The best iPhone Xr cases

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

There’s no way to avoid knowing a new iPhone has been released, and Apple’s new range of iPhones is perhaps its best ever. 2018’s iPhones continue with the iPhone X‘s bold style, bringing the gorgeous bezel-less look to three new sizes of iPhone — the iPhone Xs, the iPhone Xs Max, and the iPhone Xr.

But with the iPhone X’s good looks come with similar vulnerabilities — a massive screen is beautiful, but that means there’s even more screen to crack and that metallic body is easy to dent. So if you’re gunning for Apple’s new mid-sized iPhone, then you might want to consider investing in some protection to stop your expensive new phone sprouting cracks and chips. While the iPhone Xr has only just been revealed, accessories manufacturers are already offering lots of cases to keep your precious phone protected. Here are the best iPhone Xr cases to keep your baby beautiful.

Otterbox Commuter Series ($50)

Protection is exceptionally important, but it doesn’t mean much if you can’t fit your phone in your pocket when you need to. Otterbox‘s Commuter Series is crafted to sidestep that problem. Made from a dual-layer system of shock-absorbing TPU and hard polycarbonate (PC), the Commuter is all the protection you’d expect from Otterbox, with a slim profile that’s easy to slip in and out of a pocket. It’s exceptionally protective, thanks to the two durable materials, but Otterbox takes it a step further with port covers that keep out dust, and the addition of non-slip grippy sides that help you to keep hold of your phone. Like most Otterbox cases it’s not cheap — but it’s some of the best protection you can buy.

Buy it now from:

Otterbox

Moshi Capto ($30)

Looking for a slim case that’s also packed with cool features? Look no further than Moshi‘s Capto case. It comes with good protection for a slim case, using a hard shell to provide military grade MIL-STD-810G protection against drops, as well as a raised bezel to protect the device when laid down. But the real magic comes from the strap on the back. When not in use, it clips to the back of the case, holding flat against your phone. But give it a tug and you can wrap it around your finger, using it to keep a tight hold of your iPhone and avoid dropping it. You can also clip it into place as a kickstand for watching your favorite media on the go. With additional utilities but no added bulk, the Capto is a great way to protect your slim iPhone XR.

Buy it now from:

Moshi

Incipio Reprieve Sport ($40)

Incipio is well known for making solid protective cases, so it means a lot when Incipio says this is its most protective case. But despite that accolade, it’s a fairly subtle case. A clear polycarbonate back allows your phone’s style to shine through, while still keeping it protected. The outside is ringed with a tough but flexible TPU bumper that will help absorb shocks from falls. There are reinforcements at every corner, further bolstering the areas most likely to hit the ground first during a fall, and it’s been drop-tested up to 12 feet. It’s ideal for people who might be a bit accident prone, and who want protection without losing their phone’s style.

Buy it now from:

Incipio

Mous Limitless 2.0 ($40)

Being slim and stylish, you might expect that Mous‘s Limitless 2.0 case isn’t as defensive as larger, bulkier cases can be. But Mous has leveraged some pretty awesome technology to craft the protective and good looking Limitless 2.0. and claims that the case will provide solid drop protection. It’s made from a material called Aeroshock; Mous’s cases are injected with micro crystals that expand into micro pockets of air when subjected to high temperatures. These pockets of air form thousands of tiny airbags within the case, minimizing the shock caused by impacts by dissipating energy within the case. The back panels are made from real materials, including bamboo, carbon fiber, and real shell. It might seem like it’s on the expensive side, but the Limitless 2.0 case is worth the outlay.

Buy it now from:

Mous

Lifeproof Fre ($90)

The iPhone Xr has an impressive IP67-rating for dust and water-resistance, but you still don’t really want your phone to get wet. So if you know your phone is going to come in regular contact with water, consider investing in a completely waterproof Lifeproof case. The Fre’s resume is certainly impressive — Lifeproof claims it’s proof against drops from up to 2 meters, completely sealed against water, dust, snow and more (even the ports and speakers are fully sealed), and it offers 360-degree protection with a built-in screen protector. It’ll protect your phone against immersion in up to two meters of water for up to an hour. It’s not the cheapest case around — but it’s less expensive than a new phone.

Buy it now from:

Lifeproof

Olixar ArmaRing ($19)

The Olixar ArmaRing is a tough case that isn’t afraid to show it off. It’s made from two distinct layers that add to the case’s toughness. The first layer is a soft and absorbent TPU core that wraps around the phone, adding grip and excellent resistance against drops and bumps. The second is a hard polycarbonate (PC) shell that clips over the top, providing a rigid backbone that helps to resist other damage. But that’s not all — the back of the ArmaRing contains a ring that can be folded out. You can either loop a finger through for extra grip, or use it as a handy kickstand. It’s tough, has its own rugged style, and you can’t argue with that price.

Buy it now from:

Mobile Fun

Totallee Thin ($25)

This case isn’t just thin — it’s Totallee thin! Awful jokes aside, this is a very good case to keep your iPhone Xr safe if you want slim protection to see off a variety of everyday threats. Totallee’s thin case is just 0.02 mm thick, weighs 0.1 ounce, and is completely branding free for that minimalist look. It’s not going to be as good at protecting against drops as other specialized cases, but it does offer excellent scratch-protection, as well as additional grip. There’s a raised lip around the camera to keep your lens safe, and it comes in multiple varieties. Leather offers sophistication, the glossy finish gives a minimal sheen, and matte allows Apple’s logo to shine through, loud and proud. Good all-round, fuss-free protection.

Buy it now from:

Totallee

Snakehive Leather Wallet ($30)

Looking for sleek executive chic? Look no further than this wallet case from Snakehive. It’s made from European full grain cowhide nubuck leather, so you can be sure you’re getting the real deal. Your phone is held in place by a plastic shell inside the leather, while the inner lining of the case is made from soft leather that won’t scratch or damage your phone’s screen. It folds all the way around your phone, ensuring full protection when not in use, and the inner lining also comes with space for up to three credit cards or some spare cash, enabling you to leave your wallet at home. Since this is real leather, your case won’t look exactly like the one in the picture — but it’ll develop its own patina as it ages, adding to its unique style.

Buy it now from:

Snakehive

Case-Mate Karat Mother of Pearl ($50)

Who needs minimalist and subtle style when you can have a case that’s literally covered in bits of pearl? If you can’t get enough loud style, then Case-Mate’s Karat series is perfect for you. It’s made from genuine materials encased in clear resin, to ensure that your shine never wears off or gets obscured. And it’s more protective than you’d think, with drop protection tested up to ten feet, and flexible sides that aid grip. It’s nicely finished, with metallic buttons and anti-scratch technology — and it comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s one of the pricier cases on this list, but with bold good looks and excellent protection, it’s still a good choice.

Buy it now from:

Case-Mate

Silk Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 ($25)

Wallet cases are great, but not every wallet case also has to be a folding folio. Silk’s Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 isn’t a folio case, but it does function as a wallet thanks to the stylish “backpack” on the case’s rear that can carry up to three payment cards or spare cash. It’s still thin, despite that addition, and it’s made from a tough material that should last your iPhone Xr’s lifespan. The Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 comes with extra-grippy sides, and also comes with a slot parallel to the card holder that functions as a kickstand. Just insert any credit card, and it’ll hold your phone in landscape — perfect for viewing on the go. Airbags in each corner help to resist drops, and a free screen protector competes the protection.

Buy it now from:

Silk

Editors’ Recommendations

• The best iPhone 7 Plus cases
• Keep that flagship phone safe with the best iPhone X cases and covers
• The best iPhone 8 Plus cases and covers
• The best iPhone 7 cases and covers
• The best iPhone 8 cases and covers

How to buy the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone XR in the UK

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The new iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone XR have been announced, and the pre-order day is coming right up. If you live in the U.K., how do you go about ordering one, and where can you do so? Here’s our simple guide to getting your hands on a new iPhone as quickly as possible.

If you live in the U.S. and want to grab a new iPhone, then our guide on how to do so is right here.

Pre-order, price, and release dates

The iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max will be available to pre-order from 08:01 U.K. time on the morning of September 14, with the release coming on September 21. The iPhone XR is coming a little later, with pre-orders starting on October 19 and the release date on October 26.

How much will you pay? Initially, the prices are likely to remain consistent regardless of where you buy one. Should you decide to buy directly through Apple, then the prices look like this:

iPhone Xs — Our hands-on review

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

• iPhone Xs 64GB: 1,000 British pounds
• iPhone Xs 256GB: 1,150 British pounds
• iPhone Xs 512GB: 1,350 British pounds

iPhone Xs Max — Our hands-on review

iPhone Xs Max Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

• iPhone Xs Max 64GB: 1,100 British pounds
• iPhone Xs Max 256GB: 1,250 British pounds
• iPhone Xs Max 512GB: 1,450 British pounds

iPhone XR — Our hands-on review

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

• iPhone XR 64GB: 750 British pounds
• iPhone XR 128GB: 800 British pounds
• iPhone XR 256GB: 900 British pounds

Buy through Apple

The prices above represent those recommended by Apple, and if you decide to buy through the online Apple Store or an Apple retail store, then this is the price you’ll pay up front. If you visit an Apple Store, then Apple offers an ‘iPhone Payments’ plan, where you can pay for your new iPhone over 20 months. You get an unlocked phone, and it’s interest free too.

iPhone Payments:

• iPhone Xs: Starting at 46.50 British pounds per month
• iPhone Xs Max: Starting at 51.50 British pounds per month
• iPhone XR: Starting at 34.00 British pounds per month.

Apple Stores also offer the iPhone Upgrade Program, where a similar monthly payment plan provides annual upgrades to the newest iPhone model. Each phone has an upfront payment of 70 British pounds, then a monthly cost. You’re required to trade-in your existing iPhone for every upgrade.

iPhone Upgrade Program:

• iPhone Xs: Starting at 56.45 British pounds per month
• iPhone Xs Max: Starting at 61.45 British pounds per month
• iPhone XR: Starting at 41.45 British pounds per month.

Apple also offers a separate trade-in program, so you can reduce the hassle of selling your phone privately. Prices vary, but a 256GB iPhone X in good shape will fetch 550 British pounds directly through Apple.

U.K. networks

If you’d prefer to buy your new iPhone with a contract, then you’ll want to check networks. All four major networks will offer the iPhone Xs, the iPhone Xs Max, and the iPhone XR.

• EE: Register here for an alert when iPhone Xs and Xs Max pre-orders open.
• Three: You can register here for the iPhone Xs and Xs Max, and for the iPhone XR. Three has said it will stock all iPhone Xs and Xs Max models, and all colors of the iPhone XR.
• O2: The network will stock all the new iPhone Xs, Xs Max, and iPhone XR models. Register for pre-order updates here.
• Vodafone: Register for updates on the iPhone Xs and Xs Max pre-order here

U.K. retailers

You don’t want to go to a network, and you don’t want to deal with the Apple Store, where else can you get your new iPhone? Luckily, several high street and online retailers will stock the new range. At the moment, most are only requesting you sign-up for more details; but we expect prices to match Apple’s.

• Argos: The iPhone Xs, Xs Max, and the iPhone XR are listed on Argos’ website, and as expected, you have to pre-register your interest. Argos told Digital Trends the company will have a 12-month buy now, pay later option.
• Clove Technology: The online retailer lists all three new iPhone models, and unusually, already has the prices attached too. They match Apple’s recommended prices, and you must register for updates.
• Carphone Warehouse: The retailer will stock the black, silver, and gold iPhone Xs and Xs Max, with all memory options. Pre-register here for updates.

We’ll update here with more offers, and when retailers other than Apple announce prices and release dates.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Apple iPhone Xs: News, release, specs, and more
• Here’s how to buy the brand-new Apple iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone Xr
• Apple iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR: All the hands-on photos you could ever need
• iPhone XS Max hands-on review
• iPhone Xs, Xs Max, and iPhone XR: 5 things we love, 5 things we hate

Everything from the iPhone XS we’d like to see in an Android phone

From improved Face ID to the A12 Bionic, the iPhone XS is looking darn nice.

Apple held a small event at its headquarters yesterday. Perhaps you heard something about it? A new watch was announced! And a few phones, too.

All joking aside, Apple’s fall hardware event was actually pretty great. The Apple Watch Series 4 looks miles better than any Wear OS device on the market, and even though it’s Apple’s “budget” option, the iPhone XR looks stunning. However, in this article, we’re focusing on the iPhone XS.

The XS is this year’s flagship iPhone, and even though it’s not running my operating system of choice, there are are a few features it has that I’d love to see come to an Android phone.

A notched display that doesn’t have a chin

Ever since the original iPhone X came out last year, it seems like every Android OEM has been in a mad rush to throw notches on their phones, too. While some devices like the OnePlus 6 and Essential Phone have notches that are considerably smaller than the one on the iPhone X, there’s one thing that notched Android phones have that the iPhone X and XS don’t — a chin at the bottom of the screen.

The purpose of the notch is to give you more screen real-estate while getting rid of traditional bezels. Apple’s able to achieve this by curving part of its displays underneath themselves and the end result is still stunning. For some reason, Android manufacturers have yet to pull this off.

Some phones like the Pixel 3 XL try to justify the notch and chin with dual front-facing speakers, but seeing as how the iPhone XS crams in stereo sound without a chin, that argument starts to break down very quickly.

Face ID

Just like the iPhone X before it, the iPhone XS returns with Face ID and no fingerprint sensor in sight. Plenty of Android phones have introduced their own version of face unlock since last September, with many of them actually working faster than Face ID’s performance on the X (at the cost of security, of course).

Apple says that Face ID on the iPhone XS is “faster and easier to use” compared to the X, and while we still aren’t sure how much faster it actually is, that’s awfully encouraging considering that Face ID already works quite well in its current form.

In addition to that, Face ID still rules above any face unlock system we’ve seen on Android for one big reason — app support.

Unlocking your phone with your face still takes a touch longer compared to a fingerprint sensor, but when you’re already actively using your phone, face verification makes so much sense for apps like 1Password, Apple Pay, etc.

Google’s yet to make a face verification system that can act as a method of unlocking apps, and until that day comes, Face ID will continue to be the leader when it comes to facial recognition.

Manual depth-of-field control for portrait shots

One of the most prominent camera features we’ve seen over the last year is portrait/bokeh mode. Android phones like the Pixel 2 tend to outperform the iPhone X in these regards, however, the iPhone XS has a trick up its sleeve that could make Apple the portrait king — Depth Control.

After you take a portrait photo with the iPhone XS, you can manually change the depth of field to adjust the blurred background effect to your exact liking.

Samsung offers something similar with Live Focus on phones like the Galaxy Note 9 and Galaxy S9+, but for whatever reason, few other OEMs have adopted it. I, for one, would love to see that change.

Add that together with other camera improvements, such as improved color accuracy and reduced noise for low-light photos, and the iPhone XS sounds like it’ll be the go-to phone for folks obsessed with portrait photography.

A12 Bionic chip

While the Snapdragon 835 from last year was no slouch, Apple’s A11 Bionic chip proved to absolutely crush it. Qualcomm’s made big improvements with the 845, but once again, the A12 Bionic has us drooling with its massive potential.

Even though the A11 Bionic was already the fastest mobile CPU we’ve ever seen, the A12 Bionic boasts:

• Up to 50% faster graphics performance
• Up to 50% lower usage with its efficiency cores
• Up to 15% faster main performance cores
• Improved image processing

Apple will never bring its in-house chips to Android, but a guy can dream, right?

Apple’s Taptic Engine

This isn’t new to the iPhone XS (it’s been around since the iPhone 7), but even so, Apple’s Taptic Engine continues to destroy every Android phone’s own haptic feedback.

To be honest, haptic feedback isn’t something that really comes to mind when comparing phones that you want to buy. However, when you consider that it’s something you feel every single day from notifications, typing, and more, it really is a big part of your day-to-day experience.

If you’ve never used an iPhone with a Taptic Engine, go to your local Best Buy right now and try it out. It’s incredible. Every touch, tap, and swipe comes to life because of it and it really does add an entirely new feeling of depth to the iPhone.

Some phones like the Pixel 2 and Galaxy S9 have OK feedback, but the Taptic Engine still runs circles around them. And when you get to more affordable phones, specifically the OnePlus 6 and Essential Phone, the feedback is so bad that you’re better just turning it off rather than subject yourself to that kind of torture.

Android OEMs, if you learn anything from Apple, let it be that it’s worth putting the time and money into good haptic feedback systems that don’t feel like they’re from 2010.

What do you want to see?

How about you? What features from the iPhone XS would you like to see in an Android phone? Sound off in the comments below and let me know!

Google Pixel 3: News, Rumors, Release Date, Specs, and more!

As an Android user, what do you think about the iPhone XS?

Apple’s new flagship starts at $999.

On September 12, 2018, Apple held an event at its Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino to unveil its brand-new hardware for the latter part of the year. While there Apple Watch Series 4 and iPhone XR look awfully interesting, the main focus was on the iPhone XS.

This is the successor to last year’s iPhone X, and this time around, is joined by a larger sibling in the form of the iPhone XS Max. Both the XS and XS Max offer minor improvements compared to the X, including a faster CPU, better image processing, longer battery life, and faster Face ID.

Looking through the AC forums, there are a lot of people that have plenty of thoughts to share on yesterday’s announcements.

UKgalaxy
09-12-2018 04:48 PM

“

I’ve only recently (9 months ago) went from android over to Apple and invested heavily in their ecosystem, I.e. iPhone, MacBook Pro etc etc and having seen the absurd prices of the Xs Max I think i won’t be buying any new products anytime soon. The watch alone has increased by £70 over last years model and they are near enough pricing me back to the android market.

The keynote just seemed very…

Reply

Mr Segundus
09-12-2018 05:51 PM

“

$1,099 for a 64GB iPhone XS Max (what kind of name is that???) is absolutely ridiculous. Why would anyone pay that price for a 64GB phone???

I am with you. I don’t miss my iPhone X at all. I am really happy with my 512GB Note 9.

Reply

stuckingoo
09-12-2018 06:31 PM

“

I’m going back and forth between Note 9 and Max. The Apple adherents are extremely angry on their boards as many want the the big OLED but Apple is squeezing them. Personally 128 gb is just as useful as 256 gb….to me anyway. I’m not going to fill either up. But since Apple is not offering 128 gb the choice involves in effect a difference in price of about 25%. Huge. I kind of like to change…

Reply

arunma
09-12-2018 10:23 PM

“

I’ll be getting the wife the new iPhone XS for her birthday next month, because she does Apple. I personally prefer my Note 9, but it’ll be interesting to do a hands on comparison.

Reply

Now, we’d love to hear from you! As an Android user, what do you think about the iPhone XS?

Join the conversation in the forums!

Notifications are one of the best things about Android Pie

Small but significant changes come to your notification shade with Android Pie.

One of the best features of Android is its notification system. It uses the best ideas from companies that originally got it right, like Palm and Nokia, then blends them into a display of information and rich content that we have all come to rely on. Because the notification system is very important for a handheld device that’s supposed to keep you in touch with the world around you, it’s also constantly being improved. Android Pie is no exception.

Android notifications improve every year. Here’s what happened with Android Oreo.

A new look

Your notifications can (and often do) look very different depending on which company made your phone. That’s also part of Android’s notifications — they are customizable by the developers that built Android itself, as well as app developers that know best what notifications their apps should generate. Phones from manufacturers that tend to follow Google’s lead, like Motorola and Sony, things will be softer, rounder, and more colorful with Android Pie.

Gone are things like grey lines to act as separators, and instead your status bar — which also has a new look to accommodate display notches — won’t become part of the shade when it’s drawn. Instead, the shade transforms into a card interface with round corners and bright icons for quick settings, and a second card for the actual notification content. The bright colors and round corners will be subject to individual tastes (and debate) but it’s evident that someone at Google spent a lot of time and attention to detail here.

The change looks more drastic than it is, and that’s likely by design, too. Android’s notification shade doesn’t need to be rebuilt or changed too much at once. That’s how you ruin a good thing. Instead, time should be spent to find the perfect interface to show us what we expect to see. Android has matured.

Smarter everywhere

Smart replies using Google’s machine learning algorithms come standard with Android Pie. Your phone parses the content of a message when it shows a preview in the notification, and as a result, you are given three smart replies you can send with a single tap. These have been supported since Android 8.0, but now Google is building them into the notification system for all app developers to use. You can, of course, choose to ignore the suggestions and type you own reply directly from the notification if you like.

And you may very well be able to use the notification shade without opening your messaging app. Pie brings changes that identify the sender and display the last few lines of the conversation at the top of your phone. The new Person class can fetch user details from your contacts and show avatars, nicknames and other information about who is talking. It even works for group messages.

When you want to reply, there is no need to open the app. Everything you need is available at the bottom of the shade including things like saving as a draft, mark as read, delete, and reply just like the reply field in the app itself. For those of us who tend to send short and sweet messages, it’s like having a second miniature version of the app in your notifications.

Only what you want to see

Pie brings much better control over notification fine-tuning. You’ve always been able to stop an app from notifying you completely, but as Android’s notification system gets better, tools like choosing which type of notification you see from an app improve, too.

Anytime you get notified you can long press it, then tap the information icon in the top right. That takes you to the apps settings page, which you can also reach through device settings under Applications or Apps & Notifications depending on which type of phone you have.

Once on an app’s settings page tap the Notifications listing and you’ll have control over what categories of notifications you want to see, and how you want to be notified.

Goodbye, Mr. Annoying

With Android Pie, the “APP_NAME is using battery” message that has bugged so many users is now a thing of the past. You can still look into the battery usage through the settings should you need to do so, but seeing that YouTube is using the battery because it has not yet been closed by the system isn’t going to haunt you any longer.

Shhhhh!

Do Not Disturb has once again been tweaked with Android Pie. You can now change out Do Not Disturb settings in a way that makes sense.

Long-pressing the Quick Settings Do Not Disturb icon gives you the option to toggle what gets muted, exceptions to the general rules, and schedule when Do Not Disturb is automatically enabled.

We’re not sure how manufacturers will make changes here, but it’s nice to see bare-bones Android have a little more control over what’s an important feature for a lot of us.

Notifications matter

Notifications are one of Android’s long-standing strengths. Google always makes improvements when a new version of Android rolls around, and with Android Pie they’ve done a great job.

We can’t wait to see what our favorite developers can do with these new tools!

Updated September 2018: Android 9 Pie is officially out! We’ve gone through the settings and checked out all the goodies.

Android 9 Pie

• Android 9 Pie review: Greater than the sum of its slices
• Everything you need to know about Android 9 Pie!
• Will my phone get Android Pie?
• How to get Android 9 Pie on your Pixel right now
• Join the Discussion

The $280 Kano Computer Kit Touch teaches you to build and code

Do it yourself.

The newest Kano kit is a do-it-yourself touchscreen computer that will teach you how to put the computer together, turn it on, learn some basic coding, play games, and more. The Computer Kit Touch is already out there on the Kano website, Amazon, and other places. It sells for $279.99 and you can get it now from Kano or wait until October 1 if you order from Amazon.

The kit starts with a step-by-step storybook that walks you through the process of putting your new computer together. It uses words and pictures, and it’s designed to be used by children so anyone can learn from it. When you get to the end of the book, you’ll have a fully functional Raspberry Pi computer with a 10.1-inch HD touchscreen and a wireless keyboard. The computer has the Kano OS already on it, a storage capacity of 16GB, and a three hour battery life. You’ll even build your own speakers.

The process doesn’t stop there because once you turn it on you’ll begin to learn the basics of coding through tutorials, challenges, and games. You’ll learn how to make music, produce art, play Minecraft, and more. The advanced levels include real applications of Javascript and Python programming languages.

Making a touchscreen computer from scratch seems awesome, but Kano has been doing this for years and has plenty of kits to choose from. If your main curiosity is in learning how to build a computer or some basic coding, or you just want something fun and nerdy to do with your kids, then you can get other kits like the 2017 Kano Computer Kit for less than $105. Or if you want to learn a bit of magic, try the Kano Harry Potter Coding Wand for $99.99.

The Computer Kit Touch comes with a one-year warranty and a lifetime of help.

See on Amazon

OnePlus announces Type-C Bullets earbuds, launching with OnePlus 6T

The headphones will cost the same as the exisitng Bullets V2.

We’re expecting the OnePlus 6T to be announced at some point next month, and when that happens, we now have confirmation that a new accessory will be launching alongside it — the Type-C Bullets earbuds.

The Type-C Bullets are being marketed as an upgrade of the current Bullets V2 wired earbuds, and while the biggest change is with the 3.5mm connector being replaced with USB-C, the Type-C Bullets have a few other improvements, too.

OnePlus notes that sound quality on the earbuds is better than what’s offered with the V2. The earbuds have a professional DAC from Ciruss Logic that offers a higher dynamic range, lower noise floor, and a more minimal loss of sound quality.

To make the earbuds more durable, OnePlus has added an aramid fiber to the wire that enables them to be more resistant to stretching.

The Type-C Bullets earbuds will be released alongside the OnePlus 6T which OnePlus says is “projected for Q4 2018.” More specifically, earlier rumors have hinted at an October release. When the Type-C Bullets do launch, they’ll cost $19.95 in the United States and £15.99 in the UK (the same price as the Bullets V2).

OnePlus 6T: News, Rumors, Release Date, Specs, and more!

OnePlus 6 vs. iPhone XR: Which Should You Buy?

We’re a virtual company made up of tech experts from across the globe. We live and breathe smartphones, and use nearly every one to find the best choice for you.

OnePlus 6

Specs Powerhouse

$529 at OnePlus

Pros

• One of the cleanest takes on Android
• Better update track record than most Android manufacturers
• Great design
• Solid camera
• Has a headphone jack
• Offers a few color options

Cons

• Not compatible with Verizon or Sprint
• Limited customer service

If you want an Android phone, it’s hard not to recommend the OnePlus 6. The company is still delivering software updates for the two-year-old OnePlus 3, which is better than most manufacturers. The camera easily holds its own in daylight, and isn’t bad at night either. Unfortunately if you’re using Verizon or Sprint, you’ll want to look elsewhere

iPhone XR

Apple’s budget offering

$749 at Apple

Pros

• Lots of great color choices
• The latest Apple software for 5+ years
• Qi wireless charging
• Full day battery
• Great camera

Cons

• iOS doesn’t offer as much customization as Android
• No fingerprint sensor
• No headphone jack
• Kinda pricey for what it is

If you’re into Apple’s phones — it’s okay, we love you all the same — the iPhone XR is probably going to be the best iPhone this year. It has the same hardware inside as the more expensive models, nearly the same camera, the exact same software, five color options and it’s much less expensive than the other iPhones.

The main difference between these phones is the age old question: do you prefer iOS or Android?

What are the differences?

Besides the Android vs. iOS argument, there are some concrete differences between these phones. We haven’t seen camera samples from the iPhone XR yet, but given Apple’s 2017 phones took better photos and video than the OnePlus 6, it’s a safe bet the 2018 ones will be even better.

The display on the OnePlus 6 is marginally larger, but being an OLED panel it will offer deeper blacks and use less battery life than the LCD in the iPhone. Not say the display in the iPhone is bad: it has all the hallmarks and technical specs of Apple’s other displays. Being able to use the phone where you live is supremely important, and if you use Verizon or Sprint you won’t be able to use the OnePlus.

The OnePlus 6 and iPhone XR both offer fast face unlock, though Apple’s method is much more secure. OnePlus still includes a fingerprint sensor that’s just as easy to use as any other phone, so you don’t have to use its face unlock if you don’t want to. The iPhone can charge via its Lightning port or with a Qi wireless charger, while the OnePlus 6 can only charge with a cable.

Now for the most important feature of the iPhone XR: the color options. It’s offered in (Product)Red, Yellow, White, Coral, Black, and the most perfect shade of Blue. The OnePlus 6 comes in Mirror (Glossy) and Midnight (Matte) Black, Silk White and Red.

OnePlus 6

A great bargain

$529 at OnePlus

If you want an Android phone, the OnePlus 6 is one of the best out there.

The OnePlus 6 isn’t just a great Android phone, it’s a great phone period. It’s much less expensive than comparable phones from other manufacturers, offers a very minimal version of Android, and it will likely receiver software support for at least two years. Just don’t buy it if you use Sprint or Verizon.

iPhone XR

The “budget” iPhone

If you prefer iOS, this will be the best iPhone for the money this year.

$749 at Apple

This iPhone stands toe-to-toe with the other models Apple announced for this year, but comes in at a much lower price. The camera will be better than that on the OnePlus, and it will easily receive software support for five years or more. Plus, that blue color is to die for.

The OnePlus 6T will not have a 3.5mm headphone jack

OnePlus is going to end 2018 with a bang.

Ever since it was released this past May, the OnePlus 6 has been one of the absolute best values in smartphones we’ve seen in 2018. The phone’s only gotten better thanks to striking new colors and fast software updates, and right around the corner is its incremental successor — the OnePlus 6T.

The 6T likely won’t shake up the OnePlus 6’s formula too much, but even so, it’s already shaping up to be one of the year’s most interesting smartphones.

Without further ado, here’s everything we know about the OnePlus 6T!

The latest OnePlus 6T news

September 13, 2018 — The OnePlus 6T will not have a headphone jack

Yep, you read that correctly. As confirmed by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei in an interview with TechRadar, the 6T will not have a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Having a headphone jack on its phones is something OnePlus has adamantly bragged about for the last few years, so why is the company now deciding to remove it? First of all, Pei notes that by removing the headphone jack, more features can be crammed into the 6T.

Some of that space is likely going to the in-display fingerprint sensor that was already confirmed by the company, and along with that, Pei says battery life is being improved, too. We don’t have raw numbers, but it’s said that the improvement will be “substantial enough for users to realize.”

Another reason for the jack’s removal is timing. Per a survey that OnePlus conducted earlier this year, 59% of its users already have some sort of wireless earbuds. Furthermore, Pei expects that number to now be higher following the release of the Bullets Wireless.

OnePlus expects some backlash from its community, and like we’ve seen from Apple, Google, and others, a 3.5mm-to-USB-C dongle will be included in the box so you can continue to use your old wired headphones.

What do you think about the 6T not having a headphone jack?

September 10, 2018 — OnePlus confirms in-display fingerprint sensor for OnePlus 6T

Less than a week since the OnePlus 6T retail box leaked, OnePlus has confirmed to CNET that one of the main features shown there — specifically the in-display fingerprint sensor — will be present on the phone at launch.

In an email sent to the publication, OnePlus said:

We unlock our phones multiple times a day, and Screen Unlock reduces the number of steps to complete the action. By adding this feature as an addition to other display unlocking options such as Face Unlock, users will have options to unlock the display in a way that is most efficient for them.

OnePlus also shared a screenshot of the 6T’s lock screen, and as you can see, an icon near the bottom of the display will show users where to put their finger to unlock the phone. Similar to devices like the Vivo X20 Plus UD and Vivo Nex, the 6T uses an optical scanner under its screen that views your print, matches it with one that’s been set up, and unlocks your phone.

In-display sensors have typically been slower than traditional ones on the front or back of a device, and if that’s the case with the 6T, at least we’ll also have Face Unlock as an unlocking option, too.

September 4, 2018 — Retail box reveals an in-display fingerprint sensor and “waterdrop” notch

Our first big OnePlus 6T leak has finally arrived!

A retail box for the phone recently appeared in a few photos online, and while the phone itself isn’t anywhere to be seen, the packaging actually confirms a couple key details about it.

Thanks to an outline of the 6T inside the box, we can see that it adopts a very similar design compared to the Oppo R17 that was announced in mid-August. As such, we’ve got a phone with very slim bezels, a tiny chin at the bottom, and a waterdrop style notch at the top.

This outline also shows a fingerprint near the bottom center of the display — suggesting that the 6T will be the first OnePlus phone to adopt an in-display fingerprint sensor.

August 17, 2018 — OnePlus 6T to launch on T-Mobile in the U.S. in October

A new report from CNET surfaced today, and if you’ve been waiting for more juicy details on the OnePlus 6T, there’s plenty for you here.

OnePlus phones in the U.S. have always been sold exclusively as unlocked handsets through OnePlus’s website, but with the 6T, OnePlus will be launching the phone on its first carrier partner in the States — T-Mobile. The T-Mobile version of the OnePlus 6T is said to be “optimized for T-Mobile’s network” and will work beautifully with the Un-Carrier’s 600Mhz band.

Pricing for the OnePlus 6T is said to be about $550 (a slight increase from the $529 OnePlus 6) and it’ll launch at some point in October.

August 14, 2018 — The new Oppo R17 is likely the phone the OnePlus 6T will be modeled after

If you’ve been following OnePlus for a while, chances are you know that its parent company is Oppo. OnePlus typically uses Oppo phones as references for its own hardware, and this year, the reference device for the OnePlus 6T will likely be the all-new Oppo R17.

While the 6T won’t be identical to the R17, the phone’s biggest features will likely carry over — including the waterdrop notch at the top of the display and all-glass back.

The R17’s notch is one of the smallest we’ve ever seen, and should this make its way to the 6T, it’ll be a big win for the phone’s design. The display below that measures in at 6.4-inches, and to not much surprise, retains a resolution of 1080 x 2280 Full HD.

Where will I be able to buy the OnePlus 6T?

Like previous OnePlus phones, we’re certain that the OnePlus 6T will be sold unlocked on OnePlus’s website.

However, new this year in the U.S., OnePlus has apparently secured its first carrier partner.

In addition to selling the phone unlocked, OnePlus will also sell the 6T via T-Mobile. The unlocked variant will work just fine on TMO, but by having the phone sold directly through the carrier and available to purchase via monthly financing, this should hopefully get the 6T in more people’s hands than previous OnePlus devices.

When will the phone be released?

According to a report from CNET, the OnePlus 6T will launch this fall — sometime in October, to be exact.

Seeing as how the OnePlus 5T went on sale November 21 and sales for the 3T opened up November 28, we have no reason not to believe OnePlus will shoot for an October launch. It’s not uncommon for OEMs to move up launch dates by a month or so compared to previous releases, and seeing as how the next-gen iPhones will be announced on September 12 and the Pixel 3 will be unveiled on October 9, OnePlus appears to be slotting itself in nicely with those big-name launches.

How much will the 6T cost?

Per that same report, the OnePlus 6T will cost $550.

In typical OnePlus fashion, that’s a minor price hike compared to its past releases. Here’s how the $550 OnePlus 6T will compare to previous OnePlus phones:

• OnePlus 6 — $529
• OnePlus 5T — $499
• OnePlus 5 — $479
• OnePlus 3T — $439
• OnePlus 3 — $399

OnePlus 6 review: The matter is settled

OnePlus 6

• OnePlus 6 review
• OnePlus 6 vs. OnePlus 5T: How much changes in six months?
• OnePlus 6 vs. OnePlus 5: Should you upgrade?
• These are the official OnePlus 6 cases
• The OnePlus 6 doesn’t work on Verizon or Sprint
• Join the discussion in the forums

UK Daily Deals: Bose headphones, Orbi mesh networking systems, and more

Whether you’re looking for new tech gear or household items, we’ve got you covered.

We found plenty of great deals today that include big discounts on Bose wireless headphones, Orbi home Wi-Fi systems, Tile Bluetooth trackers, and more!

View the rest of the deals

Each day, the Thrifter UK team scouts out and shares amazing deals on products you know and love, helping you find the best prices on the ‘net.

For more UK deals coverage, be sure to keep an eye on Thrifter UK and follow the team on Twitter for the most up-to-the-minute coverage.