Tuesday 31 August 2021
Without this machine, cutting-edge chips would be impossible to make
Dynamic Material You themes coming to the Play Store according to teardown
Although the Android 12 update is a few months away, Google's Material You design is already making its way to the company's popular apps, with Contacts, Gboard, and Chrome leading the way. Now the app that houses all these apps seems set to showcase Material You elements in a future update.
The folks at 9to5Google dug through the Google Play Store APK to take a quick peek at what's coming next.
Read MoreDynamic Material You themes coming to the Play Store according to teardown was written by the awesome team at Android Police.
New date proposed for Pixel 6 launch
OnePlus may undercut its Buds Pro with a new set of cheaper ANC earbuds
A 'Lite' version of the OnePlus Buds Pro with active noise canceling could be in the works.
What you need to know
- A new rumor suggests that OnePlus is developing a "Lite" version of the Buds Pro.
- The rumored wireless earbuds will reportedly come cheap while keeping the Pro version's ANC feature.
- It could take some time before the product hits the market.
OnePlus recently launched the OnePlus Buds Pro with quite a bunch of premium features including active noise canceling for $150. But if that price tag is a bit too much for your budget, you might be pleased to learn that the company could be working on a cheaper version of the truly wireless earbuds.
The rumored "Lite" edition of the Buds Pro will reportedly keep some of the key features of OnePlus' premium earbuds such as ANC while cutting down the price. This information comes from leaker Max Jambor who shared the rumor on Twitter.
1+ is working on a new - lower priced - pair of headphones with ANC. Some sort of Lite edition of the Buds Pro
— Max Jambor (@MaxJmb) August 30, 2021
I really like the Buds Pro so I am curious what those cheaper ones have to offer
Beyond this detail, not much is known about the rumored earphones. But considering this is a cheaper version of the Buds Pro, it's possible OnePlus will cut out some of the premium features like wireless charging support for the case and long battery life (38 hours for the Buds Pro). It's a fair trade-off, nonetheless, although we don't know yet how much it costs.
Another compromise could be in the design. While the Buds Pro has a premium look and comfortable fit, the same may not be said about the cheaper edition.
It should be noted that the Buds Pro is the first pair of earbuds from OnePlus to offer ANC. Baking that capability into a scaled-down version of the earphones will be a welcome move, making it a potentially worthy competitor to some of the best cheap wireless earbuds.
That said, it might take quite some time before OnePlus releases the cheaper Buds Pro version to the market, if at all. The Buds Pro has only recently arrived for consumers, so OnePlus would definitely not want to ruin that momentum.
OnePlus Buds Pro
$150 at OnePlus ₹9,990 at Amazon India
The OnePlus Buds Pro is OnePlus' first pair of true wireless earbuds with active noise canceling, offering a comfortable fit and premium-looking design with excellent sound, good microphones, and a comprehensive set of features.
Pixel 3 and 3 XL phones are getting stuck in EDL Mode and seemingly bricked
For months users of the three-year-old Pixel 3 series have been complaining of a common and dreadful problem: seemingly random shutdowns that completely lock their devices. The Pixel 3 and 3 XL have been plagued by the "EDL Mode" bug, which locks the device with no screen or button inputs and makes it more or less impossible to use. To date there's no clear solution to this problem, at least not one that's easily available to even advanced users.
Read MorePixel 3 and 3 XL phones are getting stuck in EDL Mode and seemingly bricked was written by the awesome team at Android Police.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic and Mobvoi's TicWatch Pro 3 battle it out
Leading the pack
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
Pros
- Runs new Wear OS 3
- Fast and power-efficient processor
- More RAM and storage
- Advanced health sensors
- Physical rotating bezel for navigation
Cons
- More expensive
- Currently, no Google Assistant
- Some health features are locked to Samsung phones
The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is the crown jewel of Samsung's wearable lineup. This smartwatch can do almost everything, from the new BioActive health sensor to the latest version of Wear OS. However, those features don't come cheap, and some of them only work with Samsung phones. You also won't be able to access your Google Assistant at this time.
Battery king
Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3
$300 at Amazon $280 at Walmart $255 at Mobvoi
Pros
- Good performance
- Google Assistant availability
- Excellent battery life
- Solid set of health features
- Dual-layer display is fantastic for outdoor viewing
Cons
- Won't get Wear OS 3 until mid-2022
- Doesn't offer ECG or BIA sensors
- Touch-only navigation
- Bulkier design
The TicWatch Pro 3 does many things very well; battery life and outdoor visibility are two of them. Plus, thanks to the Snapdragon 4100 processor, not only does the watch have great performance, but it also will get upgraded to the new Wear OS 3 in 2022. However, it does lack high-end health tracking features like ECG monitoring and a BIA sensor.
The battle between the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic and the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 isn't quite the blowout victory for Samsung as you may think. Since it came out, the TicWatch Pro 3 has been one of the best Android smartwatches. But, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is packing quite a punch that even the very competent Mobvoi wearable struggles to overcome.
The TicWatch Pro 3 has some tricks, like the fantastic dual layered display that brings not only excellent battery life to the watch but also excellent outdoor visibility. However, with the release of Samsung's latest smartwatch, the TicWatch Pro 3 became outdated thanks to running an older version of Wear OS. While the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic has come for the title of best Wear OS watch, the TicWatch Pro 3 isn't backing down.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic: Ushering in the new era of wearables
These watches have taken a more traditional approach in the appearance department by opting for larger lugs and pronounced bezels. However, Samsung's design and manufacturing chops start to show when you begin to look a little closer at each smartwatch.
When comparing the larger, 46mm option for the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic to the TicWatch Pro 3, we see that in all dimensions that the Samsung watch is smaller by a millimeter or two — but it offers a larger display in that smaller footprint. Although the watch is smaller, it is heftier thanks to its full stainless steel case. Aside from the larger screen, Samsung also packs in some serious tech into the slim watch case.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic | Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 | |
---|---|---|
Size | 45.5 x 45.5 x 11.0mm 41.5 x 41.5 x 11.2 mm |
47 x 48 x 12.2mm |
Weight | 52g 46.5g |
42g |
Display | Super AMOLED 1.4in (450x450) Super AMOLED 1.2in (396x396) |
AMOLED Retina 1.4in (454x454) LCD FSTN |
Material | Stainless steel case | Stainless steel + plastic |
Operating System | Wear OS Powered by Samsung | Wear OS 2.3 |
Processor | Exynos W920 (5nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4100 |
Memory | 1.5GB RAM 16GB storage |
1GB RAM 8GB storage |
Battery | 361mAh 247mAh |
577mAh |
Sensors | Accelerometer Barometer Gyro Geomagnetic Light BioActive Sensor (heart rate) ECG BIA |
NFC Gyroscope Barometer SpO2 Heart Rate Ambient Light Sensor Accelerometer |
Connectivity | LTE (optional) Bluetooth 5.0 Wi-Fi NFC GPS |
Bluetooth 4.2 & BLE GPS |
Durability | 5ATM IP68 MIL-STD-810G |
IP68 and swimming suitable |
Colors | Black Silver |
Shadow Black |
Band size | 20mm 20mm |
22mm |
Perhaps the most significant achievement that Samsung has inside its smartwatch is that it is the first to run the new Wear OS 3. Not only is Samsung getting first dibs on the software, but the company also co-developed it with Google. This gives the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic an advantage as it will be getting any new features first, and in some instances, the features will be exclusive to Wear OS 3.
The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic runs the new Wear OS 3, but as of right now, it doesn't have Google Assistant as the TicWatch Pro 3 does.
Not to be left entirely out, the TicWatch Pro 3 will be getting updated to the new version of the operating system, but that won't happen until mid-2022. But, because the Snapdragon 4100 processor that the Mobvoi watch runs wasn't designed with the new OS in mind, there's no telling how well the two will mesh.
Speaking of processors, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic continues Samsung's run of using its in-house designed chips for its wearables. Using a 5nm architecture for the Exynos W920, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic not only has plenty of horsepower it also is very efficient. Coupling that with the 1.5GB RAM and 16GB of storage means that each action on the watch happens very fluidly.
The Snapdragon 4100 processor and 1GB RAM on the TicWatch Pro 3 helps it to be one of the best-performing smartwatches available. So, while this watch isn't a slouch in handling daily tasks, it doesn't have the headroom in performance that the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic can boast as the devices age.
In terms of using the watches, a mainstay of Samsung Galaxy smartwatches has been the rotating bezel. While using a rotating crown is perhaps a more traditional way of navigating a watch, Samsung took the approach of using the entire top bezel of the watch to accomplish the same task.
The satisfying clicks as your twist the top ring of the watch to move through the app drawer, a message, or email helps to keep more of the screen visible instead of blocked by your finger — not to mention more smudge-free. Though scrolling with the touchscreen of the TicWatch Pro 3 is fluid and works just fine, it's hard not to argue that the rotating bezel isn't a superior method.
Samsung has also been a pioneer in health tracking on Android smartwatches, which continues with the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. The watch brings the ECG reading technology that was found on the previous generation of Galaxy watches and improved on it. The new BioActive sensor array gives you the expected features like heart rate, blood oxygen, ECG, but BIA is also introduced.
The TicWatch Pro 3 offers a solid set of health tracking features, but it lacks the advanced features found in the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.
BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) allows you to take readings on the watch so you can track things like skeletal muscle and body fat percentage all from your watch. By combining these readings with the other health monitoring results, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic can give you a much better picture of your overall health.
While Samsung's smartwatch, like the TicWatch Pro 3, will work with all Android phones, you'll have to use a Samsung Galaxy phone if you want to take advantage of the ECG readings. Even though these are some of the best Android phones on the market, this requirement will still need to be considered when comparing these devices.
Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3: Not going away anytime soon
Even though the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic has a lot of boxes ticked when comparing it to the TicWatch Pro 3, it isn't all doom and gloom for the Mobvoi smartwatch. For some, this watch may be the better fit, depending on their needs.
A feature that only the TicWatch Pro line of smartwatches can boast is its dual-layered display technology. Mobvoi uses two separate technologies so that the TicWatch Pro 3 has a screen that is visible in any lighting situation — even in direct sunlight. Though Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4 Classic has a fantastic display, it's no match for the Pro 3 outdoors.
The top layer of the display is a transflective LCD panel that uses ambient light in its favor to make the display highly visible. With the TicWatch Pro 3, Mobvoi added a backlight so that the display can also work well in the dark. The really cool part is that the LCD panel goes transparent when the AMOLED display is activated, revealing a vivid full-color display.
Using this dual-layer technology, the TicWatch Pro 3 achieves excellent viewability in all lighting conditions and gains unmatched battery life. This is because the top layer of the display uses very, very little power to operate. However, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic does have good battery life of just over 24 hours, while the TicWatch Pro 3 can get anywhere from three to 45 days.
Thanks to Essential Mode on the TicWatch Pro 3, if needed, you can stretch the battery life of the watch up to 45 days between charges.
As mentioned earlier, the TicWatch Pro 3 will get its update to the new Wear OS 3 at some point in 2022. This update will help push the watch's longevity out longer than some other current Wear OS devices. But, unfortunately, this software change won't bring any of the advanced health tracking features or the fancy rotating bezel that the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic has.
At the current prices of these smartwatches, it's hard to say that the TicWatch Pro 3 is the one to get. That is unless you spend a lot of time outdoors, really need to be able to push your watch into multi-week usage between charges, or need Google Assistant right now. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic gets you the latest software, gives you more health tracking options, and a more refined hardware experience, all for a few bucks more.
The one to beat
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
Smart and beautiful
Offering unmatched performance and health-monitoring features inside of a refined stainless steel case, the latest smartwatch from Samsung also launches as the first with Wear OS 3 — it's perfect for almost everyone.
Ready for adventure
Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3
Battery life for days
$300 at Amazon $280 at Walmart $300 at Mobvoi
With Wear OS 3 in its future, the TicWatch Pro 3 is a viable option for those looking for casual health tracking and who need a watch that can be seen while out on adventures and a battery that lasts as long as you do.
RCS functionality in Google's Messages app seems to be randomly breaking
Google Messages allows any phone to get RCS, which has considerably improved its push. This is why it's often considered as a competitor to iMessage, Apple's proprietary messaging platform for iDevices, instead of a replacement. But it's an imperfect competitor, and recently, users have found some annoying issues that have either kept their Chat messages in an eternal limbo or straight out keeping them out of the platform.
About the first one.
Read MoreRCS functionality in Google's Messages app seems to be randomly breaking was written by the awesome team at Android Police.
Lenovo's outstanding Tab P11 Pro mid-ranger is slashed down to a new all-time low price
The S Pen is the perfect complement to these Samsung Galaxy Tab models
Ever since Samsung introduced the S Pen with its lineup of Note phones, the accessory has become a favorite for those who like to handwrite their digital notes. But the S Pen is about more than just writing letters; it gives a finer point for precise selection of items on the screen, and in some instances, it can be used to access device shortcuts. Samsung makes some of the best Android tablets, and these are the Galaxy tablets that support the S pen.
Cream of the crop
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
Staff Pick
The Galaxy Tab S7 brings excellent hardware and a fantastic software experience to fans of Android tablets. The S Pen performs wonderfully thanks to the 120Hz display, so all of your doodles flow effortlessly from the pen tip.
$529 at Amazon $650 at Best Buy $650 at B&H
Thin is in
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
If you want a tablet with a premium build, thin design, and typical fantastic Samsung display but don't want to break the bank, then the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite will fit the bill. Plus, since the S Pen is included, you'll be scribbling away in no time.
From $349 at Amazon $350 at Best Buy
Writing on a budget
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019)
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 offers a great writing experience for those on a tight budget. But just because it's not top of the line doesn't mean it's bad. You'll get a bright, vivid 8-inch HD display, great battery life, and expandable storage to keep all of your documents stored on.
From $150 at Amazon $150 at B&H
Rugged and ready
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro
Not only does the Galaxy Tab Active Pro support the S Pen, but it comes with one and has a space to store the pen inside of the rugged enclosure. While this tablet is durable with a MIL-STD-810G rating, it also has great performance and a visible screen in all conditions.
Top performer
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+
If you need a tablet that can handle any task you need, then the Galaxy Tab S7+ is your kind of tablet. It is packed with the most powerful processor, a phenomenal display, and makes the best use of all that the S Pen offers.
From $718 at Amazon From $850 at Best Buy From $729 at Walmart
Go big
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019)
The Galaxy Tab A 10.1 brings a big screen and big performance, thanks to the Samsung Exynos 7904A processor, at an affordable price. The 128GB of onboard storage, along with the ability to expand it with a microSD card, means that you'll never run out of room for your S Pen creations.
Right in the middle
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE
Sitting squarely in between the Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE offers the excellent performance and refined design that's expected from the lineup. Its large 10,090mAh battery will give you hours and hours of S Pen productivity time.
From $530 at Amazon From $530 at Best Buy From $530 at B&H
Comfortably durable
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3
If you need a tablet that offers solid performance, can take a beating, and still be comfortable to hold, then the 8-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3 will get the job done. Like the Galaxy Tab Active Pro, the S Pen is included and has a handy slot to keep the pen with you when you need it.
A Lot left in the tank
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Samsung's flagship tablet from 2019 is still a solid pick in 2021. The Galaxy Tab S6 works great as a 2-in-1 device with the included keyboard case. There's not much to miss with this productivity setup with a powerful processor, great battery life, and a fantastic display.
From $645 at Amazon $648 at Walmart
Durability on a budget
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active2
When it comes to getting a good-performing tablet that has MIL-STD-810G durability, a display that works when wet, and S Pen support without breaking the bank, it's a very short list — and the Galaxy Tab Active2 is at the top of it.
Putting S Pen to screen
While it makes a lot of great tablets, only the best Samsung tablets support the popular S Pen. Samsung has perfected its stylus technology over the years, and using it on the large screen of a tablet makes perfect sense — and the Galaxy Tab S7 is the best of the bunch.
The Galaxy Tab S7 combines a fantastic design and the performance and software to make excellent use of the S Pen's features. From creating your next artistic masterpiece to jotting down a list of to-dos for the next day, the Galaxy Tab S7 does the job wonderfully. You will want to be sure to pick up a great case for your tablet to keep your investment safe.
However, if you need a tablet that can do the basics well, with S Pen support, of course, and not go over budget, then you'll do great with the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0. You'll get commendable performance for your daily tasks in a manageable size.
South Korea passes a bill that takes big bucks out of Apple and Google's hands; will others follow?
Google's second-gen Nest Hub is on sale at a lower than ever price
PSN outage: The PlayStation Network is down on PS5 and PS4
You won't be able to sign in or play many of your games right now.
What you need to know
- The PlayStation Network appears to be down on PS5, PS4, PS3, Vita, and the web.
- All services, from gaming and social to account management, are affected.
- PlayStation has not acknowledged the maintenance and has not stated when service plans to be restored.
Sony's PlayStation Network appears to be down across all PlayStation platforms, including PS5 and PS4. A number of people on social media have been reporting their difficulties signing in and accessing anything from their account, and a look at PlayStation's status website shows that all services are affected at the moment.
Down Detector has also seen a huge spike in reports regarding PSN in the past hour across the United States. According to Sony's website, these issues have been persisting since 2:34pm ET on August 31.
If you try to access your PlayStation account right now on consoles, you'll be met with a screen that says the PlayStation Network is currently undergoing maintenance. It's unclear if this maintenance was planned beforehand, but the company did not communicate it with players if that's the case.
PlayStation has yet to acknowledge the issue or provide a timetable for when services will be restored. While there are a number of things you can do when PSN is down in order to try and play your games, they may not work because maintenance is occurring.
This story is developing...
Stadia now allows players to change their usernames
You can change it every six months if you want a new one.
What you need to know
- Stadia players can now change their usernames and the feature is rolling out through tomorrow, September 1.
- Players will be able to manually change their names every 180 days.
- Stadia Founders will have to contact support to change their unique username to include appended numbers, but can change back to an un-appended name after 180 days.
Stadia players will now be able to manually change their usernames with some restrictions as the feature is rolling out today through tomorrow, September 1, Google announced in a post on the official Stadia subreddit.
According to the announcement, players will have the ability to change their Stadia name every 180 days since the last name change or account creation, depending on which is more recent. Users can change it by clicking on their profile icon in the top-right corner of the Stadia homepage, select Stadia Settings, then click on "Change your name" under the Stadia Name & avatar option.
The feature is only available on the web and the new Stadia name must fit Google's guidelines of not using your real name, being between three and 15 characters long, using lowercase/uppercase letters and numbers zero to nine, and complying with the Stadia Code of Conduct.
Stadia Founders, who bought the Stadia Founder's Edition at launch, have slightly different rules for changing their names. Founders were given unique names that did not require appended numbers in the username. For example, a Founder's username could simply be John instead of John#1234 or John#980.
Founders can change their names manually through the above method if the new unique name is available, or contact support to "opt-in to an appended Stadia name." Founders will be able to change their Stadia names back to an un-appended name after 180 days. Meanwhile, non-Founders cannot remove their appended numbers by changing their names.
The ability to change usernames is certainly welcome if you're not happy with your initial name after two years since launch or if you want it to be the same as other platforms. Destiny 2, one of the best Stadia games on the streaming service, added cross-platform multiplayer last week, and this would make it easier on friends to find you with the same name if you moved to Stadia from another platform.
Play and Watch with Google TV Package
Play and Watch with Google TV Package is the latest bundle that contains the Chromecast with Google TV and a Stadia controller to easily get into playing Stadia games on the television.
Don't break the bank with these Android phones under $200
Believe it or not, there are plenty of great, inexpensive smartphones out there that you want to consider, so we've decided to round up the best Android phones under $200. Smartphones that cost $1,000 and more have quickly become commonplace in the market, and for anyone on a budget, those steep prices can quickly induce a headache. If you need a new handset but only have a couple of hundred bucks to spend, the Moto G Fast is our top favorite with three cameras and a large screen to enjoy all those photos and videos. Today, we're not only talking about the Moto G Fast, but seven other phones that bring tremendous value to the low-end space.
Best overall Android phone under $200: Moto G Fast
The Moto G Fast hits the very top of our $200 budget, and all things considered, it's the best phone you can buy when looking at Android devices this cheap.
G Fast's hardware is built far better than you'd expect for a phone in this price tier. It feels substantial when held, doesn't rattle or creak, and all physical buttons feel very clicky. The 6.4-inch LCD is also good, giving you a large canvas with minimal bezels, great colors, and good viewing angles. The HD+ resolution means that things aren't quite as sharp as you may like, but all things considered, it's a fine screen.
You get three cameras on the back, including a 16MP primary camera, 8MP ultra-wide camera, and 2MP macro camera. That 16MP sensor takes surprisingly detailed and vibrant shots, and while the quality dips with the other sensors, it's still a lot of fun to have them for expanded shooting possibilities. Battery life is another strong point, with the 4,000 mAh battery allowing for up to two days of use for some folks. Thankfully, it also charges via USB-C.
Making all of this even better is the Moto G Fast's software, which is excellent. The user interface is reminiscent of what you'd find on a Google Pixel, with Motorola making a few thoughtful changes that only elevate the experience. Moto Display continues to be the best Always-On Display on any Android phone, in addition to Moto Actions allowing you to chop the phone to enable the flashlight and twist it to open the camera app. Of course, only being promised one software update is less than ideal, but at the very least, you can look forward to Android 11 at some point down the road.
The cherry on top of the Moto G Fast is that it works with all carriers in the United States, so whether you rely on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, or Verizon, you can buy the phone and use it without a hitch.
Pros:
- Large display with minimal bezels
- Outstanding build quality
- Rear cameras are a lot of fun
- Excellent battery life
- Compatible with all U.S. carriers
Cons:
- HD+ display doesn't look amazing
- Small amounts of RAM and storage
Best overall
Moto G Fast
The best in this price range
The Moto G Fast has its faults. But if you're shopping with a limited budget, it's the most well-rounded phone out there.
Best alternative Android phone under $200: Moto G Play (2021)
Moto is the king of the sub-$200 category, and the updated Moto G Play (2021) is its most affordable new phone for the year. It definitely makes a few spec compromises to reach this price tag, but it's still a perfectly enjoyable piece of tech.
The display is a 6.5-inch, 720p HD+ LCD, but it does the job. You also benefit from respectable bezels and a small waterdrop notch, making this a pretty good phone for watching videos or playing light games. You'll find more noticeable downgrades with the 13MP + 2MP dual rear cameras, but they're serviceable for quick uploads to your favorite social media app.
The Moto G Play (2021) has a fingerprint sensor on the rear in the Moto logo, which is every bit as fast and reliable as you could ask for. There's also a headphone jack and support for expandable storage, along with n awesome 5,000 mAh battery and support for all U.S. carriers. Unlike cheaper phones like the Moto E (2020), this device thankfully has USB-C charging (but no wireless charging).
Perhaps the biggest downside to the Moto G Play (2021) is that Motorola has all but confirmed that it would only see one major platform update — and that is to Android 11! That's right, this thing ships with an out-of-date version of Android (10). While Motorola's custom take on Android is just as strong here as it is on the Moto G Fast, offering at least one update would've been greatly appreciated.
Pros:
- Large, bright HD display
- Huge 5000 mAh battery
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Motorola's custom software
- Works with every U.S. carrier
Cons:
- No NFC or official IP rating
- Only 3GB of RAM
- Ships with Android 10
Best alternative
Motorola - Moto G Play
Another affordable Moto
The Moto G Play (2021) sports a 6.5-inch HD display and 5000 mAh battery with a headphone jack to help you stream on for hours.
Best budget Android phone under $200: Nokia 2.4
None of the phones on this list are considered expensive, but if you're trying to spend the least amount of money possible, the Nokia 2.4 is for you. Of course, you make some sacrifices for reaching such a low price point, but it's definitely worth considering at the end of the day.
The Nokia 2.4 is equipped with a 6.5-inch display, making it a bit larger than its 4.2 cousin. On the other hand, you're getting an HD+ resolution of 1600, a MediaTek processor, 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of expandable storage (up to 512GB). The Micro-USB charging port is annoying, but you shouldn't have to mess with it too much, thanks to the generous 4,000 mAh battery.
Just like the 4.2, the Nokia 2.4 is powered by Android One, which means you'll get two years of Android upgrades and three years of monthly security patches, which should get you through 2023. The phone ships with Android 10, but it's slated to get Android 11 soon.
The phone comes with a nice textured back available in purple, turquoise, and silver colors, with a rear fingerprint scanner. You also get a dedicated Google Assistant button for quickly summoning the digital helper whenever you need it.
Pros:
- Textured back with metal chassis
- Clean software with Android One
- Large 4,500 mAh battery
- Google Assistant button
- Storage is expandable
- Very low price
Cons:
- No IP rating
- Weak processor
- No NFC
Best budget
Nokia 2.4 Dual-SIM 32GB Smartphone
How low can you go?
Trying to spend as little as possible? Go with the Nokia 2.4. It gets the basics done and comes in at an incredibly low price.
Best Samsung Android phone under $200: Samsung Galaxy A12
When you think of the best Samsung phones, your mind probably drifts to devices like the Galaxy S21 and Note 20 Ultra — big, flashy, and expensive phones that are sure to break the budget. However, if you're eager to own a Samsung phone for yourself but need to keep costs low, the Galaxy A12 is a solid device.
First thing's first, the Galaxy A12 has an impressive display. It's fairly large at 6.5-inches, goes edge-to-edge with the phone's left and right frame, and has a teardrop selfie camera cutout with a small bottom bezel. So if you do a lot of media consumption, the A12 will make your movies and games stand out wonderfully.
Around the back, the A12 boasts a total of four cameras — consisting of a 16MP primary, 5MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensors. The image quality won't blow you away, but the cameras get the job done for social media and allow some image-taking (especially with the ultra-wide camera). Other highlights of the Galaxy A12 include expandable storage, a very generous 5,000 mAh battery, USB-C charging, and Samsung's custom One UI software that's loaded with endless features and settings.
Pros:
- Modern display with small bezels
- Large 5,000 mAh battery
- Charges with USB-C
- Samsung's One UI software
- Expandable storage
Cons:
- Cheap plastic back
- No NFC
Best Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A12
Samsung on the cheap
Another great handset is the Galaxy A12. It boasts an impressive display, features, and software package with One UI.
Best OnePlus Android phone under $200: OnePlus Nord N100
Even though OnePlus made a name for itself by offering flagship-quality phones at more affordable price points, it wasn't until the Nord introduction series that it really started to produce true budget-level phones. The original Nord and forthcoming Nord 2 aren't expected to come to North America, though those in the U.S. and Canada can get their hands on the true value phones in the Nord lineup, including the Nord N10 5G and N100.
Coming in at under $200, the OnePlus Nord N100 is a pretty impressive package. It features a 6.52 LCD screen, a 5,000mAh battery, and 64GB of on-device storage with the ability to expand up to 512GB via the microSD slot. In addition, there is a triple camera setup on the back along with a fingerprint sensor, and it features dual stereo speakers upfront.
Just about the only real downside to the N100 is that it ships with Android 10 and OnePlus's OxygenOS 10.5, and there's no word if or when it will receive Android 11 or future platform updates. However, if you've always wanted a OnePlus phone but couldn't afford it, this is a great option. Alternatively, if you can swing a little more, you can pick up the newer OnePlus Nord N200 5G for around $240.
Pros:
- Large, bright display
- Large 5,000 mAh battery
- Charges with USB-C
- OnePlus's OxygenOS software
- Expandable storage
Cons:
- Cheap plastic back
- No official waterproofing
- Ships with Android 10
Best OnePlus
OnePlus - Nord N100 64GB
The budget-phone killer
OnePlus has always offered flagship-killer devices, and with the Nord N100, it has its sights set on the lower end of the Android market.
Best battery on an Android phone under $200: Moto G Power (2021)
The Moto G Power (2020) was one of our favorite budget phones of 2020, so we were excited when Motorola announced that the device was getting a sequel. However, our excitement was slightly dampened when we learned about some of the upgrades, or rather, downgrades, that come with the 2021 model.
The Snapdragon 662 processor is a step back from 2020's 665, and the clock speed is slower than the older model. In addition, the 2020 version had an HD+ display, but the 2021 model maxes out at 720p. And while Motorola kept the headphone jack, it again left NFC, wireless charging, and official IP water resistance off the spec sheet. On top of those issues, this device ships with Android 10 and will only receive one major platform update (Android 11).
Don't get us wrong — the Moto G Power (2021) is still a solid, capable, and affordable Android smartphone. It's just not the second act we were hoping for. Nonetheless, if you're looking for a three-camera setup, a bright and big screen, and a giant battery, it's hard to beat this offering.
Pros:
- Large, bright HD display
- Huge 5000 mAh battery
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Motorola's custom software
- Works with every U.S. carrier
Cons:
- No NFC or official IP rating
- Slower chipset than 2020 version
- Ships with Android 10
Best battery
Motorola - Moto G Power 2021 (Unlocked) 32GB Memory
Powerhouse phone
The Moto G Power (2021) is a step back in terms of chipset and screen, but the 5000mAh unit is still more than enough for most.
Best rugged Android phone under $200: Blackview BV5900
Putting a case on the phone is an excellent way to ensure it stays safe throughout your daily use, but there are some phones out there that are designed to be rugged and durable right out of the box. One such phone is the Blackview BV5900, and if you're prone to being clumsy or work in a physically demanding environment, the BV5900 is a great choice.
The design of the BV5900 makes its ruggedness unmistakable, and it has durability ratings to back it up. Not only is there an IP68 dust/water resistance rating, but you also get a MIL-STD-810G certification. This means the BV5900 has been tested to survive drops of up to five feet.
Moving beyond its design, there are plenty of other highlights for the BV5900. It has a massive 5,580 mAh battery, USB-C charging, NFC for contactless Google Pay payments, and a fingerprint sensor on its side. There's also 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage that can expand to 128GB.
Blackview's design of the BV5900 certainly isn't for everyone, but if you're someone that knows you'd benefit from a ruggedized handset like this, it's certainly worth a good, hard look.
Pros
- Military-grade durability rating
- IP68 dust/water protection
- Gigantic 5,580 mAh battery
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- NFC for Google Pay
- USB-C charging
Cons
- Design might be too much for some people
Best rugged
Blackview BV5900
Designed to withstand anything
Thanks to its military-grade durability rating and IP68 protection, the Blackview BV5900 is perfect for people with butterfingers.
Best international Android phone under $200: Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Rounding out this list, we have the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9. This is an international phone, so that means no warranty for U.S. users, and it's missing some LTE bands. However, those are pretty much the only real downsides.
The Redmi Note 9 is a darn impressive phone. The 6.53-inch Full HD+ display has very slim bezels and an unobtrusive hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera. Xiaomi also has a few fun colors to choose from, with Forest Green being our favorite.
Under the hood, the Note 9 comes equipped with the MediaTek Helio G85 processor, 4GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, and a huge 5,020 mAh battery. We're also fans of the USB-C fast charging, 3.5mm headphone jack, and IR controller on the phone's top frame.
Xiaomi's custom MIUI software can feel rather bogged down at times, but in just about every regard, this is an astonishingly good phone. Even though the Note 10 is now available, you can still get good mileage out of the Note 9.
Pros:
- Beautiful design
- 6.53-inch FHD+ display with slim bezels
- Four rear cameras
- 128GB of storage
- 5,020 mAh battery
- Fingerprint sensor
Cons:
- Doesn't come with a warranty
- Lacks support for all U.S. LTE bands
Best international
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 DualSim
An enticing international option
If you don't mind venturing into international waters, the Redmi Note 9 is a fantastic purchase. It's gorgeous, powerful, and affordable.
Bottom line
Just a few years ago, $200 couldn't buy you much in the way of the best Android phones. In 2021, however, it's quite surprising just how many options you have in such a low price segment. There are plenty of "cheap" Android phones that are actually pretty great. We think the best Android phone under $200 is the Moto G Fast out of everything currently available.
For the average person shopping for a new phone, the Moto G Fast is excellent. The display looks good enough, the performance is great for most apps and light games, the three rear cameras are a bunch of fun to use, and that 4,000 mAh battery is a life-saver.
The other phones on this list are certainly worth checking out, too, but if you want to keep things simple, go with the Moto G Fast and continue with your life. We think you'll be pleased with it.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Joe Maring has been talking/writing about Android in one form or another since 2012 and often does so while camping out at the nearest coffee shop.
Jeramy Johnson is proud to help to Keep Austin Weird and loves hiking in the hill country of central Texas with a breakfast taco in each hand. When he's not writing about connected home devices and wearables, he's defending his relationship with his voice assistants to his family. You can follow him on Twitter at @jeramyutgw.
If you saved $15 on Amazon yesterday, don't forget to save another $15 today
Amazon is closing out August by giving customers free money: up to $30 over the course of 2 days, in fact. If you took advantage of this deal yesterday, here's how to get the full value of it today.
The savings come in the form of two $15 coupons valid for separate $25 Amazon purchases. It gets a bit tougher from there, but you might be able to squeeze out an extra back-to-school purchase or two from this opportunity.
Read MoreIf you saved $15 on Amazon yesterday, don't forget to save another $15 today was written by the awesome team at Android Police.
Jabra's new Elite 7 Pro earbuds sense vibrations in your skull to make hands-free calls suck less
Although it's not as flashy a brand as Google or Apple, Jabra has quietly been making some of the best wireless earbuds you can buy today. Over the last few years, the Elite 65t, 75t, and 85t sets have proven to be excellent daily drivers, all without being tied to a single operating system. Jabra announced three new pairs of earbuds today to choose from, with prices starting as low as just $79.
Read MoreJabra's new Elite 7 Pro earbuds sense vibrations in your skull to make hands-free calls suck less was written by the awesome team at Android Police.
Get a Lenovo Smart Clock Essential and a free smart bulb for just $30
Labor Day sales are here and Lenovo's getting in on the action with discounts here and discounts there. We've decided to focus on a couple of easy pick-me-ups bundled into one package of savings that will instantly improve any bedside table.
The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential (our positive review is here) is a great wake-up partner to have around with an earnest, but nuanced speaker, integrations with Google Assistant for automated routines, and a distraction-free, seven-segment LED display that tells you the time, the weather, and nothing else.
Read MoreGet a Lenovo Smart Clock Essential and a free smart bulb for just $30 was written by the awesome team at Android Police.
Apple is working on a way to extend the battery life on an iPhone
The Apple Watch Series 7 is facing major production challenges and a near-certain delay
Pixel Stand 2 leaked with fastest wireless charging in the US (almost)
Jiggle Physics 094: Xbox Gamescom 2021
Sam Tolbert teams up with Carli and Rebecca for their analysis of everything announced at Xbox Gamescom 2021. They also check out Call of Duty: Vanguard, Saints Row, and chat about why you shouldn't preorder Halo Infinite.
Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca Spear
Got feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!
LISTEN NOW:
LINKS:
- DFEH says Activision Blizzard interfering with workplace investigation | Windows Central
- Overwatch is changing McCree's name after namesake fired from Blizzard | Windows Central
- Niantic restores pandemic bonus for US in Pokémon Go | iMore
- Xbox Gamescom 2021: Game announcements, trailers, and everything you missed | Windows Central
- Opening Night Live Gamescom 2021: Game announcements, trailers, and everything you missed | Windows Central
- Why Saints Row is a reboot: 'Those were games of a time' | Windows Central
- Call of Duty: Vanguard preview — A return to the fictional past | Windows Central
- Don't preorder Halo Infinite | Windows Central
Google extends its voluntary 'return to office' policy until January 2022
Hey, Google. Remind me to go back to the office in January
What you need to know
- Google CEO Sundar Pichai revealed that it has extended its current in-office policy until January 10, 2022.
- This is due to the rising cases of the COVID-19 Delta variant.
- Employees are also being given two "global reset days" in the upcoming quarter.
In a blog post, Google CEO Sundar Pichai revealed its plans for employees to return to its offices. Pichai shared that staff won't be required to return until January 10, 2022, as the Delta variant of COVID-19 is forcing other companies to hit pause on resuming work-life as normal.
First, as offices continue to reopen, we hope to see more teams coming together where possible, whether it be for regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions around a whiteboard, or outdoor socials. For some locations, conditions are starting to improve, yet in many parts of the world the pandemic continues to create uncertainty. Acknowledging that, we'll extend our global voluntary return-to-office policy through January 10, 2022 to give more Googlers flexibility and choice as they ramp back.
Currently, Google employees are allowed to go to offices on a voluntary basis, but otherwise are able to work from home at their discretion. A little over a month ago, Google began requiring vaccinations for those employees who wanted to return to the office, while extending the current work-from-home policy into October.
Pichai also shared that the company will provide a "30-day heads-up" before employees would be expected to return to the offices. This is a nice touch as it gives employees ample time to take care of family needs at home before returning to some type of normalcy when it comes to work.
Finally, Google will be having two "global reset days" in the next quarter, coming on October 22 and December 17. These are both Fridays, so essentially these are two three-day weekends being provided by Google in an effort to help its employees take a break and "reset".
Of course this does not just apply to one division within Google or another. But we know that its hardware division is going to be quite occupied in the coming months with the impending launch of the Google Pixel 6 lineup of devices. But seeing Google being so upfront about the health and wellbeing of its employees given that the world has not yet returned to normal, is a refreshing sight to see.