Smartphones & Gear

Photo of a man looking at his smartphone in frustration

Editorials

The Great Smartphone Slowdown: Are We Smarter Buyers, or Just Out of Reasons to Upgrade Annually?

For years, upgrading your phone every 12 to 18 months felt less like a choice and more like a necessity if you wanted better cameras, faster performance, and battery life that lasted past dinner. That expectation is starting to crack. Recent research from Allstate Protection Plans would have us believe that Americans have stepped off the hype treadmill and now treat smartphones as long-term investments rather than disposable toys. Maybe. Or maybe this is simply what happens when phones stop changing much, prices keep climbing, and the industry runs out of fresh reasons to demand everyone’s attention every 12 months.

OPPO Reno 15 Pro

Reviews

OPPO Reno 15 Pro Review: Beautiful Design, Big Battery, and a “Pro” Camera That Doesn’t Quite Deliver

As a U.S.-focused phone reviewer, it’s nice every now and then to take the blinders off and see what’s available in the rest of the world. While OPPO kinda-sorta has a presence here in the United States via OnePlus, I wanted to take a look at OPPO’s offerings directly. The company sent me the OPPO Reno 15 Pro, the Reno 15, and the OPPO Watch S. The Reno 15 Pro is obviously the headliner here, but I appreciated the chance to take a look at the other devices as well.

KeySmart SmartCard showing location on a smartphone,

News & Features

KeySmart SmartCard Makes Wallet Tracking Easy for Both Android and iOS Users

If you’ve ever found yourself patting every pocket while asking the universe where your wallet went this time, the KeySmart SmartCard might feel like a personal gift. At $39.99, this ultra-thin tracking card slips into your wallet and quietly waits for the moment you inevitably need it. It works with both Apple Find My and Google Find Hub, so it doesn’t care whether you are Team iPhone or Team Android. It just wants to help you find your stuff and get on with your day.

OnePlus 15 and OnePlus 15R

Reviews

OnePlus 15 vs. OnePlus 15R: When the “Premium Midrange” Starts Feeling Awkward

OnePlus is one of the lesser-known brands in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean its phones are not good. Indeed, OnePlus has been making remarkable strides over the past few years, including being among the first phones to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. The OnePlus 15 is a blazing-fast phone, particularly good for gaming. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 15R exists in an odd place, somewhere between flagship and midrange, with some really great specifications, but a higher price tag than we’re used to due to a variety of factors. But it’s still a good value in its own…

moto razr fold

Events, News & Features

Motorola Razr Fold Signals Motorola’s Big Bet on Foldables, AI, and a Smarter Connected Ecosystem

Motorola used Lenovo Tech World 2026 to introduce the motorola razr fold, a new foldable phone that signals where the company thinks phones are headed next. This was not just a hardware moment. Motorola also rolled out a unified artificial intelligence platform, teased a wearable AI companion, and showed off a FIFA-themed razr that will test the willpower of soccer fans everywhere. Taken together, the announcements paint a picture of Motorola aiming for devices that work together quietly in the background instead of constantly asking for your attention.

Punkt. MC03

Events, News & Features

The Punkt. MC03 Is a Privacy-First Smartphone Built in Europe for People Who Want Control of Their Data

The Punkt. MC03 is a smartphone that takes a very deliberate stance on modern tech fatigue. It is designed for people who want a fully functional phone without quietly trading their personal data for convenience. Built in Europe and priced at $699 in the US, the MC03 aims to feel familiar enough to use every day while doing something most phones do not do particularly well: mind its own business.

TDM Neo Headphones

Crowdfunding, Events, Gear Bits

TDM Neo Hybrid Headphones Cleverly Turn Into a Portable Speaker with a Twist, While Offering 200-Hours of Battery Life

It’s hard to make headphones or portable speakers interesting. You can tweak the shape of a speaker or add a clever strap for backpack duty. You can dress up a pair of headphones with new colors or textures. But at the end of the day, everyone knows what over-the-ear headphones are, and everyone knows what a small Bluetooth speaker does. The TDM Neo tries something different by combining both, and it just might make you rethink how you use each.

Clicks Communicator

Events

Clicks Communicator and Clicks Power Keyboard Take a Stand Against Distraction and Awkward Typing

Clicks is taking a noticeably different approach to modern tech with two new products that seem far more focused on helping you get things done than on keeping you endlessly entertained. Clicks Communicator is a compact second phone designed for clear communication, quick responses, and fewer distractions, while the new Clicks Power Keyboard tackles one of technology’s most persistent annoyances: awkward typing on smart screens. Together, they suggest a quieter, more intentional way to interact with your devices, whether that means separating work from personal life or simply making everyday tasks feel less cumbersome.

moto g power

News & Features

Moto G Power 2026 Arrives with Big Battery Life, a Bright 6.8″ Display, and Tough Everyday Durability

Motorola is bringing the moto g power 2026 to North America with a confidence usually reserved for pricier phones. In the United States, the unlocked model launches January 8 at Best Buy, Amazon, and Motorola’s site for $299.99. Pricing can shift slightly depending on the carrier or channel, but it remains solidly in the sub-$300 range. Once you keep that figure in mind, the phone’s feature set becomes more intriguing, because it seems determined to outperform its cost. The combination of durability, display quality, and battery life makes the moto g power 2026 feel unexpectedly ambitious for its price.

Pitaka Edge Case for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7

Reviews

Pitaka Edge Case for Galaxy Z Fold7 Review: The Ultra-Thin MagSafe Case for People Who Hate Cases

There is a very specific type of phone accessory that tends to divide people immediately, and ultra-thin minimalist cases sit squarely in that camp. They’re either viewed as elegant, intentional design choices or dismissed as decorative stickers masquerading as protection. The ultra-slim Pitaka Edge Case for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 lives directly in that tension, and after spending real time with it, this is one of those products that makes more sense in the hand than it ever will on a spec sheet. This case is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that’s exactly why it’s interesting.

Nomad Base One Max

News & Features

Nomad Stand One and Stand One Max Bring Convenient and Organized Qi2 Wireless Charging to Your Desk or Bedside Table

Nomad has joined the Qi2 party, and if you’ve been holding off on buying an all-in-one charging solution for your iPhone or Android smartphone, you’ll want to take a look. The new Nomad Stand One and Nomad Stand One Max wireless chargers now feature the Qi2 charging standard, which means faster, more efficient charging for your iPhone or Android device — up to 25 watts, to be exact. If you’ve ever fumbled with charging cables or found yourself in a constant “where’s my cord” scavenger hunt, these are the elegant, magnetic solutions your nightstand or desk has been waiting for.

moto g – 2026

News & Features

Motorola’s Moto G – 2026 and Moto G Play – 2026 Deliver 5G Power, Smart Cameras, and Two-Day Battery Life on a Budget

Motorola is doubling down on affordability this season with two new 5G smartphones that make skipping a phone upgrade a lot harder to justify. The new moto g – 2026 and moto g play – 2026 both aim to deliver flagship-level experiences at prices that don’t trigger buyer’s remorse, packing bright 6.7″ displays, smart camera systems, and batteries built to last through your most chaotic weekends.

OPPO Find X9 Series at the Concert

News & Features

OPPO Find X9 and X9 Pro Debut Globally with 200MP Hasselblad Camera, Massive 7500mAh Battery, and Smarter ColorOS 16

The OPPO Find X9 and Find X9 Pro are here, and they’re clearly meant to prove something. These aren’t phones you pick because you’re bored with your current one; they’re the kind you buy when you want to feel like your phone could probably run a small planet. With a 200-megapixel Hasselblad telephoto camera, a 7,000-plus mAh battery, and a design that looks like it belongs on a coffee table book cover, the Find X9 Series isn’t subtle about its intentions.

iPhone 17 series accessories

Gift Guides & Round-Ups

Best iPhone Air & iPhone 17 Series Accessories to Buy Right Now: Cases, Wallets, Screen Protectors, and More

The new iPhones are here, looking better than ever, and keeping them safe should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re nervously carrying your new iPhone around, as if it might break, or planning to toss it into a backpack for a weekend trip, there are iPhone Air and iPhone 17 series accessories designed to fit your lifestyle. From sleek, clear cases that show off the design to leather wallets with MagSafe, rugged cases for serious drops, and chargers that keep you powered up — we’ve rounded up everything you need to protect and enjoy your new iPhone.

MediaTek Dimensity 9500

News & Features

MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Debuts: Flagship Chip Promises Faster Performance, Smarter AI, Better Gaming, and Longer Battery Life for Late-2025 Smartphones

MediaTek Dimensity 9500 is MediaTek’s latest flagship chipset, and it’s clear this is more than just a minor update. It’s designed for the kind of next-gen smartphones you can actually use all day without stressing about battery life. The focus here is on speed, power efficiency, and smart AI features that make your phone feel almost predictive, anticipating what you want before you even tap the screen.

Apple iPhone Air

News & Features

Apple’s Fall Lineup Brings iPhone Air, iPhone 17 and 17 Pro, AirPods Pro 3, and Apple Watch Series 11 Into Focus

Apple iPhone Air leads a crowded launch that also includes the iPhone 17 family, AirPods Pro 3, and Apple Watch Series 11. On paper, the updates range from lighter materials and faster chips to sharper cameras and smarter software. In practice, the appeal comes down to how these changes show up in your day, whether that is a red-eye flight with crying babies nearby, a late-night photo walk, or a week of bouncing between workouts and work calls.

Dream Sock and Dream Duo 3

News & Features, Health and Fitness

Owlet Dream Sight and Dream Duo3: Smart Baby Monitoring That Makes Sense

The Owlet Dream Sight camera and the third-generation Dream Duo 3 bundle are both designed to ease parenting stress with smart features and a modern look. Dream Sight offers crisp 2K video, cry detection, and room temperature and humidity tracking. Pair it with the FDA-cleared Dream Sock to add pulse rate and oxygen monitoring, creating a more complete view of your baby’s well-being. Instead of simply showing you whether your baby is asleep, Owlet Dream Sight provides peace of mind and helps you feel calmer, more rested, and more confident, even during those unpredictable overnight hours.

UGREEN MagFlow Qi2 25W Series

Events, News & Features

UGREEN MagFlow Qi2 25W Series Brings Faster, Smarter Magnetic Charging to iPhone, Pixel, and Beyond

If you’ve ever wrestled with a cable that frays, bends, or suddenly stops working right when you need it most, the new UGREEN MagFlow Qi2 25W series might feel like a quiet sigh of relief. The company has rolled out a fresh family of magnetic wireless chargers designed for Apple and Android devices, all built around the latest Qi2 standard. This means that UGREEN is offering faster charging, smarter energy use, and magnets strong enough to keep your phone locked in place, whether you’re watching videos on your nightstand or charging on a bumpy commute.

Baseus Inspire Series

Events, News & Features

The Baseus Inspire Series Brings Bose-Tuned Sound, Smarter Noise Canceling, and Comfort for Every Lifestyle

With its new Inspire line, Baseus is stepping into the spotlight with three different models designed to suit different listening preferences: the Inspire XH1, Xp1, and XC1. Whether you want plush over-ear headphones that can power you through a week of travel, true wireless earbuds that balance punchy bass with crystal-clear calls, or a lightweight open-ear design that keeps you aware of the world around you, Baseus has something lined up. And thanks to a little help from Bose, the audio pedigree behind the Baseus Inspire Series gives them a very real edge.

AUKEY MagFusion Ark on a conference table

Events, News & Features

AUKEY MagFusion Ark: The Modular Wireless Charger That Wants to Replace Every Cable You Own

If you’ve ever fought over who gets the charger in your living room, shuffled around your desk looking for the “good” cable, or realized your power bank is dead right when you need it, AUKEY thinks it has the cure. Check out the newly introduced AUKEY MagFusion Ark, a modular wireless charging system designed to juggle multiple devices at once without turning your home into a cable graveyard. On paper, it looks like the kind of gadget that could make wireless charging feel less like a convenience and more like a lifestyle upgrade.