Sure, they are a bit thicker than a typical smartphone, but the versatility they offer is unparalleled.

Unfolding the phone reveals a tablet-sized inner display that will surely make any tech enthusiast’s eyes well up with joy. The size and design aren’t for everyone, but as the technology matures, this is likely the future of smartphones.

It might also be the future of laptops, as big names like HP have recently released single-screen foldable devices.

Samsung was the first manufacturer to release a foldable device and has been steadily improving its designs ever since. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the latest Z Fold device and it’s a technical marvel.

OnePlus recently entered the foldable market with the OnePlus Open, and on its first try, built an impressive device. Let’s find out which device truly reigns supreme.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs OnePlus Open: Price, availability, and specs

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 has been available to purchase since August 11, 2023, and comes with a starting price of $1800 for the 256GB model. The 512GB version retails for $1920 and the 1TB comes in a whopping $2160.

At first glance, the price seems extremely high, and it is, but at least there is a ton of technology packed into it. It comes in blue, grey, phantom black, cream, and icy blue.

You can get the Galaxy Z Fold 5 from Samsung directly, from major carriers such as Verizon or T-Mobile as well as authorized retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

OnePlus launched the OnePlus Open on October 19, 2023, and comes in a single configuration that retails for $1700. The OnePlus Open is a bit harder to find compared to the Z Fold 5.

No carriers have picked up the device, so if you want the OnePlus Open, you are going to have to get it from OnePlus directly or from a retailer like Amazon or Best Buy. It’s available in two colorways: emerald dusk and voyager black.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5	OnePlus Open
4.0	4.5
$1,799.99	$1,699.99$1,499.99
Check Availability	Check Availability
Display: 7.6-inch, AMOLED, 2176 x 1812, 120Hz - Cover: 6.2-inch, AMOLED, 2136 x 904, 120Hz	Display: 7.82-inch, AMOLED, 2440 x 2268, 120Hz - Cover: 6.31-inch, OLED, 2484 x 1116, 120Hz
Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2	Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Ram: 12GB	Ram: 16GB
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB	Storage: 512GB
Front Camera: 4MP f/1.8 under display - Cover: 10MP f/2.2	Front Camera: 20MP f/2.2 - Cover: 32MP f/2.4
Rear Camera: 50MP f/1.8 main, 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide, 10MP f/2.4 telephoto with 3x optical zoom	Rear Camera: 48MP f/1.7 main, 48MP f/2.2 ultrawide, 64MP f/2.6 telephoto with 3x optical zoom
Battery: 4400mAh	Battery: 4805mAh
Charging: 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wired	Charging: 67W wired, reverse wired
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C	Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C
IP Rating: IPX8	IP Rating: IPX4
Dimensions: Unfolded: 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1mm - Folded: 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4mm	Dimensions: Unfolded: 153.4 x 143.1 x 5.8mm - Folded: 153.4 x 73.3 x 11.7mm
Weight : 253g	Weight : 239g
Operating System: Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6	Operating System: Android 13, OxygenOS 13.2

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

4.0

$1,799.99

Check Availability

Display:

7.6-inch, AMOLED, 2176 x 1812, 120Hz - Cover: 6.2-inch, AMOLED, 2136 x 904, 120Hz

Chipset:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Ram:

12GB

Storage:

256GB, 512GB, or 1TB

Front Camera:

4MP f/1.8 under display - Cover: 10MP f/2.2

Rear Camera:

50MP f/1.8 main, 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide, 10MP f/2.4 telephoto with 3x optical zoom

Battery:

4400mAh

Charging:

25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wired

Connectivity:

Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C

IP Rating:

IPX8

Dimensions:

Unfolded: 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1mm - Folded: 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4mm

Weight :

253g

Operating System:

Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6

OnePlus Open

4.5

$1,699.99$1,499.99

Check Availability

Display:

7.82-inch, AMOLED, 2440 x 2268, 120Hz - Cover: 6.31-inch, OLED, 2484 x 1116, 120Hz

Chipset:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Ram:

16GB

Storage:

512GB

Front Camera:

20MP f/2.2 - Cover: 32MP f/2.4

Rear Camera:

48MP f/1.7 main, 48MP f/2.2 ultrawide, 64MP f/2.6 telephoto with 3x optical zoom

Battery:

4805mAh

Charging:

67W wired, reverse wired

Connectivity:

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C

IP Rating:

IPX4

Dimensions:

Unfolded: 153.4 x 143.1 x 5.8mm - Folded: 153.4 x 73.3 x 11.7mm

Weight :

239g

Operating System:

Android 13, OxygenOS 13.2

01/24/2024 03:06 pm GMT

Design

Both devices are well built and just scream quality. From the outside, they look like any other flagship device. The front is all display, with a hole-punch camera at the top, and their respective camera assemblies on the back.

Both the Z Fold 5, and the OnePlus Open have aluminum frames and are similar in size. When folded, the Galaxy is 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4mm and 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1mm when unfolded.

The OnePlus Open is a tad shorter, wider, and thinner than the Z Fold 5. The Open is 153.4 x 73.3 x 11.7mm when folded and 153.4 x 143.1 x 5.8mm when unfolded.

The Z Fold 5 clocks in at 253g, and the OnePlus Open is 239g for the black version or 245g for the green one.

Whether open or closed, the Z Fold 5 has its power and volume buttons along the right edge of the device and a USB-C port at the bottom.

The OnePlus Open also has its power and volume buttons along the right edge and a USB-C port on the bottom. The alert slide is on the right side when folded or the left when unfolded.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5’s IPX8 gives solid water protection but lacks dust protection. The OnePlus Open has an IPX4 rating, which means it can survive some rain or a splash of water.

The lack of a dust rating on both devices is disappointing and a pain point for foldables as a whole.

Turning these devices over, you will notice the first major difference. Samsung went with its tried-and-true triple camera setup, with each lens neatly tucked in a vertical line. It’s a clean aesthetic and does its job of being unintrusive.

The OnePlus Open, on the other hand, has a massive circular camera bump that takes up a little less than half of the back.

I don’t find it as offensive on the black version because it blends in nicely, but it just looks gaudy against the green color. It also protrudes out of the back, so the phone rests on the camera housing.

Display

If you are considering a foldable device, you are likely most interested in the displays. Luckily, both devices knock it out of the park in that department.

The Samsung Z Fold 5 has a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover display. It has a 2316 x 904 resolution, a 120Hz (adaptive) refresh rate, and is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

The internal AMOLED 2X display is a whopping 7.6 inches. It has a 2176 x 1812 resolution and a 120Hz (LTPO) refresh rate.

The internal display is protected by a plastic cover and has a peak brightness of 1,750 nits, allowing easy viewing outdoors.

The OnePlus Open has a 6.31-inch, 2484 x 1116 OLED cover display protected with a Ceramic Guard. It has an eye-searing peak brightness of 2800 nits and a LTPO3, 120Hz refresh rate.

Opening the OnePlus reveals a massive 7.82-inch AMOLED LTPO3 display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It has the same 2800 nits of peak brightness, making it easy to see in the brightest of conditions.

Of the two devices, the OnePlus Open has the better overall displays. I have always found the Z Fold cover display too narrow, and the OnePlus Open fixes that.

The OnePlus Open also has a higher peak brightness and more pixels per inch on the internal displays, 426 for the OnePlus compared to 373 for the Galaxy.

Performance

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the OnePlus Open are absolute performance beasts thanks to their Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processors.

Now that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processors are here and used in devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24, you would be forgiven for thinking that the previous generation is inferior.

The benchmarks and total performance might be lower on the previous generation Gen 2 chipset, but in real-world use, these devices fly.

Where these two devices differ is in their overall configurations. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 comes with 12GB of RAM and either 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage.

The OnePlus Open has a single configuration and ships with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

The extra RAM is nice to have on the OnePlus Open, but unless you are the ultimate power user, you will not likely notice much of a difference between 12GB and 16GB of RAM.

What you will notice is that neither device will have issues multitasking, playing your favorite games, or even editing videos.

Camera

For years, fans of foldable devices had to make do with subpar camera setups. The typical excuse thrown out is due to the phone’s thinness; there just wasn’t space to put flagship-level cameras on these devices.

Then the competition came for Samsung and upended that belief.

Whether in image quality or overall versatility, these two devices aren’t on the same playing field. The OnePlus Open’s camera setup trounces the one on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.

The OnePlus Open has a triple camera setup consisting of a 48MP f/1.7 OIS primary lens, a 48MP f/2.2 ultrawide lens, and a 64MP f/2.6 OIS telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.

Depending on what you need, all three lenses will give you some excellent shots with good details.

The Z Fold 5’s primary lens is comparable to a 50MP f/1.8 OIS lens. Where the Z Fold 5 falls off is with its 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide lens and 10MP f/2.4 OIS telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.

They will work in a pinch but won’t be as clear or have as much detail as the ones on the OnePlus.

The OnePlus Open and Z Fold 5 give you two different selfie cameras each. Again, the OnePlus Open has better cameras for taking a great selfie.

The Open has a 32MP f/2.4 cover camera and a 20MP f/2.2 lens when the device is opened. The Z Fold 5 has a 10MP f/2.2 cover camera and a 4MP f/1.8 under-display camera.

Software

Foldable devices rely heavily on software to take advantage of the larger screens, and both Samsung and OnePlus have their takes on Android that do just that.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 shipped with Android 13 and One UI 5.1, which has since been upgraded to Android 14 and One UI 6. The OnePlus Open comes with Android 13 and OxygenOS 13.2.

Both One UI and OxygenOS offer great customization options, allowing you to tweak the theme and feel until you are completely satisfied.

You get split-screen multitasking on both devices, each allowing for up to three apps to be active simultaneously. Android apps take advantage of the larger internal display, allowing you to open apps side by side.

Samsung’s One UI pulls away with the inclusion of DeX, which allows you to plug your Z Fold 5 into an external display, giving you a ChromeOS-like experience. It’s great when you need to get real work done and don’t have a ,computer nearby.

Samsung is also a bit more reliable when updating their devices. Both phones offer four years of Android updates and a fifth year of security updates.

Samsung provides security updates every month, while OnePlus updates theirs on a bi-monthly basis. Samsung is also faster to upgrade Android. The Z Fold 5 has already been upgraded, while the OnePlus Open is still on Android 13.

Battery life

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 comes with a 4,400mAh battery and is capable of 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.

OnePlus is the leader in the battery department when it comes to capacity and charging speeds. It equipped its device with a 4,805mAh battery that offers 67W wired charging and reverse wired charging.

OnePlus decided not to equip the Open with wireless charging, which is a huge letdown. At this price point, manufacturers shouldn’t be skimping out on features, no matter how big or small.

The Z Fold 5 can charge about 50% of its battery in about 30 minutes using a 25W wired charger. The Open can charge 100% of its battery in about 42 minutes.

The extra capacity of the OnePlus Open gives it the edge in overall battery life as well. You can expect the OnePlus Open to last anywhere from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours longer than the Z Fold 5.

Which is right for you?

Samsung and OnePlus both offer fantastic devices that do so much right. Overall, the OnePlus Open has done enough to unseat Samsung from its throne.

The OnePlus Open offers a wider and more comfortable cover display, great performance, awesome cameras, and amazing battery life. OxygenOS is also customizable and enjoyable to use daily.

The issue for OnePlus is how quickly it will get its software updated and the lack of wireless charging. Even with these minor shortcomings, it does so much right that it deserves to be the winner.

OnePlus Open

4.5

$1,699.99 $1,499.99

The OnePlus Open is a true foldable flagship killer, with great cameras, bright and beautiful screens, and a sturdy construction. It's also got tons of power and productivity tweaks to the software for multitasking performance.

Check Availability Check Availability at OnePlus

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

01/24/2024 03:42 pm GMT

That’s not to say the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a bad phone, far from it.

It still offers a fantastic package and a great user experience. It too has great performance and amazing-looking displays, but trails in the camera and battery categories.

Samsung is more reliable when it comes to software updates and its software is a little better. This is especially true if you take advantage of DeX.

Just make sure you put a quality Galaxy Z Fold 5 case on it to make sure that it stays looking amazing for years to come.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

$1,799.99

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a book-style foldable phone with a large, bright AMOLED screen and the ability to use the S Pen stylus for notetaking and other tasks.

Check Availability

01/24/2024 03:06 pm GMT

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Best PlayStation 5 accessories
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• Best home security cameras
• The best smart thermostats

The post Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs OnePlus Open: Competition is good appeared first on KnowTechie.

The phone offers great battery life, a large 6.82-inch, 1440p resolution display, and a triple-camera setup with a main 50-megapixel sensor, a 48-megapixel ultrawide, and a 64-megapixel telephoto with a 3x optical zoom.

Notably, the OnePlus 12 also includes wireless charging support, an improvement on its predecessor, the OnePlus 11. The smartphone is built around a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 with a Trinity Engine software and a vapor chamber-based cooling system.

OnePlus 12R becomes first R-series model to go global

Additionally, OnePlus launched the lower-end OnePlus 12R alongside the OnePlus 12, marking the first time that the R-series device has been released outside of China and India.

The 12R features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, IP64-rated dust and water resistance, and a 5,500mAh battery, among other features.

The phone has a slightly lower-specification camera configuration, consisting of a 50-megapixel main and eight-megapixel ultrawide, and a two-megapixel macro camera. The phone comes in blue and gray color options and will start at $499.99 in the US, as stated in the company’s press release.

OnePlus is also launching its third-generation true wireless earbuds, the OnePlus Buds 3, with an open sale on February 5th in the US. The earbuds include active noise cancellation, which will adjust to the wearer’s ear canal, and multipoint support for use with multiple devices.

They also feature sweat resistance and an IP55 rating, with a battery life of up to 6.5 hours with ANC on or up to 10 hours with it turned off, rising to 28 and 44 hours, respectively, when combined with the earbud case. The earbuds will cost $99.99 in the US.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: OnePlus Open
• OnePlus 12 to get a wood finish back like the first OnePlus phone
• Google Pixel 9 Pro design leaks in new renders with a familiar look
• Galaxy S24 series gets a seven-year Android update promise

The post OnePlus 12 and 12R make global debut; to hit US stores in February appeared first on KnowTechie.

According to the newly-leaked renders, the upcoming smartphone by the search engine giant will feature a circa 6.5-inch flat display with a centered punch-hole cutout for the front-facing camera.

The renders also confirm that Google Pixel 9 Pro will flaunt thin bezels on all four sides of the display, making for a sleek and modern design.

Google going the Apple and Samsung way with Pixel 9 Pro

OnLeaks suggests that the flagship smartphone will sport a flat frame with the power button and volume rockers on the right side of the device. The overall design is similar to what we’ve seen on the iPhone, and more recently, the Samsung Galaxy S24 series.

The left side of the device will remain clean, except for the antenna markings. The bottom of the device will feature a USB Type-C port, speaker grille, and SIM card tray.

In terms of measurements, the Google Pixel 9 Pro will reportedly measure 162.7 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm. The camera bump will push that area’s thickness to 12mm. The smartphone will also have an mmWave antenna cover and a microphone on top.

While both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have a microphone on the top area, only the Verizon-version of the Pixel 8 Pro has the mmWave antenna.

But what caught our attention the most was the rumored refreshing design upgrade for the rear cameras. The leaked renders indicate that Google might introduce a new triple-camera setup that will feature a telephoto sensor, along with the standard wide-angle camera sensor.

The large camera island suggests that the smartphone might support variable aperture, making it one of the most sought-after smartphones for photography enthusiasts.

As of now, nothing is official because we still have many months to go before the release of the new Pixel 9 line. However, with the recent leaks and rumors, we can undoubtedly say that the Google Pixel 9 Pro is one of the most eagerly awaited flagship smartphones of the year.

Until then, however, we’re still hoping to get the Google Pixel 8A this spring.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• New Google Pixel 8A render gives us the best look at the phone yet
• Google Pixel 8A dummy unit gives a close look at the phone’s design
• Galaxy S24 series gets a seven-year Android update promise
• Wi-Fi, RAM, and modem upgrades rumored for iPhone 16 series

The post Google Pixel 9 Pro design leaks in new renders with a familiar look appeared first on KnowTechie.

But what if there was a way to stop that mid-journey face-palm? Meet the Prox PRD, the Bluetooth buddy that’s hoping to be your smartphone’s new best friend.

Our phones are practically extensions of our bodies; it’s almost comical how often they’re forgotten.

Wallet, keys, phone – the holy trinity of “Things We Routinely Pat Our Pockets For” – and yet, the phone, our digital lifeline, is the one we manage to leave behind. Every. Single. Time.

Enter the Prox PRD. With its minute dimensions of 1.77 inches by 1.77 inches, it’s as unobtrusive as the common car key fob. Pair it with your phone, and the Prox PRD will sound an alert if you start to walk away without it. 

To get a better understanding of what makes the Prox PRD stand out, I reached out to Michael McCrary, the CEO of Prox Devices. He was quick to clarify a few misconceptions:

‘We know what you’re thinking!’ McCrary said in our conversation. ‘NO – it’s not a tracker; NO – it’s not a key finder; NO – it’s not an item finder; NO – it’s not a phone finder; NO – you don’t already have one when you have an AirTag or Tile; YES – it will keep you from forgetting your phone.’

The Prox PRD is a Phone Reminder Device that alerts you before you forget your phone and leave it behind, with no subscription, no data collected or sold, no app, no sign-up, no registration, no passwords, and no tracking ‘Location Services’ used to invade your privacy and drain your phone’s battery.

Prox PRD

4.0

$69.95 $57.95

Designed by Prox Devices, this little guy is a no-hassle solution to keep your phone by your side. Forget complex setups. This is a simple, no-subscription, no-app-required approach to ensure your smartphone isn't left behind.

What We Like:

• Privacy Champion: It doesn't collect data or need an app, ensuring your personal details stay personal.
• Forget-Me-Not: This device alerts you before you leave your phone behind, acting as your digital leash.
• Year-Long Vigil: A long-lasting battery life means fewer worries about maintenance.
• Effortless Setup: Attach it to your keychain or bag, pair it with your phone, and go about your day with one less worry.

Amazon Website - Promo Code: AN15%OFF

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

01/24/2024 02:28 am GMT

Ever find your phone in the fridge? Guilty as charged. So naturally, I jumped at the chance to test the Prox PRD.

Indoors, the PRD’s alerts are crystal clear. Step outside, however, and the bustling city may easily drown out its alarm.

Battery life is another consideration. The PRD joins the club of devices that nudge us to stockpile batteries. While it’s not a major inconvenience, it’s certainly an addition to the mental checklist.

The team at Prox Devices claims that the Prox PRD is energy efficient, but how long can it really last? And what about its performance in different environments? Airports, shopping centers, and places teeming with Bluetooth signals – can it hold its own?

For the most part, yes, it can. From its easy setup to its reliable alerts, this little device seems to stand tall amidst the ocean of forgetful phone owners.

The folks at Prox Devices are pretty open about what this thing can and can’t do. Even its troubleshooting page is upfront about potential issues, a refreshing nod to transparency.

According to McCrary, Prox Devices CEO, the thoughtfulness behind the Prox PRD’s design comes from a careful examination of the market; he tells KnowTechie in an email. McCrary shared that a friend asked him to create a simple device to remind him about his phone before leaving it behind.

And Prox Devices isn’t stopping there. McCrary shared that the company is currently developing three new products, all of which will be easy to use and reliable. The first of these is expected to be released sometime in 2024.

So, if you’ve ever felt the cold dread of Phone Separation Anxiety, the Prox PRD might just be the gadget for you. It won’t solve world peace, but if it prevents that heart-stopping ‘Where’s my phone?’ moment, it could be worth its weight in gold.

It won’t solve world peace, but if it prevents that heart-stopping “Where’s my phone?” moment, it could be worth its weight in gold.

The Prox PRD retails for $57.95 and can be purchased directly from the company’s website or Amazon. As an added bonus, KnowTechie readers can use promo code AN15%OFF for a 15% discount via the company’s website.

Prox PRD

4.0

$69.95 $57.95

Designed by Prox Devices, this little guy is a no-hassle solution to keep your phone by your side. Forget complex setups. This is a simple, no-subscription, no-app-required approach to ensure your smartphone isn't left behind.

Amazon Website - Promo Code: AN15%OFF

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

01/24/2024 02:28 am GMT

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post The Prox PRD is the perfect solution for forgetful phone users appeared first on KnowTechie.

Starting this week, the Magenta-heavy wireless provider will be shifting its wireless customers over to a Netflix plan that includes short advertisement interruptions before and during movies and TV shows.

The move comes several months after Netflix retired its cheapest commercial-free plan, called Basic, which offered standard definition streaming of shows and movies without advertisements for around $10 per month.

What version of Netflix will T-Mobile customers get now?

For several years, T-Mobile customers on eligible wireless plans were offered Netflix Basic for free, a great perk that helped wireless customers binge their way through popular shows like “Stranger Things,” “Ozark,” “Narcos” and “Squid Game.”

Some T-Mobile subscribers with multiple lines of service or on advanced plans were upgraded to Netflix Standard, which usually costs $15.50 per month and unlocks added perks like two simultaneous streams of high-definition content.

Customers who received Netflix Basic but wanted access to a higher tier of service like Neflix Standard were given the option to upgrade for a small fee — substantially less than what it would ordinarily cost to subscribe to the service on its own.

Earlier this month, documents leaked to The Mobile Report revealed T-Mobile would change how it offered free Netflix to customers: The company was eliminating all freebies involving the streaming service’s commercial-free plans, and would move all eligible subscribers over to Netflix with Ads.

T-Mobile has remained relatively quiet on the matter, but promotional materials and service terms reviewed by KnowTechie show the company has moved forward with the changes.

Starting this month, eligible T-Mobile wireless customers will be able to add Netflix with Ads as part of the company’s long-standing “Netflix on Us” perk when they agree to connect their Netflix account to T-Mobile.

While the perk was reserved in the past for customers of T-Mobile’s higher-priced unlimited tiers or for subscribers with more than one line of service, T-Mobile has eased up on these requirements for Netflix with Ads.

T-Mobile’s new strategy for “Netflix on Us”

Now, customers who have one or more qualifying line of service on the following plans can get Netflix with Ads for free (normally $7 per month):

• Go5G Next
• Go5G Plus
• Magenta Max

Customers with all other Go5G or Magenta plans will need two or more qualifying lines of service in order to get Netflix with Ads for free.

While the Standard tier was previously offered to customers with higher-priced plans or multiple lines of service, that perk is now gone.

Instead, all customers who receive the ad-supported tier for free are offered the opportunity to upgrade their subscription at a discounted rate when they agree to pay for it through their T-Mobile plan:

• Netflix Standard: $8.50 per month (normally $15.50 per month)
• Netflix Premium: $16 per month (normally $23 per month)

Essentially, the $7 per month discount is applied as a credit for either Netflix Standard or Netflix Premium, but only when customers agree to have their Netflix subscription billed through their T-Mobile account. If a qualified line of service is removed, canceled, or suspended, the discount goes away.

What are the differences between the Netflix plans?

Netflix with Ads and Netflix Standard offer many of the same perks: Users can stream high-definition content (up to 1080p resolution) on two devices at once, and can download movies and TV shows on up to two devices.

The key difference between the two plans is probably obvious, given the names of each plan: Netflix with Ads includes commercial interruptions. Netflix Standard does not.

For some people, the offer to eliminate ads for $8.50 per month is an attractive one: When billed through T-Mobile, the plan is about $1.50 cheaper than the retail cost of Netflix with Ads (or, put another way, how much the ad-supported plan would cost without T-Mobile covering the bill).

For frugal customers, getting the streaming service for free with their T-Mobile service is worth the compromise of having to sit through a few ads before and during shows and movies.

Netflix Premium offers additional perks, including the ability to stream ultra-high definition (UHD/4K) content on four devices at once, and the ability to download TV shows and movies to six different devices.

The cost of the Premium tier is $16 per month when billed through T-Mobile, making it a better fit for families who have multiple streamers living within the same household.

What other streaming services does T-Mobile offer for free?

Netflix isn’t the only streaming service perk T-Mobile subscribers can get for free. T-Mobile also offers free access to a number of other streaming audio and video services, some of which are limited-time, expanded trials of premium offerings and others that renew on a regular basis, listed below.

Hulu with Ads

Starting Wednesday, January 24, T-Mobile will offer eligible subscribers free access to the ad-supported version of Hulu.

The Hulu with Ads perk was announced as being exclusive to subscribers of T-Mobile’s priciest plan, called Go5G Next.

However, some customers (including this reporter) on older plans like Magenta Max have received text messages over the past few weeks informing them that their plans are also eligible for free access to Hulu with Ads — so, we’ll have to wait until Wednesday to see how T-Mobile offers the promotion.

Apple TV Plus

T-Mobile offers eligible customers with one qualifying line on the Go5G Next plan or higher (or the equivalent older Magenta plan) free access to Apple TV Plus.

The perk is offered as a one-year extended trial, which customers can renew every year if they maintain a qualifying line.

MLB.TV

T-Mobile has long been a sponsor of Major League Baseball, and for the past few years, it has offered customers on unlimited data plans free access to MLB.TV. The limited window to sign up for MLB.TV typically happens in the spring, around the start of baseball season.

In recent years, T-Mobile has offered MLB.TV through its T-Mobile Tuesdays app; this year, the freebie is expected to move to T Life, the new loyalty app T-Mobile is launching in the coming weeks. 

ViX Premium

Eligible customers can sign up for a one-year free trial of the Spanish-language streaming service. The service automatically renews after one year.

SiriusXM streaming radio

The same radio channels offered on SiriusXM satellite are also available through the SiriusXM streaming app, plus hundreds of online-only channels and personalized artist-specific stations powered by Pandora.

Eligible T-Mobile customers can get a six-month free trial of SiriusXM streaming radio, a savings of $60 per month; the trial renews after six month at $10 per month.

Pandora Premium

The streaming audio app includes the flagship Pandora radio experience powered by the Music Genome Project, as well as on-demand access to millions of songs and podcasts.

Eligible T-Mobile customers get four months of Pandora Premium for free, a savings of $40; the service renews after four months at $10 per month.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Prime Video & Netflix neck-and-neck in latest streaming report
• Netflix expands its gaming library with the Grand Theft Auto Trilogy
• Netflix offers downloads to its ad-tier subscribers
• Netflix’s new app turns your smartphone into a controller

The post T-Mobile demotes free “Netflix on Us” perk to the ad-supported tier appeared first on KnowTechie.

Samsung just launched the Galaxy S24 series, along with other features and services, at yesterday’s Galaxy Unpacked, and S24 pre-order deals are now live.

However, in addition to the latest hardware, the new Galaxy handsets also come with a promise of seven years of Android and security updates, matching Google’s update policy for the Pixel 8 series.

Currently, only the Galaxy S24 handsets are on the seven-year update cycle 

Google’s latest flagships arrived last October, but before that, Samsung was the champion in smartphone software updates with four years of Android and five years of security updates for all its latest flagship and mid-range smartphones. 

The quad-year update policy is still applicable to older Samsung handsets like the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, and others. 

But it is unfortunate that Samsung is not extending its new seven-year policy to older phones, at least not yet. The best part is that the update promise is also available on the cheaper S24 and S24+ models.

Samsung Galaxy S24 & S24+

The Samsung Galaxy S24+ is a fusion of sleek aesthetics and strong performance. Its standardized one-mass design and slimmer bezels around a 6.7-inch display contribute to a visually pleasing and immersive viewing experience. Available in a spectrum of colors, with storage options of 256GB and 512GB, starting from $999.99.

What We Like:

• The S24+'s sleek design and larger screen size significantly enhance the viewing experience.
• An advanced thermal control system ensures optimal performance without overheating.
• The S24+ offers a balance between cost and features, starting at $999.99.
• A variety of color options allow buyers to personalize their device choice.

Check Availability

So, if you want a Samsung Galaxy handset with the longest software updates, you will have to choose between the Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, and the S24 Ultra. 

The entire Galaxy S24 series is set to get updates right up to Android 21.

Either way, this is an excellent update policy. It will not only ensure that you will hold on to your Galaxy S24 handset for longer, but it also adds to the phone’s value when you decide to sell or exchange it.

The future is really bright for the next batch of Galaxy phones – the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6.

However, Samsung may not put its foldable phones on the same seven-year update plan, keeping it only reserved for the flagship Galaxy S series phones, making the S24 Ultra a better value phone than the Z Fold flagship.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra marries form and function with a seamless one-mass design and slimmer bezels. Its 6.7-inch display offers immersive viewing, while the improved thermal control system ensures sustained performance power. Available in a range of colors and storage options, starting at $999.99.

What We Like:

• The S24 Ultra's larger screen size and slimmer bezels make for an improved, more immersive viewing experience.
• The device’s enhanced thermal control system ensures optimal performance, even during heavy use.
• With a starting price of $999.99, the S24 Ultra offers value for money, considering its advanced features and sleek design.
• Available in a variety of colors, the S24 Ultra gives you the freedom to choose a device that reflects your personal style.

Check Availability

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Samsung’s rugged Galaxy XCover 7, Tab Active 5 debut before S24
• Samsung’s In&Out Flip concept reimagines its flip phones
• Wi-Fi, RAM, and modem upgrades rumored for iPhone 16 series
• New leak details huge iPhone 16 Pro and 17 Pro camera upgrades

The post Galaxy S24 series gets a seven-year Android update promise appeared first on KnowTechie.

Samsung‘s One UI 6.1 will debut with the Galaxy S24 series at the coming Galaxy Unpacked event. We are already aware of a few features the new OS update is bringing. 

However, ahead of the launch, new leaks revealed several One UI 6.1 features and a list of Galaxy devices likely set to receive the OS update.

One UI 6.1 brings near-infinite clock styles and UI smoothness we have never seen before

According to Ice Universe, version 6.1 will add support to download new lock screen clock styles from Samsung’s Galaxy Store. 

While everything depends on the developer’s implementation, it could put a large number of clock styles within the user’s reach. 

In addition, the leaker claims the animation and styles throughout the OS have been revamped, which could result in a far smoother user experience. 

Ice Universe has posted another video on X/Twitter showcasing the smoothness of the UI, and it is indeed very smooth.

List of Galaxy devices likely to get the One UI 6.1 update

On the other hand, another leaker, Tarun Vats, has spotted a list of firmware versions being tested for the One UI 6.1, which includes a myriad of Galaxy devices.

Samsung is yet to announce the list officially. But we have a fair idea of what’s coming.

Here are the Galaxy handsets that are effectively conformed for the One UI 6.1

That said, it is important to know that almost all the Galaxy devices that received the Android 14-based One UI 6.0 update will eventually get the One UI 6.1 update. But the transition will not be quite as swift as before.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Galaxy S24 to have seven years of updates and pay-to-use Galaxy AI
• Samsung is planning a hands-on experience for the Galaxy S24
• Galaxy S24 Ultra’s flat display showcased in leaked video
• Galaxy S24 leaks reveal better screens, bigger vapor chambers

The post One UI 6.1 features, eligible Galaxy devices leak ahead of launch appeared first on KnowTechie.

However, from numerous rumors, leaks, and teasers, we were able to make a few educated guesses. While we are certain about a few of these, like the Galaxy S24 series, we are not so certain about the rest. 

However, this year, Samsung is flexing its big AI muscles. So, we expect the event to be AI-heavy, with Samsung showcasing how its generative AI works and how it works alongside the latest Galaxy devices with the most current hardware. 

If you don’t want to go too far away, you can catch the live stream right here, but scroll down to read about what to expect from the event.

The Galaxy S24 series, duh!

If we are guessing what Samsung plans to showcase in the coming Galaxy Unpacked, the Galaxy S24 series should be the very first pick. 

Even most of Samsung’s promotional materials highlight the Galaxy S24 series handset and the features they are bringing this year. 

So, the Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra – all will be unveiled at the January 17 event.

From the rumors so far, we can expect a number of hardware upgrades on the Galaxy S24 handsets over their predecessors, the Galaxy S23 series. 

The S24 Ultra is rumored to sport titanium-made sides like the iPhone 15 Pro, while the vanilla S24 and S24 Plus will get thinner bezels. 

According to a recent leak, it also seems the S24 Ultra has ditched the curved display in favor of a flatter one. There are also a few more design tweaks. 

In terms of the specs, the upcoming Galaxy S handsets are expected to be powered by Exynos 2400 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chips, depending on the model and region.

More specifically, the S24 Ultra is rumored to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy in every region, while the vanilla S24 and S24 Plus are expected to feature Samsung’s in-house Exynos 2400 chipset almost everywhere except for the US.

The cameras for the Galaxy S24 series are expected to be in line with what came before – the Galaxy S23 series. 

Samsung is expected to tweak the software to improve the result. However, it’s the S24 Ultra’s cameras that are going to massive changes.

The company is rumored to ditch the 10MP shooter with 10x optical zoom and adopt a 50MP shooter with 5x optical zoom capability. A 10x digital crop is also on the plate. 

If Samsung ends up going this route, the photo quality will improve, but the optical range will be half of what it used to be.

Galaxy AI

Apart from its flagship Galaxy handsets, the Galaxy AI should be the primary focus of the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event.

After the advent of AI, Samsung also wants a piece of it, and according to numerous leaks and rumors, the company is betting heavily on AI this year.

By the looks of it, Samsung immediately wants to outperform the Google Pixel 8 series with its AI-powered features. In addition, the Korean company is taking a cue from Google and offering a feature that is similar to the Magic Editor functionality offered by Google.

The function on the Galaxy S24 handsets works similarly. You can move subjects or erase unwanted objects with it. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Samsung will unveil more Galaxy AI-powered features at the Galaxy Unpacked.

Most of these features would require an internet connection and probably a Samsung account.

One UI 6.1

Samsung is also set to launch the One UI 6.1 alongside the Galaxy S24 series. The company has already launched its One UI 6.0 build on its current flagship devices.

However, the upcoming flagships will inaugurate the One UI 6.1, which is to bring AI-powered features to the S24 devices with other additional improvements.

However, we are not sure if older Galaxy devices, like the Galaxy S23 series, will have access to these AI improvements.

Galaxy Fit 3

Samsung is also actively working on bringing back its fitness tracker line after being absent for over three years.

There have been numerous rumors and leaks, providing a good deal of details and looking at the device’s official renders.

In terms of the design, the leaked renders have revealed the Galaxy Fit 3 remains the same as its predecessor, with a squarish dial, a physical button, and a mic on the right side.

The renders have also revealed the company’s next fitness tracker in three colorways – Black, Grey, and Pink/Rose Gold. However, we can’t say for sure if the device will be available in the mentioned colorways only.

Leaks have also revealed the device is expected to ship with replaceable silicone straps and a bigger 200mAh battery.

One of the leaks has revealed the possibility of the Galaxy Fit 3’s launch in early 2024. However, it didn’t explicitly say anything about the device’s presence at the coming Galaxy Unpacked event, but the chances are high.

Samsung Galaxy Book 4, Galaxy Buds 3 & Galaxy Ring

The Samsung Galaxy Ring has been rumored for some time. It would be the company’s first smart ring, and like other smart rings, the Galaxy Ring is expected to come with several fitness and wellness tracking features.

These are likely to include keeping an eye on your step count, the distance you have covered, monitoring your heart rate and blood pressure, and more.

There’s a high chance Samsung may unveil the Galaxy Book 4, the next generation of its portable laptop series at the coming Galaxy Unpacked event.

The company has already launched these laptops in its home country Korea. This time, the Galaxy Book 4 series consists of 5 laptops: Galaxy Book 4, Galaxy Book 4 360, Galaxy Book 4 Pro, Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360, and Galaxy Book 4 Ultra.

While the design remains mostly the same, the company has made numerous hardware upgrades, including NVIDIA RTX 40 series graphics card and Intel Core 9 processors.

Lastly, Samsung was also rumored to be working on the Galaxy Buds 3. While a new Galaxy Buds would be an excellent addition to the Galaxy Unpacked event, we are pretty sure we will not see it on January 17.

How to Watch Galaxy Unpacked 2024?

The event is scheduled for January 17th, and the company is all set to unveil the next Galaxy S series phones in San Jose, California.

We have a guide on how to watch the 2024 Galaxy Unpacked event, but in short: the event will stream on Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom, and Samsung’s Official YouTube channel. You can watch it down below.

In addition, Samsung has opened up reservations for the Galaxy S24 series smartphones. Interested folks can save $50 when pre-orders begin.

Samsung has also kept the reservation process simple. You only need to provide your name and email address, with the option to provide your phone number. But the number is not necessary.

Email notifications will be sent when pre-orders open, and potential additional incentives remain undisclosed.

Ends January 16

Reserve the new Galaxy and get up to $50 Samsung Credit

Samsung's reservation offer is as straightforward as it gets. Give them your name and email, and voila, you're eligible for a $50 credit. That's it!

Reserve Now

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Galaxy S24 to have seven years of updates and pay-to-use Galaxy AI
• Samsung is planning a hands-on experience for the Galaxy S24
• Galaxy S24 Ultra’s flat display showcased in leaked video
• Galaxy S24 leaks reveal better screens, bigger vapor chambers

The post What to expect at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2024: S24 and more appeared first on KnowTechie.

However, just days before the launch, we have a few last-minute leaks, courtesy of Android Headlines. 

According to the publication, they have come across a few official Galaxy S24 promo images revealing some astonishing details about the device, including Samsung’s renewed update policy for the new flagships and Galaxy AI details.

Seven major Android updates for Galaxy S24 – where have we heard that before? 

According to the outlet, Samsung is planning seven years of major Android updates for the Galaxy S24 handsets – matching what Google has done for its Pixel handsets. 

However, the significance of this leak is far greater if it becomes true. It means the Galaxy handsets will get Android updates up until the release of Android 21. 

We speculate that seven years of major Android updates means the S24 handsets will also receive seven years of security updates from the company to keep up. 

Up until now, Google was the only company offering seven significant Android updates with its Pixel 8 series. It seems Samsung is gunning for Google on more than one front. 

However, it is unclear at the moment if the Korean company will extend the same update policy for its older Galaxy flagships, e.g., the Galaxy S23 series. It seems unlikely, though.

Get ready to pay for the Galaxy AI

In addition, the leak reveals that Samsung may hide the Galaxy AI features behind a paywall – maybe not immediately, but at some point in the not-so-distant future.

The Galaxy S24 lineup has been rumored to be integrated with the Galaxy AI smarts, resulting in features like Live Translate and Pixel-like photo editing tools. 

According to the leaked promo material, the Galaxy AI features will be free of charge until at least 2025 on supported Galaxy devices.

While the leaked materials don’t say it explicitly, it seems like Samsung does have plans to charge for certain advanced Galaxy AI features after 2024. 

Of course, all this is just speculation at the moment. We need to wait for the company to make confirmation before jumping the gun. 

Also, there’s a possibility that users may have to sign in to their Samsung accounts to use some AI features on the S24 lineup. But, no word on which features will have this requirement.

Ends January 16

Reserve the new Galaxy and get up to $50 Samsung Credit

Samsung's reservation offer is as straightforward as it gets. Give them your name and email, and voila, you're eligible for a $50 credit. That's it!

Reserve Now

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• New Galaxy S24 leaks reveal chipset details and store colors
• Samsung is planning a hands-on experience for the Galaxy S24
• Galaxy S24 Ultra’s flat display showcased in leaked video
• Galaxy S24 leaks reveal better screens, bigger vapor chambers

The post Galaxy S24 to have seven years of updates and pay-to-use Galaxy AI appeared first on KnowTechie.

While know a great many details about the Galaxy S24 series, there’s still more room to improve before the official reveal on January 17. 

The leak comes from the renowned leaker, Ice Universe, who has shared this alleged hands-on video of the Galaxy S24 Ultra on their X/Twitter account. 

They’ve deleted the video since, claiming it was from the S24 series display protective film manufacturer, but the video has been reposted by other accounts already.

Galaxy S24 Ultra screen looks flatter than ever, with thinner bezels

The video is just a few seconds long, but it’s enough to showcase the subtle changes on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. 

The S24 Ultra sports a flat display with sharp corners. Even if there are any curves on the display, it has to be very subtle and minimal compared to its predecessors. 

It certainly looks like Samsung is leaving the curved displays in the past and moving on.

However, Samsung also did the same thing last year with the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The company reduced the curve significantly compared to the S22 Ultra, and this year, they did the same thing. 

Otherwise, the Galaxy S24 Ultra bezels also look slightly thinner, and the camera cutout also looks a bit smaller. 

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Galaxy S24 leaks reveal better screens, bigger vapor chambers
• Samsung is planning a hands-on experience for the Galaxy S24
• Samsung’s In&Out Flip concept reimagines its flip phones
• Galaxy S24 Ultra may get better zoom despite missing 10x lens

The post Galaxy S24 Ultra’s flat display showcased in leaked video appeared first on KnowTechie.