Cynomaly

Melomaniac Reviewer.
Photography | Peripherals | PCs | Reviews | Setup.
Powered by S26 Ultra 📷.

[Cynomaly @CynomalyOnX]

18 Phones Later (archive)…

I've been started taking more seriously phones about 3 years ago.

So here's a look back at 18 smartphones I've tested over the past 3 years, not deep-dive reviews, just my experience using them in daily life.

4 photos taken with each phones are included to give you a consistent point of comparison. I've intentionally included 1–2 bad shots on each phone to show where it struggles. (want to see more shots ? check up my Instagram).

Samsung Galaxy S23
⭐ 3/10

My take: This phone was particularly frustrating. The small 1080p Pentile AMOLED display was rude in terms of readability, the camera quality was awful, and the battery didn't really stand out. I did like the SFF design, although the glossy corners were a stupid choice.

[Cynomaly @CynomalyOnX]

Probably the most satisfying video I’ve ever listened to.

Credit: https://t.co/VGJDvPXAjy

[tisman @grrr112377]

😂😂😂

[Cynomaly @CynomalyOnX]

Wouldn’t the DAC look better on the left of the monitor? Idk haha.

You could also add a small white/cream curtain to soften the sunlight a bit, otherwise it might get harsh for your eyes. That said, the sunlight adds a really nice contrast here, it looks beautiful!

And maybe add some lights for nighttime, like an Elgato Key Light or a few Govee/Philips lights. :)

[Cynomaly @CynomalyOnX]

😭!!!!

[Cynomaly @CynomalyOnX]

2 years have passed...
I’d gladly wait ten more, but I do hope this one finds its way into the light someday.
I shall have no choice but to play it 100 times in a row❤️

[Cynomaly @CynomalyOnX]

And there it is!
18 phones, 3 years of testing, and a whole lot of daily use.

Thanks for reading it this far!

[Cynomaly @CynomalyOnX]

18 Phones Later (archive)…

I've been started taking more seriously phones about 3 years ago.

So here's a look back at 18 smartphones I've tested over the past 3 years, not deep-dive reviews, just my experience using them in daily life.

4 photos taken with each phones are included to give you a consistent point of comparison. I've intentionally included 1–2 bad shots on each phone to show where it struggles. (want to see more shots ? check up my Instagram).

Samsung Galaxy S23
⭐ 3/10

My take: This phone was particularly frustrating. The small 1080p Pentile AMOLED display was rude in terms of readability, the camera quality was awful, and the battery didn't really stand out. I did like the SFF design, although the glossy corners were a stupid choice.

[Cynomaly @CynomalyOnX]

Xiaomi 17 Ultra
⭐ 8/10

My take: The most frustrating Xiaomi smartphone.
On paper, this phone is really original and appealing.
The photo pro kit was cheap, its mechanical optical zoom are pointless and it is inferior in telemacro and less versatile.
Battery life was particularly bad, and there was a bug while charging, the charging animation pop of nowhere randomly.
Feels overall less finished than S26 Ultra at this period to me.