This month something quite significant happened in the world of tech. It wasn’t a big leap forward. In fact, it was a step backwards, as both Google and, to a lesser extent, Apple released brand new, flagship phones that were less expensive and less desirable than their predecessors.
Admittedly, Apple persisted with the Pro line of iPhones at eyewatering prices, but there was also the iPhone 12 mini. This is a literally scaled down version of the iPhone 12 that costs as little as £699.
Google, meanwhile, focused even more explicitly on keeping the price down and doing the basics well with its latest Pixel phone. This phone does not have whizz-bang specs or jaw-dropping features, but it seems highly competent.
Now, I don’t want to overstate this as some kind of return to techno-primitivism. For a start, the iPhone 12 Pro features LiDAR, as used on self-driving cars, and costs a small fortune. However I would welcome a move towards more affordable gadgets, on the whole. And not just because of the rather harsh economic realities we are all likely to face in the next few years/ decades/eternity.
This story is from the November 2020 edition of T3 Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2020 edition of T3 Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LIGHT FLIGHT DJI Mini 4 Pro
The world's best-value pro-style mini consumer drone for taking hi-res imagery
SURFACE TIME Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
The second-gen Surface Laptop Studio shows Microsoft is still willing to experiment with unique kit and it sure is special
PROUDLY LOUD KEF LSXIILT
Offering audio clout without the massive cost, the 'LT' represents KEF's 'lite' paredback version of the LSX II system - and very capable it is indeed
OPEN QUESTION Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Bose's Ultra Open Earbuds don't go into your ears and always allow ambient sound in – but are they good full-time earbuds?
OPEN AND SHUT OnePlus Open
OnePlus's first foldable phone has some tricks even established competitors can't beat. So will this new king of foldables reign supreme?
HOLE IN ONE OnePlus 12
The OnePlus 12 packs in a top camera and blistering performance, while looking better than almost anything else
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO...Portable projectors
You don't need a home cinema to supersize your viewing. With a portable projector, you can cast gigantic images just about anywhere
SMARTER SMART SECURITY
Yale upgrades its smart security offering and the results are great
HELLO HERITAGE
The latest batch of UNESCO World Heritage Sites doubles as a great source of inspiration for future travel plans. Here are our favourites
SOFORT, SO GOOD Leica Sofort 2
This is a brilliant hybrid instant camera with style - and it's the cheapest way to get some Leica in your life!