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Tag: Smartphones

  • The best iPhone cases for 2024

    The best iPhone cases for 2024

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    Your iPhone is likely your most used gadget on the regular, so it’s worth protecting your investment with a case. It’s understandable to want to show off the handset’s sleek design, but the last thing anyone wants is for that shiny new iPhone to get a dent in its back or a crack in its screen. There are dozens of iPhone cases out there, and it may be tempting to just get whichever Amazon serves you first when you search for one. But not all iPhone cases are created equal: not only do you have to make sure the case you want will work with your iPhone 13, iPhone 14 or the latest iPhone 15, but some provide more protection than others as well. Also, it goes without saying that there are a ton of dirt-cheap iPhone cases out there too and most of them are not worth your money. I’ve tested out a number of the most popular iPhone cases out there to come up with our top picks for the best iPhone cases you can get today.

    Spigen

    If you want a basic, protective case that comes at an affordable price, Spigen has you covered. The company’s Ultra Hybrid MagFit clear cases show off the color of your iPhone and we like their raised bezels that protect the rear camera. The cases also have tactical buttons on the side that make it easy to feel around and adjust your phone’s volume without even looking at it. The overall slim profile of the polycarbonate case allows it to snap to your iPhone without adding too much bulk, and it’s MagSafe compatible as well so wireless charging is easy. Also, the Ultra Hybrid case was one of the most secure we tried – to the point where it was almost difficult to extricate the iPhone when we needed to test out a new phone cover. And while they normally go for around $45, you can often find them on sale for $25 to $30.

    $20 at Amazon

    Smartish

    We’ve recommended Smartish cases in the past for their artistic designs, but we particularly like the Gripmunk series for the latest iPhones. These thin cases are a bit rougher around the edges than Spigen’s cases, literally – Gripmunk covers have textured edges that make them easier to grip and less likely to slip out of your hands, while the backs of the cases show off cute patterns and designs like floral arrays, cosmic scenes and more. There are a few solid-color options too, if you want to go the True Basic route (no shame), and these are all MagSafe cases as well. If you’re a minimalist and don’t like to carry a lot on your person, you could ditch your billfold and spring for Smartish’s Wallet Slayer, a cardholder case that has similarly textured edges along with a sleeve on the back. This wallet case can hold up to three credit cards and a few notes of cash.

    $20 at Amazon

    Case-Mate

    If you’re looking for a bold, eye-catching case that has tons of personality, Case-Mate has a ton of great options to consider. Its iPhone 15 series has glittery cases, prismatic covers and everything in between, but the one that stuck out most to me is the Blox line. These cases have squared-off corners that give your iPhone a modern, blocky look. Combine that with their bright neon colors and you’ll likely never have to ask your friends where your phone is again – you won’t miss it. I also appreciate that the Blox cases are fingerprint-resistant, provide protection against 10-foot drops and have built-in magnetics for MagSafe accessory compatibility.

    $32 at Amazon

    Casetify

    It doesn’t get much better than Casetify for those that care about getting their phone to match their personality as closely as possible. The brand has an impressive number of prints, patterns, graphics and designs available on its iPhone cases, including multiple influencer collaborations, so you’re likely to find something that fits even the most niche requirements. The Impact series in particular is a good option for everyday protection since these cases won’t add too much bulk to your iPhone, but will still protect it from drops up to 8.2 feet. You’ll find Impact cases for iPhone models going back to the iPhone 13, and many of them are MagSafe compatible, too.

    $72 at Casetify

    Engadget

    Without a doubt, our favorite eco-friendly phone cases are those made by Pela. We absolutely love their colors and designs, plus the fact that the entire line is 100 percent plant-based and compostable. The case material is called “Flaxstic,” which the company says is made from flax straw and compostable bioplastic elastomer. Importantly, it’s also free of BPA, phthalates, cadmium and lead. If you ever decide to get rid of it, you can indeed just chuck in a compost bin and it’ll be completely biodegradable.

    What’s more, Pela cases are available for a wide array of handsets. They can accommodate iPhones (from iPhone 5 onwards), Samsung Galaxies (Galaxy S10 and newer), Google Pixels (from the Pixel 4a on) and even some OnePlus and Huawei models.

    For iPhone users, we should note that Pela cases are not MagSafe-compatible by default, but you can purchase a $12 MagSafe module separately. Applying it to my phone was pretty straightforward, so that’s not a big concern, but it’s something to keep in mind. — Nicole Lee, Former Commerce Writer

    $65 at Pela

    CYRILL

    Cyrill makes a number of sleek and elegant cases and the Kajuk Mag is no exception. It’s one of the thinnest and lightest cases we tried, but it does have four layers of protection: a soft microfiber lining, a sturdy PC back, TPU bumpers and a vegan leather exterior. Since the company doesn’t boast a certain level of drop protection, this slim case is a good option for those that care more about aesthetics and case design, but also want a simple, protective layer standing between their iPhone and hard concrete. As the name suggests, you can use the Kajuk Mag with MagSafe accessories, and it even has an accessory hole built in, for those that want to attach charms, straps and other things.

    $27 at Amazon

    Peak Design

    Peak Design’s Everyday Case not only looks attractive, but it turns your phone into a bunch of different things when you pair it with any of the accessories in the company’s mobile ecosystem. We like its protective rubberized bumper and nylon shell, and its SlimLink connector sits in the middle of the case’s back, waiting for whichever gadgets you need that day. The company’s mobile tripod is one of our favorites for taking better photos with your phone, but also propping it up any which way you need. Commuters can opt for the dashboard mount to keep their phone within reach while driving, or the bike mount when you need to read directions on its screen. If you use your phone for everything and want a case that can support all of that functionality, this one is a good option.

    $50 at Peak Design

    Pelican

    Maybe you work outdoors, go camping frequently or are simply a bit clumsier than most. Some of the best protection you can get for your iPhone comes from Pelican’s Shield Kevlar series cases. Though they’re a little pricey and admittedly bulky, that’s how they safeguard your phone from up to 21-foot drops. The 5mm raised bumper provides shock-absorbing safety for the rear camera lens array as well as the handset as a whole, plus the secure edges and dustproof cover keep all unwanted debris out. Plus, these rugged cases are MagSafe compatible, so you don’t have to sacrifice convenience when opting for as much protection as possible.

    $19 at Amazon

    There is no one “most protective” brand of phone cases, but rather there are many that tout extra security for your handset. Some of the most protective phone cases we’ve tried come from Otterbox; most of the brand’s cases have a bit more protection than your standard phone case, even the ones that are designed to be on the slim side. Otterbox also makes a wide variety of phone cases, so there’s a good chance you’ll find one that suits your style and provides the level of protection you’re looking for. Otterbox’s Defender series is one of the best you can get if you care first and foremost about making sure your phone survives all kinds of accidents (save for a dunk in a pool).

    Neither silicone nor hard cases are better than the other. Silicone cases tend to be thinner and feel soft to the touch, and they’re often easier to put on and take off of phones. Hard cases can be on the thicker side, but they provide a bit more drop protection than silicone cases. Which type of case is best for you depends on the type of experience you want from your phone. It’s also worth nothing that both silicone cases and hard cases come in a variety of colors, designs and styles, so you have plenty of choose from to match your personality on both sides.

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    Valentina Palladino

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  • Watch this Hilarious Video about the Pathetic State of North Korean Phones

    Watch this Hilarious Video about the Pathetic State of North Korean Phones

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    As one of its farcical efforts to prove their government’s awesomeness, North Korea has its “own” smartphones and cellular network. Half as Interesting takes a look at the Monty Python levels of inadequacy and surveillance in these devices and infrastructure. The upbeat music over all this brazen display of oppression makes the whole thing even more hilarious.

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    Lambert Varias

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  • Camera Face-Off: We Pit Smartphones From Xiaomi, Oppo, and Honor to Find a Winner

    Camera Face-Off: We Pit Smartphones From Xiaomi, Oppo, and Honor to Find a Winner

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    The best camera is always the one you have with you. That makes a smartphone’s camera one of its most important features—after all, phone makers have been vying for the title of the “best camera phone” for decades. Interestingly, the top Chinese phones today have crazy good camera hardware; namely, large sensors that promise to upgrade the quality of the photos captured on a phone. Unfortunately, you can’t buy most of them in the US.

    But to find out which phone befits the crown, and how these large sensors stack up, I conducted a camera shootout with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Oppo Find X7 Ultra, and the Honor Magic 6 Pro. For a popular point of comparison, I included the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus. I shot countless photos with these phones. Below are just a few examples, with brief explanations of the different hardware and software approaches the manufacturers have taken and why.

    With each set of photos, I’ve ranked them with my favorite first, but you may disagree. All the photos have been taken with each phone’s automatic settings, as that is how most people will use them. Truthfully, there isn’t a great difference most of the time. I put photos from the Samsung Galaxy S24+ last for comparison.

    If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more.

    The Hardware Specs

    Each phone features an enormous camera system packed with cutting-edge camera tech. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main camera specs:

    • Xiaomi 14 Ultra: 50-MP main camera, 50-MP ultrawide, 50-MP telephoto, 50-MP periscope telephoto
    • Oppo Find X7 Ultra: 50-MP main camera, 50-MP ultrawide, 50-MP periscope telephoto, 50-MP periscope telephoto
    • Honor Magic 6 Pro: 50-MP main camera, 50-MP Ultrawide, 180-MP periscope telephoto

    I’m not pitting the Galaxy S24 Plus against these three; it’s included for comparison purposes. But here are its specs anyway:

    • Samsung Galaxy S24+: 50-MP main camera, 10-MP telephoto, 12-MP ultrawide

    Main Cameras

    The main camera is the one you’ll use most often. All three phones have excellent, versatile main cameras capable of capturing stunning photos in different conditions and scenarios. Point and shoot, and more often than not, you will be pleased by the results. However, there are significant differences in the technical capabilities.

    All of these phones have large sensors. The Xiaomi and the Oppo have the Sony LYT-900 1-inch sensor, while the Honor has a smaller H9000 OmniVision 1/1.28-inch sensor. The larger the sensor, the more light it can take in quickly, so low-light photos should be clearer and less prone to motion blur.

    The aperture is the opening of the lens that lets light in, and it works much like the pupil of your eye. Both the Xiaomi 14 Ultra (f/1.63 to f/4.0) and the Honor Magic 6 Pro (f/1.4 to f/2.0) have variable apertures. The f-stops indicate the aperture size, with a lower number denoting a larger aperture capable of letting in more light. The Oppo Find X7 Ultra (f/1.8) has the same fixed aperture as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus (f/1.8).

    The potential problem with a large sensor and a large aperture is that you can end up with a shallow depth of field. The camera has difficulty focusing on everything. That can be great when you are taking a portrait shot and want a bokeh effect, but with close-ups, you might get blurring around the edges, and with landscape shots, you might lose focus in the foreground or background. A variable aperture reduces that problem, allowing for a wider depth of field to keep everything in a group shot or landscape in focus. (We explain many of these camera terms in our How to Shop for a Camera guide.)

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    Simon Hill

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  • The Iconic Hot Pink Razr Is Back—Now With AI

    The Iconic Hot Pink Razr Is Back—Now With AI

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    Cameras have never been a strong suit for Motorola, but it’s giving special emphasis to the new “Photo Enhancement Engine” that’s exclusive to the Razr+. The company says it “uses AI” to produce finer image details, better dynamic range, improved bokeh, and more advanced noise reduction, all on the uncompressed raw image data. The Razr+ also gets a few extra camera features, such as Adaptive Stabilization for smoother videos, Action Shot for when you capture moving subjects, Long Exposure to create light trails, and Super Zoom, which enhances your zoomed-in photos. I’m not sure how much “AI” has to do with some of these.

    There are two generative AI features, too: Style Sync and Image Canvas. The former lets you snap a picture of your outfit (or any kind of special texture), and it’ll generate four images using that pattern that you can then use as a wallpaper. Magic Canvas lets you generate images via a text prompt. These two features are available on both Razrs.

    Later in the fall, Motorola will launch “Moto AI,” which it says is powered by both in-house and Google’s large language models. This will include features like “Catch me up,” which will summarize your clutter of notifications so you can focus on what’s important. A “Pay attention” feature will enable the phone to start recording instantly and transcribe and summarize the recording automatically. Then there’s “Remember this,” which can save onscreen information that you can ask the device for later.

    Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

    Unfortunately, all this AI power doesn’t help Motorola improve its software update policy. These new Razr smartphones will only get three Android OS updates (they launch with Android 14), and four years of security updates.

    For comparison, Google and Samsung offer seven years of software updates on their flagship phones. Longer software support means more features down the road, bug fixes, and security patches.

    Accompanying these new phones is the Moto Tag, a small AirTags-like accessory that supports Bluetooth LE and ultra-wideband tech to help locate lost devices. It uses Google’s Find My Device network and will work with any Android phone. However, if you use it with a Moto smartphone, you can press the multifunction button on the Tag to remotely capture a photo.

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    Julian Chokkattu

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  • C Spire Unveils the TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G Smartphone

    C Spire Unveils the TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G Smartphone

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    C Spire has just rolled out the TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G smartphone, a device that promises a unique visual experience and robust performance. Let’s take a closer look at what this new smartphone has to offer.

    A Display Designed for Comfort

    The TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G features a 6.78-inch FHD+ display that sets it apart from the competition. What makes this display special is its NXTPAPER technology, exclusive to TCL. This technology provides a glare-free viewing experience, significantly reducing harmful blue light without sacrificing performance. Whether you’re reading, texting, watching videos, or playing games, the display ensures comfort, even under direct sunlight. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor use.

    Performance and Battery Life

    Under the hood, the TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G packs impressive specs that cater to both everyday users and tech enthusiasts. It boasts a large battery and a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and immersive usage. The device also features a 240Hz touch sampling rate, which enhances gaming experiences by providing responsive scrolling and fluid animations. Dual speakers with DTS sound technology enhance audio quality for music, podcasts, and conference calls.

    Powering the device is a MediaTek Octa-core 5G chipset, which supports faster uploads, smoother streaming, and efficient multitasking. The smartphone is equipped with 128GB of internal storage and 6GB of RAM, plus an additional 6GB of virtual RAM through NXTURBO technology. If you need more storage, you can expand it up to 2TB using a MicroSD card.

    Camera Capabilities

    For photography enthusiasts, the TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G offers a robust camera system. The rear camera setup includes a 50MP AI-powered hybrid triple camera, allowing users to capture high-quality photos and videos. The 32MP front camera is designed to take stunning selfies and clear video calls. This camera setup ensures that content creators and casual photographers alike can produce professional-level content with ease.

    Additional Features

    Beyond its display and performance, the TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G includes several features aimed at enhancing user experience. The device supports NFC, enabling seamless, contactless transactions and easy information sharing with compatible devices. Security is handled by a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which provides quick and convenient access to the phone.

    Multitasking is a breeze with the option to use split screen or floating window modes, allowing users to run two apps simultaneously. The TCL Smart Manager and Battery Saver mode help monitor and optimize battery life, ensuring that the device lasts throughout the day.

    Conclusion

    C Spire’s launch of the TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G smartphone brings a new option for those looking for a device with a unique display and solid performance. With features like a glare-free screen, a high refresh rate, a powerful camera system, and a range of additional functionalities, this smartphone caters to a wide range of users. For more details on pricing and availability, you can visit C Spire’s website.

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    Al Hilal

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  • Honor’s 200 Pro Is Different, but Is It Desirable?

    Honor’s 200 Pro Is Different, but Is It Desirable?

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    Honor’s 200 Pro is an upper-midranger or maybe a lesser flagship. It has a lovely screen, good battery life, fast charging, a versatile camera, and the AI features of Honor’s flagship, Magic 6 Pro. Compromises are minimal. Sure, the processor is a step down from the flagship tier, it’s slightly less water resistant, the camera isn’t quite as good, and the 200 Pro misses out on secure face unlock, but it offers a pretty similar experience at a much more affordable price (£700 in the UK or 800 euros in Europe). It is not officially sold in the US.

    Honor focused on the portrait prowess of the 200 Pro in the unveiling, talking up its partnership with Paris-based Studio Harcourt (a famous portrait studio). But, like many of the 200 Pro’s AI features, this stuff feels a bit gimmicky. The real reason to look at the 200 Pro is the hardware you get for the price. Just be aware that Honor’s software can be jarring, and the design is not for everyone.

    Classic or Old

    While the Honor 200 Pro feels like a classy phone, the design gives me grandmother vibes. I acknowledge this might just be me, but something about the cameo brooch-shaped camera module (supposedly inspired by Gaudi’s “Casa Milá”) and the pale green (Ocean Cyan), swirly, mother-of-pearl finish has me picturing Grandma fishing it out of her handbag. There’s nothing wrong with the design, and I feel bad dunking on an attempt to do something different with the camera module, but it’s just not for me.

    The 200 Pro is light, slim, and curves front and back into the aluminum frame. It’s very comfortable to hold. But I have grown tired of curved screens and the inevitable accidental touches. I have no other complaints about the 6.78-inch AMOLED screen. The 2,700 x 1,224-pixel resolution is plenty sharp, the refresh rate goes up to 120 Hz, and it’s bright enough to read outdoors (Honor claims 4,000 nits of peak brightness, but that sounds optimistic). The sound quality of the stereo speakers is also impressive.

    Photograph: Simon Hill

    The fingerprint sensor at the bottom of the screen proved fast and responsive. I’m not keen on the double cutout for the front-facing camera, and there is no 3D time-of-flight sensor, so the 200 Pro doesn’t boast the secure face unlock of its more expensive sibling. The 200 Pro scores an IP65 rating, meaning rain and spills are probably fine, but you should avoid submersion.

    The 200 Pro relies on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, which is intended for the midrange. Somewhat confusingly, it is a step down from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, but I doubt many folks will feel a lack of processing power. The 200 Pro felt snappy, mostly keeping its cool while running games like Asphalt 9: Legends. Honor has generously appointed the 200 Pro with 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage.

    Portrait Photography

    The Honor 200 Pro has a triple-lens main camera that combines a 50-megapixel main shooter with a fairly large 1/1.3-inch image sensor, a 50-megapixel telephoto lens with a customized Sony IMX 856 sensor capable of 2.5X optical zoom, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide that can also handle macro photography. Honor made a big deal of this phone’s portrait chops, developed with the help of Studio Harcourt. True to that theme, there is a 50-megapixel front-facing camera with a 2-megapixel lens for depth sensing.

    Honor has been quick to roll AI features into its phones, and the 200 Pro has its “AI Portrait Engine” built in, which is supposed to make the most of shadow and light to help you nail your desired artistic style with portrait photos. There is even a Harcourt Portrait mode in the camera app that lets you choose between vibrant, color, or classic (black-and-white) styles, but it only works with the main camera, not the front-facing selfie camera.

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    Simon Hill

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  • How to Turn Your Smartphone Into a Webcam

    How to Turn Your Smartphone Into a Webcam

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    Tired of looking like a pixelated blob on your Zoom calls? Why use that pesky, tiny, low-quality webcam embedded in your laptop when you have a seriously great smartphone camera in your pocket? It has become really easy to use your smartphone as a webcam these days, and some options don’t even require you to plug anything in. We’ve detailed how to do this whether you have an iPhone or Android, on Windows or Mac.

    We also have instructions for using a professional camera or GoPro to handle the same task. If you don’t want to fuss with apps, check out our Best Webcams guide.

    Updated June 2024: We’ve vetted every pick again, removed older methods, and added steps for Pixel and Motorola phones.

    Table of Contents

    If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more.

    How to Make a Video Call With Just Your Phone

    Before converting your smartphone into a webcam for your computer, the obvious thing might be to try using your smartphone to run a video meeting. Services like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams generally have Android and iPhone apps available. All you need to do is install the app, log in, and use your phone’s selfie camera and microphone to participate in the meeting.

    Whether you do this or follow our methods below, invest in a small tripod to prop your phone up so you don’t have to balance it against a pile of books. The Joby GripTight is a popular and affordable tripod with legs that can contort to stay stable on almost any surface, though a height-adjustable tripod like this might be a better option. Lume Cube’s Panel Mini is also a nice way to illuminate your face.

    Ways to Use Your Phone as a Webcam

    You can use a videoconferencing app on your phone if you quickly need to sit in on a meeting and chime in now and then, but you’ll need a better system if you’re presenting and have to share your screen. That’s where it could help to convert your smartphone into a webcam.

    General tip: Make sure your preferred videoconferencing app is closed when installing a webcam client on your desktop PC or laptop. You may need to relaunch the app or restart your computer to get it all working.

    How to Use Any Phone as a Webcam for Mac or Windows

    The solution that works—whether you have an iPhone, Android, Mac, or Windows, in any combination—is a service called Reincubate Camo. It’s compatible with more than 40 video-calling apps, from Google Meet and Zoom to FaceTime and Discord. The steps below will work if you’re trying to connect an Android to a Mac, an iPhone to a Windows PC, or vice versa.

    Photograph: Reincubate Camo

    Steps to Set Up Camo:

    1. Download the Camo app on your Mac or Windows machine. Then download the app on iOS or Android. Android phones need to be running version 7.0 and up, and iPhones need to be on iOS 12 or later. It’ll work with Windows 7 (64-bit) or newer, and macOS 10.13 or later. (Camo also works with iPads.)
    2. Launch the app on your PC and smartphone. Camo supports wireless video transfer, so all you need to do is press the Wi-Fi icon in the Camo app on your phone (after permitting it to use your microphone and camera), and a QR code scanner should pop up. In the desktop client, click the drop-down menu under Device and choose Pair a Device. You should see a QR code. Scan it and your phone should connect immediately. Skip to step four if this is working.
    3. If you don’t want to go the wireless route, plug in a cable from your phone to your computer—make sure it’s a data-supported cable (not all USB-C cables support data transfer). (If you have issues, try another cable.) For Android phones connecting to a Windows PC, you’ll need to enable USB debugging mode. To do this, head to Settings > About Phone and then tap Build Number seven times to enable Developer mode. Once turned on, you can find it in Settings > System > Developer Mode, though some of the navigation menus may differ based on your Android phone. Scroll down to find USB Debugging and toggle it on. You might see a pop-up asking whether you want to allow USB debugging. If it’s not working, unplug the cable and plug it back in. Connecting an Android to a Mac? Turn USB debugging off. If you never turned it on, you should be good to go, or head to Developer mode again and turn it off. iPhones connecting to Windows PCs or Macs shouldn’t require additional steps (press Trust if the pop-up appears on your phone).
    4. You should now start seeing your rear camera’s feed on the Camo desktop app. If you don’t, and you’re connected via a cord, unplug the cable from your phone, then restart the Camo app on your computer and phone. Plug it back in and you should see the feed.
    5. Go to your video conferencing app’s device settings and choose Camo as the video camera, and your phone camera’s feed should pop up. You can also change the default microphone to Camo if you want to use your phone as a mic.

    You get quite a few options to choose from in the Camo desktop app to customize the video feed. That includes 720p video quality and zoom options, and you can remove the watermark. Much of this is free, but unfortunately, you’ll need to pay for Camo Pro for several nifty features, like 4K recording, the ability to switch lenses, and Portrait mode (iPhone owners are likely better off using Apple’s Continuity Camera, which we detail further below). Camo offers a few payment options: a lifetime license ($100), an annual subscription ($50), or a monthly subscription ($9).

    How to Use iPhone as a Webcam for Mac With Continuity Camera

    Apple’s Continuity Camera lets you use your iPhone as a webcam for your Mac—no third-party software required. Your iPhone needs to be on iOS 16 or later, and your Mac needs to be on macOS 13 Ventura or later. (iOS 16 isn’t available for the iPhone 7 or older, so you’ll need to upgrade your device.)

    When you open a video-calling app with your iPhone nearby, you’ll see a pop-up explaining that you can use your iPhone as a webcam. The first time I tried to switch the camera it didn’t work, but a restart of my phone and MacBook did the trick.

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    Julian Chokkattu

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  • Comparing HONOR 200 Pro vs HONOR 200 Lite

    Comparing HONOR 200 Pro vs HONOR 200 Lite

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    Honor 200 Lite

    Honor 200 Lite

    Honor 200 Lite

    Honor 200 Lite

    Introduction

    In the realm of smartphones, HONOR has established itself as a reliable provider of innovative and feature-rich devices. Among their offerings, the HONOR 200 Pro and HONOR 200 Lite stand out as compelling choices for users seeking a balance of performance and affordability. While both devices share the esteemed HONOR branding, they cater to different needs and preferences. Understanding the distinctions between these models is crucial to selecting the one that best suits your lifestyle.

    The HONOR 200 Pro represents the pinnacle of smartphone photography, boasting advanced AI-powered portrait capabilities and a collaboration with Studio Harcourt, renowned for its expertise in the art of portraiture. On the other hand, the HONOR 200 Lite offers a more budget-friendly option without compromising on essential features like camera quality and display performance. With each device offering its unique set of advantages, let’s explore their key features and functionalities to help you make an informed decision.

    Honor 200 Pro

    Honor 200 Pro

    Honor 200 Pro

    Honor 200 Pro

    Technical Specs Comparison

    Specification Honor 200 Pro Honor 200 Lite
    Dimensions 75.2 x 163.3 x 8.2 mm 74.55 x 161.05 x 6.78 mm
    Weight 199 g 166 g
    SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 4G MediaTek Dimensity 6080 (MT6833GP)
    CPU Octa-Core Cortex-A76 & Cortex-A53 (1×3.0 GHz Super Core + 3×2.36 GHz Cortex-A76 + 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) Octa-core (2×2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
    GPU Qualcomm Adreno 650 ARM Mali-G57 MC2
    RAM 12 GB LPDDR5 8 GB
    Storage 256 GB UFS3.X 256 GB
    Display 6.78 inches, QHD+ (1236 x 2676), OLED, 120 Hz refresh rate 6.78 inches, AMOLED, 1080 x 2412 pixels
    Rear Camera Quad camera array with 48 MP main sensor; 4K@60fps video recording 108 MP main sensor, 5 MP depth, 2 MP macro
    OS Android X Android 14, MagicOS 8
    Battery 3840 mAh with 40W fast charging (wired) 4500 mAh with 35W fast charging (wired)

    The Verdict

    Why Choose the HONOR 200 Lite?

    Honor 200 Lite

    If you’re looking for a smartphone that offers impressive camera capabilities at an affordable price point, the HONOR 200 Lite is an excellent choice. With its 108MP Main Camera and 50MP Front Camera, you can capture stunning photos and selfies with ease. The device also features a large, eye-comfort AMOLED display, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience for extended use. While the technical specifications are not as robust as the Pro version, the Lite still delivers reliable performance for everyday use.

    Why Choose the HONOR 200 Pro?

    Honor 200 Pro

    For those who prioritize advanced photography features and top-notch performance, the HONOR 200 Pro is the ideal option. With its co-engineered AI-powered portrait capabilities and Studio Harcourt collaboration, the Pro model delivers studio-level photography right from your smartphone. The device boasts a high-quality display with impressive brightness levels and offers powerful performance thanks to its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Mobile Platform and ample memory and storage options. Additionally, the Pro variant includes fast charging options, ensuring you stay connected and powered up throughout the day.

    In conclusion, both the HONOR 200 Pro and HONOR 200 Lite offer distinct advantages depending on your preferences and budget. Whether you prioritize advanced camera features or affordability, HONOR has you covered with these two impressive smartphone options.

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    Al Hilal

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  • Experience Studio-Level Photography with the HONOR 200 Pro

    Experience Studio-Level Photography with the HONOR 200 Pro

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    Honor 200 Pro

    Honor 200 Pro

    Honor 200 Pro

    Revolutionary AI-Powered Portrait Photography

    One of the standout features of the HONOR 200 Pro is its AI-powered portrait capabilities. Co-engineered with Studio Harcourt, a Parisian photography house known for its mastery in light and shadow, the HONOR AI Portrait Engine brings studio-level photography to your fingertips. The device is equipped with a 50MP Portrait Main Camera and a Super Dynamic H9000 Sensor, designed to capture intricate details and balance light even in challenging environments. Whether you’re in low light or bright sunshine, the camera adapts to ensure your photos are clear and vibrant.

    Enhanced Display for Comfortable Viewing

    The HONOR 200 Pro doesn’t just excel in photography; it also offers a top-notch viewing experience. The phone features a 1.5K Quad-curved Floating Display with a peak HDR brightness of 4000 nits, making it easy to see even in direct sunlight. For those who spend long hours on their phones, the device includes several eye comfort features. The 3840Hz Risk-free Dimming and AI Circadian Night Display, certified by TÜV Rheinland, help reduce eye strain by adjusting the screen’s color temperature and brightness based on ambient light and user habits. This ensures a comfortable viewing experience, whether you’re browsing during the day or reading at night.

    Powerful Performance for Everyday Use

    Under the hood, the HONOR 200 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Mobile Platform, which offers seamless performance for all your needs. With a CPU clock speed of up to 3GHz, this device ensures smooth graphics rendering and real-time responsiveness. It also boasts 12GB of memory and 512GB of storage, providing ample space for your apps, photos, and files. The large 5200mAh battery ensures that you can go about your day without constantly worrying about recharging. When you do need to charge, the 100W Wired HONOR SuperCharge and 66W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge options ensure your phone is quickly powered up and ready to go.

    Design and Build Quality

    The HONOR 200 Pro is designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind. Its sleek design, inspired by natural elements, is available in three colorways: Ocean Cyan, Moonlight White, and Black. The phone’s build quality feels solid and premium, making it a device you’ll be proud to carry around. The user interface, powered by MagicOS 8.0, is intuitive and packed with smart functionalities like Magic Portal, Magic Capsule, and Magic Ring, enhancing your overall smartphone experience.

    Conclusion

    The HONOR 200 Pro is a well-rounded smartphone that excels in portrait photography, offers a comfortable viewing experience, and delivers powerful performance. Its collaboration with Studio Harcourt sets a new standard in mobile photography, making it an attractive choice for photography enthusiasts. Available for pre-order starting at £499.99, the HONOR 200 Pro promises to be a compelling option for those looking to upgrade their smartphone experience without breaking the bank.

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    Al Hilal

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  • HONOR 200 Lite: A Balanced Smartphone for Everyday Use

    HONOR 200 Lite: A Balanced Smartphone for Everyday Use

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    Honor 200 Lite

    Honor 200 Lite

    Honor 200 Lite

    Honor 200 Lite

    The smartphone market is constantly evolving, and the HONOR 200 Lite has entered the scene as a balanced option for users who seek quality features without breaking the bank. HONOR’s latest release combines essential functionality with impressive photography capabilities and a comfortable viewing experience, making it a compelling choice for many.

    Camera Capabilities: More Than Meets the Eye

    The HONOR 200 Lite is equipped with a robust triple camera system that sets it apart in its category. The 50MP Front Camera is designed for high-quality selfies and video calls, ensuring you always look your best. Additionally, the 108MP Main Camera, with its f/1.75 aperture and HIGH-RES mode, captures stunning images with exceptional detail. Whether you’re photographing a sunset or a candid moment with friends, the camera setup ensures clear and vibrant results. These features are particularly beneficial for those who enjoy sharing their life through photos on social media.

    Display: Comfort and Clarity Combined

    One of the standout features of the HONOR 200 Lite is its 6.7-inch Eye-comfort AMOLED Display. With a peak HDR brightness of 2000 nits and 3240Hz risk-free PWM Dimming, this display is designed to reduce eye strain during prolonged use. The screen’s high resolution and bright, vivid colors make it ideal for streaming videos, browsing the web, or scrolling through your photo gallery. The adaptive brightness feature adjusts the display according to the surrounding light, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience whether you are indoors or outdoors.

    Performance: Smooth and Reliable

    Under the hood, the HONOR 200 Lite is powered by components that ensure smooth performance for everyday tasks. It comes with 8GB of RAM, which helps in multitasking and running applications without lag. The 256GB of storage provides ample space for your photos, videos, and apps, reducing the need to constantly manage storage. This combination of RAM and storage makes the HONOR 200 Lite a reliable companion for users who need a phone that can handle everyday demands with ease.

    Design and Usability: Practical and Attractive

    The HONOR 200 Lite doesn’t just perform well; it also looks good while doing it. The design is sleek and modern, inspired by natural elements, which gives the phone a premium feel. The device is easy to handle and fits comfortably in the hand, making it convenient for daily use. The attention to design details ensures that it not only looks attractive but also feels durable and reliable.

    Conclusion: A Practical Choice for Many

    The HONOR 200 Lite stands out as a well-rounded smartphone that offers a bit of everything without overwhelming users with unnecessary features. Its strong camera capabilities, eye-comfort display, reliable performance, and sleek design make it a practical choice for those who need a dependable phone for daily use. Priced affordably and available for purchase from June 12th, 2024, the HONOR 200 Lite provides great value without compromising on essential features.

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    Al Hilal

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  • Xiaomi’s Poco F6 Is the Perfect Phone for Gamers on a Budget

    Xiaomi’s Poco F6 Is the Perfect Phone for Gamers on a Budget

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    With so many excellent midrange smartphones available now, how do you choose? Every year, Xiaomi’s Poco range pushes hardware expectations, and the Poco F6 and F6 Pro are no exception. The Poco F6 Pro (£499) struggles to justify the Pro tag, but the cheaper Poco F6 (£399) is an absolute bargain (even more so if you bagged the early-bird price of £339). You will struggle to find this processing power or display quality elsewhere without paying more.

    Xiaomi routinely rebadges affordable phones released in China under its Redmi brand as Poco phones for Europe and the rest of the world, though they are not sold in the United States. Poco quickly built a reputation for value, and the F6 is a strong example of why. It ticks all the boxes with a gorgeous display, zippy performance, capable camera, and fast charging, though the software and battery life let it down some.

    The Poco F6 could be the perfect phone for gamers on a budget this year and is almost compromise-free. The Pro is not worth the extra cash, so I’ll focus on the Poco F6 in this review, but I will drill deeper into the differences below.

    Identity Crisis

    The design is perhaps the least interesting thing about these phones, but it is also the most obvious difference. The Poco F6 is all-plastic, with a flat frame, a gently curved shimmery back that doesn’t show finger smudges, and two huge camera lenses at the top left flanked by a smaller flash. My review unit is a handsome green, but it also comes in black or a beige gold that Xiaomi calls titanium.

    The F6 Pro has an aluminum frame and a glass back with a marble effect finish. My review unit is black, but you can also opt for white. The camera module is far bigger, spanning almost the whole top of the F6 Pro, with three medium-sized lenses and a flash in a symmetrical grid of four. The F6 Pro is a touch thicker and heavier than its sibling, and you can tell it is the more expensive of the two, though I preferred the F6. The Poco branding is mercifully subtle. That said, neither design is very exciting.

    Photograph: Simon Hill

    Both phones have a fingerprint sensor under the screen, and it worked fine for me, usually unlocking the first time. But it is weirdly low compared with other phones, so I kept having to adjust the position of my thumb. Strangely, the F6 has a superior IP64 rating for water resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus to protect the screen, while the F6 Pro is IP54 and has the older Gorilla Glass 5.

    These phones are almost identically sized, both boasting a 6.67-inch AMOLED with a 120-Hz refresh rate, though you must activate it in the display settings. The distinction is the resolution, with the F6 Pro at 3,200 x 1,440 pixels and the F6 at 2,712 x 1,220 pixels, and the F6 Pro is supposed to get a bit brighter. Even side-by-side, I couldn’t see much of a difference. Both screens are sharp and bright enough to see outdoors. These are solid phones for movie watching (if you must watch movies on your phone) with stereo speakers and support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+.

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  • Nubia’s $500 Foldable Is Cheap but Flawed

    Nubia’s $500 Foldable Is Cheap but Flawed

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    Instead of zoom levels, Nubia lists focal length (the distance where lens and sensor converge) measured in millimeters, and smaller numbers mean a wider field of view and depth of field. The Flip 5G camera gives you an option of 50 mm or 26 mm. There is no telephoto lens, so zooming tends to wash out details. The processing is often heavy-handed, sometimes taking a second or two and resulting in an oil painting effect.

    Most optional modes, including portrait, are poor, and the resulting photos never look natural, but you can achieve a reasonable bokeh effect with the regular camera. Rely on the automatic settings and you will be disappointed regularly. It works better if you turn off the AI and best if you are prepared to tinker with Pro mode, but there’s a lot of gimmicky fluff in the camera app. There isn’t much call to use the 16-megapixel front-facing camera outside of video calls, but it’s passable.

    Software Worries

    The Nubia Flip 5G gets off to a bad start on the software front, with the already outdated MyOS 13 on top of Android 13. It is fairly close to stock Android, but there’s some bloatware and pointless shortcuts to download apps and games you almost certainly do not want.

    It’s important to note that the cover screen does not support third-party apps. It can display notifications, music controls, weather, your calendar, a pedometer, a stopwatch, or a voice recorder, and it enables you to take selfies with the main camera, but that’s about it. The “interactive” pets are super cute (my daughter loved the cat), but they aren’t really interactive; they are just animated wallpapers.

    Nubia has a poor track record for updates. When I asked the company for clarity, it could not provide a definite timeline for Android 14 or subsequent updates. Based on past phones, you will be lucky to get three years, and that’s woeful when you consider Google is offering seven years for the similarly priced Pixel 8A.

    Photograph: Simon Hill

    The closest competitor is the Motorola Razr (2023) and, sadly, Motorola is also bad at software updates. There isn’t much to separate the two beyond the different designs. I prefer the look of the Nubia Flip 5G. It charges faster and comes with more storage. But the Razr supports wireless charging and scores an IP52 rating. One final consideration that might swing it for Motorola is network compatibility. The Flip 5G should be mostly OK on T-Mobile or AT&T in the States, but cross-check supported bands with your carrier before you buy.

    If you can live without the fold, pick something better from the best cheap phones. If you are set on a folding flip phone, try to find an extra $200 or so for something like the Motorola Razr+ (7/10, WIRED Recommends) or Samsung Z Flip5, which both offer a more useful cover screen. Ultimately, I enjoyed using the Nubia Flip 5G, and it is cute enough that my 11-year-old daughter asked to trade it for her Pixel 6.

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  • HMD’s First Self-Branded Phone in the US Isn’t Much of a Vibe

    HMD’s First Self-Branded Phone in the US Isn’t Much of a Vibe

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    HMD, the Finnish company that has been licensing the Nokia brand name to make cheapo and midrange Android phones for more than 7 years, is finally striking it out on its own. Now you’ll start seeing cheapo and midrange phones with the branding “HMD,” which stands for Human Mobile Devices. (The company says it plans on continuing its relationship with Nokia.)

    A few of these devices have already hit European markets—the HMD Pulse series—but the US is getting the HMD Vibe. It’s a $150 smartphone, so don’t expect anything groundbreaking. It omits a few too many features, and HMD now takes the crown for the worst software policy out of all well-known Android makers. But if you want to spend very little on a mobile phone, the Vibe will do.

    Vibe Check

    To me, the most important feature of a cheap smartphone is performance. If it’s too slow and frustrating to use, then it doesn’t matter how cheap it is. Good news then—the HMD Vibe is a fairly smooth-performing smartphone considering its $150 price. My initial impression was not great, as the phone was ridiculously slow as I was setting it up and installing all my apps, but once that was sorted, it’s been fairly smooth sailing.

    It’s powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 680 chipset with 6 GB of RAM. I’m not saying this is a speedy device—there’s even a small delay when you swipe up on an app to go to the home screen. Apps don’t launch at lightning speed. But I’ve been using the Vibe for more than a week (on 4G LTE no less) and it’s been better than tolerable. I’ve played games like Pako Forever and Alto’s Odyssey with no problems, and my benchmark scores place it on par with the similarly priced Moto G Play 2024.

    Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

    However, remember to turn on the Adaptive refresh rate in the phone’s display settings menu. This bumps the refresh rate from 60 Hz to 90 Hz. Things were a bit choppy without it, but after I turned it on, there was a noticeable improvement in smoothness. Speaking of the display, this is a 6.56-inch LCD screen that’s decently sharp but doesn’t get too bright. On sunny days out, I had a hard time seeing content on the screen while out and about.

    This phone looks pretty bland. It’s just a black rectangle, with a bit of a graphite-esque design on the black rear. You do get a headphone jack and a microSD card slot to expand the included 128 GB of storage, but this phone does not have a fingerprint sensor. That’s a convenience available on its peer, the Moto G Play 2024, and it lets you access secure apps quickly without having to log in all the time. HMD offers a basic face unlock, but it won’t work with apps, and it doesn’t work in the dark (or when you wear sunglasses).

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    Julian Chokkattu

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  • Which Motorola Phone Should You Buy?

    Which Motorola Phone Should You Buy?

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    The problem? While it has everything you need all at a low price, this phone will only get one Android OS update (to Android 15) later this year or early in 2025. It’ll still get three years of security updates, so while that means the phone will stay patched and secure, you won’t get new Android features past a year. There’s also more bloatware on this device than ever before, but at least much of it is easy to uninstall or disable. It comes with 128 GB of internal storage, but you can upgrade that thanks to a microSD card slot.

    If you can get past those flaws, the Moto G Power 5G 2024 is one of the best phones you can buy for less than $300, and better yet, it has already dipped as low as $282, so wait for a sale.

    Motorola promises one Android OS upgrade and three years of bimonthly security updates.

    If You Want a Stylus

    The Moto G Stylus doesn’t feel drastically different from the Moto G Power. It’s just as nice with the vegan leather back and delivers relatively smooth performance with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset and 8 gigs of RAM. Sure, there are some hiccups here and there, particularly when you juggle between apps, but it’s an otherwise snappy phone.

    For $100 more than its sibling, you do get some extra perks. Namely, the stylus. You can pull it out of the bottom of the phone to jot notes, sign documents, or doodle when bored. Motorola doesn’t have decent palm rejection, so don’t expect comfortable sketching sessions on this handset, but it’s handy to have around for those reasons.

    I eked out slightly better battery life, despite the same 5,000-mAh capacity as the Moto G Power 2024. It comfortably lasted a full day with heavy use, and a day and a half for average use. There’s still wireless charging, a headphone jack, NFC for contactless payments, and the same size 6.7-inch screen, though here you’re treated to a superior OLED panel that offers deeper blacks and richer colors. The screen has a 120-Hz refresh rate, just like the Moto G Power.

    Other upgrades include a bump to 256 GB of internal storage, dual stereo speakers, and a nicer camera system: a 50-MP main camera with a 13-MP ultrawide, plus a 32-MP selfie camera. The cameras are indeed better than what you get on the Moto G Power, with more vibrant colors and sharper details, especially with the ultrawide. However, it’s still not as good a camera as the Google Pixel 8A.

    Motorola promises one Android OS upgrade and three years of bimonthly security updates.

    Other Good Motorola Phones

    Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

    I suggest you stick to the phones above, but if your budget is tight, the phones below are OK buys. The Moto G phones receive one Android OS update and three years of bimonthly security updates.

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    Julian Chokkattu

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  • These Are the Android Phones Worth Buying

    These Are the Android Phones Worth Buying

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    We test a ton of Android phones. We like the ones below, but you’ll be better off with one of the options above. If you haven’t yet done so, check out our Best Cheap Phones guide for more.

    Motorola Moto G Play 2024 for $150: On a tight budget? This Motorola phone doesn’t have NFC for contactless payments, nor does it support 5G. It’ll also only get one Android OS upgrade. That said, performance was pretty good in my time testing it, and the 6.5-inch LCD screen was readable in sunny conditions.

    Samsung Galaxy A35 5G for $400: There are better phones for $400, but if you can catch this on a steep sale, it’s a solid handset. The Galaxy A35 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) mostly suffers from mediocre performance. It’s OK, but you’ll notice the slowness and stuttery interface quite often. That just makes it annoying to use. There’s also no wireless charging, though this phone will get four Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates.

    Google Pixel 7A for $421: The Pixel 7A (8/10, WIRED Recommends) has a successor, but it’s still a great phone. Try to avoid paying more than $375 for this handset. Anything more and you may as well buy the newer Pixel 8A. Performance is great, the cameras are excellent, and the display is smooth and bright. There’s even wireless charging, and long software support (though not as long as the new Pixel 8A). Just know that battery life is so-so.

    Samsung Galaxy S23 FE for $600: I used this phone for several weeks and found it was more than enough to meet my needs. The cameras are surprisingly decent—you even get a usable 3X optical zoom, though its results are not as excellent as the ones from the Galaxy S23. The performance gave me zero issues, and the battery often lasted me a little more than a day with average use. The 6.4-inch screen is a pretty nice size that’s not too big and not too small, and you still get perks like wireless charging and a 120-Hz screen refresh rate. It has dipped as low as $400 during Black Friday, so I highly recommend you wait for a sale.

    Samsung Galaxy S23 Series ($700+): It seems like last year’s Galaxy S23 range (9/10, WIRED Recommends) may be disappearing faster than usual, as stock is low across a variety of retailers. If you can find them, the 6.1-inch Galaxy S23, the 6.6-inch S23+, and the massive 6.8-inch S23 Ultra are full of high-end features, from the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset that keeps even the most demanding games running beautifully to the fluid and bright 120-Hz AMOLED displays. Battery life has improved across the board, with the S23 comfortably lasting more than a day and the S23 Ultra hitting nearly two full days with average use. The triple camera systems are the highlight, delivering remarkable results whether it’s day or night. The S23 Ultra has the special 10X optical zoom camera, which is no longer available on the latest S24 Ultra, and I miss it. It was nice being able to capture sharp photos of objects far away. It’s the only phone in the trio with the embedded S Pen stylus if you like to doodle. Try to avoid the MSRP since they’re a year old; sometimes, these prices match the latest models, which is a bad deal.

    OnePlus Open for $1,400: The OnePlus Open (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is the first folding smartphone from OnePlus, and it’s surprisingly good. OnePlus has some clever software trickery to make multitasking on this booklike foldable simple and effective. The camera system delivers good results, the screens get plenty bright, and the battery life is excellent. I just wish the water resistance was better and that it had wireless charging.

    Google Pixel 6A for $349: Google’s continuing to sell the 2022 Pixel 6A (8/10, WIRED Recommends) at a marked-down price. It’s still excellent value and a worthy purchase. It’s powered by Google’s first-gen Tensor chip, which means you’re getting some of the best performance for the money, and it supports all the same great (and helpful) software smarts as the flagship Pixel 6 series. It’s got an OLED screen, a decent camera system, and lengthy software support. There’s no wireless charging and it has a 60-Hz screen.

    Xiaomi Poco X6 for £319 and X6 Pro for £369: Not in the US? You should take a look at the Poxo X6 or Poco X6 Pro (7/10, WIRED Recommends). These are speedy phones considering the low prices, with great displays, and decent battery life, plus the X6 even has a headphone jack! It’s a shame there’s a lot of bloatware, limited water resistance, and the cameras are lackluster.

    Google Pixel 7 Pro for $449: The 2022 Pixel 7 Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a good buy if you can find it at this price (or lower). You get a 6.7-inch screen with a 120-Hz refresh rate. There’s Face Unlock, but this isn’t secure like the version on the Pixel 8, so you’ll have to rely on the fingerprint sensor to access sensitive apps. Cameras are a big part of Pixels, and the Pixel 7 Pro remains one of the best with an upgraded ultrawide with autofocus, enabling a Macro Focus mode for close-ups. Its telephoto camera has an excellent 5X optical zoom too.

    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 for $1,800: The Fold5 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) remains an excellent big-screen folding smartphone. The cameras can take some great photos, the displays can get shockingly bright, and Samsung promises lengthy software support. But the introduction of the Pixel Fold has shown me how much more I prefer the wider front screen. The Fold5’s external screen feels too narrow, and some apps feel squished (though it’s a little easier to grasp when closed). It’s frequently available for $1,499 so try not to pay more.

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  • Which Google Pixel Phone Should You Buy?

    Which Google Pixel Phone Should You Buy?

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    Unless you can find the Pixel 6 series for $300 or less, you’re better off buying one of the newer phones we recommend above. Any older Pixel is not worth buying anymore. (The Pixel 5’s support window ended.) You can still find some of them at various retailers, but unless they’re practically free, stick with any of the models above.

    The Best Pixel Cases and Accessories

    Pixel 8A case

    Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

    This silicone case lets you match your Pixel phone’s color. It’s durable, nice to touch, and there are raised edges on the front to protect the screen. It’s made with recycled plastics. and while the older cases attract lint and dust easily, the revamped Pixel 8A case does a better job of resisting them. I also like that the charging port is a bit more open, as it makes it easier to swipe up from the screen.

    Totallee is known for its uber-thin cases, and the one I tried for the Pixel 8 almost feels like you have nothing on the phone. It won’t protect the phone from anything other than everyday scratches. I suggest you go for the clear case instead. It offers up clicky buttons and raised lips around the edges of the screen. Plus, the color of the Pixel phone shines through quite well.

    This is hands-down the best case if you frequently attach your Pixel to the handlebar of a bike or an electric scooter. Peak Design’s mounting system lets you magnetically affix the phone to its Universal Bike Mount ($50), and it stays put. After nearly a year of testing, I’ve yet to have a phone fall off my ride using this mounting system. It makes use of Apple’s MagSafe system, so it works with plenty of MagSafe accessories, even wireless chargers. The company also has several other magnetic accessories, like a car vent mount. The case itself is nice; I just wish the edges were raised a bit more for better screen protection. It comes in more colors than ever before.

    This is one of the best clear cases you’ll find for the Pixel, especially at this price. The buttons are clicky, the Pixel’s color comes through clearly, and the rear doesn’t feel too sticky like some other clear cases. Totallee’s clear case offers a bit more protection, but it’s nearly double the price.

    Caseology Snap Fit Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy

    Caseology Tempered Glass Screen Protector

    Photograph: Caseology

    Pixel phones don’t have a great track record with screen durability—they scratch easily. We first tested this protector for the Pixel 5A, and it held up well. Installation is easy, and it includes a squeegee to get rid of air bubbles. You get two screen protectors for the price (some only include one, check the product page), plus a microfiber cloth, a wipe, and dust-removal stickers. Spigen’s screen protector for the Pixel 8A is very similar in what you get and the application process, and it’s just as affordable.

    This screen protector was really simple to apply and barely gave me any air bubbles. You only get one protector, but there’s an alcohol wipe to clean the screen beforehand, a microfiber cloth, an application tool, and a squeegee. The problem? It’s not tempered glass, but rather a mix of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a cheaper material that’s typically not as impact-resistant.

    You get only one screen protector here, and it’s expensive. Zagg claims that the protector is five times as strong as traditional screen protectors, and I haven’t seen many scuffs on the Pixels I’ve applied it on, but take this with a grain of salt. It’s straightforward to apply with the included application tool, but Zagg doesn’t include a squeegee, so you’ll have to use your fingers to push the air bubbles out. It comes with a dust sticker, a wet wipe, and a microfiber cloth. For the Pixel Fold, the screen protector is only for the external display.

    This is another pricey protector from Zagg that’s easy to apply. It’s noticeably thicker than any other screen protector in this guide, so if you’re frequently dropping your phone, it might be worth shelling out for this kind of screen protection. You get a wet wipe, microfiber, and dust-removal stickers, plus an application tool to easily put the protector in place.

    Google Pixel Wireless Charging Stand Gen 2

    Google Pixel Stand (Gen 2)

    Photograph: Google

    Wireless charging is available on all the Pixel phones mentioned in this guide. Google’s very own Pixel Stand is one of the best wireless chargers around because it’s simple. The base doesn’t slide around, the phone stays put, and it enables some fun features, like the ability to turn the screen into a digital photo frame and quick access to Google Assistant. It’s made of 39 percent recycled materials, with mostly eco-friendly packaging too. Our Best Wireless Chargers guide has more options, including the original and cheaper Pixel Stand.

    This charging adapter is all you need to recharge your Pixel, whichever model you have. The newest high-end Pixel phones don’t come with chargers in the box, so if you don’t have any spare USB-C chargers, it’s worth picking one up. This one’s prongs fold up, so it’s great for travel too.

    These cases are pricey, but they have raised lips and offer decent protection around the edges. The buttons are clicky, and you can choose from a few design options for the rear, including walnut, leather, bamboo, silver pearl, and aramid fiber. (I love the walnut.) What makes this case special is that it supports MagSafe—yes, Apple’s magnetic system for accessories. I’ve used the Mous Limitless 5.0 successfully with a few MagSafe accessories, like a Belkin wireless charger.

    This is a two-shell case—there’s a silicone soft interior and a hard shell exterior. The buttons are a tiny bit hard to press but not terribly so. There’s a slight bump for the camera module, and the edges are slightly raised around the screen. I don’t think it’s quite worth $50, but what might make it worth it is the sheer number of designs you can choose from.

    Spigen Liquid Air case for Google Pixel

    Spigen Liquid Air Case

    Photograph: Spigen

    It’s slim, has a nice texture, retains clicky buttons, and has accurate cutouts for the ports and speakers. What’s not to love? Well, it’s a bit dull, squashing the unique design of the Pixel, but I still think this case is one of the more attractive in Spigen’s lineup. The edges aren’t raised drastically, so don’t expect much screen protection. The Thin Fit case is even more dull, but it does the job.

    Want a kickstand to prop your Pixel up? This Spigen case has a built-in stand that does the trick, though it unfortunately only works in landscape mode—not great for hands-free TikTok. Its thick bumper offers nice protection around the edges, though there’s not much of a lip sticking out, so you’ll still want to pair it with a screen protector.

    I have used Pixel Fold cases from OtterBox and Speck, but the one I keep coming back to is the official case from Google. The soft silicone is much nicer than the hard plastic on the others, and it doesn’t add too much bulk. It’s two separate pieces, and there’s a dip on the side so you can access the buttons and fingerprint sensor.

    Casetify phone case on a Google Pixel Fold smartphone

    Casetify Impact Case

    Photograph: Casetify

    Casetify is where you’ll want to go if you want your Pixel phone to stand out even more. There are zillions of designs to choose from, and the Impact cases have rigid bumpers, grippy sides, and responsive buttons. The edges around the screen are decently raised too.

    I only tested the Grip case with the Pixel 7 Pro, but it had clicky buttons and incredibly grippy edges (hence the name). I don’t think I’ve ever felt a grippier case. It feels robust yet fairly slim. You can choose a snazzy design, but you’ll have to apply this “skin” yourself on the back of the case. There’s a lot of room for error here so be careful, and watch Dbrand’s installation video for tips. The Pixel 8 series version of this case adds MagSafe support, so you can use your Pixel with MagSafe accessories, but I have not tested it yet.

    The Denali case for the Pixel 8 series has graphene embedded inside, which Zagg claims improves durability. I found graphene to do a better job of spreading heat during demanding tasks, so if you’re frequently pushing your Pixel to the limit, then this might be a good case to try, even if it is a bit boring in the design department. For the older Denali case models, the D30 material (best known for its use in motorcycle gear) hardens on impact for better drop protection. The camera bar has raised edges all around it, and the buttons are clicky, but edge protection is a little lackluster on the front.

    OtterBox Defender Series Case on the Google Pixel 7

    OtterBox Defender Pro

    Photograph: Amazon

    It takes some effort to install this case on the Pixel, but once you do, it’s arguably the most protection you’ll find. There’s an inner two-piece polycarbonate shell that snaps over and under the Pixel, and then a thick synthetic rubber slipcover goes over for extreme durability. The buttons are surprisingly clicky, though the whole phone will be thicker, wider, and heavier. It’s made of more than 50 percent recycled plastic, and there’s a holster you can pop it in to carry your Pixel with pride on your belt. (The holster can double as a kickstand.)

    This is another nice clear case for the Pixel series. I like the textured power button, which makes it easy to find when you’re not looking, and there are spots on the case to attach a lanyard (not included). It’s not as smudge-resistant as Ringke claims, but it’s easy to clean.

    These are adorable cases with a few designs to choose from. I’ve usually only tried Cyrill’s Ultracolor cases (available for a variety of Pixels), and they’re solid. The new styles are fun, with clicky buttons, accurate cutouts, and extra protection around the corners. Every case comes with a wrist lanyard so you can keep your Pixel at arm’s reach all the time.

    Our Favorite Pixel Software Features

    Google Pixel 6

    Wait Times.

    Video: Google

    There are some key features on Pixels that you won’t find on any other Android phone. Some of these are only available on select Pixels—those powered by Google’s Tensor chips are more capable. Here’s a quick breakdown:

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    Julian Chokkattu

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  • The Sony Xperia 1 Mk. VI Features Better Optical Zoom and Boosted Battery

    The Sony Xperia 1 Mk. VI Features Better Optical Zoom and Boosted Battery

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    The Xperia 1 Mk. VI has an upgraded zoom camera with an impressive 85mm to 170mm (3.5x to 7x) optical zoom range. It also comes with the AI autofocus tracking from Sony’s Alpha cameras. Its 1080×2340 OLED display with variable refresh rate, 5000mAh battery, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip should make for a phone that can last 2 days between charges.

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    Lambert Varias

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  • The 15 Top New Android 15 Features

    The 15 Top New Android 15 Features

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    The next version of Google’s mobile operating system—Android 15—is on the horizon, with a host of new features and improvements. Google promises productivity enhancements, better privacy and security, and smoother performance. There are also upgrades for foldable and larger-screen devices. Android 15 is only available as a beta for select devices right now, with the final release a few months away. But we have been trying it out, and these are our favorite new features so far.

    Google officially dropped the dessert naming back with Android 10, but it still uses codenames internally. Android 14 was Upside Down Cake, and this year’s release is Vanilla Ice Cream.

    Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

    How to Download and Install Android 15

    Google released the first beta of Android 15 in April, with further releases planned for May, June, and July, ahead of the final public rollout, likely in August or October. These releases enable developers to test the forthcoming version of Google’s mobile operating system, learn about the new features, and prepare their apps or games to work properly. They also give early adopters the chance to get a sneak peek at Android 15.

    While the beta releases are more stable than developer previews, you may still encounter some bugs, and you need to jump through a few hoops to install them, so it’s not recommended for everyone. If you are keen to try it, you will need a Google Pixel phone (Pixel 6 or later) or a supported partner device (including select phones from Honor, Nothing, OnePlus, and Xiaomi). You have to sign up for the Android Beta Program. Most folks who sign up for the program will get the beta updates OTA (over-the-air) without wiping their phones, but you won’t be able to quit the beta program without a factory reset. Make sure to back up your Android phone first.

    Updates usually pop up automatically, but you can always check whether you have the latest version in Settings > System > System update by tapping Check for update. Want to get off the beta and go back to Android 14? Go to Google’s Android Beta page, scroll down to find your device, and hit Opt out. This will wipe all locally saved data, so back up your device first. You’ll get an update prompt to go back to the older version.

    Folks without a Pixel or supported partner device should watch their phone manufacturer’s website, forums, or social media to learn when to expect Android 15.

    Top New Android 15 Features

    These are our favorite features and improvements so far, but we won’t know for sure what will make the final cut until Android 15 is released. You can learn more at Google’s developer site. And be sure to read our story on all the new features coming to Android and the Android ecosystem—including Wear OS, Android Auto, and Android TV—in this story here.

    Private Space

    Courtesy of Google

    Android 15 includes a new Private Space where you can keep sensitive apps separate from the rest of your phone. Whether you want to safeguard health data or your banking apps, Private Space keeps them safely behind a second layer of authentication, protected with the same password you use to unlock your device or an alternative PIN. When your Private Space is locked, apps are hidden from the recents view, notifications, settings, and other apps. You can wipe your private space completely too.

    More Satellite Connectivity

    Courtesy of Google

    There’s a significant expansion for satellite connectivity in Android 15. Some RCS and SMS apps should now be able to send text messages via satellite (it was previously limited to emergency use). Google has also standardized the pop-ups and other user interface elements to make it clearer when you are connected via satellite.

    Partial Screen Recording

    Image may contain Electronics Mobile Phone Phone and Text

    Courtesy of Google

    Instead of recording or sharing your entire screen, in Android 15, you can share an individual app without revealing the rest of your screen or incoming notifications. Logins and one-time passwords (OTPs) are automatically hidden from remote viewers. This is already available on Pixels, but now Google has baked it into Android.

    Malicious App Blocking

    Several updates in Android 15 make life tougher for malicious apps. They can no longer hide behind other apps by bringing them to the foreground or overlay themselves invisibly on top. There are also changes designed to prevent the exploitation of intents, which let you start an activity in another app by describing an action you’d like to perform, as they are often misused by malware. This is behind-the-scenes stuff to keep users safer.

    App Archiving

    Image may contain Person Text Face and Head

    Courtesy of Google

    If you haven’t used an app or game for a while, you may be prompted to delete it, but what if you think you might use it again in the future? With app archiving in Android 15, you can offload most of the app by archiving it but keep your user settings or save data in games. The auto-archiving feature was announced last year, but Android 15 makes it a systemwide option, so folks can choose to auto-archive apps when storage is running low.

    Better PDF Handling

    Image may contain Electronics Mobile Phone Phone and Text

    Courtesy of Google

    Trying to do anything with PDF files on your Android phone can be a pain, so the news that Google has built several PDF enhancements into Android 15 is welcome. PDFs should load more smoothly, and there is now support for password-protected files, annotations, form editing, and copy selection. Perhaps best of all, you can now search within PDF files.

    Enhanced Fraud and Scam Protection

    Image may contain Electronics Phone Mobile Phone and Text

    Courtesy of Google

    There are several updates in Android 15 aimed squarely at thwarting fraudsters and scammers. Google will employ AI through Play Protect and on devices to scan for and flag suspicious behavior. Messages containing one-time passwords (OTPs), typically used in two-factor authentication, are now hidden from the notifications system, making it harder to intercept them. Restricted settings are also being expanded for side-loaded apps—ones that aren’t downloaded through the Google Play Store.

    Loudness Control

    It can be jarring when you switch from one app to another and the volume suddenly booms. Thankfully, Android 15 introduces support for the CTA-2075 loudness standard. That means it will compare volume between apps, take into account the characteristics of your speakers, headphones, or earbuds, and intelligently adjust the audio to ensure no sudden jumps or drops.

    Better Low-Light Camera

    There are a couple of significant improvements for the camera app in Android 15. Firstly, Low Light Boost makes for better previews in low-light conditions, so you can frame your nighttime shots better and scan QR codes when light is limited. There are also new camera app options to give you finer control over the flash so you can adjust the intensity for both single flashes and continuous flashlight mode.

    Taskbar Options

    For Android tablets and folding phones, Google has changed the way the taskbar dock works. Initially, it was permanent, then it was transient, and now you can choose. This is handy for docked tablets where you might want a taskbar to always display, but it’s also nice to have the option to hide it. You can also pin your favorite split-screen app combinations. Android 15 allows apps to display edge-to-edge, so they can make more of the available screen real estate, even if there’s a taskbar or system bar at the bottom.

    Better Battery Life

    There are always tweaks and improvements to efficiency in Android updates that should have a positive impact on battery life, but with Android 15, Google is placing more checks on foreground services and clamping down on apps that keep running in an active state. Devices with a lot of RAM should also see faster app and camera launch times with lower power draw, thanks to support for larger page sizes.

    Good Vibrations

    Android 15 enables you to turn keyboard vibrations on or off systemwide, instead of having to dig into the keyboard settings. There’s a new toggle in Settings > Sound and vibration > Vibration and haptics, where you can also use sliders to adjust haptic intensity (this is something that’s been available on select Android phones, but is now systemwide). The second beta also introduces rich vibrations, so folks can determine between different types of notifications without looking at the screen.

    More Foldable Cover Screen Options

    Some of the best folding phones automatically switch whatever action you’re performing onto the cover screen when you fold them up, but Google is now integrating that choice into Android 15. If you prefer the cover screen to lock up when you fold, that will be an option too. There’s also more support for apps displaying on smaller cover screens with the more compact flip phone category.

    More Health Connect Data

    Health Connect started as an app to pull together all your health and fitness data from different devices and apps. It came preinstalled with Android 14, but Android 15 is adding two new data types: skin temperature (collected by wearables like the Oura ring and the Pixel Watch 2) as well as training plans—which can include completion goals for calories burned, distance, duration, repetition, and steps, but also performance goals around as many repetitions as possible (AMRAP), cadence, heart rate, power, perceived rate of exertion, and speed.

    Enhanced Theft Protection

    15 Top New Android 15 Features How to Install Features Release Date

    Courtesy of Google

    Many of the new Android safeguards that Google is rolling out to deter thieves—such as automatic locking when someone snatches your phone, as well as remote lock options—will be coming to devices running Android 10 and up. But the update to factory reset protection, which stops thieves who force a reset of a stolen device from setting it up again without knowing your device or Google account credentials, is only in Android 15.

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    Simon Hill

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  • With Gemini on Android, Google Points to Mobile Computing’s Future—and Past

    With Gemini on Android, Google Points to Mobile Computing’s Future—and Past

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    Nearly a decade ago, Google showed off a feature called Now on Tap in Android Marshmallow—tap and hold the home button and Google will surface helpful contextual information related to what’s on the screen. Talking about a movie with a friend over text? Now on Tap could get you details about the title without having to leave the messaging app. Looking at a restaurant in Yelp? The phone could surface OpenTable recommendations with just a tap.

    I was fresh out of college, and these improvements felt exciting and magical—its ability to understand what was on the screen and predict the actions you might want to take felt future-facing. It was one of my favorite Android features. It slowly morphed into Google Assistant, which was great in its own right, but not quite the same.

    Today, at Google’s I/O developer conference in Mountain View, California, the new features Google is touting in its Android operating system feel like the Now on Tap of old—allowing you to harness contextual information around you to make using your phone a bit easier. Except this time, these features are powered by a decade’s worth of advancements in large language models.

    “I think what’s exciting is we now have the technology to build really exciting assistants,” Dave Burke, vice president of engineering on Android, tells me over a Google Meet video call. “We need to be able to have a computer system that understands what it sees and I don’t think we had the technology back then to do it well. Now we do.”

    I got a chance to speak with Burke and Sameer Samat, president of the Android ecosystem at Google, about what’s new in the world of Android, the company’s new AI assistant Gemini, and what it all holds for the future of the OS. Samat referred to these updates as a “once-in-a-generational opportunity to reimagine what the phone can do, and to rethink all of Android.”

    Circle to Search … Your Homework

    The upgraded Circle to Search in action.

    Courtesy of Google

    It starts with Circle to Search, which is Google’s new way of approaching Search on mobile. Much like the experience of Now on Tap, Circle to Search—which the company debuted a few months ago—is more interactive than just typing into a search box. (You literally circle what you want to search on the screen.) Burke says, “It’s a very visceral, fun, and modern way to search … It skews younger as well because it’s so fun to use.”

    Samat claims Google has received positive feedback from consumers, but Circle to Search’s latest feature hails specifically from student feedback. Circle to Search can now be used on physics and math problems when a user circles them—Google will spit out step-by-step instructions on completing the problems without the user leaving the syllabus app.

    Samat made it clear Gemini wasn’t just providing answers but was showing students how to solve the problems. Later this year, Circle to Search will be able to solve more complex problems like diagrams and graphs. This is all powered by Google’s LearnLM models, which are fine-tuned for education.

    Gemini Gets More Contextual on Android

    Gemini is Google’s AI assistant that is in many ways eclipsing Google Assistant. Really—when you fire up Google Assistant on most Android phones these days, there’s an option to replace it with Gemini instead. So naturally, I asked Burke and Samat whether this meant Assistant was heading to the Google Graveyard.

    “The way to look at it is that Gemini is an opt-in experience on the phone,” Samat says. “I think obviously over time Gemini is becoming more advanced and is evolving. We don’t have anything to announce today, but there is a choice for consumers if they want to opt into this new AI-powered assistant. They can try it out and we are seeing that people are doing that and we’re getting a lot of great feedback.”

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    Julian Chokkattu

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  • The Best Phones With an Actual Headphone Jack

    The Best Phones With an Actual Headphone Jack

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    It’s been Nearly eight years since Apple removed the headphone jack from the iPhone. Yes, you can get excellent wireless earbuds nowadays, but maybe you prefer plugging in or you don’t want to think about charging your headphones. The joy of the 3.5-mm headphone connector is that it’s one of the few universal standards left.

    You can use any pair of corded headphones—no need to worry about whether they’re Lightning or USB-C or whether the connectivity will blip in and out. No batteries to charge, no dongles to attach, and no earbuds to lose (or earbud cases to run through the washing machine). There are times when Bluetooth is preferable, but it’s nice to have the option. As WIRED’s smartphone reviewer, I go through handsets big and small, cheap and expensive—these are the best with the venerable port. Read our Best Android Phones, Best iPhones, and Best Cheap Phones guides for more.

    Updated May 2024: We’ve added the Moto G Play 2024, Moto G Power 2024, Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, Asus ROG Phone 8, Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra, and Scosche’s FM transmitter.

    Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

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    Julian Chokkattu

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