Latest Articles (Page 31)

All the articles we've published, with the most recent first

Short answer: yes, you probably want a new charger for the Pixel 10 Pro XL. But it's a bit more complicated than the marketing suggests. Let me explain what actually happens.

The Charger Speed Breakdown

Here's what different chargers will give you:

  • Qi2.2 chargers (like Google's Pixelsnap): Up to 25W—this is the max
  • Regular Qi2 chargers: Up to 15W
  • Your old Qi chargers: Only 5W—painfully slow
  • Apple MagSafe chargers: 15W (they'll work, just not at full speed)

The 25W Reality Check

Here's what nobody in marketing mentions: that 25W speed only lasts a few minutes. Once the phone heats up, the charger drops to 15W, then 10W, then even lower. It's protecting your battery, which is good, but it means 25W isn't as fast as it sounds.

Real charging times:

  • Plugging in with USB-C: about 77 minutes for a full charge
  • Qi2 25W wireless: about 135 minutes—nearly twice as long

So yes, 25W wireless is faster than 15W wireless, but it's still much slower than just plugging in.

Do MagSafe Accessories Work?

Yes and no. They'll physically snap on thanks to the magnets (Google calls this Pixelsnap, but it's basically the same magnet arrangement). MagSafe chargers will charge your phone at 15W—not 25W—because the standards aren't quite identical. Cases, wallets, and car mounts should work fine.

What Should You Actually Buy?

If you want wireless charging to be practical:

  • Google Pixelsnap Charger (): Gets you the full 25W speed
  • Any Qi2-certified charger: Gets you solid 15W speed
  • Your existing MagSafe stuff: Will work at 15W

If you just want convenient overnight charging, honestly, any Qi2 charger is fine—the speed difference won't matter while you're sleeping.

The Magnetic Alignment Is Actually Useful

Beyond speed, the real benefit of Qi2 is the magnets. Your phone snaps into place perfectly every time. No more waking up to a dead phone because it was slightly off-center. That convenience alone might be worth upgrading your charger for the Pixel 10 Pro XL.

Read More

Gemini on the Pixel 10 Pro XL isn't just a rebranded Google Assistant—it's a genuinely useful AI that can actually do things for you. Here's what makes it different.

It Runs on Your Phone, Not in the Cloud

The Tensor G5 chip runs Gemini Nano locally, which matters for two reasons: speed and privacy. When you ask it to summarize a webpage or analyze a document, it happens instantly on your device. Your data doesn't get uploaded anywhere. That's a real advantage over cloud-only AI assistants.

It Can Actually Do Stuff For You (New in 2026)

This is the game-changer. Gemini can now handle routine tasks without you touching the apps:

  • Order your usual from Starbucks
  • Book an Uber to work
  • Place a grocery order on DoorDash
  • Get food delivered from GrubHub

It runs in the background while you approve or modify what it's doing. Free users get about 5 of these requests per day; Gemini Ultra subscribers get up to 120.

Talking to Gemini Actually Works Now

Gemini Live lets you have natural conversations hands-free. Even better, it now connects to your actual Google stuff:

  • Ask about your calendar and it checks your real schedule
  • Tell it to add something to your to-do list and it goes into Tasks
  • Ask for coffee shop recommendations and it uses Maps

The Camera Gets Smarter

Photography on the Pixel has always been good, but Gemini makes it more intuitive:

  • Camera Coach gives you real-time tips on framing and lighting
  • Speak-to-Tweak lets you edit photos by just describing what you want
  • Sketch-to-Image turns your rough drawings into actual photos
  • Circle to Search can identify multiple things in a screenshot at once

The last two features are Pixel 10 exclusives—they need the Tensor G5's processing power.

Small Features That Add Up

  • When you miss a call, AI suggests responses based on the voicemail
  • Translation on calls uses your voice (or something close to it) instead of a robotic one
  • All the usual Google AI features work faster because they run locally

Is This Actually Useful?

Honestly? Yes. The automation features alone make daily tasks noticeably easier on the Pixel 10 Pro XL. And having AI that doesn't need to phone home for everything is a genuine improvement.

Read More

The Pixel 10 Pro XL has a solid zoom system, but let's set realistic expectations upfront: 100x zoom exists, but you probably won't use it much. Here's what actually matters.

The Sweet Spot: 5x Optical Zoom

This is where the magic happens. At 5x, you're getting true optical zoom from the dedicated 48MP telephoto lens—no digital trickery, just genuine magnification. Photos come out sharp enough to print, with accurate colors and real detail. For most zoom shots, this is all you need.

10x Is Still Pretty Good

Hit the 10x button and you're still in solid territory. Yes, there's some digital enhancement happening, but in good lighting, you'd be hard-pressed to tell. The photos are detailed, colors look right, and they're perfectly shareable. Low light gets a bit noisier, but still usable.

Beyond 10x: Managing Expectations

Here's where things get honest:

  • Up to 50x: Surprisingly decent, even at night. I've been genuinely impressed with shots at this range.
  • 50-100x: The AI is working overtime, and it shows. Details get mushy, edges get that processed look, and accuracy drops.

Think of 100x zoom like the moon setting on a camera—it's there, it kind of works, but it's more of a party trick than a practical feature.

The Night Zoom Surprise

Previous Pixels couldn't zoom well in low light. This one can. The 5x telephoto delivers clean shots even when it's dark, and 10x produces usable images with manageable noise. It's genuinely useful now, not just technically possible.

New Trick: Tele-Macro

Here's something cool—the 5x telephoto can now take macro shots. So if you're into close-up photography of flowers, insects, or product details, you've got two ways to do it now (the ultrawide has macro too).

The Honest Truth

For real-world photography—concerts, sports, wildlife, street photography—the Pixel 10 Pro XL zoom system handles it well. Just don't expect miracles at 100x. The marketing shots at that range? They probably took 50 attempts and perfect lighting.

Read More

Let's be honest upfront: if you're looking at pure benchmark scores, the Snapdragon 8 Elite beats the Tensor G5. It's not even close in some tests. But that doesn't tell the whole story.

The Numbers (For Those Who Care)

The Tensor G5 in the Pixel 10 Pro XL scores around 2,285 single-core and 6,191 multi-core on Geekbench 6. The Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Galaxy S25 Ultra? It beats that by about 28% in single-core and 37% in multi-core tests.

On GPU performance, things get even more interesting—or concerning, depending on your perspective. Google switched to a PowerVR GPU, and it actually benchmarks about 20% slower than the previous Pixel's Mali GPU. Not exactly progress on paper.

So Why Would Anyone Buy a Tensor Phone?

Because Google didn't build the Tensor G5 to win benchmark races. They built it to be really, really good at specific things:

AI that actually runs on your phone: All those Gemini features, real-time translations, and on-device processing? The Tensor G5 handles them without sending your data to the cloud.

Photography processing: Night Sight, Video Boost, all the computational photography magic that makes Pixel photos look so good—this is what the chip is optimized for.

It stays cool: Previous Tensor chips ran hot. The G5, built on TSMC's 3nm process, runs noticeably cooler during normal use. Gaming will still warm it up, but it's a big improvement.

When You'll Notice the Difference

Most people using their phone normally—scrolling social media, taking photos, using apps—won't notice any performance gap. The Tensor G5 handles everyday tasks just fine.

Where you WILL notice is:

  • Gaming at max settings for extended periods
  • Heavy video editing or 3D work
  • Running demanding benchmark apps (which... why?)

Which Should You Choose?

If gaming and raw performance are your priorities, a Snapdragon phone makes more sense. If AI features, camera quality, and the Google software experience matter more, the Pixel 10 Pro XL does exactly what it's supposed to do.

Read More

The Pixel 10 Pro XL isn't just a great camera phone—it's a seriously capable video camera too. Whether you're shooting family moments or creating content, here's what you can actually do with it.

What You Can Record

Let's start with the basics. The rear cameras can shoot:

  • 8K video if you want maximum resolution (though you'll need an 8K TV to fully appreciate it)
  • 4K at 60fps which is the sweet spot for most people
  • Slow-motion in 1080p for those dramatic action shots

The selfie camera shoots 4K with autofocus too, which is a genuine upgrade for video calls and vlogging.

Video Boost Is the Real Star

This is where the Pixel really shines. After you record video, you can send it to Google's cloud for processing, and it comes back looking noticeably better. DXOMARK—who tests cameras for a living—rated it as the best video processing they've measured.

The catch? You have to upload your video and wait for processing. For quick social media posts, that might be annoying. For important videos you want to look great, it's worth it.

Night Video Finally Works

Low-light video has always been the weak spot for smartphone cameras. The Pixel 10 Pro XL has mostly fixed that. Night Sight Video is now good enough that I'd recommend turning it on as soon as lighting gets a bit dim—don't wait until it's totally dark.

It Keeps Things Steady

The stabilization here is excellent. Walking while recording? Smooth. Filming from a moving car? Manageable. It combines optical and electronic stabilization to keep footage watchable without needing a gimbal.

Other Stuff Worth Knowing

  • Zoom up to 100x (though past 50x, quality drops off)
  • Audio Magic Eraser lets you reduce background noise after recording
  • 10-bit HDR for more professional color grading options
  • Cinematic blur effects for that professional depth look

The Bottom Line

If video matters to you, the Pixel 10 Pro XL delivers. It's not quite at dedicated camera level, but for a phone, it's genuinely impressive.

Read More

Good news if you tend to be a bit rough with your phone: the Pixel 10 Pro XL is built tough. Professional durability testers have put it through the wringer, and the results are genuinely impressive.

The Screen Can Take a Beating

The display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which is pretty much the standard for flagship phones right now. In practical terms, this means your keys and coins bouncing around in your pocket won't scratch it. You'd need something harder—like sand or ceramic—to leave marks. It's not invincible, but it handles normal daily abuse well.

It Doesn't Bend (Unlike Some Previous Pixels)

Remember the Pixel 7 Pro bending under pressure? Google clearly learned from that. The Pixel 10 Pro XL showed zero flex, no cracks, and no creaks in professional bend tests. The aluminum frame and glass combination holds firm even under stress. This is a solid, well-constructed phone.

The Burn Test (Yes, Really)

In case you're wondering how it handles extreme heat—durability testers actually held a lighter flame to the screen for 20 seconds. The display kept working perfectly. Only the fingerprint-resistant coating showed damage. And get this: even after they scratched up the area over the fingerprint sensor, it still unlocked the phone every time.

What About Drops?

Here's where you still need to be careful. All that glass and premium materials won't save you from gravity:

  • Drop it from pocket height (around 3 feet) and you might get minor scratches or corner dings
  • Drop it from desk height (around 4 feet) and you're risking cracked glass
  • Drop it from head height while taking a selfie (around 6 feet) and you could shatter the screen

The surface matters too—wood floors are forgiving, concrete is not.

Should You Get a Case?

Honestly? Yes. The phone is built to last seven years with software support, but that only matters if the hardware survives too. A good case adds cheap insurance for an expensive phone. At least protect those glass surfaces.

Looking for protection? Check out our Pixel 10 Pro XL cases to find options at the best prices.

Read More

If you love snapping photos after sunset, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is going to impress you. Google's Night Sight mode has been the gold standard for phone photography in the dark, and this generation keeps that reputation intact.

What to Expect in the Dark

Honestly, the night photos from this phone often look better than what your eyes actually saw. That might sound like marketing speak, but it's genuinely true—the Pixel 10 Pro XL can pull detail and light out of scenes that looked nearly black in person. Colors stay accurate (no weird orange tints), and there's a nice punchy contrast that makes night shots look dramatic rather than flat.

Even compared to phones with those massive 1-inch sensors, the Pixel holds its own remarkably well.

Finally, No More Standing Like a Statue

Remember having to hold completely still for several seconds while Night Sight did its thing? Those days are mostly over. The Tensor G5 chip processes night shots so quickly now that you often don't need to wait at all. It makes grabbing spontaneous night shots actually practical instead of a careful, planned process.

Night Video Has Gotten Serious

Here's where things get really interesting: Night Sight Video is now genuinely good. Video in low light has always been the weak point for every phone, but the Pixel 10 Pro XL's Video Boost mode handles it impressively. DXOMARK testing called it the best low-light video performance they've measured.

Tip: Start using Night Sight Video as soon as it gets slightly dim—don't wait until it's completely dark.

Zooming at Night

The telephoto actually works at night, which wasn't always the case with older phones. At 5x and 10x zoom, you'll get usable shots even in low light. Push it to 50x and results are still surprisingly decent. Just keep expectations realistic—there will be some noise and AI processing visible, but the photos are definitely usable.

The Bottom Line

There's a reason reviewers keep calling Night Sight 'the best nighttime camera on any phone.' The Pixel 10 Pro XL doesn't just match its reputation—it builds on it with faster processing and better video.

Read More

Pros

  • Significantly improves comfort by relocating the battery away from the headset, reducing neck strain.
  • Shouldeounted infrared (IR) sensor enhances hand tracking, especially when hands are below the headset, outperforming USB-C or headset-mounted IR solutions.
  • Provides 5 to 7 hours of extended playtime, adding approximately 2 extra hours to your VR sessions.
  • Works reliably even in very low light conditions, maintaining excellent tracking accuracy.
  • Lightweight and comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions, including a good fit around the neck.
  • Durable design lasting over a month without issues, built for lonerm use.
  • Secure fit that doesn’t interfere much with natural movement during VR play.
  • Offers great value given its combination of extended battery life, tracking improvement, and comfort.

Cons

  • Instructions for charging and usage can be insufficient, leaving some users wanting more detailed guidance.
  • Headset may feel slightly warm while charging, though this is generally not a major concern.
  • Some users found the product difficult to use or were unsatisfied enough to return it.
  • Battery life longevity varies, with some reporting the need to replace rechargeable batteries every six months in higsage environments.
  • Wearing the battery pack around the neck with the headset can feel awkward at first, though not excessively so.

Bottom Line

The JSAUX Battery Pack for Oculus Quest 3 and Quest 2 is a *must-have* for users who want to extend their VR playtime and improve hand-tracking performance through its shoulder-mounted infrared feature. Its design smartly reduces neck strain and boosts in-game tracking accuracy, especially in low light. However, be prepared for a slight learning curve due to limited instructions and some mild warming during charging. If you want longer sessions without sacrificing comfort or tracking, this accessory hits the sweet spot between functionality and value. If you're looking for alternatives with potentially more detailed instructions or a different form factor, you might consider other VR battery solutions, but few match this pack’s combination of IR tracking enhancement and fast charging performance.

View More

Pros

  • The builn Roku platform eliminates extra devices and cables, providing a seamless streaming experience.
  • Picture quality is consistently described as crystal clear, sharp, and vibrant with excellent color accuracy.
  • Setup is generally easy and straightforward, often with guided steps that simplify getting started.
  • The TV is lightweight and compact, making it easy to move around or fit into small spaces such as bedrooms or bathrooms.
  • Includes three HDMI ports, allowing easy connection of multiple devices like gaming consoles without swapping cables.
  • Bluetooth headphone support is a notable plus for private or quiet listening.
  • Sound quality is decent overall, with some users appreciating the volume and clarity for typical home use.
  • The remote is compact, manageable, and facilitates voice control, enhancing ease of use.
  • The screen brightness adjusts well for comfortable viewing in different lighting conditions.
  • Stable, wide legs prevent tipping, providing secure placement on furniture.

Cons

  • Audio quality can be mediocre or insufficient in noisy environments; many recommend pairing with a soundbar or external speakers.
  • The setup process can occasionally be glitchy or timonsuming despite guided instructions and support.
  • The ocreen TV guide may be difficult to read due to small screen size and interface design.
  • Some users prefer simpler nomart TVs for ease of use despite Roku’s smart features.
  • A small minority have noticed slight inconsistencies in finish or build quality on parts like the bottom rim, though these don’t affect performance.
  • Mouse lag can occur when using the TV as a PC monitor unless refresh rates are manually adjusted.
  • Volume limits may feel restrictive for users wanting louder sound without external aids.

Bottom Line

The Roku Smart TV 2026 – 40-Inch Select Series is a solid choice if you want a compact, affordable Full HD TV with a hassle-free Roku streaming experience built-in. It shines with excellent picture clarity and user-friendly setup, making it ideal for bedrooms, small living spaces, or even multi-use as a PC monitor with minor tweaks. However, if booming sound is a priority or you want a more polished setup experience, consider pairing it with external speakers or exploring larger or higher-end models. Overall, it offers great value for those craving reliable streaming and decent audio-visual performance in a no-fuss package.

View More
Stellar X2 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser XLR Microphone

TLDR Review: Stellar X2 Microphone

Published: March 27th, 2026

Pros

  • Offers excellent build quality and durability, ensuring lonasting performance
  • Delivers impressive, pristine sound with a very low noise floor and good decibel spread
  • Produces a bright, slightly shimmery tone that particularly enhances baritone voices
  • Provides superb tone and clarity, making vocals sound natural and polished
  • Serves as a strong complementary mic for contralto vocals alongside warmer or tube mics like the Shure SM7B and Rode NTK
  • Offers excellent value, rivaling microphones that cost significantly more
  • Ideal for female vocalists and a wide range of vocal styles thanks to its versatile sound profile
  • Performs best when paired with higuality cables and reliable audio interfaces or preamps
  • Prioritizes sound quality over flashy aesthetics, focusing on professional function over looks
  • Recommended for both beginners and experienced users looking for studiuality vocal recordings

Cons

  • The microphone’s bright and slightly shimmery tone may not suit all voice types, potentially sounding a bit sharp on some vocals
  • Lacks distinct features or extras found in some highend models, focusing more on core sound performance
  • May require additional quality gear (preamps, interfaces) to truly shine, adding to overall setup cost

Bottom Line

The Stellar X2 is a stellar choice if you want professional-sounding vocals without breaking the bank. It punches above its price category by delivering clear, bright, and natural tones that work especially well with baritone and female voices. Just keep in mind it’s a no-frills powerhouse that works best with quality supporting gear. If you’re looking for a versatile condenser microphone with excellent value and sound clarity, this one deserves serious consideration.

View More
Previous PagePage 31 of 7061Next Page
📓 Latest Articles
ShopSavvy publishes many different kinds of articles regularly including deals, product reviews, best picks in popular categories, and answers about products.
Get ShopSavvy
ShopSavvy is totally free and works on all popular phones and browsers
Download ShopSavvy App

Compare prices for anything in real-time, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more

Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension

Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.