Emails are usually the most practical way of receiving important documents, travel details or even e-tickets for events like concerts and music gigs, so it's vital to know to how to print emails from iPhone. While an electronic message is handy, it’s always a good idea to have a printed paper backup to hand in case your phone runs out of battery. We also recommend keeping a print out of insurance details in your car at all time and in a physical filing system at home, or taking a physical copy of concert and flight tickets with you.

In this article we’ll take a look at the easiest ways that you can print out important information and tickets from your emails on your Apple iPhone. So, armed with one of the best compact printers, it'll be fast to transform your emails into physical documents. Let’s get to it…

How to print emails from iPhone 

The first thing to do is open Apple’s Mail app on your iPhone. If it’s your first time opening the Mail app you’ll be presented with a list of email providers, simply choose yours from the list and enter your password to log in, then wait a few moments while your emails are processed and downloaded. 

Next, scroll through the downloaded emails to find the important one that you’d like to print out, such as a flight confirmation or concert ticket. With the email open, tap the 'Share' icon (the icon looks like an arrow pointing to the left) at the bottom of your screen, then scroll down and choose 'Print' from the list that appears.

Now you need to tap 'Select Printer' and make sure that the printer you wish to use is switched on and connected to the same WiFi connection as your iPhone, then choose it from the list to select it. Next you can set how many copies of the email you’d like to be printed, if you’re printing flight passes perhaps you’d like two copies, one for yourself and another for your partner. 

Then, set the 'Range' to choose which pages you’d like to print (if you don’t need all of the email printing out) or tap the checkbox underneath each page preview to quickly choose whether to print it or not. Make sure the paper size is also set correctly and tap 'Print' to start printing your email.

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If you want to know what network is Mint Mobile on, you're likely considering signing up for its service. Since its inception in 2015, Mint Mobile has been disrupting the telecoms industry in the USA by offering customers an alternative to their usual SIM and data plans, with its three, six or 12 month prepayment plans. 

Setting up a whole new network of cellphone towers would cost a monumental amount of money, so Mint Mobile uses the already established infrastructure of the T-Mobile network. This gives consumers a budget-friendly option that makes use of an already reliable network. You’ll also have access to the super fast 5G speeds for no extra cost, something that many of Mint Mobile’s competitors charge extra for. These great features make it number one in our best cell phone providers buying guide. 

However, one drawback for Mint Mobile customers is that users may occasionally experience de-prioritization, with the network giving higher paying T-Mobile customers first priority in busy periods or congested areas.

What network is Mint Mobile on?

Mint Mobile is what’s called a Mobile Virtual Network Operator, also known as an MVNO for short. This essentially means that Mint Mobile uses another mobile company’s infrastructure and cellular towers.

In Mint Mobile's case it uses T-Mobile’s infrastructure to provide its coverage, though we’ll take a closer look at which mobile handsets will work with a Mint Mobile SIM and what sort of coverage you can expect depending on where you live later on. Mint Mobile is a tempting option as its prepayment plans can be more cost-effective than a rolling contract with T-Mobile.

However, Mint Mobile customers do have to make a compromise to benefit from the cheaper rates. While Mint Mobile customers benefit from the prepaid plans, they can also experience de-prioritization. In a nutshell, this means during busy periods or crowded areas Mint Mobile users may experience slower speeds with native (and higher paying) T-Mobile customers taking the priority.

What coverage does Mint Mobile have?

Mint Mobile piggybacks off the already-established T-Mobile network, giving customers the same level of service and connectivity as native T-Mobile customers (except when, as previously mentioned, busy periods or crowded areas force de-prioritization).

To get a rough idea of what your connection is likely to be like when using a Mint Mobile SIM, you can use the handy coverage map above to see where the signal will be strongest. T-Mobile has most of the major towns and cities covered, particularly around the east and south coast, though signal gets a but more patchy when moving towards Nebraska and the west coast. 

If you’re in any doubt you can buy a starter kit for $5, which comes with 100MB of LTE data, 100 text messages and 60 minutes of talk time so you can find out how good the connection is for you before committing to 3, 6 or 12 month prepaid plan. If you do go on to purchase one of Mint’s plans, your $5 will then be refunded.

Is your handset compatible with Mint Mobile?

To use a Mint Mobile SIM card you’ll need to have either a T-Mobile or an unlocked phone. However, if your phone is currently tied to a different provider don’t worry too much, as getting a phone unlocked is a relatively straightforward and inexpensive process in most phone shops.

Your phone will also need to have 5G capabilities to make the most of T-Mobile’s super fast 5G network and your phone needs to be GSM-based. Fortunately, many unlocked phones are typically the GSM type rather than the CDMA-based networks such as Verizon. It's worth noting that while some of the latest smartphones can run on both technology, many are incompatible with each other.

If you have your phone’s unique IMEI code to hand (usually found within the settings menu or on the original box packaging) you can use Mint Mobile's checker to find out if your handset is compatible before you part with any cash.

Wondering who is the owner of Mint Mobile? As of 2021 Mint Mobile was the USA’s fastest growing business and top newcomer to the highly competitive telecoms arena. The company picked up several awards and even earned the top place in our round-up of the best cell phone providers.

So what’s the story behind America’s fastest growing company? While David Glickman (CEO) and Rizwan Kassim (Managing Partner) run the show and day-to-day operation of the company, it may surprise you to know that Deadpool movie star Ryan Reynolds is also a co-owner of Mint Mobile, acquiring a stake estimated to between 20-25% back in 2019. 

The extra press from having such a high profile figure investing heavily into the company has boosted its credibility, created a buzz and whipped up positive press, only helping Mint Mobile go from strength-to-strength in recent years.

On the Mint Mobile website, Ryan is quoted saying “While every other tech titan is off chasing rockets, I’ll corner the budget-friendly wireless sector. Like most people, I only use rockets 10-12 times a year but I use my mobile service every day.”

It’s not the first time the movie star has made headlines for his bold investments. Back in 2021 the Deadpool actor turned heads when himself and fellow actor Rob McElhenney (Always Sunny in Philadelphia) co-bought Welsh soccer team Wrexham A.F.C. The business-savvy movie star is also involved in brands including Aviation American Gin and Maximum Effort, with Forbes estimating his net worth at $71.5 million back in 2020, though some reports predict his net worth has grown considerably since then.

Things are looking bright for Mint Mobile which has seen impressive growth since its inception back in 2015, now drawing in a revenue of over $100 million per year. 

Mint Mobile is an MVNO and runs off of T-Mobile’s 5G network towers. Part of the company’s success comes from the fantastic value it offers customers on its 10GB, 15GB or Unlimited plans that you pay for upfront in blocks of 3, 6 or 12 months. This means there’s no nasty added surprises on your bill each month making it ideal for anyone looking to pay for a plan upfront such as parents with children that have access to a mobile or students on a tight budget for example.

Adding to the value is free calls to Mexico and Canada as well as access to ultra-fast 5G, a feature that many of Mint’s competitors charge extra for. These are just some of the reasons Mint Mobile took the top spot in our Best cell phone providers 2023: the carriers you can trust review, click here to see more about its wide range of plans and free trial.

LG's innovative home appliances and entertainment products made a wave at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The brand announced it had received over 220 awards and accolades, the most it had ever collected at the prestigious event.  

Branded "the most influential tech event in the world", CES is a global consumer tech trade show that took place from January 5th to January 8th 2023. Encompassing categories from Smart Home and Appliances to Artificial Technologies, Cybersecurity and Fitness and Wearables, the expo gathered around 2,200 exhibitors. 

Among the prize-winning tech by LG was its lineup of OLED TVs, including the LG OLED M3 and the LG OLED evo G3 and C3. The LG OLED M3 was recognised by Top Ten Reviews' sister sites TechRadar (Best Gadgets of CES 2023 - Best TV Innovation), Tom's Guide (Best of CES 2033 Awards - Best in Show), and PCMag (Best of CES 2023). It also won the coveted Endgadget Best of CES Award in the Best Home Theater Tech category. 

The OLED M3 is the world's first wireless OLED TV, featuring LG's Zero Connect technology. This award comes on the 10th anniversary of the brand's first OLED TV, a display that works by lighting up each individual pixel as opposed to traditional LEDs. If you're curious to learn more, we go into the pros and cons of this technology in our OLED vs QLED comparison.

Across home appliances, LG's Refrigerator with MoodUP Technology received accolades from CNET, Tom's Guide, PCMag, Good Housekeeping, the Wall Street Journal and Reviewed. Completely customizable with four color-changing panels, this high-tech French Door refrigerator enables you to tap the door twice to see what's inside thanks to InstaView technology. It also creates various shapes of ice and comes with plenty of organization bins and shelves. 

Also in the spotlight was the brand's ARTCOOL Gallery residential air conditioner, complete with a sleek design and LCD panel, and the PuriCare AeroFurniture, a new line of air purifiers for the home. 

If you're after a new cell phone with less of an environmental or social impact, you might be wondering whether there are any cell phones made in the USA these days.

Buying locally and from transparent companies is becoming a priority for more people across a range of purchases, from groceries and clothes to household furniture.

Tech is one of those areas where buying local seems downright impossible - nowadays, most devices are at least in part built offshore, often in developing countries.

However, it's not all bad news - there are still some American brands who develop the best smartphones in the US, and some that take pride in having transparent production lines. Read on to find your next tech purchase.

Are any cell phone manufacturers based in the USA?

While very few cell phones are actually made in the USA any more, some key firms are still considered to be American due to their origins. These include all Apple iPhones as well as the Google Pixel range. Both Apple and Google were established in the US and still have their HQs in the Silicon Valley, despite operating globally.

In the past, some manufacturers such as Palm, HP, Compaq, and Dell manufactured American cell phones, but the focus for these companies have shifted to the home computer market.

Are ANY cell phones made in the USA today?

If you're not interested in the latest and greatest phone, there is one smartphone manufacturer that may appeal to you.

American tech company, Librem produces its privacy-focused Linux smartphone, Librem 5, in the USA. It states that 'all the electronics will be made in our USA facility, and the entire phone will be assembled in the US' making it the only American phone manufacturer out there right now.

In part, this is likely to be because it's a smartphone that promises to not track or mine your personal data for sale or for advertising purposes in any way. Being manufactured 'locally' means that consumer confidence can be high with such features. The Librem 5 also has hardware kill switches so you can shut down WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular signal, as well as your microphone or camera, in a permanent manner.

It's a specialized smartphone that won't suit everyone but if you're desperate to have a phone that was entirely made in the USA, this is the only option right now. Just don't expect style or the latest features.

In the past, Motorola was one of the few companies that still made cell phones in the USA with the Moto X developed in the country. In 2014 however, Motorola announced plans to shut down its Mobility Factory in Fort Worth, Texas. It moved its production to China and Brazil, ending its 100% USA connections.

Does Apple or Google make phones in the USA?

No. While Apple is considered one of the biggest cell phone manufacturers in the USA, and whilst some parts of Apple phones are made and assembled in the USA, the majority of Apple's iPhone materials are actually assembled and manufactured in other countries.

That's the same story for Google which is an American-based company but one that outsources its manufacturing.

If you've been searching online for a cell phone manufactured in the USA, you may have come across BLU Products. The American company was founded by Samuel Ohev-Zion and was one of the first Latin-owned mobile phone manufacturers aimed at a Latin population.

Its products are present throughout the United States, Latin America, Central America, and all of the Caribbean. Despite that, its phones are predominantly manufactured in Asia but the development of such phones is fundamentally American in nature.

Teracube is a smartphone designed in the USA, for kids. Whilst it's designed in the USA, and manufactured with sustainable and long-lasting batteries, it is manufactured and assembled overseas.

Does it matter if my cell phone is manufactured elsewhere?

Ultimately, not really. Any cell phone you buy from a reputable source in the US will have been manufactured with the country in mind. That means you'll still enjoy a full warranty, parts that are designed with USA standards in mind, along with English language options.

The only real difference is that you'll know the phone has been shipped thousands of miles beforehand. If you're concerned about the ethics and ecological implications of such mileage, this may be a problem but, unfortunately, if you want a new smartphone, it's pretty much your only option at this time.

Even if you buy a cell phone from an American company, you can guarantee at least one part will have been produced abroad, and the materials will come from natural resource-rich countries in Africa or South America.

If your worries are more to do with safety, don't be concerned. Your cell phone will have been developed with safety in mind and providing you're buying an official device (and an official charger if one is needed separately), there's absolutely no danger in buying a product manufactured elsewhere.

Do you own a cell phone? Then you'll want to get the best cell phone provider so you can make contact with the world stress-free. Granted, it's a first-world problem to not have any signal on your cell, but in this day and age, not being able to make a phone call, send a quick WhatsApp message, or surf the net can be an annoyance that we could do without.

To help you get the best bang-for-your-buck, and make a snappy decision, our guide only features providers who prioritize their customers' needs by offering excellent customer service and the latest technology. You can be confident that you'll get a great deal from one of these providers.

It is important to ensure that any cell phone provider you are considering has good coverage in your area so that you can always rely on good service. While larger carriers such as AT&T provide up to 99% coverage across the US, it is important to check if smaller competing providers can provide the coverage you need.

Fast internet speeds and 5G coverage are factors to consider when looking for the best cell phone provider. It is important to check the internet speeds available on the best smartphones, especially if you plan to stream content while using data. Look for unlimited data offers to avoid paying a premium for browsing when you are not at home.

If you are not ready to sign up for 5G yet, don't worry. Many providers still offer 4G coverage to keep costs down.

Of course, the kind of service you’ll receive with your provider is paramount, so we’ve also investigated user reviews of our top picks. Keep reading to find the network that will put you first and make switching providers pain-free.

The best cell phone providers we can recommend

Top Ten Reviews is on a mission to review everything we feature in our buyer's guides. Still, while we work hard to make this a reality—or where this isn't possible—some of our guides still feature rankings based on our team's considerable expertise and research.

While we haven't been able to test any of the units in this guide in person, we've instead honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge of the best features to help you make the right decision for your home, all for the best price.

The best cell phone provider overall

Mint Mobile has become a prominent cell phone provider in the US. It's a prepaid cell phone network that has been around since 2015, but Ryan Reynolds has also had an ownership stake since 2019, which might have something to do with its increased popularity. Like many prepaid carriers, Mint is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), but does that affect the service you get?

Mint doesn't charge a monthly rate like some providers. Instead, it asks you to sign up and pay for your full contract in advance for three to 12 months. Generally, the more months you buy upfront, the more you save.

The provider's best plan is $30, which gives you unlimited 5G (or 4G LTE if you're out of range), unlimited texts and calls, and free calls to Mexico and Canada. It's a great deal, although Mint only offers the rate for the first three months, which rises to $40 monthly.

Given that it's an MVNO, what cell network does Mint Mobile use? It uses T-Mobile's infrastructure for signal, which has some of the best 5G coverage across America right now. The only real problem with this is that Mint users will suffer from deprioritization on the network, so during periods and areas of heavy usage, speeds will slow to allow regular T-Mobile customers priority access.

Overall, though, Mint Mobile is a great value option, as long as you don’t mind committing to a number of months to get the best deals. It’s got some of the most affordable data plans available in three-, six-, or 12-month chunks. Although it only offers basic features like free mobile hotspots, visual voicemail, and Wi-Fi calls, you can take any device you want over to Mint Mobile, provided it's compatible.

Best large carrier with specialized plans

AT&T is one of the big three cell phone companies in the US and that means it owns and operates its own network of cell towers. Its coverage is better than most, and so is its reliability – depending on where you live, it might be the best cell network bar none.

However, this also makes it expensive, so be warned. AT&T bests Verizon when it comes to plans for veterans and those still in the military, which they can extend to their families, so this is where it truly excels. Students can also save $10 a month on the Unlimited plan for a year.

The pricing on the AT&T website isn’t as clear and simple as others. Plans range from a selection of unlimited pay monthly options to data restricted as well as unlimited prepaid options. Pricing starts at around the $30 per month mark for 5GB of data, which is much lower than providers like Mint Mobile. $50 gets you unlimited data and a free 5GB hotspot. Savings can be made for multiple lines on one contract and there are often budget-friendly phones offered at up to 75% off.

There are currently over 230 million AT&T customers in the US, so it's a popular choice. It has decent, but not the best customer reviews, and a good rating on the BBB. It can't beat T-Mobile for customer satisfaction and doesn't outperform Verizon for coverage, but it's still a solid choice.

Best pre-paid phone provider

Visible is a cell phone provider powered by Verizon, and as Verizon’s network is pretty much the best in the US, coverage is the best of all the MVNO carriers. Although you’ll find that priority is given to full Verizon customers, there shouldn’t be any noticeable slowdown in data speeds or network availability. Visible has several other benefits, including the neat Visible app which enables you to manage all aspects of your account, and even add additional people to your 'Party' – which saves you both money every month.

If you’re looking for a prepaid option, Visible has a simple, streamlined plan that is designed to be easy to use and flexible. For $30 per month (including taxes and fees) you get unlimited data, talk, and text and you can add an Apple Watch for $5 a month extra.

Visible plans include a mobile hotspot with unlimited data, with the caveat that speeds are limited to 5Mbps and one device. Unlike some providers in our guide, they don’t physical stores that you can visit for help and customer service, but they do have a 24/7 chat line that gives access to their care team.

The range of phones on Verizon is decent, including the latest iPhone 14 lineup, the Google Pixel 7 Pro, and Samsung's flagship models too, like the S23 Ultra. There are some good mid-range options, and a handful of budget handsets too. If you go pre-paid, you need to factor in the cost of financing a handset or buying one outright, which will add a monthly cost. If you already own your phone and don't want to change it, you can bring that across with you to save more money.

Best cell phone provider for video streaming

T-Mobile, having merged with Sprint, offers some of the fastest 4G LTE in the US as well as 5G nationwide coverage. It has America’s largest 5G network with more 5G bars in more places, so theoretically it should offer you some of the best coverage. 

T-Mobile’s unlimited plans are great value when compared side by side with similar offerings from Verizon Wireless and AT&T. Again, if you're looking to downgrade your home fiber and go completely 5G with unlimited data, T-Mobile is an excellent choice.

The plans offered by T-Mobile aren’t as clear as they used to be, but if you head to the unlimited cell phone plans it’s a bit simpler to navigate. From there, you can choose how many lines you want to add and see exactly what’s included at each price point. For $60 a month, you get an unlimited 5G plan, which can be used with a new device (bought separately) or your own.

There are also specific plans for those over 55, veterans and first responders, each with great deals. T-Mobile also offers banking with savings to be made for those wireless customers that use both services from the provider.

What's more, T-Mobile actually scores higher than other big carriers on customer satisfaction, which is a real advantage. Smaller cell companies often achieve better satisfaction ratings, but here you get the perks of a larger provider with a big network and the customer service of a smaller one. If you're looking to balance reliability, speed, and a carrier that cares, T-Mobile is a good bet. It's also highly rated for video streaming so is ideal for anyone that uses their data network for this regularly.

Best cell phone provider for 5G

Verizon Wireless is our best cell phone provider for 2023 and has been at the top of our guide for the past three years. Why? It's one of the biggest, sure, but it gets superior scores for reliability, speed, and network coverage. With solid coverage throughout the majority of the country (although there are few patchy zones in the northwest and mid-west), and a large 5G network, Verizon will suit anyone looking for a strong signal and consistent data service.

It rates a little lower for customer service than others, but it does have a larger customer base too, so we'd expect a variance of opinions and satisfaction ratings. 

Verizon isn't the cheapest carrier, but it does currently have an amazing Unlimited 5G deal for new customers, which starts at $25 when you bring in your own phone and agree to paper-free billing. You do get what you pay for, but not everyone can afford to commit to such expensive cell phone plans each month.

Given the reliability of Verizon's 5G network, you can look to offset costs with your home internet provider by getting an unlimited 5G plan from Verizon and using it for the majority of your home broadband needs. If you find yourself out of the home more often than in it, this is a good way to get fantastic cell service and save a little money elsewhere.

Best cell phone provider for phone and internet packages

Xfinity is a communications company offering not just a mobile network, but cable television, internet, telephone, and wireless. I you plan to be a customer for your home internet, then Xfinity will offer you a better deal on a cell plan, too. 

The Unlimited Intro package gives you unlimited 5G network access (that includes data, calls and texts) for $45 per month, which is reasonable compared to most plans on the big three networks. The price comes down to $30 each if you sign up for two lines at the same time ($60 in total per month). If you want to combine this with an internet service, the Unlimited Intro mobile line + 200 Mbps internet with WiFi equipment on the Xfinity 10G Network is $50.

One advantage of Xfinity is that it runs on Verizon's network, so you get access to the quickest and broadest-covering network in the US. Verizon was rated as the best for 5G this year making this a big draw here.

The range of phones is good and, if you don't want to go for the unlimited data option, you can choose to pay for your cell plan on a download basis – starting at $15 for 1GB of data. You still get the unlimited calls rolled into that. For anyone currently with Xfinity, it's a no-brainer, and if you're planning to sign up for your internet, you really should consider adding your cell plan too.

If you enjoy days out and a perks-style rewards system, then you might be drawn to Xfinity Rewards, which you get access to as a customer. Xfinity really does reward loyalty, so the longer you're an Xfinity customer, the more rewards you get – from free movie tickets to sports giveaways.

Best cell phone provider for customized plans and student discount

US Mobile is an MVNO that lets you customize nearly every aspect of your plan, from the network down to the amount of talk, text and data. All of its mobile plans come with “Warp Speed 5G,” and Unlimited Premium plans come with free international data as standard.

US mobile uses Verizon and T-Mobile networks, two of the best and fastest networks in the US. These networks span both types of cellular technologies used in the US, which is great if you want to bring your own phone to the service. Though it does offer unlimited plans, they’re expensive compared to other carriers.

The provider's value lies in its customization: you only pay for what you use. This approach can save usage-conscious customers a lot of money compared to an unlimited everything plan from a big three cell phone company. If, for example, you only want unlimited talking and texting, it costs just $8 a month. You can also always add minutes, texts, or data to your account, should your needs change.

US mobile is a great choice for students, as it offers 20% off any plan, after a 10-day trial. If your college or university is a US mobile partner, you should be able to pick up a free USM SIM card from your student services office and ask them for your school promo code.

One downside of US mobile is that you are limited when it comes to the actual selection of phones, so if you have your eye on a particular handset, you do need to check whether or not US Mobile stocks it.

Best cell phone provider for families

Metro by T-Mobile (formerly called MetroPCS) offers affordable prepaid wireless plans for a wide range of no-contract smartphones and devices. It uses its parent company’s great high-speed network, but its prices are lower, and it has more clarity on pricing than T-Mobile. The most expensive plan costs $60 per month, and in addition to having unlimited data, it allows you to use 20GB on hotspot tethering and a 100GB Google one membership. If you don’t need that much hotspot data, you can save yourself $10 by signing up for the $50 unlimited plan, which only includes 5GB of hotspot data.

However, its unlimited plans have a max video streaming resolution of 480p. DVD-quality streaming is fine and consumes less data than HD streaming, but it would be nice to have the higher-quality option, especially since phone screens now support high resolutions.

Don’t use data? We like that Metro also has a talk and text-only plan for just $25 a month – including the usual taxes and fees. And up to five family members can combine their phone lines into a Metro by T-Mobile family plan, at an added line rate cost of $30 each.

Because it is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that runs on T-Mobile’s network, Metro customers sometimes experience data deprioritization to direct T-Mobile customers. If a lot of people use data on T-Mobile’s network in the same place at the same time, Metro customers could see their speeds slow down, as is the same with networks like Mint Mobile.

Best cell phone provider for text and talk plans

Cricket Wireless is a prepaid carrier that's owned and operated by AT&T, and it uses its parent company’s extensive cellular network to ensure you get reliable coverage. The prepaid provider offers plans ranging from $30 to $60 per month: a 5GB plan, a 10GB plan and two unlimited-data plans.

Cricket is generally a good value, with prices on par with those of other carrier-owned prepaid services and much lower than the prices of similar plans on its parent network. Cricket offers group discounts for multiple lines, and the carrier often features new-customer promotions, such as discounted or free smartphones when you switch from another carrier.

The biggest downside of Cricket’s service is the data-speed caps. The top unlimited plan won't cap download speeds, while all other plans cap download speeds at 8 Mbps, up to the data allotment. But overall, Cricket is one of the best choices for plan savings and great customer care. You have the option to buy a phone from Cricket or to bring your own across if it's compatible with AT&T Wireless.

While we have said that many of Cricket’s user reviews were low, the majority of positive ones were from customers who’d gone into a store for help. While networks like Mint Mobile are online-only, Cricket Wireless has over 4,300 physical stores across 50 states, which is great if you want a place to sign-up or go for customer care and advice during your plan.

Best cell phone provider for Google Pixel users

A lot of cell phone providers try to be all things to all people, but Google Fi takes a different approach. It sets out to be the absolute best network for big families or groups like houseshares. With the ability to put up to six people on a plan, you’ll make greater savings the more there are, and you can manage the whole plan from the Google Fi smartphone app.

Google Fi currently offers a Simply Unlimited Plan, Unlimited Plus (which comes with a year of free YouTube Premium), and the Pay as You Go Flexible plan, which is best if you want to only pay for the data you use. Google Fi allows you to switch plans or add people once a month – and you can pause or cancel a contract at any time.

The downside is that Google Fi is an MVNO provider, meaning it doesn’t have its own network and relies on others, such as T-Mobile. While many companies do this, Google Fi takes things a step further by using multiple other networks and switching you between them depending on which gives you the best coverage at any given time. This sounds great in theory, and it is, provided you’re using one of the very limited smartphones that support this feature.

If you can take full advantage of what Google is offering, you’ll get a lightning-fast service with unlimited data and exceptional nationwide coverage at a very reasonable price. Fi is really designed for groups and families, meaning it offers you more built-in family protection features than other networks.

How we choose the best cell phone providers

We’ve been reviewing cell phone carriers for a long time now and we know what to look for when it comes to finding the best choices on the market. We’ve tested all the biggest names in cell phone plans, and quite a few of the smaller companies you might not have heard of too. In the end, we’ve narrowed this list down to the ten best cell phone carriers out there.

When testing a cell phone provider, we look at LTE and 5G network coverage, download speeds, plan variety and flexibility, price, smartphone selection, customer service, and extras to provide comprehensive reviews of the service that you can expect from each company. 

We also analyze user reviews to pull in experiences from thousands of people who have been using these cell phone providers for years to find out what people like about them, and where people think each company could improve.

How to choose the best cell phone provider

The right cell phone provider for you depends on how you use your cell phone and your personal priorities. If you know that you want to receive in-store assistance from your provider or to be able to reach them via phone, then customer service ratings should be of paramount importance. Or, if you care more about excellent coverage all of the time, make sure to guarantee that you’re signed up with a provider that has a signal absolutely everywhere.

Below you’ll find key factors to think about as you browse, so you can think about how important each one is to you. 

1. Cell Phone Plan Price

Your budget will help you to define the kind of providers and plans you opt for. Ballpark figures range from around $30-$60 per month for a limited data plan or $60-$90 for an unlimited plan with mobile hotspot tethering. Looking for a family plan? You should aim to spend around $150-$220 for unlimited or $115-$150 for limited data. These kinds of family plans can often yield better value overall, so do make sure to investigate them if they crop up. 

2. Big Three Cell Phone Companies vs. MVNO

There’s undoubtedly a hierarchy when it comes to cell phone providers, and the big three have most definitely caught your attention if you’re plugged into carriers: that’s Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and T-Mobile. 

In essence, all other cell phone providers piggyback off of these networks for their service, so even though you might be paying Visible or Mint Mobile, you’re restricted to the actual coverage of bigger providers. These smaller companies are called Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO), and they can set their own prices independently of the big three, which is why you might sometimes find a cheaper deal with them. 

A more affordable provider is clearly a huge benefit, especially as it means you’re still accessing the often nationwide coverage of bigger providers. The downside? The big three cell companies do tend to favor their own customers ahead of MVNOs, which can lead to slower download speeds.

3. Check your area's cell phone network coverage and service

Always check that your area is covered when it comes to your new cell phone provider, even if you’re choosing one of the best-performing networks like Verizon.

Doug King, director of business development at RootMetrics, stressed the importance of looking beyond simple coverage: “Consumers need to understand not just how fast a network is in terms of uplink and downlinks, but it is critical to look at how reliable a network is based on its ability to initially connect and stay connected.”

Wondering how to check? All providers tend to have their own coverage maps on their websites, but we would also recommend RootMetrics and OpenSignal for further insights and comparability into performance.

4. Shop cell phone companies, deals and the features they offer

It’s no secret that competition between cell phone providers is extremely fierce, which is why shopping around before you make your final decision is crucial. Providers will seek to outcompete each other when it comes to things like unlimited data, so comparing prices is essential. Also bear in mind that each company’s idea of ‘unlimited data’ can vary, and there is probably an upper limit you need to be aware of.

Cell phone provider FAQs

Do you need unlimited data? 

Every year, more people get smartphones, smartphones get smarter and, no surprise, we use more data. Most cell phone companies push their high-priced unlimited data plans, but most people don’t use enough data to necessitate the extra cost. 

A few years ago, the average American used 5.1GB of mobile data per month, but that has increased with more and more streaming and video content coming online. Some use much more, but most people only need about 10 to 20GB, accounting for Wi-Fi use. 

To find out how much data you need, track your data usage for a few months using your online account through your carrier’s website. If you have a family plan, do this for everyone on the account, as some plans count your data in aggregate, while others count data per phone line. If you use less than 10GB per line on average, you can probably find a better deal that fits your needs.

If you often use your data plan to stream content, especially at high resolutions, you probably need an unlimited plan, as streaming applications are notorious data hogs. But if you only use slightly more data each month than your carrier’s next best data plan, you may be able to shave off that excess by turning off background app refresh, setting lesser-used applications to Wi-Fi only and using your default viewing and listening quality to conserve data. 

You can also turn off Wi-Fi assist for iPhones and background data usage for Android, use free public Wi-Fi and disable video autoplay on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Knowing how to print from iPhone is an important skill for any iPhone user. Released fifteen years ago back in June 2007, the Apple iPhone was a total revelation. Apple’s iPhone now secures around half of the market share for smartphones around the world.  This comes as no surprise when each generation is more powerful than the last.

In this modern day of smart tech and wireless technology, printing should be an easy everyday task for all smart devices, so how has Apple improved this on its iPhone over the years? 

Well, back in 2010 Apple co-created the AirPrint protocol in partnership with Hewlett-Packard (HP). This meant you don’t have to install specific printer drivers on your iPhone or iPad and made the print process even easier. As long as you’ve connected to one of the best compact printers, all-in-one printers or other types of printer  from the last decade with AirPrint functionality, the printing process is pretty straightforward and we’ll cover the basic printing options here in this article.

The most important thing is to make sure you’re connecting to a WiFi printer with AirPrint technology, and make sure you’re connected to the same wireless connection as your printer for a smooth experience without any hitches. 

Luckily, AirPrint offers support for a whole host of printers, even fairly old ones, that work absolutely fine with even the latest iPads and iPhones. Check out the full compatibility list to see if your printer has AirPrint here.

How to print documents from iPhone

How to print from Pages app from iPhone

In Apple’s Pages app you need to open up your document and then tap the icon with three dots at the top of the screen, you then need to tap Print to take you into the print dialogue.

How to print from Numbers app from iPhone

In Apple Numbers it’s a similar process. Open up your spreadsheet and tap the three dots and again choose Print, though this will take you into another menu where you can change the scale from 100% for whatever works best for you, or hit Auto Fit to automatically scale the spreadsheet to fit on your piece of paper. 

For more options you can tap the settings cog icon at the top and here you can change from Portrait to Landscape. You can also toggle on or off Page Numbers and Comments. You also have options for table headers and you can change the Paper Size here too. 

When you’re done hit Print to take you to the more familiar generic printer dialogue where you can select your printer and how many copies you’d like to be printed.

How to print from Google Docs app from iPhone 

In the Google Docs app for iPhone you can tap the three dots in the top right corner and toggle on the Print Layout so you can see your document split up into individual pages. To print, tap the three dots and choose Share and Export and then choose Print from the list to take you into the generic printing dialogue for options to select your printer, change the number of copies and the range of pages.

How to print from Google Sheets app from iPhone

The printing options in Google Sheets is fairly simple and there isn’t as many options as Apple’s Numbers app, so if you like the range of options in Numbers you could export a spreadsheet from Google Sheets as an Excel doc through the Share and Export option and then open up your spreadsheet in Apple’s Numbers app. However, if you wish to print directly in the Google Sheets you need to open up your spreadsheet and tap the three dots in the top right corner and then tap Share and Export and then tap Print from the list to get the standard print menu and options.

How to print from Notes app from iPhone

If you have some handy notes on the Notes app that you’d like to print, open up the Notes app, then tap and hold down on the note that you’d like to print. Now tap Send a Copy and scroll down to Print and tap it to bring up the printing dialogue options.

How to print PDFs from iPhone

You can print a PDF document that has been emailed to you by tapping it to open it and then tap the Share icon and choose Print from the list to bring up the printing options.

How to print pictures from iPhone

Step 1

If you’d like to print a photo or a series of photos on one of the best photo printers, head over to the Photos app on your Apple iPhone. If you have multiple images to print it might be worth creating a new album for them to keep things neat and tidy, you can do this in the Photos app by tapping the plus icon and selecting New Album and give it a name, such as Holiday Photos or Images To Print. 

Step 2

Now head back into your Photos app and bring up your images, if you want to print multiple images tap Select at the top of the app, then tap on each image that you want to print, with all of the relevant images selected and tap the Share button at the bottom of the app. 

Step 3

From this menu you could print them, but to keep things neat we’re first going to transfer them to a dedicated folder so tap Add to Album and choose the album or folder that you just created.

Step 4

Now go into the Album that you’ve created that has the images you’d like to print inside of it and tap Select in the top right of the screen, then tap on all of the images in your folder or drag your finger across all of the images to quickly select them instead which is quicker than individually tapping on each thumbnail. 

Step 5

Now tap the Share icon in the bottom left of the screen and scroll down to Print. You then need to tap Select Printer and find the printer you want to print to. This should be a printer with AirPrint functionality and should also be connected to the same WiFi connection as your iPhone. You’ll then see the images printed on separate pages and you can choose how many copies you’d like to print also. Then hit Print to start printing.

How to print web pages from iPhone

Step 1

Open the Safari app and type in the URL of the website that you’d like to go to and then navigate the website to find the webpage that you’d like to print off. Now click the Share icon at the bottom of Safari and scroll down to find Print and give this a tap. 

Step 2

Here you’ll need to tap Select Printer and find the printer you’d like to print to, make sure this is a printer with Apple AirPrint functionality and is also connected to the same WiFi as your iPhone for this to work seamlessly. You can then choose how many copies you’d like to make or leave this to the default 1 Copy.

Step 3

Long web pages that scroll down for a long time with a lot of information and pictures will be printed on lots of sheets of paper. Make sure you fine-tune the Range setting so that you’re only printing off the pages with the relevant information that you need to save on printer ink and cut down paper waste. 

Our example website was going to need 24 pages to print out all of the content on this webpage, but if information was only needed from the first three pages you could for example set the Range to Pages 1-3. There’s a preview below showing what will be printed off on each page so you can get a better idea of which pages you need to print or leave out. 

Step 4 

When you’re done simply tap Print in the top right-hand corner to start the printing process.

How to print from other apps on iPhone

While AirPrint is great for making quick prints to wireless printers connected to the same router as your Apple iPhone, the printing options are quite simple. For extra functionality you may want to try downloading a dedicated printer app on your iPhone for your printer. 

If you have a HP printer you could try the HP Smart app, or if you own a Canon printer you could try the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app, both of which are free and give you extra options so be sure to check if your wireless printer has a dedicated app on the Apple App Store.

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There are many reasons why you may want to know how to print text messages from iPhone. Whether you receive them by SMS text, MMS picture messages or even Whatsapp conversations, we’re going to look at three different ways you can print your text messages.

The quickest and easiest way to print out a text message from your iPhone is to simply take a screenshot of the relevant part of the conversation that you need to print. You can then easily print out the screenshot like any other image through the Photos app. 

For a more thorough backup, you may wish to select specific text messages and forward them on to your email address. You can then print off the email through an app such as Apple’s Mail or Gmail as you would normally. No matter whether you use one of the best compact printers or the best all in one printers, the steps will be the same. 

By far and away the most comprehensive method is to install a dedicated piece of software on your computer called iDevice Message Transfer, this program allows you to fully backup your conversations, though this is also the most time intensive. 

1. Take a screenshot and print it out

A quick way to print your text messages is to take a screenshot of the specific text message that you’d like to print. Open up the Messages app on your Apple iPhone and find the conversation you wish to print and scroll through to find the relevant part that is important and you’d like to print and make sure the whole text is visible on your display, if the text is longer than the screen then make sure the relevant part on screen or take multiple screenshots to get all of the information in the message. 

With the relevant message in view press the side and volume up button at the same time, this will take a screenshot of the conversation and you should hear the camera screenshot sound as well as a thumbnail of your screengrab appear in the bottom left of your iPhone. You can then print off your screenshot like any other image by going into the Photos app. 

Next, look through Screenshots to find it and tap the Share icon to print. You may need to take multiple screenshots of your conversation if you need to print out more extracts from the conversation.

2. Email the SMS messages to yourself

Go into the Messages app and tap on the conversation that you’d like to print. Now tap and hold down on the relevant message and you’ll see an option appear asking you to Copy or More, in this instance you need to tap the More button. 

Tap on every message you wish to email and backup, you’ll see a blue tick appear next to each message that you’ve highlighted to show which ones have been selected. Next, tap the arrow icon in the bottom right corner. 

You’ll see the written content from your message has been stripped out and pasted into an email. All you need to do is enter your email address at the top where you’d like the message to be sent and then tap Send when you’re finished. You can then print out your emails using the mailing app of your preference.

3. Fully backup conversations with dedicated software

There are many phone recovery apps available, such as iDevice Message Transfer and FoneLab iPhone Data Recovery. They largely work in the same way, just make sure you download a piece of software that specifically works with your model of iPhone, then plug in your iPhone by USB cable to connect it to your computer. Many of these programs will also ask for the latest version of iTunes to also be installed.

Once everything is installed and your iPhone is connected you’ll be able to use the recovery software to view your text messages, so click on the particular conversation you’d like to print and there should be a print button. 

If you get the option to print SMS or MMS, the former is just text messages and the latter is picture messages, so print only SMS if you want to ignore picture messages. Some apps also enable you to change the font size and how many pages the conversation will be printed on. You can also click Select Printer to choose the printer you’d like to print to or to save the conversation as a PDF.

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The iPhone SE 2022 is, in many ways, a pretty straightforward spec bump on the last iPhone SE; it’s a stripped-back iPhone, sure, but it’s now packing the A15 Bionic chip. That’s the same as the iPhone 13 and its Pro lineup, meaning this is an insanely powerful phone despite its “classic” home-button design. 

And yet, it feels a little like a missed opportunity. Are iPhone SE customers really looking for more power? For our money, Apple may have been better sticking with the (still fast) A13 or similar from the last generation, and upgrading the camera in more notable ways instead.

Instead, we get a more powerful phone that’s going to be almost identical to many users of the last SE, particularly in real-world usage. It’s still one of the best smartphones you can buy right now, but it feels like Apple may have put their eggs in the wrong basket.

That’s not to say the A15 Bionic is anything less than fantastic, though. In fact, since it’s the same chip Apple puts in the latest and greatest iPhones, including the most expensive models, it really is a cut above all other mobile phone chips – including those in Android flagship devices.

Still, the iPhone SE is the only way you can get an iPhone with a home button, but it’s also the only option for those that prefer Touch ID to FaceID. If you do want to embrace Apple’s newest design philosophy, though, we’d actually recommend sniffing out a deal on an iPhone 11 or 12.

Does the iPhone SE 2022 deserve a place in our best smartphones list? Read on to find out. 

iPhone SE 2022: Design

• Home button has Touch ID 
• Single-camera setup
• Available in Midnight, Starlight or Product RED  

The iPhone SE has always maintained the pre-iPhone X design that hasn’t been seen on Apple’s flagships since the iPhone 8, and the 2022 version doesn’t change anything there.

In fact, other than the iPhone SE 2022 coming in a darker black (Midnight) or a more off-white (Starlight) alongside the Product RED variant, you’d struggle to tell the difference between the two.

On the bottom, there’s a Lightning port for charging, as well as speakers. On the right, you’ll find a power button and a SIM card slot, while the left side houses the volume rocker and a silent mode switch.

 The “forehead” houses the selfie camera (7MP), as well as an earpiece, while the “chin” has the iconic home button which comes packing Touch ID.

It weighs just 144 grams, and the small form factor makes it easily pocketable (something we can’t say about the iPhone 13 Pro Max on the other end of the lineup).

iPhone SE 2022: Display and audio

• 4.7-inch display 
• Lacks flashy features 
• 1334 x 750 resolution 

The iPhone SE, as you’d expect, is very much a “back to basics” kind of iPhone. The 4.7-inch display feels minuscule compared to almost any other phone on the market, but that’s kind of the point - the iPhone SE isn’t about what’s in vogue, it’s about giving people a familiar canvas to work with.

That means that while it’s not a Liquid Retina XDR display like the iPhone 13, it does pack 326 pixels-per-inch, so content is sharp and crisp. It won’t match up to its bigger, more expensive siblings (and if it did, Apple would be right to panic), but what’s here is great – and responsive.

It’s still an LCD, though, so don’t expect “true blacks” or incredible contrast ratios. In fact, the iPhone SE hits a fairly pedestrian 1400:1 contrast ratio, so we’d go with something bigger and brighter if you’re planning to watch movies on your phone.

When it comes to audio, the iPhone SE is unlikely to be the device you grab for a box set binge, either. Its audio is clear, sure, but it lacks the larger chassis necessary to output clearer, more well-rounded sound. And, as you can imagine, there’s no headphone jack to be found so you’ll need to rely on Bluetooth accessories or a dongle (sold separately).

iPhone SE 2022: Software and assistant features

The iPhone SE runs iOS 15, which in many ways is a pretty tame upgrade on iOS 14. It adds a focus on sharing content with those you love, collecting links and images and collating them in the “Shared with You” page, while also letting users stream their content in unison with friends and family over FaceTime.

It also allows the setting of “Focus” modes, which are more tailored Do Not Disturb style notifications that can let you triage notifications automatically depending on where you are or what you’re doing, like silencing social media while you’re working.

It doesn’t shake up the core of iOS, though, and perhaps it doesn’t need to – Apple’s mobile platform has never been stronger.

In terms of assistant features, Siri is still there, although it’s faster and more secure than ever. That’s because your requests are now processed on your phone, meaning no more long waits while Siri connects to Apple servers. It also means Siri is more useful when you’re offline, too, and is able to follow basic instructions like “set a timer”, opening apps or pausing media playback.

iPhone SE 2022: Battery life

The iPhone SE is classic in every way, including when it comes to battery life. That’s to say it’s a relic from a pre-iPhone 11 era in that regard, and it won’t last you much more than a day.

Apple says the iPhone SE will playback ten hours of streamed video content on a single charge, and that’s about what we found, give or take half an hour with notifications coming through and 5G being tested. It’s not bad, and Apple is perhaps limited with the space inside the phone, but we’d always prefer to get to the end of the day with a little time left.

Still, you can charge it with a Qi-certified charger, which is just as well – Apple doesn’t include a power brick in the box, and the included cable goes from Lightning to USB-C. It won’t support MagSafe charging, though.

iPhone SE 2022: Price

The iPhone SE starts at $429 for the 64GB version in any of the color variants we mentioned earlier.

There’s also a 128GB version for $479, or a 256GB version for $579. Be careful which you opt for since there’s no expandable storage (as is the case with all iPhones).

iPhone SE 2022: User reviews

Reviews for the iPhone SE are very positive so far, with many noting how it represents good value for money and it reaching a coveted five stars on Amazon. 

Some buyers have noted that it’s an ideal first iPhone for kids or as a work device, while Leland notes that the “battery does not last as long” as they’d like.

Should you buy the iPhone SE 2022?

If you’re coming from the second generation of iPhone SE, it’s a tricky proposition. While the new iPhone SE is faster, your current one is likely no slouch.

As a first iPhone, or for those that miss the original design, it’s an easy pickup in place of its predecessor, but we’d have liked to have seen more storage or better cameras rather than a fairly inconsequential spec bump compared to the previous model.

Still, if you buy one you’re unlikely to be disappointed, with the A15 Bionic chip ideal for any task you throw at it.

If this product isn’t for you

The iPhone SE is cheaper than any other iPhone, but when you factor in Apple’s older (and still relevant) phones like the iPhone 11, the gap becomes drastically smaller to the point where you can spend a little extra and get a lot more bang for your buck.

The iPhone 11 or 12, while not current, offer better cameras, bigger batteries, and much better screens. The iPhone 12 even comes in a Mini option, so you won’t have to opt for a bigger handset.

Then there’s the iPhone 13, which is an excellent phone and is powered by the same chip as the SE – but it’s very much an incremental upgrade from the 12.

For the iPhone SE’s price on Android, you’re unlikely to match the iPhone SE’s performance but you can still get 5G connectivity with something like the OnePlus 8T – and at around $299 it’s a fair bit cheaper, too.

With the OnePlus Nord CE 2, OnePlus have recommitted to their original mission statement of producing premium quality phones at a more affordable price than many big-name flagship devices. And for the most part, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 makes good on that promise, offering enviable specs and a fast and smooth experience in a visually appealing package.

While it doesn’t quite blow the very best smartphones out of the water, our time with the OnePlus Nord CE 2 revealed a very capable phone that gets all the most important features right, with OnePlus’s own OxygenOS 11 proving itself once again to be a very intuitive and slick OS. 

In this review, we’ll take a look at what makes the OnePlus Nord CE 2 a worthy upgrade to its predecessor and what that remarkably low price tag gets you. 

OnePlus Nord CE 2: Design

• Smooth, glossy appearance 
• Slim, lightweight body 
• No IP rating 

The OnePlus Nord CE 2 has a 6.43” screen and similar dimensions to rival smartphones, yet feels pleasingly slimline and light in the hands. This can be attributed to the plastic rear panel rather than the metal or glass materials found in OnePlus’s other phones, which does more to separate it from more premium phones than anything to do with the hardware itself. Fortunately it’s the ‘good’ kind of plastic, being both pebble smooth and slightly iridescent to look at, whether you choose the Bahama Blue or Gray Mirror colorways. The latter becomes easily painted with fingerprints, however, although a case or protector will eliminate that issue. The camera ‘bump’ is pleasingly unobtrusive, with the lenses well protected by metal rings. 

The front of the phone is plated in Gorilla Glass 5, which offers decent protection against nicks and scratches. The front-facing camera is set discreetly in the top left corner. Volume buttons are on the left, power button is on the right, with SIM entry revealing two SIM card slots and a micro SD card slot which could see the phone’s storage expanded up 1TB if desired. We did find we missed the slider switch available on other OnePlus phones that flits between ring, vibrate and silent, but these are quickly adjusted in the notification bar. 

We suspect a lot of users will appreciate OnePlus opting for a 3.5mm headphone jack on the OnePlus Nord CE 2 instead of a USB dongle connection, which allows for wired headphones. Unfortunately, the phone isn’t IP rated, so while it might withstand a splash of water now and then, this isn’t a phone you want to drop in the bath.

Beneath the hood, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 comes with a MediaTek Dimensity 900 chipset sporting 6 nm architecture and a Mali-G68 MC4 GPU that’s 5G-ready. As chipsets go, this is powerful enough for any budget-to-midrange phone and average user, and that grunt can be felt in the Nord CE 2’s pleasingly fluid operation and zippy photography.

OnePlus Nord CE 2: Display and audio

• 6.43”  AMOLED screen 
• 90Hz refresh rate 
• Single speaker 

Given the relative affordability of the OnePlus Nord CE 2, the 6.43” AMOLED display is a premium inclusion and firmly nudges the phone towards flagship territory when compared to similar mid-range smartphones. Sure, its 90hz refresh rate doesn’t trouble the 120hz beasts, but it is more than enough to provide a silky smooth experience when flipping through apps and watching media. 

A native resolution of 1,080 x 2,400 pixels keeps things sharp, and color accuracy, while not exceptional, still brings plenty of richness and warmth to images and video. Fortunately, the phone offers Vivid and Gentle color profiles to switch between depending upon what you’re watching, 

Audio on the OnePlus Nord CE 2 is adequate, and despite the lack of built-in stereo speakers, the single speaker at the foot of the phone is clear and surprisingly punchy. 

OnePlus Nord CE 2: Cameras

The OnePlus Nord CE 2 offers what is now a fairly standard three-camera setup at the rear, with one 64MP (f/1.8) camera with a 1/1.97in sensor; one 8MP (f/2.2) 119-degree ultra wide camera, and a 2MP macro camera for getting up close with objects. On the front, you get a single 16MP (f/2.4) camera. While you can shoot 4K.video on the Nord CE 2, it is sadly locked at 30fps unstabilized, but dropping to 1080p captures smooth, shake-free 60fps footage.

These are not flagship cameras, but they’re no slouches either, and shots taken during the day were impressively rich and colorful. Low-light shots were improved over the phone’s predecessor thanks to tweaks to Nightscape mode that produce better color and contrast in darker conditions. 

OnePlus Nord CE 2: Software and assistant features

The OnePlus Nord CE 2 ships with OxygenOS 11, based on Android 11, and is as smooth and intuitive as OnePlus’s own OS has ever been. Menus are quick and straightforward to navigate and the improved OS is now optimized for one-handed use. It also features a Dark Mode to reduce eye-strain.

Setting up the phone took mere minutes, and the phone’s assistant, biometrics and security settings were simple to set up by following the prompts. Happily, a common failing of many Android phones didn’t seem to affect this phone, and SmartLock actually worked as intended. 

OnePlus Nord CE 2: Battery life

If you’re at all familiar with OnePlus phones, then you’ll know that the company was one of the first to supercharge phone charging with their Warpspeed technology. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 uses their latest standard, 65W SUPERVOOC fast charging, and the results are little short of staggering. 

We found we could charge the phone to 100% in around 30 minutes, and 50% in approximately 15 minutes. The phone’s 4500mAh dual-cell battery provided a full day of fairly intensive use while watching videos, making video calls and enjoying some light gaming.

OnePlus Nord CE 2: Price

So far, OnePlus have not announced any plans to release the OnePlus Nord CE 2 in the US or Australia, which leaves only the UK, Europe and India. In the UK, the phone retails at £299 for the 8GB version.  

Should you buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2?

If your budget can’t quite stretch to the latest all-singing, all-dancing flagship smartphone, then you’re not without options, with many lower-priced smartphones providing a somewhat watered-down experience in return for their lower price-point. The OnePlus Nord CE 2, however, offers about as close to a flagship experience as you’re likely to get on a budget or mid-range Android phone. 

What compromises have been made to put it within reach of the more budget-conscious don’t at all obscure the fact that the Nord CE 2 is a full-featured smartphone that offers fun and rewarding photography, expandable storage, a smooth and responsive OS and exceptionally fast charging.  

If this product isn't for you

If the OnePlus Nord CE 2 isn't quite the right phone for you, then there are plenty of other budget and mid-tier Android phones to choose from, not least its predecessor the OnePlus Nord 2. As it falls under the shadow of its newer sibling, the Nord 2 still offers a great experience for the price, which is only set to drop further. 

If you want the purest expression of Android, then Google's own Pixel 4A 5G might be your best bet. It lacks many flashy features to really set it apart but otherwise offers a great Android experience for around $350.

If you're happy to cross the aisle, then the iPhone SE (2020) is still the best value iPhone you can buy and retails in the US for around $250 for the 64GB model. 

Google has announced March 2022’s latest feature drop, which was rolled out yesterday on Pixel phones from the Google Pixel 3a to the Google Pixel 5a. It is the company’s tenth Pixel phone update and brings several cool new features to the flagship Android phones. These features will be rolled out to the Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro, both featured in our best smartphones guide, later this month.

Discover the latest features from Google Pixel below…

Night Sight for Snapchat

Top of the billing of this latest feature drop is Night Sight for Snapchat which helps to capture low-light pictures and video full of rich detail without requiring a flash. You can find this feature by selecting the low light mode in Snapchat.

Improved At a Glance

Google has added more information to your Home and Lock screens to help you see helpful information with Pixel’s At a Glance feature. More reminders and other helpful notifications can be visible on your home screen, and this feature can show you the battery levels of Pixel Buds and other Bluetooth devices that might be connected to your phone.

Live Captions for calls

Live Captions have also arrived, which bring more accessibility to phone calls by displaying captions of what the other caller says and allowing you to type back your response – a great feature for when you don’t want to, or can’t, speak during calls.

Emoji Kitchen and sticker suggestions

Messages and video calls have also been made more fun and dynamic with the introduction of emoji, emoji kitchen and custom sticker suggestions that are now available when you type on your Pixel’s Gboard, making messaging more fun than ever.

Improved Live Translate

Google’s already impressive Live Translate has received a new interpreter mode that translates face-to-face conversations into Spanish, French and Italian live on your phone. Pixel phones can now also recognise Spanish in videos and other media content and translates into any of Live Translate’s other supported languages (English, French, Italian, German, Japanese (beta) and Spanish).

Older Pixel phone owners will also be grateful for a couple of simple yet useful extra features. “Wait Times” estimates how long you’ve been kept on hold during a call so you can share this information to improve wait times. Direct my Call is helpful for business or automated calls, and shows you on screen what the automated voice says and what menu options you have to choose from by pressing number buttons. To choose a menu option, just tap the appropriate buttons on your screen.

Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro Max is here to cram all the best features an iPhone can offer into one mighty sized handset. Is this one of the best smartphones ever?

As with 2020, there are four phones to choose from, with the iPhone 13 and mini at the lower end, and the 13 Pro and Pro Max at the top end (we’ve been testing the latter).

The good news is that this year marks one of refinement for Apple, akin to prior ’S’ years but still with enough bells and whistles to get excited about if you’re on an iPhone 11 device or older. The bad news is that if you’re looking for a reason to drop around $1000 on a new phone and are already using the iPhone 12 Pro or 12 Pro Max, you may not quite find one.

Still, these high-end devices mark Apple’s best smartphones yet, and they could get even better once app developers are able to take advantage of its buttery smooth ProMotion display.

iPhone 13 Pro Max review: Design and styling 

• Available in Silver, Graphite, Gold, Sierra Blue
• Almost identical to last year’s entries

iPhones don’t tend to go through too many drastic changes from a visual standpoint, but this might be one of the tougher ones to spot when you put the iPhone 13 Pro Max next to its one-year-old sibling.

Aside from the new Sierra Blue color which replaces the more greenish hue from last year’s model, its very similar. The telltale change, though, is the camera bump. While both feature the same trifecta of lenses, they protrude a little further on the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

While any good case should have a ‘lip’ to stop them from getting scratched, depending on your proclivity for wireless charging you may find things get a little dicey when using a charging pad.

Other than that, everything is much the same as the 12 Pro Max - but that’s no bad thing. Last year’s phones moved to an iPhone 5-inspired design with plenty of aluminum edges, and the screen stays at a massive 6.7-inch OLED panel.

As with last year, Ceramic Shield is used to prevent cracks and breakages when a phone is dropped, but given the not insignificant weight of the phone, we’d recommend a case to be on the safe side.

Finally, on the back, you can expect the hidden magnets that allow for Apple’s new rapid-charging and accessory-piggybacking system, MagSafe.

iPhone 13 Pro Max review: Battery Life 

• Still no charger in the box, MagSafe or otherwise
• ProMotion doesn’t take away from battery life

To get it out of the way early, no, there’s no charger in the box again this year. Apple says it’s to minimize waste, but it’s hard not to feel a little aggrieved given the phone costs $1099.

In better news, though, you won’t need a charger as often, as the iPhone 13 Pro Max has been redesigned to hold a larger battery inside. That means it gets two and a half hours more battery life than last year’s Pro Max, which was already impressive.

Aside from the battery, the A15 Bionic chip is more power-efficient, and the ProMotion display adjusts the phone’s refresh rate dynamically so it matches your content. Scrolling through a long article? It’ll refresh slower, eking out less power than if it was all 120Hz, all of the time. 

Apple says the 13 Pro Max offers up to 28 hours of local video playback, but in real-world use, you can honestly get around two days of charge with normal use. Add to that fast charging (if you have a 20W adapter lying around from last year), and you’ll get a 50% charge in 30 minutes.

iPhone 13 Pro Max review: Screen and audio 

• 6.8-inch OLED display
• ProMotion display
• No headphone jack

The iPhone 13 Pro Max display matches the 2778x1284 resolution from last year’s 12 Pro Max, and carries on the OLED display tech which offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and overall more power efficiency.

If you’re upgrading from an iPhone 11 model or earlier, the difference in brightness is subtle - but still noticeable. The big news, though, is the addition of ProMotion - also known as a variable refresh rate.

Only available on the Pro phones this year, the technology has been found in iPad Pro models in the past and essentially tunes the display’s refresh rate to the content being displayed.

Scrolling through social media feels smooth, but the iPhone 13 Pro Max (and 13 Pro) are waiting for some updates due to some issues with developers getting their hands on the tools to build their apps with ProMotion in mind. For now, iOS animations are slick, as are any basic scrolling apps, but we’ll have to wait a little while to see the likes of games and other apps take advantage of the tech.

Audio-wise, the stereo speaker system (one at the bottom, one in the earpiece) remains solid and punchy. Again, though, you’ll want Bluetooth earphones - no Lightning Earpods in the box again this year, and of course, no headphone jack.

iPhone 13 Pro Max review: Camera

• Three lens 12MP setup on the back, one 12MP lens on the front
• New Macro mode for ultra-closeup shots

While last year’s Pro Max had a few nifty tricks that its smaller counterparts didn’t, the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max share the same camera system entirely this time around.

On paper, that means you’re getting a trio of lenses on the back - Wide, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto. The first has a larger sensor to capture more detail in low-light situations, making Night Mode more impressive than ever.

The Ultra-Wide camera now hits 12MP and has Night Mode of its own, allowing users to capture much broader scenes in low-light, while the Telephoto now has a 3x physical zoom. 

Despite the majority of the camera components being similar to the iPhone 12 Pro Max, much of the tweaking has been done on the image pipeline. For one, iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a set of customizable “photographic styles”.

These are applied to the camera before an image is taken, and while they can be undone, if you constantly find yourself reaching for the edit function it can be a timesaver to apply your own custom presets. Since it’s done before the shot, too, we’d imagine it allows for improved quality over changing an image after the fact.

Arguably the two headline features of this year’s cameras, though, are Macrophotography and Cinematic Mode.

Macrophotography kicks in when you get really close to a subject, and while this happens automatically, a toggle wouldn’t go amiss. Still, it allows for hugely improved detail on subjects that would’ve been too small to capture otherwise.

Cinematic Mode allows for automatic focus-switching between subjects when taking video. It’s a clever system, and looks great when a person you’re recording looks into the background of a shot. You can edit focus post-shoot, too, but in many ways it feels like a proof of concept - there’s some loss of detail, and it feels like the kind of feature, like Portrait Mode, that’ll get better with time.

Speaking of Portrait Mode, it’s once again got better at distinguishing faces from backgrounds.

iPhone 13 Pro Max review: Software and assistant features 

• iOS 15 isn’t a huge update
• Siri is now on-device, which improves speed

iOS 15 is a fairly meager update after the introduction of widgets last year, with a focus on shared experiences - users can now share movies, TV shows, or music through FaceTime calls with SharePlay.

Live text allows users to pull text from images and interact with it (like a phone number from a sign, for example).

FaceTime gets Portrait mode, too, as well as the ability to cancel out background noise and share FaceTime calls with non-Apple users through a link. Safari has been redesigned, with a contentious shakeup that puts the tab bar at the bottom of the screen.

The most underrated addition, though, is a series of Focus modes. These customizable setups can be set for personal, work, sleep, etc, and will allow users to gatekeep which notifications are received in certain time slots. For example, you can deactivate Slack notifications when you’re on “personal time”.

Siri has finally gotten somewhat of a major change, too. Apple’s virtual assistant still feels like it lags behind others, but requests are now processed on-device. Not only does that make Siri’s responses faster, but Siri can now activate timers and more while offline - finally.

Our biggest gripe with iOS 15 though is the way it uses the upper corners of the iPhone 13 range. While the notch has been shrunk down, Apple hasn’t done anything with those top corners. It feels like a perfect opportunity to add a battery percentage.

iPhone 13 Pro Max review: Security 

• FaceID remains the only option
• iOS remains impressively secure

iPhone 13 Pro Max, as with the other offerings this year, uses FaceID for unlocking your device and security-intensive apps. 

The tech has gotten a tiny bit faster each year as Apple refines it, and this is identical to last year’s despite the smaller notch we mentioned earlier. That means you can use your FaceID data to pay using Apple Pay, purchase items on the App Store, or do things like unlocking your data in 1Password.

Of course, iOS doesn’t offer some of the more risky Android practices like side-loading and the like, but the benefit of Apple’s “walled garden” is that your device is usually more secure than those running Google’s OS.

Should you buy the iPhone 13 Pro Max? 

If you’ve got an iPhone 12 Pro or Pro Max, it’s not easy to justify dropping another $1099 for the 13 Pro Max, despite its stunning camera and battery life improvements. While ProMotion needs a little more time to bake until it’s ready, though, this is Apple’s greatest iPhone yet - praise we seem to hand out every year.

Even if you’re upgrading from something as recent as the 11 Pro Max, there’s a lot to love here - and it feels like the iPhone 13 Pro Max will only get better once some of its iOS-based kinks are worked out.

Ever keen to shake up the smartphone world, Google has finally unveiled some information regarding its Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro phones, as previously announced back in August.  Both of them  shaping up to be among the best smartphones of the year.

The phones offer a lot of powerful technology for the price. Both phones use Google's new eight-core Tensor processor which aims to be more powerful than, well, anything else you can think of in a high-end phone. Alongside that, both devices also include a rear camera array that features a 50-megapixel main sensor which should delight everyone that loves to take photos while out and about. 

Where things differ slightly is in terms of size. The Google Pixel 6 has a 6.4-inch Full HD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate while the Google Pixel Pro upgrades that to a 6.7-inch 1,440p screen with 120Hz refresh rate. It also has more narrow bezels.

Elsewhere, while both phones have the main 50-megapixel camera, the Google Pixel 6 Pro ups the ante a bit. It has a 48-megapixel telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom along with a 11.1megapixel selfie camera and wider-angle lens compared to the Pixel 6's 8-megapixel selfie camera. Both phones benefit from plenty of new photography features too such as a Face Unblur tool and some neat tweaks to improve your images. The Pixel 6 Pro also has a larger battery and more RAM so it should be a fair bit better at multitasking.

Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro phones are out next week 

Impressively, despite all the power involved, both Google Pixel 6 phones should also last more than 24 hours between charges which is pretty good going by modern standards.

Looks wise, they feel suitably premium too with Google using a glass back with curved edges so they should feel rather classy in your hands. Backed up by Android 12, there are some Pixel exclusive features too such as the Material You UI which provides a smart looking experience by taking the primary color elements of your phone's wallpaper rather than applying them throughout the system. Google has also revamped its speech recognition software so it's better at understanding you and figuring out what you might need. It's even able to translate languages as you're typing too.

It's possible to preorder the Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro now with the Google Pixel 6 costing $599 and the Google Pixel 6 Pro available for $899. Both will be available from October 28th.

Wide Open West doesn’t cover the western United States. At all. Not even a little of it. That may seem like a strange thing to harp on in a review of best internet providers, and perhaps it is, but a lot of what’s going on with WOW right now is strange. Not too long ago, WOW’s customers were delighted with the service, the prices, and even the technicians. Now? Not so much.

Wide Open West Internet: Plans & Pricing

• Alabama
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Michigan
• Ohio
• South Carolina
• Tennessee

WOW’s coverage area is limited to part of the Southern U.S. and a small slice of the Midwest. Even if you live in an eligible state, it’d be wise to check WOW’s site to make sure your specific area is covered. The only cities listed in Florida, for example, are Panama City and Pinellas, which excludes a massive amount of the state.

WOW doesn’t do cutesy names for their different tiers of Internet bundles. Every area it covers gets the same speeds at the same prices, with the same available upgrades. In fact, WOW considers its straightforward pricing to be one of its selling points — and on that point, we agree.

It’s important to note that each tier offers “up to” a particular speed, which means you could potentially pay for the fastest and get the slowest and have no room to complain. 

These prices are only for new customers for the first 12 months of service. After that, the discount goes away and the fee goes up dramatically. As of this writing, the regular rate is at least $15 higher than the introductory rate, but that’s “subject to change.” 

• Up to 100Mbps: $19.99/month first 12 months, afterwards $39.99/month
• Up to 200Mbps: $29.99/month first 12 months, afterwards $44.99/month
• Up to 500Mbps: $44.99/month first 12 months, afterwards $54.99/month
• Up to 1GB: $54.99/month first 12 months, afterwards $74.99/month

Wide Open West Internet: Features

• No contracts
• Whole home WiFi

You can get Wide Open West Internet without committing to a contract — but make sure you read the pricing conditions first. WOW’s best prices are only available for those who enroll in AutoPay and paperless billing. The difference is only $5 a month, which is a fair price to pay for the flexibility. WOW also offers whole home WiFi through eero for an extra $9.99/month. More tech-savvy customers can simply purchase eero equipment themselves and save on the fee.

Wide Open West Internet: Performance

• Tends to buckle under the weight of high usage
• Some customers get faster speeds than they pay for

Before the pandemic, WOW customers were quite happy with their internet. It dropped now and then, and the upload speeds weren’t terribly high, but overall the sentiment that it was great internet for the price. 

WOW’s internet connectivity couldn’t handle the extra load of everyone being home during the pandemic, however, and began dropping more frequently and for longer periods of time. Customers using WOW for their TV as well as their internet seemed to fare worst.

Wide Open West Internet: Customer Reviews

• Bad connectivity
• Pricing shenanigans

When you first look up reviews for WOW, they’re almost uniformly positive with a sprinkling of the usual gripes about late technicians or having to wait on hold. Sort reviews by recency, however, and things change dramatically. Starting around the end of 2019, the reviews change to be almost uniformly negative, and the complaints all sound very much the same. 

WOW’s internet drops frequently and technicians are unhelpful. Allowing for that to possibly be a side effect of everyone being home during the pandemic, WOW customers still have a lot to say about the company’s billing practices. Prices get raised despite being locked in via contract, customers keep getting billed after cancellation, and charges for services neither ordered nor received show up.   

Should you choose Wide Open West Internet?

• Probably not
• 30-day money-back guarantee

It’s probably not a great idea to count on WOW for your internet until the company has an opportunity to upgrade its infrastructure or fewer people are working from home. The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you want to give it a shot, but keep in mind that one of the recurring complaints about WOW is that customers kept getting billed after they’d shut off service. If other internet options are available in your area, explore them first. 

Verizon has announced a new addition to its unlimited data plan with new and existing customers benefiting from up to a year's subscription to AMC+ alongside existing freebies provided by the cell phone provider.

Normally priced at $8.99 per month, AMC+ might not have featured on our look at the best TV streaming services but it still offers some great content, especially for free if you're a Verizon wireless customer. This includes well-known shows including The Walking Dead, Mad Men, Orphan Black, and Portlandia. 

To gain free access to AMC+ as a Verizon customer, you'll need to either sign up to the Start Unlimited plan, the Play More Unlimited, Do More Unlimited, or Get More Unlimited plans. The 4G-based Start Unlimited plan provides customers with just 6 months of AMC+ for free while the others all give users the full 12 months. 

If you're a new Verizon Fios customer that signs up to one of Verizon's Mix & Match home internet plans, you're also eligible for the deal. Verizon Fios featured in our look at the best internet providers for good reason so it's worth considering. 

The AMC+ deal goes alongside Verizon's other limited free subscriptions which include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ so there's no shortage of content here from one of the best cell phone providers. A reliable choice for 5G connectivity along with providing some of the best phone selections (including many of the best smartphones), Verizon isn't the cheapest of options out there but with a wealth of freebies, it's certainly great value for money if you love to stream new content. 

The timing is great too if you happen to be a fan of The Walking Dead with the new season - season 11 - launching August 22 on AMC+. 

Other wireless companies such as T-Mobile and AT&T offer similar deals with AT&T providing free HBO Max and T-Mobile bundling in Netflix with unlimited data plan. 

The free AMC+ deal at Verizon runs until February 10 so you have a bit of time to decide what to do. To sweeten the deal, Verizon also offers security features such as a filter for blocking spoofed phone numbers too.

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G is coming for the top dogs of the smartphone world. OnePlus is calling this its “flagship killer”, and after spending a week with this impressive little handset, we’d have to agree - this is one of the best smartphones you can buy.

The Nord line is OnePlus’ mid-range smartphone models, and since its inception the aim was always to bring flagship level features at affordable prices. The original Nord certainly nailed that premise, but the Nord N10 kind of lost its way on this front. It was a great budget phone, but it was a far cry from a flagship device in terms of specs.

Now OnePlus is back with the Nord 2, and it's gone back to that key vision of what Nord should represent… for the most part. There are a couple of areas that OnePlus could have stretched itself with - most notably the 90Hz screen - but on the whole this is a fantastic mid-range smartphone that can easily compete with the likes of the Google Pixel 4A 5G and even iPhone 12 Mini. It’s just a shame it’s not coming to the US.

OnePlus Nord 2 5G review: Design

• Blue haze or Gray Sierra
• Premium design
• No IPX rating

At first glance, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G certainly passes the premium test in terms of design and styling. It has the Gorilla glass front and back that we’ve come to expect, and a fiberglass metal polymer shell that’s exposed on the sides. That’s a fancy way of saying it’s plastic, but it really doesn’t look or feel cheap and plasticky. There are two color options on offer - Blue Haze and Gray Sierra.

The entire device measures in at 159.12mm x 73.31mm x 8.25mm and weighs 189g. The 6.43-inch AMOLED display isn’t quite edgeless, with a small black bezel. It’s a solid display though, rocking a 2400 x 1080 resolution and 90Hz refresh rate. The selfie camera is embedded in the top left of the screen.

On the back of the device, you’ll find the main camera array in the top left corner, with the four sensors embedded into a raised section which sticks out from the device - this is standard these days as manufacturers look to squeeze bigger and bigger lenses into thinner and thinner phones.

On the side of the device, you’ll find the usual buttons and switches - volume controls on the left side and lock button on the right, along with a switch that flips your phone between normal, silent, and vibrate modes. This is a great little feature that we’ve seen on OnePlus phones before, making it quick and easy to shut your phone up when you don’t want to be disturbed.

One of the areas that OnePlus has clearly saved cost is with the lack of IPX rating. This thing isn’t going to combust the second a drop of rain hits it or anything, but it’s probably not going to enjoy life if you drop it into the sink.

Overall though, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G looks and feels like a top-end device. It’s only when you really go poking around that you find signs that this is actually a mid-range smartphone. Considering OnePlus’s “smartphone killer” mantra for the Nord 2, we’d call this a success.

OnePlus Nord 2 5G review: Performance

• Mediatek Dimensity 1200-AI chipset
• 8GB RAM / 128GB storage & 12GB RAM / 256GB storage options
• Solid performance

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G is the first OnePlus phone to branch out from the usual Snapdragon chipset, instead using a custom-made Mediatek Dimensity 1200-AI which is exclusive to this phone. On paper, the Mediatek Dimensity 1200-AI is faster than the Snapdragon 870, which is a solid mid-range chipset.

Beyond that, there are two options for the OnePlus Nord 2 5G with regards to RAM and storage. You can get the base model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, or the upgraded version with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. We tested the 12GB/256GB model. It's a 5G device, as we'd expect for all new phones at this point.

In practice we found the OnePlus Nord 2 5G to be fast and responsive across a variety of tasks. Navigating around menus and surfing the web was seamless, and watching videos was equally pain free. We also tried out a number of different games to test the performance of the hardware under stress including Forza Street and Warhammer 40,000: Lost Crusade, and we were suitably impressed.

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G actually has a Games app that lets you manage your games and mess with things like notifications, so you don’t get Instagram alerts or even phone calls in the middle of a game. It’s a neat feature, and essentially an extension of the Zen mode that we’ve seen in previous OnePlus devices. Zen makes its return too, letting you close out the world and cut down your screen time by blocking distractions, notifications and calls during set times of your choosing.

OnePlus Nord 2 5G review: Display and audio

• 6.43 inch Full HD 90HZ AMOLED
• Dual stereo speakers
• AI boost tech is neat, but seems like a gimmick

OnePlus has always been very proud of its screens, boasting 90Hz and 120Hz screens when the competition was still chilling at the 60Hz mark. The OnePlus Nord 2 5G has an impressive, but not ground-breaking, screen with its 6.43-inch Full HD AMOLED running at a 90Hz refresh rate. That’s excellent, and it certainly beats out or equals most of the competition, but it’s not trial blazing. In fact, some phones in this price range, like the Realme X3 Superzoom, have it beat.

Earlier, we mentioned the fancy custom chipset that the OnePlus Nord 2 5G is using - the  Mediatek Dimensity 1200-AI. It’s the AI part that is unique to this phone, and it brings a lot of clever tech with it that enhances your user experience. This includes auto-adjusting the brightness of your phone by analyzing external lighting and what’s currently on screen. It can also color boost images and videos, and even gives a resolution boost to videos using its fancy AI tech. We had a play around with this by watching some old, low resolution YouTube videos - Charlie bit my finger and Chocolate rain, two classics of the early YouTube era - both with and without the AI tech on, and the results were... ok. 

Side by side, one image looks a little sharper than the other, but when watching the video it wasn't that obvious. You do get a swanky animation that slides across the screen as the AI is turned on though, so it’s maybe worth it just for that.

There are dual speakers for audio output, position at the top of the screen and the bottom of the device. These pack a decent amount of volume and, the top and bottom layout means you avoid that weird, mono-directional audio problem that many cheaper phones have with when both speakers are at the bottom. There is also Bluetooth support for headphones, which is how you’ll spend the lion’s share of your time listening to music and videos on your phone if we’re honest. No headphone jack, and at this point it’s just time to stop mentioning that - they’re gone and they’re not coming back.

OnePlus Nord 2 5G review: Camera

• 50MP main lens
• 8MP ultrawide and 2MP monochrome
• 32MP selfie camera
• AI tech can improve contrast and brightness settings automatically

The camera array is often the first thing to take a hefty downgrade when companies are putting together cheaper and mid-range smartphones, but we’re suitably impressed with the setup in the OnePlus Nord 2. The main wide lens uses the Sony IMX 766, the same 50MP camera that you’d find in the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro.

Alongside this you also get an 8MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP monochrome lens. The monochrome lens has been a regular fixture in OnePlus devices for a while now. While it can be used to take artsy black and white photos, its main function is to assist the other lens by capturing details they’d miss. Finally, there is a 32MP selfie camera on the front which you’ll just have to take our word on, because my hair is a mess and there is no way you’re getting selfie snaps out of me today.

That fancy AI tech from the Mediatech chip comes into play with the camera too, and in a more noticeable way too. With the AI turned on, your camera will automatically adapt the color and contrast settings to make your shots look their best. We were dubious about this, but we went out and took pictures of some flowers and indoor shots, and the camera automatically switched to presets called Bouquet and Indoor, so maybe it does know what it’s doing. As to whether it improves the shots - that’s all quite subjective

The AI tech also works when you’re recording video. You can record up to 4K at 30fps, or 1080p at 60FPS using the camera here. You can also record slow motion footage at up to 240 fps. Overall, the camera array here is decent. You don’t get a telephoto lens, but only the OnePlus 9 Pro has ever been packing one of those, and that’s not really a fair comparison. The OnePlus Nord 2’s camera is a huge improvement over the original Nord, and the Nord N10, at a similar price range.

OnePlus Nord 2 5G review: Battery life

• Solid battery life
• Ludicrously quick charging

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G has a 4500mAh dual cell battery, seemingly identical to the battery that you’ll find in the OnePlus 9. It also shares the same charging technology - Warp Charge 65T - which can get your phone from 1% to 100% battery in 30 minutes. 

Our own testing confirms these numbers, which makes the OnePlus Nord 2 5G one of the fastest charging phones at this price level. With normal use throughout the day, we’ve found that the OnePlus Nord 2 5G will last a couple of days, or one full day with intense usage.

There is no wireless charging, so you’re stuck with plain old wired charging via the included USB-C charger. Considering other brands have dropped the in-box charger, having it included is a nice touch.

OnePlus Nord 2 5G review: Software and security

• Oxygen OS 11.3
• Fingerprint scanner and facial recognition

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G runs on Oxygen OS 11.3, which is based on the Android operating system. This is actually the first phone to be released with this version of Oxygen OS, but don’t get too excited - this latest version is mainly just packed with behind the scenes upgrades rather than new features.

With that said, Oxygen OS is a solid operating system and we’ve enjoyed our time with the OnePlus Nord 2 5G.  Settings and options are all where you’d expect them to be and the OS runs smoothly.

In terms of extra features, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G has an on-screen fingerprint reader, and also uses facial recognition for unlocking your device if you want. The former works perfectly, and the latter is somewhat temperamental - either that or it just doesn’t like my face, and who can blame it to be honest?

OnePlus Nord 2 5G review: Price

The OnePlus Nord 2 5G is currently available to buy in multiple markets, including the UK, but crucially excluding the USA. We asked OnePlus and it doesn’t seem like there are any plans for this phone to come to the US down the line either, which is a shame.

In the UK, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage will cost £399, while the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage option will set you back £469. That’s around $550 for the cheaper model, and $650 for the top version if you wanted to get one imported. 

You also get a two-year warranty with the OnePlus Nord 2 5G as standard.

Should you buy the OnePlus Nord 2 5G?

If you're looking for a solid mid-range smartphone, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G is undoubtedly the best option out there at the moment. You get great performance, a stylish design, and an excellent camera array for a bargain price. Add the fast charging speeds on top of that and this is a tough smartphone to beat. 

While it talks a good talk about being a flagship killer, it can’t quite compete with true top-end flagship phones - monsters like the iPhone 12 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus. Nor should it be expected too really, when those devices cost two or three times as much. But as a replacement for base model flagships like the iPhone 12, it's a really compelling proposition.

OnePlus has played it safe in a couple of areas though, so if you really want a 120Hz screen then you’ll have to look elsewhere. And if you’re living in the US, then you’re going to have to import one and hope the customs fees aren’t horrendous because the Nord 2 is showing no signs of being released in the US.

A forum post from Google has revealed that the oldest of Android devices will no longer be able to sign into Google apps as of September 27. 

The post from community manager, Zak Pollack, explains that it's part of Google's 'ongoing efforts to keep our users safe'. That means that owners of Android devices that run Android 2.3.7 or lower will no longer be able to access Google products and services such as Gmail, YouTube, and Maps. However, they will be able to access those services through the built-in web browser if need be.

The point, however, is that these phones are simply just too old to continue to support. If, somehow, you're still using one of these ageing devices, this is the time to check out our look at the best smartphones and pick out a new device. Depending on how far behind you are technologically, it might also be the right time to check out the best cell phone providers to find the right one for your needs, such as going for one with strong 5G signal or extensive reliability. T-Mobile has recently launched a new $25 unlimited plan which includes a free 5G phone so this could be the ideal starting point for those users needing an upgrade. 

The change by Google shouldn't affect many people, though, as the likes of Android 3 and Android 4 debuted back in 2011 so we're talking phones that are even older than this and that somehow don't support a new version of Android. Those devices are missing out on more than 10 years worth of features and innovations and believe us, Android is very different to what it was back then. It's also far more secure with a vast number of security patches and updates out there. 

What may make a slight difference to some users is that Google Play services support for Android 4.1 is ending next month but again, you'll need to have a very old phone for this to be a problem. 

As always, this is a reminder that modern technology won't last forever (but it will last a while) and that you should always keep your phone up to date with the latest software updates, no matter which smartphone platform you use. 

iOS vs Android: We face a lot of choices in life: red pill or blue pill, chocolate or candy, cars or motorbikes. But some are more complicated and the iOS vs Android decision is just such a choice. 

So you might have already looked at the best smartphones and are left more baffled than ever as Apple iOS powered iPhones line up against Android powered handsets from the likes of Samsung, OnePlus, Google, and more. The one thing you can be sure of, you can't have both.

While many people love Apple and iOS because of its clean and minimal design ethos, and myriad apps, others are all about Android. You can save a buck and get more bleeding-edge tech specs at the same time. Then there's battery life. But before we get into all that let's start with iOS.

iOS vs Android: Reasons to choose iOS

1. Get apps first

As the most popular smartphones in the world, iPhones tend to get new apps and games sooner than Android smartphones, as developers with limited resources aim for the largest slice of the pie first. In truth, this disparity isn’t as bad as it once was thanks to the rise of Samsung smartphones which now compete with iPhones in terms of popularity, but it does still exist.

This means that some apps will come to iOS devices first and Android phones later, while others may end up staying exclusive to iOS. In general though, we’d say Apple is losing ground on this advantage with every new smartphone generation as its relative market share comes down with increased competition.

2. More accessories available

Another symptom of iPhones and their stunning popularity is the prevalence of third party accessories for them. Wander into any electronics store and you’ll surely find a whole manner of cases, screen protectors and other accessories for the latest iPhone. Not to mention the mountains of official add-ons that Apple itself sells - protective cases, stands, wireless earbuds.

The most popular Android devices have their fair share of extras available too, but you’ll struggle to find accessories for many of the more niche products out there - there are simply too many different models with varying shapes and sizes, so it just doesn’t make sense for companies to make accessories for all but the most popular of them. With an iPhone, you know your accessory needs will be met and then some.

3. Reliable updates

When Apple updates its operating system, that update is pushed out to every compatible iPhone automatically, which means that if you’re connected to the internet, your iPhone will be on the most up to date version of the iOS software.

Android updates are a little bit more hit and miss. With so many devices out there, the chances of the latest Android update being compatible with your older devices shrinks. You may also have to manually update your device, the alerts for which can go ignored or unseen for quite some time.

OK, so you've chosen to go with an iOS device, but which iPhone should you buy? Check out our guide to help you choose the right Apple device for you.

4. Unbeatable design

For anyone concerned about how fashionable their smartphone looks, Apple's iPhones are the de facto choice. They look fantastic, and more importantly they have a uniform style that makes them instantly recognizable. It's fair to say most people can probably spot an iPhone even without the logo – the design is that iconic. 

They're not all style and no substance though - iPhones are solidly built (more so since the iPhone 12 iteration), the operating system is super minimal, making it easy to use, and everything just works. 

Reasons to choose Android 

1. Greater variety of smartphones

As we mentioned earlier, Android is the operating system for basically every smartphone that isn’t manufactured by Apple. This means you have a much greater variety of choice when you’re choosing your handset. If you want to use iOS, you have a handful of very similar iPhones to choose from, like the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE. But if you choose Android, you can pick up a handset from Samsung, Sony, OnePlus, Google, and many more different manufacturers.

While Android phones are all similar at their core, each manufacturer builds their handset a little differently and makes alterations and improvements over the core Android experience. With more variety, you’re more likely to find the smartphone that’s perfect for you, rather than being forced to settle.

2. USB-C charging is universal

This is a big one for us. Modern android devices are all charged using a USB-C charging cable which means that the charger for a Google Pixel 4XL will work with a Samsung Galaxy S20 or a OnePlus 8. Apple phones use a proprietary charger that will only work with other Apple devices. This means that if you’re out at a friends house and you run out of battery, you’ll be able to borrow their charger.

3. Ultra-cheap smartphones available

Apple has gotten much better when it comes to budget smartphones in recent years, with the iPhone SE offering frankly staggering value at $400. But $400 is still a fair chunk of cash and it’s the cheapest smartphone that Apple offers. Android devices have a much lower price floor, with some budget Android smartphones coming in at $50 or under.

If you do decide to go with an Android phone, which Android phone should you buy? Our handy guide will walk you through the best options out there today.

4. Battery life is better

There, we said it. Battery life is better on Android. That's not the same for all Android phones but many larger battery options are available and they can last for days where an iPhone typically tops out at a day. In an age where battery life is more important than ever, as we use our phones for everything, this could be a big sway for lots of people.

Granted, both types of phone now charge faster than ever, making this less of an issue. But for those that want the longevity to go all day and overnight, without carrying a charger around, then Android is the way to go.

iOS or Android? Which is best for you?

We’ve outlined the pros and cons for each smartphone operating system, but the choice of which is best for you really is down to what you value most? For some, none of the above matters and they simply prefer the layout or styling of iOS or Android. 

If you value choice and customization then Android is probably the way to go, but if you want a familiar and reliable operating system then maybe swing towards Apple and iOS. 

Verizon has released a new filter via its Call Filter app that aims to block spoofed phone numbers that are far too close to your existing number.

Part of the company's continuing plans to make things safer and easier for its customers, the new tool called Neighborhood Filter looks out for any phone numbers that are calling with similar area codes and numbers to your own. Once it detects one, it allows Verizon customers to send those calls directly to voicemail, meaning they can skip straight ahead to screening calls instead of having to deal directly with anything suspicious. Already topping our best cell phone providers list, it's these little things that should ensure Verizon remains best of the best for a long time to come, alongside fast and reliable speeds. 

To use the safety feature, you simply need to use the company's Call Filter app. It's possible to use Call Filter Free here which offers basic filtering of persistent spam calls and should cover all the bare essentials. 

Alternatively, you can sign up to Call Filter Plus for $3 per month per line (or $8 per month for three or more lines) and provides you with additional options such as access to a database of over 100 million spam numbers, a personal block list, as well as a spam risk meter for real-time call assessment. Both app options offer the Neighborhood Filter although iOS users will need to remember to jump into their Call Blocking and Identification settings to toggle it on.

Verizon launched Call Filter back in 2019, at a time when other cell phone providers such as T-Mobile and AT&T already offered similar tools for less. The new Neighborhood Filter tool could be a valuable option for making it stand out a bit more amongst the competition given a growing number of spoof calls that rely on looking more familiar than the obscure numbers we've seen before. 

Compatible with pretty much all iOS and Android-based phones so you won't have to stick solely to the latest and best smartphones, the new Call Filter tool is available now to customers. There's certainly no harm in giving the free version a try and you should gain some extra protection for nothing. If you're curious about Verizon's network strength in your area, you can check out our cell phone coverage maps article too.

Cell phone coverage maps are really useful tools that help you figure out what type of cell phone coverage you get in your local area. There are plenty of cell phone companies out there competing for your custom when it comes to phone networks, with the big names like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile alongside smaller networks like Mint Mobile and Visible which are looking to make a name for themselves. 

These companies are always offering amazing deals and bragging about their ultra fast download speeds, but it can be difficult to tell if you’ll actually get those speeds where you live?

Fortunately, all of the best cell phone providers have cell phone coverage maps and ZIP code/address checkers that can help you see exactly what kind of service you’ll get at your location. We’ve done some digging and checked out all of these coverage maps to see just how extensive each of these cell phone networks is. We’ve also got links to all the individual coverage maps so you can compare each network and find the best choice for your area. 

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is our top ranked choice when it comes to cell phone plan providers thanks largely due to its excellent network coverage and speed. With that said, there are some rural and remote areas that Verizon’s coverage doesn’t stretch to. Thankfully, the Verizon coverage map lets you check the coverage in your area (or anywhere else in the USA). This map comes with a legend that differentiates between 5G ultra wideband, 5G, 4G LTE, and 3G coverage so you’ll be able to see exactly what kind of coverage you can expect in your local area. You can also enter your ZIP code or address into the search bar.

As you can see from the coverage map above, Verizon’s 4G LTE network has the vast majority of the United States covered, including Hawaii and the most populated areas of Alaska. In fact, Verizon claims to cover more than 99% of the population, so unless you live with bears on a mountain in the Rockies, chances are good that Verizon has you covered. There are some visible gaps in the Midwest and West Coast, but coverage in the East is incredibly good.

5G ultra wideband is Verizon’s super-fast 5G network. It uses a high-band, ultra-wide millimeter wave spectrum to deliver faster speeds and lower latency than even regular 5G. At the moment, this service is only available in select cities across the country.

AT&T

AT&T’s network has seen a huge upgrade since the last time we looked at its coverage, with a vast expansion of its 5G coverage in particular. The updated version of the AT&T interactive coverage map now shows areas of 5G+ (symbol), 5G (light blue), 4G LTE (dark blue), other AT&T coverage (green), and off-network coverage (yellow). You’ll need to zoom in on the map to see the detailed breakdown of network coverage though. You can also enter your ZIP code or address into the search bar for a quick check of your location.

This granular data means that you’ll be able to tell exactly what kind of service you can expect in your area. 5G+ is only available in a handful of major cities, but the regular 5G coverage is impressive to look at, with AT&T stating that its 5G network now reaches over 14,000 cities and towns.

Depending on your plan, AT&T says that “Excessive use of off-net service may result in the loss of coverage in such areas as stated in your plan terms”. There is also a warning that off-net coverage may be limited to 2G speeds. So, if you live in one of the yellow areas of the map, you may want to consider another provider.

T-Mobile

Since the merger of Sprint and T-Mobile back in 2020, T-Mobile now has the largest 5G network in America. And if we’re honest, T-Mobile was already winning the 5G coverage competition long before that too, so it is probably your best bet if you’re looking for those sweet 5G download speeds. At the same time, it also covers 99% of Americans with its 4G LTE network, so you’re almost certainly going to be covered. You can see the network’s full coverage by checking out the T-Mobile interactive coverage map.

Again, you’ll need to zoom in to see the detailed breakdown of coverage, but there is impressive granularity here so you’ll be able to tell exactly what coverage you get in your hometown. The map shows 5G (bright pink), 4G LTE (purple), 3G/2G (light pink), partner coverage (lilac), and no coverage (black). T-Mobile has really committed to that pink color branding so those differentiations might not be clear on reading, but you can clearly see the differences on the map itself. You can also enter your ZIP code or address into the search bar to find coverage at your exact location.

US Cellular

Outside of the big three, US Cellular is the only other cell phone provider that actually uses its own network. The US Cellular coverage map looks very impressive at first glance, but zooming in reveals that huge portions of the network are actually partner coverage, which basically means you’ll be jumping onto another network like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile in these areas. 

US Cellular’s own network primarily covers Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Kansas, Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington, North Carolina, Maine, and New Hampshire. US Cellular’s 5G coverage is rather limited compared to the other major networks though, and can only really be found in those states.

You can see the full US Cellular coverage map over at the company’s website. You’ll need to zoom in to get the full breakdown of coverage types, with 5G (green), 4G LTE (blue), 3G (light blue), and partner coverage (dark blue). You can also enter your ZIP code or address into the search bar.

Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile uses the T-Mobile network to provide its cell coverage. However, this doesn’t just mean that you can use the T-Mobile coverage map to check on your Mint coverage, as that map includes partner coverage for T-Mobile, which Mint doesn’t have access to. Fortunately, you can use the Mint Mobile coverage map on its website to see where you get coverage.

Zoom in on the map and you’ll get a more detailed view of the various types of cell coverage, with 5G (dark green), 4G LTE (mint green), and 3G (bright mint green). Again, they’ve really committed to the mint branding, but it’s clear when you look at it. The map also has coverage breakdowns at specific locations which shows speeds and whether you can expect coverage outdoors, in your vehicle, or indoors at either residential or commercial locations.

You can also enter your state, city, or zip code into the search bar to find out whether you have coverage in that area, which saves you having to navigate the map of the entire country. 

Visible

Visible uses Verizon Wireless’s network and as such, offers coverage to over 99% of the US population. You can view the Visible coverage map on its website, but for some bizarre reason it's only available as a small box out, rather than a full page map. You can enter your location into the search bar and the map will zoom to that area though, but if you want to see a wider view then you’re better off just checking the Verizon map we linked to in that section.  

Xfinity

Xfinity also uses Verizon Wireless’s network, so you’re looking at the same 99% of the population coverage as the other companies that use this network. Xfinity doesn’t have an interactive map like the others, but there is a ZIP code checker that will let you know if you can get coverage, and whether you can get 5G and/or 4G LTE at that location. If you want to check a wider area to see what coverage is like then you can just use the Verizon interactive coverage map.

Google Fi

Google Fi uses a mixture of T-Mobile and US Cellular’s networks to map up its national coverage. As the coverage page explains, your signal will switch between networks intelligently depending on which offers you the best signal in any given location. 

Check out the Google Fi coverage map to check what kind of signal you’ll get in your local area, with both 5G (dark green) and 4G LTE (light green) options shown. You can also enter your address or ZIP code to check the coverage there directly too. 

Metro by T-Mobile

The clue is in the name for this one - Metro is owned by T-Mobile and uses its network, so it offers identical cell phone coverage. Metro does still provide its own interactive coverage map though, so you can check to see if you’ll get cell coverage in your area before you sign up to a cell plan with them.

Since it's using T-Mobile’s network, Metro has the same gaps in coverage. There are large areas of the western side of the country that won’t get cell phone coverage using Metro, so check the interactive map if you live in the Western states.

Cricket Wireless

Cricket Wireless is owned and operated by AT&T and uses the extensive network of its parent company. We like Cricket's affordable unlimited data plans, but are disappointed by the speed caps on these unlimited plans - extensive data use could see your speeds plummet down to 3Mbps. Cricket offers an interactive coverage map on its website so that you can check out its service in your area, where the map is split between 5G (dark green), 4G LTE (green), 3rd party coverage (light green), and other coverage (blue).

Since it's using AT&T’s network, Cricket Wireless has the same strengths and weaknesses in their coverage. The eastern side of the US is locked down, but there are some large gaps on the western side of the country in rural and remote areas.

US Mobile

US Mobile is the only cell carrier in our list that doesn’t provide an interactive coverage map on its website. Instead, you can visit this coverage page and type in your ZIP code to find out what kind of service US Mobile can offer you. 

We do know that US Mobile doesn’t use its own network though - it provides service using the other major cell networks in America, specifically through T-Mobile and Verizon, so you can expect similar coverage to those networks, albeit without the priority treatment that those networks give their own customers.

So, which cell phone network is best? 

Sorry to give the cop-out answer, but it really does depend on where you live and what kind of coverage you require. But with all this information at your fingertips, you should now be able to choose the perfect cell phone provider to suit your needs. Once you’ve got that done, check out our best smartphones or best smartphones for seniors guides to choose the right handset to go with your plan.

In a bid to look even more attractive to customers, AT&T has made a deal with Google to offer six months of Stadia Pro access at no extra charge to new (and newly upgraded) fiber internet customers as well as wireless subscribers with eligible plans that switch to 5G-capable phones. It's the latest in a series of moves by cell phone and internet providers to entice new customers over to their services.

Immediately wondering what the heck Google Stadia Pro is and why you should care? Essentially, it's a relatively new form of gaming. A cloud-based gaming service, the idea is that you simply download an app or browse to the Stadia.com website before choosing to play a game through the app or website. Rather then relying on the hardware your home computer provides, the Stadia servers do all the hard work so you can get on with playing even if your computer or smartphone isn't the fastest of devices any more. 

The Google Stadia catalog includes over 170 different games to play encompassing a wide range of different genres from relatively casual indie titles to the latest AAA hits. The beauty here is that you don't have to pay a penny to play any of them because it's included as part of your AT&T subscription. New games are added every month and you can claim free games too, so there's always something new to check out and thanks to AT&T, streaming should be near-instant. It's possible to buy a Stadia Premiere Edition (with a Google Chromecast and a Stadia controller) for $20 if you prefer to feel more like you're playing a 'proper' games console but there's no requirement here so you may as well hop into the browser-based option instead.

Touted as the next big thing in gaming by Google and other companies, analysts are less certain about its success rate but when Stadia Pro is entirely free for six months, there's no harm in trying it. All you need to get started is a strong and stable internet connection and, of course, that's exactly what AT&T is hoping to prove with its partnership. In our look at the best internet providers, we've already regarded AT&T as the best for reliability so you should be onto a good thing here. 

6 months of Google Stadia Pro is available entirely for free for AT&T wireless customers who have signed up for an eligible unlimited plan with a 5G smartphone, as well as AT&T Fiber customers who partake in the 300Mbps, 500Mbps and 1 GIG speed plans. After the 6 months expires, you'll be charged $9.99 per month but you can cancel at any time to avoid being billed. Full details are available at the AT&T site.

While we're not convinced this will sway avid gamers who already own games consoles, this does seem like a great offer if you simply want to dabble in gaming and see what's out there. Google Stadia is fairly stable with the right internet connection and no doubt AT&T will be keen to stress that it's the exact internet connection you require, having already cited that its networks are optimized for gaming. The offer is available now if you're keen to try it out for yourself. 

The Samsung S21 Plus is the larger of the standard Galaxy models in 2021. And while it doesn’t offer a substantial upgrade on last year’s S20 Plus, it remains a fantastic phone, and one of the best Android handsets you can buy. It combines a vibrant, edgeless, 6.7-inch display with a powerful processor, a potent set of cameras, and an overall design that makes it both tough and stylish. Despite some of the small faults, which we’ll discuss a little later, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is easily one of the best smartphones you can buy.

But should you choose this model over the regular Samsung Galaxy S21? Well, to save you a little time if you’re simply reading for a comparison, here are the highlights: while the S21 Plus is about $300 more expensive, it packs in these upgrades over the regular S21. Firstly, it’s larger - the display on the regular S21 is 6.2-inch, and here it’s 6.7-inch. That does make a difference. Additionally, the back of the Plus device is made with the metal frame that comprises the edge, whereas the vanilla S21 has a cheaper, more fragile, plastic back. 

You also get a larger battery on the S21 Plus - a 4,800 mAh version, compared to 4,000 mAh in the normal S21. This does make a significant difference to how long you can use it between charges. The rest is pretty much identical. Long story short, if you value battery life and want a bigger screen for watching movies and gaming on, spend the extra money for an S21 Plus. If not, the regular Galaxy S21 is perfect for you and cheaper. 

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus: Design

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is as slick as smartphones get. The Gorilla Glass Victus screen runs right to the edge of the phone where it meets a sturdy metal frame in your choice of colors. Ok, so those colors are Phantom Black, Phantom Silver and - wait for it - Phantom Violet, but you do have a choice. The Bixby button on the left of the handset is long gone, and now you only have the volume bar discreetly tucked onto the right side of the device, with the ‘power’ button beneath that (which you can configure for other uses).

The sim card slot is now on the bottom of the device, along with the USB-C fast charging port and the phone speaker. This minimalist design enhances the phone’s waterproof capabilities, and leaves the top of the handset pleasingly free of any function. 

You can unlock the S21 Plus by either pressing the power button to bring up your unlock screen, or by double tapping the screen at the bottom - simple. We’re pleased to report that both the fingerprint and facial recognition unlocking works a charm, with Samsung ironing out most of the kinks in these security features with the S10 Plus and S20 Plus.

Of note, then, is that there’s no longer a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you need wireless cans to connect with the Galaxy S21 (Samsung was a bit of a holdout in that area, but has now ditched the port). And while you do get a USB charging cable included with the phone, there’s no plug adaptor for this cable, so you’ll need to buy one separately. Apparently this was designed to keep the cost of the phone down, but it seems a bit mean to us considering this is a $1000 smartphone. 

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus: Performance

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is powered by the same chips that run across the whole S21 range - a Snapdragon 888 operates as the system chip, while there’s a Kryo 64-bit 5nm chip acting as the processor. Both variants of the S21 Plus come with 8GB of RAM. What does this mean in real terms? Well, it performs lightning fast across almost any app you throw at it - and we’ve tested it with a bunch of games like The Room 3 and Fortnite, and productivity apps, like Adobe Lightroom. While it benchmarks lower than the Apple iPhone 12 Pro, which uses an A14 Bionic chip, you won’t notice any difference in performance while you’re actually using it.

The Galaxy S21 Plus comes with two storage sizes: 128GB and 256GB. Now, this year that makes quite a difference, because the microSD card slot is gone, so the storage you buy is the storage you get. Samsung will encourage you to take advantage of OneDrive storage to expand the files you can have, but it’s no substitute for the ability for a single-purchase piece of physical media. 

Like all Galaxy phones the S21 Plus uses Android, and we’re currently at version 11 of this software. It’s highly customizable on the S21 Plus, and navigating through it is slick and satisfying. Android also has great accessibility options, which makes the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus one of the best smartphones for seniors who are looking for something a bit bougie. Sometimes you’ll find it tough to locate the exact function you need, but the search bar will help you get there in most cases. Basically, there are no performance issues here - just minor complaints, such as the reliance on wireless audio and cloud storage, to make the phone feel ‘complete’. 

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus: Display

Congratulations - you’ve reached the part of the review where we explain why the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is a magnificent phone, and not merely a good one. That 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, capable of pumping out Full HD images (2400x1080) at 120Hz, is an absolute delight for watching videos on. Be they movies or TV shows streamed from Netflix, or just home movies shot on the phone’s impressive camera, every piece of footage shines on this display. It’s capable of a brightness of 1300 nits too, which is stunning for a phone. The adaptive brightness, when enabled, will help you optimize your screen and battery, so you’re getting the absolute best performance for the lowest power consumption.

Sensitivity simply isn’t an issue, and the touchscreen works well right to the edges of the screen. The fingerprint reader is more accurate this year too, and it performs well even with wet finger prints and dirty fingers. Don’t ask how we tested this.

In terms of toughness, the Gorilla glass is outstanding, and can withstand bumps, drops, and scratches without any kind of impression on the screen. While no phone is absolutely bulletproof, this is probably one of the toughest devices you’ll find - which is good, considering the phone is so expensive.

Samsung Galaxy S21: Cameras

There are three cameras built into the rear of the S21 Plus and, while Samsung has done a good job of making the lenses as ergonomic as possible, they do stick out a little. These cameras are: a 12MP main, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MB ultra zoom with 30x digital zoom magnification. There’s also a 10MP wide lens on the front. Each of the cameras offer impressively low aperture ratings, ranking from f/1.8 to f/2.2 - something you’d pay handsomely for with proper camera lenses.

What this means in practice is that they’re designed to take fantastic photos in good light of people, food, and certain landscapes. While the zoom has a 30x magnification rating, you lose a lot of definition very quickly, so it isn’t suitable for wildlife photography or any other kind of proper zoom activity. Samsung has talked a lot about the low-light capabilities of the S21, but we found it to be pretty average at low-light shooting, even when using the pro settings. What the S21 does very well, however, is depth of field and more close-up photos - almost to the extent of being a capable macro camera. It handles portraits fantastically well, and the food setting in the camera does a spectacular job of isolating a ‘plate-like’ area to really highlight what you’re snapping.

You’ll get up to 8K video from the Galaxy S21 Plus, which is Samsung’s other much-hyped feature. We found the frame rate a little limiting on the 8K video, and while it’s impressively sharp, we much preferred shooting video at 4K and a higher refresh rate (60Hz). Unless you’re one of few people with an 8K-ready TV, and a real desire to show off that resolution, it feels like a waste of time.

Samsung Galaxy S21: Battery

Here’s where the S21 Plus has a significant advantage over the regular S21. The 4800 mAh battery charges fully via 25W fast charging in about 90 mins to 120 mins from empty/near empty. You’ll get about two days of moderate use from that, or a day and a half of heavy use. When we plug this phone in at night it has 45-50% battery remaining. 

The power sharing feature, which allows you to juice-up someone else’s phone, has been much improved over the past couple of years. You’ll now be able to give another phone about 10% charge in roughly 15 minutes, which can make all the difference for a near-empty user.

Obviously, we’re yet to test how the Galaxy S21 Plus’ battery lasts over time. Over the course of a two year test on the S10 Plus (which is now two years old), we found that the same regular use resulted in a drop from about 50% charged at the end of the day to 25-35% at the end of the day. So, assuming the S21 Plus follows a similar pattern the battery should easily last you all day even after two years of use (and probably three to four). As batteries go, that’s good. The Galaxy series has always had a perceived battery life problem and we have noticed a significant difference in the endurance between the regular S series phones and the S Plus models.

Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus?

The question of whether or not you need the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus really depends on your circumstances. If you’re new to the Galaxy phones, and you’re looking for a premium phone that gives you a great all-round experience then, yes, you should absolutely buy the S21 Plus.

Should you choose it over the regular S21? Or even spend money on the far more powerful S21 Ultra? Most people will feel the benefits of the Plus over the regular S21 - the bigger screen, bigger battery, and slightly better build quality all add up to justify the increase in price. Only ultra-hardcore phone fans need consider the Ultra, which is significantly more expensive, and comes with features you’ll rarely notice the benefit from.

However, if you already own a Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus, and you’re looking to upgrade, then stop! This probably isn’t the time. If you need a new handset you’ll feel the difference with the S21 Ultra, but the Plus will be very much the same thing. So there’s little point upgrading. If, however, you’re moving from an S8, S9, or S10… yes, go for it - you’ll feel the difference when you use it.

If you’ve taken out a contract with your cell phone provider where you pay off the cost of your device in monthly installments, you may be wondering whether it will affect your credit score. Unfortunately, unlike some other forms of credit, the answer isn’t as simple as it may initially appear, so to answer the question of “does your cell phone bill affect your credit score?”, we need to delve a little deeper. Here are a few things you need to be aware of when it comes to cell phones and credit scores.  

Cell phone providers will check your credit history

The first thing to keep in mind is that cell phone companies will always check your credit history before approving your application for finance. This is because you’re essentially taking out a loan with the provider, and as such, they’ll want to be confident that you’re not a credit risk and can keep up with your repayments. This means they’ll run a credit check on your profile to ascertain your eligibility, and much like with all other hard inquiries, there’ll be a temporary dip to your credit score as a result. However, the effect on your overall profile should be negligible, and the inquiry will fall off your report after two years. That's about the length of time you'll have a smartphone handset, however.

Yet this also means that your credit score needs to be high enough in order to be approved for cell phone finance – each provider will have different criteria so there’s no set minimum score, though if you’ve got bad credit you’ll find it harder to be accepted. And if you’re refused credit altogether, this can also show up on your report. If you think your score could do with being taken up a notch or two, it could be worth checking out the best credit repair services before you apply for your new contract.  

Missed payments can negatively impact your score…

As with all forms of credit, you’ll be expected to keep up with your monthly repayments, otherwise the credit bureaus could be notified and your score compromised. This may not always happen straight away – a single missed payment, for example, shouldn’t have much of an impact – but if you consistently miss payments and your account is marked as delinquent and/or closed and sent to debt collection, your credit score will suffer. The same applies if you cancel the contract and don’t repay what you owe; in any situation where you don’t keep within the terms of your agreement, there’ll be a hit to your credit score, with the mark remaining on your report for seven years (though as with all derogatory marks, the impact will lessen over time). 

…but paying on time won’t necessarily improve it

Here’s where the similarity with traditional loans come to an end, because although you’ve technically signed a credit agreement in order to take out a cell phone contract with a new phone, keeping up with the monthly payments won’t have a positive impact on your credit score. This is because providers won’t report accounts that are in good standing to the credit bureaus; the only time they’ll be made aware is if, as discussed above, the account falls delinquent. This means that, although missed payments can put a serious dent in your credit score, keeping up to date will do little to improve it, which means you won’t be able to use your cell phone contract to build a positive credit history. Though there are exceptions… 

How can cell phone payments improve my credit score?

While cell phone payments aren’t normally included in your credit report, there are occasions where this doesn’t ring true – and in can in fact be possible to add your agreement to your profile in order to benefit from successful credit management. 

Your first option is to self-report, though to make matters even more confusing, you can’t actually report your financial activity yourself. Instead, you’ll need to rely on third-party companies to do the reporting for you – these companies update the three main credit bureaus with payment histories of regular payments that aren’t typically reported, such as rent and utility bills. However, they’ll typically charge a fee for doing so, so you’ll need to weigh up whether or not the boost to your score will be worth the expense. 

Another option is to sign up to Experian Boost, a service that allows you to add certain accounts – including your cell phone – to your credit report in order to ensure your payments are factored into your score. In this way, your on-time payments can have a positive impact on your credit report, which makes this service particularly suitable for those who don’t have many other forms of credit but who want to build a positive history.

Then there’s the more roundabout solution of paying for your cell phone bill with your credit card. Provided you manage it effectively – i.e. by making sure you pay off your credit card bill on time and in full each month – you can build a positive payment history and therefore improve your score, with your cell phone being the catalyst. The very best credit cards may be able to offer additional rewards for everyday spending, or even cell phone insurance as part of a wider rewards package, which could enhance the benefit of utilizing this method. 

What’s the upshot?

So, does your cell phone bill affect your credit score? It can, but not always in the way you may hope. Unless you make the effort to actively report your payments to the credit bureaus and/or use credit cards to pay your bill, the only way your cell phone could impact your credit score is negatively, which makes it even more important to stay up-to-date with your payments. Of course, you could avoid the issue altogether by considering the best prepaid cell phones instead, but that’s another story.

The Google Pixel 4A 5G is the latest addition to Google’s budget A range of smartphones, which typically pack most of the features of the previous year’s flagship model, with a few cost cutting measures made to bring it down below the $500 mark. This 5G model launched a couple of months after the original Google Pixel 4A, but weirdly it’s not just a straight copy of the 4A with 5G slapped on top. So, what’s different about the Google Pixel 4A 5G and is it worth considering as one of the best smartphones for consumers on a budget.

Truth be told, there isn’t a huge amount of difference between the Google Pixel 4A 5G and the normal version, and both of them are largely identical to the original Google Pixel 4 that launched last year as Google’s flagship premium smartphone, so you’re certainly getting a lot of bang for your buck. The main downgrade in this cheap smartphone is the Snapdragon 730G, which is a noticeable downgrade from the Snapdragon 855 that you found in the Google Pixel 4. The case is also made of plastic, while the premium phone had a metal and glass outer shell. You also lose the optical zoom lens on the camera array.

OK, so that’s what you’ve lost by dropping down the budget model. But here’s what you’re saving - $300. The Google Pixel 4A 5G costs just $499 while the Google Pixel 4 just a year earlier would set you back $799. That is a chunky saving for very little sacrifice (and you’re gaining 5G, which the Pixel 4 didn’t have either. 

But comparing the Google Pixel 4A 5G to last year’s phones is, well, so last year. We’ve run it through its paces to see how this budget 5G smartphone stacks up against its competitors, namely the iPhone SE and OnePlus Nord N10 to see if it’s worth your time and money.

Google Pixel 4A 5G review: Networks

You can pick up the Google Pixel 4A 5G on several of the best cell phone providers out there, including Google’s own service, Google Fi, along with the big names including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. 

On Google Fi the Google Pixel 4A 5G  will currently $20.79 per month for 24 months. That’s a total cost of $499, so no real savings on the MSRP there.

You can get the Google Pixel 4A 5G on T-Mobile for $20.84 per month for 24 months for a total cost of $500. If you’d prefer to go with AT&T, the Google Pixel 4A 5G is available for $17.50 per month for 30 months, for a total of $529.99 (though at time of writing it’s currently on offer for just $10 per month).

The Verizon version of the Google Pixel 4A 5G will cost you a little more due to the proprietary 5G network that it uses, so the total handset cost is more expensive with an MSRP of $599. You can get the Google Pixel 4A 5G on Verizon through the Google Store for $24.96 per month for 24 months.

If none of the big networks are your thing, you can buy the handset outright for $499 and then check out one of the best prepaid cell phone plans for a cheap deal.

Google Pixel 4A 5G review: Design

The Google Pixel 4A 5G comes in two color options: Just Black and Clearly White. It has a polycarbonate unibody shell with a tough glass front cover. Polycarbonate is a fancy way of saying plastic, but this doesn’t feel or look as tacky as most plastic bodied phones do. It has a rather matte appearance and it feels, for lack of a better word, nicer to hold. You get the unlock and volume controls on the right hand side, the SIM card slot on the left, USB-C slot for charging on the bottom, and a 3.5mm headphone jack on the top.

Measuring in at 6.1 x 2.9 x 0.3 inches and weighing 0.37 lbs, the Google Pixel 4A 5G fits snuggly into the middle of the pack in terms of its size. We found it to be comfortable and easy to use, never struggling to reach the far corners of the screen. The fingerprint sensor is positioned centrally on the back of the device, basically where your finger would naturally rest when holding the phone so it’s easy to use.

The rear-facing camera array is positioned in the top right corner of the Google Pixel 4A 5G, with the lenses arranged in a diamond formation and the whole array protruding from the back slightly.

We do have a couple of complaints about design though. Despite all the yappering about Gorilla glass, the screen is extremely prone to picking up scratches, even with the mollycoddling that we gave this review unit. Basically everyone uses a screen protector these days so that isn’t a huge concern, but it can be an annoyance

Google Pixel 4A 5G review: Performance 

The Google Pixel 4A 5G is running on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G Octa-Core processor, which is the same chip that’s running Google’s flagship smartphone, the Google Pixel 5. It also has 6GB of RAM and a 128GB storage capacity. There aren’t any upgrades to this, though you do get unlimited cloud storage of your photos with Google Photos.

So, how does the Google Pixel 4A 5G fair in action? Pretty well, we’re happy to report. The Snapdragon 765G isn’t the strongest chipset out there, but it’s more than capable of running mobile apps smoothly and can handle popular mobile games too. We’ve tried several games on the Google Pixel 4A 5G from less intensive titles like Forza Street and Pokémon Go, all the way over to more demanding titles like Fortnite and PUBG with great results.

The lack of larger storage options is a little disappointing, but given that most people are using their phone’s storage to store photos and videos these days, it’s not a deal breaker when you consider the infinite cloud storage.

Google Pixel 4A 5G review: Display and audio 

Screen quality is often one of the areas that budget smartphones usually skimp on, but we’re pleasantly surprised to say that isn’t the case with the Google Pixel 4A 5G. It has a Full HD+ (1080 x 2340 pixels) 6.2-inch OLED screen with an aspect ratio of 19.5:9. With a pixel per inch (ppi) count of 413, this means the screen is only very slightly lower quality than the one you find in the Pixel 5. 

The major difference between the flagship Pixel 5 and the Google Pixel 4A 5G is the refresh rate, which is only 60Hz on the cheaper model. Maybe that’s to be expected, but when even cheaper phones line the OnePlus Nord N10 can squeeze in a 90Hz refresh rate, it’s a little disappointing. Comparing the two phones side by side, the Nord offers much smoother screen transitions and movements. The Pixel doesn’t look bad by any means, but it could look better.

When browsing the web or watching videos, the screen itself is great in action though, and we found it produced vibrant colors and offered great contrast. That’s to be expected with Google quoting a 100:000 1 contrast ratio and HDR support, but it’s great to see that it translates from the spec sheet into great visuals.

Audio output is handled primarily by a pair of stereo speakers positioned at the bottom of the phone, either side of the charging port. These offer great volume and clarity as far as phone speakers go. While the speakers offer a great headline, we know you’re really here for the support act - the 3.5mm headphone jack. These are a dying breed, so this is a welcome addition for anyone still rocking a pair of wired headphones.

Google Pixel 4A 5G review: Cameras

The Google Pixel 4A 5G has a dual lens rear camera array that includes a 12.2 MP main camera and a 16MP ultrawide lens. Alongside this you also get an 8MP selfie camera. This is actually the same camera array that you'll find in Google's current flagship model, the Google Pixel 5. Those specs aren't nearly as flashy as you might see on other smartphones, but Google's smartphone cameras have always leaned on software, rather than hardware, to get the most out of your photos. You can use a lot of post-processing features to edit you snaps, converting them to monochrome, cropping the images down and adding filters.

We were pretty impressed with the snaps that this smartphone is capable of capturing, especially for a budget smartphone. The main lens can grab some beautiful pictures of scenic shots, like the images we took below a local park and the surrounding urban areas. 

Google Pixel 4A 5G review: Battery

• Battery life is decent for all but heavy users
• Fast charging

The Google Pixel 4A 5G comes with a 3885 mAh battery, which is slightly smaller than the powerpack in the Pixel 5, but it’s still an upgrade over the original 4A model. Google states that it has an “all day battery” and after our testing, we’re inclined to agree. In fact, if you’re a light user the Google Pixel 4A 5G will comfortably go several days without needing to recharge. Heavy users may have issues though, with our colleagues over at Tom’s Guide noting that it only managed 8 hours and 12 minutes of continual web surfing. Tom’s did note that it fared well in general use though, but it’s something to consider if you’re constantly glued to your phone.

When you do need to recharge your batteries, the Google Pixel 4A 5G also has fast charging technology which means it will go from zero to 50% battery in around 35 minutes based on our testing.

Google Pixel 4A 5G review: Price 

If you’re looking to buy the handset outright then the Google Pixel 4A 5G will cost you $499, which is quite expensive as budget smartphones go these days. For comparison, the iPhone SE costs $399 and the OnePlus Nord N10 costs just $349. 

You aren’t getting ripped off here though, as the Google Pixel 4A is packing a few features that each of these phones skimp on. The Google Pixel 4A 5G is, as the name suggests, a 5G smartphone while the iPhone SE forgoes this. Likewise, you’re getting an OLED display here, while the Nord N10 is only using an LCD display.

If you’re wanting to save more money and don’t care about 5G, the regular Google Pixel 4A is only $349.99, which is excellent value for a largely identical phone minus the 5G capabilities and a slightly smaller screen.

Should you buy the Google Pixel 4A 5G? 

The Google Pixel 4A 5G is fine… good even, but it does very little to excite us. Maybe that’s on us, expecting too much from a budget smartphone, but we can’t help but feel that other competing models offer more bang for your buck. The Google Pixel 4A 5G is $499, and you can get something comparable like the OnePlus Nord N10 or iPhone SE for at least $100 less than that.

The camera array is good, the screen is good and the performance is, you guessed it, good. But the Google Pixel 4A 5G doesn’t have a standout feature that helps set it apart from the competition. We think this simplicity could work to it’s advantage though, and it might be a great option if you’re looking for the best smartphones for seniors. It does everything you need it to, without ever overcomplicating things.

Phones are largely useless if your cell phone signal is non-existent. Doesn't matter if you have a fancy 5G phone, or an older handset: your options are severely limited if you can't get a signal off a cell tower. While having the right cell phone provider can help here, ultimately, you need to be within range of a cell phone tower to be able to use its signal to get things done on your phone such as take a call, browse the internet, or simply exchange SMS messages. If you've always wondered how cell phone towers work then you're in luck. We've taken the time to break things down so you can learn all about how cell phone towers work and they can help you get more from your smartphone. 

What is a cell phone tower?

A cell phone tower is a structure that's equipped with antennae and other necessary transmitters, receivers, and power sources that are needed to relay a cell phone signal. Basically, think of it as a huge aerial and you're on the right track. They're usually built by wireless carriers keen to expand their network coverage or capacity - Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, and AT&T build their own towers. Different areas have different numbers of cell phone towers which is why you'll sometimes find your cell phone signal varies.

How do cell phone towers work?

Any time you use the signal on your cellphone, your device connects to the nearest available cell tower and that tower sends your outgoing signal. Whether you're making a call or using data to browse the internet, the cell phone tower does the hard work for your phone, translating the signal into the format you require. 

It kind of works like how a radio transmitter broadcasts radio to you. Your phone emits an electromagnetic radio wave called a radio frequency which is then received by the cell phone tower's antenna. It then transmits that signal to a switching center which translates it to whatever you need.

Once you know how a cell tower works, you'll soon realize how it affects you. Ever driven while taking a call hands-free and noticed your signal fluctuate? That's because you're moving between different cell phone towers and sometimes, you're nearer to one than the other. Typically, urban areas have the strongest signal while rural parts of the country can have some problems with coverage. 

What are the different parts of a cell phone tower?

A cell phone tower isn't just one aerial. It's a lot more complicated than that. Crucially, there are four different types of cell phone tower out there. These include:

• Lattice Tower. This is a type of self-supporting tower which typically has three or four sides with similarly shaped bases. It's generally used in heavy loading conditions. 
• Monopole Tower. This is a single steel or concrete tower. They're not usually very tall and they only require a single foundation. 
• Guyed Tower. These take up a lot of space so they're typically used for radio or television. Guy wires anchor and support the tower, hence its name, and why it takes up so much land.
• Stealth Tower. These are relatively subtly located which is why they're called Stealth Towers. These are hidden away in locations that a cell phone tower could ruin the view.  

Many cell towers have multiple antennas to ensure they can provide the best coverage with access strictly limited to employees or workers to do with the cell phone signal.

Where are cell phone towers located?

Cell phone towers are dotted all over the place. Sometimes, they can simply be a large pole or metal structure that you'll almost not fully acknowledge is a cell phone tower. Other times, they might be located on building rooftops, water tanks, or other high areas. They can even be hidden inside church steeples! The thinking is that no one wants the landscape to be disrupted by ugly towers but we all also want strong cell phone signal, so cellular providers work to try to blend the towers into what's going on around the local area.

Who owns the cell phone towers?

You might think that cell phone providers own cell phone towers but that's not actually the case. The US has over 100 cell tower companies ranging from some very large firms to some surprisingly tiny ones. The biggest cell phone tower company is American Tower Corporation with over 40,000 sites with Crown Castle Corporation just behind it. Each company typically leases its towers, and you can use our guide to network coverage maps to get an idea of where the best signals are.

Are cell phone towers dangerous?

Not at all. While some people worry about the radiation that cell phones emit, they also worry about cell phone towers. Both are perfectly safe and heavily regulated. While you should never visit a tower unless you have official permission, they're perfectly safe to have around your local area. Much of the time, you won't even know they're there unless you're paying a very close eye on your surroundings.

You may have noticed a lot of adverts for Mint Mobile in recent times. That's even more the case if you happen to follow a famous actor by the name of Ryan Reynolds. Now the public face of the company and part-owner, the cell phone network has become a much more prominent feature in the cell phone provider line up in the US but is it actually worth paying attention to? And what network does it even use? Is there a Mint Mobile network?! We answer all these questions and more so that you know exactly what to expect before signing up.

Mint Mobile is a prepaid cell phone network that's been around since 2015. Since 2019, Ryan Reynolds acquired an ownership stake in the firm which has made it far more prominent. Like many prepaid carriers, it's considered to be an MVNO, otherwise known as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator. That means instead of having its own network, it uses an existing carrier to piggyback off its signal. 

Instead of charging a monthly rate like some operators, Mint relies on its users to sign up in bulk with the option to pay in advance for anywhere from three to 12 months at a time. the longer you sign up for, the cheaper the deal gets. This is one of the reasons it makes our list of the best cell phone providers.

What network does Mint Mobile use?

Mint Mobile uses T-Mobile's infrastructure for signal. That's not a bad choice at all with T-Mobile coming in second in our rankings. A more comprehensive T-Mobile review explains all you need to know but simply put, T-Mobile has some of the best 5G coverage across America right now. 

Of course, you'll want to check T-Mobile and therefore Mint Mobile's coverage to be sure the service will work well for you. 

• Check out today's best Mint mobile offers

What benefits come with Mint Mobile?

Mint Mobile is fairly basic compared to other network options but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It focuses on offering a series of plans with varying amounts of data (and unlimited calls and texts), and not much else. You can always choose to increase your data allocation any time you want, plus you can make calls to Mexico and Canada for free. 

Otherwise, expect basic features like the ability to use mobile hotspots for free, visual voicemail, and Wi-Fi calls or texts. You can at least take any device you want over to Mint Mobile providing it's compatible (which should be any GSM-based phone that already works with T-Mobile) but Mint won't help you unlock it so you may need to plan for that beforehand. Check out our look at the best smartphones or best smartphones for seniors for some guidance. 

As T-Mobile offers nationwide 5G service, so does Mint Mobile. Providing you have a 5G phone, you can use the T-Mobile 5G infrastructure without any problem. There are no additional costs either. The only downside here is that you won't get the fastest 5G coverage like you would via T-Mobile but that's only going to be a problem if you live in a metropolitan area that supports T-Mobile's millimeter-wave deployment.  

Do you need to sign up to a contract to use Mint Mobile?

Not exactly. Mint requires you to make a long-term commitment but it's not a contract. Instead, you choose to subscribe for between 3 and 12 months with the longer you commit yourself to, the lower the overall price becomes. That means there's still a decent amount of flexibility here compared to committing to a traditional contract but it may be an issue for those users that prefer true no strings attached cell phone use.

Mint Mobile doesn't have any significant catches but there are a few things to bear in mind.  Crucially, its customer service isn't meant to be great. With fewer resources and no physical store presence, this is hardly surprising but you may find yourself frustrated if you need to get in touch. It also suffers from T-Mobile deprioritizing Mint customers in favor of its own. This is often an issue for prepaid users but it can mean that speeds are lower during peak times.  

Is Mint Mobile worth it?

Mint Mobile can be a very inexpensive option if you're keen to sign up to T-Mobile for less. While you'll suffer from lower speeds at times which can be irritating, Mint's cheap prices help balance things out far more so. 

Of course, you'll have to commit to a number of months to get the best deals but most users won't have a problem doing this. It makes sense that bulk buying is where the biggest discounts are and you're still never tied into a contract.

• Check out today's best Mint mobile offers

Cell phone insurance seems like a no-brainer. The sheer cost of handsets means that if yours suffered an unfortunate mishap, you could have to spend over $1,000 for a top-of-the-line replacement, which may not be easy to come by at the drop of a hat. The best smartphones are expensive items. But it isn’t always that simple, particularly when you factor deductibles into it, not to mention claims limits and refurbished models. So, is cell phone insurance worth it? Read on to find out.  

Why might I need cell phone insurance?

Cell phone insurance is there to offer financial protection should your phone be lost, stolen or damaged in any way, with any repairs or replacements paid for by the insurance provider. This means it’s particularly suited to those who have high-end models, and/or those who couldn’t afford to replace it; cell phone finance could of course be an option for replacement, as could personal loans, but if you’re already paying off a phone through your carrier, you may not want the additional expense. In this case, cell phone insurance becomes even more worthwhile. 

This kind of insurance is typically offered through your cell carrier when you take out a new contract. However, you may not have this option with prepaid cell phone plans as you’ll typically be expected to pay for the phone yourself, which means insurance likewise won’t be an option. Luckily, there are several standalone options available – and for some people, they could be more cost-effective, which means even those with a contract may want to look elsewhere before signing up for insurance through their carrier. 

Bear in mind that the precise details of any insurance package will vary according to the provider, so always check the small print to ensure you know exactly what you’re covered for – and as with all other forms of insurance, it’s generally the case that the higher the premiums, the greater the level of cover.

What are the downsides to cell phone insurance?

The cost involved is the most obvious downside. While some of the best cell phone providers offer insurance from as little as $7 a month, others charge far more, which can easily eat into your budget. Even the cheapest of insurance plans can add up, too: a $10/month policy will amount to $240 over a two-year contract, and you may never get to benefit from it. And if you do, you’ll need to pay some form of deductible – often around $100, but it can be a lot more for top-tier smartphones. If you need a replacement, you’re not guaranteed to get the same model or even a brand new one, with refurbished smartphones being commonplace. 

Not all insurance packages are created equal, either, and it can sometimes be difficult to narrow down the options, particularly when your time is limited. Indeed, some plans will only be available for a few weeks after you’ve bought your new phone or agreed your new contract, and it’s this that offers another potential downside, as feeling rushed into a financial decision rarely ends well.

Then there’s the fact that arbitrary claims limits can mean cell phone insurance doesn’t make a lot of sense for those who really need it. You’ll typically only be allowed to make two claims in any 12-month period, but if you’re particularly accident prone, this may not be enough and you could still end up losing out. 

You may even find that you’re already covered in some way – those who take out a new contract are typically offered extended warranties for the handset, which should be enough to cover you against malfunctions (though it won’t protect you against damage from other means). You might even have some protection afforded to you via your homeowners insurance, so make sure to check the details of your policy. 

Should you bother with cell phone insurance?

It depends. If you’re not particularly careful with your smartphone and have worked your way through a few models in recent years, it may be worth insuring it so you don’t have to cover the cost of a new one yet again. On the other hand, if you’re generally careful with your possessions and have never so much as cracked a screen, paying out for insurance may merit greater consideration to determine if it’s really worthwhile. 

Yet it often comes down to your finances, too. If you’d be able to comfortably afford a replacement phone if yours was lost, stolen or damaged beyond repair, insurance may not be worth it. Conversely, if your budget doesn’t allow for buying a new handset outright, it may be worth considering, if only for the peace of mind that insurance can bring. 

As with so many things, it’s a personal decision, but finding the right insurance package is key. Most cell phone providers will be able to offer different levels of cover depending on your budget, so always compare the options to make sure you’re getting a competitive deal. Pay particular attention to things like deductibles, as well as their policy on replacements, to ensure you’re getting the best value for money.

Remember that you don’t always have to get insurance through your cell phone provider, either, and in some cases, you may be better off looking elsewhere. Always do your research to see what’s out there, and you can be confident in getting the cover you need at a price that makes sense. 

Cell phones are a permanent fixture in our lives providing us with entertainment as well as the means to contact others. Having one of the best smartphones is a badge of honor for some, and they open up a world of possibilities for our day to day lives. But have you ever wondered about how safe they are and whether cell phones emit radiation? It's an understandable concern, so we've taken the time to look at all the issues regarding the risk of cell phone radiation emission to hopefully set your mind at ease before you dive into picking up a new phone.

It's worth noting that your choice of cell phone carrier makes no real difference here either, in case you're wondering.

So, do cell phones actually emit radiation? 

In a word, yes, but it's not as bad as it sounds. That's because cell phones emit low levels of radio frequency energy which is a type of non-ionizing radiation. Also referred to as RF energy, it's a very different form of radiation than when you think of something dangerous like the type of radiation used in power plants. It refers to any kind of radiation that does not have enough energy to remove an electron from an atom. That makes it different from ionizing radiations such as x-rays, gamma rays, and so forth. 

Other forms of non-ionizing radiation include ultraviolet light, infrared communication, and microwaves. Even the humble AM or FM radio frequency utilizes radio frequency waves. Some forms of non-ionizing radiation can even be seen such as visible light. Non-ionizing radiation is all around us at all times so the risk is incredibly low because of this. 

How much radiation is emitted?

Studies have found that cell phones emit low levels of non-ionizing radiation when in use. When you bear in mind that ionizing radiation such as the type used for x-rays carries more than a billion times more energy than non-ionizing radiation, that's a very small amount of radiation.

Different phones emit different amounts but they all keep under the FCC standard recommendation of 1.6W/kg with many remaining significantly lower than that. 

Scientific evidence has shown that non-ionizing radiation is not a carcinogen and restrictions mean that cell phones have to emit levels that are below radio frequency exposure limits set by the FCC. 

A lot of studies have been undertaken regarding the safety of cell phone radiation and all have been positive. The FDA has collated some of that information citing nearly 30 years of scientific evidence which has determined that there's no link between exposure to radio frequency energy from the use of cell phones to any health problems. 

Can 4G or 5G cell phone networks cause cancer?

No. The National Cancer Institute has explained that "there is currently no consistent evidence that non-ionizing radiation increases cancer risk in humans. The only consistently recognized biological effect of radiofrequency radiation in humans is heating." 

The FDA has also explained that while the usage of cell phones has increased dramatically over the last 30 years, the rate of brain and other nervous system cancers diagnosed in the United States has actually decreased for the last 15 years meaning there's no link. 

Why are people worried about radiation risks?

Simply put, because it's a relatively new concept. The number of cell phone users has increased rapidly over the years with about 400 million cell phone subscribers in the U.S as of 2017. Across the world, there are more than 5 billion cell phone users. Because of increased use, some people worry that there may be issues regarding such regular contact with radiation but because it's such a different form of radiation than most people's interpretation, this isn't a problem. 

What can I do to reduce my radiation exposure?

While there's no reason why you should need to cut back your radio frequency radiation exposure, there are some ways in which the FDA has suggested that will help.

The recommendations include reserving the use of cell phones for shorter conversations or for times when you can't use a landline device. It also suggests using hands-free technology such as Bluetooth headsets or using your phone in speaker mode so you don't have to place the cell phone against your head. 

Texting is also considered an appropriate alternative and it's important to note that making a call when the signal is weak causes the cell phone to boost its transmission power to compensate. Ultimately though, none of these steps are essential as radiation is so low, however, if it offers peace of mind, it could be worth doing so. 

Boost Mobile has announced a new subscriber perk that's pretty different from the usual bevy of options out there - access to 24/7 telemedicine services via K Health. It's a significant departure from more traditional subscriber benefits for cell phone users, like access to streaming services or free cloud storage, but it's one that could just swing it for anyone looking to switch cell phone networks. It might even be enough to get Boost Mobile onto our best cell phone providers list in future.

The subscriber perk is exclusively available via Boost Mobile's $60 per month Unlimited Plus cellphone plan. The plan offers 35GB of 4G LTE data per month before you're throttled to 2G speeds, and also comes with unlimited talk and text options. There's a 30GB mobile hotspot facility too. Now, it also bundles in access to K Health's usual $9 per month offering for free. That provides users with the ability to text chat or video call a doctor for advice with the K Health app using AI to make relevant suggestions and to help identify symptoms and potential ailments. All of that can lead to actual treatment including medications and other prescriptions. 

Any Boost Mobile customers who don't subscribe to the Boost Unlimited Plus package can still partake in the K Health plan for a discounted price of $7.99 per month. That's only $1 less than the usual price but it all adds up and may well tempt some users into giving it a try. All the sign up details are available on the Boost Mobile website. It's worth noting that this provider doesn't require the need to commit to a contract, plus has a strong focus on unlimited plans. Bear in mind though there's no international roaming options available, and your choice of the best smartphones is rather limited unless you choose to buy your own handset separately. 

It may seem like a surprising move for any cell carrier to get involved in healthcare but it's a logical one here. As The Verge reported last month, Boost has a large percentage of low-income customers who are likely to be feeling the affect of the pandemic and could potentially do with better access to healthcare even if it happens to be through relatively original circumstances.

Last year, Boost Mobile was absorbed by Dish Network as part of T-Mobile's merger with Sprint so it'll be interesting to see if there are any other more sweeping changes in the works for the virtual network operator. 

If you need more advice on telemedicine, or health in general, we also have a guide to the best health insurance companies in 2021.

Google Fi, is touted as "a different kind of phone plan" that customers can join from home, and tailor to their families’ needs. It offers nationwide 5G coverage, by using the major phone networks and intelligently shifting between them for the best speeds and connectivity. 

On the plus side you not only get that great high-speed national coverage but it also comes at a low price. That combo places Google Fi firmly on our list of the best cell phone providers. 

But it's not perfect. Only the best smartphones can work in this smart switching tech, and since this is Google it doesn't play so well with iPhone. It will work on unlocked iPhones but won't offer the full array of features you can get access to with something like one of its own Pixel phones.

Google Fi: Unlimited plan

• Plans from $30 per month per device (six subscribers)
• Up to $70 per month per device (one subscriber)

What’s helpful about Google Fi is the fact that the website makes it easy to compare and contrast plans. On top of that, the more people that are added to a plan, the lower the per-person cost gets, making it especially ideal for families. A single user can get unlimited calls, texts, and data for $70 a month, and the per-device cost goes down with every person added to the plan (up to six people total).

On top of unlimited calls, texts, and data, the plan also includes full-speed hotspot tethering at no extra charge, free data and texts outside of the United States, and free calls to 50 countries and territories, and a Google One membership with 100GB of cloud storage per member. The hotspot tethering is particularly useful, as subscribers can share their data connection with up to ten other devices at once, essentially providing Wi-Fi where there’s no external connection available.

That unlimited data comes with a couple of caveats, though. The fine print specifies that the plan comes with unlimited 4G LTE data, not the 5G speeds headlining the website - if you want full 5G on a cheaper plan, go check out Mint Mobile instead. Compatible phones will be able to access 5G where available, but subscribers shouldn’t expect that to be the default. Additionally, video may stream at 480p, and Google slows down data speeds after 22GB per person per cycle. That’s a lot of data for the average person, but those who use their smartphones for work or as a main source of entertainment might soon find themselves struggling with slower speeds.

Despite the restrictions on data, Google’s unlimited plan is pretty reasonably priced, particularly for households with multiple members and high usage needs. The unlimited international texts and data are also a bonus, as using an American smartphone in foreign countries can often be unnecessarily complicated and pricey.

Google Fi: Flexible plan

• Plans from $16 per month per device, plus $10/GB data (six subscribers)
• Up to $20 per month per device, plus $10/GB data (one subscriber)

Google Fi’s budget option is the flexible plan, which runs around $20/month plus $10 for every gigabyte of data used. Like the unlimited plan, the flexible options get cheaper with every device added to the plan, though in this case the difference between one user ($20/month) and six users ($16/month per device) is marginal.

While that appears entirely reasonable on paper, the pay-as-you-go data charges can quickly add up. Bill Protection kicks in after 6GB for a single person and 18GB for a party of six, so you won’t be charged for additional data after that amount, but using that much makes the flexible plan more expensive than the unlimited plan. Those considering the flexible plan should take a good look at their current smartphone data usage before making the switch, as it could end up being more expensive than the unlimited plan in the long run.

This $10/GB data rate also applies for hotspot tethering and international usage, with data slowed after 15GB per individual per billing cycle. Calls to other countries start at a penny a minute, while international texts are free. The only major feature missing is the Google One membership, which is only included in the unlimited plan.

One thing to note about both plan options: while they have decent international communication rates, the plans are only available to United States residents.

Google Fi: Cell phone options

• Selection of phones “designed for Fi,” including Samsung Galaxy and Pixel models
• Can be used with most phones, though not with full features

Where Google Fi falls short is in its limited compatibility options. The Google Fi website lists about a dozen phones “designed for Fi,” among them the Samsung Galaxy S21, Pixel 4a, Pixel 5, and Moto G Stylus. Only these specific models — none of which are iPhones — can use one of Google Fi’s core features, the ability to automatically switch among “millions of secure Wi-Fi connections” for the best possible connection at all times. Additionally, only unlocked phones on T-Mobile’s 5G network will have access to 5G speeds.

Those looking to bring their existing phone to Google Fi might be able to do so, as the network is compatible with a number of phones from Apple, HTC, and other manufacturers. The website makes it easy to figure out if your existing phone is compatible, but expect to have to make some concessions if your model wasn’t specifically designed to be used with Google Fi.

If you’re particularly attached to the ecosystem, Google Fi probably isn’t the best option for you. It’s still on beta on iOS, so iPhone users will have to use the Google Fi app to check their voicemail and do some finagling to get text messages to work properly. Oh, and there’s one more thing: iPhones need to be unlocked before switching to Fi, which may not be an option if you purchased yours through a wireless carrier. 

Google Fi: Customer reviews and satisfaction

As Google Fi doesn’t have a Better Business Bureau rating, we looked to app reviews on the Google Play Store to get an idea of what users were saying about the purchase. The app itself has a rating of 3.8/5, with many of the 18,444 reviews giving the app (and service) five stars. Many positive reviews praise the cost of the service, as well as Google Fi’s “fast and reliable” customer service.

One positive review, from Senator Mike Michaels: "I've had good experience using the cellular service, and the app provides lots of helpful information; however I would like an option to have more high speed data, above the 22g/month on the "unlimited" plan. Perhaps some sort of "unlimited +" plan with 50g/month high speed data, please."

On the flip side, there are a number of recent comments criticizing Google Fi. The most common complaints stated that the service was unreliable, text messages weren’t working, and data speeds were slow to nonexistent.

One negative review, from Kathryn Larter, says: "Google Fi used to be great. I was always excited to call customer service in the past. Now when I need help, I seem to get people who are unhappy sounding or snarky. They still kind of help with my problems, but often it's just more like a *shrug* mentality instead of feeling like they'd go above and beyond."

Should you choose Google Fi?

After a comprehensive analysis of Google Fi’s features and pricing, it’s clear that this is a great wireless network for a limited number of smartphone users. It’s relatively easy to navigate pricing and plan options via the website, and users can set everything up from the comfort of their own homes. The biggest point in Google Fi’s favor is its comparatively affordable unlimited plan, which is a great option for heavy data users who don’t particularly care which smartphone they use.

It’s not particularly surprising that Google wants to encourage Fi subscribers to use its own Pixel smartphone, but limiting features on the iPhone, the most popular smartphone in the world, also limits the number of people who can get the most out of this service. 

Ultimately, it comes down to priorities: would you rather have a comprehensive unlimited data plan that covers your entire household for less money than Google Fi’s competitors? Or would you rather have the freedom to choose which smartphone model to use without limiting key features like 5G service? Those who would choose the latter option are probably better off with another plan from the likes of Verizon Wireless, our top provider.

Two hugely influential companies in the digital drawing community have teamed up to create a new, entirely online experience: Drawfest. Taking place from May 21 to 23, the festival will see eight different tutorials livestreamed on YouTube, with experts giving lectures on how to tackle things like realistic lighting, color selection and creating strong characters.

Speakers include illustrators, games concept artists and animation supervisors. Most classes will consist of lectures where participants can draw along live with the expert tutor, so that they get to grips with the new techniques. Registration is completely free but spaces are limited, so head over to the pixiv site to enrol and get your name on the list.

Bear in mind that you’ll need to have downloaded some software before you take the plunge into the free online drawing classes. In addition to your drawing tablet, we recommend you have access to some of the best comic creator software or best graphic design software available to you. Some classes specify which tool you’ll need (one session focuses purely on Adobe Fresco, the free painting app for tablets) but you can use your preferred platform for most of the sessions. 

If you’re a digital artist, chances are that you’ll already be familiar with Wacom, the company that regularly produces excellent drawing tablets and some of the best smartpens on the market. 

The other company, pixiv, is an online community where artists can share their latest works. It’s mostly populated with anime, manga and fan art pieces, and it functions like a social media site, actively encouraging users to share their work and comment on pieces they like.

Speaking about the upcoming collaboration, Nobutaka Ide, CEO of Wacom Company Ltd, said: "By teaming with pixiv on Drawfest, we are creating a cross-boundary and cross-language platform for artists and designers to share their passion for drawing and learning from others."

Although both companies are based in Japan, online tutorials will be available in both English and Japanese. Classes are repeated at various times throughout the day, so you should be able to find a time slot to suit your schedule wherever you are in the world. Below, we've outlined a sample of the available times.

Free digital art class program

May 21, 17:00 - 18:00 PDT
How to draw realistic lighting
Speaker: Modare

May 21, 19:00 - 21:00 PDT
Let's draw "Identity V" using Adobe Fresco
Speakers: Melo Kyuba & Takashi Iwamoto

May 21, 22:00 - 23:00 PDT
Paint a magical moment together
Speaker: Heikala

May 22, 17:00 - 21:00 PDT
Learn the easiest way to create manga through yonkoma
Speaker: Toshiya Wakabayashi

May 22, 21:30 - 23:30 PDT
Happy Birthday, Ina! Let's draw "Ninomae Ina'nis"!
Speaker: Ninomae Ina'nis

May 22, 17:00 - 18:00 PDT
How to design a character with a strong thematic and iconic elements
Speaker: Zeronis

May 23, 19:00 - 21:00 PDT
WIT Animator Academy Online! How to draw characters presented by a chief animation supervisor
Speaker: Hirotaka Kato

May 23, 22:00 - 23:00 PDT
Going from sketch to color quickly and efficiently
Speaker: Loish

T-Mobile has announced that Google's Message platform, also known as Rich Communication Services (or RCS for short) will now come as standard on all its current and future Android phones, giving the service quite a boost amongst potential users. 

In recent times, Google has been keen to make its Messages app more popular across the Android ecosystem in a bid to compete with Apple's iMessage service. Agreeing such a significant deal with what we regard to be one of the best cell phone providers out there should go some way to helping cement the service and potentially encouraging Android users into using it over third-party solutions such as WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram. 

T-Mobile was an early adopter of the RCS protocol that ties into Messages back in 2015 and, last year, it also became one of the first carriers to implement a full standards-based interconnect with Messages. That meant that T-Mobile subscribers could use some of the protocol's best features including typing indicators and read receipts when messaging people outside of the US - something that was sure to entice many people into using it more readily. It’s now the first US carrier to make Google Messages its default messaging app.

It's likely that many users will at least try out Messages if it's already set up as the default messaging service on their new handset, and with plenty of useful features, it could make you wonder why you even need to return to WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, both of which have suffered controversies in the past few months. Those features include sending photos and videos, the aforementioned read receipts, along with sharing reactions, and group chat facilities. 

At the same time as this announcement, Google also stated that it will be adding support for end-to-end encryption in Messages later this year via a beta rollout. Google and T-Mobile's partnership is also expanding with the carrier promoting Google's Pixel phones, as well as dropping its own TV service in favor of YouTube TV. T-Mobile customers will now get $10 off the regular YouTube TV price bringing it down to $54.99 per month. It's also picking out Google One as the preferred phone backup and cloud storage service for all T-Mobile customers. 

Expect to see a lot more of the Google Pixel range in a T-Mobile store near you, but for good reason. The 3a and 4XL are among our best smartphones, and for good reason. This partnership could prove useful for Google fans, saving some time and effort with setup. 

Verizon has announced it's finally shutting down its 3G network after a number of years of putting its plans on hold. Don't worry though: if you're still using a 3G-only phone, the closure won't take effect until December 31st 2022 so you have plenty of time to upgrade your handset. 

The news comes after many tentative plans by the firm. Back in 2012, Verizon Wireless announced that it would retire its 3G network by 2021 before revising that plan to be even more ambitious with an end-date of 2019. Obviously, that didn't happen with the network continuing. Interestingly, as recently as January 2021, it looked like 3G was going to stick around for much longer, with an announcement stating that the cell phone provider was placing its closure plans on hold indefinitely. But it looks that reprieve was very short-lived with plans going ahead that the official shutdown date for Verizon's 3G network will be December 31st 2022 and a confirmation that 'the date will not be extended again'. 

So, what does that mean for you? Hopefully, not much. The move won't affect anyone who has activated a phone with Verizon in the past few years thanks to the firm having stopped activating 3G-only phones in 2018 in preparation for the switch off. That means the vast majority of users should be well-covered with superior alternatives in the form of 4G or 5G and far speedier handsets than anything solely 3G-enabled. Verizon is also the last major US carrier to take its 3G network offline as AT&T is planning on closing its network in February 2022 while T-Mobile has a target of January 1st 2022. 

Time to upgrade ahead of Verizon's 3G switch off?

If you're still using a 3G device then this would be a very good time to upgrade to something a little more modern. Check out our best smartphones guide to find out more about what's good for you and expect to enjoy the substantial benefits that the enhanced speed and reliability 4G and 5G bring. If you're a Verizon customer, you're in good hands anyway as the company has topped our best cell phone provider list for a while now.

Still, with 3G being such a monumental shift for actually making mobile web browsing fast and reliable (unlike the sometimes flakey nature of 2G), we can't help but be a little sad to see it go. It's changed a lot for the cell phone landscape so maybe raise a glass (or an old 3G phone) in its honor. 

T-Mobile has extended its weekly perks and rewards so that prepaid customers can also enjoy them, alongside existing post-pay users. If you haven't been paying attention, T-Mobile's weekly rewards program is definitely worth getting on board. Known as T-Mobile Tuesdays, it includes free items from the likes of Burger King, Popeyes, Baskin Robbins, and Redbox, alongside great offers from the likes of Booking.com, Live Nation, and Adidas. While some of these offers such as hotel bookings and movie theater tickets might not be as accessible right now due to the pandemic, there are more than enough other benefits in the meantime. It's one of the big reasons we rate T-Mobile among our list of the best cell phone providers.  

Perhaps best of all for sports fans is a season-long subscription to MLB.TV worth $129.99, giving baseball lovers access to every team's out-of-market games live or on demand. It's the sixth year in a row that T-Mobile has offered this to its customers so it seems likely to be an ongoing thing for a while to come.

In all, T-Mobile has given away over $1 billion worth of free stuff and exclusive offers to its customers with the company reckoning that customers benefit from around $1,000 of discounts each year. While previously this was only to postpaid customers, T-Mobile is now the first and only wireless company that also assists prepaid users in the same way. That means the rewards program is available to all eligible T-Mobile, legacy Sprint, and Metro by T-Mobile customers. That's why we also recommend T-Mobile Metro in our ranking of the best prepaid cell plans.

To take advantage of the many special offers available through T-Mobile Tuesdays, all you need to do is download the T-Mobile Tuesdays app on your Android or iOS device. Enter your phone number and you can check out all the offers, choosing which ones you want to redeem. If you're keen to snag the free MLB.TV subscription, make sure to sign up before Tuesday April 6 at 4.59 AM ET to get the offer. 

AT&T is adding 5G and 5G+ to some of its legacy unlimited plans at no extra cost, potentially benefiting many customers. The move is a reassuring step forward for anyone keen to embrace 5G technology without having to worry about changing up their wireless plan. It may yet bump T-Mobile from its prestigious slot of offering the best 5G on our look at the best cell phone providers.

Pivoted as a way for AT&T to show its appreciation for long-term customers, 5G and 5G+ access will be added to the following unlimited plans entirely for free starting this month - AT&T Unlimited & More, AT&T Unlimited & More Premium, AT&T Unlimited Choice, AT&T Unlimited Choice II, AT&T Unlimited Choice Enhanced, AT&T Unlimited Plus, AT&T Unlimited Plus Enhanced, AT&T Unlimited Value, and AT&T Unlimited. 

If you have a legacy AT&T Business Unlimited plan, you'll also benefit from the proposals. Simply have one of the following plans and you can enjoy AT&T 5G and 5G+ from April - AT&T Unlimited Choice for Business, AT&T Unlimited Plus for Business, AT&T Business Unlimited Basic, AT&T Business Unlimited Plus, AT&T Business Unlimited Enhanced, AT&T Business Unlimited Basic with Private Wi-Fi, AT&T Business Unlimited Plus with Private Wi-Fi, AT&T Business Unlimited Enhanced with Private Wi-Fi, and AT&T Business Unlimited Preferred.

If you're on one of these plans, you can enjoy 5G access in more than 14,000 cities and towns, providing you have a 5G-compatible phone, with AT&T's super-fast 5G+ service available in parts of 38 cities across the USA. If you haven't yet got a 5G-compatible phone and you're keen to take advantage of this offer, our look at the best smartphones should prepare you. 

The change to legacy plans doesn't affect newer plans such as AT&T Unlimited Starter, Extra, and Elite. All of these continue to offer 5G access with the added benefit of advanced mobile security and hotspot data. AT&T Unlimited Elite also includes HBO Max which is a great bonus if you're a big fan of TV streaming services. It's all part of AT&T's broader 5G strategy in 2021 aiming to increase its average speeds across the country with 5G+ set to reach 17 sports venues by the end of the year. 

If you're an AT&T customer who may be affected by these changes, keep an eye out for a text message or email from AT&T informing that 5G is now added to your plan, then enjoy superior speeds providing you have a 5G-capable phone. 

T-Mobile will now automatically enroll its customers in a program that will mean their online and device usage data will be sold to advertisers. It's a move that's unlikely to appeal to many privacy-conscious customers and may well play a pivotal role when you're considering which network to go with when picking from the best smartphones out there right now.

First spotted by The Wall Street Journal, a privacy policy update by the cellphone network has stated that it will start sharing customers' information with marketing agencies starting April 26 unless said customer chooses to opt out. 

The thinking behind it is that advertisers will be able to identify people who particularly enjoy sports, technology, cooking, and so forth, targeting relevant ads specifically at those who may be most interested. Of course, in doing so, it may feel a little like T-Mobile is keeping an eye on you and your browsing habits. T-Mobile is confident customers won't mind though with a spokeswoman telling The Wall Street Journal, "We’ve heard many say they prefer more relevant ads so we’re defaulting to this setting." 

It's a lucrative move for the number two U.S carrier with more than 60 million phone users under its main brand and more than 20 million customers on prepaid cell phone plans. In 2020, T-Mobile merged with Sprint so those users will also be affected by this change. In the past, Sprint only shared data with advertisers if the customer chose to opt-in to the service. 

T-Mobile is far from the only company to increase its ad targeting. Both AT&T and Verizon offer similar ad targeting services with the choice to opt-in to gain even more personalized ads than before, but this is considered a step further as you'll need to opt out to avoid T-Mobile's tracking. Understandably, privacy groups are far from happy with the shift even though T-Mobile is adamant that it masks users' identities so that companies don't actually know who is browsing what sites or apps. 

T-Mobile offers some of the best 5G coverage across the US alongside competitive data unlimited plans, but it's also already suffered from a data breach this year leaving the company looking a little unreliable on the privacy front. 

Fortunately, it's simple enough to opt-out (if you know where to look). Open the T-Mobile app, tap More, and head to the Advertising & Analytics section before toggling Use my data to make ads more relevant to me off. Still, it's sure to all feel a little uncomfortable for many that they even have to do this themselves. If you're considering a change of cell phone provider because of this, check out our roundup of the best cell phone providers.

You can’t fold an apple, but you might be able to fold your iPhone soon if a recent industry research note is to be believed. Foldable phones haven’t cracked our best smartphones rankings yet, but if anyone can do it, it’s Apple.

This all comes from the latest analyst note by industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (reported on by 9to5Mac), who has a healthy track record when it comes to predicting what Apple is up to. There were several takeaways from this note, but one of the most interesting was that Apple could be looking to release an 8-inch foldable iPhone by 2023. This lines up with previous rumors that were reported by Bloomberg, which stated that Apple was working on a foldable prototype iPhone with an eye to launch in 2022. Given the current global pandemic and it’s never-ending effect on manufacturing and supply chains, it’s reasonable to expect that this date has been pushed to 2023.

Several companies have already released foldable phones, most notably the Samsung Z Fold2 5G which launched last year for an eye-watering $1999. Unsurprisingly, uptake on foldable phones has been slow largely due to the astronomical price and lackluster specs that these devices have. Nevertheless, this is early technology and if Apple can bring these costs down, or buff up the internal hardware then it might have a shot at cracking the foldable phones market.

This information comes from Ming-Chi Kuo, a long-standing Apple analyst working at TF International with over a decade of experience in predicting industry trends and breaking upcoming device details. If the name rings a bell, that’s because Kuo was behind many of the iPhone 12 leaks and rumors that we collated, all of which turned out to be true. So when this guy says Apple is doing something, we’re pretty sure Apple is doing it. In this case, Kuo has listed several directions that Apple might be going in though, so this is still up in the air.

At any rate, the foldable iPhone is a few years off if it’s happening at all, so for now Apple fans will have to make do with the fantastic iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro that we currently have. There are also plenty of rumors floating around about the upcoming iPhone 13, including an upgraded camera array, smaller notch, and 120Hz screen.

Oh and if you can fold an apple, give us a call. We might have some work for you.

Sprint was purchased by T-Mobile in 2020 and the merger has been completed in 2021, which for all intents and purposes means that Sprint no longer exists. The Sprint website will now redirect you towards the T-Mobile website, and existing Sprint customers have been brought into the T-Mobile fold. 

So you can reminisce about the good times, we've left our original Sprint review intact below, but users looking for a new cell plan should head over to our T-Mobile review.

Sprint Wireless offers good value plans. That is its main strength when compared to the other 'big four' cell networks in the US. You get plenty for your money and, if you live in an area well covered for 4G and 5G, you're getting a very good deal. However, coverage is where Sprint currently falls down, as it has the least widespread network of all the major companies. Not a problem if you live and work in an urban area or one of the parts of the country well covered by Sprint, but definitely an issue if you're regularly in one of the uncovered areas.

Sprint Wireless is definitely worth considering, and does feature on our round-up of the best cell phone providers because of the value of its plans and the range of phones available. Some of the unlimited data options are great, and you can often get extras thrown in for free, like Hulu and Tidal subscriptions.

Sprint Wireless review: Features

• 30 day money-back guarantee
• 5G speeds

Sprint offers some of the cheapest phone plans among the major carriers. This includes Sprint's one year of free unlimited service to any new customer that switches from one of the competitor companies.

Sprint lets you try the service for free for 30 days. Well, it offers a "100% Total Satisfaction" guarantee. That means if you're not happy, whatever the reason, you can get money-back for the device price, and down payment plus any installment billing or lease payment made to date. Essentially you just return the phone and get the phone cost, services charges and any related fees back to you. This is particularly useful since the service might need testing to see if you have enough coverage in your area.

Coverage isn't the best, sure, but it does offer 5G speeds where available. Sprint has merged with T-Mobile, so it has good 5G coverage. Failing that you can get 4G LTE, which is already really fast. There is a handy coverage checker on the Sprint website so you can see what speeds are available in your area, although it can't match the coverage leader, Verizon Wireless. At time of publishing the areas covered with 5G are: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, Washington, DC.

Another nice feature is the inclusion of Hulu with selected unlimited plans. Since you've got unlimited data and might even have 5G, it makes sense to be able to watch Hulu whenever you like. Some also offer Tidal free so unlimited music access at high quality too.

Sprint Wireless review: Unlimited plans

• From $60 per month
• Dual lines for less

Sprint offers a very simple way to go unlimited, with two options. There's the Unlimited Basic, for $60 per month, which gets you unlimited calls, texts and data with free SD quality Hulu and 500MB of LTE mobile hotspot. Upgrade to two lines for $100 per month.

The other option is Unlimited Plus, at $70 per month, which also gets you unlimited calls, texts and data but with HD Hulu plus Tidal and 50GB of LTE mobile hotspot. Upgrade to two lines and pay $120 per month.

Sprint Wireless review: Budget plans

• From $40 per month
• High-speed data

Sprint Wireless has a selection of different plans to suit varying budgets. These are ideal for those that don't require unlimited everything and don't want to pay the premium price tag that goes with that.

These start from $40 per month for the 2GB plan that gets you high-speed data, unlimited talk and texts plus unlimited international texts. What you pay for the phone on top of that is what varies depending on the handset you want to go for. For example the Apple iPhone 11 will cost you a further $15 per month on top of that contract price.

Sprint Wireless review: Coverage

The catch is that Sprint’s network truly is weaker than other carriers. It is rated the slowest network in the U.S. by RootMetrics, OpenSignal, Ookla and Tom’s Guide. Sprint is working to play catch-up by expanding and upgrading its network, but it currently still lags behind other networks, even with its recent improvements. There are a few areas where the network shines, however. Each report we read listed Sprint as first or tied for first place in at least one market.

Our main advice when considering Sprint is to check coverage maps – both Sprint’s and third-party ones – to make sure you're solidly covered. The best phone carrier is the one that works where you user your phone, and if Sprint performs well in your area, it's a decent choice. We also recommend looking for deals, as Sprint is fairly generous with promotional offers.

When we spoke with Allan Samson, Sprint’s vice president of acquisition marketing, he pushed the point that Sprint is the “price leader.” True, Sprint does offer less expensive plans than the other three major providers (Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile). But touting low prices only works in comparison with those companies, as Sprint still charges more than budget carriers like MetroPCS. There are advantages, of course, over an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator – a company like MetroPCS that uses someone else’s network). Sprint customers don’t have to worry about data deprioritization during network congestion at the beginning of their billing cycle, for example.

Sprint Wireless user reviews and satisfaction

• BBB rating of B
• Consumer affairs rating of near three out of five

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating of Sprint is an average B while the 1,063 customer reviews leave a poor one star out of five. The site says that 10,582 complaints have been closed in the last year.

ConsumerAffairs has an average rating of three out of five based on 3,243 customer reviews. Positives include creative customer care, good in store service and decent internet access. Negatives include the need to improve coverage, some bill problems and issues with deals.

Should you choose Sprint Wireless?

While Sprint Wireless may not have the best coverage in the US it does have 4G LTE and even 5G in some areas. IF you can get coverage near you then you could save a decent amount of money when compared to the competition.

Not only are there excellent unlimited plan deals but also options to pay less on more budget plans. Phone options are varied with most of the latest handsets which you can bolt on to the price of your network coverage so everything is clear and transparent.

The money-back guarantee for 30 days makes this a great network to try before you commit.

If you're undecided on the handset you want, check out our best smartphone guide, while we also rank the best prepaid cell phone plans. Take a look at our cell phone coverage map of the US to find out who has the best network in America.

Best Sprint Wireless iPhone and Samsung deals right now

A new year means new smartphones and the Samsung Galaxy S21 is the latest offering from Samsung. Priced at $799, the value that the Samsung Galaxy S21 presents is incredibly tempting.

However, how much value does the Samsung Galaxy S21 offer to people who already own a Samsung Galaxy S20? Is it worth the upgrade? While the S20 topped out our best smartphones buying guide when it launched, the S21 has slipped to second place after some stiff competition from the iPhone 12 Pro.

In this article, we’ll compare the two phones in all the categories that matter most and provide you with all the information you need to decide for yourself as well as our own opinion. 

Samsung S20 vs S21: Performance & Features

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is both more powerful and more efficient than the Samsung Galaxy S20 due to its newer Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset. This means that the Samsung Galaxy S21 is able to better manage battery life for longer screen time between charges and is more than capable of running demanding mobile titles such as Call of Duty: Mobile without a hitch.

However, the performance improvements that the Samsung Galaxy S21 offers aren’t hugely significant. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset that powers the Samsung Galaxy S20 is still extremely capable of handling any task you could think to throw at it. Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S20 have the exact same 4000 mAh battery capacity and 8GB of RAM.

It is worth noting that the Samsung Galaxy S21 does not support either expandable microSD card storage or Magnetic Secure Transmission, which allows Samsung phones to make contactless payments on payment terminals that do not support NFC, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S20 does.

Samsung S20 vs S21: Cameras 

The camera lenses on both the Samsung Galaxy S20 and Samsung Galaxy S21 are identical. They both feature three rear cameras, including a 12MP wide lens, 12MP ultrawide lens, a 64MP 3x telephoto lens, as well as 10MP selfie camera. Both phones are capable of taking photographs and videos at the exact same resolutions and frame rates. The only difference, at the time of writing, is the improvements Samsung has made to the camera software.

Modes like Single Take now allow for more types of simultaneous capture which helps get the best pictures possible of fast moving objects like your children and pets. Improvements have also been made to Space Zoom which now allows you to focus on a subject when zoomed up to 30x, making those zoomed in shots all the easier to take.

However, appreciated as these improvements are, there’s very little difference between the cameras on the Samsung Galaxy S20 and Samsung Galaxy S21. The majority of, if not all, of these improvements could also make their way to the Samsung Galaxy S20 via software updates. So, unless you’re the kind of person that absolutely needs the improvements made to Space Zoom, those hoping to find a substantially better camera experience via an upgrade will be left sorely disappointed.

Samsung S20 vs S21: Display

The Samsung Galaxy S20 has a definitively superior display to the Samsung Galaxy S21. The 6.2-inch AMOLED displays on both devices produce equally vibrant colors, deliver fantastic contrast ratios, and both support variable 120Hz refresh rate. However, the Samsung Galaxy S20’s display supports QHD+ resolution while the Samsung Galaxy S21 is locked to FHD+.

This does mean that users no longer have to toggle between FHD+ 120Hz and QHD+ 60Hz modes but this only due to a decrease in versatility. While FHD+ is still a great resolution for a 6.2-inch display it’s still outright inferior to a QHD+ display, meaning that swapping a Samsung Galaxy S20 for a Samsung Galaxy S21 would be a downgrade in terms of display quality.

Samsung S20 vs S21: Design

Whether the design of the Samsung Galaxy S21 is an improvement over the Samsung Galaxy S20 will largely depend on your own subjective preferences but there are some key differences you should be made aware of.

Samsung has swapped out the glass back of the Samsung Galaxy S20 for plastic on the Samsung Galaxy S21. However, the type of plastic that is used on the Samsung Galaxy S21 doesn’t in any way feel cheap and still retains all the features of its glass-backed predecessor such as wireless charging.

An outright improvement in design between the Samsung Galaxy S20 and Samsung Galaxy S21, in our opinion, is the return of a flat display from a curved display. While curved displays help to hide bezels and create a more immersive viewing experience they also slightly distort the edges of content which can be quite bothersome in certain lighting conditions. In the case of the Samsung Galaxy S21, the flat screen also means you’ll be able to more easily grip the phone.

Should you upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy S21?

Anyone with a Samsung Galaxy S20 should not upgrade to a Samsung Galaxy S21. That's the simple truth.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 offers practically zero improvements over its predecessor. The performance improvements offered by the new Snapdragon 888 chipset are not substantial enough to carry the small improvements made to camera software in the identical camera hardware and battery capacity found in both devices. 

Worse still, the Samsung Galaxy S21 has an inferior display that is locked to FHD+ whereas the Samsung Galaxy S20 has a display capable of switching between QHD+ 60Hz and FHD+ 120Hz modes. Then there’s the outright removal of features such as support for expandable microSD card storage and MST which will be notable omissions for many.

For now, our advice is to stick with your Samsung Galaxy S20. Those with Samsung Galaxy S10 devices, or older, may wish to consider the Samsung Galaxy S21 but should also check out the used market for deals on Samsung Galaxy S20 devices.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is the base model in the latest refresh of Samsung’s Galaxy S smartphones, with the Samsung Galaxy S21+ and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra rounding out the higher end of the 2021 Galaxy S lineup. You would be forgiven for thinking that the Samsung Galaxy S21 offers a similar level of increased performance and new features as the Samsung Galaxy S20 did in comparison to the Samsung Galaxy S10 but this is not entirely the case.

Instead, the Samsung Galaxy S21 has all the features that most consumers will want from the best smartphones, paired with flagship level performance, which is incredible value at $799. More niche and high-end features have been relegated to the more expensive models in the lineup like the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. This makes the Samsung Galaxy S21 a great purchase for most consumers, especially given its more affordable starting price, but will leave those looking for a bleeding edge experience wanting.

Samsung Galaxy S21 review: Design

• Available in Phantom Grey, Phantom Pink, Phantom Violet, and Phantom White.

Let’s address the most potentially divisive element of the Samsung Galaxy S21’s design, first and foremost: its back is made of plastic. However, this isn’t the same cheap plastic you’ll find on many budget Android devices and instead feels decidedly more premium. It’s not quite on the level of any glass back, like the one on the Samsung Galaxy S20, but it comes close enough and in no way lessens the feeling of holding the Samsung Galaxy S21 in your hands. As added bonuses, this makes the Samsung Galaxy S21 more durable and it retains support for Qi wireless charging.

The Samsung Galaxy S21’s aluminum frame partially extends to the rear of the device and forms a contoured camera cutout. Having the material of the camera cutout blend seamlessly with the frame of the device is extremely pleasing to the eye and is especially eye-catching on the Phantom Violet version of the device, with the matte violet plastic back and shiny rose gold aluminum frame creating a cool contrasting effect.

Then there’s the front of the Samsung Galaxy S21 which, despite appearing very similar to the Samsung Galaxy S20, has one notable difference. The screen is still 6.2 inches in size and has kept the camera cutout in the same place as last year’s device but has done away with its curved edges. This results in a small decline in its screen-to-body ratio, compared to the Samsung Galaxy S20, but many, like myself, will be happy to be rid of screen distortion effects caused by curved edge displays and instead revel feeling more secure in holding my device now that it’s not as slippery.

Samsung Galaxy S21 review: Performance

• Snapdragon 888 chip
• 8GB RAM and 128/256GB storage
• No microSD card support

In terms of performance, the Snapdragon 888 chipset that comes in the Samsung Galaxy S21 boasts improvements to both CPU and GPU performance. Games such as Call of Duty: Mobile and PUBG MOBILE run flawlessly, despite the Samsung Galaxy S21 only sporting 8GB of RAM, and make great use of the 120Hz display.

It is important to note that Samsung have dropped support for microSD cards and MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission) with all the phones in the Samsung Galaxy S21 lineup. Thankfully, for those that will lament the lack of expandable storage, the phones are available in 128GB and 256GB versions. However, there is no silver lining for those that relied on MST to make contactless payments on terminals that did not support NFC and it’s a real shame that Samsung has decided to cut it.

Samsung Galaxy S21 review: Display

• 6.2-inch FHD+ AMOLED display
• 120Hz adaptive refresh rate

There’s no denying that the Samsung Galaxy S21 is a joy to use, whether you’re streaming content or watching your own home videos. This should come as no surprise given that the display is mostly the same one found on the Samsung Galaxy S20.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 sports a 6.2-inch AMOLED display which not only produces vibrant accurate colors but also supports HDR10+. HDR10+ allows for greater levels of contrast that really makes HDR content found on services like Netflix and Disney Plus pop all the more. However, the resolution of this display tops out at FHD+ rather than QHD+ offered on the Samsung Galaxy S20.

While enthusiasts will bemoan this downgrade in resolution, FHD+ still offers a sharp enough image suitable for most users. This change also means that users don’t have to faff about toggling between 60Hz and 120Hz. The locked FHD+ resolution means that the display will always output 120Hz where possible, for a silky smooth experience when gaming or general usage. Even so, those who already own Samsung Galaxy S20 devices will want to consider the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra if they require QHD+ resolution.

Samsung Galaxy S21 review: Cameras

• Same camera lenses from Samsung Galaxy S20
• Improvements in camera software

In terms of hardware, the Samsung Galaxy S21 has the exact same camera setup as the Samsung Galaxy S20. The three rear cameras, a 12MP wide angle lens, 12MP ultrawide angle lens, and 64MP 3x telephoto lens, and the 10MP selfie camera, all boast the same solid resolution, focal length, and aperture specifications as they did in 2020. Instead of upgrading the camera hardware, Samsung has instead made improvements to both image processing, due in part to the new Snapdragon 888 chipset found in the Samsung Galaxy S21, and overall software experience.

As can be expected from Samsung Galaxy S devices, both photos and videos captured on the Samsung Galaxy S21 are of a high quality and boast impressive dynamic range. However, the signature saturated look that Samsung’s cameras produce, when using the ‘Auto’ mode, will remain a point of contention on the Samsung Galaxy S21, as well as their overly brightened look that can border on overexposed. However, for most people, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is a great choice for a smartphone shooter but those looking for more true to life colors in their photos and videos may wish to consider the Google Pixel 5 or Google Pixel 4a 5G.

With that said, where Google once led the smartphone industry with its seemingly unbeatable Night Sight feature on Pixel devices, the Samsung Galaxy S21 handily trades blows with the latest Google Pixel devices with its own Night Mode. Pictures captured in low light conditions on the Samsung Galaxy S21 still bear that signature saturated look but offer greater fine detail than photos captured on its Google Pixel competition.

In terms of improvements to image processing and camera software, Single Take now allows for more types of simultaneous capture to make sure you get the best pictures of your hyperactive pets and unpredictable children. However, the most noticeable improvement over the Samsung Galaxy S20 is the updated Space Zoom. On the Samsung Galaxy S21, Space Zoom now allows you to lock focus to a subject when zoomed up to 30x which makes for much clearer and stable photographs even at such a high zoom level.

As on the Samsung Galaxy S20, the Samsung Galaxy S21 can shoot 8K video limited to 24hz or 4K 30/60Hz. It also supports FHD video capture at up 240Hz and even HD video at a whopping 960Hz. Samsung’s Super Steady Mode with optical image stabilization really helps in keeping video capture smooth even if you have particularly shaky hands. One of the new features found on the Samsung Galaxy S21 is ‘Director’s View Mode’ which allows for simultaneous video capture from both the front and rear cameras. The degree to which this will be useful, even for the vlogger market this is clearly aimed at, is debatable but it is nonetheless a new and interesting feature.

Samsung Galaxy S21 review: Battery

• 5G and 120Hz significantly impact battery life
• No supplied charger

The Samsung Galaxy S21’s has the same 4,000 mAh battery found in last year’s model. It feels like a missed opportunity to have not included a bigger battery but the new Snapdragon 888 chipset helps in improving the power consumption efficiency which benchmarks suggest beat both the iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy S20. However, the Google Pixel 5 boasts significantly superior battery life due in part to its less powerful hardware and slightly larger 4,080 mAh battery.

While the Samsung Galaxy S21 should provide more than enough juice to get through a full day of use, users should be aware that features such as the high refresh rate display and 5G have noticeable impact on battery life. However, the Samsung Galaxy S21’s defaults to ‘adaptive mode’ in managing the display’s refresh rate, toggling between 48-120Hz dynamically. Unless you’re feeling particularly anxious about battery life, I would not recommend forcing the phone into 60Hz.

Fast charging at 25W and Qi wireless charging are both supported on the Samsung Galaxy S21, as well as Wireless Powershare. The battery can be charged to 55% in 30 minutes when connected to a 25W adapter but Samsung has decided not to supply one with the phone. The company claims this is a move to cut down on e-waste but this feels more like a cost saving move after Apple also decided not to supply a charger with its iPhone 12 models. There’s also no support for Samsung’s 45W chargers which were previously supported by the Samsung Galaxy S20.

Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy S21? 

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a great phone that offers incredible value at its $799 price point. It has a great camera and the internal hardware is powerful enough to handle mobile games, watching videos, and browsing the web with no issues. It also looks great and still feels like a premium device despite the plastic shell.

With that said, Samsung Galaxy S20 owners may wish to consider higher end models, such as the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, instead. 

The OnePlus Nord N10 5G represents OnePlus’s first foray into the budget smartphone market, in America at least, but how does it stand up against thrifty options from Apple, Samsung, and Google?

OnePlus is steadily moving along its journey from plucky underdog to household name, but it's fair to say that few people would associate OnePlus with budget smartphones - they make flagship phones that are far cheaper than competing models, but they’re not known for truly budget handsets. That changed last year with the OnePlus Nord, a prototype budget OnePlus handset of sorts that launched in Europe, India, and a few other markets, but never made it to US soil. Luckily, the Mk 2 version has graced American shores with its presence (along with the rest of the world), but was it worth the wait?

The OnePlus Nord N10 5G is a true budget smartphone, with a price tag of just $300/£249. That’s really cheap, undercutting the competing Google Pixel 4A by $50 and the iPhone SE by $100. But what do you really get for your money, and is it worth considering over some of the other best smartphones on the market?

OnePlus Nord N10 review: Networks

If you want to pick up the OnePlus Nord N10 5G via one of the best cell phone providers then T-Mobile is going to be your best bet. It’s currently available for $12.50 per month for 24 months.

While you can’t buy the OnePlus Nord N10 5G directly via AT&T or Verizon Wireless, it is compatible with both networks if you wish to buy the handset outright and then get a cell plan separately. You can buy the OnePlus Nord N10 5G directly from OnePlus or popular retail websites including Amazon.

OnePlus Nord N10 review: Design and styling 

As a budget smartphone, the OnePlus Nord N10 5G loses all the fancy materials and design choices that you’d find in the flagship phones. This means you get a plastic shell instead of the metal and glass you’d find in the OnePlus 8T. Despite the cheaper materials, the OnePlus Nord N10 5G still looks great though, with a glossy midnight blue finish. There is only one color option available though, so we hope you like dark blue.

The camera array is up in the top left corner of the handset, so it looks like OnePlus is ditching the central camera array that we saw in older models like the OnePlus 8 for good. That central position is instead occupied by a fingerprint sensor which sits just about the OnePlus logo.

In what feels like a retro throwback at this point, the OnePlus Nord N10 5G has a 3.5mm headphone jack so you can dig those old headphones out of the drawer. Beyond that, there are volume controls on the left side and a lock/unlock button on the right.

Now, we do have one rather odd gripe when it comes to the OnePlus Nord N10 5G - it’s the slipperiest phone we’ve ever come across. Hey, we said it was an odd gripe. We’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve put this phone down on a flat surface only to hear a clunk ten seconds later as it hits the floor. It’s made of Teflon or something, because it simply will not sit still. It has negative friction. Most people will buy a case for it, so that’s not an issue, but for the love of God, don’t put this thing down on your kitchen counter unless you want to see it shattered.

OnePlus Nord N10 review: Screen and audio

OnePlus has always made a big song and dance about refresh rates in its screens, so it's fantastic to see that the Nord N10 has a 90Hz refresh rate. This results in buttery smooth screen transitions and when scrolling through apps and web pages.

The rest of the specs are pretty good too, especially for a budget smartphone. You get a 6.49-inch LCD screen with a display resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. LCD rather than OLED will mean that colors aren’t as vibrant and the blacks aren’t as deep, but if you’re expecting an OLED screen in a $300 smartphone then you’re probably asking a bit too much.

While the rest of the shell is plastic, the screen itself is Gorilla glass so it should be pretty resistant to scratches and cracks. The screen is flat too, rather than the curved edge display that you’d find in a more expensive model. Overall, we’re as happy as can be with the display on the N10 though. Screen resolution is great, motion is fluid and the colors pop so it’s perfectly suitable for watching movies or playing games on.

OnePlus Nord N10 review: Performance

The OnePlus Nord N10 5G is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 690, which is a decent mid-range chipset to be sure, but it’s a hefty step down from the 765G that was found in the original Nord. Despite this downgrade, we were pleasantly surprised with the N10’s performance for the most part. It usually runs smoothly and is able to handle mobile gaming. We took Forza Street out for a spin (sorry, but we suck at Fortnite) and it ran smoothly without stuttering or overheating. Don’t worry though shooter fans, because some of our mobile gamer friends over at Tom’s Guide took to the battlefield on PUBG and were pretty impressed with the N10s performance. So, if you want a cheap smartphone that can handle some light gaming, the N10 has you covered.

It only comes with one memory option which is 6GB of RAM and 128GB storage, though you can add in additional storage via memory cards.

OnePlus Nord N10 5G review: Camera 

The main area that budget smartphones scale back in is the camera array, but we’re quite impressed with the camera array that OnePlus has managed to squeeze into the N10. You get a 64MP wide lens (f/1.79) as the main shooter, along with an 8MP ultra wide lens (f/2.25), a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP monochrome lens. The lack of a telephoto lens means that you’re relying on digital zoom, which isn’t the best.

The macro lens is a cool gimmick if you need to take a picture of a ladybug on a leaf or something, but for most users, it’s never going to get touched - we’d really have rather seen a telephoto lens here instead. Likewise, the monochrome lens is largely a gimmick that few people will appreciate. It gives better black and white shots than a filter will manage, but most people won’t notice the difference. Nice to have, but when the camera array has such a glaring omission, these two lens inclusion is a little baffling.

OnePlus Nord N10 5G review: Battery

While there may have been a few sacrifices along the way to get costs down, we’re happy to say that battery life and charging speed aren’t amongst the casualties. You get a 4300 mAh battery in the OnePlus Nord N10 5G which should comfortably last you a full day, or several days if you’re a light user.

And when you do eventually need to charge the OnePlus Nord N10 5G, it won’t take very long at all thanks to OnePlus’s Warp Charge 30T technology, which means you’ll get over 67% battery in just half an hour’s charge, with a full charge taking 52 minutes. These are the official numbers that OnePlus provided, but they proved to be bang on accurate in our own testing too. This makes the OnePlus Nord N10 5G an incredibly practical device and you’ll basically never have to worry about battery life when you’re using it.

OnePlus Nord N10 review: Software and assistant features

The OnePlus Nord N10 5G uses OxygenOS, a proprietary operating system based on Android. That means it will feel very familiar to anyone who has used a Samsung or Google smartphone.

While the flagship lines like the OnePlus 8T and OnePlus 8 are currently running on OxygenOS 11, the Nord N10 is actually running on the slightly older OxygenOS 10.5. There are very few practical differences between these two versions for the average user, so you’re not missing out on much. It’s still expected that the OnePlus Nord N10 will be updated to Android 11, and OxygenOS 11 in the near future though.

So what fancy features do you get with Oxygen OS compared to your average Android smartphone? Well, there’s plenty of visual customization options with Dark mode if you prefer a moodier look to your OS, along with options to change icon shapes, clock style, and system font.

You also get Zen mode, which lets you turn off all but the most essential notifications from your smartphone, letting you zone out and take some well-earned downtime. It also locks you out from some apps and messaging systems so you won’t be tempted to gawk at Twitter or Instagram when you’re supposed to be taking a screen break. Don’t worry though, you can still receive calls and take photos. We all spend too much time staring at screens if we’re honest, so this is a great feature to help you manage your screen time.

OnePlus Nord N10 5G review: Price

Even by the standards of budget smartphones, the OnePlus Nord N10 5G is a cheap smartphone. If you’re looking to buy the handset outright, the OnePlus Nord N10 5G costs just $299.99. That brings it in cheaper than the iPhone SE and Google Pixel 4A - our other top choices in the world of budget smartphones.

There are a couple of tradeoffs for that super cheap price point though. As we said earlier, there is only one model of OnePlus Nord N10 5G - Midnight Blue color option with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. So, if you’re looking for a choice, look elsewhere.

The camera array, while decent on paper, is definitely weaker than what you’d find in the Google Pixel 4A. At the same time, the design is hardly stunning with the plastic shell and single color option, so style gurus on a budget might want to look at the iPhone SE.

Should you buy the OnePlus Nord N10?

If you’re looking for a 5G smartphone that ticks all the major boxes and doesn’t have any meaningful weaknesses, then the OnePlus Nord N10 5G is a solid choice… it’s just maybe a bit boring. To be fair though, if budget is your primary concern then you’re not out there hunting for unique features and gimmicks anyway.

It has solid specs, 5G capabilities, a nice big screen, great battery life with fast charging, and a decent main camera lens. For a paltry $300, that’s a hefty offering. The lack of a telephoto lens is disappointing, but even the 8T doesn’t have one of those - it just seems to be the first sacrifice that OnePlus makes when it comes to keeping costs down. If that doesn’t bother you then we’d absolutely recommend the OnePlus Nord N10 5G.

If you’re sick of signing your life away on long term, multiyear cell plans and want to try something more flexible, then Visible is one of the best options out there… and it’s about to get a whole lot better thanks to a host of new features that are being rolled out today.

Visible is one of the best prepaid cell phone plan providers out there and it’s improving its already stellar service with a host of new features, headlined by the addition of 5G service on compatible phones. 5G service will be provided via access to Verizon’s 5G network, since Visible already uses Verizon’s network. This offers Visible users speeds of up to 200 Mbps in 5G areas.

In addition to the 5G bombshell, Visible is also enabling calling to Canada, Mexico, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico as part of its services. This means you’ll be able to call your friends, family, and colleagues almost anywhere in North America.

On the convenience front, Visible is also adding a new eSIM functionality too, which means you can activate a compatible device from home in as little as 15 minutes, meaning you won’t have to wait for Visible to ship a SIM card out to you. eSIMs are basically built into the device and just need to be activated for the appropriate network. Most of the best smartphones that are coming out these days support this feature. Currently this is only available on Apple devices through Visible, but support for Android is coming soon. The full list of compatible Apple devices is:

• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd gen)
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 Mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max

The popular Party Pay plan has also made a comeback (basically a family and friends group plan that reduces everyone’s overall payments), and this time it's even better. Previously, the plan was limited to four people, but you can now have unlimited people on a single party plan, bringing each person’s monthly cost to just $25 per month. If you have fewer members, the saving per person is a little less impressive, but still worth it. It’s $35 per person per month with two party members, and $35 each with three party members.

But wait, there’s more. Visible is also starting up a referral program where Visible members can refer friends, family, or complete strangers (good luck with that one). Member’s get $5 off their next month’s bill for each referral, up to a maximum of 12 referrals per year. So, you can save $60 per year if you don’t mind harassing your entire social network into joining Visible.

Finally, Visible has also added a new community platform, called Visible Community. This allows members to meet and connect with other Visible members, potentially even leading to Party groups forming. This comes off the back of user feedback which showed that Visible members started Party plans with people they met on social media. In fact, a third of all respondents to a survey said they were in a party  with someone they don’t personally know.

As a prepaid cell provider, Visible offers a great alternative option to the best cell phone providers, most of whom require you to sign up to two or three year deals to use their services. There is basically only one Visible plan - $40 per month for unlimited data, minutes, and texts plus extra if you want a smartphone along with it (you can bring your own or buy one from Visible). This is far cheaper than most major providers, and you’re only committing to paying on a monthly basis, so you can cancel at any time. Frankly, we have no idea why anyone uses the major networks when the value that prepaid networks offer is so good.

5G has been touted as the future of cellular networks, but new tests from PC Magazine have revealed that Verizon’s "nationwide 5G" can actually be slower than 4G on some phones. With an extensive 4G LTE network, Verizon is one of the best cell phone providers out there, but its 5G network has been let down by its DSS features, according to the report.

The race to roll out 5G has in some instances placed quantity over quality, with providers competing to offer coverage to as many customers as possible as more and more companies, from Apple to OnePlus, release 5G-enabled smartphones. 

Verizon’s recently-announced "nationwide 5G" leans on its impressive 4G network, using DSS (dynamic spectrum sharing) to use elements of its existing channels. According to PC Magazine, “Verizon customers will see that coveted 5G icon pop up. But it's all for show.” It's worth noting that this is all relative. Verizon's 4G LTE is so good, it's actually quicker than rival 5G speeds (at low band) from T-Mobile and AT&T. Plus, most of the better NVME networks actually run on Verizon's 4G LTE too.

PC Mag's tests were done on an iPhone 12 in New York, and revealed that DSS 5G was regularly slower than the 4G LTE equivalent, and “rarely faster”. If you’re affected by this, here’s what to do.  

Here’s how to turn off your 5G

Verizon customers can use cell phone coverage maps to tell what their local 5G system is. Verizon offers a fast and powerful UWB 5G system in some major cities, but the DSS 5G exists to fill in the gaps as it rolls out its full-power UWB. If your 5G symbol on your phone display is followed by the letters “UW”, that shows you’re on the high-power 5G. If not, consider turning it off.

If you are experiencing slower 5G than 4G, the simple solution is to turn off your 5G. This isn’t hard to do, although not all phones allow it. On an iPhone:

1. Go to settings
2. Cellular data options
3. Voice and data
4. Switch to LTE

This will manually disconnect from any available 5G in your area. Although it’s worth checking your specific handset, most Android phones don’t have the option to switch off 5G. If you want to know if it's possible on your Android, you'll find the option under Settings / Connection / Mobile Network. However, if you’ve yet to splash out on a 5G-enabled smartphone, you can rest assured that you may be experiencing the best cell speeds in your area.  

If you're paying for 5G speeds on your cell plan, now might be a good opportunity to reassess that plan, as you may not always be getting the speeds you think you are, and could be saving money if you're always out of the UWB areas.

If you’re someone who likes to have a top of the range cell phone in your pocket, then you’ll know just how expensive the latest models can be. Sometimes buying the best smartphones outright can set your bank balance back by a four-figure sum, and that’s the kind of money that a lot of people simply don’t have readily to hand. 

Fortunately, as the price of phones has gone up, so the number of ways in which you can pay for them have grown too. In fact, cell phone financing is now almost universally available through the best cell phone providers, retailers and manufacturers alike. The cell phone market is so competitive that deals are usually available all year round. However, as our round up of the best Black Friday cell phone plan deals will testify, the competition ratchets up several notches further when the Holiday season sales arrive. So how exactly do you get cell phone finance and what is the best way to make a new phone more affordable to you, ahead of the best Black Friday USA deals really starting to arrive?

Cell phone financing through your current carrier

If you’re content with the plan and service that your current carrier provides, most will have cell phone financing options to try and help you afford a new phone:  

Trade-ins
The simplest, and usually most cost-effective option, is to trade in the device you want to replace. Indeed, if it’s a newer cell phone and in good condition, you might be offered enough in exchange that you can find the extra money required to settle the balance on your new one. 

0% installment plans
The cell phone financing option probably most commonly offered by carriers is an interest-free installment plan. This will allow you to spread the cost of the phone over a number of months without having to pay any interest on top. You’ll usually need to sign up to a two-year plan and some will want a down payment at the start, although trading in your old cell phone will often suffice.  

Leasing
Some carriers might offer the chance to lease a new cell phone, usually for a term of around two years, whereby you’ll need to make monthly payments, but will never actually own the phone. It might seem a viable option, but remember that you’ll have an agreement that you need to keep with the carrier for the next however many years, and if it turns out you do wish to switch, you’ll be liable to pay whatever is outstanding on the lease before you can go. 

Cell phone financing with a new carrier

If your existing plan has ended and you’re happy to switch carriers, then a whole new world of money saving signup offers will be at your door. The type of cell phone finance on offer will usually vary between providers and also the type of cell phone that you want. Usually, however, they can be split into two groups: those that will provide you with the phone for free, and those that will lower the monthly installment payments that you need to make.

Cell phone financing through a manufacturer 

If you want to buy an unlocked phone through the manufacturer and then arrange a carrier later, Apple, Samsung and some other manufacturers have cell phone finance options available too. You can also usually arrange a trade-in to get the initial cost of the new phone down. 

Interest-free installments
Similar to carriers, interest-free installments are usually an option with manufacturers, with Apple using Citizens One to arrange loans in this way and Samsung tied up with TD Bank. Remember, however, that these cell phone finance loans are only likely to remain interest-free if you keep up with your monthly payments. Also consider that a credit check will usually be made when you apply for these plans - if you haven’t got the good credit rating that is typically required, you’re likely to be turned down. Using the best credit repair services is a good way to try and improve your credit score and lower the risk of rejection. 

Credit cards
If you’re hankering for a new iPhone, or many other Apple products for that matter, including an iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch, interest-free financing is also available via the Apple Card. In the case of cell phone finance for an iPhone, taking out an Apple Card and using it to fund your purchase will give you a period of 24 months in which to pay what you owe before interest starts to be applied. You should also get 3% cashback on your spend, but making sure you keep to your payment schedule and pay down the balance during the 0% period is key.   

If you’re not buying from Apple, or you don’t want an Apple Card, many of the best credit cards offer generous interest-free periods too. You’ll also usually need a decent credit history to get any credit card, so bear that in mind as well. 

Cell phone finance via retailers

Similar to when you’re buying a mattress on finance, or a refrigerator, many retailers offer what are called point-of-sale finance options just when you’re about to pay at the checkout. Cell phone finance point-of-sale plans tend to work in the same way, typically offering the option to take out a credit card. Many will also offer the chance to “buy now pay later” under arrangements made with finance providers such as Affirm and Afterpay. Such an option might seem convenient and could prove useful if you’ve got no discernible credit history or bad credit. This is because point-of-sale finance companies will usually determine your eligibility around your income rather than a credit check. 

However, as point-of-sale finance often involves taking out a loan, take careful note of the terms of any agreement and the interest that will be charged - some will offer 0% financing, but others might charge a whole lot more. Remember there will be consequences in terms of penalty fees and maybe higher interest rates if you overstretch yourself and can’t keep up with payments. Also consider that some point-of-sale finance options will involve a credit check, so always find out what is involved first. Finally, be aware that some point-of-sale finance plans are lease arrangements where you don’t own the phone, which are often expensive, and could tie you into a deal that will need paying up before you can leave.

Personal loans

If the point-of-sale loan options are not the type of cell phone finance you’re open to, taking out one of the best personal loans online ahead of making your phone purchase is another option. If you have a good credit score, and the best rates and terms are available to you, a personal loan could provide the cell phone financing solution you’re looking for. 

Of course, you’ll need to get your application done in advance, and there’ll be a check on your credit. And the same rules that apply for all the cell phone financing options about being able to afford the repayments that you’re due to make also apply here too - the one thing you don’t want to have to use that new cell phone for in the future is to make a call to the best debt consolidation companies. 

The battle for cheap smartphone supremacy is heating up and it looks like Google will be coming out swinging with its upcoming budget smartphone, the Google Pixel 4a. According to a recent leak by Stephen Hall of 9to5google, the Google Pixel 4a will cost $350 when it launches later this year. That’s one aggressively priced smartphone, especially if the other leaks and rumors about its specs are true. But how will it stack up against its main competitor, the iPhone SE, in our best smartphones rankings.

The other nugget of information that Hall dropped on Twitter is that the standard model of Google Pixel 4a will come with 128GB of storage - twice the amount found in the base model of the iPhone SE which has just 64GB. It's also quite the looker if the above renders from Pigtou and xleaks based on leaked CAD drawings are accurate.

Other rumors have pointed towards the Google Pixel 4a having a 5.8-inch OLED screen, which is significantly better offering than the 4.7-inch Retina display that the iPhone SE offers. This makes sense, given that the current budget model, the Google Pixel 3a also has an OLED screen (and is one of the cheapest phones to feature the technology).

Alongside the shiny OLED screen, the Google Pixel 4a will also reportedly be packing a 3,080 mAh battery, almost double the size of the iPhone SE’s 1821 mAh battery. For reference, the Google Pixel 3a has a 3000 mAh battery and Tom’s Guide found that it could operate for 12 hours of continuous use before it needed recharging. It also features fast charge, so we can safely assume that the Google Pixel 4a will too.

According to reportedly leaked internal documents from Vodafone, the Google Pixel 4a was originally intended to launch on 22nd May, but given that we’re only a week away from that date, it seems unlikely as Google usually announces new devices at least a week before the launch. Given the current coronavirus pandemic and the effect it has had on the tech and retail industries, a small delay isn’t surprising. We’re thinking that June will be the likely reveal and release of the Google Pixel 4a.

In the meantime, if you’re desperate for a new budget smartphone then you should check out our iPhone SE review. Apple’s new budget smartphone is an absolute monster running on the same A13 chipset that powers the flagship iPhone 11 line.

President Donald Trump has extended the executive order which bars U.S. companies from working with or using telecommunications equipment made by companies that the white house considers to be a national security risk, namely Huawei and ZTE.  This update was first reported by Reuters.

The Presidential order was first signed in May 2019 and effectively cuts Huawei out of the US market, while also preventing it from working with U.S. companies like Google. This means that Huawei smartphones and laptops can no longer use things like Google Mobiles Services (GMS), which severely limits the number of apps and other services that they have access to. The ban apparently sparks from worries that Huawei is providing information on U.S. citizens to the Chinese government, which is a major shareholder. Huawei reverently denies these accusations.

Despite the strong wording of the original ban, it still hasn’t really come into full effect though thanks to a series of temporary licenses that the Commerce Department has granted Huawei, which lets the Chinese tech giant work with U.S. companies to support existing devices like the Huawei P30 Pro. But until the ban is lifted, that’s likely to be the last Huawei smartphone that has access to things like the Google Play Store or Google Maps.

And even that delicate balance is uncertain at this time, as the latest of these temporary reprieves is about to expire on May 15, and so far we’ve had no word from either Huawei or the Commerce Department on whether the deal is likely to be extended. Before this spat with the U.S. government, Huawei was making huge strides across the globe, building some of the best smartphones, tablets, and laptops. It was providing some serious competition to the likes of Samsung and Apple.

But as we saw with the Honor 9X Pro, a smartphone is only as good as the software it can access and despite the excellent hardware inside Huawei devices, it’s almost impossible to recommend one until they have access to GMS again.

From online learning to joining conference calls from home, America has never been more dependent on the internet. However, not everyone has equal access, which is giving rise to a 'digital divide', according to Pew Research Center. New research has shown that nearly nine in ten Americans view the internet as an essential or important tool during the coronavirus outbreak, and this is also affecting how people view the internet, with 90% saying that the internet has played a positive role in their lives.

52% of lower-income Americans facing broadband bill worry

We recently revealed that 77% of lower-income Americans fear their rainy day funds won’t last three months, and now 52% of Americans with lower incomes are worried about paying their broadband and cellphone bills over the coming months. With increased time at home comes increased internet usage, which has led many of the best internet providers, such as AT&T, to lift their broadband caps. Many of  the best cell phone providers, such as Verizon and T-Mobile, have also agreed to waive late fees and not terminate contracts through June 30th, as part of a pledge to Keep Americans Connected.

The digital divide

With increase dependence on technology and the internet, Pew reports a rise in the debate around a 'digital divide', which hinders those without adequate access to the internet. However, 65% say it is not the responsibility of the government to ensure connectivity to cellphone services, and 62% feel the same way about high-speed internet connection.

Internet connectivity concerns are particularly felt by lower-income parents. One in five parents of children who are currently facing homeschooling say that their children will not be able complete their schoolwork because they do not have access to a computer at home. A third of parents say it is at least somewhat likely that their children will be dependent on the best smartphones to complete assignments. 22% say that their children may need to use public Wi-Fi to finish homework due to a lack of reliable at-home internet. If this is something your family has been struggling with, we've been using cell phone coverage maps to reveal which networks are best across America for both rural and urban homes. You can also consider the best WiFi boosters to improve connectivity.

It’s finally here! The long-awaited second generation iPhone SE, aka the iPhone 9, has finally deigned to reveal itself, and it’s everything we could have hoped for. Apple has now revealed the new smartphone and it’s an impressive handset, with an even more impressive price, coming in at just $400. It's sure to be a strong contender in our best smartphones roundup.

The iPhone SE 2020 will be powered by the A13 bionic chip, the same system that powers the rest of the current iPhone lineup, including the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro. This means it will be every bit as powerful as its more expensive cousins. So how is this wizardry possible?

Well, while the chipset is the same, many of the other components you’d expect to see in an iPhone have been toned down or redesigned to help make the Apple iPhone SE as cheap as possible. There’s no fancy multi lens camera setup for example. Instead, you’ll find a single 12 megapixel wide camera. Apple describes this as the best single lens camera system it’s ever put in an iPhone, which is almost certainly true given that iPhones haven’t used a single lens setup in years. Apple’s example photographs look stunning though, so until we get our hands on it, we’ll give it the benefit of the doubt here.

On the design front, the iPhone SE harks back to older models like the iPhone 8, with the once iconic home button making its return. In fact, it’s so similar to the iPhone 8 in design that existing iPhone 8 cases will be compatible. The case is made from aluminum with front and back glass covers and it's available in three colors: black, white, and red. Rounding things off is a 4.7-inch Retina HD display.

So if you’re looking for a powerful, no frills smartphone, the new iPhone SE is looking like a winner. We have our concerns about the camera, but honestly for $400 we’d be living in a dream world to expect a multi lens setup.

The Apple iPhone SE will be available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB models and is available to pre-order on the Apple store at 5pm PDT on Friday, April 17.

The OnePlus 8 isn't one of the best known phones. Samsung and Apple might still be the titans of the industry when it comes to the best smartphones, but OnePlus has been creeping on them for years putting out excellent phones at a fraction of the cost. Its latest efforts, the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro are just around the corner. Does OnePlus finally have a smartphone to topple the giants of the industry?

Powered by a Snapdragon 865 CPU (the same chip inside the Samsung Galaxy S20) and with 8/12GB of RAM, the OnePlus 8 is certainly throwing itself into the heavyweight smartphone division. It's the same story on the camera array too with a triple lens setup headlined by a 48MP Sony lens. 

The OnePlus 8 is 5G enabled too for faster download speeds and better connectivity. And while some other niche brands like Huawei don’t have access to the Android store, the OnePlus 8 runs on an Android-based operating system so you’ll have access to all your favorite apps like Instagram, Spotify, and TikTok. But the most impressive stat of all is the price, which starts at just $699. So what’s the catch? Is it cursed? Or do the specs not tell the whole story?

OnePlus 8 review: Design

• Available in Glacial Green, Onyx Black or Interstellar Glow.
• 128GB or 256GB versions.

Visually, the OnePlus 8 looks almost identical to the previous model, the OnePlus 7 with its rounded edges and vertical strip of cameras positioned in the center of the handset. On the front there is now a pinhole camera in favor of the old pop-up camera that previous OnePlus smartphones have used.

The OnePlus 8 comes in three color options: Onyx Black, Glacial Green and Interstellar Glow, though that last variant is only available in some markets. Color isn’t just an aesthetic choice though, as the Onyx Black version comes with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, while the Glacial Green variant comes with 12GB RAM and 256GB of storage space.

At 6.3-inches long, 2.9-inches wide and 0.3-inches thick,  the OnePlus 8 is slightly bigger than the Samsung Galaxy S20 and iPhone 11, but not quite as big as some of the more monstrous handsets out there. For comparison, if you’ve held a Google Pixel 4 XL in your hand before, it’s almost exactly the same size.

OnePlus 8 review: Screen & audio

• 6.55-inch QHD screen.
• Dolby Atmos stereo speakers.

While the OnePlus 8 Pro might be stealing the show with it’s new 120hz display, the OnePlus 8 is still rocking an impressive 90hz refresh rate on its 6.55-inch Fluid Display screen. This means that screen transitions feel smooth and responsive. There’s also HDR 10/10+ support which means that colors on screen are more vibrant and true to life. We tested the screen out by watching videos on several streaming platforms and they all looked fantastic. It’s not going to replace your TV at home, but if you’re stuck on the train and want to watch a movie then the OnePlus 8 will make it shine.

If you’re listening to music at home then the dual stereo speakers offer surprisingly good volume and sound quality. Obviously they can’t compete with a dedicated sound system, but the OnePlus 8 will happily fill a room with tunes while you’re tidying up or getting ready for work. There’s Dolby Atmos support too, which simulates surround sound through regular speakers. We’re actually rather impressed by this after checking out the Dolby Atmos tech demo and watching some action movies scenes.

Of course you’re a responsible citizen and would never blast tunes out of your phone in public, so you’ll be dying to hear about the headphones right? Well there aren’t any included, but you can purchase a pair of wireless earbuds separately. There’s no headphone jack either, though we don’t expect to see them in many smartphones these days.

OnePlus 8 review: Battery life 

• Excellent battery life.
• Warp charge goes from 0-50% in 22 minutes.

It’s often overlooked when people buy a new handset, but battery life is one of the most important factors in a new smartphone. Who cares about your billion megapixel camera if it only holds a charge for half a day? OnePlus seemingly understands this having fitted the OnePlus 8 with a 4300mAh battery that packs a serious charge.

During our testing the OnePlus 8 never even came close to running out of battery after a day of normal use - we were usually left with around 50% charge which is impressive. What’s more, the OnePlus 8 comes with a Warp Charge 30T charger, which charges the handset up to 50% charge in just 22 minutes. Battery life essentially isn’t a concern if you’re using a OnePlus 8.

OnePlus 8 review: Camera

• Triple lens camera: Standard, ultra wide and macro.
• Zoomed image quality  isn't great.
• 4K video recording.

On the camera front, the OnePlus 8 is packing a triple lens set-up, with a 48MP Sony IMX586 sensor as the main camera. This is backed up by a 16MP ultra wide angle camera and a 2 MP macro camera for taking up-close photos of small objects. The main camera is great and the ultra wide holds its own too when taking wider shots, but the zoom is bit lackluster if you’re snapping distant objects. The sensor supports 2X zoom, and then after that you start to get some seriously grainy images if you zoom in further.

The front-facing selfie camera is a 16 MP Sony IMX471 pinhole camera, which is embedded into the screen. OnePlus fans might be sad to see the old pop-up camera go, as it was certainly a unique novelty amongst high-end smartphones. With that said, 16MP is plenty for a selfie camera and we were suitably impressed with the images it kicked out.

If you’re looking to record video on the OnePlus 8, then you’ll be pleased to hear that it supports 4K video recording at up to 60 fps on the rear camera, and 1080p on the front camera.

OnePlus 8 review: Software and assistant features 

• Oxygen OS 10.
• Alexa enabled.

The OnePlus 8 is running on OnePlus’s proprietary Android-based operating system, called Oxygen OS. This latest iteration, Oxygen OS 10, is more of a refinement of the formula than a revolution, so owners of older OnePlus handsets will feel right at home, as will anyone who’s used to Android phones if we’re being honest. There isn’t much worth shouting about other than some new dark themes and dynamic wallpapers, but the OS itself is slick, functional and intuitive, so why fix what isn’t broken?

The other talking point on the OnePlus 8 is the addition of Alexa functionality. Once you’ve downloaded the Alexa app, you can choose either the hands-free or push-to-talk mode. Alexa is the best AI voice assistant out there (she certainly runs rings around Samsung's Bixby), so it's great to have built-in compatibility. 

OnePlus 8 review: Price 

OnePlus phones have always offered exceptional value for money when compared to more popular brands, and we're happy to say that trend continues with the OnePlus 8. Price start at $699 for the 8GB RAM/128GB storage version and $799 for the 12GB RAM/256GB storage version. Considering what's on offer here, that's an absolute bargain, especially for a flagship-quality phone.

Should you buy the OnePlus 8?

Absolutely. Honestly, if you’re looking for a solid mid-to-high tier smartphone then you’ll struggle to find anything out there that’s this good, for this cheap. The Samsung Galaxy S20 has similar specs and costs a whopping $300 more and we really can’t see why, other than the price of the Samsung badge and a slightly better camera set-up.

The OnePlus 8 isn't a budget smartphone by any means, but we don't think you'll find this kind of performance, feature set and build quality for anywhere near this cheap elsewhere.

Lowe’s has created a new way to thank frontline workers during the coronavirus outbreak. Launching the #BuildThanks campaign on April 6, the home improvement store is asking Americans to get creative with supplies they already have at home to make thank you signs and messages for medical professionals.

After creating signs of gratitude, Lowe’s is asking DIY makers to show off their messages on social media, using the hashtag #BuildThanks. 

With plenty of ideas and inspiration for how to create thank you signs at Lowes.com, the campaign aims to show support for those working on the frontline and has been designed so that partakers don’t leave their homes and only use materials they already have at home. 

The initiative follows after many Americans find new ways to thank frontline workers, with people in New York taking to applauding key workers, creating rainbow artwork in their windows, and even decorating their homes with Christmas lights to spread some much needed cheer. 

The #BuildThanks campaign isn’t the only way the home improvement store is helping to support those affected by the coronavirus pandemic, either. Store managers have been donating air filters which will be sewn into face masks. Other stores have been donating flower pots to local nursing homes, providing a cheerful addition to outside spaces for the residents to enjoy. 

For other first responders, it’s becoming an issue to wear uniforms home and wash them there - risking spreading infection to their loved ones. To help solve this issue, Lowe’s has also donated washers and dryers to some local police and fire departments, allowing them to clean their uniforms and clothes before heading home to their families. 

Other companies helping out during the coronavirus pandemic  

Other brand giants like Dyson, Samsung and Smeg have been donating items or their services to help during the coronavirus outbreak. 

Dyson, normally known for their best vacuums, has been creating ventilators to help Covid-19 patients. Whereas, Samsung is donating its smartphones to patients who are isolated away from their families.