Have you been waiting to pick up a PlayStation 5? QVC has a bundle that includes a Slim digital console, two DualSense controllers, and accessories (and it will save you $110).

A large television can serve as a centerpiece in any home, and at 85 inches, TV displays become truly impressive. Whether you need a new TV for movie night or to cheer on your favorite team, you have options. Brands likeSony,Samsung, and TCL have all made admirable additions to their 85-inch TV lineups over the past few years, and other models may be more affordable than you think.Also:The best TVs of 2025Supersized TVs aren't just for movie buffs and series binge watchers -- console gamers can take advantage of high refresh rates, variable refresh rate (VRR) support, and dedicated gaming modes with low-latency input for better reaction times, smoother motion, and better immersion. Many also offer Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound or even object tracking sound to create room-filling audio for music lovers.What is the best 85-inch TV right now?I chose the Samsung QN90D as my pick for the best 85-inch TV with its support of both Dolby Atmos and object tracking sound, cloud gaming support for consoles, 144Hz refresh rate, and enhanced picture quality over previous models. You can keep reading below to find out more about the QN90D and our other top picks for the best 85-inch TVs. Sort by All The best 85-inch TVs of 2025 Show less The Samsung QN90D is an excellent choice for any living room or home theater looking to upgrade or add a big-screen TV. With a 120Hz refresh rate, you'll get smoother action in fast-paced shows and movies as well as sports broadcasts. It also supports both Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound and Samsung's own object-tracking sound technology for audio that follows the on-screen action and provides a more immersive experience.And if you're a gamer, you can say goodbye to annoying screen tearing and stuttering with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR support. The dedicated gaming dashboard gives you access to cloud gaming services like Xbox GamePass and Nvidia GeForce Now so you can play your favorite titles without a console.Samsung QN90D tech specs: Screen size: 85 inches | Panel type: Neo QLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Neo Quantum HDR+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby Hey Google Pros AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support Object tracking audio Cloud gaming support Cons Expensive No Dolby Vision HDR support The Samsung QN90D is an excellent choice for any living room or home theater looking to upgrade or add a big-screen TV. With a 120Hz refresh rate, you'll get smoother action in fast-paced shows and movies as well as sports broadcasts. It also supports both Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound and Samsung's own object-tracking sound technology for audio that follows the on-screen action and provides a more immersive experience.And if you're a gamer, you can say goodbye to annoying screen tearing and stuttering with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR support. The dedicated gaming dashboard gives you access to cloud gaming services like Xbox GamePass and Nvidia GeForce Now so you can play your favorite titles without a console.Samsung QN90D tech specs: Screen size: 85 inches | Panel type: Neo QLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Neo Quantum HDR+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby Hey Google Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less A big-screen TV doesn't have to cost a fortune to offer great picture and sound. And just because you're trying to stick to a budget, that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice features you want to save money on a new TV. The Sony X90L offers a 120Hz refresh rate for streaming movies and shows as well as console gaming at 4K resolution. And if you have a PlayStation 5, you can use Sony's proprietary VRR technology for smoother motion during fast-paced gameplay.Read the review: This Sony Bravia is my pick for best TV for the moneyZDNET's Editor in Chief Jason Hiner got to try out the Sony X90L and was pleasantly surprised by the color accuracy and brightness offered by the mini LED panel. He also noted the smooth upscaling of 1080p and 720p content to 4K, allowing you to enjoy old favorites in better picture quality.Sony X90L tech specs: Screen size: 85 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Sony Acoustic Multi-Audio | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less If picture quality is the most important factor in your decision to upgrade your TV, look no further than the LG G4 OLED. This gallery-inspired model has some of the best images and color accuracy you can get, with an OLED panel capable of producing over 8.3 million colors. It also supports Dolby Vision HDR and has a dedicated filmmaker picture mode so you can squeeze every last detail out of your favorite movies and shows.Review: LG G4 OLED TVThe updated Alpha 11 processor uses AI and machine learning to upscale non-4K content, automatically boost brightness, and clarify music and dialogue. Console gamers will love support for both G-Sync and FreeSync Premium VRR to prevent screen tearing and stuttering. With support for both AirPlay and Chromecast, you can share videos, photos, and music from your mobile devices for more ways to entertain family and friends.LG G4 OLED tech specs: Screen size:83 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google Pros Excellent picture and sound G-Sync and FreeSync Premium support Automatic brightness booster Cons Very expensive Some slideshow artwork requires purchase If picture quality is the most important factor in your decision to upgrade your TV, look no further than the LG G4 OLED. This gallery-inspired model has some of the best images and color accuracy you can get, with an OLED panel capable of producing over 8.3 million colors. It also supports Dolby Vision HDR and has a dedicated filmmaker picture mode so you can squeeze every last detail out of your favorite movies and shows.Review: LG G4 OLED TVThe updated Alpha 11 processor uses AI and machine learning to upscale non-4K content, automatically boost brightness, and clarify music and dialogue. Console gamers will love support for both G-Sync and FreeSync Premium VRR to prevent screen tearing and stuttering. With support for both AirPlay and Chromecast, you can share videos, photos, and music from your mobile devices for more ways to entertain family and friends.LG G4 OLED tech specs: Screen size:83 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less I'm an avid console and PC gamer, and recently got the chance to test out the Hisense U8N for myself. With a 144Hz native refresh rate and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR, motion blur, and screen tearing are virtually nonexistent. It also supports both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for crisp detailing and virtual surround sound without a headset.Review: Hisense U8N TVThe mini-LED panel is capable of producing bright, bold colors that bring just about any title to life, while support for the PlayStation Remote Play app gives you access to your digital PS5 game library anywhere in the world with internet access.Hisense U8N tech specs: Screen size: 85 inches | Panel type: Mini LED | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google Pros Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support AMD FreeSync Premium VRR Great picture and sound Cons Expensive No G-Sync support I'm an avid console and PC gamer, and recently got the chance to test out the Hisense U8N for myself. With a 144Hz native refresh rate and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR, motion blur, and screen tearing are virtually nonexistent. It also supports both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for crisp detailing and virtual surround sound without a headset.Review: Hisense U8N TVThe mini-LED panel is capable of producing bright, bold colors that bring just about any title to life, while support for the PlayStation Remote Play app gives you access to your digital PS5 game library anywhere in the world with internet access.Hisense U8N tech specs: Screen size: 85 inches | Panel type: Mini LED | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less If you watch TV in a bright room, you know how much it can cause your viewing experience to decline. The TCL QM8 should be your first choice for a bright room, as this set handles light better than almost any other we've seen. With a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, details and colors are clear regardless of surroundings. It has a fast 144Hz refresh rate and 4K resolution for a clean, smooth picture, and with support for Dolby Vision HDR you'll get the best detailing and contrast to make colors pop.Review: This TCL QLED TV I recommend has razor-sharp picture quality and a superpower for gamersI conducted hands-on testing with the TCL QM8 (2023) and stuck it in my office since that's the brightest room in my house (with all of my lighting for photography and filming videos). Movies, games, and shows all looked amazing, with bold colors and clean, crisp details, even when I had my room as bright as it could be.Fellow ZDNET TV reviewer and Editor, Chris Bayer was able to test the QM8 (2024) and was impressed with the 144Hz native refresh rate as well as the Game Accelerator 240 feature which bumps that to 240Hz while dropping the resolution to 1080p. He also noted the automatic volume control, which evens out the audio in movies and shows to reduce sudden boosts like explosions.TCL QM8 tech specs: Screen size:85 inches |Panel type:QLED |Refresh rate:144Hz |Resolution:4K |HDR:Dolby Vision |Audio:Dolby Atmos |Voice controls:Alexa, Hey Google Pros 2,000 nit peak brightness Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos Great picture quality Cons Pricey compared to other options No G-Sync support If you watch TV in a bright room, you know how much it can cause your viewing experience to decline. The TCL QM8 should be your first choice for a bright room, as this set handles light better than almost any other we've seen. With a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, details and colors are clear regardless of surroundings. It has a fast 144Hz refresh rate and 4K resolution for a clean, smooth picture, and with support for Dolby Vision HDR you'll get the best detailing and contrast to make colors pop.Review: This TCL QLED TV I recommend has razor-sharp picture quality and a superpower for gamersI conducted hands-on testing with the TCL QM8 (2023) and stuck it in my office since that's the brightest room in my house (with all of my lighting for photography and filming videos). Movies, games, and shows all looked amazing, with bold colors and clean, crisp details, even when I had my room as bright as it could be.Fellow ZDNET TV reviewer and Editor, Chris Bayer was able to test the QM8 (2024) and was impressed with the 144Hz native refresh rate as well as the Game Accelerator 240 feature which bumps that to 240Hz while dropping the resolution to 1080p. He also noted the automatic volume control, which evens out the audio in movies and shows to reduce sudden boosts like explosions.TCL QM8 tech specs: Screen size:85 inches |Panel type:QLED |Refresh rate:144Hz |Resolution:4K |HDR:Dolby Vision |Audio:Dolby Atmos |Voice controls:Alexa, Hey Google Read More Show Expert Take Show less Which is the best 85-inch TV? My choice for the best 85-inch TV is the Samsung QN90D. The updated Neo QLED panel gives you more accurate colors and bolder contrast while both Dolby Atmos and Samsung's Object Tracking Sound+ give you a more immersive experience while streaming movies, shows, and music.Best 85-inch TVPriceHDRAudioSamsung QN90D$2,600Neo Quantum HDR+Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+Sony X90L$2,100Dolby VisionSony Acoustic Multi-AudioLG G4 OLED$4,500Dolby VisionDolby AtmosHisense U8N$1,800Dolby Vision IQDolby AtmosTCL QM8$2,500Dolby VisionDolby Atmos*MSRP at time of writing. Please note that the actual price may vary by retailer and depending on available promotions and discounts. Show more Which 85-inch TV is right for you? Once you've hammered out a budget for your new 85-inch TV, the most important thing to remember is what you'll use your TV for the most. Have you cut the cord and moved exclusively to streaming? You'll want to choose a model with a preloaded suite of popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video so you can get started right out of the box.Do you have a network of smart speakers? Pick a TV that supports your preferred virtual assistant and has multi-room linking to pump music and dialogue throughout your whole home. This table quickly breaks down which 85-inch TV best suits your watching preferences.Buy this 85-inch TV...If you want...Samsung QN90DA well-rounded 85-inch TV. With object tracking sound, HDR support, and Dolby Atmos, you'll get great picture and sound for gaming and streaming.Sony X90LAn 85-inch TV with great features as well as a great price. With Dolby Vision HDR and a 120Hz refresh rate, you'll get clean motion and crisp details.LG G4 OLEDAn 85-inch TV with great picture quality. The LG G4 OLED is a high-end, gallery-inspired TV with Dolby Vision HDR and dedicated filmmaker picture mode.Hisense U8NAn 85-inch TV for console and PC gaming. The Hisense U8N has a 144Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR support, and four HDMI inputs. TCL QM8An 85-inch TV for brighter home theaters and living rooms. This TV has a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits for better visibility in daylight and under harsh overhead lighting. Show more Factors to consider when choosing an 85-inch TV Before investing in an 85-inch TV, you should consider the following factors:Use cases: Will you be mainly watching movies, playing video games, streaming TV shows, watching live sports, or a mix of all these? Some sets have specially designed gaming hubs that let users fine-tune settings, some have booming built-in audio that provides a theater-like sound experience, and some have the best picture you'll see. Choose your set based on which performs best in the area you want.TV location: Consider where you'll have your TV set up. Some sets do poorly in brightly lit rooms, while others have special features for brightly lit rooms.Price: Before you choose your set, consider how much money you're willing to spend. There are quality, budget-friendly options, but you'll likely have to give up a few features in exchange for a lower price.Number of ports: Some TVs have a limited number of input ports. If you're connecting a couple of video game consoles, a sound bar, and a cable box or DVD player, you might have to choose which one gets the best input slot. Ensure the TV you choose has enough input slots for your needs. Show more How we test TVs While many manufacturers have reached a consensus on standardizing screen size classes, there are still a few outlierseven at big brands like Sony and LG. Some brands choose to produce 83-inch models, and I have considered many and even included one (the Sony A80L), as they are quite similar in viewing area to an 85-inch model.I've also considered many other factors when testing and researching the 85-inch TVs on this list:Picture quality: A TV is only as good as the images it can produce. With 4K resolution and 60-120Hz refresh rates being the norm, it's easier to get a quality big-screen TV. Sony also produces a large-screen OLED for ultra-detailed images and enhanced contrast.Audio quality: Tinny or cheap-sounding TV speakers can ruin your viewing experience. I've chosen 85-inch TVs that support HDMI eARC connectivity for setting up sound bars and other audio equipment, as well as support for premium audio drivers like Dolby Atmos.Features: While every set on this list will have pretty good picture and audio quality, some truly shine when it comes to extra features. Some sets have extra picture settings that let you fine-tune things to your liking, and some have special gaming modes that let you tinker with options and set things up specifically for your style of gameplay.Connectivity:Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity have become standard for home TVs as more and more people switch from cable and satellite providers to exclusively streaming content via apps like Netflix and Disney+. But I've also made sure that each TV on this list has plenty of HDMI and USB inputs and a hardwired Ethernet connection so you can easily connect DVD or Blu-Ray players, game consoles, audio equipment, and more reliable internet connections.Find out more about how we test TVs at ZDNET. Show more FAQs on 85-inch TVs Can I wall-mount an 85-inch TV? You absolutely can! 85-inch TVs are getting lighter, but they can still be heavy and have larger VESA mount spacing, so you'll want to spend extra money on a heavy-duty mounting bracket. Mounts like the Echogear wall mount can support up to a 90-inch screen size and up to 125 pounds (about 57kg) of weight. Make sure you consult your TV's operating manual for specific mounting requirements so your shiny new screen doesn't come crashing down in the middle of the night, taking most of the wall with it. Show more What's the biggest TV you can buy? The TCL 98R754 is a staggering 98 inches wide if we're talking about conventional televisions. But if you're willing to consider a laser or short-throw projector TV, Samsung's The Premierecan show a screen up to 130 inches. But unless you live in a cavernous McMansion with 18-foot cathedral ceilings and a sprawling layout, you won't get them to fit in your living room, let alone take full advantage of their features. Show more How can I know if an 85-inch TV will fit in my room? The best way to find out is to measure in inches from where the TV will be wall-mounted or placed on a stand to where you will be sitting and then divide that measurement by two. If your couch is anywhere from 150 to 170 inches (12.5 to 14 feet) from the TV, an 85-inch screen will be an almost perfect fit. You can, of course, go a bit bigger (if possible) or smaller depending on your budget and what's available from each brand. A screen that is too big can overwhelm your space and even cause motion sickness. In contrast, one that is too small will make it feel cavernous and force everyone to crowd around to see. Show more More 85-inch TVs to consider ZDNETs TV Guide TVs Roundups TV Models Reviewed and Compared TVs Explained ZDNET Recommends

rob dobi/Getty ImagesA few weeks ago, The World Economic Forum dropped its predictions for the future of jobs and the seismic shift in the workforce over the next five years (2030).Here's a link: The Future of Jobs Report 2025Let me tell you, this thing is really well put together.As a connoisseur of well-formatted PDFs, this one goes hard.Also: Searching for your dream job? Google's new career AI tool can help - and it's freeIt has tons of relatable info and is super easy to follow, even though it's like 10 million pages long (OK, I'm being dramatic; it's only 290 pages).That said, the future of jobs might look much different than what you've heard.The sky isn't falling, or is it? In this article, I'm breaking down:The key takeaways from the report and what caught my attention.The key opportunity I think everyone's sleeping on.Most importantly, how you can make the most of this opportunity with a step-by-step action plan.So buckle up, my friend. This is going to be a good one.If you stick around to the end, I'll share the best game plan for prosperity over the next five years. Quick introIf you're new to my work, my name is Lester, but feel free to call me Les I'm a founder with a successful exit under my belt. These days, I'm the exec chair for a group of ecom brands, but at my core, I'm an award-winning performance marketer.Needless to say, data and insights are my jam. We operate more like a data company than an ecom brand. Our secret sauce is pairing data and insights with ideas that generate revenue.Also: Are public speaking skills a cheat code for IT career success?If you're into data-driven business and marketing insights and strategies, check out my free newsletter, No Fluff Just Facts. I share what's working in the world of business, along with marketing insights and trends I'm seeing.But that's enough about me. I need to tell you all the juicy details about this report. I read all 10 million pages, so you don't have to. Key takeaways I got from the reportAs I mentioned earlier, this report is very thorough and 290 pages deep, but I wanted to focus on the areas that are the most helpful for revenue and understanding the possible landscape. 1. Job creation and declineSo, the hot topic is whether AI will take our jobs. The answer is maybe, but you'll probably have a new one. According to the WEF, a net 78 million jobs will be added by 2030. This includes 170 million new jobs created (14% growth) and 92 million jobs lost (8% decline)The fastest growing jobs are AI-related (shocker), Fintech, and Engineers. Renewable energy engineers are also on the rise. However, a surprising and potentially massive opportunity lies in the care economy. More on that later.2. New skills who this?By 2030, about 39% of skills will be outdated or completely transformed. Honestly, it's not shocking; it's kind of expected. The fastest-growing skills are AI, big data, networks, and cybersecurity. What caught my attention was that the report mentioned soft skills like resilience, creativity, and flexibility, but I found it even more interesting that lifelong learning made the list. The report also noted that 70% of employers consider analytical skills the most essential.3. Upskilling and reskillingThe report says that by 2030, 59% of the global workforce will need training. Of this, 29% will be upskilled in their current role, 19% will transition to a new role with additional training, and 11% will risk unemployment without it. The report also highlights that 85% of employers plan to prioritize upskilling, while 70% aim to hire talent with new skills.4. Talent and workforce strategy64% of employers will prioritize health and well-being to get new talent. I won't lie; I'll believe that one when I see it. The report mentions that diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives have increased to 83% adoption globally. However, President Trump is rolling back some of these programs, raising questions about whether other countries and corporations will follow suit. It's unclear how this will unfold. Nonetheless, wage alignment with a focus on productivity and talent retention will be key, with 52% of employers planning to allocate more revenue to wages by 2030. Again, I'll believe it when I see it, but I'm hopeful.5. AI's impact on workforceAlas, the juicy bit Half of the employers plan to reorient business strategies in response to the rise of AI. In fact, 2 in 3 plan to hire for AI-specific skills (this is where the new jobs will come from). 40% of those same businesses also think their workforce will shrink due to AI automating tasks. On the surface, this might seem like doom and gloom, but remember, we are talking about 78 million new jobs by 2030. It is safe to assume some of that workforce will find employment in companies that don't exist yet.Another insight that stood out to me but deserves its own article is that an aging population will drive the demand for more healthcare jobs.This could be a huge opportunity. Let me know in the comments if you want me to discuss the possibilities.Your big opportunityIt is no secret that AI is supposed to be the next big thing. I believe this topic goes a lot deeper and I talk more about that here.That said, while AI is here and we need to use these tools, we should not focus on hacks like knowing the best prompt or whatever gimmick the influencers are peddling today. Let me explain.A lot of this report stood out to me, but the one thing that will go unnoticed is the soft skills of resilience, creativity, and flexibility.I agree 1000%, but do you know what was not mentioned?Communication!This is probably the most critical skill you can learn as we move into the future.Here's why: Communication is obviously how we interact with different tools from the likes of OpenAI and others.Also:Could AI make you a billionaire in 2025?But here is what is not talked about as much: If everyone has access to AI, the market will become more crowded. Businesses are infinitely easier to launch now and everyone is an "expert."How you communicate with your audience to get them to interact with your business will become a premium skill.I promise I am not ranting here, but effective communication is not a skill, it's theeeeee skill. As for your big opportunity, I feel like everyone is so focused on the shiny objects, like what are the best prompts or the best tool? Those are fine, but not enough focus is placed on the soft skills.It's as if we're forgetting that even though we use AI to create, our creations are still intended for humans.If I had to say it another way, it is almost like some businesses are using AI and becoming sloppy. Not caring about the customer, and so on.It blows my mind how someone could use any AI tool, understand the frustrations and the obvious limitations, and then decide, "You know what? Imma use an AI chatbot, so I don't have to talk to customers" bruh, seriously? Also:ChatGPT Search could destroy online businesses - how you can stay aheadImma get off my soapbox, but I hope you see my point.Soft skills!To get the most out of AI, you do not need to know the latest hacks or have access to some secret button or magic prompt.I believe the soft skills are where the money will be made, where you separate the wheat from the chaff. That said, here are a few skills I believe will put you in the best position to maximize the opportunities ahead:Clear communication:This is a twofer. Communication with the AI and your customers.Imagination and creativity:This also doubles with the AI and your business.Pattern recognition:Your brain was GPT-ing before GPT. Do not lose that.Critical thinking:AI is a tool. Decision-making is your job.Patience:The AI will AI no matter how good it gets, so you must be patient and refine your prompts to get the output you want.I am not saying you shouldn't learn best practices, etc., but don't lose focus on the soft skills that separate the elite from the average. If this were a sport, these soft skills would be the fundamentals. My two centsI know I came at you with a lot today, so I'll leave you with this: I am a savage in these AI streets (not bragging) with an elite workflow that has doubled my productivity and keeps my ADD in check. I operate at this level because I know what I'm looking for when I use AI.Just because I have access to OpenAI does not mean I stop learning or working on my craft.Also: ChatGPT's Deep Research just identified 20 jobs it will replace. Is yours on the list?AI can take you from good to great, but it cannot take you from bad to great. I hope that makes sense.If you work on your soft skills, perfect your craft, and embrace AI, you make yourself impossible to replace. Hope this helps; I'm rooting for you.By the way, do you want more data-driven business insights that drive growth? Sign up for my free newsletter, No Fluff Just Facts. I share what's working, the latest trends, and the occasional pep talk to keep you inspired. If this sounds like your jam and you wanna be besties forever, click here to sign up - it's totally FREE!Featured

Each use of AI in Notepad and Paint in Windows 11 chews up a credit from a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Pixel Call Assist doesn't just help block spam anymore. Google's added calling features to please everyone - even if you hate talking on the phone.

But X Premium+ and SuperGrok users get increased access to Grok 3 as well as early access to advanced features like Voice Mode.

New research reveals that US car owners see agentic AI as a potential game-changer in the car buying and ownership experience.

A mishandled bag might make its way back to you quicker than ever.

If you've gotten cash from an ATM, you've interacted with a COBOL-based system. Here's why this old programming language will probably outlive us all.

The clock is ticking for Kindle users. After February 2025, a long-standing feature disappears. Will this change how you buy and store digital books? Read on to find out.

Just how water-resistant is that box filled with electricity? Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET I remember a time when you wouldn't dare let water anywhere near a smartphone or power bank, as it would almost certainly mean disaster. Today, however, most smartphones are designed to be water- and dust-resistant to some extent, and even gadgets like power banks and portable power stations are following suit. Also:The best portable power stations you can buyBut how can you determine exactly how water- and dust-resistant a device is? And what's the difference between something being water-resistant and truly waterproof? IP ratings explainedThis is where IP ratings come into play. IP, short for Ingress Protection, is an international standard used to measure a device's resistance to water, dust, and other foreign objects. It's expressed in the form of IPXX, where each "X" represents a numeral. The first digit indicates protection against solid particles, like dust, while the second digit measures resistance to liquids. The numbers for dust range from 0 (not dust-resistant) to 6 (dust-tight), while the numbers for liquids range from 0 (no protection) to 9 (protection against high-temperature, high-pressure water jets). If an X appears in the rating, that indicates unknown, meaning a test wasn't carried out. For example, IPX5 means that no test was carried out for dust intrusion. IP RatingDust Protection (First Digit)Liquid Protection (Second Digit)XUnknownUnknown0No protection against dust or solid objectsNo protection against liquids1Protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm (e.g., hands)Protection against vertically falling water drops2Protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm (e.g., fingers)Protection against vertically falling water drops when the device is tilted up to 153Protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm (e.g., tools, wires)Protection against water sprays at an angle of up to 604Protection against solid objects larger than 1 mm (e.g., small wires)Protection against water splashes from any direction5Limited protection against dust (dust might enter but won't interfere with operation)Protection against low-pressure water jets from any direction6Complete protection against dust (dust-tight)Protection against high-pressure water jets from any direction7N/AProtection against temporary immersion in water (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes)8N/AProtection against continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer (e.g., depth and time)9N/AProtection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jetsThis standardized system eliminates the ambiguity often caused by marketing claims, providing a clear and reliable measure of durability. IP-rated devicesMost smartphones, for example the iPhone 16 or the Samsung Galaxy S25, are rated IP68. But while both are dust-tight, the water resistance varies. The iPhone can withstand being submerged up to 6 meters deep for up to 30 minutes, but Samsung says that the Galaxy S25 is only good for 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Pair your smartphone with apower bank like this IP68-rated Klarus K5, and you've got the perfect outdoor setup. There's also the Shargeek 170 power bank, which is rated IP66, meaning it's dust-tight and can handle high-pressure water jets from any direction, but it's not made for submersion.Then there's theDT Research tablet is rated IP65, rated IP65, so it's dust-tight and can handle low-pressure water jets from all sides. This tablet can take a real soaking. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET And if you're looking for a power station, the Bluetti AC60P is rated IP65 too, making it great for outdoor use. Just keep in mind that the manufacturer doesn't recommend using it when it's wet. This power station is perfect for outdoor use. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET Other ratings to knowIncreasingly, I come across devices that are IP69K-rated, such as ruggedized smartphones. This rating means the device is not only dust-tight but also resistant to high-pressure water jets (up to 100 bar or 1450 psi) at high temperatures (up to 80C or 176F). Devices with this rating are built to endure the harshest conditions. Some gadgets might also claim to be MIL-STD-810-rated. This is a United States Military Standard developed by the US Department of Defense to test and evaluate the durability and environmental resilience of equipment. It covers a wide range of conditions, including extreme temperatures, humidity, vibration, shock, sand, dust, and even explosive atmospheres. The standard also allows tests to be tailored to the specific environmental conditions the equipment is expected to face. This Ulefone Armor 25T Pro ruggedized smartphone claims to be MIL-STD-810- and IP69K-rated. Can you trust these ratings?Well there are three factors at play here. Also: The best power banks you can buyThe first is whether you trust that the manufacturer making the claim has actually tested the device, tested it properly, and been honest about the results. While I can't carry out scientific tests, I've had plenty of experience exposing gadgets to dirt, dust, and water on a regular basis. From my experience, while you can generally trust the big-name manufacturers, there's no shortage of companies that claim an IP rating, but their products fail to deliver on that promise. Another factor to bear in mind is that sometimes flaps and covers are used to give the device dust and water resistance, and these will need to be secured in order for the device to achieve the stated rating. These rubber flaps are a vital part of the tablet's IP protection. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET And finally, there's wear and tear. A product that's new might be dust-tight and water-resistant, but after a few years of drops, bumps, and exposure to chemicals such as sunscreen or insect repellents, the gaskets and seals can weaken, and that resistance can be lost. So, that's IP ratings in a nutshell. They're incredibly useful for understanding the limits of a device, but keep in mind that not all gadget makers are entirely honest, and even if they are, wear and tear can still affect a device's resistance over time. Featured

For less money than a phone case, this multifaceted tool kit can keep your handset, earbuds, laptop, and more clean and pristine.

From brutal drops to icy cold and muddy messes, this rugged tablet shrugs off the elements and keeps going strong.

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETThe world's thinnest book-style foldable, the Oppo Find N5, is finally here. I've had it for a week, and it has surprised me in more ways than one -- both positively and negatively.At 8.93mm thick when folded, it's closer to slab phones than any other foldable has ever been. But that slimness didn't come without compromises. Judging by the on-paper camera specifications, I expected it to be underwhelming, but it's better than other foldable phones in almost every regard.Also: The best phones to buy in 2025Here's what it's like to use the thinnest book-style foldable phone in the world -- from someone who has used the previous world's thinnest foldable phones.I love the new, refined design Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETThe Oppo Find N5 weighs 229 grams and measures 8.93mm in thickness, but what truly makes it feel like a slab phone is its flat sides.For the first time ever, I mistook a foldable phone for a slab phone when pulling it out of my pocket. Unlike Honor's curved sides, the Find N5's flat design eliminates the gap between the folded sides, making it feel close to seamless. Both phones are comfortable to hold, but I was pleasantly surprised by the Find N5's design. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 also has flat sides, but its odd cover screen aspect ratio keeps it from blending in with slab phones.For context, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 8.25mm thick, and the Pixel 9 Pro is 8.5mm thick. The Oppo Find N5 is closer to slab phones than any other foldable.Alos:I used Huawei's $3,600 tri-foldable, and it made every phone I've ever tested feel outdatedUnfold it, and you're greeted with a 4.21mm-thin device that feels like a sheet of hard paper. It's not the thinnest foldable -- that title remains with the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate tri-fold phone at 3.66mm (which is fantastic) -- but Oppo's phone is the thinnest book-style foldable.The slim profile translates to a great real-life experience for reading and browsing. It's easy to unfold, the crease is as minimal as it gets, and the hinge is strong enough to inspire confidence. However, Samsung's hinge remains the most polished because it stays exactly at the angle I want. The Find N5's hinge snaps fully open after a certain degree, which takes some getting used to. Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETWhen I first unboxed the phone, I almost couldn't feel the crease with my finger. It was barely noticeable and the best I've seen on a foldable phone. After a week of use, it has become slightly deeper and can be felt when running a finger over it. A similar thing happened when I used the OnePlus Open, but it didn't worsen over time, so I wouldn't worry about it.The 8.2-inch inner display is great for reading. It seems less reflective than the cover screen, which enhances the reading and browsing experience. The front display is more reflective in direct light but offers more vivid colors. If your use cases involve productivity, browsing, and reading, you're going to love this LTPO AMOLED screen. It reaches 1,400 nits outdoors for legibility and up to 2,100 nits for supported HDR content, making for a more immersive viewing experience.Also:The best Android phones to buy in 2025The Oppo Find N5 is slightly taller than before and features a 6.62-inch cover screen with a peak brightness of 2,450 nits and 1,600 nits in high brightness mode. The 20.7:9 aspect ratio makes watching videos better, and you can use it in tent mode, half-unfolded, to avoid thick black bars on the bigger display.This is where the Huawei tri-fold is extremely helpful with its 16:11 aspect ratio on a 10.2-inch screen. Book-style foldables don't necessarily offer a better movie-watching experience than slab phones, but a tri-fold does. However, Oppo allows content to be watched on the cover screen in tent mode, which is a welcome addition.The best battery life on a foldable Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETThe Oppo Find N5 packs a 5,600mAh silicon-carbon battery with support for 80W wired charging and 50W wireless AIRVOOC charging. It might not seem big for a phone with an 8.2-inch display, but it's efficient and easily lasts a full day.Over the past week, my usage included social media (X, Instagram, and Threads), communication apps (WhatsApp, Slack, and Teams), browsing on Chrome, attending calls, and snapping photos. I consistently went to bed with at least 15% battery remaining.The Oppo Find N5 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, but it's different from the flagship Qualcomm processor found on the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the OnePlus 13. Instead of an 8-core CPU, it has a 7-core CPU, but Oppo promises similar performance and efficiency.Also:Why I'm recommending the standard Galaxy S25 over the Ultra this year - and don't regret itI haven't played recent demanding games on it yet. However, I noticed a few lags when trying to reply to an urgent email with GTA: San Andreas running in the background after 25 minutes of play. Oppo's Championship mode (accessible by swiping right from the left edge during gameplay) allows you to enter a game mode with better performance and no notifications for a more immersive gaming experience.The Oppo Find N5 runs ColorOS 15 based on Android 15, featuring numerous AI-powered tools. I like AI Unblur for improving blurry shots, and AI Eraser does a great job removing unwanted objects from photos. You also get Google's Circle to Search and Gemini, but please, write your own emails.A camera downgrade but still a good enough system Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETThe Oppo Find N5 sports a triple rear camera setup, led by a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS). It's a slight downgrade from the larger primary camera on the Find N3/OnePlus Open, but daylight performance remains solid.It is accompanied by a (smaller in size) 50MP periscope telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom, 6x in-sensor zoom, and OIS. You also get an 8MP ultrawide camera, which is a downgrade from the 48MP ultrawide on its predecessor.Also: The best foldable phones of 2025: Expert tested and reviewedIt's a weaker camera system overall, but would I trade it for a more capable camera setup in a thicker design? Maybe. I prefer having the best camera system available, and OnePlus delivered that with the Open -- it was the brand's best camera system yet, which is why this downgrade doesn't sit right with me. But there's a way to extract the most out of these three lenses. 1x, 3x and 6x photos captured on Oppo Find N5 Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETIn good lighting, you get vibrant, bright colors with Hasselblad tuning and excellent dynamic range. Both the primary and telephoto cameras deliver great daytime shots. Portrait quality is also good. In fact, the 6x in-sensor zoom is the best on a foldable. I've captured some very good looking photos.In low-light conditions, however, you start noticing the impact of smaller sensors. Night photos aren't as impressive. Here are some examples: Low-light portraits shot on Oppo Find N5 Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETThese photos were clicked in indoor yellow lighting at around 4 p.m., so it wasn't exactly dark. From my t-shirt to my face, the colors are off and the portrait mode didn't process well. The nighttime outdoor photos are slightly better but I believe most people click photos of their favorite fellow humans in indoor lighting, and this isn't the device for it.Also: I've used this foldable phone for more than a year - and it's not a Samsung or GoogleI've found the Master mode to help quite a bit with this while also giving me the freedom to capture RAW and play around with those photos in Lightroom. Even if you don't capture in RAW, shooting photos in Oppo's Master mode can help as it removes the Hasselblad processing and outputs non-processed results, which are sometimes better-looking.The camera system isn't the most impressive but when compared to its competitors, it still stacks up well against the likes of Samsung and Google foldables. However, the OnePlus Open was better in some regards. Oppo Find N5 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 crease Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETOverall, the Oppo Find N5 has excellent hardware and is the closest a foldable has gotten to a slab phone. It's unlikely to launch in the US, and OnePlus has confirmed there won't be an Open 2 this year. As for me, I love using it for its lightweight, comfortable form factor, excellent battery life, bright displays, and the Master mode in the camera app.Featured reviews

There isn't yet a roadmap to show Microsoft can scale its chip to the million topological qubits required to make a working quantum computer.

As our phones become more likedigital walletsthat let youpay, present identification, and even travel, traditional wallets already feel pretty antiquated. However, we're not completely finished with the paper trail just yet. There are still incidentals -- like your work ID or certain travel passes -- that you may not be able to present virtually, and places that may not accept services likeGoogle Payand Apple Pay. Plus, a virtual wallet won't do you any good if your phone dies.A MagSafe wallet is an easy way to keep your cards and cash securely attached to your phone. MagSafe cardholders use magnets to securely attach to your phone, making them easy to detach for wireless charging or to change your phone's look. Plus, they tend to be an affordable iPhone accessory, making them widely accessible for most price points. They're a great accessory to have in your phone's repertoire for vacations, concerts, special events, and more.Also:The best MagSafe battery packsWhat's the best MagSafe wallet right now?With so many choices available, ZDNET went hands-on with some of the most popular and innovative MagSafe wallet options, testing each for their practicality, durability, versatility, and price. Our pick for the best MagSafe wallet overall is the ESR Aura MagSafe wallet and stand for its versatile design, comfortable maximum storage, and tasteful yet fun colors. See how our other top picks stack up to our top pick and find the right MagSafe wallet design for you. Rest assured, we've tested dozens of wallets in tons of different styles with lots of different functions. Sort by All Value Efficiency Performance Design Compatibility The best MagSafe wallets of 2025 Show less View now at Amazon After getting my hands on the ESR Aura MagSafe wallet and stand, which was released in November 2024, I was immediately obsessed. This wallet quickly shot its way to the top of my rotation and became a favorite in my wallet collection, so much so that it has rightfully earned this top spot.While this wallet is very similar to other wallets on this list, like the Journey Ezmo and the Satechi wallet, the value it offers is insane. You get a quality vegan leather wallet, strong magnetic hold, 5 card slots (including a dedicated ID pocket), notches for easy card access, and five colors to pick from -- all for under $30 right now. Ahead of the holiday, the ESR Aura is over 30% off on Amazon, which makes this great wallet an even better deal.When I tested this wallet, I was most impressed with how functional the dedicated ID slot is and how purposeful every element is. Each feature, like the notches that allow for easy card access, was thoughtfully designed and implemented and truly upgraded the accessory experience. Plus, ESR offers some of the most fun colors I have seen in a long time, including pastel pink and purple and some universal neutrals. As a Gen Z woman in tech, I appreciate their willingness to expand their lineup beyond the basic colors of black, saddle, taupe, navy, and gray.ESR customers said they liked that the Aura wallet came in vibrant colors, and said that they liked the strong magnet, dedicated ID slot, and ample storage it provides. Some customers said that it offers great value for the price, and it has a five-star rating on ESR's website.ESR Aura MagSafe wallet features:Multi-functional|Dimensions:4.1 x 2.6 x 0.5 inches|Card capacity:Five cards (includes ID window) Value 10 Efficiency 10 Performance 9 Design 10 Compatibility 9 Pros Great value for the money Fun colors Dedicated clear ID slot Strong magnetic hold Cons Lacks some traditionally neutral color options Texture may bother some ESR Aura MagSafe Wallet and Stand Best MagSafe wallet overall 4.8 / 5 Score After getting my hands on the ESR Aura MagSafe wallet and stand, which was released in November 2024, I was immediately obsessed. This wallet quickly shot its way to the top of my rotation and became a favorite in my wallet collection, so much so that it has rightfully earned this top spot.While this wallet is very similar to other wallets on this list, like the Journey Ezmo and the Satechi wallet, the value it offers is insane. You get a quality vegan leather wallet, strong magnetic hold, 5 card slots (including a dedicated ID pocket), notches for easy card access, and five colors to pick from -- all for under $30 right now. Ahead of the holiday, the ESR Aura is over 30% off on Amazon, which makes this great wallet an even better deal.When I tested this wallet, I was most impressed with how functional the dedicated ID slot is and how purposeful every element is. Each feature, like the notches that allow for easy card access, was thoughtfully designed and implemented and truly upgraded the accessory experience. Plus, ESR offers some of the most fun colors I have seen in a long time, including pastel pink and purple and some universal neutrals. As a Gen Z woman in tech, I appreciate their willingness to expand their lineup beyond the basic colors of black, saddle, taupe, navy, and gray.ESR customers said they liked that the Aura wallet came in vibrant colors, and said that they liked the strong magnet, dedicated ID slot, and ample storage it provides. Some customers said that it offers great value for the price, and it has a five-star rating on ESR's website.ESR Aura MagSafe wallet features:Multi-functional|Dimensions:4.1 x 2.6 x 0.5 inches|Card capacity:Five cards (includes ID window) Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon The Satechi Magnetic Wallet stand combines an affordable yet premium luxury build and design with everyday functionality. With four card slots and a designated space for your ID, there's a spot for your essential cards to keep you on the go.ZDNET reviewer Adrian Kingsley-Hughes calls Satechi's model the perfect balance of style and functionality. "The main thing I like about this wallet is the build quality," Kingsley-Hughes wrote in his review. "The materials look and feel premium, and the construction is such that it will not fall apart without a real fight."The Satechi wallet can also double as a phone stand, oriented horizontally or vertically. It is made of scratch-resistant vegan leather that is easy to wipe clean. Equipped with strong magnets, the Satechi wallet is MagSafe, and you can be assured it won't fall off the back of your device.Current Amazon customers said they like the wallet's sturdiness, robust hinge mechanism, and quality. However, some users said the magnet needed to be stronger.If you're looking for a clean, premium phone wallet, the Satechi delivers with a rugged yet elegant design and build.Satechi Magnetic Wallet Stand features:Multi-functional|Dimensions:4.1 x 2.6 x 0.4 inches|Card capacity:Four cards Value 8 Efficiency 8 Performance 9 Design 8 Compatibility 8 Pros ID window Slim design Portrait or landscape stand Affordable luxury Cons No cash or alternative storage space Limited color options Satechi Magnetic Wallet Stand Best alternative MagSafe wallet 4.1 / 5 Score The Satechi Magnetic Wallet stand combines an affordable yet premium luxury build and design with everyday functionality. With four card slots and a designated space for your ID, there's a spot for your essential cards to keep you on the go.ZDNET reviewer Adrian Kingsley-Hughes calls Satechi's model the perfect balance of style and functionality. "The main thing I like about this wallet is the build quality," Kingsley-Hughes wrote in his review. "The materials look and feel premium, and the construction is such that it will not fall apart without a real fight."The Satechi wallet can also double as a phone stand, oriented horizontally or vertically. It is made of scratch-resistant vegan leather that is easy to wipe clean. Equipped with strong magnets, the Satechi wallet is MagSafe, and you can be assured it won't fall off the back of your device.Current Amazon customers said they like the wallet's sturdiness, robust hinge mechanism, and quality. However, some users said the magnet needed to be stronger.If you're looking for a clean, premium phone wallet, the Satechi delivers with a rugged yet elegant design and build.Satechi Magnetic Wallet Stand features:Multi-functional|Dimensions:4.1 x 2.6 x 0.4 inches|Card capacity:Four cards Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Ohsnap The Ohsnap wallet is made of aluminum and features an expandable, nearly enclosed design. This means that unlike many MagSafe wallets you can slide cards in and out of, it has a more refined approach.In fact, it's very similar to expandable wallets like, meaning the only way to access your cards is through a slot in the top. This style is one of the most secure ways to carry your cards but isn't ideal for carrying cash or other small incidentals. Pack in up to eight cards, get radio-frequency identification (RFID) blocking, a kickstand, and choose between several colors for your best aesthetic.When I tested the Ohsnap wallet, I loved the modern look, secure card storage, and ample space. I wish there were a way to access my cards without taking the wallet off of my phone, and I do think it is on the pricier side. However, it's a great option for a serious MagSafe wallet user and those looking for a sophisticated look.Ohsnap wallet users said that they liked the ample storage and sleek design, however some users said that they wished it was less bulky when full or that it had an easier way to access cards without removing the wallet off the phone.Ohsnap Snap Grip Wallet features:Multi-functional| Slide-access |Dimensions:96 x 64 x 12.7 (max) mm|Card capacity:Eightcards Pros RFID blocking Expandable to hold up to 8 cards Sleek and minimalist Fun color options Cons Must remove off phone to access cards Pricey No room for cash The Ohsnap wallet is made of aluminum and features an expandable, nearly enclosed design. This means that unlike many MagSafe wallets you can slide cards in and out of, it has a more refined approach.In fact, it's very similar to expandable wallets like, meaning the only way to access your cards is through a slot in the top. This style is one of the most secure ways to carry your cards but isn't ideal for carrying cash or other small incidentals. Pack in up to eight cards, get radio-frequency identification (RFID) blocking, a kickstand, and choose between several colors for your best aesthetic.When I tested the Ohsnap wallet, I loved the modern look, secure card storage, and ample space. I wish there were a way to access my cards without taking the wallet off of my phone, and I do think it is on the pricier side. However, it's a great option for a serious MagSafe wallet user and those looking for a sophisticated look.Ohsnap wallet users said that they liked the ample storage and sleek design, however some users said that they wished it was less bulky when full or that it had an easier way to access cards without removing the wallet off the phone.Ohsnap Snap Grip Wallet features:Multi-functional| Slide-access |Dimensions:96 x 64 x 12.7 (max) mm|Card capacity:Eightcards Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Best Buy Journey's Ezmo MagSafe wallet is the perfect balance of style and function. With enough space to hold five cards -- the most on this list -- it indeed resembles a classic wallet and not just a cardholder. The Ezmo wallet also doubles as a phone stand, so you can watch your favorite entertainment on the go or keep your phone screen visible at your desk. The stand has adjustable viewing angles in both portrait and landscape modes.It's made of vegan leather and comes in four color options -- black, dark brown, navy blue, and dove gray. The Ezmo MagSafe wallet also features a protective lining with RFID technology to safeguard your cards' information while preventing them from becoming demagnetized.I tested the Ezmo wallet for several weeks in my everyday activities, including my commute from New Jersey to New York City. When evaluating MagSafe wallets, I always look for easy and seamless access to my NJ Transit card, which I need to grab and put away quickly. Thanks to the notch on the front of the Ezmo wallet, I can store my transit card in the front. It's easy to slide out, so I highly recommend choosing one with a front-notch option if you're looking for a commuter-friendly wallet.I also like how the Ezmo MagSafe wallet provides enough space for five cards and even folded cash. It's perfect for holding my debit card, work badge, and other incidentals like paper train tickets. I don't often keep my driver's license or credit card in my phone wallet while going to work, but I like that I can do so if I need or want to for another event or activity. The phone stand was nice, too. I enjoyed being able to prop my phone up while at the office. I even found myself using the back half of the wallet as a makeshift grip on the train, which added some extra stability. Although it's one of the priciest options on this list, I think it's well worth the investment due to its multi-functionality and excellent quality, especially if you use your MagSafe wallet daily. The Ezmo wallet is also available in a tracking version -- the LOC8 MagSafe Finder Wallet and Stand -- if you're prone to losing things frequently.Current users on the Journey website said they liked the slim profile, smart design, larger card capacity, and sleek material -- so much so that the wallet has a five-star rating online, with one customer noting that it "does it all really well."Journey Ezmo wallet and phone stand features:Multi-functional| RFID protection | Built-in lock to prevent card slippage |Dimensions:66 mm x 102.5 mm x 12.5 mm |Card capacity:Fivecards Value 8 Efficiency 9 Performance 9 Design 10 Compatibility 8 Pros RFID protection Large card capacity Doubles as stand Premium feel Strong magnetic hold Slim design Cons Expensive Limited color options Adds some weight to phone May be too bulky for some Journey Ezmo Wallet and Phone Stand Best splurge MagSafe wallet 4.4 / 5 Score Journey's Ezmo MagSafe wallet is the perfect balance of style and function. With enough space to hold five cards -- the most on this list -- it indeed resembles a classic wallet and not just a cardholder. The Ezmo wallet also doubles as a phone stand, so you can watch your favorite entertainment on the go or keep your phone screen visible at your desk. The stand has adjustable viewing angles in both portrait and landscape modes.It's made of vegan leather and comes in four color options -- black, dark brown, navy blue, and dove gray. The Ezmo MagSafe wallet also features a protective lining with RFID technology to safeguard your cards' information while preventing them from becoming demagnetized.I tested the Ezmo wallet for several weeks in my everyday activities, including my commute from New Jersey to New York City. When evaluating MagSafe wallets, I always look for easy and seamless access to my NJ Transit card, which I need to grab and put away quickly. Thanks to the notch on the front of the Ezmo wallet, I can store my transit card in the front. It's easy to slide out, so I highly recommend choosing one with a front-notch option if you're looking for a commuter-friendly wallet.I also like how the Ezmo MagSafe wallet provides enough space for five cards and even folded cash. It's perfect for holding my debit card, work badge, and other incidentals like paper train tickets. I don't often keep my driver's license or credit card in my phone wallet while going to work, but I like that I can do so if I need or want to for another event or activity. The phone stand was nice, too. I enjoyed being able to prop my phone up while at the office. I even found myself using the back half of the wallet as a makeshift grip on the train, which added some extra stability. Although it's one of the priciest options on this list, I think it's well worth the investment due to its multi-functionality and excellent quality, especially if you use your MagSafe wallet daily. The Ezmo wallet is also available in a tracking version -- the LOC8 MagSafe Finder Wallet and Stand -- if you're prone to losing things frequently.Current users on the Journey website said they liked the slim profile, smart design, larger card capacity, and sleek material -- so much so that the wallet has a five-star rating online, with one customer noting that it "does it all really well."Journey Ezmo wallet and phone stand features:Multi-functional| RFID protection | Built-in lock to prevent card slippage |Dimensions:66 mm x 102.5 mm x 12.5 mm |Card capacity:Fivecards Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Best Buy The Clckr is the ultimate multitasker wallet and is perfect for the person who loves to run out the door with nothing else in hand. Not only is the Clckr slim and stylish in design and comes in lavender or black, but it securely stores up to two cards.When former ZDNET associate editor Christina Darby tested the Clckr, she noted that the cardholder slot kept her cards secure but easy to access when needed. Darby said she wished it could fit just one more card, but she reported that other features compensated for this.Coupled with this wallet's practicality is its top-tier multi-functionality. "Without adding any extra bulk, the cardholder has a foldable strip down the middle that, when clicked into place, acts as a kickstand or phone grip. Thanks to the powerful 3500 G magnet, the grip makes it easy to transport my phone, while the kickstand makes for the perfect portable tripod," Darby wrote.When you want to remove the Clckr, gently twist and pull, and you'll feel the magnet release. This makes wireless charging a breeze, though you must remember to put the Clckr back on before leaving the house.Current Amazon users said they liked the design, card storage, and security the Clckr provided. Still, some customers said they experienced breaking early and thought the magnet was weak.Clckr MagSafe wallet features:Multi-functional |Dimensions:0.38 x 2.44 x 3.94 inches |Card capacity:Holds two cards comfortably Value 7 Efficiency 7 Performance 7 Design 8 Compatibility 7 Pros Lightweight Versatile Still easily fits in a pocket Cons Comes unattached upon harsh impact Can only hold two cards comfortably Clckr MagSafe phone holder and wallet Best MagSafe wallet for durability 3.6 / 5 Score The Clckr is the ultimate multitasker wallet and is perfect for the person who loves to run out the door with nothing else in hand. Not only is the Clckr slim and stylish in design and comes in lavender or black, but it securely stores up to two cards.When former ZDNET associate editor Christina Darby tested the Clckr, she noted that the cardholder slot kept her cards secure but easy to access when needed. Darby said she wished it could fit just one more card, but she reported that other features compensated for this.Coupled with this wallet's practicality is its top-tier multi-functionality. "Without adding any extra bulk, the cardholder has a foldable strip down the middle that, when clicked into place, acts as a kickstand or phone grip. Thanks to the powerful 3500 G magnet, the grip makes it easy to transport my phone, while the kickstand makes for the perfect portable tripod," Darby wrote.When you want to remove the Clckr, gently twist and pull, and you'll feel the magnet release. This makes wireless charging a breeze, though you must remember to put the Clckr back on before leaving the house.Current Amazon users said they liked the design, card storage, and security the Clckr provided. Still, some customers said they experienced breaking early and thought the magnet was weak.Clckr MagSafe wallet features:Multi-functional |Dimensions:0.38 x 2.44 x 3.94 inches |Card capacity:Holds two cards comfortably Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less This MagSafe wallet and stand combo combines minimalist luxury with functionality. Inspired by origami, the Moft wallet can hold up to three cards and quickly flips into a stand. It's ultra-thin, practically unseen, and unfelt while attached to your device.The Moft wallet also features uber-strong magnets designed to stack with the brand's other products, like its MagSafe battery pack. This ensures you can keep all your favorite cards at your fingertips and still charge your phone without removing the wallet.When I tested this wallet during my commute, I was impressed with its overall aesthetic and look -- it's super sophisticated and sleek. However, I found it challenging to remove cards, especially when using public transit, and three cards felt a little too snug for my liking. But for someone frequently on the go -- or who needs less card capacity -- this is a winner. It comes in plenty of punchy colors, truly elevates your phone's look, and ensures that you are never without a way to prop up your device. The Moft stand is a favorite at ZDNET, and editor Sabrina Ortiz regularly uses one on her phone.I'd be remiss not to mention that while this isn't my preferred pick for commuting, I do reach for it often while at home or doing casual errands or activities. Because of its less bulky construction, it's also been a great option for vacations and traveling. It's such a multifunctional add-on for anyone that my mother usurped my original test unit. I've been told it's a great stand for reading recipes off your phone while cooking or baking.Customers on the Moft website said they liked the strong magnets, premium look and feel, and card capacity of the Snap-on wallet. Some customers said the fabric within the folds did not hold up well, while others remained impressed with the wallet's overall function.Moft Snap on Phone Stand and Wallet features:Multi-functional|Dimensions:0.8 x 2.5 x 0.24 inchesCard capacity:Three cards Value 9 Efficiency 7 Performance 8 Design 10 Compatibility 8 Pros Affordable Slim Strong magnetic grip Stackable with other Moft products Doubles as a stand Comes in tons of colors Cons A little snug with three cards Can be a little tricky to get cards in and out in certain situations Moft Snap on Phone Stand and Wallet Best minimalist MagSafe wallet 4.2 / 5 Score This MagSafe wallet and stand combo combines minimalist luxury with functionality. Inspired by origami, the Moft wallet can hold up to three cards and quickly flips into a stand. It's ultra-thin, practically unseen, and unfelt while attached to your device.The Moft wallet also features uber-strong magnets designed to stack with the brand's other products, like its MagSafe battery pack. This ensures you can keep all your favorite cards at your fingertips and still charge your phone without removing the wallet.When I tested this wallet during my commute, I was impressed with its overall aesthetic and look -- it's super sophisticated and sleek. However, I found it challenging to remove cards, especially when using public transit, and three cards felt a little too snug for my liking. But for someone frequently on the go -- or who needs less card capacity -- this is a winner. It comes in plenty of punchy colors, truly elevates your phone's look, and ensures that you are never without a way to prop up your device. The Moft stand is a favorite at ZDNET, and editor Sabrina Ortiz regularly uses one on her phone.I'd be remiss not to mention that while this isn't my preferred pick for commuting, I do reach for it often while at home or doing casual errands or activities. Because of its less bulky construction, it's also been a great option for vacations and traveling. It's such a multifunctional add-on for anyone that my mother usurped my original test unit. I've been told it's a great stand for reading recipes off your phone while cooking or baking.Customers on the Moft website said they liked the strong magnets, premium look and feel, and card capacity of the Snap-on wallet. Some customers said the fabric within the folds did not hold up well, while others remained impressed with the wallet's overall function.Moft Snap on Phone Stand and Wallet features:Multi-functional|Dimensions:0.8 x 2.5 x 0.24 inchesCard capacity:Three cards Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon If you're looking to stick to an old-school look and don't need as much card storage as the Journey Ezmo wallet, the ESR HaloLock is a traditional flip-and-fold wallet that takes on what's becoming a modern classic. It's made with vegan leather and metallic mesh lining, and it indeed looks like you stuck a high-end, luxury wallet to the back of your phone. On the front fold, there's a slot for one card, giving easy access to your most important card.When the wallet is flipped open, two more slots have a clear window that is optimal for your ID. The HaloLock also doubles as a kickstand, adjusting to any angle from 15 to 160 degrees.ZDNET's Matthew Miller tested the ESR wallet in 2022 and liked its slim and stylish design. "I have had great success using it with a Peak Design Everyday Case, so it is possible to use it with a MagSafe case. The vegan leather material is supple and feels good in the hand. The stitching appears to be solid, and the stand has held up extremely well," Miller said.Current Amazon customers said they like the wallet's appearance, strength, performance, and size. Many customers said the wallet holds the phone securely vertically and horizontally, and they also liked the card capacity, quality, and ease of use.ESR HaloLock wallet features:Dimensions:4.13 x 2.6 x 0.3 inches |Card capacity:Up to three cards Value 8 Efficiency 8 Performance 8 Design 9 Compatibility 8 Pros Stores up to three cards Versatile Has more of a traditional wallet look and feel Budget friendly ID card slot Cons Magnet could be stronger Bulkier ESR HaloLock wallet Best MagSafe wallet for a traditional wallet feel 4.1 / 5 Score If you're looking to stick to an old-school look and don't need as much card storage as the Journey Ezmo wallet, the ESR HaloLock is a traditional flip-and-fold wallet that takes on what's becoming a modern classic. It's made with vegan leather and metallic mesh lining, and it indeed looks like you stuck a high-end, luxury wallet to the back of your phone. On the front fold, there's a slot for one card, giving easy access to your most important card.When the wallet is flipped open, two more slots have a clear window that is optimal for your ID. The HaloLock also doubles as a kickstand, adjusting to any angle from 15 to 160 degrees.ZDNET's Matthew Miller tested the ESR wallet in 2022 and liked its slim and stylish design. "I have had great success using it with a Peak Design Everyday Case, so it is possible to use it with a MagSafe case. The vegan leather material is supple and feels good in the hand. The stitching appears to be solid, and the stand has held up extremely well," Miller said.Current Amazon customers said they like the wallet's appearance, strength, performance, and size. Many customers said the wallet holds the phone securely vertically and horizontally, and they also liked the card capacity, quality, and ease of use.ESR HaloLock wallet features:Dimensions:4.13 x 2.6 x 0.3 inches |Card capacity:Up to three cards Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon We get it -- you're not entirely cashless, and maybe you never will be. So, while many options on this list are excellent choices for your ID, debit card, and work badge, you will only do you good if your payment of choice is a good old Benjamin.Rather than featuring a pocket design, the Pelican swings open on hinges -- like a door -- to reveal two grip-secured compartments: one is optimal for cards and the other for cash. A snap-on closure secures both compartments and closes the "door."When ZDNET's Christina Darby tested the Pelican wallet, she struggled to obtain her goods. "The only downside to the clasp is that it's almost too secure; I feel I have to pry it open to get my cards out. I've even broken a nail in the process." Darby wrote. However, she said the extra security gave her peace of mind, especially in large crowds.Darby also noted that the Pelican's magnet is one of the strongest on any MagSafe accessory she tested, adding even more security. The main downside of the Pelican is its bulkiness compared to the other options on this list. However, according to Darby, it still fits comfortably in a back pocket.Current Amazon users said they liked the wallet's sleek and minimal appearance, but some customers said they have mixed opinions on its durability.Pelican magnetic wallet and card holder features:Dimensions:3.97 x 2.79 x 0.47 inches |Card capacity:Holds up to four cards plus cash Value 7 Efficiency 7 Performance 7 Design 7 Compatibility 8 Pros Two separate and secure compartments make it easy to hold cash and four cards Secure and durable Strong magnet Cons Hard to get open A little bulky We get it -- you're not entirely cashless, and maybe you never will be. So, while many options on this list are excellent choices for your ID, debit card, and work badge, you will only do you good if your payment of choice is a good old Benjamin.Rather than featuring a pocket design, the Pelican swings open on hinges -- like a door -- to reveal two grip-secured compartments: one is optimal for cards and the other for cash. A snap-on closure secures both compartments and closes the "door."When ZDNET's Christina Darby tested the Pelican wallet, she struggled to obtain her goods. "The only downside to the clasp is that it's almost too secure; I feel I have to pry it open to get my cards out. I've even broken a nail in the process." Darby wrote. However, she said the extra security gave her peace of mind, especially in large crowds.Darby also noted that the Pelican's magnet is one of the strongest on any MagSafe accessory she tested, adding even more security. The main downside of the Pelican is its bulkiness compared to the other options on this list. However, according to Darby, it still fits comfortably in a back pocket.Current Amazon users said they liked the wallet's sleek and minimal appearance, but some customers said they have mixed opinions on its durability.Pelican magnetic wallet and card holder features:Dimensions:3.97 x 2.79 x 0.47 inches |Card capacity:Holds up to four cards plus cash Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best MagSafe wallet? If you're looking for a MagSafe wallet that does it all, the ESR Aura wallet is a sure pick, and is ZDNET's best overall thanks to its durability, versatility, and function. But ultimately, the best option for you depends on your needs, and we broke down the features of all our top picks to make it easy for you to compare.MagSafe walletPriceDimensionsCard capacityESR Aura MagSafe wallet and stand$404.1 x 2.6 x 0.5 inches5Satechi Magnetic wallet and stand$404.1 x 2.6 x 0.4 inches4Ohsnap Snap Grip wallet and stand$8096 x 64 x 12.7 (max) mm8Journey Ezmo wallet and phone stand$7066 mm x 102.5 mm x 12.5 mm5Clckr MagSafe phone holder and wallet$140.38 x 2.44 x 3.94 inches2Moft Snap-on phone stand and wallet$303.8 x 2.5 x 0.24 inches3ESR HaloLock wallet$304.13 x 2.6 x 0.3 inches3Pelican magnetic wallet & card holder$403.97 x 2.79 x 0.47 inches4*MSRP at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts. Show more Which is the right MagSafe wallet for you? MagSafe wallets are a practical option for those who use their phone as their primary always-on-them accessory. While some MagSafe wallets only offer basic storage for a few cards, others also double or triple as a kickstand, phone grip, or cash storage device, possibly converting your phone into the ultimate multitasking tool.ZDNET considered all those factors along with budget and use case to make selection easy. Here's how the best MagSafe wallets stack up with each other and which one may be the best fit for you.Choose this MagSafe wallet...If you want...ESR Aura MagSafe wallet and standAn affordable, functional, fun, and sturdy wallet that comes in punchy colors.Satechi Magnetic wallet and standAn affordable luxury design that offers sleek functionality.Ohsnap Snap Grip wallet and stand A sleek, expandable wallet that stores up to 8 cards. Journey Ezmo wallet and phone standA multifunctional, luxury-feel MagSafe wallet with a large capacity. A true all-in-one option.Clckr MagSafe phone holder and walletA versatile, secure MagSafe wallet that fits up to two of your most important cards.Moft Snap-on phone stand and walletA sleek, slim, and affordable MagSafe wallet that stores up to 3 cards and doubles as a stand.ESR HaloLock walletA more traditional-looking wallet that doubles as a kickstand.Pelican magnetic wallet & card holderTo keep your cards and cash secure. Show more Factors to consider when choosing the best MagSafe wallet for you: We chose these MagSafe wallets through a mix of hands-on testing, carefully curated research, and consideration of each product's everyday need and functionality. We also considered the following when making our top selections, and recommend keeping these in mind when making your own final decision.Practicality: These wallets aim to maximize efficiency. They all hold at least two of your most essential cards for easy access without adding too much weight or bulk to your phone, while potentially offering even more. Consider the amount of card storage you want to help narrow your search. If you're looking for storage for less than two, try checking out the best cardholders.Versatility: When making my final selections, I considered MagSafe wallets that may not fit every card you have but can add extra functionality or use for what they lack in card space. I also thought about how well they functioned during my day-to-day activities, which included my commute from NJ to NYC. Remember how versatile (or not) you want your wallet to be. Do you care if it doubles as a stand? A battery pack? Or do you just need card storage?Durability: Your wallet is essential in your daily life, and the same rule applies when considering wallet wallets affixed to your phone. No matter which product you select, you want it to last, especially if you're paying more than a few bucks. After extensive ZDNET testing and research, we intentionally chose wallets that will last you more than a few weeks. Be sure to consider if you're looking to make a long-term investment for a wallet accessory or need something quick for an event, vacation, festival, or other.Budget:As always, setting a budget to help you narrow your search parameters is a good idea. If you're looking to invest in a MagSafe wallet accessory long-term, spending $45 or more would probably be worth it. If you're only looking to use a MagSafe wallet for a few days or one event, it's probably not worth your money to spend more than $40.Occasion: Like your phone case, any accessory you affix to your phone becomes an extension of your personality. Consider the type of design or color you'd like (especially if your wallet will become a mainstay of your cell), and consider how you'll be using a phone wallet. Is it for everyday use? Special occasions? Events here and there? Narrowing down how you want to use your wallet can help you ultimately set a budget and decide on necessary features. Show more How did we choose these MagSafe wallets? ZDNET went hands-on with all the MagSafe wallets on this list. We spend time using these wallets on our own iPhones during daily lives to test out card storage, magnetic strength, comfort, usability, and more -- not just for a day or two, but over the course of a few weeks to really get a feel for a product's add-in value. That is, can you "add-in" this product to your life and benefit from its presence? Or, is it another fad product that's too good to be true or collects dust after the buzz wears off?If we think another product is worth your money, we'll update this list or write up a spotlight review highlighting its best qualities and specifying who it's for.Plus, we are routinely scouring the web for new products that are worthy of testing, following news on product rollouts and upgrades, and sourcing the best deals. Show more Which phones are MagSafe compatible? The iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Pro are all MagSafe compatible. Unfortunately, the iPhone 12 and13 Mini modelsdon't feature MagSafe and, therefore, can not be used with MagSafe accessories. However, MagSafe rings that are sold separately can convert non-MagSafe cases into MagSafe-compatible cases. Show more Do I need a specific phone case to use a MagSafe wallet? Ideally, you should equip your phone with a MagSafe phone case, which also helps to protect your phone if you're looking to add a MagSafe wallet. You can find MagSafe phone cases at Apple, or other retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. Show more How do I know if my phone is MagSafe? The iPhone 12 through iPhone 15 models (minus the Mini) feature MagSafe technology. If you're not sure what type of iPhone you have, go to Settings > General > About, and you'll see what model your phone is. Show more What does RFID mean? According to the Department of Homeland Security, RFID refers to Radio Frequency Identification. This technology uses radio waves to identify people or objects.There are devices that can read information contained in a wireless device or "tag" from a distance without making any physical contact or requiring a line of sight -- for example, the chips in credit or debit cards. Wallets which feature RFID-blocking technology prevent these devices from accessing information stored in protected chips, which can help prevent your bank information from being compromised. Show more Do MagSafe wallets ruin credit cards? No. MagSafe wallets will not damage your cards or make them unusable, though bending, breaking, chipping, and normal wear and tear can occur, just as with traditional wallets. Show more Other MagSafe wallets we've testedAlthough we've gone hands-on with the products on our list, there are tons of other MagSafe wallet options available on the market. Here are a few alternatives that we've tested which offer strong magnetic grip and great card storage.Other MagSafe wallets to consider Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends

If you're having trouble with Android Auto, a specific version of the app may be to blame.

Kerry Wan/ZDNETWith the way we use our iPhones these days, it can be hard to make it through a single day on a full charge. A few FaceTime calls, some text messaging, and opening Maps a few times, and you could already be 25% down.If you've experienced this problem, you're not alone. These phones can be very power-hungry -- even the more affordable iPhone SE 4 has battery issues. The problem is made worse by all the different apps, features, and settings vying for battery life. And the kicker is there's a chance you don't even use some of these functions.Also: Apple launches $599 iPhone 16e: Best features, specs, and everything else to knowLuckily, there are a handful of settings you can tweak to maximize your iPhone's battery life, and these changes don't have to mean losing out on your favorite features. Whether you're rocking the iPhone 16 Pro Maxor a version from a few years ago, you've got options. Here are the 11 best ways to improve your iPhone's battery life.1. Turn off the always-on displayOne of the biggest power drainers on the iPhone Pro series is the always-on display. Apple finally added the feature after years of refusing to, and while the company says it'll only drain about 1% per hour, that's still almost a quarter of your battery gone each day while you aren't using your phone.How to: On your iPhone, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display and flip the toggle to off. You'll thank me later.2. Disable haptic feedback when typing Kerry Wan/ZDNETThis is one of those features Android phones have had for years before it rolled out to iPhones. The constant buzz that goes off every time you hit a key leads to excess battery drain, especially if you're like me and are always typing.How to: Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Keyboard Feedback on your iPhone, and flick the toggle labeled "Haptics" to off. You can also disable sound from the keyboard, which could save some battery life if you live with your iPhone ringer switched on.3. Disable "Hey Siri" detectionIf you don't use Siri regularly, chances are you don't need your iPhone constantly listening for the "Hey Siri" command. Plus, you can long-press the side button on any modern iPhone to trigger the assistant, freeing up battery power devoted to voice command detection.Also:The latest iOS 18.3 update was killing my iPhone's battery - until I disabled this popular featureHow to: Go to Settings > Siri & Search on your iPhone and tap "Listen for". From there, choose "Off," and you won't be able to use hot words to trigger Siri.4. Reduce the amount of notifications you getWhen you get a notification on an iPhone, a million things happen at once. Your display lights up, it plays a sound, it vibrates (if you have that feature turned on), and there's even an on-screen animation. If you have many apps installed, chances are you're also getting a lot of notifications every day, likely leading to battery drain you didn't even realize was happening. It's best to shut off some unnecessary actions -- not just for the battery life but also to save yourself from checking your phone every few minutes.How to: Visit the Settings app and scroll down to find the app you want to disable notifications. Tap on it, then select "Notifications". There's a primary toggle at the top of the menu that'll let you disable notifications altogether. There are also several options below it to tweak how those notifications are delivered, whether quietly in the background or simply as banners while you're using your phone. For the best battery life, disable all the notifications you don't need entirely.5. Use Focus ModesLike reducing notifications, Focus Modes can also lower the number of messages you receive by choosing which apps can contact you. You could, for example, limit notifications when you're driving or when you're at work. Apple offers pre-made Focus profiles, although you can create a custom one anytime.Also:Industry analyst predicts iPhones to get 9% price hike amidst US tariffs - and I believe itHow to: Go to Settings > Focus and select a Focus, such as Work. Then, select which apps and contacts can send you notifications while in a Focus. You can do this by selecting the Tap button, picking a contact or app, and hitting Done. You can also choose either the Lock or Home Screen to display notifications.6. Turn off nearby AirDrop sharing Maria Diaz/ZDNETAirDrop is a neat feature that lets you instantly share contact information, files, and more between two iPhones, Apple Watches, or one of each other. It's cool to use occasionally, but having the feature active can drain your battery since it's constantly on the lookout for other Apple devices to interact with. Granted, battery drain isn't too significant here, but it can be if you're in a public place with lots of other phones around.How to: Visit Settings > General > AirDrop and turn off "Bringing Devices Together". This won't disable AirDrop altogether, just the nearby sharing feature.7. Don't use Live ActivitiesIntroduced with the iPhone 14 Proseries, Live Activities can display real-time information from various apps, so you don't have to keep the app full-screen. The feature is great for tracking sports scores, Uber ETAs, and uploading progression on Instagram, among other things. As you can imagine, Live Activities can drain your battery quickly over time. If you want to squeeze out the most battery life possible, it's recommended you disable this feature.How to: Go to the Settings app and locate the apps that work with Live Activities. Tap on them, then toggle off "Live Activities" from the list of options. You can also go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and toggle off "Live Activities" so they don't appear on the lock screen.8. Check the widgets on your lock screen iOS 18 on iPhone 14 Pro Max. Maria Diaz/ZDNETSpeaking of the lock screen, Apple recently allowed users to add widgets to the lock screen in iOS to allow for some customization and support glanceable information. I'll admit: I'm a huge fan of widgets on the lock screen, but not if they will kill my battery. I've seen the weather app, Todoist, and a few others drain my iPhone over time simply because they're constantly updating their information.Also:This pocket-sized power bank keeps my iPhone charged all dayHow to: Wake up your iPhone and press and hold on the lock screen to enter customization mode. Then, tap "Customize" and choose the lock screen itself. From there, you can remove any widgets you think are draining your battery in the background. Anything involving constant data retrieval is usually good to get rid of, while others, like the Calendar app or your fitness rings, might only drain a fraction of your battery over time.9. Reduce your refresh rateIf you own a newer iPhone Pro, you've probably noticed how silky smooth the display feels. That's because Apple includes a 120Hz refresh rate on the Pro phones, which makes everything from animations to scrolling feel more responsive. However, this uses more power than a screen with a 60Hz refresh rate, so it's best to reduce the speed if you want some extra endurance throughout the day.How to: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Motion, and turn on "Limit Frame Rate." This change will lower the display speed to 60Hz.10. Turn off Background App RefreshMost apps involve pulling data from the internet to function, and they have to refresh in the background to be ready to show you that information when you tap on them. If an app goes haywire, this can have dire consequences for your iPhone's battery life -- it could be draining while it's just sitting on your desk, and you'd have no idea. If you suspect one or more of your apps are draining your battery in the background, you should turn off Background App Refresh.Also: Wiping your iPhone? Here's the easiest way to erase all personal dataHow to: Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh on your iPhone. From there, you can tap "Background App Refresh" and toggle it off completely or stay on the main screen and disable it app-by-app.11. Use Optimized Charging Kerry Wan/ZDNETOne of the easiest ways to preserve the life of your iPhone battery's health over time is by using Optimized Charging. It's a feature built into every iPhone that dynamically adjusts charging speeds based on where you are and whether it expects your iPhone will be plugged in for a long time. For example, when you go to sleep and plug your phone in, it'll charge to 80% before slowing down, then trickle power into your phone so it's at 100% when you wake up. It's a much safer alternative than forcing your battery to charge at full speed all the time.How to: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging and check to make sure it's enabled (it's enabled by default on every iPhone). If you own an iPhone 15 or later, you'll also have the option to cap charging to 80% to preserve your battery's health even longer.Bonus: Use Low Power ModeI didn't include Low Power Mode on the primary list because, well, it feels like a bit of a no-brainer whenever someone asks how to save battery life on their iPhone. Still, I'd be remiss not to mention it since, yes, it will absolutely save battery life, as it disables a host of battery-draining features at once, like background app refresh, fast display refresh rates, fancy animations, and more.How to: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone to access the Control Center, then tap the battery icon. Your battery status indicator will turn yellow, and you'll enter Low Power Mode. To turn it off, repeat the same process.This article was originally published on April 19, 2024, and was updated on February 20, 2025.Featured

iPhone 15 Pro owners will be able to use the Action button to get details on items they capture through the camera - once iOS 18.4 expands the skill beyond the iPhone 16.

I was curious about the benefits of LED over conventional lighting. Turns out it's more than just a money-saver.

'Ask Photos' actually made Google Photos worse. Here are 3 ways to make it genuinely helpful.

Lenovo's 12th-generation ThinkPad X1 Carbon refines its design with a host of improvements, resulting in a thoughtful and well-optimized device.

ZDNETThere is a very thin line between our physical and digital identities.A PC or mobile device with an internet connection lets us stay entertained, research, purchase items, study, and work. Friends and family can use social media to keep tabs on how your life is going, and we can use these profiles, personal websites, and email to communicate with others. Also:The best VPN servicesBenefits of having an online presence aside, some employers will evaluate your social media presence when you apply for a new job to decide if you are a suitable candidate. Advertisers constantly invade your privacy by scraping publicly available information on you, your public profiles, and your search history for targeted marketing. A misjudged tweet from years ago or an inappropriate Facebook photo can destroy future job prospects or ruin a career. There's the idea that once something is online, it is immortal, immutable, and almost impossible to contain. The golden rule is simple: Don't put anything online you wouldn't want your grandmother to see. Although sometimes you aren't in control of what gets published, and once something detrimental to you is out there, it can be tough to separate yourself.Also: How to find out if an AirTag is tracking you - and what to do about itAbuse, stalking, and bullying may also factor as reasons to erase our digital footprints and seize control of our devices. How to remove yourself from the internet and hide your identityIf you want to take control of your privacy and online data, you can take some simple steps to begin the process and then decide how much time and effort you want to contribute to the endeavor. Read on to find out where to start. 1. Check Google and other search engines Google's search engine provides links and website addresses to users in response to search queries, but unless the right controls are in place, your search queries can be cataloged for marketing purposes. On the other hand, Google can also be used to uncover exactly what information about you is in the public domain.Not every search engine will reveal the same results. Try out other search engines, such as Bing, for a more comprehensive look.Once you know what is online about you, you can start tackling the problem. Run a quick search for your full name and note any website domains that flag you, social media account links, YouTube videos, and anything else of interest.Tips for secure browsing and searchingTo improve your privacy and reduce your online footprint, prevent search engines from cataloging your queries. This information can be used to create a profile on your interests, product choices, and more, which can then be sold to marketing agencies.We recommend using theBrave browserfor the best secure browsing experience.DuckDuckGo-- available as a browser or a search engine -- is also an excellent choice to prevent personal data collection.Check out our recommendations:The best secure browsers for privacy: Expert tested Show more ZDNET 2. See if you have the right to be forgotten In the EUcitizens can request the removal of information from Google search results. Afterfilling in this form, requests are reviewed by Google employees on a case-by-case basis. You must provide the specific URLs you want to be delisted, search queries related to these URLs, and you must explain why the tech giant should agree to your request.The more information you can provide, the better."Broadly, the reviewer will consider whether and how the information may be in the public interest and weigh this against your rights under the applicable data protection law," Google says. "There are several reasons why information may be in the public interest. As part of the balancing exercise, Google looks to a number of different sources, such as the guidelines developed byEuropean data protectionregulators."Google adheres to the data protection laws of your area but may not accept every request to remove links relating to you. Reasons given for refusal include technical reasons, duplicate URLs, information deemed "strongly in the public interest," and whether or not the content on a web page relates to professional lives, past convictions, work positions, or self-authored content."Frequently, a case presents considerations that point in different directions, and we carefully consider those before making a decision," Google says. "If we don't have all the information we need, we may ask you for more information. That information helps us understand how the various factors might affect your request."At the time of writing, Googlehas receivedroughly 1.7 million delisting requests and around 6.8 million URL delisting requests. Over three million URLs have been delisted after review.If you are a resident of the US or elsewhere, you may be able to request for limited information to be removed from search results, such as phone numbers or home addresses that could be used for identity theft and may have been leaked through doxxing. Show more ZDNET 3. Run your details through the Have I Been Pwned service You can't control your digital footprint without knowing where and what information concerning you is stored.Just as importantly, you should know if your information has been leaked online. Data breaches occur daily, so it's more a question of what, not if.TheHave I Been Pwnedservice is run by cybersecurity expert Troy Hunt and can be a useful tool for discovering if any account information belonging to you has been compromised or included in a data breach.If you find an email address or telephone number of yours has been "pwned" -- in other words, you have been linked to a data breach -- check to see what leaks you are involved in.There will be a message along the lines of, "Oh no -- pwned! Pwned in 9 data breaches and found no pastes."Do not panic. The majority of us will be connected to a data breach. Instead, focus on changing any passwords you have used with compromised accounts as they are now vulnerable -- and you should also ensure you aren't using them for any other service.You won't be able to do much about the data leak itself, but this also could serve as a reminder of where you have opened online accounts. Consider deleting any accounts you no longer need.Many companies have now become aware of the issue and services including credit monitors and password vaults will often run periodic checks online for any compromised passwords. If they have been found, you should change them immediately. Show more ZDNET 4. Run a Google security checkup Make sure to visit theGoogle Account page, where there are numerous settings that can boost your privacy, reduce data collection, or remove you altogether from the ecosystem.Privacy checkup: The GooglePrivacy checkupallows you to tell Google to stop saving search queries and your location history.You can choose to disallow Google from saving web and app activities, Chrome history, voice and audio, and other data.Google has also introduced an autodelete function for data stored, including YouTube histories. In this section, you can also choose whether or not to allow Google to use your information for tailored advertising and what you want to happen to the data in your account if it goes inactive.Security checkup: The GoogleSecurity checkupcan show you which devices can access your account, including laptops, PCs, and handsets. You can also find a list of third-party applications that have been granted permission to access your account. Revoke permissions as necessary.Download your data: To find out exactly what data Google holds on you, head over to Google Takeout. You can download an archive of your information, including access logs, calendar records, Chrome data, Drive files, and more.Delete me: Found under Account Preferences, Google'sdeletion servicecan be used to delete select products or remove your account entirely. You can also download a copy of all your data.Personalized ads, search results: If you want to stick with Google's search engine, you can still ask the company not to show youresults based on data associated with your Google account. In addition, you can ask for no personalized adverts.Quick tip: If you have upgraded your phone, tablet, or another device recently and you no longer use your old one, you should make sure you sign out. Your account may become compromised if that device ends up in the wrong hands and is not properly protected. Show more ZDNET 5. Consider using a service to restrict data access to brokers There are services available where you can pay to keep your information away from data brokers.One example isDeleteMe, a paid subscription service that maintains tabs on data collectors and removes data such as names, current and past addresses, dates of birth, and aliases on your behalf.This monitoring can keep your private information out of search results and away from platforms such as open people search databases.We've compiled a list of the best services that can help you remove public search results, records, and force organizations to comply with data protection laws and delete your information. Alongside DeleteMe, we also recommend services including Incogni and Kanary CoPilot. Show more ZDNET 6. Lock down your social media or delete accounts entirely Your social media accounts, including Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok, are gold mines full of sensitive data. If you are serious about deleting yourself from the Internet, you need to either lock them down or delete them. Here's how.FacebookIn the Settings tab, you can download all of Facebook's information on you.In the Privacy tab, you should restrict your posts to "friends only" and limit your past posts, and you can decide to disallow lookups by your provided email address or phone number.You also have the option to remove your Facebook profile from search engine results outside of the social networking platform. Under the Location tab, consider turning off location data collection by Facebook, too.If you look at Apps and Websites, you can see what is connected to your Facebook account. If you choose to delete these, Facebook can also automatically remove posts, videos, and events the connected service posted on your behalf.XIn my opinion, Twitter, now known as X following Elon Musk's acquisition, has lost many of its useful security and privacy features. Nonetheless, if you're still on Twitter, head to the Settings tab to download an archive of your data, restrict your posts, or delete your account.Pay careful attention to the Data Sharing and Personalization section. There, you can manage ad preferences, data sharing, and whether or not you will allow X to use an "Inferred Identity" to personalize your experience -- in other words, an identity created through activity on devices you have not logged into X with.BlueskyIf you've moved from Twitter to Bluesky, go to Privacy and Security to lock down your account.Also: 7 Bluesky settings tweaks that make the popular X alternative even betterA feature you might find particularly useful is the "Logged out Visibility" option. If you enable this setting, Bluesky will not show your profile and posts to logged-out users.InstagramFacebook-owned Instagram has a number ofprivacy settingsyou can also change to maintain an acceptable level of privacy.By default, anyone can view your photos and videos on your Instagram account unless you are a minor, in which case your account should be private by default. However, by going to your profile, clicking Settings, Account Privacy, and switching "Private account" on, you can make sure your content is only viewed by approved users.TikTokUnder More > Manage Account, you can choose to make your TikTok account private or delete it entirely. You are also able to download an archive of your information.If you go to the Ads tab, you can manage how ads are personalized, disable personalized ads entirely, and also request that TikTok clear any information that advertisers have shared about you. This process can take up to 30 days. Show more ZDNET 7. Consider deleting your social media accounts Remove everything: A more extreme option is to delete all of your primary social media accounts.OnFacebook, you can go to Settings & Privacy, then Settings, select Your Facebook Information, and click on Deactivation & Deletion to deactivate it. This gives you the option to return at a later time and does not delete your data. Your settings, photos, and other content are saved, but your Facebook presence will not appear beyond unclickable text.You can also permanently delete your account. If you have trouble finding this setting, you can type "delete Facebook" in the Help Center tab.Also: How to delete your X/Twitter account for good (and protect your data)You are given a grace period to change your mind and log back in. It can take up to 90 days before the deletion of content on your Facebook wall and in your account will begin.Todeactivate Twitter/X, you need to click onYour Accountand then click deactivate your account. Your account will be deactivated for 30 days, and if you do not log in during this period, it will be permanently deleted.On Bluesky, head to Account, where you can either deactivate or delete your account.Todelete your Instagram account, log in and go to therequest deletionpage. Once you have submitted an answer as to why you are deleting your account, you will be prompted to re-enter your password, and then a delete account option will appear.Over at TikTok, visit Privacy and Settings, Account Control, and click Delete Account. Show more ZDNET 8. Remove old accounts and blog posts Is it necessary to preserve what you had for breakfast one morning in 2017 or your review of a now-closed store near you? No.Time and effort are required to comb through old posts, but the result is worth it, and this may also train you to be more selective about the information you share in the future. Unless the account is one you use frequently, consider deleting it permanently.It can be a pain to find, remember credentials, and recover passwords associated with old accounts, but this is an essential step in locking down your data. To find your old accounts, visit Have I Been Pwned, check the lists of connected apps in your Facebook and Google accounts, and, if you have a password manager, check it for the credentials of accounts you have used since signing up.You may have to manually log in to each account you want to remove and, depending on the service, delete your info from there or contact the service provider with the request.Justdeleteme.comis a helpful directory containing guides to removing accounts from countless online services and a rating on how hard each type of account is to remove, ranging from "easy" to "impossible." Show more ZDNET 9. Hide yourself If you cannot delete online accounts outright and can only deactivate them, before you do, delete as much content from them as possible. If the account is no longer relevant to you, consider changing the name and personal details connected to it, as well as removing or changing photos to generic alternatives.When it comes to active accounts such as on Facebook or Twitter, anonymity or aliases can help keep your digital and physical presence separate.It is against most terms of service to not use your full, correct name, but it is still common practice for many to change their surname at the least to prevent work and personal accounts -- and lives -- from colliding. You can also delete personal photos and change them to something that doesn't identify you. Show more FAQs Show more Can VPNs help protect my privacy? A virtual private network (VPN) can mask your IP address and create a private tunnel between yourself and online services. Data and communication packets sent between a browser and servers are encrypted, which can prevent eavesdroppers from harvesting your information or tracking your online activity.There are services out there that are both subscription-based and free. It is generally better to sign up for a paid VPN service if you can -- no VPN service is truly "free" given the cost of creating and maintaining the infrastructure required to route traffic. Therefore, your data may be used or sold to third parties in return for VPN services. If you want to anonymize your footprint, consider using the Tor onion router network, or the new Mullvad Browser. Also: I found the most private and secure way to browse the web - and it isn't incognito modeIf you use the Tor network to browse the internet, anyone attempting to monitor you would be met with a series of nodes used to divert your encrypted traffic, making it very difficult to trace you back to an original IP address. Tor blocks trackers and scripts that might follow you around, whether it is advertisers, your ISP, or individuals spying on you. The network is popular with activists, journalists, lawyers, and civil rights groups. How do I limit what marketers send and see? Another way to keep your digital footprint clean of debris is to separate online services between email accounts. If you need to provide an email address for a one-off purchase, for example, consider using a junk email address -- which will quickly become full to the brim with promotional material but will keep your primary email address from being added to more marketing databases. For example, you could set up two Gmail accounts, one as a primary and one as a delegate for spam and potential junk. What can I do to delete embarrassing or explicit content online? You may have come across embarrassing forum posts or messages that you do not have the privileges required to delete -- or you may discover that sensitive personal images or videos of you have been shared without your permission. The first step you should take is to contact organizations and webmasters directly. When you contact them, include a link to the content you are concerned about, give your reasons, and hope they agree to delete it. However, do not expect an immediate response. An exception to this is explicit content and what is known as revenge porn: If intimate images have been shared out of spite, you will likely have more success in getting them rapidly removed, especially from social networks. It's important to try to get the images or videos taken down as quickly as possible, not only to cut viewership but for your mental health. If you can, reach out to friends and families and ask them to report offending posts or email webmasters on your behalf. If your images and videos have been uploaded to pornography services anonymously, however, you'll be in for more of a battle -- and it may be time to get law enforcement agencies involved. If you are a US victim of online, intimate image abuse, you can also reach out to CCRI.You need to research your local laws and find out if the person posting your content could be prosecuted. For example, revenge porn in the United Kingdom is illegal, and there are cases of perpetrators being jailed. If you are a minor, please talk to a trusted parent or guardian and let them help you. What can I do if things have gone too far online? Starting from scratch may seem extreme, but it could be worth considering in some cases. The outright deletion of email accounts, social media, and e-commerce services won't immediately destroy all of your data or search results connected to them, but it will, over time, make them less likely to appear. Just ensure that before you take this irrevocable step, you have backed up any data you want to keep, such as irreplaceable photos you uploaded to social media or document scans stashed away in your email inbox. Security

ZDNETGoogle on Wednesday said it has tweaked its Gemini 2.0 large language model artificial intelligence offering to make it generate novel scientific hypotheses in a fraction of the time taken by teams of human lab researchers.The company bills the "AI Co-scientist" version of Gemini as "a promising advance toward AI-assisted technologies for scientists to help accelerate discovery," and a program meant to be run with a human "in the loop" to "act as a helpful assistant and collaborator to scientists and to help accelerate the scientific discovery process." It's also a demonstration of how so-called reasoning AI models are now driving the use of computing resources higher and higher, to cross-reference, evaluate, rank, sort, sift, and do lots of other things -- all after the prompt has been typed by the user. Google's AI Co-scientist is meant to have a "human in the loop," directing the machine's various operations, such as literature review and hypothesis formation. GoogleIn an audacious mash-up of scientific publishing and marketing, Google's researchers published a technical paper describing a hypothesis generated by Co-scientist simultaneously with a paper published by a group of human scientists at Imperial College London, with the same hypothesis. The Co-scientist hypothesis, concerning a specific fashion in which bacteria evolve to form new pathogens, took two days to produce, whereas the human-produced work was the result of a decade of study and lab work, claims Google. Hypothesis-formulation machineGoogle describes the machine as a hypothesis-formulation machine that uses multiple agents.Given a scientist's research goal that has been specified in natural language, the AI Co-scientist is designed to generate novel research hypotheses, a detailed research overview, and experimental protocols. To do so, it uses a coalition of specialized agents: Generation, Reflection, Ranking, Evolution, Proximity, and Meta-review. Google's design for AI Co-scientist has a person input a research goal at the prompt, whereupon a series of agents work in parallel to review the literature, formulate and evaluate hypotheses. Google The structure of AI Co-scientist is designed to perform the multiple agent tasks in parallel, backed up by a memory-management function for storing intermediate results. GoogleThe Co-scientist starts to work after the scientist types at the prompt their research goal "along with preferences, experiment constraints, and other attributes."Google insists the program goes beyond mere literature review to instead "uncover new, original knowledge and to formulate demonstrably novel research hypotheses and proposals, building upon prior evidence and tailored to specific research objectives." Test-time scaling on steroidsThe modification of Gemini 2.0 emphasizes the use of "test-time scaling," where AI agents use increasing amounts of computing power to iteratively review and re-formulate their output. Test-time scaling has been seen most dramatically not only in Gemini, but also OpenAI's o1 model, and DeepSeek AI, all examples of so-called reasoning models that spend much more time responding to a prompt, generating intermediate results. The AI Co-scientist is a bit of test-time scaling on steroids. In the formal paper, authored by Juraj Gottweis of Google, and posted on the arXiv pre-print server, the authors specifically relate their work as a kind of enhancement of what DeepSeek's R1 model has pioneered: "Recent advancements, like the DeepSeek-R1 model, further demonstrate the potential of test-time compute by leveraging reinforcement learning to refine the model's "chain-of-thought" and enhance complex reasoning abilities over longer horizons. In this work, we propose a significant scaling of the test-time compute paradigm using inductive biases derived from the scientific method to design a multi-agent framework for scientific reasoning and hypothesis generation without any additional learning techniques."The Co-scientist is built from a selection of AI agents that can access external resources, relate Gottweis and team. "They are also equipped to interact with external tools, such as web search engines and specialized AI models, through application programming interfaces," they write. Where test-time scaling comes most into play is the notion of a "tournament," where the Co-scientist compares and ranks the multiple hypotheses it has generated. It does so using "Elo" scores, a common measurement system used to rank chess players and athletes. As Gottweis and team describe it, one of the agents, a "Ranking Agent," has the main responsibility of rating the differing hypotheses in a kind of competitive fashion:An important abstraction in the Co-scientist system is the notion of a tournament where different research proposals are evaluated and ranked, enabling iterative improvements. The Ranking agent employs and orchestrates an Elo-based tournament to assess and prioritize the generated hypotheses at any given time. This involves pairwise comparisons, facilitated by simulated scientific debates, which allow for a nuanced evaluation of the relative merits of each proposal. The ranking is supposed to make the better hypotheses bubble up to the top. "This ranking serves to communicate to scientists an ordered list of research hypotheses and proposals aligned with the research goal," as they put it. Google claims the data show that more and more compute, and ranking and re-ranking, makes the hypotheses increasingly better as rated by human observers. Surpasses models and unassisted human expertsAccording to fifteen human experts who reviewed the Co-scientist's output, the program gets better as it spends more computing time formulating hypotheses and evaluating them. Google says the AI Co-scientist surpasses the relative quality of plain-old Gemini 2.0 as the computing budget increases, leading to higher Elo scores as in chess and sports. Google"As the system spends more time reasoning and improving, the self-rated quality of results improves and surpasses models and unassisted human experts," the paper notes. The human observers generally gave Co-scientist "higher potential for novelty and impact, and preferred its outputs compared to other models," such as the unaltered Gemini 2.0 and OpenAI's o1 reasoning model. Given the emphasis on scaling computing effort, it's unfortunate that Gottweis and team nowhere in their 70-page technical report mention just how much computing was used for AI Co-scientist. The hypothesis, however, that they share, is that the rapid reduction in the cost of computing of the kind DeepSeek R1 demonstrates should make something like the Co-scientist usable by research labs broadly speaking. "The trends with distillation and inference time compute costs indicate that such intelligent and general AI systems are rapidly becoming more affordable and available," they note. Artificial Intelligence

This pushes the total to almost 300 apps. Here's which cars they're coming to first.

After a two-year hiatus, Apple has unveiled the new iPhone 16e. Here's a rundown of the new device.

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETThe world's thinnest book-style foldable, the Oppo Find N5, is finally here. I've had it for a week, and it has surprised me in more ways than one -- both positively and negatively.At 8.93mm thick when folded, it's closer to slab phones than any other foldable has ever been. But that slimness didn't come without compromises. Judging by the on-paper camera specifications, I expected it to be underwhelming, but it's better than other foldable phones in almost every regard.Also: The best phones to buy in 2025Here's what it's like to use the thinnest book-style foldable phone in the world -- from someone who has used the previous world's thinnest foldable phones.I love the new, refined design Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETThe Oppo Find N5 weighs 229 grams and measures 8.93mm in thickness, but what truly makes it feel like a slab phone is its flat sides.For the first time ever, I mistook a foldable phone for a slab phone when pulling it out of my pocket. Unlike Honor's curved sides, the Find N5's flat design eliminates the gap between the folded sides, making it feel close to seamless. Both phones are comfortable to hold, but I was pleasantly surprised by the Find N5's design. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 also has flat sides, but its odd cover screen aspect ratio keeps it from blending in with slab phones.For context, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 8.25mm thick, and the Pixel 9 Pro is 8.5mm thick. The Oppo Find N5 is closer to slab phones than any other foldable.Alos:I used Huawei's $3,600 tri-foldable, and it made every phone I've ever tested feel outdatedUnfold it, and you're greeted with a 4.21mm-thin device that feels like a sheet of hard paper. It's not the thinnest foldable -- that title remains with the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate tri-fold phone at 3.66mm (which is fantastic) -- but Oppo's phone is the thinnest book-style foldable.The slim profile translates to a great real-life experience for reading and browsing. It's easy to unfold, the crease is as minimal as it gets, and the hinge is strong enough to inspire confidence. However, Samsung's hinge remains the most polished because it stays exactly at the angle I want. The Find N5's hinge snaps fully open after a certain degree, which takes some getting used to. Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETWhen I first unboxed the phone, I almost couldn't feel the crease with my finger. It was barely noticeable and the best I've seen on a foldable phone. After a week of use, it has become slightly deeper and can be felt when running a finger over it. A similar thing happened when I used the OnePlus Open, but it didn't worsen over time, so I wouldn't worry about it.The 8.2-inch inner display is great for reading. It seems less reflective than the cover screen, which enhances the reading and browsing experience. The front display is more reflective in direct light but offers more vivid colors. If your use cases involve productivity, browsing, and reading, you're going to love this LTPO AMOLED screen. It reaches 1,400 nits outdoors for legibility and up to 2,100 nits for supported HDR content, making for a more immersive viewing experience.Also:The best Android phones to buy in 2025The Oppo Find N5 is slightly taller than before and features a 6.62-inch cover screen with a peak brightness of 2,450 nits and 1,600 nits in high brightness mode. The 20.7:9 aspect ratio makes watching videos better, and you can use it in tent mode, half-unfolded, to avoid thick black bars on the bigger display.This is where the Huawei tri-fold is extremely helpful with its 16:11 aspect ratio on a 10.2-inch screen. Book-style foldables don't necessarily offer a better movie-watching experience than slab phones, but a tri-fold does. However, Oppo allows content to be watched on the cover screen in tent mode, which is a welcome addition.The best battery life on a foldable Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETThe Oppo Find N5 packs a 5,600mAh silicon-carbon battery with support for 80W wired charging and 50W wireless AIRVOOC charging. It might not seem big for a phone with an 8.2-inch display, but it's efficient and easily lasts a full day.Over the past week, my usage included social media (X, Instagram, and Threads), communication apps (WhatsApp, Slack, and Teams), browsing on Chrome, attending calls, and snapping photos. I consistently went to bed with at least 15% battery remaining.The Oppo Find N5 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, but it's different from the flagship Qualcomm processor found on the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the OnePlus 13. Instead of an 8-core CPU, it has a 7-core CPU, but Oppo promises similar performance and efficiency.Also:Why I'm recommending the standard Galaxy S25 over the Ultra this year - and don't regret itI haven't played recent demanding games on it yet. However, I noticed a few lags when trying to reply to an urgent email with GTA: San Andreas running in the background after 25 minutes of play. Oppo's Championship mode (accessible by swiping right from the left edge during gameplay) allows you to enter a game mode with better performance and no notifications for a more immersive gaming experience.The Oppo Find N5 runs ColorOS 15 based on Android 15, featuring numerous AI-powered tools. I like AI Unblur for improving blurry shots, and AI Eraser does a great job removing unwanted objects from photos. You also get Google's Circle to Search and Gemini, but please, write your own emails.A camera downgrade but still a good enough system Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETThe Oppo Find N5 sports a triple rear camera setup, led by a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS). It's a slight downgrade from the larger primary camera on the Find N3/OnePlus Open, but daylight performance remains solid.It is accompanied by a (smaller in size) 50MP periscope telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom, 6x in-sensor zoom, and OIS. You also get an 8MP ultrawide camera, which is a downgrade from the 48MP ultrawide on its predecessor.Also: The best foldable phones of 2025: Expert tested and reviewedIt's a weaker camera system overall, but would I trade it for a more capable camera setup in a thicker design? Maybe. I prefer having the best camera system available, and OnePlus delivered that with the Open -- it was the brand's best camera system yet, which is why this downgrade doesn't sit right with me. But there's a way to extract the most out of these three lenses. 1x, 3x and 6x photos captured on Oppo Find N5 Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETIn good lighting, you get vibrant, bright colors with Hasselblad tuning and excellent dynamic range. Both the primary and telephoto cameras deliver great daytime shots. Portrait quality is also good. In fact, the 6x in-sensor zoom is the best on a foldable. I've captured some very good looking photos.In low-light conditions, however, you start noticing the impact of smaller sensors. Night photos aren't as impressive. Here are some examples: Low-light portraits shot on Oppo Find N5 Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETThese photos were clicked in indoor yellow lighting at around 4 p.m., so it wasn't exactly dark. From my t-shirt to my face, the colors are off and the portrait mode didn't process well. The nighttime outdoor photos are slightly better but I believe most people click photos of their favorite fellow humans in indoor lighting, and this isn't the device for it.Also: I've used this foldable phone for more than a year - and it's not a Samsung or GoogleI've found the Master mode to help quite a bit with this while also giving me the freedom to capture RAW and play around with those photos in Lightroom. Even if you don't capture in RAW, shooting photos in Oppo's Master mode can help as it removes the Hasselblad processing and outputs non-processed results, which are sometimes better-looking.The camera system isn't the most impressive but when compared to its competitors, it still stacks up well against the likes of Samsung and Google foldables. However, the OnePlus Open was better in some regards. Oppo Find N5 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 crease Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETOverall, the Oppo Find N5 has excellent hardware and is the closest a foldable has gotten to a slab phone. It's unlikely to launch in the US, and OnePlus has confirmed there won't be an Open 2 this year. As for me, I love using it for its lightweight, comfortable form factor, excellent battery life, bright displays, and the Master mode in the camera app.Featured reviews

This M.2 storage drive adds up to 2TB of storage to your PC with a single slot-in, and has two tiny fans to keep it running cool. Best of all, it's only $170.

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETThe world's thinnest book-style foldable, the Oppo Find N5, is finally here. I've had it for a week, and it has surprised me in more ways than one -- both positively and negatively.At 8.93mm thick when folded, it's closer to slab phones than any other foldable has ever been. But that slimness didn't come without compromises. Judging by the on-paper camera specifications, I expected it to be underwhelming, but it's better than other foldable phones in almost every regard.Also: The best phones to buy in 2025Here's what it's like to use the thinnest book-style foldable phone in the world -- from someone who has used the previous world's thinnest foldable phones.I love the new, refined design Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETThe Oppo Find N5 weighs 229 grams and measures 8.93mm in thickness, but what truly makes it feel like a slab phone is its flat sides.For the first time ever, I mistook a foldable phone for a slab phone when pulling it out of my pocket. Unlike Honor's curved sides, the Find N5's flat design eliminates the gap between the folded sides, making it feel close to seamless. Both phones are comfortable to hold, but I was pleasantly surprised by the Find N5's design. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 also has flat sides, but its odd cover screen aspect ratio keeps it from blending in with slab phones.For context, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 8.25mm thick, and the Pixel 9 Pro is 8.5mm thick. The Oppo Find N5 is closer to slab phones than any other foldable.Alos:I used Huawei's $3,600 tri-foldable, and it made every phone I've ever tested feel outdatedUnfold it, and you're greeted with a 4.21mm-thin device that feels like a sheet of hard paper. It's not the thinnest foldable -- that title remains with the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate tri-fold phone at 3.66mm (which is fantastic) -- but Oppo's phone is the thinnest book-style foldable.The slim profile translates to a great real-life experience for reading and browsing. It's easy to unfold, the crease is as minimal as it gets, and the hinge is strong enough to inspire confidence. However, Samsung's hinge remains the most polished because it stays exactly at the angle I want. The Find N5's hinge snaps fully open after a certain degree, which takes some getting used to. Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETWhen I first unboxed the phone, I almost couldn't feel the crease with my finger. It was barely noticeable and the best I've seen on a foldable phone. After a week of use, it has become slightly deeper and can be felt when running a finger over it. A similar thing happened when I used the OnePlus Open, but it didn't worsen over time, so I wouldn't worry about it.The 8.2-inch inner display is great for reading. It seems less reflective than the cover screen, which enhances the reading and browsing experience. The front display is more reflective in direct light but offers more vivid colors. If your use cases involve productivity, browsing, and reading, you're going to love this LTPO AMOLED screen. It reaches 1,400 nits outdoors for legibility and up to 2,100 nits for supported HDR content, making for a more immersive viewing experience.Also:The best Android phones to buy in 2025The Oppo Find N5 is slightly taller than before and features a 6.62-inch cover screen with a peak brightness of 2,450 nits and 1,600 nits in high brightness mode. The 20.7:9 aspect ratio makes watching videos better, and you can use it in tent mode, half-unfolded, to avoid thick black bars on the bigger display.This is where the Huawei tri-fold is extremely helpful with its 16:11 aspect ratio on a 10.2-inch screen. Book-style foldables don't necessarily offer a better movie-watching experience than slab phones, but a tri-fold does. However, Oppo allows content to be watched on the cover screen in tent mode, which is a welcome addition.The best battery life on a foldable Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETThe Oppo Find N5 packs a 5,600mAh silicon-carbon battery with support for 80W wired charging and 50W wireless AIRVOOC charging. It might not seem big for a phone with an 8.2-inch display, but it's efficient and easily lasts a full day.Over the past week, my usage included social media (X, Instagram, and Threads), communication apps (WhatsApp, Slack, and Teams), browsing on Chrome, attending calls, and snapping photos. I consistently went to bed with at least 15% battery remaining.The Oppo Find N5 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, but it's different from the flagship Qualcomm processor found on the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the OnePlus 13. Instead of an 8-core CPU, it has a 7-core CPU, but Oppo promises similar performance and efficiency.Also:Why I'm recommending the standard Galaxy S25 over the Ultra this year - and don't regret itI haven't played recent demanding games on it yet. However, I noticed a few lags when trying to reply to an urgent email with GTA: San Andreas running in the background after 25 minutes of play. Oppo's Championship mode (accessible by swiping right from the left edge during gameplay) allows you to enter a game mode with better performance and no notifications for a more immersive gaming experience.The Oppo Find N5 runs ColorOS 15 based on Android 15, featuring numerous AI-powered tools. I like AI Unblur for improving blurry shots, and AI Eraser does a great job removing unwanted objects from photos. You also get Google's Circle to Search and Gemini, but please, write your own emails.A camera downgrade but still a good enough system Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETThe Oppo Find N5 sports a triple rear camera setup, led by a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS). It's a slight downgrade from the larger primary camera on the Find N3/OnePlus Open, but daylight performance remains solid.It is accompanied by a (smaller in size) 50MP periscope telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom, 6x in-sensor zoom, and OIS. You also get an 8MP ultrawide camera, which is a downgrade from the 48MP ultrawide on its predecessor.Also: The best foldable phones of 2025: Expert tested and reviewedIt's a weaker camera system overall, but would I trade it for a more capable camera setup in a thicker design? Maybe. I prefer having the best camera system available, and OnePlus delivered that with the Open -- it was the brand's best camera system yet, which is why this downgrade doesn't sit right with me. But there's a way to extract the most out of these three lenses. 1x, 3x and 6x photos captured on Oppo Find N5 Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETIn good lighting, you get vibrant, bright colors with Hasselblad tuning and excellent dynamic range. Both the primary and telephoto cameras deliver great daytime shots. Portrait quality is also good. In fact, the 6x in-sensor zoom is the best on a foldable. I've captured some very good looking photos.In low-light conditions, however, you start noticing the impact of smaller sensors. Night photos aren't as impressive. Here are some examples: Low-light portraits shot on Oppo Find N5 Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETThese photos were clicked in indoor yellow lighting at around 4 p.m., so it wasn't exactly dark. From my t-shirt to my face, the colors are off and the portrait mode didn't process well. The nighttime outdoor photos are slightly better but I believe most people click photos of their favorite fellow humans in indoor lighting, and this isn't the device for it.Also: I've used this foldable phone for more than a year - and it's not a Samsung or GoogleI've found the Master mode to help quite a bit with this while also giving me the freedom to capture RAW and play around with those photos in Lightroom. Even if you don't capture in RAW, shooting photos in Oppo's Master mode can help as it removes the Hasselblad processing and outputs non-processed results, which are sometimes better-looking.The camera system isn't the most impressive but when compared to its competitors, it still stacks up well against the likes of Samsung and Google foldables. However, the OnePlus Open was better in some regards. Oppo Find N5 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 crease Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETOverall, the Oppo Find N5 has excellent hardware and is the closest a foldable has gotten to a slab phone. It's unlikely to launch in the US, and OnePlus has confirmed there won't be an Open 2 this year. As for me, I love using it for its lightweight, comfortable form factor, excellent battery life, bright displays, and the Master mode in the camera app.Featured reviews

Combining home security with hub capability, the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro also delivers AI-powered visual recognition features - all without a subscription.