• Smartphones
    The best 5G Android smartphones worth your money

    2020 seems to be the year for 5G and 5G enabled phones. Many carriers have already rolled out 5G services in a wide range of cities, with more regions expected to get 5G coverage as time progresses. Smartphones are also being made keeping this next-generation technology in mind, adding 5G capabilities to their already-powerful functionality.

    With the market full of smartphones that offer the best features, it can be overwhelming and you may buy a handset that neither suits your requirement nor is worth the cash. To help you make the right choice, here is a comprehensive list of the best android smartphones that are 5G enabled in the market.

    • Samsung Galaxy S20 series

    Available in three models: S20, S20 Plus, and S20 Ultra, the S20 series is replete with tons of impressive features. Unlike the S10, where only some models had 5G-compatibility, all S20 series devices are 5G-enabled and a notch above other Samsung smartphones. The lowest S20 model lacks mmWave 5G support, while the S20 Plus and Ultra are capable of connecting with both mmWave and sub-6GHz bands.

    S20’s camera features 8k video recording, the ability to provide 33MP still photos with 8K videos, and ultra-high-resolution cameras.

    • OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren

    Touted as the best android smartphone of 2019, this OnePlus product boasts sub-6GHz 5G connectivity but lacks mmWave support. Therefore, speed isn’t one of its best attributes and instead delivers good range and penetration.

    The model itself is stylish and features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Plus processor, 12GB of RAM, an extremely responsive 90Hz Quad HD+ OLED screen, and UFS 3.0 256GB internal storage. Being a product of OnePlus, the 7T McLaren excels in terms of its camera quality and delivers stunning macro shots.

    • LG V60 ThingQ 5G

    Priced at around $900, which is considerably lower to its competitors, the V60 ThinQ is 5G-enabled and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865. Additionally, it has a high-resolution main camera (64MP) that supports 8K recording, ASMR and Voice Bokeh audio technology, advanced camera software, 6.8-inch OLED panel, 5,000mAh battery, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of internal storage.

    Also, the V60 is rated for IP68 dust and water-resistance, and can weather extreme physical conditions. As far as 5G is concerned, the V60 ThingQ supports sub-6GHz connectivity, with the mmWave band-limited to the Verizon model.

    • Nokia 8.3 5G

    The biggest advantage of Nokia 8.3 is the massive connectivity to multiple bands. It is arguably, the best android smartphone to support both mmWave and Sub-6GHz 5G. The handset is equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G modular platform, 4,500mAh battery, 6GB to 8GB of RAM, 64GB to 128GB of storage, quad rear camera setup, and 24MP selfie camera. It is priced at around $600.

  • Smartphones
    6 tips to use your iPhone efficiently

    Even if you are a regular iPhone user, you may have not yet unlocked most of its power-packed features. With every new iPhone release, sleeker and smarter features are being added to the iPhone, thanks to its ever-evolving iOS software. This article lists some of the most helpful tips and tricks that will help you to use your iPhone more efficiently. These tips are extremely convenient, time-saving, and fun.

    • Muting the ‘reply-all’ email threads
      If you are tired of getting trapped in the awful and long ‘Reply All’ email thread, then don’t fret, here’s what you can do. Open the Mail app on your iPhone, swipe right to left across the ‘reply-all’ email option you want to mute in your inbox. Tap and you get the ‘Mute’ option, tap on the ‘Mute’ button and you will no longer get notifications from that email thread. Repeat the first three steps, and tap ‘Unmute’ If you want to rejoin the conversation.
    • Shortcut to change Wi-Fi networks
      Opening the Settings app to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots every time can be tedious. However, you can access the same quickly by swiping down diagonally on the top-right corner of the display to open the Control Center. Tap and hold the Wi-Fi widget to see a list of available networks. The same can be done while pairing Bluetooth devices.
    • Close browser tabs automatically
      This tip is quite useful as it helps your web browser run more efficiently. Note that this trick works only for the default Safari internet browser. Open Settings, tap on Safari and then tap on the ‘Close Tabs’ option. You can close tabs on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, or simply leave it on manual mode.
    • Notification flash
      If you prefer visual notifications over auditory ones, then you can use your iPhone’s LED light to notify every time you receive a message. Open settings, tap on the ‘General’ option, select ‘Accessibility’ option, scroll down under the ‘Accessibility’ tab, and tap on the ‘Enable LED Flash for Alerts’ option.
    • Disable apps from asking feedback
      Feedbacks and reviews help app developers tweak and upgrade apps. However, it can be annoying when it popups every time. Fortunately, iPhone users can disable this feature. Open Settings, select iTunes & App Store, toggle ‘off’ the ‘In-App Ratings & Reviews’ option.
    • Multiple faces for Face ID
      All new iPhones models after iPhone X use face recognition. The phone could only recognize a single face in the versions previous to iOS11. The new iOS lets you register multiple faces with multiple fingerprints to unlock a single device. To unlock this feature, follow the given steps: Open Settings, select ‘Face ID & Passcode’, type your passcode, select ‘Set Up an Alternate Appearance’, scan your face, and follow the prompts.
  • Smartphones
    The best Samsung phones you can buy today

    There’s no doubt that Samsung is one of the leading Android smartphone manufacturers in the world today. Every year Samsung releases high-end flagship phones that outperform other Android devices, and soon become best sellers. Samsung also has some great mid-range and budget phones that are replete with top-notch features. Here are the top five Samsung phones that are currently ruling the roost in the market.

    Samsung Galaxy S20

    Samsung unveiled its three new flagship phones in the S20 line at its Unpacked event this February. Of the three, S20, S20 Plus, and S20 Ultra, the S20 is a popular choice for its specifications and price. Even with a display size of 6.4-inches, it ergonomically fits in your hand and pocket. Additionally, all S20 devices are 5G enabled and powered by the very powerful Snapdragon 865 processor.

    Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra

    The S20 Ultra is hands down one of the best phones by Samsung. The phone is loaded with cutting-edge features such as an eye-catching 6.9-inch display. The phone has a quad-camera setup with a 108 MP main sensor, and the camera gives a 100x digital zoom. The incredible camera model lets you click high-quality pictures in virtually any light condition. The base model is available with 12GB RAM, and the more expensive variant comes with 16GB RAM and 512GB internal storage.

    Samsung Galaxy S10E

    The S10E is the cheapest phone in the S10 lineup and still is replete with some of the best features. With a display size of 5.8-inches, it’s a great option for those who prefer using smaller phones. Even though the dual-lens rear camera is not as impressive, the phone is still equipped with a powerful Snapdragon 855 chipset. It’s an ideal mid-range Galaxy phone that doesn’t compromise much on other specifications and classic Samsung features.

    Samsung Galaxy Note 10+

    Although the Galaxy S line is more popular, the Galaxy Line is extremely versatile. The Note 10+ is simply one of the best Samsung phones with a stylus. It features a large 6.8-inch display and is packed with high-end specs and features. The Note 10+ also has a 5G version in the market. With up to 12GB of RAM and up to 512 GB of internal storage, it is the most expensive Galaxy Note.

    Samsung Galaxy A51

    For those looking for a budget Samsung phone, Galaxy A51 is probably your best bet. Keeping the price in mind, the phone doesn’t let you down when it comes to performance, camera, and battery. It features a chic 6.5-inch display, a powerful Exynos 9611 processor, and comes in 8GB of RAM and 128GB internal storage. Unfortunately, the phone is not 5G compatible, but that’s an acceptable compromise on this pocket-friendly Galaxy A51.

  • Smartphones
    Is the Samsung S9 better than iPhone X

    Mobile giants Samsung and iPhone both have managed to combine technology and design to introduce the Samsung Galaxy S9 and iPhone X smartphones. The S9 is a cheaper alternative if you are working with a tight budget. However, when it comes to comparison, here are a few reasons why you can prefer the Samsung Galaxy S9 over the iPhone X.

    • Display
      No doubt iPhone offers a stunning display and superior build quality in comparison to its competitors. Notch and screen to body ratio are the two factors that mainly influence your smartphone’s display. This makes Samsung Galaxy S9 a better choice over iPhone X. Notch is the cutout feature of iPhone X which tends to disrupt user experience while Samsung has no notch. Also, Samsung Galaxy S9 has a better screen to body ratio in comparison to the iPhone X.
    • Camera quality
      iPhone has always featured superior front and back camera’s in all its variants every time. Lowlight performance is one of the standout features of an iPhone, especially in the latest variant X launched last year. However, test results for the Samsung Galaxy S9 which will be launched this year indicate better camera performance in comparison to iPhone X which is a pricier variant.
    • Phone size and aspect ratio
      Screen size makes a lot of difference when it comes to the user utilizing maximum surface area available to them on the smartphones. iPhone X may boast a larger display on paper but due to a reduced screen to body ratios, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S9 has a bigger screen and a richer aspect ratio for its display. While the iPhone X has a narrower aspect ratio of 19.5:9, Samsung has 18.5:9 wider aspect ratios. At 5.8 inches, Apple iPhone X has a smaller screen size in comparison to Samsung Galaxy S9 plus which has a screen size of 6.2 inches.
    • Headphone jack
      With the iPhone X, it is difficult to listen to music and connect your phone to a nice sound system as there is no separate headphone jack. Apple discontinued the standard 3.5mm headphone jack after the launch of iPhone 7 and provided an audio adapter which can be connected to the charging port. Samsung Galaxy S9 and the S9 plus both still have and maintain the 3.5mm universal headphone jacks thus making it a preferred choice over recent iPhone variants.
    • Price
      No doubt one of the most important deciding factors is the price. While even the base model of iPhone X costs around $999, Samsung Galaxy S9 is expected to be priced at $719 and the S9 plus variant will cost you $839 approximately.
  • Smartphones
    9 things to compare Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus with Google Pixel XL

    2018 has started with flagship-faceoff between two of the biggest smartphone manufacturers: Samsung and Google. Google’s Pixel 2 XL has been a favorite Android phone till now. With Samsung’s Galaxy S9 Plus entering the market, there is going to be some stiff competition between the two popular smartphones.

    The best way to know which of the two is suitable for a user is by looking at the specs of Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus against Google Pixel 2 XL. Here’s how both the phones differ from each other:

    • Dimensions
      The size of Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus is 158.1 x 73.8 x 8.5 mm compared to Pixel XL’s 157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm. Samsung S9 Plus weighs 189 grams whereas Pixel 2 XL measures 175 grams.
    • Processor
      The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus available in the country is powered by Snapdragon 845 with Adreno 630. The international version has Exynos 9810. This phone has 6GB of RAM. Pixel 2 XL has Snapdragon 835 with Adreno 540 and 4GB RAM.
    • Display
      The screen size of Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus is bigger at 6.2 inches. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, the Super AMOLED screen has a pixel density of 531 PPI. The screen to body ratio is 83.99%. The screen resolution is 1440×2960 pixels. The screen size of Pixel 2 XL smaller compared to Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus; the screen of Pixel 2 XL measures 5.5 inches. The AMOLED screen has a pixel density of 534 PPI. The screen resolution is lesser than Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus at 1440×2560 pixels. The screen to body ratio is 71.04%.
    • Camera
      Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus has a dual 12MP rear camera and 8MP camera. The Pixel 2 XL has a 12.2MP front camera and 8MP rear camera.
    • Battery
      The battery capacity of Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus is 3500 mAh. This phone allows users to do wireless charging. So users are no longer restricted to sticking to one spot while charging their phone. The battery capacity of Pixel 2XL is 3450 mAh and there is no wireless charging capability.
    • Storage
      The internal memory capacity of Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus is 64 GB. The external memory is expandable up to 400 GB. This provides users a lot of storage for their personal files and apps. The internal memory capacity of Pixel 2 XL is 32 GB. There is no expandable external memory.
    • SIM slots
      The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus has a dual-SIM capability, while Pixel 2XL has the only single-SIM capability.
    • Price
      Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus is priced at around $840 while Galaxy S9 is priced at $720. There is a trade-in discount of around $350 from Samsung store as well as from various carriers. Google Pixel 2XL (128GB) is priced at around $749.
    • Colors
      Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus has more options in colors compared to Pixel 2 XL. Galaxy S9 Plus is available in Midnight Black, Coral Blue, and Lilac Purple, while Pixel 2XL is available only in black and white combinations.
  • Smartphones
    Increasing popularity of the Huawei Mate 9, Leeco LE S3, and Doogee X10

    Gone are the days when Chinese mobile phones or smartphones were just restricted within the borders of China or a few neighboring countries. Even though it has not yet been able to take over the western market, the sales of Chinese smartphones have gone higher significantly in the recent days. The demand of Huawei Mate 9 or Leeco Le S3 devices proves the increasing prominence of these brands in the market, and it is not a surprise at all. There are several factors that have given a boost to the sales of the Leeco Le S3 or Doogee X10. Some of the reasons behind the popularity of these phones are listed below:

    Innovation is key
    Initially, people considered Chinese mobile phones to be a replica of popular brands. However, things have changed with time and now it is their innovative skills that make them stay a leap ahead of their competitors. Be it Huawei or Leeco, each company has a strong research and development team, which constantly keep on work improvising their device as per the market demand.

    Affordable price
    It is not just the innovations or technical specifications that have made Leeco Le S3 or Doogee X10 an instant hit among the buyers. Their budget-friendly price is also another reason behind their growing prominence in the market. As they say, they constantly monitor customer demand and try to offer them what they actually need at a price they can afford to pay. However, they do not compromise with the quality of their devices for offering a lower price.

    Longevity and after sales
    If compared with the smartphone models of different reputed brands, Leeco Le S3 or Doogee X10 offers the same features but at a lesser price. However, it does not mean that the devices are void of any warranty. The companies have their service centers in almost every location and you can easily get the device repaired if needed. With proper care, these smartphones too can last like any high-end devices.

    No compromise with the style factor
    Each and every Huawei or Leeco smartphone can guarantee you the style that you desire. Be it an expensive model or a basic-quality device, you can certainly flaunt the device in style. The company also knows about the increasing demand for internet connectivity among the smartphone users and offer excellent connectivity features. The Leeco Le S3 comes with 802.11 b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi support, while the Doogee X10 has 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi support.

    Huawei Mate 9 and all other devices are now available online. If you cannot find the time to purchase them from any local retailer, you can easily place your order online.

  • Smartphones
    Best unlocked CDMA phones

    Here’s a list of the best CDMA phones available in the market today that are unlocked.

    MOTO G 4G LTE
    Motorola’s 4G LTE is aesthetically designed and comes with a micro-texture back and rounded edges. With 16 GB memory, this is the best CDMA phone with Turbo Power-enabled charging. Along with octa-core 1.5 GHz processor, this CDMA phone has Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. It is quite cheap and is priced at about $179.00.

    Samsung Galaxy S7
    Samsung’s Galaxy S7 has a powerful processor. With a water-resistant body, this phone can survive well even after spending 30 minutes in water. The 5.1-inch touchscreen is an absolute delight and is quite responsive, especially when it comes to speed and touch. This CDMA phone has a quad-core processor with a 12.0 MP rear-facing camera to capture HD pictures and videos. The phone costs around $430

    OnePlus 3T
    OnePlus 3T is arguably the best CDMA with astonishing design and superb battery life. With excellent custom Android interfaces, this mobile by OnePlus has surely made its mark in the US market. The metal body is scratch resistant and lends an extra edge to the handset. OnePlus 3T is priced at about $439.

    Huawei Mate 9
    One of the best smartphones, this CDMA mobile has an excellent 5.9-inch display and is quite efficient in capturing black-and-white photos. Tuned by the photography wizards from Leica, the best CDMA phone has a monochrome sensor and excellent battery life. The price range of this CDMA phone starts from about $583

    LG V20
    A must-buy for Android power users; this is the best CDMA phone well suited for those who do not have enough time to charge their phones. With an excellent dual camera, this phone also has a robust Qualcomm chipset and a powerful Hi-Fi DAC/AMP. What makes it more promising is the 5.7-inch QHD display and a secondary screen for notifications and shortcuts. The starting price of this CDMA phone is about $546.

    Apple iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
    Apple is known for offering exceptional cameras, powerful hardware, and excellent stereo speakers, all packed in a waterproof, sleek body. The plus model has a better camera and superior battery life and is the best CDMA phone in the price range of $649 -$700.

    LG G6
    Priced at $734, LG G6 is the best CDMA phone designed by LG with expandable memory and wireless charging. 5.7-inch QHD+ display is aesthetically embedded in the splash-resilient body, and this phone comes with a powerful Qualcomm processor.

    HTC 10
    Priced at about $599, this is the best CDMA phone designed with HTC that boasts of excellent audio experience with its terrific Boom Sound speakers. The ultra-sharp screen of this CDMA phone is well fitted with the machined metal body and comes with a desired warranty period.