Google has rolled out a fresh Android Canary build, and it looks more complete than you might expect from an experimental release. The catch is simple. This version exists to test ideas, not to promise them.
Android Canary 2603 bundles practical additions like app lock, chat bubbles, and a redesigned screen recorder. It’s available across a wide range of Pixel devices, but this update is meant for developers rather than everyday use
That context matters when reading into any of these changes. Features shown here can still be removed before a stable release, even if some eventually appear in beta builds.
Even so, this build offers a useful snapshot of where Android may be heading next.
New features worth watching
App lock is one of the most practical additions. You can now long press an app and secure it directly, which adds a layer of privacy without digging through settings menus
That same menu also activates bubbles more fully. Conversations can float on screen as overlays, making multitasking feel more natural than before
The screen recorder has also been reworked into a floating pill interface. It lets you quickly choose between recording the full screen or a single app, then moves you into a preview flow where you can edit, delete, or share the clip
Google has even refined smaller details. The long press menu now groups shortcuts into a cleaner layout that expands only when needed.
Why this update isn’t final
There’s a reason none of this should be taken as final. This channel exists for developers to explore early features and APIs, not as a preview of what will ship next
That gap between polish and certainty is important. Some features already feel complete, but they can still be adjusted or dropped before Android 17 reaches stability. Even changes that move into beta are not guaranteed to stick.
There’s also a tradeoff to consider. Canary builds aren’t designed for daily use, so most people won’t try them unless they’re comfortable dealing with bugs or manual installs.
What you’re seeing here is Android in an active state of change, with ideas being tested in public before decisions are locked.
What to expect next
Some of the smaller changes hint at a broader direction. The return of separate Wi-Fi and mobile data toggles suggests a rethink of earlier design decisions, while heavier use of blur points to ongoing visual refinement
There’s still no clear timeline for what carries forward. Google hasn’t confirmed which of these features will land in Android 17 or when they might reach stable devices, even on supported Pixel models.
If you’re tracking Android’s evolution, the next step is to watch what shows up in beta builds. That’s usually where experimental ideas start turning into features you’ll actually use.
Tesla’s long-awaited adoption of Apple CarPlay is still happening – just not as quickly as some drivers had hoped. After signaling last year that support could arrive by the end of 2025, the electric carmaker has hit a few unexpected hurdles that are slowing the rollout, according to the latest edition of Bloomberg’s Power On newsletter.
A delayed but ongoing integration
Tesla began working to bring Apple’s CarPlay system to its vehicles amid a period of soft sales and mounting pressure to boost demand. At the time, adding CarPlay was viewed internally as more than a minor software update. For many car buyers, CarPlay has become a must-have feature – a familiar, iPhone-like interface that seamlessly integrates navigation, messaging and music into the dashboard.
Despite Tesla’s reputation for having one of the best in-house infotainment systems in the auto industry, customer demand for CarPlay has remained strong. Tesla’s software already supports Apple Music, Spotify, video playback, web browsing and deep integration with its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. But for many users, that’s not enough. CarPlay’s simplicity and ecosystem integration remain a powerful draw.
Tesla / Tesla
Tesla confirmed plans to support CarPlay in a windowed mode within its existing interface. However, technical challenges have pushed the timeline back.
During testing, Tesla discovered compatibility issues between Apple Maps and its own mapping software used for self-driving features. Specifically, turn-by-turn guidance from Tesla’s navigation system did not properly synchronize with Apple Maps when autonomous driving was active. In scenarios where both systems were visible side by side, this mismatch could confuse drivers.
Tesla requested engineering changes from Apple to address the issue. Apple implemented the fix in a later update to iOS 26 and the latest version of CarPlay. But another obstacle emerged: not enough users had installed the updated software.
CarPlay isn’t just another dashboard app – it’s become a central part of how many drivers interact with their vehicles. For iPhone users especially, the ability to mirror apps, access messages, use Apple Maps or Google Maps, and rely on Siri through a familiar interface can significantly improve the driving experience.
Tesla has long resisted adding CarPlay, arguing that its own system offers superior integration
But as competitors increasingly include CarPlay as standard, the absence has been a sticking point for some potential buyers. Adoption rates of iOS 26 have been slower than previous releases. Apple recently revealed that 74% of iPhones released in the past four years are running iOS 26 – slightly behind the pace of earlier updates. Crucially, the necessary Apple Maps fix did not arrive in the initial iOS 26.0 release but in subsequent updates. Apple has not disclosed how many users are on those later builds.
TeslaUnsplash
For Tesla, rolling out CarPlay before a critical mass of drivers has the compatible software could create inconsistencies and support issues. That has prompted a more cautious approach.
The good news is that CarPlay remains firmly on Tesla’s roadmap. As iOS 26 adoption continues to rise, the technical barriers should gradually ease. Apple is also expanding CarPlay functionality, adding support for third-party voice chatbot apps and enhancing its premium Ultra version – moves that could make the eventual Tesla integration even more compelling.
For now, Tesla drivers eager for CarPlay will need to wait a little longer. But the direction is clear: the feature is coming – just on a timeline dictated as much by software adoption as by engineering.
The Chinese smartphone manufacturer has launched two new smartphones in its native market — the OnePlus Turbo 6 and the Turbo 6V — both of which feature a gargantuan 9,000 mAh battery. In a market where phones over $1,000 feature 5,000 mAh batteries, the OnePlus smartphones set new endurance benchmarks.
Let me give you some context. Samsung’s $1,049.99 Galaxy S25 Ultra features a 5,000 mAh battery (and the Galaxy S26 Ultra isn’t expected to have any significant improvements in that area). The $1,199 iPhone 17 Pro Max (eSIM variant) sports a 5,088 mAh cell.
Even the newly launched $899.99 OnePlus 15 and the $699.99 OnePlus 15R, which are among the biggest battery smartphones, feature 7,300 mAh and 7,400 mAh batteries, respectively. However, the OnePlus Turbo 6 and Turbo 6V virtually break all the standards set by these phones.
Both the Turbo 6 and the Turbo 6V, which cost less than $350 when converted from the Chinese price (for the baseline variants), feature a 9,000 mAh battery, almost as big as the combined capacity of the S25 Ultra and the iPhone Pro Max.
With such a massive battery, the Turbo smartphones should easily last over a day between charges, leaving you with around 40-50% battery for the next day (depending on your usage). I consider this a legitimate step toward normalizing two-day battery life on smartphones.
Furthermore, the OnePlus handsets also support 80W wired charging, which might not sound a lot for 9,000 mAh batteries, but should still charge the phone in around an hour and 30 minutes. In retrospect, the charging speed is faster than most non-Chinese flagships available in the United States.
Unfortunately, none of the smartphones is available outside of China yet. There’s a good chance the Turbo 6V makes it to the Nord outside of China, but OnePlus hasn’t confirmed anything yet.
Talking about other specifications, the Turbo 6 and the Turbo 6V sport a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED screen that supports an extremely high refresh rate (165Hz on the former, 144Hz on the latter). Powering the Turbo 6 is the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 SoC (also found on the Nothing Phone 3), while the Turbo 6V runs on the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 SoC.
Both phones are available in multiple memory and storage variants: Turbo 6 with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage, and Turbo 6V with up to 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage. Cameras, however, are similar on both phones: a 50MP primary camera, a 2MP monochrome sensor, and a 16MP selfie shooter.
The baseline OnePlus Turbo 6 (12GB + 256GB) costs CNY 2299 in China, which is about $328, while the entry-level Turbo 6V (8GB + 256GB) costs CNY 1899, about $271. They’ll be available for purchase in China from January 8, 2026.
While we’re not certain when these handsets will be available in the U.S., they’ll surely help shift buyers’ expectations away from budget smartphones and encourage other manufacturers to up their battery game.
There are a lot of wireless chargers. Here are a few more we like, but for one reason or another don’t warrant a place above.
Baseus Nomos 5-in-1 Charging Station for $150: If you liked the PicoGo W2 above but need more gadget-charging power, this 5-in-1 could be worth a look. It also has a tilting pad and retractable USB-C cable, but adds two more USB-C ports and one USB-A, along with a stats-filled display. It’s perfect for your desktop. I also tried and quite liked the Baseus Nomos 8-in-1 Magnetic Charging Station ($90), which combines a similar folding Qi2 pad with three US AC outlets, three USB-C ports, and one USB-A.
Rapport London Formula Wireless Charging Tray for $475: Yes, this is an obscene price for a Qi wireless charger. You can probably make a version for a fraction of the cost. But Rapport’s build quality is quite nice, with a lacquered grey box and a soft-touch fabric to keep your watches and phone scratch-free. It reliably recharged several Android phones without making them too warm, all while offering storage for a few watches. It’s attractive, but you have to have cash to burn at this price.
Belkin BoostCharge Pro Convertible Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand for $45: This Qi2-certified stand has a magnetic pad that can lay flat to charge older phones or fold out to act as a stand for MagSafe iPhones and other Qi2 phones in portrait or landscape orientation (handy for StandBy mode). It charges at up to 15 watts and comes with a 5-foot USB-C to USB-C cable and a power supply.
Casetify PowerThru 2-in-1 Charging Stand for $92: If you want a charger for your MagSafe iPhone and AirPods (or other earbuds), this one from Casetify is a decent pick. It has a squared-off base with an indent for AirPods, a metallic rod, and a slightly adjustable MagSafe pad for your iPhone that charges at 7.5 watts. I don’t love the visible logo around the pad or the options with basketball courts and other designs for the base, and it has a bright LED.
Apple MagSafe Charger for $46: Apple’s MagSafe charger is quite basic. Since the charger magnetically stays attached to MagSafe iPhones, you don’t have to worry about accidental misalignments causing you to wake up to a dead device. There’s no charging adapter but this is the version with the longer 2-meter cable.
Courant Catch:2 Essentials for $150: Wireless chargers should look nice. You shouldn’t settle for anything less! This Courant dual charger oozes luxury with its Belgian linen-wrapped surface (especially in the camel color). I’ve used it by my front door to recharge my partner’s and my wireless earbuds for two years. The rubber feet prevent it from shifting around, but even if there are five coils in this pad, you should try to be precise when you put your device down to charge and make sure the LED lights up to double-check. It comes with a color-matching USB-C cable.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Zens Liberty Wireless Charger for $100: I tested the Glass Edition ($140) of this wireless charging pad, and it looks stunning with the 16 overlapping copper coils on display (the standard version has a woolen fabric top). It can charge two devices simultaneously at up to 15 watts apiece, and there’s an optional Apple Watch add-on ($20). As stylish as it is, the price is too high. Because you can see the coils, placement is never an issue, but it’s a bulky charger, the fan is audible at times, and while I had no problem charging my iPhone or AirPods, my Pixel 6 Pro got very warm on this pad.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Xiaomi Mi 80-W Wireless Charging Stand for $50: By far the fastest wireless charger we have tested, this stand is only worth considering for Xiaomi phones (it seems to charge most other phones at 10 watts or below). I tested with the Xiaomi 13 Ultra (8/10, WIRED Recommends), which tops out at 50 watts (some Xiaomi models can go higher). The unusual sail shape combines a white triangular section with a clear acrylic base that has a subtle groove to hold your phone in place and a gap underneath for the exhaust grill from the noisy fan. The USB-C port and LED indicator are on the back.
Don’t Bother
They can’t all be winners. Here’s a wireless charger we don’t recommend.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Raycon Magic Mat Pro for $40: I love the idea of a mouse mat with a wireless charging spot for your phone, but the execution here is terrible. The spot is finicky to find, it can’t cope with thick cases, and my Xiaomi 14 Ultra would not charge at all (the camera bump is too big). Raycon says the fake leather is waterproof, but I found it a dud as a mouse mat and uncomfortable to rest my arm and hand on.
Make sure to check out our many MagSafe guides for compatible accessories, but I’ll also be adding more to this list since not all MagSafe accessories will work with the Galaxy S25’s unique camera placement. If it’s a simple, circular accessory, it will likely be OK, but larger square or rectangular magnetic accessories like MagSafe wallets will not fit well.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
ESR HaloLock Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger for $23: We have several great Qi2 magnetic chargers in our Best Wireless Chargers guide but in the interest of ensuring optimal compatibility since the Galaxy S25 camera module may interfere with some magnetic accessories, I can say for certain that this mini Qi2 charger works perfectly. It didn’t get too hot, and I like the extra protection added to the area where the cable meets the charging puck. The 5-foot cable is braided.
ESR MagSafe AirPlane Phone Holder for $16: This fun little gadget is a phone stand that can clamp onto various surfaces. It folds up and doesn’t take much space in a bag, but if you find yourself using your phone a lot on a plane to watch media, you can affix it to the tray table for more ergonomic hands-free viewing. The clamp doesn’t extend a ton so it won’t work on thick tables, but the magnetic connection is strong and you can tilt the angle quite a bit.
Other Good Screen Protectors
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Here are several other screen protectors I’ve tested. They’re all easy to apply, which is the most important thing to look for. There’s no point in recommending a screen protector that’s hard to install. Remember, you have to re-add your fingerprints after applying the screen protector for biometric authentication to work.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
ESR Tempered Glass Screen Protector (3 Pack) for $13: Three tempered glass screen protectors for $13? That’s shockingly cheap. I kept looking for a catch, but this ESR protector was visually similar to many of the others I’ve tested and boasts many of the same claims. It’s incredibly easy to install—like the Dbrand, you pull a tab once you place the phone in the applicator tool. This ensures perfect installation and I had zero air bubbles. Unfortunately, it’s only available for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, or I’d have recommended it over the pricier Dbrand. It comes with the full cleaning kit including alcohol wipes, a microfiber cloth, dust removal stickers, and a squeegee. I also tested ESR’s Privacy Screen Protector, but I didn’t like it: it noticeably affected the screen quality, making it dimmer overall and showing muted colors.
BodyGuardz Pure 3 Screen Protector for $45 (Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, Galaxy S25 Ultra): Kudos to BodyGuardz for being one of the only companies offering a cardboard install tool instead of plastic. Seriously, screen protectors produce so much plastic waste but this one is minimal. Even the tempered glass screen protector is made from 30 percent recycled glass. It comes with the usual cleaning kit, and the application was super easy. This one doesn’t cover the selfie camera but has a little gap for it, unlike the ESR. Too bad you only get one.
Spigen GlasTR EZ Fit Screen Protector (2 Pack) for $19: Spigen’s tempered glass screen protectors are just as easy to install as the others in this list, and come with the usual cleaning tools for prepping your device. I did have a few air bubbles after installation but they all disappeared minutes later. You get two in this pack.
More Cases to Consider
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
UAG Pathfinder Magnetic Case for $55: I tested a bunch of other UAG cases, from the Monarch Pro and Civilian to the Plyo Pro, but I think the Pathfinder has the best aesthetic, especially in the bright yellow color. The buttons are clicky, there’s a magnet embedded in the middle for Qi2 support, and the edges around the screen and cameras are raised fairly well. The case is a bit slippery, but that’s my only complaint if you like the loud design.
Spigen Nano Pop MagFit Magnetic Case for $19: It’s only available for the Galaxy S25 Ultra right now, but this is a simple magnetic case that’s very affordable. It works with Qi2 and Qi chargers, the S Pen is easily accessible, and the buttons are clicky.
BodyGuardz Paradigm Pro Heat-Regulating Magnetic Case for $60: Only available for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, this case is designed to vent heat away from the back of the phone so that there are no hot spots when you’re gaming. I’ve tested this case before for the iPhone and didn’t really notice a difference, but what I actually like this case for is the directional bottom speaker—it makes the bottom-firing speakers of the Galaxy S25 Ultra shoot upward to your face when holding the phone, which is actually really nice when gaming in landscape orientation because my grip often blocks the phone’s speakers. It also has a built-in lanyard, comes with a magnet for Qi2 charging, and has clicky buttons. The plain black design is boring though, and the material is slippery. I also tested the BodyGuardz Ace Pro, but I found it hard to access the S Pen stylus.
ESR HaloLock Classic Hybrid Case: Only available for the Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 Ultra right now, this is my second favorite clear case after the Dbrand recommendation above. The material feels nice, smudges are easy to wipe away, and it has built-in magnets. I can confirm it works on my Qi2 as well as my basic Qi charger. The buttons are responsive and it’s easy to access the S Pen stylus.
Mous Clarity 3.0 Magnetic Case for $70: This is a solid clear case (available for the entire S25 series), though it was already scuffed a little when I unboxed it, which doesn’t bode well for how it will look after months of use. Especially considering how much the case costs. It does have magnets for Qi2 charging and is an otherwise perfectly fine case.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Latercase Thin Case for $59: Here’s another super-thin case for people who hate traditional bulky cases. It’s made from aramid fibers and will keep your phone scratch-free (at least, the back of it). There’s no protection for the bottom edge, the buttons, or the top edge, so it’s quite minimal. I like the soft texture of the material though, and it looks pretty. There are sadly no magnets for Qi2 functionality. The good news is that unlike many thin cases I’ve tested, this one is very easy to remove.
Tech21 EvoArmor and EvoClear Magnetic Cases for $50: These are some solid, simple, and smart-looking magnetic cases with Qi2 functionality. The edges around the screen are raised to protect it, the buttons are responsive, and there’s a spot to attach the lanyard. The Evolite is a solid clear case if that’s what you’re looking for, though I prefer the Dbrand and ESR to it. I also tested the EvoLite case, which is very basic and doesn’t have magnets if you want something simple. but it’s a bit slippery.
Samsung Standing Grip Phone Case for $55: I actually like the big grip on the back of this case. It slides nicely and you can fit several fingers through it. However, the plastic sides of the case feel a little out of place and make it feel cheap. The edges around the screen are also barely raised, so it doesn’t feel very protective. Surprisingly, wireless charging works, though there are no magnets here, so you don’t get Qi2 support. The bottom edge is also weirdly not protected.
Samsung Silicone Case for $30 and Rugged Case for $60: Samsung’s official Silicone case does the job, but I’m not sure what it does more than the cheaper options above. The same goes for the Rugged Case, which is way too expensive for what you get, especially considering there are no magnets in either of these for Qi2 support. They’re functional cases, just too expensive.
Speck Presidio Perfect-Clear and Presidio2 Grip Magnetic Cases for $50: These cases check off all the boxes in terms of functionality, and they’re a little more interesting to look at. They also have magnets for Qi2 support. However, both of them just feel a bit cheap—the Presidio2 Grip specifically has these cheap-looking plastic accents on the corners that ruin the aesthetic. Then again, I’m also nitpicking.
Zagg Santa Cruz Snap Magnetic Case for $50: I tested several cases from Zagg, including the Luxe, Milan, Denali, and Crystal Palace with Kickstand. They’re all OK. The buttons on all of these are slightly stiffer than on the other cases I’ve tested—not terrible, but just enough to notice. Many of these don’t have magnets in them but the Santa Cruz Snap does, and it worked well on my Qi2 and Qi charger. The edges are grippy, which is why I like it.
Benks ArmorAir Case for $40: This case is another ultra-thin case but it’s made from Kevlar fiber, though how much durability that provides when it’s this thin is questionable. What bugs me is that the camera module shifts ever so slightly. It’s one of those things that once you notice, you won’t stop feeling and seeing it shift every time. At least it covers more edges than the Latercase, and it also has magnets built in for Qi2 support.
Casetify Impact Magnet Cases for $64: You can get Casetify’s Impact cases in any style—with a mirror finish, a clear finish, or a crazy design. These are solid magnetic cases with clicky buttons, decently raised edges, and a good grip. The ring around the camera module is a bit thick though and disrupted charging on my Qi charger on occasion, but not consistently. That shouldn’t be much of an issue if you use a Qi2 charger.
Every year, I test more than 30 smartphones to see which ones are worth your hard-earned dollars. Guess what? The following Cyber Monday and Black Friday phone deals include many of my top-rated recommendations—now at a more reasonable price. If your current device is on its last legs, this is the best time of the year to upgrade. (I don’t expect prices to drop much more on Cyber Monday, but don’t quote me.) Whether you need a new Samsung phone, Google Pixel, or even an iPhone, this list has all the top discounts, even deals on cases and accessories. All these smartphone deals are for unlocked devices (except for the iPhones).
Updated December 1: We’ve added a couple deals and updated prices.
WIRED Featured Deals
WIRED’s Gear team tests products year-round and handpicked these Black Friday deals. I’ve covered sale events like Prime Day and Black Friday for nearly a decade, as have many of my colleagues. We’ll update this guide regularly throughout Black Friday and Cyber Monday by adding fresh deals, correcting prices, and removing dead deals.
WIRED’s Black Friday 2024 Coverage
Flagship Phone Deals
The entire Pixel 9 series is seeing its first major discount, and these Pixel deals are pretty fantastic, especially on the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL (9/10, WIRED Recommends). The difference between these two is purely size and battery—the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s screen is 6.8 inches versus the Pixel 9 Pro’s 6.3 inches, and its battery can comfortably last a little more than a full day. Everything else is the same. However, there’s a bigger gap between the Pixel 9 and the Pro phones. The cheapest in the lineup, the Pixel 9 lacks the 5X zoom camera and the vapor chamber cooling system, meaning it will get warmer faster. I say go Pro, but if your budget doesn’t stretch as high, consider the Pixel 8A (see below). Read our Best Pixel 9 Cases guide to keep it safe!
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series is its flagship phone range of 2024, comprised of the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra (8/10, WIRED Recommends). Keep in mind that Samsung is expected to debut a successor in just about a month and a half—the Galaxy S25 series. If you don’t need the latest and greatest, then these are solid Galaxy deals. I’m partial to the Galaxy S24 Ultra because it has a 5X optical zoom camera and the S Pen stylus baked inside (which you can use as a remote shutter for the camera. It also looks a little more interesting.
OnePlus, like Samsung, is also rumored to be releasing a successor to its OnePlus 12 flagship in January 2025. But that phone will probably cost closer to $1,000, and it will be many more months before it’s at a price like the OnePlus 12. This 2024 Android flagship is a heck of a phone (8/10, WIRED Recommends). It’s super smooth, supports wireless charging, and I was even able to hit two days of battery life on a single charge. Oh, and the OnePlus 12 can even recharge to full in just 30 minutes. How crazy is that?
Phone Deals Under $500
This is my top smartphone pick for most people. It’s well-rounded—you can call it the Renaissance Phone because it does a bit of everything well. The Pixel 8A (8/10, WIRED Recommends) has a sharp, colorful, and bright AMOLED display, water resistance, wireless charging, seven years of software support, and excellent performance. It was already fantastic value at its MSRP, but this deal makes it a steal. I didn’t even touch on the many great software features that will make you keep coming back to Pixel phones. For more, read my Google Pixel buying guide.
The brand-new Galaxy S24 FE—which stands for “Fan Edition”—is a bit of a tough sell at its MSRP because it’s not far in price from the flagship Galaxy S24, but it’s an absolute beast of a phone at this sale price. Seriously, a triple-camera system with a 3X optical zoom for under $500? That’s rare. It’s kind of like the Galaxy S24+ but with lesser specs all around, though you won’t feel the difference all that much. The screen is still a 120-Hz AMOLED panel, and the Exynos processor is quite chipper.
If you’re a heavy gamer, then I think the OnePlus 12R is a better fit for anyone on a budget. It packs last year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which can handle most demanding games without too much issue. The AMOLED screen is large at 6.78 inches (and sports a 120-Hz screen refresh rate), and the 5,500-mAh battery lasted me roughly two days. The camera is decent, but the charging speed is more impressive—like the OnePlus 12, it goes from zero to 100 in around 30 minutes. Just know that its water resistance is lackluster (IP64), there’s no wireless charging, and software support isn’t as long as the Pixel 8A.
The Moto G Power 5G (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is hands-down the best value in a smartphone right now. Not only is this the best Moto G smartphone Motorola has ever made, but at this discounted price, you’re getting a fantastic device all around. Performance with the MediaTek Dimensity 7020 is good enough that I never got frustrated or annoyed, the 120-Hz 6.7-inch LCD screen gets bright enough in the sun, and there’s even wireless charging (NFC too, finally). The biggest downside is once Motorola updates it to Android 15, that’s all the software updates you’ll get, except for two more years of security updates. But hey, it’s $200.
The Motorola Edge is a much more reasonable buy at $350, though I’d first steer you to the Pixel or OnePlus above. It will only get two Android OS upgrades and three years of security updates, but at least you get all the perks you’d want in a phone, from wireless charging, IP68 water resistance, NFC for contactless payments, and an AMOLED 6.6-ich screen with a 144-Hz refresh rate. Performance is pretty great thanks to the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chip. My main gripes are that the cameras aren’t great, and I’m not a fan of waterfall displays that curve the glass at the edges. But that’s literally the point of this phone. Edge. Get it?
The Moto G Stylus 5G has the same big fault as the Moto G Power 5G above—it will only get one Android software update to Android 15 (though 3 years of security updates). If you’re cool with that, performance is a smidge better and largely lag-free, and there’s a nice faux leather back that’s fun. The screen gets an upgrade to OLED (120 Hz), but the one trick that makes this one unique is in the name. Yep, like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, there’s a stylus built into the bottom of this phone for ultimate doodling. Did I mention there’s a headphone jack? Remember those?
What the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G (7/10, WIRED Recommends) has over the Motorola phones above is longer software support. Samsung promises four Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, not to mention there’s an IP67 water resistance rating, a microSD card slot to expand storage, and a 120-Hz screen. Too bad the performance can be a little choppy.
A $100 smartphone that won’t make you want to rip out your hair? Yep, it exists. The Moto G Play only supports 4G LTE, which there’s still plenty of, so it shouldn’t give you connectivity problems. Performance, all things considered, is surprisingly solid. Apps launch slow and it might feel laborious moving from one app to another, but it’s not frustrating. Just don’t bother with the camera.
Folding Phone Deals
Flip phones! Like the good ol’ days! Except this one’s a smartphone too. The Razr+ (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is Motorola’s latest folding flip phone and, yes, it comes in hot pink. The exterior screen is nice and large, enough to even use some apps in a quick pinch. Open it up and the 6.9-inch OLED screen feels like a normal phone. Performance is great and the cameras are better than before, though battery life is still a bit lackluster. Still, it’s too stylish and fun to use for that to be a deal-breaker. You can save even more if you go with the standard Razr, on sale for $425 ($275 off), but the performance isn’t as smooth and the external screen is smaller and less useful.
I really wish the Pixel 9 Pro Fold (6/10, WIRED Recommends) had the same camera system as the standard Pixel 9 Pro (it’s very similar, but the results aren’t as crisp), but it’s otherwise my favorite folding phone that’s shaped like a book. The front screen is nearly identical to the Pixel 9 Pro’s 6.3-inch display, meaning it feels like a normal device, and it helps that the whole thing is so thin. Open it up and you get a vast 8-inch OLED panel for streaming shows, multitasking, and gaming. I’d never buy a phone that costs nearly $2,000 but at this price? Maaaaybe.
I think Samsung might have made a mistake. You can currently get the company’s latest, priciest folding smartphone—the Galaxy Z Fold6 (7/10, WIRED Recommends)—directly from Samsung.com for a little more than $1,000. Wha? Seriously, this is a massive drop on the book-like folding phone, which has an improved and larger front screen and slimmer design. I like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold more, but this price is far too tempting. Samsung also has been making folding phones far longer than most brands, so it’s easier to repair if something goes wrong.
I prefer Motorola’s Razr+ but Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip6 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) bests it in a few ways: longer software support, better build quality, better cameras, and faster performance. But I still think the Razr+ has more charm and has the more useful and larger external cover screen. Still, this is a great price for a relatively new flagship folding phone.
Deals on Last Year’s Phones
Black Friday iPhone Deals
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
I always recommend buying an unlocked smartphone. However, Apple never discounts the iPhone, and Americans overwhelmingly buy smartphones from carriers directly. So, today I’m going to break my one rule. Below are a few of the best offers the big US carriers have on the iPhone. Make sure you look at the fine print; there are hoops to jump through to get the savings.
T-Mobile: If you switch to T-Mobile, you can get four iPhone 16 models for free when you activate four lines for $25 per line. The caveat? The savings come as bill credits over 24 months, and if you cancel your account before it’s over, the credits stop flowing and you’ll need to pay a balance. You also have to trade in four eligible devices to get the deal.
Verizon: Buy an iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max with a new line on the Unlimited Ultimate plan (you can upgrade your phone plan too), and you can get a free 10th-gen iPad and Apple Watch Series 10. You need a phone to trade in first, and you’ll need a plan for the iPad and Apple Watch for cellular connectivity too (that’s how they get you). These “savings” arrive as bill credits over 36 months, so you’re locked to that contract. Be wary of activation fees. Honestly, my head hurt reading the fine print.
AT&T: You can get an iPhone 16 for free if you trade-in an eligible device and upgrade or choose a select unlimited plan. The savings are in the form of bill credits, applied over 36 months. (This also applies to the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.)
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