Phones

Having recently looked at one of the previous models in the range 23-9-20, I now get my chance to test the latest version from Apple. Out of the box it seems to me to be rather chunky compared to other phones, this of course may help it to survive the odd drop, while the corners are shaved off the sides are a perfect sandwich shape. This is not the Max or the Mini it’s the iPhone 12.

Not actually a new company but one that that I have not reviewed before, the company is called Xiaomi, and like a lot of recent SmartPhones comes to me via Vodafone. As far as I can tell this company has not incurred the wrath of the USA as it comes with Google and G-Mail.

TCL continues to offer users a choice of handsets with its latest offerings announced at CES 2021

Adding to its range of Alcatel smartphones, TCL has announced two new models at the recent CES event.

This is the latest 5G SmartPhone from Google, in comparison to some recent offerings it is quite small and because of the lack of size it is also quite light. So apart from being one of the first units to have Android 11 what else does this have to offer.

While Spring is many months away, it might be time to consider having a clear our of technical devices.

Adding to its smartphone family of products, Realme has launched its new realme 7 model. This is a 5G smartphone that comes with the claim of being the best value 5G phone launched this year.

With a title that clearly identifies the product's purpose, myFirst Fone is a watch-phone that is aimed at the young child member of the family. As the term watch-phone might not be too familiar to you, I should explain that this multifunction device combines the functionality of a wristwatch and a phone within a single product. The myFirst Fone is being aimed at children within the 6 to 12 year age group.

Having recently told you about a Samsung Tablet that could make and receive calls here something a little smaller that can be held to your ear without attracting attention as it is more normal in size for a SmartPhone, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G.

For the more energetic, outdoor customer, DOOGEE has a possible handset.

It's sale time for a weekend with Huawei.

An online launch event introduced a new Xiaomi family of smartphones plus a wrist adornment.

Huawei does seem to prefer targeting the younger market with its new products such as this latest offering.

This is a new phone brand – to me anyway – it comes from Nigeria and seems to be a good build quality with components to match. My initial observations note that the rear mounted cameras seem to extend by more than a normal amount from the rest of the case.

I rarely get a chance to see an Apple device as they do not seem interested in UK journalists. So it is nice when a telecoms company offer one for review. It looks very smart and while it uses much the same system to turn on you are met with a wall of permissions just to get to the Home screen.

This is a new SmartPhone designed for 5G but that still works using 4G if you live or work in an area currently without 5G coverage. This is supplied with a transparent back and sides silicon cover that stops the cameras being proud on the back which means that you can lay it on any surface without any danger of scratching that surface.

Adding to its range of smartphone handsets, TCL Communications has launched its first 5G-enabled model.

The N20 Pro is a new handset arriving from Spain.

This is the latest value offering from Honor, unlike recent offerings from their parent company Honor still seem to have access to Google and therefore no different to other manufacturers and for you the user all the Apps you use are still available from the Google Play Store.

Despite Lockdown, new smartphone handsets continue to arrive, including this model from OPPO.

I have seen several grips some that seemingly defy gravity likewise stands that keep your phone at the correct viewing angle. Here is a device that does both allowing a couple of fingers to slip through a gap or by opening up the aperture to lean or hang in the correct position to view ‘handless’.

Looking for a new handset, then Xiaomi has a new model that might suit.

Knowing the price of something when I start reviewing is not my choice as it might predetermine the value score, here however I do know the price and ‘I do not believe it’ came immediately to mind. As always there must be minus points, now to try and find them.

Most people with limited sight or poor hearing will have heard of Doro and over the years I have reviewed a number of their handsets. Outwardly it looks like any recent SmartPhone so there is no embarrassment about using it. Right from the off things on the Home screen are just that more widely spaced and more easily focused upon.

With a kidnapped detective, investigating daughter and a helpful dog, this next game sets you on the trail of missing relics.

Looking to brighten your view of the virtual world, TCL offers a new range of handsets.

This is the latest offering from Motorola the Moto g8; it can work using the three buttons at the base of the screen or after a single click in Settings with ‘Gestures’. Unlike a lot of recent phones this still has a 3.5mm socket for headphones or earbuds. It also comes with a clear cover for the back and sides for protection for the odd drop.

This is a SIM with a difference, it is tuned to your hearing, so your phone conversations in any phone are as clear as they can be, and this service is ideal if you have a little or a lot of hearing loss. The process is simple and they have several plans to suit the amount you use your phone. In these times where meetings in person are not encouraged the phone becomes more important than ever.

This is the last of the recent batch of new SmartPhones from Emporia. This brand of phones looks like a normal SmartPhone but gives the user extra help be it more volume for those of us with hearing loss or brighter and more distinct displays for those with sight problems; however they can also be used as a standard Android SmartPhone.

Since these two devices were reviewed towards the end of 2019 I have been asked to tell you about changes made to them in order that should you purchase them now you have the actual updated information for instance the Pixel 4XL was one of the first to come with Android 10 as standard.