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Asus may have to offload some of the costs to its clients.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Although Asus has been proactively preparing for potential geopolitical tariff changes, it warned that it may have to increase its prices later this year as it sets up new production facilities outside China.
“We will try to limit these costs to within a reasonable level. However, as we make further adjustments to production lines, it may become possible that we need to offset some of these costs to our clients,” an Asus co-CEO said at the company’searnings conference callwith investors and financial analysts.
The Asus executive continued, “And right now, we are seeing that some brands are already starting to make adjustments to their retail prices to cover their costs. But for Asus, we will do our best to limit the impact of these changes for our customers, we will try to maintain our offer as the most competitive in terms of both service quality and pricing.”
Production Shift Away From China To Avoid U.S. Tariffs
To avoid tariffs expected to be imposed by the new U.S. government, makers of PCs and computer components are shifting production away from China. Large PC makers, such asDellandHP, have been turning their production to other countries for years now and have resilient supply chains that can at least lower the impact of tariffs. Other PC makers are turning their capacities now. However, shifting takes time, so some tariffs must be paid. Furthermore, setting up new production capacity costs money, impacting companies’ profit margins or prices for the end-user.
Asus primarily plans to minimize customer impact by proactively managing tariff effects. Specifically, Asus intends to absorb impacts internally by adjusting production and inventory management strategies (e.g., shifting manufacturing locations globally).
Maintaining pricing competitiveness is a priority, indicating that potential price increases would be carefully considered and kept minimal. However, Asus acknowledged that if tariff costs become significantly high or persist, they may partially pass some costs to customers, but only to the extent necessary.
“We are seeing that some brands are already starting to make adjustments to their retail prices to cover their costs,” the co-CEO said. “But for Asus, we will do our best to limit the impact of these changes for our customers, we will try to maintain our offer as the most competitive in terms of both service quality and pricing.”
In short, Asus will prioritize maintaining competitive pricing, potentially accepting some margin pressure in the short term. Still, it does not rule out limited price adjustments if tariff impacts become significant.
The game-changing battery feature will arrive next month as part of the ChromeOS 134 update.
Google Pixelsmartphones running on Android 15 have a special 80% battery limit feature which is said to increase battery durability. Now, the same functionality will arrive for Chromebooks as part of the ChromeOS 134 update.
It is expected that this game-changing battery feature will roll out only by next month, but there’s one tolerable catch that Chromebook users should know about.
New ChromeOS Battery Preservation Feature
As spotted on ther/chromeos subreddit, the new ChromeOS 134 release includes a battery charge limit policy to help prolong the life of Chromebook batteries.
Devices will charge to 100% by default, but users and administrators can choose to cap charging at 80%. This action follows best practices for lithium-ion battery health, minimizing long-term degradation.
Google confirmed this new policy in its Chrome Enterprise and Education release notes, indicating that administrators will be able to control charge limits on multiple devices.
Although this feature will mainly benefit managed Chromebook fleets in businesses and schools, individual users will also need to manually set a max charging cap, according toDigital Trends.
Why Limiting the Battery Charge is Needed
Numerous contemporary devices, such as smartphones and laptops, have charge-limiting capabilities to extend battery lifespan. Maintaining a battery at 20% to 80% charge reduces the chemical degradation that results from charging all the way up to capacity continually. Charging to 80% limits, Chromebook owners can anticipate improved long-term battery performance and stability.
If you’re an Android user, you already know about this feature. Google has made a similar option available on Pixel phones with Android 15 before. Chromebooks will now get the same innovation.
For enterprise and education users, administrators of largefleets of Chromebookswill be able to impose the 80% charge threshold to maximize battery lifespan across devices. This can save a lot of maintenance expenses by minimizing the number of battery replacements needed.
Although the update will be applied automatically for managed Chromebooks, average users will probably need to manually turn on the feature as we said a while ago. This is assumed to be similar to Android 15’s battery settings, wherein users can simply switch the charge limit using system preferences.
Those who depend on their Chromebooks for gaming or heavy use might still want to charge their devices to the full 100% for optimal usage time. The silver lining? Google isn’t making the change mandatory—users who require a full 100% charge can keep charging their Chromebooks normally.
What Else is Coming with ChromeOS 134?
Although the battery optimization feature is perhaps the most useful addition, the ChromeOS 134 update is expected to bring several improvements to enhance user experience.
For instance, the improved Bounce Keys accessibility settings will allow users with motor disabilities to type more accurately.
What’s more, ChromeOS 133 rolled out super-resolution audio for Bluetooth microphones, and the follow-up update should further improve this feature.
Other than that, the Screencast feature has more languages to support, thus becoming an even more inclusive tool for teachers and global users.
While ChromeOS 134 is generating much hype already, Google is said to be developing even more significant upgrades with ChromeOS 135. As perAndroid Authority, the upcoming big update may feature AI-driven wallpapers and video-calling backgrounds, especially for Chromebook Plus devices.
TheiOS 18.4public beta has just launched, and with it come several subtle but useful changes to how you use your Photos app.
The first update, originally spotted by9to5Mac,is the addition of two new filter options in the Photos app. You can now sort images by those that were sent to you instead of taken yourself, and by images not currently in any album.
The way to do this is to press the button in the bottom-left corner of the screen that resembles the two arrows facing different directions and then select the filter tab.
This is a great change for users who are constantly sent images by friends and family. Now it will be much easier to find the one meme your uncle sent you a few weeks ago without having to sort through a thousand other photos he also sent.
Apple is also adding new options for viewing your albums. Currently in iOS 18.3,you can sort albumsby name or sort by custom option, but iOS 18.4 adds a third choice which will allow you to organize them by date modified. The update also changes the names of Grid and List viewing modes to List View and Key Photo.
These new sorting options should benefit people who like to file their photos properly, as well as make it easier to keep track of which albums you’ve been sending images to.
It’s not just changes to how we see our albums, as iOS 18.4 is also making it easier to hide your activity from prying eyes.
Currently it is possible to save images to ahidden folder, making them much harder to find for anyone looking at your phone. However, Apple is now making it possible to hide the Recently Viewed and Recently Shared album options in the Photos app as well.
You can turn this option on and off by heading to the Photos section in the settings menu and scrolling down to find the ‘Show Recently Viewed & Shared’ toggle.
This could remove a lot of stress for people, as anyone looking over your shoulder or handling your phone won’t be able to see what you’ve recently been looking at. That’s a lot of options for potential embarrassment now eliminated.
Finally, iOS 18.4 will offer a new option to quickly remove all deleted photos and videos permanently. If you open the Recently Deleted album, you will spot a new trash can button that will throw out all deleted items.
However, if you accidentally deleted a photo or video, then you can now use the recover all option to quickly recover everything back to your library.
iOS 18.4 does more than just improve your Photos app
iOS 18.4 does more than just improve the Photos app. The update now makes it easier to accessApple Intelligence,and the ability to exploreVision Procontent. And if you happen to have aniPhone 15 Pro, then you’re in luck as iOS 18.4 adds one of the most popular features from theiPhone 16series,Visual Intelligence.
It is worth noting that the iOS 18.4 beta is, as the name suggests, a beta, so there is still the possibility of buggy code that could have a permanent impact on your phone or files in a worst-case scenario. However, Apple reportedly plans to release the stable version in April so there isn’t long to wait if you don’t want to take that risk.
For MAR10 Day, LEGO has officially revealed their newest LEGO Super Mario set with the Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart (72037). Releasing on May 15, the set has 1,972 pieces and will retail for $169.99. It features a poseable figure of Mario along with his Standard Kart from the games.
CELEBRATE MAR10 DAY WITH THE NEW LEGO SUPER MARIO: MARIO KART – MARIO & STANDARD KART SET
10th March 2025 – The LEGO Group is excited to unveil the latest addition to the LEGO® Super Mario™ collection: the Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart set. This detailed, build-and-display model is a perfect gift for fans of the iconic Mario Kart series from Nintendo, offering a captivating building experience and a dynamic way to showcase the brick-built Mario in his Standard Kart.
This 1,972-piece set allows builders to recreate Mario in his Standard Kart and features a posable figure with a movable head and arms. The included stand enables fans to display the kart at dynamic angles, as if Mario is speeding through a high-stakes race or drifting in true Mario Kart fashion.
The LEGO Super Mario: Mario Kart set provides a fun and rewarding building experience, designed for both seasoned LEGO enthusiasts and newcomers to the brand. Step-by-step instructions are available both in the box and on the LEGO Builder app, which offers intuitive tools like 3D rotation and progress tracking for an interactive building experience.
Once complete, the Mario Kart set makes a bold statement in any fan’s home, whether as part of a game room, living room, or office decor. It’s more than just a model – it’s a celebration of the Mario Kart series.
The LEGO Super Mario: Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart set is available for pre-order now, and will be available for purchase from 15th May 2025 atwww.LEGO.com/MarioKartand LEGO Stores, priced at €169.99 /$169.99.
HP already has a reputation for breaking printers with updates.
HP, along withother printer brands, is infamous for issuing firmware updates thatbrick already-purchased printersthat have tried to use third-party ink. In a new form of frustration, HP is now being accused of issuing a firmware update that broke customers’ laser printers—even though the devices are loaded with HP-brand toner.
The firmware update in question is version 20250209, which HP issued on March 4 for its LaserJet MFP M232-M237 models. Per HP, the update includes “security updates,” a “regulatory requirement update,” “general improvements and bug fixes,” and fixes forIPP Everywhere. Looking back to older updates’ fixes and changes, which the new update includes, doesn’t reveal anything out of the ordinary. The older updates mention things like “fixed print quality to ensure borders are not cropped for certain document types,” and “improved firmware update and cartridge rejection experiences.” But there’s no mention of changes to how the printers use or read toner.
However, users have been reporting sudden problems using HP-brand toner in their M232–M237 series printers since their devices updated to 20250209. Users on HP’s support forum say they see Error Code 11 and the hardware’s toner light flashing when trying to print. Some said they’ve cleaned the contacts and reinstalled their toner but still can’t print.
“Insanely frustrating because it’s my small business printer and just stopped working out of nowhere[,] and I even replaced the tone[r,] which was a $60 expense,” a forum user wrote on March 8.
When reached for comment, an HP spokesperson said:
We are aware of a firmware issue affecting a limited number of HP LaserJet 200 Series devices and our team is actively working on a solution. For assistance, affected customers can contact our support team at: support.hp.com.
HP users have been burned by printer updates before
HP hasn’t clarified how widespread the reported problems are. But this isn’t the first time that HP broke its customers’ printers with an update. In May 2023, for example, a firmware update caused severalHP OfficeJet brand printers to stop printingand show a blue screen for weeks.
With such bad experiences with printer updates and HP’scontroversial stanceon purposely breaking HP printer functionality when using non-HP ink, some have minimal patience for malfunctioning HP printers. As one forumcommenter wrote:
… this is just a bad look for HP all around. We’re just the ones that noticed it and know how to post on a forum. Imagine how many 1,000s of other users are being affected by this and just think their printer broke.
Some commenters are already using current exasperation to push HP’s customers to move to rival printer-maker Brother.
“I went out and got a similar Brother printer for $144 at Walmart,” one of HP’s forum userswrote. “Not ideal – but no more auto firmware updates – plus the new printer has [its] own 250 sheet paper tray and manual sheet feeder[,] which is nice. Just a little bigger than the HP. It’s a little slower first page out – but I’m not in any particular hurry.”
Brother was recently accused via viral video of updating its laser printers so they wouldn’t print or would print worse when using non-Brother toner. But Brother denied this was the case.
You’ll find the same functionality in its new Windows app.
Microsoft
TheRemote Desktop appfor Windows is (almost) dead; long live the Windows app. Microsoftsaidon Monday that its legacy Remote Desktop client, which has already been replaced on other platforms, will no longer be supported on Windows after May 27, 2025. But you aren’t losing any functionality here. You can still do tech support for your parents using built-in Windows functionality or the modern Windows app, which is somehow both the simplest and most confusing naming convention Microsoft’s marketing team could have mustered.
“Starting May 27, 2025, the Remote Desktop app for Windows from the Microsoft Store will no longer be supported or available for download and installation,” Microsoft’s Hilary Braun wrote on its Windows IT Pro Blog. “Users must transition to Windows App to ensure continued access to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop and Microsoft Dev Box.”
The company says connections to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop and Microsoft Dev Box via the Remote Desktop app from the Microsoft Store will be blocked in the Remote Desktop app on the app’s expiration date of May 27. For all other users, it will continue working but will no longer be supported.
Increasing the confusion, Windows has a built-in Remote Desktop Connection app that will remain the only way to use Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections after May 27. But Microsoft will eventually incorporate that into the Windows app.
Microsoftwarnedthat it would eventually replace the Remote Desktop with the Windows app when the operating system’s namesake applaunchedlast fall. The new app even arrived as an update to the Remote Desktop client on Apple’s App Store.
As for the, uh,interestinglynamed Windows app, the company likely chose that branding because itwantsto move Windows increasingly to the cloud. Its Windows 365 service, introduced in 2021, even lets youstream a virtual version of the OS from any device. So, calling the unified app used to access cloud and remote PCs “Windows app” seems maybeslightlyless bizarre from that angle.
Still, a Redditthreadfrom the Windows app’s September launch held some entertaining reactions from the company’s fans. “Microsoft needs to collect all the staff responsible for naming or renaming their products in the past 15 years and shoot them into the sun,” u/AlignedHurdle posted. Meanwhile, u/Shoddy_Eye7866 seized an opportunity to use the Xzibit meme: “Yo dawg, I heard you like Windows, so I took Windows App and put in your Windows so you can Windows while you Windows.”
Microsoft is preparing changes to its laptop battery charge indicators, which should be coming to future versions of Windows 11 in the coming months.
The updates are set to make clear distinctions between the different battery states, such as an unplugged battery, a charging battery, or a battery with an unknown status. While all Windows 11 users are scheduled to get the new battery-level icons, Windows 11 Insiders are set to get first dibs. According to Windows Latest, Microsoft previewed the battery icons to pre-release users in a video conference in early March. This conference revealed the icon images but did not give much further information about the coming design changes, such as a release timeline.
Many pundits note that the icons now resemble the battery charge indicators on mobile devices, with some considering they favor iOS products, and others thinking they resemble Android devices. Each battery design designates a specific battery state. Where the older icons are mono-color, some of the new ones are color-coded in accordance with the state of the battery, such as disconnected, charging, or low battery. The new icon is also longer and more slender. The battery itself will also be styled in accordance with the Windows theme. If Windows 11 is set in a dark theme the battery will be black, if in a light theme, the battery will be white.
Slow charging (an error symbol with a solid color fill)
Low battery level (a narrow red bar when between 1% and 5%)
Battery unknown (a cross symbol indicating there’s no battery)
Windows Latest noted the update was set to be available to the public last month but was postponed because of an unforeseen bug. News of this update has been circulating since at least January when leakers found the feature hidden in a Windows 11 developer build. Enthusiasts are sure to be excited once it is finally available.
In today’s fast-paced business world, selecting the right operating system is essential for productivity and efficiency. This article will provide an overview comparison between Windows 11 and macOS. We will examine their strengths and weaknesses across various business-related aspects, including software compatibility, user interface, security, and hardware ecosystem.
By analyzing these factors, we aim to offer valuable insights to help businesses make informed decisions when choosing the most suitableoperating systemfor their needs in 2025.
Windows 11 vs macOS for business: features
Even though Windows 11 and macOS are operating systems with certain advantages for businesses, they have distinct features that appeal to different tastes and requirements. This is because Windows 11 has a wide range of software compatibility, which means it can run many applications, including older systems that some organizations still use. This flexibility in hardware makes it easier to personalize and find cheaper alternatives. The interface is not new and offers a lot of settings that allow the user to change the layout of their desktop to suit their work needs. Such flexibility could result in confusion and increase security threat risks
On the other hand, macOS offers a more simplified and easy-to-use interface with an emphasis on aesthetics. It also provides a comprehensive solution for continuity across devices within the Apple ecosystem to enhance productivity for businesses already using Apple products. Also, macOS is famous for its security and stability, which helps prevent data breaches and downtime. However, the hardware choices are limited and are generally costly, and though the software compatibility is increasing, it may still be a problem for some organizations. Therefore, the choice between Windows 11 and macOS will depend on the business needs and priorities, including the software needs, the budget, and the current technology architecture.
When selecting hardware for your operating system, it’s crucial to consider the specific needs of your tasks and applications.
For small to medium-sized businesses, hardware specifications should account for the following factors:
Chipsets and processors: The CPU type and power affect how efficiently systems multitask and run intensive applications.
RAM: Sufficient RAM is vital for maintaining system performance, as limited memory can lead to slowdowns.
Storage solutions: SSDs (Solid State Drives) offer faster startup times and better responsiveness than HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), providing more storage at lower prices. A common approach is SSDs for operating systems and applications, while HDDs are for data storage.
GPUs: Dedicated GPU investments are necessary for high performance in gaming and design applications, offloading tasks from the CPU.
Networking equipment: Routers and switches are essential for remote work setups, ensuring reliable connectivity and sufficient bandwidth.
Scalability: Choose systems with upgradeable features like additional RAM slots to accommodate future growth and extend system lifespans.
Server considerations: Attention to security, redundancy, and load balancing for on-site and cloud-hosted servers.
Finally, when choosing between Windows 11 and macOS, you should focus on hardware compatibility with your applications. Thorough research will help you make the right choice for your needs.
There are numerous ways to purchase support fromMicrosoftfor Windows and Apple for macOS. Various factors affect the price, but in general terms, you can assume the following:
Macs tend to have a higher upfront cost than PCs. However, they may have a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) over time due to their longer lifespan and lower maintenance costs.
Meanwhile, PCs are generally more compatible with business software than Macs. However, most popular business software is now available for both platforms.
Microsoft offers a wider range of support options for businesses, including phone, email, and online support. Apple also offers support options, but they may be more limited.
Macs are generally considered to be more secure than PCs due to Apple’s focus on hardware and software design. However, both platforms have security features built in.
PCs offer more customization options than Macs. This can be an advantage for businesses that need to tailor their computers to specific needs.
Finally, Macs generally require less maintenance than PCs. This can save businesses time and money.
Overall, the best platform for your business will depend on your specific needs and budget. PCs may be a better choice if you are looking for the most affordable option. If you are looking for the most secure and reliable option, Macs may be a better choice.
When it comes to pricing for Windows 11 and macOS in a business context, there are some key differences to consider:
Windows 11
Licensing: Microsoft offers variouslicensing optionsfor businesses, including volume licensing, which can be more cost-effective for larger organizations.
Editions: Different editions of Windows 11 cater to different business needs, with varying features and costs. For example, Windows 11 Pro is a common choice for businesses due to its advanced security and management features.
Hardware: Windows 11 is typically bundled with a wide range of hardware options from various manufacturers, offering flexibility in terms of budget and specifications.
macOS
Bundled with hardware: macOS is exclusively tied to Apple’s hardware, meaning you purchase the operating system when you buy a Mac.
No separate licensing: There are no separate licensing costs for macOS itself, which can simplify budgeting.
Hardware costs: Macs tend to have a higher upfront cost compared to Windows PCs, which can be a significant factor for businesses with tight budgets.
Ultimately, the best choice for your business will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize flexibility and affordability, Windows 11 might be a better fit. If you prefer a streamlined experience and are willing to invest in Apple’s ecosystem, macOS could be the right choice.
(Image credit: Apple)
Windows 11 vs macOS for business: verdict
Choosing between Windows and macOS for business requires careful consideration of their distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Windows offers a wider range of hardware options at various price points, making it more budget-friendly. It also boasts extensive software compatibility, which is crucial for businesses using specialized applications. The variety and customizability of Windows hardware provide flexibility, and its strong support for gaming can be beneficial for certain industries. However, Windows has historically been more susceptible to security vulnerabilities, and performance issues can arise due to the diverse hardware configurations, sometimes leading to complicated troubleshooting.
On the other hand, macOS is known for its user-friendly interface, reliability, and robust security features, making it less prone to malware attacks. Its seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem and its popularity among creative professionals are significant advantages. The downsides include the higher cost of Apple products, limited hardware options, and a smaller software library compared to Windows, which can potentially result in compatibility issues. Additionally, macOS offers less customization, and repairs can be more complex and expensive.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on a business’s specific needs, budget, software requirements, technical expertise, and user preferences.
In January, an update halved the Google Pixel 4a’s battery capacity, affecting devices fitted with a battery from one of two suppliers. An Australian consumer protection agency has finally revealed the reason behind Google’s decision to roll out this update.
The battery in the Google Pixel 4a is allegedly prone to overheating, causing Google to limit the battery capacity. (Image source: Google)
Back in January, Google released an “update from hell” for the Pixel 4a that reduced its battery voltage from 4.44 V to 3.95 V, effectively cutting its capacity from 3,080 mAh to 1,539 mAh. As a result, the battery life of the 2020 mid-range phone dropped by a whopping 50%. Notably, the update was only rolled out to Pixel 4a devices with a Lishen battery, not those with a battery made by Amperex (ATL).
This action suggested that Google had discovered an issue with those specific batteries. The product safety department at theAustralian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC)has now finally released details related to the update, which Google evidently was required to provide as part of a product recall. According to the information, the Pixel 4a’s battery is prone to overheating and thus could pose a fire risk. The firmware update is intended to significantly reduce the battery’s performance and the risk of a battery fire.
Consequently, the Australian consumer protection agency recommends that all Pixel 4a users install the update. Google offers affected users variouscompensation options, ranging from a free battery replacement to a $50 cash payment. You can visitGoogle’s websiteto check if your Pixel 4a is affected and eligible for compensation.
Budget phones can’t shake their notorious reputation of having poor cameras. I know this very well because the majority of them falter at when it comes to capturing images in low light. However, in my experience, that’s not the case with theNothing Phone3a Pro andGooglePixel 8a.
Everyone knows that I’m a fan of thebest cheap phonesaround because of how they cost a fraction of the price. In myNothing Phone 3a Pro review, I call out how it’s super rare to find a triple camera system in a phone for under $500 — and one with a dedicated telephoto lens at that. Of course, in myPixel 8a review, I also noted how AI features can make a big difference in adding value to a camera phone.
That’s why I’m seeking out which is the worthierbest camera phonecontender with my 200 photo shootout between the Nothing Phone 3a Pro and Pixel 8a. By snapping the same set of photos, inspecting the images side-by-side on a monitor, and then grading them in the 10 categories below, we can see which device truly offers the best photos for a low price.
I’m astounded by what you get with the Nothing Phone 3a Pro, which features a 50MP main snapper, 8MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP selfie camera. In contrast, the Pixel 8a sports a dual-camera setup that pairs a 64MP main camera with a 13MP ultrawide — and a 13MP selfie around the front.
Don’t let those specs get to your head just yet — they’re never indicative of their real-world performance.
I’ll tell you this about the main cameras on both the Nothing Phone 3a Pro and the Pixel 8a: they’re nearly flagship caliber, so you can count on them to reliably capture a scene. I looked through all the snapshots above and there’s not one that has an overpowering performance, but the Pixel 8a has enough strong characteristics to win me over.
When I look at the first shot of the wooden sign, I like the stronger contrast of the Nothing Phone 3a Pro — but the Pixel 8a draws out a tiny bit more detail in the sign.
I see that, too, with the second image of the tree next to the house. Zoom into the branches and you’ll see how the Pixel 8a catches a little more definition, while also boosting the shadows.
Winner:Pixel 8a
Nothing Phone 3a Pro vs Pixel 8a: Ultrawide
Both ultrawide cameras have the same 120-degree field of view, so they have the same reach from the same exact position. However, the Pixel 8a produces the better results.
Even though both are light with the details, I like how the Pixel 8a applies a bit more sharpening and how it brightens up the photos. I can see it in the dunes in the far background in the first set of ultrawide shots, along with the wooden sign in the second set.
Colors are thankfully not too oversaturated or overpowering as they can be on some other phones. But the Pixel 8a applies just enough to make its shots pop more.
I personally like the more vibrant pinks, reds, and yellows of the Pixel 8a with the shot of the wreath. In contrast, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro looks dull.
In the second set of photos with the flower vines, the slight saturation of the Pixel 8a makes it stand out more.
Winner:Pixel 8a
Nothing Phone 3a Pro vs Pixel 8a: Dynamic range
When it comes to testing out their dynamic range, I purposely chose high-contrast scenes that have strong light that cast shadows over certain parts of the shot. This one’s another close race, with neither the Nothing Phone 3a or Pixel 8a demonstrably outperforming the other.
In the gazebo shots with the townhomes in the background, the Pixel 8a casts the slightly brighter shot, but the rocks in front of the gazebo are slightly better exposed on the Pixel.
However, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro draws the brighter image in the shots with the colorful sign in the middle. In the third set of photos of the beach homes in the background, the shadowed areas of the exterior appear evenly exposed with the two phones.
Winner: Tie
Nothing Phone 3a Pro vs Pixel 8a: Macro
Even though the Nothing Phone 3a Pro includes a dedicated macro mode, it actually relies on the main camera for it rather than the ultrawide. The Pixel 8a doesn’t offer any macro mode, so it clearly can’t match the minimum focal length of its rival.
Overall, I really like the Nothing Phone 3a Pro for close-ups because I’m able to snap photos much closer. The Nothing Phone 3a offers 3x and 6x zoom with macro photos, so it has an inherent advantage.
If you look at the first set of photos of the tree buds starting their bloom, there’s much more detail with the Nothing Phone 3a Pro, like the fuzzy sprouts around the buds.
Winner:Nothing Phone 3a Pro
Nothing Phone 3a Pro vs Pixel 8a: Panorama
Oddly enough, panoramas are a clear strength for the Nothing Phone 3a Pro — so much so that it’s not close. It’s strange because both the Nothing and Google phones utilize their main cameras for panoramas, but given how the Pixel 8a fared better in the daytime, I’m surprised by its lackluster shots here.
What’s most apparent in all the panoramas above is that there’s a lot more detail captured with the Nothing Phone 3a Pro. Just look at the red wooden railing with the first set of shots.
In the second set with the sun directly in front of me, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro has a more consistent exposure throughout the scene.
Winner:Nothing Phone 3a Pro
Nothing Phone 3a Pro vs Pixel 8a: Zoom
Due to how the Nothing Phone 3a packs a dedicated 50MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, it enjoys an advantage with zooming. The Pixel 8a doesn’t have its own telephoto camera, so it leans on the main camera and pixel zooming for everything, with the Super Res Zoom feature cleaning up any distortion from digital zoom.
I shot all the photos above at 3x and 8x zoom to give you an idea of how they differ. The Nothing Phone 3a Pro comes in handy as a result of its optical zoom, which produces the sharper, more legible words in the first set of shots with the parking sign on the street.
In the second set with the wooden sign, the results are very close at 2x zoom, but the Nothing Phone 3a Pro pulls out more definition all around the wooden sign at 8x zoom.
Winner:Nothing Phone 3a Pro
Nothing Phone 3a Pro vs Pixel 8a: Low light
When I compared theNothing Phone 2a vs Pixel 8alast year, Google clearly won the low light category by a wide margin. This time, however, the tides have turned.
Impressively, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro beats out the Pixel 8a in every nighttime shot above. What’s important to note here is that there’s very little ambient light in the scene. With the shot of the tree in my backyard, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro’s performance stands out for its superb contrast and better detail.
In the second batch of photos, the results are no different as the Pixel 8a’s shot of the tree is underexposed and softer. This is a big change from last year and shows how much the Nothing Phone 3a Pro has improved in low light.
Winner:Nothing Phone 3a Pro
Nothing Phone 3a Pro vs Pixel 8a: Verdict
If there’s something I can say about this photo shootout, then it has to be that budget phones can confidently capture photographs. Gone are the days of fuzzy details and grainy looking low light images. That’s because the Nothing Phone 3a Pro and Pixel 8a prove you can get excellent photos in a sub-$500 package.
Technically speaking, the Pixel 8a wins more categories in this shootout. Its strengths lie in its strong main camera performance, portrait mode, and exceptional selfie camera.
On the flip side, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is a pro at zooming, low light, panoramas, and macro photography. I favor those areas much more, which is why I’d personally pick the Nothing Phone 3a Pro over the Pixel 8a. I’m also quite impressed with the Nothing phone’sastrophotography performance.
For the value, you can’t deny that the Nothing Phone 3a Pro has more of it due to its triple camera arrangement. Of course, with a rumoredPixel 9alaunch coming up, it won’t be long before the Nothing Phone 3a Pro faces another challenge for the best low-cost camera phone crown.
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