Quick Answer: No, the Galaxy S21 does not have a headphone jack. To use wired headphones with the Galaxy S21, you’ll need a 3.5mm AUX adapter.

While there aren’t many major Samsung Galaxy S21 changes compared to the S20, a few key updates make the S21 a more affordable option.

Like the iPhone 12, this iteration of Samsung’s flagship smartphone doesn’t come with a charger. This is an effort to reduce electronic waste and help keep the phone’s price down.

Samsung has been known for years for its high quality and sleek design. The Galaxy S21 line is no different.

This may lead some potential buyers to wonder what other things might be left out. The Galaxy S20 line from Samsung released in 2020 was the first Galaxy phone to launch without a headphone jack.

This came several years after Apple began producing iPhones without the 3.5mm headphone port. But what about the Galaxy S21?

Does the Galaxy S21 have a headphone jack?

Short answer: No

Samsung has decided to leave the headphone jack off the Galaxy S21. All Galaxy S21s, including the S21 Plus and S21 Ultra, don’t have a headphone jack.

So what does this mean for Samsung smartphone users? While there is no headphone jack on the Galaxy S21, you still have other options.

Firstly, there are a plethora of Bluetooth headphone options available. The Galaxy S21 supports any Bluetooth headphones. Another option is using a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter to connect wired headphones to the Galaxy S21.

Where is the headphone jack on the Samsung Galaxy S21

Sadly, the Galaxy’s S21 headphone jack is gone, but with all the wireless options available, it seems logical to start phasing them out.

Instead, the Galaxy S21 phones rely on USB-C or wireless Bluetooth connectivity for audio output. This was likely done to save space for other components and align with industry trends of removing the 3.5mm port.

Users who still prefer wired headphones can utilize a USB-C to 3.5mm headphone adapter to connect legacy headphones. But otherwise, wireless or USB-C audio accessories are required for private listening with the Galaxy S21.

Nowadays, phones are thinner and more ergonomic. Plus, not having a phone jack also cuts down a little on prices, which is good for everybody.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Is the Samsung Galaxy S21 waterproof?
• How to take a screenshot on the Samsung Galaxy S21
• Does the Samsung Galaxy S21 have an SD slot?
• Can the Samsung Galaxy S21 be charged wirelessly?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Does the Galaxy S21 have a headphone jack? appeared first on KnowTechie.

However, leaks have been surfacing, including one revealing the European pricing for the smartphone, which, compared to last year’s model, appears quite absurd.

Is Nothing Phone 2 going to be a flagship or a flagship killer? 

A French outlet Dealabs has claimed to have received the pricing for the Nothing Phone 2, which will also come in two variants, 256GB and 512GB, in terms of storage. 

The 256GB is the base model, and apparently, it will be priced at €729, equivalent to $802 USD. If you need more storage, the 512GB variant will cost €849, around $934 USD. Both variants will be available in the usual Black and White colorways. 

We are not sure how accurate this leaked Nothing Phone 2 pricing is; however, if we consider it accurate, the upcoming Android smartphone is opting for a major price hike. 

Last year’s Nothing Phone 1 started at €469, around $516 USD. It will be even more expensive than the base model Google Pixel 7, which costs €649 and is only $20 cheaper than its 256GB variant. 

The Nothing Phone 2 price hike was expected, as the upcoming smartphone is getting some major upgrades.

The upcoming Nothing Phone includes the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset and a slightly larger 4,700 mAh battery, but these two upgrades don’t justify the unnecessarily hefty price tag. 

However, Nothing founder Carl Pei reacted to this price leak. He has tweeted, “Who leaked this? With an angry emoji.”

So, it is not clear whether Carl is irritated because the news is accurate or he is just joking. Nevertheless, with only a few days left for the Nothing Phone 2 launch, we’ll know all the details on 11th July.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Carl Pei reveals a new Nothing Phone 2 transparent USB-C cable
• Nothing Phone 2 officially confirmed for a July 11 launch
• Nothing Phone (2) leak gives us sneak peek at a new design
• Previously leaked Nothing Phone 2 renders may have been misleading

The post Latest Nothing Phone 2 leak indicates an absurd 50% price hike appeared first on KnowTechie.

Quick Answer: Android apps store there data in the data partition. This section of your device storage is also known as Shared Storage, as all your apps put their data here.

If you notice your Android device slowing down, it might be time to clear out your storage to speed things up again.

That could be as simple as clearing your device’s app cache. But you’ll need to know where Android apps store data.

Once done, all the files your apps have added to storage are gone. Hopefully, that fixes the slowdown.

The app cache should make all your apps load faster in a perfect system. The reality is that many apps don’t use caching efficiently.

This has the result of making your device slower as it contains more data than needed.

It could even be an issue after updating an app if enough structural changes make the existing cache data obsolete.

So, how do you deal with this without factory resetting your device? Where does Android store its files Let’s find out.

So, where do Android apps store data?

Short answer: In the Data partition

Android takes a different take on storage compared to desktop operating systems.

When you install an app (either from the Google Play Store or a downloaded apk file), Android places that into the device’s app folder.

That’s /data/app/your_package_name for most apps. Some encrypted apps use /data/app-private/your_package_name.

This section of your device storage is also known as Shared Storage, as all your apps put their data here.

The thing is, giving apps access to the whole folder causes some issues. The first is that sometimes files generated stay in internal storage, even after uninstalling the app.

The second is that it’s a security risk, as any app on the device can access that folder.

Google fixed this in Android 11 with a thing called Scoped Storage. The biggest change is that apps should now have all their generated files inside their own app directory.

That means no more cluttering up the Shared Storage folder. Now the system knows which files were created by individual apps, so there won’t be leftover files after uninstalling.

READ MORE: Where is the Trash folder on Android devices?

It also hides the Android/data and Android/OBB folders from other apps. This is good for your data privacy, although it has stopped some third-party file management tools from being able to manage your data.

How to clear app cache on Android

We’ll walk you through the process if you are ready to clear out your Android cache.

Most users only need to clear the app cache by doing the following:

1. Open Settings

2. Then Storage > Apps

3. Then tapping on individual apps, then on Clear cache from the menu that opens

If your apps misbehave, such as crashing when opened, you might also need to clear the data files.

That’s on the same page where it says Clear Data. Doing this puts the app back into a freshly installed state.

That means it wipes all information on your device from that app. It also makes you sign in again if it’s an app that uses a login.

Only do this if you’re sure that you have backups of any important documents that the app has created.

What do you think? Have you ever had any issues with clearing your Android app cache? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Are Android tablets any good?
• Are Android phones better than iPhones?
• Can Android phones be hacked?
• Are Android TVs good?

The post Where do Android apps store data? appeared first on KnowTechie.

Just don’t. Wait until it has warmed up to room temperature, whether you were out on the slopes or you just snagged your new iPhone delivery off the porch.

The short of it is, charging your phone while the battery is frozen can be pretty dangerous. Here’s why.

Why shouldn’t you charge your devices if they’re freezing?

There are two reasons, and neither is good. See, one damages your device irreparably, and the other could, well, damage you. We told you neither was good.

If your device is powered by lithium-ion, as most smartphones, tablets, and laptops are, you should never charge them if they’re below freezing.

You might know that all batteries degrade chemically, which is why modern mobile operating systems have a battery health display to show you how it’s aging.

Every battery has a rough lifespan with charge and discharge cycles, and that display keeps track of it.

That’s under normal conditions. But if your lithium-ion battery is below 32°F/0°C, some funky stuff happens.

A single cold charge can instantly reduce the capacity of that battery, and it’s proportional to the speed of the charging.

Yes, that means your fancy, new fast-charging chargers will kill your battery forever, possibly in one charge.

Your device’s lifespan is reduced; that’s bad news. The really bad news is that your lifespan could be reduced, as you’ve turned your phone/flashlight/etc into a grenade with an unknown fuse length.

Really. We’re not joking around.

The worrying thing is that besides the shortened charge capacity, you won’t otherwise know you’re putting something liable to explode in your pocket. It’s a case of when not if.

The responsible thing to do is to dispose of that battery, so find your local battery recycler and visit them.

Why you can’t charge your smartphone when it is below freezing

We found a long explanation for why on Stack Exchange by user metacollin. If you want a longer explanation, it’s worth reading the full thing. Otherwise, stick around for the TL:DR version.

See, lithium batteries don’t work like other batteries. All batteries have two sides; an anode and a cathode. In a normal battery, electrons move to the anode when charged.

In a lithium-ion battery, lithium ions move across to the anode from the cathode. It’s a little like moving water from one sponge to another.

And just like our sponge analogy, when the battery of your smartphone is freezing, the anode can’t absorb the lithium ions like before.

It gets coated in pure lithium instead. Think back to science class and that impressive “lithium dropped into water” reaction. Now imagine that happening while in your jeans.

Safe charging in cold temperatures

We’re not saying you can’t charge your devices if it’s cold out. We’re saying you must be careful if you think your lithium-ion battery is below 32°F/0°C.

If you think it’s that cold, let it warm up a little before you plug it in to charge.

The good news is that using your lithium-ion batteries in these temperatures won’t cause the same effect. Take your selfies, listen to your tunes, and call your friends and family. Just stay away from the charger.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Futurist says smartphones will be extinct by 2040. We’re calling B.S.
• PSA: Standing your PS5 upright might shorten its lifespan
• How to update your iPhone
• How to check how much time you spend on Android apps

The post PSA: Don’t charge a frozen smartphone – here’s why appeared first on KnowTechie.

Even within the past decade, it’s not hard to find examples where people staked their name to an idea only to be proven immensely (and hilariously) wrong.

Remember Google Glass? Or when laptops came with 3D screens? 

Still, some predictions are so audacious you can’t help but take notice. A good example of this landed in my inbox just a few hours ago.

Dr. Ian Pearson, who spent almost 15 years working as the in-house futurologist for UK telco giant BT, claims that smartphones are an endangered species. 

The prediction — courtesy of UK second-hand tech reseller, Back Market — claims that by 2025, the pace of new smartphone releases will slow to a trickle. By 2030, mixed-reality devices will start to replace phones. 

And the wildest part? By 2040, Apple will “become jewelry merchants as advancements in wearable tech force mobile phones into extinction.” 

The future of mobile

Back to Dr. Ian Pearson. Let me be clear — I mean no disrespect to him. He’s a smart cookie. He’s a Ph.D. with degrees in Maths and Physics, according to his bio. I’m not.

In fact, I dropped out of my Master’s program after two weeks — although that likely had something to do with the fact that working a full-time job and while also studying full-time is really fucking hard. 

Pearson has over 1,900 inventions, including the active contact lens and, purportedly, text messaging. 

Obviously, the last bit deserves scrutiny. In 1991, Pearson published a document that described how to send text messages through landline phones.

In reality, the telecoms industry started work on SMS messaging in 1982 — almost one decade earlier. Pearson’s work relates to a use-case that never took off, and for obvious reasons.

Who wants to send a text from a communal device where you have no privacy? What’s the point of an SMS service that doesn’t work outside your home? 

Moreover, what even is an SMS? When you take away the complexity, it’s just a bunch of letters and numbers sent through a network and displayed on a computer. Like the kind sent by BNN engineer Ray Tomlinson in 1971.

SMS is on the way out

From Apple’s iMessage to Google’s RCS standard, traditional SMS communication is slowly being phased out.

Samsung adopts Google Messages as go-to message app

Pearson is smart. He’s accomplished. Even though his SMS work missed the mark, he obviously grasped the role technology (and networks) would play in our lives. While that seems obvious now, it wasn’t in 1991.

And yet, I think he’s missed the mark here. 

Three swings, two (and a bit) misses

Let’s go through the predictions one-by-one. First, he claims smartphone manufacturers will drastically slow the release of new devices by 2025. 

He’s right here, but not for the reasons he presents. Companies will make fewer models going forward, but not because we’re on the cusp of a mixed-reality future. It’s because of simple market fundamentals. 

Two things you need to understand. First, people are waiting longer and longer to upgrade their phones. In 2019, the typical iPhone upgrade cycle was estimated to be around four years.

Android devices have a shorter lifespan, albeit one that has improved over the years. This is, in part, due to better access to software upgrades and a growing consumer preference for mid-to-high-tier devices. 

That last bit is really important. People are spending more on their phones, and so, they expect them to last longer.

According to one survey commissioned by the UK government, under 20 percent of Brits spent less than £300 (roughly $360) on their mobile devices. 

That figure is likely higher in the US, where Samsung and Apple reign supreme, and where brands like Xiaomi and Oppo are absent. 

Here’s the point I’m trying to make: if sales are down, then it logically follows that smartphone companies will also slow down making new devices. 

Similarly, if people are spending more on high-end phones, it makes sense for manufacturers to focus on these devices.

Companies can’t win by spraying-and-praying. They need a big, splashy release once or twice a year. 

A mixed-reality, wearable future

I’m grouping the next two predictions together as one. As a reminder, Pearson believes that the smartphone industry will switch to wearable mixed-reality devices by 2030, and Apple will be a jewelry company by 2040. 

To be sure, wearable and mixed-reality technology will be a major facet of the technology landscape in the future. But screens are still good for… well… everything. Typing. Viewing media. You get the idea. 

That same UK Government-commissioned study mentioned earlier lists screen size as the primary driver behind a purchase.

This isn’t particularly surprising. The first iPhone had a dinky 3.5-inch screen. The latest iPhone 14 Pro Max has a 6.69-inch display. Clearly, the biggest the screen, the better.

But it’s more than size. The newest phones have incredible displays. They’re rich, bright, and boast incredible color fidelity. Or, put it another way: colors look like they should.

While this might change in the coming years, current mixed-reality headsets can’t deliver a comparable experience.

If you’ve ever used an AR headset — like Microsoft Hololens or a Google Glass wearable — you’ll know what I mean. Things just look… off. 

Usability and privacy

Two more points: Wearable devices don’t have keyboards. That means you’ll have to voice dictate everything.

Ask yourself: Would you be comfortable reading a private work email to everyone on the train? Do you think your fellow commuters want to hear your “it’s not you, it’s me” text message to your soon-to-be ex-partner? 

Also, they creep people out. We tolerate smartphones because you can put them away. The same isn’t quite as true with a face-worn headset. 

Sure, you could fold your Google Glass into its case, but most of the time, it lived on the wearer’s face.

Every time they bought a coffee, or had a conversation with a colleague around the water cooler, a camera was pointed at the other person’s face. It’s intrusive in a way normal smartphones simply aren’t. 

And so, I don’t see mixed-reality wearables achieving the same level of societal acceptance as smartphones. They’re just… weird. And I don’t see that changing. Ever.

As for Apple: sure, I’ll concede it’s a luxury goods company. But it’s different to, say, Gucci or Louis Vitton. 

Apple sells devices that are attainable to most people in developed countries. The iPhone SE, the entry-level iPad, and the Mac mini are all great examples. The idea that it’ll become a “jewelry merchant” is just, frankly, absurd.

Apple doesn’t shy away from costly products

If you deck it out completely, Apple’s latest MacPro Pro boasts a staggering price tag.

Here’s how much it costs to fully deck-out a new MacBook Pro

More importantly: usability and productivity matter to Apple. It doesn’t make toys or status symbols. It’s a technology company, and some of its biggest customers are large enterprises, where productivity matters.

How the sausage gets made

Look, I’ve worked in tech media for almost a decade. I’m intimately familiar with these types of pitches. 

A company will sponsor a survey (which is usually so flawed that it’s practically worthless) or hire a spokesperson to say something provocative. Then they’ll blast the results to a massive media email list. 

The goal is invariably to generate buzz — or, at the very least, backlinks — for the company sponsoring the research. 

If that sounds lazy and opportunistic, that’s because it often is.

When I worked at The Next Web, I received an email from a payday loan company that talked about the wasteful spending habits of millennials. “A daily post-commute Starbucks? Tut tut.”

That company, I note, loaned money (often to the poorest and least able to repay) at interest rates of 1,575 percent. That isn’t a typo. Almost 1,600 percent. 

The lack of self-awareness was mind-boggling. Naturally, I told the PR flack to find a job with a company that isn’t so transparently evil. I hear Monsanto is hiring.

Journalists — overworked and under pressure — often repeat the content of these emails without actually offering any real scrutiny to the pitch.

If you’ve seen half your colleagues laid off, and you’re under strict orders to produce five pieces of content each day, you ain’t going to be too choosy. Write, publish, repeat. 

Bullshit baffles brains

If I sound cynical, it’s because I am. I’m depressed about the declining standards in the media.

I read my local newspaper and see articles that are essentially re-written Reddit threads or thinly-veiled advertisements. 

“Mango shoppers ‘obsessed’ with ‘perfect’ £50 heels,” reads one post. Translation? A woman on TikTok likes a pair of shoes. Hold the fucking front page. 

“’Ignorant’ woman slammed for calling boyfriend’s stir fry ‘lonely man food.” screams another. This was a retelling of a thread on the CasualUK subreddit. A Pulitzer awaits the author of this piece.

I beg you, dear reader. If you take anything from this article, let it be this one point:

If you see a publication report on a survey that’s sponsored by a company, click through. Look at the data and methodology and see if it stands up. 

If you see an audacious prediction, like the one above, don’t get too wrapped up in it. Actually, you know, think about it. Because odds are high that it’ll be total fucking bullshit.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• What is Google Bard, and how does it work?
• Spotify launches an AI DJ that talks through its music picks
• Study shows AirPods can be used as affordable hearing aids
• Apple AR/VR headset: Release date, features, and price

The post Futurist says smartphones will be extinct by 2040. We’re calling B.S. appeared first on KnowTechie.

Unihertz is arguably the weirdest phone company in existence. It knows that, of course.

Since its inception in 2016, the company has won fans and headlines through its highly-niche devices, like the Unihertz TickTock 5G.

Today’s specimen is no exception. KnowTechie got its hands on the company’s latest miniature phone, the Unihertz Jelly 2E. We covered its predecessor a few years ago.

Quick Verdict

Unihertz Jelly 2E

3.5

$169.99

The Unihertz Jelly 2E is a tiny, credit card-sized phone. Practical, yet impractical. As a digital detox phone or a backup device u002du002d it's hard to fault the Unihertz Jelly 2E. But if your ambitions are grander, this phone is not for you. It's clever but limited.

See at Unihertz See at AliExpress

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

While the Unihertz Jelly 2E doesn’t break much new ground compared to previous models, it remains an eye-catching and weirdly practical device, but one that’s totally and unrepentantly bonkers.

But what was it like to use this phone on a daily basis? Is it worth using? Better yet, is it worth buying? That’s the question we’re going to tackle today.

When you shrink the dimensions of a phone, you inevitably limit its capabilities. Batteries, cooling systems, and multi-sensor camera arrays take up space. A lot of space.

Like the previous model, the Unihertz Jelly 2E is a living testament to that point.

If you’re spoiled by the amenities of the modern (or rather, conventional) smartphone industry, this device will leave you wanting.

But that doesn’t mean that it’s underpowered. Even with the performance trade-offs that its credit card-sized frame requires, the Unihertz Jelly 2E is more than capable of day-to-day tasks.

That said, it does suffer from a fair degree of sluggishness.

Many of the headline specs on the Jelly 2E are actually a downgrade from its predecessor. The MediaTek A20 is vastly less powerful than the Helio P60 in the previous model.

It comes with 2GB less RAM than the previous model, and storage is half that on the older Unihertz Jelly 2.

Indeed, most aspects of the device remain unchanged from the previous Jelly 2 device. The form factor is unchanged. The battery size is the same. And it looks and feels identical to the previous model.

But looking and feeling nearly identical isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Unihertz also preserved the weirdly useful elements that elevated the original Jelly 2 phone beyond gimmickry.

The IR blaster remains. This is a lovely little addition since it lets you use the phone as an ad-hoc TV remote control. It’s something we’d love to see across more devices.

READ MORE: Review: Infinix Zero Ultra

Given that you’ll likely want to spend as little time as possible using this phone’s diminutive 3.3-inch screen, the physical headphone jack is also welcome.

In practice, it means you can listen to your tracks without fiddling with the Bluetooth settings and switch songs by using the built-in remote control on your headphones.

The first Android device I owned mirrored the Unihertz Jelly 2E in many respects. It was the Sony Xperia X10 Mini. And I hated, hated, hated it.

Like the Unihertz Jelly 2E, it touted a tiny screen that measured 2.55 inches across. But, from a usability perspective, it was a nightmare.

It forced you to type using a T9 keyboard, like the ones found on an old-school phone, which was tedious beyond words. It was slow and clunky.

On a really basic level, the Sony Xperia X10 Mini was a nightmare to use.

I can’t say the same thing about the Unihertz Jelly 2E. If you set your expectations low enough, it’s something you can learn to live with — and perhaps even love.

Although small, it’s big enough to show a normal QWERTY keyboard. You won’t type with the same cadence as on a conventional phone, but it’s good enough for the occasional text.

Some usability flaws are unavoidable. Good luck trying to read long emails and documents on the Jelly 2E. You can’t. At least, not without also feeling really uncomfortable.

But Unihertz softens the blow with a few nice touches. One is the inclusion of a physical hotkey that can trigger pre-defined apps or behaviors.

Unihertz doesn’t take a particularly hands-on role in customizing the pre-installed Android 12 OS. But the changes it does make are sensible, proportionate, and beneficial.

Unihertz explicitly markets the Jelly 2E as a companion phone.

Something you’d use when trying to wean yourself from your existing phone, but you can’t (or won’t) make the full jump to old-school feature phones, like one of Nokia’s reborn classics.

Or, as a device that you won’t really mind losing. Something slightly above a burner phone. A smartphone for festivals or camping, where you don’t want to risk your everyday carry device.

With that in mind, focusing too much on the phone’s lethargic specs is unfair.

And so, I’ll mention them in passing. The original Unihertz Jelly 2 impressed us with its ability to handle day-to-day tasks with aplomb, despite its small frame.

The Jelly 2E, on the other hand, struggles. Applications take noticeably longer to load. It can’t multitask as well as its predecessor. You can do stuff, sure. But it’s not a fun or fluid experience.

To illustrate that point, the phone took almost eight seconds to bring up the Wi-Fi password prompt during setup.

Unlike the original Jelly 2, I didn’t bother trying to run any intensive games because what would be the point?

The camera similarly fails to impress, with pictures looking flat and stagnant.

On most devices, that would be a deal-breaker. But, as I mentioned, the Unihertz Jelly 2E isn’t “most devices.” Realistically, you won’t be capturing life’s finest moments with this phone.

It won’t be the tool that earns you the photography world’s most prestigious awards.

So, to recap: The Unihertz Jelly 2E is a tiny, credit card-sized phone. It’s clever but limited. Practical, yet impractical.

Specs-wise, this model represents a major downgrade from the previous version. But it also comes cheaper than the original Unihertz Jelly 2.

Still, for most people, I’d recommend considering the pricier option. It’s just so much less frustrating.

For its stated purpose — as a digital detox phone or a backup device — it’s hard to fault the Unihertz Jelly 2E. But if your ambitions are grander, this phone is not for you.

Despite its niche status, there is no shortage of alternatives to the Unihertz 2E. The most obvious is the Unihertz Jelly 2.

This device has the same form and aesthetic as the newer Unihertz Jelly 2E, but touts stronger internals, more RAM, better storage, and a faster processor.

The Unihertz Jelly 2 costs $199.99 – $40 more than the Unihertz Jelly 2E.

I’d also consider the AGM H5 Pro. It’s a conventional (albeit rugged and shockingly heavy) phone with plenty of quirks.

Its most charming feature is a massive loudspeaker that pokes out of the rear like a pimple. Like the Unihertz Jelly 2E, this device is tacitly promoted as a backup device rather than for day-to-day usage.

Finally, if you’re looking for a digital detox device, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Nokia’s many reborn classics, like the 3310 and the 8210.

These are vastly cheaper than the Unihertz Jelly 2E, although their global availability remains somewhat of a mixed bag.

At the time of writing, the Unihertz Jelly 2E is yet to appear on Amazon. You can buy the device directly from Unihertz, which will save you $160.

As for availability, units start shipping in December. After that point, the phone’s price will rise to $170.\

Final Verdict

Unihertz Jelly 2E

3.5

$169.99

While the Unihertz Jelly 2E doesn't break much new ground compared to previous models, it remains an eye-catching and weirdly practical device, but one that's totally and unrepentantly bonkers.

See at Unihertz See at AliExpress

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: Eight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress – deep sleep at any cost
• Review: HHOGene GPods light earbuds
• Review: INNOCN 27 4K mini LED monitor
• Review: Das Keyboard 6 Professional mechanical keyboard

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Review: Unihertz Jelly 2E appeared first on KnowTechie.

I’ve spent the past decade writing about phones. Looking back through my work, you’ll notice a growing dissatisfaction.

Time made me cynical. Jaded even. Try as I might, I couldn’t bring myself to be excited about anything. Fortunately, the subject of this review bucks that trend.

Today, we’re looking at the Infinix Zero Ultra. Infinix isn’t a household name in the US, but this device is novel enough to pique my interest.

Infinix Zero Ultra

Quick Verdict

The Infinix Zero Ultra is a great phone. Sure, the camera quality isn't the best and doesn't deliver flagship performance. On the other hand, the screen is outstanding. Its 180W fast charging is nothing short of a game-changer. It's beautiful. It feels incredible to the touch.

See at Infinix See at AliExpress

Of course, I’d be negligent in my duty if I only cared about nostalgia or fast charging speeds. The whole package matters.

And while I’ll deliver my reasoning in a second, I’m fairly content with how the Infinix Zero Ultra performed. This is a great phone—one worthy of your consideration.

Price-wise, it sits in the middle of the Android market. You won’t find the Infinix Zero Ultra in the bargain basement, but it’s still reasonably affordable.

When factoring in exchange rates, it costs about $500, give or take.

When it comes to specs, Infinix delivers a mixed bag of goods.

The model reviewed by KnowTechie came with a generous 13GB RAM and 256GB storage, although including a MediaTek Dimensity 920 felt a little strange.

We regularly see high-end Qualcomm and MediaTek silicon on devices within this price range and would have liked to see something similar here.

Chipset

To be fair, the MediaTek Dimensity 920 is no slouch. Sure, it’s not the fastest chipset in the world, but it’s nonetheless capable.

It’ll handle everything you throw at it, from games to social media doomscrolling. It doesn’t frustrate, but it doesn’t deliver the delightful snappiness of more powerful platforms.

Perhaps I’m just spoiled. Or maybe the line between flagship and mid-ranger is so blurred our expectations are a little out of alignment.

As mentioned earlier, the Infinix Zero Ultra packs 180W fast charging. This is the fastest charging speed on the market.

Having used this device for the past couple of weeks, it’s hard to imagine going back to the iPhone 12’s 12W charge speeds.

Fast charging is no joke

You can fully recharge your phone from empty in the time it takes to shower. You can reach the halfway point in under four minutes. This effectively eliminates the entire notion of battery anxiety.

You can meaningfully replenish your phone if you have a few minutes and a wall outlet. I know, I write for a living, but it’s hard to articulate how awesome that actually is.

The Zero Ultra technically has two batteries

Infinix achieved this by re-using a trick used by other smartphone vendors. The Zero Ultra technically has two batteries that charge in tandem at a speed of 90W each.

This approach is used on various devices, from the OnePlus 8T to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. There’s a downside to this, however.

When you use two distinct batteries, you end up with a lower overall capacity.

Space that would otherwise be occupied by anodes and cathodes houses battery packaging and duplicate power management circuitry.

And that’s arguably why the Infinix Zero Ultra has a 4,500mAh battery. Sure, that’s about the standard. But it’s also a little smaller than you expect when considering the phone touts a 6.8-inch display.

Battery life is average

The Infinix Zero Ultra lasts a full day but with little power in reserve. Fortunately, this isn’t much of an issue.

As the battery starts to wane, you just need to plug the phone in with the charger included, and you’re set for the rest of the day.

I’ll be honest, the Infinix Zero Ultra is a gorgeous piece of engineering. It’s a beautiful phone. More beautiful than you’d reasonably expect, given the price range.

Display

The 6.8-inch display delivers exceptional levels of brightness and color fidelity. It uses an AMOLED panel (1080×2500) with a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz.

The screen itself is curved. This is one of those smartphone industrial design choices I’m not wildly enthusiastic about.

Sure, they look great, but only when they’re unshackled from a protective case.

Curved screen 👎

Additionally, curved screens are often harder to replace than flat-pannel equivalents, with replacements costing more. Put simply: They look good but have undeniable trade-offs.

A metal bracket holds the near-borderless display in place, which leads to the rear chassis.

Like the Samsung Galaxy FE20, Infinix opted for a plastic back. But this doesn’t feel cheap. It touts an unusual and texturally-spectacular pattern that gives this phone an undeniable premium aesthetic.

Camera

The cameras are some of the widest I’ve encountered, looking more akin to a Sylvanian Family dinnerplate than anything else.

They’re bulbous, too, protruding awkwardly from the phone’s rear chassis.

Sensors

The aforementioned 200MP primary shooter uses a Sony ISOCELL HP1 sensor, which sits above a secondary 13MP ultrawide lens. To the right, you’ll spot a more conventional-looking 2MP macro sensor.

Sure, 200MP sounds like a lot. But like most other high-density megapixel cameras, the Infinix Zero Ultra uses pixel binning. This is where smaller pixels are grouped into one larger virtual pixel.

There’s a good reason for that. Smaller pixels, by definition, absorb less light than larger pixels. This becomes an issue when taking nighttime shots.

Picture quality

The Infinix Zero Ultra didn’t underwhelm in terms of image quality, but it didn’t impress, either.

Pictures were of acceptable social media quality but couldn’t hold a candle to a premium flagship phone or a proper DSLR.

The Infinix Zero Ultra is a great phone. Sure, the camera quality isn’t the best and doesn’t deliver flagship performance.

And if you’re wondering, yup, it also comes with a dumpster truck worth of bloatware, which undoubtedly will offend anyone used to clean Android installs.

But it’s also practical in ways that are hard to ignore. The screen is outstanding. Its 180W fast charging is nothing short of a game-changer. It’s beautiful. It feels incredible to the touch.

Despite Infinix’s French roots, the company is yet to make a retail splash in Europe or the US. If you want to grab one, you’ll have to import it.

Fortunately, you’ll be able to pick one up with Google’s essential Android apps pre-installed, unlike some China-exclusive devices I’ve reviewed in the past.

Infinix holds sway throughout the Asian market and is making slow, tentative steps westward.

The Best Value	Editor's Pick	Runner Up
Xiaomi 11T Pro	Google Pixel 7	OnePlus 10 Pro
3.5	3.5	3.5
Check Availability	Check Availability	Check Availability

The Best Value

Xiaomi 11T Pro

3.5

Check Availability

Editor's Pick

Google Pixel 7

3.5

Check Availability

Runner Up

OnePlus 10 Pro

3.5

Check Availability

You have options if you’re looking for something now and don’t have the time or inclination to wait for an import.

The Xiaomi 11T Pro is available in Europe at roughly the same price as the Zero Ultra.

It offers similarly impressive fast charging speeds, albeit with the benefit of a slightly larger battery and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G chipset.

For those Stateside, the OnePlus 10 Pro will also deliver your need for charging immediacy, albeit at a slightly higher cost.

If you decide that the Infinix Zero Ultra is for you, you can snag it directly from the company’s website for approximately $500.

US buyers can purchase the phone from retailers like AliExpress for around the same price.

Review

Infinix Zero Ultra

I’m fairly content with how the Infinix Zero Ultra performed. The phone’s screen is gorgeous. The fast charging is incredible. It feels smooth and clean to the touch. This is a great phone—one worthy of your consideration.

See at Infinix See at AliExpress

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: Eight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress – deep sleep at any cost
• Review: EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid wireless gaming earbuds
• Review: HHOGene GPods light earbuds
• Is God of War Ragnarök worth buying? Here’s what reviewers say

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The post Review: Infinix Zero Ultra appeared first on KnowTechie.

Functionally, they accomplish the same tasks. The only real difference is how fast they accomplish them. 

In short, phones are boring. The mid-2000s era of weirdness, defined by phones like the Nokia 7600 and the Samsung Juke, feels incredibly distant.

For the most part, this is great for consumers. You don’t really need to think about what to buy anymore. If you’re team Android, anything north of $300 will do. Apple die-hards can just buy the latest iPhone. 

But it is boring. I miss weird. I’m tired of the dreary, unimaginative output of most major smartphone vendors.

I’m desperate for someone to actually take a risk. To, as a certain fruit company once said, think differently. 

A new challenger appears

Fortunately, we have little-known Chinese smartphone maker AGM to take on the challenge. I’ve flirted with its latest model for the past few weeks — the uninspiringly-named AGM H5 Pro.

It’s a rugged phone with many of the same internals you’ll find in competing models produced by brands like BlackView, Doogee, and Unihertz. But it has one key difference.

Editor's Pick

Quick Verdict

$339.99

The AGM H5 Pro checks most of the boxes for people looking for a rugged smartphone. While it doesn't have the power of Android and Apple flagships, it regularly runs under $400 which helps make up for its shortages. 

Check Availability

05/30/2023 04:19 pm GMT

You see, it’s loud. Really, really loud. Possibly the world’s loudest phone, even. Its 3.5W speakers produce a (frankly ludicrous) 109 decibels.

Or, put another way, equally loud as an ambulance siren. It’s louder than a motorcycle. Louder than an electric drill. 

Another thing: It has RGB disco lights built-in.

RGB lighting isn’t necessarily unique by itself. Countless gaming phones come studded with color-changing LED lights (because, of course, they do).

It’s the application that sets the AGM H5 Pro apart from its rivals.

I use the term “disco lights” deliberately. They act almost like the stage lighting at a concert. They exist to accompany the music. That’s it.

A different tack

Rugged phones are overwhelmingly targeted at tradespeople. Those working in austere conditions, where a standard iPhone or Samsung Galaxy simply wouldn’t last the day.

There are outliers (like the formidable Unihertz TickTok, which we reviewed here), but those are exactly that: exceptions. 

READ MORE: Review: Infinix Zero Ultra

By contrast, AGM posits the H5 Pro as more of a lifestyle companion. The device you’d take on a hike or camping trip, rather than a practical phone for everyday carry. There’s a certain honesty in that. 

Let’s face it. You wouldn’t want the AGM H5 Pro as your day-to-day phone. It’s ridiculously heavy, tipping the scales at 360g (12.69oz). That’s double the iPhone 14. Because it’s a rugged phone, it’s also bulky. 

Its cameras aren’t the best. Pictures routinely appear grainy and washed out. It lacks the color fidelity of similarly-priced models.

The inclusion of an IR-based night vision sensor is an interesting touch, but realistically, it won’t prove useful for most people.

And while it’s equipped for demanding smartphone tasks (it touts 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM, a gaming-centric MediaTek Helio H85 platform, and plenty of storage), it can’t hold a candle to most mid-range phones.

If your primary concern is getting the most power for your money, this phone won’t satisfy you. 

The perfect companion

But there are scenarios where the AGM H5 Pro doesn’t merely shine, but actually exceeds the competition.

Smartphone vendors routinely band around the term “two-day battery life,” but forget to highlight the caveat that you’ll need to use the device sparingly. By contrast, the AGM H5 Pro can easily go two — and occasionally three — days between charges without even batting an eye. 

It’s not the most attractive phone in the world, but AGM resisted the temptation to mess with the stock Android experience. That’s a nice touch.

While its powerful rear-mounted speaker doesn’t quite deliver Bose-style quality, it’s good enough for listening to Spotify while you’re gathered with your friends around a barbecue.

The biggest driver behind the smartphone revolution was a need for convergence. People didn’t want to carry a phone, camera, PDA, and portable gaming console everywhere they went.

By combining these roles into a single product, smartphones were able to deliver a level of convenience to consumers in a way that wasn’t possible before. 

This is the first phone I’ve ever encountered that could potentially replace a dedicated Bluetooth speaker. 

And I don’t worry about this phone’s ability to survive the wilds. It’s heavy, with a strong metal and rubber frame that can absorb even the most brutal of drops.

Its IP69K rating can withstand water, dust, and heat. It can fall into streams and muddy pools without even batting an eyelid.

Alternatives

If you’re looking for a more conventional rugged smartphone, take a look at the venerable CAT S62 Pro or Samsung’s Galaxy XCover Pro. 

I’d also suggest the aforementioned Unihertz TickTok — a similarly-rugged phone with a defiant weird streak.

Comparable Choice	Premium Pick	Durable Pick
Unihertz TickTock	SAMSUNG Galaxy XCover6 Pro	CAT S62 PRO
4.0	4.1	4.0
$384.48	$599.99	$559.68
Check Availability	Check Availability	Check Availability

Comparable Choice

Unihertz TickTock

4.0

$384.48

Check Availability

Premium Pick

SAMSUNG Galaxy XCover6 Pro

4.1

$599.99

Check Availability

Durable Pick

CAT S62 PRO

4.0

$559.68

Check Availability

05/30/2023 09:20 pm GMT

Practical impracticality

Okay, so you’ve heard the good and the bad. We like its battery life, its speaker, and its incredible hardiness.

Specs-wise, it earns a passing grade, but doesn’t really compete with other phones in its price range. We’re also critical of its photography credentials, weight, and girth. 

Those criticisms would dominate any device that’s an everyday-carry smartphone. But the AGM H5 Pro isn’t such a device. Nor does it try to be.

It’s a companion, like the Palm of 2018. Or a substitute for those times when you don’t want to risk your day-to-day handset. And that’s fine. By that standard, it’s easy to recommend the AGM H5 Pro. 

Not least because it’s dirt cheap. It’s currently on sale for just $319.00. It’s available directly from AGM and from Amazon.

Review

AGM H5 Pro

$339.99

The AGM H5 Pro checks most of the boxes for people looking for a rugged smartphone. While it doesn't have the power of Android and Apple flagships, it regularly runs under $400 which helps make up for its shortages. 

Check Availability

05/30/2023 04:19 pm GMT

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: INNOCN 27 4K mini LED monitor
• Is the 10th-gen iPad worth buying? Here’s what reviewers say
• Review: Nuphy Air60 wireless mechanical keyboard
• Review: Dell HD22Q Dual Charge Dock

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The post Review: AGM H5 Pro smartphone appeared first on KnowTechie.

New data from analyst firm IDC supports this. The company recorded a 9.7 percent drop in shipments year-over-year in Q3 2022. In total, the industry shipped 301.9m phones, a figure last seen in 2014.

Luxuries are a good barometer for the health of an economy.

Given the spiking inflation in most developed countries, the war in Ukraine, and the prospect of a lengthy global recession, it’s unsurprising many are holding on to their smartphones for longer.

But an interesting story emerges when you take a closer look at the figures.

Not all brands are equal

Most smartphone vendors suffered a contraction of shipments during Q3 2022. But not Apple. In fact, its market share grew by 1.6 percent.

Apple’s own figures lend credibility to IDC’s analysis. Yesterday Apple reported a record Q4 2022 (don’t get confused – some companies start their financial years at different times).

Revenue hit an all-time high, with Apple selling nearly $4bn more in iPhones compared to the same period last year.

That’s a little surprising. After all, Apple is a luxury brand. It seems counterintuitive for it to thrive during a period of economic turmoil.

IDC’s figures for other budget-oriented brands are ever weirder

Vivo and OPPO, frankly, suffered a bloodbath during Q3 2022. Their market shares dipped by 22.1 percent and 22.3 percent, respectively.

These are the brands you’d expect to flourish right now. So, what gives?

IDC points out that while most regions (except Central and Eastern Europe) saw a decline in smartphone shipments, the actual extent varied wildly between places.

Regional differences

Developed markets – like North America, Western Europe, and Japan – are expected to see single-digit drops.

IDC expects smartphone shipment sales to decline the most in emerging markets, like Latin America, Africa, and APAC (Asia/Pacific), falling by double digits in some places.

And these are the regions that are getting hammered right now, economically speaking.

China is locked in a perpetual lockdown, as Xi Jinping pursues his doomed “Zero Covid” strategy. Compounding matters, its construction industry (which accounts for a quarter of GDP) teeters on the brink of collapse. 

Turkey – another major regional market – faces inflation rates above 83 percent, forcing consumers to spend on just the bare essentials.

Africa faces the long-term repercussions of the pandemic, and the economic consequences of the Ukraine war.

In short, things are bad in the West but worse elsewhere.

The road to recovery

In IDC’s eyes, that’s bad for the smartphone industry. Emerging markets are also growing markets. They’re vital for the long-term health of the smartphone ecosystem.

However, as we look toward next year and beyond, if the global market is going to grow, it will need a strong recovery in emerging markets to make that happen,” Reith continues.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: The Nubia Red Magic 7s Pro gaming smartphone
• iPhone 15: News, rumors, leaks, pricing, and release date
• Google’s Pixel 7 Pro is a bad gaming phone
• Review: OnePlus 10 Pro – a great smartphone for under $1,000

The post The smartphone market suffered a massive drop in shipments appeared first on KnowTechie.

Dual-screen phones. They’re the smartphone industry’s mythical white whale. Countless vendors — both plucky startups and industry stalwarts — have flirted with this experimental form factor, with varying levels of success. 

Most dual-screen phones are aimed at casual users, with their second display serving as a fashion statement or facilitating gaming binges and long Netflix marathons.

Then there are the productivity-focused devices. Phones like Microsoft’s Surface Duo use the extra screen real estate to help their users manage their emails and Word documents. 

And then, you have the outliers. Dual-screen phones that fit into neither category. The quirky $369 Unihertz TickTock is the best example of this.

In addition to its primary display, it contains a secondary smartwatch-sized screen. Nestled within the phone’s rear, it provides quick access to notifications and certain built-in apps.

And it’s genius. I’m sorry. I know I’m jumping ahead. Reviews are supposed to simmer. They’re like a crescendo of thoughts, bubbling towards a fiery conclusion, where the reviewer gives their final verdict.

Unihertz TickTock - 6.5 Inch 5G Rugged Smartphone

3.5

$319.99 $399.99

Quick Verdict: The quirky $369 Unihertz TickTock is a great budget smartphone that separates itself from the pack with its small, second screen. The phone effectively combines two items — a smartphone and a smartwatch — into a single product. And it makes sense.

Pros:

• Bold design stands out from others on the market
• The phone and second screen perform well
• Great battery life
• Secondary screen is genius

Cons:

• The camera comes up a bit short
• The screen is lacking in color and brightness

Check Availability Walmart Availability

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

Sure, the Unihertz TickTock is far from being a perfect phone. There’s plenty I can (and will) grumble at.

And yet, it’s also the best example of a dual-screen phone I’ve ever seen. The diminutive secondary display doesn’t feel superfluous. It’s useful, but it also doesn’t get in the way.

A brief Introduction

Before I delve into things, it’s worth re-acquainting you with Unihertz. We last covered them in 2020, following the launch of its diminutive Jelly 2 smartphone. Its business model is as unusual as its output. 

Put short: Unihertz makes phones that cater to a small (but passionate) demographic. The Titan series, for example, offers a Blackberry-style physical keyboard paired with a modern Android experience.

These niche devices are a gamble, to be sure. That’s why Unihertz relies on crowdfunding campaigns to test the waters.

READ MORE: Review: Infinix Zero Ultra

Indiegogo and Kickstarter are great places to see whether there’s a market for its latest devices. In the case of the TickTock, Unihertz clinched over 600 preorders with a book value of HKD$1.34m (roughly $180,000 at current exchange rates). Not bad.

After the brief initial crowdfunding feeding frenzy, Unihertz will release its devices to the wider public. In the case of the TickTock, consumers can buy it directly from Unihertz’s website or through Amazon. 

I don’t want to get too sidetracked here. In short: Unihertz is one of the weirdest, most experimental brands in the mobile space.

But it’s also proven itself capable of executing. The diminutive Jelly and Atom lineup is surprisingly usable. The physical keyboard on the Titan series rivals anything BlackBerry ever produced, surpassing even the venerable Bold 9700. 

The Unihertz TickTock: an overview

Okay, let’s look at the specs. Unihertz doesn’t make flagship-speed phones, and the TickTock is no exception. On paper, it inhabits the familiar mid-range of the mobile market. Here are the highlights:

Product Specs

• A MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G platform 
• 8GB RAM
• 128GB UFS 2.1 storage 
• A 6.5-inch primary display (1080×2340)
• A 1.3-inch secondary display (360×360)
• A MicroSD slot and a 3.5mm headphone jack
• A 6,000mAh battery with 30W fast charging 
• IP68 dust/water resistance 
• A 48MP primary camera 
• An 8MP secondary camera 
• NFC and IR (infrared)

As I said. We’re in mid-range territory. But, despite that, the Unihertz TickTock provides strong foundations. There’s nothing here that screams “compromised.” 

The MediaTek Dimensity 700 — although hardly a speed demon — is capable at performing most day-to-day tasks. There’s plenty of storage for apps and videos.

There’s plenty of RAM for multitasking (and gaming). The capacious battery offers enough endurance to last two days between charges, and the inclusion of 30W fast charging is a lovely touch. 

And then there are features you wouldn’t really expect in the crowded middle ground of the smartphone market. Unihertz included an IR port — a rarity in 2022 — allowing users to convert their phone into a universal remote control.

NFC lets you make payments with Google Pay. And the hardy IP68 rating guarantees a level of protection against the elements. 

Pros & Cons

Look and feel

When you pick up the Unihertz TickTock for the first time, you notice its incredible weight. It tips the scales at 308g (about 10.8oz), or almost double that of an iPhone 12. It feels ludicrously heavy. Conspicuous, even. 

Heft is a common theme within the rugged phone space. It’s easy to forgive the Unihertz TickTock’s weight when you consider it serves a purpose.

That includes the strong metal frame of the device, the rubberized surroundings that dampen the consequences of unexpected drops, and the large battery. 

The Unihertz TickTock’s aberrations don’t stop at the secondary display. It bucks the trend for Candybar-shaped phones with a hexagon-like frame.

This approach isn’t too far from the norm within rugged smartphones. Tapered corners help absorb the impact of drops. They play a major role in survivability.

Additionally, the TickTock’s screen adopts a wider aspect ratio than you’d likely expect from a conventional consumer-grade smartphone.

It’s stout, not tall. This didn’t bother me. Wider screens are, for the most part, better for reading web content and emails. 

READ MORE: Review: Unihertz Jelly 2E

The phone’s 8MP camera sits at the top of the display. The volume and power buttons adorn the TickTock’s sides.

The phone also contains two programmable buttons. The USB-C port is protected by a rubber flap, which helps to protect against water, but does limit the kinds of charge cables you can use. 

You’ll spot the phone’s infrared port towards the top of the device. The TickTock comes with a pre-installed universal remote control app, with support for a surprising array of compatible TVs and appliances.

Performance

With a bargain-basement price tag, the Unihertz TickTock was never going to astound you with its ability to number crunch.

Its MediaTek Dimensity 700 platform deftly renders web pages with little latency. Apps open at a brisk pace, albeit without the snappiness expected from a top-of-the-line flagship.

The generous (for the price) RAM configuration makes multitasking a relatively frustration-free experience. 

The TickTock uses a relatively-pristine version of Android 11. There are a few extra apps — like the aforementioned remote control app — but none of the bloatware that’s far too common in the mid-range market.

The extra bundled applications largely served a purpose and didn’t feel extraneous. 

As you perhaps would expect, there’s no wireless charging. That’s hardly a dealbreaker, however. The sizable 6,000mAh battery lasts at least two days between charges, assuming moderate use.

The 30W fast charging — although hardly the nimblest on the market — means you can replenish your battery in less than an hour. 

The camera isn’t the strongest, even by the standards of the mid-range segment. The pictures I took with the device felt flat. They lacked the sharpness of a more potent camera array. 

Similarly, I wasn’t impressed by the color accuracy of the primary display. Despite the high resolution and solid pixel density, colors felt washed out and dull.

If you’re accustomed to the vivid color fidelity of an AMOLED display, this will feel extremely conspicuous. 

The second screen

Remember how many mid-2000s flip phones had a monochrome display that allowed you to check the time and view notifications without opening the device?

It was a great concept, and sadly, one that has been consigned to the scrap heap of technology history. 

The Unihertz TickTock effectively replicates that long-abandoned functionality and refines it in a way that makes sense for a 21st-century audience. Yes, it’ll show you the time and your push notifications. But it does so much more. 

Swiping left and right allows you to cycle through the various installed applications that are compatible with the second screen.

You can, for instance, control music playback. If you’re geocaching, you can see the phone’s compass without the power drain of the main display.

And you can even use it to take selfies with the phone’s rear-facing camera. Look, ma. No hands.

In essence, it replicates many of the functions of a smartwatch. I’m reluctant to call this a gimmick. 

If you’re trying to limit the number of distractions, the second screen is incredibly useful. It acts like a filtering mechanism.

You can see notifications in real time without necessarily breaking your train of thought. It becomes so much easier to see what requires your immediate attention, and what doesn’t. 

Unihertz makes it easy to customize the secondary display’s functionality. Most of its settings — like when it goes to sleep, and how to wake it up — can be found with a couple of taps. 

That said, it’s easy to accidentally wake the screen without realizing, particularly if you aren’t careful when holding the phone. I inadvertently took several pictures of my thumb just by accidentally grazing the rear display.

Alternatives

The TickTock isn’t the only phone on the market that is afford and offers rugged and niche features.

Name-Brand Option	Best Budget Pick	Rugged Alternative
Galaxy XCover Pro	Nokia G50 5G	Unihertz Titan
3.9	3.7	3.9
$300.00	$299.99$223.97	$349.99
Check Availability	Check Availability	Check Availability

Name-Brand Option

Galaxy XCover Pro

3.9

$300.00

Check Availability

Best Budget Pick

Nokia G50 5G

3.7

$299.99$223.97

Check Availability

Rugged Alternative

Unihertz Titan

3.9

$349.99

Check Availability

05/30/2023 04:31 pm GMT

Conclusion

The Unihertz TickTock is an imaginative take on the dual-screen paradigm. It’s one I’d love to see other vendors replicate.

The phone effectively combines two items — a smartphone and a smartwatch — into a single product. And it makes sense. 

Although the Unihertz’ primary display and camera setup left me wanting, I can’t heap enough praise on the phone’s rugged design, capacious battery, and relatively performant interior.

The inclusion of an IR blaster and 3.5mm headphone jack is a nice touch, too. 

The Unihertz TickTock won’t be for everyone. If you want a more conventional rugged device, check out the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 and XCover Pro.

These devices benefit from a long-term update schedule and Samsung’s excellent customer support.

Similarly, if you want a small secondary screen, there’s the Motorola Razr (2022 edition). This is an alternative, albeit an expensive one. It’s also exclusive to China, although a Western release is on the cards.

But if you don’t mind taking a walk on the wild side, the Unihertz TickTock is a capable and affordable device. It is available on Amazon and directly from Unihertz.

Unihertz TickTock, 5G Rugged Smart Phone

4.0

$384.48

The quirky $369 Unihertz TickTock is a great budget smartphone that separates itself from the pack with its small, second screen. The phone effectively combines two items — a smartphone and a smartwatch — into a single product. And it makes sense.

Pros:

• Bold design stands out from others on the market
• The phone and second screen perform well
• Great battery life
• Secondary screen is genius

Cons:

• The camera comes up a bit short
• The screen is lacking in color and brightness

Check Availability

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

05/30/2023 09:20 pm GMT

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: Ugreen Nexode 140W USB-C GaN Charger
• Review: The Nubia Red Magic 7s Pro gaming smartphone
• Review: OnePlus 10 Pro – a great smartphone for under $1,000
• Review: The Eagle One electric scooter by Varla

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s but one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Review: Unihertz TickTock 5G smartphone appeared first on KnowTechie.