In order to provide consumers with comprehensive phone reviews, we conduct real-world testing focusing on features, design, performance, cameras, battery life, and overall value. These findings are documented in an initial review that is periodically updated when there are new software updates or when compared to new phones from competitors like Apple, Samsung, Google, and OnePlus. Photography is a key aspect of modern smartphones, so we capture pictures and videos in various settings and lighting conditions, testing new camera modes like ProRes log video on the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, or the Magic Editor photo tool on the Google Pixel 8 series.
Battery life testing is a crucial part of our review process, involving assessing how long a phone lasts during a typical day of use, as well as during more specific activities such as video calls, media streaming, and gaming. We also conduct video playback tests to provide a simple, reproducible measure of pure battery life, which may be added to the initial review or included in later updates. Performance evaluation includes using benchmarking apps to measure the phone’s speed, coupled with our own experiences using the device. We pay attention to graphics and animations, smoothness, camera app launch time, and orientation switching speed.
Emergency SOS features are highlighted as one of the most significant additions to modern smartphones. We conduct processor-intensive tasks like photo editing, video exporting, and gaming to test the capabilities of the device. We also consider whether a newer version of a phone offers enough new features to justify an upgrade from older models. Our testing methodology aims to provide consumers with a comprehensive understanding of each phone’s capabilities and performance, enabling them to make informed decisions when purchasing a new device. By continuously updating our reviews with new software updates and comparing against competitors, we strive to offer the most up-to-date and relevant information to consumers in the ever-evolving smartphone market.
