding texture that won’t be easily smudged by fingerprints.

Of course, the nubia Flip 5G needs to have cameras and a second screen on its back, and this is done just as tastefully as the rest of its design. The large black circle is located dead center, giving it symmetry and balance that is admittedly becoming less common in smartphone designs, foldable or otherwise. Once the screen lights up, however, that darkness becomes something like a window to another world, a technological equivalent of the porthole of old ships. This gives the phone a completely different vibe from other clamshell foldables that, while not unattractive, tend to focus more on the technical functionality at the expense of overall design.

Ergonomics

Foldable phones promise a different level of usability and flexibility, but they also demand some changes in the way we use phones. For example, we need to open them up to be able to fully utilize their functions, but the external screen also offers some interactions while the phone is closed. Being able to comfortably and confidently hold such a device in both forms is even more important with foldables than it is for regular, flat smartphones.

Fortunately, the nubia Flip 5G delivers exactly that, and in both forms no less. Holding the folded phone is the easiest thing to do with one hand, and you don’t even have to turn the block around because the external display will automatically adjust itself depending on how you’re holding it. Whether your top is bottom or your bottom is top, you can instantly dive into the notifications, controls, or the camera without having to turn it right side up.

That said, the nubia Flip 5G is admittedly taller and wider than other flip phones, so those with smaller hands might have even more difficulty using it with a single hand. The flat, textured edges help with the grip, but reaching for the other side of the screen with your thumb will still be a tedious task. Then again, most phones these days really take single-handed use for granted, so it’s not exactly alone in this area.

Performance

So far, the nubia Flip 5G seems to punch above its price when it comes to design and comfort, so it raises the question of how the brand was able to push that price tag so low. The answer, if you haven’t guessed it already, is in the hardware. It’s not terrible, mind you, but you would do well to manage your expectations that this isn’t a $1,000 phone.

If you were to really put the flip phone in a box, you would file it under the “mid-range” category. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor it uses is from way back in 2022, and its 8GB of RAM sounds almost meager. Fortunately, this combination has enough silicon muscle to drive a fluid and responsive user experience (especially if you boost the RAM by 12GB by taking away some internal storage space), so you might not even notice the difference. Yes, games need to be set to medium or lower, and certain activities will really raise the temperatures, but there are no show-stopping flaws that would make you throw the phone in frustration.

Even better, the 6.9-inch 120Hz OLED foldable display is actually impressive in its brightness and performance. You’ll have to fiddle with the refresh rate settings to get the right speed you want, but the screen is no joke when it comes to responsiveness and colors. Thanks to the phone’s hinge design, you’ll hardly see the crease unless you intentionally go looking for it. Your finger with definitely feel its existence, but you’ll barely notice it in day-to-day operations. The 1.43-inch circular OLED screen on the back shares these same properties, minus the flexibility, but its small size looks odd when placed side-by-side with other flip phones. At the same time, however, this allows nubia to craft simpler, more beautiful, and less distracting experiences rather than giving you another phone on the back of your phone.

In addition to older hardware, the nubia Flip 5G also runs MyOS 13 which is based on, you guessed it, Android 13. We’re past the time when new devices would come out with old Android versions, so this comes as a bit of a surprise. In 6 months, Android 15 will also be out, making this version very old in terms of features and bug fixes. What makes the situation a little worse is that we’re not confident about nubia’s track record in pushing timely updates, so new owners of this foldable phone might be stuck with the same Android version for a long time.

Battery life is a bit of a mixed bag. On paper, its 4,310mAh capacity is definitely the highest in this foldable category, but the older technology of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 is less battery-efficient, so it all evens out at the end. The 33W charging speed, however, makes up for its short battery life, letting you get as much as a 50% charge in just 15 minutes. In other words, you’ll still be charging almost every night, despite having a bigger battery capacity.

nubia’s cost-cutting strategy, however, really shows when it comes to the cameras. The 16MP front-facing camera is serviceable and takes OK selfies, but for all intents and purposes, you’ll probably end up using the main 50MP camera even for the latter. There are two sensors on the back of the nubia Flip 5G, but you can actively use only one of them as the 2MP camera is really just a depth sensor. That means you’ll be relying on that lone 50MP shooter for everything, including a 2x lossless digital zoom. And yes, there is no ultra-wide camera at all.

While megapixel count isn’t always everything, it still matters when that’s all you really have. In practice, the nubia Flip 5G’s lone camera is like a hero, doing everything to the best of its abilities, even when it sometimes fails. Images are passable and at least have enough details to make the mark. Colors, however, can sometimes look a bit washed out or dull, and there is a clear loss of detail when you zoom in. There’s no OIS, so you’ll have to make sure your subject stays still for a second or two. On the upside, this rear camera takes great portrait photos with pleasing blurs and correct separation of subject and background. With so many smartphones boasting impressive photography chops, the nubia Flip 5G sadly comes up glaringly short of expectations. Then again, it’s not exactly that shocking given how much you’re paying for it anyway.

Sustainability

Compared to regular phones, foldable phones are still infants, and some brands are just as new to playing this game. In that sense, it’s really not surprising that using more sustainable materials is probably the farthest from their minds at this point. They first want to establish the durability and reliability of their design before they change the formula to boast about the use of recycled plastics and metal. The nubia Flip 5G is no different in this regard.

That said, it naturally takes the topic of durability very seriously, even if it doesn’t make any guarantees about even being splash-proof, let alone waterproof and dustproof. The waterdrop-style hinge that allows it to fold completely flat does come with the claim of having withstood more than 200,000 folding and unfolding actions. There is a bit of a crunching sound when opening and folding the phone, though, but that’s probably more from how rigid the hinge is rather than anything breaking inside.

Value

If this were a regular smartphone, we’d consider it pretty basic to the point of being disappointing and leave it at that. But the nubia Flip 5G isn’t your regular smartphone, not by a long shot. It’s hardly the first clamshell-style foldable phone either, but it’s definitely the most affordable one in this specific category. It starts at $499 for 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, but $699 will get you double that memory. When you consider that something like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 starts at $1,000, then it’s really no contest.

That said, nubia’s real competition would come from its peers, like the TECNO Phantom V Flip launched last year. Yes, the $600 price tag puts it above the nubia Flip 5G, but it also comes with some important upgrades, like a more recent processor, faster charging, and more importantly, a better camera system that includes an ultra-wide shooter. It all boils down to how much you’re willing to cut out for a basic foldable experience, and you might be surprised at how much the nubia Flip 5G is able to deliver for less.

Verdict

Foldable phones are here to stay, though it’s taking quite some time for them to become the norm. Part of it is because of consumer hesitation regarding seemingly fragile devices, but an even bigger factor is the price attached to such products that may easily break from the slightest accident. Offering an affordable yet decent foldable phone goes a long way in allaying fears, and the nubia Flip 5G is the commendable hero that is bravely paving the way for others like it.

The $499 price tag for a foldable phone is nothing short of tempting, but it also raises questions about what corners were cut to get there. The camera story is definitely disappointing, as is the use of somewhat older hardware and software. None of these, however, take away from the truth that the nubia Flip 5G is a surprisingly decent foldable smartphone for its price. If you want to sink your teeth into this still-young device category but are too reluctant to spend too much on it, the nubia Flip 5G is definitely a great way to get started, as long as you set your expectations right.

The post nubia Flip 5G Foldable Phone Review: Finally, A Foldable Phone You Can Afford first appeared on Yanko Design.

Most of us probably presume that lamps either hang from ceilings, stick to walls, or stand on tables. While elevated lighting is indeed necessary to provide illumination in the darkness, every inch of your room or house definitely deserves a bit of light, especially when it adds a splash of color as well. As far as ambient lighting products go, the tall, stick-like figures known as RGB floor lamps are probably the least known or appreciated. Govee might very well be changing that perception with its new Floor Lamp Pro which not only brings pro-level features deserving of its name but also looks quite sleek and elegant standing anywhere in the room, even when all its lights are turned off.

Designer: Govee

Click Here to Buy Now: $219.99.

Aesthetics

Govee has dozens of designs for different kinds of lighting solutions, but if there’s one trait they share it’s that they shine best when the lights are on, figuratively and literally. When they’re off, they tend to look unimpressive, at least for those that aren’t hidden behind TVs or stuck to wall corners. Floor lamps, however, are always visible and are, therefore, designed to be seen. Fortunately, the Govee Floor Lamp Pro is something that you’ll love seeing even if there’s no light show taking place.

Available in black and gray color options, the Govee Floor Lamp Pro’s dark silhouette cuts a rather striking figure whether it’s standing in a corner or placed somewhere in the middle of the room. The floor lamp’s shape is pretty simple: a tall, thin rod standing on top of a cylindrical base. On closer inspection, you will realize that the rod is made of sturdy aluminum that slightly wraps around a white silicone LED light strip. You’ll hardly see this color contrast unless you intentionally turn the light strip into view, which is actually easy to do since you can rotate the rod 360 degrees.

The can-shaped base is covered with a fabric-like material reminiscent of those found wrapped around smart speakers. That association isn’t by accident as the Floor Lamp Pro, unlike Govee’s other lights, actually comes with a built-in Bluetooth speaker. This makes the product an all-in-one light and sound system, one of the extremely few floor lamps with such a feature. The bottom of the base itself isn’t covered by this soft material as it exposes the base’s own RGB lights, yet another defining feature of this new Govee Floor Lamp Pro.

Although you can expect the Govee Floor Lamp Pro to be a dazzling sight once the psychedelic lights start to dance, what sets this design apart is how it still catches your eyes once the show is over. Unless you’re familiar with these kinds of RGB floor lamps, you might actually mistake it as some modern design object meant to add some minimalist elegance to your room. This pretty much means that the Floor Lamp Pro provides value all the time, even when you’re not actively using its bright lights.

Ergonomics

Just like any Govee product, setting up the Floor Lamp Pro is practically a breeze. Given the rod’s 67-inch height, you shouldn’t be surprised that it comes in four pieces that you can quickly join and screw together in a snap. You slip in the silicone light strip and install the rod into the base, easily connecting the wires to finally finish the process. It can be done in around 10 minutes, depending on how well-versed you are at assembling things.

You won’t be handling the Govee Floor Lamp Pro most of the time, at least not directly, which is probably for the best. After all, it’s meant to stand in a corner of the room and stay there until the next time you redecorate. And even when you do need to control it, you won’t be able to do it on the lamp itself anyway because it lacks any form of physical control. Instead, you will be operating the lamp remotely, mostly through your smartphone.

Surprisingly, Govee ships a remote control with the Floor Lamp Pro, which gives you quick and instant access to some of the most basic and important functions. Instead of fiddling with the app to turn down the volume, you can simply press down the button on the remote to save you the trouble and the stress. And to make sure you don’t lose that small remote, you can magnetically stick it to the lamp’s metal rod until you next need its services.

The Govee Floor Lamp Pro isn’t exactly lightweight at 7.3lbs (3.3kg), but that’s fine since you’re unlikely to move it around anyway. One trick that it does have is that you can turn the rod around, making it trivial to customize the lighting experience from bouncing off walls to directly shining the light in your direction. All in all, this Govee product is just as easy to set up just like its siblings, though there is definitely some assembly required. Operating it is also straightforward, though the Govee Home app can admittedly be a bit daunting and overwhelming for first-time users, but that is mostly because of the plethora of features available for such a simple-looking product.

Performance

When you first turn on the Govee Floor Lamp Pro, you might actually be blinded by how bright the LED lights are. It is to be expected from a flagship Govee product, but this one definitely takes it up a notch with a 2,100 ANSI lumens brightness. Govee didn’t skimp on the LED beads either. The light strip, for example, has 162 RGB units and 162 white units, while the base has 30 RGB beads and 30 white beads.

What all these numbers mean in practice is that you have a bright and unbroken beam of light wherever the Floor Lamp Pro shines. You won’t see any distinct cuts or patterns on the projected light thanks to the high density of LED beads distributed along the length of the light strip. And thanks to Govee’s RGBICWW technology, your eyes are treated to the widest range of colors, turning every moment a psychedelic experience.

The Govee Floor Lamp Pro, however, doesn’t stop there. As mentioned earlier, this is one of the extremely few floor lamps to bear a speaker inside. And not just any speaker, mind you, but a Bluetooth speaker system with two full-range and one low-frequency speaker inside. What would normally be a captivating light show becomes an immersive multimedia experience that dances to the beat of your music or even your film. That speaker, though loud, won’t exactly blow your mind with its quality. It’s decent enough for small parties and enhancing the mood of a film or soundtrack, but it isn’t going to win any awards, especially against actual speakers from audio brands.

The Floor Lamp Pro has the ability to sync its lights to music like a magical light and sound show. It can use either the built-in mic to listen to the sounds around it or, better yet, the built-in Bluetooth speaker playing your own tunes streaming from your phone. With Govee DreamView, you can even sync other Govee lights so they all dance to the same beat, whether they’re in the same room or scattered throughout the house. This Music Mode is just one of the many features you can access from the Govee Home app, of course, and there are literally a dozen others you can pick out to set the right mood at the right time, from scheduled activation to scenes for different holidays. You can even enjoy 29 preset white noise sounds to calm you down and help you focus, though not everyone might like the available selection. Fortunately, you can always use your own relaxing notes thanks to the lamp’s speaker.

As a smart lamp, you have a variety of ways you can control the lamp, though what you’ve heard so far requires your fingers to tap your way through menus and options. You can also use your voice thanks to integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Unfortunately, the Govee Floor Lamp Pro doesn’t yet support the new Matter standard that would open up compatibility with other smart home platforms and devices. That will eventually come, but there’s no timeline yet for its arrival.

Sustainability

The Govee Floor Lamp Pro is an exceptional smart lighting product, but it isn’t that too different from other brands when it comes to the materials it uses. There’s plenty of plastic to go around, especially with the silicone light strip. That said, the Floor Lamp Pro is a little unique in its use of slightly more sustainable materials like the aluminum rod and fabric-like cover for the base.

Any damage, however, would require sending the product back for repairs, which is thankfully a straightforward and painless process. It’d be impossible to repair the light strip on your own, at least not without extensive electronics experience, though you might get by with a few dents and knicks on the metal rod. Hopefully, as Govee’s business grows, so will its efforts in sustainability in order to secure a brighter future for its customers.

Value

Truth be told, a floor lamp is a harder sell compared to products like string or strip lights. The latter are more general-purpose and more flexible as they can be used in almost any situation or design. That said, they also don’t have a big effect when it comes to coloring an entire space, at least not without investing in longer strips. Not only is that not economical, it’s not very efficient either.

The Govee Floor Lamp Pro has the power to really change the atmosphere inside a space. Whether it’s bouncing off walls or shining directly, the bright and colorful lights can easily reach across the room. The magic, however, really happens when you start pairing those lights with sounds coming from the lamp’s own speaker. Best of all, it remains just as captivating as a decorative design when it’s not in use. For a floor lamp that costs $219.99, that’s quite a steal.

Verdict

Smart floor lamps are still a pretty niche market, and it might be difficult to justify one or two if you’re not a gamer or a die-hard room modder. Of course, these aren’t the only audiences that these lights serve, but most people probably can’t imagine what they’d want a vertical stick of light for. With the Floor Lamp Pro, however, Govee is pushing the envelope of what floor lamps are capable of and trying to break the mold with a smart lighting solution that can instantly change the ambiance of a room in a cost-efficient and space-saving manner.

The configurable and bright RGB lights are already impressive, but their ability to sync with the music playing from the lamp’s built-in speakers really takes the immersion up a notch. The wide variety of modes and features enables you to almost literally paint a different picture of your room every time, whether you’re having a lively party or trying to focus on work. The Govee Floor Lamp Pro’s value, however, doesn’t end when the lights go off and the music stops. With a sleek minimalist design and quality materials, it becomes a design object that adds a different kind of aesthetic, one that can speak loudly with fewer words and without the dazzling lights.

Click Here to Buy Now: $219.99.

The post Govee Floor Lamp Pro Review: Elevate Your Space with Lights and Sounds first appeared on Yanko Design.

It’s not unusual to see a company take a different direction after it launches a successful product or two. Improvements have to be made, of course, but there are times when upgrades turn into almost completely different products that seem to stray away from what made those successful designs successful. By renaming its earbuds to a simple “Ear” and dropping the number after it, some might think that Nothing has gone back to the drawing board to rebrand and redesign. Fortunately, there’s nothing to worry about since the new Ear and Ear (a) look almost exactly the same, so we give it a test to see, or rather hear, if its beauty is skin deep or if it’s something you’ll want to listen to.

Designer: Nothing

Aesthetics

At its birth, Nothing made bold claims and used Apple-like language to describe its design philosophy, and for the most part, it has been able to prove its words. It has established a distinct aesthetic not just with the Nothing Phone at also with all iterations of its Ear wireless buds. Technically the fourth generation after two numbered Ears and one Stick, the new Ear and Ear (a) thankfully retains that transparent stem design paired with opaque buds, staying true to form and keeping what its customers love about its products.

Of course, that does also mean that you won’t be able to distinguish the new Ear from the Ear (2), at least not visually. All of the changes are internal, which you can technically see because of the transparent design but not recognized. You get the upgraded experience and new features without losing the Ear’s eye-catching design, nor do you miss out on the quality materials that give the buds and its case their premium character.

If you want something fresh, you’ll have to look at the Nothing Ear (a) instead. While the buds themselves remain the same, the case transforms into a more rectangular shape that still has a transparent cover like the regular Ear. The new case also has a few important usability improvements, which we’ll get to later. The biggest difference between the Ear and Ear (a), however, is the bright new yellow color available only for the Ear (a) model. The choice of color wasn’t simply based on a whim, as Nothing compares it to its design philosophy of transparency, stripping away unnecessary colors and leaving only the primary hues. Perhaps it’s a hint that future Ears will be available in Cyan and Magenta.

In terms of aesthetics, Nothing has thankfully stayed true to both the spirit and the application of its design philosophy. You have an elegant and minimalist earbud design that embodies transparency literally and figuratively. The Ear (a) takes that a bit further in the direction of joyful play with a bright yellow finish. It would have been great if both Ear and Ear (a) shared the same color selection, but it’s understandable that Nothing wants to target different groups with different designs while still holding true to its core design values.

Ergonomics

One of the benefits of sticking to a tried and tested design is that you don’t have to worry about whether it works or not. In this case, the Nothing Ear’s usability has already been proven since the first generation, so you can be sure that you will be enjoying a tight seal and a comfortable fit like others before it. That said, there will always be exceptions, especially for those with ear shapes that the included tips don’t support. Unfortunately, Nothing has yet to provide a solution to that problem, like with extra tips to fit less common ears.

Since the case of the Nothing Ear hasn’t changed in the slightest, its ergonomics remain the same as the Ear (2). You still have a compact square shape that opens up like a clamshell, complete with that odd dimple that lets you precariously use the case as a fidget toy. It almost means, however, that the new Ear’s case still bears the same shortcomings as well, which the Ear (a)’s case thankfully fixes.

The rounded rectangular case of the Nothing Ear (a) has softer edges that make it more comfortable to hold in the hand. More importantly, however, you can clearly see its orientation so you won’t have to pause for a second to figure out which direction it opens. This yellow bubble-like container has markings to make it easy to see which bud goes in which slot. The red dot matches the dot of the same color on the right Ear (a) bud, while white is the color for the left bud. It’s a trivial addition but one that has a significant impact on the product’s usability.

Performance

You’ve undoubtedly come across designs that are so captivating yet fail to impress when it comes to functionality. That is fortunately not the case for the new Nothing Ear and Ear (a), and this is where the earbuds really prove to be worthy upgrades. Suffice it to say, you won’t be disappointed by the sound that you will hear, especially when you consider how much the buds cost.

The Nothing Ear and Ear (a) both boast new 11m drivers, though the higher-end model uses a ceramic material for even better audio clarity. In practice, this means that both buds are nearly equal in terms of audio output, producing clear, bold sounds with depth, especially when you turn on the bass enhance setting on the Nothing X app. Admittedly, it’s not going to compete with premium earbuds that cost nearly twice as much, but you won’t find both Ears lacking either. You get a well-balanced audio performance that makes listening to music, especially to classical music, a joy.

You can, of course, tweak the experience with the equalizer available in the mobile app, but the Nothing Ear does one thing more than the Ear (a). You can create a personalized sound profile by going through a series of tests so that you can be assured of the best quality possible given your ear shape and the tips you’re using. It takes the Ear’s performance to the next level, but not all people will be willing to pay the literal price for advanced features they may or may not even notice.

The good news is that, for all intents and purposes, the two new Nothing earbuds have the same feature set and perform quite similarly in that regard. Active Noise Cancellation, which has three levels of sensitivity, is quite effective, though definitely not on the same level as those more expensive brands. You can also set the app to automatically switch between ANC levels depending on the amount of ambient noise, which doesn’t always kick in immediately. There’s also a transparency mode that works in the opposite direction to let external sounds in, useful when you need to talk to someone or be aware of your surroundings.

Another trait the two share in common is dual connectivity, where you can pair the buds to two devices at the same time. They will switch between the two depending on which device is active, so you can take a call on your phone and then resume listening to music from your laptop afterward. In-ear detection is also automatic, and it will pause or resume playback when you remove and put back one or both of the buds in your ear.

Battery life is also one of the key upgrades in this generation of Nothing earbuds. The Ear can last a little over 5 hours with ANC on, while the Ear (a) somewhat ironically lasts longer over 5.5 hours in the same condition. Those figures nearly double if you turn ANC off, and the cases can charge the buds around three more times for extended use.

Sustainability

Nothing has always been a strong proponent of sustainable practices from the get-go, and the Ear and the Ear (a) thankfully don’t diverge from that path. The buds themselves might not be made from recycled materials, aside from the 100% recycled tin solder paste, but everything else about their manufacturing and packaging takes positive steps towards taking care of the environment. In addition to plastic-free packaging and carbon footprint labels, Nothing also uses renewable energy in the final assembly of the earbuds.

Given their size, the tendency to lose at least one of the pair, and their fragile designs, many earbuds have become almost disposable accessories, even if you’d cry over their price tag. The Nothing Ear and Ear (a) are thankfully built to last, though not exactly on equal footing. Both buds are IP54 dust and water-resistant, but only the Ear’s case enjoys an IP55 rating. The Ear (a), unfortunately, can only claim IPX2 water resistance, so you’ll probably be more careful that the yellow box doesn’t meet accidents.

Value

Despite the upgrades, the Nothing Ear doesn’t change its price tag from the $149 of its predecessor. The Nothing Ear (a), on the other hand, introduces a new $99 option in between the Ear and the $79 Ear (stick). Given its impressive performance and eye-catching design, those prices are quite a steal. The bigger question, however, is which of the two you should grab.

Unfortunately, things don’t seem to be in favor of the Nothing Ear. Yes, it has more features like a personal sound profile, a slightly better audio quality, and a more durable case, but not all of these will be deal breakers. In contrast, the Ear (a) offers comparable performance, a slightly longer battery life, a more ergonomic case, and a new yellow color option in addition to the typical white and black, all for a $50 lower price tag. There is a chance that the majority of buyers will prefer the Nothing Ear (a), especially the yellow option, but more discerning audiophiles won’t go wrong with the higher-end Nothing Ear.

Verdict

At first glance, the Nothing Ear seems like a simple rehash of an old design. It does, however, invite us to look deeper to go beyond what the eyes can see, and the product’s transparency is exactly a metaphor for that mindset. It brings together a familiar, stylish design and quality performance without extraneous features that distract you from the essentials. Best of all, it doesn’t even ask for more despite the noticeable improvements in the overall experience.

The Nothing Ear (a) sends a slightly different message with its vibrant color and more playful shape. It still clearly has Nothing’s design DNA but mixes it up with a fun identity that doesn’t skimp on the important bits. It says that you don’t have to go overboard, both in features and in price, to have a good time, and both the Ear and Ear (a) offer a delightful design that not only gets the basics right but goes above and beyond for a truly memorable experience each time you put them on.

The post Nothing Ear and Ear (a) Buds Review: It’s Nothing To Scoff At first appeared on Yanko Design.

The EDC or Everyday Carry trend has been around for quite a while and there’s no sign of it slowing down anytime soon. Just like with paper notebooks and organizers, each collection of items and tools uniquely reflects the characters that own them. Some have simple packs filled with analog writing tools while others go fully digital with the latest gadgets and accessories. Still, some have an EDC that’s ready to face any task or problem, which sometimes involves cutting or slicing things. There might be a few who are hesitant to add a knife to their kit because most of the designs that can fit in an EDC often look like they’re geared for battle. Tekto has been making a few “tactical” knives designed to cater to this market, so we give the Forged Carbon version of its F2 Bravo folding knife a few flips to see if it makes the cut.

Designer: Tekto

Click Here to Buy Now: $127.50 $149.99 (15% off with coupon code “YANKO”). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours! Fedex 2 day shipping to all USA orders for free.

Aesthetics

Calling the Tekto F2 Bravo a tactical knife might be a little bit confusing, though depending on the exact variant you’re going for, it does fit the bill in terms of looks. The Forged Carbon with Blue Accents that we have for this review does have that camo-like appearance to the handle, but that’s pretty much the extent of the association with tactical gear. Because at the end of the day, the F2 Bravo is a handsome tool that carries both finesse as well as strength in its appearance alone.

Unlike what you might think of tactical knives or folding pocket knives in general, the Tekto F2 Bravo uses straight, clean lines to portray an image of sharpness and simplicity. The handle itself has a simple and straight structure that avoids excessive curves and embellishments that only get in the way of the knife’s utility. Titanium accents used for the custom pivot, machined clip, and milled spacer add a premium quality to the knife, again an unexpected trait for something labeled as a tactical tool.

Even the blade, made from durable D2 steel, is a cut above the rest, pun intended. While most EDC knives prefer to show off their flashy blades with shiny silver, the F2 Bravo prefers a dark, black titanium coating. It gives the knife a distinctive appearance that is cold yet also precise, perfectly complementing whatever color the handle has. While it does catch your attention, it doesn’t distract you from the task at hand without a shiny surface to reflect light or the surface of what you’re cutting through.

With its slim profile, simple geometrical shape, and handsome looks, the Tekto F2 Bravo definitely stands above other EDC knives. It’s neither flashy nor flimsy, perfectly balancing aesthetics and a solid feel that we’ll get to in a bit.

Ergonomics

Just like its comparatively small size, the F2 Bravo is also surprisingly lightweight at only 2.04oz (68g). That’s not an insignificant number, considering this knife will take up space in small EDC bags or even pockets. For the latter, there’s a deep-carry titanium clip that makes it easy to secure in pants or shirts. That clip, unfortunately, is also one of the very few flaws in this knife’s design. You can’t remove the clip to switch it to the other side, unlike Tekto’s other ambidextrous clips. It’s not a deal-breaker definitely, but it’s something that buyers might want to consider when it comes to their comfort.

Despite its lightweight body, the knife still feels solid in your hand, especially when you deploy and close the blade. The one thing you might want to take note of is the size and shape of the handle. Unlike some of those more rugged knives, the F2 Bravo’s body doesn’t have specialized nooks and crannies to rest your fingers, except for the front guard for your index finger and jimping for the thumb. Some larger hands might even find the handle too small for a secure hold, and they might find themselves gripping it more forcefully and experiencing strain over time.

In most cases, however, the Tekto F2 Bravo offers a design that gives you confidence every time you grip the handle and deploy the blade. Exactly what you need for a sharp, cutting tool

Performance

The F2 Bravo’s fine edge drop point blade is quite a beast. It easily cuts through paper, cardboard, fabric, ropes, and other materials you might meet in your day-to-day travels. Given its size and purpose, it’s not fit for heavy-duty work, especially if you need some tooth to saw through harder materials. Then again, it’s an EDC knife more than an actual outdoor “tactical” blade, an aspect that might cause some confusion due to the name chosen by Tekto’s marketing.

Ceramic Ball Bearings – Enables quick and smooth blade deployment.

A sharp blade, however, is pointless if you can’t get it out of its hiding place fast enough and with little difficulty, and this is where the F2 Bravo really shines the brightest. It uses a ceramic ball bearing mechanism to rapidly and smoothly deploy the blade, and it definitely works as advertised. The action is smooth and the trigger is easy, giving you a satisfying feeling each and every time you make the blade spring into action. It might sound like a simple thing, but you shouldn’t underestimate the feeling of fulfillment from using a tool that not only works well but also gives you joy.

In addition to its rapid deployment, the F2 Bravo also delivers much-needed safety so that you can confidently slip it in your EDC bag or even your pocket. The discreet liner lock gives all the assurance you need that the sharp blade won’t just accidentally deploy or fold at the slightest pressure. At the same time, the strategically placed jimping makes it just as stable to close the blade when you’re done with your task. More than just its handsome looks, every part of the Tekto F2 Bravo is designed to provide maximum comfort without sacrificing its cutting performance.

Sustainability

For a tool that will most likely be used for rough purposes, it’s only reasonable to expect the Tekto F2 Bravo to be made to last. It uses plenty of durable materials, primarily Forged Carbon and D2 steel, that provide longevity while also making the folding knife lightweight and comfortable to hold. And thanks to its premium design, it uses very little plastic materials, making the knife inherently sustainable.

Sooner or later, however, the knife will meet some mishap that can’t be solved simply by sharpening the blade. Unfortunately, the F2 Bravo isn’t made to be easily repairable, at least not by untrained hands. The good news is that for most damages, Tekto accepts repairs or refurbishing, though you’ll have to ship the knife back to them. That said, you can replace lost screws on your own, but you’ll have to contact Tekto to get official replacement parts. Given that Tekto has a very responsive in-house customer service center, which responds within hours and usually ships parts on the same day, getting a replacement part should be a relatively quick and painless process.

Value

There are many pocket knives presenting themselves as EDC-friendly, but most of them fall under two categories. There are larger knives that are clearly made for outdoor use, and there are smaller knives that feel like they’ll break even before you finish cutting. The Tekto F2 Bravo proudly stands somewhere in the middle, with a tactical guise that speaks to its durability and performance, all while keeping a stylish and elegant design. It’s almost the perfect EDC knife, but there are a few things you’ll want to consider before committing to buying one.

The first is that it’s not a “one size fits all” affair and larger hands might find the knife a bit uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time. It’s also not the most affordable option of its kind, give or take around $140, depending on sales or discounts. That said, you do get a quality product that looks handsome in any EDC toolbox, so if you’re the type that needs to cut or slice a lot, the Tekto F2 Bravo definitely pays for itself in the long run.

Verdict

Something billed as a “tactical” knife is probably something you’d never consider for your EDC collection. It conjures up images of rugged or militaristic tools, probably more than you’ll ever want or need for everyday use. Fortunately, that’s really just a marketing strategy, because the Tekto F2 Bravo is anything but bulky and menacing.

It has a simple yet elegant design that belies the power it hides within, literally. Its lightweight yet durable Forged Carbon body makes it a pleasure to hold, while the black titanium-coated D2 steel blade looks as cool and sharp as it really is. Ceramic ball bearings make deployment swift and smooth, while the liner lock provides the confidence you need in every cut. With its handsome looks, a sharp blade, and a satisfying deployment mechanism, the Tekto F2 Bravo easily carves a place for itself in any EDC.

Click Here to Buy Now: $127.50 $149.99 (15% off with coupon code “YANKO”). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours! Fedex 2 day shipping to all USA orders for free.

The post Tekto F2 Bravo EDC Folding Knife Review: Sharp, Stylish, Satisfying first appeared on Yanko Design.

A countertop RO system brings a plethora of benefits to your home. Not only does it provide clean and delicious water, but it also takes convenience to a new level. The system requires no complicated setup, saving you from the upfront high cost of purchasing a traditional under-stage RO, hassle, and time typically associated with such installations. Furthermore, it doesn’t come with the high installation costs that often accompany traditional water purification systems. Unlike under-sink models, a countertop RO system does not take up any space under your sink, which leaves you with more room for storage. All these advantages make the Waterdrop CoreRO Countertop Reverse Osmosis System an excellent choice for those who value both quality, value, and convenience.

Designer: Waterdrop

Click Here to Buy Now: $199 $249 (20% off, Use coupon code “WDYanko5” to get additional 5% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

Aesthetics & Ergonomics

As the name implies, countertop Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems, such as the Waterdrop CoreRO, are designed to be placed on a kitchen or utility room countertop, ideally close to a water source. This placement is not only for convenience but also for the system’s efficient operation.

The Waterdrop CoreRO is designed for compactness, standing just 17 inches tall. This height, considered small compared to other models, is a major selling point. It should fit comfortably under most if not all, kitchen countertops. Despite its powerful purification capabilities, it won’t dominate your kitchen space. It’s crucial, as the kitchen is often a family gathering spot, and the last thing you want is an unsightly appliance on the countertop.

Moreover, its slim yet wide dimensions (15.6 inches by 10.9 inches) significantly add to its compact nature. These dimensions have been carefully chosen to ensure the system takes up minimal space on your countertop while providing ample room for the necessary filtration components. Overall, the Waterdrop CoreRO’s compact design can seamlessly fit into your kitchen setup without disrupting your space or routines.

The front of the device has an easy-to-read touch-screen control panel, and underneath is a drip tray. The filter is inserted into the top left, while the pure water tank sits on the right side. At the same time, the feed water tank hangs out in the back of the unit.

One feature I particularly appreciate is the mode settings, which can store the precise amount of water to dispense. I’ve set the favorite mode to dispense 8oz of water, as this is the daily recommended intake for an adult. The option on the right allows for amounts ranging from 4, 8, 12, and 20 ounces all the way up to 999 oz. It also has a TDS display showing the Total Dissolved Solids in the water. These include small particles like minerals, salts, or metals. The display provides a measurement that allows you to assess your water quality. A lower TDS value indicates purer water.

What sold me is the 40oz removable water container. It’s the perfect size for the refrigerator. The part is it’s convenient to have a few of these containers on hand, prefilter the water, and have them nice and cold, ready to pour for a refreshing drink.

Performance

Operating with a “3:1 pure to drain RO filtration,” this system showcases its proficiency in water purification. The “3:1” ratio indicates that for every three portions of clean water it generates, only one portion is wasted, highlighting the efficient use of water resources. This makes the Waterdrop CoreRO Countertop RO System a sustainable choice for clean water.

During the RO process, water is forced through a semipermeable membrane, separating out impurities and contaminants. The Waterdrop CoreRO Countertop System, which is NSF/ANSI 372 Certified, SGS&CSA Tested, and FCC approved, utilizes a 5-stage filtration process, reducing up to 99.9% of impurities. This process includes a PP cotton layer, a scale inhibitor layer, a carbon fiber layer, another PP cotton layer, and a final 0.0001μm RO membrane. The discarded water, often called drain or wastewater, removes the rejected substances from the system. The system strikes a balance between producing purified water and managing wastewater, ensuring clean drinking water delivery while reducing resource wastage.

My family consumes a significant amount of water daily, more than I do, since I primarily drink coffee. They can’t tell the difference between Waterdrop CoreRO and bottled water. More importantly, they prefer its purer taste over the filtered water from our refrigerator.

Sustainability

For several reasons, a countertop RO system, such as the Waterdrop CoreRO, is highly sustainable and better for the planet. First, it reduces the need for disposable plastic water bottles, a major pollution source. Providing clean, filtered water directly from the tap eliminates the need for bottled water and the associated waste.

Secondly, this system is designed with longevity in mind. The 5-stage filter has a lifespan of 12 months, reducing the frequency of replacement and the associated waste. This is significantly longer than many other filtration systems on the market, further contributing to its sustainability.

Moreover, the Waterdrop CoreRO system’s efficient 3:1 ratio ensures minimal water wastage during filtration, a big improvement over less efficient systems that waste more water. The system contributes to water conservation efforts by minimizing water waste, an important consideration given the increasing global water scarcity. The Waterdrop CoreRO Countertop Reverse Osmosis System is a high-performance water purification system that, through its sustainable design, significantly contributes to environmental conservation.

Value

Thanks to its low initial cost, the Waterdrop CoreRO countertop system offers substantial long-term value. This is particularly evident when considering the financial savings and positive environmental impact it provides.

The recommended daily water intake for a family of two adults and two children averages around 240 ounces. Factoring in the system’s cost of $199 plus next year’s filter replacement only comes to less than $300.

Contrast this with the expense of purchasing bottled water. With an average cost of $0.50 per 16.9 oz bottle, the family’s daily consumption translates to approximately $7.10. Annually, this reaches a staggering $2591.50.

Despite the initial investment, the cumulative annual savings become evident. Deducting the total yearly cost of using the filtration system from the annual expense of buying bottled water yields a net annual savings of approximately $2391.50.

Living with two teenagers who participate in sports year-round, it’s crucial for them to consume water beyond the recommended daily intake. Hence, we find great value in the Waterdrop CoreRO system. Instead of reaching for bottled water, my kids use this system to fill up their water bottles.

As a coffee enthusiast, I’ve always found that coffee tastes much better when made with filtered water. I can enjoy this luxury without paying for bottled, filtered water. I’m convinced.

Verdict

For any household looking for a compact, efficient, and sustainable solution for high-quality drinking water, the Waterdrop CoreRO countertop RO system is an exceptional choice. Its standout features include a hassle-free setup that eschews complex installations, a leading-edge 3:1 reverse osmosis efficiency ratio that signifies its outstanding efficacy, and a 5-stage filter boasting an impressive 12-month lifespan for sustained use. The design includes a removable water container for added convenience alongside a built-in safeguard against leaks, a common issue with traditional under-the-sink systems. While it requires daily refilling of the water container and occupies some counter space, the overall benefits, such as its aesthetic appeal, user-friendly design, top-notch performance, sustainable operation, and excellent value proposition, make it a sound investment for accessing pure drinking water.

Click Here to Buy Now: $199 $249 (20% off, Use coupon code “WDYanko5” to get additional 5% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

The post Waterdrop CoreRO Countertop Reverse Osmosis System Review: an Eco-Friendly and Cost-Efficient Solution for Pure Drinking Water first appeared on Yanko Design.

Smart lighting is one of the easiest ways to get into smart homes. Often you simply have to screw bulbs or plug lamps in, connect them to your phone, and you’re instantly able to control them remotely or through automated schedules. That kind of smart light is practical and convenient but not exactly impressive, nor does it let you easily create the lighting atmosphere that you want without investing heavily in multiple expensive products. If you really want to jazz up your space and dazzle your guests or viewers, you’ll want something like programmable string or rope lights to leave a lasting positive impression. Govee just launched its latest product in that category, the RGBIC Neon Rope Light 2, promising better build quality, more extensive customization, and more intelligent smart features, so we put this second-gen smart rope light to the test if it can really become our kaleidoscopic paintbrush to brighten up the room with our creativity.

Designer: Govee

Click here to Buy Now: $99.99

Aesthetics

Right out of the box, you can already tell that the Govee RGBIC Neon Rope Light 2 is a class above your typical string light. You don’t see any braided cords or LED “bulbs.” Instead, you have a roll of tubing that looks clean, simple, and very bendable. It has a minimalist aesthetic that looks appealing even when the lights are turned off. Even better, Govee now offers black and white color options so that the rope can match whatever motif you have going. Of course, the actual area where light shines through is a translucent white surface, so you’ll still have to take that into account when designing around walls and furniture.

When the lights do turn on, the Govee Neon Rope Light 2 becomes a dazzling array of colors. With an astounding 420 of these RGBIC LEDs split into 42 zones, there is not a single inch that can’t be painted in a hue of your choosing. The lights are bright, not bright enough for being the main light source but perfect for setting the mood or adding accents to a room. And the sheer amount of effects you can use will never grow old.

The most impressive part about the RGBIC Neon Rope Light 2’s appearance, however, is not the product itself but what you can make out of it. Thanks to an even more flexible material, you can easily design almost anything you want with the rope, from seemingly random patterns to carefully planned outlines of objects. This kind of flexibility, literally and figuratively, can inspire the artist in you, turning your wall into a canvas and the rope light into a brush paint of hundreds of colors.

Ergonomics

You won’t be holding the Govee RGBIC Neon Rope Light 2 whenever you use it, but you will naturally need to handle it when you’re installing it in the first place. It’s important for that process to be as easy and painless as possible, and Govee has thankfully ensured that it will be the case. Compared to its predecessor, this second-gen rope light is 14% more flexible and 14% lighter, key traits for something you’ll be bending a lot to your desired shape.

What all these mean is that you have more freedom to let your creativity loose in turning the rope light where you want it to go. Yes, you still have to mind the proper way to bend the rope light, but it’s pretty much common sense: you only bend it so the light is actually facing outward. The included bend clips that help the rope retain its shape have the same “outward bending” design, though neither the clips nor the rope actually stop you from bending it the wrong way, much to your own peril.

Despite its flexibility, the rope light won’t stay in that curved shape for long, so you’ll need to stick it with the built-in adhesives on its back. The good news is that these adhesives are extremely strong so you won’t have to worry about the rope going out of shape. The bad news is that they’re so strong that you won’t be able to easily remove them if you need to make changes. This means you have to be extra sure and careful that you have the final design you really want before you start sticking it to a surface. Hopefully, Govee will be able to come up with a more flexible solution someday that will let you reposition and reshape the light more easily.

Performance

Govee’s RGBIC LED technology has been impressive from what we’ve seen in previous reviews, and the Neon Rope Light 2 is thankfully no different. There are two variants of the rope, one in 10ft/3m length and another in 16.4ft/5m, which is our review unit, with 42 and 70 segments of light, respectively. For the 5-meter rope, there are an impressive 420 LEDs running its length, with as many as 84 LEDs per meter. As with any Govee RGBIC product, you can control each of those segments separately, though you’ll most likely be doing it through lighting effects and scenes anyway.

If you want to do things a bit more manually, Govee also has a nifty feature that makes the process a lot easier. With the app’s Shape Mapping mode, you can take a picture of your rope light design with your phone’s camera and then select which color goes to which segment, giving you full control of the composition without having to guess which part of the rope corresponds to which part of your design. Whether you’re going the full automated route with AI or exercising complete control over every LED, the Govee RGBIC Neon Rope Light 2 gives you the tools you need to express your design in a burst of color.

As mentioned earlier, the lights are pretty bright, though not blindingly so. The gamut of colors each LED supports is more than enough to cover every hue your eyes can detect, although it does lack the ability to display pure white without a dedicated white LED. Govee has a newer RGBICW that solves that problem, but that’s not available here on the RGBIC Neon Rope Light 2. You’ll have to make do with off-white blended from the combination of red, blue, and green, though that probably won’t be a problem for most use cases anyway.

The rope light’s real strength, aside from its flexibility, can be found in the Govee Home App which is home (pun intended) to all the settings and customization options you can ever want. Connecting the rope light to your phone is easy peasy and is done over Bluetooth, after which you can remotely control the lights without breaking a sweat. If you do want to connect it to smart home platforms, particularly through the new Matter support, you’ll have to do it over Wi-Fi. It should be noted that, like many smart home devices so far, it requires a 2.5GHz Wi-Fi network so 5GHz-only routers will have difficulty making that connection.

Govee provides a huge library of effects for the Neon Rope Light 2, including 12 Music Modes that can sync to the beat of music, and 64 Scene Modes with preset settings to cover a wide variety of occasions, seasons, and moods. Things get really interesting with the arrival of the AI Lighting Bot this March, which will let you harness the power of generative AI to create new effects not included in Govee’s catalog. Simply give it a prompt with specific elements, situations, and even brands and it will scour the Internet and its database to come up with the (hopefully) perfect combination that delivers what you asked for.

Sustainability

Like with string lights, the Neon Rope Light 2 suffers from the problem of becoming significantly less usable once LEDs start failing. Yes, you can probably live with one or two blank spots, but they’re there forever with no option to replace them individually. In fact, one of the Neon Rope Light 2’s greatest strengths, its clean and simple tubing, is also its greatest weakness in this regard. You can’t easily access the LED’s inside anyway, let alone repair or replace them. Your only recourse, in the final analysis, is to ship them for repairs or, worse, buy a new rope. Either way, that involves removing the rope light from its installation, which can be a laborious process.

As for the materials used for the RGBIC Neon Rope Light 2, we can perhaps presume that Govee is using standard synthetic materials like silicone. Yes, the material is lighter and more flexible now, but it’s not more sustainable. As Govee grows, we hope to see more efforts from the brand toward this aspect, especially since its products will be filling the market and homes.

Value

String lights try to offer a way to illuminate a path or shape, but they can only do so much in actually forming that shape. Worse, because of their inherent design, they’re often better off hidden from view so that their presence only becomes known once the lights turn on. While there will always be uses for string lights, the Govee RGBIC Neon Rope Light 2 delivers something new, different, and mind-blowing. It gives you the creative freedom to design your own lighting masterpiece without too much effort.

The more flexible and lighter material of this 2nd-gen rope light enables owners to really bend the light to the shape they want, and the impressive performance of Govee’s RGBIC LED technology really outshines the competition. Best of all, the Neon Rope Light 2 has a mind-blowing assortment of effects, from the upcoming AI-generated Lighting Bot to the easy-to-use Shape Mapping feature. All of these for an equally impressive price tag that makes the experience accessible to everyone.

Verdict

RGB lighting was once considered the domain of gamers who prefer dark corners just to show off their neon-lit equipment, but everyone has now grown to appreciate what a splash of color can do not just to brighten up a space but also to create a mood, amaze, and entertain. Many RGB lamps exist for that purpose, but the majority of them force owners to design around the lamps instead of having the products cater to their needs. Fortunately, Govee has the perfect solution to fix that problem.

The Govee RGBIC Neon Rope Light 2’s upgraded flexibility allows you to “draw” on a wall or around furniture, giving you complete freedom to create the design that you want. An impressive library of effects from the Govee Home app lets you create the light show of your dreams, whether with the upcoming AI Lighting Bot’s assistance or with full control using the Shape Mapping tool. We wished it was just as easy to remove the rope light and create a different design as it was to install it the first time, but it’s a minor consideration that could happen in future versions of the product. All in all, the Govee RGBIC Neon Rope Light 2 delivers a very powerful tool for letting your creativity shine, literally.

Click here to Buy Now: $99.99

The post Govee RGBIC Neon Rope Light 2 Review: Helping Your Creativity Really Shine first appeared on Yanko Design.

TVs today are more than just large boxes that show moving pictures. They have also become pieces of decoration that add to the ambiance of a space, whether they’re turned on or not. The lush and vibrant colors that a TV can display can definitely light up a dark room, but that glow stops at the TV’s frame. Yes, the TV’s light can bounce off nearby walls, depending on where it’s placed, but you have absolutely no control over what happens. TV backlights were made to help better immerse you in the show or movie you’re watching by making sure that the light behind and around your TV reflects the content that’s on screen. Smart lighting expert Govee recently launched its latest contender in that category and even partnered with Warner Bros to tie in with the studio’s latest new science fiction film, Dune: Part Two. It’s the perfect time, then, to take a close look at the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite, particularly with this Dune-themed packaging, to see what value it adds to your viewing experience and if it’s tempting price tag sounds too good to be true.

Designer: Govee

Click Here to Buy Now: $74.99 $89.99 (16% off).

Aesthetics

For something you will never see again after you’ve installed it, the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite has quite an interesting appearance. Of course, it’s just a flat strip of LEDS grouped into four segments that need to go around your large TV, but the transparent material that covers the LEDs and some of the circuitry that controls allows you to see some of the secrets behind the magic. It’s not unlike that trend in consumer electronics where transparent cases showed off the parts that actually made the product work. It’s not as sophisticated as those, but it still adds a bit of flavor to the design.

Of course, the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite’s beauty really shines, literally, it has been installed and enabled, and boy does it shine! The light the strips produce is quite bright, especially in a dim room, and the colors are rich and vibrant. The way those colors shift almost instantly to match what’s on the screen is also magical, making it look like the TV actually goes beyond its frame. We’ll get to the technical details that make that possible in a bit, but suffice it to say, the backlight definitely delivers an enriching experience when watching any kind of content on TV.

While the backlight itself is something you won’t see, there is one part of the system that is actually always visible and, depending on your setup, always in your face. Given how the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite works, it’s necessary to have that camera hanging from the top of the TV, extending a bit forward from the frame. Depending on the design of the TV itself, this black cantilever-like part may or may not easily stand out, and it will definitely add a little blemish to more artful TV designs. Unfortunately, there is no other way to implement this kind of dynamic color-matching system, so it’s a cost that owners will have to live with. Fortunately, it might actually be the biggest cost after all.

Ergonomics

Since the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite is not something you’ll be using in your hand every time, its ergonomics mostly apply to the installation process as well as the hands-free control of the lights. In that regard, Govee’s light strip is not really unlike others in this market, which isn’t completely a good thing either. Installing the lights on the TV is a very involved process, which will be even more difficult if your TV is mounted on a wall.

In a nutshell, you attach the four segments of the strip on the four edges of the TV’s back. The exact placement of the strips will depend on the shape of that rear, with curved ones being the trickiest. The strips are attached using 3M adhesive, which will worry some owners about the permanence of the installation and the marks it will leave behind when removed. Special care must also be taken to hide the loose cables at the corners so that they don’t peek out of the frame or cast shadows when the lights are turned on.

Compared to its previous two TV backlights, Govee changed the design of the camera bracket significantly. It no longer uses an adhesive and instead relies on gravity and the weighted bracket to attach the camera to the top of the TV without sticking it with an adhesive. In theory, it works and won’t wobble too much (unless you’re constantly moving the TV), but some might worry enough to actually use the included adhesive anyway. The bigger problem, however, is that this design also limits the bracket to certain TVs, particularly thinner ones. It’s certainly possible to attach it to other TVs, but not without putting in a lot more effort as well.

Once that hard work is done, however, the rest of the setup is easy as pie. You only need to turn the control box on, connect it to the Govee app on your phone, and go through the initialization process. That will include calibrating the camera by placing removable orange markers on the front edges of the TV, and that’s pretty much it. The mobile app has tons of settings and modes you can play with, but even leaving it at the default color-matching mode is more than enough to enhance your watching experience. You don’t even need that app if you connect it to your Wi-Fi so that you can control it by voice using smart home platforms, though like any Govee product, it requires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, so 5GHz-only routers will be incompatible.

Performance

Without the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite

Although TV backlights are not uncommon, dynamic color-matching ones are still hard to come by, especially at the price point that the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite with Dune-themed packaging comes with. It’s even harder to find one that works so well, which is why this Govee product is actually impressive and a dream come true for TV owners who want to take their cinematic experience to the next level.

With the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite

Govee upgrades the backlight from its usual RGBIC LEDs to a new RGBICW tech which adds a fourth color to the combination. With a dedicated white LED, the lights can cover even more colors as well as different white temperatures. The lights become more expressive and more vibrant, able to better match the colors being displayed on the screen in front.

Of course, that color-matching doesn’t happen by magic, which is where that odd protruding comes in. With improved Envisual technology and upgraded processors, the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite is able to identify colors on the screen faster and adjust the lights accordingly. The new fish-eye correction also makes sure that the 180-degree field of view camera sees the edges correctly as well. Admittedly, there’s still about a split-second delay between what happens on the screen and the backlight changing, but it’s almost negligible, to say the least. An HDMI control box would have made things faster but that would only work for content coming through HDMI sources and might not support future versions of the HDMI standard. This camera-based system is, therefore, more flexible and more future-proof, making that milliseconds delay a small price to pay.

Although the color-matching feature is already incredible, the Govee app still has a lot in store for those who want to customize every detail. That includes different modes for what lights to play, even if that means not matching what goes on screen. This is where the collaboration with Warner Bros. comes in, turning the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite into a portal into the world of Dune: Part Two. There are two new lighting effects, namely Arrakis and Spice, that will make you feel like you’re actually in that fictional world. Even the app itself gets a Dune theme to match. But if you really want to be transported to Arrakis, Govee’s DreamView technology allows you to sync with other Govee lights in the room, bathing you in the warm orange glow of the planet’s environment.

From its fast responsive color-matching to its bright, vibrant colors, the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite definitely delivers on its promises. It’s not a perfect solution, of course, at least not yet, but the company seems to be heading in the right direction. And with tons of customizable options, including those from the Dune: Part Two collab, the design definitely has a lot to offer, especially if you have other Govee lights in the room.

Sustainability

Sustainability in lighting can be a difficult goal to chase after. Many of the materials needed to make such electronics work are sadly not sustainable by nature. One can only do so much to offset their negative effects, like using recycled materials for packaging or using more power-efficient lights like LEDs, but those can only go so far. Making matters worse is that the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite, like any other TV backlight, isn’t exactly repairable by design. Once an LED gets busted or a part of the strip stops working, there’s no recourse possible. The whole thing becomes unusable and you either have to replace it or ship the whole thing for repairs. Either way, that means you have to pull it off the TV’s back, which will be tricky with that much adhesive used, and then go through the installation process again with the new strip.

Value

Compared to other TV backlights, the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite with Dune-themed packaging is quite a steal at $74.99 for 55-65 inches with this sweet deal for Yanko Design readers, especially when considering all you’re getting for that price. You have bright and vibrant RGBICW LEDs that can display almost any hue and color-matching capabilities that can quickly follow the action on the screen. You also have plenty of customization options for modes and effects, including immersing yourself in the desert world of Arrakis if you want to.

The camera will probably be the most contentious part of its design, but it’s a flexible solution that is guaranteed to work regardless of TV and display technologies of the future. Hopefully, Govee will be able to create a better design for the camera in future iterations, but TV owners will just have to live with something hanging at the top of their TV in exchange for a more cinematic viewing experience.

Verdict

It’s actually astounding how a little change of light can affect the atmosphere in a room, even more so when you have a dazzling burst of color to match a mood. TV backlights are one of those things you never knew you needed until you actually try it out and realize how “dead” even the most colorful TV can be without colorful lights shining behind and around it. Some TVs these days come with their own ambient backlighting system, but those come at added cost and no upgrade path for the future.

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The post Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite with Dune-themed Packaging Review: Elevating Your Home Theater Experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

Smartphones are getting more and more powerful every year, but that power comes at the cost of complexity and cost. While there’s nothing wrong with a super powerful, uber-luxurious, and expensive device, it’s just not for everyone. Unfortunately, those who prefer to stick to the important basics are often left compromising in terms of performance and especially aesthetics. Nothing is a young brand that is trying to shake up the status quo with a heavy focus on thoughtful design, transparent practices, and accessible technology, and it has already been making headlines with its smartphones and accessories. With the Phone (2a), it’s dipping its hands into a different segment of the mobile market, so take it for a spin to see if it has anything substantial to offer or if it’s nothing at all, pun totally intended.

Designer: Nothing

Aesthetics

Nothing made a name for itself with the distinctive design of its products, especially its phones. While it was not the full transparency idealized by risky DIY hacks or printed skins, Nothing’s decision to have a semi-transparent design actually made better sense. It gave the phone a cleaner look, without the distracting noise of electronics and labels, but still had enough character to stand out from the crowd quickly.

The Nothing Phone (2a) is clearly a member of this family but also differs in significant ways. The arrangement of components is very different, with the camera bump now lying horizontally in the middle, surrounded by a Glyph Interface that’s also completely new and unique to this model. The camera array is enclosed in a circular area from which a covered path snakes down to the bottom, almost like the ribbon connectors between components you’d see inside phones. This distinctive design gives the phone a facsimile of a robotic face, friendly and welcoming like those in cartoons and kids’ shows.

Unlike earlier rumors that worried Nothing fans, the Phone (2a) does indeed have the Glyph Interface, except it’s also simplified like the rest of the phone’s design. There are only three components this time, two asymmetrical arcs on the left of the cameras and a vertical bar on the right, that delivers that same dynamic lighting but with less fanfare. Considering how you’re usually holding your phone, this makes sure that the glyphs will always be visible to everyone in front of you when they light up, rather than having parts of it covered by your hand.

The Nothing Phone (2a)’s aesthetics pretty much reflects the overarching theme of the phone. It delivers the essentials for a pleasing user experience without being showy but still having enough impact to be worth your while. It strives to strike a balance even harder than its older siblings in order to cater to a market that has long been in need of that kind of design that doesn’t compromise too much for the sake of driving down costs.

Ergonomics

The Nothing Phone (2a) is also an anomaly in the sense that it’s actually a large phone that weighs almost like nothing. With a 6.7-inch screen, it’s definitely one of the bigger slabs in the market, yet its 190g weight feels almost nothing in your hand. And that’s despite the large battery it hides inside, which makes the phone a bit of a mystery.

This means that the Phone (2a) is quite comfortable to hold, even for long periods of time. It doesn’t weigh down on your hand that much, though you might also be worried its lightness can become a liability instead. Fortunately, the flat edges of the phone do provide a bit of grip to aid your hand. All in all, it was a pleasurable experience to hold the phone, perfectly matching its pleasing aesthetic.

Performance

There’s no going around the fact that the Nothing Phone (2a) is not your super-powerful high-end premium flagship. Nothing partnered with chipmaker MediaTek for a custom Dimensity 7200 Pro chip, but that is also two tiers from MediaTek’s own top-of-the-line series. Even the GPU technology is from back in 2021, and benchmark scores seem to paint a rather disappointing picture. It’s theoretically better than its peers, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 and Snapdragon 782G, but those are mid-range processors as well.

The good news is that it hardly really matters because the Phone (2a) still manages to hold its own with most tasks you throw at it, especially with 12GB of RAM. Gaming is going to be less impressive, of course, so you’ll have to dial down the settings a bit, but it’s still a decent experience. The Nothing Phone (2a) is meant to be an everyday phone for everybody, rather than a hyper-focused tool for gaming or photography, and when it comes to general activities, it thankfully does quite well despite those numbers being stacked against it.

As mentioned earlier, the Nothing Phone (2a) has quite a sizable battery, specifically a 5,000 mAh pack. That’s actually very generous even by premium smartphone standards, and given the rest of the specs, it’s sure to give you more than a day’s worth of use, at least with reasonable measure. Charging is capped at 45W, which isn’t exactly the fastest but still an upgrade over previous technologies. As expected, there is no wireless charging, which is one of the very few compromises this design does make.

In addition to its unique semi-transparent design, the Nothing Phone was characterized by its Glyph Interface, basically a light-based notification system that adds a bit of flavor to the user experience. Some considered it gimmicky at first, but it’s actually a useful tool for minimizing distractions. You can keep your phone face down on your desk and only see the glyphs light up for important events, like a call, an important message, or a timer. You don’t have to glance at your phone’s screen every time something comes in, reducing the risk of you getting distracted when you other notifications as well. And because the glyphs are confined to the upper portion of the Phone (2a), they’re also less invasive and more restrained, focusing on just the essentials of the function rather than the glamour.

When it comes to the cameras, the Nothing Phone (2a) is a bit of a mixed bag. As you may have noticed, there are only two cameras, but both of them, fortunately, have 50MP sensors. The main Samsung GN9 camera features OIS and autofocus, while the ultra-wide Samsung JN1 has a 114-degree field of view. Both perform rather well, even at night, with clear details and low noise. Unfortunately, there is no dedicated telephoto camera, so you’ll have to settle for the main wide camera’s cropped 2x zoom, which is less impressive than regular shots.

The front-facing camera has an impressive 32MP sensor, and it definitely shows in the quality of selfies you can take. There’s no aggressive beautification like what you’d find in other brands, so what you see is really what you get. That means this camera isn’t just great for social media but, more importantly, for video calls and meetings as well.

Sustainability

Right from the start, Nothing wanted to be different from the way it ran its smartphone business, which also included its commitment to sustainability. From the use of recycled materials to the packaging, Nothing has been ensuring that its products reduce their negative impact on the environment. The Nothing Phone (2a) thankfully follows that practice, and although it’s not yet on the same level as bigger brands, it’s definitely a strong start.

That commitment to sustainable design is helped by the fact that the Nothing Phone (2a) is also made to last longer. With an IP54 dust and water resistance rating, it’s guaranteed to hold up against most accidents. It’s not the highest rating, of course, but just that mark goes a long way in assuring owners that their fun-looking mobile partner isn’t going to abandon them at the slightest incident.

Value

Given all the specs and features, it’s perhaps pretty clear that the Nothing Phone (2a) is the brand’s foray into a segment traditionally considered to be mid-range or mid-tier. In fact, its $349 price tag confirms that classification and that figure is nothing to scoff at. There’s a certain negative connotation to the phrase “you get what you pay for,” but this is a case where you’re actually getting a whole lot more than that price value.

Yes, performance is decent at best, but the Phone (2a) has enough power to get you through the day and more, both in terms of raw power as well as battery life. The cameras are serviceable, though you’ll definitely feel the absence of a proper zoom camera. Best of all, you’re getting all of that in a distinctive and eye-catching design that’s pleasing to the eyes and light in the hand. In other words, you’re getting a beautiful, no-nonsense smartphone that feels worth more than what Nothing is asking for.

Verdict

Nothing has definitely stirred up the waters by challenging the market giants with an ambitious vision and a visionary design. But while the first two Nothing Phones served to put the brand on the map, there was still a segment that was left underserved by these premium products. To bring its design to everyone, Nothing also needs to target different tiers, tiers with different needs and budgets.

The Nothing Phone (2a) was clearly made to address that need, offering an experience that focuses on the essentials without all the bells and whistles that, in the end, could also burden the user. It packages that in a design that is bare-bones yet distinctive and characteristic of Nothing’s design language. It distills the Glyph Interface down to its core purpose, to provide a distraction-free way to get notified of important events. The Nothing Phone (2a) is a laudable example of a design that deftly balances features and costs to craft an experience that is clearly made with the user in mind.

The post Nothing Phone (2a) Review: Nothing Beats the Beauty of Essentials first appeared on Yanko Design.

It’s really difficult these days to pin a phone down to a specific market tier or device range, especially since brands tend to advertise every single model as the best in its class. Technology has advanced to a point that what some might consider mid-range due to one or two features might surpass flagship models in other aspects. That seems to be the case with the Vivo V30 Pro, arriving on the heels of the Vivo V30 that we reviewed just last month. The “Pro” in its name is pretty telling, promising a higher level of experience while still staying faithful to the spirit, not to mention the design, of the base model. In what ways does the Vivo V30 Pro actually improve on the Vivo V30, and are those enough to warrant giving this pricier version a serious look? We give it a whirl to find out.

Designer: Vivo

Aesthetics

Something can be beautiful without being too flashy. A flower’s charm, for example, often comes from its simplicity and the pleasing way it combines shapes and colors in a way that only Mother Nature can really accomplish. The Vivo V30 Pro tries to capture that spirit almost literally, combining subtle details and minimalist aesthetics in a composition that delights the eyes without being distracting. It’s no coincidence that Vivo’s designs for the V30 Pro are clearly patterned from nature, and it definitely pulls this feat off with aplomb.

It’s not just a matter of painting patterns on the phone either. Our Bloom White review unit, for example, looks like it has flowers pressed on its back. This “3D Petal Pattern” was accomplished by 3D engraving 13 million tangent lines on the material’s surface using photolithography. The greenish-blue Waving Aqua, on the other hand, employs thousands of tiny magnetic particles to create the illusion of rippling waters. The visual effects are subtle, almost invisible unless you take a second look, but they definitely add to the Vivo 30 Pro’s elegance.

Coupled with its thin profile and lightweight body, the Vivo V30 Pro exudes class and beauty without being overbearing. The process and cost of such designs might sound overkill for what would be classified as a mid-range phone, but these designs not only demonstrate Vivo’s manufacturing prowess, they also reflect the evolving tastes of smartphone owners today who want an attractive phone they won’t need or even want to cover up with a case.

Ergonomics

Despite the large 6.78-inch screen, Vivo manages to make the impossible possible with a thin and lightweight handset. Only 7.45mm thin and 188g light, the Vivo V30 Pro is comfortable and pleasurable to hold, even after long periods of time. That thinness is very accentuated by the curved edges of both the screen and the rear panel, a trend that is slowly dying and being pushed out by flat edges. Some defend that this design is gentler on your palms, but others criticize it for also reducing the phone’s grip, making it more likely to slip from your grasp.

If there is one drawback to the Vivo V30 Pro’s very thin edges, it’s that it makes it a bit tricky to pick it up from a table or any solid flat surface. There’s very little area for your fingers to grip the edges and you might find the phone slipping or sliding before you can have a solid hold on it. The included clear case adds some thickness and texture to fix that, but it also puts a less premium layer of material between you and your phone, no matter how transparent it is.

Performance

Gone are the days when you could easily predict a phone’s performance by simply looking at its specs, especially the processor. The time when MediaTek’s silicon was considered cheap and underpowered is long over as well, and the Vivo V30 Pro is living proof of that. Granted, the 4nm Dimensity 8200 processor it’s using is actually last year’s generation, but it’s hardly any slouch. In fact, it manages to beat Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 series from the same generation in some benchmarks, which is quite telling.

What all this means in practice is that the Vivo V30 Pro can handle everyday tasks without breaking a sweat. Sure, you shouldn’t expect it to run toe-to-toe with high-end and more expensive smartphones, but setting graphics settings to medium is sure to still satisfy your gaming needs. The cooling system is effective, though not exactly stellar, so expect your hands to feel some heat after prolonged gaming. The best part of its performance, however, is the generous 5,000 mAh battery that’s guaranteed to last you more than a day of average use. With the included 80W charger, you don’t even need to wait long to get it from zero to full, just a little under 50 minutes, in fact.

The large 6.78-inch 120Hz AMOLED display mirrors the phone’s back in providing a beautiful sight, though it’s naturally flashier and more eye-catching. The panel is bright and the colors are vibrant, though they tend to lean more towards being very saturated by default. While the visual experience is superb, the same can’t be said of the audio aspect. There’s a single bottom-firing speaker that is very basic. You’ll be hard-pressed to detect much bass, for example, and the quality degrades noticeably at maximum volume. You might be better off connecting Bluetooth speakers if you really want to spread your tunes around.

Smartphones these days almost feel like cameras that just happen to have phone functionality because of the heavy emphasis put on mobile photography. The Vivo V30 Pro is no exception and, in fact, celebrates it and takes it to the next level. It challenges the status quo of using different sensors for different cameras and comes bearing 50MP cameras for primary wide, ultra-wide, and 2x telephoto. In fact, it even uses a 50MP sensor for the front-facing camera, complete with a wide-angle lens and autofocus.

For its camera system, Vivo enlisted the expertise of optics experts ZEISS, and the results definitely speak for themselves. The output of the main camera is clear, highly detailed, accurate, and just gorgeous. That is true even at night, with Vivo’s special night mode kicking in. The 2x optical zoom of the dedicated telephoto, while not that far in reach, is still better than relying on digital zoom and cropping the way the Vivo V30 does. The ultra-wide camera, while decent, isn’t as impressive as these other two, but you’ll still get clear and detailed images from it, regardless of the lighting condition.

One special feature of the Vivo V30 series, which can be seen from the unusual design of the phone’s camera bump, is the square Aura Light that sits below the cameras. If you’re familiar with the effect of ring lights in diffusing a gentler glow on your face, then you’ll know how this feature works. Instead of a focused light like a typical LED flash, it spread the light around more evenly, making it the perfect illumination for portrait photos. Even better, the Aura Light can automatically change its intensity and warmth depending on ambient lighting, all thanks to AI, of course. Now if only Vivo could do the same for the front-facing camera, then it would really be able to leave its competition in the dust.

Sustainability

Despite the Vivo V30 Pro’s nature-inspired design, the phone itself isn’t exactly that environment-friendly, at least as far as its build materials go. It’s not exactly an outlier in this regard and it merely follows the industry status quo. Sadly, it’s also an opportunity for Vivo to rise above the rest and set a new industry standard, but we’ll probably have to wait a bit longer for the company to really take its sustainability efforts to the next level.

At least the Vivo V30 Pro is designed to last long, especially with an official IP54 dust and water protection rating. It’s far from being the highest and is, in fact, the bare minimum for waterproof devices, but it’s also something that’s usually missing from most smartphones on this tier. When accidents do happen, however, you have very little option other than to send it to Vivo or its authorized repair centers for servicing. Self-repair is just not a thing in this space yet.

Value

Truth be told, it’s hard to find any fault with the Vivo V30 Pro. Yes, it doesn’t max out all the potential that more powerful hardware can provide, but it also doesn’t tax buyers for features they may never use in the first place. It has a pretty good balance of features and tends to perform well in areas that matter the most, such as mobile photography and battery life. Plus, it looks stylish and classy, so you’ll probably fall in love with it quickly.

The expected $500 price tag brings a bit of uncertainty, though. It’s definitely higher than its sub-$400 peers, but it offers features you won’t find on more expensive handsets either. The biggest deal-breaker, however, is its availability. The Vivo V30 Pro will only be sold in select markets in Asia, at least for now, so all that beautiful design and impressive cameras will be out of reach for many people around the world.

Verdict

Smartphones are no longer just tools for communication or even for staying connected to the Internet. They have become irreplaceable partners in creating and preserving memories, as well as extensions of our personalities and aspirations. Smartphone designs have matured over the years, shedding off flashy and gimmicky features for reliable functionality and appealing aesthetics. This trend has trickled down even to the so-called mid-tier market, as embodied by the Vivo V30 Pro.

Inspired by nature, the Vivo V30 Pro’s beauty is subtle yet impactful, employing innovative manufacturing techniques to create more natural designs that catch the eye and soothe the soul. It’s no racehorse, but what the phone lacks in raw processing power it makes up for in reliability and value, offering a more balanced product. At the same time, its Triple 50MP Main Camera system and 50MP front-facing camera challenge the status quo and prove beyond reasonable doubt what is possible even on this tier. All-in-all, the Vivo V30 Pro is a well-rounded contender that you’ll want to consider for your next phone purchase, presuming it’s even available in your area.

The post Vivo V30 Pro Review: Putting The Focus Where It Counts first appeared on Yanko Design.

In the landscape of mobile phone space, making a significant impact can be challenging unless you belong to the elite trio of Apple, Google, and Samsung. The task becomes even more formidable for an underdog like Vivo. If you are not familiar with Vivo, the company was founded in 2009 and has since become a significant player in the mobile phone industry with a strong presence in Asia and the Middle East with its footprint extended to certain regions in Europe. The company is known for offering devices with innovative features, and its X-series flagship, in particular, has gained attention for its impressive mobile imaging performance, through continual collaboration with the renowned lens manufacturer Zeiss. Vivo’s new flagship X100 Pro, which was launched in China on December 19th last year, is yet another Vivo device with outstanding camera capabilities.

We’ll explore how Vivo continues to push boundaries in the realm of mobile photography and invocation. From its sleek aesthetics to the powerful internals, the X100 Pro promises an immersive user experience. Join us as we uncover the nuances of its design, performance, and unique features, providing you with a comprehensive insight into what makes this smartphone a noteworthy contender in the ever-evolving world of mobile phones.

Designer: Vivo

Aesthetics

A large, circular camera module proudly graces the top of the device and rightly commands attention. Aside from the massive camera module, Vivo does not shy away from splashing X100 Pro’s camera capabilities. At the center of the camera module, the Zeiss logo gleams, accompanied by the red letter T* beneath it to indicate the anti-reflective coating that significantly increases light transmittance and helps accurately reproduce colors, according to Vivo. Made of aerospace-grade stainless steel, the “Sun Halo” or “Moon Halo” Ring surrounds the camera module with lens specs on the ring. Underneath the camera module, you’ll find “Xtreme Imagination” Vivo Zeiss Co-engineering branding. On the bottom, you’ll find big, but subtle Vivo branding. If all these texts on the back of the device are not enough for you, look at the top of the phone, and you’ll find a “Professional photography” sign.

A bit cluttered with texts aside, the X100 Pro is a sleek-looking device. It is available in two color options: Asteroid Black and Startrail Blue. We received the Asteroid Black variant which has a glass back panel with a matte finish, resembling sandblasting. The Startrail Blue variant also boasts a glass back panel but distinguishes itself with patterns that emulate the streaks of light created in the night sky.

Ergonomics

Vivo X100 Pro measures 164.05 x 75.28 x 8.91 mm and weighs 225 g. The display features slightly curved side edges. The side edges of the back panel are also slightly curved. The device fits nicely in the hand and thanks to the curved edges, it does not bite into the palm. In the Asteroid Black variant, the glass back panel offers a velvety touch that is quite pleasing but tends to be a bit slippery. Luckily the textured gray case came with the phone to provide a nice grip, though it tends to show scratches easily.

Like numerous other smartphones with an in-display fingerprint scanner, the positioning of the scanner near the bottom edge of the display can present a challenge for swift unlocking and seamless navigation with one hand. Fortunately, the fingerprint proves to be fast and accurate. The arrangement of the physical buttons and SIM tray is also similar to other phones, with the volume control button situated on the right side, and below it, the power button. At the bottom, you’ll find a SIM tray, primary microphone, USB-C port, and speaker. Meanwhile, on the top, there is a secondary microphone and an IR emitter.

Performance

There is absolutely no doubt that the main attraction of the Vivo X100 Pro is its upgraded ZEISS co-engineered imaging system. Before delving into the details, I’ll spill the beans – it is phenomenal. X100 Pro boasts a triple camera setup. The main 50MP camera uses a Sony 1-inch IMX989 sensor with an aperture of f/1.75. However, the true standout in the triple camera setup is the Zeiss APO floating telephoto camera with an aperture of f/2.5. The telephoto camera features an innovative periscope group structure called the Floating Elements Design, enabling sharp focus both up close and at a distance, by allowing individual lens elements to move freely. Both the main and telephoto cameras support OIS. Rounding up the triple camera setting is a 50MP ultra-wide with an aperture of f/2.0.

The main camera produces excellent images with plenty of details and a wide dynamic range. The photos are sharp and color rendering is realistic. The 2x zoom photos, captured with the main camera, are great as well.

The ultra-wide does its job well, and the photos captured are equally impressive as those taken by the main camera. However, it’s not very wide (119-degree field-of-view) compared to some other phones.

Both the main and ultra-wide cameras are also very capable in low-light conditions, capturing images with the right level of exposure, excellent dynamic range, and substantial details even in dark areas.

However, as stated before, 4.3x Telephoto is hands down the star of the triple camera setup, delivering superb photos in nearly every lighting scenario. Even in low-light settings, the handset takes photos with plenty of details, balanced exposure, and minimal noise. With the 100mm equivalent focal length, you can get close to your subject and snap the photos with a nice bokeh, and if you need to get even closer to the subject, the device is capable of digitally zooming up to 100x.

I took the Vivo X100 Pro to Ed Sheeran’s show in Osaka, Japan, and captured many photos and videos using mainly telephoto throughout the show. My seat was located on the first floor of the baseball stadium, which had been transformed into a concert venue with a capacity of 36,447. I was very impressed with the photos and videos I snapped at the show where lighting was constantly changing and tricky.

Given that this is an imaging-focused mobile handset, the device offers an array of shooting modes and styles to cater to your creative vision. There are Snapshot mode, Night mode, and Portrait to name a few. In Photo mode, the users can select from three distinct color treatments: Vivid, Natural, and Zeiss. The Portrait mode offers various styles to choose from, with my personal favorite being Vintage, delivering a film-like output.

With photos captured in Portrait mode, you have the flexibility to adjust the focus point and aperture after the fact, allowing you to customize the desired focal point and level of bokeh.

I usually don’t find much interest in Macro mode as the photos produced are subpar. However, the X100 Pro proves to be an exception. It produces sharp images with a pleasing bokeh effect, as you can see in the sample photo below.

Vivo X100 Pro’s excellent capability does not stop at taking photos. The device takes great videos as well. The phone is capable of taking up to 8K 30fps video with its main camera. The telephoto and ultra-wide cameras can record videos up to 4K at 60fps. Unfortunately, the front-facing camera is maxed out at 1080p at 30fps. Stabilization works very well in well-lit conditions but struggles a bit under low-light conditions.

There is a 4k Cinematic Portrait mode that offers automatic focus switching, similar to Apple’s Cinematic Mode. While its performance can be inconsistent, it takes artistic videos when it gets right.

Powered by MediaTek’s latest and most powerful Dimensity 9300, the device offers a seamless experience whether you are playing graphically demanding games or multi-tasking with numerous apps opened. Despite the phone’s responsiveness and speed, the battery performance can be somewhat underwhelming depending on what you do on the phone. Equipped with an enhanced 5,400mAh battery, the phone provides ample power for normal daily use. If you take tons of photos and videos(which with the phone this good, you will be inclined to do so), topping up during the day might be required. Fortunately, it supports 100W FlashCharge and 50W wireless FlashCharge.

Vivo X100 Pro sports a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with 2,800 x 1,260 resolution, a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, and is equipped with LTPO technology for dynamically adjusting the refresh rate while saving the battery. With a local peak brightness of 3,000 nits, the screen is ample bright even under direct sunlight. It delivers smooth images with vibrant colors.

Running on Funtouch OS 14 on Android 14, the photo provides smooth performance. There are many customization options for things like lock screen styles and useful features like split-screen and small windows. Another welcoming change is having less bloatware.

Sustainability/Repairability

With its exceptional ability to capture high-quality photos in diverse situations, the likelihood of reaching for the Vivo X100 Pro to snap moments becomes a natural inclination. Considering the exposure to elements like water and dust, it’s comforting to know that the device has an IP68 rating, meaning it can endure submersion up to a depth of 1.5 meters for a duration of up to 30 minutes.

Vivo does not specify the use of sustainable materials for the phone. However, the material used for the ring around the camera module is crafted from aerospace-grade stainless steel, known for its resistance to wear, high temperature, and corrosion, ensuring durability.

Value

Vivo X100 Pro X was launched in China with a price tag of 5,499 CNY (about 770 USD)for the 16GB RAM/ 512GB storage variant. Since then the company has gradually rolled out the device into other Asian markets including India, Malaysia, and Thailand. It has finally reached some European markets. It’s worth noting that the price is higher than anticipated, at 1,199 Euros (about 1230 USD). However, given the phone’s quality, particularly its exceptional and versatile imaging capabilities, it is not excessively expensive.

Verdict

If mobile photography is your priority when choosing a phone, the Vivo X100 Pro currently stands as one of the best camera phones on the market. Whether capturing moments with friends and family, street scenes, or exploring the intricacies of subjects like flowers and bugs in macro mode, this device has the remarkable ability to transform even the most mundane scene into a form of artistic expression, thanks to its exceptional camera features. The images captured by the telephoto camera are just another level, setting the new standard for mobile photography. Beyond its impressive camera capabilities, the Vivo X100 Pro is a solid device with a vibrant and sharp display, responsive software, great build quality, and fast wired and wireless charge capabilities. The handset also offers a well-rounded and high-performing smartphone experience.

The post Vivo X100 Pro Review: A strong contender for the best camera phone of 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.