If I Paid for This, I'd be PISSED... - RED Hydrogen One
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Check out Videoblocks by Storyblocks at videoblocks.com The Red Hydrogen One took forever to build, is insanely expensive, and already is outdated... Can its camera possibly be good enough for it to compete with other flagship phones? Buy a Google Pixel On Amazon: geni.us On Newegg: geni.us Buy an iPhone XS On Amazon: geni.us On Newegg: geni.us Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com Our Affiliates, Referral Programs, and Sponsors: linustechtips.com Get Private Internet Access today at geni.us Linus Tech Tips merchandise at designbyhumans.com Linus Tech Tips posters at crowdmade.com Our Test Benches on Amazon: amazon.com Our production gear: geni.us Twitter - twitter.com Facebook - @LinusTech Instagram - @linustech Twitch - twitch.tv Intro Screen Music Credit: Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com Sound effects provided by freesfx.co.uk
The video opens with a lighthearted analogy about being served an unwanted extra course to set up the discussion surrounding the Red Hydrogen One. The host immediately notes that some features feel forced or overly ambitious for a smartphone and teases the two standout features Red pushes: a holographic 3D display and a multi-camera system. He then pivots to a constructive critique of the build quality, noting the phone is heavy and mostly metal with scalloped edges that improve grip and help locate the power button, which also contains the fingerprint sensor. The reviewer compares the Hydrogen One to flagship devices like the Samsung Note 9, Pixel 3, and iPhone XS to establish a benchmark for display quality, camera performance, and overall usability. He also points out that the phone ships with a fast charger and touches on the ruggedness trade-offs that come with the device’s heft. Throughout, the video emphasizes Red’s cinema heritage and questions whether the hardware meets the expectations set by the brand, while also addressing the higher price tag and the delayed titanium version that never arrived for this unit. By dissecting the 3D holographic display, the camera performance, and the display’s color accuracy, the host builds a case that while some features are intriguing, the Hydrogen One falls short of delivering a compelling flagship experience. In the closing section, the reviewer concludes that the phone is not worth purchasing for most consumers, unless you are a dedicated Red aficionado or collector, and he hints at the potential of future Red ecosystem integration that could improve the product in later iterations. The sponsor integration is acknowledged, but not allowed to overshadow the core device critique, and the host invites viewers to explore other phones like the iPhone XS, Pixel 3, and Note 9 for comparison. Overall, the video presents a balanced but firm verdict that the Hydrogen One, as reviewed, does not live up to the promise of its premium price or Red’s cinematic legacy, while still offering some interesting concepts worth watching in future Red hardware generations.
Topics · technology · smartphones · consumer_electronics · camera · display · audio · hardware · review
Questions answered
- What are the main drawbacks of the Red Hydrogen One highlighted in the review?
- The review highlights poor color accuracy and contrast compared with other flagships, a lackluster and flat image quality in photos, a dynamic range that does not match competitors, and a 3D holographic display and Leia Loft content that feel gimmicky rather than genuinely useful. The camera performance is described as uneven, with better apertures and handling needed, and the overall software experience is deemed underdeveloped for a premium price.
- Is the Hydrogen One worth buying for a general consumer?
- No, not for most consumers. The device is expensive and its standout features do not justify the price given current flagship alternatives. It might appeal only to Red enthusiasts or collectors who value the brand and potential ecosystem integration over practical performance.
- How does the Hydrogen One compare to other flagship phones in terms of media and gaming experiences?
- The display and color are not competitive with top flagships, the holographic 3D effect is cool but short-lived, and there are only a few dedicated games available that don’t demonstrate a strong media or gaming advantage. Overall, media consumption and gaming feel hampered by lower resolution when using the holographic features and less impressive color rendering.