For everybody who has been following my latest deep dive into the Google vs. Microsoft ecosystem, I’ve been hitting a significant roadblock: OneNote.

Regardless of Google’s spectacular productiveness suite, I’ve argued that I merely can’t make the change as a result of nothing in Google Workspace replicates the free-form, infinite-canvas flexibility of Microsoft’s digital pocket book.

Whereas I admire the passion for Google’s newest AI powerhouse, after placing it by means of its paces, I’ve realized there’s a elementary misunderstanding of what this instrument truly is.

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I paired NotebookLM with YouTube and realized quicker than I ever did with note-taking apps

This unlikely duo upgraded my studying routine

NotebookLM is a strong layer on prime of your notes

In my workflow, the precise library is a instrument like OneNote or Evernote. These are the locations the place I retailer messy assembly minutes, handwritten scribbles, and unpolished ideas.

They supply the structural DNA, just like the folders, tags, and infinite canvases that permit a ‘Second Mind’ to exist for years.

NotebookLM, however, is the knowledgeable librarian. It doesn’t wish to show you how to write notes; it needs that can assist you perceive the notes you’ve already written.

After I feed it my undertaking notes, it turns into a superb layer of synthesis. It surfaces connections I missed and solutions questions I didn’t know I had. However the second I attempt to deal with it as a note-taker, every little thing falls aside.

Total, NotebookLM isn’t designed to prepare your life; it’s designed that can assist you make sense of what you’ve already organized.

After I have to discover a particular theme throughout twenty PDFs or generate a abstract of a month’s value of analysis, NotebookLM is unbeatable.

NotebookLM lacks conventional note-taking options

When you attempt to deal with NotebookLM as a direct successor to OneNote or Evernote, you’ll hit a productiveness wall in a short time. The reason being easy: it’s lacking nearly each important function that defines a real note-taking app.

For starters, there isn’t a actual hierarchy. In OneNote, I depend on the Pocket book > Part > Web page construction to maintain my life categorized. As compared, there aren’t any sub-folders, nested pages, or tagging programs in NotebookLM.

When you’ve got tons of of notes, you may’t simply slap a to-do or pressing tag on one thing and discover it later. You might be basically compelled to depend on the AI to search out issues for you, which is a significant gamble when you’ll want to pull up a selected piece of knowledge immediately.

Then there’s the precise act of taking a observe. The net editor is bare-bones. If you’re used to wealthy formatting, highlighting, or utilizing drawing instruments with a stylus in your iPad or Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely, you’re out of luck.

NotebookLM’s written notes are principally plain-text sticky notes. You possibly can’t sketch a fast diagram and even create a posh desk simply.

The most important dealbreaker for me is the cellular expertise.

An enormous a part of my workflow is fast seize, like snapping a photograph of a receipt, recording a fast voice memo whereas strolling, or utilizing a house display screen widget to jot down an thought earlier than it disappears.

You must navigate an online interface, which is much too gradual for capturing ideas in actual time.

By forcing your self into this ecosystem, you aren’t simply altering apps; you’re including friction to each single step of your day. You’ll spend extra time managing the instrument’s limitations than truly doing all of your work.

In case your productiveness is determined by velocity and group, treating NotebookLM as a main note-taker is a assured option to decelerate.

These are the situations the place the normal note-taking strategy by OneNote, Evernote, and even Google Preserve wins by a large margin.

Associated

I began utilizing NotebookLM with Google Preserve and it has been a game-changer

My notes are higher with NotebookLM and Google Preserve

The best hybrid workflow

The actual magic occurs whenever you cease making an attempt to make one instrument do every little thing and begin taking part in to its particular person strengths. For me, the best workflow isn’t about selecting between OneNote and NotebookLM.

Whether or not I’m on my Mac, S24 Extremely, or Home windows desktop, my inbox is all the time OneNote. That is the place I dump uncooked information: internet clippings, assembly transcripts, screenshots of diamond designs, or fast voice memos.

After a undertaking reaches a sure level, I export that particular part as a PDF or a batch of textual content recordsdata. That is the one handbook a part of the method, however it’s an important one.

It forces me to determine what info is definitely value educating to the AI.

I add these paperwork and PDFs to NotebookLM, ask it focused questions, and obtain related solutions very quickly.

I can generate thoughts maps, audio overviews, and even video overviews primarily based on added information.

The NotebookLM entice

NotebookLM is a good analysis engine, however it’s not and was by no means meant to be a substitute for a standard note-taking powerhouse.

NotebookLM isn’t a substitute for OneNote and Evernote as a result of it isn’t making an attempt to be your digital submitting cupboard — it’s your digital guide.

If you’re nonetheless making an attempt emigrate your whole note-taking right into a instrument that lacks fundamental hierarchical group and sturdy formatting, you aren’t upgrading your workflow — you’re breaking it.

I just lately uninstalled Google Images from my Samsung Galaxy S25+. The photograph administration and enhancing app has grow to be an excessively irritating expertise.

Whereas I valued Google Images for its auto-backup and syncing instruments, in addition to its introduction of useful AI enhancing options like Magic Editor, I have been gravitating away from it.

As an alternative, I have been rising extra keen on my different Samsung apps, similar to Samsung Gallery.

If you happen to’re a fortunate Galaxy telephone person like me, you already know you get the most effective of each worlds from Samsung and Google.

That is why I’ve opted to switch Google Images with Samsung Gallery, and I have been pleased with that call — and have not turned again since.

Google Images takes up over 65% of my main storage

Managing my backups has grow to be a trouble

Credit score: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police | Google | 77 Studio / Shutterstock

One of many largest complaints amongst free Google account customers is that 15GB of house is used up shortly.

I just lately re-enabled my Google Images settings to permit backups in order that I can switch my gadget’s photos to my Galaxy S25+. That was an enormous mistake.

Daily, once I logged in to my account, Google would notify me that my storage was full. If I did not clear up some house, I might not be capable of ship or obtain emails (on Gmail) by a sure date.

I panicked, and I began to mass-delete my Drive folders and clear up my Images’ storage. Nonetheless, that did not do a lot, as my storage grew to become full once more inside an hour.

I used to be lastly capable of repair this by disabling my Images backups. Nonetheless, I’ve a variety of cleansing to do, as my storage continues to be round 98% full.

It is a mistake that has value me considerably, as I’ve my Google account arrange throughout a number of units. If I set something to permit backups, each gadget I’ve used to take images will populate my storage.

So I made a decision to disable my Google Images settings and uninstall it on my Galaxy S25+. As a Samsung person, I’ve different choices exterior of Google merchandise.

The best possibility (and most reliable to me) is Samsung Gallery. I have been utilizing this app for years, and it hasn’t let me down but.

Samsung has cut up its free 15GB cloud backup companies with OneDrive. The principle cloud storage by Samsung, Samsung Cloud, would not even deal with your photograph and video backups immediately.

As an alternative, Samsung Cloud focuses on different information sorts, similar to name logs and settings, whereas OneDrive handles Gallery movies and images.

OneDrive at the moment handles Gallery photograph backups, however this will quickly change, as Samsung is shifting away from OneDrive and re-integrating its backup companies with its cloud.

Whereas this at the moment would possibly show to be an obstacle for some, it is really been a large benefit for me.

As I’ve already taken benefit of Microsoft’s regular relationship with Samsung, I linked my Microsoft and Samsung accounts to enhance the combination.

I take advantage of OneDrive instead storage to my different cloud companies. Plus, I already make the most of varied Microsoft apps and instruments, similar to Cellphone Hyperlink and Hyperlink to Home windows, to sync information between my units.

Backing up Google Images takes far too lengthy

General, the app feels sluggish

Credit score: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police | PeopleImages / Shutterstock

After I carry out routine backups on Google Images, the complete course of seems to take a particularly very long time to finish. The method slows down my telephone.

It has grow to be such a trouble that I ended routinely backing up my images, and I now want to discover a handbook technique for doing so.

Though performing handbook backups to different units is useful, I additionally want to have it occur passively within the background.

Moreover, navigating by my Gallery app has all the time been sooner for me than navigating by the Google Images app.

And from my very own expertise, Google Images has additionally been considerably slower at importing movies.

General, I want utilizing the Samsung Gallery app once I must ship photos forwards and backwards between my units; the UI is friendlier to make use of, and it is a lot simpler to view my albums. Uploads additionally have not been overly sluggish.

Google Images’ AI options do not curiosity me

I want utilizing Gallery’s AI instruments

Credit score: Google

Google Images has AI options I do not actually use. I primarily use it as a storage and backup service, together with creating collections for my photos.

Though Magic Editor is kind of helpful for reframing your images and eradicating undesirable objects, I nonetheless do not use it as typically as I ought to (as I want to make mild edits).

I’ve additionally by no means been a fan of pressured AI integration with my apps.

Moreover, the AI integration will see progress in Google Images, because the app will quickly go full Nano Banana.

It isn’t that I’m in opposition to utilizing AI instruments for images. Personally, I believe it has its place. AI instruments can be utilized to assist appropriate poor-quality images, particularly when taking photographs in less-than-ideal circumstances.

Nonetheless, I discovered myself being extra drawn to Samsung’s choices, comparatively, similar to the brand new Gallery Assistant app that rolled out in beta on One UI 8 for the Galaxy 25 collection, Z Fold 7, and Z Flip 7 — the largest draw is the batch enhancing characteristic.

The brand new app is designed to work along with the common Gallery app.

I additionally recognize that the Gallery app continues to be mild on AI enhancing options, however there are nonetheless greater than sufficient in-house instruments to make fast edits on the go.

I do not all the time want Google to rule me

The much less time I spend with Google merchandise, the higher

Credit score: Google

Partly, that is why I’ve all the time caught with Samsung, because it offers options to Google.

Whereas I’m nonetheless depending on many Google merchandise (and sadly, that will not change for some time, since I’m already closely built-in into the Google ecosystem), I prefer to discover options that combine effectively with my on a regular basis units.

However since I do not need to give third-party apps permissions to entry my images and movies, I would slightly keep on with a trusted possibility on my telephone.

Samsung Gallery is the perfect different. The UI stays constant, and the choices aren’t buried and hidden in my settings. I can simply view, handle, and edit my images from throughout the app.

I want coping with my media regionally

Google Images depends closely on cloud instruments to course of and retailer your photos, in addition to manage your media on the Google Cloud.

What I get pleasure from essentially the most about Samsung Gallery is that it by no means appears pushy for me to entry the cloud to handle my images. I can handle them regionally with out counting on an web connection.

My workplace house is situated within the outer a part of my dwelling, and I’ve a Wi-Fi extender to make sure I’ve a secure Wi-Fi connection for many of my units when I’m working with them.

In any other case, I take advantage of a wired setup for units I actively want a reference to. However not all of my units are wired, so I nonetheless use Wi-Fi or cellular information.

With the Gallery app, I haven’t got to emphasize if my Wi-Fi connection turns into spotty to handle my images. I can handle my media immediately on my gadget (offline caching in Google Images continues to be restricted).

The native storage in Gallery is simpler to entry, and I can see all my information inside my albums and folders. I take a variety of short-term non-public images, and the Gallery app makes it simpler for me to handle them.

I additionally do not have to fret about my media getting by accident backed up (as I’ve had my photos backed up on a secondary Google account accidentally — this occurred on multiple event).

Strive different photo-managing and enhancing apps

I admit that I’ve a large Samsung bias and perceive that this substitution is probably not appropriate for everybody.

For example, should you’re searching for a extra light-weight substitute that works effectively, considered one of our writers praised Easy Gallery Professional as the right different to Google Images (for $3).

In any other case, you’ll be able to check out different choices from different platforms that do not have built-in backup and enhancing instruments.

One instance is Amazon Images, a platform accessible to Prime members (with limitations for non-Prime subscribers) that lets you simply again up and edit your images.

One other well-liked possibility is Flickr, which serves as one other backup resolution with social media integration.

So be happy to check out your favourite choices. Google Images would not need to be your main media storage and administration app, even when it comes pre-installed on most Android smartphones.

Google’s transfer to make the Pixel 10 eSIM-only within the US, following Apple’s lead with the iPhone 14, reveals the trade is clearly transferring away from bodily SIM playing cards. eSIMs have shortly change into the usual for worldwide vacationers. That mentioned, there’s an fascinating twist: some prospects getting alternative Pixel 10 items by means of RMA are receiving worldwide fashions, which nonetheless embrace a bodily SIM slot.

A lot of Pixel 10 house owners within the US took to Reddit to report that their guarantee replacements embrace a bodily SIM slot, a characteristic in any other case absent from home fashions (through 9to5Google). The trade-off is that these particular items don’t hook up with mmWave 5G networks, a functionality normal on the official US model.

A Reddit consumer mentioned they acquired a Pixel 10 Professional XL with a SIM slot as a alternative after sending again their cellphone for a display subject. Aside from the SIM tray, it seemed similar to their unique system. Two extra customers reported the identical factor however didn’t point out which Pixel 10 fashions they acquired. Google hasn’t defined what’s occurring but.

The actual take care of international Pixel 10 fashions

Worldwide Pixel 10 fashions with SIM slots work wonderful however skip mmWave 5G, which is barely widespread in just a few US cities. In addition they don’t help US 5G bands n29, n48, and n70, although that’s not an enormous deal since few community carriers depend on them. On the flip aspect, these international fashions add LTE bands 21, 32, 39, 42, and 75, which may very well be useful for worldwide journey.

Google’s US eSIM-only push for the Pixel 10 truly seems much less like a limitation and extra like a strategic guess. Early issues about it being a problem are fading, as main US carriers have considerably streamlined their eSIM help. This improve in infrastructure may truly make switching gadgets smoother than coping with a bodily SIM.

SoC

Google Tensor G5

Show kind

Tremendous Actua

Show dimensions

6.8-inches

Show decision

20:9

RAM

16GB

Storage

128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB with Zoned UFS / 1 TB with Zoned UFS

The Pixel 10 Professional XL gives every little thing its cheaper siblings do, plus perks like a 6.8-inch display and faster charging.

Google formally stopped producing the Nest Defend linked smoke detector in March. Present models will proceed to operate, however as a result of the smoke detectors have a 10-year lifespan starting at their manufacture date, older models have began to run out. Now, although, Google’s selling another.

As noticed by 9to5Google, the Google Retailer now lists the First Alert SC5 Good Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm on each its good house retailer web page and in search outcomes for the time period “Nest Defend.” The smoke detector is appropriate with the Google House app and ecosystem and might slot into setups alongside Nest Defend smoke detectors.

The First Alert unit is made to connect with the Nest Defend’s base plate, so swapping out expiring Nest models for brand new First Alert ones shall be a comparatively easy course of. You’ll be able to management the linked smoke detector by means of both the Google House app, or First Alert’s personal.

The SC5 may be linked to different alarms, together with Nest Defend, in addition to “choose First Alert/BBK alarms,” in order that when any alarm in your house detects smoke or carbon dioxide, all of them go off. The unit is offered in hardwired or battery-powered configurations.

Associated

Google’s Nest Defend linked smoke detector has been discontinued

No extra new manufacturing

Google is not really promoting this smoke detector

Oddly sufficient, although the SC5 detector is now listed on the Google Retailer, Google is not really promoting it. The shop as a substitute hyperlinks to First Alert’s webstore, the place you should purchase both configuration of the brand new detector. Both mannequin prices $129.99, the identical worth the Nest Defend price when it was first launched in 2013.

The SC5 can also be out there by means of retailers like Amazon and Finest Purchase, although neither of these shops are linked to from the Google Retailer itemizing.

As the perfect Android smartphones evolve, when it comes to software program and {hardware}, their capabilities more and more overlap with these of conventional private computer systems. I attain for my Android telephone extra typically than my laptop computer for on a regular basis duties, whether or not I am writing, shopping, or becoming a member of video calls.

For a lot of customers, utilizing an Android telephone as a PC alternative is interesting and sensible. This method gives advantages reminiscent of enhanced portability, value financial savings, and the comfort of consolidating units. Listed below are 5 methods you may remodel your Android smartphone right into a useful desktop atmosphere.

It took an 8-hour flight for Samsung’s DeX mode to lastly click on with me

Productiveness on Android performed proper

4

Samsung DeX

A desktop expertise for Samsung customers

Samsung’s DeX is a standout function that I’ve returned to a number of instances through the years. It is a type of uncommon smartphone options that feels genuinely transformative, particularly when you must get work performed on the go. DeX turns your Galaxy gadget right into a mini desktop pc, and over time, Samsung has refined its interface and capabilities.

With DeX, you may join your Galaxy smartphone to an exterior show, unlocking a full desktop-like expertise. Multitasking feels intuitive with resizable home windows, and the interface helps acquainted enter peripherals like Bluetooth keyboards and mice. It additionally helps drag-and-drop between apps, giving it the usability that makes conventional desktop customers really feel at residence.

Connecting is straightforward. Plug your telephone right into a monitor utilizing a USB-C to HDMI adapter, and DeX mode launches robotically. Alternatively, should you’re close to a Samsung Sensible TV, wi-fi DeX is extra handy. Pull down the Fast Settings panel, faucet DeX, and select your TV. No cables required.

DeX shines throughout journey or work classes in accommodations the place lugging round a laptop computer does not make sense. I take advantage of it to draft emails, edit paperwork, and current slide decks with out opening a laptop computer. It is not constructed for heavy inventive or dev work. Nonetheless, it really works higher than anticipated for day-to-day productiveness.

3

Motorola Sensible Join

A flexible answer

Motorola’s Sensible Join platform is another choice that caught my consideration as a result of it isn’t restricted to productiveness. It gives related performance to Samsung DeX, permitting customers to attach their Motorola smartphones to exterior shows and peripherals. Accessible on choose Motorola units, Sensible Join gives a well-recognized interface for these transitioning from conventional PCs.

To make use of Sensible Join, join your Motorola telephone to a monitor or TV utilizing a USB-C to HDMI cable, like DeX. Wi-fi connections are supported on Miracast-compatible shows. The setup is simple. Be certain that your telephone and show are on the identical Wi-Fi community, then go to your telephone’s settings and choose the specified show from the Prepared For menu.

What I discovered attention-grabbing about Sensible Join is the number of modes it helps, reminiscent of Desktop, TV, Recreation, and Video Chat. This flexibility makes it nice for work and leisure, and optimizes the interface and transmission based mostly on how you employ it.

2

Utilizing a lapdock for a laptop-like expertise

Mild, moveable, and surprisingly succesful

One of many extra intriguing setups I examined is the lapdock method. Lapdocks are laptop computer shells that depend on your smartphone because the processing hub. Units like NexDock and UPerfect present a display screen, keyboard, and battery, turning your Android telephone right into a useful laptop computer.

After making an attempt a lapdock with my telephone, I discovered it splendid for writing and modifying on the go. You join through USB-C. In case your telephone helps DeX or Sensible Join, the lapdock interface involves life. It is a game-changer should you want a bodily keyboard or want a bigger display screen however do not wish to lug round a separate laptop computer.

The largest benefit is portability. I take a lapdock setup to cafés and co-working areas, and it is greater than enough for emails, Google Docs, and light-weight photograph modifying. It is restricted by what your telephone can deal with when it comes to processing. Nonetheless, it really works effectively for the typical productiveness process, making it a terrific answer in case your work is centered round shows, reviewing paperwork, and light-weight spreadsheets.

1

Android’s hidden desktop mode

For the tinkerers

This one is for energy customers. Google has been testing a hidden desktop mode in Android for a number of generations. Whereas there are hints that the mode may make an official outing quickly, one of the best ways to expertise it’s by the developer choices. To entry the mode, unlock Developer Choices by going to Settings, tapping About Telephone, and tapping the construct quantity seven instances. Then, in Developer Choices, activate Allow Freeform Home windows on Secondary Show.

If you join your telephone to a show after enabling these choices, you get a rudimentary desktop interface. It is not flashy like Dex. It is extra of an experimental sandbox, but it surely works. You’ll be able to transfer apps round in windowed mode, which provides you a pseudo-desktop atmosphere. It is tough across the edges, however for tech-savvy customers or builders, it is a cool solution to check what Android may supply in future releases.

I would not advocate counting on this for every day productiveness, but it surely’s value exploring should you get pleasure from pushing your gadget to its limits.

A glimpse into the way forward for cell productiveness

Android telephones supply spectacular instruments to imitate PC performance, whether or not you are an informal consumer making an attempt out DeX in your commute or a digital nomad carrying solely a telephone and a lapdock. I loved experimenting with these options. It is eye-opening to see how highly effective pocket-sized units have grow to be.

They are not prepared to interchange a high-end workstation. Nonetheless, for emails, docs, calls, and primary inventive work, they’re greater than as much as the duty. As {hardware} turns into extra highly effective and Android continues to evolve, the road between smartphone and PC will blur. From what I’ve seen, that is not solely a comfort, it is a compelling glimpse of the longer term.

In December 2023, studies emerged of Google engaged on a Gemini-powered AI referred to as Pixie that might be extra highly effective and smarter than Assistant and Gemini. The AI assistant was rumored to launch alongside the Pixel 9 sequence in 2024, however that by no means occurred. A brand new report offers contemporary particulars on Google’s upcoming assistant, which is now anticipated to debut as “Pixel Sense” with the Pixel 10.

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It is time for Google to make a number of easy tweaks

Pixel Sense will launch as an app on the Pixel 10, with Google touting it as “probably the most personalised expertise primarily based on the belongings you do in your Pixel.” So what is going to make the Pixel Sense particular and extra highly effective than Gemini, which has changed Google Assistant on Android?

The Android Authority report claims the AI assistant will use information from different Google apps and companies, like Calendar, Chrome, Docs, Gmail, Maintain, Maps, Messages, YouTube, YT Music, and Screenshots, to make extra personalised options.

Other than this, Pixel Sense can course of and pull related context from pictures, movies, and AI-generated content material. Supposedly, just like the Pixel Screenshots, the AI assistant can course of “screenshots to establish metadata and study from it. Use the Pixel Sense App to arrange and search screenshots.”

When you can already discover Gemini in nearly all of Google’s apps and companies, it can not pull data from them to offer contextual options.

Pixel Sense may use your information to offer contextual options

The report additionally particulars how Google will market Pixel Sense to assist elevate your Pixel 10 expertise:

• “Private predictive options: Takes notes to suggests private information like locations, merchandise, and names, proper while you want them.”
• “Full duties sooner: Learns how you employ your telephone that can assist you full duties and routines sooner.”
• “Adapting to your pursuits: Learns which subjects are vital to you and retains evolving with you.”

Google’s new AI assistant will presumably use Gemini Nano, which the corporate is utilizing increasingly more to energy its AI options on Android. It can apparently stand out for its capability to course of your information on-device, guaranteeing your personal data just isn’t shared with Google’s servers.

As its rumored title suggests, Pixel Sense may very well be unique to the Pixel telephones, serving to distinguish them from different Android telephones.

Might Pixel Sense lastly ship a wiser Google Now substitute, due to Gemini? Solely time will inform.

2024 was a reasonably unusual yr for foldables, significantly within the US. Whereas customers in Europe and China had been handled to a smorgasbord of choices — to not point out cutting-edge expertise like Huawei’s tri-fold cellphone — it was enterprise as common on our aspect of the Atlantic. Solely three manufacturers launched foldables right here within the US, together with Google, Samsung, and Motorola. And, for yet one more yr, solely the latter two firms launched a flip cellphone right here, with the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and this yr’s Moto Razr+ constructing on their predecessors to ship fairly glorious flip cellphone experiences.

After all, each manufacturers took their very own routes. Samsung stored the identical fundamental {hardware}, selecting to enhance its cowl show purely by enhanced software program, whereas Motorola expanded its personal entrance panel to a (comparatively) huge 4 inches. That leaves us with two units which can be attempting to rework their respective cowl shows into, successfully, small Android telephones. I am involved, nevertheless, that these new kind components could be lacking out on what made flip telephones so thrilling to some customers within the first place — and what made extra transportable smartphones so interesting within the first place.

Flip telephones not really feel like a digital detox

However there’s a simple technique to carry that feeling again

Wanting again on earlier Galaxy Z Flip and Moto Razr fashions, you may discover one factor in frequent: ticker shows in lieu of full, expansive cowl screens. These early clamshell fashions thought of their outer panel one thing for fundamental info, not for loading navigation in Maps or scrolling by Instagram tales. You may view the time, climate situations, and incoming notifications, and never a lot else. Evaluating these units to their fashionable counterparts is like evaluating a Fitbit to the Pixel Watch 3.

To loads of folks — energy customers and small cellphone followers specifically — this was a compromised state of affairs. AP’s Google Editor Taylor Kerns discovered this out the {hardware} throughout a four-month trial run with the Galaxy Z Flip 4 a few years in the past. Whereas his points with photograph high quality stay largely unsolved, Motorola and Samsung did rectify his complaints in regards to the ticker show rendering the cellphone essentially ineffective in a whole lot of conditions. Here is Taylor:

“The Flip 4 additionally takes a bit of warning to open with out feeling prefer it’s liable to tumble to the bottom — popping it open one-handed just isn’t a chic maneuver. I’ve actually missed having the ability to simply pull my cellphone out of my pocket, unlock and work together with it, and put it again whereas, say, holding a cup of espresso within the different hand. It is hardly inconceivable with the Flip, but it surely’s awkward at finest. I can see this being a perk, too, for somebody trying to curb compulsive smartphone use, however for me, it is largely simply meant extra uncared for notifications.”

Whereas I completely see Taylor’s level, today, you may rely me in with the group he is describing close to the tip. As somebody who lives his life actually surrounded by smartphones — lots of them normally on for testing functions — my life is nothing however uncared for notifications and countless distractions. I discover it surprisingly tough to disregard a flashing show in entrance of me, even when the smartwatch on my wrist exists to tell me whether or not it is really essential. That ticker display would possibly make the cellphone much less helpful, but it surely may also be simply what I have to chill out and unwind within the night or on weekends.

To me, that is completely a solvable drawback, but it surely requires Samsung and Motorola to place in some work. We needn’t ditch the types of screens that assist rectify usability points present in older generations, however we do want further software program settings that permit for all that noise to be tuned out. Why not construct a software-based model of the old-school ticker show, toggleable from fast settings, that permits you to flip your gadget into one thing rather less sensible — even when it is simply whereas it is resting on the desk in entrance of you?

It is a easy sufficient technique, one that would make each the Taylors and the Wills of the world really feel extra glad with their cellphone. It is one thing that would even pair properly with Google’s personal Digital Wellbeing initiative on Android, working that can assist you disconnect out of your on-line life everytime you probably can.

Flip telephones aren’t good at being small telephones

Let’s carry again the actual deal already

After all, that also would possibly simply be a Band-aid slapped on a bigger, extra basic drawback with the cellular market. Each Samsung and Motorola have taken wildly completely different swings with very comparable {hardware} over the previous couple of years, and it tells us quite a bit about what to anticipate from every cellphone. With the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Flip 6, Samsung feels prefer it’s attempting to attach a smartwatch to the entrance show, as evidenced by how tedious activating full app help stays. Motorola, in the meantime, permits for many of your apps to work on the duvet display out of the field, a technique I absolutely count on Samsung to undertake in coming generations.

Regardless of these completely different approaches, each flip telephones are appearing as substitutions for precise small telephones, the kind of gadget that was successfully eradicated from the market with the loss of life of the iPhone 13 Mini. Whereas that have would possibly work for some customers, it is a poor substitute for what many individuals really need: a tool that slides into our pocket with out weighing something down. It is why I’ve gone to bat for units just like the Pixel 8a and iPhone 16, telephones that really feel comparatively small whereas utilizing designs that do not necessitate counting on a protecting case.

What Samsung and Motorola — and, presumably, another firm that decides to affix this competitors within the coming years — do not perceive, after all, is {that a} succesful cowl show is not an actual substitute for actually small telephones. Certain, Google Maps works properly sufficient on a folded Razr, but it surely’ll by no means examine to working it on, say, a Pixel 5-sized gadget. And whenever you do want a extra conventional display measurement and form, flipping open the Galaxy Z Flip 6 reveals a big cellphone, no matter the way it feels when shut.

If a smaller various existed, it might be simpler to see our present cowl show state of affairs as, merely, an alternate method to creating smartphones extra pocketable. Crave the pliability of a big and small show? Seize a Moto Razr. Need one thing extra normal however nonetheless pleasant sufficient to make use of with one hand? Seize a… properly, I can not even give you a hypothetical gadget at this fee. A Pixel 10 Mini, if you’ll.

The way forward for flip telephones is extensive open

Let’s hope it consists of extra actually small units

Maybe it is unfair to choose on clamshell foldables for his or her shortcomings as small cellphone replacements — in any case, it isn’t their fault the market demanded we depart sub-6-inch screens behind. But when all we’re left with are units just like the Moto Razr+, I might wish to see firms like Motorola and Samsung assume by how they will maximize the expertise on either side of the aisle.

Make these cowl shows as versatile and highly effective as potential, however on the identical time, delivering a extra minimal, laid again expertise may assist customers disconnect every time potential. And, frankly, get again to creating small telephones alongside clamshell foldables. These units include some actual shortcomings, one thing a very small Pixel 10 Professional would doubtless have the ability to ignore.

Associated

Why I am ready for a Pixel Flip to go all in on foldables

Motorola and Samsung be damned, gimme that Pixel clamshell!

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  Samsung Galaxy Watch FE
  

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  $47

  The Galaxy Watch FE is the least costly choice if you’d like a Samsung Put on OS watch. With the acquainted feel and look of its costlier siblings, the Watch FE delivers a putting package deal with yesterday’s {hardware} — making it shockingly just like the Galaxy Watch 5.

  Execs

  • Efficiency is nice sufficient
  • Least expensive approach to get a Galaxy Watch
  • Premium design

  Cons

  • Charging pace is sluggish
  • Solely out there in a single measurement
  • Competitors gives extra for a similar value

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  Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
  

  $230 $330 Save
  $100

  The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is a few years previous at this level, however nonetheless carries a premium design and the identical {hardware} because the far more current Galaxy Watch FE. Consequently, the Galaxy Watch 5 continues to be a strong machine for each day use.

  Execs

  • Efficiency continues to be good
  • Obtainable in a number of sizes
  • Quicker charging speeds in comparison with the Watch FE

  Cons

  • Should not be purchased new at this level
  • A number of years older
  • Competitors has caught up

Samsung’s FE (Fan Version) units first appeared on the smartphone aspect as a less expensive various to its present flagship units with the identical feel and look; the newest instance is the Galaxy S24 FE. Whereas Samsung has tried to excellent the FE method through the years, the product lineup has had a little bit of an up-and-down historical past. Some units discovered an awesome steadiness of efficiency and value, whereas others missed their mark.

As an alternative of basing the Galaxy Watch FE on the more moderen Galaxy Watch 7, Samsung determined to return a couple of generations and use the Galaxy Watch 4 for its inspiration. In case your Galaxy Watch 5 is beginning to present its age or its battery life is starting to decrease, it’s possible you’ll be eyeing the newer Watch FE as a possible alternative. Nonetheless, the Galaxy Watch 5 additionally shares a lot of its DNA with the Watch 4, which means these two units are much more comparable than they’re totally different.

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Worth, availability, and specs

Samsung launched the Galaxy Watch FE in June 2024, and it is available in two 40mm variants. The Wi-Fi-only mannequin retails for $200, whereas the LTE model sells for $250. The Watch FE often goes on sale, so for those who’re affected person, you shouldn’t have any hassle discovering it for much less. Each variations are available in Black, Silver, or Pink Gold colorways and might be bought immediately from Samsung, by means of retailers like Amazon or Finest Purchase, or from AT&T, T-Cellular, and Verizon.

The Galaxy Watch 5 is a couple of years older, having launched approach again in August 2022. It might nonetheless be discovered new from retailers like Amazon, however I wouldn’t advocate shopping for it new at this level. As you’ll quickly see, the FE gives the identical expertise for much less, or you may seize the Galaxy Watch 7 for about the identical value. The Watch 5 launched in 40mm and 44mm variants with Wi-Fi-only or LTE connectivity. The Watch 5 was out there within the Graphite, Silver, and Pink Gold colorways.

• 	Samsung Galaxy Watch FE	Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
  Case measurement	40mm	40mm, 44mm
  Case Materials	Aluminum	Aluminum
  Show	1.2″ AMOLED	1.19″ Sapphire Crystal Glass AMOLED 396 x 396px (40mm) or 1.36″ Sapphire Crystal Glass AMOED 450 x 450px (44mm)
  CPU	Exynos W920	Samsung Exynos W920
  RAM	1.5GB	1.5GB
  Storage	16GB	16GB
  Battery	247mAh	284mAh (40mm) or 410 mAh (44mm)
  Mobile connectivity	LTE (optionally available)	LTE
  Wi-Fi connectivity	Wi-Fi 5	Wi-Fi 6
  Connectivity	NFC	NFC, GPS, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi (2.4Gz & 5Ghz), LTE (optionally available)
  Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth 5.2
  Software program	Put on OS 4 with One UI 5 Watch	One UI Watch 4.5 atop Put on 3.5
  Well being sensors	Samsung BioActive Sensor (optical coronary heart price + electrical coronary heart + bioelectrical impedance evaluation), SpO2, pores and skin temperature	Optical Coronary heart Price, Electrical Coronary heart Sensor (ECG), Bioelectrical Impedance (BIA), Steady SpO, Pores and skin Temperature Sensor
  Dimensions	40.4 x 39.3 x 9.8mm	40.4 x 39.3 x 9.8 mm (40mm) or 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm
  Weight	25.9g (with out strap)	29 (40mm) or 32.8g (44mm)
  IP Ranking	IP68	IP68
  Strap measurement	20mm	20mm
  Colours	Black, Pink Gold, Silver	Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold, Sapphire
  Worth	Beginning at $200	From $280

Learn our overview

Overview: The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE is an honest, reasonably priced Put on OS watch — however is that sufficient?

Put on OS 4 for 200 bucks ain’t unhealthy

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 overview: Struggling for slimness

Charging pace and battery are barely higher on this already-solid watch, however it’s not sufficient for die-hards

Design

Seeing double

Each the Galaxy Watch FE and Galaxy Watch 5 share an an identical design with only some minor variations. The 40mm fashions are the identical measurement, measuring 40.4 x 39.3 x 9.8 mm, however differ barely in weight. The Watch FE weighs 26.6g, whereas the Watch 5 is a tad heavier at 28.7g. The 40mm variant could also be a nice choice for these with small wrists, however it gained’t please those that desire a bigger watch. The Watch 5 additionally is available in a 44mm model, which measures 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8mm and weighs 33.5g, which can do much more to please customers who desire a greater watch.

Even the show is similar between the 2 units. The 40mm variants have a 1.2-inch Tremendous AMOLED show with a 396 x 396 decision. The Watch 5’s 44mm variant bumps the show to 1.4 inches and a 450 x 450 decision.

Regardless of the model, the show is protected by Sapphire Crystal glass and options an armored aluminum-protected body. Should you don’t want the default strap with both watch, each might be swapped for third-party choices as they use an trade normal 20mm strap. The watches additionally supply the identical MIL-STD-810H compliance, IP68 score, and 50m water resistance.

Software program & efficiency

Similar experiences

In relation to software program, these two units are excellent mirrors of each other. The Watch FE and Watch 5 have Put on OS 4 and One UI Watch 5. In case you are already rocking a Galaxy Watch, you recognize what to anticipate right here. Nonetheless, for those who’re coming from one other smartwatch, One UI Watch is Samsung’s customized UI layer on prime of Put on OS. Both machine will combine nicely with one of many greatest Samsung telephones out there and can work nicely with any Android machine.

What cannot be ignored is software program help. Because the Galaxy Watch FE is newer, it ought to get three Android OS updates and 4 years of safety updates, though the processor might battle as future Android upgrades drop. The Galaxy Watch 5 was promised the identical three years of Android updates and 4 years of safety updates, which suggests it is already midway by means of its help cycle.

Samsung chosen the identical Exynos W920 processor and 1.5GB of RAM for the units, leading to the identical efficiency. It’s not as quick because the newer Watch 7 processor, however it nonetheless holds up nicely for contemporary Put on OS wants. There might be some lag right here and there, however you gained’t have a lot hassle checking notifications or bouncing between menus and apps. The storage measurement can be the identical at 16GB, leaving you room to obtain your favourite music.

There isn’t a distinction between these two when it comes to software program or efficiency exterior of Bluetooth performance. The Watch 5 has Bluetooth 5.2 and the Watch FE has Bluetooth 5.3, which gives elevated energy effectivity and stability, in addition to maintains a stronger connection over better distances.

Well being & health

Each are wonderful choices for well being monitoring

Samsung is not any stranger to well being and health monitoring and these Galaxy Watches do an admirable job for all however hardcore athletes. The watches have Samsung’s BioActive sensor, which does job total of monitoring your coronary heart price. Additionally they embody an accelerometer, gyro, barometer, altimeter, compass, SpO2, and temperature sensors to offer a whole image of your total well being.

In relation to monitoring your train, the Galaxy Watch FE and Watch 5 supply a sturdy array of actions to select from, starting from common to extra obscure actions. Each have single-band GPS, which doesn’t imply it is unhealthy by default, however neither machine goes to outdo the greatest Garmin smartwatches in accuracy. As an alternative, they do an honest job of monitoring exercises, however will not all the time be essentially the most correct on the market.

The Watch FE and the Watch 5 are greater than able to being your each day step and sleep-tracking units. Syncing with Samsung’s Well being app is a breeze and gives a pleasant, clear breakdown of all of your well being metrics.

Battery life

Good-enough battery life with sluggish charging

Battery life will not be a powerful go well with for both of those watches. The Galaxy Watch FE has a 247mAh battery, whereas the Watch 5 has a 284mAh or 410mAh battery for the 40 and 44mm sizes, respectively.

These watches will get you thru a complete day of standard use however can battle a bit if you end up utilizing GPS monitoring for lengthy intervals, particularly if you’re streaming music. When watches just like the OnePlus Watch 2R supply as much as 5 days on a single cost, it’s disappointing that these Galaxy Watches must be charged each day.

To make it even worse, the charging speeds for the Galaxy Watch FE prime out at 5W, whereas the Watch 5 can hit as much as 10W charging speeds. Because of this the FE takes about two hours to completely cost, which can have been acceptable a few years in the past however is turning into more and more irritating at present. The Watch 5 can use the additional wattage to cost the watch faster, as much as 50%. After that, it drops the charging pace to match the Watch FE’s pace. Nonetheless, this fast top-off can imply the distinction between your watch dying when heading out for the night time or not.

Do you have to improve?

Should you already personal a Galaxy Watch 5 and really feel as if it’s beginning to present its age, you will not acquire any actual advantages from leaping to the Galaxy Watch FE. These units have the identical show, efficiency, and health-tracking capabilities. The Watch 5 has a much bigger battery and quicker charging pace, making it a greater all-around performer.

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Editor’s decide

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

Nonetheless a viable contender two years on

$230 $330 Save
$100

The Galaxy Watch 5 could also be a couple of years previous, however nonetheless feels premium because of a feel and look just like Samsung’s costlier smartwatches. With the identical {hardware} because the Galaxy Watch FE, upgrading the Watch 5 to Samsung’s least costly Galaxy Watch is just not value it.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE is troublesome for me to advocate right here until you end up deep within the Samsung ecosystem and your present watch is not functioning anymore. At face worth, the value is correct, however with Galaxy Watch 7’s frequent gross sales, the FE faces stiff competitors. In comparison with the Watch 5, you’ll get basically the identical watch, so changing your present watch with the FE simply doesn’t make sense.

If you have already got the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and need to substitute it, grabbing a flagship smartwatch just like the Galaxy Watch 7 or Pixel Watch 2 when it’s on sale is the safer wager. Should you can’t wait because of a damaged machine and are pleased with the efficiency of the Galaxy Watch 5, the Watch FE exists as a drop-in alternative.

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Runner-up

Samsung Galaxy Watch FE

Cheap choice for Samsung fans

$153 $200 Save
$47

With the identical design and an identical {hardware}, the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE is sort of a carbon copy of the Galaxy Watch 5. If you have already got the Galaxy Watch 5 and want to switch it, the Watch FE will do properly, even when it would not carry something new to the desk.