Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 9: Two generations later, is it finally time to upgrade?

Google

Pixel 11

AI goodness

The Pixel 11 is two generations ahead of the Pixel 9, sporting a better processor, a triple-camera setup, a larger battery, and faster charging. Google upgraded the AI experience to bring cool features like Magic Capture, Rambler, and more, and the base storage finally starts at 256GB. But the $100 price increase and lack of the HiLight notification LED cast a shadow of doubt.

Pros

• Android 17 with 7 years of updates
• Higher base storage
• Tensor G6 is more efficient
• Pixelsnap support opens up compatibility with an insurmountable number of accessories
• Improved triple camera setup with better zoom
• Bigger battery with faster charging speeds

Cons

• Costs $100 more and misses out on HiLight
• Cameras not too different from Pixel 10
• Display isn't an LTPO OLED (60-120Hz)
• Wi-Fi 6E

Google

Pixel 9

Still going strong

The Pixel 9 might not be the best Android phone out there, but it is still one of the best AI phones you can buy for a very agreeable price. It has a fantastic dual camera setup, plenty of AI features that have stayed up to date thanks to regular Pixel Drops, and is guaranteed to get updates until Android 21.

Pros

• Half the price of the Pixel 11
• Also promises 7 years of updates
• Shares many of the Pixel 11's best features like Pixelsnap, IP68 water and dust-proofing, and many overlapping AI features
• Dual cameras do a fantastic job
• Wi-Fi 7

Cons

• The Tensor G4 chipset is quite old
• Lower base storage
• Slow battery and charging specs
• Display isn't as bright as Pixel 11
• Lacks magnetic Qi2, or Pixelsnap as Google calls it

The Pixel 11 brings several upgrades over the Pixel 9, but in a strange turn of events, it also brings quite a few downgrades. One thing is for sure, though: the latest Google Tensor G6 chipset is the clear winner in terms of performance and raw power.

Most importantly, if you were to step into the store to buy both phones right now, the Pixel 9 would only cost you about $549, whereas the Pixel 11 starts at $899. The price gap is significant, leading us to question which phone is better. Two generations later, and it's still unclear to Pixel 9 owners whether the Pixel 11 is worth upgrading to. I'm here to unearth the answer to this question.

Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 9: By the numbers

Google Pixel 11 family specs

Category	Google Pixel 11	Google Pixel 9
Storage	256GB, 512GB	128GB, 256GB
RAM	12GB	12GB
Display	6.3-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED, 3000 nits peak, Gorilla Glass Victus 2	6.3-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED, 2700 nits peak, Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Processor	Google Tensor G6	Google Tensor G4
Rear Cameras	48MP wide 13MP ultrawide 10.8MP 5x telephoto	50MP wide 48MP ultrawide
Selfie camera	10.5MP	10.5MP
Battery	4,985mAh, 30W wired, 25W wireless (Qi2)	4,700mAh, 27W wired, 15W/12W wireless (Pixel Stand/Qi)
Connectivity	5G, Bluetooth 6, Wi-Fi 6E, eSIM-only (US)	5G, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 7, nano+eSIM,
Dimensions & weight	152.8 x 72 x 8.6mm 197g	152.8 x 72 x 8.5mm 198g
Colors	Frost, Pistachio, Hibiscus, Obsidian	Obsidian, Porcelain, Winter

Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 9: Cold hard specs

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Looks-wise, the Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 9 are very similar, but the former's brighter colorways and all-glass camera bar stand out distinctly. Apart from that, both Google Pixel phones are the same size, each with a 6.3-inch HDR10+ OLED display. Neither Pixel has an LTPO panel, so the variable refresh rate can't drop below 60Hz.

Disappointingly, the Pixel 11 misses out on HiLight, a standout feature of the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL. It also comes with Wi-Fi 6E instead of Wi-Fi 7, which is found on the Pixel 9. Google did upgrade to Bluetooth 6 on the Pixel 11, thankfully, so the Pixel 9's Bluetooth 5.3 is quite outdated by comparison.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Battery and charging are significantly better on the Pixel 11, jumping from the Pixel 9's 4,700mAh cell, 27W wired charging, and 15W wireless charging speeds to a 4,985mAh battery, 30W wired charging, and 25W wireless charging. Pixelsnap (or magnetic Qi2) is one of the best features of the Pixel 11, something the Pixel 9 lacks entirely.

Performance is a vital consideration, and the Google Pixel 11's Tensor G6 chipset crushes the Pixel 9's much older, slower Tensor G4 chip. The G6 offers 20% better power efficiency, 25% faster browsing, and 15% faster app loading compared to the Tensor G5.

Let's also not forget that all this will cost you a lot more: the Pixel 11 starts at $899 for 12GB/256GB, whereas the Pixel 9 retails for about $440 for the 12GB/128GB variant and $545 for the 12GB/256GB option.

Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 9: Software and AI

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

It is well known that, eventually, software and AI features from new Pixel phones trickle down to older models. However, this also depends on whether the phone's chipset supports those features.

Given the wide gap in raw power between the Tensor G4 and Tensor G6 chips, many of the Pixel 11's best features may not be available on the Pixel 9. Gemini's features rely on the G6's advanced architecture, so features like Rambler voice-to-text, Magic Capture, Sign Language-to-text translation, and automation via Gemini Intelligence are likely to remain exclusive to the Pixel 11. Some might come to the Pixel 10 eventually, but it is highly unlikely that the Pixel 9 will also get those features.

Both Pixels run Android 17 and are guaranteed seven years of OS and security updates. The Pixel 9 started out with Android 14, so naturally, it has fewer updates to go compared to the Pixel 11.

Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 9: Cameras

(Image credit: Shruti Shekar / Android Central)

The Pixel 11 has a triple-camera setup, with all-new lenses compared to the Pixel 9's dual-camera setup. Pixel 11 users enjoy a 48MP primary camera, a 13MP ultra-wide camera, and a 5x telephoto sensor, with up to 30x zoom. New camera features on the device include Magic Capture, Camera Looks, Camera Coach, and Creator Suite.

Next to that, the Pixel 9's 50MP wide and 48MP ultra-wide cameras and glaring lack of any telephoto lens look pointedly plain. Although a few Pixel 10 camera features, like Camera Coach, made their way to the Pixel 9, they are a far cry from the photography and videography tools and capabilities of the Pixel 11.

Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 9: So should you upgrade?

(Image credit: Sanuj Bhatia / Android Central)

The Pixel 11 offers Pixelsnap, vastly improved performance, better cameras, more base storage, better AI features, superior battery and charging specs, and solid triple cameras.

The Pixel 9, on the other hand, still has many years of software updates, and it performs well enough, with solid photography and ingress protection. It is slow by comparison and has poorer battery life and charging performance.

Whether you are a Google Pixel 9 owner or considering saving money by buying an older phone, the Pixel 11 is clearly a much better deal overall. You'll get Android 17 and the same seven-year update promise. The extra money you spend will get you a vastly more efficient processor, newer hardware, and more base storage.

If you are intent on staying in the $500 range, I suggest waiting for the Pixel 10 Pro to go on sale instead of purchasing the Pixel 9.

This rugged Android phone does something I've never seen before

We're still hot on the heels of Honor's very impressive Robot Phone, which comes with a robotic gimbal camera that folds out of the back of the phone. It's hard to imagine any company following up with something just as bold, but Ulefone definitely did its thing at IFA 2026 when it showed off the RugOne Xsnap 7 Pro.

At first glance, it looks like your typical ruggedized Android phone, complete with a very bulky, yet tough build. However, turn it around, and you'll see why this phone is so unique: it has a detachable action camera magnetically embedded into it.

Few things at IFA made me stop and gawk, and this was definitely one of them.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

The actual camera module is no bigger than something like the DJI Osmo Nano camera, although its specs might seem a bit underwhelming by comparison. According to Ulefone, the camera can be used for up to 40 minutes per charge and supports 2.7K resolution at 30fps. With these specs, it may not be the most functional GoPro alternative, but it should get the job done in a pinch.

The Xsnap 7 Pro was also surrounded by several different accessories, all of which you could use as attachments for the action camera. This included two tripods, two clips (one attached to a hat), and an extension rod, highlighting the different ways you can use the action camera.

Ulefone says the Xsnap 7 Pro was built with several different types of consumers in mind, including content creators, vloggers, outdoor sports enthusiasts, explorers, and "tech trendsetters."

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

The camera can function underwater and provides a live preview on the phone up to 50 meters away. It has 64GB of built-in storage, features such as distortion correction and full-sensor recording, and can sync footage with a phone app.

Speaking of the phone, it actually has some pretty decent specs. It has a 6.67-inch FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display and is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, which feels like plenty if you're planning to shoot a lot of video. In addition, the Xsnap 7 Pro also has a fixed 50MP primary camera and a secondary 64MP Night Vision camera (sorry to those looking for an ultrawide sensor).

Keeping the lights on is a massive 9,300mAh battery that can also help charge the action camera. That's good too, because given the camera's battery life, you'll definitely need to make use of all that capacity.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Of course, the phone is also very tough. It is certified for IP69K and IP68 water and dust resistance. Plus, it is MIL-STD-810H compliant, so it should be able to take a beating.

The RugOne Xsnap 7 Pro launches on Kickstarter on September 7, available at an early-bird price of €799. However, when it launches globally in October, it will retail for $999, which honestly doesn't sound too bad when you consider you're basically getting two products in one.

T-Mobile brought back the deal that gets you a FREE Pixel 11 Pro XL when you add a line — no trade-in required

The preorder period may be long gone, but the Google Pixel 11 deals are just as good as they've ever been. Just in time for Labor Day weekend, T-Mobile will give you the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL for FREE when you add a line with the Experience Beyond plan, no trade-in required!

As far as simplicity is concerned, this is one of the best Pixel 11 Pro XL deals on the web, totally crushing the latest offers from Verizon and AT&T. Even if you don't want to sign up for T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan (which is admittedly pretty pricey), the carrier is guaranteeing a $900 discount with all of its mainline unlimited plans, while the Experience More plan will still land you $1,100 off your smartphone purchase.

• See the full list of deals at T-Mobile today

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL 256GB: $1,299.99 FREE with Experience Beyond plan at T-Mobile

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL has only been out for a couple of weeks, but you can already grab the super-sized flagship for FREE by adding a line with the Experience Beyond plan at T-Mobile.

The carrier is offering similarly compelling discounts when you sign up for other unlimited plans and/or process a trade-in, so you can choose the exact T-Mobile experience that works for you. View Deal

Destined to rank among the best Android phones released in 2026, the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL takes the excellent foundation of its predecessor and adds a new camera system, a thinner and lighter build, and the upgraded Tensor G6 chipset. The 2026 phone also boasts a brighter display with faster charging speeds, plus you get to enjoy the new HiLight LED array. This light feature is attached to the camera bar and will glow different colors when you receive a notification or activate the phone's AI assistant.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL also comes equipped with all of the features you'd expect from a Pixel phone in 2026, including versatile cameras, a ton of handy software features, and seven years of guaranteed OS and security updates.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Naturally, no T-Mobile deal is complete without some fine print attached, and this Pixel 11 Pro XL offer is no exception. Like I mentioned above, you'll have to sign up for the Experience Beyond plan to receive the savings, and this plan generally starts around $100 per month for a single line. Fortunately, you can drop that price down considerably by using AutoPay and adding multiple lines.

The Experience Beyond plan also comes with a bunch of enticing perks to make up for its steep price tag. You get unlimited talk, text, and premium data on T-Mobile's legendary mobile network, plus an unlimited hotspot, international coverage in over 215 countries worldwide, and free subscriptions to both Netflix and Hulu. You even get a five-year price guarantee and access to all the same great upgrade deals as new customers.

This deal isn't for everyone, but if you've been looking for a new phone plan anyway, now's your chance to score some premium T-Mobile coverage AND a powerful Android phone all at once.

The rumored folding iPhone Ultra looks sick, but Android foldables offer something more: choice

Rumor has it that Apple will announce the iPhone Ultra at its upcoming September 9 event, making it the first iPhone to sport an "ultra" moniker. We're not expecting it to push the boundaries of battery technology or camera prowess, but it is slated to do one big thing that no other iPhone has (intentionally) done: fold in half.

This is going to drive a huge boost in sales for foldable phones, a category that has consistently grown since the first models arrived in 2019, but hasn't seen a particularly massive tentpole release like this one yet. Of course, as with anything Apple makes, you'll only get what Apple gives you, and rumor has it that Apple is announcing only one size and shape this time around.

But Android foldables, which have been around for eight years now, have had time to develop and branch out. Android offers a substantial choice of manufacturers, shapes, sizes, and capabilities that Apple simply can't offer. If foldable phones are looking like your next big purchase, here are many reasons you should choose an Android-powered one.

What is a folding phone and how do they work?

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Folding phones usually come with two displays: an inner display and an outer display. The inner display is made of special ultrathin glass that can bend (unlike normal glass) and is reinforced with a preinstalled screen protector. The phone's frame is split into two halves connected by a specialized hinge, allowing you to open and close the phone.

The foldable inner display is a special type of flexible OLED panel that's built to bend, too. A specialized hinge holds everything together, keeping dust and water out of the phone. It's a true marvel of engineering, and some foldables are even extremely durable, as proven by my Honor Magic V6 torture test.

Both the inner and outer displays work the same way a regular smartphone touchscreen does. You can open apps on either of them, allowing you to choose the size of the "canvas" you want to view them on.

What types of folding phones exist (and why would someone want one)?

The rumored iPhone Ultra. (Image credit: AppleTrack)

The leaked image of the iPhone Ultra above shows what's known as a book-style foldable. When a book-style phone is closed, its size and shape are similar to those of a standard smartphone, so all your favorite apps look and feel nearly identical to those on your existing smartphone.

Opening a book-style phone doubles its size, turning it into a small tablet that lets you get more done without switching to a laptop or other computer. I work on the go quite a bit, and a folding phone makes it easy to get most of my work done efficiently. I rarely watch videos on my phone, but when I do, the extra-large inner display is a real treat.

Because of the large size, multitasking is one of the best features of a book-style foldable. You can run two or three apps side by side on these phones, and even put apps in floating windows, like on a laptop OS. Plus, the taskbar on the inner display makes it feel even more like a multitasking beast, similar to a laptop OS (like Windows or macOS).

Book-style foldables come in many sizes and shapes, though most are slightly taller and narrower than your average smartphone when closed. Google began its foldable journey with a shorter, wider model, but made the next three entries a bit taller.

Meanwhile, Samsung just introduced its first shorter, wider model (the Galaxy Z Fold 8), and Apple's iPhone Ultra is rumored to use this same size and shape. Shorter, wider models are best for video content and feel a lot like holding a small TV when unfolded.

Apple's iPhone Ultra is said to come in just one shape and size, while Android foldables offer tons of different sizes, shapes, and form factors. You can even get tri-fold foldables!

(Image credit: Android Central)

While book-style foldables get the bulk of the attention, flip-style foldables were better sellers for a few years. Phones like the Motorola Razr 2026 series look like a slightly taller normal smartphone when opened, then fold into a perfectly pocketable half-sized phone when closed.

These phones solve the issue of overly large phones while still giving you the flexibility to use a small screen for things like notifications and messaging, then a larger screen when you need it. We generally recommend Motorola's Razr flip phones over Samsung's Z Flip line because Motorola's outer screen is more capable, and the company's designs are far more interesting.

Flip phones are also wonderful for photos and videos thanks to their shape. It's easy to bend a flip phone at a 90-degree angle and use it as a "tripod" to take group photos. You can also use this same shape and hold it sideways to take video like a classic camcorder.

Do folding phones have any downsides?

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich)

Folding phones offer unique form factors and ways to interact with your favorite apps, but not everything is a win-win. When shopping for a book-style folding phone, the first thing you'll probably notice is the price. Yeah, there's quite a bit of sticker shock here, and that's mainly because this is a two-in-one device. Think of it as buying a phone and a tablet at the same time, and you'll understand.

Flip-style phones are typically priced the same as traditional flagship phones but tend to have one fewer rear camera. Even Motorola's Razr Ultra line doesn't have a third camera on the back, despite the higher price.

Both flip and book-style foldables are often a bit less powerful than top-tier traditional flagship smartphones. The problem is that there's not as much space in these phones for cooling, since they have to be thinner than a traditional phone to avoid feeling like a brick when closed.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Lastly, durability. Folding phones got a bad rap pretty early on when the original Galaxy Z Fold's inner display would spontaneously break, but those problems have generally been solved. There's always a chance the folding glass could break, but these phones have undergone so many years of evolution and hardening that such a failure is almost unheard of.

Stores like uBreakiFix readily have parts to repair them, and phone companies offer warranties and other insurance programs that help cover any potential issues. As someone who has reviewed dozens and dozens of folding phones over the past seven years, I've never seen a phone break in person.

My wife has also been using flip phones for the past four years, and the only time one of hers broke was after being dropped with the phone unfolded. Considering how many traditional smartphones break every day from drops, there's no reason to suggest that these phones are any less durable with regular use.

Unbelievable: Amazon's Labor Day sale is slashing 44% OFF the year's best LG OLED TV

I'll be honest, I don't cover smart TV deals very often, but occasionally an OLED TV discount comes along that's simply too good not to mention. Case in point: Amazon's Labor Day sale is currently carving 44% off the 65-inch C6 Series OLED TV by LG, which is widely considered to be one of the best OLED TVs on the market today.

That's a record-smashing discount on a smart TV that our sister site TechRadar called 'the best TV for most people' in 2026. In fact, the only issue that I've had with the LG C6 is its price, so this Labor Day deal is a welcome sight. Amazon will even deliver and unpack the set in the room of your choice at no additional cost. And you don't even need to be a Prime member to enjoy the savings.

• See my TOP 20+ deals from Amazon's Labor Day sale

LG 65" C6 Series OLED TV (2026): $2,699.99 $1,499.99 at Amazon

The LG C6 OLED TV is an entertainment powerhouse, delivering incredible picture and a bounty of cutting-edge software features, whether you're binging your favorite show or gaming the night away. Grab the 65-inch model during Amazon's Labor Day sale and you'll score a straight $1,200 off your purchase.View Deal

The C6 is powered by LG's very own Alpha a11 Gen 3 AI processor, which means all of your favorite content is intelligently upscaled in real time. The smart TV boasts truly spectacular picture beyond optimization, as well, utilizing over 8 million pixels to deliver deeply immersive colors with rich blacks and lifelike details.

You also get features like Filmmaker mode, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, while gamers will appreciate optimized specs like NVIDIA G-Sync, a 165Hz refresh rate, and an impressive 0.1ms response time. You even get four HDMI 2.1 ports for all of your consoles and streaming devices!

Is the 65-inch model too big or too small for your space? Amazon is also dropping discounts on the entire C6 TV lineup, so you can take your pick. That being said, going with the 65-inch C6 OLED (or larger) will get you the best value. If you're looking for something smaller, I'd probably wait until Amazon's big October Prime Day sale, which will likely occur sometime in October.

• 42 inches: $1,399.99 $1,099.99 at Amazon ❌ Wait for a better deal
• 48 inches: $1,299.99 $1,199.99 at Amazon ❌ Wait for a better deal
• 55 inches: $1,499.99 $1,299.99 at Amazon ❌ Wait for a better deal
• 77 inches: $3,699.99 $2,499.99 at Amazon ✅ Buy it now!
• 83 inches: $5,299.99 $3,999.99 at Amazon ✅ Buy it now!

I used Baseus' Dark Cherry iPhone 18 Pro accessories, and they're stunning

Baseus knows how to make great charging and audio accessories, and the brand is going all-out ahead of the iPhone 18 Pro launch. The Dark Cherry collection includes five products that are debuting in a bold new cherry red colorway designed to match the Dark Cherry variant of the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro.

The highlight of the new collection is the PicoGo Pro AH22, the smallest 100W GaN charger with three USB-C ports. It comes with a built-in panel that shows real-time charging details, and it is now available for $59 on Amazon.

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

There's also the PicoGo AM52, a 25W Qi 2.2 power bank with 10,000mAh battery that's available for $79, and the ultra-thin PicoGo Air AM71 5,000mAh power bank that costs $69. The Bose-tuned Inspire XC1 earbuds get the Dark Cherry makeover as well, and they're $149. Rounding out the list is the 100W USB-C to USB-C cable, and it costs $12.

Baseus has an exclusive deal for AC readers that is live now and runs until October 31, 2026:

• Baseus PicoGo AH22 100W GaN Charger: $39.99 with code BSAH22AC (34% off)
• Baseus PicoGo AM52 25W Qi2.2 10,000mAh Power Bank: $41.29 with code BSAM52AC (48% off)
• Baseus PicoGo Air 5,000mAh Ultra-Slim Power Bank: $41.99 with code BSAM71AC (40% off)

Baseus 100W PicoGo Pro AH22: This is the GaN charger you want

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

I used the PicoGo Pro AH22 as my go-to charger for the last month, and there's a lot to like. It is noticeably smaller than other 100W chargers I have on hand, and it still has three USB-C ports. The smaller size and the vibrant color makes it a great choice for travel (it's going straight into my tech bag), and I like that it has a built-in screen that shows real-time charging details, time left to charge, and what protocol a connected device is using.

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

It has three charging modes — Smart, Gentle, and Turbo — and the Smart mode is useful while charging several devices at once. The Gentle mode is what you need for overnight charging, and Turbo prioritizes the C1 port to 100W.

There's intelligent device recognition, and I like this feature a lot. Baseus also added a set of fun effects that show up while charging. The individual USB-C ports go up to 100W, and with all three in use, you get a 95W power budget. I used it with my Pixel 11 Pro XL, Find X9 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, iPad Pro M4, and a few dozen accessories, and the charger did a great job.

Baseus PicoGo AM52 25W Qi2.2 10,000mAh Power Bank: Charge anything with ease

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

The PicoGo AM52 isn't a new product, and I've been using the power bank for the better part of a year. The Qi 2.2 tech allows it to charge phones at 25W, and it's great to use with the iPhone 17 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL.

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

There's no doubt that the cherry color looks much better than the standard grey model I've been using all this time. The 10,000mAh battery is able to charge the iPhone 17 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL to full, and it has a built-in USB-C cable if you need to plug in other devices, going up to 45W.

Baseus PicoGo Air AM71 5,000mAh Power Bank: The thinnest power bank

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

The PicoGo Air AM71 is a 5,000mAh magnetic power bank, and it is one of the thinnest I've used yet. It doesn't have 25W charging, instead using the standard Qi standard to deliver a 7.5W charge. There is a USB-C port that gets you 22.5W, and the power bank recharges at 20W.

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

While I'm not a huge fan of ultra-thin power banks, I will admit that the AM71 has unmatched portability. It's just 0.3 inches and weighs 105g, and is easy to slot into a bag or trousers — I have one in my tech EDC bag. The 5,000mAh battery isn't enough to charge a phone to full, but it will get your iPhone 17 Pro Max to the halfway point. This is down to energy conversion, and is true of all power banks.

Baseus Inspire XC1: Bose sound for less

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

I like the Inspire XC1 because of the open ear design, and they're a good choice if you have issues getting a good fit with regular buds. The cherry color makes these buds stand out a lot from the regular model, and they definitely get a lot of attention while outdoors.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

The Bose-tuned sound quality is terrific, and the buds have meaningful bass along with a clean mid-range and good treble. They're pretty great with calls as well, and have LDAC and IP66 ingress protection. I get over seven hours of battery life between charges, and that's more than adequate in daily use. The only point of contention is that the cherry variant is $149, which is a sizeable increase over the $99 that the regular model costs these days.

Baseus FrostCool: A reliable 100W USB-C cable

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

I have a lot of these cables in the house, and they're reliable in everyday use. The cherry color is the only difference here, and other than that, it's the same cable: it can deliver a 100W charge over USB PD, is 6.6ft in length, and the braided design is built to last.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Baseus is going all-in on Dark Cherry, and I like that the brand has an entire range of accessories available in the new colorway. While there's a little bit of a wait before we know all about the iPhone 18 Pro, you can get a head-start by grabbing the accessories you need.

The world's thinnest portable SSD is just as impractical as you think

I like portable SSDs a lot, and I have one always on hand in my EDC tech bag. I look for two things in a portable drive: fast transfers, and long-term durability. I don't really think about the size or weight, as SSDs tend to be smaller and lighter than mechanical drives anyway.

But Lexar clearly felt like this was an area to focus on for its next SSD, the Muse. Dubbed the world's thinnest SSD, the Muse is 3.8mm at its thickest point, going down to just 1mm at the edges. Lexar says it used an "ultra-thin PCB architecture, high-density NAND stacking, and an integrated internal structure" to maximize the internal space.

Lexar

Lexar

The Muse has 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s writes and can handle ProRes content at 4K120, which is in line with most portable SSDs. What isn't usual is the connector; instead of a regular USB-C port like every other SSD, the Muse uses a proprietary PogoPin magnetic connection, and you'll need to use the bundled cable in the box to connect the drive to your phone.

Oh, and it doesn't have the requisite magnets built-in (obviously), so you'll need to put it in a magnetic carry sleeve to attach it to a phone. Lexar notes portable SSDs can add "bulk and cable clutter," so it created the Muse to deliver a more "considered approach." It doesn't quite feel that way when you consider that you have three things to manage when using the Muse: the SSD itself, the magnetic sleeve, and the proprietary cable, which will inevitably get left behind when you're out and about.

(Image credit: Lexar)

I just don't get the need to tech industry's obsession to make products thinner. A regular-sized portable SSD doesn't have these limitations, and if anything, I like using drives like the LaCie Rugged SSD4, which are chunky but can take an absolute beating. The Muse adds a layer of complexity you don't need in a storage device, and that's before you factor in overheating. With such a small size and a sealed chassis, where does the heat go? There doesn't seem to be any room to manage the heat that builds up in a drive, so it will likely get quite hot when moving data.

Anyway, the Muse is coming out in Q4 2026, and it will be sold in 512GB and 1TB variants. Lexar didn't share pricing details, but it is bound to be on the higher side. Don't want to wait that long to get a magnetic SSD? This is the one I use.