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  • ColorOS 16.1 Rolls Out with Live Space, Redesigned Camera, MindPilot AI, and AirDrop Support

    ColorOS 16.1 Rolls Out with Live Space, Redesigned Camera, MindPilot AI, and AirDrop Support

    OPPO has released ColorOS 16.1, its mid-cycle upgrade that remains based on Android 16 and arrives ahead of the Android 17 update expected for eligible devices later this year. The release is a substantial one, covering everything from a new live activity system and a redesigned camera interface to AI assistant improvements and cross-platform file sharing with Apple devices.

    ColorOS 16.1 is rolling out to the Find X9 series first

    The update is currently making its way to OPPO’s Find X9 lineup, with the Reno 15 series and Find X8 series set to follow. Other flagship and mid-range models are expected to receive it in the near future as well. The Find X9 Ultra and Find X9s will ship with ColorOS 16.1 pre-installed in select regions.

    The most prominent addition in this release is Live Space — a new live activity system displayed as an expandable capsule-style card at the bottom of the lock screen. It surfaces real-time updates for things like timers, music playback, food delivery tracking, and notifications, and users can swipe between active sessions directly from the lock screen without opening any apps. Live Space also integrates with Google Maps, extending its usefulness beyond basic notifications.

    System animations have also been overhauled across the board. App launches, closures, in-app scrolling, and general system interactions all feel smoother and more fluid. The Control Center and notification shade now feature stronger blur effects and cleaner transitions when pulled down, and touch recognition improvements help reduce the scrolling jitter that can creep into app interactions.

    ColorOS 16.1 update

    Live Space, redesigned camera app, and smoother system animations

    ColorOS 16.1 introduces a Contour Glow effect throughout Settings, adding a subtle shimmer animation around UI elements including Control Center toggles, the lock screen, widgets, and the search bar. A new Audio Sharing feature allows two audio devices — such as earbuds and other supported Bluetooth accessories — to connect simultaneously to the same phone and play audio through both at once.

    The Camera app has been redesigned with a noticeably different visual language, featuring translucent layers, glossy blur effects, floating cards, and bouncy animations throughout the interface. Settings no longer take over the full screen; they open inside pop-up cards instead, keeping the experience less disruptive. Devices like the Find X9 and Find X9 Pro also gain new Lumo-style watermarks within the camera app.

    On the home screen side, ColorOS 16.1 adds AI-assisted organization that automatically arranges apps by category — games, music, social media, and so on — or by icon color. The same color-based sorting is available inside the app drawer as well.

    ColorOS 16.1 lockscreen features

    AI improvements and AirDrop support

    Several AI features have been upgraded or introduced. Mindspace gains a new assistant called MindPilot, which supports ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini directly within the app and responds to natural language queries. A new AI Menu Translation feature uses the camera to scan menus and foreign-language text and translate it on the spot, with the added ability to identify and convert different currencies — a useful tool for travel.

    The AI Bill Manager is a new addition that tracks expenses, income, daily averages, and monthly spending patterns. Users can set spending limits and query their financial data through the AI directly. Document Scanning has also been meaningfully improved — the system now automatically corrects wrinkles, shadows, glare, and blur in scanned images, handles handwriting, long paragraphs, and tables with greater accuracy, and saves documents directly to the Documents app. Multi-page scanning is faster as well.

    ColorOS 16.1 also adds AirDrop compatibility to Quick Share, enabling file transfers to Apple devices without requiring any third-party apps. This feature is currently limited to the Find X9 and Find X9 Pro. Additional changes include Caller ID and spam protection, a speaker equalizer, and OPPO Share.

  • 5 Affordable Android Phones with More Power Than the Google Pixel 10a

    5 Affordable Android Phones with More Power Than the Google Pixel 10a

    Google’s Pixel smartphones offer one of the cleanest Android experiences available. Current-gen models ship with the latest version of Android, get updates before anyone else, and enjoy seven years of software support — a level of longevity that makes them a genuine alternative to the iPhone, which similarly prioritizes long-term support. For a direct comparison with Apple’s best, the Pixel 10 Pro is the model to consider if you’re chasing an experience comparable to the iPhone 17 Pro.

    That said, Google also plays in the budget space, and its answer to the sub-$500 market is the Pixel 10a. Powered by last year’s Tensor G4 SoC with 8GB of RAM and a capable dual-camera system on the back — as explored in a full review of the Pixel 10a — it’s a reasonable choice for cost-conscious shoppers. But it does make compromises to hit that price, and raw performance is one of the more noticeable ones. There are several compelling alternatives that outpace it in that department. Five of them are highlighted below. A few of these picks aren’t officially sold in the U.S., and while importing through trusted channels is an option, carrier compatibility isn’t guaranteed.

    Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

    samsung galaxy s25 fe blue in hand
    samsung galaxy s25 fe edition

    Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

     Enjoy every scroll, swipe and stream on a stunning 6.7” wide display that’s as smooth for scrolling as it is immersive.

    $649.99$548.00Amazon

    Samsung is the world’s largest Android manufacturer, and while the flagship Galaxy S series gets most of the spotlight, the company’s mid-range catalog is equally well-stocked. The Galaxy S25 FE sits in the upper mid-range tier, delivering a near-flagship experience by trimming a select few premium extras to land at a lower price point.

    Under the hood is Samsung’s in-house Exynos 2400 SoC, which according to NanoReview offers noticeably better performance than the Tensor G4 inside the Pixel 10a. RAM is matched at 8GB, and the suite of AI features remains intact. One UI, which previously had a reputation for being bloated, has grown considerably leaner over the years and now runs without any real sluggishness. The display is a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,900 nits of peak brightness.

    Samsung matches Google’s seven-year OS update promise on the S25 FE. The camera system includes a 50-megapixel wide, a 12-megapixel ultrawide, and an 8-megapixel 3x telephoto lens. Wired charging maxes out at 45W, which handles the 4,900mAh battery reasonably quickly. The base 128GB model retails at $650, though it can regularly be found under $600 through deals on Amazon and similar marketplaces.

    OnePlus 15R

    OnePlus 15R black
    OnePlus 15R

    OnePlus 15R

    Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, plus a custom Wi-Fi chip and dedicated Touch Response chip, you get lightning-fast speeds, stable connections, and ultra-responsive touch control.

    $799.99Amazon

    At $700, the OnePlus 15R costs more than the 256GB Pixel 10a — but considering what it delivers, that $100 premium is hard to argue with. The phone runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, which sits just below the 8 Elite Gen 5 in Qualcomm’s hierarchy and comfortably outpaces the Tensor G4, a chip that was already trailing the competition at launch. The performance gap here is substantial.

    RAM steps up to 12GB, which keeps more apps active in the background and handles AI-driven tasks more effectively over time. The screen is a 6.83-inch AMOLED panel with up to 165Hz in supported games and a peak brightness of 3,600 nits in HDR scenarios. Slimmer bezels and a smaller hole-punch cutout make for a noticeably better multimedia display than the Pixel 10a.

    Battery life is where the OnePlus 15R really pulls ahead. Its 7,400mAh cell offers roughly 50% more capacity than mainstream flagships, and the review of the OnePlus 15R confirmed the exceptional endurance that capacity suggests. Charging tops out at 80W with the included adapter, so refueling is fast when needed.

    OnePlus Nord 6

    OnePlus Nord 6
    61aAC4zDc9L. SL1500

    OnePlus Nord 6

    Flagship Performance with Snapdragon 8s Gen 4/: Couple this with the latest LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 ROM storage, Nord 6 is engineered to outperform nearly every flagship, allowing unprecedented ‘Gaming PC-level’ 165 FPS BGMI, CODM and Free Fire MAX steady-smooth gaming, and relentless everyday speed for the next 6 years.

    Amazon

    Despite recent speculation about market exits and a potential global pullback, OnePlus has continued shipping competitive hardware. The Nord 6 is the latest from the brand’s budget-focused lineup, and it brings serious performance for the price. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 SoC comfortably outperforms the Tensor G4 across the board, and configurations go up to 12GB of RAM with 256GB of UFS 4.1 storage.

    Gaming is clearly a core target for the Nord 6. Its 6.78-inch AMOLED display supports refresh rates up to 165Hz in compatible titles — similar to what the OnePlus 15 offers — and a 3,840Hz touch sampling rate makes on-screen input feel exceptionally sharp. The dual rear camera covers wide and ultrawide angles, but the real talking point is the 9,000mAh silicon carbon battery with 80W wired charging support, which is a remarkable combination at this price.

    OxygenOS handles the software side, with OnePlus committing to four years of OS updates. Pricing converts to roughly $415 for the 8GB RAM variant. The catch: the Nord 6 is an India-exclusive. In China, the same device is sold under the OnePlus Turbo 6 name. U.S. buyers would need to import it, with carrier compatibility being a potential sticking point.

    RedMagic 11 Air

    RedMagic 11 Air

    For those specifically after a gaming phone that’s actually available in the U.S., RedMagic is the go-to. The RedMagic 11 Air matches the Pixel 10a’s $500 price tag but packs considerably more horsepower. The Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC powering it is, on paper, more than twice as fast as the Tensor G4. Even as a generation-old chip at this point, it handles any modern mobile title at maxed settings with high frame rates without breaking a sweat.

    A few hardware touches set it apart from the standard mid-range crowd. Capacitive shoulder triggers on the frame offer additional physical controls in supported games. The 6.8-inch 144Hz AMOLED display is completely notch-free, providing an uninterrupted viewing surface — a trade-off that costs the phone a front camera, which may or may not matter depending on priorities. Active cooling via a built-in fan and vapor chamber keeps thermals in check during extended sessions.

    RAM comes in at 12GB, and storage doubles what the Pixel 10a offers in its base configuration. The 7,000mAh silicon carbon battery earned a multi-day usage assessment from TechRadar’s review under moderate conditions, and an 80W adapter is included in the box. An 80W adapter is also included. Stepping up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage adds just $100 to the asking price, and the RedMagic 11 Air’s distinctive design language makes it one of the more visually interesting options on this list.

    Poco X7 Pro

    poco x7
    poco x7 black and yellow

    Poco X7

    Full speed ahead
    Powerful Dimensity 7300-Ultra
    CrystalRes 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED curved display
    50MP main camera with OIS
    IP68 dust and water resistance
    5110mAh (typ) large battery

    $292.99Amazon

    Xiaomi has built a reputation for delivering strong value in the flagship space, and its Poco sub-brand attacks the mid-range segment with the same aggression. The Poco X7 Pro is a gaming-focused device powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra SoC, posting AnTuTu benchmark scores roughly 40% higher than the Tensor G4.

    The display is a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and an impressive 1,920Hz touch sampling rate. Camera hardware consists of a 50-megapixel wide and an 8-megapixel ultrawide – GSMArena described the imaging output as “mostly mediocre,” though the same review awarded the phone 4.2 stars overall and called it the most powerful device in its price category. The global variant carries a 6,000mAh silicon carbon battery with 90W wired charging.

    Software is HyperOS, Xiaomi’s customized take on Android 15, with at least three major OS updates and four years of security patches promised. At $410, the phone ships with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. While Xiaomi’s retail presence in the U.S. is limited, the Poco X7 Pro is available through Amazon. Carrier support exists for select networks, but verifying band compatibility with a specific provider before purchasing is strongly recommended.

  • OnePlus Smartwatch Leaks Early – Premium Design Revealed Before Launch

    OnePlus Smartwatch Leaks Early – Premium Design Revealed Before Launch

    A new OnePlus smartwatch has cleared Google certification ahead of its official debut. The OnePlus Watch 4 is expected to launch soon and will come in two colour options — though owners of the Watch 3 may find the hardware underneath very familiar.

    OnePlus spent last week teasing the Pad 4 tablet, a high-end release confirmed for India so far. Around the same time, early details about the company’s next smartwatch began circulating on X. Now, that same device has shown up on the Google Play Console, carrying the identical model number and retail name from last week’s leak. The listing doesn’t pin down a release date, but it does shed light on several key specifications before any official announcement.

    The news isn’t particularly exciting for Watch 3 owners hoping for a hardware leap. As earlier rumors suggested, OnePlus appears to have carried over the internal components largely unchanged. The Google Play Console listing confirms the Watch 4 pairs 2GB of RAM with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset — not the newer Snapdragon Wear Elite that some had hoped to see.

    oneplus watch 4 google play console bottom

    The display situation follows the same pattern. The Watch 4 is listed with a 466 x 466-pixel resolution at 320 DPI, matching the Watch 3’s screen specs exactly, which points to a 1.5-inch panel once again. Taken together, the Watch 4 is shaping up to look a lot like a rebranded Oppo Watch X3 — a device Oppo is set to launch in the Eurozone on April 21 for €379 (approximately $449). The OnePlus Watch 3, for reference, is currently available on Amazon for $249.99, so it’ll be interesting to see where OnePlus prices its successor given the minimal spec changes.

  • OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite Spotted on Geekbench with MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Chipset

    OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite Spotted on Geekbench with MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Chipset

    OnePlus has been busy reshaping its Android lineup lately. The company launched the OnePlus Nord 6 earlier this month as a follow-up to the Nord 5, and it’s now reportedly working on two more additions to round out the series at lower price points — the Nord CE6 and Nord CE6 Lite. A new OnePlus device, carrying the model number CPH2943 and widely believed to be the Nord CE 6 Lite, has now surfaced on the Geekbench benchmarking platform.

    Mysterious CPH2943 could be the Nord CE 6 Lite

    The Geekbench listing doesn’t name the device outright, but tipster Abhishek Yadav has identified it on X as the OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite. On the performance front, the phone posted a single-core score of 1,068 and a multi-core score of 2,953. The listing also reveals a handful of key specs: the device runs Android 16, which will almost certainly ship with OxygenOS 16 on top, and it comes with 8GB of RAM — though additional memory configurations could be available at launch.

    The benchmark points to a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 SoC paired with a Mali-G615 MC2 GPU under the hood. That said, Abhishek Yadav notes that the final chipset branding may differ slightly — possibly Dimensity 7400 Max, Extreme, or Pro — though the underlying silicon will remain the same regardless of what OnePlus ends up calling it. The core configuration listed shows four cores running at 2.0GHz and four performance cores clocked at 2.60GHz.

    OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite Spotted on Geekbench with MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Chipset

    May launch expected in India

    Since the marketing name isn’t confirmed in the listing, there’s a slim possibility this could turn out to be the standard Nord CE 6 rather than the Lite variant. Nothing is set in stone at this point. Either way, current rumors suggest both the Nord CE 6 and Nord CE 6 Lite are headed to India sometime in May.

    Separately, OnePlus has a more immediate launch on the calendar. The OnePlus Pad 4 is set to debut in India on April 30th, and it’s shaping up to be a powerhouse tablet. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and houses a massive 13,380mAh battery. The display is expected to measure 13.2 inches with a 3.4K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate, while charging is handled by 80W fast charging. The tablet may also support an external smart keyboard and stylus accessory.

  • iPhone 17e vs OnePlus 15R: Premium Feel Meets a Surprisingly Better Deal

    iPhone 17e vs OnePlus 15R: Premium Feel Meets a Surprisingly Better Deal

    Let me be clear: the iPhone 17e is a genuinely good phone. MagSafe, 256GB storage as standard, and deep integration with the Apple ecosystem — it’s everything last year’s iPhone 16e should have been, and it makes total sense if your family, your friends, and your life are already Apple-shaped.

    But I review phones for a living. I’m also, for better or worse, an Apple obsessive. And after a week with the OnePlus 15R, I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t tell you what your money can actually buy right now.

    OnePlus 15R black

    The OnePlus 15R makes the battery debate embarrassing

    The OnePlus 15R costs $699. It has a 7,400mAh battery. I’ve been getting two full days of use before reaching for a charger.

    61Xcw6JVu1L. AC SL1500

    OnePlus 15R

    Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, plus a custom Wi-Fi chip and dedicated Touch Response chip, you get lightning-fast speeds, stable connections, and ultra-responsive touch control.

    $799.99Amazon

    I’ve spent years automatically toggling Low Power Mode on my iPhone 16 during heavy days — it’s just become muscle memory. Using the OnePlus 15R reminded me that this is not a universal smartphone experience. It’s an Apple-specific compromise I’d stopped questioning.

    Battery life aside, the OnePlus 15R earns its price in other ways: a 165Hz display, a 6.83-inch screen, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, and OxygenOS that’s as clean and intuitive as Android gets. Side-by-side multitasking, heavy app switching, gaming — no hesitation, no hiccups. Oh, and the Mint Green colorway is so good I refuse to put a case on it. With IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K certifications, it doesn’t need one anyway.

    It’s not just OnePlus

    The OnePlus 15R is the most dramatic example, but it’s not alone.

    The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE surprised me. Built on the same Exynos 2400 chipset that powered the once-flagship Galaxy S24, it delivered a full day’s battery without concern and a 6.7-inch display vivid enough to make Netflix feel like an event. Not a compromise phone — a capable one.

    Then there’s the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro, which I tested before launch and came away genuinely impressed. Its design makes most flagship phones look conservative, and Nothing’s OS is as considered as its hardware. It has a triple-camera array including a 3x telephoto lens. It costs $100 less than the iPhone 17e, which ships with a single rear camera.

    Let that sit for a moment.

    OnePlus 15R color variants

    The honest truth

    If you’re standing at the crossroads of a mid-range upgrade and you haven’t looked at what Android offers in 2026 – you’re making a decision without the full picture.

    The iPhone 17e is a great iPhone. Whether it’s a great phone for the money is a different question entirely.

    61Xcw6JVu1L. AC SL1500

    OnePlus 15R

    Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, plus a custom Wi-Fi chip and dedicated Touch Response chip, you get lightning-fast speeds, stable connections, and ultra-responsive touch control.

    $799.99Amazon
  • Oppo Watch X3 reveals titanium design, ultra-bright display and ECG support

    Oppo Watch X3 reveals titanium design, ultra-bright display and ECG support

    In a few days, Oppo will formally debut its next-generation flagship smartwatch. Many of the primary characteristics of the smartwatch, which will reportedly be lighter and thinner in addition to having a modem and a brighter display inside its titanium case, are now being made public by the maker.

    On Tuesday, March 17, an alternative to the OnePlus Watch 3 ($249.99 on Amazon) will be formally introduced. Oppo has now disclosed several of the key features of the wristwatch ahead of time on a teaser website. The case is now 16% lighter and 6.4% slimmer thanks to Oppo’s switch from stainless steel to titanium.

    Oppo Watch X3 leaks reveal titanium design, ultra-bright display and ECG support
    Screenshot

    The IP69 and MIL-STD-810H certified case allows the smartwatch to be worn while swimming. The maximum brightness of smartwatches can typically only be activated in direct sunlight to enhance reading, but the round AMOLED display achieves a much higher brightness of 3,000 nits. Apart from the touchscreen, other control options include a button and a digital crown.

    Numerous features, particularly those related to health, are promised by the Oppo Watch X3. An ECG, a skin temperature sensor, and a heart rate and SpO2 sensor have all been fitted by Oppo. The smartwatch can simultaneously gather data from all sensors to get a snapshot of all indicators during a 60-second health check. Although the Oppo Watch X3 is not able to monitor actual blood pressure, it is intended to alert users if they are at risk for high blood pressure.

  • OnePlus quietly pushed a Wear OS 5 update to the Watch 2 — and it’s causing major battery drain

    OnePlus quietly pushed a Wear OS 5 update to the Watch 2 — and it’s causing major battery drain

    OnePlus released its Wear OS 5 update to certain OnePlus Watch 2 and 2R customers on December 29, slipping past its self-imposed end-of-year deadline, much like a college student faxing their assignment to the professor at 11:59 p.m. This last-minute update has caused issues ever since, as you could anticipate.

    Wear OS 5 was originally scheduled to be released between July and September 2025 for the OnePlus Watch 2 and Watch 2R, which were both released in 2024 running Wear OS 4. The company merely stated that the upgrade would arrive “in the near future” after Android Authority inquired about the delay in October.

    Some owners of OnePlus Watches have now received the update, but not all of them; my OnePlus Watch 2R, which is located in the United States, still displays the May 2025 security update and Wear OS 4. But considering the impact of the update, this could be a blessing in disguise.

    oneplus watch 2 1

    The upgrade is seriously depleting the battery, according to this Reddit thread and other OnePlus forum postings. Before the upgrade, the Watch 2 and 2R often lasted three days in smart mode; however, some customers claim that even after attempting factory resets and other solutions, it won’t last a full day.One user states, “I’m completely heartbroken and frustrated with the severe battery drain issue impacting my OnePlus Watch 2 with the Wear OS 5 update.” “On light usage, my OnePlus Watch 2 now drops from full battery at 1:00 PM to a crucial 10% by 11:00 PM.”

    Another customer comments, “I used to get 2.5 days easily with most settings on (at least 2 days)… Now I hardly get 1 day.” In response, someone said that while his drain wasn’t quite as bad, it was now “a strict 2 days” instead of the previous 3–4 days.

    Many customers identify particular apps—such as the Weather app, Play Store, or “Wear OS” itself—as the source of the drain, but the diversity indicates that this is a system-wide problem rather than a single app.

    oneplus watch 2 2

    The fact that stock Wear OS 5 is (A) a very modest upgrade with few notable changes and (B) meant to make Wear OS work more efficiently, as it did on Pixel and Galaxy Watches, is what makes this update particularly annoying to users. This unoptimized upgrade for last-generation phones is frustrating because the OnePlus Watch 3 has been running this version since April without any problems.

    Any company can release a flawed update, but I would have expected OnePlus to either pull it back or provide an update schedule after two weeks. Instead, based from what we’ve seen, OnePlus hasn’t made any formal announcements. A few days ago, my colleague contacted OnePlus on the update, but we haven’t heard anything yet.

    This upgrade greatly worries me because I have suggested the OnePlus Watch 2R as my top choice for an inexpensive Android smartwatch, mostly due to its long battery life. OnePlus must demonstrate that it will appropriately support these watches and that its pledge of two Wear OS updates and three years of security updates is more than just platitudes.

    As it stands, the new OnePlus Watch Lite used a proprietary RTOS similar to the previous OnePlus Watch, completely eschewing Wear OS.

  • Black friday week #deals: Galaxy Watch 8 from $280, Z Fold 7 $400 off

    Black friday week #deals: Galaxy Watch 8 from $280, Z Fold 7 $400 off

    Along with yesterday’s Google Black Friday sale, which featured the Pixel Watch 4 at up to $100 off and the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro lines at up to $300 off, the early Samsung Black Friday bargains and Amazon offers are already in full force. However, today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break has even more to check out. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is currently available for $280 during Black Friday, while the Galaxy Z Fold 7 can be purchased for up to $400 and the Galaxy S25 Ultra for $350.

    These deals also coincide with the current OnePlus Black Friday sale, which gives up to $200 off many of the company’s most recent releases, a new Amazon all-time low on the Nothing Headphone (1), and up to 52% off a variety of Samsung monitors. Take a look at everything below.

    best google pixel deals

    Official 2025 Google Black Friday Deals Go Live: Big Savings on Pixel Watch 4, Pixel 10, and More

    Google Black Friday Pixel 2025 deals 02

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Black Friday deals now live from $280

    Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch

    With massive price reductions on its most recent Galaxy launches, including $400 off the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and $350 off the flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung’s official Black Friday week is already underway. However, this also means that the most reasonably priced current-generation Galaxy Watch 8 is currently available for $70 off the retail price thanks to Black Friday promotions.

    Although we were able to get select Galaxy Watch 8 combinations at Woot for $100 off, there weren’t many color options available, and the bargain didn’t come with a valid warranty. However, as of right now, Samsung has reduced the price of all configurations by a significant $70:

    With the exception of the Woot offer and YMMV/EDU reductions, the prices we are seeing below are, as compared to Amazon, the lowest straight-up cash discounts since release. The lowest prices we have seen on Amazon are obtained by matching these deal prices.

    Check out our Black Friday Samsung coverage below, as well as the $350 price reduction on the flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra:

    Official OnePlus 2025 Black Friday deals

    BlackFriday2025 EU PreLaunch Mobile

    The official Black Friday sale for OnePlus has begun. The company told us that their major event sale is currently underway, with sales anticipated to continue through Cyber Monday if inventory permits. With the exception of the brand-new OnePlus 15, which is now in a launch holding pattern, almost everything in the sale is now down even more than we saw during Prime Day and the Halloween event, with savings of up to $200. This covers all of its most recent launches as well as a few new low-end devices, such as the OnePlus Watch 3 (43mm) and OnePlus Buds Pro 3. Take a look at everything below.

    This time, promo codes are required; everything is simply marked down and operational. In addition to one of the greatest cash discounts to date on the OnePlus Pad 3 at $120 off, we are looking at outright $200 price reductions on OnePlus 13 variants.

    Just be sure to keep an eye out for the free gifts that are offered on certain items; scroll down on the corresponding listing pages to make sure you take advantage of the freebies when you can:

  • OnePlus Ace 6T leaks reveal Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 power and huge 8,000mAh+ battery

    OnePlus Ace 6T leaks reveal Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 power and huge 8,000mAh+ battery

    Pre-orders for the OnePlus Ace 6T are already open as the company prepares to introduce it in China. It is anticipated to make its debut later this month as the first phone to use the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 CPU. The device has surfaced on Geekbench ahead of the anticipated debut, disclosing the chipset’s specs. The device’s battery size has also been hinted to by the business.

    OnePlus Ace 6T Geekbench score

    According to the listing above, a new Qualcomm CPU powers the next OnePlus PLR110 phone, which looks to be the OnePlus Ace 6T. The SoC has two 3.2GHz cores and six 3.38GHz cores. Additionally, it has an Adreno 840 GPU for graphics. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, which is anticipated to make its debut in the coming days, is the subject of these details.

    OnePlus Ace 6T Geekbench listing

    It also boasts 16GB of RAM and Android 16, according to the OnePlus Ace 6T Geekbench listing. It received 10,136 points in the multi-core test and 2,981 points in the single-core test.

    OnePlus Ace 6T’s battery size teased

    According to the ad above, the OnePlus Ace 6T can support 100W fast charging and has a battery capacity of about 8,000mAh. The gadget includes a 6.8-inch OLED 1.5K 165Hz screen with an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor, according to some reports. It is anticipated to come with up to 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage and up to 16GB of LPDDR5x Ultra RAM.

    OnePlus Ace 6T hero banner

    An 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 50-megapixel primary camera with OIS assistance will make up its rear camera arrangement. It will sport a 32-megapixel camera on the front for taking selfies. It will come in a variety of colors, including purple, green, black, and a unique variant inspired by Genshin Impact.

  • Best Google Pixel Watch 4 alternatives you can buy right now

    Best Google Pixel Watch 4 alternatives you can buy right now

    One excellent watch is the Google Pixel Watch 4. You could even claim that it’s the greatest Wear OS watch of the year. It’s about as complete a package as you could wish for, with its new Acuta 360 display, extended battery life, enhanced repairability, and superb Gemini integration.

    If you’re currently shopping for a smartwatch, it’s important to remember that there are other options available, even if we highly recommend purchasing the Pixel Watch 4. Actually, there are actually a ton of alternative fantastic timepieces that you ought to think about.

    Even if we adore the Pixel Watch 4, you might want to consider these five other smartwatches.

    Google Pixel Watch 3

    google pixel watch 3 with grey and green wristband

    The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit; the 45mm screen is twice as bright and 40% larger than before, making it easier to see your stats and info

    $299.99$199.99Amazon

    The Pixel Watch 3 from last year is the best option if you believe the Pixel Watch 4 looks fantastic but can’t afford to spend more than $350 on it. Is it as remarkable or beautiful as the Pixel Watch 4? No, but you can now purchase it at a fantastic price, and it’s still a really fine smartwatch.

    As someone who still wears a Pixel Watch 3, I can assure you that it’s well worth the money if you want to enjoy the Pixel Watch experience without going over budget. Its screen still looks amazing even though it lacks the latest Acuta 360 display. Its battery life is still sufficient for a full day of use, it has already been updated to the same Wear OS 6 software as the Pixel Watch 4, and its health-tracking functions are the same as those of the Pixel Watch 4.

    OnePlus Watch 3

    oneplus watch 3

    Unmatched Battery Life: Experience up to 120 hours of uninterrupted use on a single charge.

    $349.99Amazon

    Easily lasting a day and a half on a single charge, and occasionally even two full days, the Pixel Watch 4 has the longest battery life of any Pixel Watch to date. However, the OnePlus Watch 3 is a superior choice if you place a high value on battery life. Why? due to the fact that one charge might last up to five days. That’s right—five days on a single charge.

    At that point, all of the OnePlus Watch 3‘s smartwatch functions are activated. You can get closer to two weeks of use before you have to find your charger if you switch on power-saving mode. The OnePlus Watch 3 has some of the fastest charging rates of any wristwatch, moving from 0% to 100% in roughly 30 minutes when the watch does eventually die.

    Nevertheless, there are several drawbacks to this kind of battery life. Although the OnePlus Watch 3’s fitness and health features are useful for everyday use, they fall short of those of Samsung or Google. The OnePlus Watch 3 is a large smartwatch as well. It is available in a smaller 43mm size, however the battery life is reduced, which somewhat contradicts the point.

    I believe you will be quite pleased with the OnePlus Watch 3 if you don’t mind the size and don’t require the most advanced fitness monitoring. Additionally, it is slightly less expensive than the Pixel Watch 4 at $330.

    Fitbit Charge 6

    Fitbit Charge 6 Review Comfortable and affordable but one issue remains

    COMPLETE ALL-IN-ONE-BUNDLE: Includes Fitbit Charge 6 Black/Obsidian, rapid USB charger, and a premium microfiber cleaning cloth, – everything you need to start tracking in style.

    $149.95Amazon

    I am aware that this isn’t a smartwatch in the traditional sense. However, I believe there is a compelling case for the Charge 6 as a Pixel Watch 4 substitute.

    With the exception of the subscription need, Fitbit is a very powerful health platform, and the planned makeover of the Fitbit app only seems to improve it. The Charge 6 is a far more cost-effective entry into the Fitbit ecosystem than the Pixel Watch 4 if you already have a lot of data in the Fitbit app from prior devices or if you’re just getting started.

    The Fitbit Charge 6 offers many of the same health tracking features as the Pixel Watch 4, including all-day activity tracking, sleep tracking, irregular heart rhythm notifications, ECG scanning, SpO2 tracking, a skin temperature sensor, and more, despite lacking the Play Store, Gemini, call screening, LTE, and other smart features. In addition, the seven-day battery life is fantastic and the compact size is really comfortable.

    The finest aspect? The Fitbit Charge 6 is only $160 at retail, and it’s frequently on sale for even less.

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

    galaxy watch 8

    WHY GALAXY WATCH8: Advanced health and sleep tracking features. A lighter, more snug design for all day comfort. Improved user interface. Personal AI assistant for hands free help.

    $349.99$329.99Amazon

    You might be better suited with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 if cost isn’t a concern but you want to think over other options before committing to the Pixel Watch 4. The Galaxy Watch 8 may be a better option for some of you reading this, but it starts at the same $350 as the Pixel Watch 4.

    The Galaxy Watch 8’s extensive health tracking suite is one of its best features. The new Running Coach tool really helped me improve as a runner this summer, and Samsung’s Energy Score is a great way to understand how prepared your body is for the day. Samsung’s activity monitoring is excellent, the Samsung Health app is incredibly well-designed, and its sleep tracking is among the most reliable for Wear OS. The finest aspect? In contrast to Fitbit on the Pixel Watch 4, Samsung Health offers all of its health functions without requiring a monthly subscription.

    Furthermore, the Galaxy Watch 8 is not limited to health tracking. The smartwatch’s AMOLED display is stunning, its watch band system is far simpler than the Pixel Watch 4’s, and it is incredibly comfy.

    When it comes to battery life, the Pixel Watch 4 is superior, and the Galaxy Watch 8’s absence of a digital crown or rotating bezel is a drawback. However, the Galaxy Watch 8 is a great option if you have a Samsung phone or don’t want your watch to come with a monthly subscription.

    Garmin Venu 4

    garmin venu 4 02

    Garmin Venu 4, 45mm, Advanced Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch, Silver with Silver Gray Silicone Band + USB3.0 to type-c female adapter Space Gray + USB Wall Charger + 6Ave Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

    $555.49Amazon

    The OnePlus Watch 3 has outstanding battery life, but the Galaxy Watch 8 is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a wristwatch with subscription-free health tracking. You might want to think about the Garmin Venu 4 if you’re looking for a Pixel Watch 4 substitute that offers both of those features.

    The Venu 4‘s most notable feature is that it runs Garmin’s proprietary operating system rather than Wear OS. Notifications, phone calls, offline Spotify downloads, and a Google Maps app are just a few of the standard wristwatch features you still have, but you are unable to access the Play Store or Gemini.

    Garmin claims that the Venu 4 may be used for up to 10 days on a single charge, making it the watch with the longest battery life on this list. In addition, the Garmin Venu 4 has a beautiful metal design, 41mm and 45mm size variants, and an integrated LED flashlight.

    The starting price for all of this is $550, which is a lot more than the Pixel Watch 4. However, the Garmin Venu 4 might be worth the cost if you’re looking for a well-made smartwatch with superior fitness tracking and a long battery life.