We know, your AirPods already came with a case that protects the earbuds during storage and charging. But AirPods cases are somewhat fragile themselves, which is why theyour AirPods case needs protection, itself. Dropping your encased AirPods at the right angle can cause a crack in the case or an unwanted disassembly. Not to mention the unseemly scratches that accumulate when you drop your earbuds enough times.
Ultimately, it’s worth investing in a protective case for your AirPods to keep them in the best working condition. And you don’t have to spend a fortune for an AirPods Pro case that is both sleek and has a reputation for durability. Many still allow for wireless charging. If you’re looking for an extra layer of defense that will protect your earbuds without breaking the bank, we’ve got you covered. I’ve curated this collection of budget-friendly cases that you can scoop up for less than $20, and most for under $15. Note that Apple has released a new AirPods Pro 2 model, the case of which is different to the first-gen model.
The AirPods case is fairly rugged to begin with, so I don’t feel like you need to enclose it in a mil-spec-rated ruggedized case for safety — a thin layer of silicone should do. There are a lot of silicone cases like this one under $10 or so that include a dust cover for the charging port, let the LED shine through and have a loop for a metal carabiner, but this one is also resistant to water, which could come in handy at the beach or while standing over the sink.
In a sense, the Mobosi Military AirPods Case Cover is pretty typical — it’s a rubberized case that you slip over your AirPods wired or wireless charging case, and it comes with a secure mount for a detachable carabiner. But the gorgeous diagonal ribbing gives this case a military sort of vibe, and helps grippability at the same time.
Right now, this case is available for 5% off when you click the coupon on the product page, bringing it down to just over $16.
Your AirPods Pro slide into this silicone case that’s available in over a dozen colors. The LED charging light is visible, the case doesn’t interfere with wireless charging and the whole thing is water-resistant. It also comes with a carabiner for securing it on the go.
Most cases are very functional — just impact-resistant sleeves for your AirPods case. But we need some whimsy in our lives, which is why I love this surprisingly detailed silicone mini car. The headlights and taillights glow in the dark, and the solid silicone material means it’s as shock-absorbent as Flubber. Despite its shape, it doesn’t interfere with wireless charging, either.
Most cases are soft, rubberized silicone, but the Ztotop Case for AirPods Pro is a combination of silicone and thermoplastic polyurethane, which results in an impact-resistant hard shell. The top of the cover uses adhesive to keep it attached to the hinged lid of the case, and it comes with a carabiner that attaches to a hard point on the case. It’s open on the bottom to allow wired charging, and it doesn’t interfere with wireless charging.
With freezing cold weather rolling in nearly everywhere in the US, plenty of us are spending more time indoors. Whether you’ve been actively looking for deals on tablets and media streamers or just need a way to keep yourself entertained this winter, Amazon has you covered. Today only, Amazon Prime members can save $101 on the Ultimate Entertainment Bundle from Amazon, which includes both the Fire HD 10 tablet and a Fire TV Stick 4K — meaning you’ll pay just $99 for both. But this offer expires tonight, so be sure to make your purchase soon if you want to nab these devices at this low price.
The Fire HD 10 tablet not only comes equipped with a 10-inch display that’s 10% brighter than its predecessor, but it also has 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage and gets up to 12 hours of battery life per charge. Plus, you can add up to 1TB of storage with a microSD card, though you will have to buy that separately. Along with streaming and scrolling the web, you can also use apps like Microsoft Office, OneNote and Dropbox on your tablet, too. The Fire HD 10 made the cut and landed a spot on our list for best tablets of 2022.
While the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is our favorite of the Fire TV Sticks on the market, the regular Fire TV Stick 4K isn’t a bad option. It’s the closest alternative to the Max, and though it does lack Wi-Fi 6 and a bit of that Max speed, it’s still a good choice for anyone who wants to stream in 4K. With built-in support for Dolby Vision, HDR and HDR10 Plus, it should provide a cinematic experience on your 4K TV. (If you don’t have a 4K TV, you can still use this stick, but you’ll be limited to the max resolution available on that TV.) The Fire TV Stick has plenty of apps to choose from and includes voice features directly on the remote. It can even be controlled via compatible Alexa devices like the Echo or Dot.
Which tablets have the best price?
Use our CNET Shopping extension to compare top products or find coupon codes before buying your next tablet.
The best phones under $500 really don’t sacrifice much in comparison to devices with much higher prices. Even better, there’s a lot of competition in this midrange space, making phones in this price range the first you should consider if you’re ready to upgrade or looking for a holiday gift. These phones typically cost between $400 and $500 while offering features like high refresh rate screens, 5G and photography processing software. But prepare for some tradeoffs, such as lower-quality cameras or an older processor.
Even at their lower prices, the best phones under $500 may hit most of the features on your checklist. Looking for a big 6.5-inch screen? Many of these phones have that, or there are also smaller displays if that’s your preference. Need a great camera? You’ll find that in most of these picks. Most of these phones don’t skimp on software updates either, with their makers promising at minimum three years of security updates.
There are some compromises made to keep costs low, and each company takes a different approach to make these cuts less noticeable. Apple’s iPhone SE and Google’s Pixel 6A, for instance, have a smaller screen and older camera setup, yet include new processors and software from these companies. Samsung’s Galaxy A53 has a spacious screen and impressive battery life, although it runs on a less powerful processor than the Galaxy S22. And the Moto G Stylus 5G takes nice photos, provides a roomy 256GB of space and throws in a stylus, but Motorola doesn’t provide software support for as long as its competitors.
Photography and video in particular are areas where these phones priced under $500 take a noticeable hit in comparison to their more expensive counterparts, but photo-processing software should help pick up some of the slack. For instance, while the iPhone SE has a single 12-megapixel camera that does not support night photography, its A15 Bionic chip does allow for Apple’s Deep Fusion processing. It’s a similar situation for the Pixel 6A, which uses a 12-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, yet can enhance those photos with processing powered by the phone’s Tensor chip.
You can see the pros and cons of each of these phones below, with more details available in our full reviews.
The Pixel 6A replaces the Pixel 5A as the $449 budget-friendly version of its flagship phone. CNET’s Lisa Eadicicco called it the “best Android phone under $500” in her Pixel 6A review, calling out how it keeps the same Tensor chip seen in the $599 Pixel 6 and many of its features.
The phone is slightly smaller than the Pixel 6, featuring a 6.1-inch OLED display and a refresh rate of 60Hz. And it has a similar camera to the Pixel 5A, including a 12.2-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera. But by including the Tensor chip, photos can benefit from its Real Tone skin tone feature, Face Unblur, Night Sight for darker photography and the Magic Eraser for removing unwanted elements from a photo.
The $450 Samsung Galaxy A53 includes many of the best features seen in the Galaxy S22 line, with a few tradeoffs to hit that lower price. The phone includes a 6.5-inch AMOLED screen with a 2,400×1,080-pixel resolution, 5G support and a long-lasting 5,000-mAh battery. The phone also comes with a 64-megapixel main camera, 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, 5-megapixel macro camera and 5-megapixel depth camera.
But a particular high point for this phone is Samsung’s pledge to provide four years of software support, in addition to shipping with Android 12 with Samsung’s One UI 4.1.
The $429 iPhone SE is a mix of an older design with the latest smartphone features, including Apple’s A15 Bionic chip and 5G support. It’s also one of the few phones on the market that includes a smaller, 4.7-inch screen.
It’s that throwback design, which continues the general shape that Apple has used since 2014, that could be what you love or dislike most about this phone. If you want a larger iPhone in this price range, you can also consider the iPhone 11, and get a bigger screen and Face ID. But that phone does not include 5G connectivity.
The phone also only includes one 12-megapixel main camera, which does not support night mode. Most other phones in this roundup include multiple cameras and features like night mode, making the omission noticeable. However, photos make up for this by including the Deep Fusion photo-processing technique to enhance medium-to-low light photos, and Smart HDR4 processing for improving color and contrast. CNET Managing Editor Patrick Holland did find that video shot in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second is particularly good on the iPhone SE, but it will not include the Cinematic Mode seen on the iPhone 13.
The $500 Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) is one of the best stylus-equipped phones you can get right now, especially for the price. You get Android 12, 5G connectivity, a large 6.8-inch screen and a spacious 256GB of storage. Unfortunately, the phone is only promised one software update and three years of security updates, which is a much shorter timeline than the four years promised by Samsung for the Galaxy A53.
Yet if you want a stylus-equipped phone, the next step-up option is the substantially more expensive Galaxy S22 Ultra at $1,200.
With the launch of the iPhone 14 series, Apple discontinued the $500 iPhone 11, but it’s still widely available. It might be a few generations old, but this phone is still more than capable, handling gaming well and equipped with two superb rear cameras. It is missing 5G support, which is increasingly improving as wireless carriers invest in the network, but the phone will work fine on LTE and Wi-Fi. The iPhone 11 also does not support MagSafe accessories, which were introduced alongside the iPhone 12.
Just note that some places may be selling refurbished versions of the phone since Apple itself is no longer selling new iPhone 11 models. Best Buy does not carry any unlocked models, so you’ll have to sign up for a service plan through either AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile or Sprint.
The Nothing Phone 1 isn’t available in the US. But for countries where the phone is available, it offers a striking design and decent specs for the money. The 399 phone (which converts to roughly $480 or AU$700) is adorned with LED strips on the back, each of which is called a “glyph,” that light up for alerts and notifications. That design is accompanied by two 50-megapixel cameras: a wide angle and an ultrawide. Around the front is a 6.55-inch 120Hz display with a 2,400-by-1,080-pixel resolution and a 16-megapixel selfie camera. The phone runs on a Snapdragon 778G Plus chip, with models that start with 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage.
All that amounts to a phone that compares well within the price range, especially given its camera quality and looks. But for now, we’ll have to see if future Nothing phone models end up getting a release in the US.
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How we test phones
CNET tests phones by using them daily and comparing them with competing phones to assess their value. We consider a variety of factors, such as the phone’s screen, cameras, battery life, software, performance, features and ease of use.
For low-priced phones, we make sure these devices consistently work well when used in a number of situations. This includes many day-to-day activities like reading the news, listening to music, watching videos, texting, playing games and multitasking.
We test phone cameras in a range of environments, taking test photos outdoors in the daytime and nighttime, and indoors in darker settings. We use cameras in active environments, like a concert or a sports game, and with a variety of subjects including people, objects and pets. We also test available camera settings, especially those that are rarer in these price ranges such as Night mode and Portrait mode.
These anecdotal phone experiences are also combined with benchmark tests such as Geekbench performance testing and battery testing. We monitor battery life in two ways: By seeing how much power is typically left after a day of normal usage and by seeing how much battery is depleted during a more intensive hour with the phone. For the latter test, we’ll check how the phone’s battery holds up to a series of video calls, gaming, video streaming and web browsing.
Phones under $500 FAQs
Are cheaper phones worth it?
For many people, a phone that costs less than $500 will likely have everything you need for communication, photography and entertainment. In some cases, the phones even provide some of the latest features seen on higher-end phones like smooth 120Hz refresh rates and multiple cameras.
However, you should be aware of — and OK with — the limitations a phone may have compared to its more expensive counterparts. For instance, if you want an iPhone with a bigger screen than the iPhone SE and iPhone 11’s screens, your next best option is the $899 iPhone 14 Plus. That’s far outside the $500 price range, but you also get additional benefits like an improved camera.
On the other hand, if you want a phone with a bigger screen and if running Android is fine, you’ll have plenty of options that are under $500.
Can you get a good camera on a cheaper phone?
Yes, you can find several cheaper phones that take great photos, whether it’s through the camera available on the device, photo processing software on the phone or — is most often the case — a combination of both.
Apple’s iPhone SE includes the A15 Bionic chip, which supports Smart HDR4 processing and Apple’s Deep Fusion processing. Smart HDR4 helps with improving color and contrast, while the Deep Fusion processing helps with medium- to low-light environments. CNET Managing Editor Patrick Holland put together a sampling of photos and videos taken on the phone during his review, which can be watched on the CNET Highlights YouTube channel. However, the iPhone SE also has only one 12-megapixel camera, and that camera does not support night photography.
Over on the Android side, the Google Pixel 6A includes the company’s Tensor chip, which brings photography features like Real Tone for capturing more accurate skin tones, Face Unblur for fixing a person’s face and Magic Eraser for removing unwanted objects. But it has a 12-megapixel main camera paired up with a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, which takes good photos but is a clear step down from the 50-megapixel main camera seen on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7.
Samsung’s Galaxy A53 is an interesting case: Iit has a main 64-megapixel camera alongside a 12-megapixel ultrawide, 5-megapixel macro camera and 5-megapixel depth camera. While that’s more megapixels than the 50-megapixel main camera on the Galaxy S22, the image detail is a step down with the S22 able to produce photos with better contrast and sharpness.
What makes these phones cheaper?
Each company takes a different approach toward cheaper phones.
The iPhone SE, for example, has a recent Apple processor packed inside an otherwise dated phone design. Google’s Pixel 6A likewise includes the new Tensor processor, but uses an older 12.2-megapixel main camera instead of the 50-megapixel main camera found on the $599 Pixel 6.
Samsung’s Galaxy A53 takes the opposite approach. It includes a processor that’s slower than the Galaxy S22’s but includes other modern features like a screen with a high refresh rate.
Phones under $500 comparison
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Google Pixel 6A vs. Apple iPhone SE (2022) vs. Nothing Phone 1 vs. Apple iPhone 11
This story is part of Focal Point iPhone 2022, CNET’s collection of news, tips and advice around Apple’s most popular product.
Following its unveiling at Apple’s September media event, the iPhone 14 lineup is now available — and we’re rounding up the best iPhone 14 deals currently available to make things easy for you. Apple’s new flagship lineup includes the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus as well as the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, with US prices starting at $799.
The Pro phones have so far grabbed most of the headlines, taking the spots as the new best iPhones, thanks to their upgraded A16 Bionic chip and an updated display that ditches the infamous notch in favor of an adaptive pill-shaped display cutout that Apple is calling the Dynamic Island. On the non-Pro side, the devices keep the same A15 Bionic chip from last year, though there are some under-the-hood improvements.
All of the phones in the lineup are available now. And despite the device being so new, there are already some solid iPhone deals to be found.
What colors does the iPhone 14 come in?
The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus come in five different colors: blue, purple, midnight, starlight and Product Red. The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max come in deep purple, silver, gold and space black.
The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro are available to buy directly from Apple, with delivery and in-store pickup options. You can also trade in your old device for up to $650 off your new one and use an Apple Card to get 3% back on your purchase.
Verizon is offering as much as $1,000 off iPhone 14 purchases via bill credits. Applied over 36 months, the credits require you to take out a new line on Verizon’s One Unlimited for iPhone plan, or one of its 5G Do More, 5G Play More or 5G Get More plans. The One Unlimited for iPhone plan is particularly appealing for those all-in on the Apple ecosystem, as it saves you up to $480 per year with its inclusion of an Apple One family account. Switchers will get an added bonus in the form of a $200 Verizon gift card.
Order your iPhone 14 series device at Best Buy and you’ll snag four months of Apple Music (worth $40) and Apple TV Plus for three months (worth $21) for free. That’s in addition to up to $1,000 with trade-in and activation.
New and existing customers buying an iPhone 14 or 14 Pro at AT&T can save as much as $1,000 with trade-in. To get the discount, buy an iPhone 14 device on a qualifying installment agreement, activate or keep eligible unlimited voice and data wireless service, and hand over your old phone in good working condition. You’ll get $1,000 in bill credits with a smartphone trade-in value of $230 or higher (which includes iPhone 12 or newer, several Samsung Galaxy phones, Google Pixel 6 Pro and more). Older phones are good for up to $800 in bill credits.
Snag an iPhone 14 and 14 Pro for as little as $0 at T-Mobile with an eligible trade-in. The discount of up to $400 is applied via 24 monthly bill credits when trading in an eligible device on Magenta Max. Don’t want to go for T-Mo’s top-tier plan? You can still save as much as half off your iPhone 14 purchase over 24 months on other T-Mobile plans. You’ll also score Apple TV Plus for free at T-Mobile and its Forever Upgrade allows you to keep using the latest iPhone model at no extra cost with an upgrade every 24 months and up to $400 by trading in your old device.
New and existing Xfinity Mobile customers can take $400 off any new iPhone 14. New customers must activate a new Xfinity Mobile line within 30 days of purchase and existing customers can upgrade one of their existing lines to receive the deal.
Buy your iPhone 14 or 14 Pro at Visible, port in your number and you’ll receive $200 back as a gift card to spend wherever Mastercard is accepted. The deal requires you to transfer your number within 30 days and after completing three full months of service payments, you’ll receive a code to claim your virtual gift card.
Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Flip 4 builds on the success of the Galaxy Z Flip 3, 2021’s sleeper smartphone hit. While the durability of phones has increased over the years, it’s still understandable to be cautious, especially with a folding phone like the Galaxy Z Flip 4. The number of flip case options available isn’t extensive, but grabbing a Z Flip 4 case isn’t hard to do and can help give you extra peace of mind that your phone will stay safe if it takes a tumble. In fact, there are more choices available than the Flip 4’s predecessor had — and the Galaxy Z Flip 3 had some incredible cases. Anyone looking for a stylish case or those who value function over fashion will find a case to suit their preferences here.
We’ve tried many of these models and can attest to their quality. As more new cases arrive for the Z Flip 4, we’ll be putting them to the test and will update this list accordingly so you can find the best offers available.
Available in three color options, the Caseology Nano Pop has a soft-to-the-touch feel and offers decent protection with a raised camera ring. Its dual-layer design with eye-catching trim colors does give the case a little extra pop. Note that Caseology is a sub-brand of Spigen.
Samsung’s Clear Ring Cover is the translucent version of its Ring Cover. While it doesn’t have the same soft-to-the-touch finish and isn’t quite as protective as that case, it is slim and allows you to show off your phone’s exterior color. It’s normally $30, but we’ve already seen discounts on it.
Speck’s Presidio Perfect-Clear Fold, one of my favorite for the Galaxy Z Flip 3, returns for the Z Flip 4. The Presidio Perfect-Clear Fold is rated for 13-foot drop protection, and it’s the most protective clear case I tried, although there’s no hinge protection. It comes in a perfectly clear version and one imbued with glitter. (Note that the photo above is with the Galaxy Z Flip 3 but the Z Flip 4 version should be nearly identical).
Samsung’s Silicone Cover with Ring returns for the Galaxy Z Flip 4 with some small design enhancements. It’s protective, it has a nice soft-to-touch finish and there’s that built-in ring that helps prevent you from dropping the phone — and you can also clip the ring to a lanyard and wear the phone around your neck. Alas, while I could kind of prop the phone up using the ring on certain surfaces, I would have liked the case even more if it truly converted into a kickstand.
I didn’t like Otterbox’s Thin Flex case for the Galaxy Z Flip 3. It felt cheap and was hard to get off your phone once you put it on. But the new version for the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is much better and comes in translucent options, a couple of which have colored trims (the pacific reef color is shown in photo). While it has a two-piece design and no hinge protection, it now looks and feels like a premium case.
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 4 Flap Leather Cover is an upgrade over last year’s Leather Cover case for the Galaxy Flip 3, as it incorporates a flap for hinge protection. It’s expensive, but nice — and slim. Available in three color options (black, peach and purple), the biggest knock against it is that it’s expensive, but we’re already seeing discounts on it.
You can find a bunch of generic clear cases on Amazon for the Galaxy Z Flip 4, several of which cost less than $15. The Restone is interesting because while it’s technically a two-piece design with no hinge protection (for the Z Flip 4’s hinge), it does feature a hinge of its own that keeps the two pieces together and helps prevent them from slipping off the phone. It also has a bit of extra corner protection. (I haven’t used this particular Restone case yet but I have used a Restone case on another phone and it was fine, particularly for its low price).
All these inexpensive clear cases say they have anti-yellowing protection (to keep your clear case from losing its clarity), but I don’t really believe those anti-yellow claims.
Urban Armor Gear has long made attractively designed cases for a variety of phone models and its Civilian Series is one the best tough cases for the Z Flip 4. It’s available in three color options — black, mallard (blue) and olive — and does offer hinge protection in a one-piece design. You do need to use the adhesive on the inside of the case to keep the case from sliding around on the phone.
Spigen makes a few cases for the Galaxy Z Flip 4. As its name implies, the Tough Armor is durable and offers the most protection in Spigen’s line. It’s also the only Spigen case that has an integrated protective covering for the hinge.
As far as protective cases go, it’s one of the better ones and is only missing an integrated kickstand. I also kind of wish it came in more colors. Black is the only option for now. Expect to see price drops on it in the coming weeks.
Spigen’s Air Skin case line, which includes a Crystal Clear version as well as other color options, is a slim case that offers basic protection. I probably like the color versions instead of the clear, but a lot of people like to show the color of their phone, especially if you paid extra for one of the “bespoke” colors.
This has the same soft-to-the-touch finish as Samsung’s Ring case, but instead of a ring it incorporates a strap. You slide your hand under the strap (and behind the phone), which allows you to get a grip and hold on to your phone without really wrapping your fingers around it. It’s essentially a security strap. The strap also offers a little bit of protection for the hinge when you fold up the phone. Additionally, you can attach the end of the strap to a lanyard or clip it to another strap (say, on a bag or backpack).
Aside from having some utility, the strap also seems designed to bring some attention to your phone. For better or worse, it does just that, so if you use this case, plan on having people ask you about your phone. It comes in two colors (white or black), but additional strap are sold separately if you want one that better fits your personal style.
Otterbox makes only two cases for the Galaxy Z Flip 4: the Thin Flex (see above) and this one, the Symmetry Flex, which now offers hinge protection and is a top protective case for the Z Flip 4 (it comes in more color options for the Z Flip 4). It’s expensive, but we should see some discounts on it in the coming weeks.
Zagg has a new “eco” screen protector for the Z Flip 4’s exterior screen that it says is biodegradable, a first for a screen protector. Along the with the exterior screen protector it makes for the Galaxy Z Flip 3, this is the smallest screen protector Zagg makes. Yet it somehow costs almost as much as the screen protectors it makes for much larger screens.
Gear4’s Bridgetown case shares some similarities with Spigen’s Tough Armor case (see below). It, too, is a tough case that only comes in black and has some nice hinge protection. The case looks similar to the version for the Z Flip 3 but the new version is a bit sleeker and the hinge protector has been improved. It’s one of the best protective cases for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. I only wish it were available in more colors, or a clear version.
Yes and no. Your old Z Flip 3 case may fit on your Z Flip 4 — and stay on it — but there are some small differences in their design (and dimensions) that may make it a less-than-perfect fit. For instance, the flashlight on the Zip Flip 4 is a slightly different location than the flashlight on the Z Flip 3 and may not be centered in the cutout on a Z Flip 3 case. Also, the top microphone may get partially covered if you use a Z Flip 3 case with a Z Flip 4. You can try your old case with your new phone to see how well it fits (and potentially try to modify it slightly), but there’s a good chance you may to get an official Z Flip 4 case for it.
Do Galaxy Z Flip 4 cases protect the entire phone, including the hinge?
The majority of Galaxy Z Flip 3 cases came in two pieces. But with the Z Flip 4, we’re seeing more one-piece cases that do offer some hinge protection. If that’s something you’re looking for, several of these picks will protect the hinge.
Are there screen protectors for the Galaxy Z Flip 4?
As with the Galaxy Z Flip 3, Samsung doesn’t sell — or allow anybody to sell — screen protectors for the main front screen of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. The Z Flip 4 uses a high-tech bendable display that is equipped with Samsung’s own pre-applied screen protector (some people had issues with it peeling on the Z Flip 3 and simply took it off). You can find a handful of screen protectors for the mini exterior display.
Do all Galaxy Z Flip 4 cases allow wireless charging?
Most but not all the cases on this list allow you to wirelessly charge the Z Flip 4 with the case on. Those that feature an integrated kickstand, particularly if it’s made out of metal, may require you to remove the case to charge your phone wirelessly.
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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the Warehouse Worker Protection Act on Wednesday, codifying restrictions on the use of demanding quotas for workers fulfilling orders for Amazon, UPS and other logistics companies.
Under the law, companies like Amazon with warehouse operations will be required to disclose quota requirements to workers. The law also aims to prevent warehousing companies from firing or disciplining workers for failing to hit quotas that haven’t been disclosed or don’t allow for legally required breaks.
Hochul said she was proud to sign the bill into law “as we celebrate the holidays with gifts and packages.”
The law comes as holiday shopping reaches its peak in the US. Amazon’s pace of work has been the subject of criticism from advocates and workplace safety regulators, who say the company’s quotas lead to higher injury rates than at other warehousing companies. Regulators in the state of Washington have fined the company for injuries they directly attributed to punishing quotas, with Amazon appealing the decision. The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating working conditions at Amazon warehouses around the country, as well as a string of deaths at Amazon warehouses this summer.
In a statement, Amazon spokeswoman Kelly Nantel said Amazon agrees with the goals of the new law but believes it’s based on a misunderstanding of the company’s policies.
“Amazon does not have fixed quotas at our facilities,” Nantel said. “Instead, we assess performance based on safe and achievable expectations and take into account time and tenure, peer performance, and adherence to safe work practices. While we know we aren’t perfect, we are committed to continuous improvement when it comes to communicating with and listening to our employees and providing them with the resources they need to be successful.”
UPS didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, said in a statement that the union supported the bill because a lack of regulation of warehouse companies left workers vulnerable to injuries.
“Unsafe work speeds, unreasonable work quotas, dangerous work, and insufficient breaks all contribute to the skyrocketing rate of injuries and sickness in the warehousing industry,” Appelbaum said.
This year isn’t quite over, but rumors about new phones are already buzzing. While it’s hard to know what’s exactly in store for the smartphone industry in 2023, it’s possible to make some educated guesses since companies like Apple, Google and Samsung mostly stick to the same launch routine each year.
The iPhone 15 lineup, for example, is expected to arrive in September — possibly with USB-C charging for the first time. If Samsung maintains its typical release cycle, the Galaxy S23 will be one of the first new phones we see in 2023.
Such launches would come after the smartphone space took subtle but important steps forward in 2022. The iPhone, for example, gained satellite connectivity for emergencies and car crash detection, while Google found more ways to make use of its custom Tensor chip in the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. Samsung, meanwhile, gave its flagship Galaxy S lineup a fresh look and an upgraded camera.
Here are the new phones we’re likely to see in 2023 based on previous launch cycles, rumors and reports.
Apple iPhone 15 lineup
The iPhone 14 lineup.
James Martin/CNET
What we’re expecting: Apple’s new iPhone family usually launches in September, and we have no reason to believe 2023 will be any different. The adoption of USB-C charging is one of the biggest changes we’re expecting to see on Apple’s next-generation iPhones. The European Union recently mandated that all new phones sold in the region must support USB-C charging by 2024. Apple said it would comply with these rules, but did not specify whether that means we’ll see a shift to USB-C starting in 2023. It’s also not confirmed if a USB-C iPhone would get a global release, or if it would remain solely as a European model.
Otherwise, we’re likely to see routine changes such as some camera upgrades and a new processor. TF International Securities Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who is known for making predictions about upcoming Apple products, also says Apple may do more to distinguish the iPhone 15 Pro from the regular iPhone 15.
It already made a step in that direction with the iPhone 14 generation by keeping features like the Dynamic Island and new A16 Bionic processor exclusive to the Pro line. What’s more interesting, however, is the idea that Apple could further differentiate the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max from the smaller iPhone 15 Pro, according to Kuo. The main difference between the regular Pro and Pro Max comes down to screen size. Giving the Pro Max some extra perks could further convince shoppers to splurge on Apple’s biggest (and most expensive) iPhone. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also believes Apple could change the name of the iPhone Pro Max to the iPhone Ultra in the future to better align with other products like the Apple Watch Ultra.
Why I’m excited about it: The iPhone’s long-anticipated transition to USB-C is arguably the biggest reason to get excited about Apple’s next smartphone. The switch means iPhone users will finally be able to charge their iPhone, iPad and Mac with the same type of charging cable, reducing friction and making the iPhone that much more convenient. I’m also looking forward to seeing whether Apple further distinguishes the iPhone 15 Pro Max from the iPhone 15 Pro. I’ve argued that Apple needs to give its supersized iPhones more functionality that takes advantage of their larger screens, similar to the iPad.
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Lineup
Samsung’s Galaxy S22 lineup.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
What we’re expecting: Based on the rumors, Samsung’s Galaxy S23 could bring some noteworthy upgrades to the camera and design — two areas that have traditionally been a big focus for the South Korean tech giant.
The rumored Galaxy S23 Ultra could include a 200-megapixel main camera, according to a prolific leaker who goes by the name Ice Universe on Twitter. That sounds like a huge jump from the Galaxy S22 Ultra’s 108-megapixel main sensor on paper. But it’s important to remember that factors like sensor size and speed also play a very important role in image quality. The new 200-megapixel sensor is only said to be slightly larger than the iPhone 14 Pro’s and is reportedly a bit smaller than other Android flagships, according to Ice Universe.
Samsung may also give the regular Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus a tweaked design that more closely matches that of the Ultra model. Images from reliable leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer suggest Samsung will eliminate the camera bump from the S23 and S23 Plus, replacing it with the protruding lenses found on the Galaxy S22 Ultra. The images were published on the tech blogs Digit and Smartprix in partnership with Hemmerstoffer.
Although we don’t know precisely what to expect in terms of performance, Samsung usually puts Qualcomm’s latest mobile chip in the new version of its phones that launch in the United States and certain other markets. That means we will likely see the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in Samsung’s next Galaxy phone. The new chip offers better power efficiency, ray tracing for improved aesthetics in mobile games and upgraded AI that can better separate you from your Zoom background, among other enhancements. The analyst Kuo even believes Samsung could ditch its own Exynos processors and rely solely on Qualcomm for the Galaxy S23.
Why I’m excited about it: Smartphone cameras have already gotten so sophisticated that I’m curious to see whether Samsung’s 200-megapixel sensor actually makes a meaningful difference. Either way, it’ll be interesting to see how Samsung pushes the camera experience forward in the S23 lineup given the increased competition from Google’s Pixel series in recent years. I’m also in favor of the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus’ rumored design change to more closely resemble the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Based on the renders, it looks cleaner and sleeker compared to the Galaxy S22’s camera bump.
Google Pixel 7A
The Google Pixel 6A.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
What we’re expecting: If Google maintains its tradition, we could see a cheaper version of the Pixel 7 known as the Pixel 7A launch in the spring or summer time frame. Rumors about the Pixel 7A are scarce right now. But developer Kuba Wojciechowski claims to have found details possibly pertaining to the Pixel 7A in the Android codebase, suggesting that some fairly significant upgrades are in store.
Wojciechowski’s findings indicate the Pixel 7A could have a screen with a higher refresh rate of 90Hz and wireless charging — two characteristics that are noticeably absent from the Pixel 6A. Leaked renders from Hemmerstoffer that were once again published on Smartprix also suggest the Pixel 7A will have a very similar design as its predecessor.
The Pixel 7A could also include the same Tensor G2 processor that powers the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro as well as a camera setup that includes wide and ultrawide sensors. That’s if the Pixel 7A follows in the same footsteps as the Pixel 6A, of course.
Why I’m excited about it: Google’s A-series Pixel phones are seriously impressive from a value standpoint. That’s why the Pixel 6A has received a CNET Editors’ Choice award and is our favorite Android phone under $500. If Google manages to address the Pixel 6A’s very few shortcomings while maintaining the same price of $449, it’ll be an even more formidable challenger to Samsung in the affordable phone space.
Google Pixel 8 Lineup
The Pixel 7 Pro (left) and Pixel 7 (right).
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
What we’re expecting: Google’s Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are only a couple months old, but rumors have already started to surface about the Pixel 8 family. German tech blog WinFuture claims to have found references to two unreleased Pixel smartphones in publicly available code. The findings indicate that these two devices are codenamed “Shiba” and “Husky” and that they’re powered by a new processor codenamed “Zuma.” The code also suggests these devices will run on Android 14 and include 12GB of RAM, according to WinFuture.
Why I’m excited about it: There haven’t been many rumors about the expected Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, which means there isn’t too much to get excited about yet. But what I’m most interested in is what new features Google’s next-generation chip will bring to its future phones. Google’s current Tensor chips have enabled features that seem practical and useful in everyday life, such as Magic Eraser and Face Unblur for improving photo quality and the ability to add speaker labels to transcripts in the Recorder app. That makes me excited about where Google could take things next.
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
What we’re expecting: Samsung may be best-known for its Galaxy S devices, but its series of Galaxy A phones are worth your attention if you’re shopping on a tighter budget. The next phone in this series is expected to be called the Galaxy A54 5G, following the Galaxy A53 5G’s launch last spring.
Based on the few leaks that have surfaced so far, the Galaxy A54 5G will be a modest improvement over the A53 5G. It’s expected to have a 6.4-inch screen, which is slightly smaller than the A53’s 6.5-inch display, and a triple rear camera. That’s according to the leaker Hemmerstoffer, who shared renders claiming to show the Galaxy A54 5G’s design with the tech blog 91Mobiles. A report from the Dutch tech site Galaxy Club also suggests the A54 5G could have a slightly larger battery than its predecessor.
Why I’m excited about it: When I tested the Galaxy A53 5G around the time of its launch, I thought it felt much more expensive than it actually was. It’s not perfect, but Samsung provides a well-rounded package for the price with the Galaxy A53 5G. I’m hoping the success of Google’s Pixel A series motivates Samsung to up its budget phone game even further.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4.
James Martin/CNET
What we’re expecting: Even though foldable phones are still new to most people, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold will be on its fifth generation in 2023. The next version of Samsung’s phone-tablet hybrid could have a slot for storing Samsung’s S Pen stylus, a lighter design and a less noticeable crease, according to Korean news outlet The Elec. The report didn’t definitively say the Z Fold 5 will have these improvements, but did say Samsung has cited them as barriers that must be overcome to make foldable phones more popular.
Otherwise, we can probably expect to see routine improvements to the camera and processor in the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Samsung also added some new multitasking features to the Z Fold 4 this year, such as the ability to use the bottom portion of the screen as a mini trackpad when the display is folded halfway. So there’s a chance we’ll see other software enhancements in the future, too.
Samsung typically releases its new foldable phones in August, meaning we’re likely to see the next Z Fold around that time next year.
Why I’m excited about it: The Galaxy Z Fold 5 needs a lot more than an included S Pen to bring foldables into the mainstream. But making the S Pen a bigger part of the experience could go a long way in further defining who the Z Fold is for and why it exists in the first place. Samsung is promoting the Z Fold 5 as a productivity-oriented device, so having an embedded S Pen seems like a natural move. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Fold 3 are both compatible with the S Pen, but they must be purchased separately.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
The new Galaxy Z Flip 4 looks nearly identical to last year’s Z Flip 3.
Patrick Holland/CNET
What we’re expecting: Samsung’s next flip phone may have a larger cover screen and a less noticeable crease, according to Ross Young, co-founder and CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants. Ross recently tweeted that the Z Flip 5 will have a cover display measuring around three inches and a new hinge design that could make the crease more subtle. That would represent a sizable increase from the current Z Flip 4’s 1.9-inch cover screen. Like the Z Fold 5, there’s a chance we’ll see general improvements to camera quality and software as well as a new processor, too.
Why I’m excited about it: Making the cover screen slightly larger would address one of the Z Flip’s biggest shortcomings. As my colleague Patrick Holland wrote in his review of the Z Flip 4, the cover screen is the biggest area where Samsung could be doing more. I’m also hoping to see longer battery life from the Z Flip 5 considering that’s another area where Samsung’s current flip phone could use some improvement.
OnePlus 11
OnePlus 10 Pro.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
What we’re expecting: The OnePlus 11 5G will get its debut early next year, with the company confirming that the phone will arrive on Feb. 7 alongside the OnePlus Buds Pro 2. Other than this event, there are some rumors pointing to what might be inside of the phone when its reveal comes. One of the biggest changes coming to the OnePlus 11 could be its redesigned circular camera module, according to renders from Hemmerstoffer published on the blog GadgetGang. It’s a standout look that could help distinguish the OnePlus 11’s design from other Android devices, much as the camera bar has done for the Pixel 6 and 7 series.
Hemmerstoffer also reports that the phone will feature a 6.7-inch screen, Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, up to 16GB of RAM and a 5,000-mAh battery with 100-watt charging. The camera would include 50-megapixel, 48-megapixel and 32-megapixel sensors. The charging speed is particularly notable since it represents an increase from OnePlus’ already speedy 80-watt charging, although unfortunately that’s capped at just 65 watts in the US.
Why I’m excited about it: For a company that made its name as the “flagship killer,” OnePlus’ prices have inched closer to those of the rivals it aims to undercut in recent years. That said, OnePlus still has a reputation for selling reasonably priced devices that pack a lot of high-end features such as superfast charging. The OnePlus 10 Pro came really close to being a superb iPhone competitor, as my colleague Andrew Lanxon wrote when he reviewed the device. But a slightly disappointing camera and restrictions such as a lack of 80-watt charging in the US held it back from being as great as it could be. Hopefully OnePlus addresses these criticisms in its next-generation device.
It seems like some of the biggest improvements we’re expecting to see across the board on new smartphones in 2023 have to do with improving the battery and charging experience as well as making camera and design upgrades. We’ll know more throughout the year as Samsung, Apple, OnePlus and Google release new devices.
Despite some great innovations in 3D printing hardware and software in 2022, the new Ender 5 S1 from Creality doesn’t do much to push the envelope. It’s a decent printer, but needed more to really wow me.
You’re receiving price alerts for Creality Ender 5 S1
Like
Stable physical design
Fast printing speed
Good quality prints
Don’t Like
Needs a lot of bed leveling
Lackluster design
At first glance, the $579 Ender 5 S1 ticks a lot of boxes. Based on the original Ender 5 from 2019, the S1 upgrades almost every piece of hardware to make this faster and more accurate than ever before. But taking a deeper look, a lot of what we see is decidedly middle of the road.
Creality Ender 5 S1
Build volume
220 x 220 x 280mm
Hot end
All metal
Extruder type
DirectDrive
Nozzle diameter
0.04mm
Nozzle max temperature
300C
Build plate max temperature
110C
Max speed
~ 250mm/s
Supported material
PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, ASA, HIPS
Auto bed leveling
Hybrid (CRtouch/Manual Wheels)
Filament runout sensor
Yes
Storage
SD card
Slicer
Creality Slicer, Prusaslicer, Cura
The build quality of this 3D printer is excellent, as I’d expect from the Ender line. All of the parts look and feel well-made. When you pick it up by the built-in handles, it has a heft that suggests a ruggedness that you don’t get from cheaper models. Unlike the Ender 3, the Ender 5 is a CoreXY machine, so the bed moves up and down, rather than in and out, so it’s much more stable at high speed.
Having an all-metal hot end and an extruder assembly that is direct-drive allows the S1 to handle a variety of different materials. The direct drive extruder makes it extremely easy to print with TPU — a flexible filament you can make rubbery phone cases from — and the all-metal hot end allows high-temperature filaments like ABS and PETG to be printed, too. High temperatures can destroy the small tube in a standard hot end, which would then need to be replaced after printing PETG or ABS for long periods.
James Bricknell/CNET
The print quality of the Ender 5 S1 is surprisingly good at the speed it prints, which is faster than many similar printers. While it says it can print at 250 millimeters per second, that doesn’t tell the whole story, as the print speed is limited in the slicer to keep the quality high. Millimeters per second is used to measure how fast the print head can move while printing, as well as when no material is being extruded. It’s an abstract number based on factory defaults, so it isn’t always accurate when you get the 3D printer to your home.
I used a spider test print from E3D, which tests overhangs and bridging — both notoriously difficult at high speed — to test the Ender 5 S1. This file takes around 1 hour, 30 minutes to print on the Prusa Mk3s, a respectable time for one of the best 3D printers right now. The Creality slicer software included with the Ender 5 S1 estimates that same print at 1 hour, 9 minutes. If it was printing at the full 250 mm/s speed, it should be three times faster than the Prusa, but it isn’t. In comparison, the AnkerMake M5 — which also touts 250 mm/s print speeds — estimates the same model to be printed in 22 minutes. So while the Ender 5 S1 is faster than most printers, it isn’t as fast as the spec sheet promises.
James Bricknell/CNET
Limiting the speed isn’t a bad idea, per se. After all, the balance between speed and quality is important for 3D printers and the quality here is very good even on stock settings. The CNET test print showed no sign of stringing, which surprised me. Stringing occurs when there isn’t time between each layer for the plastic to cool, so it oozes out in strings. This can occur when printers are too fast, but the Ender 5 S1 did a great job with all aspects of the test print.
I printed several Fotis Mint dragons, a skeletal hand and some lobsters, and they all came out looking excellent. This FlexiFactory dinosaur looks great, and all of his articulation works as it’s supposed to, though it did take me several attempts to get the first layer to stick correctly.
James Bricknell/CNET
The Ender 5 S1 also comes with some advanced features, such as a filament runout sensor and power-off detection, though the auto-leveling system has advantages and drawbacks.
The auto-leveling still has a manual element and requires adjustment of the bed by tuning spring-loaded height adjustment wheels underneath. This means that the 3D printer is prone to losing its bed level after a few prints. While it might not seem like a big deal to keep releveling, it can be a pain and often leads to prints failing and materials lost. It also runs counter to the entire reason for auto-leveling, the removal of human error from the equation.
A year or two ago (and maybe $100 cheaper), the Ender 5 S1 would have floored me. But in a year when we’re seeing a lot of innovation in quality, features and price, it doesn’t stand out. If you can find it on sale for less than $450 it would be worth picking up, but there are better printers, like the $569 Anycubic Kobra Max — a printer with true auto-leveling and a giant print size — or the $799 AnkerMake M5, within a stone’s throw of the Ender 5 S1’s current price of $579.
Netflix subscribers will be able to stream Nike Training Club workout routines, the athletic company said Wednesday. Beginning Dec. 30, five programs will be released on the platform, with additional content dropping throughout 2023. More than 30 hours’ worth of exercise programming will be available in total.
According to Nike, the workouts will be offered in 10 different languages and Netflix customers can access them on any plan. The streamer will release NTC videos in two parts as part of a custom Nike collection. The sporting gear brand says the programs will “cater to all fitness levels, require minimal-to-no equipment, and span yoga, strength and high-intensity workouts.”
To kick things off, Netflix viewers will be able to stream 14 episodes of HIT & Strength With Tara, 13 episodes of Kickstart Fitness With the Basics, seven episodes of Two Weeks to a Stronger Core, six episodes of Feel-Good Fitness and six episodes of Fall in Love With Vinyasa. Subscribers can search using the term “Nike” and pull up fitness routines from trainers like Joe Holder and Kirsty Godso. Additionally, you’ll be able to choose from 90 workouts according to length or type.
Nike Training Club is a free app that currently features more than 185 exercise routines. It ranks as the top fitness app on CNET’s best list.
Google has fallen second place to Apple in the Android vs. iPhone war for the first time in over a decade. The free and open-source operating system, which still powers the majority of the world’s phones, can be found on devices from Samsung, OnePlus and Motorola. Even when combined with budget brands such as Nokia, TCL and Blu, Android-loaded handsets can’t outsell the iPhone stateside.
From a global perspective, Apple’s dominance is an outlier. The US, Canada and Japan are the only countries where Apple has an edge over Android. Everywhere else Android leads, usually by a wide margin.
Android falling behind speaks to the cachet Apple has built up around the iPhone franchise. From celebrities photographed at cafes with iPhones to their ears to late-night hosts engaging in repartee with an Apple Watch cuffed to their wrist, Apple products are both function and fashion of America’s aristocratic class. And thanks to iMessage, Apple has created messaging partition, with the “haves” enjoying blue bubble gardens and the “have nots” being relegated to green squalor. Heck, even movie villains can’t be filmed using an iPhone.
But there’s reason to be optimistic about Android’s attempts to retake the crown in the US. Google is building out an ecosystem to surround the Pixel 7, including with the introduction of the Pixel Watch. A Pixel tablet is coming next year. And Android does have its own base of rabid fans — even if they’re not on a Hollywood set.
So what can Google do to make Android relevant in the US again? Here are a few ways.
Double down on ecosystem
Google took too long to release the Pixel Watch, letting the Apple Watch act as a Trojan Horse and keep people locked inside Apple’s garden.
“Apple has such a sticky ecosystem. Especially the Watch, once you buy that watch, you’re locked into an iPhone,” said Techsponential analyst Avi Greengart. Google hasn’t had that up until this year. “And even then, its first watch is really a 1.0 product.”
Google’s slow trudge bringing the Pixel Watch to market means that the Apple Watch remains far ahead. At least now there’s an option for Pixel owners to keep them from feeling left behind.
Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Series 8.
Lexy Savvides/CNET
The US market differs from the rest of the world in that there’s far less competition in the Android space. Concerns about Chinese tech companies tracking American consumers have essentially made it impossible for brands like Huawei, Xiaomi and Oppo to operate in the US. That leaves a handful of brands that can sell alternatives outside of Samsung and Google.
“Having more devices in the market also gives the carriers more choices on devices they can give away for free or do more promotions on,” said Anshel Sag, an analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy.
The lack of manufacturer diversity is only one problem Google is facing. The iPad line continues to remain a popular second-screen device, acting as an internet gateway for both toddlers and the elderly. Only one high-quality Android tablet comes to mind with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus, but its software is nowhere near as refined as iPad OS, with it often feeling like a big screen version of Android. Google has already announced a “premium” Pixel tablet for 2023, but it really will need to impress to draw in the throngs of consumers trained to look at iPads as the tablet.
Unfortunately, one area Google might not be able to offer a viable competitor to Apple is in laptop and home computing. Google’s Chromebooks are excellent affordable laptops for basic tasks, but lack the horsepower and flexibility to offer the functionality found with MacOS and Windows. It’s a market that’s already been carved up by Apple and Microsoft, making it difficult for Google to create a viable alternative. Even if it did, the installed base would be so small that it wouldn’t attract top developers. Here, Google’s best option is to continue integrating its products better with Mac and Windows machines to offer a comparable experience to iPhone and Mac.
Matter matters
One area that Google has dominance over Apple is in smart home. Cupertino is seldom quick to jump into new product categories, which is evidenced by years of rumors surrounding Apple’s supposed VR/AR headset and the Apple car. Apple did try to make an effort at home devices with HomeKit, but it’s largely been left forgotten. Google, on the other hand, has a heavy presence in the smart home with its voice assistant-backed displays, such as the Nest Hub, and its Nest WiFi, Doorbell and camera products.
Unfortunately, the smart home industry has stagnated with a dizzying array of competing products confusing consumers. A person who owns an Amazon Alexa smart speaker might be unsure if it will cooperate with their Google Nest doorbell.
Enter Matter, a universal smart home standard that will allow new home devices, regardless of brand, to communicate with one another. Even Apple, the company that enjoys creating walled gardens, has joined the Connected Standards Alliance, along with Amazon, Google, Samsung, Ikea, Lutron, Signify and others.
“That is an area where Google could take some advantage, building more of those controls or just exposing them more in Android,” Greengart said. This includes building out a person’s homepage, widgets and making connections between multiple devices. Greengart said it’ll be up to Google to let people know that smart home interoperability can be done best on Android.
Beat Apple to innovation
Google’s product events continue to get better, bringing greater production value and fanfare, but still can’t capture the same magic as Apple. The Cupertino, California-based company still has that ability to drum up excitement over its family of products and services. Enthusiastic rhetoric from executives mixed with high production value can make a person believe that Apple is bringing the latest in tech and innovation, even if that isn’t always the case.
Google Pixel Fold Renders Showing Different Fold Angles
Front Page Tech
High refresh screens to optical image stabilization and laser autofocus, all features Apple breathlessly crows about, came to Android first.
There are, however, consumers who see past the fancy macro shots and do want to be the first to new tech. This is an area Google should double-down on to entice enthusiasts.
“I think [Samsung’s] really starting to gain momentum there. And I think it’s showing, but the problem is the price, right?,” Sag said. If Samsung can continue pushing the price of foldables down, it’ll help increase the category’s popularity, bringing more competition. “As a result, competition will probably equal more sales and more competitive pricing.”
Google has also been heavily advertising Pixel features, such as live translate in its 2022 World Cup commercial. The Pixel 7 is also the official “fan phone” of the NBA this season, with a commercial featuring player Giannis Antetokounmpo and actor Simu Liu. Google has also reportedly placed the largest order of Pixel 7 devices, more than any prior iteration. Regardless of sales and celebrity endorsement, Google needs to make Pixel feel premium and exclusive, almost anathema to Android’s core vision as a free and open-source operating system. Because, if Apple’s success is any indication, people like feeling as if they’re in the “in crowd.”
