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Samsung’s Spring Sale Expands With Big Discounts on Galaxy Smartphones, Watches, Tablets, and Laptops

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This weekend, we’re tracking a new sale at Samsung with savings on the company’s best smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and laptops. These discounts are part of Samsung’s larger Discover Samsung Spring Sale, which we started covering last week with deals on monitors, storage, audio, and more.

samsung hero blueNote: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

The best monitor deal from our original post is still live today: you can get the ViewFinity S9 5K Smart Monitor for $899.99, down from $1,599.99. At $700 off this a very solid second-best price on the 2023 display, which has a matte display, modular 4K SlimFit camera, and support for Thunderbolt 4.

Additionally, when you sign up to learn more about Samsung’s upcoming TV and audio product lineup, you can get $100 off your purchase. The new slate of Samsung TVs and audio equipment is set to be unveiled on March 21, and this $100 discount offer will be available through that date.

Smartphones

samsung galaxy s24
Samsung’s newest smartphones launched back in January and you can get some pretty big discounts on the devices right now. Most of these offers do require you to trade in an existing smartphone and will be applied as credits on your bill, and Samsung covers discounts from carriers including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and US Cellular.

Smartwatches

samsung galaxy watch
In terms of smartwatches, Samsung has the Galaxy Watch6 and the Watch5 on sale, with up to $400 in savings. You can get these smartwatches with a straight cash discount, or opt for a cellular plan and gain access to more savings with an eligible trade-in.

Tablets

samsung galaxy tab
Similar to the Galaxy smartphones, Samsung is offering discounts on both cellular and Wi-Fi models of the Galaxy Tab line. If you go with the Wi-Fi models, you can get about $100 off the base price of Galaxy Tab S9 Series, depending on the model.

If you opt for the cellular devices from participating carriers, you can get more in savings in the form of bill credits after eligible trade-ins.

Laptops

samsung galaxy book 360
Samsung has a few laptop deals with solid discounts shared below, but it’s worth again noting that if you have a device to trade in you can get even bigger markdowns on these computers. For the Galaxy Book 4, Samsung is also offering a free 2TB portable SSD ($219.99 value) with purchase of select models.

Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we’ve been tracking over the past week.

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6 Best Cheap Smartphones (2024): iPhone, Android, 5G

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Motorola Moto G Power 5G 2023 for $200: My main problem with Motorola phones is that there’s no NFC (6/10, WIRED Review), which means you can’t use them to pay your ticket fare on the off chance you left your wallet at home. Motorola also only promises one OS upgrade (with three years of security updates). You can get a much better deal with the devices above. However, there is a headphone jack, a microSD card to expand the 256 GB of storage, and a charger in the box.

I tested Samsung’s Galaxy A23 5G and found its performance annoyingly slow, which shouldn’t be the case for a $300 smartphone these days. I also don’t recommend Motorola’s Moto G Play 2023, Moto G Stylus 2023, Moto G Power 2022, and Moto G Pure 2022 because the above phones trounce them in every way and don’t cost much more.

The Nokia G400 5G (6/10, WIRED Review) is a fine phone, but its software policy just isn’t as good as our top recommended devices above and its performance can be stuttery when you juggle multiple apps. The Nokia G100 was OK until the display started locking up and wouldn’t accept touch input. I tried a second unit and ran into the same issue. I have also tested the Doogee S89 Pro, a rugged smartphone. While I didn’t run into any glaring flaws, it’s a pain in the butt to carry around and uncomfortable in the hand, too. Sure, there’s a massive 12,000-mAh battery, but it didn’t last as long as I expected. The company has a spotty record with software updates, too.

Sort of. Any of our top picks are excellent choices, but if you can wait until May or June, we’ll have a broader lineup to choose from. Motorola will likely unveil more of its budget Moto G lineup soon. TCL will release its 50-series this summer, HMD Global might have some budget devices in tow by July, and we will likely see a Pixel 8A at Google I/O in May.

Consider Last Year’s Flagship Phones

If none of these phones have the features you want or they aren’t as powerful as you’d like, your best option is to look for last year’s flagship smartphones, which might be steeply discounted. Sometimes they’re easy to find, but manufacturers may stop selling them altogether. Keep in mind that you’ll lose a year of software support, but that’s often still better than the software support available on cheap phones anyway. The OnePlus 11, for example, has dipped as low as $499. Samsung’s Galaxy S23 has started to creep down toward $600.

5G is the latest cellular network and it’s widespread enough that you should try to stick to phones that support it. It’s not completely replacing 4G LTE, so you’ll see this in your status bar as you roam around the country. You can read more about it here, but in short, 5G comes in two major types: sub-6 and millimeter wave (mmWave). The latter is usually only available in flagship phones and allows you to access superfast speeds, but you’ll rarely encounter mmWave (think select areas in major cities and certain venues, like stadiums and airports). Sub-6 isn’t much faster than 4G LTE, but it has a broader range and is more widely accessible these days. Most of the smartphones we recommend here support sub-6 5G, even ones as low as $200.

Check Network Compatibility

If you buy an unlocked phone on this list and try to take it to one of your wireless carrier’s retail stores, they may tell you it isn’t compatible with the network. It likely is. Just use a paper clip or SIM ejection tool to pop the SIM card out of your current phone, then slide that SIM into your new phone. If it doesn’t work at first, reboot the phone or wait a couple of hours.

If you need a new SIM, try ordering one online from your carrier or see if they’ll give you a SIM when you activate a line in the store (if you’re starting coverage). Tell them you have a phone. Many times, reps will want to sell you a phone; that’s one potential reason they might hassle you into buying a different device in the store. Having said that, please make sure whatever phone you buy will work on your wireless network. Listings on retailers like Amazon should state clearly which networks a device will be compatible with. Also, make sure the listing says the phone is being sold “unlocked.”

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What is Reverse Wireless Charging on Smartphones?

Reverse Wireless Charging

Reverse wireless charging is an innovative feature that has gained popularity in the smartphone industry over recent years. This technology allows a smartphone to act as a wireless charging pad for other devices, enabling the transfer of power from the phone to another device that supports wireless charging. Before delving into how it works and its practical applications, let’s explore the technology behind wireless charging itself.

Wireless charging, at its core, relies on the principle of electromagnetic induction. This involves the transfer of energy between two objects through an electromagnetic field. A typical wireless charging setup includes a transmitter (the charging pad) that generates an electromagnetic field and a receiver (in the device being charged) that captures energy from that field to charge the battery.

Reverse wireless charging turns the smartphone into the transmitter, allowing its built-in battery to share power with other devices. This feature leverages the smartphone’s ability to generate an electromagnetic field that can be utilized by compatible devices to draw power. It effectively turns the phone into a portable charging station, eliminating the need for carrying multiple chargers or seeking power outlets for small gadgets.

Understanding the Basics

  • The Science Behind It: Reverse wireless charging works on the principle of electromagnetic induction.

Your phone houses a coil that can function in two ways. First, it acts as a receiver, drawing power from a traditional wireless charger. Second, it can reverse its role, becoming a transmitter and sending out an electromagnetic field.

  • This field can be picked up by other Qi-compatible devices (the prevailing wireless charging standard), replenishing their batteries.
  • What It Does: The most convenient use case is topping up smaller accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. If you’ve forgotten their charging cases, your phone can act as an emergency power source.

It’s worth noting that reverse wireless charging isn’t designed to charge other phones to full capacity; it’s more of a “get you out of trouble” solution.

Pros and Cons

Benefits

  • Convenience: The biggest advantage is the freedom from carrying multiple cables and chargers.
  • Your phone becomes a portable power hub.
  • Emergencies: It can be a lifesaver if your earbuds die during a commute or your friend’s phone battery is flat.
  • Innovation: It shows the increasing sophistication of smartphone technology.

Drawbacks

  • Battery Drain: Reverse wireless charging uses up your phone’s own battery, potentially shortening its runtime.
  • Slow Speeds: Don’t expect lightning-fast charging; it’s much slower than traditional wired or wireless charging methods.
  • Limited Compatibility: Not all devices support Qi wireless charging, restricting the range of things you can power up.

Which Phones Have It?

Reverse wireless charging is usually a feature reserved for premium, flagship smartphones.

Some notable examples include:

  • Samsung Galaxy Series: Latest Models
  • Google Pixel Series: Latest Models
  • Huawei Mate Series: Mate 20 Pro and laterOnePlus Series: OnePlus 8 Pro and later

How to Use It

  • Check Compatibility: Ensure both your phone and the device you want to charge support Qi wireless charging.
  • Enable the Feature: Usually found in your phone’s battery settings (may be called “Wireless PowerShare” or similar).
  • Position the Devices: Place the device you want to charge back-to-back with your phone. The exact placement of the charging coils varies between phones, so you might need to adjust slightly for optimal connection.
  • Wait and Monitor: Charging will begin automatically.
  • Keep an eye on your phone’s battery level.

Final Thoughts

Reverse wireless charging reflects the evolving landscape of mobile technology, emphasizing convenience and the seamless integration of devices in our daily lives. While it’s not intended to replace traditional charging methods, it offers a flexible, innovative solution for power sharing and charging on the go. As technology advances, we can expect improvements in efficiency and broader adoption across more devices, making it an increasingly indispensable feature in the ecosystem of mobile gadgets.

Image Credit: Evgeny Opanasenko

Filed Under: Android News, Guides, Mobile Phone News





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Samsung One UI 6.1 update brings AI to more Galaxy smartphones

Samsung One UI 6.1

Samsung has announced that it is bringing its AI tools to more Samsung Galaxy devices with the release of the new Samsung One UI 6.1 software update. This new software update will be available for a range of Galaxy devices which will include the Galaxy S23 series, S23 FE, Z Fold5, Z Flip5 and Tab S9 series.

With the recent launch of the Galaxy S24 smartphones, Samsung introduced a range of new AI powered features and now these features are also being expanded to the company’s existing range of smartphones and tablets.

Even more Galaxy users will now be able to take advantage of the communication-enhancing Galaxy AI features available on AI-supported models. The features include the ability to adjust message tone and translate messages in 13 different languages using Chat Assist. Galaxy users can experience the power of real-time interactions through Live Translate, which provides voice and text translations for phone calls. With Interpreter, users can also engage in spontaneous conversations with locals while traveling as the split-screen feature generates text translations for live conversations.

The broader integration of Galaxy AI across the Galaxy ecosystem also enables seamless user experience in day-to-day tasks on AI-supported models, driving new levels of efficiency. Search functions are improved through Circle to Search with Google, which generates intuitive search results with a swift circle-motioned gesture. Life-enhancing organisation features such as Note Assist allow users to create formats, generate summaries and translate notes, while Browsing Assistenables individuals to stay up to speed faster by generating comprehensive summaries of news articles. Transcript Assist can also easily transcribe meeting recordings and generate summaries and translations.

Samsung has said that it will start to roll out the One UI 6.1 software update to the Galaxy S23 series, S23 FE, Z Fold5, Z Flip5 and Tab S9 series of devices from March, you can find out more details at the link below.

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New Samsung Galaxy S24 smartphones launch worldwide

Samsung Galaxy S24

Samsung has announced that its new Galaxy S24 range of smartphones is now available worldwide, including three different versions of the Galaxy S24. These include the Galaxy S24, the Galaxy S24 Plus, and the flagship model, the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

“The launch of the Galaxy S24 series demonstrates our initial step toward a new era of AI phones that go beyond the current smartphone,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Designed to be an essential part of our daily lives, Galaxy AI will permanently change the way people interact with the world. We can’t wait to see how our users enhance and empower their everyday lives with Galaxy AI to open up endless possibilities.

Galaxy AI delivers innovative and practical AI features to help transform the way we communicate, create and discover the world. From barrier-free communication through features like Live Translate and Chat Assist to a new standard for search provided by Circle to Search with Google,1 AI will improve nearly every experience that Galaxy S24 users can enjoy. The new ProVisual Engine, a suite of AI-powered camera tools, maximizes creative freedom, from image capturing with new zoom capabilities to editing with the help of generative AI.

You can find out more details about the new Samsung Galaxy S24 range of smartphones over at Samsung’s website at the link below, the Galaxy S24 starts at $799, the Galaxy S24 Plus at $999, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra starts at $1,299.

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New OnePlus 12 smartphones gets reviewed (Video)

OnePlus 12

Yesterday marked the debut of the OnePlus 12, a smartphone that’s quickly becoming the talk of the tech world for its array of features and competitive edge in pricing. If you’re keen to understand what this buzz is all about, MrWhostheboss’s video review is a must-watch. Here, we distill the essence of his comprehensive analysis, focusing on the phone’s strengths and areas that could use a bit of tweaking.

First impressions are crucial, and the OnePlus 12 makes a memorable one with its striking design. Imagine holding a device with a chrome rail, complemented by a mix of matte and glossy marble textures. Not just that, its camera section glitters, adding a touch of elegance. What’s more? The phone comes with a pre-applied screen protector, an alert slider, and a curved build that feels just right in your hands.

If you are wondering how the OnePlus 12 fares when its screen gets wet, you’ll be pleased to know about its Aqua Touch technology. This feature enhances touchscreen functionality under wet conditions. While it’s not flawless, it’s a thoughtful addition for those rainy days or accidental splashes.

The phone flaunts a 120Hz QHD+ display, boasting a new pixel structure designed for sharper contrast and better readability. Its LTPO 3.0 technology is a boon for energy efficiency, and the display shines bright, literally, with a peak brightness of 4,500 nits. Whether you’re reading an ebook or watching a movie, the display quality is sure to impress.

Battery concerns? The OnePlus 12 addresses them with a 5,400 mAh battery. It supports 50W wireless and 100W wired charging, ensuring you’re never out of juice for long. The inclusion of a power management chip means your battery charges optimally, preserving its health over time.

Oxygen OS4 is the heart of the OnePlus 12’s software experience. You’ll find handy features like screen recording with front camera integration and a quick launch from the fingerprint scanner. While the software is user-friendly, some aspects, such as aesthetic elements and notification handling, could be fine-tuned for a smoother experience.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, the OnePlus 12 is all about speed and efficiency. The Trinity engine, an integral part of this device, optimizes the interaction between hardware and software, enhancing the phone’s overall performance. This means faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and an overall more responsive experience.

The OnePlus 12 is equipped with features like the Pixel Works X7 co-processor and hyperrendering. Add to that an adaptive frame booster and an advanced cooling system, and you have a device that’s ready for intense gaming sessions without breaking a sweat.

The hardware of the OnePlus 12’s camera is solid, but its software processing could use some refinement. The front camera is average, and issues like video stabilization and focus consistency are noticeable. However, the main camera system does a commendable job in most shooting scenarios.

At $799, the OnePlus 12 offers significant value, particularly when stacked against its more expensive counterparts. Its design, battery life, screen, software, and speed are its strong suits. However, the camera performance and the absence of certain AI features found in other flagship phones are notable drawbacks.

As we wrap up, it’s clear that the OnePlus 12 is a significant player in the smartphone market. It offers a balanced experience with a few areas that could be better, especially in the camera department. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a casual user, or somewhere in between, the OnePlus 12 is worth considering for its blend of features and price point.

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Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Series smartphones launched

Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Series

Xiaomi introduced a new range of smartphones at a press event in Bangkok, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Series, and the range includes a total of 5 new smartphones. The new smartphone lineup is made up of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G, Redmi Note 13 Pro, Redmi Note 13 5G, and Redmi Note 13.

The new Redmi Note 13 Series of smartphones comes with an updated design, new cameras, an improved display, a faster and more efficient processor, and more, you can see more details below.

Engineered to meet diverse photography needs, Redmi Note 13 Series boasts a versatile, upgraded camera system. The pro models, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G, and Redmi Note 13 Pro, all feature an ultra-high resolution 200MP camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) to capture photographs with unprecedented levels of detail and bring a flagship-level photography experience to users.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Series

Moreover, 2x/4x lossless zoom offers detailed close-ups from a distance and brings the possibility of focusing on individuals in crowds or zooming in on the action.

These advanced camera systems are supported by a large 1/1.4″ sensor and improved image processing, ensuring astounding image quality even in complex and low light conditions. The combination of this sensor, a super-large f/1.65 aperture, and Tetra² pixel (advanced pixel-binning technology) delivers clear and bright pictures even in poor lighting conditions, while the 7P lens with Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) reduces flare and ghosting.

You can find out more details on the new Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Series of smartphones at the link below, as yet there are no details on the pricing for the individual models.

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POCO X6 Pro and POCO X6 smartphones unveiled

POCO X6 Pro and POCO X6

POCO has added two new Android smartphones to its range with the launch of the new POCO X6 Pro and POCO X6, the handset comes with some impressive specifications and both devices feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2712 x 1220 pixels.

The POCO X6 Pro comes with a Dimensity Ultra mobile processor and the POCO X6 comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragion 7s Gen 2 mobile processor, more dteails on both handsets are below.

Designed to deliver excellent experiences without compromising performance, the new POCO X6 Pro unleashes flagship chipset, memory and storage together with big battery power to meet the next-generation needs of a new species of hardcore gamer – a ‘SPEED-CIES’ that comes with faster loading, smooth-as-silk operation and instant reactions that keep up with the blistering speed of their gameplay.

Offering the most extreme gaming performance ever for an X-series smartphone, POCO X6 Pro features the new Dimensity 8300-Ultra chipset that sets a new speed record for a POCO device with an AnTuTu benchmark of 1,464,228[1]. This premium processor delivers faster, smoother performance and improved power efficiency to fully immerse users in their favorite power-hungry games for longer.

POCO X6

“As we debut the MediaTek Dimensity 8300-Ultra on the POCO X6 Pro, consumers will have the opportunity to enjoy a full range of premier experiences and accessibility features like generative AI capabilities and flagship-grade memory,” said Dr. Yenchi Lee, Deputy General Manager of MediaTek’s Wireless Communications Business Unit. “We have been working closely with POCO to optimize our chipset to provide adaptive gaming technology, fast connectivity and low-power savings to unlock the possibilities of premium smartphone experiences for a new generation of users.”

You can find out more information on the new POCO X6 Pro and POCO X6 Android smartphones over at the POCO website at the link below, as yet there are no details on pricing for these two new handsets.

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Samsung Galaxy S24 smartphones coming January 17th

Samsung Galaxy S24

Samsung has announced that it will be holding a Samsung Galaxy Unpacked press event for the new Samsung Galaxy S24 range of smartphones on the 17th of January 2024, the event will take place in San Jose at 10 a.m. PST.

The new Samsung Galaxy S24 press event will be live-streamed on Samsung’s website and also on the company’s YouTube channel, you can see more details about the event below.

A revolutionary mobile experience is coming. Get ready to discover a new era full of possibilities with the latest Galaxy innovations, designed to transform how you live, connect and create. The new Galaxy S series will set a higher standard for the most intelligent mobile experience yet.

On January 17, Samsung Electronics will host Unpacked in San Jose. Join us as we unveil the latest premium Galaxy innovations, providing an all-new mobile experience powered by AI. The event will be streamed live on Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom, and Samsung’s YouTube channel beginning at 10 a.m. PST, 1 p.m. EST, 6 p.m. GMT and 7 p.m. CET.

Samsung will be unveiling its new Samsung Galaxy S24 range of smartphones at the event, the line up is rumored to include the Galaxy S24, the Galaxy S24 Plus and the Galaxy S24 Ultra, we are expecting to see some other new devices at the event.

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The best smartphones of 2023 (Video)

best smartphones 2023

If you are wondering what the best smartphones of 2023 are, we have a new video from Marques Brownlee which gives us a look at the best handsets that have been released throughout 2023.

2023 has been an interesting year for smartphones, we have seen lots of new devices this year, including popular handsets like the Samsung Galaxy S23, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 5 Pro, the Nothing Phone 2, the OnePlus Open, and many more. The video below gives us a look at some of the most popular handsets released this year.

As we can see from the video the best big smartphone award went to the Samsung Galaxy S23 ultra with its massive 6.8-inch display, versatile quad cameras, and a robust 5,000mAh battery. The runner-up in this category was the OnePlus Open.

The best compact smartphone was the Asus Zenfone 10 and the runner-up was the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5. The best camera smartphone award went to the iPhone 15 Pro and in second place was the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

The best value smartphone was the Samsung Galaxy a54 and the handset with the best battery life was the iPhone 15 Plus, the most improved smartphone this year was the Nothing Phone 2.

If you are wondering how these smartphones stack up against your needs, take a moment to consider what aspects are most important to you. Whether it’s a long battery life, a compact design, or a camera that captures life’s moments with clarity, there’s a phone on this list for you.

Source & Image Credit: Marques Brownlee

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