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iPhone 15 Pro Max review: Apple is slowly winning over this Android diehard
The iPhone 15 Pro Max may not look much different from the iPhone 14 Pro Max, but it brings much improved cameras and ergonomics
The iPhone 15 Pro Max could to some eyes seem like yet another iterative update out of Cupertino. My "black titanium" model, in particular, looks almost identical to my "space black" iPhone 14 Pro Max at first glance. But after using the phone nonstop across three countries for the past week, I can say this is the most impressed I've been with an iPhone since the iPhone X; I like it significantly more than I did the last few Pro Max iPhones; and while I can never be a "full time" iPhone user because I test so many Android phones, I may finally do what most of my media peers do and make the iPhone my default phone when I'm not reviewing a new phone. This is coming from someone who's been very vocally and publicly criticized the iPhone and championed Android over the years. But Apple is slowly winning this Android diehard over.
iOS 17 review: The bubble is now greener on the other side
Apple is embracing its tight ecosystem with this release, further alienating Android users in the process.
Along with macOS Sonoma, iPadOS 17, and watchOS 10, Apple previewed iOS 17 during WWDC23. Since then, we've thoroughly tested every beta build of this release and observed it as it matured. And now that the stable version is available on the latest iPhones, it's time to share our experience.
iPadOS 17 review: Playing catch-up with iOS
iPadOS 17 doesn't contribute much to the operating system's unique direction.
Since iPadOS 13, the iPad's operating system has diverted away from iOS, offering more exclusive features, tools, and changes. That's partially due to Apple trying to market its excellent tablets as laptop replacements. Now that I've been using iPadOS 17 for over three months, however, it has become evident that the Cupertino firm may just be running out of ideas. iPadOS 17 focuses on porting features introduced with iOS 17 and 16 rather than evolving the iPad's so-called unique identity.
Apple Watch Series 9 & Ultra 2 hands-on: all about the double tap
These two watches are minor upgrades, but the new double tap gesture seems genuinely clever and useful.
Yesterday at Apple's September launch event the tech giant introduced four new iPhones and a pair of Apple Watches. Unlike the iPhones, which gained new cameras, charging ports and slightly redesigned bodies, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 look practically identical to the previous generations, and there aren't really major outer hardware updates, other than a screen that can get a bit brighter and dimmer.
iPhone 15 Pro Max hands-on: Focal versatility
I was impressed with the new cameras and lighter build.
Apple just announced its iPhone 15 series that, whether we like it or not, is going to set the benchmark for all new smartphones for the next 12 months. Luckily, this year's update is a bit more exciting than some of the previous years. In particular, the iPhone 15 Pro Max model brings several upgrades that make the phone genuinely exciting, even for an Android user such as myself.
watchOS 10 review: Revealing Apple Watch's true colors
Apple Watch autonomy is a single step away now.
Back in June, Apple previewed watchOS 10, along with iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma. This time around, the biggest visual changes revolve around the Apple Watch, as the Cupertino firm completely overhauled the operating system. It also introduced some other handy features that further supercharge the company's wearables. And now that we've had our hands on the watchOS 10 beta for around three months, it's time to reveal what this update is all about through our dedicated review. In a nutshell, watchOS 10 makes using the Apple Watch day-to-day less mundane, thanks to a slew of colorful interfaces that make the OS and its apps more engaging.
Casetify PowerThru Power Bank review: An expensive but good-looking MagSafe portable charger
Casetify's PowerThru Power Bank is a simple, portable charger that'll fit your personal style, even if it doesn't impress you on the spec sheet.
When Apple introduced MagSafe to the iPhone back in 2020, a lot of new features and great accessories became available. Even product categories that already existed were reimagined with Apple's magnetic connection system, like the portable charger and power bank. Previously, you needed to carry a portable charger and power cord to juice up your phone in a pinch. But with MagSafe, all that's required for emergency charging is a compact power bank no larger than your average bifold wallet. There are a lot of MagSafe power banks out there, including the subject of today's review, Casetify's PowerThru Power Bank.
Belkin MagSafe Camera Mount review: Unparalleled value for iPhone users
Belkin's camera mount, designed to work with Continuity Camera on macOS, also happens to be one of the best-value accessories you can buy.
When Apple unveiled macOS Ventura last year, one of the more interesting features showcased was the Continuity Camera, which allowed users who owned an iPhone and a Mac to use their phone's rear camera as their Mac's video feed. Since many of the best phones also have great cameras, Continuity Camera seemed like a genius idea, particularly useful for people who work remotely. But surprisingly, Apple didn't make a mount that would actually attach the iPhone and Mac. Instead, the company announced that Belkin would be making it.
Asus Zenfone 10 review: The best small smartphone gets even better
Asus is back with the new Zenfone 10 to try and retain the best small phone crown. Little has changed, but what has really matters here.
Small phones are hard to come by nowadays, with the best options for consumers basically being the regular Samsung Galaxy S23 or one of the smaller iPhone 14 devices. However, the Zenfone 8 started a trend of Asus prioritizing small phones, so last year's Zenfone 9 stayed smaller than both Samsung's and Apple's offerings. Despite rumors to the contrary, the Asus Zenfone 10 retains that smaller 5.9-inch form factor. You won't get any flashy or new features, but you'll get a standard smartphone with a nice design, decent camera, and excellent performance that won't take up a lot of space in your pocket.
Motorola Defy Satellite Link review: This device can be a real lifesaver
Whether lost accidentally or on purpose, messaging for help is vital in an emergency. This device hopes to be that beacon for you when you need it.
I live in an area where connectivity via broadband or cellular can be sparse even when at home, but it's even worse when traveling. In rural Kansas, I regularly drive to areas where I'll have miles of road with zero cellular service. While this has its perks, it also means that should something happen, I wouldn't be able to contact anyone. This is where the Motorola Defy Satellite Link comes in.
RedMagic 8S Pro review: A great gaming phone with little else going for it
More of the same gaming phone experience from RedMagic
RedMagic is no stranger to packing its phones with over-the-top gaming features. We saw it with the RedMagic 8 Pro earlier this year, along with many others that previously made it to the top of our best gaming phones list. The RedMagic 8S Pro is no different, meaning it's a beefy, overpowered, and just a monster of a phone. It offers a fantastic display, a massive 6,000mAh battery, and ridiculously fast performance with the most powerful Snapdragon chipset and 16GB of RAM. It even comes with a built-in cooling fan and an abundance of RGB to go toe-to-toe with other gaming phones that have flocked the market over the years.
Sony WF-1000XM5 review: The right kind of downsizing
Sony's new earbuds shed 25% of mass compared to the last generation but somehow improved audio performance while keeping the same battery life. Bravo!
A few months ago, I reviewed Sony's flagship over-ear headphones, the awkwardly named WH-1000XM5. While they offered great audio and active noise cancelation (ANC), the design was way too clunky, especially compared to the cans by main rival Bose and even its last-generation counterpart.This past week I've been testing Sony's new flagship earbuds, the also awkwardly named WF-1000XM5, and they seem to fix a lot of the issues I had with their larger sibling. They offer great audio, ANC, and a new sleek, compact design, especially compared to earbuds by main rival Bose.The Sony WF-1000XM5 are easily some of the very best wireless earbuds on the market right now. The big question is if they're worth the higher $300 asking price.About this review: XDA purchased a pair of Sony WF-1000XM5 for the purposes of this review. Sony did not have any input into its contents.
OSOM Privacy Cable review: Switching on unfounded fears
Not only are many USB cables better, but many don't include unnecessary features
There sure are a lot of USB cables. While there are plenty of great options, they generally all do the same job — at least, the modern ones do. They send power and data from one connection point to another. The OSOM Privacy Cable, however, is aiming to bring something different to the space.
Mous Limitless 5.0 case review: A beautiful MagSafe case for Android
A stylish case with solid protection and MagSafe support. What's not to like?
I am a big proponent of smartphone cases that do a little bit more than just protect your phone. That's one of the main reasons why dbrand's Grip case and rugged cases like the Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro have been my go-to recommendations. The Grip case can keep devices looking fresh with different skins, while the Supcase UB Pro adds handy features like a kickstand and belt clip. The idea is to recommend more versatile options, so you're not covering your expensive investment with a regular old boring case.
One UI 6 Open Beta hands-on: A total system redesign
One UI 6 is here, and we've been playing with it on a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Android 14 is just around the corner, and while people with other devices (most notably Google Pixels) have been able to get in on the fun, Samsung's own devices have been left out of it so far. That's changing though, as you can now test out One UI 6 on the Samsung Galaxy S23 series. We've sideloaded the open beta on our Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, and it's officially available for download in the United States, Germany, and South Korea.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic review: An excellent generational mashup
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic brings back a smartwatch favorite along with a spec bump. It's a great experience, even if it's too familiar
Samsung has long been one of the top smartwatch brands, even before it switched from its in-house Tizen OS to Wear OS back in 2021 with the Galaxy Watch 4 series. That was also the last time we saw the beloved rotating bezel as a way to navigate the watch's UI. Because when last year's high-end smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, was released, it sported a capacitive digital bezel instead of the physical rotating hardware of the Watch 4 Classic. Thankfully, we get both the naming and hardware back on track with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 review: It's what a flip phone should be, mostly
Samsung's latest foldable bois are here, and the Flip 5 packs some important improvements
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 comes with some big improvements over its predecessor, including a larger external display, a much-improved hinge, and a faster processor. But the question is, is it enough? After all, for the first time ever, Samsung is facing real competition in the North American foldable space.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra review: The best tablet at multitasking
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra brings a giant screen and a very good multitasking system that makes it a great work machine
Between the Google Pixel Tablet, OnePlus Pad, and the Lenovo Tab Extreme — all surprisingly polished and well-performing tablets — Android tablets are having a banner year so far. While Apple tablets still lead in market shares, the iPad's dominance is not as strong as before. This means now is as good a time as any for Samsung, which is currently in second place in the tablet market share wars, to try to make further gains. Samsung's attempts this year include three tablets, and in this review, we're going to take a look at the largest and most powerful one: the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.
Rokid Station review: The first Android TV box for AR glasses is a no-frills affair
For when you want to watch YouTube without your phone
Even before Apple pulled the curtains back on its Vision Pro headset, there's been a surge in consumer-grade AR (augmented reality) glasses over the past couple of years, with brands like XReal (formerly nReal), TCL, Lenovo, and Rokid leading the charge. Rokid's Max eyewear is my favorite of the bunch simply because it projects the largest screen.
Casetify Snappy Cardholder Stand review: Is it a stand or a wallet case?
Casetify's Cardholder Stand is a MagSafe stand that can also hold a card, but can it perform either of these two functions well?
Casetify has developed a reputation for creating functional, fashionable cases and accessories for mobile phones, and it offers more customization options than any other accessory maker. However, this sometimes comes at the expense of the products' functionality. For example, the company's MacBook case has an appealing design, but it was uncomfortable to use. Now, Casetify is expanding its Snappy line of MagSafe-compatible accessories, including the ambitious Cardholder Stand.