Huawei Watch 3 Review: A premium smartwatch, but HarmonyOS is a work-in-progress

Last month Huawei held a virtual launch event that saw the official global launch of HarmonyOS, the company’s new operating system developed in response to the U.S. government’s ban. Alongside the software announcement, Huawei also announced a slew of new hardware that will be among the first Huawei products to run the new OS, including the Huawei Watch 3 series.

Just what is HarmonyOS? XDA’s Adam Conway has tried it out on the MatePad Pro tablet, and found that, aesthetically, it’s not a radical departure from EMUI, Huawei’s previous Android-based operating system. Well, I’ve been testing the new Huawei Watch 3 running HarmonyOS, and the difference between the smartwatch version of the new OS and Huawei’s previous LiteOS software is also hard to grasp. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

About this review: Huawei sent us the Huawei Watch 3 for review. However, they did not have any inputs in the content of this review.

Huawei Watch 3: Design and Hardware

Huawei is certainly a tech brand that draws many divided opinions. But if there’s one thing everyone can agree on, it’s that Huawei makes damn good hardware. The company that’s pioneered a lot of the camera hardware tech in mobile phones we see today has made some beautiful devices over the years, and the Huawei Watch 3 is yet another one.

The Watch 3’s overall design philosophy hasn’t changed much from the first Huawei Watch released in 2015: it’s still a circular body crafted out of stainless steel mixed with a bit of ceramic around the back, with an overall look that resembles a traditional timepiece.

New to this model is the addition of a digital crown that can be pressed or rotated (yes, just like on the Apple Watch), and a slightly curved OLED screen that blends seamlessly into the body, making for a smoother, more natural-feeling swiping experience when navigating the UI.

The 1.43-inch OLED display is sharp and vibrant with a PPI of 326, and better yet: maximum brightness reaches 1,000 nits, making it as bright as the Apple Watch 6 and noticeably easier to see under direct sunlight than my Fitbit Sense and TicWatch Pro 3. The screen also refreshes at 60Hz.

Straps are removable and come in either rubber, leather, or a Milanese band depending on the model you choose.

Inside the Watch 3 are the usual sensors like an optical heart rate sensor and accelerometer that tracks everything from heart rate to workouts, but there’s also a new body temperature and Spo2 sensor to track potential fever and blood-oxygen levels.

There’s also 16GB of storage, and a speaker that pumps out loud sound. At the cost of all this hardware is a rather thick watch at 12.15mm. This along with the large 46mm casing makes the Huawei Watch 3 a masculine watch that probably looks weird on slimmer wrists.

The Huawei Watch 3 (right) is a bit thicker than the Apple Watch 6 (left).

Huawei Watch 3: Software and Performance

As mentioned, the Huawei Watch 3 is among the first batch of Huawei products released globally to run on HarmonyOS, but if Huawei hadn’t prominently namedropped HarmonyOS inside the software — on the Watch, HarmonyOS gets its own billing screen during bootup — I’m not sure most people would even notice the software has changed.

For the most part, the software running here looks similar in aesthetics to the LiteOS that’s been running on Huawei’s smartwatches the past couple of years, except HarmonyOS is more polished and brings a couple of new features that previous Huawei wearables didn’t offer.

For example, animations on the Huawei Watch 3 look and feel very smooth. Part of this is the 60Hz screen, but it’s also because software is well optimized. The animation when pulling down the shortcut toggle menu (a swipe down from the top of the screen) in particular looks buttery smooth, reminding me of the first time I used the OnePlus 7 Pro (which was one of the first smartphones to go with a higher refresh rate display). Other than the Apple Watch, no other smartwatch I’ve tested has animations this fluid and aesthetically pleasing.

There’s also Huawei’s app store, named the App Gallery, built into the watch that allows searching for and downloading apps on the device itself. Unfortunately, the App Gallery on the Watch is very barebones right now, with almost all obscure, no-name apps listed.

Luckily, the Huawei Watch 3 includes all the essential apps you’d need to track workouts, sleep, monitor skin temperature, and make voice calls (the device supports eSIM, although I have not tried this feature).

Most of these health tracking apps won’t just show you the last result, but also allow you to read through previous results over a few weeks too. For sleep, it even shows in-depth sleep breakdown including time spent in deep sleep or light sleep.

I wore the Huawei Watch 3 with the Apple Watch 6 and Fitbit Sense for half a day and all the basic metric tracking such as step count and heart rate are similar across the board, which should mean Huawei’s sensors are accurate enough.

However, the way HarmonyOS on the Watch 3 decides to show its apps is a direct clone of the Apple Watch’s — I’m just not a fan of blatantly lifting a design aesthetic from Apple, whose products are so mainstream that it only draws attention to the unoriginal nature of the design.

Other pros and cons of previous Huawei smartwatches still carry over to the new wearable. Let’s start with the good: the Huawei Watch 3 can easily go four full days on a single charge (the Apple Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 3, by comparison, can go a day-and-half at most). The Huawei Watch 3 also supports wireless charging, which makes topping up easier.

On the bad side, this new watch still can only receive static notifications, with no way to interact with them. For example, on an Apple Watch, if I get a Telegram message, I can respond directly on my wrist; I can’t do that on the Huawei Watch 3.

Huawei Watch 3: Conclusion

Despite the marketing of an entirely new OS, my experience with the Huawei Watch 3 is similar to my experience testing previous Huawei smartwatches — meaning I adore the premium, gorgeous hardware but am let down by the software. In particular, I really need my smartwatches to be able to respond to notifications because if I’m wearing a somewhat bulky device, I need it to be able to make me check my phone less. Otherwise, if I just need fitness tracking, I can wear a smaller/sleeker fitness brand, like the superb Huawei/Honor Band 6.

But there are people who enjoy wearing luxury watches as a fashion accessory, and the Huawei Watch 3 is among the most classy and handsome circular smartwatches right now.

Huawei Watch 3

Huawei's latest smartwatch offers a gorgeous screen, long battery life, and a new operating system with potential for growth.

View at Amazon

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Best Chromebooks for business in summer 2021: HP, Dell, Lenovo, and more

Everyone knows Chromebooks are taking over the education space. But Google also has their eye on cornering the market for business use. Chrome OS is ideal for business users thanks to its hardware affordability and adaptability to run on any machine. Chrome Enterprise is also one of the biggest reasons to consider a Chromebook for business.

With Chrome Enterprise, you can easily manage all of your users and implement cloud-based security protocols. You can also easily deploy Chrome OS devices to facilitate your business transactions. Chromeboxes are very popular for managing kiosks and other self-serve stations in retail stores. In this article we’ll explore the best Chromebooks and Chromeboxes for business use. Whether you need top specs or just the basics, our list has something for every business.

Navigate this article:

• Best Chromebook overall: Thinkpad C13 Yoga Chromebook
• Best Chromebook for meetings: Galaxy Chromebook Enterprise
• Best Chromebook for less: Latitude 5400 Enterprise edition
• Best Chromebook with 512 GB SSD: Latitude 7410 Chromebook Enterprise 2-in-1
• Best Chromebook for travel: Acer Chromebook 713 Enterprise 
• Best Chromebook for security: HP Pro c640 Enterprise
• Best Chromebox overall: ASUS Chromebox 4
• Best Chromebox for retail: Acer CXI3 Chromebox

Best Chromebook overall: ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook

Business laptops need a bit of power mixed with style. Running Chrome OS with up to an AMD Ryzen 7 3700C processor and integrated AMD Radeon graphics, the ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook Enterprise delivers powerful performance in a sleek and durable aluminum chassis. Bootup takes seconds and once an employee logs in, the device becomes unique to that user. Plus, unlike your typical ThinkPad, this laptop comes in Abyss Blue — adding a bit of flair to worker style.

Narrow bezels frame the display — an FHD IPS touchscreen model with a 72% color gamut — providing a larger screen to bezel ratio.  So whether the ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook Enterprise is running a conference call, streaming a video, or building a presentation, this 2-in-1 device looks great. Like all ThinkPad laptops, the C13 Yoga Chromebook Enterprise is tested against 12 military-grade requirements and more than 200 quality checks.

ThinkShield combined with Chrome Enterprise equals an unbeatable combination for security. The built-in security suite boasts a number of physical and biometric security features, like a webcam privacy shutter, the proprietary Google H1 TPM chip, and an optional touch fingerprint reader. Chrome Enterprise keeps your business safe with seamless updates and protection against evolving threats. Plus, each device includes a Kensington lock slot so it can be tethered when needed.

ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook

Running Chrome OS with up to an AMD Ryzen 7 3700C processor and integrated AMD Radeon graphics, the ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook Enterprise delivers a powerful performance in a sleek and durable aluminum chassis. Bootup takes seconds and once an employee logs in, the device becomes unique to that user. Plus, unlike your typical ThinkPad, this laptop comes in Abyss Blue — adding a bit of flair to worker style.

View at Amazon

Best Chromebooks for meetings: Galaxy Chromebook Enterprise

While the Galaxy Chromebook 2 is a newer model, the original still packs the most impressive list of specs for power users. This Chromebook features a 4K AMOLED display, built-in S-pen, and the latest 10th Generation Intel Core i5 processor.  Samsung’s design is minimal, compact and sturdy. This device is designed to provide stable usage in any mode. Its aluminum metal body provides exceptional durability. The specs are rounded out by a 256GB SSD and 8GB of RAM for ultra-fast performance. You also get two USB-C ports and a built-in SD card reader.

A high-definition 4K AMOLED display provides incredible clarity. With 100% Adobe RGB and 100% DCI-P3 support, you can edit videos to a professional standard. View in a rich range of colors, with true-to-life tones and black hues. Its ultra-slim 3.9mm bezels let you immerse yourself in visual splendor. Use Ambient EQ to automatically adjust the color temperature and brightness of your display to suit your surroundings. Not only does this function help reduce eye fatigue, but it also provides you with more realistic-looking images.

Let your imagination run free on the screen with the Galaxy Chromebook pen. It’s built-in, to help you reduce the risk of losing it. The pen is sensitive to 4,096 levels of pressure and tilt – so you’ll feel like you’re writing or drawing on real paper. Just a touch is all it takes to unlock your computer. The device reads your fingerprint with a secure, built-in sensor. Unlock your laptop quickly, easily and securely. All in all, this laptop has everything you could ever want in a Chromebook, or any laptop for that matter.

Galaxy Chromebook

Samsung's original Galaxy Chromebook is still their most high-end offering. This is absolutely the Samsung Chromebook to get if you're looking for a 4K display, an S-Pen out of the box, and the beefiest processor options.

View at Samsung

Best Chromebook for less: Latitude 5400 Enterprise

For business consumers not looking to spend over $1,000, the Latitude 5400 offers impressive specs at a slightly lower price. The base model in this series offers a 8th Generation Intel Core i3-8145U Processor (2 Core,4MB Cache,2.1GHz,15W), with 4GB of RAM and 128 GB SSD storage. You can configure this laptop with up to the Intel Core i7, with 16GB of RAM, and 512 GB SSD storage. The display is also configurable, choose either a 14″ HD (1366 x 768) Anti-Glare Non-Touch WLAN Capable or 14″ FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare, Non-Touch display.

Dell has configured this laptop with a lot of ports, including 3 USB 3.1 Gen 1, 2 USB Type-C , HDMI, memory card reader, and a Noble Wedge Lock slot. This Chromebook also has a premium metal design that fits into any boardroom setting. The customizability of the internals along with the flexibility of Chrome Enterprise make this the best solution for small and medium businesses. It’s worth picking up a versatile dock to add desktop functionality at the office.

Latitude 5400 Enterprise Edition

While the Latitude 7410 packs in every spec possible, the 5410 takes a more measure approach. Still delivering the essentials with Chromebook Enterprise out of the box. This is the best option for most small business applications.

View at Dell

Best Chromebook with 512 GB SSD: Latitude 7410 Chromebook Enterprise 2-in-1

This is a great overall Chromebook with top-tier specs, designed for business but also great for pro users at home. Amazing things come together on the Latitude 7410 Chromebook Enterprise. Dell combines long-lasting battery life, an optional 4K panel, an aluminum or carbon fiber shell option with ProSupport Plus for a secure and premium cloud-native experience. You can customize the Latitude 7410 with up to a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB PCIe SSD for storage. These specs make this machine one of the most powerful Chromebooks on the market.

In addition to impressive specs, the design of this Chromebook is stunning. There are also other advanced features such as a privacy shutter on the laptop which prevents unintentional capture of images, both accidental or through spyware, to keep unwanted parties from using your webcam. Combine all of this with a durable 17 MIL-STD 810G rating and Chrome Enterprise out of the box, and you have a truly impressive ultra-premium Chromebook.

Latitude 7410 Enterprise Edition

This is the ultra-premium Chromebook offering from Dell. If you need top of the line specs or Chrome Enterprise out of the box, this is the perfect machine for you.

View at Amazon

Best Chromebook for travel: Acer Chromebook Spin 713 Enterprise

Every Chromebook manufacturer has a hero device — for Acer that device is the Chromebook Spin 713. Inside you’ll find the impressive Intel Core i7-10510U processor Quad-core at 1.80 GH. Along with this powerful processor, the Spin 713 also packs 16 GB, DDR4 SDRAM and 128 GB SSD for storage. In terms of display, you get a 13.5″ 2K (2256 x 1504) 3:2 IPS Touchscreen panel with excellent maximum brightness and clean viewing angles. The display is also protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass, as is the trackpad. With its 360-degree convertible modes, you can work in space-limited environments such as in-flight or on the train, while also easily making presentations or sharing your screen in convenient and collaborative ways.

If you need to stay connected on the go, this Chromebook comes with an insane number of functional features including Wi-Fi 6, a backlit keyboard, a built-in HDMI port, as well as dual USB Type-C ports to deal with productivity needs. Battery life is excellent for a high-performance Chromebook — over 10 hours of usage on average. On top of all this, you can also run Chrome Enterprise seamlessly out of the box, making this an appealing option for business customers. All of these features are packed in a beautifully designed metal chassis that makes this the best overall Acer Chromebook.

Acer Chromebook Spin 713

Acer's Spin 713 is a ultra-premium Chromebook from top to bottom. With good looks and verified MIL-STD-810G military-grade durability, this is an impressive machine. Top of the line specs and a convenient 2-in-1 design give you the power and portability to work anywhere.

View at Acer

Best Chromebook for security: HP Pro c640 Enterprise

There are a number of options for Enterprise users in the Chromebook space. The HP Pro c640 is a polished device, with good looks and security features in mind for the business professional. Similar to the c1030, this device undergoes MIL-STD 810H testing. You also get peace of mind while working on the road with a backlit keyboard that resists spills of up to 350 ml (12 oz) of water. Deter remote camera hacking with the HP Privacy Camera. Make the IT department’s life easier with the fully secure, manageable Chrome Enterprise Upgrade and Google Admin console.

Internal specs match those found on the x360 14c, but fast charging is missing. The lack of a fingerprint sensor is a curious omission for an Enterprise device, but you do get a Nano Security lock slot and the Google H1 Security Chip. With a price just north of $700, this Chromebook is likely to appeal to those that need the security features for their business.

HP Pro c640 Enterprise

HP offers a number of business-ready laptops for use with Chrome Enterprise. The Pro c640 packs a stylish look similar to c1030 with a smaller price tag and rich audio.

View at HP

Best Chromebox overall: ASUS Chromebox 4

The ASUS Chromebox 4 features a 10th Generation Intel Core or Celeron processor and DDR4-2666 memory for faster, smoother and more energy-efficient performance. These specs are configurable up to a Core i7 and 16GB of RAM. It also supports up to three 4K displays and comes equipped with versatile USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports for fast data transfers, and USB-C also supports power delivery and DisplayPort connections.

Offering easy access to Android apps via Google Play, the device lets you enjoy your favorite apps. For the added benefit of Chrome Enterprise, the ASUS Chromebox Enterprise 4 option empowers businesses, IT administrators and remote employees with the tools they need for enhanced productivity and efficiency. You can also configure this Chromebox with up to 256GB SSD storage, an impressive amount for a Chrome OS device.

Overall, this is the Chromebox for you if you need a top of the line machine with a range of choices when it comes to internal specs. The ability to connect three displays makes this a workhorse at the office and should be at the top of the list for business users.

ASUS Chromebox 4

ASUS leads the Chromebox pack with this excellent all-around device. With customizable configurations, there are Chromebox 4 models to fit any workflow or education application.

View at Amazon

Best Chromebox for retail: Acer CXI3 Chromebox

Acer touts this machine as the best for small and medium businesses alike. However, this Chromebox is also a solid option for personal use on your desktop at home. For under $270, you get quite a bit of power. The Chromebox runs the Intel Celeron 3867U processor with 4GB of standard memory. You also 128 GB SSD for storage, very spacious by Chrome OS standards. To add value, Acer also includes a USB mouse and keyboard for easily setting up in a business environment.

With dimensions of 5.9 in x 5.8 in x1.6 in, this compact Chromebox can fit into any environment. It’s ideal for stowing away on the back of a monitor, and an optional VESA kit allows for easy mounting. You can connect this Chromebox to two displays to extend your desktop and increase productivity. It’s also worth picking up a docking station to extend port selection. If you need a Chromebox, this is one to put on your shortlist.

Acer Chromebox CXI3-UA91

Those that need a Chrome OS experience on the desktop will love Acer's Chromebox CXI3-UA91. With 128 GB SSD storage, this is a great option for small businesses. This Chromebox can fit just about anywhere, even mounted to the back of a monitor.

View at Acer

These are the best Chromebooks you can buy for your business, or for use at work. If you need the most powerful Chromebook out there, consider checking out the ThinkPad C13 Yoga or the Latitude 7410 Chromebook Enterprise 2-in-1. Do you need a basic Chromebox to deploy in a retail store? If so, check out the Acer CXI3.

No matter which Chrome OS device you choose for business, you’ll get the flexibility of Chrome OS combined with the security of Chrome Enterprise. Chromebooks can also lower your equipment costs, making them one of the best hardware options for any size business.

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Galaxy Fold becomes one of the first phones to receive July 2021 security patch

Samsung is one of the better Android phone manufacturers when it comes to security updates. Most of the company’s recent devices get the monthly Android security patches as soon as they are available, and sure enough, Samsung has started to roll out the July patch to some of its phones. Interestingly, one of Samsung’s first devices to get the new update is the original Galaxy Fold (also sometimes called the Galaxy Z Fold).

Samsung is rolling out a new update to the Galaxy Fold (via SamMobile), with firmware version F900FXXS5EUF3. The upgrade contains the July security patch, and seemingly nothing else. Samsung has also started rolling out the security update to other models, like the Galaxy S10 series. The release for the Galaxy Fold was first spotted in the Czech Republic, but it’s slowly making its way to other regions.

The new update comes as Samsung is gearing up to release the Galazy Z Fold 3, which is expected to have the same fold-out design with a small screen on the outside and a larger square-like screen on the inside. We don’t have a good idea of the specifications yet, but there’s a good chance it will have a Snapdragon 888 chipset, like Samsung’s other flagships this year.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is on the horizon, but Samsung's current-gen folding phone is still available.

Buy at Samsung

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Best convertible laptops to buy in 2021: Dell, HP, Lenovo, and more

There was a time when you could either choose a clamshell-style laptop or go compact with a tablet. But today, you can essentially have the best of both worlds by investing in a convertible laptop. Almost every brand offers convertible notebooks, which are often called 2-in-1s. The advantage here is the display can be set to almost any angle, allowing you to get the perfect picture. You can even prop it up like a tent while streaming movies or completely flip the display and use the touchscreen for a tablet-like experience.

If you’re looking to buy one, here are some of the best convertible laptops to buy in 2021. As you’d expect, all of the Windows laptops will be eligible for a free Windows 11 upgrade this holiday season.

Navigate this guide:

• Best overall: Dell XPS 13 2-in-1
• Best display: HP Spectre x360 15
• Best business laptop: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga
• Best Chromebook: Acer Chromebook Spin 713
• Best budget laptop: Lenovo Flex 5

Best ultraportable laptop: Dell XPS 13 2-in-1

The Dell XPS 13 has been an all-time favorite for many. It comes with a premium aluminum finish and a compact ultraportable design. Dell has also been very consistently offering an excellent display on the ultraportable notebook. You can get all of that in a convertible form as Dell offers the XPS 13 in a 2-in-1 form factor. The latest variant now comes with a 16:10 aspect ratio panel along with the latest 11th-gen Intel Tiger Lake processors.

Dell XPS 13 9310 2-in-1

The latest XPS 13 9310 2-in-1 comes with the tried and tested premium design, a 16:10 display and Intel's latest 11th-gen Tiger Lake processor.

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Best display: HP Spectre x360 15

HP’s Spectre x360 series is another popular and recommended option if you’re looking for a convertible laptop. The 15-inch variant is great for someone looking for a full-size laptop that also offers the ability to fold the display. The display can be configured in a 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) AMOLED touch panel that can hit a peak brightness of 400 nits. In fact, HP offers OLED options on the Spectre x360 14 as well as x360 13 models, both offering a convertible design. Powering the laptop is the latest 11th-gen Intel processors with up to 16GB of RAM, 1TB of SSD storage, and an NVIDIA GTX 1650 Ti Max-Q GPU.

HP Spectre x360 15

The HP Spectre x360 15 is one of the best 15-inch laptops that offers a convertible factor and is available with a bright 4K AMOLED touch display

Buy from HP.com

Best business laptop: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga

The most premium ThinkPad to date, the new ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga is a recommended convertible laptop for business users. Notably, it has been designed with the tablet use case in mind featuring a 13.5-inch 3:2 display with 2,256×1,504 resolution, with support for Dolby Vision HDR and 450 nit brightness. The laptop makes use of premium materials and is quite compact, weighing 2.54 pounds with a thickness of just 11.5mm. The notebook is powered by Intel’s 11th-gen Tiger Lake UP4 processors, successor to the low-powered Y-series.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga

The lightweight ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga is powered by Intel's 11th-gen UP4 processors and features a sleek design and a 3:2 ratio 13.5-inch display.

Buy from Lenovo.com

Best Chromebook: Acer Chromebook Spin 713

The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 has been a highly recommended Chromebook for customers looking for powerful hardware and a premium design. Acer updated the laptop this year and continues to offer a convertible design with a 13.5-inch 2K (2256 x 1504) 3:2 touchscreen display. It’s now available with the latest Intel 11th-gen processors, although Acer has only listed the Core i5 model for purchase which comes with 8GB of memory and 256GB of SSD storage, which is pretty good for a Chromebook.

Acer Chromebook Spin 713

The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is one of the most premium Chromebooks featuring a convertible design, a 2K display and the option of an 11th-gen Intel Core i5 processor.

Buy from Best Buy

Best budget laptop: Lenovo Flex 5

If you’re looking for a convertible laptop on a budget, check out the Lenovo Flex 5. It comes with a polycarbonate design but feels pretty good for the price. The notebook can be configured with the new AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Processor, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB NVMe SSD storage, and built-in AMD graphics for less than $750. The Flex 5 comes with a 14-inch full-HD display with a 360-degree hinge that lets you use the laptop in various modes. It even comes with a fingerprint scanner for added security and seamless logging into Windows.

Lenovo Flex 5

The Flex 5 from Lenovo is a value for money convertible laptop featuring the AMD's Rzen 5 5500U processor, 16GB of RAM, 256GB SSD storage and a 14-inch full-HD display.

Buy from Amazon

These are some of the best convertible laptops on the market today. The XPS 13 would be our best pick from the lot as it offers an excellent design, a great display, and a snappy performance experience. If you’re searching for a new laptop, we have a roundup of the best laptops for 2021. Also, check out our recommendations of the best 5G laptops if mobile connectivity is your priority as well as the best laptops with Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.

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Get the latest M1 MacBook Pro for $200 off at multiple stores

Apple has started updating all its Mac computers to use its own M1 System-on-a-Chip (SoC), which offers faster speeds than many Intel-based computers with a more energy-efficient design. The newest 13.3-inch MacBook Pro with an M1 chip has dropped to $1,099.99 ($200 off) a few times already, but it has now returned to that price at multiple stores.

The 2020 MacBook Pro has an 8-core Apple M1, which combines the CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, I/O and other functions into a single chip for improved performance and battery life. Many macOS applications are already updated to run natively on M1 Macs, but you can also run most older software through the included Rosetta compatibility layer. In many cases, emulated Intel software still runs faster than it would on native Intel Macs. You can also use software like Parallels to run ARM Windows (which itself can emulate most x86 Windows software) in a virtual machine.

Apple MacBook Pro 13.3 (8GB/256GB)

This is the latest 13.3-inch MacBook Pro, complete with Apple's M1 chipset and a Touch Bar.

Buy at Best Buy

Buy at Amazon

The specific model on sale has an 8-core Apple M1 chip, a 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 “Retina” LED screen, a 256GB SSD, 8GB of RAM, two Thunderbolt 3 ports (which also function as USB Type-C connectors), and a Touch Bar above the keyboard. It charges with the included 61W power adapter, but you can also use many third-party USB Type-C wall chargers.

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XDA Basics: How to change the wallpaper on your Chromebook

Buying a shiny new Chromebook is an exciting experience. With Chrome OS, you get speed and performance at a lower cost. In fact, many Chromebooks are some of the best laptops you can find under $600. One of the first things you’ll want to do when you boot up your new Chromebook is change the wallpaper. Whether you want to switch to a different default wallpaper or change to a custom image, the process is incredibly simple. In this guide we’ll run down how to change your wallpaper on Chrome OS, then suggest some popular Android apps for custom wallpapers.

Change wallpaper to new built-in image

Choosing a new built-in wallpaper is the fastest option. Start by right-clicking on your desktop and selecting the Set wallpaper option. Next, select an image you’d like from the pre-installed list to set it as your wallpaper.

If you don’t mind getting a random wallpaper, check the box next to Surprise me and your Chromebook will choose a wallpaper for you, and show you a new one every now and then.

Step-by-step guide

1. Right-click on your desktop and select the Set wallpaper option.
2. Select an image you’d like to set it as your Chromebook wallpaper.
3. To let Chrome OS select a random image, choose Surprise me.

Change wallpaper to custom image

Many users will prefer to change their Chromebook wallpaper to a custom image they have in mind. You can also find some nice custom wallpapers in the Android apps suggested at the end of this article.

First, make sure the image you want to use is saved to your Chromebook.

Once you have your image saved, click the circular Launcher icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen and then expand the window by clicking the up arrow — you can also swipe up on touchscreens. Find and open the Files app, click Downloads, and locate the image you want to use as your wallpaper. Simply right-click the image, select the Set wallpaper option, and you’re good to go!

Step-by-step guide

1. Download an image you want to use as your Chromebook wallpaper from the web (see the Android apps below for nice custom options).
2. Click the circular Launcher icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
3. Click the up arrow. You can also swipe up on touchscreen Chromebooks.
4. Find and open Files.
5. Click Downloads and locate the image you want to use as your Chromebook wallpaper.
6. Right-click the image and select the Set wallpaper option.

Android apps for custom wallpapers

The majority of Chromebooks now support Android apps. Indeed, the versatility to run Google Play apps makes your Chromebook a great education laptop. This also opens the door to several excellent custom wallpaper apps that run on Android.

In this section we take a look at the top three Android apps for choosing a custom wallpaper for your Chromebook.

Backdrops

Our personal favorite Android app for wallpapers is Backdrops. With this app you get new custom wallpapers each day, with premium collections available for a small in-app purchase. In addition, creators can upload their wallpapers to share under the Community tab. If you like sleek vector-designed wallpapers, this is definitely an app to check out.

Backdrops - Wallpapers (Free⁺, Google Play) →

Walli

Another excellent wallpaper app is Walli. Walli is a high quality, selective collection of unique and cool wallpapers exclusively made by artists, for your device. Similar to Backdrops, Walli features a community of artists sharing their work. Change your wallpaper in an automatic way with the new Walli Playlist feature. Select the images you like, press PLAY and your wallpaper will shuffle automatically at your preferred frequency.

Walli - 4K, HD Wallpapers & Backgrounds (Free⁺, Google Play) →

Walpy

If you want a wallpaper taken from actual photographs, Walpy is an excellent app. There are a number of great landscapes and abstract photographs to choose from. All of these photographs are also high-resolution, so you know these wallpapers will look great on your Chromebook.

Walpy - Wallpapers (Free⁺, Google Play) →

Changing your wallpaper on Chrome OS is incredibly intuitive. Whether you want to switch to a built-in image provided by Google, or find your own custom option, the process only takes a few minutes. If you’re interested in beautiful artistic wallpapers, check out the Android apps suggested above to choose a new background image for your Chrome OS device.

The post XDA Basics: How to change the wallpaper on your Chromebook appeared first on xda-developers.

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These are the Best Motorola Phones to buy: Edge Plus, G Power, One Action, and more!

One of the few smartphone brands that existed in the “dumb” phone era, Motorola’s smartphones are still churning along today, especially in North America where there are openings for those seeking alternatives to the Apple-Samsung duopoly. While Motorola mostly sells more affordable handsets — some of which cracked our Best Cheap Phones list — it has some fancy flagships and foldables too that can hang with the big boys on the Best Android Phones and Best Phone lists.

Here is XDA’s guide to the best Motorola phones to buy depending on your need (or budget).

Navigate this guide:

• Best foldable Motorola: Motorola Razr 5G
• Best Motorola flagship: Motorola Edge Plus
• Best Motorola with stylus: Motorola G Stylus 2021
• Best Motorola for endurance: Motorola G Power 2021
• Best Motorola phablet: Motorola G9 Plus
• Best Motorola for video shooters: Motorola One Action

Best foldable Motorola phone: Motorola Razr 5G

If you’re older than say 35, there’s a chance you remember the original Motorola Razr and how it took the mobile industry by storm from the early to mid-2000s. Motorola’s revival of the model as a foldable phone caters specifically to that group, as well as foldable enthusiasts who want a more pocketable phone.

The Motorola Razr 5G delivers for both groups. From the thin body (when opened) to the boxy outside screen to the angular corners, the modern device resembles the original Razr’s looks and feel. The inside foldable screen is sharp, vibrant, and has a less noticeable crease than Samsung’s Z Flip series.

The Snapdragon 765G inside isn’t the most powerful SoC around, and there’s only a single 48MP camera which means you won’t get much focal length versatility. But if you want a phone that packs new smartphone tech into a retro, iconic body that brings back warm fuzzy nostalgia, the Motorola Razr 5G is hard to beat.

Motorola Razr 5G

Motorola Razr 5G is a cutting-edge foldable phone with a retro aesthetic that will bring back fond memories for those who owned, or wanted, the original Razr. It's got a well-built hinge and a screen that doesn't exhibit much of a crease, along with a useful outside screen for checking notifications.

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Best Motorola flagship: Motorola Edge Plus

Motorola hasn’t released a flagship smartphone yet in 2021, so if you want the most powerful Motorola phone, that would be the Motorola Edge Plus, released in April 2020. Despite the phone being more than a year old, it still has a modern design that keeps up with 2021 offerings, and the Snapdragon 865 chip is still powerful enough today — not to mention 5G ready.

As the name implies, the Edge Plus features a dramatically curved 90Hz OLED screen that looks visually pleasing, and Motorola’s palm rejection software is good enough to mitigate most accidental palm touches. The quad camera system is headlined by a 108MP camera that captures sharp photos with a lot of details, and the 3D TOF sensor works with the 3x telephoto zoom lens to produce pleasing portraits. The 16MP ultra-wide, while nothing spectacular, gets the job done for wide landscape shots.

At 203g and 9.6mm thick, the phone is slightly on the big side, but thanks to its curves is still quite comfy in the hand in our opinion. For a flagship that’s on discount now, you could do a lot worse than the attractive Motorola Edge Plus.

Motorola Edge Plus

The Motorola Edge Plus is the most recent Motorola flagship release, with a Snapdragon 865 paired with a gorgeous large 90Hz OLED screen. Even at a year old, the phone's components don't feel too outdated today.

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Best Motorola phone with a stylus: Motorola G Stylus 2021

There’s an old English adage, “the pen is mightier than the sword.” Well, for some computing tasks, we think the pen is mightier than the finger too. If you ever find yourself frustrated making precise photo crops or scribbling a digital signature on a phone because your finger is just too stubby, a stylus can make things much easier. And Motorola’s G Stylus 2021 is one of the more credible stylus phones around, behind Samsung’s iconic Note series, of course.

While lacking some of the smarts of Samsung’s S-Pen, Motorola’s stylus is comfortable to hold with acceptable degrees of latency that makes it suitable for note-taking and making minor scribbles. Any app with tiny buttons will also be easier to access with the stylus than a fingertip.

Elsewhere, the phone packs just mid-tier parts with just a plastic body, Snapdragon 678, and an LCD display. But at least you get a headphone jack, a large 6.8-inch screen, and an entry-level price tag. If you want a stylus but don’t want to pay an arm and a leg, this is the one to get.

Motorola G Stylus 2021

The Motorola G Stylus 2021 is one of the very few phones on the market with a stylus, so if you need that finer point for photo editing or note taking, this is one of the better options. At this affordable price point, the G Stylus can be considered a good value purchase.

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Best Motorola phone for endurance: Motorola G Power 2021

The Motorola G Power 2021 is a phone for those suffering from battery anxiety often. With a 5,000 mAh battery and a 60Hz, 720 x 1600 display, this phone will surely last well into the second day for most people on a single charge.

Everything else about the phone is average, from the Snapdragon 662 SoC to the 3GB of RAM to the 8MP selfie camera, but this is also one of the cheapest 2021 phones in the US, so it’s hard to nitpick too much. Ultimately, the Motorola G Power 2021 has a specific audience — those who want their phone to last — and it delivers on that promise.

Motorola G Power 2021

With a 5,000 mAh battery, the Motorola G Power is a phone that should be able to last two days for most people, and perhaps even three for light users. It's also about as cheap a 2021 smartphone as you're going to find in the US right now.

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Best Motorola phablet: Motorola G9 Plus

Does size matter? The smartphone industry seems to think so, as most brands have adopted the unspoken rule that the best phones also get the largest screens, and conversely, mid-tier and entry-level phones get smaller screens. So this makes the Motorola G9 Plus an anomaly. It’s priced as an affordable, entry-level phone, but it’s got a large 6.8-inch screen.

This gives it clear appeal to those who want a phablet screen, but don’t want to or can’t afford the almost four-digit Pro Maxes and Ultras phones out there. In addition to that large, vibrant screen that’s great for movies or games, the G9 Plus also offers a respectable Snapdragon 730G and a 64MP camera that captures sharp photos. Add in a 5,000 mAh battery and you have yourself a winner for those who want more phone for less.

Motorola G9 Plus

The Motorola G9 Plus is a huge phone with a large screen and large battery but small price tag. It's also attractive looking with a small hole-punch, minimal bezels, and a clean camera module.

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Best Motorola for video shooters: Motorola One Action

If you shoot a lot of videos in the standard wide-screen/landscape format, the Motorola One Action may be of interest. Motorola built an ultra-wide-angle camera with a 117-degree field-of-view but placed it sideways in the phone, so you can shoot in landscape orientation while holding the phone upright in portrait orientation.

Elsewhere, the phone has a modern design with relatively slim bezels and a hole-punch housing a 12MP selfie camera. There’s also a standard 12MP main camera for normal photography needs. The Exynos 9609 SoC is a 10nm chip that still performs well in 2021.

Motorola One Action

If you shoot a lot of videos, this is the Motorola phone to get. The One Action features an ultra-wide angle camera placed sideways inside the phone so you can shoot landscape videos while holding the phone in portrait orientation.

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Which Motorola phone do you like best? We’re partial to the Motorola Edge Plus for being the flagship and best-specced phone on this list. But the Motorola G Power 2021 is also of great value and holds plenty of appeal for those of us obsessed with our phones. Let us know in the comments.

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