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Blog Posts

Three Budget-Friendly Android Devices Offering Greater Power Than the Samsung Galaxy A37

Samsung’s smartphone range. It showcases a 6.7-inch OLED screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz, a 5,000mAh battery, and boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The device is driven by the Exynos 1480 SoC and operates on Android 16 with One UI 8.5 layered on top. Notably, this phone is slated to receive Android OS and security updates for a duration of six years, which is commendable for a mid-tier smartphone. It is available for purchase starting at $450 in the U.S. through Samsung’s retail outlets, the official website, numerous wireless carriers, and Amazon. Although initial hands-on evaluations suggest that the Galaxy A37 is a satisfactory mid-range option, it doesn’t offer any significant enhancements over the Galaxy A36, which already ranks among the best budget gaming devices and even the top budget smartphones for frequent travelers.

The only significant modification is the new Exynos chip, which is somewhat disappointing as the A37 is priced $50 higher than its predecessor. While the price hike is probably due to escalating component costs, it renders the phone less appealing as a value proposition. Therefore, if you wish to investigate all available alternatives and seek similarly priced devices that can deliver superior performance with their enhanced internals, you’re in luck. A number of budget or mid-range Android smartphones are worth considering over the Galaxy A37. Here’s a glimpse at three of the leading options.

Google Pixel 10a

Even though it’s $50 pricier than the base model of the Galaxy A37, the Pixel 10a is a more powerful and capable device, attributed to its flagship-level Tensor G4 chip and 8GB of RAM. It is also highly recommended as one of the best, if not the top, value-for-money Android smartphones, and it features in our selections of budget devices that are astonishingly overpowered. Additionally, the Pixel 10a comes with an aluminum body, a brighter display featuring 3,000 nits, and is poised to receive an extra year of Android updates.

While the Pixel lacks a third rear camera, Google phones have long been celebrated for their exceptional computational photography abilities, as highlighted in numerous expert evaluations. Other notable features of the Google device include Wi-Fi 6e for enhanced connectivity, dual-frequency GPS for improved location accuracy in crowded areas, a more advanced USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port, and support for wireless charging. The Pixel 10a is available starting at $500 on Amazon, <a href="https://r.bttn.io?btn_ref=org-225e4e0aac880b8f&btn_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fgoogle-pixel-10a-128gb-unlocked-obsidian%2FJ39TC8CKQW%2Fsku%2F6668565&btn_pub_ref=

The AI Code Wars Intensify

This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on the AI coding and vibe-coding booms, follow David Pierce. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers’ inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. How it started Writing code was a killer app for AI […]

Reasons to Purchase a New Tablet at This Moment

Sony’s announcement of a price increase for the PlayStation 5 offers consumers an opportunity to purchase devices at a lower price before they are compelled to spend more or find them out of reach. Meanwhile, other companies have discreetly raised their prices overnight. Lenovo has recently done exactly that with its popular tablet range, and there’s cause to suspect that additional tablet makers could soon mimic this trend, making it an ideal moment to buy one if you’ve been undecided.

The situation with Lenovo serves as a wake-up signal due to the abrupt price increases, which range between $30 and $70. For example, the Lenovo Tab One increased from $149.99 to $179.99, the Lenovo Tab Plus rose from $299.99 to $329.99, and the Lenovo Yoga Tab jumped from $549.99 to $619.99. You might be adopting a wait-and-see stance, hoping this reflects a temporary reaction to some fluctuating market conditions — namely, the persistent chip shortage. Surely, at some point, Android tablet prices will revert to what they once were, right? Regrettably, industry analysis suggests that these price increases are only the beginning.

The cost of Android tablets is set to rise

The Terrashroom’s Result Following Shark Tank: Updates After Season 16

“Shark Tank” viewers are aware that the items showcased on the program are at various phases of development and launch. Some, such as Gunnar Glasses, have experienced some level of success and seek assistance from the Sharks to scale their operations. Conversely, there are firms still in the nascent stages with no products shipped yet, like the Amber Phone Charging Station.

Terrashroom, which featured in Season 16, Episode 4 of “Shark Tank,” belongs to this latter group. Founder Jared Steele approached the Sharks requesting $175,000 for 2.5% equity in his unique mushroom cultivation chamber, claiming it had acquired 6,500 paying customers (with over 20,000 on an email waitlist) and generated $780,000 in revenue over the initial year and a half.

While the Sharks showed initial interest in Terrashroom, most withdrew upon discovering that Steele had not yet delivered any products. Only Kevin O’Leary remained, proposing the funding in return for 15% of the company — much to the irritation of fellow Shark Lori Greiner, who attempted to dissuade him from the offer. However, when Steele attempted to negotiate with a 5% counter, Mr. Wonderful promptly retracted his offer, leaving Terrashroom without a deal.

What transpired with the Terrashroom after Shark Tank?

Terrashroom enjoyed some early success. In July 2024, the company dispatched its initial 23 units, garnering favorable early reviews. Following some design modifications, the company aimed to deliver the first 1,500 units of the final product between October 2024 and January 2025. However, it remains uncertain if these actually reached customers, as Terrashroom fell silent for several months following a September 2024 investor update.

In June 2025, founder Jared Steele declared that he was promptly closing Terrashroom. In a final corporate update, Steele expressed regret for underestimating the workload and overpromising the product. He also pointed to manufacturing challenges, an alarmingly low customer retention rate, shifts in the mushroom market, and health issues related to stress as contributing factors. The company’s precarious financial state also meant that Terrashroom was unable to refund deposits for unfinished purchases. Steele has created a customer claims form and has pledged personally to reimburse those who did not receive what they paid for in a bid to make amends. Nonetheless, this has not prevented many disgruntled customers from feeling deceived and accusing Terrashroom of being a scam.

Since the announcement, Terrashroom’s website and social media platforms have been erased, with the exception of its LinkedIn account. As for Steele, he has been involved with a few small businesses in the Austin, TX area since winding down his company. Terrashroom exemplifies a situation where financial backing and guidance from one of the Sharks might have been advantageous, though perhaps not sufficient to achieve its overly ambitious objectives. Although maybe scientists could have contributed, given their advancements in turning mushrooms into computers.

Let me explain why I love this camera that can’t shoot color

I love black-and-white photography. I also adore compact cameras you can always have by your side. So I’m a total mark for the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome, a fixed-lens camera that can’t zoom and can’t record color – at all. It’s a formula that makes the average person ask, “Why?” I’ve tested the GR IV […]

UmbrelOS: A Sleek Debian-Based Personal Cloud Operating System

Umbrel OS

UmbrelOS is a Debian-based home cloud OS with a neat web-based interface that works on devices like Raspberry Pi SBCs, mini PCs, old computers, and more. Having been first released in 2020, the OS is not exactly new, but I only discovered it today after noticing it was one of the supported operating systems for the Pironman 5 Pro Max enclosure for the Raspberry Pi 5. It initially launched as a tool for running a Bitcoin full node on a Raspberry Pi easily, but eventually turned into a home cloud OS that competes against other open-source solutions such as OpenMediaVault or CasaOS/ZimaOS. UmbrelOS highlights: Intuitive web dashboard at umbrel.local or your device’s IP. Umbrel App Store — Over 300 apps, including Nextcloud or Immich for media and document storage, Jellyfin for media streaming, Home Assistant automation framework, Vaultwarden password manager, Bitcoin and Lightning nodes, AdGuard Home adblocker, and AI-related tools […]

The post UmbrelOS – A Debian-based personal home cloud OS with a slick user interface appeared first on CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.

Overview of Belkin’s Newest 25W Compact MagSafe Docks for iPhone and Android Users

**Belkin’s Updated Qi2.2 Chargers: An In-Depth Review**

Belkin has just launched two cutting-edge Qi2.2 chargers tailored for both Apple and Android users, offering an effortless charging experience in a sleek design. These chargers provide 25W MagSafe charging, making them effective and adaptable for multiple devices.

### UltraCharge 3-in-1 Modular

The **UltraCharge 3-in-1 Modular** charger is notable for its modular feature, enabling Android users to use their own watch chargers. This device is compatible with various gadgets, such as the Apple Watch, Pixel Watch 1, Pixel Watch 2/3, and Galaxy Watch, thanks to its silicone inserts. Users need to supply a USB-C cable, which is convenient as a number of Android manufacturers are now embracing Qi2 technology.

Regarding design, the UltraCharge Modular boasts a durable hard plastic casing with a silicone base and contact points for devices. The charger’s top flips up to unveil an additional Qi charger, ideal for AirPods or other wireless earbuds. The package includes a 45W power brick and a 5ft USB-C cable.

One aspect to note is the lack of active cooling, which might result in higher heat levels during charging, particularly with devices lacking advanced thermal management. Nonetheless, Belkin asserts that the charger can reach a 0-50% charge in merely 35 minutes. At a price of $65, the UltraCharge Modular is competitively positioned among similar options, available in Sand and Black hues.

### UltraCharge Pro 2-in-1 Convertible

Conversely, the **UltraCharge Pro 2-in-1 Convertible** charger features a built-in Apple Watch charging puck, limiting its compatibility with Android devices. This charger is crafted for travelers in search of a compact option, as the Apple Watch puck can fold and adjust to three different angles, including a flat setting, perfect for StandBy mode.

The UltraCharge Pro is built robustly, akin to the Modular variant, though some users might find the watch charger’s folding mechanism somewhat rigid, which could hinder one-handed use. Similar to the Modular charger, it is packaged with a 45W power brick and a braided USB-C cable.

Belkin guarantees that the UltraCharge Pro can charge devices from 0 to 50% in just 29 minutes, positioning it as a rapid choice for users on the move. It comes in Sand and Black shades, with pricing at $85 and $99 respectively, along with ongoing discounts for the Sand version.

### Conclusion

Belkin’s latest Qi2.2 chargers present outstanding options for users across various ecosystems, focusing on modularity and compact design. The UltraCharge 3-in-1 Modular is perfect for those wanting versatility in their charging solutions, whereas the UltraCharge Pro 2-in-1 Convertible appeals to Apple users in search of a travel-friendly charger. Both offerings embody Belkin’s dedication to quality and innovation in the charging market.