STACK #192 Oct 2020

LIFE TECH FEATURE

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MID-RANGE MAESTROS Those previous Samsung handsets are great flagship models for those who don’t mind investing more in their smartphone experiences. But mid- range Android smartphones are also a great choice for the more budget- conscious purchaser.

Pixel upgrade In terms of what you’re missing out on between a Google Pixel 4 and Google Pixel 4a comparison, the former is built with more premium features. For starters, you’ll feel a difference with the metal-and-glass build of the Pixel 4, which also includes dust and water resistance, as well as wireless charging. As for accessing the phone, the Pixel 4a uses a fingerprint scanner whereas the Pixel 4 uses front-facing sensors for face unlocks. By ditching those, the Pixel 4a keeps the cost down and makes for a front that’s basically all screen and no bezel.

GOOGLE PIXEL 4A Normally, when it comes to cheaper mid-tier equivalents of flagship handsets – as is the case with the budget-friendly Google Pixel 4a vs premium-priced Google Pixel 4 – it’s all about the features that are missing. But the Pixel 4a comes with a still-popular inclusion that’s missing from the Pixel 4: a 3.5mm audio jack. Despite the cheaper price, the Pixel

SAMSUNG GALAXY S20 FE That “FE” in the phone title is short for “Fan Edition”, and we reckon you’ll be a fan of this mid-tier Samsung Galaxy smartphone. Offered in your choice of 4G or slightly more expensive 5G variants, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE gets a triple-lens rear camera configuration (12MP/12MP/8MP), 128GB of internal storage, and microSD storage expansion potentiality up to 1TB. The main event on the front is a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED screen with a 1080p+ resolution, plus you can crank up the refresh rate to 120Hz for smoother use that’s easier on the eyes. At the top of the Infinity-O Display you’ll find a 32-megapixel selfie camera for high-res pics of yours truly. You can safely expect all-day battery care of a 4,500mAh battery, which also supports wireless charging. Outside of 5G connectivity, the other big difference between the two is the standard Exynos 990 processor in the regular S20 FE and the faster Snapdragon 865 CPU for the 5G variant.

4a still boasts a gorgeous 1080p+ 5.81-inch OLED screen. It’s also powered by a snappy Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 processor and 128GB of internal storage. For the smartphone happy-snappers out there, the Pixel 4a camera has deep photography features, including Live HDR+, dual exposure, Night Sight and an impressive zoom. You don’t need to be an experienced photographer, either; user-friendly controls mean even the most inexperienced photographers can snap great results. This welcome user-friendliness extends to an improved Google Assistant that lets you control basic and in-depth functions with just your voice. The battery is built to last a full day and fast-charging gets you from dry to juiced in no time.

Extra security As smartphones get smarter, so too does the need for more robust security. The Pixel 4a has some great security features, which starts with a Titan M security chip. This chip is built to secure both your operating system and passwords. It will receive support for at least the next three years, all via discrete background downloads, and Google’s integrated Personal Safety app can be used to store medical info, emergency contacts, and can even detect if you’ve been in a car crash.

Whether you want to get all of the perks of a premium-priced handset or opt for a mid-tier Android alternative, these featured smartphones are great for upgrade consideration and even better if you’re a first-time Android user.

56 OCTOBER 2020

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