OnePlus 6T vs. Galaxy S9: Can the Flagship Killer claim another victim?

Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

The OnePlus 6T is OnePlus’ latest high-spec flagship most popular phones in the world, with similar specs to OnePlus’s latest — but it comes with a bigger price tag. Can the OnePlus 6T take the Galaxy S9 down?

Specs

OnePlus 6T
Samsung Galaxy S9

Size
157.5 x 74.8 x 8.2 mm (6.20 x 2.94 x 0.32 inches)
147.6 x 68.7 x 8.4 mm (5.81 x 2.70 x 0.33 inches)

Weight
185 grams (6.5 ounces)
163 grams (5.75 ounces)

Screen size
6.41-inch AMOLED
5.8-inch Super AMOLED display

Screen resolution
2,340 x 1,080 pixels (402 pixels per inch)
2,960 x 1,440 pixels (570 pixels per inch)

Operating system
OxygenOS (over Android 9.0 Pie)
Android 8.0 Oreo

Storage space
128GB, 256GB

64GB, 128GB, 256GB

MicroSD card slot
No
Yes, up to 512GB

Tap-to-pay services
Google Pay
Google Pay, Samsung Pay

Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845

RAM
6G, 8GB
4GB

Camera
Dual 16MP (with OIS) and 20MP rear, 16MP front
12MP (with OIS) rear, variable aperture, 8MP front

Video
Up to 4K at 60 frames per second, 1080p at 240 fps, 720p at 480 fps
4K at 60 frames per second, 1080p at 240 fps, 720p at 960 fps

Bluetooth version
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.0

Ports
USB-C
3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C

Fingerprint sensor
Yes, in-display
Yes

Water resistance
No
IP68

Battery
3,700mAh

OnePlus Fast Charge

3,000mAh

QuickCharge 2.0

Qi wireless charging

App marketplace
Google Play Store
Google Play Store

Network support
T-Mobile, AT&T
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint

Colors
Mirror Black, Midnight Black
Midnight Black, Coral Blue, Lilac Purple

Price
$549
$840

Buy from
OnePlus

Samsung, Amazon

Review score
4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5 stars

Performance, battery life, and charging

Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

Both phones come with this year’s “flagchip,” the Snapdragon 845, so you can expect to get similar high-level performance from each. OnePlus previously pushed for super-fast performance on the OnePlus 6, so it might be that the 6T will feel faster in everyday tasks. The 6T has options for 6GB and 8GB of RAM — significantly higher than the S9’s 4GB — however, the impact that more RAM has on performance is debatable. Storage space is similarly close, with both phones topping out at 256GB — but only the S9 has a MicroSD card slot.

The 6T wins in pure battery capacity, as its 3,700mAh dwarfs the S9’s 3,000mAh. It’s fair to expect longer battery life from the OnePlus phone. Charging times on both will be speedy, but the 6T’s fast charging outstrips the S9’s QuickCharge 2.0 fast charging by a decent margin. However, only the S9 comes with convenient wireless charging.

With flagship specs on both, it’s very tough to call a winner here. Looking at elements the phones differ on, the 6T’s larger battery and speedier charging win out over wireless charging on the S9.

Winner: OnePlus 6T

Design and durability

As usual with Samsung and OnePlus, these are both exceptionally beautiful phones. The S9 broadly follows the Galaxy S8‘s style, but that’s not a bad thing — the S9’s sleek glass silhouette is still one of the most beautiful handsets around. At the same time, we really like the OnePlus 6T’s changes, including slimming the bezels down even further, and adopting a dewdrop-style notch. It’s just as beautiful and sleek as the S9, and both phones score a 10 in looks.

Things aren’t as solid when we turn to durability. While the glass on each phone is similarly fragile, OnePlus continues to avoid adding any IP-rated water resistance to its phones. As a result, the 6T is far less likely to survive a slip into the pool than the IP68-rated S9. Also, if you’re a fan of your old pair of headphones, the OnePlus 6T breaks with tradition and does away with the headphone jack — which the S9 retains.

While both phones are super-stylish, the S9’s IP-rated water resistance really gives it an advantage, though you’ll still want a case.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S9

Display

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

There are deep inky blacks and strongly vibrant colors for everyone, thanks to the AMOLED displays on both phones. The OnePlus 6T comes with a huge 6.41-inch display running a 2,340 x 1,080 resolution, and it’s a very good screen. The Galaxy S9’s display is smaller at 5.8-inches, but it’s running a 2,960 x 1,440 resolution — making the S9’s display significantly sharper than the 6T’s. Samsung also has considerable knowledge of screen tech, and the S9 has one of the best displays in the world, as evidenced by it initially topping DisplayMate’s ratings.

The OnePlus 6T’s display is beautiful, but it can’t compare to the S9’s master class in screen-tech.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S9

Camera

Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

Bucking multilens trends, you’ll find only a single 12-megapixel lens on the back of the Galaxy S9. It’s still a great camera, with fantastic performance in a variety of lighting, thanks primarily to the variable aperture that changes depending on lighting. Despite lacking a second lens, it can simulate a portrait mode on the rear camera and the front-facing 8-megapixel lens.

The OnePlus 6T packs a primary 16-megapixel lens with a secondary 20-megapixel lens. It’s more or less the same two lenses we saw on the OnePlus 6, and while it’s a good setup, it can’t quite match the S9’s great camera. OnePlus has added A.I. optimization to the 6T’s camera, though, so it should be capable of adjusting settings to get the most out of a sunset, your lunch, or a bunch of other scenes. The 16-megapixel front-facing camera should also be capable of the same thing.

Video-wise, you’ll be able to take full 4K video at 60 frames per second on both devices, but the S9 goes further with the ability to shoot super slow motion video at 960 fps. The 6T can capture 480 fps in super slow motion, but it can’t quite match the S9.

This is something of a mixed bag. While the OnePlus 6T has a decent camera, it’s still one of the weaker points of the phone, and it’s simply not as capable as the Galaxy S9’s excellent single shooter.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S9

Software and updates

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The Galaxy S9 comes with Android 8.0 Oreo underneath the Samsung Experience UI. It’s a good skin, and it shouldn’t be hard for anyone with prior Android experience to make the switch. Samsung’s update record isn’t as good though, and most owners will find themselves waiting for some time before an update to Android 9.0 Pie is available. The S9 will definitely get the Pie update, as well as Android Q — but Samsung has never been quick on updates.

The OnePlus 6T comes with Android 9.0 Pie, hidden under OxygenOS. It’s low on bloatware and pre-installed apps, and it’s extremely fast — but the real win here is Android 9.0 Pie. The 6T is up-to-date, and that’s not something the S9 can match yet. OnePlus’ record with updates is also extremely good — so it’s one to watch if you like prompt updates.

Android 9.0 Pie and much faster updates win this for the OnePlus 6T.

Winner: OnePlus 6T

Special features

Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

You’ll get a good amount of special features in the Galaxy S9, including the Bixby voice assistant, VR support with Gear VR, and support for desktop-style work with Samsung’s DeX mode. There’s even augmented reality support with AR Emojis, as well as everything you’d expect from Android 8.0 Oreo, including the Google Assistant.

The OnePlus 6T is similarly packed with special features. You’ll find Android 9.0 Pie’s biggest new features on here, including the new gesture-based controls. OnePlus has added more gestures to the mix though, and owners will be able to pause music by drawing a pause sign on the lock screen, or take a screenshot with a three-finger gesture. There’s also a gaming mode that prioritizes performance and network traffic for your games, and modes for your display that cut out blue light at night, or shift to monochrome for easier reading.

There’s face scanning too, like the OnePlus 6 — but the biggest new addition is an in-display fingerprint scanner. Simply press down on the fingerprint icon on your lock screen and you’ll be logged in. Keep pressing, and you’ll also pull up a customizable menu for quick app access.

It’s another tough fight. The 6T’s features aren’t quite as flashy as the S9’s — outside of the in-display fingerprint scanner — but the S9’s features generally require some sort of buy-in. Ultimately, we feel this choice is a personal one — pick whichever one has the better features for you.

Winner: Tie

Price

The Samsung Galaxy S9 is currently available, with prices starting at $840 for the 64GB model, although if you shop around, you can get one for quite a bit less than that now. It will work on every major network. The OnePlus 6T costs $549, but it will only work on T-Mobile, AT&T, and other GSM networks.

Overall winner: Samsung Galaxy S9

The Galaxy S9 may have come out on top in this particular battle, but that doesn’t mean the “Flagship Killer” has entirely missed its mark. The OnePlus 6T is a phenomenal phone with all the power, beauty, and advanced camera tech that you’d expect from a flagship device — but for several hundred dollars less.

On balance, the Galaxy S9’s water resistance, large array of additional features, and extremely solid performance mean that Samsung’s phone is probably the better of the two to pick up — but if you can’t ignore the OnePlus 6T’s lower price, then OnePlus’s newest flagship killer is a fantastic choice.

Editors’ Recommendations

• OnePlus 6T: Absolutely everything you need to know
• OnePlus 6T vs. OnePlus 6 vs. OnePlus 5T vs. OnePlus 5: Should you upgrade?
• OnePlus 6T review
• Samsung Galaxy Note 9 vs. OnePlus 6: Does more expensive mean better?
• The 6-inch OnePlus 5T: Everything you need to know

Google’s updated Recaptcha deters bots without imposing verification tasks

Ken Wolter /123rf

Google has updated its Recaptcha verification tool to its third version, allowing website owners to weed out harmful traffic generated by bots without even requiring visitors to prove they’re human. The change also makes it easier for website visitors to log into their favorite sites without the wasted time and frustration of having to solve a puzzle to prove they’re a real human each time.

Google designed Recaptcha originally to help websites identify that their traffic was generated by human visitors, and help filter out robots that generate spam or automated abuse, but the search giant said that “the one-time verification didn’t fit every single use case.” Rather than requiring users to perform interactive tests — like clicking on a checkbox on a login page to prove that they’re a human — Recaptcha v3 now generates a score so website owners can determine if their traffic originated from bots.

“Recaptcha v3 returns a score for each request without user friction,” Google said of the update on its developer page. “The score is based on interactions with your site and enables you to take an appropriate action for your site.” Recaptcha will rank traffic and interactions based on a score of 0.0 to 1.0, with a 1.0 being a good interaction and scores closer to 0.0 indicating a good likelihood that the traffic was generated by bots.

Website owners can generate scripts to perform automated actions based on the traffic score. For instance, if Recaptcha v3 returns a low score, a website owner can use a script to require two-factor authentication or email verification as a login requirement for their sites. “As Recaptcha v3 doesn’t ever interrupt the user flow, you can first run Recaptcha without taking action and then decide on thresholds by looking at your traffic in the admin console,” Google added. “By default, you can use a threshold of 0.5.”

In a YouTube video demonstrating how Recaptcha v3 works, Google said that the verification can be added to different parts of a website, including for logging into accounts, posting reviews, or checking a site out to make purchases. When applied to product review pages, Rcaptcha helps to maintain the integrity of the website by being able to identify and filter fake reviews that are posted by bots.

“Recaptcha’s adaptive risk analysis engine takes in various signals about the interactions and predicts the likelihood the request was generated by a bot,” Google said. “It works best with context about how both humans and bots interact with your website. So for best performance, include Recaptcha in many places.”

For users and web surfers, the best part about Recaptcha v3 is that it eliminates friction when users log into sites as they no longer have to prove that they are human by checking on a box, typing in verification codes that are difficult to read, or performing puzzles.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Chrome 69 logs you in without consent, but Google says it’s for your own good
• ‘World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth’ Review
• How to delete your Instagram account
• Instagram hackers are changing account info into Russian email addresses
• How to make a Discord bot

TourBox is a one-handed Photoshop console designed to swiftly edit photos

Local adjustments in Photoshop and Lightroom are often a back-and-forth process between the keyboard and the mouse or a graphics tablet but TourBox aims to reduce that with a mini editing console. Unlike other editing consoles, the TourBox is designed to be used with one hand while the other remains on the mouse or a graphics tablet.

Designed for Lightroom and Photoshop but configurable with other editing programs, the TourBox packs three different types of dials and several buttons onto a device that is less than five inches wide. The TourBox can be custom configured to control different adjustments using software.

Tour Tech / Kickstarter

The device’s one-handed design means one hand can draw on a graphics tablet while the other uses the dials and buttons to control brush size, hardness, flow, and opacity. The editing console can also cycle through the different tools, zoom in and out, swap foreground and background colors in Photoshop.

In Lightroom, the console can adjust the different dials quickly after the mouse clicks each option. The Los Angeles-based startup, Tour Tech, says that the TourBox will also have suggested presets for Capture One, Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, and others, along with tools to customize the controls for different programs. The device is compatible with both Mac and Windows and plugs in using a USB-C port.

While TourBox isn’t the first to give photo editors physical controls for photo editing, the TourBox’s smaller size is designed to be used with one hand. The popular Loupedeck is closer in size to a keyboard than a video game controller, while the Palette Gear uses controls that can be custom arranged. TourBox is also designed for designers as well as photographers and works with Photoshop, unlike Loupedeck. The smaller size means fewer buttons, but the one-handed design looks like it could appeal more for local editing and adjusting brush parameters with one hand while using a graphics tablet in the other.

The TourBox design is enough to capture the attention of more than 1,400 backers on Kickstarter, bringing the campaign well beyond the original goal. If the project is successful, early backers could receive a TourBox for about $89. Tour Tech says the TourBox has already been through three prototypes and testing and anticipates shipping beginning in December.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Adobe Spark Page makes web design easy — here’s how to use it
• You can finally throw away your PC; Photoshop is coming to the iPad
• OnePlus 6: Everything you need to know
• How to use Adobe Spark Post to spice up your social media images
• World’s first 49-inch, dual QHD curved monitor tops Dell’s new line of displays

Concept images dress up a new Mac Mini in a sleek space gray

The Mac Mini has not gotten a major upgrade in over four years, but with the latest Apple event now being less than a day away, rumors continue to surface on what a refreshed model can look like. That is exactly why one designer has taken it on himself to put together a package of new Apple concept images all dressed up in space gray, as spotted by 9to5Mac.

The concepts, designed by Viktor Kádár as part of a collaboration with the blog iMagazin, envision some of the upgrades that Apple fans have long wanted to see on a new Mac Mini.

Aside from coming outfitted in the new space gray color, around the back of the Mac Mini device in the concept are some new ports. These include four USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and the usual HDMI, SD card reader, and ethernet jack. That is a modern change from the current Mac mini, which sports four USB 3.0 ports and Thunderbolt 2 ports.

Ports on the back of the concept Mac Mini (via Viktor Kádár)

Other concept images in the package also envision a new wireless space gray magic keyboard, with a Touch Bar and Touch ID included on board. These are a bit more of wild shots, but tie in with concepts for a new slim-bezel Apple display, which is something that remains unlikely for the October 30 event.

Though these images are nothing but a concept, it sure does stir up hype for what Apple might have on showcase at the event. As last noted it is widely expected for the new Mac Mini model to come with new processors aimed at professional users. However, given that the Mac mini has always been compact, a complete design revamp remains unlikely.

As for the other Apple products expected at the October 30 event, it is widely believed that a new MacBook, iMac, and iPad could also be showcased. There have been several leaks supporting new products recently including a canceled education order, and filings over at the Eurasian Economic Commission. Recent reports from Bloomberg have also suggested that a new MacBook might be coming in a 12-inch model, with slimmer bezels, a retina display, modern USB-C ports, and maybe even an eighth-generation Intel processor.

Editors’ Recommendations

• What to expect from Apple’s October 30 event: New MacBooks, iPads
• What’s the skinny? Apple may launch a new MacBook with ultrathin design soon
• What to expect from Apple’s September 12 ‘Gather Round’ event
• The 2018 Mac mini: Here’s everything we know so far
• Refreshed MacBook Air and iPad Pro are absent from Apple’s website leak

No Man’s Sky The Abyss makes me want to recreate Rapture

The Abyss is the perfect addition for base builders and creatives alike.

Minecraft tends to be the gold standard when it comes to recreating some of our favorite video game cities, but No Man’s Sky’s latest update makes it a whole lot easier to create one of the most iconic locations in gaming: BioShock’s Rapture.

The Abyss, which is a free update for No Man’s Sky that launched today, focuses heavily on aquatic gameplay. As such, a host of new building materials have been added to the game that immediately made me want to go in and recreate Rapture. With objects like glass tunnels and deepwater chambers thrown into the mix, along with the ability to make them rusty, it’s only a matter of time before players get to work on Andrew Ryan’s greatest achievement.

If you’re looking to do something like this, it’s best to jump into its creative mode straight away. Attempting to build such towering monuments in survival will be an incredibly time consuming task considering you’ll need to find the individual blueprints and gather the appropriate materials before you can begin.

None of this matters if the environment is dull and lifeless, though. The Abyss introduces environments with 5 times more variety, encompassing all aspects like its flora and fauna. Be careful when you run into “predator fish rumored to be larger than Starships.” This makes the environment feel more alive than ever; the perfect atmosphere for an eerie underwater city to pop up.

It may not be an exact replica, but if players have proven anything it’s that their imaginations know no bounds. You’re only limited by what the game provides you, and thanks to The Abyss, those limits have shrunk.

Aside from my oddly overwhelming desire to create Rapture (who knows if I’ll ever get to that), The Abyss doesn’t grasp me in any other way. It very much builds upon the game’s NEXT update with more crafting and trading materials, but it is by no means a complete overhaul. Though missions have been added through the Dreams of the Deep storyline, following the tale of a stranded crew and lost soul beneath the sea, its biggest additions are undoubtedly its new underwater biomes and expanded base building.

If this was a paid content pack, I’d honestly recommend it be skipped for anyone other than the most dedicated No Man’s Sky players. But due to it being free, I think everyone should definitely check it out, if only for a moment. What you’re essentially getting feels like a watered-down version of Subnautica (no pun intended), which is by no means in insult.

Our pick

No Man’s Sky

$20 at Amazon

A glorious comeback.

No Man’s Sky has come a long way since its controversial launch. With continual support and free content updates, the experience is now well worth your time and money.

What can my child learn with a Kano Computer?

Best answer: The Kano Computer Kit teaches kids how to code, no matter what their age or skill. With the Kano Computer Kit, your child will be able to create games, music, videos and even software.

Amazon: Kano Computer Kit ($143)

What is the Kano Computer Kit?

The Kano Computer Kit prides itself on being the next cutting-edge technology that will help children learn to code for years to come. Instead of painting coding as a hard, serious activity that’ll cause any sensible kid to run away, the Kano Computer Kit uses fun, creative methods that make coding not seem so daunting. These methods include asking the child to create the computer, as well as including a helpful storybook that educates children about the computer’s “different organs,” such as the motherboard.

In learning how to build a computer for themselves, the Kano Computer Kit prepares young minds for the future and allows them to share their creativity. As Kano itself says, “less than 1% of 1% of us can understand and influence” the technology around us. They plan to change that, one step at a time.

What does the Kano Computer Kit include and what does it do?

The Kano Computer Kit includes everything you could possibly need — all in one box. Your child will get a Raspberry Pi 3, programmable LED lights, a DIY case, power button, wireless keyboard, memory, HDMI and power cables, Kano’s operating system, coding challenges, and stickers. Oh, and apps. Lots and lots of apps. And not just apps that are made “just for kids” but software like WhatsApp, Google Docs, and YouTube. The only thing that the kit doesn’t include is a screen, meaning you’ll need to get one that accepts an HDMI cable.

Your kid will even be able to go one step further and create their very own software. Instead of spending all their time tearing down the blocks of games like Minecraft and Roblox, why not let them become the next genius behind a game like them, instead? If that isn’t up your child’s alley, then they can look at creating different videos and even music.

The possibilities are absolutely endless with the Kano Computer Kit, and the best part about it is that you don’t need to be a kid to enjoy everything it has to offer.

Our pick

Kano Computer Kit Touch

<img src=”https://www.androidcentral.com/

$280 at Amazon US

Master coding without getting your hands dirty

The Kano Computer Kit Touch does everything the Kano Computer Kit does, only this time you can do everything with just one swish of a finger. It’s enough to make Mary Poppins jealous.

Sign up for our Black Friday newsletter today!

The big shopping event is right around the corner.

Don’t panic, but Black Friday and Cyber Monday are not all that far away, and it’s time to start getting prepared. In the coming weeks we will start seeing deals begin to leak and retailer’s ads hit the internet, and the team at Thrifter (the one who powers all the great deals you see on Android Central) will be covering all of it. These big events can be a bit daunting, everything appears to be on sale and all the retailers are trying to lure you into the store to buy stuff that you may not necessarily need.

Avoid being duped, and let the Thrifter newsletter help you make sure that this Black Friday and Cyber Monday are your most successful ones yet. Whether you’re looking for helpful tips and tricks to maximize your savings on the day, the best place to buy a new TV or computer, or a feed of the best deals during the event, you’ll want to be subscribed to this list.

Borderlands 2 VR: Everything you need to know

Handsome Jack awaits you in glorious cel-shaded madness

The Borderlands series by Gearbox has been a fan favorite for years and with the 2-year anniversary of the PlayStation VR, Gearbox and Sony have just announced a VR version of the acclaimed Borderlands 2.

Update October 25, 2018: No DLC

It looks like Borderlands 2 VR won’t ship with the 10 DLC that the original game has now. The Borderlands twitter account tweeted that only the core game will be available for VR.

This is a big blow to those who were hoping for the full Borderlands 2 experience in VR as a lot of the best content came from those 10 DLCs. Will we see these DLCs come to Borderlands 2 VR at a later date? Only time will tell.

Borderlands 2 VR launches with the full core game of Borderlands 2 and the original four Vault Hunters, with the complete experience re-imagined for VR!

— Borderlands (@Borderlands) October 23, 2018

While information is still a little sketchy, here is everything we know right now.

• What is Borderlands 2?
• What is the control system?
• Is it still multiplayer?
• What on earth is BadAss Mega Fun Time?
• What other VR goodness is there?

What is Borderlands 2?

Borderlands 2, which came out in 2012, is a unique take on the first person shooter (FPS). With a funny and crazy story, Borderlands 2 never took itself too seriously, giving you the chance to enjoy the cel-shaded visuals spraying blood all over you and the literal millions of weapon combinations the game could spit out at you. If you don’t own it already in non-VR form, it’s still worth picking up and playing through, especially since it’s available on just about every platform and console. Even now it holds up as one of the most fun FPS I’ve ever played.

See at Amazon

What is the control system?

Borderlands 2 VR is controlled primarily with the DualShock 4 controller but is said to be “Enhanced by the Move Controllers.” The team at Sony have mentioned that the game will include teleporting as your means of locomotion, which has been utilized in a lot of VR games since teleporting helps to reduce the motion sickness that can occur in VR. However, using the DualShock controller will allow you to move around at a walking and running pace.

Using the Move Controllers should allow us to use the melee and gun powers separately for some pretty sweet combos and it will definitely make dual wielding heaps of fun, while the teleporting mechanic will hopefully make boss fights a little easier, or crazier. At least, it’ll put a new spin on the game if you’ve played it already.

Is it still multiplayer?

Unfortunately no, Gearbox made Borderlands VR a single-player experience. That means it edited some of the hunter skills to better reflect that single-player feeling. One example is for Maya, who’s going to see the following change:

We updated previous skills that relied on a co-op partner, such as Maya’s “Res” ability, which now is called “Empathy” – causing Phaselock to deplete half your current health, damaging enemies based on how much health you lost.

While it’s a shame we won’t be able to play on Pandora with our friends, it’s good to know that Gearbox has reworked the game instead of just doing a straight port, which given the crazy nature of the gameplay would have probably made for a poor port.

What on earth is BadAss Mega Fun Time?

BadAss Mega Fun Time — or BAMF Time — is a new mechanic especially developed by Gearbox to help you cope with the frantic nature of the game in VR.

Essentially, it’s a bullet-time mode that allows you to move around in real-time while everyone else is going as slow as molasses. This kind of slow-motion is exceedingly helpful in VR as a way to gather your thoughts and take specific aim at something rather than just raining a hail of bullets on everything.

It’ll also allow you to use your skills while in BAMF Time, making kills even easier, or crazier, depending on your tastes. For me, crazier is always better.

What other VR goodness is there?

Borderlands 2 VR will let you play with all the original hunter classes but with their skill list updated to use the VR view and the BAMF Time mechanic. This is another welcome change from Gearbox, showing they have put thought and effort into the VR version of the game.

The other big VR experience is going to be the driving. Taking the unique way VR handles visuals, Gearbox is trying a different approach to the vehicular mayhem from the original game. You’ll use the Move Controllers to steer the vehicle while your headset acts as your target reticule. All you need to do is look in the direction you want and your gun will shoot that way. This could, of course, be a recipe for disaster and make you feel sick but I think Gearbox is aware of this and is just trying to have some fun with us.

When and where can I get it?

Borderlands 2 will be available on December 14 but is available now to pre-order through the PlayStation Store. If you do pre-order, you get a PS4 theme for your troubles.

The Pre-order price is $50, which makes sense since it’s a full-length game.

Pre-order at PlayStation Store

PlayStation 4

• PS4 vs. PS4 Slim vs. PS4 Pro: Which should you buy?
• PlayStation VR Review
• Playing PS4 games through your phone is awesome

Amazon

Best Accessories for OnePlus 6T

The OnePlus 6T is the most powerful and impressive phone OnePlus has ever created, and if you want to take your experience to the next level, a few great accessories are just what the doctor ordered. Whether you need a case, wireless earbuds, or something in between, these are the best 6T accessories you can get.

Best case around

OnePlus Bumper Case

OnePlus is one of the few Android OEMs that supports its phones with high-quality accessories, and this bumper case is one of the best official cases it has to offer. Available in stunning Karbon, Ebony Wood, and Nylon materials, this case offers serious protection and devlish good looks.

$30 at OnePlus

Best for less

Dretal TPU Case

If you need a case but don’t feel like throwing down $30, Dretal’s got your back with a much more affordable option. Although not quite as stylish, the case still looks nice and offers extra grip, shock absorption, and a 30-day warranty.

$8 at Amazon

Protect your screen

Orzero Temperted Glass Screen Protectors

The display on the OnePlus 6T is a thing of AMOLED beauty, and if you want to keep it looking brand new, you’ll want to get a screen protector. The 6T comes with a plastic protector installed out of the box, but this tempered glass one offers far more protection.

$8 at Amazon

Extra battery

Anker PowerCore 20,100 mAh

The OnePlus 6T’s 3700 mAh battery should be more than enough to get just about everyone through a full day of use, but if you find yourself needing more juice, the Ankew PowerCore gives you access to 21100 mAh of backup battery. The battery also comes with a Micro-USB cable and an 18-month warranty.

$50 at Amazon

Spare charger

OnePlus Fast Charge Power Bundle

OnePlus’s Fast Charge system (previously called Dash Charge) is one of the fastest around. The 6T comes with a Fast Charge wall adapter and cable, but if you want an extra pair for your house, you can pick it up from OnePlus’s website for a little under $40.

$38 at OnePlus

Car companion

OnePlus Fast Charge Car Charger

Want to bring Fast Chrage to your car? With this official OnePlus car charger, you can do just that. For $30, you get both the car charger and compatible USB-C cable. Similar to the regular Fast Charger wall adapter, this delivers up to 60% of battery in just 30 minutes.

$30 at OnePlus

Just the basics

OnePlus Type-C Bullets

Something you won’t find on the OnePlus 6T is a 3.5mm headphone jack. While that’s certainly a bummer, OnePlus makes this up by offering solid and stylish USB Type-C earbuds for just $20. An advanced DAC supports high-res audio and the in-line remote offers easy access to music playback controls.

$20 at OnePlus

Wireless earbud champ

OnePlus Bullets Wireless

Are wireless earbuds more your jam? If so, you need to treat yourself to the OnePlus Bullets Wireless. Now available in black and red, the Bullets Wireless sound great, support Google Assistant, and have a unique magnetic control system that works incredibly well.

$70 at OnePlu

Give it a shot

PopSocket

There’s a reason you see these things on just about everyone’s phones. As silly as they might look, PopSockets are cheap and actually make it easier to use your phone (especially with something as big as the OnePlus 6T). If you’ve never tried one for yourself, now’s the time.

$10 at Amazon

There you have it! Those are the best accessories you can get for the OnePlus 6T. You really can’t go wrong with any of these, but if you have to choose between just one or two, do yourself a favor and pick up the OnePlus Bumper Case and the Orzero Screen Protector. The 6T does come with a plastic protector pre-installed, but these tempered glass ones will offer a lot more protection. And, if you just want to treat yourself, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless are simply fantastic.

Best clear cases for the Google Pixel 3 XL

I know, I know, no one wants to hide their sexy new phone under a case, but it’s okay! Clear cases can keep your Google Pixel 3 XL safe while showing off that two-tone glass back for all the world to gaze upon and weep at its loveliness.

Crystal-clear drop-protection

Tech21 Evo Check

$40 at Google Store

Do you drop your phones a lot, but still want to show yours off? Grab an Evo Check case, rated to keep your phone safe from repeated 12-foot drops. Its clear construction still shows off your Pixel’s perfection, and it comes in purple and clear.

Like nothing’s there

Cimo Slim Grip

$8 at Amazon

Cimo’s Slim Grip’s translucence lets the Pixel branding and two-tone glass shine through one of three cool colors — blue, purple, and traditional crystal clear — while the TPU offers extra grip so you can keep your Pixel 3 XL safely in hand.

Affordable crystal

MoKo Clear Case

$8 at Amazon

MoKo’s clear case displays the Google Pixel 3 XL’s beauty with a hard polycarbonate back while a more flexible TPU bumper hugs the Pixel’s glossy frame. Moko’s case is a little tougher to get on and off than a pure TPU case, but its hard back is great for phone grips or card sleeves.

Crystal Clear

Spigen Liquid Crystal

$12 at Amazon

Eschewing hard polycarbonate backs that have a tendency to produce oily rainbows and stiff cases, Spigen uses a flexible TPU is easy to apply and easier to grip. The light protection of Spigen’s Liquid Crystal is as thin as it is beautiful.

Air cushion corners

TGOOD Slim Grip

$8 at Amazon

Want a thin case but still want more protection for your Pixel 3 XL and those dreaded corner-drop shatters? TGOOD has your answer with their Slip Grip case, which stays thin, clear, and beautiful on the back and sides of the phone where you’ll grip it most often while sporting some serious air cushions on the four corners of the case.

The X factor

Ringke Fusion X

$10 at Amazon

Sporting a beefy bumper and reinforced corners for extra protection, the Ringke Fusion X is military grade protection for the price of a pizza. While the Black bumper is solid, the Ruby Red bumper is translucent, giving your Pixel 3 XL a bloody beautiful glow when it catches the light.

Barely there

totallee Thin Pixel 3 XL Case

If you want as little bulk as possible on your already large Pixel 3 XL, then the totallee case is the best way to provide a bit of scratch protection in an impressively thin form factor. You can get this one in a matte or glossy finish.

$29 at totallee

Extra protection

Speck Presidio

If you don’t mind a little bit of bulk, this case from Speck has a dual-layer design for outward scratch and drop protection, as well as shock absorption, thanks to the inner layer of flexible TPU rubber. The Presidio case is also coated to prevent fingerprints and discoloration.

$45 at Best Buy

Invisible skin

ESR Essential Zero case

This minimal case is only 1mm thick, and on the inside of the back cover, it features a “microdot” pattern, which prevents it from sticking to the back of your phone and giving it that wet look.

$14 at Amazon

Built-in kickstand

Spigen Ultra Hybrid S

Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid S is a bit thicker than your average clear case, and it has a built-in metal kickstand, which simply clips back into place when you don’t need it.

$14 at Amazon

While traditional clear cases like the Spigen Liquid Crystal work with pretty much any phone color or wardrobe, they can also discolor over time. I prefer colored clear cases like the Cimo Slim Grip, as they tend to discolor less, hide smears and scuffs better, and they add some personality to your Pixel 3 XL