Intel exec accidentally teases Thunderbolt 5 with 80Gbps speeds

While Thunderbolt 4 launched last year with Intel’s 11th-generation processors, it’s no surprise that Thunderbolt 5 is being worked on. What’s more surprising is that Intel Client Computing Group EVP and GM Gregory Bryant accidentally teased it on Twitter. On a trip to Intel’s research and development labs in Israel, he posted a tweet with four pictures, one of which shares some details about Thunderbolt 5, as spotted by AnandTech.

The tweet has since been deleted and reposted with three images.

The key difference with Thunderbolt 5 is that it will support 80Gbps data transfer speeds, double that of Thunderbolt 4. This shouldn’t be surprising, since it pretty much doubles every generation. The only exception to this was Thunderbolt 4, where there were changes to minimum requirements, rather than maximum speeds.

While the 80Gbps speed is what’s going to affect the consumer, there’s more to unpack here. It says on the sign that Thunderbolt 5 should “support the existing USB-C ecosystem”. That means that it’s still going to use a USB Type-C port (it didn’t with Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2), and it should be backward compatible with previous USB and Thunderbolt standards.

It’s going to use something called PAM-3, as indicated by the rest of the sign. PAM stands for Pulse Amplitude Modulation, and this is about sending ones and zeros. PAM-3 can send three values: -1, 0, and 1. There are thresholds set for frequencies, and if it’s at the top, it’s a one; if it’s in the middle, it’s a zero; if it’s on the bottom, it’s negative one. Here’s a quick explainer video:

In fairness to Gregory Bryant, many of us have posted some picture or another that had something in the background that’s not meant for the public. Mistakes happen to all humans. And frankly, we shouldn’t be surprised that Thunderbolt 5 is coming or even that it gets 80Gbps speeds.

As for when it’s coming, that’s anyone’s guess. Thunderbolt 4 is still brand-new, but it also wasn’t a big change from Thunderbolt 3, which was introduced back in 2015. Perhaps, Thunderbolt 4 will have a relatively short life before moving onto the next thing. Intel’s 12th-gen chips should be coming soon, but since it hasn’t even talked about Thunderbolt 5 yet, don’t expect to see it included this year.

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Gaia GPS brings its off-road navigation app to Android Auto

While Google Maps and Waze are great navigation apps for day-to-day use, they’re not particularly useful if you plan on going off-road. This is where the Gaia GPS app comes in. The app focuses on off-road and backcountry navigation, helping users navigate places where Google Maps and Waze wouldn’t be of much use. While the app has been available on the Play Store for quite a while now, it has recently received Android Auto support. If you’re an off-roading enthusiast, you should definitely check it out by following the Play Store link below.

The developers behind the Gaia GPS app recently announced Android Auto support through a YouTube video (via CNET). The video reveals that you can now download the app on your Android Auto compatible vehicle and navigate off-road using its satellite view, topographical maps, and trail maps.

The app offers turn-by-turn navigation support, along with a vast database of landmarks, trailheads, and restrooms. It even offers support for offline use, allowing you to store routes and maps to avoid any inconveniences in places with spotty network availability. Additionally, the Gaia app for Android offers second-screen functionality that lets you use your smartphone and car display to display two versions of the terrain simultaneously.

The Android Auto support has already started rolling out to users, and it’s scheduled to hit all devices this week. If you’re an iOS/Apple CarPlay user, you’d be glad to know that Gaia GPS already offers support for these platforms.

Gaia GPS: Hiking, Offroad Maps (Free⁺, Google Play) →

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Targus announces the super-charged DeX dock that Samsung won’t make

Back when the DeX desktop environment on Galaxy phones was new, Samsung released a DeX Station dock that gave your phone two USB ports, an Ethernet connector, HDMI, and power input. The idea was that you could just slip your Galaxy phone into the dock, and it would instantly become just as useful as a desktop PC. Samsung has moved away from the dock idea in recent years, but that isn’t stopping accessory company Targus from releasing a spiritual successor to the original DeX Station.

Targus announced its new Universal USB-C Phone Dock last Wednesday, which is advertised as compatible with any phone that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode through the USB Type-C port. It has a single HDMI port (up to 4K@60Hz), two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C connector (mainly for charging the connected phone), full-size and micro SD card slots, an Ethernet jack, wired audio, and two tilt options (60° and 75°). The dock is definitely a step up from the original DeX Station, and Targus has partnered with Samsung to ensure full compatibility with DeX.

The only catch is the price — Targus says the dock will be available in mid-August for $119.99. That’s much more expensive than other USB Type-C docks, like the $33 Baseus Docking Station, which has similar ports available. Many USB Type-C hubs designed for desktop computers also work with Android phones, as long as they have power pass-through.

Samsung doesn’t currently sell its own first-party DeX dock, and in recent years, the company has been updating DeX to work without the need for dedicated hardware. Galaxy phones and tablets can now stream DeX screens over Wi-Fi to compatible TVs and monitors without the need for any cables, or you can use the Windows app to use DeX on a Windows or macOS PC.

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Google is disabling account sign-ins on really old versions of Android

Google is disabling account sign-ins on smartphones running Android Gingerbread (2.3.7) or lower starting September 27th. The company says that if you try to sign in to your Google account on or after that date, you may get username and password errors when accessing Google products and services such as Gmail, YouTube, and Maps. Google suggests that if you have the ability to update to a newer Android version (specifically Android Honeycomb or higher) then you should do so. Google says you should still be able to log in to your accounts using the web browser, however.

According to the support article, Google is doing this as part of its “ongoing efforts to keep our users safe”. While nothing specific has been said as to why it’s required, sometimes updates to sign-in processes and secure browsing means that older devices get left in the dust. If you have an older Android device running Android Gingerbread, then it’s probably high time for an upgrade, though you can also look on your device’s XDA forum to see if there’s a custom ROM available. Many older smartphones can run newer versions of Android thanks to custom ROMs — even the Samsung Galaxy S II that launched in 2011 has an unofficial LineageOS 18.1 port based on Android 11, the latest stable version of Android.

Blocking Google account sign-ins on Android Gingerbread and older isn’t a huge deal, as a very, very, very small percentage of users are using such an old Android version. Even so, if you log in to your Google account on such an old device before the 27th of September, then it will stay logged in unless you get logged out for any reason.

Google also says the following may cause you to run into the sign-in error, too:

When support ends for sign-in with a Google Account on Android 2.3.7 and below, you will receive a username or password error if you try to sign in to your devices or to add an email or calendar account. The following cases can also lead to this error if you:

1. Perform a factory reset of your device and try to sign in.
2. Change your password either on the device or on a different device, which then signs you out everywhere else. When you try to sign in again, you will receive the error message.
3. Remove your account from your device and re-add it.
4. Create an account on the device.

You can check your Android version by going to settings, system, advanced, and tapping system update.

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OnePlus 9 vs 9 Pro vs 9R: Which OnePlus flagship should you buy?

After months of leaks and teasers, OnePlus finally lifted the covers off the new OnePlus 9 series earlier this year. The flagship lineup includes three devices — the OnePlus 9, the OnePlus 9 Pro, and the OnePlus 9R — spread across different price points. Unlike previous years, OnePlus’ latest flagships offer a significantly better camera experience, making them great Galaxy S21 alternatives.

If you’re planning on getting yourself one of the new OnePlus 9 series devices, but you’re not sure which one will best fit your needs, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll look at all the similarities and differences between the three phones to help you decide which one to go for.

OnePlus 9

Entry-level flagship

The vanilla OnePlus 9 is for those who want a flagship experience but don't want to pay top dollar. It offers a 6.5-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, a triple camera setup tuned by Hasselblad, and the Snapdragon 888 SoC.

Buy from Amazon

OnePlus 9 Pro

The best from OnePlus

The OnePlus 9 Pro is the best phone from OnePlus so far. It packs a 6.7-inch QHD+ 120Hz OLED display, the Snapdragon 888 SoC, and an impressive camera setup tuned by Hasselblad.

Buy from Amazon

OnePlus 9R

The flagship killer

The OnePlus 9R marks the company's return to the affordable flagship space. It's a rehashed OnePlus 8T from last year, featuring Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 870 chip and an affordable price tag.

Buy from Amazon

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of the OnePlus 9 series, check out the full specs list for all three devices in the section below:

OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9 Pro, and OnePlus 9R full specs list

Specification	OnePlus 9	OnePlus 9 Pro	OnePlus 9R
Build	Fiberglass-reinforced polymer frame Gorilla Glass 5 front and back	Aluminum frame Gorilla Glass 5 front and back	Metal frame Glass back Gorilla Glass front
Dimensions & Weight	North America/Europe: 160 x 74.2 x 8.7mm 192g India/China: 160 x 73.9 x 8.1mm 183g	163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7mm 197g	161 x 74.1 x 8.4 mm 189g
Display	6.55-inch FHD+ AMOLED (2400 x 1080p) 402PPI 20:9 aspect ratio 120Hz refresh rate 1100nits peak brightness Supports sRGB and DCI-P3 color space HDR10+ Automatic color temperature adjustment Gorilla Glass 5	6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO AMOLED (3216 x 1440p) 525PPI 20.1:9 aspect ratio Smart 120Hz refresh rate (Adaptive 1-120Hz) 360Hz touch polling rate 1300nits peak brightness 10-bit color depth Supports sRGB and DCI-P3 color space HDR10+ MEMC Automatic color temperature adjustment Gorilla Glass 5	6.55-inch FHD+ AMOLED (2400 x 1080) 402PPI 20:9 aspect ratio 120Hz refresh rate sRGB and DCI-P3 support
SoC	Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 1x Kryo 680 (ARM Cortex X1-based) Prime core @ 2.84GHz 3x Kryo 680 (ARM Cortex A78-based) Performance cores @ 2.4GHz 4x Kryo 680 (ARM Cortex A55-based) Efficiency cores @ 1.8GHz Adreno 660 GPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 1x Kryo 680 (ARM Cortex X1-based) Prime core @ 2.84GHz 3x Kryo 680 (ARM Cortex A78-based) Performance cores @ 2.4GHz 4x Kryo 680 (ARM Cortex A55-based) Efficiency cores @ 1.8GHz Adreno 660 GPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 1x Kryo 585 Prime core @ 3.2GHz 3x Kryo 585 Performance cores @ 2.4GHz 4x Kryo 385 Efficiency cores @ 1.8GHz  Adreno 650
RAM & Storage	8GB LPDDR5 RAM + 128GB UFS 3.1 storage 12GB + 256GB	8GB LPDDR5 RAM + 128GB UFS 3.1 storage 12GB + 256GB	8GB + 128GB UFS 3.1 12GB + 256GB
Battery & Charging	4,500mAh battery 65W wired fast charging (1-100% in 29 minutes) 45W wired fast charging (USB PD) 15W Qi wireless charging (North America/Europe only) Warp Charge 65T charger included (supports up to 45W USB PD or PPS for non-OnePlus devices)	4,500mAh battery 65W wired fast charging (1-100% in 29 minutes) 45W wired fast charging (USB PD) 50W wireless fast charging (1-100% in 43 minutes) Warp Charge 65T charger included (supports up to 45W USB PD or PPS for non-OnePlus devices)	4,500mAh 65W wired fast charging support Warp Charge 65 charger included in the box
Security	In-display fingerprint scanner	In-display fingerprint scanner	In-display fingerprint scanner
Rear Camera(s)	Primary: 48MP Sony IMX689, f/1.8, EIS, PDAF+CAF Secondary: 50MP Sony IMX766 ultra-wide, f/2.2, freeform lens Tertiary: 2MP monochrome sensor Dual LED flash Video: 8K video @ 30fps 4K video @ 30/60fps Slow motion: 720p @480fps, 1080p @ 240fps Time-lapse: 1080p @ 30fps, 4K @ 30fps Additional features: Nightscape, Super Macro, UltraShot HDR, Smart Scene Recognition, Portrait mode, Pro mode, Panorama, Tilt-shift mode, Focus Peaking, Cat/Dog Face focus, RAW support, Filters, Super Stable video, Video Nightscape, Video HDR, Video Portrait, Focus Tracking, Hyperlapse	Primary: 48MP Sony IMX 789, f/1.8, OIS, EIS, PDAF+CAF Secondary: 50MP Sony IMX766 ultra-wide, f/2.2, freeform lens Tertiary: 8MP 3.3x telephoto, f/2.4, OIS Quaternary: 2MP monochrome sensor Dual LED flash Video: 8K video @30fps 4K video @ 30/60/120fps Slow motion: 720p @ 480fps, 1080p @ 240fps Time-lapse: 1080p @ 30fps, 4K @ 30fps Additional features: Nightscape, Super Macro, UltraShot HDR, Smart Scene Recognition, Portrait mode, Pro mode, Panorama, Tilt-shift mode, Focus Peaking, Cat/Dog Face focus, RAW support, Filters, Super Stable video, Video Nightscape, Video HDR, Video Portrait, Focus Tracking, Hyperlapse	Primary: 48MP f/1.7 Sony IMX586, PDAF+CAF Secondary: 16MP f/2.2 Sony IMX481 wide-angle, 123° FoV Tertiary: 5MP macro Quaternary: 2MP monochrome
Front Camera(s)	16MP Sony IMX471, f/2.4, FF, EIS	16MP Sony IMX471, f/2.4, FF, EIS	16MP Sony IMX471, f/2.4, FF, EIS
Port(s)	USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C	USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C	USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C
Audio	Dual stereo speakers Noise cancellation support Dolby Atmos certified	Dual stereo speakers Noise cancellation support Dolby Atmos certified	Dual stereo speakers Noise cancellation support Dolby Atmos certified
Connectivity	LTE 4×4 MIMO SA/NSA 5G Wi-Fi 6 2×2 MIMO (dual-band) Bluetooth 5.2 (aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, AAC support) NFC GPS (L1+L5 Dual Band), GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, A-GPS	LTE 4×4 MIMO SA/NSA 5G Wi-Fi 6 2×2 MIMO (dual-band) Bluetooth 5.2 (aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, AAC support) NFC GPS (L1+L5 Dual Band), GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, A-GPS	LTE 4×4 MIMO SA/NSA 5G Wi-Fi 6 2×2 MIMO (dual-band) Bluetooth 5.1 GPS (L1+L5 Dual Band), GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, A-GPS
Software	OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11	OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11	OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11
Other Features	IP68 dust and water resistance (T-Mobile version only) Alert slider Upgraded haptic motor OnePlus Cool Play cooling system (five-layer system with a vapor chamber and layers of graphite and copper)	IP68 dust and water resistance Alert slider Upgraded haptic motor OnePlus Cool Play cooling system (multi-layer system with a vapor chamber and layers of graphite and copper)	Alert slider
Colors	Winter Mist, Arctic Sky, Astral Black	Morning Mist, Forest Green, Stellar Black	Lake Blue, Carbon Black

Common features across the OnePlus 9 series

All three phones in the OnePlus 9 series have a few things in common. For starters, they feature a similar design with a curved back panel and a rectangular camera module with rounded edges on the back. The devices look similar from the front too, as all three feature a hole-punch cutout in the top left corner of the display.

However, you can easily differentiate the OnePlus 9 Pro from the other two models, as it features a curved display. The OnePlus 9 and the OnePlus 9R, on the other hand, feature flat panels. Additionally, the top-of-the-line model has a large 6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO AMOLED display, while the other two have smaller 6.55-inch AMOLED panels. All three devices feature an in-display fingerprint scanner, though.

You can also differentiate between the three devices by looking at the rear-facing camera module. The OnePlus 9 has three sensors, the OnePlus 9 Pro has four sensors, and the OnePlus 9R lacks the Hasselblad branding. Other than that, the phones look quite similar, and the port/button placement is consistent across the board.

As far as the hardware is concerned, the OnePlus 9 and the OnePlus 9 Pro share several components. But the OnePlus 9R is almost completely different. That’s because it’s just a rehashed OnePlus 8T with a new design and SoC, so it features older parts. The OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro pack Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 chip, 8GB/12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and 128GB/256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. They also pack the same 4,500mAh battery with 65W fast charging support, the 50MP Sony IMX 766 ultra-wide camera with a freeform lens, the same 2MP monochrome sensor, and the same 16MP selfie camera. The phones also offer the same connectivity features, and they both run OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11 out of the box.

The OnePlus 9R’s software is one of the few things it has in common with the flagship devices, along with the 16MP selfie camera, the USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C port, and the 2MP monochrome sensor.

Now you know the common features across the range let’s look at the key differences between the three models and who should buy each one.

Who should buy the OnePlus 9?

If you’re looking for a true flagship experience but don’t want to spend over $1,000 on a smartphone, you should pick up the OnePlus 9. At a starting price of $729, the OnePlus 9 is much more affordable than its Pro counterpart. Yet, it offers most of the premium features you get with the top-of-the-line model.

It packs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 chip, a 6.55-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, a 4,500mAh battery with 65W fast charging support, and a decent triple camera setup (review) with a 48MP IMX689 primary camera, a 50MP IMX766 ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP monochrome camera. As mentioned earlier, it even features the same 16MP selfie shooter as the Pro variant.

On the downside, the OnePlus 9 doesn’t offer the same premium build quality as the OnePlus 9 Pro, as it has a fiberglass-reinforced polymer frame instead of an aluminum frame. It has a lower resolution FHD+ display with a lower peak brightness and no adaptive refresh rate support, it lacks fast wireless charging capabilities, and it doesn’t get an IP68 certification (except for the T-Mobile variant). On the camera front, the OnePlus 9 also misses out on the Sony IMX789 primary sensor and the 8MP telephoto sensor.

OnePlus 9

The vanilla OnePlus 9 is for those who want flagship performance but don't want to pay top dollar. It offers a 6.5-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, a triple-camera setup tuned by Hasselblad, and the Snapdragon 888 SoC.

Buy from Amazon

Who should buy the OnePlus 9 Pro?

Now you know what you’ll miss out on if you buy the OnePlus 9, it should be easy for you to decide if you want to go for the OnePlus 9 Pro or not.

Being the top-of-the-line model, the OnePlus 9 Pro packs everything you’d want from a flagship phone in 2021, including a large QHD+ high-refresh rate display with Adaptive refresh rate support, premium build quality with IP68 certification, and 50W wireless fast charging support.

The OnePlus 9 Pro also features a better 48MP Sony IMX789 primary camera, an additional 8MP 3.3x telephoto camera, and premium display features like MEMC, 10-bit color depth, and automatic color temperature adjustment. But for these additional features, you’ll have to shell out $1,499 for the device if you’re in the US, as OnePlus isn’t selling the cheaper 8GB/128GB variant in the country. If you’re not convinced, you can check out our full review of the device.

OnePlus 9 Pro

With a large, 6.7-inch Quad HD OLED display and a Smart 120Hz refresh rate, the OnePlus 9 Pro may have the best display on the market. The cameras, tuned in collaboration with Hasselblad, produce excellent still photos and capture superb 4K video.

Buy from Amazon

Who should buy the OnePlus 9R?

Unlike the OnePlus 9 and the OnePlus 9 Pro, the OnePlus 9R falls in the affordable flagship territory. So it’s meant for those who want a flagship experience but are willing to make some compromises.

As mentioned earlier, the device is a rehashed OnePlus 8T, so it packs flagship hardware from last year. It packs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 870 chip, which is a slightly upgraded version of the Snapdragon 865, a 6.55-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and no variable refresh rate support, and a 4,500mAh battery with 65W fast charging support.

Being the cheapest device of the bunch, it features a mediocre quad-camera system on the back, consisting of a 48MP Sony IMX586 primary sensor, a 16MP IMX481 wide-angle camera, a 5MP macro camera, and a 2MP monochrome camera. It does however get the same 16MP selfie shooter as the other two models. Connectivity options on the OnePlus 9R are also much the same, but it lacks NFC support. Furthermore, it doesn’t include the upgraded haptic motor found on the other two models.

OnePlus 9R

The OnePlus 9R is a rehashed OnePlus 8T with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 870 chip and a redesigned camera island. It's the most affordable phone in the OnePlus 9 lineup and it has the potential to be the most popular out of the lot.

Buy from Amazon

Should you buy the OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9 Pro, or OnePlus 9R?

We’ve already mentioned all the reasons why you should buy each device in the OnePlus 9 series, but should you buy any of them? In our opinion, the OnePlus 9 is a great buy for most people. It’s one of the best flagship phones available in the market today as it strikes a good balance between premium features and affordable pricing. It offers most of the features found on the Pro model at a significantly better price. But if you’re someone who likes to stay on the bleeding edge, you should opt for the OnePlus 9 Pro instead.

Although a bit on the expensive side, the OnePlus 9 Pro offers pretty much everything you expect to see on a modern flagship. It’s one of the best Android phones you can buy in 2021, but you may like the Galaxy S21 Ultra better if you want the best camera experience. As far as the OnePlus 9R is concerned, the device is a good buy for those who want to experience OnePlus’ fast and smooth software experience without spending too much money. But since it’s only available in the Indian market, we’d recommend going for the OnePlus 9 instead of trying to import it.

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These are the Best 5G Phones you can buy in August: Samsung, Apple, Google, and more!

5G rollout continues to happen around the world, so if you’re buying a new phone, it might be worth picking one up that supports this fifth-generation network. Most of the phones in our Best Phones and Best Android phones list already support 5G – but you don’t have to spend flagship money to get that high-speed connectivity now.

Navigate this article:

• Best 5G foldable phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
• Best 5G phone between $1000 and $1,500: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
• Best 5G phone between $800 and $999: Apple iPhone 12 
• Best 5G phone between $700 and $800: OnePlus 9
• Best 5G phone between $500 and $699: Apple iPhone 12 Mini
• Best 5G phone under $500: Google Pixel 4a 5G
  • Also great 5G phone under $500: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
• Best 5G phone under $450: Moto One 5G
• Best 5G phone under $300: OnePlus Nord N10
  • Also great at under $300: Samsung Galaxy A22 5G

Best foldable 5G phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2

Even at almost a year old, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is arguably the most cutting edge phone available worldwide right now. We’ve written plenty about this phone, so let’s keep it short here: the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is a foldable phone that can transform from a narrow tall candy-bar like smartphone into a a gorgeous 7.6-inch tablet with the flick of two wrists. It has all the 5G bands you’d need and despite the year-old internals, they still hold up very well today. With the Galaxy Z Fold 3 on the horizon, this phone may see a nice discount too.

Galaxy Z Fold 2

The most cutting edge phone 0f 2020 still keeps that title even in 2021. If money is no object and you need to have the very best that Samsung offers, look no further than the Galaxy Z Fold 2. We love it, and so will you!

View at Samsung

Best 5G phone between $1,000 and $1,500: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

The Galaxy S21 Ultra is arguably the best slab phone in the world right now, so it naturally takes this spot here too. In addition to top-notch connections, you’re getting the best screen possible on a mobile device right now, a Samsung AMOLED screen with an adaptive refresh rate that can max out at 120Hz, with the punchiest colors and 1,500 nits of maximum brightness. Throw in the Snapdragon 888 and a legit 10x optical zoom, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra is not just the best 5G phone right now, but the best non-foldable phone ever.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the ultimate overkill in the new 2021 flagship series, packing in a flagship SoC, a premium build, a great display, and an amazing camera setup, as well as all the extras expected on a premium flagship.

Buy from Samsung.com

Best 5G phone between $800 and $999: Apple iPhone 12

Apple released four new iPhones last year but the best one overall for most people is the standard iPhone 12. Starting at $799 at carriers and $829 unlocked, the iPhone 12 is objectively one of the better flagship values on the market, considering it packs a premium build quality, the best-in-class 5nm A14 Bionic SoC, and a very capable camera system.

It’s also one of the few phones to have support for every global 5G band, so you know you’re going to be well connected no matter which part of the world you’re in.

Apple iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 is Apple's first 5G device and it's a highly polished and powerful handset that should satisfy every need -- although XDA readers used to Android may find iOS a bit annoying to use.

View at Best Buy

Between $700 and $800: OnePlus 9

 

The OnePlus 9 packs specs almost as powerful as the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s — it’s got a Snapdragon 888, 120Hz OLED screen, a very good 48MP main camera, and premium glass and aluminum design. However, it lacks mmWave 5G bands so in the US it only supports T-Mobile and Verizon’s 5G Nationwide, but not AT&T’s.

OnePlus 9

The OnePlus 9 is a $729 phone that punches above its weight class and can hold its own against $1,000 phones. It supports 5G networks from Verizon and T-Mobile, but not AT&T, however.

View at Best Buy

Best 5G phone between $500 and $699: Apple iPhone 12 Mini

The iPhone 12 Mini is about as good a value as an iPhone can get right now: you’re getting a 5nm SoC that’s more powerful than any chip from Qualcomm right now, a strong dual-camera system consisting of a 12MP main and ultra-wide, and all the usual iOS goodies that Apple fans swear by, like AirDrop, iCloud, instant connectivity with Apple’s ecosystem of products, etc. Even when considering that most XDA readers prefer Android, the iPhone 12 Mini is too good to leave off this list at its $699 price.

Apple iPhone 12 Mini

The iPhone 12 Mini is an Apple flagship, but in a petite size and a petite price. It supports 5G and comes in a really one-hand friendly package.

View at Amazon

Best 5G phone under $500: Google Pixel 4a 5G

The Google Pixel 4a 5G is not just the Pixel 4a with a 5G modem in it. It also has a larger 6.2-inch display, larger battery (3,885 mAh to 3,140 mAh), stereo speakers, and of course, a newer Snapdragon 765G chip that supports 5G.

Please note there are two models of the Pixel 4a 5G in the US — the AT&T and T-Mobile model which doesn’t support mmWave high-band; and the Verizon version, which costs an extra $100, that supports all 5G bands.

If that sounds confusing, at least the rest of the package is simple and clean. With the Pixel 4a 5G, you’re getting Google’s vision of how Android should be, so everything, from UI to camera interface, is simple and clean. The camera of the Pixel 4a 5G is also identical to the Pixel 5, so you’re getting the best Google camera performance here.

Google Pixel 4a 5G

Want the purest version of Android with the best of Google's camera tech? The Pixel 4a 5G is the phone for you. The main version of Pixel 4a 5G supports low-and mid-band, while a Verizon-exclusive covers the full spectrum -- at a cost.

View at Best Buy

Also great 5G phone under $500: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G

With a 120Hz OLED display, Snapdragon 750G, and a very capable main camera that can trade blows with the Galaxy S21, the Galaxy A52 5G is one of the best value phones released this year. Yes, you’ll have to deal with more plastic than usual for Samsung devices, but the tradeoffs are worth it to save a few hundred dollars — besides, most people use a case with their phones anyway.

Samsung Galaxy A52 5G

The Galaxy A52 5G is one of the best budget Android phones you can buy right now, with a 120Hz screen, 5G connectivity, and Android 11.

Buy from Samsung.com

Best 5G phone under $450: Moto One 5G

Motorola re-entered the flagship phone scene in 2020 with the Motorola Edge+, but it isn’t leaving the mid-range affordable scene behind. The Moto One 5G is the cheapest 5G-ready phone sold in the U.S, and it’s got quite an impressive list of specs. You’re getting a 90Hz LCD with a dual hole-punch cutout for two selfie cameras, a large 5,000 mAh battery, 48MP main camera, and a Snapdragon 765G.

The cheaper AT&T model, just like the Velvet, does not support high-band mmWave, but the Verizon model does, but it will almost certainly cost a bit more.

Moto One 5G

Motorola's latest brings 5G connectivity and high-refresh screen for under $500, making it the best value 5G phone in the US.

View at Motorola

Best 5G phone under $300: OnePlus Nord N10

With a Snapdragon 690 and a plasticky body, no one’s going to confuse the OnePlus Nord N10 as a flagship phone; but it’s got the required modem for connectivity to 5G and still sports a rather lively 6.5-inch, 90Hz AMOLED display. And despite the older SoC, the phone still performs at a satisfactory level thanks to the super clean and smooth OxygenOS software.

For optics, the 64MP main camera gets the job done, but the 8MP ultra-wide camera can be hit or miss. But that 4,300 mAh battery can power the phone all day with ease.

OnePlus Nord N10 5G

The OnePlus Nord N10 5G is a budget 5G handset that offers long battery life and a good screen.

View at Amazon

Also great at under $300: Samsung Galaxy A22 5G

The newest release on this list is also the most affordable 5G phone, at a starting price of €229 (around $277) in Europe. No availability has been announced outside of Europe yet, but it could hit stateside, and even if not, there’s always the importing option.

The Galaxy A22 5G offers a 6.6-inch screen with a 90Hz refresh rate — although this is the rare Samsung phone with an LCD panel instead of OLED; handling processing and connectivity is the MediaTek Dimensity 700, and you have a camera system that covers the wide and ultra-wide focal lengths (along with the usual depth and macro sensors).

Galaxy A22 5G

Samsung's Galaxy A22 5G offers a large battery and 5G connectivity at an affordable price.

View Galaxy A Series at Samsung

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Ultimately, if money is no object, my pick of the best 5G phones right now is a two-way tie between the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and the Galaxy S21 Ultra — but I understand the price makes either a no-go for many people. For most people, I think the iPhone 12 or OnePlus 9 are excellent purchases; you’re getting basically as good a smartphone as last year’s technology allows, at a reasonable price under four digits. Of course, if you’re on a tighter budget, then the Google Pixel 4a 5G is also a worthy choice.

The post These are the Best 5G Phones you can buy in August: Samsung, Apple, Google, and more! appeared first on xda-developers.

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These are the Best Xiaomi phones you can buy in August: Mi 11 Ultra, Redmi Note 10 Pro, and more!

Between Xiaomi and its various sub-brands, the company seemingly has a new phone out every few weeks. This might be annoying if these releases were mediocre, but that’s not the case. Xiaomi’s flagship phones have become very good over the years — not just a contender to challenge for the top spot of our Best Android Phones list, but even our Best Phones list, period. And its budget and mid-tier offerings usually offer more value than competitors at the same price point.

But having so many devices can confuse consumers — so we’re here to help! We have tested virtually every Xiaomi smartphone to hit the market over the past few years and these are the best Xiaomi phones for each need.

Navigate this article:

• Best Xiaomi phone money can buy: Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra
• Best Xiaomi phone for most people: POCO F3 / Mi 11X
• Best foldable phone from Xiaomi: Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold
• Best mid-tier Xiaomi phone: Redmi Note 10 Pro / Pro Max
• Best affordable Xiaomi phone: POCO X3 GT
  • Also great affordable Xiaomi phone: POCO X3 Pro
• Best entry-level Xiaomi phone: POCO M3
• Best gaming phone from Xiaomi: Redmi K40 Gaming Edition / POCO F3 GT

Best Xiaomi phone money can buy: Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra

Xiaomi’s reputation, especially in its native home country, used to be a phone brand that made solid if unspectacular phones that sold at low prices. In recent years Xiaomi has tried hard to pivot away from that image, to establish itself as a maker of premium flagships. The Mi 11 Ultra, the crown jewel of the Mi 11 series, is the most convincing attempt yet.

With a main camera that uses the second largest image sensor in the industry (behind only the Japan-only Sharp Aquos R6), a bright and vibrant LTPO 120Hz panel with WQHD+ resolution, and a Snapdragon 888 SoC, the Mi 11 Ultra packs the latest and greatest components that can go toe to toe with the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.

The Mi 11 Ultra also one-up’s Samsung in other areas such as faster wireless charging and a superior ultra-wide lens. Throw in IP68 water and dust resistance and super-fast 67W wireless charging, and this isn’t just Xiaomi’s best possible slab smartphone, but arguably the best possible slab smartphone, period.

Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra

The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra represents the best Xiaomi has to offer as a smartphone, with the best camera system, screen, and SoC possible.

View at Amazon.in

Best Xiaomi phone for most people: POCO F3 / Mi 11X

Xiaomi started the POCO sub-brand three years ago and used the platform to launch a phone with almost flagship specs at a very attractive price. The POCO F3 (or Xiaomi Mi 11X as it’s known in India) continues this strategy. At around €349 ($416), the POCO F3 offers a 120Hz display with a whopping 360Hz touch sampling rate; a Snapdragon 870 (which is an upgraded Snapdragon 865+); a solid set of cameras; and a premium glass-and-aluminum sandwich design.

Such an attractive set of hardware components in a sub-$500 price is unheard of in North America. So unless you really want to splurge on the best of the best, the POCO F3 is the best Xiaomi phone to buy value-wise. In India, this phone is quickly rising up as a default recommendation for the average Indian consumer, thanks to its high performance to price ratio.

Xiaomi Mi 11X / POCO F3

The Xiaomi Mi 11X, also known as the POCO F3, is the best phone for most people because it offers almost flagship-level power and design at a price that can be considered low for most people.

Buy from Amazon.co.uk

Best foldable phone from Xiaomi: Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold

Yes, we know — this category is a bit of a cheat right now because Xiaomi only has one foldable phone out, so there was no other option but to list the Mi Mix Fold. Still, the Mi Mix Fold is quite an impressive combination of hardware prowess, cutting-edge tech, and a reasonable price (for a foldable).

The Mi Mix Fold runs on the Snapdragon 888, with a 108MP main camera and a new “liquid lens” that doubles as a telephoto and macro lens. But of course, the biggest draw is it’s both a smartphone and an 8-inch tablet. If you want a foldable phone that runs Xiaomi’s software, or if you just want the most affordable large foldable phone right now, look no further than the Mi Mix Fold.

Unfortunately, unlike most phones on this list, the Mix Fold is a China-only release, so if you don’t live in China, importing via third-party businesses is the only purchase method.

Best mid-tier Xiaomi phone: Redmi Note 10 Pro / Pro Max

This phone is named Redmi Note 10 Pro in Europe, but Redmi Note 10 Pro Max in India. Whatever you want to call it though, you’re getting a lot of value for your money as we mention in our review. Priced firmly under $300, the Note 10 Pro offers both a 120Hz AMOLED display and a 108MP camera — two hardware components that were major selling points of $1,200 phones just a year ago.

You also get a 5,020 mAh battery that lasts all day, Snapdragon 732G, and a Gorilla Glass 5 protecting the large 6.7-inch display. The ultra-wide camera at 8MP is a bit weak, and there’s no zoom lens at all, but these are understandable compromises to make for a mid-ranger.

Redmi Note 10 Pro / Pro Max

The Redmi Note 10 Pro (or Note 10 Pro Max if you're in India) is a heck of a bargain at its price point: you get a 120Hz AMOLED screen and 108MP camera along with a large battery.

Buy from Amazon.co.uk

Best affordable Xiaomi phone: POCO X3 GT

Priced at around $300, the POCO X3 GT offers a 120Hz display, MediaTek Helio Dimensity 1100, a good 64MP main camera, and a large 5,000 mAh battery.

The 6nm Dimensity 1100 is just six months old and can be considered a near flagship SoC — it also supports 5G natively. Although the screen is just an LCD panel instead of OLED, it’s still 120Hz and animations appear buttery smooth. This is another excellent phone in POCO’s X3 series.

POCO X3 GT

The POCO X3 GT is the latest budget offering from Xiaomi that offers some flagship components in a sub-$300 price.

View at Xiaomi

Also great: POCO X3 Pro

If you liked what you saw in the POCO X3 GT but have no use for 5G, the POCO X3 Pro may be a better option — it’s a little bit cheaper, and the Snapdragon 860 SoC here is a bit older, but it offers the same 120Hz display and similar software and camera experience.

POCO X3 Pro

120Hz screen with a large battery and an almost flagship SoC for under $300 is a great deal no matter how you look at it.

Buy from Amazon.co.uk

Best entry-level Xiaomi phone: POCO M3

Running on a Snapdragon 662 with no zoom or ultra-wide lens, the POCO M3 won’t be mistaken for a flagship phone, but at under $150, this is about as good a phone as you’re going to get at this price range. You’re still getting a large 1080p display, a capable 48MP main camera, and a serviceable 8MP selfie camera, along with a huge 6,000 mAh battery that can power the device for at least a day and a half, if not two days for most people.

Xiaomi’s software is also well-optimized, so you won’t experience lags 0r app crashes like lesser brands which sell in the sub-$200 range. Some of Xiaomi’s phones do go even lower on the price tag, but the POCO M3 offers one of the better rounded-out packages out there.

POCO M3

The POCO M3 is for those on a tight budget. While there are some compromises, you're still getting a serviceable handset that can handle all your daily tasks.

Buy from Amazon.co.uk

Best gaming phone from Xiaomi: Redmi K40 Gaming Edition / POCO F3 GT

From dedicated shoulder trigger buttons to vapor chamber cooling to 480Hz touch sampling response rate, the Redmi K40 Gaming Edition is built for mobile gamers. Powering everything is a Dimensity 1200 SoC with 12GB of RAM.

Since it’s released under the Redmi branding, the K40 Gaming Edition is quite affordable too. Right now however, the device is sold only in China, but a global version should be coming soon. In India, the device takes the form of the POCO F3 GT, and has a killer price tag too.

POCO F3 GT

The POCO F3 GT is a rebranded Redmi K40 Gaming Edition, bringing the best of gaming hardware onto a Xiaomi device. It features the flagship MediaTek SoC, magnetic gaming buttons, vapor chamber cooling, and a lot of other features to give you a great gaming experience.

Buy from Flipkart

No matter what you need, Xiaomi has a device for you

Xiaomi pumps out phones at a breakneck pace, so if you don’t see anything here that suits your needs, just wait a few months and there’ll be another batch of new Xiaomi devices. We here at XDA will keep track of all Xiaomi releases and update this list monthly so check back often.

The post These are the Best Xiaomi phones you can buy in August: Mi 11 Ultra, Redmi Note 10 Pro, and more! appeared first on xda-developers.

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