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While 5G might not be delivering on its full potential yet, it's still an important part of any smartphone decision. In areas where high-speed internet isn't readily available, 5G phones provide bandwidth for families and businesses to use the internet as intended. But not all 5G phones are created equal, and finding the right one means deciding which features are most important to you and how much you're willing to spend.
Buying a smartphone as a gift is an annoying, frustrating experience
It doesn't matter how good the deals are if you're bashing your head against a wall the whole time
Even though Black Friday ended over a week ago, we're still in the midst of the holiday shopping season. Although it's easy to buy into the pressure to get all of your gifts before the final hours of Cyber Monday, the truth is that both deals — and gift-buying opportunities, by extension — continue throughout most of the month of December. Case in point: I purchased two new phones this week as gifts for some of the people in my life, one of which was after the biggest deals wrapped up. What I learned wasn't that Black Friday is the best or worst period to buy new hardware — it's that buying a phone as a gift sucks, period.
Just because a smartphone is on sale doesn't mean you need to buy it
Consider smartphone launch cycles, and more importantly, whether you actually need to upgrade
Smartphones are quickly becoming one of the biggest sources of e-waste on the planet, but these devices really shouldn't be — especially considering all the components within that are hazardous to the environment. The rate at which people get new smartphones is increasing, and many times, it's at the behest of the very companies that make the products. Now, does this mean that these entities are evil and trying to destroy the earth and drain the money from our bank accounts? Well, maybe — but as consumers, we have the choice of when we need a new smartphone, and when to actually buy it.
Motorola Razr (2023) review: Better than it should be
It's not the flashiest or most powerful, but this clamshell foldable is great for the space
Folding phones, once a thing of sci-fi movies, can now be found in the wild, with Samsung in particular already on its fifth generation of foldables. But despite the space gaining maturity, depending on where you live, seeing these devices your day-to-day may be a rarity. This is likely due to a few factors — one being unfamiliarity and another the high prices. While the latter isn't likely going to change anytime soon for book-style foldables, clamshell options like the new Motorola Razr (2023) are far more obtainable for the masses.
Does the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE have wireless charging?
Wireless charging is an important feature in modern smartphones. Does Samsung's budget-friendly Galaxy S23 FE offer the option?
In an effort to further appease its mobile users, Samsung developed a phone that tries to touch on the best aspects of the Galaxy S23 while lowering the price and replacing some of the less important. Dubbed the S23 FE, or Fan Edition, this alternative to the base S23 model is slightly larger despite being $200 cheaper.
What is Android System Intelligence?
Android System Intelligence is the brain of your smartphone. Here's everything it does
We depend on our devices as our primary means of communicating, computing, and organizing schedules. Our smartphones do everything for us, from creating shopping lists to snapping photos of memorable moments. Whether on the cheapest Android phone or the newest Android flagship, System Intelligence (ASI) is the brain behind it all.
What is a Time of Flight sensor and what does it do?
A very popular feature used on many modern smartphones
Regarding smartphone photography, these devices continue to impress and produce incredible results as mobile camera technology advances. One of the more challenging aspects of capturing quality images is understanding depth information, which is the distance and how close or far objects are from the lens. This allows even the most affordable Android phones to have improved autofocus, which offers a better camera experience in challenging scenarios. Photography is only one of the many uses a Time of Flight (ToF) sensor can provide a smartphone or mobile device. We cover some other popular examples in the guide below.
MediaTek’s new Dimensity 7200 Ultra brings its 4nm process to upper-midrange phones
Debuting with the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ this month
MediaTek has been working to carve out its niche in the Android ecosystem, trying its hands at satellite connectivity and finding relative success manufacturing cost-efficient SoCs for budget Android phones and tablets. Recently, the company has been trying to become a bigger name in the premium handheld space, cranking out new entrants into its flagship Dimensity 9000 series multiple times a year. Now, the company is showing its upper-midrange line some love with a new Dimensity 7000-series processor.
What is Android System Intelligence?
This core component puts the "smart" in smartphones. Here's how it works and why you need it
Android System Intelligence (ASI) is behind most smart features on devices, from budget phones to high-end tablets. If you've updated it several times in the Google Play Store without knowing what it does, you'll be surprised how far from the basic functionalities it takes you. Using machine learning technology, ASI allows you to apply Live Captions to media, use the Now Playing widget on Pixel phones, and use voice typing, among other features.
Amazon's latest Samsung Galaxy S22 deal lets you double storage to 256GB for just $25
Score the S22 for a steal as long as you’re not too picky about the colorways
It's been a hot minute since the Samsung Galaxy S22 was replaced as the shiniest toy on the block, but it continues to hold its own against its successors in terms of design, performance, and value for money. If you're not one to care much about going after the newest model, the Galaxy S22 is definitely still worth the buy. There's a reason why it was a mainstay in our best Android phones list until the Galaxy S23 line came along, after all.
I have never been more confused by a smartphone than by the OnePlus Nord N30 5G. Its predecessor, the Nord N20, was one of my favorite budget devices of last year. It offered a near-flagship quality OLED display, stellar battery life, and a sleek build — all for $300. And with such an impressive platform to build on, the N30 should’ve been an easy layup.
Moto G Power 5G (2023) review: If 'blah' were a phone
It's safe and reliable but is that really enough when you're spending $300
Motorola phones have always held a special place in my heart. Whether it was the innovative StarTAC, the sleek Razr, or the BlackBerry-esque Moto Q, the company’s devices were must-haves because of their combination of style and function. As times — and parent companies — have changed, Motorola has moved to a more sensible, restrained approach to its modern smartphones.
Does my phone work with the Razer Kishi V2?
Keen to improve your mobile gaming experience with a handheld controller? Here’s how to know if your phone is compatible with the Razer Kishi V2
The Razer Kishi V2 is a handheld controller that you can attach to your smartphone, potentially giving you the edge over your competitors in mobile games such as Call of Duty, thanks to highly responsive microswitch buttons and smooth ultra-low latency input that minimizes lag. Great, right? Absolutely. The Razer Kishi V2 is no slouch, and you wouldn't be here if you didn't think so. But to level up and enjoy the benefits of an exceptional portable gaming experience, you must first confirm if your phone is Razer Kishi V2-compatible.
Which Samsung Galaxy A54 color should you buy?
Which color will you choose for your brand new Samsung Galaxy A54?
Samsung recently announced its upcoming Galaxy A54, an exciting update to its popular A-series phones. The mid-range phone sports a slew of great specs, like a hefty battery and a gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED display. But those specs aren't the most exciting things about the Galaxy A54 — these four new color options are. With such an expansive variety of color selections, you'll be able to buy an A54 in the exact color that matches your vibe.
When you're ready to upgrade to the latest and greatest Android flagship phone, you'll want to dispose of your old phone properly. Newer phones can be sold, traded in, or donated, whereas older devices are better off recycled. Several options are available, so throwing away your phone is a last resort.
Although 5G wireless coverage is widely available across many parts of the U.S., plenty of users may still encounter spotty service. LTE will remain the backbone of U.S. carrier networks for the next few years because it has been proven to be a stable and reliable wireless solution. And while we'll continue to use LTE to fill in the gaps for now, carriers are working to improve their networks to provide better connectivity and speeds for all users.
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G review: A whole lot of phone for $200
An upgraded 90Hz display, two-day battery life, and a price tag you can afford
Smartphones can be expensive, particularly if you're after a high-end flagship device. While you might have to shell out the big bucks for the best flagship phones, Samsung offers capable devices across the board, including some of the best cheap Android phones you can buy today. That continues with the Galaxy A14 5G, the latest A-series device that delivers functional specs with some advanced features for just $200 out of the box.
Unihertz Tank review: 100 days on a single charge
The Unihertz Tank delivers up to 100 days on a single charge and better performance than most rugged smartphones
Rugged smartphones tend to only be good at one thing: being rugged. They can survive going through a window, but scrolling Instagram or watching videos on a decent display is often too much to ask. It’s that perception that the Unihertz Tank is seeking to change. It has all the qualities you want in a good rugged device without losing out on essential smartphone features.
REVVL 6 Pro 5G review: T-Mobile is setting a high bar for budget phones
Despite some weak points, this is a great phone for $220
When a budget-friendly carrier-exclusive phone is announced, it’s natural to expect a lot of red flags. T-Mobile has been launching self-branded phones under the REVVL brand for several years, and as spec-to-price value continues to increase, it’s only producing better results over time. The new REVVL 6 Pro 5G is the latest to join this series, and thanks to a combination of software, performance, and battery life, it’s turning out to be one of the best budget phones I’ve ever used.
When and how to shoot in RAW on your phone
Does anyone really know what RAW photography is? Yes, we do and we're going to explain it for you
Mobile photography has become impressive over the last decade. From pixilated images on your Motorola Razr to shots that rival professional photography, the meteoric rise of smartphone camera technology has given way to a bounty of amateur enthusiasts that want to get the most out of their images. And while the basics of how smartphone cameras work are straightforward, tools like RAW image files are a bit more complicated. Still, if you know how and when to shoot in RAW, you can take your mobile photography game to another level with devices like the Google Pixel 6 Pro or the Samsung S22 Ultra.