Tuesday, August 05, 2025
Monday, July 14, 2025
Looking at a new larger phone.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 has a 6.1-inch display, so a "larger" display would typically mean 6.5 inches or more, ideal for streaming, gaming, or multitasking. Based on your needs and the latest options, here are some top recommendations for large-display smartphones to replace your S23, focusing on performance, display quality, and user experience.
### Key Considerations
- **Display Size**: You’ll want a phone with a screen size of 6.5 inches or larger for a noticeable upgrade.
- **Use Case**: Larger screens are great for media consumption, productivity, or if you prefer two-handed typing.[](https://www.samsung.com/uk/mobile-phone-buying-guide/what-screen-size/)[](https://www.samsung.com/au/mobile/buying-guide/what-screen-size/)
- **Brand Preference**: Since you’re coming from a Samsung Galaxy S23, you might prefer Samsung’s ecosystem, but other brands like Google and OnePlus offer compelling alternatives.
- **Budget**: Options range from premium flagships to more affordable models.
### Top Recommendations
1. **Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (6.9-inch display)**
- **Why Choose It**: The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a massive 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 2,600 nits peak brightness, and anti-reflective coating for excellent visibility. It’s a direct upgrade from the S23, with a premium titanium frame, a 200MP main camera, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor for top-tier performance. The included S Pen is great for productivity, though it lacks Bluetooth support compared to older models.[](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-android-phone/)[](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-samsung-galaxy-phone/)
- **Pros**:
- Stunning display quality with vibrant colors and high contrast.
- Long battery life (5,000mAh) and fast charging (45W wired).
- Seven years of Android updates.
- Advanced Galaxy AI features (e.g., real-time call transcription, note summarization).
- **Cons**:
- Expensive at $1,300, though trade-in deals can lower the cost.
- Large size may feel unwieldy for some users.
- **Best For**: Those who want the best Samsung has to offer for media, gaming, and productivity.
2. **Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 (7.6-inch main display, 6.2-inch cover display)**
- **Why Choose It**: For the largest screen, the Galaxy Z Fold6’s 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display (when unfolded) is unmatched, perfect for immersive streaming, gaming, or multitasking. The 6.2-inch cover display works for quick tasks. It’s a foldable, offering versatility for users who want a tablet-like experience.[](https://www.samsung.com/uk/mobile-phone-buying-guide/what-screen-size/)[](https://www.samsung.com/au/mobile/buying-guide/what-screen-size/)
- **Pros**:
- Largest screen available on a Samsung phone, ideal for multitasking.
- High-quality display with 120Hz refresh rate and 2,600 nits brightness.
- Flex Mode for unique use cases like hands-free video calls.
- **Cons**:
- Very expensive (starting around $1,900).
- Bulkier and heavier than traditional phones.
- Battery life (4,400mAh) is decent but not as strong as the S25 Ultra.
- **Best For**: Users who want a large, innovative display and don’t mind the premium price or foldable design.
3. **Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus (6.7-inch display)**
- **Why Choose It**: A middle ground between the S23 and Ultra, the S25 Plus has a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It offers similar performance to the S25 Ultra (Snapdragon 8 Elite, Galaxy AI) but at a lower price point (~$1,000). It’s a great balance of size, power, and cost.[](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-android-phone/)[](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-samsung-galaxy-phone/)
- **Pros**:
- Large, vibrant display with excellent brightness.
- Strong battery life (4,900mAh) and 45W fast charging.
- More affordable than the Ultra while retaining flagship features.
- **Cons**:
- No S Pen support.
- Camera system (50MP main) is less advanced than the Ultra’s 200MP setup.
- **Best For**: Those who want a larger Samsung phone without the Ultra’s cost or bulk.
4. **Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (6.8-inch display)**
- **Why Choose It**: If you’re open to switching brands, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a 6.8-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 3,000 nits brightness. Powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chip, it excels in photography with AI-enhanced features like Audio Magic Eraser and Add Me. It’s a strong alternative with a cleaner Android experience.[](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-android-phone/)
- **Pros**:
- Superior camera performance, especially for photos.
- Bright, sharp display with excellent color accuracy.
- Seven years of software updates and a bloatware-free interface.
- **Cons**:
- Tensor G4 is less powerful than Snapdragon 8 Elite for gaming.
- No stylus support.
- Slightly less durable than Samsung’s titanium-framed models.
- **Best For**: Users who prioritize photography and a stock Android experience.
5. **OnePlus 13 (6.82-inch display)**
- **Why Choose It**: The OnePlus 13 features a 6.82-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 4,500 nits peak brightness (claimed). It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, offering excellent performance and faster 100W charging than Samsung or Google. It’s a cost-effective alternative, starting around $900.[](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-samsung-galaxy-phone/)
- **Pros**:
- Large, bright display with high PPI (~510) for sharp visuals.
- Fast charging and solid battery life (6,000mAh).
- Competitive price for flagship specs.
- **Cons**:
- Camera system isn’t as refined as Samsung or Google’s.
- Software support (4-5 years) is shorter than Samsung or Google’s seven years.
- **Best For**: Budget-conscious users who want a large, high-quality display and fast performance.
### Additional Options
- **Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (6.8-inch display)**: If you want a slightly older model to save money, the S24 Ultra offers a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, similar performance to the S25 series, and a 200MP camera. It’s often discounted compared to the S25 Ultra.[](https://www.samsung.com/uk/mobile-phone-buying-guide/galaxy-s24-vs-s23/)
- **Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (6.4-inch display)**: A more affordable option with a 6.4-inch AMOLED display. It’s slightly larger than the S23 but not as premium as the S25 series, with a less powerful Exynos chip and older Gorilla Glass 5.[](https://www.bestproducts.com/tech/electronics/g158/best-samsung-phones-and-smartphones/)[](https://www.pcmag.com/news/samsung-galaxy-s23-vs-s23-fe-whats-the-difference)
### Recommendations Based on Needs
- **For Samsung Loyalists**: The **Galaxy S25 Ultra** is the best upgrade for a premium, large-screen experience with all the bells and whistles (S Pen, top-tier camera, long battery life). If budget is a concern, the **S25 Plus** is a great middle ground.
- **For Maximum Screen Size**: The **Galaxy Z Fold6** offers the largest display (7.6 inches) for multitasking and media, though it’s pricier and bulkier.
- **For Non-Samsung Options**: The **Pixel 9 Pro XL** is ideal for photography enthusiasts, while the **OnePlus 13** offers great value and performance.
- **For Budget-Friendly**: The **Galaxy S23 FE** or a discounted **S24 Ultra** provides a larger screen without breaking the bank.
### Notes
- **Trade-In Deals**: Samsung often offers excellent trade-in values for older Galaxy devices like the S23, which can significantly reduce the cost of the S25 series or Z Fold6. Check Samsung’s website for current offers.[](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-android-phone/)
- **Display Quality**: All recommended phones feature AMOLED or OLED displays with at least 120Hz refresh rates, ensuring smooth visuals and vibrant colors comparable to or better than the S23’s 6.1-inch AMOLED.[](https://www.samsung.com/uk/mobile-phone-buying-guide/best-phone-display/)
- **Battery Life**: Larger phones like the S25 Ultra, S25 Plus, and OnePlus 13 have bigger batteries (4,900–6,000mAh) than the S23’s 3,900mAh, offering longer usage for media-heavy tasks.[](https://www.tomsguide.com/news/samsung-galaxy-s23-vs-galaxy-s23-ultra)[](https://www.androidpolice.com/samsung-galaxy-s23-vs-galaxy-s23-plus/)
If you have specific preferences (e.g., budget, camera needs, or stylus support), let me know, and I can refine the recommendations further! Would you like me to check for current pricing or deals on any of these models?
Thursday, January 02, 2025
Podkayne of Mars
Podkayne of Mars' is a terrific book up until the ending.
Heinlein had written stories about a young girl from Mars having an interplanetary adventure. This was different for the time as similar science fiction had always been for male readers.
When Robert A.Heinlein reworked the stories into a novel, he decided the lesson he wanted to tell was that absent parenting was bad. Poddy's adventures end with her dying, and her uncle fires off an angry communication to her parents for priorizing their own lives and careers over their children.
All of his readers and editors hated the ending.
I agree with all their criticisms.
RAH had grafted a political opinion about absent parenting, mainly aimed at the mother, onto his young girl adventures stories, and IT DID NOT WORK.
Readers thought the adventures were great.
To be suddenly lectured that this entire girl adventures story was an example of bad parenting in the most drastic way, where Poddy dies, was an example of older men, the writer and the uncle in the story, being aholes.
In the novel, the point of view at the end switches to her awful, bratty, near sociopath younger brother, where her death might be humanizing him.
The revised ending is only a little better, where Poddy is seriously hurt in the hospital, probably dying.
Just no.
Sorry, this is Poddy's story. The writer doesn't get to suddenly hijack the story to lecture parents and make it the male brat's story.
...
Friday, December 20, 2024
Nathan's Brocolli Cheddar Soup Dip
Since people have been asking for it, here's the recipe!
- - -
Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups chopped, cooked broccoli
1 cup raw shredded carrots
1 4 oz can of sliced mushrooms, drained
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar
1/2 of an onion, minced
6 tablespoons of unsalted butter
1/4th cup flour
2 cups milk
2 cups chicken stock
1 pinch of salt
- - -
Method
1.Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, add the onion with a pinch of salt, to help them sweat. Cook the onions until they start getting clear, then add the mushrooms. When the onions start to brown slightly, add the carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are soft and slightly brown.
2.Melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat then whisk in the flour, cook until the flour stops looking grainy, about 4 minutes. You want a pretty light roux here, so stop before it gets too dark.
3.Gradually add the milk to the roux while whisking constantly. Then whisk in the stock. Bring to a simmer and cook about 20 minutes.
4.Stir in your broccoli, making sure it's thorughly mixed, simmer for 2 minutes, then add your sauteed vegetables. Simmer for 15 minutes.
5.Gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring to make sure it doesn't get clumpy. Remove from the heat...And you're done!
Salt and pepper to taste.
- - -
Optional: You can mess around with the ingredients, if you want too. You can use half broccoli and half cauliflower. Some people like celery, I don't. More carrots, bit of garlic, skip the mushrooms, etc. However you think you would like it.
You can have fun with the cheese, too. Two cups must to be shredded sharp cheddar, but the third cup can be other things. I added a bit parmesan and monterey jack because I had it on hand. Very tasty.
Goes great with your preferred bread, crackers or croutons. It would probably go great with some of sourdough that you're statistically likely to have made recently. Sliced, toasted and buttered, you know?
Enjoy~
Nathan
Thursday, August 08, 2024
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