Samsung’s latest microSD card deals include the 256GB Pro Plus for $20

Here's a quick PSA for anyone who has been meaning to add more storage to a gaming handheld, GoPro, security camera or cheaper Android device: A handful of Samsung microSD cards we recommend are back on sale. The discounts include the 256GB Samsung Pro Plus and 128GB Samsung Pro Ultimate for $20 and $17, respectively. Neither of those are all-time lows, but they both come within $2 of the best deals we've tracked, and they're both a few bucks cheaper than the cards' usual street prices over the last two months. The Pro Plus is the top overall pick in our microSD card buying guide, while the Pro Ultimate is a faster upgrade pick. These deals are also available at other retailers, including B&H and Samsung.com.

If you're willing to trade some performance for more space, the 512GB Samsung Evo Select, the top value pick in our guide, is also down to $25 at Amazon. We saw this deal last month, but it still matches the card's lowest price to date. Typically, it's retailed around $30 over the last few months.

Which one of these is the "best" deal depends on what you're looking to do. The Pro Ultimate may be worth it if you plan to regularly stress the card in a device that can take advantage of its higher speeds. It was faster than the Pro Plus across the board in our benchmark tests, so it can save you some time if you often have to, say, move files to and from a computer. That said, the Pro Plus' sequential and random speeds weren't too far off, so it'll still be quick for recording 4K video, loading video game levels and the like. If you need a higher-capacity card but still value performance, it'll probably be worth the extra $3. For reference, the 256GB version of the Pro Ultimate is now going for $35, which is a fair bit extra.

If you just want a big chunk of space on the cheap, meanwhile, just go with the Evo Select. It's a clear step down from the other two cards in both read and write speeds, but it's performant enough for more casual tasks, and this deal gets you much more space per dollar. Many devices, such as the Nintendo Switch, can't fully take advantage of the faster transfer speeds of cards like the Pro Plus anyway. Like the higher-end cards, the Evo Select also comes with a 10-year limited warranty. None of the cards on sale here will be as fast as Samsung's upcoming SD Express models, but we'd expect those to be relatively expensive when they arrive later this year.

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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsungs-latest-microsd-card-deals-include-the-256gb-pro-plus-for-20-161535375.html?src=rss

Samsung’s latest microSD card deals include the 256GB Pro Plus for $20

Here's a quick PSA for anyone who has been meaning to add more storage to a gaming handheld, GoPro, security camera or cheaper Android device: A handful of Samsung microSD cards we recommend are back on sale. The discounts include the 256GB Samsung Pro Plus and 128GB Samsung Pro Ultimate for $20 and $17, respectively. Neither of those are all-time lows, but they both come within $2 of the best deals we've tracked, and they're both a few bucks cheaper than the cards' usual street prices over the last two months. The Pro Plus is the top overall pick in our microSD card buying guide, while the Pro Ultimate is a faster upgrade pick. These deals are also available at other retailers, including B&H and Samsung.com.

If you're willing to trade some performance for more space, the 512GB Samsung Evo Select, the top value pick in our guide, is also down to $25 at Amazon. We saw this deal last month, but it still matches the card's lowest price to date. Typically, it's retailed around $30 over the last few months.

Which one of these is the "best" deal depends on what you're looking to do. The Pro Ultimate may be worth it if you plan to regularly stress the card in a device that can take advantage of its higher speeds. It was faster than the Pro Plus across the board in our benchmark tests, so it can save you some time if you often have to, say, move files to and from a computer. That said, the Pro Plus' sequential and random speeds weren't too far off, so it'll still be quick for recording 4K video, loading video game levels and the like. If you need a higher-capacity card but still value performance, it'll probably be worth the extra $3. For reference, the 256GB version of the Pro Ultimate is now going for $35, which is a fair bit extra.

If you just want a big chunk of space on the cheap, meanwhile, just go with the Evo Select. It's a clear step down from the other two cards in both read and write speeds, but it's performant enough for more casual tasks, and this deal gets you much more space per dollar. Many devices, such as the Nintendo Switch, can't fully take advantage of the faster transfer speeds of cards like the Pro Plus anyway. Like the higher-end cards, the Evo Select also comes with a 10-year limited warranty. None of the cards on sale here will be as fast as Samsung's upcoming SD Express models, but we'd expect those to be relatively expensive when they arrive later this year.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsungs-latest-microsd-card-deals-include-the-256gb-pro-plus-for-20-161535375.html?src=rss

Samsung’s Galaxy S24 phones are up to $150 off at Amazon and Best Buy

Both Amazon and Best Buy have kicked off new sales on Samsung's Galaxy S24 lineup, taking up to $150 off the unlocked versions of the recently released smartphones. The 6.8-inch Galaxy S24 Ultra and the 6.7-inch Galaxy S24 Plus are each $150 off at $1,150 and $850, respectively, while the 6.2-inch Galaxy S24 is $100 off at $700. We've seen a handful of trade-in and gift card offers for the phones since they were released in late January, but these are their largest cash discounts to date. As a reminder, the S24 Ultra and S24 Plus start with 256GB of storage, while the base S24 starts with 128GB. If you need more space, higher-capacity models are also discounted. The deals apply to multiple color options, too.

Google's Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro remain the top picks in our guide to the best Android phones: They take better photos, generally provide a cleaner software experience and typically cost less. That said, we note Galaxy S24 Ultra as a good alternative for those who're willing to pay for more premium hardware. It runs on a faster chip (Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3), has a gorgeous OLED display and gets longer battery life. Its titanium frame should be a bit more durable long-term, plus it comes with Samsung's S Pen stylus. Samsung did jack up the price by $100 over last year's model, though this deal neuters that hike at least a little bit. We gave the Galaxy S24 Ultra a score of 89 in our review earlier this year.

The smaller Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus aren't quite as high-end but may still be worthwhile if you want to avoid a Pixel. Both earned a score of 87 in our review. They still get you a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, a rich 120Hz OLED display and seven years of software updates. That software includes the same suite of hit-or-miss AI features, including a live language translation tool. The S24 Plus lasts longer on a charge, but the base S24 may appeal to those who want something more compact. The S24 Ultra has a more advanced camera array, though, with a sharper main lens and an extra telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. These two also use aluminum frames instead of titanium. We'll inevitably see larger discounts on each of these phones in the months ahead, but if you've been sitting on an older Galaxy device and want to upgrade today, this is a decent chance to save.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsungs-galaxy-s24-phones-are-up-to-150-off-at-amazon-and-best-buy-164520013.html?src=rss

Samsung’s Galaxy S24 phones are up to $150 off at Amazon and Best Buy

Both Amazon and Best Buy have kicked off new sales on Samsung's Galaxy S24 lineup, taking up to $150 off the unlocked versions of the recently released smartphones. The 6.8-inch Galaxy S24 Ultra and the 6.7-inch Galaxy S24 Plus are each $150 off at $1,150 and $850, respectively, while the 6.2-inch Galaxy S24 is $100 off at $700. We've seen a handful of trade-in and gift card offers for the phones since they were released in late January, but these are their largest cash discounts to date. As a reminder, the S24 Ultra and S24 Plus start with 256GB of storage, while the base S24 starts with 128GB. If you need more space, higher-capacity models are also discounted. The deals apply to multiple color options, too.

Google's Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro remain the top picks in our guide to the best Android phones: They take better photos, generally provide a cleaner software experience and typically cost less. That said, we note Galaxy S24 Ultra as a good alternative for those who're willing to pay for more premium hardware. It runs on a faster chip (Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3), has a gorgeous OLED display and gets longer battery life. Its titanium frame should be a bit more durable long-term, plus it comes with Samsung's S Pen stylus. Samsung did jack up the price by $100 over last year's model, though this deal neuters that hike at least a little bit. We gave the Galaxy S24 Ultra a score of 89 in our review earlier this year.

The smaller Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus aren't quite as high-end but may still be worthwhile if you want to avoid a Pixel. Both earned a score of 87 in our review. They still get you a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, a rich 120Hz OLED display and seven years of software updates. That software includes the same suite of hit-or-miss AI features, including a live language translation tool. The S24 Plus lasts longer on a charge, but the base S24 may appeal to those who want something more compact. The S24 Ultra has a more advanced camera array, though, with a sharper main lens and an extra telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. These two also use aluminum frames instead of titanium. We'll inevitably see larger discounts on each of these phones in the months ahead, but if you've been sitting on an older Galaxy device and want to upgrade today, this is a decent chance to save.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsungs-galaxy-s24-phones-are-up-to-150-off-at-amazon-and-best-buy-164520013.html?src=rss

The PS5 Slim Spider-Man 2 bundle drops to $450, plus the rest of the week’s best tech deals

It's Friday, which means it's time for another roundup of the week's best tech deals. This week's highlights include a small but rare discount on Sony's PlayStation 5, as a bundle that includes Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is $50 off and down to $450 at Best Buy. If you don't need a new game console, Apple's AirPods Pro are back at an all-time low of $189, while Amazon's Echo Show 8 and Fire TV Stick 4K Max are at respective lows of $90 and $40. A number of recommended Anker accessories are on sale as well, including the Soundcore Space A40, our favorite budget earbuds, down to $53 and the PowerConf C200, one of our favorite webcams, down to $48. Here are the best tech deals from this week that you can still buy today.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-ps5-slim-spider-man-2-bundle-drops-to-450-plus-the-rest-of-the-weeks-best-tech-deals-162102658.html?src=rss

The PS5 Slim Spider-Man 2 bundle drops to $450, plus the rest of the week’s best tech deals

It's Friday, which means it's time for another roundup of the week's best tech deals. This week's highlights include a small but rare discount on Sony's PlayStation 5, as a bundle that includes Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is $50 off and down to $450 at Best Buy. If you don't need a new game console, Apple's AirPods Pro are back at an all-time low of $189, while Amazon's Echo Show 8 and Fire TV Stick 4K Max are at respective lows of $90 and $40. A number of recommended Anker accessories are on sale as well, including the Soundcore Space A40, our favorite budget earbuds, down to $53 and the PowerConf C200, one of our favorite webcams, down to $48. Here are the best tech deals from this week that you can still buy today.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-ps5-slim-spider-man-2-bundle-drops-to-450-plus-the-rest-of-the-weeks-best-tech-deals-162102658.html?src=rss

The Apple AirPods Pro are back on sale for $190

If you've been looking to pick up a set of Apple's AirPods Pros, today might be a good day to pounce. The latest version of the noise-canceling wireless earphones, which arrived last September and includes a USB-C charging case, is back down to $190 at Amazon and Best Buy. We've seen this discount several times over the last few months, but it still comes within a dollar of the lowest price we've tracked. For reference, Apple sells the pair for $249, though it's regularly available for less at third-party retailers. Note that this offer may be available for Thursday only, as Best Buy lists it as a 24-hour "Deal of the Day" and Amazon is likely price-matching.

We gave the second-generation AirPods Pro a score of 88 back in September 2022. That review applied to the model with a Lightning charging case; this USB-C model is virtually identical, only it has slightly better dust resistance and technically supports lossless audio with Apple's Vision Pro headset. Otherwise, it continues to offer effective active noise cancellation (ANC), a stellar ambient sound mode and pleasantly warm sound with slightly elevated bass. Its biggest perk, though, is still how well it works with other Apple devices. With those, you get a simpler pairing process, faster device switching, an adaptive EQ, hands-free access to Siri, automatic ear detection, Find My tracking and spatial audio support. The pair's settings menu and battery life indicator are baked into iOS as well. 

All of that makes the AirPods Pro the "best for iOS" pick in our wireless earbuds buying guide, but you need to an iPhone to get the most out of them. Even then, their six-ish hour battery life is just OK, their call quality could be better and their touch controls may take some getting used to. The Beats Fit Pro offers a mostly similar feature set in a more workout-friendly design, while Sony's WF-1000XM5s remain our favorite wireless earbuds overall. It's also worth noting that Apple may release new AirPods later this year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, while those who just need the USB-C case can buy that separately. Still, if you're a dedicated Apple user who needs new earbuds today, this is a solid deal.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-apple-airpods-pro-are-back-on-sale-for-190-152417164.html?src=rss

The Apple AirPods Pro are back on sale for $190

If you've been looking to pick up a set of Apple's AirPods Pros, today might be a good day to pounce. The latest version of the noise-canceling wireless earphones, which arrived last September and includes a USB-C charging case, is back down to $190 at Amazon and Best Buy. We've seen this discount several times over the last few months, but it still comes within a dollar of the lowest price we've tracked. For reference, Apple sells the pair for $249, though it's regularly available for less at third-party retailers. Note that this offer may be available for Thursday only, as Best Buy lists it as a 24-hour "Deal of the Day" and Amazon is likely price-matching.

We gave the second-generation AirPods Pro a score of 88 back in September 2022. That review applied to the model with a Lightning charging case; this USB-C model is virtually identical, only it has slightly better dust resistance and technically supports lossless audio with Apple's Vision Pro headset. Otherwise, it continues to offer effective active noise cancellation (ANC), a stellar ambient sound mode and pleasantly warm sound with slightly elevated bass. Its biggest perk, though, is still how well it works with other Apple devices. With those, you get a simpler pairing process, faster device switching, an adaptive EQ, hands-free access to Siri, automatic ear detection, Find My tracking and spatial audio support. The pair's settings menu and battery life indicator are baked into iOS as well. 

All of that makes the AirPods Pro the "best for iOS" pick in our wireless earbuds buying guide, but you need to an iPhone to get the most out of them. Even then, their six-ish hour battery life is just OK, their call quality could be better and their touch controls may take some getting used to. The Beats Fit Pro offers a mostly similar feature set in a more workout-friendly design, while Sony's WF-1000XM5s remain our favorite wireless earbuds overall. It's also worth noting that Apple may release new AirPods later this year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, while those who just need the USB-C case can buy that separately. Still, if you're a dedicated Apple user who needs new earbuds today, this is a solid deal.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-apple-airpods-pro-are-back-on-sale-for-190-152417164.html?src=rss

The best iPhones for 2024: Which model should you buy?

It’s a question as old as time, or at least the early 2010s: Which iPhone should you buy? For most, the answer is simple: Buy the highest-end Apple phone you can afford. And if you’re happy with your current handset, don’t buy a new one at all. But if you’re sure it’s time to upgrade and need a hand, let us help. We at Engadget have tested and reviewed iPhones since their inception, including all eight models Apple sells today. Below, we’ve broken down the current iPhone lineup and named a few top picks.

Before we dig in, let’s be clear: There isn’t really a “bad” iPhone. Each model provides a similar set of core perks: tight integration with other Apple devices, premium hardware, lengthy software support, and services like iMessage, Apple Pay and FaceTime. With the latest iPhone 15 series, Apple has finally swapped its charging ports from Lightning to the more universal USB-C. Still, some models are better buys than others right now. Just note that we’ve based this guide on the prices for new unlocked iPhones at Apple’s online store. If you can find a good deal on a refurbished model or a heavy discount from a carrier or a third-party retailer, that could change the equation depending on your budget.

Other iPhones we tested

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-iphone-160012979.html?src=rss

The best iPhones for 2024: Which model should you buy?

“Which iPhone should I buy?” It’s a question you’ve probably asked or heard many times over the years. Most of the time, the answer is simple: Get the best one you can afford. And if you’re happy with your current iPhone, there’s no need to upgrade. But if you’re ready for a new smartphone, we’re here to help. Below we’ve picked through all nine models in Apple’s current smartphone lineup and selected the ones that should satisfy most people.

Before we dig in, just note that we’ve based this guide on the prices of new unlocked iPhones on Apple.com. If you can find a heavy discount from another trusted retailer or a good deal on a refurbished model, that could always change the value equation. But with that out of the way, here are the best iPhones you can buy as of late 2024.

Plain ol' black is an option this time around.
The iPhone 16.
Billy Steele for Engadget

As noted above, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have made genuine improvements over last year’s models and generally feel more “Pro-like” than they have in years past. They also come in a range of vibrant colors. If the iPhone 16 Pro or 16 Pro Max are just too pricey, especially if you want extra storage space, they’re fantastic compromises. Still, they are compromises. If you can afford it, the Pro should hold up a bit better over time.

The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus are fine phones in a vacuum, but we just don’t have the stomach to recommend a $600 or $700 phone without USB-C in late 2024. You lose out on the Dynamic Island and Apple’s forthcoming AI tricks as well. The 14 Plus may be justifiable if you just want the cheapest large-screen iPhone out there, but most should look for a trade-in or refurbished deal on an iPhone 15 or, if your budget allows it, iPhone 16 instead.

The iPhone SE (3rd gen) isn't just the cheapest iPhone that Apple sells, it’s also the smallest and lightest. It retains the look and feel of the iPhone 8, which was released all the way back in 2017, but some may appreciate the older design and tactile Home button. The SE uses the same A15 Bionic chip as the old iPhone 13, but it still runs fine for everyday tasks. It might be OK if you just want the cheapest route into iOS or you’re buying a first iPhone for your kids. For most, though, the SE’s small display, single-rear-camera setup and limited memory and storage are tough to accept in 2024. It also lacks ultra-wideband (UWB), so it’s not as adept at finding nearby AirTags. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported in August that Apple could release a new iPhone SE in the spring of 2025, so anyone in need of a true budget iPhone should try to hold out for a little longer.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-iphone-160012979.html?src=rss