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Samsung Galaxy A54 vs. Nothing Phone 2: What's in a budget?
The battle between a budget device and an affordable flagship
Budget smartphones have advanced a lot in the past few years, and the two devices that stand out the most are Samsung and the recently established Nothing company. The Galaxy A54, one of our favorite budget smartphones, and the Nothing Phone 2, a notable flagship, are in the conversation. What makes each of these devices unique is that they’re affordable and don’t skimp on the hardware. They offer a smooth and reliable software experience, several years of updates, decent cameras, and a battery that can last all day. Without any further ado, let’s take a look at two compelling devices.
AI on Android isn't worth buying into just yet
If you're looking to buy a smartphone, today's AI tools aren't enough of a selling point
Often, you'll find that smartphone marketing is well ahead of the actual features companies like to advertise. Take 5G as an example. Although next-gen networking became widely available on smartphones in 2019, many carriers didn't provide these speeds to all users right away. Even five years later, you'll still find rural areas where you're forced to rely on LTE for internet connection, no matter which of the best 5G phones you actually own.
How to extend the battery life on your Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
These tweaks can quickly reduce battery drain
If you purchased a Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, chances are you're enjoying its impressive performance and crisp display, among other features. But to truly enjoy your phone, you must ensure your device's battery will last through the day. If you have trouble with this, here are a few tips to improve your Galaxy S23 FE's battery life. Many of these tips work for all Samsung phones, so even if you move to a different model, these tips come in handy.
There are two distinct types of smartphone music listeners. Type one is the Spotify streamer, the MP3 listener who can vibe to their tunes without a care in the world. Headphones that sound like they're made of tin are good enough for them. Type two is the audiophile, someone who avoids lossy music and cheap headphones. Nothing less than the best-wired headphones will do for their discerning ears.
5 remarkable phones you're missing out on in the US
Fly down to other countries to get hold of these phones, or you know, import ‘em
The smartphone market in the US is cornered by Apple and a handful of brands that represent the Android fraternity. Most of the best Android smartphones we recommend are made by Samsung, Google, and OnePlus. While there are some other brands like Motorola active in certain price segments, none of them have been able to command the flagship market as this trio has. But there exists a whole world of smartphones outside of North America with so many lucrative options that it's hard to pick our favorites. So, we’re sharing a list of some of the finest smartphones from international markets that we think you’re missing out on in the US instead.
Best Android VPN in 2024
Stay safe online and access streaming services anywhere in the world with our pick of the best Android VPNs
It's not surprising that VPN (Virtual Private Network) use has grown so much over the last few years, with our reliance on web connection becoming greater and greater. It offers peace of mind regarding identity protection when connected to potentially insecure Wi-Fi networks on your smartphone or tablet. VPN apps can also help you bypass geo-restricted content no matter where you're located, unlock region-specific streaming service libraries to watch the best new movies, and even detect and block malicious websites. There's a lot a VPN can do, and each one serves up unique offerings in their dedicated Android apps.
Best Visible-compatible phones in 2024
Visible can save you a lot of money on data, but you need the right phone to make the most of its network
Visible is all about unlimited data and simple pricing, but getting a phone that works well with the carrier isn’t quite as straightforward. Visible uses Verizon’s LTE and 5G networks but doesn’t support some older Verizon phones. Therefore, if you’re ready to switch to Visible, you might also be ready to switch to a new phone. Luckily there are a lot of great options running Android to choose from.
Best budget Android phones in 2024
These days, you don't have to pay through the nose to get a decent phone
It's an exciting time for smartphones. Thanks to increasingly powerful new chips, we're long past the days when you had to choose between spending a bundle on a premium phone or settling for sluggish performance on a budget model.
Here's what users wanted to see in future smartphones five years ago
Longer battery life and headphone jacks topped the list
Smartphones have come a long way since the days of trackballs and physical keyboards, and despite all the trends that have fallen by the wayside, significant improvements have been made to their design and functionality. For instance, we’ve evolved from using T9 for text messaging to QWERTY keyboards for more streamlined communication. Our phones are now more ergonomic in design to suit our lifestyles as well. All of that being said, there are still some pain points that people would like to see resolved. Five years ago, a conversation on Reddit honed in on some users’ most pressing wants and needs. Now, a look back on the online thread is shedding light on just how far we’ve come — and where there is still room for improvement.
How our cell phones evolved over the last 24 years
Let's take a trip down memory lane to explore the largest phone makers from the past 24 years
With the news last week of Apple dethroning Samsung as the world's largest smartphone manufacturer, we thought it would be fun to take a trip down memory lane to see which company has dominated the past 24 years. The world's biggest phone makers through the years were some household names; from Nokia to Samsung, there were many standout giants. But now and again, an upstart would threaten the status quo. So, let's explore smartphone history and get nostalgic, as the last two and a half decades have been pretty crazy.
Which Samsung Galaxy S24+ color should you buy?
Samsung introduced some stunning colors this year, and we're as indecisive as can be
The Samsung Galaxy S24+ is finally here, and it’s a beauty. As we expected, the S24+ doesn’t look terribly different from the S23+. Ultimately, it’s what’s on the inside that counts, right? But we’re not here to get into all the nitty gritty specs. Today, it’s all about aesthetics.
Battery technology simultaneously enables today's impressive mobile electronics and holds them back from being even more mind-blowing than they already are. The need for high-performance, low-power-consumption components has driven the development of advanced chipset instruction set architectures which have underpinned pretty much the entire smartphone industry since its birth. Still, we continue to see some new phones drain their batteries before the day's up.
With so many amazing smartphones on the market today, it can be challenging enough to pick the best one for your needs even without also worrying about protection from the elements. However, if you’re an outdoor adventure enthusiast, getting a phone that can handle exposure to water should also be a priority. Whether that’s simply taking a dunk over the side of your boat or being able to withstand the rigors of watersports, the last thing you want is to find your expensive smartphone acting up from water getting inside.
Bleeding edge hardware is something many people can't afford — and don't want
I love a brand-new gadget as much as the next person, but for many, it can be unnerving
If you're a fan of sci-fi movies and TV shows like me, you probably also geek out when you see "futuristic" tech being shown off on screen. Depending on your point of view, that same excitement spills over into the real world as well. For me, and many others like me, seeing devices that resemble what I see in these types of productions gets my bank account into trouble. Even after being in this industry for nearly four and a half years, I still crave that new new. But something you may not be aware of is that folks like us are the minority in this scenario.
10 of the wackiest mainstream Android phones we've ever seen
We round up our favorite weird and wonderful Android phones from over the years
We’ve seen many wacky Android phones break cover over the years, with mainstream hits and hotly-anticipated flops.
The 30 best Cyber Monday Android phone deals, starting at $100
You're just in time to grab a new phone before these deals disappear
The books on Cyber Monday 2023 are almost shut, and if you're looking to take advantage of the best phone deals we've seen all year, you better get on it, because there's less than six hours remaining! Whether you're after an affordable budget device at insta-buy prices or one of the latest and greatest Android phones without breaking the bank, this is your last chance of the year. (Well, honestly, it's your last and best chance between now and next summer.)
Smartphones can be boring — here's how to make them fun again
You don't have to purchase the same old phone every few years
It wasn't too long ago that walking into a cell phone store was an exciting occasion. You’d waited two years with your old phone and were ready to see what great devices your carrier had in stock that was new and exciting. Your eyes would light up while browsing all the different kiosks. Whether it was flip phones from Motorola, physical keyboard devices from BlackBerry, or a Nokia brick — there was never a dull moment.
It's no secret that inflation is real, and it's reflected in the steep prices of modern smartphones. With some of the best Android phones costing upwards of $1,500, it's more important than ever to protect your investment. Investing in a good phone case is a start, but it's also wise to choose a phone that's capable of withstanding falls and other accidents, especially when you're spending a significant amount of money.
Does the Samsung SmartTag 2 have UWB?
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are expected, but what about the perfectly-precise UWB protocol?
The Samsung SmartTag 2 is one of the best ways to keep tabs on the go-to items in your life that have a nasty habit of disappearing. We're talking about car keys, wallets, laptop sleeves, and other things we take for granted until they vanish into thin air.
Sony Xperia 5 V vs. Google Pixel 7: Hardware or software?
Sony's Xperia 5 V packs the right hardware, but how does it stack up against the juggernaut that is the Google Pixel 7?
With the announcement of Sony’s Xperia 5 V, you’re probably wondering when you can get your hands on one of Sony's latest phones - and whether the new Xperia 5 V will stack up well against stiff competition from the likes of Google and Samsung.