Smartphones Reference

boost mobile is one of the leading MVNOs

MVNOs: what are they and what are the best options?

By Alex Hughes published 13 January 22

With most major US carriers being classed as MVNOs, what exactly are you getting for cell phone service? We explain what MVNOs are and which ones use the networks of Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile.

What is Mint Mobile, and is it worth it?

By Jordan Palmer published 10 January 22

Mint Mobile offers big savings on your wireless bill if you buy months of service up front. Here's what you need to know.

Google Pixel 6 problems — fingerprint sensor, flickering displays and more

By Jordan Palmer published 17 November 21

The Google Pixel 6 is great, but it's not without fault. Here's a roundup of all the known issues and possible solutions when available.

Xfinity Mobile: What is it and is it worth it?

By Jordan Palmer published 28 October 21

Comcast offers wireless phone service through Xfinity Mobile. We look at what the service provides and whether it’s a good value.

Google Pixel 6 camera upgrades: Here's everything that's new

By Jordan Palmer published 21 October 21

Google wants the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro to be the best camera phones, and from all appearances, it might just succeed. Here's everything that's new with the Pixel 6 cameras.

iphone 13 pro back in hand with wood background

iPhone 13: What are Photographic Styles and how do they work?

By Jordan Palmer published 6 October 21

Apple introduced Photographic Styles with the iPhone 13. These act like real-time filters, allowing you to make rather significant photo edits before taking the photo. Here's how they work.

What is OLED?

By Don Reisinger published 6 October 21

In the land of high-end displays, OLED — or organic light-emitting diode — technology is considered the pinnacle of picture quality.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 battery life tested — we have bad news

By Jordan Palmer published 24 August 21

The Galaxy Z Flip 3's small battery doesn't perform well in our testing, lasting a few hours less than competing flagships.

AT&T MVNOs: What are they and which is the best option?

By Alex Hughes published 13 July 21

A host of carriers use AT&T's network — should you consider them for wireless phone service?

T-Mobile MVNOs: What are they and which is the best option?

By Alex Hughes published 13 July 21

There are plenty of great carriers considered a T-Mobile MVNO — but what does that mean, exactly?

Verizon MVNOs: What are they and which is the best option?

By Alex Hughes published 17 June 21

A host of carriers use Verizon's network and coverage, but which of the Verizon MVNOs should you use?

When does an old smartphone become unsafe to use?

By Jesse Emspak published 26 May 21

Android and iOS devices have safe working lifespans of different lengths. Here's what you need to know.

I’ve been running the Android 12 preview for two weeks — here’s the pros and cons

By Jordan Palmer published 13 March 21

Android 12's Developer Preview has been surprisingly stable for me, though it’s still not recommended to run it on your main device. We’ll go over why.

Android 11 released: Features, supported phones and more

By Philip Michaels, Jordan Palmer published 8 February 21

Forget about betas — Android 11 is out. Here's all the new features it delivers, including what phones it works on right now.

What is the cheapest iPhone?

By Philip Michaels published 24 November 20

You don't have to pay top dollar for an iPhone. Apple sells several models that cost hundreds of dollars less than the iPhone 12

iPhone 7 trade in: How much is your iPhone 7 / 7 Plus worth now?

By Kate Kozuch published 17 August 20

iPhone 7 trade in values: Find out how much is your iPhone 7 / 7 Plus worth now.

Here's How Much the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus Cost

By Louis Ramirez published 22 June 20

From carriers to retailers, here's how much you'll pay for the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.

T-Mobile and Sprint merger: Your questions answered

By Philip Michaels published 1 April 20

The T-Mobile-Sprint merger is now a done deal. And we've got answers to your questions about how this impacts you.

What is an unlocked phone? Why you should consider one next

By Adam Ismail, Caitlin McGarry published 3 February 20

Unlocked phones give you freedom from carrier contracts and payment plans. Here's everything you need to know before going unlocked.

Wireless charging FAQ: What it is and how to use it

By Richard Priday published 25 January 20

Wireless charging is available on an increasing number of phones. Here’s how this feature works and how to best use it.

What is a SIM card: What it does, how it works and why your phone needs one

By Don Reisinger published 29 December 19

Every smartphone needs a SIM card to do its job. But maybe you don’t quite know what a SIM card is or how it works. Here’s a handy guide to everything a SIM card can do.

Snapdragon 865 revealed: 6 ways it will transform flagship phones

By Philip Michaels published 5 December 19

The Snapdragon 865 will power most of 2020's top Android phones. Here's a closer look at the features you can expect from Qualcomm's latest mobile processing platform.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 vs. Note 10 Plus: Which one should you buy?

By Adam Ismail published 15 November 19

We break down the differences between Samsung's two new phablets — from size and performance to battery and cameras.

How Much Is Your iPhone 6 / 6 Plus / 6s / 6s Plus Worth Now?

By Don Reisinger, Philip Michaels published 10 September 19

Looking to trade in your iPhone 6 or 6 Plus? We break down how much your handset will get you at Amazon, Gazelle, Walmart and others.

Top 7 Android 10 Features That You Should Try First

By Richard Priday published 5 September 19

Android 10 is now available, at least for some phones. We've got a few favorite new features in Android 10 that you need to check out.

Galaxy Note 10 Fast Charging Tested: Here's How Fast It Juices Up

By Adam Ismail published 23 August 19

Everything you need to know about fast charging on Samsung's latest phablet.

Galaxy Note 10 Colors: Your Best Options and Where to Get Them

By Richard Priday published 23 August 19

Some colors are available on all Galaxy Note 10 models everywhere, but others are tied to one version and one retailer. Here's our guide to picking a Galaxy Note 10 color.