Blackberry Key2 in 2019: Still the communicator king?

We’re still hoping to hear word of a Key 3, but if you want a phone with a keyboard, the Key 2 still reigns supreme. How has the phone aged? Should we be concerned about the mid-range chipset? And what’s up with the pricing on the Red Key 2? Let’s take a look! Continue reading “Blackberry Key2 in 2019: Still the communicator king?”

What stops YOU from using the Google Pixel 3a?

The Pixel 3a is CRAZY overkill for just covering the basics, but that seems to be the main takeaway from a lot of reviewers. So, I’m genuinely asking, what do you do on your phone? What would legit stop you from picking up a less expensive device? Let’s chat! Continue reading “What stops YOU from using the Google Pixel 3a?”

#CheapPhoneChallenge Begins! TK Bay Meets the XGODY RS!

Just a bit of fun for our channels. Last year TK and I swapped our favorite premium phones of 2018. This year we’re taking a challenge from our friend @FatProduce to spend a week with a CHEAP phone. Who picked the BEST phone under $75? TK finally gets hands on with what I picked out for him! Say hello to the XGODY RS! Continue reading “#CheapPhoneChallenge Begins! TK Bay Meets the XGODY RS!”

Coolpad Legacy on Metro by T-Mobile: Android at $180?

Coolpad Legacy smartphone review! I want to spend more time with mid-range and entry level phones. It’s easy to get spoiled by premium handsets. After spending some time with the $40 Ilumina, the folks at Coolpad had another budget handset for me to check out. We might think phones at this price might be cheap cash grabs targeting the most vulnerable consumers, but this inexpensive phablet might have a few tricks up its sleeve… Continue reading “Coolpad Legacy on Metro by T-Mobile: Android at $180?”

Galaxy S10e Review: Why I’m sending it back…

Galaxy S10e review! It’s so close to perfect. A smaller phone without a curved screen, a power button fingerprint scanner, and a wide angle camera. On paper, this phone should be my jam, but a few key issues keep me from using the Galaxy S10e as my daily driver. Let’s take a look at why I’m sending this phone back. Continue reading “Galaxy S10e Review: Why I’m sending it back…”

OnePlus 7 Pro: 3 weeks and a trip to Taipei

Checking in on the OnePlus 7 Pro! Three weeks after launch, and a trip to Taipei for Computex, how has this move into the premium market held up? The phone is crazy powerful. It has a gorgeous screen. But, is anything holding it back? Did it live up to my “all-mobile” travel lifestyle, or did I need to lean on another phone for work? Let’s chat! Continue reading “OnePlus 7 Pro: 3 weeks and a trip to Taipei”

Pixel 3a doesn’t just cover the basics: Your tech elitism costs you cash

Before we get into this, I’d like you to check something on your phone. Look through your app drawer. Look up your battery stats. If you use any kind of Digital Wellbeing tracking, look at the list of services used. I’d like you to look up what apps and services really get used on your phone. I’ll come back to this, but you probably already know where I’m going after reading the title of this editorial.

Quick flashback.

In 2016 I was in Germany covering IFA with Jaime for Pocketnow. We had just finished a Huawei presser, the company showing off a new pair of premium mid-range phones. This was a bit confusing between all the various lines of Huawei and Honor gear, but they sent us away with a Nova and a Nova Plus to demo and review.

I was extremely skeptical. This phone was going to be expensive for its internals, starting at 400. Pricing it above my precious Honor 8 felt “wrong”. I am a professional though, so I popped the smaller Nova out of its box, gave Jaime the larger phone, and we shot a first impressions video from our hotel.

Reading the specs, being concerned about price, and then using the phone, those concerns slowly evaporated. Continue reading “Pixel 3a doesn’t just cover the basics: Your tech elitism costs you cash”

Reverse Wireless Charging is a Silly Gimmick

Is Samsung PowerShare a gimmick? Are you using reverse wireless charging on your Samsung or Huawei? Should you be taxing your phone battery to charge other gadgets? Let’s chat about gimmicks, deal breakers, and getting what we pay for.

When a phone has a feature that consumers might not use often, we call it a gimmick, and then act like it’s a travesty people are paying for something they might not use. How much is wireless charging “peace of mind” worth to a phone’s bottom line?
Continue reading “Reverse Wireless Charging is a Silly Gimmick”