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Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I actually prefer budget phones to flagships — but there's one thing phone makers need to fix
I'm a big fan of phones will small price tags. That's partly a reflection of my inherent cheapness — you'll have to use a crowbar to pry a dollar bill free from my wallet — but it's also an acknowledgment of a simple truth: the very best cheap phones can do nearly everything a flagship device can do these days. That's not to say you won't have to make compromises in some areas. Screamingly fast processors are generally reserved for more expensive phones, though unless you're regularly using demanding apps or graphically intensive games, you'll likely be just fine with the good-enough chipsets found in cheaper phones. More expensive models also benefit from better camera hardware and more extensive AI support, but there are enough lower-cost phones that hold their own in camera comparisons to make that trade-off less noticeable. As for AI, well, if you consider that feature a must-have for your phone, feel free to spend big on the latest flagships. For most people, though, AI-powered capabilities are a nice-to-have, not an essential part of the smartphone experience. That said, there remains one area where cheaper phones are clearly at a disadvantage. And it simply doesn't need to be that way. Cheap phones need more extensive software support from their device makers. That's especially true in this era where people want to hold on to their phones for longer, for reasons relating to both budgets and the environment. Our pick for the best cheap phone available right now — Google's Pixel 9a — stands out as a model of what phones under $500 could offer their users. Buy a Pixel 9a, and Google promises to deliver seven years of software and security updates. Notably, that's the same level of support you'd enjoy if you paid up for a flagship Pixel. But the Pixel 9a is clearly an outlier when it comes to software support. Scour the other sub-$500 phones we recommend, and you're not going to find any matching Google's pledge. Phone Price Software updates Security updates Google Pixel 9a $499 7 years 7 years Samsung Galaxy A36 $399 6 years 6 years iPhone 16e $599 5 years (unofficial) 5 years (unofficial) OnePlus 13R $599 4 years 6 years Nothing Phone 3a Pro $459 3 years 6 years Nothing Phone 3a $379 3 years 6 years Moto G Power 2025 $299 2 years 3 years Moto G 2025 $199 2 years 3 years The Nothing Phone 3a and Nothing Phone 3a Pro are both fine low-cost alternatives to the Pixel 9a, particularly when you consider that Nothing equips its phones with dedicated telephoto lenses. But both devices are only set to receive 3 years of Android updates, along with an additional 2 years of security support. Samsung's Galaxy A series of midrange devices come the closest to matching what Google offers Pixel 9a buyers. A Galaxy A36 phone receives 6 years of software and security updates, as well the Galaxy A56 when that phone ships in the U.S. later this year. (It's currently available in other parts of the world with that six-year guarantee, though.) Motorola brings up the rear, as its latest Moto G phones feature 2 years of Android updates and a third year of security support. That's actually a step up from the 2024 Moto G series, which only supported one Android update. Expand your search to phones that cost a little more than $500, and you'll see some more extensive support — though Google still sets the pace. The $599 iPhone 16e gets the same access to iOS updates as Apple's other iPhone 16 models, which should mean at least 5 years, though recent iPhone models have been able to count on longer support. The OnePlus 13R — a terrific midrange model — limits Android updates to 4 years, though you do get six years of security support with that phone. If you're buying a cheaper phone, it's likely because you don't want to spend $799 or more on a smartphone, which you'd have to do by turning to a flagship. But when phone makers cap the software support on a device, you're not getting as much value from your low-cost purchase as you should. Let's say you buy a Moto G 2025 — and why not since you get epic battery life, a stylish design and surprisingly good camera performance in a $199 device. But you'll also run into Motorola's limited software support, which means Android 17 is the last update you'll be able to count on. Maybe having the latest OS isn't as much of a priority to you, but even if you hold on to the Moto G until security updates run out, you'll still be looking for a new phone by 2028. And those seemingly low-cost purchases start to add up. There's more than just frugality at stake here. Even with phone makers using more recycled materials for their devices, it's generally a more earth-friendly approach to space out your phone upgrades even longer than you are now. Extending software support is a seemingly easy way to build more sustainable devices. I think phone makers are starting to recognize this. As noted Motorola's 2025 Moto G phones have better support than their predecessors, and that's not the only company moving in the right direction. Samsung used to cut off support for its Galaxy A phones at 4 years instead of 6. The OnePlus 13R's software support policy is more generous than what OnePlus offered for the OnePlus 12R. And both the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro get an extra 2 years of security support compared to the Nothing Phone 2a. And Nothing has already confirmed that the Nothing Phone 3 is getting 5 years of Android updates plus seven years of security support. These are welcome changes, and I hope to see the trend continue with future phone releases. There should certainly be clear distinctions between flagship phones and more affordable models. But how long you're able to keep your phone shouldn't be one of those differences.
Tom's Guide
19-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
Should you get a Trump phone? Here's why the Trump Mobile T1 device should scare you off
I've been covering phones these devices since the launch of the original iPhone 18 years ago. And believe me when I tell you that even if I were a full-throated Trump supporter, from the tips of my toes to top of my red baseball cap, I wouldn't want anything to do with Trump Mobile — not its 47 Plan with unlimited data and especially not its gold-colored T1 Phone. It's got nothing to do with politics. It has everything to do with this not sounding like much of a phone. With the caveat that a shipping device always has a chance to surprise us all — and Trump Mobile's T1 Phone isn't supposed to be available for another couple of months — there's nothing in the handset's listed spec sheet that inspires any sort of confidence. And no, I'm not dwelling on since-corrected typos on the Trump Mobile webpage that used to tout the device's '5000mAh long life camera" — a thing that does not actually exist. Rather, the details about the T1 Phone that are listed are simply underwhelming and raise flags redder than those aforementioned baseball caps the president is so terribly fond of. Political persuasion aside, here's why you should steer clear of the T1 Phone from Trump Mobile unless and until it proves to be better in reality than it is on paper. The T1 phone product page lists three rear cameras — a 50MP main camera flanked by dedicated macro and depth sensors. That macro sensor helps snap up-close photos of things like plants and flowers, while the depth sensor can assist with the bokeh effect on portrait shots. It's not surprising that the T1 would lack a dedicated telephoto lens. Few phones in the $499 price range offer that kind of camera, though there are a handful like Nothing Phone's latest models. The more eyebrow-raising omission is an ultrawide camera, which is a pretty common sight on midrange phones. The $499 Pixel 9a has one, as does the Galaxy A35, which costs $100 less than both the Pixel 9a and the T1. Yes, Apple's $599 iPhone 16e has just one rear lens. But that's often cited as one of the biggest knocks on that particular phone, which also boasts AI and performance capabilities that the Trump phone is unlikely to offer. You don't necessarily need multiple camera lenses with big megapixel ratings to show up on our list of best camera phones, as the Pixel 9a proves. But skimp on the camera hardware, and you'll need some pretty impressive photo processing powers to produce acceptable shots. And the presence of two superfluous macro and depth sensors suggests that camera quality isn't a priority with the T1. In my experience, you can tell a lot about a phone by the information that's not included, and there's an omission on the T1 Phone spec sheet that speaks volumes. There's no system-on-chip (SoC) listed, which would suggest that the phone is going to turn to unpowered silicon, likely as a concession to keep costs down. A lesser-known chipset doesn't necessarily mean noticeable performance lags, particularly in midrange devices. But it could translate to less-than-speedy app switching and struggles with graphically-intense games. Because the power management features on a chip play an outsized roll in how long the phone can last on a charge, you'd wonder what that portends for the T1 Phone, even with its advertised 5,000 mAh battery. It's possible that the phone could wind up powered by a perfectly fine chipset. But until that rather important bit of information gets disclosed, I'd keep a tight grip on my phone. I wouldn't say I have a strict cash-on-delivery policy for purchases. But if I put up any money upfront, I want a firm idea of when I'll have the goods in hand. Trump Mobile wants a $100 down payment for the T1 Phone, and the best it can promise is that the phone is "coming soon." That — plus a checkbox on the order site that signifies "you authorize T1SM MOBILE LLC to charge your card on a recurring basis" — makes me nervous about the fate of my down payment. Yes, I know that when you preorder phones from other device makers, you're usually paying the full amount before your device arrives. But outfits like Apple and Samsung have multi-year track records of delivering on preorders. And normally, they provide a firm ship date when you place your order. It doesn't help that at least one reporter from 404 Media placing a down payment on the T1 Phone not only couldn't get the order to go through but wound up with a charge on his credit card. Sure, it's just one incident, but you never get a second chance to make a first impression — particularly when you already have a reputation for not living up to your end of agreements involving cash exchanged for goods or service, as USA Today reported. One of the chief selling points of the T1 Phone is that it's supposed to be built in America — at least, eventually. It's all in line with President Trump's stated goal of bringing more manufacturing jobs back to the country, particularly in the tech space. If that's the long-term goal, then fine, but short term, there's not a lot of facilities in the U.S. capable of producing phones at any sort of volume. So the initial run of T1 Phones is likely to come from overseas. The Trump Organization seems to have conceded as much. "Eventually all the phones can be built in the United States of America," Eric Trump, the president's son, said in an interview posted to X. "Eventually" is doing enough lifting in that sentence to place highly in a strongman competition. If Trump Mobile is serious about meeting that August ship date for the T1, it's likely going to do what a lot of phone company's with branded devices do — turn to China for an off-the-shelf solution. Indeed, a CNN report talks to analysts who believe the likely source of the phone will be Wingtech out of China, which supplies the Revvl 7 Pro 5G phone sold through T-Mobile — a pretty relevant comparison as that device shares a lot of specs with the T1 phone. We can argue the relative merits of that device, but one thing you can't say about it is that it's American-made. And isn't that supposed to be the whole point of this operation. It's true that you'll pay less for unlimited data with Trump Mobile's $47.45/month plan than you would for coverage from a major U.S. carrier — but not by much. T-Mobile and AT&T each have monthly unlimited data plans that start at $50 and $51, respectively, which is close enough for government work (if you'll excuse the turn of phrase). A case could be made that the Trump Mobile 47 Plan has better perks than those bare-bones offerings, but on a strict cost basis, you're essentially paying the same. But plenty of smaller carriers offer much better rates on unlimited data, with the added bonus of having established track records of providing dependable coverage. Two of the best unlimited data plans come from Visible and Mint, who use the cellular towers of their respective parent companies (Verizon and T-Mobile). Visible's plans start at $25/month while Mint charges just $30/month when you pay for a year's service up front. Both carriers currently offer deals on their unlimited plans which drop the cost even further. You can bring any phone you like to the Trump Mobile wireless service, but if you buy the T1 phone, you're tied to that $47.45 monthly plan. So not only are you getting a phone of questionable pedigree, you're also paying more for wireless service than you would if you shopped around.
Hindustan Times
17-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Google Pixel 10 series to launch with a new camera twist
Google is preparing to launch its next flagship smartphone series, the Pixel 10, in August 2025, aiming to compete with Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 models. The new lineup will include four variants: Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. These smartphones are reported to come with several advanced features and upgrades. Among these improvements, Google plans to enhance macro photography by using the telephoto camera, a shift from the current reliance on the ultrawide lens for close-up shots. Currently, Google Pixel phones rely on their ultrawide camera to capture macro photos, using auto-focus adjustments to get close-up shots. This approach generally produces decent results. However, with the Pixel 10, Google plans to expand this capability by incorporating the telephoto lens. According to reports, the telephoto lens will handle macro shots up to a certain distance, after which the ultrawide lens will take over to focus on subjects even closer to the camera. Also read: iPhone SE 4 vs Pixel 9a: Which mid-ranger you should buy in 2025 Using a telephoto lens for macro photography is not a completely new concept, but it marks a shift for Google's Pixel phones, which have traditionally limited this feature to the ultrawide camera. It remains unclear whether all models in the Pixel 10 series will support this shift, but more details will emerge once the devices are launched. The Google Pixel 10 series is expected to be officially announced on August 20, with pre-orders starting the same day. Shipments may begin by August 28. Pricing information has not been confirmed yet, but the Pixel 10's base model could be priced near the Pixel 9's launch price of $799 in the United States. In India, the starting price may be around ₹79,999, though final pricing will depend on taxes and import duties. Also read: iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: Leaked image reveals notable difference in thickness Early leaks suggest the Google Pixel 10 will come in new colour options like Ultra Blue, Limoncello, and Smoky Green may also be introduced. For optics, the device is rumoured to feature a 50MP Samsung GN8 sensor for its main camera, the same sensor used in the Pixel 9a. It may also include a 13MP ultrawide Sony IMX712 sensor and a 10.8MP telephoto lens from Samsung. The front camera could use the 10.8MP sensor as well. Furthermore, Google may add improved video stabilisation to enhance handheld recording quality. Also read: Infinix Note 50X vs Realme P3: Know which smartphone is worth your money under ₹15000 Moreover, the Pixel 10 series will launch with Android 16 and could offer early access to features such as the Material 3 Expressive UI and customisable Always-On Display wallpapers. The device is also expected to include updated AI-based photo editing tools and smart software features that improve the overall user experience.
Phone Arena
16-06-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
Budget-friendly Pixel 9a gets a sweet discount on Amazon
If you're a Pixel user on a budget, you're likely eyeing the Pixel 9a, Google's latest semi-affordable phone. Well, the time has come to stop drooling over this sleek handset and just go grab one, as it's sweetly discounted on Amazon. The retailer is currently offering a decent 10% discount on the 128GB version, slashing $50 off its price. This means you can score one for just under $450. While the markdown may not seem huge, let's not forget that the phone was only released a few months ago. Newly launched devices rarely receive massive discounts so soon—if they get any at all. $50 off (10%) You can score $50 off the Google Pixel 9a right now, bringing solid value to an already affordable mid-ranger. The deal applies to all 128GB color variants, so you can snag the option that best fits your style. Save while the offer lasts! Buy at Amazon So, okay! The price may be fairly good, but is the phone worth getting at all? Well, we strongly believe that the Pixel 9a is worth going for, especially now that it's sweetly discounted on Amazon. Rocking a Tensor G4 chipset—the same SoC that powers the pricier models—and 8GB of RAM, this bad boy delivers speedy and reliable performance. Plus, being a Pixel phone, it captures stunning photos for the price with its 48MP main camera and 13MP snapper for selfies. The display is pretty good, too. It's a 6.3-inch P-OLED panel with a 2424 x 1080 resolution, HDR support, and a high 120Hz refresh rate. This means you'll enjoy a pleasant viewing experience without breaking the bank. Granted, Google had to cut some corners to lower the price of the Pixel 9a . That's why the phone comes with Gemini Nano, which misses out on AI-powered features like Call Notes and the new Screenshots app. Still, while those features are fancy and useful, we don't think missing out on call summaries or easier screenshot organization is a deal breaker—especially with all the other bells and whistles this bad boy brings to the table, including seven years of software updates. So, don't hesitate! Act fast and save with this deal today!
Daily Mirror
14-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Surprise Sky sale sees cheapest ever price for Google Pixel 9 phones
Sky Mobile has slashed the prices on Google Pixel 9 devices, meaning it's now possible to get the Android smartphone for as little as £14 a month Sky Mobile has slashed prices on Google's Pixel phones, with monthly costs as low as £14, causing a flurry of shoppers to snap up the Android device. Discounts are available across all Pixel 9 devices, and tech expert Chris Hall, who reviews numerous phones each year, takes a gander at the specs and sales. Let's kick off with the latest addition, the Pixel 9a. This is Google's most budget-friendly model in the Pixel 9 series, launched in April 2025, so it's fresh off the production line. It has the same core hardware as the Pixel 9 Pro, offering plenty of power for taking photos, gaming or sifting through emails. Sky Mobile has reduced the price to £14 a month, with no upfront cost, making this an affordable way to get your hands on the newest Pixel, reports the Daily Record. Sky also provides a variety of data plans, starting from £0 a month, but the discounted 50GB plan at £10 a month is particularly eye-catching. Combined, users will have ample data and a top-notch phone to utilise it, all for £24 a month. Buyers should be aware that if they opt for the 50GB data plan, the discount only applies for six months - therefore, it's always wise to double-check before committing to a lengthy plan. While Sky Mobile's Pixel 9a deal seems tempting, they're not the only provider offering these competitive prices. Chris checked out the offers at GiffGaff - one of the networks with the highest customer satisfaction ratings, according to The Mirror. It is offering the Pixel 9a with 50GB data for £25.87 a month, and in this case, the data plan price won't hike up after 6 months. Sky Mobile is offering the Pixel 9 Pro XL for £28 per month, down from its original price of £34 per month. This means customers can save £144 on the cost of this phone over the contract term. Users can pair it with as much data as they desire. The Pixel 9 Pro XL requires an upfront payment of £12. The Pixel 9a is packed with features to get excited about, including a clean Android experience and seven years of software updates. It has a 6.3-inch display, although the wide bezel around it might not be to everyone's liking due to it being a more affordable model. However, its flat finish makes it ideal for gaming, and Chris found it to be a reliable phone for everyday use. He said: "The icing on the cake is undoubtedly the camera. Despite only having a dual camera and lacking the zoom feature of the Pro model, the consistency and quality of the photos it produces are unrivalled in this price range. "Additionally, it provides users with access to Google's AI, the most exciting feature of which is housed in Magic Editor, making photo editing a breeze. However, as much as I appreciate the Pixel 9a, I find the screen size too small." The Pixel 9 Pro XL is Chris's top pick. "Firstly, it has a larger 6.8-inch display, providing me with ample space for all my apps and games, and it has a wonderfully bright display, so photos look stunning," he said. Chris concludes: "Whilst the Pixel 9 Pro XL may not boast the best battery life – for that, you'd be better off with the OnePlus 13 – it does offer an exceptional camera and a clean Android experience. Being the first to receive new Android features truly sets the Pixel apart from its competitors."
