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Latest by Simon Hill

An AT&T smartphone with a 5G E icon in its status bar.

AT&T jumps the gun with deliberately misleading 5GE launch

With 5G appearing on the horizon, bringing the promise of major speed improvements to our smartphone networks, AT&T has decided to jump the gun and relabel its latest 4G tech as 5G Evolution. It’s a short-sighted move designed to fool people and it will cause confusion.
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All the best phone and tablet cases from CES 2019

We saw lots of tempting phone accessories at CES 2019 and some of our favorites were cases for both phones and tablets. Here's a rundown of our picks of the bunch, from Speck, Incipio, and others. It's always a smart move to protect your devices from damage with a decent case.
Sony Xperia XZ3 review

Sony reshuffles its mobile division, gears up for comeback at MWC

After a tough year, Sony Mobile is looking to change strategy and we'll see a new smartphone from the firm next month at MWC in Barcelona. We sat down with VP or Marketing, Don Mesa, to find out more about what the company is planning in the year ahead and what we can expect.
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Treat your furry friend with the best pet tech at CES 2019

There were some intriguing and some slightly mad pet tech gadgets on show at CES 2019. From self-cleaning toilets for cats and dogs to genetic tests, dog flaps, and remote cameras. We've gathered together the cream of the crop right here, so you can see what's coming soon in the world of pet technology.
Ossia Spigen wireless charger being held

Wireless charging over a distance is coming to your phone case

Wireless charging over distance company Ossia has teamed up with respected smartphone case manufacturer Spigen and the partnership is set to produce a power transmitter and case line that will be able to charge up your phone while it sits in the table or even while it's in your pocket.
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The best CES 2019 health gadgets combat stress, pain, and more

We checked out a wide range of different health and wellness gadgets at CES 2019 and these are the pick of the bunch. We've got a robotic care assistant, a treatment for tinnitus, wearables designed to combat stress and pain, and even gadgets to monitor your blood pressure and test your urine.
why buy overpriced ces 2019 gadgets when your smartphone can do the job katana saftey device 1

Your smartphone already does it: Redundant tech of CES 2019

Believe the hype and marketing and you’d think every gadget at CES 2019 was an award-winning must-have, but that’s simply not the case. A number of devices come with hefty price tags and superfluous subscriptions to boot, even though they offer little beyond the standard capabilities of your smartphone.
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TCL is set to innovate with new mobile display technology

While few smartphone manufacturers have been innovating in the hardware space, TCL has made some interesting moves with the BlackBerry, Alcatel, and Palm brands. After a huge investment in display technology, TCL showed off some new edge-to-edge and dot displays at CES 2019, and there are more innovations in the works.
Emporio Armani Connected

Lightweight version of the Emporio Armani Connected smartwatch on display at CES

We got a quick look at the new lightweight version of the Emporio Armani Connected smartwatch at CES 2019. It sports a new, lightweight aluminum case with a rubber strap, all in black. There's also heart rate tracking, NFC, and GPS, along with an aging Qualcomm Snapdragon 2100 chip.
huawei p20 pro review 29

Master your Huawei P20 and P20 Pro with these helpful tips and tricks

While you won't find the Huawei P20 or Huawei P20 Pro in the U.S., they're still the most exciting Android phones released in 2018 thanks to a triple-camera system and a beautiful twilight color. If you do manage to get your hands on one of these flagships, check out our favorite tips and tricks.
Honor

Foldable phones, 5G, and all the best mobile tech coming in 2019

What design trends and hardware developments are going to dominate the smartphone mainstream in 2019? We take a look at the things smartphone shoppers can look forward to over the next 12 months, with a side dish of forthcoming tech that will remain hype for now.
A person typing on a laptop.

The 10 biggest GIF moments of 2018, according to Google’s Tenor

Whether it's a shocking sports result or a celebrity death, sometimes a GIF is the best way to sum up your reaction. Find out which events in 2018 sparked the highest levels of GIF searches and activity on Tenor, a GIF search engine used by hundreds of millions of people around the world.
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Which smartphone manufacturers won and lost in 2018

With 2018 drawing to a close, we take a look back over the last 12 months to see which smartphone manufacturers enjoyed a good year, who was treading water, and who would rather forget 2018 completely. Find out which phone makers won and lost in 2018.
iPad Pro (2018) review

Apple iPad Pro 11 vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S4: Which top-tier tablet reigns supreme?

If you're shopping for a new tablet and you want something that might double up as a laptop stand-in, then you'll want to check out both the 11-inch Apple iPad Pro and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4. We compare these two premium tablets in various categories to help you find out which is best for you.
Pixel 3 taking a photo

Pixel 3: How to take great photos with the best camera phone around

The camera capabilities of the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are astounding, but you have to know how to dig into the features you want. This Pixel 3 camera guide will take you through the options in the camera app and explain how everything works so you can start capturing amazing photos today.
Google Pixel 3 review

Google Pixel 3 vs. Samsung Galaxy S9: Which smaller Android flagship is best?

It's not easy choosing a new smartphone. Two of the best Android phones on the market right now, if you want something that isn't too big, come from Google and Samsung. The question is: Which is better? Find out as we pit Pixel 3 against the Galaxy S9 in various categories to determine an overall winner.
iphone xs speck giveaway

Best Cyber Monday Smartphone Accessory Deals

To keep your smartphone looking good and fully functional, you need to think about protection, and there are loads of accessories to help you use your phone. Whether you want a new case, a wireless charging pad, or a phone mount we have you covered with the best Cyber Monday smartphone accessory deals.
Casetify case for iPhone XS

Best Black Friday Smartphone Accessory Deals

If you're seeking out the best Black Friday bargains and price cuts on new phone cases, wireless charging pads, portable battery chargers, and more, then step right up. We've gathered together all the best Black Friday smartphone accessory deals into one easy page for you right here.
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Google Play Store offers big movie and game discounts for Thanksgiving

If you're bored this holiday weekend, Google is here to lend a helping hand with a range of tempting offers in the Play Store. In honor of Thanksgiving and the deal bonanza that is Black Friday and Cyber Monday, there are movie rentals for 99 cents, up to 80 percent off top games, and discounts on apps.
Sharp Aquos R2 Compact

Sharp doubles down on the notch trend with Aquos R2 Compact

As if one notch wasn't enough, Japanese manufacturer Sharp unveiled a new smartphone that has two -- one teardrop style notch at the top, and a bigger notch at the bottom. Here's what the world's first dual-notch smartphone looks like.
Huawei Mate 20 Pro

Google Pixel 3 XL vs. Samsung Galaxy Note 9 vs. OnePlus 6T vs. Huawei Mate 20 Pro

There are so many great Android smartphones available at the moment that it can be tough to choose the right one for you. In this spec comparison we pit the Google Pixel 3 XL against the Note 9 from Samsung, the OnePlus 6T, and the Huawei Mate 20 Pro. Find out precisely what the differences are.
HTC U12 Life review

HTC U12 Life review

Can the HTC U12 Life carve out a niche in the midrange market, or will it be muscled out? We tested out the 6-inch screen, dual-lens camera, and battery stamina to find out whether it’s worth your money. Step inside for a full HTC U12 Life review that reveals its high notes and its flaws.
Cat S48c

Rugged Cat phones look to crack U.S. market through new deal with Sprint

The Cat S48c is a rugged Android smartphone launching on Sprint. This tough device can withstand water, drop damage, dust, and extreme temperatures. In addition to IP68 and MIL-SPEC 810G ratings, it has a special 5-inch LCD that works with gloves or wet hands, push-to-talk compatibility, and more.
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Who’s Bugdroid? Meet the cute mascot of Android

If you’ve ever wondered about the origin of the Android platform’s cute, green robot logo, then we have some answers for you. Find out what it’s called, who designed it, and how it took off and rapidly grew in popularity. This is the story of Bugdroid and how it spread virally.
How to choose a cell phone

What is Android fragmentation, and can Google ever fix it?

The thorny problem of Android fragmentation has been haunting Google for years now, but attempts to combat it have only met with mixed success. Why don't manufacturers update their devices more quickly, what has Google done to tackle the issue, and what else can it do? We take a look at the options here.
Apple iPad Pro 2018

How the 2018 Apple iPad Pro 12.9 stacks up against the 2017 and 2015 versions

Apple has redesigned its biggest and most powerful tablet furnishing it with a new, slimmed-down body, FaceID, and a few new tricks. Billed as a multipurpose device that can do anything, it replaces its predecessor. Find out how Apple's new 12.9-inch iPad Pro measures up against previous models.
OnePlus 6T review

OnePlus 6T vs. OnePlus 6 vs. OnePlus 5T vs. OnePlus 5: Should you upgrade?

We take a look at the OnePlus 6T and delve into the spec sheet to see how it compares with the OnePlus 6, the OnePlus 5T, and the OnePlus 5. If you're wondering about an upgrade, or just keen to see what has changed in the OnePlus lineup over the last year or so, then you'll find your answers here.
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What’s the point of a blockchain phone? We asked an expert

We cut through the hype and look at the reasons behind the current wave of blockchain phones, what they can do, and what they might be do in the future. You’ll find out what exactly what a blockchain phone is, how it can handle crypto assets, and who might want to buy one.
sony xperia xz2 premium xz familiy comparison

Smartphone makers are vomiting a torrent of new phones, and we’re sick of it

We’ve never seen such an enormous number of smartphones released in a single year as we’ve seen in 2018. Manufacturers like LG and Sony are updating more and more frequently, while Huawei and Motorola have adopted a scattergun approach with countless similar models.
Hauwei Mate 20 Pro

Huawei Mate 20 Pro vs. P20 Pro: Which 2018 Huawei flagship is best for you?

We put Huawei's two 2018 flagships head-to-head in various categories and examine precisely what makes them different. If you're set on a Huawei flagship, but can't choose between these phones, then you'll find your answers right here as we pick out winners in each category.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition

Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition review

Save your iPad and snag your child a tough Amazon tablet packed with age-appropriate content. In this Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition tablet review, we put the device through its paces with kids in the wild. Find out if the curated content, rugged case, and parental controls stand up.
sony xperia xz3 pocket

Key settings you need to change on your Sony Xperia XZ3

It's always a smart move to customize your new smartphone to your liking, and there are certain settings that need tweaking straight out of the box. We've got step-by-step instructions here for key Sony Xperia XZ3 settings we think you should change to tailor your device and get more out of it.
sony xperia xz3 lifestyle

Sony Xperia XZ3 tips and tricks

If you've got Sony's Xperia XZ3, then you'll want to come to grips with that slick OLED screen, dig into the software for useful features, and squeeze as much as you can from the phone. We've got you covered with some useful step-by-step Xperia XZ3 tips that will help you unlock handy features.
Razer Phone 2 Hands-on

Razer Phone 2 vs. Razer Phone: Is it time to level up?

Razer surprised us with a gaming phone last year, but now it's back with a new, improved version. We take a look at the differences between the Razer Phone 2 and the original Razer Phone to find out exactly what has changed. We'll help you decide if it's time to level up, if you already own the original.