On November 21, OPPO’s Find series will make its first worldwide debut with the release of the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro. Both phones provide distinctive features and new styles. Let us examine the Find X8 Pro’s design in more detail.
2 color choices for the pro models
Space Black and Pearl White are the two color options available for the Find X8 Pro. The Space Black variant features a metallic frame and a fingerprint-resistant matte surface. Conversely, Pearl White has a delicate iridescent sheen that gleams exquisitely in the light.
Since OPPO applied a multi-layer texture to this color, every Pearl White phone has a unique design. Upon closer inspection, the Hasselblad (H) emblem is positioned in the center of the camera ring, which has a delicate feel. The flash is located in the upper-left corner, and the four cameras are symmetrically positioned.
There are microphones and an infrared blaster on top of the frame, along with power and volume buttons on the sides. Regular ports are at the bottom, and the distinctive Alert Slider is on the left. In the whole review, we will go into greater detail about the Quick Button located on the right side.
The Find X8 Pro balances weight without seeming unduly weighty, and it feels luxurious in the palm. There is no top-heavy feeling when holding it because of the small camera bump. The gadget does a great job of fusing comfort and style.
Uncertain about which budget smartphone to buy with $400 to spend? With features like 120 Hz screens, top-notch cameras, and gaming-ready SoCs with 5G, we have compiled a list of the best smartphones available for $400 or less. Here are our best choices for cellphones under $400 without further ado.
Take a look at the table below if you are pressed for time and just want our best pick for a $400 smartphone. Before choosing, read the descriptions below or look through the available reviews for a more thorough understanding of our best choices.
Google Pixel 6a
Although the Google Pixel 6a has been on sale since July 21, 2022, it is strangely still available on Amazon for $399 with 128 GB. The Pixel 6a appears to be the greatest choice for people looking for a smaller Google phone in 2024 since it is loaded with Google’s proprietary Tensor processor, which improves the performance of machine learning-based functions.
Even though the phone only has one internal storage choice and a 60 Hz refresh rate, it was already quite obvious from my assessment that it was the best smartphone under $400. Furthermore, among all the smartphones in the Pixel 6 series, the 6a is the most affordable.
The Pixel 6a has a very basic camera suite module, but considering that Google’s main strength is its camera software, it does not truly fall behind the competition. Thus, you can be certain that the images captured with the 6a will have the quality seal of the Pixel series.
Google Pixel 6a
The Google Pixel 6a has been available for purchase since July 21, 2022, but surprisingly the device can be found on Amazon for less than $399 with 128 GB.
Consider checking the Google Pixel 7a prices before making a purchase. The device might be available at a similar price on your preferred e-commerce platform.
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Without hesitation, we suggest the iPhone SE (2022) as an Apple substitute. The new low-cost iPhone, which comes two years after the iPhone SE (2020), has a potent A15-bionic but is not much better than the original. A 12MP camera and IP67 resistance are included in a chassis that is quite similar to that of the iPhone SE 2020 (and iPhone 8/7/6s).
Aside from the SoC (and the additional 4GB of RAM), the true change is 5G connectivity, which enables the device to finally take use of the newest connectivity technologies, just like the other sub-$400 handsets on this list. The iPhone SE (2022), which we have already examined, is undoubtedly a fantastic option for anyone searching for a reasonably priced iPhone.
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
We suggest the iPhone SE (2022) as an Apple substitute. A 12MP camera and IP67 resistance are included.
Strangely, Samsung decided not to release its top-selling Galaxy A55 model in the US in 2024. The South Korean company replaced it with the less expensive A35 model as a mid-range market substitute.
In actuality, the two phones are rather comparable in terms of features and performance, offering a comprehensive package that includes cameras, software support, and battery life. Smooth performance for everyday work and even some games is promised by the A35, which inherits the Exynos 1380 CPU from our last suggestion, the Galaxy A54.
With Samsung guaranteeing patches through 2029, the Galaxy A35 is the phone on this list that will continue to receive security upgrades for a longer period of time. Even longer support is beginning to be promised by more recent phones, but none at this price point.
Samsung Galaxy A35
128GB Unlocked Android Smartphone, AMOLED Display, Advanced Triple Camera System, Expandable Storage, Rugged Design, US Version, 2024
Nothing’s newest low-cost smartphone is called the Phone (2a). Although its technological specifications are well-balanced, its appearance is what really makes it stand out; according to my colleague Antoine Engels, it is the most attractive mid-range smartphone of 2024.
The Phone (2a) is the autonomy champion in its price range thanks to its 5000 mAh battery that supports 45 W rapid charging. The smartphone lasted an amazing 17 hours and 2 minutes on our battery assessment. Without recharging your phone, you can easily go two days (2a). Additionally, it has the benefit of charging at a moderate pace.
The photo quality is not very realistic, especially at night, so I think that is the only major compromise you will have to make. The Nothing Phone (2a) is a well-balanced mid-range smartphone that boasts a stunning screen, respectable performance, and, most importantly, an impressive battery life.
Expectations for mobile devices costing up to $400
In the US, mid-range phones fall somewhere between affordable models and high-end mid-range phones, albeit offering a respectable price-performance ratio. You may discover older or lower-specified devices at this pricing. They may lag in terms of camera, performance, and design even though the majority feature 5G.
Power and performance: Investing in a sub-$400 device will at least guarantee that the SoC can tackle the most recent games. Here, you should expect SoC’s that are at least one to two years old and offer good performance for daily tasks.
Cameras: In the mid-range, models like the Samsung Galaxy A35 have 50-megapixel main cameras, but don’t match the Galaxy Ultra’s photo quality. The primary issue in this range is with the cameras, especially “Quad cameras” that use low-quality macro and depth sensors. Unfortunately, the telephoto camera often gets compromised.
Battery & charging: Batteries in this price range are typically between 4,500 and 5,000 mAh, but charging speeds are subpar. Devices from Honor and Xiaomi offer over 60W fast-charging, but they aren’t available in the US. Here, 10W to 15W is decent. Wireless charging is rare at this price point.
Display: In terms of display, we can expect FullHD+ screens with high refresh rates (except for Apple), and OLED displays are getting increasingly popular, with nice color reproduction and impressive contrast levels.
Age and support: At this price, be wary of devices older than two years due to limited software updates. Most will receive only one or two updates beyond their initial OS. Hence, Android 10 devices will become outdated after the launch of Android 14 in 2023, for example.
Carrier compatibility: In this price range, not all devices are compatible with every carrier. Many are designed for GSM networks, common outside the US. If you’re on a CDMA network like Verizon, ensure compatibility. However, with 4G LTE and 5G, this issue is diminishing.
Even though Black Friday is still a few weeks away, there are already some amazing bargains available. There is good news if you are specifically interested in upgrading to a flagship smartphone or joining the Android bandwagon.The OnePlus 12 is currently on sale at Amazon for $649, down $150 (19%).
For the black-finished base edition of the OnePlus 12 with 256 GB of storage and 12 GB of RAM, this is the greatest deal. Additionally, there is a $150 reduction on the 512 GB model, which is now only $749 instead of $899.
Is OnePlus 12 worth it?
OnePlus 12
The OnePlus 12 (review) was only released in February in the USA and other international countries after OnePlus announced it last year.
The OnePlus 12 (review) was only released in February in the USA and other international countries after OnePlus announced it last year. It has many worthwhile improvements over its predecessor, including a bigger and noticeably brighter AMOLED screen. Although there are not any significant design changes, it has a Gorilla Glass Victus 2 glass protection and a more robust IP65 rating.
Its internal components include a larger base memory and a speedier Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. Even in demanding situations, the processor operates quickly and with plenty of power. The 5,400 mAh bigger battery offers more running time than the previous model. The gadget can be charged from 0% to 100% in under 30 minutes, even with the larger cell size.
You will also receive Bluetooth 5.4 and a speedier USB-C 3.0 port. You will not be let down if you want this gadget to be your next camera phone. It features a new 64 MP 3x telephoto lens in addition to an improved 50 MP primary camera. Better software optimizations and AI-enhancing features will also be advantageous to you. With 32 MP, the front-facing selfie is much bigger and can now record 4K video.
Waiting for a discount makes sense because robot cleaners with all-in-one cleaning solutions are typically more expensive. The Roborock Q7 Max+ with vacuum and mop functions, which was formerly priced at $869, has now fallen to an all-time low of $359, a $510 (59%) reduction.
This matches the discount offered during the 2-day Prime Day sale. However, this current offer doesn’t require you a premium subscription, so anyone can take advantage of this.
Our evaluation gave the Roborock Q7 Max+ (review) a 4.5 out of 5, highlighting its easy setup and vacuuming capabilities. The loud noise it makes when emptying the robovac’s built-in dust canister is its sole small drawback. Even if it is becoming outdated, we still think it is an excellent cleaner, especially at this rate.
From unpacking to installing the base station and connecting the cleaning demon to your Wi-Fi network, using the Roborock Q7 Max+, which is compatible with iOS and Android, takes very little labor.A sizable 2.5-liter bin at the automatic station allows for seven weeks of hands-free cleaning.
It has a 4,200 Pa suction power rating and works well on carpets and parquet floors when cleaning. Users can choose from four different cleaning modes: quiet, balanced, turbo, and max, which guarantees a flexible cleaning experience. The majority of liquid stains are removed by its vibrating mop. In order to keep it away from carpets and rugs when mopping, it also supports the no-mop and no-go zones.
For those who value privacy, it does not have a camera and uses LiDAR to navigate precisely and avoid obstacles. It also includes a 3D mapping, just like the more expensive models. Another positive aspect of it is its battery life, which lasts 180 minutes between charges. Are you hoping to get it at this cost? In your opinion, which of its features is most helpful for maintaining clean floors? Tell us in the comments section.
Even though Black Friday is not until later this year, companies like Dell, Asus, and Apple are still offering fantastic discounts on the greatest laptops available right now! It seems like there are more days than just one right now.
However, you were already aware of that. Companies will begin to subtly lower their pricing starting on October Prime Day, merely to see how things work. Fortunately, I can discover them for you thanks to my seven years of experience covering this most delightful time of the year.
Furthermore, rest certain that we are not directing you toward any out-of-date models. Actually, every one of these offers is on the newest and best hardware. These range from a whopping $200 off the M3 MacBook Air to a great $150 off my favorite gaming laptop, the Asus TUF Gaming A14!
So if you are in the market for a Chromebook, a powerful gaming PC, or even an incredibly affordable Copilot+ PC (looking at you, $849 Galaxy Book4 Edge), and you do not want to wait until November, these bargains are definitely worth checking out.
Having been unveiled at the end of August in tandem, the Fenix E, Garmin Fenix 8, and Enduro 3 have had a mixed start. Leaving aside the choice to replace some of its smartwatches for outdoor activity with AMOLED screens, numerous forum posts claimed that Garmin had issued all three with problematic launch software. In order to achieve this, Garmin has been packing beta releases full of problem patches.
On the other hand, the initial stable versions made little tweaks here and there with their change logs, failing to solve every issue that was being discussed online. To put it briefly, since the Enduro 3, Fenix E, and Garmin Fenix 8 (buy it now at $1,099.99 on Amazon) were released, a long list of faults has been reported, but Garmin has not officially addressed them. But this is essentially confirmed by the comprehensive changelog that comes with System Software 11.89.
Garmin fēnix® 8
47 mm, Solar, Sapphire, Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch, Long-Lasting Battery Life, Dive-Rated, Built-in LED Flashlight, Carbon Gray DLC Titanium with Pebble Gray Band
The changelog for System Software 11.89, which is shown below, is approximately fifty lines long, eleven of which are devoted to new features. For instance, voice commands are now available for adjusting display brightness, while AMOLED models lacking solar charging capabilities can now utilize Solar watch face patterns. Furthermore, nearly as many “improvements” have been made, which are claimed to address a variety of topics, such as decreasing power consumption on the map page and improving the responsiveness of the user interface compared to previous builds.
However, System Software 11.89 also brings about thirty-one problem fixes, all of which are listed in the forum posts that accompany the software and which we have replicated below. The Enduro 3, Fenix E, and Garmin Fenix 8 are said to have received System Software 11.89, which has been “completely released,” by Garmin. You can start the download of System Software 11.89 by going to Menu, System and Software Update, and then selecting ‘Check For Updates,’ even though the firm has not yet released any additional information regarding the update’s worldwide deployment.
System Software 11.89 changelog
Added Display Brightness to Voice Commands.
Added ability to toggle third party maps in Map Layers menu.
Added Autolap by Position.
Added data screen for Ski/Snowboard difficulty tracking.
Added option to connect to WiFi in Map Manager.
Added PacePro and Power Guides to the Active Navigation loop.
Added solar percentage on the watch face (Solar models).
Added support for alarm volume settings and fixed an issue where alarms could be muted when Do Not Disturb is enabled.
Added support for Water Ejection feature.
Added the Location Info drawer to the Map page.
Added two of the Solar watch face layouts as options on AMOLED models.
Fixed a potential crash when saving Run, Walk, or Hike activities.
Fixed accidental touches during phone calls.
Fixed an issue where Turn Prompts were not alerting when using Navigation.
Fixed an issue where you could not save or discard Expedition activities after skipping the saving of the last point.
Fixed broken re-dial button after a missed call.
Fixed bug affecting pairing with an InReach Device.
Fixed bug preventing workout cancellation.
Fixed button and touchscreen handling of backlight in Do Not Distub mode.
Fixed button functionality for Transfer Call to Phone feature.
Fixed ClimbPro behavior in Active Navigation loop.
Fixed ClimbPro preview visibility.
Fixed crash in Battery Saver for various languages.
Fixed Golf map rendering (Solar models).
Fixed inability to do Strength Free workouts.
Fixed incorrect active timer count.
Fixed incorrect waypoint elevation in the Saved App.
Fixed map cursor in Pan/Zoom Mode.
Fixed missing weight values on Strength workout page.
Fixed potential crash in HIIT and Indoor Climb activities.
Fixed potential crash when searching for locations in the Weather app.
Fixed potential for Battery Drain after saving Activities.
Fixed Save Location list layout in Hunt Activity.
Fixed Saved App listing items out of order.
Fixed scrolling in very large lists.
Fixed Ski Run descent value truncation.
Fixed some charts not displaying properly when launched from Recent Menu.
Fixed workout scheduling in the Calendar App.
Improved Always-On watch face brightness (AMOLED).
Improved animations and speed when scrolling through the Watch Face Editor.
Improved handling of the touch screen turning on the backlight (Solar models).
Improved Off/Disabled icons for Power Controls menu.
Improved power consumption on the map page.
Improved processing time of large courses.
Improved Saved app performance.
Improved visuals for disabled power controls.
Improved Waypoint draw speed on the map.
Removed Daily Suggested Workouts from Calendar if suggestions are disabled.
Even if October Prime Day 2024 is gone, you can still get a brand-new Pixel 8 phone at a great discount! Even after the promotion has officially concluded, there is still a significant discount available on the Pixel 8 with 256GB of storage capacity.
You may currently save $200 on this excellent phone, making your final payment less than $560. Although the current reduction is smaller than the $250 Prime Day discount, it is still comparable to the price during Amazon’s massive sale. This particular model was discounted by $250. Considering the discount and phone that this offer is valid for, we advise moving swiftly since it may expire shortly. Even though it is an older model, the Pixel 8 is still among the greatest phones available.
Google Pixel 8
Unlocked Android Smartphone with Advanced Pixel Camera, 24-Hour Battery, and Powerful Security – Obsidian – 256 GB
With its AI-powered Tensor G3 chipset and 8GB of RAM, it can handle most jobs with ease and offers fast performance. With a 50 MP primary camera, a 10.5 MP selfie camera, and, of course, Google’s magic image processing, it can also take beautiful pictures. It can also record videos in 4K at 60 frames per second.
Additionally, battery life is remarkable! You will not need to plug it in for up to 9 hours and 36 minutes of video streaming or 15 hours and 39 minutes of web browsing thanks to the integrated 4,575mAh battery cell. Additionally, you will have an amazing viewing experience when lounging on your sofa thanks to the Pro-level 6.2-inch OLED display, which has a 2400 x 1080 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and support for HDR10+.
Overall, even with its post-Prime Day discount, the Pixel 8 is still well worth the money and cannot be missed. So save up now and grab this bad guy before it is too late!
Google Pixel 8
Unlocked Android Smartphone with Advanced Pixel Camera, 24-Hour Battery, and Powerful Security – Obsidian – 256 GB
Unless you detest receiving free things, now is a wonderful time to purchase a new Android phone: The Google Pixel 8 Pro is currently available on Amazon for $749, which is $250 less than its $999 list price. Price-checking tools indicate it is the lowest price the device has ever reached, and that is before you even account for a significant freebie with purchase: Amazon is including the $249 LTE Google Pixel Watch with your Pixel phone as a bonus to sweeten the deal. Even though these are older models, both of these gadgets still have a lot to offer, so this is a wonderful deal.
You can only get the phone with 128GB of storage if you take advantage of the offer for the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel Watch. Read more about it in the “great” review from PCMag. If you need more capacity, the basic Pixel 8 comes in 128GB and 256GB variants.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
nlocked Android Smartphone with telephoto lens, 24-hour battery
Since Google unveiled the new Pixel 9 lineup in August, the Pixel 8 Pro is no longer the newest model. But even a year after its launch, the Pixel 8 Pro is still a fantastic phone in 2024 thanks to its support for a ton of AI technologies that give the device a brand-new vibe. Since Google has been actively trying to address security flaws in its Pixel phones since the Pixel 6, software upgrades for the Pixel 8 Pro will be available for a considerable amount of time (up to seven years).
Every few months, Google also releases new features for the Pixel, such as the “Audio Magic Eraser,” which eliminates annoying noises from films, and the “finest Take” function, which allows you to select the finest picture out of a collection.
Are you looking for a affordable and high-quality smart bluetooth hearing aid option? Look no further than Vivtone’s Lucid508 hearing aids. Vivtone is an industry leader in providing accessible hearing aid solutions directly to consumers at direct-to-consumer prices. In this article, I will review Vivtone’s flagship Lucid508 hearing aid and why it may be the right choice for your hearing needs.
Feature-Packed Technology at an Affordable Price
What sets the Lucid508 apart from other hearing aids on the market is its impressive suite of technologies normally found in hearing aids costing thousands, available here for a fraction of the price. Some key features include:
Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio from phones, TVs, and other Bluetooth devices
Rechargeable battery with a portable charging case good for over 30 hours of use per charge
Advanced noise reduction and feedback cancellation for crystal clear sound
Multiple listening modes for different environments like noisy places or one-on-one conversations
Discreet BTE design that is nearly invisible when worn
All of these high-tech features are packed into a single hearing aid priced at just $273 per pair. That is hundreds, if not thousands, less than comparable hearing aids from other brands. Vivtone is able to achieve this thanks to their direct-to-consumer sales model that cuts out expensive middlemen and markups.
Proven Performance and Support
What’s more, the Lucid508 does not cut corners on sound quality or performance to achieve its affordable price. Reviewers consistently report natural, clear sound on par with devices costing significantly more. Vivtone also stands behind their products with a 45-day money back guarantee and lifetime technical support from their team of licensed professionals.
For those new to hearing aids or with minor hearing loss conditions, the Lucid508 provides an easy to use solution right out of the box with no hardware or software configurations required. The size, fit, and sound can be adjusted intuitively without any required hearings tests or lengthy fittings either.
An Accessible Solution for Hearing Healthcare
As the old saying goes – you get what you pay for. But in the case of Vivtone, consumers are truly getting far more than the price suggests. By reforming the outdated hearing aid distribution and pricing models, Vivtone has made high-tech and capable hearing devices, including smart bluetooth hearing aids, truly accessible to all budgets and needs.
If you or a loved one suffers from minor hearing loss and wants an affordable way to get their lives back without noise, the Lucid508 from Vivtone could be the perfect solution. Click the link below to learn more or purchase yours with free shipping and their risk-free trial period.
Recently, I have been testing a lot of Android phones, but one feature that I feel is really missing from these phones is UWB support. UWB, or ultra-wideband, is a low-energy, short-range radio technology that has been around for a few decades (it was formerly known as “pulse radio”).
UWB uses extremely fast signal pulses, up to a billion per second, sent across a broad spectrum of radio frequencies (from 500MHz to several gigahertz).
Because of this feature, UWB can be used for more than just applications like locating other UWB devices. It can also withstand interference problems that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth cannot handle.
The most well-known use of UWB is probably AirTags, but that is only available to iPhone users. Support for UWB on Android is still limited, but it is improving gradually.
Here, I look at Blackview’s BV8900 Pro, which is the world’s first ruggedized smartphone to feature UWB.
Rear cameras: 64-megapixel, 8-megapixel, and 2-megapixel
Front camera: 16-megapixel
Battery: 10000mAh, with 33W fast charging
SIM: Dual SIM support
Biometric: Fingerprint and face recognition
Water/dustproofing: IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H
Finishes: Black, orange, and green
The BV8900 Pro appears to be similar to many of the other Blackview smartphones that I have tested and reviewed. It is a large smartphone with a toughened glass display and a black rubber casing.
The 10000mAh battery and rubber add bulk to the device, but in exchange, the battery provides approximately 13 hours of video watching time and more than a month of standby time.
The device is designed to be dropped and abused, and water, dirt, dust, mud, or high/low temperatures are no match for it. There’s even a lanyard loop built into the handset, so you don’t lose it in the jungle or over the side of a boat while you’re being battered by storms.
The phone has a powerful Helios P90 chip that keeps everything running smoothly without draining your battery life. It has 8GB of RAM that is backed up by another 8GB of virtual RAM. The phone also has reverse charging, so you can use it as a power bank and send power to other devices. I had no lag or stuttering issues at all when using this phone.
In addition, the BV8900 Pro has UWB support, which does not mean much right now given the current state of support for UWB on Android; however, I expect this situation to change over the coming months as Google deploys its rival to Apple’s Find My network and UWB locater tags for Android, which are similar to AirTags.
Ruggedized handsets can, by virtue of being encased in rubber, cause the processor to overheat and be throttled; however, the cooling system—which consists of silicon and graphite heatsinks, and an array of copper cooling pipes—keeps the chip cool, even under heavy loads.
However, to get you going, the BV8900 Pro comes with a UWB tracking tile that you can attach to your keys, pet dog, or whatever else you want to keep an eye on.
At $216, the Blackview BV8900 Pro is a reasonably priced option for those seeking a robust smartphone with an enormous battery capacity and future-proof design thanks to its integrated UWB technology.
