Electronics gadgets: Sony's New Xperia 5 IV Smartphone Is Mighty and Tiny

September 2, 2022

It's September 2, 2022. It's another much needed Friday! Take it easy today, enter our new sweepstakes, and remember we're out on Monday for Labor Day. May lady luck be on your side.

⏰ Today's Big Stories... in 30 Seconds

Today We Watched, Read, and Listened to (so you don't have to):

399 articles, 15 podcasts, 21 press releases, 531 tweets, and 31 YouTube videos

1. Sony's Flagship Smartphone Is Shrinking With the New Xperia 5 IV

Sony is expanding its Xperia series with the Xperia 5 IV. Weird name aside, its specs seem pretty favorable. It's smaller than the Xperia 1 IV, weighs around 6 ounces (about an ounce less than an iPhone 13 Pro), has a 6.1-inch 120Hz FHD display, and more. Cool, though that $999 price tag could be a bit smaller.

2. The Galaxy A23 5G Pairs Premium Specs With an Affordable Price

Samsung's Galaxy A23 5G has arrived in the US, offering what the company says is a comparable Galaxy smartphone experience at a lower price point. How true is that? Well, the phone has a 6.6-inch FHD+ display, a Snapdragon 695 CPU, and 64GB of storage, all for $299. Yep, their story checks out so far.

3. Garmin's Latest Smartwatch Can Just Keep Going and Going

Garmin launched a new Venu Sq smartwatch model that includes a substantial battery refresh, allowing it to last up to 11 days per charge. Combined with a bigger 1.4-Inch OLED screen and more health features than you can beat a heart at, and it's shaping up to be a nice addition to your arm.

🦑 Go Deeper

Touchscreens are cool, but not every device needs them. At least, that's what Charlie Sorrel argues, saying such additions are sometimes terrible and can do more harm than good.

🎱 By the Numbers

Is anyone really surprised?

Data: Garmin

If Garmin wanted to be known for more than just smartwatches, things are not going its way. A majority of its 2021 sales revenue came from their Fitness and Outdoor sections, which, surprise, are what their wearables focus on. Nothing against cars, but when we think "Garmin," we think rugged watches.

🔥 Today's Hot Deal

If you need a mouse with a bunch of buttons, check out the Logitech G604 Lightspeed. It's down to $59.99 at Newegg right now, and with 15 programmable controls, six thumb buttons, and two volume buttons, we think it'll suit your needs.

Don't Miss This Deal

🤓 Nerd Out

"Actually, yeah, why does it do that?" —Kyree Leary, Associate News Editor

The last time you used a vending machine, it probably spit out your dollar. Why? Well, this video from Techquickie should answer all of your questions. (Share on Twitter)

💎 You Know You Want It

Locked up and ready for anything

Image: Lockly

So you want the smart door lock that has it all: camera, doorbell, fingerprint reader, the whole package? You're looking for the Lockly Vision Elite. It comes with everything we just mentioned, solar panels to keep it charged, and a companion app that lets you control it even when you're not home. Not bad.

🎥 Behind the Scenes

How much is too much, Marvel?

CGI and other visual effects are impressive, but can be exhausting. Don't believe us? Just read this IGN report about how a ton of Marvel movies and TV shows are taxing effects artists.