Steve Smith
Tech Product Evaluator, Commerce Writer
Contributing since September, 2022
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66articles
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5Features
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56Guides
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4Reviews
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1Deals
About Steve Smith
Steve is a tech enthusiast and an avid gamer. He loves writing about, tinkering with, researching, and reviewing the latest technology. He has been writing about technology for half a decade and has loved every minute of it. He especially loves building desktops, smartphones, and wearables. When not doing something tech-related, he enjoys spending time with his family, running, and hiking.
How long have you been interested in technology?
I have been interested in technology since I was about five years old. My first experience with technology was playing the NES. Mario and Duck Hunt were family favorites. I fell in love with technology around the mid-90s when I began taking apart computers and trying to put them back together. I got my first cell phone (a Nokia 8290) in 2002, upgraded to Samsung Blackjack 2, and have been hooked on Android and Apple devices ever since. I still routinely swap devices and continue to build my desktops.
What tech products or categories are you most passionate about?
Consumer tech is where my real passion lies. I love all types of smartphones, routinely swapping them throughout the year. I frequently switch between Android and Apple, so I am always up to date with the latest mobile trends. I am deeply interested in health, which is why I love smartwatches and fitness trackers so much. The data that they provide has led to deep insights into my health. If I had to choose one category that I love more than anything else, it would be desktops/laptops. I have been building my desktops since 2002, and just find it to be a thrilling and calming experience.
Latest Articles
Google Pixel devices have changed over the years, with the company trying multiple designs and price points with varying degrees of success. However, Google has maintained the current design since the Pixel 6, with the Pixel 8 Pro resulting from years of refinement. It’s a unique-looking device with a raised camera visor on the rear, and if you’re a fan of Pixels, you’ve grown to love it.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ vs. Amazon Fire Max 11: Android or Fire OS?
How many apps do you want?
Android tablets have come a long way in just a few short years. While it’s true that the best Android tablets often reside at higher price points, that doesn’t mean the lower end has nothing to offer. Cheap Android tablets have come into their own and now offer an enjoyable and usable experience at a budget price.
Best Chromebooks in 2024
Chromebooks come in all shapes and sizes — 10-inch to 17-inch, budget to premium, laptop or tablet — and we'll help pick your next one!
The best Chromebooks available today have come a long way since their inception, and they can be used for a wide range of tasks for a wide range of users. Chrome OS is more than "just a browser" these days. This cloud-focused operating system now runs on everything from tablets and laptops to All-in-One Chromebases and desktops.
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 5 vs. Tab Active 4 Pro: Two years didn't make much difference
Two rugged Samsung tablets battle for supremacy
Whether used at home or for business, the best Android tablets serve various use cases. While your standard tablet may cut it for your personal or office life, some people need something more rugged, something capable of taking on whatever comes its way. For that, Samsung has a couple of up-to-the-task selections.
Best keyboards for Chromebooks in 2024
The best wired and wireless keyboards, including the top models with Chrome-specific key layouts
The best Chromebooks aren't exactly performance monsters suitable for gaming (though if you attach a monitor they'll handle indies and some less demanding titles), they're incredible, portable productivity solutions. That said, to truly unlock their potential, you'll need to pair them with a proper keyboard, particularly if you're going to be doing a lot of writing or editing.
The Asus ROG Phone series provides a unique and powerful gaming experience from the device you are likely to have on you at all times. Whether you snagged yourself a ROG Phone 8 or the more powerful ROG Phone 8 Pro, you're getting a device that is not only powerful but is easily one of the best gaming phones currently available.
When the Google Pixel 7 Pro launched, it posed a unique problem — it was the first of its lineup to feature a curved screen. That doesn’t sound like an issue, you say? Well, it means a standard screen protector wouldn’t work well with the curvature, so third-party manufacturers had to pivot and release a new design that fits nicely over the display and doesn’t interfere with the fingerprint reader. Of course, it’s a challenge they’ve faced before, so users didn’t have to go without protection for their new Pixel 7 Pros.
Best Samsung XCover6 Pro cases in 2024
The Galaxy XCover6 Pro is durable but not invincible
If you are looking for something different and more durable, then the Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro may be what you are looking for. This phone is strong enough to pass the rigorous MIL-STD-810H testing and can withstand whatever you throw at it. The Galaxy XCover6 Pro is hands down one of the best rugged Android phones on the market.
Samsung Galaxy A15 vs. Galaxy A14 5G: Budget Samsung showdown
Is the A15 worth an upgrade from the A14?
Samsung covers the entire breadth of the Android market, guaranteeing that there is a great Samsung phone available for every need and budget. While some may be looking to snag one of the best Android phones available, others may need something a bit more wallet-friendly.
Best Samsung Galaxy A14 5G screen protectors in 2024
Keep your display looking smooth and scratch-free with these great screen protectors
From a 90Hz full-HD screen to a two-day battery life, the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G has all the makings of a solid budget Android phone. But like most modern phones, it's susceptible to damage, and the big 6.6-inch display can easily pick up scratches.
With a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a bright and beautiful display, great battery life, and a solid camera system, the OnePlus 12 is a stunning device. It has the power and specs you need and is easily among the best Android phones available today.
Today, voice communication is practically an afterthought when deciding on the right flagship device for you. In its place, camera quality has risen to become of the biggest factors in buying a phone. Manufacturers go to great lengths to stuff advanced sensors into seemingly impossibly-sized handsets, and back them up with not just competent, but novel and even cutting-edge imaging algorithms and software features.
OnePlus 12R vs. Google Pixel 7a: Two budget titans
Different approaches lead to different but great devices
No one phone is perfect for everyone or every budget. Sure, the best Android phones currently available will bring you a well-rounded and speedy device, but it’s also going to come with an inflated price. What if you don’t want to spend a thousand dollars on a device for budget reasons or simply because making phone calls and sending text messages shouldn’t require that kind of payment? In the past, you would be forced to choose a device that wouldn't come close to a more premium device.
Gimbals are the perfect accessory for those looking to enhance the footage taken from their smartphone or camera. They allow videographers to get creative with their shots and remove unwanted shakiness. Gimbals range from handheld, single-axis gimbals to multi-axis gimbals with additional features. Whether you want a more traditional gimbal like the Zhiyun Smooth Q3 or something that has AI built in, such as the Insta360 Flow, there is a great model for just about every budget.
OnePlus 12 vs. OnePlus 10 Pro: Is it time to upgrade?
Can an aging OnePlus 10 Pro stand its ground against its younger sibling?
Over the past few years, smartphones have been all about iterative improvements and less about revolutionary leaps forward. Even the best Android phones have matured to the point where we aren’t seeing major design or performance changes from year to year. However, that doesn’t stop the hype train from running full force with each launch to capitalize on the publicity and generate some serious excitement.
For many, selfies have become an integral part of life. Some may be looking for that perfect solo for their latest social media post, while others may be looking to capture themselves during a special moment. No matter what your selfie needs are, a great front-facing camera is crucial to ensure the picture looks spectacular.
Best Asus Chromebooks in 2024
Asus has a lot of Chromebooks, and we've handpicked the best of the best
Asus makes some of the most well-rounded laptops on the market at just about every price point. Whether you need one of the best Chromebooks on the market or something more budget-friendly, Asus surely has a laptop to suit your needs.
Best Chromebook docks and docking stations in 2024
Effortlessly transform your Chromebook into a desktop setup with a steadfast dock
Modern laptops, including the best Chromebooks on the market, are highly capable machines ideal for work and play. While Chromebooks are workhorses, they often don’t have an excess of ports.
Best cheap Motorola phones in 2024
Need a good budget phone? Here are your best options from Motorola
Motorola has been making cell phones since they were big bulky affairs that needed to be installed in cars or briefcases. So naturally, it was also one of the first companies to eagerly embrace the new era of mainstream smartphones in the late 2000s. Motorola's 2009 release of the Droid was instrumental in turning Android into the dominant force it is today, and that's grown into a wide range of devices covering every conceivable price range and need.
Best phones for ultrawide photography in 2024
Looking for a phone that handles excellent ultrawide shots?
You can now find ultrawide cameras on all kinds of smartphones. These extra-large rear cameras snap to an enormous field of view and capture unique looks at landscapes. Ultrawides bring in more surrounding detail. They also give photos a magnified look that can be corrected via editing and modes or used as a stylistic choice on your latest nature hike.