Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Comparison of OnePlus 15 and OnePlus 13: Assessing the Upgrade Possibilities

The OnePlus 15 has improved battery performance but is inferior to the OnePlus 13 in nearly all other aspects.

**OnePlus 15: Battery Champion**

The OnePlus 15 features a notable enhancement in battery life, equipped with a massive 7,300mAh battery capable of lasting up to two days with moderate use. This is a key highlight, particularly for those who value battery endurance. Nevertheless, the device is lacking in other respects. Its design is viewed as uninspired and fails to reflect the unique OnePlus style. The camera system is a downgrade from the OnePlus 13, lacking the Hasselblad integration that elevated photo quality in earlier versions. Although it boasts a decent AMOLED display, the overall design and camera functionality do not live up to the standards established by its predecessor.

**Pros:**
– Large battery endures two days with moderate usage
– Impressive internals
– Quality AMOLED display
– IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance

**Cons:**
– Design is less striking than last year’s model
– Cameras do not impress as much
– Lacks Hasselblad integration

**OnePlus 13: The Ultimate All-Around Device**

The OnePlus 13 continues to be a formidable option with its sleek design, outstanding camera system featuring Hasselblad tuning, and robust internals. It delivers dependable battery life, lasting a day and a half, and presents a better overall value compared to the OnePlus 15. The OnePlus 13’s design is lauded for its feel in hand and unique leather texture, making it more attractive than the OnePlus 15’s nondescript appearance. The camera system consistently produces stunning photos, upholding its status as a well-balanced device.

**Pros:**
– Cameras capture stunning images
– Sleek design that’s more comfortable to hold and use
– Internals are equally powerful
– Battery lasts a day and a half
– IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance
– Superior overall value

**Cons:**
– Battery life isn’t as long as that of the OnePlus 15

**Design Contrast**

The OnePlus 15’s design is regarded as a shift away from OnePlus’ traditional design philosophy, lacking flair and individuality. Conversely, the OnePlus 13 provides a more favorable in-hand experience and a distinctive design, showcasing a unique leather texture and a vibrant blue color. The OnePlus 15’s design has been criticized for its generic flat shape, whereas the OnePlus 13 is celebrated for its sophisticated and stylish look.

**Display and Components**

Both models come with AMOLED displays, but the OnePlus 13 features a higher 2K resolution. However, the variation in resolution does not impact everyday use significantly. The OnePlus 15 is pitched as a gaming phone but encounters thermal throttling challenges, making the OnePlus 13 a more dependable option for intensive tasks.

**Camera Performance and Software**

The OnePlus 15’s camera capabilities are a regression, featuring smaller sensors and lacking Hasselblad tuning. The OnePlus 13 continues to shine in photography, offering superior performance in difficult conditions. Both devices operate on Android 16-based OxygenOS, sharing many software features and update timetables.

**Final Thoughts**

For consumers in North America, the OnePlus 15 is a feasible alternative given the limited options. However, in other markets, the OnePlus 13 stands as the superior choice, providing an enhanced camera system, a more appealing design, and better overall value. While the OnePlus 15 shines in battery life, the OnePlus 13 offers a more harmonious and enjoyable experience.

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Active Promotions and Savings

We utilize gadgets on a daily basis, yet purchasing a new tech item can often be a daunting task. Whether you’re in the market for a new Android smartphone, a tablet, or a set of wireless earbuds, our mission is to hunt down the finest bargains and present them with straightforward, transparent, and genuinely useful information.

All the most recent Android offers can be located on this page. Didn’t discover anything today? Don’t hesitate to revisit later to check for updates: we’re continually seeking out the greatest savings so you don’t need to do the searching – whether it’s Black Friday or a typical Tuesday afternoon.

## Where can I discover the best Android offers?

**Top deals today**

The optimal place to uncover Android deals is through retailers such as Amazon or your wireless carrier. Physical stores may present substantial reductions on unlocked devices, especially during significant sales like Black Friday or Prime Day, while carrier promotions typically include some conditions. On the positive side, purchasing a phone through your wireless provider might secure you an exceptionally affordable (or even complimentary) device if you strategize well. Just make certain to peruse the fine print prior to making a commitment.

## When is the ideal time to purchase a new phone?

The prime time to acquire a new phone is around the holiday season or during significant sale events, like Amazon Prime Day. It’s also wise to search for preorder deals when a new phone is initially announced, especially if you’re looking for a trade-in deal or a discount via your wireless carrier. As a general guideline, stay vigilant for major sales around Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the back-to-school period, in addition to holidays like the 4th of July and Memorial Day in the U.S.

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Meta Quest 3S Offer at $199 Brings Back Memories of the GameCube Era and Timeless Gaming Enjoyment

I’m still anticipating the Quest 3 to be discounted, but it would be foolish to overlook this incredible Quest 3S offer.

The Meta Quest 3S was already the top value in VR when it debuted, and this year’s Meta Quest 3S Black Friday promotions are reinforcing that notion. The most impressive deal I’ve encountered so far is the $199 offer at Costco, which is not only $100 less than the standard price but also includes one full year of Meta Horizon Plus, Meta’s Game Pass-like subscription service. The last major console I recall seeing priced at $199 was during the GameCube era!

Typically, all Meta Quest headsets provide 3 months of Horizon Plus for free, granting immediate access to nearly 30 games, featuring a rotating selection of titles that change each month. This makes gaming remarkably affordable and further emphasizes that the Meta Quest 3S is the ultimate gaming investment this holiday season.

If you’re not a Costco member, don’t fret; it’s just $215 to snag that deal. If Costco isn’t your preference, Amazon’s offer on the headset is nearly as favorable and can be acquired with two bundles: 128GB of storage for $249 accompanied by the popular Gorilla Tag, or 256GB of storage including the award-winning Batman Arkham Shadow at no extra cost.

What it is:

The Meta Quest 3S is a portable VR gaming console. Essentially, it’s a Nintendo Switch that you wear. You can project your feed to any TV, smartphone, or tablet, allowing everyone in the vicinity to view your actions, and it doesn’t require another console, PC, or wires to function. You install games from the Meta Horizon store directly onto the headset, and everything operates on the headset itself.

The Meta Quest 3S serves as a more budget-friendly variant of the Meta Quest 3, delivering the same powerful processing capabilities as its pricier counterpart and granting full access to Quest 3-exclusive VR and mixed reality games. It includes full-color passthrough vision, enabling you to see your surroundings even when wearing the headset, helping to mitigate the “isolating” sensation that some VR headsets exhibit.

Why you need it:

This specific offer represents the lowest price we’ve ever seen for the Meta Quest 3S, a complete $50 cheaper than the next best option. Furthermore, Costco’s addition of one year of Meta Horizon Plus — typically costing $60 per year — means you’ll gain access to nearly 30 games the moment you power up the headset for the first time. Plus, as that selection of games refreshes regularly, you’ll always have something new to enjoy without needing to spend any additional money for the upcoming year.

Why it’s superior to other products:

The Meta Quest 3S presents distinctive gaming experiences when compared to conventional consoles like a Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, or Xbox. While there are numerous AAA games that core gamers will appreciate — Batman Arkham Shadow, Metro Awakening, the Arizona Sunshine series, and Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR are a few examples — many innovative new franchises have emerged that contribute to the VR experience in distinctive ways.

As a portable gaming console, you don’t require anything else to engage with it. Simply charge the battery like you would with a smartphone, wear it on your head, and dive into impressively immersive games that will encourage your body to move in new ways.

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Leak Reveals Significant UI Updates in Samsung Internet App with One UI 8.5

**Enhancing the App to Be More Intuitive and User-Friendly**

In the rapidly changing landscape of technology, user experience continues to be a crucial element of app development. Samsung’s recent update to its Internet app, One UI 8.5, illustrates this emphasis by rolling out substantial user interface modifications and new functionalities aimed at improving intuitiveness and ease of use for Galaxy device users.

**Essential Information**

– **UI Improvements**: The Samsung Internet app’s One UI 8.5 features a revamped address bar and grid layout, enhancing user experience and accessibility. The address bar now showcases a blurred effect that harmoniously integrates with the background as users scroll, resulting in a cleaner look.

– **Privacy and Security**: New privacy enhancements are built into the app, offering users greater security during their browsing sessions. The update also incorporates an AI Search feature that boosts browsing efficiency with advanced querying options.

– **Visual and Functional Upgrades**: The app’s visual refresh includes a new icon and welcome screen, along with a grid layout that resembles the style of Gallery albums. This design modification streamlines access to various functions via floating options.

– **Accessibility Enhancements**: The update makes it simpler to reach synced tabs and secret mode, now just one tap away in the tabs menu. The Internet Browser version 29.1.2.23 presents a more compact design for tabs, permitting users to stack or view them as semi-transparent tabs.

– **Extra Features**: The redesign tackles bothersome fixed-position pop-ups and introduces a feature for directly liking videos within the app. A new AI Search option, available in the debug settings, offers querying capabilities through Gemini or Perplexity.

– **Tab Organization**: Handling multiple tabs is made easier with a pop-up menu that gives users the option to close all tabs at once or to choose never to see the message again.

The One UI 8.5 update for Samsung’s Internet app reflects a dedication to making the app more intuitive and user-oriented. By emphasizing user interface upgrades, privacy enhancements, and accessibility improvements, Samsung seeks to deliver a seamless and efficient browsing experience for its users.

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My Journey of Purchasing and Installing Non-Supported Prescription Lenses for Oakley Meta HSTN and Vanguard Smart Glasses

Of all the new form factors for AI, smart glasses seem to hold the most potential. Many individuals already use some type of eyewear daily, be it prescription glasses, blue light filtering glasses, or sunglasses. Integrating smart capabilities and AI into a product that is such a significant part of our lives appears to be a winning strategy. There’s just one catch — individuals with prescription glasses, who stand to gain the most from having AI integrated into their eyewear, are typically overlooked.

In my opinion, Meta produces the finest smart glasses available, and they are primed for the mainstream market. Thus, I decided to take action. I invested over $500 in third-party prescription lenses for my Oakley Meta HSTN and Vanguard. Here’s my experience customizing Oakley Meta smart glasses with unsupported prescription lenses.

I have been wearing prescription Oakley eyewear and sunglasses for five years, and I was thrilled when Meta revealed it was introducing its smart glasses in Oakley frames. Unfortunately, the Oakley Meta HSTN doesn’t officially accommodate my prescription, and the Oakley Meta Vanguard is unavailable with prescription lenses.

I wasn’t willing to give up, so I sought out third-party companies ready to craft prescription lenses for Oakley Meta glasses. After extensive research, I placed my initial order with Lensology, a U.K.-based lens manufacturer that offers a “click and fit” service for Meta glasses. I specified a unique lens configuration due to my prescription needs, and the color complemented my Meta HSTN frames in the “Warm Gray” hue.

The ordering procedure with Lensology was straightforward, and the company manages all import fees, so there are no surprise bills upon delivery. However, the wait time was somewhat prolonged. It took about two weeks for Lensology to produce my lenses since the configuration I selected was non-stock. Additionally, the U.S. FDA conducted a random inspection of my lenses during the import phase, which caused further delays.

I was informed that this was Lensology’s inaugural FDA spot check (what good fortune!), and the company’s customer service was attentive and efficient. In truth, the delay was beyond Lensology’s control, and my lenses eventually arrived around a month after placing my order, despite the hiccup. To make amends, Lensology sent another pair of lenses at no extra charge, which cleared customs immediately, confirming that this was merely an isolated incident.

Next, I looked for a means to use prescription lenses with the Oakley Meta Vanguard and discovered SVED Optical. This company specializes in creating prescription inserts for various types of sports eyewear and goggles, and they indeed have an option for the Vanguard.

The experience of ordering from SVED was outstanding for several reasons. The company is located in the U.S., which simplifies the process for domestic customers. The Vanguard inserts were also considerably more affordable, priced at only $164 (even lower with an email discount). They fit behind the built-in Oakley Prizm sunglass lenses of the Vanguard, making them more cost-effective.

SVED delivered my Oakley Meta Vanguard inserts 12 days after I submitted my order. That turnaround is competitive enough to match official Meta/Oakley processing times, should they offer Vanguard prescription lenses.

I usually try to purchase directly from LensCrafters, the EssilorLuxottica-owned business that partners with Meta for smart glasses, whenever feasible. Although it costs more, the return policy and warranties are excellent. I appreciate the ability to walk into a store and resolve my situation promptly, which I lacked with Lensology or SVED. To their credit, both brands accept mail-in returns within 30 days.

When each order arrived, I had no complaints regarding the quality or installation process. Inserting the SVED inserts into the Meta Vanguard is so straightforward that anyone can manage it. You simply detach the stock Vanguard nose piece and slide the SVED inserts into position. The prescription lenses come attached to a new nose piece, securing them to the Vanguard frame.

I had reservations about the added weight and how my prescription Vanguard setup would feel on my face. Surely, the lenses would clank and scratch against the stock sunglass lenses, right? Throughout daily use and even during a 5K run, I was happy to notice that none of these concerns were significant issues.

The procedure was a bit more complicated for the Meta HSTN glasses because you need to physically take out the stock lenses and insert the prescription ones in their place. The thicker the prescription lenses, the more challenging the process becomes. However, Lensology has excellent instructional content on YouTube, including a test fit from their factory that ensures the lenses work in HSTN frames.

If you have any experience in changing out prescription lenses, the process is quite simple. Even those without prior experience will catch on quickly. The key is to apply firm pressure — it may seem like the glasses might break, but this is an essential step in the process.

Meta’s AI glasses already come with a hefty price tag, but

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Grasping the Increasing Appeal of Tablets and Chromebooks

I assumed tablets and Chromebooks were finished?

What you need to know

– A recent report from Omdia indicates that worldwide tablet shipments have increased by over 5% in the last year.
– Chromebooks are also reported to have experienced stable growth, with the report noting a 3% rise in shipments.
– Lenovo is significantly leading the pack, showing a 23% increase in tablets and nearly 55% growth in Chromebooks.

Tablets and Chromebooks are said to be on the rise in popularity, as suggested by a report from Omdia in early November. Global tablet shipments have seen an approximate 5.1% increase, with Lenovo leading at 23%, followed by Huawei (11.5%) and “Others” (9.6%).

Apple and Samsung still dominate the overall market share. Nevertheless, both companies have witnessed a slight decline in their market share percentages as Lenovo and Huawei begin to encroach on their positions.

Equally noteworthy is that Q3 2025 marks the “seventh consecutive quarter of growth” for tablets, a trend that many may not have anticipated. The reasons for this ongoing trend are quite varied.

In the report, Himani Mukka, Omdia Research Manager, states: “Consumer demand has been fueled by factors such as regular new product launches, government support, a heightened interest in kids’ and gaming tablets, competitive pricing, marketing initiatives, and seasonal back-to-school purchases, which vary by region based on academic calendars.”

It’s surprising that no single factor has driven the ongoing growth in tablets. Conversely, Chromebooks have seen an increase in global shipments of 3.1%.

Among the companies cited in the report, only Lenovo and ASUS delivered more units over the past year. Acer experienced the sharpest decline, with its annual growth plummeting nearly 35% and an over 10% drop in market share, while Dell (-23%) and HP (-15.3%) also faced significant losses during the same period.

In contrast to tablets, there is one primary reason for the rising popularity of Chromebooks, linked to Japan’s GIGA 2.0 initiative. This project aims to guarantee that every student in “compulsory education” has access to a tablet or computer, making Chromebooks a fitting choice.

This was timely for the Chromebook market, as there was an almost 25% drop in global market share in North America. However, this situation could change rapidly, according to Kieren Jessop, Research Manager at Omdia, who states that they “anticipate education funding in the US will increasingly originate from state or local rather than federal sources, potentially providing a consistent boost to Chromebook shipments in that area.”

It will be intriguing to observe how these figures appear this time next year. We already have a strong indication that Google is preparing to launch Qualcomm-powered laptops running Android in 2026. However, it remains uncertain how this will unfold and whether these devices will replace Chromebooks or coexist with them.

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Bose QuietComfort Headphones Get $160 Price Cut at Best Buy’s Early Black Friday Sale

The Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones are generating buzz with their remarkable features and a newly reduced price. Renowned for their active noise cancellation (ANC), these headphones can now be purchased for just under $200, thanks to a $160 reduction at Best Buy as part of the early Black Friday promotions. This price reduction makes them a compelling choice for individuals looking for top-notch audio without overspending.

The QuietComfort series is famous for its exceptional noise-cancelling performance, delivering a well-rounded audio experience with a strong ANC-enhanced sound profile. These over-ear headphones feature an outstanding battery life, providing up to 24 hours of listening on a single charge. Moreover, they include USB-C fast charging, allowing users to enjoy approximately 4 hours of playback with just a 15-minute charge.

Bose improves the user experience with a specialized mobile app, allowing users to modify EQ settings, control playback and volume, and manage Bluetooth connections effortlessly. The headphones’ design features a foldable construction, an adjustable headband, and a comfortable over-ear fit, making them ideal for prolonged listening sessions.

Though the QuietComfort headphones are strong in many respects, potential purchasers should be aware that the ANC function is permanently activated, with no ability to turn it off. This detail may be relevant for those who desire the option to toggle ANC features or are interested in spatial audio options.

In summary, the Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide an enticing package for those seeking high-quality noise-cancelling headphones at a lower cost. With the existing discount, they offer a significant opportunity for both audiophiles and casual listeners to experience Bose’s celebrated sound quality and innovative features.

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Backbone Partners with Microsoft to Introduce Xbox Edition Pro Mobile Game Controller

Acquire an excellent controller and receive a complimentary month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate included.

(Image credit: Xbox)

Essential information

  • After the release of the Backbone One Xbox Edition earlier this year, Backbone is now introducing the Xbox Edition for its Pro controller.
  • The revamped mobile gaming controller features a translucent green Xbox hue and an Xbox button.
  • It encompasses all the enhancements of the standard Backbone Pro, including Bluetooth LE connectivity and Hall Effect triggers.

Notice

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