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Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro Prototypes Show Possible Camera Redesign
Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro Prototypes Show Possible Camera Redesign
Over the holiday weekend, Google's next flagship phones, the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, may have been finally revealed to the world ... unofficially. A listing for a prototype of one of the phones went up on eBay, showing a redesigned back cover and camera housing.
The listing has been pulled down, but as pointed out in a tweet by Esper's Mishaal Rahman, it lives forever on the Wayback Machine internet archive -- and we get a lot of supposed details. Most of the Pixel 7's specs seem unchanged from the Pixel 6: a 6.4-inch screen, 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, with dual SIM (standard SIM and eSIM). The listing doesn't specify whether the Google Tensor chip is the same as in the Pixel 6 or whether it'll be the second generation of the silicon, as rumors suggest.
You can see the supposed Pixel 7 prototype in several photos attached to the listing. It doesn't look too different from last year's Google Pixel 6, retaining the wide rear camera block that splits the glass back cover in two.
But unlike the Pixel 6's camera block made of seamless glass, which looked a lot like Star Trek character Geordi LaForge's visor, the phone in the eBay listing nestles its cameras in what looks like a metal frame. The same could be true of the Pixel 7 Pro, which is also seen in the eBay listing's photos, albeit only in reflection: as Rahman pointed out in a later tweet, a photo of the back of the purported Pixel 7 reflects another phone that clearly has one more camera than the standard version.
Read more: Pixel 7 Rumors: A Few Possible Specs and Speculation
Aside from the new rear camera block, the prototype has a cutout on the top edge of the phone. Commenters on a Reddit post, where the listing was first reported, theorize it's for an antenna, and possibly for ultra-wideband -- the nearby communication protocol used, for example, by Android 12 to support digital car keys. The listing's final photo shows the phone's model designation, GVU6C.
If the prototype is real, it still may not reflect the final design of the Pixel 7 or 7 Pro. Other prototypes with different designs could exist, and there's still plenty of time for Google to tweak the look of the phones before we expect them to be released in October.
Google Pixel 7 Pro Leak Shows Punchhole Camera, S22 Ultra-Like Display
Google Pixel 7 Pro Leak Shows Punchhole Camera, S22 Ultra-Like Display
A new leak gives us what could be a first look at the Google Pixel 7 Pro, the rumored successor to the acclaimed Pixel 6 Pro. On Wednesday, reliable leaker @OnLeaks tweeted that he sent renders of the upcoming phone to Indian tech site Smartprix.
With a curved OLED display around 6.8 inches, the rumored design resembles that of Samsung's new Galaxy S22 Ultra. The images show a punchhole front camera and three back cameras.
Read More: Google Pixel 6 Vs. 6 Pro Vs. Pixel 5 Vs. 5A
The rumor from Smartprix puts the Pixel Pro 7's thickness at 8.7mm, which is just below the S22 Ultra's 8.9mm and above the iPhone 13 Pro's 7.65mm. However, the back cameras are shown lined up on a protruding bump, which would technically bring the phone's thickness to 11.2mm.
For now, the specs are still rumored and Google has yet to confirm the phone. It could be announced in October, when Google typically announces its new Pixels.
Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro Models Drop to All-Time Low Prices at Amazon
Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro Models Drop to All-Time Low Prices at Amazon
There are plenty of great phones to choose from right now, but it's tough to beat the convenience of a Pixel phone if you already use Google for your email, calendar, cloud storage and more. Both the base model Pixel 6 and the step-up Pixel 6 Pro are featured on our list of the best phones for 2022, and right now, you can snag select configurations of both models at a discount. Amazon is currently offering up $100 off the standard Pixel 6, and up to $250 off the Pixel 6 Pro, dropping the flagship phones down to all-time low prices.
Unlike many other Pixel 6 deals, there's no trade in or activation required to qualify for these discounts -- these are just direct price drops. It's likely that the current Pixel 6 discounts are due to the imminent arrival of the Google Pixel 7 series, rumored for release in October, though
The Pixel 6, the slightly smaller of the two models, has a 6.4-inch full HD Plus display made of durable Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which protects it against scratches and dings. It also features an IP68 weather resistance rating, so it's completely waterproof up to 1.5 meters. It's equipped with a stunning 50 megapixels. It also boasts 5G support for superfast data speeds, and has a battery life of up to 24 hours on a single charge. Right now you can pick up the 128GB model for $499 or the 256GB model for $599.
The step-up Pixel 6 Pro starts at $649 for the 128GB model, and jump up to $749 for the 256GB model. According to CNET reviewer Andrew Lanxon, The Pixel 6 Pro is one of the best phones you can buy in 2022 thanks to its "strong performance, great software additions, unique design and excellent camera system." It's equipped with an impressive 12GB of RAM, as well as Google's custom Tensor processor that's optimized for Pixel phones. The 6 Pro also has an improved 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for incredibly smooth operation, and a 4x optical zoom lens for truly remarkable photos. You can read more about the differences between the two models here.
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iPhone 14, Pixel 7 and Galaxy S23: These Upcoming Phones Already Look Exciting
iPhone 14, Pixel 7 and Galaxy S23: These Upcoming Phones Already Look Exciting
From the superb Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro to the powerhouse Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, 2022 has already provided a wealth of amazing phones. We've even seen some excellent smartphones with more affordable prices like the Nothing Phone 1 and the Pixel 6A, too.
But there are some big hitters coming up that I'm really excited about -- especially the iPhone 14. I'm so excited, in fact, that I couldn't help but put together our roundup of the most exciting upcoming phones, and what we expect to see from each. Let's begin.
An early iPhone 14 render from Jon Prosser, designed by Ian Zelbo.
Jon Prosser
Apple iPhone 14 and 14 Pro
With an expected launch date in early to mid-September, the iPhone 14 could be just around the corner. And the rumors suggest there might be quite the design shift for the new models. Early leaks suggest that Apple might ditch the iPhone Mini, opting instead for a base iPhone 14 and larger iPhone 14 Max and a more powerful 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max -- two configurations, each with two sizes.
Other hints suggest that Apple might finally get rid of the notch on the display, using a punch hole for its front-facing cameras, while the rear camera bump might be incorporated into a thicker body. I expect to see a next generation of Apple's mobile processor, along with improvements to the cameras -- including a rumored 48-megapixel ultrawide camera on the back.
The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.
Google
Google Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7A
Google already teased its next flagships, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, at its I/O developer conference back in May, so we know for sure that they're on their way and it's possible that they'll arrive in October. At the event Google simply showed a rear view of the phone, which confirmed that the camera bar from the Pixel 6 will be present, but now made of aluminum that flows seamlessly into the metal surroundings on the side.
We also know it'll feature the second generation of Google's homemade processor, the Tensor 2. We've loved the Pixel range, with the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro both getting excellent reviews thanks to their generally solid performance, slick interface and excellent cameras.
Given the Pixel 6 range was a huge overhaul from the previous Pixel 5, we're not expecting radical changes here. There will be two rear cameras on the base model and three on the Pro -- exactly like the Pixel 6 range. Physical size and display size of each model hasn't been confirmed yet, but again we don't expect any significant changes over the last model.
We would expect there to be a more affordable Pixel 7A, much like the $450 Pixel 6A. However, given the 6A wasn't added to the range until July this year, we don't expect the 7A will launch alongside its bigger siblings. Instead, it's likely Google will keep the 7A as a midyear launch.
The Galaxy S21 FE.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
Samsung Galaxy S22 FE
Like the Pixel 6, Samsung's "Fan Edition" models distill down some elements of the flagship model into a more affordable package. We loved the first Galaxy S20 FE and the latest Galaxy S21 FE put in some excellent performances in our tests. Its $700 asking price isn't cheap, but it's cheap-er than the flagship S21 but still offers flagship-like performance.
But we'll have to temper our excitement over a more affordable model as some rumors suggest Samsung might actually have canceled the FE range. Possibly this is because the company has been doing great things with its Galaxy A range of phones, with the $450 Galaxy A53 5G offering a solid experience for a price that competes more fiercely with Google's handsets.
But it would need to drop its price in order to make it sit firmly between the affordable A series and the premium S series. If Samsung gets this right, a new FE -- or a rebranded A-series model -- could be a great contender as a midrange device. We don't expect to see an FE until January, possibly at the CES tech show.
The Galaxy S22 range.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23 Ultra
But while we're on Samsung, let's talk flagships. The S22 Ultra made some big changes, including absorbing the S-Pen stylus from the now defunct Galaxy Note line, but most of the range saw fairly iterative improvements. The S22 and S22 Plus are solid, but they didn't do much to get our hearts racing.
Some of the early rumors for the Galaxy S23 suggest that we might see a whopping 200-megapixel image sensor (likely only on the Ultra model) which was expected to have been used on the S22 range. We'd love to see improvements to the telephoto zoom on the Ultra, which has remained largely unchanged since the Galaxy S20 Ultra.
We can expect to see a new generation of Samsung's Exynos processor, at least in regions where it uses Exynos chips, or Qualcomm's supposedly upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip in other regions.
Like the FE, we'd expect to see the Galaxy S23 range unveiled at CES in January next year.
The OnePlus 10 Pro.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
OnePlus 11 Pro
The OnePlus 10 Pro was excellent, with a great design, beautiful screen, stellar performance and a solid camera setup. OnePlus might have annoyed me with what I consider to be a redundant midyear 10T iteration, but that doesn't stop me being excited for its next full flagship. The 10 Pro was announced in China in January, before getting a global release in March and there's no reason to think that strategy might shift, so keep your eyes peeled early in the year if you're a OnePlus fan.
Actual rumors about the phone and its hardware are scarce, however. The 10 Pro had a big design shift from the 9 Pro before it so I expect an iteration of this aesthetic, rather than a total overhaul. The company's Hasselblad camera partnership is locked in for three years, so we can certainly expect to see Hasselblad branding and additional camera features on the next model.
It's also possible that it'll be among the first wave of phones to use Qualcomm's next-generation Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, so we can expect some potent performance here.
The Nothing Phone 1.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
Nothing Phone 2, Nothing Phone 1 in the US
Nothing -- the company founded by ex OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei -- launched its first phone in July this year, so I'm absolutely not expecting the next generation of the handset to launch for a good long while. However, that phone was teased quite heavily for some time before its launch so I wouldn't be surprised if we started hearing the odd rumor circulating early next year. And I'm certainly excited about what the next model might bring to the table.
The Nothing Phone 1 offers a solid performance, a big display and an affordable price that puts it head-to-head against the Google Pixel 6A. Its biggest differentiator from Google's phone, though, is its flashing rear lights, which certainly helps this phone stand out. It's rare that a company launches with a first product that feels this polished, and I think that gives good reason to be excited about what it can do with that difficult second album.
I expect to see more of the same for the most part; good enough performance, a quirky light-up design and a low price. I'd like to see more of a focus on photography, as the Nothing Phone 1's camera skills aren't anything to write home about, with the ultrawide lens in particular failing to impress.
But before then it'd be nice to see the Phone 1 -- in some form -- getting a wider release, as it's currently not officially available to buy in the US due to network compatibilities. If Nothing can get a network partner on board and work to optimize its phone for US 5G networks, a US rollout should be on the cards.
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Android 13 Is Coming: Every Feature We Know of So Far
Android 13 Is Coming: Every Feature We Know of So Far
The Android 13 public beta arrived last month and with it came a clearer idea of the new features and functions coming to the rumored Pixel 7, plus eventually other Android devices later this year. Between the beta and speculation from leakers, we're already learning a lot about how Android 13 could build on Android 12's privacy features, user-interface enhancements and Material You design overhaul. And we're likely to get even more clarity on the next-gen OS at Google I/O, which starts today.
If you're curious about Android 13's release date, or if you're wondering what new features could hit your phone in the coming months (here are some of the best hidden features from Android 12), we recommend bookmarking this page. We'll be periodically updating it with all the Android 13 buzz we can find.
Read more: Best Android Phones You Can Buy in 2022
When's the Android 13 release date?
Although Google has not publicly revealed a specific release date for Android 13, the Android Developers blog provides a rough timeline for the rollout, with a beta coming out every month through July. The beta in July is listed as the "near-final build for final testing."
Judging from precedent, Android 13 could debut a month after that final beta. Android 12's fifth and final beta came out in September 2021, and Google officially released the app in October. With Android 11 (2020) and Android 10 (2019), the final betas dropped in August, and the OS hit phones in September. So we can reasonably assume that Android 13 will arrive in August this year. If not, September is a safe bet.
Keep in mind that Google sends Android updates to its Pixel phones first (and will probably ship the rumored Pixel 7 with Android 13). If you have a different Android phone, like a Samsung, Motorola or OnePlus, you'll likely have to wait a few months after the initial release to experience Android 13.
New photo privacy feature
Android 12 introduced a kill switch that allows you to prevent apps from accessing your camera and mic, and it also added the option to show apps your approximate location instead of your exact whereabouts.
It appears that Android 13 will bolster these privacy settings. According to Google's Android Developers blog, Android 13 will include a photo picker. This means when an app wants access to your images and videos -- like social media and photo editing apps often do -- you can select specific media files to share instead of granting access to all of them. (Android already has a document picker that allows for the same thing.)
Apps need your permission to notify you
The second developer preview for Android 13 introduced a new feature called "notification permission," the Android Developers blog said. In order to send you notifications, apps will need you to give them your permission -- and you can say "no." The blog post shows a dialog box that asks, "Allow [App] to send you notifications?" (You're then prompted to select "Allow" or "Don't allow".) Apple already requires developers to obtain your permission for apps to send you notifications.
Upgraded design with more color options
The Material You redesign was the star of the show for Android 12, featuring UI color schemes that automatically adjust based on the wallpaper you select. The Android Developers blog says Android 13 will add even more color customization to Material You.
In Android 12, only Google apps work with the adjustable color palette feature. But Android 13 will expand the feature to all apps, as long as the apps' developers agree to design alternate icons that are monochromatic.
A rumor from AndroidPolice citing a "trusted source" says Android 13 will let you choose more options for color customization. Among these are "spritz," a desaturated version of the color scheme, and "expressive," which incorporates hues differing from those that come by default with your wallpaper selection.
Notifications about battery-draining apps
You'd be surprised how much of your battery life a single app can gobble up -- even when you're not actively using the app. Android 13 will send you a notification when an app uses a significant portion of your battery over the course of a day, according to the Android Developers blog.
Adapting an iOS perk
The flashlights on Apple's iPhones have offered adjustable brightness for years, but a rumor from Android analyst Mishaal Rahman says Google will finally integrate the feature into Android 13, allowing for some customization when you're using the phone as a light source.
But Rahman says a lot of current Androids don't have the hardware required to use this feature. Perhaps the rumored Pixel 7 will. If you have a Samsung phone, though, Samsung's software overlay One UI already lets you adjust the torch brightness.
Read more: Android Settings Changes That'll Make You Like Your Phone More
Will my phone be compatible with Android 13?
If you own a Pixel 4 or Pixel 4A, Android 13 might be the last supported software update your phone can receive. This prediction is based solely on precedent: Android 12 is probably the last update for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3A, and Android 11 was the last for the Pixel 2.
If your Pixel 3 or 3A ends up being incompatible with Android 13, you can still keep using it with an older OS. But this means you won't have access to the latest security patches, and that could put your data at risk.
How to download Android 13
For now, don't. As exciting as the previews may be, early betas can make some apps stop working on your device for good. They usually have bugs and can put a damper on your battery life. (CNET's Jason Cipriani experienced this while testing the iOS 15 betas.) If you have a spare Android lying around, go for it -- but we strongly caution against subjecting your main phone to bugs.
If you're really feeling risky, though, here's how to get Android 13 in its current state. Don't say we didn't warn you.
Even as we look forward to everything Android 13 will bring, it's worth exploring all the highlights from Android 12. Last year's OS had fun hidden features, including Game Mode and One-Handed Mode. Also, be sure to check out the Android 12 Easter egg.
If you're curious about the best phones you can buy in 2022, we've put together a list that includes the Google Pixel 6 Pro and last year's Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.
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iPhone SE vs. Pixel 6A Camera Comparison: One Outshines the Other
iPhone SE vs. Pixel 6A Camera Comparison: One Outshines the Other
What's happening
Google released the $449 Pixel 6A, which directly competes with the $429 iPhone SE (the 2022 version).
Why it matters
Typically phones under $500 don't have great cameras, but the Pixel 6A and iPhone SE are two of the exceptions.
What's next
We were curious which phone had better cameras, the iPhone SE or the Pixel 6A. So we spent 10 days testing both.
The new $449 Pixel 6A from Google is undoubtedly a great value in terms of cost and the features you get. But in order for a phone to be affordable, companies have to make compromises. Typically the two most common trade-offs involve downgrading a phone's processor and cameras. But with the Pixel 6A, Google took a different route than most low-cost Android phones. It has the same Google Tensor chip that powers the more expensive Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro and the tried-and-true camera hardware from the Google Pixel 5.
The result? The Pixel 6A is both affordable and takes good photos and videos. But luckily for us, it's not the only phone to do so. Apple's $429 iPhone SE (2022) also aims to be thrifty and have a good camera. So naturally, I had to compare the two.
Keep in mind that both Apple and Google use machine learning and processing to counter the limitations from their tiny lenses and camera sensors. The iPhone SE gets its wallet-friendly price because it essentially has an iPhone 8 body and camera hardware but the A15 Bionic chip from the iPhone 13 Pro, which costs twice as much. That processor does a lot of heavy lifting to breathe new life into camera hardware that originally came out in 2017.
After spending 10 days taking photos and recording videos around San Francisco, I realized two things. The first is that the Pixel 6A and iPhone SE are two of the best low-cost phones you can buy that have good cameras. The second is that one of these phones consistently took better photos than the other. And this surprised me.
Read more: Google Pixel 6A Review: The Best Android Phone Under $500
Sometimes two cameras are better than one
In a world where companies try to cram as many cameras, even if they're mediocre, into a low-cost phone, it's refreshing to see that Apple and Google don't. Thankfully you won't find a sub-par telephoto camera or a craptacular macro camera on either phone. Instead, the iPhone SE has a single 7-megapixel selfie camera and a single 12-megapixel, wide-angle camera with OIS (optical image stabilization) on the back.
The Pixel 6A has a single 8-megapixel selfie camera, and two rear cameras: a 12.2-megapixel camera with an optically stabilized wide-angle lens and a 12-megapixel camera with ultrawide-angle optics. Right off the bat, this gives the Pixel a bit of an edge as it instantly becomes more versatile to use, especially in tight spaces.
The Pixel 6A can shoot raw or JPEG photos, while the iPhone SE can only take JPEG pictures.
The iPhone SE has a single rear camera while the Pixel 6A has two: one with a wide-angle lens and the other with an ultrawide.
Celso Bulgatti/CNET
Photos taken under good lighting
I am genuinely impressed by photos from both phones. Below are some of my favorite pictures that I took with the iPhone SE and Pixel 6A.
I like the way the Pixel 6A captures the colors of these houses.
Patrick Holland/CNET
A group selfie taken with the Pixel 6A.
Caitlin Petrakovitz/CNET
Notice the texture and patina that the Pixel 6A captured.
Patrick Holland/CNET
This iPhone SE photo was taken under some very bright morning sunshine.
Patrick Holland/CNET
I like the detail and colors in the palm trees in this photo from the iPhone SE.
Patrick Holland/CNET
This iPhone SE photo of the Women's Building in San Francisco has a nice mix of colors and detail.
Patrick Holland/CNET
But let's take a look at some photos from both phones to compare their quality. Below are photos I took outdoors of a cappuccino. The Pixel's photo has more contrast, whereas the iPhone's picture emphasizes brightness.
The photos below were taken while we were filming the companion video for this comparison. I was shocked by the different ways each phone made my pal and CNET colleague Celso Bulgatti look. The iPhone's photo made his hair look all gray, which I must stress it isn't. My guess is that the SE is trying to boost the shadows and reduce the contrast too much in order to make the photo brighter. On the other hand, everything in the Pixel's photo is more accurate.
Pictures taken in medium lighting and indoors are typically where cameras at this price point start to fall apart. Take a look below at photos I took of Maisie the cat. The photo from the Pixel 6 nails the texture of my cat's fur. It also has more detail and a better dynamic range than the iPhone's photo.
Ultrawide vs. wide-angle
One of the most obvious differences between the two phones is the fact that the Pixel 6A has a second camera with an ultrawide-angle lens and the iPhone SE doesn't.
The Pixel's ultrawide perfectly captures the dramatic view from the balcony inside Sightglass Coffee in San Francisco.
Patrick Holland/CNET
It's one of those things that you don't realize how much you use until you don't have it. There were numerous times where it came in handy whether that's capturing a city skyline without cutting off the tops of buildings like in the photos below.
Below are photos I took from the Craftsman and Wolves cafe in the Mission. The iPhone's photo barely fits all of the people in line. The Pixel's ultrawide photo shows more of the restaurant including the bakery counter, menus and ceiling.
Portrait mode: It's all about the cutout
Apple and Google are no stranger to Portrait mode which adds an artistic blur to the background of a photo. Previous iPhone and Pixel models offer some of the best Portrait modes you can find on any phone right now. But they're also very different.
Check out the Portrait mode photos below of my pal and CNET colleague Claire Reilly. The most obvious difference between the two pictures is that the Pixel's photo has a more out-of-focus background. On the iPhone SE, you can change how much background blur there is before or after taking a photo, which is helpful. But in the photo of Claire, I opted to let the SE choose how blurry to make the background.
Claire's cutout is good in both photos, but take a close look at the inside of her elbow. The SE didn't blur the background in that area.
The iPhone SE is missing night mode
Let's move on to night mode, which typically takes multiple images and combines them into a photo in order to improve the brightness and detail. This is an unfair comparison, because the Pixel 6A has a night mode, called Night Sight, and the iPhone SE doesn't.
This photo was taken using the Pixel 6A's Night Sight mode.
Patrick Holland/CNET
I took the photos below of a dark street around 10 o'clock at night. The iPhone's photo is much darker than the Pixel's Night Sight picture. To compensate for the darkness, the iPhone applies a lot of noise reduction, which makes the details soft. In particular look at the no parking signs in the background. You can't really read them in either photo, but you can at least see the words "parking" and "anytime" in the Pixel's picture. In the iPhone's photo, it looks like someone smeared the signs out.
Below are a couple photos I took inside a bar. Again, you can see the iPhone's photo is much darker with the shadows crunched to black. There's a lot less detail. The Pixel's Night Sight photo is brighter. Take a look under the bar where the stools are. Those stools are almost in complete darkness in the iPhone's photo. But in the Pixel's photo, you can see the detail of the wood slats that the stools are pressed up against.
The Pixel 6A offers wide and wider selfies
Each of these phones has a single selfie camera but the one on the Pixel 6A can switch between a wide view to an ultrawide view for group selfies. The iPhone's selfie camera is stuck at a rather narrow field of view.
In the selfies below, notice the difference in details. The iPhone's picture is soft while the Pixel's photo is sharper and has a bigger depth of field, which helps keep everyone in focus for group shots.
The iPhone's video quality is hard to top
Both phones record 4K or 1080p resolution video at 30 or 60 frames per second. But the iPhone can also record at a more cinematic 24fps. Both phones have video stabilization, but you can dial in what kind of stability you want on the Pixel 6A. For example, there's an option called Cinematic Pan that steadies a panning shot.
In terms of image quality, the iPhone SE is a step ahead here. Videos have good dynamic range, little to no noise and details look crisp. Videos from the Pixel 6A look soft and often have image noise in the shadows. For video examples from both phones check out the companion video to this story.
Final verdict
After all of this testing, I do have a favorite. But let me say this. For phones that are under $450, both the iPhone SE and Pixel 6A are among the best you can buy to capture good photos and videos. But after doing this comparison, I'd grab a Pixel 6A. It's got an ultrawide-angle camera, and that Night Sight mode, which means more versatility. The iPhone SE does capture better video in terms of image quality, but the Pixel 6A's videos are still pretty good.
The third beta of Android 13 has launched, Google announced Wednesday.
Beta 3's arrival means the official release of Android 13 is drawing closer. Another beta is planned for July. After that, the final release will likely happen this fall alongside the release of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro phones.
The upcoming OS version has reached the platform stability milestone, Google said, meaning it's finalized enough that app developers can roll out compatibility updates without having to worry about any app-facing changes to the platform.
If you own a Google Pixel, you have the option of downloading this beta through the Android Beta Program, but be aware that betas are typically buggy. If you do decide to download it, be sure to back up your device first.
Google showed off Android 13's new features at its I/O conference in May. The update will implement end-to-end encrypted group chats, improvements to Google Wallet and bolstered security features.
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Galaxy Watch 5: All the Notable Rumors Ahead of Samsung's Event Today
Galaxy Watch 5: All the Notable Rumors Ahead of Samsung's Event Today
Samsung's Unpacked event is set for Aug. 10, and we're on the lookout for several new devices today. The event is expected to bring new versions of the company's foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4, as well as the successor to the Galaxy Watch 4.
Rumored to be called the Galaxy Watch 5, the upcoming smartwatch may feature the newest version of the Wear OS software that Samsung and Google created together. If the rumors are turn out to be accurate, the Galaxy Watch 5 could also address a major shortcoming: battery life.
Read more: Samsung Unpacked Live Blog: Galaxy Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4 Reveals To Come
I'm hoping to see Samsung commit more fully to Google's software and services. The Galaxy Watch 4 currently feels caught between Google and Samsung's ecosystems, as my colleague Scott Stein wrote in his review. That watch eventually received Google Assistant, among other Google services, but it took several months after launch for these to appear.
Samsung hasn't said a word about plans for its next smartwatch, although the company typically debuts new wearables in August. We do expect new foldable phones to be announced however. In fact, to encourage people to reserve their phones early, from July 19 until Aug. 10, Samsung is offering an extensive list of discounts based on different bundles, from a maximum of $200 off for those reserving a Galaxy phone, watch, and buds down to a minimum of $30 off for just reserving Galaxy buds. While this could be a hint at what's coming at Unpacked, the savings could apply to older Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Buds models.
Here's our best guess at what Samsung might be planning, based on leaks and the company's previous launches.
A possible August announcement
Only Samsung knows when the next Galaxy Watch will arrive. But the company has a history of launching new wearables in August alongside other new products. For example, the Galaxy Watch 4 debuted in August last year, while the Galaxy Watch 3 arrived in August 2020. Samsung has already launched a passel of new gadgets in 2022, from the Galaxy S22 lineup to the cheaper Galaxy S21 FE, new laptops and tablets. The one thing we haven't heard about yet is smartwatches, so there's a chance Samsung could be saving this for its typical August Unpacked event.
A faster charger
The Galaxy Watch 5 might come with a faster 10W charger, up from the 5W charger that has shipped with previous Samsung watches. An image of an alleged 10W Galaxy Watch 5 charger popped up on the SnoopyTech Twitter account on Aug. 1 (h/t BGR), and it reportedly can reach a 45% charge in 30 minutes.
Faster charging has become a highlight feature across several smartwatches, including on the Apple Watch Series 7 and the Fossil Gen 6. This is of particular importance as watches have also become sleep tracking tools, and earlier this year Samsung debuted its Sleep Animals system for rating quality of sleep while wearing the Galaxy Watch 4.
A larger battery than the Galaxy Watch 4
One of the Galaxy Watch 4's drawbacks is its relatively short battery life, which typically lasts for between one and two days. There's a chance that might change with the Galaxy Watch 5. Tech blog Sam Mobile claims it's found a regulatory filing indicating that the 40-millimeter size of the Galaxy Watch 5 will have a slightly higher battery capacity than the Galaxy Watch 4. Samsung declined to comment on the report.
Longer battery life would make the Galaxy Watch 5 a more capable sleep tracker, since you might not have to charge it every night. It would also help Samsung catch up to Fitbit in that regard, since its Sense and Versa 3 watches can last for multiple days on a single charge. Battery life was one of the Galaxy Watch 4's biggest shortcomings during CNET's testing, so an improvement would be a welcome change.
A bigger battery could make the Galaxy Watch 5 a better sleep tracker than the Galaxy Watch 4 (pictured above) since you might not have to charge it as often.
Scott Stein/CNET
It might be able to measure your temperature
The Galaxy Watch 4 can already monitor metrics like your body composition, blood oxygen levels and heart rate. Samsung might further its health ambitions by adding the ability to measure body temperature to the Galaxy Watch 5, according to Korean news outlet ETNews. The report doesn't provide much detail, other than to say that Samsung has "devised a technology that can measure body temperature as accurately as possible." Samsung declined to comment on ETNews' report.
But TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who is well-known for his Apple product predictions, has cast doubt on this development. He suggested "algorithm limitations" could hold Samsung back from bringing this feature to the Galaxy Watch 5.
Temperature sensing isn't new to wearables. Oura's wellness ring of the same name can measure temperature from your finger to help detect changes that might be happening in your body. Fitbit devices like the Sense and Versa 3 can also detect temperature.
Oura's wellness ring can measure temperature.
Scott Stein/CNET
If Samsung does add temperature sensing to its next smartwatch, it would be another sign that wearables have become comprehensive health and wellness devices. Metrics like blood oxygen saturation measurements are now relatively common on wearables from Apple, Fitbit, Samsung and Garmin.
Samsung might ditch the Classic model
The Galaxy Watch 4 comes in standard and Classic versions, but that could change with the Galaxy Watch 5. Instead, Samsung will launch the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, according to Sam Mobile. The regular Galaxy Watch 5 will reportedly come in two sizes, while the Pro version might be limited to one size. It's also unclear whether Samsung would bring the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic's rotating bezel to the Galaxy Watch 5 or 5 Pro, the report said. While the blog didn't share additional details on what to expect from the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro specifically, it's possible the new branding could indicate a significant update that's more than just a refresh.
Prominent leaker Evan Blass also suggested Samsung's next watch will come in a standard and "pro" model. He referred to the new watches as the Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro when sharing what he claims are official renders of the device on the tech blog 91Mobiles.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
Drew Evans/CNET
A similar design as the Galaxy Watch 4
The Galaxy Watch 5 is expected to have a circular design that similar to the Galaxy Watch 4, according to the leaks from Blass and 91Mobiles. Blass said the Pro model will be available in black or gray titanium, while Samsung will reportedly offer a broader lineup of colors for the standard version. The 91Mobiles leak shows the supposed Galaxy Watch 5 Pro in black and titanium gray and the alleged Watch 5 in white, blue and black.
It'll likely run Wear OS
Samsung hasn't announced any details about its next smartwatch yet. But since the Galaxy Watch 4 runs on Wear OS, it seems plausible that its successor will too. Google and Samsung collaborated to develop the new Wear OS, which means Samsung is likely committed to using that software for its future smartwatches. Sam Mobile's report also said the watch will have a new version of One UI, Samsung's customized version of Google's software for watches.
Samsung was the first to launch a smartwatch that runs on Google's new Wear OS. But the landscape will get more competitive soon with the new Wear OS expected to arrive on watches from other companies such as TicWatch, Fossil and Google's Fitbit brand. Google's Pixel Watch will also be arriving this fall.
Read more:Here's One Feature Samsung Could Use to One-Up Apple
What we want from the Galaxy Watch 5
Longer battery life and new health-tracking features are always appreciated. But what we really want from the Galaxy Watch 5 is software that makes it feel more wholly part of Google's ecosystem. The Galaxy Watch 4 feels torn between Google and Samsung. Yes, it has the Google Play app store and other Google apps. But the setup process and health tracking still largely rely on Samsung's apps.
The company is addressing that to some extent by bringing Google Assistant to its watch. But we're hoping to see closer Google integration in the next version that will truly make the Galaxy Watch 5 feel like the ultimate Android smartwatch.
For more, check out all the rumors we've heard about the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Galaxy Z Fold 4. Plus, the best smartwatches you can buy this year and our foldable phone wish list.
Motorola moto x pure edition battery motorola moto x pure manual motorola moto x pure 4g reviews motorola moto x pure edition motorola moto x xt1060 google bypass motorola moto x motorola moto e motorola moto e6 motorola moto g play
Motorola Moto X Pure Edition (unlocked) review: Customization champ, but middle-of-the-pack phablet overall
Motorola Moto X Pure Edition (unlocked) review: Customization champ, but middle-of-the-pack phablet overall
I like the Moto X Pure Edition (or Style as its globally known), but I was honestly ready to love it. For one thing, it's an unlocked phone available directly from Motorola at a reasonable price, and it's designed to work on all of the major US wireless carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint) -- that's a big step up from most unlocked phones that only work on the first two in that list. Likewise, the international Moto X Style should work on all the carriers in whichever territory it's sold -- and many countries will also get the stepdown Moto X Play phone, which is not currently slated for a US release.
In addition, this 5.7-inch follow-up to 2014's Motorola Moto X also promises the same customization options, like choosing between different trim colors and the material of the backing, that made me buy that model as my personal device. And in this sea of lookalike phones, this is a distinct advantage that the Moto X Pure Edition has over its rivals.
But instead, I was disappointed. Its larger design (up from 5.2 inches) feels far too cumbersome for smaller hands like mine. Battery life was unexceptional, its camera wasn't massively impressive and aside from a few minor tweaks, Motorola's Moto services don't feature anything substantially new.
When you compare it to a top-tier large-screen device like the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 , its drawbacks become even more obvious. And if you consider the current diverse landscape of unlocked handsets with the OnePlus 2 and ZTE Axon Pro , Motorola's phone doesn't quite come out on top. Though the Moto X was one of our favorite budget flagships last year, the same can't be said for the Moto X Pure Edition.
Availability
In the US, the handset starts at $400 unlocked ($100 less than last year's starting price). The price will increase, however, depending on storage capacity and certain design options.
In the UK the Style, as it's known, starts at £399 for 32GB of storage, with 64GB setting you back £434.
In Australia the Style is exclusive to Vodafone and only available on contract. It's available on both the AU$80 and AU$100 plans, for AU$3 of monthly handset repayments. That's a total cost over 24 months of AU$1,992 and AU$2,472 respectively.
Design and build
5.7-inch display with 2,560x1,440-pixel (2K) resolution
6.1 by 3 by 0.4 inches (154 by 76 by 11.1mm)
6.3 ounces (179 grams)
Compared to the 2014 Moto X , Motorola increased the Moto X Pure Edition's display by half an inch, bumping up the device's overall footprint. Though it isn't as big as the Google Nexus 6 (which was manufactured by Motorola before Google sold it off to Lenovo), the size jump still makes it notably bigger than the previous 5.2-inch Moto X . That means -- for some -- it won't fit in your front pockets easily and you can't maneuver it with one hand comfortably. I passed it around for several opinions, and even tall people with large hands noted problems reaching for the notifications shade with their thumbs.
We got our hands on a black variant with a walnut wood backing and silver trim.
Josh Miller/CNET
But putting aside the size, it's still an attractive, quality built handset. Its curved backing conforms to your palm and the screen's glass panel smoothly curves down the side edges. The control buttons are narrow, and the ridges on the power/sleep button makes it easier to identify by touch. And Motorola's metal M-dimple on the back of the previous generation has now shrunken in size and sits in an elegant metal strip that runs between it and the camera lens.
Keep in mind that unlike its cheaper Moto G counterpart that came out this year, the phone is not submersible underwater. It is water repellent though, so you won't have to worry about a few water droplets here and there.
The Moto X Pure Edition also has dual front speakers -- as in both speakers will output audio for music and movies (though only the bottom grille will output phone calls on speaker), resulting in a louder and fuller experience. This is different from last year's, which only used one stereo speaker for media, and the other served as the in-ear speaker for calls.
Most importantly, Motorola continues its legacy to enable users to customize the look of the device. You can start with either a black or white base color, choose the accent colors (as in, the color of the speaker grilles on the front and the metal strip on the back), and the color of the back, which also comes in different materials: plastic, wood, bamboo and leather.
Some may argue that the ability to customize the handsets is trivial. But when the mobile market is saturated with so many phones that look the same, having a say over how yours looks (without the use of a case), is one of the few ways to have it stand out and make it truly yours. That matters to people, and it's a need that Motorola has tapped into well.
Other different design options for the Moto X Pure Edition.
Motorola
As for device's display, it's bigger as I mentioned before. It also has a sharp 1,440p resolution and it's maximum brightness level is bright enough to view comfortably outdoors in sunlight. Likewise, the minimum brightness level is also extremely dim, which is useful for avoiding eye-strain when viewing your handset in the dark.
The screen has a wide viewing angle and is responsive to the touch. I had no problems reading text and playing games, and streaming YouTube videos and watching the HD movie "Gravity" looked smooth and crisp. There's also a new setting under Display where you can choose between two color modes: normal or vibrant. Under normal mode, colors are already bright and vivid. But with the latter, hues are more saturated and richer.
Software and features
Google Android 5.1.1 Lollipop OS
Minimal Motorola software
Useful gesture controls
Despite its name, the Moto X Pure Edition isn't exactly the "purest" Android device, at least not compared to the Google's own Nexus family (understandably) and Play Edition handsets (though the latter has ceased all production since January). Don't be too disappointed, though -- if you want an untouched Android experience, Motorola's Moto line comes pretty close.
First, because you can get it unlocked, you won't get any carrier bloatware and branding. Instead, you'll get the usual set of Google apps such as the Chrome Web browser, Gmail, YouTube and more. Second, while you won't have a manufacturer user interface overlaid on top of the phone in the same way TouchWiz and Sense skins Samsung and HTC devices, respectively, Motorola still included some useful features under its Moto app.
These features are accessible under a single Moto app, which has Moto Assist, Actions, Voice and Display. Assist adjusts your Moto X Pure Edition settings depending on where you are or what you're doing. If you've scheduled a meeting into Google Calendar, for example, the device can switch to vibrate right and reply to any missed calls with a predetermined message.
Motorola's suite of software features (left), including Moto Voice commands (right).
Lynn La/CNET
Actions is all about gesture controls: Twist your wrist with the phone in your hand to launch the camera or chop your hand in the air to turn on and off the flash to use as a flashlight.
Motorola's voice input, called Voice, works similarly to Google Now, so if you've used that feature before, you have a good idea of what to do here. It works with both built-in and third-party apps and you can set an alarm, navigate to a destination with Maps, look up a song title that's playing at the moment, begin a Twitter post and more.
Display shows any missed notifications you have, even while the device is sleeping, with a wave gesture. The current time and any missed notifications will pop up in white. You can preview a missed notification by longpressing its app icon, or press-and-swipe to launch it directly from the screen.
Because it offers a nearly vanilla Android experience, you won't get any carrier bloatware.
Josh Miller/CNET
Two other apps, Moto Connect and Migrate, round up the last of the handset's Motorola software. Connect manages all peripheral Motorola gadgets you may have like the Moto 360 smartwatch or a pair of its wireless headphones. Migrate helps you port over your contacts, apps and other files from a previous phone onto your new Moto X Pure Edition.
For the most part, Motorola's software works well. I am a fan of Moto Display, which doesn't sound like much, but it saves you from having to press the power button throughout the day to see any missed notifications. And while it isn't a new feature, flicking the device to fire up the camera is convenient and saves a lot of time.
The handset is, however, loaded with your standard line of Google apps.
Josh Miller/CNET
I did run into some issues, however. For one thing, you'll need the latest version of the Moto app to update your status on Facebook hands-free through Moto Voice. Otherwise, the handset will reply that it can't connect to "the cloud" after you dictate a post. And while you can dictate Facebook posts and text messages, you can't do the same on Twitter. Voice just activates a small Twitter window so you can begin posting, but you'll need to type out the actual message.
It's also unclear what requires you to say your PIN when you use Voice commands while the phone is locked. For example, posting to Facebook prompts a PIN confirmation, but sending a text doesn't. The chopping gesture to activate the flash also doesn't feel natural or work as smoothly, and half the time I'm afraid I'll end up chucking my device across the room.
But perhaps the most disappointing thing is that compared to its predecessor, the Moto X Pure Edition doesn't offer anything substantial in terms of new software. A small amount of tweaks have been made, but overall, nothing substantial has been added. In some ways that's understandable since Motorola is purposely staying as close to the pure Android experience as one can get. But it's still a bit of a letdown to know that your new handset carries the same bag of tricks as it did last year.
Cameras and video
21-megapixel rear-facing camera
5-megapixel front-facing camera
Can record 4K (rear) and 1,080p (front) video
Night mode shooting and wide-angle front-facing camera has its own flash
The native camera app isn't loaded with tons of editing features, but both cameras do have HDR (high dynamic range) shooting, a touch-focus module where you can adjust the exposure as well, a digital zoom, a timer and geotagging. They also have a flash (yes, even the front-facing camera so you can brighten up your selfies) and a new shooting mode called "night mode" for low-light environments. Photos can be taken in either the wide 16:9 aspect ratio or the more squarish 4:3.
As for video, both front and rear cameras can record 1,080p HD footage and slow-mo videos in 720p (a change from the predecessor's better 1,080p slow-mo capabilities). While shooting video, you can also take pictures and pause recording.
The rear camera in particular can also take panoramic photos and scan QR codes and bar codes to look up via Google or copy onto the clipboard. And on top of already shooting 1,080p video, it can also record ultra-HD 4K video, which -- at 3,840x2,160p -- offers four times the resolution of 1,080p. That's state of the art -- albeit of dubious value, however.
Say cheese! The front-facing camera comes with its own flash.Josh Miller/CNETIn this well-lit indoor photo, objects are still clear and easy to make out, and lighting is evenly exposed.Lynn La/CNET
As for picture quality, photos looked decent, and the camera does well for everyday informal shots. Though they didn't manage to blow me away, it's still adequate enough to post online or print out a small photo.
Pictures taken outdoors or in amply-lit indoor environments looked great: colors were accurate, objects were clear with defined outlines and you can still see a lot of details retained at full resolution. There were a few times when the phone took a couple of tries to focus on an object up close, but eventually it'd lock on and snap a clear picture. Photos taken in low-light environments didn't fare as well, which is a common occurrence in smartphone photography. Though night mode improved exposure somewhat, I still saw a noticeable amount of digital noise, graininess and muted colors.
Because the front-facing camera has a wide-angle lens, my photos captured more content and space into the frame. As such, however, do expect to get some elongated angles near the corners of your pictures. For more information on camera quality, click the photos below to view them at their full resolution.
Video quality was solid. Nearby and distant audio was picked up well without any noticeable noise distortion, and both moving and still objects looked smooth and sharp. There was no discernible lag between my moving of the camera and what I saw in the viewfinder, and the camera was able to swiftly shift focus and exposure as I moved it around.
Night mode brightened up this dimly lit bar a tad -- but the photo is still not so great.
Lynn La/CNET
In our standard studio shot, these items look clear and defined, and the flash didn't leave any harsh reflections against the background.
Lynn La/CNET
This photo taken on a sunny day shows true-to-life colors and images that are sharp and in focus.
Lynn La/CNET
Though the stems and leaves on the right are clear, the right pomegranate gets blurry around the edges.
Lynn La/CNET
With its wide-angle front-facing camera, you can capture more content with your selfies (or groupies if you have friends).
Lynn La/CNET
Hardware performance
1.8GHz 6-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808
600MHz Adreno 418 graphics processing unit
16GB, 32GB or 64GB of internal storage with up to 128GB of expandable memory
3GB of RAM
3,000mAh nonremovable battery
Though the Moto X Pure Edition's processor has a lower clock speed than its predecessor (from 2.5 to 1.8GHz), its Snapdragon 808 processor still operates swiftly and smoothly. For one thing, the CPU is no slacker (it's the same one featured in the LG G4 ) and the RAM has been bumped up to 3GB. In general, I didn't notice any stuttering issues or lag while executing a number of everyday tasks like calling up the app drawer, opening the camera and switching between apps. Images for graphics-intensive games like Riptide GP 2 and Kill Shot were rendered fast and smooth, and the overall gaming experience was solid. It took about 37 seconds to power off and restart the device and 1.38 seconds to launch the camera.
Also, unlike the previous two versions of the Moto X, Motorola added a MicroSD card slot that can hold up to 128GB of extra memory -- giving you more breathing room for your photos and files.
But while the handset provides plenty of power to satisfy your daily smartphone needs, its benchmark scores falls behind its competitors. That's not surprising since the Galaxy Note 5 belongs to a more premium caliber, and both the OnePlus 2 and the ZTE Axon Pro sport the 8-core Snapdragon 810 processor. In that sense, the Moto X Pure Edition performed well for itself, but aside from having the second-highest single-core Geekbench 3 result among the latter two, it altogether fell a bit short of the other devices.
Benchmark test comparison
Motorola Moto X Pure Edition19,7251,2713,528Samsung Galaxy Note 524,5891,4884,939OnePlus 222,6451,1424,461ZTE Axon Pro25,7428683,958
3DMark Ice Storm (unlimited)
Geekbench 3 (single-core)
Geekbench 3 (multi-core)
Note: Longer bars indicate better performance
Call quality and data speeds
GSM/GPRS/EDGE: (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
CDMA: (800/850/1900MHz)
UMTS/HSPA+: (850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100MHz)
LTE B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/17/25/26/38/41
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/g/b/n/ac + MIMO
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/g/b/n/ac + MIMO
For US customers, Motorola's handset is unique because it works for carriers that operate on either GSM or CDMA technology. Meaning, for example, the phone can make calls and surf the Internet on AT&T and T-Mobile's network (which uses the GSM standard) and do the same on Verizon and Sprint (which uses CDMA). This isn't a huge deal if you don't plan on leaving your carrier, but for those switching from a GSM to CDMA carrier or vice versa, or already have two devices on these different platforms, know that you can use the same Moto X no matter what network you go with.
Motorola Moto X Pure Edition average data speeds
4G LTE download rate
11.7Mbps
4G LTE upload rate
15.82Mbps
CNET mobile site load
4 seconds
CNET desktop site load
4 seconds
Temple Run 2 app download (44.52MB)
34 seconds
"Gravity" movie download (1.7GB)
24 minutes and 31 seconds
As for call quality, I tested the unlocked handset using AT&T's cellular network. Call quality was great. Volume range was appropriate (with the maximum volume being satisfyingly loud), my calling partner was clear and easy to understand and I didn't pick up any extraneous buzzing or static. Audio speaker was also reliable. As I mentioned before, speaker calls only comes out from the bottom grille, but that's still enough to hear my partner well, even when I was outdoors nearby noisy traffic. Likewise, I was told that I sounded good too, and when I stepped outdoors, my partner did not pick up any background sounds from the surrounding environment.
The phone's fast-charging Turbo Charger.
Josh Miller/CNET
Data speeds on AT&T's 4G LTE network were fast. According to Ookla's speed test, it had an average download rate of 11.7Mbps and upload rate of 15.82Mbps. It took about 4 seconds to load each of CNET's mobile and desktop site and 34 seconds to download and install the 44.52MB game Temple Run 2. One attempt to download the 1.7GB, high-definition movie "Gravity" took 24 minutes and 31 seconds.
Battery Life
With heavy usage, the Motorola X Pure Edition's non-removable battery can deplete quickly. After spending a workday surfing the Web, downloading apps and making calls, I hit 30 percent by late afternoon. To last the rest of the evening, I had to plug in the device for a charge.
During our battery drain test for continuous video playback, the handset lasted an average of 8 hours and 46 minutes. Although last year's Moto X had a smaller screen, its lower-capacity 2,300mAh battery lasted over 10 hours. And compared to its rivals, the OnePlus 2's 3,300mAh battery lasted 9 hours and 46 minutes (though we weren't very impressed with that performance either), and the Axon Pro's 3,000mAh battery lasted shorter at 8 hours and 8 minutes (again, not the best from all parties). I you want to know what does impress us, the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 -- while admittedly a higher-tiered phone and expensive than all these devices -- lasted a whopping 15 hours of continuous playback on its 3,000mAh battery.
Motorola's handset, however, does come with a 25-watt Turbo Power charger, which promises to juice up your battery quickly. It does, in fact, charge the phone in a jiffy. When completely drained, it took only about an hour and 15 minutes to charge to 100 percent. And if you need to charge in a pinch, shutting it off and plugging it in for 10 minutes will gain about 20 percent battery life.
Conclusion
The Motorola Moto X Pure Edition is a great device for specific users. Google Android fans who can't wait until late September for the next Nexus reveal will enjoy the handset's nearly unsullied Android experience. The $400 phone bucks the current trend by offering external storage, and loops in support for the world's most prevalent network technologies -- CDMA and GSM -- so it should work with almost every carrier.
And with its numerous choices of color accents, engravings and materials, having a Moto X Pure Edition means having a device that reflects your own style. Heavily consider this handset if that's an important asset for you.
If it's not, however, there are lots of viable alternatives. If money isn't an issue, the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is the reigning Android supersize phone: It's powerful, stylish and has a long-lasting battery.
The Moto X Pure Edition is witnessing a far more competitive landscape for unlocked handsets than its predecessor.
Josh Miller/CNET
In addition, the mobile landscape for unlocked phones has changed a lot since last year's Moto X came out. They are getting more powerful at a lower cost.
For US customers, the $500 ZTE Axon Pro costs $100 more but has a 8-core Snapdragon 810 processor, 4GB of RAM and tons of native camera features. Globally, you can try and nab the OnePlus 2 . Due to its limited availability it can be hard to get, but if you do, it starts at the very competitive price of $330 (£215 or AU$450, converted). It's also equipped with the 810 CPU and if you're keen on wood backings like the ones that come with the Moto Xs, the OnePlus 2 has that as well.
All in all, the Moto X Pure Edition is a reliable and quality-built device, but if you have the previous model, don't feel like you're missing out on anything. The competition is fierce these days, and while the Moto X may be partially to blame for setting my expectations too high, the X Pure Edition just doesn't deliver that winning combination of style, power and value that I've come to expect.
