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Archive for category nokia

Nokia unveils a trio of phones, including a global-friendly 5G handset

Mar 20

Posted by AndroidGuys in nokia | Comments off

HMD Global this week unveiled three new phones under the Nokia brand which were originally slated to appear at Mobile World Congress. With COVID-19 spreading across the globe, however, the introduction was more muted and relegated to not much more than a press release.

Nokia’s new models range from a high-end 5G experience all the way down to a no-frills Android Go device for entry-level needs.

Nokia 8.3 5G

First up is the company’s first 5G phone, the Nokia 8.3 5G. Set to ship globally this summer, it supports 12 different frequency bands in both standalone and non-standalone 5G networks.

Nokia 8.3 5G
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With a 6.8-inch full HD display and a 4500mAh battery, the Nokia 8.3 5G should sit nicely in the upper-middle range.

It’s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor with 6GB-8GB RAM and 64GB-128GB storage capacities.

The rear has four cameras, including a 64-megapixel sensor with Zeiss optics. The other three are a 12-megapixel ultra-wide, 2-megapixel depth sensor, and 2-megapixel macro sensor. Around front is a 24-megapixel shooter, located in a hole-punch cutout in the corner.

Other details include a dedicated Google Assistant button, a fingerprint reader on the side, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Nokia 8.3 5G is an Android (10) One phone, meaning two years of system updates and three years of security updates. Pricing is anticipated to be 599 Euros (~ $640 USD)

Nokia 5.3

Slightly more in line with a mid-range device for 2020, the Nokia 5.3 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor with a quad-camera configuration.

Nokia 5.3
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Sensors here include a 13-megapixel main, 5-megapixel ultra-wide, 2-megapixel macro, and 2-megapixel depth sensor. The front has an 8-megapixel camera located in a water drop cutout.

Slightly smaller than the 8.3 5G, the Nokia 5.3 offers up a 6.55-inch display and 4,000mAh battery. Still, that’s plenty big in both departments if you ask us.

Rounding out the notable hardware are USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack, rear fingerprint scanner, and dedicated Google Assistant button. It, too will run Android 10 under the One program and get two years of OS updates and three years of security patches.

The Nokia 5.3 starts at 189 Euros (~$200 USD) for the 3GB RAM/64GB storage option when it goes on sale in April.

Nokia 1.3

The entry-level Nokia 1.3 brings about a 5.71-inch Android (10) Go experience with a respectable smattering of hardware.

Nokia 1.3
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Specs include a Snapdragon 215 processor with 1GB RAM and 16GB storage, an 8-megapixel rear camera and 5-megapixel front-facing camera. In terms of batteries, there’s a 3,000mAh power source which should be good enough for about two days usage for basic needs. The Nokia will cost just 95 Euros (~$100 USD) with an expected April launch.

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Now available – Nokia 2.3 offers big battery, low-price

Feb 6

Posted by AndroidGuys in nokia | Comments off

HMD Global’s (Nokia) latest entry-level smartphone, the Nokia 2.3, is now available for pre-orders. The handset gives consumers a big screen and a big battery but with a small price tag.

Running Android 9, the phone comes with two years of OS updates as well as three years of security updates. It features a 6.2-inch display a 19:9 aspect ratio a small notch for the front-facing camera.

Internally, the Nokia 2.3 has a MediaTek Helio A22 processor with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage. Users can insert a microSD expansion card in the slot for additional media.

A 13-megapixel camera is located on the back and is complemented with a depth camera for portrait shots. Around front is a 5-megapixel camera.

Other noteworthy details include a 4,000mAh battery, which HMD says should get two days of usage per full charge, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Similar to other Nokia phones, there’s a dedicated Google Assistant button.

In terms of software smarts, the AI-powered “Recommended Shot” feature automatically grabs alternate images just before and right after the shutter button is pressed. As one might expect, it offers up suggestions for the best final result. The phone also has extra tweaks for night shots, too.

The Nokia 2.3 is framed in aluminum with the back having a “3D nano-textured” design. Color options include Sand and Charcoal in the US.

As far as carrier support goes, the US version of the Nokia 2.3 supports LTE in bands 2, 4, 5, 12, and 66, or basic support for AT&T and T-Mobile networks. It’s also compatible with GSM networks like Cricket, Tracfone, and Simple Mobile.

It will be available as unlocked phone from Amazon and Best Buy for $129 when it goes on sale February 9.

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The best Android phones available at Verizon Prepaid

Jan 21

Posted by AndroidGuys in Google, motorola, nokia, Samsung, verizon, Verizon Wireless | Comments off

Verizon Prepaid, like its postpaid brand, has a number of great phone options. It’s essentially the same as what you might find at the tier-one carrier, but there are other models exclusively offered in a prepaid manner.

Here, we gather up some of the best Android phones you can buy through Verizon Prepaid today. Although we do select one as the best overall (Editors’ Choice), the list below aims to address a variety of user types.

Verizon

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Prepaid

Outfitted with a large screen, lots of memory, and an incredible camera experience, this is a no-compromise device. It’s one of the newest phones on the list and a true testament to what Samsung is capable of producing.

We love the updated S Pen experience, in-display fingerprint scanner, and wireless charging. The phone is sexy, sophisticated looking, and boasts hardware that rivals all comers. The Samsung DeX Mode turns your phone into a desktop-like experience, taking advantage of all of that prowess.

Bonus points are awarded for the 5G-ready version, a Verizon exclusive. If you live in a market that has the ever-expanding 5G network, the Galaxy Note 10 is on a short list of supported devices.

Samsung Galaxy S10 Prepaid

If you’re on the hunt for a phone that you plan to own for a few years, you don’t want to cut corners. To that end, the Galaxy S10 is that flagship device that’s built to last. Yes, even with the rumored successor hanging out just over the horizon, this is still one to consider.

Choose from three versions of the phone, each of which runs Android 9 (Pie) with Samsung’s One UI. As of the time we publish this list the Android 10 update is rolling out.  Resistant to dust and water, the Galaxy S10 line has excellent cameras, beautiful glass designs, and generous batteries — all important things to most users.

Google Pixel 3a

There are plenty of other devices with much more hardware to choose from, even at Verizon Prepaid. And yes, there are phones that cost less and still suffice for the masses. But there’s nothing else at the prepaid carrier that walks the line between value and performance.

The stock Android experience stays as current as anything you’ll find and it only get better with each, timely update. Throw in a camera that wows anyone and everyone, a solid battery, and a $400 price tag and you can understand why we love it.

Is it worth spending the extra money to get the full Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL experience? Sure, but it’s not necessary. This one has all the stuff that’s important with compromises done in just the right spots. You’d have a tough time convincing us that you truly need more from a phone as 2020 gets going.

Pixel 4 Prepaid

Maybe one of the most controversial “best” phones we’ve seen in some time, the Pixel 4 is the newest from Google. And while it’s not the most powerful and robust device on the market, it does have its share of cool features.

 

First, of course, is the really great camera experience; it gets better with each generation. Also worth your attention is the baked-in Google Assistant and Android 10 experience.

The display is really awesome, too, and we’re big fans of the design change. If you can swing it, buy the larger storage option because 64GB is a little light, especially in 2020. Go for the Pixel 4 XL and get a bigger display and higher capacity battery.

Motorola Moto Z4 Prepaid

Four generations later, we’re glad Motorola still invests in its Moto Z line and Moto Mods ecosystem. The Moto Z4 pushes things forward enough to keep us happy and Motorola does a great job keeping the price in line.

Enjoy a large 6.4-inch screen, the latest in Android, and a capacious 128GB storage capacity, for about half of what you’d expect to pay. We also appreciate Motorola’s keeping a 3.5mm headphone jack and adding the in-display fingerprint scanner. It’s a nice mix of old favorite and cutting edge features.

We love that users can add modules as needed or when applicable. Want a better speaker, extended battery, or physical gaming controls? Snap them on the back. Hell, you can add 5G connectivity to the phone once Verizon’s network reaches your city.

Nokia 3 V Prepaid

Younger readers might not even know that there used to be a Nokia from the days before Android. Nevertheless, the stuff coming out of the brand in today is among the most interesting.

Don’t be fooled by the price of the Nokia 3 V; it’s all the phone that most users need, especially in the prepaid demographic. For your money you get a large screen and a battery that lasts well beyond a day. And while those are nice, we’re bigger fans of the stock Android software and its updates and support.

When you’re buying multiple phones for a family you don’t want to break the piggy bank. These are excellent options for first time users and parents alike — and leave money in your wallet.

Samsung Galaxy A50 Prepaid

Knowing that this list already has a few Samsung models on it, we have to add the Galaxy A50. Why? Because it’s a fraction of what the Galaxy S models cost, but still give users all the important features.

The Galaxy A series in itself is very interesting to watch, however this is the one we like most. Present are a generous 6.4-inch display and a multi-camera (25 MP/8 MP/5MP) array on the rear, and a battery that rivals most phones. You know, the stuff we love.

Under the hood are an octa-core processor with 4GB RAM, 64GB internal storage, and a microSD expansion card slot for up to 512GB space. Rounding things out are a headphone jack, fingerprint reader, and USB Type C charging.

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The best deals available at Verizon (January 2020)

Jan 14

Posted by AndroidGuys in Google, motorola, nokia, Samsung, verizon | Comments off

Can you believe it’s already 2020? The holidays may have come and gone but that doesn’t mean carriers and retailers are done with sales. There are plenty of ways to save a few bucks, or much more, when shopping with a wireless service provider.

Verizon Promos

Here, we highlight the savings and discounts that can be currently had at Verizon. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but what we think are the best from the carrier.

Verizon

Note that some of these will let you mix and match or double up for even better savings. As always, read the fine print.

Free Phones

Phone Discounts

  • Switch and get up to $700 off select phones with trade-in
  • Get $200 off a Samsung Galaxy S10 or Note10
  • Save up to $500 with select trade-in when you switch

Rebates, Credits, and More

Other

For a limited time Verizon is offering access to its 5G network for no additional cost, a savings of $10 per month. This is only available in select cities and requires specific devices and rate plans.

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Android Pie updates, Fitbit Charge 3 coming soon, and other news worth knowing

Oct 4

Posted by Andrew Myrick in in brief, nokia, verizon | Comments off

Welcome to In Brief, the AndroidGuys tech briefing. Today is Tuesday, October 4th, and we’re taking a look at all the tech news you need to know. In this post, we want you to learn about the news the way you want to learn. We’ve embedded a podcast version of all this news below. If you don’t want to listen, you can read just like you normally would.

In today’s edition, we see yet another Pixel 3 leak, HMD Global confirms Android Pie rollout, the Fitbit Charge 3 is coming next week, and more.

We’d love feedback on this post, so please let us know what you think in the comments. If we can improve in some way, we’d love to know!

Pixel 3 and 3 XL appear in new “Sand Pink” color ahead of launch

We already know that the Pixel 3 lineup will be unveiled on October 9th in New York. We also already know exactly what to expect from these devices in terms of design and specs.

One piece of information we weren’t privy to was which colors the phones would come in. The folks over at Android Headlines were able to get their hands on some official press renders of the devices in Black, White, and a new ‘Sand Pink’ color.

It’s not outside the realm of possibility for this to be legitimate as Google is known for releasing unique color options. Everything other than the front display panel has been made pink, and there will be a matching wallpaper included.

Nokia to begin rolling out Android Pie this month

In addition to unveiling the brand new Nokia 7.1, HMD Global also shared the expected release date for the Android Pie update. The Nokia 6.1 and 6.1 Plus will receive the Pie update first, as the rollout begins this month.

Starting next month, the Nokia 8 and 8 Sirocco will begin seeing their updates. We are starting to wonder has been taking so long considering that Pie has been available for a few months.

Nonetheless, it’s great to see older devices updated to the latest version of Android and not just left collecting dust.

Fitbit Charge 3 set to launch on October 7th

The Fitbit Charge 3 was officially announced back in August, but the company failed to share its launch date. That has now changed, as the Charge 3 will launch online and in retailers on October 7th.

As a refresher, the fitness tracker sports a touchscreen OLED display which claims to be almost 40% brighter than the Charge 2. Additionally, Fitbit has stated that you will get up to 7 days of battery life on a single charge.

The standard Charge 3 is priced at $149.95, but there is a special edition which costs $169.95. The difference is that the Special Edition includes an NFC chip for Fitbit Pay.

You can now use Google Assistant to book an Uber or Lyft

An update to Google Assistant is now available which makes it possible to hail either an Uber or Lyft with your voice. Simply say “OK Google, book me a ride to…” and say your destination.

From there, you will be provided with a map of the route, along with comparisons between Lyft and Uber. Then, you can select which service to go with and get along on your merry way.

While the voice command only works in English, Google has confirmed that there are plans to include more languages “over the coming months.”

DVR controls come to YouTube TV

If you’re one of the folks who have cut the cord and subscribed to YouTube TV, there’s good news. The streaming service has opened up DVR controls for more more channels.

Some of the channels include those from AMC, Disney, Fox, and Turner. Unfortunately, there is a catch in certain instances, as specific channels offer a “VOD” edition of a show. This means that you will have unskippable ads that you must watch and can’t fast-forward through.

However, there are still plenty of channels that you can record your favorite TV shows and skip all of the commercials.

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Where to watch the Nokia launch and what to expect

Oct 4

Posted by Jason England in nokia, YouTube | Comments off

October is shaping up to be a big month for phone releases. We’ve already seen what LG has to offer with its new V40 flagship and we’re expecting many more releases this month. Next up is Nokia with its event starting at 12 Eastern time today and live streaming on YouTube.

What to Expect

Invites went out for the HMD Nokia event a couple weeks back and the speculation is this will be the follow up to the Nokia 7 Plus. That makes the most sense because we’ve recently seen leaked renders of the Nokia 7.1 Plus pop up.

From the renders, we know the Nokia 7.1 Plus will have the trendy and unsightly notch and chin design. It also features dual cameras on the back with a fingerprint scanner along with the Android One logo. With any luck, we’ll see it launch with Android 9 Pie and it is also expected to have 6GB of RAM and up to 128GB of storage.

That’s all we have at this point, but all will be revealed later today when the 7.1 Plus officially launches. There is also a slim chance we might see the Nokia 9 launched, but it is far more likely the Nokia 7.1 Plus will be the star of the show.

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Android Faithful Should Invest in Android One

Sep 27

Posted by Andrew Allen in Google, nokia | Comments off

Google has recently worked with new partners to create yet another version of Android. We already had the Android GO edition for super low-end hardware, but now we also have Android One. This new OS variant is compelling due to it being offered as a stripped down, stock Android experience with the promise of 2 years of OS updates.

Why did the Google Play Edition initiative fail?

Remember Google Play Edition phones from a few years back? Android One looks to be a continuation of that movement, and I think it’s exactly what many of us have been screaming to own. And I think we should let our wallets speak for us.

Honestly, that’s where Google Play editions failed. We simply didn’t buy them in high enough volumes for manufacturers to continue the project. It’s disappointing and sad to those that truly want the Samsung’s and LG’s of the world to stay the hell away from the software side of Android phones. Google makes a beautiful OS that works incredibly fast and stable without meddling after the fact by hardware companies.

How Android One will succeed

Don’t believe me? Then, I dare you to pick up a Moto or Essential phone. Hell, the new Moto E5 Play we just reviewed has a downright dinky spec sheet but rarely skips a beat on the clean OS builds that Motorola offers. Essential is in the same boat and has also proven that fast OS updates are not a myth.

The company consistently leverages the fact that they use the most stock image of Android I can think of to produce OS updates on the same day that Google releases for the Pixel devices. It’s really an impressive feat and the main reason I currently own the PH-1.

Essential Phone PH-1

Android One phones are becoming more and more available in the last few months. Moto released one of the first back late last year with the Moto X4 Android One. Nokia followed at this year’s Mobile World Congress by announcing their entire portfolio moving forward would only be Android One devices. Then, just this month, LG announced the G7 One.

Save some money

And that brings me back to our wallets. Consumers have more power than we like to remember and the Android faithful needs a reminder. You see it all the time in comments for phones like the Note 9: “man, I wish this didn’t’ have Samsung’s bloat all over it” or “wish I could get a phone with Essential’s software and LG’s hardware.” Well, put your money where your mouth is.

If we’ve made statements like that in the past, then we should be filling checkout carts. We should voice to the OEMs that these are viable products they need to continue making. I get that they may not be perfect devices.

Maybe they don’t have a specific spec that the official version from LG has, but I’d argue that most of the time we get too hung up on that in the world of Android. Moto shoots that debate down with its results. It consistently delivers a great user experience without top-tier hardware.

But this is also where I’d implore the manufacturers to price it accordingly. If your company is not spending the crazy man hours to build a fully custom Android image, then don’t charge it back to the end user.

Same with choosing the previous generation chipset or slightly less RAM than the branded flagship. Pitting the price directly against the more beefed up version is not the way to convince us Android One is the way to go.

Conclusion

We’ve asked for “Pure Android” with better hardware for years now. Well, it looks like it may finally be here. Our response will be a deciding factor in whether they stick around. As will our wallets and the retail pricing of these smartphones.

Personally, I’ll be keeping a close eye on how the initial launch of the LG G7 One goes. I feel it will be the first real meter off how where this market is truly headed. What do you think? Are you interested in this new wave of Android One phones?

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Who is HMD Global and why care about them?

Sep 24

Posted by Alexandra Arici in nokia, Tips & Tools | Comments off

Nokia was once upon a time the king of mobile phones. However, the company has seen its fair share of struggles over the years. A partnership with Microsoft for making Windows Mobile-powered smartphones mainstream eventually failed and 2016 saw the demise of the Nokia brand we all knew and loved.

But in recent years, the company has had a chance to regroup. Not so long ago, Nokia announced that its brand was making a return to the mobile market, after a time where it focused on network equipment. To do so, the Finnish phone maker came up with an interesting scheme involving a newly founded start-up called HMD Global.

If you follow tech, you’ve probably heard that HMD is the company launching all the new Nokia phones that are making their ways on the market these days. But who is HMD Global? Continue reading below to find out more.

A startup to continue Nokia’s legacy

HMD Global was set up in Espoo, Finland – which is Nokia’s hometown – in 2016 with the goal to bring back to life Europe’s most well-known phone brand.

And to do so HMD has managed to bring together under the same umbrella a lot of Nokia’s former staff. The current hierarchy includes CEO Florian Seiche who was responsible for Sales and Marketing in Europe Region at Nokia and Microsoft. He also worked for Siemens and Orange, as well as being the co-founder of HTC’s smartphone business. Continuing his activity with HMD is also Nokia and Microsoft’s Chief Product Officer (or CPO) Juho Sarvikas.

The start-up is owned by a private fund called Smart Connect LP, registered in Luxemburg, under the leadership of ex-Nokia executive Jean-Francoise Baril.

With such a powerful executive lineup in place, for the last two years, HMD has been focusing exclusively on the resurgence of the once Finnish great brand. And sales seem to be going in the right direction, so HMD is launching new phones left and right. This summer, the company has unveiled the Nokia X5 in China, a handset featuring a notch, a dual-camera setup and Android Oreo.

Back in May, the company also updated its mid-range and budget portfolio by launching the Nokia 5.1, Nokia 3.1 and Nokia 2.1 globally.

HMD Global is in charge of designing, selling and promoting all Nokia-branded devices. However, it’s partner FIH Mobile (a part of Foxconn) that’s actually in charge of manufacturing and R&D for HMD.

Since it’s comeback, Nokia has managed to carve a sweet spot in the middle-range niche. Sure, the company has also launched flagship devices like the Nokia 8 Sirroco, although the product kind of flew under the radar.

The Nokia phones of today build on the previous excellence

HMD also reintroduced a number of old-fashioned Nokia design. For starters, it re-launched the iconic 3310 model, complete with the popular Snake game. A year later, HMD revived the Nokia 8110, the so-called banana phone.

As HMD Global’s chief executive, mister Seiche said in an interview:

It is our ambition to deliver great smartphones that delight our fans while staying true to our Finnish roots and the hallmarks that the Nokia brand has always been known for

Moreover, Nokia’s smartphones offer a clean version of Android and the company has repeatedly pledged constant and fast updates. After Google introduced Android 9.0 Pie in August, HMD was among the first companies to confirm that all of its phones (even the low-end ones) will be getting the update.

But despite the business having got off to a fantastic start, it has not been entirely smooth sailing for the newly established company. Last year, Arto Nummela, the original chief executive and a Nokia veteran left HMD under curious circumstances.

Following his departure, HMD released a statement saying that the company continues to have a fantastic leadership team with decades of experience who will help to lead their business.

Currently, Nokia appears to be gearing up to launch another flagship-like device. Dubbed the Nokia 9 by the rumor mill, the phone is expected to arrive with a notch-less display and a Snapdragon 845 processor under the hood. According to leaks, the phone could come featuring a total of five Zeiss lenses on the back. Which is pretty crazy! The phone might launch in October or November.

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The Best Unlocked Phones you can buy today (September 2018)

Sep 14

Posted by Andrew Myrick in honor, huawei, lenovo, motorola, nokia, Sony | Comments off

It’s all fine and dandy to be able to walk into a store and pick out the best smartphone available. What’s not as easy is what to do if you don’t want a phone from a carrier or someone like Samsung.

Well, we’re here to help as we have compiled a list of the best “unlocked” phones you can buy today. Just a reminder, all of these are devices that are not available in from your carrier of choice.

Best Overall

Our Pick: OnePlus 6

OnePlus continues to deliver flagship devices at unbelievable prices. The OnePlus 6 starts off at $529 and offers excellent specs, build quality, and a second-to-none software experience.

The OnePlus 6 features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC. The octa-core chip is clocked at 2.8 GHz and is fast as hell. Backing up the SoC is either 6 or 8 GB of RAM and 64, 128, or 256 GB of storage. While there’s no expandable storage here, OnePlus offers a ton of storage standard and it’s only about $50 to purchase a model with higher capacity.

Read more: OnePlus 6 review: The best value smartphone of 2018

On the back of the phone, we find a dual 16 + 20 MP camera setup. Both of the sensors have a f/1.7 aperture, while the main sensor has both EIS and OIS for extra stability. The front-facing camera is a 16 MP f/2.0 sensor that promises excellent selfies.

One of the biggest changes for OnePlus is going to a glass back. Previous iterations normally had metal backs, but this year we’re seeing a gorgeous black or white glass that gives the OP6 an even more premium look.

Unfortunately, we still don’t have wireless charging, but OnePlus does include its excellent DASH charging that promises a day’s worth of battery in just an hour of charging.

OnePlus 6 purchase links: OnePlus | Amazon

The runners-up

Huawei P20 Pro

Despite not being readily available here in the States, Huawei has created another head-turner with the P20 Pro. The handset sports a unique design, along with some powerful specs.

On the front, there is a 6.1-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2240 x 1080. This may seem like a bit of a bummer, but opting for the FHD display definitely helps with battery life.

We would also be remiss if we failed to mention the notch found at the top, which houses the front-facing cameras. However, Huawei has included a way for users to hide the notch through the software.

Under the hood, the P20 Pro is packing just a little bit of heat (/s). Powering this beast is the Kirin 970 chipset, with a total of 8 cores. This has been combined with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage.

As for the cameras, the front of the P20 Pro sport a single 24MP lens with a f/2.0 aperture. On the rear, we have an 8MP telephoto lens, 20MP monochrome sensor, and a 40MP RGB sensor with a f/1.8 aperture.

All of this combines for an extremely appealing package for just about anyone interested. Since you can’t just walk into Best Buy and pick one of these up, you’ll have to resort to online ordering.

Huawei P20 Pro purchase links: Amazon | Swappa | eBay

Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium

The days of Sony providing a real presence in the US are long gone (if they ever were really relevant). Instead, the company has focused on providing its new flagships to other regions of the world.

Sony’s latest offering, the Xperia XZ2 Premium, is what the company thinks a flagship smartphone in 2018 should be. The handset launched earlier this year and sports a new, curved, design compared to previous iterations.

Under the hood, you’ll find the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC, which has become the standard. Additionally, there are 6GB of RAM and 64GB of base storage, which can be expanded.

On the front, Sony has packed a gorgeous 5.8-inch 4K display with a 16:9 aspect ratio. More importantly, there are no notches to be found here.

As for the cameras, there is a single 13MP front-facing sensor. On the rear, there is a primary 19MP sensor and a secondary 12MP lens.

All of this has been packaged into a rather interesting, yet gorgeous, design. However, you’ll have to swallow the pill of paying $999 outright for this one.

Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium purchase links: Amazon | Focus | Best Buy

Best Under $500

Our Pick: Honor View 10

Huawei’s sub-brand Honor released one of the best phones of the year in the Honor View 10 (also called the Honor V10 in some markets). The $499 device combines high-end specs, simple yet elegant design, and a great camera to offer great value to customers.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Honor View 10 is the display. The display itself won’t blow anyone away, but Honor somehow managed to get a 6-inch 18:9 display on the device and keep the front-facing fingerprint scanner too. The button sits just below the screen and can also go back and open the multitasking menu via swipes and taps. We’ve seen this tech in phones from Motorola, but never on a phone with this aspect ratio.

Just because you’re spending a little bit less on a device doesn’t mean you should miss out on the best processor available. Honor included the Hisilicon Kirin 970 chip, Huawei’s in-house flagship processor, in the Honor View 10. The chip also includes a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that helps the phone process AI-related tasks. Not bad for $500.

Read more: Honor View 10 Review: The budget flagship king?

Not only do you get a great processor, but the rest of the specs are impressive too. There’s 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage standard. A 3750 mAh battery keeps the show running all day, and a dual 16 MP + 20 MP camera provides great pictures even in low light.

So, what’s the biggest problem with the Honor View 10? Availability. Right now it’s next to impossible to get the phone in the United States without importing it. The best you can do is finding a unit on third-party sites like eBay or AliExpress. Honor says the View 10 is launching “this year” in the US, but we don’t have any specifics yet.

Honor View 10 purchase links: eBay | GearBest | AliExpress

Runner-up: Huawei Mate 10 Pro

Despite the controversy that surrounds the company, Huawei churns out great devices every year. This year is no different with the Mate 10 Pro. The device is Huawei’s best phone ever and offers customers blistering speed, fantastic looks, and quality build quality.

Like most flagships released in 2017, Huawei opted for a glass and metal sandwich for the Mate 10 Pro. This gives the device an ultra-premium feel in the hand. When you pick it up, you instantly remember why you dropped $800 on the device. It feels like something that would cost that much.

Read more: Huawei Mate 10 Pro review

Between the glass on the front and back of the device sits an absolutely gigantic battery. The battery measures in at 4,000 mAh making it one of the largest on the market today. It tops battery champs like the Pixel 2 XL and OnePlus 6, equaled only by the Razer Phone and Samsung Galaxy Note 9. Combining that big of a battery with strong background restrictions in software means that the Mate 10 Pro ranks near the top of the charts in battery life.

The Mate 10 Pro ships with the Kirin 970 chips that boasts enhanced A.I. capabilities. What exactly does that mean? Huawei says that the chip has an on-board NPU (Neural Processing Unit) that allows it to process A.I.-related tasks faster than ever. This lets the Mate 10 Pro provide contextually aware smart tips, offer better noise cancelation in calls, and scene recognition in the camera application. This is one seriously smart phone.

Huawei Mate 10 Pro purchase links: Amazon | Best Buy

Best Under $300

Our Pick: Moto G6

Motorola is back with another installment in its fabulous G lineup and we’re in love. While it doesn’t quite have the specs of the Pocophone F1, it does have more than adequate specs for the price.

Inside the device, we find a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage standard. The plentiful RAM stands out to us as most flagships have the same amount of RAM but cost far, far more that the $250 Moto G6. We also love the 64 GB of internal storage that can easily be expanded via micro SD card.

Read more: Moto G6 vs Moto G5, worth the upgrade?

Motorola decided to class its G lineup a bit and use some more premium materials. Both the front and the back of the G6 are coated in Gorilla Glass. The back looks and feels outstanding and reminds us of phones that cost far, far more.

But, one of the big draws of picking up a Motorola device has always been its adherence to stock Android. The Moto G6 is no different. It comes with a clean build of Android Oreo with a few smart additions thrown in by Motorola.

This phone is fast, clean, and fun to use and you can pick one up by clicking one of the links below.

Motorola Moto G6 purchase links: Amazon | Motorola | Verizon Wireless | Best Buy

Runners-up

Nokia 6.1

Although owned by HMD Global, the Nokia brand is making a rather surprising return to stardom. Instead of trying to take down the flagship brands, Nokia is focusing on the budget market.

The “new” Nokia 6.1 features a 5.5-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. No notch can be found here, as you’ll be looking at the Nokia 6.1 Plus if you want to be special.

The Snapdragon 630 chipset acts as the brains of the operation, which works with up to 4GB of RAM and up to 64GB of storage. This can be expanded to up to 256GB with the help of a microSD card.

On the front, there is a serviceable 8MP selfie camera capable of taking 1080p videos at 30fps. Moving to the rear, there’s a single 16MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and dual-LED flash.

The more intriguing aspect of the Nokia 6.1 is the fact that it runs Android One. This provides a near-stock experience without dealing with any extra bloatware, which is something that should be coming to more handsets

Nokia 6.1 purchase links: Amazon | Best Buy | B&H Photo

Huawei Mate SE

Huawei might have suffered some setbacks recently with the Mate 10 Pro, but it hasn’t stopped the China-based company from selling its phones in the US. One of the most compelling devices it offers is the $230 Mate SE.

The Mate SE features some high-end features like a 1080p 18:9 display, a dual rear camera setup, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage.

The display is a 5.93-inch 1080p panel that reaches from edge to edge. You’ll have to get out your microscope to find the bezels here (okay, maybe we’re exaggerating a bit) and it makes the phone feel all that more premium. When you combine the power-efficient 1080p display with the generous 3,340 mAh battery, you’re in for some amazing battery life too!

Read more: Huawei Mate SE review

The standard loadout for most flagship phones in 2017 and early 2018 has been 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage. That’s pretty generous and leads to some happy customers. But, Huawei went one step further and included these specs on the budget Mate SE. Not only do you get a ton of RAM and storage, but there’s a micro SD card slot to boot so you can add even more storage.

All-in-all, the Huawei Mate SE is one of, if not the best, cheap phone on the market today.

Huawei Mate SE purchase links: Amazon | B&H Photo | Walmart

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The best budget Android smartphones you can buy right now (September 2018)

Sep 12

Posted by Matt Adams in honor, huawei, nokia, Xiaomi | Comments off

You need a new device but (rightly) think spending north of $800 is insanity, right? Well, you’re not alone. An entire segment of budget flagship devices has sprung up and they’re surprisingly good! Today we’re taking a look at the best phones you can purchase if you have between $300 and $500 to spend.

Without further ado, here’s our list.

OnePlus 6

Okay, right out of the gate, we’re going to cheat a little bit– but stay with us! The OnePlus 6 starts off at $529 and offers excellent specs, build quality, and a second-to-none software experience.

The OnePlus 6 features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC. The octa-core chip is clocked at 2.8 GHz and is fast as hell. Backing up the SoC is either 6 or 8 GB of RAM and 64, 128, or 256 GB of storage. While there’s no expandable storage here, OnePlus offers a ton of storage standard and it’s only about $50 to purchase a model with higher capacity.

Read more: OnePlus 6 review: The best value smartphone of 2018

On the back of the phone, we find a dual 16 + 20 MP camera setup. Both of the sensors have a f/1.7 aperture, while the main sensor has both EIS and OIS for extra stability. The front-facing camera is a 16 MP f/2.0 sensor that promises excellent selfies.

One of the biggest changes for OnePlus is going to a glass back. Previous iterations normally had metal backs, but this year we’re seeing a gorgeous black or white glass that gives the OP6 an even more premium look.

Unfortunately, we still don’t have wireless charging, but OnePlus does include its excellent DASH charging that promises a day’s worth of battery in just an hour of charging.

OnePlus 6 purchase links: OnePlus | Amazon

Xiaomi Mi 8

Xiaomi has a reputation for making the best phone possible then charging the least amount it can. The Mi 8 follows that trend.

With true flagship specs, the Xioami Mi 8 represents a fantastic value for just under $500. The phone has a top-of-the-line Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, 6 or 8 GB of RAM, and anywhere between 64 and 256 GB of storage depending on which model you pick up. Unfortunately, there’s no expandable storage in the Mi 8 this year.

No expandable storage is one of only a handful of compromises Xiaomi had to make to keep the price down. We’d have like to see an IP rating, wireless charging, dual speakers, and a headphone jack. None of these features are dealbreakers, but other phones at this price do have them.

Those missing features aside, there’s plenty to love about the Mi 8. It features face unlock akin to Apple’s FaceID, extremely good build quality, and dual 12 MP + 12 MP cameras that do a fantastic job. Battery life is another standout feature with users getting close to two days of usage. And when that battery finally does run dry, you can recharge quickly because the Mi 8 supports Quick Charge 4, the latest quick charging standard.

Xiaomi Mi 8 purchase links: Gearbest | DealXtreme | Geekbuying | Trading Shenzhen | Ali Express

Nokia 7 Plus

Nokia is back in a big way and the Nokia 7 Plus is one of the best choices for people on a budget. While it’s specs won’t blow you away, its performance surely will.

The Nokia 7 Plus comes standard with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage. Those are solid specs for a phone at this price. We really like the inclusion of the Snapdragon 660 processor here. It’s not as powerful as the flagship Snapdragon 845 processor, but can still chew through tasks and isn’t as power hungry.

There are also a ton of little features to love here. We get a microSD card slot that supports up to 256 GB of additional storage. This is fantastic if you live in an area without the best service because you can save all of your movies, music, and pictures directly onto your memory card and avoid trying to stream.

But, we have to admit that one of the best things about the Nokia 7 Plus is software. Nokia has committed to using stock Android on its devices and that’s a decision we support. It’s clean, it’s fast, and updates come quickly. We love Google’s software vision (we are the AndroidGuys, aren’t we?) so if we can pick up a device with stock, we’re going to.

Nokia 7 Plus purchase links: Amazon

Huawei Honor 10

If you want a phone that thinks too, the Honor 10 might be your best bet. Honor built in a ton of AI features into the Honor 10 and included a processor with a Neural Processing Unit. It almost sounds like SciFi, doesn’t it?

Well, it isn’t. It’s science fact because the Honor 10 includes the Kirin 970 that has a dedicated processing unit just for AI. This helps the phone identify scenes in the camera to give you better pictures and a whole host of other options within the software. While some people think AI a buzzword (and perhaps rightly so), Honor is trying to prove them wrong.

Read more: Honor 10 review: a compelling option in the affordable flagship niche

The device includes a notch and very, very small bezels. It isn’t much larger than the (extremely nice) display and is very easy to handle. We found it to be a great one-handed device in a world of ever-expanding phone sizes.

Huawei Honor 10 purchase links: Amazon

Honor View10/V10

Huawei’s sub-brand Honor released one of the best phones of the year in the Honor View10 (also called the Honor V10 in some markets). The $499 device combines high-end specs, simple yet elegant design, and a great camera to offer great value to customers.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Honor View10 is the display. The display itself won’t blow anyone away, but Honor somehow managed to get a 6-inch 18:9 display on the device and keep the front-facing fingerprint scanner too. The button sits just below the screen and can also go back and open the multitasking menu via swipes and taps. We’ve seen this tech in phones from Motorola, but never on a phone with this aspect ratio.

Read more: Honor View10 Review: The budget flagship king?

Just because you’re spending a little bit less on a device doesn’t mean you should miss out on the best processor available. Honor included the Hisilicon Kirin 970 chip, Huawei’s in-house flagship processor, in the Honor View10. The chip also includes a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that helps the phone process AI-related tasks. Not bad for $500.

Not only do you get a great processor, but the rest of the specs are impressive too. There’s 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage standard. A 3750 mAh battery keeps the show running all day, and a dual 16 MP + 20 MP camera provides great pictures even in low light.

So, what’s the biggest problem with the Honor View10? Availability. Right now it’s hard to get the phone in the United States. The only official outlet we can find is Amazon. If you are out of luck there, you can try importing it from a site like GearBest or AliExpress or take your chances with eBay.

Honor View 10 purchase links: Amazon | eBay | GearBest | AliExpress

Essential Phone

The Essential Phone has had an interesting journey. The phone was teased in early 2017 by Android co-founder Andy Rubin. It wouldn’t ship for another five months, but the hype around it built to a fever pitch. And then…. disappointment.

While the Essential Phone is a fantastic phone, missed deadlines, broken promises, and leaking customer data killed the shine on the device. But, that’s all in the past. What matters now is the device you can purchase today for as low as $250 during Prime Day. The phone now normally sits anywhere between $300 and $350 on Amazon.

Read more: Essential should open source its accessories platform

When picking the best looking phones on the market, the Essential Phone should be near the top of your list. The almost all screen design looks absolutely gorgeous. Sure, the notch isn’t for everyone and we’d prefer AMOLED over LCD, but the phone looks great and feels fantastic in the hand.

The Essential Phone runs stock Android and received frequent updates. It’s one of the first major devices to get an Android 8.0 beta while flagships from Samsung, LG, and others are stuck on Nougat. Not only that, but the Essential Phone received a day one update to Android 9 Pie. How’s that for quick software updates?

Essential Phone purchase links: Essential | Sprint | Amazon | Best Buy

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