WEBVTT 00:00:00.260 --> 00:00:03.560 With how much it costs to buy a flagship mobile device, 00:00:03.560 --> 00:00:05.680 I think it's fair to say that most people 00:00:05.680 --> 00:00:08.640 would like to get a few years out of their phones. 00:00:08.640 --> 00:00:09.960 Now for iPhone people, 00:00:09.960 --> 00:00:13.520 that means they're still rocking an iPhone 6 or 6S, 00:00:13.520 --> 00:00:15.680 both of which are actually still supported 00:00:15.680 --> 00:00:17.640 on the latest version of iOS. 00:00:17.640 --> 00:00:21.600 But if you're more into the Android scene, 00:00:21.600 --> 00:00:23.340 you're probably straight out of luck, 00:00:23.340 --> 00:00:26.100 as even the more reputable manufacturers 00:00:26.100 --> 00:00:29.160 only provide feature updates for around two years 00:00:29.160 --> 00:00:32.260 and security patches for another one, 00:00:32.260 --> 00:00:34.980 with the actual follow-through on these promises 00:00:34.980 --> 00:00:38.380 being reminiscent of an elementary school pinky swear. 00:00:38.380 --> 00:00:40.940 So what do you do? 00:00:40.940 --> 00:00:43.420 Accept that your once flagship phone 00:00:43.420 --> 00:00:46.300 is now a slow, insecure mess? 00:00:46.300 --> 00:00:48.330 We say no! 00:00:48.330 --> 00:00:51.130 So today's video has two main objectives, 00:00:51.130 --> 00:00:54.810 to see if we can take a five-year-old Android phone 00:00:54.810 --> 00:00:56.970 and make it competitive with the experience 00:00:56.970 --> 00:00:59.090 of an iPhone of the same era. 00:00:59.090 --> 00:01:00.210 And while we're at it, 00:01:00.210 --> 00:01:05.090 to investigate if an old flagship at just 50 bucks on eBay 00:01:05.090 --> 00:01:06.350 could be a viable option 00:01:06.350 --> 00:01:08.270 if you're looking for a basic smartphone 00:01:08.270 --> 00:01:10.250 and you want to save a buck. 00:01:10.250 --> 00:01:13.250 Speaking of saving a buck, Thermaltake's A500, 00:01:13.250 --> 00:01:14.530 eh, it's not really about saving a buck, 00:01:14.530 --> 00:01:15.750 it's just really nice. 00:01:15.750 --> 00:01:17.230 It's got a modern minimalist design 00:01:17.230 --> 00:01:18.850 with brushed aluminum panels 00:01:18.850 --> 00:01:21.230 and dual hinge swing tempered glass doors. 00:01:21.230 --> 00:01:31.140 Check it out today at the link in the video description. 00:01:31.140 --> 00:01:34.600 We began our quest by looking at a bunch of older devices 00:01:34.600 --> 00:01:35.880 near the five-year mark, 00:01:35.880 --> 00:01:39.420 from the likes of OnePlus, HTC, and Google. 00:01:39.420 --> 00:01:42.720 But most of them were either no longer officially maintained 00:01:42.720 --> 00:01:45.400 by LineageOS, our ROM of choice, 00:01:45.400 --> 00:01:47.980 or weren't easily or cheaply purchasable, 00:01:47.980 --> 00:01:50.200 or didn't have a removable battery. 00:01:50.200 --> 00:01:52.420 And that last one is something we really want 00:01:52.420 --> 00:01:54.840 because no amount of fresh software 00:01:54.840 --> 00:01:57.320 is gonna fix a worn out lithium battery. 00:01:57.320 --> 00:01:59.180 We were actually getting kind of discouraged 00:01:59.180 --> 00:02:02.220 until we stumbled upon the LG G3. 00:02:02.220 --> 00:02:05.400 It was a pretty big deal when it launched back in 2014, 00:02:05.400 --> 00:02:06.780 with its top tier specs, 00:02:06.780 --> 00:02:11.280 and at the time, super high res 1440 screen. 00:02:11.280 --> 00:02:13.360 And today, not only are there heaps of them 00:02:13.360 --> 00:02:14.440 for sale on eBay, 00:02:14.440 --> 00:02:17.100 but they can be had for a mere $50 00:02:17.100 --> 00:02:19.820 with replacement batteries from companies like iFixit 00:02:19.820 --> 00:02:21.940 coming in at under 20 bucks. 00:02:21.940 --> 00:02:23.260 Perfect. 00:02:23.260 --> 00:02:25.040 Now, before you run out and buy one though, 00:02:25.040 --> 00:02:27.000 make sure you get the version of the G3 00:02:27.000 --> 00:02:29.460 that corresponds to your cellular carrier. 00:02:29.460 --> 00:02:32.460 Even though most of the changes between the variants 00:02:32.460 --> 00:02:34.940 are just the bloatware that comes pre-installed on them, 00:02:34.940 --> 00:02:38.480 it's probably not worth risking using a different one 00:02:38.480 --> 00:02:40.280 unless you have no other choice. 00:02:40.280 --> 00:02:44.440 So for us then, the D852 was the way to go. 00:02:44.440 --> 00:02:49.420 Oh, not much in the way of packaging on this thing, 00:02:49.420 --> 00:02:51.640 but hey, wow, not bad. 00:02:51.640 --> 00:02:53.020 This is in great condition. 00:02:53.020 --> 00:02:55.420 There's hardly a scuff on it. 00:02:55.420 --> 00:02:56.640 Original battery. 00:02:56.640 --> 00:02:59.870 We'll definitely need the replacement one. 00:02:59.870 --> 00:03:02.710 Now, as much as we hoped that this was gonna be as simple 00:03:02.710 --> 00:03:05.570 as one, two, three, click, and you're done, 00:03:06.030 --> 00:03:08.410 unfortunately, Jake quickly discovered 00:03:08.410 --> 00:03:11.650 that it was going to be a bit more of an involved process. 00:03:11.650 --> 00:03:13.290 Now, there are multiple methods 00:03:13.290 --> 00:03:14.990 of gaining the administrative access 00:03:14.990 --> 00:03:17.670 that we need to install our third-party OS, 00:03:17.670 --> 00:03:19.350 otherwise known as routing, 00:03:19.350 --> 00:03:21.050 but none of them have been updated 00:03:21.050 --> 00:03:23.470 to work on the latest version of Android 00:03:23.470 --> 00:03:25.810 that LG rolled out for the G3. 00:03:25.810 --> 00:03:29.630 Thankfully though, unlike iOS, we can downgrade Android 00:03:29.630 --> 00:03:32.930 with the easiest method being to roll back to KitKat. 00:03:32.930 --> 00:03:35.850 Then from there, routing is essentially one click. 00:03:35.850 --> 00:03:38.090 We can install our custom recovery software 00:03:38.090 --> 00:03:40.110 and install LineageOS. 00:03:40.110 --> 00:03:42.530 Now, we'll have some more details in a forum post down below 00:03:42.530 --> 00:03:45.130 if you guys aren't familiar with this process. 00:03:45.130 --> 00:03:46.510 Before we begin the downgrade, 00:03:46.510 --> 00:03:48.230 you guys need to know a couple of things. 00:03:48.230 --> 00:03:52.370 One, this tutorial is specific to the LG G3. 00:03:52.370 --> 00:03:54.150 If you're looking to flash LineageOS 00:03:54.150 --> 00:03:56.630 or some other ROM to a different phone, 00:03:56.630 --> 00:04:00.630 Google, YouTube, and the XDA forums are your best friends. 00:04:00.630 --> 00:04:03.110 Two, this process will result 00:04:03.110 --> 00:04:05.530 in your phone being completely wiped. 00:04:05.530 --> 00:04:07.060 You have been warned. 00:04:07.060 --> 00:04:08.320 Now, let's get into it. 00:04:08.320 --> 00:04:09.880 Start by downloading and installing, 00:04:09.880 --> 00:04:11.820 first, the LG USB drivers, 00:04:11.820 --> 00:04:15.660 and second, the LG UP DLL, then LG UP itself. 00:04:15.660 --> 00:04:19.200 This is the tool that we're gonna use to downgrade the phone. 00:04:19.200 --> 00:04:21.180 Once you have the software ready to go, 00:04:21.180 --> 00:04:23.660 download and extract the respective KitKat ROM 00:04:23.660 --> 00:04:24.960 for your device. 00:04:24.960 --> 00:04:26.500 We've got a D852, 00:04:26.500 --> 00:04:29.260 and we'll be using the Bell version specifically. 00:04:29.260 --> 00:04:31.800 Now, we plug the phone into our PC, 00:04:31.800 --> 00:04:34.500 go into Settings, About Phone, Software Info, 00:04:34.500 --> 00:04:35.400 and tap Build Number. 00:04:35.400 --> 00:04:38.720 Until it says, You are now a developer. 00:04:38.720 --> 00:04:40.320 If only it was that easy, right? 00:04:40.320 --> 00:04:42.440 Then we go back into the main settings menu, 00:04:42.440 --> 00:04:45.620 into Developer Options, and Enable USB Debugging. 00:04:45.620 --> 00:04:48.680 This will allow our computer to communicate with the phone. 00:04:48.680 --> 00:04:51.400 You'll also wanna swipe down on the notification tray 00:04:51.400 --> 00:04:53.900 and enable MTP USB mode. 00:04:53.900 --> 00:04:57.120 On the PC, open up LG UP as an administrator, 00:04:57.120 --> 00:05:01.120 select your device, and the .TOT file, and click Start. 00:05:01.120 --> 00:05:02.020 Give it a couple minutes, 00:05:02.020 --> 00:05:05.020 and you'll eventually be greeted by your KitKat-equipped G3. 00:05:05.400 --> 00:05:06.900 Set up the phone quickly, 00:05:06.900 --> 00:05:10.280 then head over to Settings and Enable USB Debugging again. 00:05:10.280 --> 00:05:11.380 With that turned on, 00:05:11.380 --> 00:05:15.260 we can download and run the one-click Purple Drake route. 00:05:15.260 --> 00:05:17.020 Say yes to permanently routing, 00:05:17.020 --> 00:05:20.780 as this OS is gonna be wiped for Lineage OS shortly anyway, 00:05:20.780 --> 00:05:23.040 and then we're actually getting really close now. 00:05:23.040 --> 00:05:24.980 But before we can install our OS, 00:05:24.980 --> 00:05:28.060 we'll need a custom recovery to be able to flash it. 00:05:28.060 --> 00:05:30.660 This is where TWRP comes into play. 00:05:30.660 --> 00:05:34.140 Download the TWRP app from the Play Store onto the phone, 00:05:34.140 --> 00:05:35.140 then copy over the TWRP app from the Play Store onto the phone, 00:05:35.140 --> 00:05:38.280 and you'll see a TWRP file that's linked in the description. 00:05:38.280 --> 00:05:40.700 Select the file from your device's storage in the app 00:05:40.700 --> 00:05:44.040 and flash it, then reboot to recovery mode. 00:05:44.040 --> 00:05:45.700 Now is actually a really good time 00:05:45.700 --> 00:05:47.940 to back up your install of KitKat 00:05:47.940 --> 00:05:50.300 on the off chance that something goes wrong. 00:05:50.300 --> 00:05:53.480 So do that and copy it over to your PC. 00:05:53.480 --> 00:05:56.700 Then we can wipe everything off the device as shown. 00:05:56.700 --> 00:05:57.700 Last but not least, 00:05:57.700 --> 00:06:00.540 we'll need to grab the latest nightly build of Lineage OS 00:06:00.540 --> 00:06:03.460 for our device and open Google Apps, 00:06:03.460 --> 00:06:04.660 since they don't come 00:06:05.140 --> 00:06:06.380 with Lineage OS by default, 00:06:06.380 --> 00:06:10.880 and no Play Store on Android is a pretty rockin' bad time. 00:06:10.880 --> 00:06:14.940 So we select ARM, Android 8.1, and the Nano version for that. 00:06:14.940 --> 00:06:16.060 Then once we've got both, 00:06:16.060 --> 00:06:19.600 we can copy them over to the device and then install. 00:06:19.600 --> 00:06:22.340 Restart the phone and... 00:06:22.340 --> 00:06:23.980 Whabam! 00:06:23.980 --> 00:06:26.820 Lineage OS is good to go! 00:06:26.820 --> 00:06:29.820 From here, you can install any missing Google Apps 00:06:29.820 --> 00:06:30.940 from the Play Store, 00:06:30.940 --> 00:06:34.280 because basically none of them come by default, 00:06:34.280 --> 00:06:35.280 and then you can optionally install them from the Play Store, 00:06:35.280 --> 00:06:37.120 and then you can optionally install the Magisk root 00:06:37.120 --> 00:06:39.820 if you'd like to do root-related things. 00:06:39.820 --> 00:06:41.640 Not everybody's into that, though. 00:06:41.640 --> 00:06:43.660 So all that's left now, then, 00:06:43.660 --> 00:06:47.060 is to take this puppy for a little test drive. 00:06:47.060 --> 00:06:50.420 For the $70 total that we spent, 00:06:50.420 --> 00:06:52.660 is this a compelling option? 00:06:52.660 --> 00:06:54.280 Let's put it up next to our iPhone, 00:06:54.280 --> 00:06:55.660 which, believe it or not, 00:06:55.660 --> 00:06:59.140 still costs nearly twice that much on eBay, 00:06:59.140 --> 00:07:00.480 and find out. 00:07:00.480 --> 00:07:03.360 Well, one thing's for darn tootin' sure. 00:07:03.360 --> 00:07:05.400 Apple, while they definitely didn't have 00:07:05.400 --> 00:07:07.340 a screen size advantage at this point in time... 00:07:07.340 --> 00:07:08.320 Or resolution. 00:07:08.320 --> 00:07:10.240 Or resolution advantage, 00:07:10.240 --> 00:07:12.540 definitely had brighter screens. 00:07:12.540 --> 00:07:15.580 Like, that is a market difference. 00:07:15.580 --> 00:07:16.640 I don't even think the iPhone's at max. 00:07:16.640 --> 00:07:18.460 I think it's a Lineage OS thing, 00:07:18.460 --> 00:07:20.500 because as I recall, when this was stock, 00:07:20.500 --> 00:07:21.760 it was a little brighter. 00:07:21.760 --> 00:07:23.800 I'm not 100% sure, and that sounds a little bit weird, 00:07:23.800 --> 00:07:26.910 but I kind of feel like it was better before. 00:07:26.910 --> 00:07:28.250 All right, well, why don't we go ahead 00:07:28.250 --> 00:07:29.450 and fire up a video? 00:07:30.810 --> 00:07:31.650 Do you need some help? 00:07:31.650 --> 00:07:33.270 Yeah, can we just go to the beginning? 00:07:33.270 --> 00:07:34.110 Ready? 00:07:34.110 --> 00:07:34.950 Three, two, one. 00:07:34.950 --> 00:07:36.110 And go. 00:07:36.110 --> 00:07:37.310 Okay, well, I didn't... 00:07:37.310 --> 00:07:38.710 Whatever, close enough, cool. 00:07:38.710 --> 00:07:39.550 There you go. 00:07:39.550 --> 00:07:40.370 All right. 00:07:40.370 --> 00:07:41.210 You gotta give Apple credit 00:07:41.210 --> 00:07:42.850 for the color accuracy of their displays, 00:07:42.850 --> 00:07:44.510 though even back then, you can tell 00:07:44.510 --> 00:07:46.890 this is far more true to life than this is. 00:07:46.890 --> 00:07:49.250 It's more washed out, it's a little bit too warm. 00:07:49.250 --> 00:07:51.050 Screen is so much bigger on here. 00:07:51.050 --> 00:07:52.830 Yeah, it's definitely gonna be better 00:07:52.830 --> 00:07:55.950 for content absorption consumption. 00:07:55.950 --> 00:07:57.770 So I downloaded PUBG on both of them, right? 00:07:57.770 --> 00:08:00.290 Which is a big game, like about a Gigabyte. 00:08:00.290 --> 00:08:01.570 And it was completely done, 00:08:01.570 --> 00:08:03.910 along with the 10 other apps I downloaded on this phone, 00:08:03.910 --> 00:08:06.410 before PUBG was even done on that one. 00:08:06.410 --> 00:08:09.900 One thing, though, is that... 00:08:09.900 --> 00:08:11.220 Speakers. 00:08:11.220 --> 00:08:12.140 Yeah, should we try it out? 00:08:12.140 --> 00:08:14.400 This is before front-facing speakers 00:08:14.400 --> 00:08:15.740 were really much of a thing, 00:08:15.740 --> 00:08:18.580 although the HTC One did do that around this time. 00:08:18.580 --> 00:08:20.460 But Apple, even though they were still doing 00:08:20.460 --> 00:08:22.200 just the bottom-firing speaker, 00:08:22.200 --> 00:08:24.140 that's still a lot better than a rear speaker. 00:08:24.140 --> 00:08:25.460 That was one of my big complaints 00:08:25.460 --> 00:08:26.500 about this phone at the time. 00:08:26.500 --> 00:08:30.500 Yeah, I'll crank this up, let's see how we do. 00:08:30.500 --> 00:08:33.480 Is it harder to cover it up with your hand, though? 00:08:33.480 --> 00:08:35.540 Like, either way, you're gonna have to cup it, right? 00:08:35.900 --> 00:08:36.740 This one's kind of crappy. 00:08:36.740 --> 00:08:39.240 We wanted to upstage our last insane resolution gaming setup. 00:08:39.240 --> 00:08:42.760 Okay, pause it for a second. 00:08:42.760 --> 00:08:44.380 Upstage our last insane resolution gaming setup. 00:08:44.380 --> 00:08:46.100 Have you dropped this in the toilet or something? 00:08:46.100 --> 00:08:48.020 This doesn't sound like a regular iPhone. 00:08:48.020 --> 00:08:50.880 No, it's, yeah, it's basically... 00:08:50.880 --> 00:08:52.480 I dropped it, yes, but not in the toilet. 00:08:52.480 --> 00:08:53.320 Moral of the story, 00:08:53.320 --> 00:08:54.980 they both kind of sound like garbage. 00:08:54.980 --> 00:08:57.420 All right, so gaming-wise, we have PUBG Mobile loaded. 00:08:57.420 --> 00:09:00.440 It is capped at 30 FPS, and we're on low settings, 00:09:00.440 --> 00:09:02.780 but how you feeling? 00:09:02.780 --> 00:09:06.440 It's playable, although I am seeing frame drops as well. 00:09:06.440 --> 00:09:07.020 Yeah. 00:09:07.020 --> 00:09:09.220 It seems like that's a common trend with mobile games, 00:09:09.220 --> 00:09:11.400 but I'm definitely having an experience 00:09:11.400 --> 00:09:13.240 that I would say is acceptable. 00:09:13.240 --> 00:09:15.320 It's kind of like Xbox 360 graphics, 00:09:15.320 --> 00:09:17.900 but if you, like, play one of those games on a laptop, 00:09:17.900 --> 00:09:19.460 that can't quite do it. 00:09:19.460 --> 00:09:22.220 So gaming-wise, we're on a pretty even playing field, 00:09:22.220 --> 00:09:24.000 but let's try web browsing. 00:09:24.000 --> 00:09:25.180 So I think for this test, 00:09:25.180 --> 00:09:27.700 we should just load up a couple of the same websites. 00:09:27.700 --> 00:09:30.860 Wow, you're already typing things great, Alex. 00:09:30.860 --> 00:09:32.080 It's working fine. 00:09:32.080 --> 00:09:33.140 It's working fine. 00:09:33.140 --> 00:09:35.160 It searches for FU Jake really well. 00:09:35.160 --> 00:09:36.000 Okay. 00:09:36.000 --> 00:09:37.520 What's a site we can load? 00:09:37.520 --> 00:09:40.220 Ars Technica. 00:09:40.220 --> 00:09:40.720 You ready? 00:09:40.720 --> 00:09:41.220 Yeah. 00:09:41.220 --> 00:09:45.320 Three, two, one, go. 00:09:45.320 --> 00:09:47.720 All right, so Android looks like it was winning a little bit 00:09:47.720 --> 00:09:48.440 there. 00:09:48.440 --> 00:09:49.040 Yeah. 00:09:49.040 --> 00:09:51.940 It still hasn't even loaded all the way on there. 00:09:51.940 --> 00:09:53.140 LTT Forum? 00:09:53.140 --> 00:09:53.860 Yeah, sure. 00:09:53.860 --> 00:09:55.740 Let's go to the corporate site, because I think we already 00:09:55.740 --> 00:09:56.680 did the forum earlier. 00:09:56.680 --> 00:09:59.500 Let's go Linus Media Group. 00:09:59.500 --> 00:10:03.250 Three, two, one, go. 00:10:03.250 --> 00:10:07.730 Oh, iPhone's really chugging now. 00:10:07.730 --> 00:10:10.730 I mean, like, final load time, I think we're pretty close. 00:10:10.730 --> 00:10:11.590 Yeah, true. 00:10:11.590 --> 00:10:13.290 It did look like at the start there that this was going to, like, 00:10:13.290 --> 00:10:15.910 go a little bit faster, but I think that was just, I mean, 00:10:15.910 --> 00:10:17.910 overall, they're both pretty similar. 00:10:17.910 --> 00:10:20.050 I mean, it looked like the G3 was edging out a little bit 00:10:20.050 --> 00:10:24.270 at the start, but overall, acceptable, usable, 00:10:24.270 --> 00:10:25.170 pretty similar. 00:10:25.170 --> 00:10:27.050 We can take a quick look at LineageOS. 00:10:27.050 --> 00:10:31.390 For those not familiar, it's very similar to your stock 00:10:31.390 --> 00:10:33.990 Android experience, so to speak. 00:10:33.990 --> 00:10:39.120 So not a ton of, like, extras or anything like that, but. 00:10:39.120 --> 00:10:41.160 You can load up whatever launcher you want, though. 00:10:41.160 --> 00:10:43.160 So if you want to get the Ruthless Pixel launcher, make 00:10:43.160 --> 00:10:45.360 it look like a Pixel or any of them, really. 00:10:45.360 --> 00:10:47.060 Even the Microsoft one is actually pretty good. 00:10:47.060 --> 00:10:48.300 I don't know if you've seen that before. 00:10:48.300 --> 00:10:49.100 Cool. 00:10:49.100 --> 00:10:52.120 Whereas on an iPhone, it's going to be an iPhone. 00:10:52.120 --> 00:10:54.000 I think we can go deeper than this, though, 00:10:54.000 --> 00:10:57.100 because one of the things that Android was really 00:10:57.100 --> 00:11:00.780 behind Apple on in this era was rear camera quality. 00:11:00.780 --> 00:11:01.620 Oh, yeah. 00:11:01.620 --> 00:11:03.720 But we know that software is a major component 00:11:03.720 --> 00:11:06.500 of mobile camera performance, so I think maybe, 00:11:06.500 --> 00:11:08.280 why don't you take some pictures, run around, 00:11:08.280 --> 00:11:09.940 get some other people's impressions, 00:11:09.940 --> 00:11:12.820 and see what they think of our five-year Android versus, 00:11:12.820 --> 00:11:15.840 five-year iPhone experience. 00:11:15.840 --> 00:11:18.060 When we get to the camera, the gap between devices 00:11:18.060 --> 00:11:19.980 starts to become a little more apparent. 00:11:19.980 --> 00:11:22.180 We took three identical photos on each phone 00:11:22.180 --> 00:11:24.040 and threw a Pixel 3 in as a modern reference, 00:11:24.040 --> 00:11:27.060 and it's clear to see the G3 definitely falls behind a bit. 00:11:27.060 --> 00:11:29.380 Colors are more washed out and the noise is definitely 00:11:29.380 --> 00:11:31.500 more noticeable compared to the iPhone 6. 00:11:31.500 --> 00:11:33.920 Now, this is likely because LineageOS is supported 00:11:33.920 --> 00:11:35.820 across such a wide range of devices, 00:11:35.820 --> 00:11:37.780 meaning its camera app isn't going to have the same 00:11:37.780 --> 00:11:39.840 image post-processing that's specifically tuned 00:11:39.840 --> 00:11:41.980 by the manufacturer for a given device. 00:11:41.980 --> 00:11:43.360 You can tinker with these settings 00:11:43.360 --> 00:11:44.920 in the included camera app to help with this, 00:11:44.920 --> 00:11:46.280 so we'd recommend doing that. 00:11:46.280 --> 00:11:49.820 It actually looks like our older Android device, 00:11:49.820 --> 00:11:53.440 be it the LG G3 or one from another manufacturer, 00:11:53.440 --> 00:11:56.800 holds up shockingly well if you can get an OS 00:11:56.800 --> 00:11:59.460 like LineageOS that is fully supported 00:11:59.460 --> 00:12:01.480 with security updates. 00:12:01.480 --> 00:12:05.040 I actually am blown away by how much phone we got 00:12:05.040 --> 00:12:08.200 for just $70 after we replaced the battery 00:12:08.200 --> 00:12:10.380 with a brand new unit, which remember, 00:12:10.380 --> 00:12:11.220 makes this thing, 00:12:11.220 --> 00:12:13.900 because it's not like SOCs degrade over time. 00:12:13.900 --> 00:12:17.000 Functionally, brand spanking new. 00:12:17.000 --> 00:12:19.060 Now, it is missing some creature comforts. 00:12:19.060 --> 00:12:21.740 We've got USB micro B instead of type C. 00:12:21.740 --> 00:12:23.820 It's not as durable, it's not as fast, 00:12:23.820 --> 00:12:25.340 it doesn't charge as quickly. 00:12:25.340 --> 00:12:27.340 No wireless charging, obviously. 00:12:27.340 --> 00:12:30.280 Mobile speakers have come a long way in the last five years. 00:12:30.280 --> 00:12:34.020 This wimpy rear speaker here compared to the dual front 00:12:34.020 --> 00:12:36.420 or side, but sounds kind of front-firing speakers 00:12:36.420 --> 00:12:37.760 on something like a Note 9. 00:12:37.760 --> 00:12:40.760 And of course, no biometric authentication. 00:12:41.220 --> 00:12:43.720 Really did feel like going back in time 00:12:43.720 --> 00:12:46.480 compared to facial scanners or fingerprint scanners, 00:12:46.480 --> 00:12:48.960 especially the ones under the screen and the like. 00:12:48.960 --> 00:12:51.320 Bottom line is, unless you need iMessage, 00:12:51.320 --> 00:12:53.580 this is looking like a very compelling option 00:12:53.580 --> 00:12:54.820 if you wanna save a buck 00:12:54.820 --> 00:12:56.880 and you've got the time to invest in it. 00:12:56.880 --> 00:12:59.520 Or if all that looks like way too much work, 00:12:59.520 --> 00:13:02.100 an older iPhone is still a solid choice. 00:13:02.100 --> 00:13:04.500 Just make sure the battery is up to snuff. 00:13:04.500 --> 00:13:07.720 Speaking of being worth investing in, 00:13:07.720 --> 00:13:08.880 how about a Ring doorbell? 00:13:08.880 --> 00:13:11.060 Ring is on a mission to reduce crime in communities, 00:13:11.060 --> 00:13:15.200 and with their 1080p HD resolution and 160 degree vision, 00:13:15.200 --> 00:13:17.320 having one on your door is definitely a step 00:13:17.320 --> 00:13:18.560 in the right direction. 00:13:18.560 --> 00:13:20.520 They've got an adjustable motion sensor, 00:13:20.520 --> 00:13:22.360 two-way audio so you can talk to whoever's 00:13:22.360 --> 00:13:23.300 at your front door. 00:13:23.300 --> 00:13:25.460 It's Wi-Fi capable, so you can always check 00:13:25.460 --> 00:13:27.020 what's going on wherever you are. 00:13:27.020 --> 00:13:29.760 And it's powered by eight to 24 volt AC, 00:13:29.760 --> 00:13:31.680 so that's your existing doorbell wiring 00:13:31.680 --> 00:13:33.280 or the battery bank. 00:13:33.280 --> 00:13:35.420 It connects via an app that can work on your smartphone 00:13:35.420 --> 00:13:37.520 or desktop with Mac and Windows support, 00:13:37.520 --> 00:13:40.160 and they've got a special offer at the link below 00:13:40.160 --> 00:13:41.620 for their doorbell camera kit 00:13:41.620 --> 00:13:43.440 that includes the video doorbell too, 00:13:43.440 --> 00:13:46.120 a spotlight cam, and a solar security sign. 00:13:46.120 --> 00:13:48.840 So check it out at ring.com slash LTT. 00:13:48.840 --> 00:13:50.440 We're gonna have that linked below. 00:13:50.440 --> 00:13:51.320 So thanks for watching, guys. 00:13:51.320 --> 00:13:53.740 If you disliked this video, you can hit that button. 00:13:53.740 --> 00:13:55.540 But if you liked it, hit like, get subscribed, 00:13:55.540 --> 00:13:57.260 or maybe consider checking out where to buy the stuff 00:13:57.260 --> 00:13:59.660 we featured at the link in the video description. 00:13:59.660 --> 00:14:01.040 Also down there is our merch store, 00:14:01.040 --> 00:14:02.620 which has cool shirts like this one, 00:14:02.620 --> 00:14:05.400 and our community forum, which you should totally join.