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vendredi 29 octobre 2021

These are the Best MacBook Pro Cases right now

If you got yourself a shiny new MacBook Pro from Apple, you’ll definitely need some additional accessories to go along with it, like a USB-C hub, a good webcam since online classes and meetings are the new normal, or maybe even an external portable monitor for a better viewing experience. While you’re at it, it’s also a good idea to invest in a good-quality case for your MacBook Pro to protect it from scratches and dents. Here are some of the best MacBook Pro cases you can buy to keep your laptop safe, as well as give it a new visual overhaul.

Depending on the different sizes and variants of the MacBook Pro that are available, we have divided this list into multiple sections. You can use the index to navigate to the relevant section based on the MacBook Pro you have.

Navigate this article:

Best MacBook Pro 13 cases

2013-2015 (Retina)

    Speck SmartShell Case

    A trusted product

    Speck is one of the most renowned case-makers out there and this one for your MacBook Pro looks good and provides a decent amount of protection.
    Mosiso Hard shell Case

    Pick your color!

    This matte-finish case is available in a variety of colors and even comes with a free keyboard cover and a screen protector in the box.
    Ibenzer Heavy Duty case

    All-round protection

    If you want the best protection for your MacBook, you need to get this case. It has two layers giving it a rugged feel but it also adds some bulk.

2016-2020

    Supcase Unicorn Beetle for MacBook Pro 13

    Solid drop protection

    This case from Supcase is one of the best options for the 13 inch MacBook Pro. It adds a funky look to your MacBook and provides ample protection against falls.

    Promoted

    ProCase Hard Shell with Kickstand

    Protection with convenience

    The ProCase hard shell offers protection against scratches and drops but also has another trick up its sleeve. It has a foldable kickstand that can make typing more convenient.
    KECC Wooden Hardshell Case for MacBook Pro 13

    A dash of nature

    This wooden hardshell case gives a refreshing new look to your 13 inch MacBook Pro. Additionally, you also get a keyboard cover and a free sleeve which is a bonus.
    MOSISO Hardshell Case for MacBook Pro 13

    Matte black everything!

    If you want to make your MacBook Pro look stealthy, this is the best case that you can get. The matte black color looks great with the aluminium sides of the MacBook Pro and gives it an overall sleek look.
    Transparent hard plastic case

    Clear and protective

    If you want to show off your brand new MacBook with that shiny Apple logo, this case will let you do exactly that while providing a good amount of protection. It also comes with a keyboard protector.
    Fintie Leather hard case

    A premium look

    This case has a PU leather exterior on top of the hard case layer which provides a premium look and feel. If you're a fan of leather and you want your laptop to look classy and elegant, this is a good option to get.

MacBook Pro 14 cases

Since the MacBook Pro 14 is relatively new, there are no cases as of yet specifically made for it. While you wait for manufacturers to make one, you can get a sleeve or a generic case to store your MacBook safely when it’s not in use.

    Tomtoc Sleeve Bag

    Sleeve with a handle

    This is a nice-looking sleeve for the MacBook Pro 14 which even comes with a handle that you can use to carry it around.
    Finpac Hard Sleeve

    Hard shell for protection

    This is a hard-shell sleeve that adds a lot of protection for your MacBook Pro 14 even against drops.
    Tomtoc recycled sleeve

    Recycled fabric

    This sleeve is made from recycled fabric which makes it good for the environment. It's also MIL-STD-810H certified.

Best MacBook Pro 15 Cases

2013-2015 (Retina)

    Hard Case with Stand

    Built-in stand

    This is a bumper case that offers a great deal of protection. It also has a built-in kickstand to rest your MacBook at an angle.
    Matte Hard case

    Lots of colors!

    If you're looking for a minimalistic case with a matte texture, this is the one to pick. It's also available in a variety of colors.
    KECC Leather case

    A premium touch

    Leather cases are often premium and classy so if you're looking for something that looks and feels good, you can consider this one.

2016-2019

    UAG Rugged Case

    Rugged protection

    UAG is known for drop-resistant cases and this case for the 15-inch MacBook Pro will do exactly that. It's rugged, translucent, and offers great protection.
    Mosiso Hard shell Case

    Pick your color!

    This matte-finish case is available in a variety of colors and even comes with a free keyboard cover and a screen protector in the box.
    ProCase Hard Shell

    Hard shell for protection

    This is a simple hard case with a dark grey finish and matte texture. It will provide basic protection to your MacBook Pro.
    Matte Hard case

    Lots of colors!

    If you're looking for a minimalistic case with a matte texture, this is the one to pick. It's also available in a variety of colors and comes with a screen protector and port covers.
    Transparent hard plastic case

    Clear and protective

    If you want to show off your brand new MacBook with that shiny Apple logo, this case will let you do exactly that while providing a good amount of protection. It also comes with a keyboard protector.
    Elago Slim Case

    Smoky black look

    Here's a clear case that has a smoky look giving it a grayish, translucent exterior. It looks quite stealthy and provides good protection.

Best MacBook Pro 16 cases

2019-2020

    Supcase Unicorn Beetle

    Solid drop protection

    This case from Supcase is one of the best options for the 16iinch MacBook Pro. It adds a funky look to your MacBook and provides ample protection against falls.

    Promoted

    Clear hard plastic case

    Transparent shell

    If you want to show off your brand new MacBook with that shiny Apple logo, this case will let you do exactly that while providing a good amount of protection. Let that space gray show through!
    Mektron Case with Kickstand

    Protection with convenience

    This hardshell case offers protection against scratches and drops but also has another trick up its sleeve. It has a foldable kickstand that can make typing more convenient.

2021

Just like the MacBook Pro 14, there are no specific cases made for the MacBook Pro 16 yet since the laptop is new. You can check out these sleeves for now which can protect your MacBook Pro 16 for the time being. We’ll update this section as and when specific cases are available.

    Tomtoc Sleeve Bag

    Sleeve with a handle

    This is a nice-looking sleeve for the MacBook Pro 14 which even comes with a handle that you can use to carry it around.
    Lacdo Protective Sleep

    Multiple compartments

    Here's a nice sleeve that has multiple compartments for you to store peripherals and accessories, including the charger and some cables.
    Tomtoc recycled sleeve

    Recycled fabric

    This sleeve is made from recycled fabric which makes it good for the environment. It's also MIL-STD-810H certified.

These were some of the best MacBook Pro cases in our opinion that you can invest in to protect your expensive new laptop. While some cases emphasize protection, others pay more importance to the look and feel of the case, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. We have tried to cover (pun unintended) most of the popular MacBook Pro models in this list right from the new MacBook Pro laptops from 2020 and 2021 to older MacBook Pros from 2013.

If rugged protection is of primary importance to you, we would suggest getting the Supcase Unicorn Beetle since it offers the best protection against both scratches as well as accidental drops. If you’re careful with your MacBook Pro and don’t want a lot of drop protection, or you just don’t want to add a lot of bulk to your MacBook, you can get the Fintie Leather case. If you use your MacBook Pro on a desk for extended durations, you might want to consider the ProCase Cover since it also features a kickstand that elevates the keyboard at an angle making it easier to type.

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The best stands for your MacBook Pro in 2021

Of all the accessories you can buy for the new MacBook Pro 2021 models, we think a stand is probably the most important one, especially if you have stationary working setup. A stand is more than just a tool for your MacBook Pro. From improving the overall ergonomics of your setup to protecting your MacBook from accidental spills, a good quality stand can go a long way to make sure you’re having a better experience. Not to mention, some of the height-adjustable stands also reduce neck and shoulder strain by allowing you to set the right elevation.

Finding the best stand for your MacBook Pro can be difficult, though. Much like other accessories, there are plenty of options to choose from and a lot of features to consider. We’ve managed to comb through multiple pages on the internet to find some of the best ones for you. So, let’s get started:

    Nulaxy Laptop Stand

    Best overall stand for MacBook Pro

    The Nulaxy laptop stand is one of the best wallet-friendly stands you can grab for your MacBook Pro notebook right now. You can use it with laptops ranging in size from 10 to 16-inches and it also lifts the notebooks by 6-inches, which we think is comfortable for day-to-day usage while sitting. Other noteworthy features include the addition of soft feet at the bottom to protect the surface, the inclusion of anti-slip material on the arms to hold the laptop in place, and more.
    BookArc for MacBook

    Best vertical stand for MacBook

    The BookArc is a vertical stand for the MacBook Pro that saves a lot of space on your desk. This low-profile stand holds your MacBook vertically with its lid closed, so you'll need an external monitor along with a keyboard and mouse to use this one. It's one of the most popular stands for the MacBooks and is available in a bunch of different finishes including silver, birch, walnut, and espresso.
    SKYZONAL Aluminum Notebook Desktop Stand

    Simple height-adjustable stand

    The SKYZONAL aluminum as you can see, is a fairly straightforward stand for the MacBook Pro. It's a height-adjustable stand that lets you easily tweak the height according to your requirements. The best part about the stand is that it collapses flat, allowing you to slide it into a backpack. It can also be used with some other devices like the iPad.
    Steklo X-stand for MacBook Pro

    An affordable MacBook stand

    This Steklo stand is one of the most affordable items in this collection. Despite the price tag, it's still one of the more premium-looking products. It can fit 12 - 17-inch MacBooks, which means, it's perfect for the new 16-inch MacBook Pro 2021 model too. The stand allows for optimum airflow to keep the MacBook cool during the extended hours of usage.
    Lifelong ergonomic laptop stand

    Versatile MacBook Pro stand

    If you're someone who likes to frequently stand while working, then the Lifelong ergonomic laptop stand is perfect. Unlike other height-adjustable stands, this one lets you extend its arms up to 13-inches. In addition to that, you can also adjust the angle of the base on which the MacBook rests. This gives you more freedom to get the best viewing angle. The stand also has a cutout at the bottom for airflow. It's suitable to fit laptops ranging in sizes from 10-17-inches.
    SimpleHouseware Metal Stand

    MacBook Pro stand with storage space

    This metal stand is perfect for those who are looking to add some space for organizing their setup. As you can see, it has a built-in shelf and up to four compartments for storing items. The stand itself is more than 20-inches wide and 11.5-inches deep. It can also be used to place a monitor on top, which is great. There's no option to adjust the height, though.
    HumanCentric Vertical Laptop Stand

    More affordable vertical stand

    This is the second vertical stand in our collection, which is perfect for those who use an external keyboard, mouse and monitor. This one's cheaper than the BookArc stand we saw earlier, but it has some noteworthy inclusions like soft pads on the inner walls of the dock to protect the notebook from scratches. It's also smaller than the BookArc stand and looks great on the desk.
    Wooden laptop stand

    Affordable wooden stand

    The wooden tilt laptop stand is perfect for those looking to add a touch of wood to their setup. It's simple, yet one of the best looking stands in our collection that's capable of holding even the newer MacBook Pro 2021 models. There are arms on the front to prevent the laptop from sliding down. The stand also has cork feet to protect your desk from scratches.
    Rain Design 10032 mStand

    Minimal stand for MacBook Pro

    This is one of the most popular laptop stands on the market mainly because of its minimal aesthetics. It's made out of solid, sand-blasted aluminum, and it provides a sturdy base for your MacBook, irrespective of its size. It's also tilted forward to make it easier for you see, but there's no option to adjust the height. We also like the addition of small rubber pads on the top to secure the laptop in place.

Best stands for MacBook Pro: Final Thoughts

That concludes our collection of the best stands you can buy for your MacBook Pro 2021 notebooks. The ‘Nulaxy laptop stand’ is our pick for the best stand mainly because it looks great and also adds a decent amount of height for your MacBook. We also like vertical stands like theBookArc for MacBook Pro’ as they tend to occupy less space on the desk. Notably, a collapsible stand like the ‘SKYZONAL Aluminum stand’ is a great option if you commute or travel with your MacBook Pro a lot. We’ve also added only the good-looking stands in this collection, so they’ll perfectly blend in most setups and won’t end up ruining the overall aesthetics.

Apple’s MacBook Pro is one of the best Macs you can buy right now. The new 2021 models, especially the bigger 16-inch MacBook Pro is perfect for powering a stationary work-from-home setup. We think having a good stand for your MacBook will help you keep things organized. We’ll keep adding more stands to this collection over time, but in the meantime, let us know which one are you planning to buy? You can also check our collection of the best MacBook Pro cases if you’re looking to add some protection to your shiny new MacBook Pro.

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Best printers for Mac you can buy in 2021

Printers are just as important as any other peripheral you’d pair with your Mac. It’s true most of our documentation now happens digitally, but there are still times when we need to print something. Even creative professionals need one to churn out high-quality printouts of things like artwork, photos, etc. So in this article, we’ll be checking out some of the best printers for Mac you can buy right now.

The printers mentioned in this collection should play nicely with all the best Macs out there — be it an iMac, the Mac Pro, or even the new MacBook Pro 2021 notebooks. They’re all macOS compatible and most of them can work wirelessly via AirPrint. We’ve included both Inkjet as well as laser printers to make sure we have a good mix of options for most people.

    Epson EcoTank ET-3710

    Best overall printer

    The EcoTank ET-3710 is one of the most popular printers out there. It works with both Windows and macOS devices over a wired or a wireless connection. The printer also boasts impressive features including a color display, voice-activated printing with Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa. What we like the most about this printer is that uses low-cost replacement ink bottles instead of ink cartridges. It's a great low-maintenance option for both businesses and home users.
    HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Office Printer

    Best printer for business

    The HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 is a fantastic large-sized printer suitable for business use. It can hold up to 500 sheets of A3 paper in addition to 50 A4 paper in its automatic feeder. The OfficeJet Pro can also print full A3 color posters and uses auto duplex to turn them over automatically to print the other side. It works best with Ethernet connectivity but there's also support for Wi-Fi with AirPrint compatibility for Mac users.
    HP PageWide Pro 477dw Printer

    High speed printer

    HP's PageWide Pro is one of the fastest Inkjet printers on the market. It uses a large-sized print head to cover the full width of the paper and glides through printouts like a laser one. HP quotes a print speed of 55 pages per minute, which is quite impressive. It can also print coated photo paper and deliver vibrant color images up to A4 size. It works with macOS devices, making it one of the best printers in this collection.
    HP Envy 7855 Printer

    Best budget printer

    The HP Envy 7855 is one of the best budget printers you can buy for your Mac. This is what we recommend for most users who don't necessarily need fancy features for casual usage. It has a touchscreen panel for easy operation and it can also order new print cartridges automatically when it detects the ink is getting low. It supports AirPrint, which means you can easily churn out printouts without having to worry about wired connections.
    Canon Maxify IB4120

    Best heavy-duty printer

    The Canon Maxify IB4120 is a heavy-duty printer suitable for a multi-user experience. It uses ink cartridges for pumping out colored printouts and it also connects to Apple devices wirelessly via AirPrint. The best thing about this printer. however, is that you can load up to 500 sheets of paper in its tray at once and not worry about refilling it every day. We recommend the Maxify IB4120 in case a lot of people in your office or household use a printer on a daily basis.
    Epson WorkForce WF-7710 Printer

    Best multi-function printer

    The Epson WorkForce WF-7710 is the most expensive printer in this collection but it justifies the price tag with its multi-function operation. Not only is it one of the fastest inkjet printers around, but it's cheaper to maintain thanks to the competitive cost of its cartridges. Notably, you can also use this to print images on T-shirts via sublimation or heat transfer print. The only real drawback of this printer is that you'll have to use third-party scanning software to scan copies since the Epson Scan 2 no longer works with macOS.
    HP Tango X Printer

    Best compact printer

    The HP Tango X is a compact portable printer suitable for small office spaces. It's built specifically for Mac users and features AirPrint capability to print over a wireless network. It also comes with a linen wrap that lets you carry it around easily, and the printer itself requires no drivers or USB connections to work with. All you need is a simple HP Smart app to start scanning and printing.
    Brother MFCL2710DW Compact Laser printer

    Affordable laser printer

    The Brother MFCL2710DW is yet another compact printer suitable for a small office environment. This printer also offers other features like two-sided printing, a 35-page capacity feeder for unattended scanning, and more. The MFCL2710 also lets you load up to 250 sheets at once so you don't have to refill it as often. It usually retails for around $200, which is a great price for a laser printer.
    Pantum P2502W Compact Printer

    Best monochrome printer

    The Pantum P2502W is a monochrome printer, which means it can only print in black and white. It's a solid compact printer that can fit into small spaces and can print up to 23 pages per minute. The Pantum P2502W works well with macOS devices. It has a great app that lets you control all the printer settings too.

Best printers for Mac: Final Thoughts

As you can see, we’ve got a good mix of printers for you to choose from. The Epson EcoTank ET-3710 is our pick for the best printer you can buy for your mac. It’s a versatile printer that uses low-cost replacement bottles instead of ink cartridges for printing. If you’re on a budget though, we recommend checking out the HP Envy 7855 inkjet printer. We think it’s good enough for most users who don’t necessarily need fancy features. Additionally, it also supports AirPrint, which is great for printing over wireless networks. We’ve also added options like the Brother MFCL2710DW and Pantum P250W2 if you’re leaning more towards laser printers.

Let us know some of your favorite printers for Macs in the comment section below. Also, if you just bought yourself a new MacBook Pro, then be sure to check out our collection of the best monitors, best MacBook Pro cases, and even best stands to go along with it. We’ve added some great options in there to improve your overall user experience.

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JioPhone Next pricing officially revealed ahead of launch

At its 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in June, Indian telecom giant Reliance Jio announced an ultra-affordable 4G smartphone called JioPhone Next. While the phone was supposed to go on sale on September 10th, Jio was forced to postpone the release due to the global chip shortage. At the time, the company said it would release the phone around Diwali. Now ahead of the official release, Jio has revealed the pricing details for the JioPhone Next.

The JioPhone Next will be available at an entry price of ₹1,999, with the rest of the sum to be paid via installments over 18 or 24 months. Alternatively, you can purchase it upfront without financing for ₹6,499. Jio says the phone will be “available from Diwali,” meaning it will hit the shelves next week.

JIoPhone Next EMI plans

Users can register their interest at the nearest Jio Mart Digital store or on Jio’s official website. Once the order is confirmed, users can walk into the nearby Jio Mart Digital store to collect the device.

The JioPhone Next is aimed at first smartphone time buyers and offers good enough hardware for its price. The phone is a collaborative effort between Jio and Google. On the software front, the JioPhone Next runs Pragati OS, a version of Android developed specifically for the Indian market. In its official announcement, Google promises that the device will get timely Android security updates and that “the phone’s experience will keep getting better with new feature drops and customizations.”

The JioPhone Next comes equipped with a 13MP rear camera with support for features like HDR mode, Night mode, and Portrait mode. Google says it has also teamed up with Snap to bake Indian-specific Snapchat filters right into the camera app.

Elsewhere, the JioPhone Next features a 5.5-inch HD+ display, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 215 chipset, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, a 2,500mAh battery, a microUSB port, and dual SIM 4G support.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 are now getting One UI 4 beta update with Android 12

After rolling out One UI 4.0 beta builds based on Android 12 for the Galaxy S21 series, Samsung has now expanded the beta initiative to its latest foldable devices — the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3. The first One UI 4.0 beta builds for the third generation Galaxy Fold devices are now rolling out in South Korea and India.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Android 12 One UI 4 beta 1 OTA

Thanks to XDA Senior Member dreamtheater39 for the screenshot!

As per several posts on our forums and the Samsung Community website, the owners of both these devices can now register for the One UI 4.0 public beta through the Samsung Members app and subsequently get the update prompt. The initial beta builds with version F711BXXU2ZUJF (for the Galaxy Z Flip 3) and F926BXXU1ZUJF (for the Galaxy Z Fold 3) bring in all of the new features included in the stable Android 12 codebase to the foldables, along with several improvements to Samsung’s own One UI skin. Notably, the Thom Browne edition is excluded from the beta as of now.

The standard disclaimer for all betas apply here too, namely that beta software tends to contain bugs. If you are looking for a stable OS for your shiny new Galaxy Z Fold 3 or Flip 3 that serves all your needs flawlessly, you should stay away from beta programs. Samsung’s public beta builds are usually more polished than the internal test firmware packages, but there is still a possibility that something crucial is broken.

Samsung Galaxy Flip 3 XDA Forums || Samsung Galaxy Fold 3 XDA Forums

In case you have an eligible device like the Galaxy Z Fold 3/Flip 3, but you haven’t rolled into the One UI 4.0 beta program yet, you’ll have to do so in the Samsung Members app. While you’re inside the app, you should see an option for enrolling in the beta program after tapping the “Notices” button. On the following screen, tap on the enroll button and then wait a few minutes for the app to process your enrollment. After that, head over to the Software update page on your device and tap on check for updates to download the public beta release.

Samsung Members (Free, Google Play) →

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These are the Best Android TVs to buy in Fall 2021: Sony A80J, Hisense U8G, and others!

The smartphone market may be dominated by just two operating systems — Android and iOS — but it’s not the same case with the television market. As TVs have become smart, a number of smart TV platforms have emerged. Still, Android TV, which is Google’s smart TV operating system, has managed to make a place for itself. It’s offered in televisions made by companies like Sony, Hisense, Philips, TCL, and Skyworth in the US. If you’re planning to buy an Android TV for your home, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve scoured through the marketplace to choose the best Android TV’s you can buy today.

As Android TV is just a platform, when you’re looking for the best Android TV, you essentially want the best TV that comes with the Android TV platform. So while picking a great Android TV, all the same things apply that you would consider if Android TV wasn’t your preferred smart TV platform. So, similar to our best TV guide, which you should explore for some great TVs overall irrespective of platform, this guide is also divided into sections like the best OLED TV, the best LCD TV, and the best budget TV but with all the options more closely associated with the Android TV platform.

If you want the best picture quality and the best overall visual experience, pick OLED. But if you don’t necessarily want to pay a premium for OLED and can settle for still great but not the best picture quality, LCD will do just fine. For those of you who are a little tight on the budget, we’ve also picked the best affordable Android TV model that’ll provide a good experience without breaking the bank.

Navigate this guide:

Best OLED Android TV: Sony A80J

Sony Bravia A80J on a center table in a modern living room

The Sony A80J is your best bet for a Google TV-powered 4K OLED TV. Part of Sony’s 2021 lineup, the A80J sits below the A90J, but it is far better value for money than the A90J. Thanks to the OLED panel, the television can display perfect blacks and is ideal for watching movies and TV shows in a dark room. In addition, its wide-viewing angles are great for having a watch party.

The television supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision for viewing HDR content, and you also get Netflix Calibrated Mode and IMAX Enhanced. If you’re into gaming, you’ll be happy to know there are two HDMI 2.1 ports on the television for 4K@120Hz gaming and support for features like low inputs and near-instant response time. The Sony A80J is also supposed to get VRR via a future firmware update. It comes in 55 inch, 65 inch, and 77 inch screen sizes.

    Sony A80J
    The Sony A80J is an excellent OLED TV that comes with the Google TV platform. It features a modern design that looks great.

Also Great: Sony A8H

Sony A8H

Sony A8H’s OLED panel offers great picture quality, something for which Sony has been known for years. The company has also added a feature called Pixel Contrast Booster that further enhances the color and contrast of the picture. The Sony TV comes with Acoustic Surface Audio to make sure you hear the sound from where the action is happening on the screen. It also supports Dolby Atmos and Vision HDR technologies.

The Sony A8H looks striking with its one-slate design and narrow aluminum bezels. It runs on Android TV 9 and is set to get the new Google TV experience through a future software update. Sony sells the A8H in two screen sizes — 55 inch and 65 inch.

    Sony A8H
    The Sony A8H is a 2020 4K OLED Android TV. It's among the best Android TVs you can buy today.

Also Great: Sony A90J

Sony A90J

The Sony A90J is very similar to our pick for the best Android TV — A80J — but slightly more feature-rich. For example, it packs a new heatsink technology that allows it to get brighter in HDR. But the significantly higher price tag of the A90J is hard to justify. Pricing aside, the television offers excellent picture quality with true blacks and great viewing angles.

In addition, the A90J comes with the new Google TV experience out of the box. Support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision HDR, and Netflix Calibrated Mode is also present, so are the features like Acoustic Surface Audio+ and XR HDR Remaster. Sony A90J Bravia XR Master comes in 55 inch, 65 inch, and 83 inch screen sizes.

    Sony A90J Bravia XR Master
    Sony’s A90J is a great 4K OLED TV. If you can swallow its relatively higher price tag, it’ll end up giving you an even better experience than the A80J.

Best LCD Android TV: Hisense U8G

Hisense U8G

The Hisense U8G is an impressive Android TV if you don’t want to pay the premium for OLED. It comes with Quantum Dot tech and up to 132 local dimming zones for an excellent contrast ratio. The TV also supports up to 1,500 nits peak brightness, so you’ll be able to watch content without issues even in rooms with a lot of lighting. The Hisense TV is also amazing to play video games as it supports HDMI 2.1 and provides low input lag, great response time, and variable refresh rate. Like most LCD TVs, it does falter on the viewing angles front.

The Hisense U8G packs support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision HDR, HDR10, and HDR10+. Unfortunately, it seems Hisense doesn’t plan to upgrade the TV with the Google TV experience anytime soon. The TV is offered in 55 inch and 65 inch screen sizes.

    Hisense U8G
    The Hisense U8G is a great 4K TV and our pick for the best LCD Android TV on the market.

Also Great: TCL R646

TCL R646

TCL made a big jump in the Android TV space with its new 5 series and 6 series Google TV models. Although the company has been selling Android TVs for a while now, they were limited to the budget segment. But with the 6 series Google TVs, TCL has brought Android TV to its premium televisions.

The TCL R646 is a 4K QLED television that uses Mini-LED backlighting, giving you vibrant colors and high brightness. The TV also employs full-array local dimming with up to 240 zones to offer an excellent contrast ratio. In addition, there’s support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HDR10, allowing you to enjoy the HDR content.

The R646 is also a fantastic television for gaming, thanks to the presence of next-generation gaming features. You get a 120Hz panel, two HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K@120fps gaming, and variable refresh rate (VRR) support. You can purchase the TCL R646 in 55 inch, 65 inch, and 75 inch sizes.

    TCL R646
    TCL R646 is an excellent Google TV model that's almost as good as our pick for the Best LCD Android TV. It has a wide color gamut and provides deep black levels.

Also Great: Sony X90J

Sony X90J

The Sony X90J, which made an appearance in our best TV picks, is an excellent TV that uses the Android TV platform. It offers Sony’s trademark great picture quality. The X90J also comes with a high contrast ratio with deep black levels, thanks to the local dimming feature. There are around 24 local dimming zones on the TV. It also comes with HDMI 2.1 support, a 120Hz refresh rate, low input lag, and faster response time for a great gaming experience.

Additionally, you’ll get support for Dolby Vision HDR, Dolby Atmos, HDR10, and Netflix Calibrated Mode. Moreover, the  TV includes the Google TV experience, so you’ll have the latest Android TV experience. The Sony X90J is sold in 50 inch, 55 inch, 65 inch, and 75 inch screen sizes.

    Sony X90J
    The Sony X90J is a great LCD TV for watching content as well as gaming. It comes with features like Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, and Acoustic Multi-Audio.

Best Budget Android TV: Hisense U6G

Hisense U6G

We recommended the Hisense U6G as our pick for the best budget TV, and the presence of the Android TV platform makes it the best affordable 4K Android TV as well. Part of Hisense’s 2021 lineup, the U6G is an LCD TV that uses Quantum Dot technology for vibrant colors. It’s excellent for watching movies and TV shows because of its superb contrast ratio and reflection handling. It also gets super bright with 600 nits peak brightness.

In addition, the company has packed full-array local dimming in the TV, but the relatively low number of zones limits the feature’s usefulness. Other key features of the TV include HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and FilmMaker Mode.

Unlike the more expensive TVs on this list, U6G doesn’t include next-generation gaming features, like HDMI 2.1 and VRR, but you’ll get low input lag and an excellent response time. In addition, you can buy it in 50 inch, 55 inch, 65 inch, and 75 inch sizes.

    Hisense U6G
    The Hisense U6G is the budget 4K TV with Android you can buy right now. It has everything you might need, except for next-gen gaming features.

Also Great: Hisense H8G

Hisense H8G

The Hisense H8G is also a good for a budget Android TV. It includes a number of features that are rare in the budget segment, like local dimming (up to 90 zones) and Quantum Dot tech for a great contrast ratio. The TV also supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision HDR, and HDR10. Additionally, the Hisense TV comes with up to 700 nits of peak brightness.

With the Hisense H8G, you’ll also get good response time and low input lag during casual gaming. Hisense sells the H8G in 50 inch, 55 inch, 65 inch, and 75 inch screen sizes.

    Hisense H8G
    The Hisense H8G is a great option for a budget Android TV. It ticks all the right boxes at its pricing.

Also great: TCL 4 Series (S434)

TCL 4 Series S434

TCL uses the Roku OS for its premium TVs but its 4 series (S434) TV still includes the Android TV platform. The TCL 4 Series is the most affordable TV among all our picks and even cheaper than the Hisense H8G. If you’re looking to buy an inexpensive 4K Android TV, this is a good option. The TCL TV doesn’t have local dimming but still manages to provide an amazing contrast ratio thanks to its VA (vertical alignment) panel. It’s also decent for casual gaming with its low input and decent response time.

The TCL 4 Series (S434) supports Dolby Digital Plus audio and HDR10. It’s sold in 43 inch, 50 inch, 55 inch, 65 inch, and 75 inch screen sizes.

    TCL 4 Series (S434)
    The TCL 4 Series S434 is your best bet for an inexpensive but decent 4K HDR Android TV.

These are the best Android TV models with OLED and LCD screens. While TVs with built-in Android TV are an easy way to experience the platform, you can also buy an Android TV box or streaming stick to get the experience in a ‘dumb’ or smart TV with another operating system. If you really want to use the Android TV platform but are looking for even more choice, get a great TV with any platform, and pick a media player from our best Android TV box list.

What are you planning to buy? Do you think we missed out on any good Android TV models available in the USA? Let us know in the comments section.

The post These are the Best Android TVs to buy in Fall 2021: Sony A80J, Hisense U8G, and others! appeared first on xda-developers.



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