Articles by Joe Maring

Here’s what to expect from the LG G9 by a different name.

With so many phones that are released during a given year, it only makes sense for some of them to slip between the cracks. Other companies gets fiercer, prices get more competitive, and those that aren’t truly amazing often get left to the wayside.

Unfortunately, that seems to have been the case for LG for the last few years. The company makes solid devices, but a handful of quirks or missteps keep them from achieving true greatness.

2020 is here, and this time around, we’re getting the LG Velvet (aka the successor to 2019’s LG G8). This is the phone we were expecting to be called the LG G9, but LG wanted to do something a bit different rather than a boring year-over-year upgrade.

Is the Velvet what the company needs to turn things around? Here’s everything we know about the phone so far!

Meet LG’s “natural” design
What happend to the LG G9 name?
Let’s talk specs
You can turn it into a foldable
It’ll be announced on May…

Samsung’s new Notes are here — let’s talk about them.

In the second half of each year, Samsung launches a new entry in its Galaxy Note series to showcase the very best it has to offer in smartphones. For 2019, Samsung used the Galaxy Note 10, Note 10+, and Note 10+ 5G to do just that.

2019 was the first year Samsung’s ever launched three Notes at the same time, and along with that, the company also made some controversial decisions when it comes to legacy Note features. Even so, these handsets stand out as some of the best smartphones Samsung has to offer right now (even with the Galaxy S20 now available).

Eager to learn more? Keep on reading.

Check out our review
The Note 10 has impressive specs
One UI 2.1 is available now
We’ve compared it to other phones
There are three different models
It’s true — Samsung got rid of the headphone jack
Samsung upgraded its charging speeds
Here’s what’s new with the S Pen
Take a look at the Note 10’s colors 😍
You can buy the phone right…

120Hz displays are in, the headphone jack is out.

Every year sees a heap of various Android phones released into the market. Some are good, some are bad. Some are really exciting, whereas others are a bit boring. Among all of the handsets to come out during a given year, one release that’s continually met with a lot of excitement and fanfare is Samsung’s Galaxy S series.

One could argue that Galaxy S phones aren’t always the most interesting, but there’s no denying how much more attention they get compared to much of the competition.

For 2020, Samsung is launching a trio of phones with the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra. These are very technically impressive gadgets with high prices to match, and if you can afford what Samsung is asking for the phones, they’re bound to be some of the best the Android landscape sees all year.

From hands-on coverage, detailed specs, accessory recommendations, and so much more, here’s absolutely everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy …

Fifth time’s the charm?

If there’s one way we could describe the Pixel 4, it would be “frustrating.” Google made a lot of smart moves with the phone, notably its phenomenal cameras and ultra-fast face unlock, but inexcusably bad battery life held it back from being an easy recommendation. The larger Pixel 4 XL is undoubtedly the better of the two phones, but its battery is still just OK and raises the already high price by an extra $100.

Using the Pixel 4 is a wonderful thing, but there’s no getting around the compromises required to use it as a daily driver. With that in mind, it’s no surprise we’re anxious to see what Google does with its successor.

All the Pixel 5 needs to do in order to be a great phone is to give us the same Pixel 4 experience, use a reasonably-sized battery, and add an ultra-wide camera.

Is that what’s happening? Read on to find out everything we know so far about the Google Pixel 5!

Let’s talk about the design
We’ll get three rear cameras
Get ready for s…

Let’s talk about one of 2020’s most anticipated smartphones.

Starting in 2016 with the release of the original Pixel, Google’s lineup of Android phones has been marketed towards people looking to buy premium, high-end flagships. That notion has continued to hold true, but in May 2019, Google decided to try something a bit different with the release of the Pixel 3a.

The Pixel 3a was the first mid-range Pixel phone to be released by the company, and it was an instant hit. Critics and consumers alike were immediately drawn to the 3a, thanks to its offering of great specs, solid build quality, and outstanding camera performance — all for less than $400.

We were absolutely smitten with the Pixel 3a here at AC, and now, the rumor mill is buzzing with information regarding its successor. From specs, design, features, and more, here’s everything we know about the Google Pixel 4a.

There may only be one model
The design is pretty interesting
Mid-range specs are expected
There looks …

It’s 2020, and OnePlus is done settling.

OnePlus manages to release some of the most exciting and interesting Android phones every year. The concept of getting flagship specs for considerably less money than the competition is what’s helped OnePlus stand out from other brands, but as prices rise with each new release and that cost gap closes, OnePlus has had to further refine and improve its phones to help them still stand out.

For 2020, OnePlus is bringing two new handsets to the U.S. with the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro. The OnePlus 8 is a pretty minor update to 2019’s OnePlus 7T, while OnePlus 8 Pro is where the company put all of its marbles to create its most premium smartphone to-date.

Whether you’re interested in our review, full device specs, or a closer look at the OnePlus 8/8 Pro’s best features, here’s everything you need to know!

Here’s our full review
OnePlus is offering two models
The specs are insane
Is it time to upgrade?
Let’s compare to other phones
Tips & …

The Samsung Galaxy S10 is a truly gorgeous phone thanks to its nearly bezel-less display and stunning glass back, but as with all of Samsung’s latest handsets, you’ll want to outfit it with a case to ensure its good looks for years to come. If you’re planning on picking up the S10, here are the cases we recommend getting.

Redesigned favorite

Spigen Neo Hybrid

Staff pick

Spigen’s Neo Hybrid has long been one of our favorite phone cases. It has an iconic design, offers excellent protection, and is easy on the wallet.

From $14 at Amazon
$14 at eBay

Thinnest you can get

Totallee Thin Case

One of the best thin cases on the market comes from Totallee. Not only is this case astonishingly thin, but it also offers ample coverage against wear and tear.

From $30 at Amazon
$35 at Totallee

More than a case

Samsung LED Back Cover

The Samsung LED Back Cover is quite unique. The case offers good drop protection, but its real highlight is the customizable LEDs on the back.

$29 at A…

True wireless earbuds have gotten great over the past several years. The ones you typically hear about are super expensive. Still, there are some great budget options out there, such as the Creative Outlier Air, which offer fantastic battery life, great comfort, and superb sound quality.

Best Overall: Creative Outlier Air

Battery life is one of the standout features of the Creative Outlier Air. Even compared to some high-end true wireless earbuds, the Outlier Air outperforms most of them with up to 10 hours of audio playback on the buds themselves. The included charging case nets you an additional 20 hours of audio playback, which equates to up to 30 hours of listening time. The only real downside is that the case does not feature wireless charging, which is unfortunate.

Comfort is excellent, but only if they fit your ear. Unlike most other earbuds and true wireless earbuds, the Outlier Air only come with one extra set of ear tips in the box. Typically, earbud companies will inc…

More affordable

Moto G Stylus

$300 at Motorola

Pros

Large display with small bezels
Comes with a stylus
Multiple rear cameras
Expandable storage
Has a headphone jack

Cons

Motorola’s bad at software updates
No NFC for Google Pay

Moto G phones are often the most popular mid-range handsets on the market, and the Moto G Stylus is one of the most interesting additions to the series that we’ve ever seen. The included stylus allows you to easily draw and take notes, the LCD display looks good, the rear cameras are a lot of fun to use, and you still have a headphone jack.

Built to last

iPhone SE (2020)

From $400 at Best Buy

Pros

Easy to use with one hand
Camera takes great photos and videos
Qi wireless charging
IP67 dust/water resistance
Years of software updates

Cons

Outdated design
There’s just one rear camera

It doesn’t have as modern of a design as the Moto G Stylus, but the new iPhone SE is easily one of the best value flagships you can buy in 2020. The …

With the OnePlus 8 Pro, OnePlus set out to create its first proper flagship — a phone that doesn’t hold back in any regard. The end result is mighty impressive, with the 8 Pro being one of the very best Android phones you can buy in 2020. The 120Hz AMOLED display is one of its greatest strengths, and thankfully, you get a pre-installed screen protector to keep it looking great. What happens when that one starts to wear down and you need a backup? Here’s what we recommend picking up.

Everything you need

TopACE TPU Film HD Screen Protector (3-Pack)

Staff Pick

If you want a screen protector that’s easy to install, does everything you need it to, and is a great value, you’ll want to pay attention to what TopACE is offering. This is a bundle of three film protectors at one great price, with each one offering a precise fit, 99% display clarity, and a promise to work with any and all cases. Combine that with a satisfaction guarantee, and you’re golden.

$9 at Amazon

Great val…