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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 review: more of a good thing

30 July 2025 at 13:00
The Flex Window gets an upgrade.

It's the flip phone paradox: if you want to be more mindful about your mobile device usage, you need more screen, not less.

I know. But I swear it's true: with a bigger cover screen, you get more than just a new way to check notifications. You can actually get shit done. Things that are annoying or even impossible to do on a smartwatch, like sending a text or reading an email, are the perfect candidates for a larger-but-still-small screen. Best of all, you can avoid opening the phone altogether, which is a win for attention spans everywhere.

That's what makes the $1,099.99 Flip 7 kind of a big deal. It finally offers a proper edge-to-edge …

Read the full story at The Verge.

Google’s Pixel 10 sure looks like it’ll support magnetic Qi2 charging

30 July 2025 at 11:51
Leaked image of a magnetic wireless charger attached to a blue Pixel 10
This definitely looks like a magnetic wireless charger.

Evidence is mounting that Google’s Pixel 10 series will support Qi2 wireless charging, including built-in magnets, finally offering a mainstream Android alternative to Apple’s MagSafe. The latest sign is a leaked image of the Pixel 10 with what appears to be a magnetic wireless charging puck attached to the back.

The leaked image comes from the reliable leaker Evan Blass, and shows a bright blue Pixel 10 — the base model, going by other renders we’ve seen so far — with what appears to be a wireless charging puck attached magnetically to the back. It’s part of a selection of leaked images of the Pixel 10 phones, Pixel Watch 4, and Pixel Buds 2A that corroborate previous leaks. 

The puck is likely part of the “PixelSnap” accessory line previously leaked by Android Authority, though we haven’t seen this specific charger before. That leak, along with a separate report of a PixelSnap phone case, left open the possibility that Google would rely on magnets included in phone cases for magnetic wireless charging, much like Samsung has in its S25, Z Fold 7, and Z Flip 7 handsets. Since this image shows the charger attaching directly to the phone, it appears Google has instead followed Apple and included magnets in the phone itself.

Factor in a separate Android Headlines leak claiming that the Pixel 10 line will be very slightly thicker and heavier than the previous generation, and there’s increasing reason to think that Google has decided to opt for full, magnetic Qi2 support.

Qi2 is an industry-wide magnetic wireless charging standard based on MagSafe, developed with Apple’s support. So far only a single Android phone includes it, the HMD Skyline, though those recent Samsung flagships are certified Qi2 Ready since they require a compatible case to supply the magnets. Qi2 was recently upgraded with up to 25W charging speeds, at which point the Wireless Power Consortium announced that “major Android smartphones will join the Qi2 ecosystem.” It looks like the Pixel 10 phones will be the first.

Google leaks its full Pixel 10 lineup

23 July 2025 at 21:46
An image showing four leaked Pixel phones
Android Authority isolated the image of the four phones it found on the Play Store banner. | Image: Android Authority

Google seems to have revealed its entire Pixel 10 lineup a little less than a month before its launch event. On Wednesday, Android Authority said it managed to uncover a banner of the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and 10 Pro Fold while “poking around” on the Google Play Store on Android.

The banner doesn’t appear directly on the Play Store right now, which means Android Authority likely took some extra steps to enable it. Still, it clearly shows all four devices with the text, “Meet the new Pixel 10 Series.” The Pixel 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold, and 10 Pro seem to appear in the silver-blue “Moonstone” color, while the base Pixel 10 is shown in bright blue.

The designs — and colors — of the devices in the banner line up with the flood of leaks we’ve seen in recent weeks, including the teaser shared by Google itself. The banner also shows a promotion offering $50 off the devices that will remain in effect until October 13th.

Rumors suggest that Google is planning updates across the Pixel 10 lineup, including adding a third camera to the base Pixel 10, giving the Pixel 10 Pro a spec bump, and dustproofing its Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Google is set to launch its Pixel 10 lineup during its Made by Google event on August 20th.

Starlink-powered ‘T-Satellite’ service is now live on T-Mobile

23 July 2025 at 17:56

T-Mobile’s satellite service is now available to people across the US — and not just T-Mobile customers. On Wednesday, T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert announced that the Starlink-powered service is officially out of beta, though it only supports text messaging and location-sharing for now.

The new satellite coverage option is called “T-Satellite,” and it’s currently available as a standalone subscription. It’s being offered at $10 per month for a “limited time,” before increasing to $15 per month. It also comes included for customers on the carrier’s $100 per month Experience Beyond or older Go5G plans.

Your device will automatically connect to T-Satellite if you’re in an area with no cellular coverage. As long as there isn’t a heavy amount of cloud coverage or trees blocking your view of the sky, you should be able to send and receive text messages, including to 911, as well as share a link that temporarily tracks your location. T-Mobile’s support page says the ability to send pictures is available on “most” Android phones, and the company plans on adding support for more devices soon.

T-Mobile is also aiming to enable voice messages and will eventually allow devices to connect to “satellite-optimized” apps, which it previously said could include AllTrails, Accuweather, and WhatsApp. The more than 650 Starlink satellites used by T-Mobile cover the continental US, Hawaii, parts of southern Alaska, and Puerto Rico. The carrier says it’s working on offering satellite connectivity while abroad and in international waters as well.

Apple currently offers the ability to send texts and emergency messages from the iPhone 14 and later for free, but it plans to eventually charge for it (there still aren’t any details on price). Google also added a satellite SOS feature to the Pixel 9 that’s free to use for two years after activation. While signing up for satellite service through T-Mobile may seem redundant, the carrier offers support for more phones, and also plans on adding new capabilities like picture and voice messaging.

In order to use T-Satellite, you’ll need to have an unlocked device with support for eSIMs and satellite connectivity. Right now, more than 60 different phones can use T-Satellite, including the iPhone 13 and up, Google Pixel 9, and the Samsung Galaxy 21 and newer. You can view the full list of eligible devices on T-Mobile’s website.

Verizon launched its free satellite messaging service with Skylo earlier this year, but unlike with T-Satellite, the service is only available to Verizon customers who have newer devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 9. AT&T is also partnering with AST SpaceMobile to launch satellite texting and voice capabilities.

The best foldable phone you can buy

23 July 2025 at 17:44
Choose your foldable fighter.

A foldable phone isn’t for the faint of heart. They’re generally heavier, pricier, and have less capable cameras than a standard slab-style phone. And while they’re far less fragile than when they first debuted, foldables are still susceptible to the kind of damage a regular smartphone can shrug off. You really don’t want any dust getting in that hinge. But if you’re an adventurous sort of gadget lover, then a folding phone is a rewarding investment. 

There are basically two kinds of foldables at the moment — the kind that fold like books and the ones that fold clamshell style, like your old flip phone. Here’s how I think of it: a book-style foldable is like a phone plus a tablet, and a flip-style foldable is a phone plus a smartwatch. The book foldables provide an outer screen for all your regular phone needs, and then a tablet-like inner screen when you want, well, more screen. Flip phones come with a smaller secondary display on the outer panel that’s useful for checking information quickly. When you need to do regular phone stuff, you unfold it.

So while they all fit in one category of folding tech, they’re suited to two very different kinds of people — someone who wants even more phone with their phone and someone who wants to be fully immersed a little less. Whichever category you fit into, you’d be wise to get the manufacturer’s extended warranty with your purchase; fixes can be expensive, and you won’t be able to walk into just any phone repair shop to get them. If you don’t opt for the warranty, you’ll want to be sure you can comfortably afford to replace your phone in the event of a sudden sand-related catastrophe. Death can come swiftly to a folding screen.

If I haven’t scared you off by this point, then you’re probably the kind of person who will have a heck of a good time with a foldable. I’ve used every phone under the sun, and folding phones are some of my favorite gadgets. Run four apps at once! Prop it up like a tiny laptop! Hold it like a camcorder when you shoot video! There are tons of possibilities, and the thrill you get when you fold your phone shut never fully wears off.

Best book-style foldable

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (512GB)

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 in blue

Score: 8

ProsCons
  • Ridiculously slim and light for a foldable
  • All-day battery with moderate use
  • Outer screen finally feels normal
  • It’s $2,000
  • Durability still a concern
  • Camera bump makes it wobble on a table

Where to Buy:

Screen: 8-inch, 1968p, 120Hz OLED inner screen; 6.5-inch, 1080p, 120Hz OLED cover screen / Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite / Cameras: 200-megapixel f/1.7 main with OIS; 10-megapixel 3x telephoto with OIS; 12-megapixel ultrawide; 10-megapixel selfie (cover screen); 10-megapixel inner selfie camera / Battery: 4,400mAh / Charging: 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless / Weather resistance: IP48

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the foldable we’ve been waiting for Samsung to create. Unlike the long and narrow form factor of previous Z Fold devices, the Z Fold 7 boasts a more familiar 21:9 aspect ratio, making it feel much less unwieldy to use. At just 8.9mm thick, it’s nearly as slim as standard slab-style devices and doesn’t feel bulky in your pocket. Open it up, and you get a spacious inner display that’s perfect for multitasking, gaming, or simply enjoying more screen real estate. It will even last a day with moderate use, which is relatively good for a folding phone.

The Z Fold 7, however, isn’t without its shortcomings. Notably, its starting price of $1,999 is a huge reminder that this is a luxury device, not a practical choice for everyone. The outer display also has a lower resolution than the screen found in the more affordable Galaxy S25 Ultra, and the camera bump is quite large, resulting in a slight wobble when the phone is placed on flat surfaces. That said, the camera system is top-notch, highlighted by a 200-megapixel lens that performs well in low-light scenarios.

It was going to take a lot to unseat the Pixel 9 Pro Fold as our favorite book-style foldable, but the Z Fold 7 has done just that. The hardware is stunning, and the reworked proportions make it feel much nicer to use. Still, issues like long-term durability remain a concern, while the $1,999 price tag places it out of reach for most.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review.

Best flip-style foldable

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 offers slight design and performance upgrades compared to the previous generation. The AI-ready Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 now comes with 12GB of RAM and a vapor chamber for cooling. It also has a new 50-megapixel camera sensor that enables 2x optical zoom.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 on a purple and green background.

Score: 8

ProsCons
  • All-day battery
  • Useful cover screen
  • Seven years of software updates
  • Cover screen resolution could be better
  • Hard to run apps on the outer screen
  • Long-term durability still uncertain

Where to Buy:

Screen: 6.7-inch, 1080p, 120Hz OLED inner screen; 3.4-inch, 720p, OLED cover screen / Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 / Cameras: 50-megapixel f/1.8 main with OIS; 12-megapixel ultrawide; 10-megapixel selfie (inner screen) / Battery: 4,000mAh / Charging: 25W wired, 15W wireless / Weather resistance: IP48

The last-gen Flip 6 lacks some of the imaginative UI touches you can get on Motorola’s Razer Ultra, and the file folder-shaped outer screen feels more cramped than Motorola’s approach to fill the space — minus camera lenses, of course. But it’s more reliable, is scheduled to get seven years of software updates, and Samsung’s extended warranty offers good coverage for that extra peace of mind. Not the most titillating stuff, but it matters.

As you might guess from the name, the Flip 6 is far from Samsung’s first flip-phone rodeo. It comes with some thoughtful updates, like a true always-on display for the cover screen and a tweaked UI for adding widgets more easily. The cameras are good, though far from the best you can get for $1,100, and the battery goes all day. Its IP48 rating means there’s some protection from small particles, but dust is still a concern. Power users will need to download Good Lock to get the most out of the cover screen, but it’s perfectly capable out of the box for someone less adventurous. A bit boring? Yes, but that’s okay.

All that being said, it’s worth noting that we’re currently testing the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 7, which, based on our early impressions, appears to be a worthy upgrade. The Z Flip 7 finally offers a proper edge-to-edge cover screen, giving you more room for widgets, using apps, and typing out replies. The new flip-style foldable is also thinner than the Z Flip 6, packs a larger 4,300mAh battery, and supports DeX, a feature that provides a desktop-like experience when connected to an external monitor. It even allows you to use Gemini on the cover screen.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 review.

The most fun foldable

Motorola Razr Ultra (2025)

Motorola Razr Ultra on a green background showing wooden back panel

Score: 7

ProsCons
  • One of the best-looking phones you can buy
  • Great battery life
  • Outer screen is useful in unexpected ways
  • AI button is wasted real estate 
  • Long-term durability is still a question mark
  • Camera processing is occasionally weird

Where to Buy:

Screen: 7-inch 1224p OLED 165Hz inner screen; 4-inch 1080p OLED 165Hz outer screen / Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite / Cameras: 50-megapixel f/1.8 main with OIS; 50-megapixel f/2.0 ultrawide; 50-megapixel f/2.0 selfie / Battery: 4,700mAh / Charging: 68W wired, 30W wireless / Weather-resistance rating: IP48

The Razr Ultra is the newest and most advanced member of Motorola’s foldable lineup. Compared to the Razr Plus, it boasts a higher-resolution inner screen, Qualcomm’s most powerful mobile processor, double the storage space, and an upgraded selfie camera. The device is also one of the best-looking phones you can buy — the gold-bronze chassis and wooden back panel lend the Ultra a real elegance. When every phone tends to look the same — even in the foldable market — the Razr Ultra stands out in a crowd, which only adds to its charm.

Beyond its appearance, the Ultra is just plain fun to use. The 4-inch outer screen covers almost the entire front of the phone, making it perfect for checking notifications, responding to messages, and taking quick actions such as hailing an Uber. The titanium hinge is also an upgrade over the stainless steel found in the Razr Plus. While the Ultra is enjoyable, it can’t overcome the gripes we’ve had with previous Motorola foldables, like inconsistent camera processing. Meanwhile, Motorola is only promising three OS upgrades and four years of security updates, which is on the shorter side considering the $1,300 retail price.

Read our full Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) review.

The best battery life in a foldable

Oppo Find N5

At less than 9mm thick when shut, the Oppo Find N5 is a foldable phone that’s thinner than any so far.

Score: 8

ProsCons
  • It’s really, really thin
  • Excellent battery life
  • The crease is almost invisible
  • Foldables are still fragile
  • It’s not launching in the US or Europe

Where to Buy:

Screen: 8.12-inch, 2248p, 120Hz OLED inner screen; 6.62-inch, 1140p, 120Hz OLED outer screen size/ Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Cameras: 50-megapixel f/1.9 main with OIS, 50-megapixel 3x telephoto with OIS, 8-megapixel ultrawide, 8-megapixel selfie cameras (inner and outer) / Battery: 5,600mAh / Charging: 80W wired, 50W wireless / Weather-resistance rating: IPX8/IPX9

Let’s get the bad news out of the way first: if you live in the US or Europe, you can’t buy the Oppo Find N5. That rules out, well, a lot of us. But if you live in China, Singapore, or any of the other Asian countries Oppo included in its so-called “global” release, then you’re in luck: you can pick up one of the world’s thinnest book-style folding phones, and the rest of us are all very jealous of you.

The Find N5 isn’t all about thinness, either. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset is highly capable, the phone is fully water-resistant, and battery life is excellent. It utilizes silicon-carbon battery technology to accommodate a large (by foldable standards) 5,600mAh battery, which easily holds up after a long day of heavy use. What’s even more impressive is that, like the aforementioned Z Fold 7, the Find N5 is still barely thicker than a standard slab-style phone and only slightly heavier. That matters when you’re using the phone via the cover screen for long periods of time or stashing it in the side pocket of your yoga pants. When a foldable is only about as heavy and bulky as a regular phone, using the inner screen feels like getting away with something fantastic — not a benefit you have to make many other sacrifices for. Oppo delivers this in spades, and I just wish more of us could… find it.

Read our full Oppo Find N5 review.

Other foldables to consider

  • The OnePlus Open strikes a great balance in its form factor and offers a clever UI for multitasking that has won plenty of fans since it debuted. But the phone lacks wireless charging and full water resistance — it’s only splash-resistant — and OnePlus’ software support policy isn’t as strong as Google’s and Samsung’s. Read our review.
  • The Huawei Mate XT gets an honorable mention for its sheer wow factor alone. The “trifold” phone — as it’s been dubbed — contains three screen segments and two hinges, putting it in a category of its own right now. It’s only available in China and a few other countries that don’t include the US or the UK, and it’s monstrously expensive at €3,499. But it’s cool as heck and may be a sign of things to come from other manufacturers. Read our hands-on impressions.
  • The Motorola Razr Plus 2025 is new to the scene, replacing last year’s model. Although the two devices look identical, there are a few notable changes. The biggest difference is that the Razr Plus 2025 now features a titanium hinge, rather than stainless steel, promising better durability and a less noticeable crease when the device is open. Additionally, the Razr Plus 2025 offers IP48 dust and water resistance, whereas last year’s model featured an IPX8 rating. While we haven’t tested the newest model, it appears to be a solid alternative to the Ultra.
  • The standard Motorola Razr 2025 is a more affordable entry point into the world of foldables, starting at $699. The Razr 2025 offers improved performance, battery life, and durability — the kind of bumps we expect year after year. It boasts a smaller cover screen compared to the Razr Plus and Ultra, but still offers a spacious 6.9-inch internal display. We haven’t tested the Razr 2025 yet, but its relatively budget-friendly price is a good option for jumping into the foldable market.
  • The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is an impressive sophomore effort from Google, offering an ideal form factor that’s a joy to use. When folded, the outer screen matches the dimensions of a regular phone, and the inner screen can get nice and bright outdoors. The whole package is also light enough that it sometimes doesn’t feel like you’re holding a foldable, though it does suffer from a slightly downgraded camera system compared to its slab-style siblings. There’s also no formal dust resistance, so long-term durability remains a concern. Read our review.

What’s coming next

  • Google has an event scheduled for August 20th, where we’re expecting to learn more about the upcoming Google Pixel 10 series. The company has already given us a glimpse at the standard Pixel 10 ahead of the launch event, but we’re still waiting for information about a new foldable. Rumors suggest Google is gearing up to release the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which could feature an IP68 rating, addressing a common concern about long-term durability in the foldable space.

Update, July 23rd: Adjusted pricing / availability, replaced our No. 1 pick for the “best book-style foldable” with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and added info about Google’s upcoming Pixel event. Brandon Russell also contributed to this post.

Here’s how to save on a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 preorder

19 July 2025 at 15:00

The forthcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 is Samsung’s thinnest foldable yet. Our own Allison Johnson just published her full review ahead of the phone’s launch on July 25th, and while there’s certainly no denying it’s a spendy device, know that various carriers and retailers are offering a host of preorder incentives, many of which will expire at launch.

Although the Z Fold 7 isn’t miles ahead of last-gen Z Fold 6 in terms of performance, it measures just 8.9mm thick when folded, making it look and feel like something of a next-gen foldable. The outer screen has also increased in size from 6.3 inches to 6.5 inches, which, when taken into account alongside its thickness, makes the Z Fold 7 feel more akin to a normal phone when folded. Alas, if only it had a “normal phone” price tag instead of an exuberant starting price of $1,999.

That being said, it’s still possible to save on a preorder purchase, or at the very least receive some credit you can then spend on accessories like the Galaxy Watch 8. Whether you plan to shop directly through Samsung, your carrier, or a traditional retailer, here are the biggest promotions along with the key details you’ll want to keep in mind.

You can get up to $1,100 in trade-in credit

The current trade-in savings are big enough to chop the Z Fold 7’s $1,999.99 price tag in half. Ahead of its release on July 25th, Samsung is offering up to $1,000 in credit for the last-gen Z Fold 6 and S25 Ultra — or less, if you’re trading in an older phone. Samsung will give you an instant discount based on the estimated value of your trade-in, which lowers the out-of-pocket cost to $999.99. That’s great, and thankfully, you can get instant trade-in credit even if you’re activating the phone on Verizon or AT&T through Samsung’s site. But that’s not how trade-in credit works if you’re buying directly through carriers.

Carriers across the board are currently offering a $1,100 trade-in credit toward the Z Fold 7, which will be paid back in the form of monthly installments. AT&T will provide $1,100 in credits over 36 months to customers on postpaid unlimited plans who purchase the new phone with an installment plan. As for the phones that AT&T is currently accepting, they include any Galaxy S, Note, and S-series phone, regardless of its age or condition.

Verizon is also offering up to $1,100 in monthly credits over 36 months with an eligible trade-in in “any condition,” although the carrier doesn’t list or even mention any eligible phones. You must also be on an Unlimited Ultimate plan to get that much credit.

T-Mobile is offering up to $1,100 in monthly credits for those auto-paying for a plan that costs $85 or more per month — no trade-in required.

Samsung is offering a lot of bonus credit, with a small catch

If you’re preordering directly through Samsung, you will receive a $50 Samsung credit to use on accessories as an extra perk. Those who aren’t trading in a device will get an extra $300 to spend, totaling $350. However, the credit is “use it or lose it,” so to speak; you’ll forfeit it all if you don’t use it at checkout. So, if you do go this route, you’ll want to pick up a pair of earbuds, a case, a Galaxy Watch 8, etc etc.

Keep in mind that the aforementioned credit is exclusive to Samsung’s online storefront and isn’t available when purchasing the Galaxy Z Fold 7 through a carrier, Best Buy, Amazon, or any other retailer.

Not all carriers are offering a free storage upgrade right now

Some retailers, but not all, are offering the 512GB Z Fold 7 for no extra charge through July 24th. This includes Samsung, T-Mobile, Best Buy, and Amazon, the latter of which is also throwing in a $300 Amazon gift card with each purchase. However, AT&T and Verizon aren’t, at least through their respective sites. They each are offering the 256GB model at the same $1,999 price that you can get the 512GB model for elsewhere. That said, activating the Z Fold 7 via Best Buy will allow you to purchase the 512GB variant for $1,899.99 as a one-time payment (or as a $55.55-a-month payment for 36 months).

Nothing Phone 3 review: flagship-ish

19 July 2025 at 14:00
I sure hope you like asymmetry.

Nothing says that the Phone 3 is its "first true flagship phone," and it has put its money where its mouth is. The phone is getting a full US launch, and at $799, it costs exactly the same as a Pixel 9, Galaxy S25, or iPhone 16.

That makes reviewing the Phone 3 refreshingly simple, because there are only two real questions that matter: is this as good as those three? And will it be as good as what we're expecting from the new Pixel and iPhone models that are right around the corner?

The answer is going to come down to how much you like its unique look. The bad news for Nothing is that the Phone 3's design is more divisive than any out the …

Read the full story at The Verge.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review: stunning, bendy, and spendy

19 July 2025 at 13:00
Quiet luxury.

I've been using the Galaxy Z Fold 7 for a week, and I've run out of ways to say "It's so nice." It's not essential, or life-changing; it's nice.

It's an understatement, though. Samsung joins the likes of Honor and Oppo in making a folding phone that's almost as thin as a regular phone, and it's a trend with real benefits. Compared to the previous six generations of Samsung folding phones, the Z Fold 7's inner screen feels like a bonus - one that doesn't require the sacrifice of carrying a bigger, bulkier device to get. It is thin. It is luxurious. Also: it is two thousand dollars.

It's so nice. It's two thousand dollars. Somewhere in betwe …

Read the full story at The Verge.

Trump’s DOJ seems annoyed about having to approve T-Mobile’s latest merger

11 July 2025 at 17:52

The Department of Justice Antitrust Division issued an unusual statement yesterday about its decision to let T-Mobile complete an acquisition of US Cellular's wireless operations.

Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division, a Trump nominee who was confirmed by the Senate in March, said in a 900-word statement that the deal and two related transactions "will consolidate yet more spectrum in the Big 3's oligopoly, which controls more than 80 percent of the mobile wireless spectrum in the country." She said the top three carriers—T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon—control more than 90 percent of the mobile subscriptions in the United States.

Despite that, the DOJ said it closed its investigation into the merger and will not ask a court for an injunction to prevent T-Mobile from buying US Cellular assets. US Cellular is being carved up among the three major wireless firms, as the regional carrier is selling spectrum licenses in separate deals with Verizon and AT&T for about $1 billion each. T-Mobile is paying $4.4 billion for about 30 percent of US Cellular's spectrum assets and its wireless operations.

Read full article

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Samsung is about to find out if Ultra is enough

5 July 2025 at 15:00
The Z Fold 6 brought us “improved flatness.”

I don't often get asked about the phones I'm testing when I'm out and about, unless it's a folding phone. Then I usually hear some version of the same thing: "Oh, I thought about getting one of those! But then I just got a [insert slab-style phone name here]." My anecdotal data matches the actual sales figures; there are many more people curious about folding phones than there are buyers of folding phones. Samsung would very much like that to not be the case, and, by all indications, it's about to pull out all the stops at at its Unpacked event on July 9th. But is putting the Ultra name on a folding phone enough?

The weak sales are not for …

Read the full story at The Verge.

Android 16 is here, but its big redesign isn’t ready

10 June 2025 at 21:23

Google rolled out a bunch of new features with Android 16 on Tuesday, but the company appears to be saving its big Material 3 Expressive redesign for a future update. The update doesn’t feature the design language’s revamped elements, and a source tells Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman that Google is planning to launch the new look on September 3rd, 2025, instead.

With Android 16, Google is starting to roll out support for Live Updates with progress-centric notifications and enhanced settings for users with hearing aids. The updates are coming to Pixel devices first, but according to Google, Android users will have to wait for another update to see Live Updates “fully realized.”

Google officially took the wraps off Material 3 Expressive following a leak last month, which features updates to icon shapes, type styles, and color palettes with “more natural, springy animations” across the Android interface. You can still check out some Material 3 Expressive updates in the Android 16 QPR1 beta that’s available now, but Rahman notes that Google plans on launching more design updates in the next Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2.

Google is expected to include Android’s desktop mode in a September launch as well. The new mode, which builds on Samsung’s DeX platform, optimizes apps and content for large-screen devices. It will allow you to resize multiple app windows across your screens, as well as connect phones and tablets to external displays for a desktop-like experience. Users with a Pixel 8 and up can try out these features in the Android 16 beta, but the rest of us will likely have to wait a few more months.

Fairphone 6 leak reveals more modular design

9 June 2025 at 12:07
WinFuture obtained an image of the phone’s front, but not its new modular rear design.

The Fairphone 6 will launch this month with a more modular design according to leaked details obtained by WinFuture. Alongside Fairphone’s usual repair-friendly build, the new device will seemingly support interchangeable accessories such as a card holder, lanyard, and ring grip.

That sounds similar to the modular accessories on the CMF Phone 1 and Phone Pro 2 by Nothing, which support screw-on lanyards, wallets, and kickstands. WinFuture reports that the Fairphone 6 will also have a two-part rear cover split into upper and lower sections, allowing owners to mix and match colors along with the accessories, with black, white, and green among the launch options.

Dutch site NieuweMobiel reports that the phone will launch on June 25th, and offer 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Much like previous Fairphone models, it will be user-repairable, with replacement parts available for the earpiece, speaker, USB-C port, display, battery, and three camera lenses. When it arrives, it’s expected to cost €549.99 (around $625), a substantial drop from 2023’s €699 ($800) Fairphone 5. That phone never launched in the US, so we’ll have to hope that changes this time around.

FCC investigation looms over EchoStar’s missed interest payments and a new satellite

3 June 2025 at 21:29

EchoStar is skipping interest payments even as it commissions a new Dish TV satellite — citing “uncertainty” caused by a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) probe. 

The company just missed a $183 million interest payment, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. It missed another $326 million interest payment, Bloomberg reported on Friday. It’s potentially setting itself up for bankruptcy protection, SpaceNews reports.

It’s potentially setting itself up for bankruptcy protection

While those payments are on hold, EchoStar, which Dish Network rejoined last year, is still investing in its TV business. It commissioned a new communications satellite for television, Maxar Space Systems announced yesterday. The satellite, EchoStar XXVI, is supposed to be completed by 2028 to support Dish TV coverage across 50 US states and Puerto Rico. 

The FCC is investigating whether EchoStar is hitting requirements to deploy 5G that it’s supposed to meet in order to keep its spectrum licenses. Dish Network merged back with EchoStar — which also owns Boost Mobile — to try to compete in 5G, with the goal of trying to become a competitor with AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. The FCC probe has led EchoStar to “freeze its decision-making” for Boost Mobile, the Wall Street Journal reports.

SpaceX is also a rival vying with EchoStar for spectrum licenses in the 2 GHz band. Elon Musk’s company conducted its own analysis of Dish’s cellular signals and called EchoStar’s use of the gigahertz band “de minimis at best” in an April filing to the FCC. EchoStar accused SpaceX of a “land grab” for spectrum the Wall Street Journal reported last month. 

Neither Dish Network nor EchoStar responded immediately to a request for comment from The Verge.

T-Mobile launches fiber internet service in the US with a five-year price lock

3 June 2025 at 18:14

T-Mobile is bringing its fiber internet service to more than 500,000 households throughout the US. In an update on Tuesday, T-Mobile revealed three new plans that offer customers symmetrical speeds of up to 2 Gigs.

In addition to a five-year price lock, the new plans come with a $5 autopay discount, but only if you pay with a debit card or bank account. Here’s a list of the plans, which will be available starting June 5th:

  • Fiber 500 (500 Mbps): $80 / month ($75 with autopay)
  • Fiber 1 Gig (1 Gbps): $95 / month ($90 with autopay)
  • Fiber 2 Gig (2 Gbps): $110 / month ($105 with autopay)

T-Mobile’s big fiber expansion comes just months after it closed its joint venture deal with the fiber internet provider Lumos — a move the Federal Communications Commission only approved after the carrier made changes to its stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

T-Mobile’s fiber internet service was previously only available in a limited number of locations. But now it’s building out its network through its deal with Lumos and its pending acquisition of the fiber provider Metronet. T-Mobile says it expects to reach 12 to 15 million households or more by the end of 2030, allowing it to compete with rivals like AT&T and Verizon that have invested billions into fiber. Last month, the FCC approved Verizon’s $20 billion acquisition of Frontier after it “committed to ending DEI.”

T-Mobile will also provide discounts for customers who have phone lines with the service. It’s offering a $75 / month ($70 with autopay) Fiber Founders Club plan as well, which comes with a 10-year price lock but is only “available in select locations for a limited time.”

I can’t choose between Google and Apple, and it just got much harder

25 May 2025 at 19:00
As I watched the Google I/O 2025 keynote, there were several product demonstrations which really stood out to me, not just because they were technically impressive and exciting, but also because none were ones I could ever imagine Apple showing off during a public presentation in the same way. It reignited an age-old battle within […]

4 phones you can buy instead of the Motorola Razr 2025

25 May 2025 at 16:00
The Razr 2025 is one of the best flip phones right now, thanks to its affordable price, but there are other phones that you may consider instead. Here are four alternatives to choose!

4 things we expect to see at WWDC 2025, and 2 we don’t

25 May 2025 at 12:13
Apple is heavily anticipated to push a design makeover on its OS portfolio and reveal some cool new features, but there are a few that would be amiss.

I underestimated the Galaxy S25 Edge’s camera. Here’s why you shouldn’t

24 May 2025 at 16:00
The Galaxy S25 Edge’s camera is confusing, and I understand if it’s putting you off buying one. After all, the specification includes the big 200-megapixel main camera from the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but it doesn’t have a telephoto like the Galaxy S25 Plus, making it an odd in-between model.  I was concerned the lack of […]

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