Samsung has introduced a significant update to the LockStar module within its Good Lock app, offering an array of advanced customization features for Galaxy phone users. This update brings new unlock animations, Always-On Display (AOD) brightness controls, and lock screen text customization options. It also ensures compatibility with the latest One UI 8.5 beta while […]
The post Samsung’s LockStar Update Will Transform Your Galaxy Phone appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.
What happens when two innovative AI systems go head-to-head in the high-stakes world of trading? The video below breaks down how ChatGPT vs Gemini performed in a fascinating experiment designed to test their ability to generate profitable trading signals. Starting with identical $1,000 portfolios, both AIs analyzed markets like Forex, cryptocurrency, and gold, delivering specific […]
The post ChatGPT vs Gemini : Which AI Called Trades More Successfully? appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.
What if your note-taking system could do more than just store information, what if it could actively enhance the way you think and work? Coding With ADHD takes a closer look at how combining the versatility of Obsidian with the AI-driven power of Gemini CLI can transform knowledge management into a dynamic, intelligent process. This […]
The post Obsidian Gemini CLI Workflows for AI Note-Taking, Daily Pages & More appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.
Gone are the days in which you needed to spend a fortune to get a good smartphone. In 2026, features once exclusive to high-end smartphones – big batteries, multi-camera arrays, high refresh rate OLED displays and more – have made their way down to more affordable models. Yes, you’ll still need to buy a flagship smartphone to get the best camera or fastest processor, but you don't have to make nearly as many compromises as you once did if you have a strict budget to adhere to when you go shopping for your next smartphone. If you have less than $600 to spend, let us help you figure out what features to prioritize when trying to find the best midrange smartphone.
While the term frequently appears in articles and videos, there isn’t an agreed-upon definition for “midrange” beyond a phone that isn’t a flagship or an entry-level option. Most of our recommendations cost between $400 and $600 — any less and you should expect significant compromises. If you have more to spend, you might as well consider flagships like the Apple iPhone 17 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 if you want the best smartphone experience. Devices like Pixel phones often sit in this price range too, offering some of the best value for Android buyers.
Buying a new device can be intimidating, but a few questions can help guide you through the process. First: what platform do you want to use? If the answer is iOS, that narrows your options down to exactly one phone. (Thankfully, it’s great.) And if you’re an Android fan, there’s no shortage of compelling options. Both platforms have their strengths, so you shouldn’t rule either out.
Of course, also consider how much you’re comfortable spending. Even increasing your budget by $100 more can get you a dramatically better product. Moreover, manufacturers tend to support their more expensive devices for longer with software updates and security updates, so it’s worth buying something toward the top limit of what you can afford.
Having an idea of your priorities will help inform your budget. Do you want a long battery life or fast charging? Do you value speedy performance above all else? Or would you like the best possible cameras with high megapixel counts? While they continue to improve every year, even the best midrange smartphones still demand some compromises, and knowing what’s important to you will make choosing one easier.
Every year, the line between midrange and flagship phones blurs as more upmarket features and functions trickle down to more affordable models. When Engadget first published this guide in 2020, it was tricky to find a $500 phone with waterproofing and 5G. In 2026, the biggest thing you might miss out on is wireless charging – and even then, that’s becoming less true.
One thing your new phone probably won’t come with is a power adapter; many companies have stopped including chargers with all of their smartphones. Performance has improved in recent years, but can still be hit or miss as most midrange phones use slower processors that can struggle with multitasking. Thankfully, their camera systems have improved dramatically, and you can typically expect at least a dual-lens system on most midrange smartphones below $600 with decent camera quality, selfie performance and software support to keep things running smoothly for years to come..
Support varies by brand, but most midrange phones receive around three to five years of software and security updates. Apple tends to support iPhones longer while companies like Google and Samsung now promise several years of Android and security patches for their midrange models. Budget-focused brands might offer less so it’s worth checking the update policy before you buy.
Yes, many midrange phones handle gaming well, especially popular titles like Fortnite, Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile. They usually include capable processors, though you won’t always get the smoothest performance in the most demanding mobile games or at max settings. If you play casually or stick to less graphically intensive titles a midrange phone will feel more than adequate.
Georgie Peru contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/best-midrange-smartphone-183006463.html?src=rssThe Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to establish itself as the fastest smartphone in the world, setting a new benchmark in performance according to leaked benchmarks, camera technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) integration. With its innovative advancements, this flagship device is reshaping expectations in the highly competitive smartphone market. Let’s delve deeper into the features […]
The post Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: The Fastest Smartphone of 2026? appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.
Modern desks overflow with timers, focus apps, and smart assistants that promise more productivity but mostly add more things to manage. There’s a calendar nudging you about meetings, a watch tracking movement, and browser tabs reminding you to hydrate. Not every object on your desk needs to optimize you, though, and sometimes you just want a small, harmless distraction that keeps you company without demanding anything serious in return.
Paul Lagier’s DIY Desk Companion sits next to your laptop as a little creature that lives completely offline. It is not connected to Wi‑Fi, has no app, and never sends notifications. Instead, it runs its own tiny world on a circular screen, reacting to touch, light, and time with shifting eyes and moods. The whole thing exists as a playful break, closer to a desk toy than a productivity gadget.
Designer: Paul Lagier
The companion’s life revolves around three needs, Energy, Fun, and Sleep, visualized as colored arcs around its animated eyes. Energy maps to battery and charging, Fun rises when you interact and falls when ignored, and Sleep depends on light levels, getting drowsy when the room gets dark. These simple meters quietly drive its moods, making it curious, bored, or sleepy depending on how you treat it over the day.
The moods shift over longer stretches, too. Regular interaction makes it age, becoming calmer and more expressive, while neglect can make it sulky or withdrawn. There’s no scoreboard or streak counter, just a sense that this tiny character remembers how you have been treating it. After a while, you catch yourself tapping it to cheer it up during a slump, which is the whole point of having a little desk creature.
A typical day means a few small moments. You tap it during a break, and it perks up, eyes widening. Late at night, when the room gets dark, it slowly drifts off to sleep without you doing anything. When you plug it in the next morning, its Energy bar fills, and its mood lifts. These are quick interactions, a tap or a glance, not mini-games that hijack your break.
Under the shell is a tangle of wires, a microcontroller board, a round color display, touch sensors, a light sensor, and a small battery. Lagier calls it a working prototype rather than a polished product, which feels fitting. The design is simple and neutral, letting the animated face carry the personality while the hardware quietly does its job without needing custom circuitry to make the interaction feel real.
The DIY Desk Companion is proudly unnecessary in the best way. It does not track tasks or nag you about hydration. It just gives you a tiny, responsive presence that makes the space feel less mechanical. Devices around us keep trying to squeeze more output from every minute, so a little offline creature that only wants a tap now and then feels surprisingly refreshing.
The post Someone Built a Tamagotchi-like Desk Toy That Gets Sad When You Ignore It first appeared on Yanko Design.
What if you could delegate your most tedious tasks to an AI agent that works seamlessly alongside you, handling everything from file management to web-based operations? In this breakdown, Prompt Engineering walks through how Anthropic’s Claude Cowork is redefining automation by introducing a general-purpose agent capable of tackling complex workflows with surprising ease. Unlike many […]
The post Meet Claude Cowork, Your On-Device AI Helper & Browser Automation System appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.
Apple has unveiled a new partnership with Google to integrate Google Gemini, an innovative large language model, into Siri. This collaboration represents a significant evolution in Apple’s approach to virtual assistant technology, aiming to address Siri’s historical shortcomings and deliver a more intelligent, responsive, and user-friendly experience. The enhanced Siri, powered by Google Gemini, is […]
The post Apple and Google Team Up to Supercharge Siri with Google Gemini appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.
What if you could create stunning, professional-grade infographics without spending hours wrestling with complicated software, or even a single dollar? Rick Mulready explains how Google’s NotebookLM, an AI-powered platform, makes this not only possible but surprisingly simple. Imagine turning a dense research paper, a lengthy podcast, or even meeting notes into visually engaging, shareable content […]
The post Quickly Build Shareable Infographics Free with Google’s NotebookLM appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, set for release on February 25, 2026, is poised to deliver a refined and feature-rich experience for premium smartphone users. With advancements in charging technology, camera capabilities, and software enhancements, this flagship device underscores Samsung’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the high-end smartphone market. While the upgrades may not […]
The post Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Redefining Speed, Power, and Photography appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.