Pixel users report sudden and severe battery drain, overheating issues

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

• Pixel users are reporting severe battery drain and overheating issues on their phones.
• The problem seems to be affecting Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series users.
• A recent Google app update may be to blame.

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Several Pixel users are currently reporting severe battery drain and overheating issues on their phones. The problem was flagged by an Engadget reader, after which the publication discovered a growing thread of complaints from Pixel users on Reddit and Google’s support forums.

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Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

• Pixel users are reporting severe battery drain and overheating issues on their phones.
• The problem seems to be affecting Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series users.
• A recent Google app update may be to blame.

---

Several Pixel users are currently reporting severe battery drain and overheating issues on their phones. The problem was flagged by an Engadget reader, after which the publication discovered a growing thread of complaints from Pixel users on Reddit and Google’s support forums.

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What is Midjourney AI and how does it work?

Credit: Image: Curious Refuge

Have you ever wished you could conjure a picture straight out of your imagination? You now can within a matter of minutes, thanks to image generators like Midjourney. It doesn’t matter if you lack artistic skills or haven’t even held a paintbrush in your life. Artificial intelligence can do all of the heavy lifting – all you need is a bit of text that describes the image you have in mind. But where did Midjourney come from all of a sudden and how does it work? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Midjourney?

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Credit: Image: Curious Refuge

Have you ever wished you could conjure a picture straight out of your imagination? You now can within a matter of minutes, thanks to image generators like Midjourney. It doesn’t matter if you lack artistic skills or haven’t even held a paintbrush in your life. Artificial intelligence can do all of the heavy lifting – all you need is a bit of text that describes the image you have in mind. But where did Midjourney come from all of a sudden and how does it work? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Midjourney?

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Spotify problems and how to fix them

Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming services, with millions of songs and podcasts available across various genres. The best part is that it’s available on every platform and completely free, as long as you’re okay with ads. However, a paid Spotify Premium subscription brings plenty of useful extras like the ability to download songs, better audio quality, unlimited song skipping, and more. But like any app, Spotify has the occasional bug or glitch, and things don’t work as expected. Here’s a look at some common Spotify problems and how to fix them.

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Problem #1: The Spotify app is not loading or playing music

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Any interruption while listening to your favorite playlists or podcasts is annoying, so the Spotify app not loading or playing music is a huge problem. Here’s what you can try if Spotify is not working as expected.

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Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming services, with millions of songs and podcasts available across various genres. The best part is that it’s available on every platform and completely free, as long as you’re okay with ads. However, a paid Spotify Premium subscription brings plenty of useful extras like the ability to download songs, better audio quality, unlimited song skipping, and more. But like any app, Spotify has the occasional bug or glitch, and things don’t work as expected. Here’s a look at some common Spotify problems and how to fix them.

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Problem #1: The Spotify app is not loading or playing music

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Any interruption while listening to your favorite playlists or podcasts is annoying, so the Spotify app not loading or playing music is a huge problem. Here’s what you can try if Spotify is not working as expected.

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I thought Spotify Niche Mixes were silly, and then I used one

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Opinion post by

Ryan Haines

Are you familiar with the term “goblincore?” I wasn’t, but Spotify decided it was the perfect phrase to introduce me to its Niche Mix feature. I laughed. I showed my colleagues here at Android Authority, and they laughed. Then, I looked up the term goblincore and found that it’s an aesthetic based on parts of nature not traditionally considered beautiful, like snails, moss, and mushrooms. I laughed a little more and wondered why Spotify chose this example to bring me into the world of hyper-specific playlists. Only after all of this laughing and research did I finally listen to the playlist and decide that, honestly, maybe Spotify Niche Mixes are onto something.

Wait, what’s a Spotify Niche Mix?

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Opinion post by

Ryan Haines

Are you familiar with the term “goblincore?” I wasn’t, but Spotify decided it was the perfect phrase to introduce me to its Niche Mix feature. I laughed. I showed my colleagues here at Android Authority, and they laughed. Then, I looked up the term goblincore and found that it’s an aesthetic based on parts of nature not traditionally considered beautiful, like snails, moss, and mushrooms. I laughed a little more and wondered why Spotify chose this example to bring me into the world of hyper-specific playlists. Only after all of this laughing and research did I finally listen to the playlist and decide that, honestly, maybe Spotify Niche Mixes are onto something.

Wait, what’s a Spotify Niche Mix?

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How much does Midjourney cost? Plans, pricing, and alternatives

Credit: Matt Horne / Android Authority

If you’re looking for the best AI image generator out there, we don’t think you need to look much further than Midjourney. Even though it isn’t backed by a large company like DALL-E’s creator OpenAI, it can create incredibly lifelike and realistic images. But is Midjourney free to use or will you have to fork over your payment information first? Here’s everything you need to know.

Is Midjourney AI free?

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Credit: Matt Horne / Android Authority

If you’re looking for the best AI image generator out there, we don’t think you need to look much further than Midjourney. Even though it isn’t backed by a large company like DALL-E’s creator OpenAI, it can create incredibly lifelike and realistic images. But is Midjourney free to use or will you have to fork over your payment information first? Here’s everything you need to know.

Is Midjourney AI free?

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How to use Midjourney: The popular AI image generator

Credit: Calvin Wankhede / Android Authority

Out of seemingly nowhere, Midjourney has become one of the most popular generative AI tools out there. If you haven’t used it yet, the basic premise is rather simple. Enter some text and the brains (or computers) behind Midjourney will automatically draw a vivid image for you. But unlike other AI image generators like DALL-E, you can only access Midjourney through the Discord chat app. That may seem confusing at first, but don’t worry, we have your back. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Midjourney.

How to sign up for Midjourney

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Credit: Calvin Wankhede / Android Authority

Out of seemingly nowhere, Midjourney has become one of the most popular generative AI tools out there. If you haven’t used it yet, the basic premise is rather simple. Enter some text and the brains (or computers) behind Midjourney will automatically draw a vivid image for you. But unlike other AI image generators like DALL-E, you can only access Midjourney through the Discord chat app. That may seem confusing at first, but don’t worry, we have your back. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Midjourney.

How to sign up for Midjourney

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Google Pixel 7a charging test: Running a little too hot

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Google doesn’t provide a charger in the box with the new Pixel 7a, so you’ll have to pick up a compatible third-party charger. Before you do that though, you’ll want to learn more about how the Pixel 7a charges, what specifications it uses, and how long it takes to fill up. We tested the phone to bring you everything you need to know.

These are the key facts about the Google Pixel 7a’s battery and charging capabilities.

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Google doesn’t provide a charger in the box with the new Pixel 7a, so you’ll have to pick up a compatible third-party charger. Before you do that though, you’ll want to learn more about how the Pixel 7a charges, what specifications it uses, and how long it takes to fill up. We tested the phone to bring you everything you need to know.

These are the key facts about the Google Pixel 7a’s battery and charging capabilities.

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Google did the impossible at I/O: It made me feel less apprehensive about AI

Credit: Google

Opinion post by

Rita El Khoury

“AI is taking over the world, but I’m not ready for it,” is a sentiment I shared with you a few weeks ago. My apprehensions about generative AI haven’t changed since then, but as I heard the word “AI” being uttered for the 100th time during this week’s Google I/O, a quick realization dawned on me: I was OK with that. Maybe not as ecstatic as the hundreds of I/O attendees clapping and laughing like a ’90s sitcom track, but still, relatively OK and comfortable with Google’s approach to generative AI.

I’ve since rewatched the conference once more while rewinding specific moments many times over to analyze them. I’ve also given myself a couple of days to re-assess whether my rose-tinted Google glasses were affecting my judgment here. The result is I’m still generally comfortable with Google’s AI approach. Where OpenAI’s GPT4 presentation and Microsoft’s CoPilot launch left me in awe but also intimidated and concerned, Google’s take seems smartly selective and restrained.

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Credit: Google

Opinion post by

Rita El Khoury

“AI is taking over the world, but I’m not ready for it,” is a sentiment I shared with you a few weeks ago. My apprehensions about generative AI haven’t changed since then, but as I heard the word “AI” being uttered for the 100th time during this week’s Google I/O, a quick realization dawned on me: I was OK with that. Maybe not as ecstatic as the hundreds of I/O attendees clapping and laughing like a ’90s sitcom track, but still, relatively OK and comfortable with Google’s approach to generative AI.

I’ve since rewatched the conference once more while rewinding specific moments many times over to analyze them. I’ve also given myself a couple of days to re-assess whether my rose-tinted Google glasses were affecting my judgment here. The result is I’m still generally comfortable with Google’s AI approach. Where OpenAI’s GPT4 presentation and Microsoft’s CoPilot launch left me in awe but also intimidated and concerned, Google’s take seems smartly selective and restrained.

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AirPod case not charging? Here’s how to fix it

The AirPods and AirPods Pro are some of the best true wireless earbuds you can get and are an absolute no-brainer if you have Apple devices. The speedy connections, easy access to information, seamless cross-device usage between iPhones, iPads, and Macs, and of course, their excellent audio quality are why AirPods are so popular. However, like any tech, AirPods aren’t without problems, and it’s the worst when you put on a pair only to find them without a charge. If you’ve remembered to plug in your earbuds, the lack of a charge might be because of something else. Here’s what to do if your AirPods and AirPods case are not charging.

QUICK ANSWER

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The AirPods and AirPods Pro are some of the best true wireless earbuds you can get and are an absolute no-brainer if you have Apple devices. The speedy connections, easy access to information, seamless cross-device usage between iPhones, iPads, and Macs, and of course, their excellent audio quality are why AirPods are so popular. However, like any tech, AirPods aren’t without problems, and it’s the worst when you put on a pair only to find them without a charge. If you’ve remembered to plug in your earbuds, the lack of a charge might be because of something else. Here’s what to do if your AirPods and AirPods case are not charging.

QUICK ANSWER

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The Pixel 7a is the epitome of the Pixel A series; Google can’t stop here

Opinion post by

Rita El Khoury

The one thing that immediately struck me the moment I opened the Pixel 7a box was how phenomenally well-built this phone is. In hand, it is virtually indistinguishable from my more expensive Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, despite the switch from a glass to a plastic back. Sure, the similar white color helps, but everything about the Pixel 7a feels solid and premium — way more than the Pixel 6a or any other A series phone ever did.

Google isn’t joking this time around. At $499, this midrange phone is excellent on paper, and even better in reality. Just start counting all the ways the Pixel 7a is better than the 6a and you’ll notice that the upgrades stack up to easily justify the $50 markup in price (if not more). But could it be the last A series Pixel from Google? Rumors suggest so, but I think otherwise.

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Opinion post by

Rita El Khoury

The one thing that immediately struck me the moment I opened the Pixel 7a box was how phenomenally well-built this phone is. In hand, it is virtually indistinguishable from my more expensive Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, despite the switch from a glass to a plastic back. Sure, the similar white color helps, but everything about the Pixel 7a feels solid and premium — way more than the Pixel 6a or any other A series phone ever did.

Google isn’t joking this time around. At $499, this midrange phone is excellent on paper, and even better in reality. Just start counting all the ways the Pixel 7a is better than the 6a and you’ll notice that the upgrades stack up to easily justify the $50 markup in price (if not more). But could it be the last A series Pixel from Google? Rumors suggest so, but I think otherwise.

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5 Android apps you shouldn’t miss this week – Android Apps Weekly

Welcome to the 484th edition of Android Apps Weekly. This one is also a bit longer than most, thanks to Google I/O 2023. Here are the big headlines from the last week:

• Skyline, the Nintendo Switch emulator, was shut down this week. The developers received a DMCA takedown request from Nintendo. It’s not for the emulator itself but rather the method the developers use to dump security keys. You can read more about it at the link.
• Google Play Store ads are apparently getting worse. The Play Store is now offering ads and limited-time events when you search for something. It only shows up after clicking on the search bar, but they are easy enough to ignore. It shouldn’t be a big deal, but you’ll definitely notice it.
• Samsung and Google are working together to make background apps more reliable. In fact, Samsung promises that One UI 6.0 (built on Android 14) won’t kill your background tasks as frequently as it does right now. This is a big deal since Samsung’s penchant for shutting down background tasks is legendary.
• Android’s Find My Device network will soon use Bluetooth proximity to help track your Android phone. It’ll also work with Tile, Chipolo, Pebblebee, and more trackers over time. In short, this brings Android’s Find My Device network in line with Apple’s by using every Android phone in the world to help find yours. That’s great news. Read more about it at the link.
• Android 14 Beta 2 arrived for Pixel phones this week. The new update includes support for 10-bit HDR, lossless USB audio, and out-of-the-box support for Health Connect. Hit the link to learn more details, but we knew most of this stuff was coming already.
• Google I/O 2023 had a number of app-related announcements. We’ll list them all briefly with links so you can learn about everything that happened. Google announced Magic Editor as part of Google Photos. It’s quite powerful, and it’s worth checking out. Google Bard got a host of updates, including AI art generation and an upgrade to Google’s PaLM 2. Google also opened Bard up to 180 countries in English, Korean, and Japanese.
• Google announced that RCS is used by 800 million people, and none of them are Apple users. Google also added more AI experiences to Gmail via the Help Me Write feature, Google Maps via Immersive View for Routes, and Google Search. There was even an AI-driven notebook for students that is in active development. Hit all of the above links to learn more about each product.

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Life Makeover

Price: Free to play

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Welcome to the 484th edition of Android Apps Weekly. This one is also a bit longer than most, thanks to Google I/O 2023. Here are the big headlines from the last week:

• Skyline, the Nintendo Switch emulator, was shut down this week. The developers received a DMCA takedown request from Nintendo. It’s not for the emulator itself but rather the method the developers use to dump security keys. You can read more about it at the link.
• Google Play Store ads are apparently getting worse. The Play Store is now offering ads and limited-time events when you search for something. It only shows up after clicking on the search bar, but they are easy enough to ignore. It shouldn’t be a big deal, but you’ll definitely notice it.
• Samsung and Google are working together to make background apps more reliable. In fact, Samsung promises that One UI 6.0 (built on Android 14) won’t kill your background tasks as frequently as it does right now. This is a big deal since Samsung’s penchant for shutting down background tasks is legendary.
• Android’s Find My Device network will soon use Bluetooth proximity to help track your Android phone. It’ll also work with Tile, Chipolo, Pebblebee, and more trackers over time. In short, this brings Android’s Find My Device network in line with Apple’s by using every Android phone in the world to help find yours. That’s great news. Read more about it at the link.
• Android 14 Beta 2 arrived for Pixel phones this week. The new update includes support for 10-bit HDR, lossless USB audio, and out-of-the-box support for Health Connect. Hit the link to learn more details, but we knew most of this stuff was coming already.
• Google I/O 2023 had a number of app-related announcements. We’ll list them all briefly with links so you can learn about everything that happened. Google announced Magic Editor as part of Google Photos. It’s quite powerful, and it’s worth checking out. Google Bard got a host of updates, including AI art generation and an upgrade to Google’s PaLM 2. Google also opened Bard up to 180 countries in English, Korean, and Japanese.
• Google announced that RCS is used by 800 million people, and none of them are Apple users. Google also added more AI experiences to Gmail via the Help Me Write feature, Google Maps via Immersive View for Routes, and Google Search. There was even an AI-driven notebook for students that is in active development. Hit all of the above links to learn more about each product.

---

Life Makeover

Price: Free to play

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A $499 Pixel Tablet is not a $100 Nest Hub replacement

Credit: Kris Carlon / Android Authority

You’re not alone if you’re a little unsure what Google’s strategy for its smart home ecosystem is right now. Shortly after killing off support for third-party smart displays, Mountain View launched the Pixel Tablet at Google I/O 2023 — a dockable large screen with built-in Google Home functionality. In other words, a smart display.

The Pixel Tablet is certainly an intriguing product, but is this the future of Nest Hubs or simply another experiment Google will have forgotten about in 12 months’ time? Either way, there’s just one problem; who wants to spend $499/€680 to control their smart lights?

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Credit: Kris Carlon / Android Authority

You’re not alone if you’re a little unsure what Google’s strategy for its smart home ecosystem is right now. Shortly after killing off support for third-party smart displays, Mountain View launched the Pixel Tablet at Google I/O 2023 — a dockable large screen with built-in Google Home functionality. In other words, a smart display.

The Pixel Tablet is certainly an intriguing product, but is this the future of Nest Hubs or simply another experiment Google will have forgotten about in 12 months’ time? Either way, there’s just one problem; who wants to spend $499/€680 to control their smart lights?

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Samsung Galaxy S24 series: Release date, specs, price, and all the rumors so far

Every year, smartphone fans look forward to the latest flagship Android phones from Samsung. In 2023, those flagships were in the Galaxy S23 series. Next year, however, we expect to see the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. We know it’s a long way away, but rumors surrounding these phones are already ramping up!

Below, you’ll find all the latest credible rumors surrounding the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus, and Galaxy S24 Ultra. We’ve also included a wishlist, which is made up of things we hope to see but don’t have any evidence for yet.

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Every year, smartphone fans look forward to the latest flagship Android phones from Samsung. In 2023, those flagships were in the Galaxy S23 series. Next year, however, we expect to see the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. We know it’s a long way away, but rumors surrounding these phones are already ramping up!

Below, you’ll find all the latest credible rumors surrounding the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus, and Galaxy S24 Ultra. We’ve also included a wishlist, which is made up of things we hope to see but don’t have any evidence for yet.

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The Weekly Authority: 👀 Everything Google I/O

Welcome to The Weekly Authority, the Android Authority newsletter that breaks down the top Android and tech news from the week. The 244th edition here and it’s that time of year again, Google I/O! If you missed Wednesday’s big event, we’ve got all the updates. Also in this week’s TWA, we’ve got loads of Motorola Razr 40 Ultra leaks, Sony’s Xperia 1 V launch, the latest on Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard deal, and Google and Wendy’s AI drive-through makeover — plus pricing, specs, and a release date for the ASUS ROG Ally.

Since hearing about Sony’s shutdown of PixelOpus, I’ve started playing Concrete Genie, and it’s such a colorful, addictive little game; plus, it’s currently included with PS Plus Premium.

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Welcome to The Weekly Authority, the Android Authority newsletter that breaks down the top Android and tech news from the week. The 244th edition here and it’s that time of year again, Google I/O! If you missed Wednesday’s big event, we’ve got all the updates. Also in this week’s TWA, we’ve got loads of Motorola Razr 40 Ultra leaks, Sony’s Xperia 1 V launch, the latest on Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard deal, and Google and Wendy’s AI drive-through makeover — plus pricing, specs, and a release date for the ASUS ROG Ally.

Since hearing about Sony’s shutdown of PixelOpus, I’ve started playing Concrete Genie, and it’s such a colorful, addictive little game; plus, it’s currently included with PS Plus Premium.

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Your Pixel phone is about to get a little jazzier in the style of Kenny G

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

• Google has updated the Sounds app after launching the Pixel 7a.
• The update brings a new ringtone to the Sounds app.
• The ringtone plays smooth jazz in the style of Kenny G.

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There are many ways to customize your Pixel phone to have it match your personality. One of those options is your ringtone. If you’re a fan of smooth jazz, then Google may have just provided you with the perfect ringtone.

As spotted by 9to5Google, the Mountain View-based company just updated its Sounds app to version 3.1. If you own a Pixel phone, you can update the app in the Play Store. The update coincides with the launch of the Pixel 7a.

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

• Google has updated the Sounds app after launching the Pixel 7a.
• The update brings a new ringtone to the Sounds app.
• The ringtone plays smooth jazz in the style of Kenny G.

---

There are many ways to customize your Pixel phone to have it match your personality. One of those options is your ringtone. If you’re a fan of smooth jazz, then Google may have just provided you with the perfect ringtone.

As spotted by 9to5Google, the Mountain View-based company just updated its Sounds app to version 3.1. If you own a Pixel phone, you can update the app in the Play Store. The update coincides with the launch of the Pixel 7a.

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Fairbuds XL launched: You can easily repair these headphones

Credit: Fairphone/Flickr

• Fairphone has announced the Fairbuds XL headphones.
• The headphones offer a modular design, allowing you to easily replace components.
• Expect to pay ~$270 for the device.

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We first spotted a listing and private video for the Fairbuds XL headphones last month. This suggested that Fairphone was bringing its sustainable and repairable approach to the headphone segment.

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Credit: Fairphone/Flickr

• Fairphone has announced the Fairbuds XL headphones.
• The headphones offer a modular design, allowing you to easily replace components.
• Expect to pay ~$270 for the device.

---

We first spotted a listing and private video for the Fairbuds XL headphones last month. This suggested that Fairphone was bringing its sustainable and repairable approach to the headphone segment.

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Spigen brings style and protection to the Galaxy S23

The Samsung Galaxy S23 devices are some of the best smartphones you can get. But their size and all-glass build make them vulnerable to serious damage in case of accidental bumps and drops. A good case and screen protector go a long way in keeping these expensive phones in pristine condition, and that’s where Spigen steps up! Spigen is a popular go-to for anyone looking for the perfect mix of style and protection, and the case maker has knocked it out of the park with its Galaxy S23 collection.

The company’s Galaxy S23 cases are made with high-quality materials and do a great job when it comes to keeping your phone safe from bumps, drops, and scratches. Spigen is also an official partner in the Samsung Mobile Accessory Partner Program (SMAPP), so you can expect precision fits and seamless looks with every Spigen Galaxy S23 case. With various designs, styles, and levels of protection, Spigen has an excellent case for every Galaxy S23 owner. Let’s take a look!

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The Samsung Galaxy S23 devices are some of the best smartphones you can get. But their size and all-glass build make them vulnerable to serious damage in case of accidental bumps and drops. A good case and screen protector go a long way in keeping these expensive phones in pristine condition, and that’s where Spigen steps up! Spigen is a popular go-to for anyone looking for the perfect mix of style and protection, and the case maker has knocked it out of the park with its Galaxy S23 collection.

The company’s Galaxy S23 cases are made with high-quality materials and do a great job when it comes to keeping your phone safe from bumps, drops, and scratches. Spigen is also an official partner in the Samsung Mobile Accessory Partner Program (SMAPP), so you can expect precision fits and seamless looks with every Spigen Galaxy S23 case. With various designs, styles, and levels of protection, Spigen has an excellent case for every Galaxy S23 owner. Let’s take a look!

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Does McDonald’s take Apple Pay?

Founded by Ray Kroc (and not a clown named Ronald) in 1954, McDonald’s is one of the largest and best-recognized fast-food chains in the world. It has more than 36,000 restaurants in over 100 countries and caters to all types of hungry patrons, including iPhone users. It might serve apple pie, but does McDonald’s take Apple Pay?

We’ll answer that question, explain how things work when buying your food through the various purchasing routes, and look at what other forms of payment are accepted by the fast-food giant.

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Founded by Ray Kroc (and not a clown named Ronald) in 1954, McDonald’s is one of the largest and best-recognized fast-food chains in the world. It has more than 36,000 restaurants in over 100 countries and caters to all types of hungry patrons, including iPhone users. It might serve apple pie, but does McDonald’s take Apple Pay?

We’ll answer that question, explain how things work when buying your food through the various purchasing routes, and look at what other forms of payment are accepted by the fast-food giant.

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The best Google Pixel Fold cases you can buy

The Pixel Fold is one of Google’s most premium — and expensive — smartphones to date, starting at $1,799. To put that into context, that’s about as much as a Les Paul or a decent used car. That said, the phone is undeniably overflowing with high-end features, and it will receive at least five years of software updates from Google. During those five years, your device will become home to a ton of important accumulated data. To keep all of that safe, you will want to protect your investment with a proper case. Let’s go over the best Google Pixel Fold cases you can buy to make your Pixel Fold stand the test of time.

The best Google Pixel Fold cases 

• Official Pixel Fold case from Google
• Spigen Thin Fit
• Spigen Ultra Hybrid
• Spigen Slim Armor Pro
• Caseology Parallax

Editor’s note: We’ll be updating this list of Google Pixel Fold cases as new options continue to become available.

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The Pixel Fold is one of Google’s most premium — and expensive — smartphones to date, starting at $1,799. To put that into context, that’s about as much as a Les Paul or a decent used car. That said, the phone is undeniably overflowing with high-end features, and it will receive at least five years of software updates from Google. During those five years, your device will become home to a ton of important accumulated data. To keep all of that safe, you will want to protect your investment with a proper case. Let’s go over the best Google Pixel Fold cases you can buy to make your Pixel Fold stand the test of time.

The best Google Pixel Fold cases 

• Official Pixel Fold case from Google
• Spigen Thin Fit
• Spigen Ultra Hybrid
• Spigen Slim Armor Pro
• Caseology Parallax

Editor’s note: We’ll be updating this list of Google Pixel Fold cases as new options continue to become available.

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Google is luring users to the Pixel Fold by overpaying for trade-ins

• Google is offering incentives and trade-in offers to buy the Pixel Fold.
• The company is trying to convince people to switch to the Pixel Fold by overpaying for trade-ins.
• Trade-in values are higher than what Apple, Samsung, or third-party trade-in services are offering.

---

Google finally officially revealed the Google Pixel Fold during its Google I/O conference. The Mountain View-based firm seems keen to win people over with the Fold. It appears Google is even willing to overpay for trade-ins to get customers to buy in.

With the new foldable ready to launch next month, Google has opened up pre-orders for the device. Unfortunately, it will cost a pretty penny, starting at $1,799. Aware that this is a lot to ask for, Google is tossing in a free Pixel Watch. But, if that’s not enough, there’s another incentive that might interest you.

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• Google is offering incentives and trade-in offers to buy the Pixel Fold.
• The company is trying to convince people to switch to the Pixel Fold by overpaying for trade-ins.
• Trade-in values are higher than what Apple, Samsung, or third-party trade-in services are offering.

---

Google finally officially revealed the Google Pixel Fold during its Google I/O conference. The Mountain View-based firm seems keen to win people over with the Fold. It appears Google is even willing to overpay for trade-ins to get customers to buy in.

With the new foldable ready to launch next month, Google has opened up pre-orders for the device. Unfortunately, it will cost a pretty penny, starting at $1,799. Aware that this is a lot to ask for, Google is tossing in a free Pixel Watch. But, if that’s not enough, there’s another incentive that might interest you.

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The 26 best movies on Netflix: action, comedies, horror, and more

Netflix is one of the oldest and most popular streaming services, though its competition has heated up substantially in recent years. Over its long history Netflix has built up a massive library of over 17,000 titles globally, with new shows and movies added weekly. That means finding something to watch can be a little intimidating. We rounded up over 25 best Netflix movies we feel are a great place to get started, encompassing all the major genres.

Netflix

Netflix is still the leading premium streaming service, with over 200 million worldwide subscribers. It offers thousands of movies and TV shows to binge watch, including its always growing list of original films and series, including Stranger Things, The Witcher, Bridgerton, and many more.

• $6.99 at Netflix

Editor’s note: We’ll be updating this list of the best movies on Netflix regularly as new ones make it to the streaming service.

Best action movies on Netflix

Skyfall (2012)

What you need to know:

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Netflix is one of the oldest and most popular streaming services, though its competition has heated up substantially in recent years. Over its long history Netflix has built up a massive library of over 17,000 titles globally, with new shows and movies added weekly. That means finding something to watch can be a little intimidating. We rounded up over 25 best Netflix movies we feel are a great place to get started, encompassing all the major genres.

Netflix

Netflix is still the leading premium streaming service, with over 200 million worldwide subscribers. It offers thousands of movies and TV shows to binge watch, including its always growing list of original films and series, including Stranger Things, The Witcher, Bridgerton, and many more.

• $6.99 at Netflix

Editor’s note: We’ll be updating this list of the best movies on Netflix regularly as new ones make it to the streaming service.

Best action movies on Netflix

Skyfall (2012)

What you need to know:

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Google Pixel Fold vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: Which one should you buy?

After months of leaks and speculation, Google has finally taken the wraps off the Pixel Fold. This marks the company’s first foray into the foldable smartphone market, where it has to compete against established offerings from Samsung and only a few others. And even though Google’s smartphone lineup has traditionally undercut rival flagships, that’s not the case here. The Pixel Fold goes up vs Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 in terms of both form factor and price this time around. Does Google have what it takes to compete? Let’s find out.

Google Pixel Fold vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: At a glance

Need an express summary? Here’s a quick rundown of the key differences between the Google Pixel Fold vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4:

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After months of leaks and speculation, Google has finally taken the wraps off the Pixel Fold. This marks the company’s first foray into the foldable smartphone market, where it has to compete against established offerings from Samsung and only a few others. And even though Google’s smartphone lineup has traditionally undercut rival flagships, that’s not the case here. The Pixel Fold goes up vs Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 in terms of both form factor and price this time around. Does Google have what it takes to compete? Let’s find out.

Google Pixel Fold vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: At a glance

Need an express summary? Here’s a quick rundown of the key differences between the Google Pixel Fold vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4:

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The best chargers to reliably charge your Pixel 7a

The Google Pixel 7a is finally here, bringing some much-needed camera and display upgrades to the budget Pixel lineup. Google gets a lot of things right with the Pixel 7a, but there are obviously going to be some shortcomings in reaching the budget price. One of those shortcomings is the fact that the Google Pixel 7a does not include a charger in the box. You need to either make do with an older charger that you already own or purchase one separately. If you’re looking for recommendations, here are the best Pixel 7a chargers that you can buy to reliably fast-charge your phone.

Google Pixel 7a

• The best sub-$500 camera phone
• Solid performance and plenty of RAM
• Improved 90Hz display

The Pixel 7a delivers more premium features than ever for under $500, such as wireless charging support, a 90Hz refresh rate display, and a 64MP camera.

$499 at Amazon

$499 at T-Mobile

$499 at Google Store

$499 at Best Buy

$519 at AT&T

What you need to know about the Pixel 7a’s charging

The Google Pixel 7a supports wired fast charging up to 18W through the USB Power Delivery specification. This number is on the lower side, as we see relatively quicker charging speeds on other Google devices like the Pixel 7 (20W) and Pixel 7 Pro (23W). It will take about two hours to charge the Pixel 7a’s battery from 0% to 100%.

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The Google Pixel 7a is finally here, bringing some much-needed camera and display upgrades to the budget Pixel lineup. Google gets a lot of things right with the Pixel 7a, but there are obviously going to be some shortcomings in reaching the budget price. One of those shortcomings is the fact that the Google Pixel 7a does not include a charger in the box. You need to either make do with an older charger that you already own or purchase one separately. If you’re looking for recommendations, here are the best Pixel 7a chargers that you can buy to reliably fast-charge your phone.

Google Pixel 7a

• The best sub-$500 camera phone
• Solid performance and plenty of RAM
• Improved 90Hz display

The Pixel 7a delivers more premium features than ever for under $500, such as wireless charging support, a 90Hz refresh rate display, and a 64MP camera.

$499 at Amazon

$499 at T-Mobile

$499 at Google Store

$499 at Best Buy

$519 at AT&T

What you need to know about the Pixel 7a’s charging

The Google Pixel 7a supports wired fast charging up to 18W through the USB Power Delivery specification. This number is on the lower side, as we see relatively quicker charging speeds on other Google devices like the Pixel 7 (20W) and Pixel 7 Pro (23W). It will take about two hours to charge the Pixel 7a’s battery from 0% to 100%.

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Google previews AI features coming to Google search

Credit: Luka Mlinar / Android Authority

• Google previewed a demo of its new Search AI features during Google I/O.
• Google Search can now generate an integrated results page with an AI-powered snapshot and traditional results.
• Users can expand the snapshot to see more details about their subject.

---

Throughout Google I/O, the company has been eager to demonstrate its AI products. One of the many announcements today involved new AI features coming to Search.

During the presentation, VP of Engineering Cathy Edwards took to the stage to talk about how the company is incorporating AI into Search. Edwards spoke about how users used to break down their questions to find the results they wanted in Search. However, Edwards pointed out that won’t be necessary with generative AI.

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Credit: Luka Mlinar / Android Authority

• Google previewed a demo of its new Search AI features during Google I/O.
• Google Search can now generate an integrated results page with an AI-powered snapshot and traditional results.
• Users can expand the snapshot to see more details about their subject.

---

Throughout Google I/O, the company has been eager to demonstrate its AI products. One of the many announcements today involved new AI features coming to Search.

During the presentation, VP of Engineering Cathy Edwards took to the stage to talk about how the company is incorporating AI into Search. Edwards spoke about how users used to break down their questions to find the results they wanted in Search. However, Edwards pointed out that won’t be necessary with generative AI.

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Google opens up Bard, adds several new features as well

Credit: Luka Mlinar / Android Authority

• Google is improving Bard with the introduction of PaLM 2.
• Bard will soon be getting visual-oriented responses to questions and other small improvements.
• Google also plans plenty of new extensions and integrations, both in-house and via partners.

---

AI has come a long way in a very short time, largely thanks to ChatGPT. Of course, that’s far from the only option out there. One of its would-be competitors is Google Bard, but up until now, it required you to go through a few hoops to try it out. That changes today.

At Google I/O 2023, Google announced Bard is now available for anyone to try. Previously Bard was only available by invite, and in just the US and UK. The new and improved Bard is rolling out to 180 countries and has added Korean and Japanese language support, with 40 more languages coming in the near future.

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Credit: Luka Mlinar / Android Authority

• Google is improving Bard with the introduction of PaLM 2.
• Bard will soon be getting visual-oriented responses to questions and other small improvements.
• Google also plans plenty of new extensions and integrations, both in-house and via partners.

---

AI has come a long way in a very short time, largely thanks to ChatGPT. Of course, that’s far from the only option out there. One of its would-be competitors is Google Bard, but up until now, it required you to go through a few hoops to try it out. That changes today.

At Google I/O 2023, Google announced Bard is now available for anyone to try. Previously Bard was only available by invite, and in just the US and UK. The new and improved Bard is rolling out to 180 countries and has added Korean and Japanese language support, with 40 more languages coming in the near future.

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Wallpaper Wednesday: More great phone wallpapers for all to share (May 10)

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

Welcome to Wallpaper Wednesday! In this weekly roundup, we’ll give you a handful of Android wallpapers you can download and use on your phone, tablet, or even your laptop/PC. The images will come from folks here at Android Authority as well as our readers. All are free to use and come without watermarks. File formats are JPG and PNG, and we’ll provide images in both landscape and portrait modes, so they’ll be optimized for various screens.

For the newest walls as well as all the ones from previous weeks, check out this Drive link. Want to submit your own? Head to the bottom of this article.

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

Welcome to Wallpaper Wednesday! In this weekly roundup, we’ll give you a handful of Android wallpapers you can download and use on your phone, tablet, or even your laptop/PC. The images will come from folks here at Android Authority as well as our readers. All are free to use and come without watermarks. File formats are JPG and PNG, and we’ll provide images in both landscape and portrait modes, so they’ll be optimized for various screens.

For the newest walls as well as all the ones from previous weeks, check out this Drive link. Want to submit your own? Head to the bottom of this article.

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Google Pixel Fold: Everything we know so far

Update, May 11, 2023 (8:10 AM ET): We have updated the Google Pixel Fold hub with an official video showcasing the foldable as well as screengrabs.

---

Original article: Much of the innovation in the smartphone arena over the last few years has come in the form of foldables. Samsung has led the way, but the likes of HUAWEI, OPPO, HONOR, and Motorola have all launched devices with folding screens (with varying degrees of success). Google is about to join the industry with the Google Pixel Fold this year.

With the introduction of Android 12L, Google aims to ensure its mobile OS is optimized for this new generation of devices with larger displays and more flexible layouts. It also paves the way for the company’s first foray into the foldable market. Let’s take a closer look at everything we know so far about the Google Pixel Fold.

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Update, May 11, 2023 (8:10 AM ET): We have updated the Google Pixel Fold hub with an official video showcasing the foldable as well as screengrabs.

---

Original article: Much of the innovation in the smartphone arena over the last few years has come in the form of foldables. Samsung has led the way, but the likes of HUAWEI, OPPO, HONOR, and Motorola have all launched devices with folding screens (with varying degrees of success). Google is about to join the industry with the Google Pixel Fold this year.

With the introduction of Android 12L, Google aims to ensure its mobile OS is optimized for this new generation of devices with larger displays and more flexible layouts. It also paves the way for the company’s first foray into the foldable market. Let’s take a closer look at everything we know so far about the Google Pixel Fold.

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Watch: Google jumps the gun, shows the Pixel Fold in all its glory

Credit: Made By Google/YouTube

• Google has revealed a ton of Pixel Fold details in a new and unlisted video.
• The clip shows the Pixel Fold used in a variety of scenarios, including Flex Mode.

---

Google gave us a sneak peek at the Pixel Fold a few days ago, showing off the large foldable ahead of the launch today. Now, it looks like a full-fledged video ad has appeared online.

9to5Google spotted a link to an unlisted Google Pixel Fold video on YouTube. The two-minute and 37-second clip briefly stars NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo and several other players, showing off the device in a variety of situations. Check out the clip below.

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Credit: Made By Google/YouTube

• Google has revealed a ton of Pixel Fold details in a new and unlisted video.
• The clip shows the Pixel Fold used in a variety of scenarios, including Flex Mode.

---

Google gave us a sneak peek at the Pixel Fold a few days ago, showing off the large foldable ahead of the launch today. Now, it looks like a full-fledged video ad has appeared online.

9to5Google spotted a link to an unlisted Google Pixel Fold video on YouTube. The two-minute and 37-second clip briefly stars NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo and several other players, showing off the device in a variety of situations. Check out the clip below.

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MediaTek Dimensity 9200 Plus launched: A Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy rival

Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

• MediaTek has announced the Dimensity 9200 Plus chipset.
• This brings higher CPU and GPU clock speeds over the vanilla Dimensity 9200.
• Expect the first phones with this chipset later this month.

---

The Dimensity 9200 is MediaTek‘s top-end smartphone processor in 2023, taking the fight to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Now, the Taiwanese chipmaker has announced a mid-year refresh dubbed the Dimensity 9200 Plus.

True to previous mid-year upgrades, the Dimensity 9200 Plus is the same chipset but with clock speed upgrades to the CPU and GPU. In the case of the former, the Cortex-X3 big core now hits 3.35GHz (from 3.05GHz), while the Cortex-A715 medium cores now hit 3GHz (previously 2.85GHz). Those Cortex-A510 cores are still pegged at 1.8GHz. Either way, that 3.35GHz clock speed is almost identical to the 3.36GHz peak clock speed in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor.

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Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

• MediaTek has announced the Dimensity 9200 Plus chipset.
• This brings higher CPU and GPU clock speeds over the vanilla Dimensity 9200.
• Expect the first phones with this chipset later this month.

---

The Dimensity 9200 is MediaTek‘s top-end smartphone processor in 2023, taking the fight to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Now, the Taiwanese chipmaker has announced a mid-year refresh dubbed the Dimensity 9200 Plus.

True to previous mid-year upgrades, the Dimensity 9200 Plus is the same chipset but with clock speed upgrades to the CPU and GPU. In the case of the former, the Cortex-X3 big core now hits 3.35GHz (from 3.05GHz), while the Cortex-A715 medium cores now hit 3GHz (previously 2.85GHz). Those Cortex-A510 cores are still pegged at 1.8GHz. Either way, that 3.35GHz clock speed is almost identical to the 3.36GHz peak clock speed in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor.

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HUAWEI Mate X3, P60 Pro launched globally: Premium hardware (and pricing)

Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

• HUAWEI has launched the Mate X3 foldable and P60 Pro in global markets.
• The Mate X3 has a suggested price of ~$2,426, while the P60 Pro costs ~$1,323.

---

HUAWEI launched the Mate X3 foldable and P60 Pro in China back in March, showing off two impressive smartphones. It’s taken a while, but the wait is finally over as HUAWEI has finally launched these two devices in global markets.

It almost goes without saying that neither of these phones have Google integration due to US sanctions. But at least there are solid options like GBox if you really must have some Google apps and specific third-party apps. The sanctions also mean that these two devices are using a 4G version of last year’s Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 processor.

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Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

• HUAWEI has launched the Mate X3 foldable and P60 Pro in global markets.
• The Mate X3 has a suggested price of ~$2,426, while the P60 Pro costs ~$1,323.

---

HUAWEI launched the Mate X3 foldable and P60 Pro in China back in March, showing off two impressive smartphones. It’s taken a while, but the wait is finally over as HUAWEI has finally launched these two devices in global markets.

It almost goes without saying that neither of these phones have Google integration due to US sanctions. But at least there are solid options like GBox if you really must have some Google apps and specific third-party apps. The sanctions also mean that these two devices are using a 4G version of last year’s Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 processor.

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Poco F5 series launched: Flagship power, premium features for under $500

Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

• Poco has launched the Poco F5 series, consisting of the F5 and F5 Pro.
• The F5 is the first Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 phone in global markets.
• The F5 Pro is the first Poco phone with wireless charging and a QHD+ screen.

---

Poco’s F series generally offers plenty of bang for your buck, bringing great performance, smooth OLED screens, and more. Either way, they’re among the most well-rounded mid-range phones you can buy.

Now, after a few weeks of teasing, the Xiaomi-affiliated brand has finally launched the Poco F5 and F5 Pro. And those looking for power on a budget should add these phones to their watchlist.

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Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

• Poco has launched the Poco F5 series, consisting of the F5 and F5 Pro.
• The F5 is the first Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 phone in global markets.
• The F5 Pro is the first Poco phone with wireless charging and a QHD+ screen.

---

Poco’s F series generally offers plenty of bang for your buck, bringing great performance, smooth OLED screens, and more. Either way, they’re among the most well-rounded mid-range phones you can buy.

Now, after a few weeks of teasing, the Xiaomi-affiliated brand has finally launched the Poco F5 and F5 Pro. And those looking for power on a budget should add these phones to their watchlist.

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