Top Samsung Galaxy S10+ cases

It seems as though that premium smartphones continue to rise in price every time a new model is released and the Samsung Galaxy S10+ certainly is no exception.  Originally released on March 8, 2019, this device debuted with an original retail value of $999.  With a price point of almost $1,000, you definitely want to find the best case that will protect your phone and also give you additional features that suits your lifestyle.  It's already been 3 months since the Galaxy S10+ has been released so there are definitely plenty of great cases to choose from.  It wasn't easy but we were able to narrow it down to the top 10 cases that we found to be the best for your premium device.

OtterBox Defender Series

OtterBox has been around for many years now and is known for creating cases that maximize the protection of your devices.  They may not be the sexiest cases but they are very good for people who have a tendency to drop their phone or for those that live a more active lifestyle.  This multi-layered cased is made from materials Polycarbonate shell, Synthetic rubber slipcover, and Polycarbonate holster.  As an added bonus, the included holster doubles as a kickstand for hands-free viewing.

• Price: $59.95
• Rating: 4.2/5 (110 reviews)

BUY ON AMAZON

Spigen Slim Armor CS

When trying to get the best protection for your phone, one of the drawbacks is that you often have to settle for a case that adds bulk.  Spigen attempts to minimize that bulk with the Slim Armor CS.  This case is dual-layered for extreme protection, is made from materials TPU and PC, and is also mil-grade certified with Air Cushion Technology.  With a design intent of making this pocket-friendly, the Slim Armor CS is slim and lightweight and has storage in the back for two cards and cash.  This case is also compatible with wireless charging but you will need to make sure to remove any cards in the storage unit when charging.  This case is available in three colors: gunmetal, black, and rose gold.

• Price: $17.99
• Rating: 4.2/5 (132 reviews)

BUY ON AMAZON

Samsung LED Wallet Cover

If you're looking for minimum protection and want a case to turn heads, the Samsung LED Wallet Cover might fit that bill.  Available in black, green, and white, this unique case shows you LED notification when the front cover is closed.  Some of these notifications include incoming calls, messages, current time, and more.  However, probably the best feature about this phone is that it allows you to answer calls even when the case is closed.  Lastly, it also comes with an integrated credit card slot.

• Price: $64.99
• Rating: 3.9/5 (17 reviews)

BUY ON AMAZON

OtterBox Strada Series

If you're looking for a stylish genuine leather folio case, the OtterBox Strada might be the case you are looking for.  With this case, you don't necessarily have to use glass protection but you certainly have that option if you choose to do so.  This case is the only leather smartphone case that is backed with OtterBox Certified Drop+ Protection.  It also features a vertical card slot on the inside of the front cover for a card or cash and it comes in two colors: espresso (dark brown) and shadow (black).

• Price: $69.95
• Rating: 4.2/5 (15 reviews)

BUY ON AMAZON

Mous Limitless 2.0

The Mous Limitless 2.0 is a slim, sleek case that offers plenty of protection for your Samsung Galaxy S10+.  Each case is made from a mix of poly-carbonate and TPU and are lined with AiroShock to give it shockproof protection.  This case is also very slim and only adds 4.33 mm of thickness to the back of your phone.  The Limitless 2.0 is available in the following materials: aramid carbon fibre, walnut, black leather, and bamboo.

• Price: $44.99
• Review: 3.1/5 (8 reviews)

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ZeroLemon Extended Battery Case

If you use your phone heavily and find that you are constantly running out of juice, then the ZeroLemon Extended Battery Case might be the one for you.  This case has a powerful 10000mAh Li-polymer extended battery that can provide 160% battery life to your Galaxy S10+.  The material that ZeroLemon uses to protect your phone is a soft TPU that covers the back and sides of your phone.  It should be more than suitable from scratches and daily wear and tear but probably wouldn't offer as much protection if you drop your device.  It should also be noted that this case doesn't support fast charging, NFC, and wireless charging.  Lastly, it is also not compatible with full edge screen protectors which could be a deal breaker for some.

• Price: $59.99
• Reviews: 4.3/5 (37 reviews)

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UAG Monarch Series

The UAG Monarch Series is another great case if you are looking for maximum protection.  Available in three unique designs (black, crimson, and carbon fiber), this case meets double the Military Standard for drop and shock protection.  The Monarch Series are all handcrafted with 5 layers of protection.  It starts with UAG's armor frame and shock-resistant core, then layered with top-grain leather, next a polycarbonate shear plate, an alloy metal hardware, and finally an impact-resistant rubber to wrap it all up.  Aside from the great protection that this case offers, it also features a design for the camera opening to provide a glare-free flash to help you take better photos.

• Price: $55.95
• Rating: 4.5/5 (171 reviews)

BUY ON AMAZON

X-Doria Defense Shield

The X-Doria Defense Shield is technically a clear case but it does have 3 different color options for the bumpers.  The color options you can choose from are iridescent, red, and black.  Instead of using plastic, this case uses a heavy duty-machined aluminum bumper to protect the perimeter of your device and has a soft rubber inside to help guard against drops.  Speaking of drops, the Defense Shield has military-grade drop protection up to 10′ (3M) on concrete.  The back, on the other hand, is made from clear polycarbonate to protect your phone without covering it up.  Besides protecting your S10+, this case features an integrated sound channel which amplifies the bottom speaker and then redirects the sound to the front of the case for added sound experience.

• Price: $29.95
• Ratings: 4.4/5 (320 reviews)

BUY ON AMAZON

Spigen Neo Hybrid

Year after year, Spigen continues to churn out the Neo Hybrid for new phones.  It is one of those beloved cases that people have a tendency to buy year after year as they continually upgrade their device.  It is a case that manages to balance protection with a slim modern design.  Made from TPU and PC, this dual layered design has a shock-absorbent interior with a rigid bumper frame.  The Neo Hybrid also has a raised bezel for enhanced protection and has been redesigned for a better grip.  This case is available in 4 different colors: midnight black, gunmetal, burgundy, and arctic silver.

• Price: $13.99
• Ratings: 4.2/5 (233 reviews)

BUY ON AMAZON

Carved Wood Case

If you truly want to stand out from the crowd and want an original, then the Carved Wood cases is the way to go.  Each one is handcrafted by artisan carpenters so every case has their own distinct wood grain pattern.  The outer shell has a non-slip bumper made from rubber and can withstand 3 foot drops.  This is a lightweight and gorgeous case but keep in mind that it only offers minimal protection.  A screen glass cover is recommended for this device to maximize protection.

• Price: $39.00
• Ratings: 4.3/5 (102 reviews)

BUY ON AMAZON

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5 Amazing new Android apps to check out this week (April 30, 2020)

The Google Play store is full of awesome apps that can help you with tasks or simply help you take a break and relax with an engaging game. But how do you know what ones you should try? We can help you with that! Every week, we will share awesome new apps and games that we think you will enjoy. The highlights from this week include a way to bundle all your notes and a new video streaming service.

Take a look at the list below to find the perfect new game for you this week.

Bundled Notes – lists, writing, to-do, reminders.

Description: Bundled Notes is a colorful Note-taking app. Create multiple notes and bundle them to be sorted by various aspects. The app uses an HTML markdown editor so the notes are presented in a WYSIWYG format. Along with syncing across multiple Android devices, a web version of the app is also in development.

• Price: Free
• In-app Purchases: Yes
• Rating: New
• Installs: 5K

Install Bundled Notes – lists, writing, to-do, reminders.

CyberLink PowerPlayer

Description: PowerPlayer brings you unparalleled media playback features for your movies and digital TV collection. For instance, users will be able to watch media content on-the-go and enjoy seamless playback on any device with friends and family. Download now and see why PowerPlayer is the only all-in-1 media player you'll ever need on your Android devices.

• Price: Free
• In-app Purchases: No
• Rating: 3.9/5
• Installs: 1K

Install CyberLink PowerPlayer

Piwag – Improved Search Engine for the Play Store

Description: Ever tired of trying to find a game in the play store and not finding a good game to download? Created by three video game fans, Piwag lets you search for games that meet certain criteria such as price, ratings, popularity, and in-app purchases. Set a max price and find games that meet your criteria. English and French languages are currently supported with additional language supported in the future.

• Price: Free
• In-app Purchases: No
• Rating: 4.6/5
• Installs: 1K+

Install Piwag – Improved Search Engine for the Play Store

Quibi

Description: Quibi delivers quick-bite original content that fits into any moment of your day. Shows featuring the world's biggest stars. Episodes in 10 minutes or less. All designed for your phone. You're in full control of what you watch and how you watch it. Vertical, horizontal; no matter how you hold your phone, everything is framed to fit your screen.

• Price: Free
• In-app Purchases: Yes
• Rating: 4.1/5
• Installs: 500K+

Install Quibi

Zenkit To Do

Description: Zenkit To Do is part of the award-winning Zenkit family of apps. To Do helps you organize your lists, tasks, and other events into an easy to read task-management tool. Sync your lists across devices and share your lists with family and friends. Wunderlist users can import their lists in two clicks.

• Price: Free
• In-app Purchases: No
• Rating: 4.2/5
• Installs: 5K+

Install Zenkit To Do

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Everything new coming to Netflix in May 2020

You may not have caught all the new shows and movies Netflix put out in April but as many of us are still spending most of our time at home, Netflix is bringing more exciting shows to bing-watch in May! The final season of the Medici releases on May 1st. Later in the month, fans of the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt can enjoy an interactive adventure on May 12th. Rounding out a solid month of entertainment is the Steve Carrell lead Space Force comedy. We've embedded a handful of trailers but we also encourage you to take a look at Netflix's official teaser video for its May lineup.

Let us know which show or movie you're looking forward to the most this month.

May 1st

• All Day and a Night — Netflix Film
• Almost Happy — Netflix Original
• Get In — Netflix Film
• Go! Go! Cory Carson: The Chrissy — Netflix Family
• The Half Of It — Netflix Film
• Hollywood — Netflix Original
• Into the Night — Netflix Original
• Medici: The Magnificent: Part 2 — Netflix Original
• Serial Killer — Netflix Film
• Reckoning: Season 1 — Exclusively on Netflix
• Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
• Back to the Future
• Back to the Future Part II
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
• Cracked Up, The Darrell Hammond Story
• Den of Thieves
• For Colored Girls
• Fun with Dick & Jane
• I Am Divine
• Jarhead
• Jarhead 2: Field of Fire
• Jarhead 3: The Siege
• Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
• Masha and the Bear: Season 4
• Material
• Monthly Girls' Nozaki Kun: Season 1
• Sinister
• Song of the Sea
• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
• The Heartbreak Kid
• The Patriot
• Thomas & Friends: Marvelous Machinery: A New Arrival
• Thomas & Friends: Marvelous Machinery: World of Tomorrow
• Thomas & Friends: Thomas and the Royal Engine
• Underworld
• Underworld: Evolution
• Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
• Urban Cowboy
• What a Girl Wants
• Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

May 4th

• Arctic Dogs

May 5th

• Jerry Seinfeld: 23 Hours To Kill — Netflix Comedy Special

May 6th

• Workin' Moms: Season 4 — Netflix Original

May 7th

• Scissor Seven: Season 2 — Netflix Anime

May 8th

• 18 regali — Netflix Film
• Chico Bon Bon: Monkey with a Tool Belt — Netflix Family
• Dead to Me: Season 2 — Netflix Original
• The Eddy — Netflix Original
• The Hollow: Season 2 — Netflix Family
• Restaurants on the Edge: Season 2 — Netflix Original
• Rust Valley Restorers: Season 2 — Netflix Original
• Valeria — Netflix Original

May 9th

• Charmed: Season 2
• Grey's Anatomy: Season 16

May 11th

• Bordertown: Season 3 — Netflix Original
• Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics — Netflix Documentary
• Trial By Media — Netflix Documentary

April 10th

• Brews Brothers — Netflix Original
• LA Originals — Netflix Documentary
• La vie scolaire — Netflix Film
• Love Wedding Repeat — Netflix Film
• The Main Event — Netflix Film
• Tigertail — Netflix Film

May 12th



• True: Terrific Tales — Netflix Family
• Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy Vs. the Reverend — Netflix Interactive Special

May 13th

• The Wrong Missy — Netflix Film

May 14th

• Riverdale: Season 4

May 15th

• Chichipatos — Netflix Original
• District 9
• I Love You, Stupid — Netflix Original
• Inhuman Resources — Netflix Original
• Magic for Humans: Season 3 — Netflix Original
• She-Ra and the Princesses of Power: Season 5 — Netflix Family
• White Lines — Netflix Original
• The Green Hornet

May 16th

• La reina de Indias y el conquistador — Netflix Original
• Public Enemies
• United 93

May 17th

• Soul Surfer

May 18th

• The Big Flower Fight — Netflix Original

May 19th

• Patton Oswalt: I Love Everything — Netflix Comedy Special
• Sweet Magnolias — Netflix Original
• Trumbo

May 20th

• Ben Platt Live From Radio City Music Hall — Netflix Documentary
• The Flash: Season 6
• Rebelión de los Godinez — Netflix Film

May 22nd

• Control Z — Netflix Original
• History 101 — Netflix Original
• Just Go With It
• THE LOVEBIRDS — Netflix Film
• Selling Sunset: Season 2 — Netflix Original
• Trailer Park Boys: The Animated Series: Season 2 — Netflix Original

May 23rd

• Dynasty: Season 3

May 25th

• Ne Zha
• Norm of the North: Family Vacation
• Uncut Gems

May 26th

• Hannah Gadsby: Douglas — Netflix Comedy Special

May 27th

• I'm No Longer Here — Netflix Film
• The Lincoln Lawyer

May 28th

• Dorohedoro — Netflix Anime
• La corazonada — Netflix Film

May 29th

• Space Force — Netflix Original
• Somebody Feed Phil: Season 3 — Netflix Documentary

May 31st

• High Strung Free Dance

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Verizon’s greed has brought the OnePlus 8 back into 2012

We have it good these days. Pretty much every phone comes with a manufacturer logo and little else. Sure they're not perfectly minimalist and clean, and you'll still find logos and even FCC information on the back. The Essential Phone didn't have a single marking and it was beautiful, but it is long gone. Still, even a manufacturer logo doesn't take away from modern phone's clean aesthetic.

But back in my day, only the iPhone was immune to that. Carriers would slap their logos all over every device and would compete on who could do it worse. Whether it was massive logos, front-facing logos, or even logos on buttons (I'm looking at you, Verizon Galaxy Note II), absolutely nothing was sacred. Our flagships were massive billboards for the carriers supporting them. Dark times indeed.

However, those times don't seem to be entirely over. While our favorite flagships like the Galaxy S20 are still clean and nearly logo free, OnePlus isn't sharing the same fate. The Verizon model of the OnePlus 8 will not feature an extra logo, but a carrier specific replacement. The OnePlus text at the bottom of the back is now replaced by a Verizon 5G logo.

You're probably thinking that it's not that bad. And frankly, it isn't. We've seen far worse from Verizon in the past and this seems pretty tame in comparison. The logo isn't even that bad looking. But the question is, who cares about you having Verizon 5G? Why do you need a 5G logo on your device? Why is Verizon advertising 5G like other carriers don't have it? And why mess with the device at all? No one will look at that logo and recognize it as a Verizon icon.

Maybe Verizon strong-armed OnePlus into this. The company is far smaller than the likes of Samsung and Apple and it's easy to think that the carrier demanded this. What choices does OnePlus have?

It's not the end of the world. In fact, most people likely will never notice. Slap a case on that fragile glass back before you break it, and the logo is gone. But it's the principle of it. No other carrier is doing custom logos anymore. The device isn't particularly special on Verizon, as the unlocked model will work fine on the carrier (although you'll miss out on the special Polar Silver color). But if you need the financing from Verizon, the carrier model is the way to go. It's just a shame Verizon decided to mess with a good thing.

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Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 confirmed to launch later this year

Last year, Samsung launched their first foldable smartphone with the Galaxy Fold. Earlier this year, the company followed up with another foldable handset in the form of the Galaxy Z Flip. We have also heard rumors that Samsung will not be stopping there, and could be planning a successor to the Galaxy Fold.

It turns out that the rumors were true because during Samsung's recent earnings call, the company has revealed that they are indeed planning to launch a new foldable phone later this year.

"Looking ahead to the second quarter … the company will continue to offer differentiated products in the premium segment with the launch of new foldable and Note models."

Samsung stops short of actually saying when the phone will be launched, so we'll just have to keep our eyes out for it. In the meantime we have also been hearing rumors that the handset could be priced slightly cheaper than its predecessor, where it could have $100 shaved off the price tag.

This is because according to the rumors, the Galaxy Fold 2 might launch with a base 256GB model instead of a 512GB model, thus making it slightly more affordable. Also, along with the Galaxy Fold 2, Samsung has also confirmed that a new Note handset will be dropping this year, which based on the Galaxy S20's branding, could be known as the Galaxy Note 20.

Source: Samsung

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Bizarre photoshop livestream is revealing the next Assassin’s Creed title

Ubisoft is taking an odd approach for the unveiling of its next installment of the Assasins Creed franchise. While we would typically be treated to an amazing trailer of the new game at a launch event at a gaming trade show, this time around the game is being slowly unveiled in a Photoshop livestream as a Unisoft artist slowly manipulated a cover image which appears to represent the setting of the new game.

Nearly two hours into the stream, the landscape and a castle hint at midlevel Europe os the backdrop for the next Assasins Creed installment. Some rumors have indicated that Ubisoft would be exploring the connections between the Assasins and the Vikings.

There's no telling how long the Photoshop livestream will take to fully reveal the new game or even when might come at the very end. Ubisoft may have a full trailer to share once image has been completed. There's no indication yet as to when the game will be released, but there's a good chance that it will be making its way to Stadia at some point.

 

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The OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro are now shipping from Amazon

The new lineup of OnePlus devices is officially available on Amazon in the US. The OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro that Amazon is selling feature the same hardware as the unlocked versions available directly from OnePlus, but Amazon is throwing in three free months of Amazon Music with the purchase while also bringing the phone's Alexa integration to the forefront.

Amazon should be socking all storage variations of both devices, but as of right now the 128GB version of the regular OnePlus 8 isn't listed. This means that the cheapest OnePlus 8 device you're currently able to buy from Amazon will set you back $799.

If you have not yet decided if the OnePlus 8 or the 8 Pro is the phone for you, make sure you check out our full review, our comparison between the two phones and our camera tests as well.

• OnePlus 8 on Amazon: starting at $799
• OnePlus 8 Pro on Amazon: starting at $899

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Unbelievable deal offers insane 30% discount on the new Pixel Buds

Google's all-new Pixel Buds have been available for only two days, but thanks to an amazing discount code from US Cellular, you won't need to pay the $179 retail price Google is charging for them. Thanks to a generic discount code being offered by US Cellular, you'll be able to save 30% on your Pixel Buds purchase. That's a cool $54.36 you'll be able to put aside for something else. 

Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to take advantage of the deal. US Cellular doesn't require that you use their cellular service or anything like that, but the company will only ship the Pixel Buds to you if you live within the company's coverage area. The company's coverage area is pretty ubiquitous on the East Coast and Midwest, but it gets a bit spotty once you move over to the Pacific states. You can check the US Cellular coverage map to make sure you've covered or simply have the Pixel Buds shipped to a friend since this deal is too good to pass up!

1. Add the new Google Pixel Buds to your cart on US Cellular's website.
2. Enter promo code ACCESSORY30 in the appropriate field
3. Save $54.36 at checkout!

Source: Droid-Life

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The glass on the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra’s cameras are shattering

When the iPhone first launched with the camera bump on the back, many made fun of the design, but fast forward to today, and the camera bump can be pretty much found across the majority of smartphones these days. Unfortunately, this does leave them more exposed and prone to damages.

Unfortunately for a growing number of Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra users, it appears that the glass covering the cameras on the back of the phone are inexplicably shattering. You could easily chalk this up to user error, but it seems that users are claiming that it can just shatter overnight for no apparent reason.

Some users claim that they pull it out of their pocket only to find the glass broken, while others leave their phones charging and discover the shattered glass after. It is unclear why this is happening, but it has been speculated that due to the larger surface area of the glass covering the cameras, it does make it more vulnerable compared to previous models.

To make matters worse, this is not covered by Samsung's warranty and there are reports of users being charged anywhere between $100 to $400 to get it fixed. If you did recently get your hands on the device, you might want to consider a case for the phone that will offer better protection for the camera cutout.

Source: SamMobile

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6 Things UK Offline Casino Players Should Know when Picking an Online Casino

Online casinos are more popular than ever, and more offline players are also considering the option as an alternative. They do have their fair share of advantages and have greatly improved over the years. However, they can still be intimidating to the uninitiated, and it can be close to impossible for newcomers to know which platforms to choose from. But when you understand the basics of how to pick a casino, you'll be able to find one you'll actually enjoy. You'll also be able to find a legitimate casino that will offer real chances of winning. Here are some of the things UK casino players switching from offline to online gaming should know when picking an online casino.

Look at the Accreditation

The first thing you have to do is make sure that the casino you're thinking of playing at is accredited. For UK-based casinos, the UK gambling commission is the main regulatory body. If you intend to choose a Europe based casino, it would also be wise to pick a casino that is licensed by the UKGC. But you also have a multitude of other regulatory bodies across the world that you can trust when picking an online option. 

If you want to play in a casino based in North America, for instance, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission is one of the main authorities. The Isle of Man Gaming Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, and the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority are also some of the respected regulatory bodies you should be looking for when picking an online casino.

Take Advantage of Those Bonuses

One of the main benefits of online casinos is the type of bonuses they offer. Some offer all types of deals, but in most cases, some will offer some sort of match bonuses on your first few deposits.

At the very least, you want to pick a casino that offers free spins. But you have to know which games you'll be able to use them on. Some will only allow you to use them specific games only, while others will allow you to use them on the games of your choice.

You should also check if they have a loyalty program. These will give you some additional perks based on the amount you spent. Some will even have moneyback schemes available.

Check the Selection

You should only go with bonuses, however. Another very important thing is to check the number of games the casino has to offer. You want to go with an online casino that has a wide variety of games, and from reputable software providers if possible. Some of the top providers include Microgaming, NetEnt, and Evolution Gaming just to name a few.

Check the Service

It would also be wise to give the casino's customer service a call. This will give you an idea of how easy it is to get in touch with an operator. Also, ask them a few questions about their games. This will let you know how savvy they are and what you can expect if you have any issues.

Check the Deposit Options

You also want to go with a casino that has as many deposit and withdrawal options as possible. While most will accept major credit cards, some will offer additional options such as Netteller, for instance. Another thing you should check is how long it takes for winnings to be transferred. 

Look at Reviews

If you're still stumped as to where you should be playing, then we strongly suggest you check reviews. These will come in handy if you want to know which types of games a casino offers, their accreditation, and their bonus structure. You should also check with other players as well. This will be the best way to get an honest opinion on casinos, what you should be on the lookout for, and options you could consider.

So, if you were just thinking about becoming an online casino player, then you should keep these few things into consideration. Also, make sure that you read as much as you can about online gaming in general and take your time before you choose an option.

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OnePlus Z tipped to launch in July

The OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro were launched not too long ago, but it seems that OnePlus has a new handset up their sleeves that could be announced in the coming months. This is according to a tweet by @MaxJmb who claims that the rumored OnePlus Z could be announced this coming July.

For those unfamiliar, we have been hearing rumors that OnePlus could have a mid-range handset in the works. It was previously known as the OnePlus 8 Lite, but later it was suggested that it could instead be known as the OnePlus Z. The OnePlus Z is rumored to be the revival of the OnePlus X handset that was launched a few years ago.

In case you haven't been keeping up with OnePlus news, the company attempted to launch a new lineup of handsets a few years ago in the form of the OnePlus X. There was no successor to the OnePlus X as the company decided not to pursue it as they wanted to focus on its flagship phones instead.

pic.twitter.com/wcD3wH4bVb

— Max J. (@MaxJmb) April 28, 2020

Over the years, the price of OnePlus phones have been steadily going up with the OnePlus 8 Pro being the most expensive handset from the company to date. Plus with the success we've seen Apple experience with the iPhone XR and base iPhone 11, it's not surprising that OnePlus is ready to embrace its budget roots again.

OnePlus has yet to officially confirm anything so take it with a grain of salt for now.

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LG reveals full LG Velvet spec sheet ahead of next week’s launch

In regular LG fashion, the company has officially revealed the most important features and specs of the upcoming LG Velvet before its official launch date. While the highlight of the upcoming device is still the phone's complete redesign from the G-series of the past, LG is positioning the new device as a mid-range phone that should be quite appealing to those who may traditionally opt for a flagship smartphone.

LG has confirmed that the phone will feature a 6.8-inch (20.5:9 aspect ratio) OLED display, the new Snapdragon 765 5G from Qualcomm, up to 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, microSD card support and a generous 4,300mAh battery. Its triple camera system on the back of the phone will consist of a 48MP main sensor, 8MP ultrawide camera, and 5MP depth camera with a 16MP camera on the front for capturing high-resolution selfies. Like the LG V60, the phone will feature audio focus for video and an ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) recording function thanks to its two high-performance microphones.

Like the LG V60, LG has also confirmed that the LG Velvet will ship with "LG Dual Screen" and "Stylus Pen" support, though both accessories will be sold separately.

The specs of the LG Velvet will not impress anyone who's looking to buy a Galaxy S20 from Samsung or even the OnePlus 8, but they will allow LG to compete directly with Samsung's mid-range A-series of devices. The key will be entering the market at just the right price point. The specs of the phone aren't far off from those of the TCL 10 5G which is using the same chipset. TCL's device will be selling for $400. If the LG Velvet can deliver its stunning new design at that same price, it will likely be one of the most popular mid-range smartphones of 2020 if the company is able to put a decent marketing campaign behind it.

The U.S. and European launch details have yet to be revealed, but the company has announced that the LG Velvet will be unveiled on May 7th and will show up in stores on May 15th in South Korea. 

Source: LG Korea

 

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Samsung’s Exynos chipset does poorly in battery test

Recently, there has been some controversy surrounding Samsung's use of the Exynos chipsets in their smartphones. This is because according to benchmarks and user reports, it seems that the Exynos chipsets simply quite aren't as powerful compared to the Snapdragon variants.

Given that customers pay the same price for the phones, we get why some might be upset. Unfortunately, if there was ever a case for Samsung to stop using its Exynos chipset, a recent battery test conducted by PhoneBuff has revealed that the Exynos chipsets simply aren't as efficient compared to the Snapdragon.

The battery test pits two Samsung Galaxy S20+ models against each other, where one model is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, and the other powered by the Exynos 990 chipset. Right off the bat, the Exynos quickly falls behind the Snapdragon and is constantly at a lower percentage throughout the test.

This difference in percentage is widened during standby, where the Exynos chipset caused the phone to drain more battery compared to the Snapdragon. It also seems that when it comes to handling video games, the Exynos pales in comparison to the Snapdragon in terms of battery life.

The Exynos version of the Galaxy S20+ was the first to hit 0% while the Snapdragon model remained alive at 11%. Now, we should point out that your mileage may vary depending on how you use your phone, but at the same time, the difference in battery and performance between the two models simply cannot be ignored.

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More Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 details leaked

It is largely expected that Samsung will be launching a new foldable smartphone later this year. The handset in question is rumored to be the successor to last year's Galaxy Fold, where presumably it will be known as the Galaxy Fold 2. Now thanks to a tweet by Ross Young, the CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, additional information about the handset has surfaced.

For starters, Young seems to confirm an earlier report by SamMobile in which they claim that the Galaxy Fold 2 will be slightly cheaper than its predecessor, albeit not by much. Young claims that the phone could be priced between $1,780 to $1,980, which is in line with the previous report that suggested that the phone could be priced about $100 cheaper than before.

More Galaxy Fold 2 Leaks:
Price – Between $1780 and $1980. Since they are looking to boost volumes, we think it will be priced around $100 less than last year at $1880-$1895 despite a bigger/better front and main display, a higher resolution camera, the S-Pen and 5G.

— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) April 27, 2020

This is because instead of forcing the 512GB model onto customers, Samsung could offer the Galaxy Fold 2 in a 256GB base model that will make it cheaper. In addition to the lower price tag, Young also claims that the Galaxy Fold 2 will have a bigger and better front and main display, a higher-resolution camera, support for 5G, and interestingly enough, support for the S Pen.

Given that the Galaxy Fold acts as a smartphone and a tablet, the inclusion of an S Pen would actually be a pretty awesome feature to have, but whether or not this rumor pans out remains to be seen.

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The Pixel Buds 2020 are finally here!

The Pixel Buds 2020 have finally arrived! Originally unveiled alongside the Pixel 4 back in 2019, Google's updated earbuds are finally available for purchase. Like the original Pixel Buds, the 2020 version comes with Google Assistant integration for volume, track control and any other Google Assistant queries you might have and you also get real-time translation in over 40 languages, something that could be extremely helpful once we 're all able to start traveling again. Google has also built in an Adaptive Sound feature which automatically adjusts the volume of the Pixel Buds based on your surrounding environment. 

To make the experience of using the Pixel Buds as seamless as possible, pairing the buds in as easy as it is with AirPods. Just open the case and you'll see a pop-up notification on your phone to pair the two. The Pixel Buds can be paired to multiple devices, but they are only able to support one connection at a time. Google has also given the buds an IPX4 splash-resistant rating which means you shouldn't have any issues using them for working out, but they should be fully submerged in water.

One their own, the Pixel Buds offer 5 hours of battery life with a total of 24 hours when charging them with the included case. If you happen to be running low on power, a 10-minute charge in the case will give you 2 hours of listening time.

You can purchase the Pixel Buds directly from the Google Store for $179. Google will also be selling them through Best Buy, AT&T, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon, Target and Walmart. The only color option currently available is Clearly White, but Google plans to deliver the Almost Black, Quite Mint and Oh So Orange color options "in the coming months."

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LG V60 versus OnePlus 8 Pro: ultimate camera comparison

Smartphone camera keep getting better with every new generation of smartphones we get. That being said, there are significant differences in camera performance from device to device based on the sensors they use and the image processing that manufacturers apply to deliver the best image possible.

IN this camera comparison, we take a detailed look at the photos and videos captured by the LG V60 and the OnePlus 8 Pro. These two smartphones take dramatically different approaches to capturing photos and videos. Looking at the specs alone, there's no clear winner when comparing the two, but the images in the video and gallery below should give you a very clear idea of how the cameras on these two devices stack up.

Take a look and let us know which device you'd prefer to capture photos and videos with.

OnePlus 8 Pro versus LG V60 camera specs

LG V60

• 64 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (standard)
• 13 MP, f/1.9, 12mm (ultrawide)
• 3D ToF
• 10 MP, f/1.9, 30mm (selfie)
• Video main cameras: 8K, 4K/60fps
• Video selfie camera: 4K/30fps

OnePlus 8 Pro

• 48MP, f/1.78, (standard),
• 8MP, f/2.4 (telephoto)
• 48MP, f/2.2, 119 degrees (ultrawide)
• 5MP, f/2.4 (color filter)
• 16MP, f/2.2 (selfie)
• Video main cameras: 4K/30fps
• Video selfie camera: 1080p/30fps

OnePlus 8 Pro versus LG V60 samples photos

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Samsung could have a phone with a popup camera in the works

Samsung's phones to date that opted to use a hole-punch camera system to hide the front-facing cameras on its smartphones. This is versus other handset makers who have either opted to go for a notch design, a slideout camera design, or a popup camera design.

Now it looks like Samsung is planning on adopting a popup camera system, or at least that's what it looks like based on a render created by @OnLeaks and Pigtou. In the render, as you can see below, it seems that Samsung has a new phone in the works that could be a new Galaxy A-series handset with a front-facing popup camera.

Like we said, Samsung typically goes for phones with a hole-punch camera design, so this popup camera would actually be a first for the company. It is unclear why Samsung has opted for this design when they have skipped over it in the past, but it could be interesting. Also, the render shows what appears to be a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and a trio of cameras on the back.

No other specs of the phone have been mentioned, but given that this is supposed to be part of the company's Galaxy A-series, we expect that it will most likely be packing some mid-range specs, so don't expect anything too mindblowing.

Source: Pigtou

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Master & Dynamic’s latest sale donates 10% to New York City charity

Times are tough for everyone through this pandemic, but some areas are affected more than others. New York is unfortunately the worst hit in the US by a longshot, and every little bit helps. Master & Dynamic, a native New York City company, is hosting a huge sale on its products to raise some money for those in need.

For a week you'll be able to save 25% on orders over $100, which is already a rare occasion since M&D sales are pretty rare. On top of that the company will donate 10% to a charity called City Harvest that helps feed those in need in NYC. For ever $10 donated, 40 people can be fed for one day.

If you want to save some money and help those in need, head to Master & Dynamic and start filling up that cart. When you're ready, use the coupon code "MDFF25″ to save some money and feel good that some of it went to those who need it. 

Source: Master & Dynamic

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Porsche unveils some gorgeous CarPlay/Android Auto head units for its classic cars

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay may not seem like a big deal, but it's a bit of a revolution for car infotainment. Where before car infotainment was a decade outdated by the time it rolled off the factory floor, now you can use a constantly updating modern interface that's built into your phone rather than your car.

However, older cars don't have this new tech. It's fairly easy to install a head unit in most cars, but it does have its downsides. Resale value often drops (though it's usually inconsequential) and many head units look like early 2000s sci fi messes. It's hard to find a classy, period correct head unit these days.

This is an even bigger problem if you own a classic car. Here, resale value and period correctness are extremely important. If you're driving a classic Porsche 911, you don't want a Tron-like light show going on in your dashboard. So to help owners keep a classic look while modernizing their vehicles, Porsche has announced two new head units.

The new head units are called Porsche Classic Communication Management (PCCM) and are an upgrade to an old model with Bluetooth and navigation, but this time around they also feature CarPlay, an SD slot, USB, and aux. Both the single DIN unit with its 3.5-inch display and the double DIN unit with its 7-inch display have retro styling, with knobs and buttons (remember those) alongside the display to make it fit into your car. The single DIN one is designed for 911s from the 60's onward, while the double DIN model will fit 911 996 models and Boxster 998s. The bigger one also has Android Auto, though you're out of luck on the small one.

Porsche did a fantastic job making these head units look classy, period correct, and just overall gorgeous. Unfortunately you will have to pay Porsche pricing for them. The single DIN model is up on the German Porsche site for $1,563 while the double DIN is $1745. It's a small price to pay to retain originality and resale value on your classic car, but we do wish traditional audio companies follow Porsche's path.

Source: Porsche
Via: Car and Driver

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How-to: Supercharge any laptop with an SSD

So here we are 2020 and the world is crumbling beneath us. Now more than ever we are relying on our laptops and home computers when we are sent packing to work from home. Not a new concept but with to date over 1 billion people already being asked to self-isolate there are going to be some really frustrated home computer and laptop users out there. Here is how you can supercharge the speed of your aging laptop with an SSD for as little as €30 ($35).

It was only recently that I took my 2012 Samsung Series 7 Chronos to Berlin for IFA'19 – Well, that was my intention. At the airport i dropped my bag and rendered the chunky 8 year old beast useless. The old slow HDD had bitten the dust.. My heart sank, luckily I always keep an instant backup with Google's Backup & Sync so not all was lost. Fast-forward 5 months and I found myself with a colossal 3kg silver Samsung coaster, so I splurged on a 1TB SanDisk SSD Plus. Instantly, it was like a new laptop. No more lag and the Windows boot speed went from zero to hero.

During my time of post-mortem Samsung laptop depression I bit the bullet and bought a Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon my first big "for work" purchase in years. I clearly didn;t know what I was missing and charging on USB-C is a life changer. While choosing specs I settled for less storage, with the foresight of upgrading later. Internal storage media choice is down to personal preference, but when i need new storage media I always head straight for SanDisk or Western Digital for one simple reason, I've never had a bad experience. So I thought it would be a great idea to showcase the various storage media available that I trust to improve your laptop or desktop PC's storage and speed at various price points.

There are many ways that you might want to increase the storage of your laptop or desktop PC maybe a removable SD or MicroSD card is enough with sizes ranging from 32GB to 1TB or you might be looking for something a tad more robust, an Internal SSD is perfect in this situation. Over the past year or two i have been upgrading all my storage media to SSD with a secondary copy on Google's free cloud backup. I just wish I had done it all sooner, there was always one thing standing in my way. Price.

SSD drives have never been more affordable with prices starting at just €30 for 120GB and they are available from a variety of different brands and in various storage capacities however for the nature of this article I'll be listing the drives i know i can recommend from personal experience. Namely Sandisk and WD Black from Western Digital. My go to laptop SSD replacement is the SanDisk SSD PLUS 480GB. It costs on average about €60 and I've refreshed many laptops for clients and family in recent times with one of these. They range in capacity from 120GB to 2TB so plenty opportunity to pick a size that suits your needs. My mom is currently rocking a 120GB SSD Plus in her seven year old Dell. It cost me around 30 euro on Amazon and to her it feels like a brand new machine.

Since buying the Lenovo Thinkpad i began looking for something to beef up the internal storage, i originally had a 480GB m.2 drive but since starting to edit video more often I needed something a bit bigger to cope with the file sizes, enter the WD_Black SN750 2TB to take its place. There's something really magical about SSD, no noise or spinning up. Not to mention the boot up times you'll experience will now be in the seconds rather than the minutes. I had time to make a cup of tea while I waited for my old samsung to spring to life. Really if it's something you've been considering for a while you should absolutely do it.

Next up I'll adding a 1TB Sandisk Extreme micro SD card to my Thinkpad to store all my cloud drive data from Google Drive and Dropbox. At the moment i have the 400GB Sandisk Extreme in there however I find that I'm having to use selective sync more often with Dropbox because the micro SD has a smaller capacity than my online storage. "First World Problems" i hear you cry, but it doesn't hurt to make your life easier, right?

If you have noticed that your laptop has slowed down since you bought it, it honestly could be something as simple as upgrading the old hard drive to an SSD. Nine times out of ten you will breathe new life into the old slug and wonder why you hadn't already made the switch. Swapping out a laptop hard drive isn't difficult at all but you will need to install a fresh version of your chosen operating system. So, if you'd like to start with a fresh installation of windows 10 check out this article for where to find affordable Microsoft Windows and Office software licenses.

Prices will vary between regions and availability will differ. All prices included in this article are based on finding the product on Amazon, but you might find better deals elsewhere. Here are the prices in Europe (April 2020)

Sandisk SSD Plus €30 – €270
Sandisk Extreme Micro SD €14 – €575
WD Black SN750 m.2 SSD €80 – €425

—

This isn't a paid article i just really enjoy using Sandisk & Western Digital products. The links contained in the article may provide a commission that contributes to the running costs of Phandroid.

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Sprint’s early 5G smartphones will be left out of T-Mobile’s 5G network

Thanks to the T-Mobile and Sprint merger, it looks like T-Mobile is hard at work at bringing more 5G coverage to customers across the US. This sounds like great news for customers, and also excellent news if you’re using the new Samsung Galaxy S20 smartphones, but if you own a Sprint 5G handset from 2019, this deal might actually be bad for you.

According to a report from CNET, it sounds as though save for the Samsung Galaxy S20 and all newer 5G smartphones launching in 2020, early adopters from 2019 are getting screwed over. Basically the report claims that Sprint’s 5G phones from 2019 will not be getting updates necessary for them to hook onto T-Mobile’s 5G network.

While these devices will retain access to 5G, it will only be able to do so in markets that already offer Sprint’s 5G network, which we imagine will eventually be taken over and converted to T-Mobile’s network, whenever that may be. For now, nothing will change, but it’s definitely something that customers will want to take note of.

When that does happen, customers will lose access to 5G and will instead connect to 4G LTE, which is still pretty fast, but obviously not the reason why they might have spent that extra money on a 5G handset to begin with. The reason for this seems to be due to modem incompatibility. This includes devices from Sprint like the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G, the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G, and the LG V50 ThinQ 5G.

The (semi) good news is that T-Mobile is offering customers a potential solution if they want to take them up on it. According to CNET:

• Those who currently own, lease or make payments on a 7 Pro 5G (256GB), S10 5G (256GB), V50 ThinQ (128GB) and are paying less than $10/mo. will get a Samsung Galaxy S20 5G for $0/mo. after $41.67/mo. credit with a new 18-month lease.
• Those who currently lease or make payments on a 7 Pro 5G (256GB), S10 5G (256GB), V50 ThinQ (128GB) and are paying more than $10/mo. will get a Samsung Galaxy S20 5G for $10/mo. after $31.67/mo. credit with a new 18-month lease.
• Those who purchased an HTC 5G Hub on an installment plan will get a credit of $12.50/mo. for the remainder of the term. If they purchased the hotspot outright, T-Mobile will give them a one-time credit of $300 applied to their bill.

Source: CNET

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Verizon will be giving customers extra data during these tough times

Now that many of us are stuck at home working or studying (for those who are still fortunate to have a job), it means that we are consuming more resources than we normally would had we gone into the office or gone to school. Mobile data is one of those resources and if you’re not on an unlimited plan, you might find yourself hitting that cap pretty fast.

In a bid to lend a helping hand, Verizon has announced that for the month of May, they will be giving its 4G LTE customers an extra 15GB of data on top of whatever they had before. This will apply to both consumers and small businesses who have 50 lines of less, and it will be applied from the 1st of May until the 31st of May.

Verizon notes that this 15GB of extra data will be added and no action will be needed on the customer’s part, so you don’t need to apply specifically for it as it will be added to your plan automatically. Verizon had previously done the same back in March and it looks like they will be continuing this offer for the month of May as well.

The carrier is not alone in trying to alleviate some of the issues and hardships experienced by its customers in the US. T-Mobile had also previously announced that they will be giving all of its customers unlimited data plans for the next 60 days. The major US carriers had also earlier announced that they will be waiving late charges and suspensions for those who might not be able to pay their phone bills on time.

Source: Verizon

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Qualcomm might pass on launching a Snapdragon 865+ chipset this year

Last year Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon 855 chipset, and later in the year, they followed up with a slight update in the form of the Snapdragon 855+. It was initially rumored that the company could be following a similar pattern this year with the Snapdragon 865+, but it appears that will no longer be happening.

This is according to a post on Weibo by Meizu’s CMO Wan Zhigiang who claims that there will not be a Snapdragon 865+ this year. This means that whatever flagship phones that are launching in the later part of 2020 will continue to be powered by the Snapdragon 865. This is not necessarily a bad thing as benchmarks have proven that the Snapdragon 865 is quite a beast, so it’s not as though phones will be missing out.

The phones that are expected in the second half of the year include Samsung’s Galaxy Note 20 series, the OnePlus 8T, and Google’s Pixel 5, although to be fair the Pixel phones typically don’t use the “Plus” variants of the Snapdragon chipsets. It also means that handset makers will need to find other ways to promote their devices apart from performance gains that would have been had with the Snapdragon 865+ chipset.

Qualcomm has yet to officially comment or say anything regarding their plans, but given that the post came from Meizu’s CMO, there is a good chance it could be pretty accurate.

Source: GizChina

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Motorola Edge+ versus Samsung Galaxy S20+, OnePlus 8 Pro: spec & price comparison

I have to admit that I'm quite excited about the new Motorola Edge+ since its the first flagship device the company has built in a few years. It's not another Moto Mod phone, just a flagship-tier device that can go head-to-head with the competition.

Naturally, that means it also has a pretty high sticker price at $999, but that's pretty much what we've seen from every major player this year, even OnePlus who has traditionally delivered its devices at much lower prices than the competition.

So how doe the Motorola Edge+ stack up? The table below compares the specs of the new phone with those of the Samsung Galaxy S20+ and the OnePlus 8 Pro. Take a look and let us know how you think Motorola will fare based on the specs and its price.

	Motorola Edge+	OnePlus 8 Pro	Samsung Galaxy S20+
Price	$999	$899/$999	$999
Screen size	6.57-inches	6.78-inches	6.2 inches
Resolution	1080 x 2340	1440 x 3168	1440 x 3200Â
Density	385 ppi	513 ppi	563 ppi
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 865	Qualcomm Snapdragon 865	Qualcomm Snapdragon 865
RAM	12GB	8 / 12 GB	12GB
Storage	256GB	128 / 256 GB	128GB
Battery	5000 mAh	4510 mAh	4000 mAh
OS	Android 10	Android 10	Android 10
Rear camera	Quad-cameras: 108 MP, f/1.8, (standard), 8 MP, f/2.4, 81mm (telephoto), 16 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 3D ToF	Quad-cameras: 48MP, f/1.78, (standard), 8MP, f/2.4 (telephoto), 48MP, f/2.2, 119 degrees (ultrawide), 5MP, f/2.4 (color filter)	Triple-cameras: 12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (standard), 64 MP, f/2.0, (telephoto), 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
Front camera	25 MP, f/2.0	16MP, f/2.4	10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm
Bluetooth	v5.1	v5.1	v5.0
NFC	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dimensions	161.1 x 71.4 x 9.6 mm	165.3 x 74.35 x 8.5 mm	151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight	203 g	199 g	163 g
Water Resistance	Slash resistant	N/A	IP68
Wireless Charging	Yes	Yes	Yes
Special features	18W fast charging, 5W reverse wireless charging, in-display fingerprint sensor, 90Hz refresh display	30W fast charging, 30W wireless fast charging, Reverse wireless charging, In-display fingprint sensor, 120 Hz display	25W fast charging, Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, Reverse Wireless Charging, 8K video capture

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Motorola finally returns with a flagship smartphone by unveiling the Motorola Edge+

It's been years since Motorola has delivered a flagship smartphone, but the company is finally back in the game with the new Motorola Edge+, hoping to give Samsung, OnePlus, LG and others a run for their money.

In looking at the specs, Motorola Edge+ has what it takes to take on the competition. The phone sports a Snapdragon 865 chipset from Qualcomm with mmWave and sub-6 5G support and comes with12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.0 storage. It also features a 6.7inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support, but that display is also the reason for the phone's name. Motorola's given it a 90-degree curved edge which allows it to wrap around the sides of the phone, making a dramatic design statement. Motorola has included decent palm rejection software, allows you to turn the edges off completely, or customize them with trigger buttons in games like Call of Duty Mobile.

To keep the phone's display lit up as long as possible, the device includes a 5,000mAh battery, 18W fast charging, 15W wireless charging and 5W wireless power share to share your smartwatch, earbuds, or even another phone. The Motorola Edge+ doesn't come with an official IP rating but it is splash-proof which means you should be just fine if you get caught in the rain or if you accidentally spill a drink on the phone.

In an effort to outperform the competition, Motorola has included a 3.5mm headphone jack (it's been a while since we've seen a flagship smartphone with one) and dual stereo speakers tuned by Waves. For its cameras, the phone is equipped with the same 108MP sensor that Samsung is using on the Galaxy S20 Ultra, an 8MP 3zx telephoto camera, 16MP ultrawide with a built-in macro mode and 25 MP front-facing camera. While the phone can't match Samsung's 8K video capture, Motorola is delivering 6K video from the main sensor.

Motorola Edge+ Pricing & Availability

In the US, the Motorola Edge+ will be available exclusively from Verizon for $999 starting on May 14. In Canada, the phone will be available from Bell, Rogers, TELUS and Freedom Mobile. Motorola will be making the Edge+ available across Europe and other countries across the globe in May and eventually India and Latin America later in the year.

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OnePlus 8 Pro review: finally playing with the big boys

Anyone who follows the tech space closely enough probably knows that most of the top-tier smartphones of 2020 will be powered by the latest chipset from Qualcomm, offer 5G, sport a large battery and have a camera that the manufacturer claims can compete with a DSLR.

While the OnePlus 8 Pro simply upgrades the basis spec sheet we saw on last year's 7 Pro with 2020 components, it does have a few features which we've all been begging OnePlus to include for years.

Let's start off with the basics:

• 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage? Check
• A more expensive model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage? Check.
• A 6.78-inch Quad HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate? Check.
• Quad camera with a color tone sensor? Check
• 4510 mAh battery with 30W fast charging? Check
• 30W wireless fast charging and reverse charging? Check
• Official IP68 dust and water resistance rating? Check

While those last few items have been included on flagship devices for more than half a decade, they're features that have been sorely missed in previous OnePlus phones since the very beginning, giving the competition the upper hand when every other spec was the same or better on OnePlus devices.

So, does this mean that OnePlus is finally able to compete on a level playing field where the OnePlus 8 Pro can truly be measured up in every category against the best smartphone of 2020?

Let's find out.

I have to say that this is one of the first times I have not been disappointed that a manufacturer hasn't dramatically changed the design of its phone. Holding the OnePlus 7 Pro and the new 8 Pro side by side, there are only a few minor changes that set them apart. The new phone is slightly taller, but besides that and the fact that it's swapped out the pop-up selfie camera for a hole-punch one, there's not much else that's changed. The buttons are all in the same spot, you still get a centered camera module and the phone's fit and finish feel as good as ever. The new glacier green color is bluer than the name implies, but it's absolutely gorgeous and compliments the official sandstone case perfectly.

By now, you're probably well aware of the main selling points OnePlus devices have to offer. You get great software, timely updates which rival what Google offers of its latest Pixel devices, a premium build, and hardware that's focused delivering the fastest experience possible from an incredibly powerful processor, blazing-fast charging speeds and a ridiculously low price to make up for the fact that key features other flagship devices offer have been omitted.

No longer the budget option

But things have changed this year. And to put it all into context, we need to start off with the phone's price. The OnePlus 8 Pro sells for $899 for the base model or $999 if you simply can't live without 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, placing the phone squarely in the same flagship territory as Samsung's 2020 lineup.

For those keeping track, that's a 34% price increase over last year's 7 Pro which was in turn a 25% increase over the OnePlus 6. To be fair, this time around, the regular OnePlus 8 has been thrown into the mix to give budget-conscious buyers an alternative, but there's no getting around the fact that the OnePlus 8 Pro has stepped out of the budget flagship segment and must now compete with Samsung and other brands without its price advantage.

Is the price worth the upgrades?

Of course, OnePlus didn't simply bump up the price of the 8 Pro and call it a day. So what features have OnePlus added in to justify such a steep price increase?

The first is wireless charging, something Oneplus fans have been begging for since the original OnePlus phone made its debut. But the company didn't just slap in a regular Qi charging coil like every other manufacturer. In true OnePlus fashion, the company developed a proprietary fast wireless charging system that delivers a 30-watt charge. To ensure the phone's battery doesn't undergo too much stress, the phone also includes two charging pumps that step down the charging current from 20V at 1.5 amps to 5v at 6 amps by the time it gets to the battery.

Of course, this also means that in order to get the maximum wireless charging speed, you'll need to shell out an additional $70. The good news is that the phone will still work with any old Qi charger you already have lying around.

The other hardware upgrade which finally lets the Oneplus 8 Pro compete with other flagship devices is its official IP68 dust and water resistance rating. For the past few years, OnePlus has done a lot of work to ensure that its phones could survive getting caught in the rain or a quick accidental drop in the pool, but this time around they have the rating to prove it. It's also one of the reasons the pop-up selfie camera from last year's 7 Pro didn’t make a comeback. I can imagine that getting the IP68 rating is a lot less complicated when you don't have moving parts.

Other than that, the OnePlus 8 Pro has the usual upgrades that the company's been focusing on for the past few years.

As you may have predicted, like any other flagship smartphone this year, this device comes with 5G connectivity thanks to the Snapdragon 865 chipset from Qualcomm. Verizon customers will get low band and mmWave, but the 5G will be limited to low band support on AT&T and T-Mobile.

The performance you get with the new chip is exceptional, but OnePlus has gone the extra mile by including LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.0 storage to ensure there are no bottlenecks along the way. The model I have only had 8GB of RAM, but that's more than enough to keep nearly a dozen apps in memory. If you want to make sure your favorite apps are always loaded up and ready to go, you can also lock them in memory by pressing the three dots over the app in the multitasking view and selecting "Lock."

Display

The only major upgrade that you can actually see is the phone's new 6.78-inch Quad HD display. On its own, the AMOLED panel is absolutely gorgeous with incredible viewing angles and a peak brightness of 1,444 nits, making it the brightest display we've ever tested on a smartphone. On top of that, it also features 10-bit color reproduction and HDR10+ support which gives it incredible color accuracy and dynamic range.

But to give you the best experience possible, they've also upgraded the refresh rate to 120 Hz with 240 Hz touch sampling. Now, we've seen this before from Samsung's latest devices, but the difference here is that you get the amazing refresh rate in the display’s full resolution rather than needing to step things down to full HD.

The only drawback to the display is the curved edges. While they give the phone a sleek and modern look, the curved glass makes using the phone more difficult than it should. Since OnePlus’s palm rejection algorithms aren't nearly as good as Samsung's, typing can be frustrating at times and tapping icons or buttons close to the edge of the screen can be infuriating. On top of that, you also get excess glare from the curved glass when watching videos in landscape. As I said in my OnePlus 7T review last year, the flat screen makes a phone significantly more usable.

Software

If you're new to OnePlus devices, you need to know that the custom Oxygen OS skin on top of Android is probably the best software experience you're going to find. It's simple, clean, customizable and most importantly it's fast. Personally, I could easily trade Google's Pixel build of Android for Oxygen OS any day and not really care which one I was using, especially this year since OnePlus has ditched its custom shelf to the left of the main home screen and replaced it with the Google feed which I'm a big fan of.

OnePlus is also using the official Google navigation gestures as well, but you still have the option of switching back to the standard three-button navigation and pulling up the Google Assistant can be done by swiping in from the bottom corner of the display or long-pressing the power button.

Like most other Chinese manufacturers, there are plenty of customization options, but Oxygen OS doesn't go overboard with its own walled-off theme store but instead uses the hundreds of icon packs already available through the Play Store.

Cameras

When it comes to its cameras, OnePlus has always been a step or two behind the competition. This year, the 8 Pro delivers the best camera experience we've ever seen from the company with a quad-camera setup on the back. The highlights, of course, are the two 48MP sensors for the standard and ultrawide cameras, but you also get an 8MP hybrid zoom camera and a unique color filter camera. We'll get to those last two in a minute, but let's start things off with the main sensor.

OnePlus went all out this year with a top of the line Sony sensor. While you can set the phone to capture 48MP images, using the 12MP pixel binning setting delivers better results most of the time since it provides more light for the sensor. The resulting images are fairly impressive, sharp and quite colorful. OnePlus takes a few pages out of Samsung's playbook by delivering a touch more saturation and sharpness than what you'd expect, but it's not over the top. The only thing that may need some tweaking is the white balance which tends to err on the warm side.

It's not noticeable until you match things up with shots from other devices, but once you see it it's hard to miss. The same goes for the ultra-wide camera, but the sensor and lens that OnePlus is using here deliver much better images than what we've seen on competing devices. The only disappointing thing is that the 18mm lens isn't anywhere close to the field of view you get from Samsung's 13mm lenses it uses on its S20 lineup, but at least there's not a whole lot of barrel distortion to deal with.

For its telephoto camera, OnePlus have moved over completely to a hybrid zoom system which is simply a fancy way of saying that they're doing some algorithmic enhancements to digital zoom. While there's no dedicated optics that get you in closer to your subject, the resulting images are actually fairly good, even in low light. A periscope camera with a 5x telephoto lens would have been preferable, but that would have bumped the price of the phone up even further.

For video capture, the OnePlus 8 delivers 4k video at 60 FPS. While some other devices we've seen this year have stepped things up to 8K form their main cameras, there's really no need for it. Instead, OnePlus focused on better low light performance and improved stabilization which now used optical and electronic stabilization to deliver incredibly smooth video.

The only real disappointing camera feature here is the 16MP selfie camera. Not only is it limited to 1080p/30fps video capture, but the lens isn't quite as wide as what the competition offers. This forces you to squeeze in tighter with your friends or family when taking selfies together or simply cuts out the background a lot more than it should. On top of that, the images simply aren't nearly as good as what we've seen from other 2020 flagship smartphones.

And that brings us to the color filter camera. Honestly, there's really not much to say here. The camera allows for a unique monochrome color filter which makes your images look like they were captured in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. The results are intriguing, but not something you'll use more than a few dozen times over the lifetime of the phone. It seems they added it in just so they could say the phone has a quad-camera like its competitors, but I think they would have been better off excluding it and dropping the price of the phone by $20.

Overall, the camera experience offered by the OnePlus 8 Pro is a step up from last year's device, but still lagging when compared to the competition. Don't get me wrong, the photos are great, they're just not on par with Samsung and Google phones.

Battery

And that brings us to the last item on the list, the phone's 4510 mAh battery. I'll say this, even with the phone's 120 Hz refresh rate turned on and running purely on a T-Mobile 5G connection, I was never once able to kill the phone in a single day while averaging 6 to 8 hours of screen on time.

The adventurous among you could likely push things to two days on a single charge with a few tweaks here and there, but with the included Warp 30T charger, you can replenish half of the phone's power in just 23 minutes or reach a full charge in under an hour.

And as mentioned before, you also get fast wireless charging for the first time, along with reverse charging if you want to top off your Qi-compatible wireless headphones.

Final thoughts

While the OnePlus 8 Pro is by far the best smartphone the company has ever built, it's also the least compelling device we've seen from them since the OnePlus X. There's nothing fundamentally wrong with the phone, it's a flagship device with specs and pricing to match what the competition has to offer. But the company has lost sight of the fact that many people flocked to the brand simply because they didn't want to pay the premiums that other brands were charging. Adding insult to injury is the recent revelation that the phones are $100 to $150 cheaper in markets like India and China.

Choosing between the OnePlus 8 Pro and a Galaxy S20 is a hard choice, but the 8 Pro comes out ahead thanks to its refined software and overall experience. That being said, personally, I'd actually go with the OnePlus 8 and save $200, but at that point, even last year's OnePlus 7T at $500 is a phenomenal option as well.

There's no reason why you shouldn't buy the OnePlus 8 Pro for $899 or even $999, but if you are still holding true to OnePlus's core value of offering incredible value, this phone simply isn't for you.

OnePlus 8 Pro Rating: star_fullstar_fullstar_fullstar_fullstar_50 (4.5/5)

The Good

• Amazing display
• All-day battery life
• IP68 rating and
• Blazing-fast wireless charging

The Bad

• Most expensive OnePlus smartphone ever
• Disappointing selfie camera
• Useless color filter camera

The Bottom Line

The OnePlus 8 Pro is a great alternative to the Samsung Galaxy S20 lineup, but it may be too expensive for long-time Oneplus fans who typically expect to pay a lot less for a flagship device.

 

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