The best HTC U11 Life cases to keep your midrange beauty pristine
In the world of midrange devices, the HTC U11 Life is one of our new favorites. We praised the looks in our HTC U11 Life review, and we found the HTC U11‘s smaller sibling was just as snappy, responsive, and fun as its big brother. But while HTC may have opted to use acrylic as the body material in the U11 Life, it’s almost as vulnerable to damage as the glass covering the U11. What better to protect your new device and add some extra style than a protective case? We checked out some of the best HTC U11 Life cases currently available so that you can choose the one that suits you best.
TopAce Ultra Thin Silicone Case ($8)
Heavy duty cases aren’t for everyone. Some people want to be able to appreciate the beauty of the device they’ve chosen, or they want as small a case as possible. Those sorts of people prefer slim gel cases like this one from TopAce. Adding only 1.1mm of thickness to your device, it’s clear that this case won’t add too much in drop protection if your device does slip out of your hands. But it does offer some protection against scratches and minor bumps, as well as adding grip to your phone. It’s a second skin that you can forget about once it’s applied, safe in the knowledge that your device is protected. And at only $8, it’s a bargain.
Buy one now from:
Amazon
Dretal Carbon Fibre-Style Protective Case ($8)
This case from Dretal combines protection with a futuristic carbon fiber-style look to make sure that your phone looks good while being protected. Dretal has used soft TPU to create shock-proofing against bumps, scrapes, and falls. It won’t protect as well as a bigger case would, but TPU is still a great material for protection, thanks to its flexibility and durability. It’s not a bad looker either — the pattern emulates carbon fiber, adding a futuristic look. And it’s not just about fashion — this case makes it easier to grip your phone, as well as adding a raised edge to the camera, keeping that area protected when placed down.
Buy one now from:
Amazon
Incipio Multi-Glitter Design Case ($25)
Incipio is well known for its protective cases, and this one is no different. We chose the Multi-Glitter because it gives an element of fashionista style to the HTC U11 Life, with a glittery back that catches the light and adds some glamor to every occasion. It’s not all style with no substance either — the case is constructed with shock diffusion in mind, the flexible material of the case transferring the energy of impacts away from the phone to dissipate harmlessly. Thanks to the self-healing finish, your case will automatically repair most damage, looking good despite punishment.
Buy one now from:
Amazon Incipio
KuGi Scratch Resistant Grip Case ($5)
If you want something that looks different to everything else on the market, then this case from KuGi could be what you’re looking for. Intended to maximize grip on increasingly slippery phones, this grip case combines an outer layer of TPU that conforms to and holds your phone, with a back panel of PU leather that provides a soft and grippy surface for your fingers. The outside of the case has a series of small indentations, again to help you keep hold of your phone, and precise cut-outs ensure that you’ll never have to worry about an important feature or port of your U11 Life being cut off from use.
Buy one now from:
Amazon
TopAce Leather-Style Wallet Case ($10)
Every case round-up needs a wallet case. It’s easy to see why — they’re sleek, they look executive and understated, and thanks to the extra card slots that many have, they’re useful too. This offering from TopAce comes with all of the above, and then some. It’s made from a PU leather — no real leather at this price, we’re afraid — which is durable and easy to keep clean, as well as being protective. Your device rests in an inner layer of TPU, keeping it safe within the PU leather, and the soft inner lining protects your screen when the cover is folded around, stopping it from being damaged while not in use. The extra card slots inside the case are also perfect for carrying travel tickets, debit cards, or just a bit of extra cash. This case is also available in other colors — including a rather lurid lime.
Buy one now from:
Amazon
If you’re looking for more fun you can have with your HTC U11 Life, then check our list of the coolest HTC U11 Life tips and tricks! Then fill up your new device with our favorite Android apps this month!
Editors’ Recommendations
- Stay Pixel-perfect: Seven of the best Pixel 2 cases and covers
- 6 of the best Huawei Mate 10 Pro cases to protect your device
- The best Pixel 2 XL cases to keep your Google phone pixel perfect
- Check out our favorite iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus case deals
- The best Galaxy S8 cases
Bitcoin survey finds owners pursuing investment over use as payment alternative
Bitcoin buyers tend to be more interested in generating a profit from investment rather than using the cryptocurrency as a method for paying for goods or services, according to a new Lendedu Bitcoin survey. The average investor in the survey owned less than one half of a Bitcoin, though considering the cryptocurrency’s recent value spike, that’s perhaps not too surprising.
Buying Bitcoin today is easier than ever before, but it’s still a somewhat risky investment. Prices regularly fluctuate, even if they have trended up throughout 2017. Still, of the 564 American Bitcoin investors that Lendedu surveyed, most of them are in it to make money, rather than use the cryptocurrency to buy anything.
Of those polled, 22 percent said that they saw Bitcoin as a long-term investment option similar to gold or silver. 41 percent claimed that they believed it was a “world changing” technology and that they were on the cusp of a new generation of payment platforms. Only eight percent of those surveyed claimed they used Bitcoin to purchase something.
Another interesting element in the survey was the question of how long people planned to retain their investment. Considering Bitcoin value has increased sevenfold in 2017 but has suffered minor dips along the way, a longer investment makes sense. Still, some 16 percent claimed that they would hold their Bitcoin for less than a year.
The most common segment of those polled was the one-to-three-year crowd, who made up just under 40 percent of the total. Some 12 percent however, claimed they would be holding on to their Bitcoin for more than 10 years, which suggests a really long-term outlook for some investors.
The average value of surveyed investor’s Bitcoin was $2,930, or around 0.45 Bitcoins. For many that’s a collection built up over time, too, with close to 70 percent of those surveyed having never sold any Bitcoin. Considering the average value of most investors Bitcoin wallets, that would suggest that a majority got into the market recently, as even tapping into the market a couple of years ago would have seen greater returns on investment of comparatively little capital.
For Bitcoin to become as mainstream as many backers hope it will though, it will need to become accepted by more financial institutions. It appears that some investors will be helping it along in that respect, as some 64 percent of those surveyed claimed they had, or intended to, inform the IRS of their involvement with Bitcoin.
Editors’ Recommendations
- Bitcoin’s latest boom sends it scorching past $6,000
- Bitcoin Cash surpassed Ethereum as world’s second most popular cryptocurrency
- Bitcoin reaches new heights, surges beyond $7,000 in value
- SEC warns all of us that publicly endorsing Bitcoin may be illegal
- The value of cryptocurrencies is on the rise, but so are the risks from hackers
Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
Everyone likes Apple apps, but sometimes the best ones are a bit expensive. Now and then, developers put paid apps on sale for free for a limited time, but you have to snatch them up while you have the chance. Here are the latest and greatest iOS app deals available from the iOS App Store.
These apps normally cost money and this sale lasts for a limited time only. If you go to the App Store and it says the app costs money, that means the deal has expired and you will be charged.
Blink
These powerful and beautifully designed tools will help you add beautiful frames, filters, text, and so much more to your photos, in the most creative and playful way.
Available on:
iOS
Alti
Alti is a beautiful, feature-rich, minimalist altimeter and compass application for your iPhone. It sports a clean design, and includes an altitude indicator, a magnetic and true north compass, and coordinates for DMS and degrees.
Available on:
iOS
Fontz
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but sometimes, you still need those words. Fontz will allow you to add captions with many different fonts, colors, and designs.
Available on:
iOS
ACT Companion
Acceptance and commitment therapy is a scientifically supported mindfulness-based behavior therapy with over 100 published peer-reviewed studies demonstrating its effectiveness for a wide range of clinical issues (including anxiety and depression).
Available on:
iOS
Magnifying glass HD
Turn your iPhone into a magnifying glass with this easy-to-use app. Magnifying glass HD comes with a viewfinder to locate each object precisely, as well as image stabilization.
Available on:
iOS
Learn Spanish
Learn Spanish in no time! MosaLingua’s effective and addictive teaching method will help you memorize loads of vocabulary, key phrases, and conjugations in record time.
Available on:
iOS
Editors’ Recommendations
- Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
- Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
- Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
- Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
- Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
HTC U11 Life (Android One) review: Keep it simple
HTC’s first Android One device has everything you want from a mid-range phone — with highlights including Oreo out of the box, and a surprisingly capable camera.
Android One has arrived in Europe, and HTC is one of the first manufacturers to ship an affordable, Google-branded phone. The Android One badge made its debut in India and parts of Asia, as Google emphasized quality software on super-cheap hardware. But with its latest round of “One” handsets, the prices are higher, the products more premium, and the hand on the software rudder a little firmer.
The Android One U11 Life — unlike the T-Mobile U.S. version we reviewed separately, running HTC Sense — runs Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box, and comes with the promise of timely updates to future versions. It takes the fundamentals of HTC’s flagship phone and downscales it into a smaller size, while trimming the specs back to the essentials.
There’s a Snapdragon 630 processor — Qualcomm’s latest mid-ranger, and the successor to the very capable 625/626 — along with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, and 32 or 64GB of storage, plus microSD. I’ve been using the 3/32GB model for the past couple of weeks, however the UK will be getting the more capacious 4/64GB model when it goes on sale.
More: HTC U11 Life specs
From the outside, the U11 Life is a reasonable approximation of the full-grown U11 — at least visually. The reflective, curved back panel is as eye-catching as ever, but in the hand, the “acrylic glass” feels somewhat cheaper than the real thing. Same deal with the plastic borders around the sides of the device.
Many phones around this price point incorporate metal or glass designs, but I’m still fine with the U11’s not-quite-glass exterior. The feel isn’t a million miles away from the standard U11, with the main difference being the weight.
The U11 Life also boasts water and dust resistance, like the U11, with an IP67 rating.
Around the front, a 5.2-inch 1080p LCD panel gives the U11 Life a display that’s bright and punchy, but not too oversaturated. Viewing angles are impressive, and I encountered no issues using the display out in bright daylight.
A 5.2-inch screen is a step down from the much larger displays we’re seeing at the high end, but these dimensions, particularly with a 16:9 aspect ratio and off-screen keys, remains something of a sweet spot for easy one-handed use.
The back of the U11 Life is acrylic glass, which is more of the former than the latter.
Like its namesake, the U11 Life sports ample quantities of bezel in all directions around its display, most noticeably around the chin, which accommodates the phone’s speedy fingerprint scanner. It’s not quite as instantaneous as what you’ll find in a high-end phone, but the (very slight) delay in unlocking isn’t really bothersome.
As an Android One device, the software of the U11 Life is mainly a Google-centric experience. It’s pretty much stock Android 8.0 Oreo, with a couple of HTC touches where it makes sense. The most obvious of these is the camera app, which is literally just the U11’s camera app with a different icon, along with includes HTC’s excellent HDR Boost — an always-on post-processing feature similar to the Pixel’s HDR+.
In daylight, or moderate indoor light, HDR Boost allows the U11 Life to produce some striking images with rich colors and impressive dynamic range, but in darker conditions, the phone soon runs into the physical limits of its hardware. The f/2.0 lens and 16-megapixel camera, without OIS, means that night photography quickly becomes grainy and/or blurry, unless you’re able to stabilize the camera and shoot a longer exposure in Pro mode.
Ironically, the front-facing camera, also a 16-megapixel unit behind an f/2.0 lens, seemed to hold up a little better in darker conditions — possibly just because of the kinds of photos I was taking.
For video, 4K capture is supported — though, strangely, only through the rear camera — with image quality following a similar pattern to the still camera. In daylight to middling light, it’s decent; in low light it quickly becomes a grainfest. (And given the size of 4K video files, you’ll want to invest in a decent SD card if you plan on shooting lots of 4K video with the 32GB model.)
Android One is more Nexus than Pixel.
Other areas of the U11’s software are clean, fast, and as Google-y as you’d expect. It’s as minimalist as Google’s Pixel UI — perhaps more so, as it lacks many of the Pixel’s extra features. After initial setup, your app drawer shows 25 Google apps, and nothing else. It’s a wonderfully uncluttered experience, particularly in comparison to the cruft that seems to find its way onto most mid-tier Android phones.
And when it comes to performance, the U11 Life provides a consistently responsive experience, even with just 3GB of RAM in our review unit, so the UK retail version with a roomier 4GB should be even better.
Edge Sense is the other major HTC addition. Just like the U11 and U11+, you can squeeze the bezels to activate an app of your choice (for example, Google Assistant or the camera). And there are a handful of in-app squeeze options too, such as squeezing to snooze an alarm or answering a call.
It’s another one of these “moderately useful” features. Gimmicky? Sure. But also nice to have, though also not something I miss when I change to another phone.
Battery life from the built-in 2,600mAh has been dependable, but not exceptional. The relatively low capacity is offset by the fact that the Snapdragon 630 sips power, meaning I never struggled to reach the end of the day with moderate use. On heavier days, with extensive use of the camera and HDR Boost, it’s possible you’ll need an evening refill, and the U11 Life supports 5V/2A charging for relatively speedy recharges.
The HTC U11 Life isn’t the most exciting Android phone out there right now, but it does represent a great case for Android One in the West, and how HTC can create great mid-tier devices that make sense around the £350 price point. There are clear advantages to spending more than this on a phone — mainly camera improvements, more premium materials and more dazzling displays. But the Android One-flavored U11 Life provides a fast, clean Android experience, layers on top some impressive camera tricks, and the occasionally convenient Edge Sense, and then just gets out of the way.
We’ll have to wait and see how speedily Google and HTC manage to get this device updated with Android 8.1 and beyond — not to mention the more important question of security patches. But right now the U11 Life is definitely worth a look if you’re upgrading from something like a Nexus 5X, HTC One M9 — or if you’re just after a solid all-around phone without breaking the bank.
How much storage have you used so far on your Pixel 2?
Thank goodness for generous storage amounts.
One of the smaller changes that Google made this year with the Pixel 2 was the amount of storage available for the base model. Unlike last year’s Pixel that came with a minimum of 32GB, the Pixel 2 comes equipped with 64GB at the very least. That’s a healthy amount of space for most folks, but if you really need the added room, you can still increase it to 128GB for an extra $100.
Some of our forum users recently got to talking about how they’ve been using their local space with the Pixel 2 so far, and these are a few of the responses.
Almeuit
11-14-2017 12:31 PM“
I will lose this most likely (jk.. I know I will haha) but how is your storage working for you on your Pixel 2/XL? I have the 128 GB Pixel 2 XL and I have loaded up a good amount of media.
Mainly just my playlists from Google Play Music, anime from Netflix, and some movies I enjoy from Vudu/etc.
I do have unlimited data (Verizon) so I still stream certain things (such as Crunchyroll – an…
Reply
Ca_lvn
11-14-2017 12:58 PM“
My primary means of storage on this phone will be photos, I plan on exploring the camera a lot more, at that point most likely I’ll have to delete from the phone. I kept it on a budget with the 64 gigabyte drive.
Surprisingly I have 85 apps installed, kind of hard to believe I have that many on the phone.
Google photos is my guaranteed safe backup so I’m confident that will meet all my…Reply
paradroid
11-14-2017 01:48 PM“
24 out of 128 gigs used.
I don’t watch cartoons so none of those stored. For movies I wouldn’t waste watching a good one on a 6 inch phone screen, I’d use my 65 inch Ultra Hi Def TV with surround sound. If I did need to watch a movie on the go (flying overseas) I’d use my tablet or laptop for the bigger screen. Downloaded music from google play takes minimal space. My 500 albums are all…
Reply
11-16-2017 03:39 PM“
I currently have 42% free space on my 128 GB variant :).
Reply
Now, we’d like to pass the question on to you – How much storage have you used on your Pixel 2?
Join the conversation in the forums!
Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL
- Pixel 2 FAQ: Everything you need to know!
- Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL review: The new standard
- Google Pixel 2 specs
- Google Pixel 2 vs. Pixel 2 XL: What’s the difference?
- Join our Pixel 2 forums
Google Store
Project Fi
Verizon
Best Buy
Huawei Mate 10 Pro now on sale at Vodafone UK; first 1,000 orders get a free Huawei Watch 2
Huawei’s latest flagship is now available from Vodafone UK.
The Huawei Mate 10 Pro is now up for sale from Vodafone UK. You’ll be able to pick up the handset for £46 per month for 24 months when you pay an upfront fee of just £10, which gives you access to unlimited texts, calls, and 4GB of monthly LTE data . Vodafone is incentivizing the launch by giving away a free Huawei Watch 2 to the first 1,000 customers.
If you need more than four gigs of data, Vodafone’s Red Entertainment 8GB plan — which gives you 8GB of monthly LTE data along with free access to Sky Sports Mobile TV, Spotify Premium or NOW TV for 24 months — is available for £52 per month.
As a refresher, the Mate 10 Pro features a 6.0-inch 18:9 display, HiSilicon’s latest Kirin 970 chipset with a dedicated Neural Processing Unit and eight CPU cores, Mali-G72 MP12 GPU, 6GB of RAM, 128GB storage, dual 20MP + 12MP imaging sensors at the back tuned by Leica, 8MP front camera, Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 4.2, and a 4000mAh battery with USB-C.
In our full review, Alex called the Mate 10 Pro the best flagship for battery life:
It’s taken us a while to get here, but Huawei finally has a phone that can stand at — or at least near — the top of the Android pile. A fresh new design, dependable performance, and an excellent low-light camera complement staple “Mate” features like epic battery life and a big screen.
What makes the Mate 10 Pro a great buy today is its excellence in the core smartphone experience. Things like getting to the end of the day on a single charge, no matter what you’re doing. And taking excellent photos even in challenging night-time conditions.
Interested? Hit up Vodafone UK from the link below to get your hands on the Mate 10 Pro.
See at Vodafone
Best Android Phone Over $700
- Best overall
- Best runner-up
- Best tough phone
Best overall
Samsung Galaxy Note 8
See at Verizon
See at AT&T
See at T-Mobile
See at Sprint
See at Best Buy
See at Amazon
Samsung’s big-screened flagship phone delivers just about everything you could want from a premium handset — and with outright prices approaching $1,000, you’d hope so. The centerpiece of the Note 8 is its gorgeous 6.3-inch SuperAMOLED display, which can reach a dizzying 1,2000 nits in bright daylight for maxium visibility. You also get Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 835 processor (or Samsung’s latest Exynos 8895 processor outside North America), plus 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage as standard.
The solid camera experience of the GS8 has been augmented by a second telephoto lens, the first zoom lens with OIS (optical image stabilization) in an Android phone. And that’s backed up by all the core features you’d expect from a modern Samsung phone, like water resistance and fast wireless charging. And the S Pen is more useful than ever, with a bunch of new features.
Bottom line: The Galaxy Note 8 reigns supreme in the premium Android segment, with excellent performance across the board, only tarnished slightly by wonky fingerprint scanner placement.
One more thing:Want to pay a little less and get a slightly larger battery? Take a look at the Galaxy S8+.
Why the Galaxy Note 8 is the best
Samsung has successfully shrugged off the unfortunate legacy of the Note 7, returning with a fantastic handset that builds on the solid foundations of the Galaxy S8 series.
In addition to a slightly angular take on the S8’s design, Galaxy Note 8 owners will get everything we loved about the S8+, with a bigger and better display, the added utility of the S Pen, and a dual camera setup that introduces some really fun and creative photo possibilities. A phone that demand such a high asking price needs to excel across the board, and the Note 8 lives up to the high standards we demand from a phone in this price category.
The only thing your money won’t buy you is the latest version of Android Oreo out of the box — the Note 8’s still on Nougat for now.
Best runner-up
Google Pixel 2 XL
See at Verizon
See at Best Buy
See at Google Store
The Google Pixel 2 XL gets the number-two spot here, but its basically a coin toss between these two handsets. They’re both really, really good.
Despite some controversy around display quality — for what it’s worth, the Note 8 definitely wins in this area — the larger of Google’s two second-gen Pixel phones is a force to be reckoned with. It packs top-tier specs, a unique painted aluminum chassis in either black or panda black-and-white colors. And the curved glass front, while not quite as bezelless as Samsung’s current phones, looks sleek and futuristic.
The Pixel 2 XL also boasts the latest version of Android Oreo out of the box, with speedy updates to Android 8.1 and beyond. And the rear camera, with Google’s HDR+ technology, ranks as the best smartphone camera out there right now.
If you want a cleaner Android experience, or the latest software, or if Samsung’s designs just don’t do it for you, the Pixel 2 XL is a great alternative.
Bottom line: For a clean, fast and simple Android experience with probably the best low-light camera on any phone, the Pixel 2 XL is a fantastic choice.
One more thing: Since you’re likely buying the Pixel 2 XL unlocked anyway, consider Google’s own carrier, Project Fi.
Best tough phone
Samsung Galaxy S8 Active
See at AT&T
See at T-Mobile
Available on AT&T and T-Mobile in the United States, the Galaxy S8 Active is the latest ruggedized take on a modern Samsung flagship. Once again, building on the basis of the regular Galaxy S8, the Active model sports a chunkier, more durable chassis, loses the curved dispay and boasts an enormous 4,000mAh battery for epic longevity.
Add to that all your core GS8 features, likea great 12-megapixel rear camera, a bright screen and strong performance, and you’ve got the best tough Android phone you can buy.
Bottom line: It’s not as pretty as the regular GS8, but the Active pulls ahead with a giant battery and a less accident-prone chassis.
One more thing: The Active is only available on AT&T and T-Mobile, so your buying options are much more limited compared to the Note 8 or GS8.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to spend top dollar on a phone, our top choice is the Galaxy Note 8. It’s followed closely by Google’s top-end Pixel 2 XL, though, and if you need something tougher (and you live in the United States), you can consider the Galaxy S8 Active.
Best overall
Samsung Galaxy Note 8
See at Verizon
See at AT&T
See at T-Mobile
See at Sprint
See at Best Buy
See at Amazon
Samsung’s big-screened flagship phone delivers just about everything you could want from a premium handset — and with outright prices approaching $1,000, you’d hope so. The centerpiece of the Note 8 is its gorgeous 6.3-inch SuperAMOLED display, which can reach a dizzying 1,2000 nits in bright daylight for maxium visibility. You also get Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 835 processor (or Samsung’s latest Exynos 8895 processor outside North America), plus 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage as standard.
The solid camera experience of the GS8 has been augmented by a second telephoto lens, the first zoom lens with OIS (optical image stabilization) in an Android phone. And that’s backed up by all the core features you’d expect from a modern Samsung phone, like water resistance and fast wireless charging. And the S Pen is more useful than ever, with a bunch of new features.
Bottom line: The Galaxy Note 8 reigns supreme in the premium Android segment, with excellent performance across the board, only tarnished slightly by wonky fingerprint scanner placement.
One more thing:Want to pay a little less and get a slightly larger battery? Take a look at the Galaxy S8+.
Update, November 2017: The Galaxy Note 8 is our new winner, closely followed by the Google Pixel 2 XL. And the new best tough phone is the Galaxy S8 Active.
Google Assistant can help troubleshoot your Pixel 2
If you own a Pixel 2, the Assistant can now help troubleshoot basic Bluetooth, camera, and battery issues.
The Google Assistant’s list of various functions has grown far too large to list off every single one at this point, and while that’s great, it also means that certain tricks can slip between the cracks every now and then. In the latest discovery, it appears that the Assistant (at least on Pixel 2 devices) can help troubleshoot some basic issues.
Initially spotted by Android Police, asking Assistant “why is my phone not charging” or telling it to “troubleshoot camera” will initiate a troubleshooting session where it’ll ask you various questions about the issue you’re having. If the Assistant can’t help you resolve whatever problem you’ve run into, it’ll ask if you want it to contact Google Support on your behalf.
The official Pixel Phone Help pages on Google’s support site list the Assistant as a way for getting help with battery and Bluetooth issues, but the Assistant has also been discovered to aid with camera problems as well.
Troubleshooting with the Assistant is reported to work on Pixel 2 handsets running the Developer Preview for Android 8.1, but I also managed to get it working on my Pixel 2 running the latest November security patch for Android 8.0. However, no matter which version of Oreo you’re running, this functionality does seem to be limited to the Pixel 2 for the time being.
Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL
- Pixel 2 FAQ: Everything you need to know!
- Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL review: The new standard
- Google Pixel 2 specs
- Google Pixel 2 vs. Pixel 2 XL: What’s the difference?
- Join our Pixel 2 forums
Google Store
Project Fi
Verizon
Best Buy
Mint SIM Introduces Revolutionary Way To Trial Wireless Service [Sponsored]
Thinking of signing up with Mint SIM but aren’t sure about service or whether or not your phone will work? Download the Mint SIM app!
Mint SIM is changing the wireless service game with its no contract plans that you pay for up front. If you’re thinking of signing up but aren’t sure about coverage or even whether or not your phone will work on the network, then Mint SIM has the perfect tool to help you figure it out.
The Mint SIM app is available for Android and it’ll let you check out the coverage map for your area. It’ll also let you know if your phone is compatible (it probably is!). If you like what you see, then you can order a test kit that comes with two SIM cards for $5. One SIM is a test SIM, which gives you 100 texts, 100MB of data, and 100 minutes to make calls, zoom along on Mint SIM’s fast LTE network, and text everyone about you’re testing out Mint SIM and they should too. The Mint SIM app will tell you how much of each you have left.
If you dig the experience and want to sign up for a Mint SIM plan, then you can easily activate the second SIM card. The $5 you paid for the test kit converts into a credit toward the plan of your choice!
Mint SIM has affordable and flexible plans to suit your usage habits and needs. Sign up for 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months, and choose from 2GB of 4G LTE data/month, 5GB/month, or 10GB/month. All plans include unlimited talk, text, and 2G data!
If you’re considering Mint SIM but aren’t certain it’s the right decision for you yet, download the app and order the test kit. Try the service, and then just activate the second SIM on the plan of your choice. Easy peasy!
Save big on your monthly wireless bill!
Download: Mint SIM (free)
Qualcomm achieves first end-to-end 5G system based on 3GPP Standard
A huge step for wide-spread 5G services.
As we move further and further into a world filled with streaming, cloud storage, and other data-reliant tasks, access to ultra-fast data speeds is becoming more and more important. Qualcomm’s been one of the leading forces when it comes to building 5G-compatible hardware, and the company recently announced that it worked together with ZTE and China Mobile to achieve the first ever 5G Interoperability Data testing (IoDT) system that’s fully compliant with the 3GPP R15 standard.
The demonstration of this system was done at China Mobile’s 5G Join Innovation Center, and the system that was used took advantage of Qualcomm’s 5G ZR sub-6 GHz UE prototype and ZTE’s 5G NR pre-commercial base station. With these technologies working together, the system kicked out multi-gigabit per second peak speeds with much lower latency compared to what we currently have with 4G infrastructures.
Such fast and reliable speeds obviously mean big improvements for downloading large files, streaming 4K video content, and much more, but what’s so significant about Qualcomm’s latest test?
Thanks to the successful run of the 5G NR IoDT system, Qualcomm is now one step closer to pushing this tech at a much larger scale and will be able to focus on the continuous development of hardware that meets these 3GPP standards that are necessary for a 5G future.
Per Qualcomm Technologie’s Vice President, Christiano Amon –
Achieving the world’s first end-to-end 5G NR interoperable data connection is true testament to our 5G leadership, driving toward the timely launch of standard-compliant commercial networks. Qualcomm Technologies is committed to the continued success of China’s wireless industry and we are excited to collaborate with ZTE and China Mobile to accelerate the path to 5G in China.
Qualcomm has managed to fit its once briefcase-sized 5G modem into a phone
AIVAnet 