The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/web/20230106152920/https://www.xda-developers.com/buying-guides/

XDA Developers

Buying Guides

Readers like you help support XDA Developers. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.

Latest

Best pink PC cases in 2023

PC cases come in a lot of different colors. In this article, we'll be taking a look at some of the best pink pc cases you can buy right now.

4
4
By and

Although there are hundreds if not thousands of PC cases you can buy today, it's not easy standing out. Lots of these cases (even the best of the best) look pretty similar to each other. That's why some people opt for more colorful PC builds, going for pink PC cases.

A caption that reads

Best iPhone 14 Pro cases in 2023

We have rounded up the best iPhone 14 Pro cases, so you don't have to spend time searching the internet for the right one.

4
By

The iPhone 14 Pro is the star of the show in Apple's latest smartphone lineup. While the standard iPhone 14 is an incremental upgrade, the Pro model is packed with many exciting features and improvements, including a pill-shaped notch that enables Dynamic Island, Always-On display, a powerful A16 Bionic chip, and upgraded cameras. Starting at $999, the iPhone 14 Pro is certainly not cheap. Sure, it has durable materials like Ceramic Shield front, stainless steel frame, and Gorilla Glass, but an accidental drop on a hard surface can leave your phone's display cracked or its back scratched. That's why it's best to protect your shiny iPhone 14 Pro with a protective case.

Angled view of Surface Pro 8

Best Microsoft Surface Pro 8 cases in 2023

A responsible thing to do after buying a new product is protecting it. So we have compiled a list of the best cases for the Microsoft Surface Pro 8.

4
By

Microsoft revealed the Surface Pro 8 during an event it held online. This device was announced along with other Surface tablets and computers, which are designed to fit all kinds of needs and tastes. The Surface Pro 8 is a high-end, versatile tablet that runs Windows 11. One of the responsible things to do after buying a premium product is to buy something to protect it. So we have compiled for you a list of the best cases for the Microsoft Surface Pro 8.

Best portable SSDs in 2023

A portable SSD is a smart investment if you often deal with lots of data. Here are the best.

4
4
By and

The best portable SSDs provide a convenient and speedy solution to a lack of storage on your favorite devices. Solid-state drives are usually more expensive than hard-disk drives, though they have no moving parts for a slimmer build and tend to be quite a bit faster. When buying a portable SSD, you'll generally want to focus on drive speed, connection type, capacity, price, and durability. Incorporating these considerations into your final purchase should land you a great SSD that will help you transfer, store, and even secure your most important data. Here are a bunch of the best portable SSDs on the market right now to help you make the right choice.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro smartwatch on a person's wrist showing the time.

Can I use the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 series with a non-Samsung Android phone?

Yes, you can use the Galaxy Watch 5 with any Android phone, but there are some caveats you need to be aware of.

4
By

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is one of the best Wear OS smartwatches on the market. It improves upon the already great Galaxy Watch 4 with meaningful upgrades while keeping the same design and price. With its powerful hardware and advanced health-tracking features, it's no surprise that it's appealing to many people. However, if you're considering getting the Galaxy Watch 5, you might wonder if it's only compatible with Samsung phones or can be used with any Android smartphone.

Best Galaxy Z Fold 3 chargers

Best Galaxy Z Fold 3 chargers in 2023

Looking for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 charger? We can help. We've selected the best Galaxy Z Fold 3 chargers on the market.

4
By

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 may not be the most cutting-edge foldable on the market anymore, but it still remains one of the best foldable phones on the market. And with the arrival of the Galaxy Z Fold 4, you can find great deals on the Galaxy Z Fold 3 as retailers make room for the newer model. You also get pretty impressive hardware including a 7.6-inch inner display and 6.2-inch outer display, Snapdragon 888 chipset, triple 12MP cameras, and a 4,400mAh battery with 25W fast charging support. If you just got a Galaxy Z Fold 3 and are looking for a fast charger, we can help.

Best Android launchers in 2023

Give your Android phone a breath of fresh air with these highly customizable and feature-packed Android launchers.

4
By

There's no need to root your Android device or install custom ROMs to give it a new look. If you're tired of the default UI or just want to add a personal touch, downloading one of the best Android launchers is an easy way to do it. Basically, a launcher is an app that displays your home screen, widgets, and app drawer. The default launcher on your phone is usually quite limited in terms of customizability and features, which is where third-party options come into play. These launchers provide a quick and simple way to make your device feel like your own, and most of them are free to download.

Acer Chromebox 4

Acer Chromebox CXI5: Price, availability, and everything you need to know

The Acer Chromebox CXI5 is the first new Chromebox in a while, but it comes with new upgrades and even an optional monitor to make it more exciting.

4
By

One of the newest Chromebox models you can soon buy in 2023 is the Acer Chromebox CXI5. It isn't out yet, but this is the first Chromebox model in a while from any of the major Chromebook makers. It features a 12th-generation Intel CPU, as well as many ports that make it useful for point-of-sales units or for powering digital signage. In a great design choice, Asus even sells what's called an Add-in-One 24, a modular desktop solution that'll let you slide this Chromebox into the back of a special 24-inch FHD monitor.

Lenovo-ThinkPad-X1-Carbon-13

Does the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 have good battery life?

Lenovo has not yet provided claims for the battery life of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11, but we can theorize based on previous models.

4
By

One of the newest ThinkPads in 2023 is the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11. This business laptop is packed with Intel's new 13th-generation CPUs but in the same design and form factor as last year's model. It also has many new smart features like Privacy Guard and Privacy Alert powered by the Lenovo Commercial Vantage app.

Acer Swift Family 2

Acer Swift Go: Price, release, and everything you need to know

Acer's Swift lineup is slightly different in 2023 with two new "Go" additions. They're light, affordable, and, best of all, have new OLED screens.

4
By

Acer's laptop lineup is looking a bit different in 2023. There are two new products under the popular line of lightweight and thin Acer Swift laptops. There's the Swift Go 14 and Swift Go 16. These new laptops have options for a 16:10 aspect ratio OLED screen and Intel's new 13th-generation CPUs, potentially making them a great laptop for anyone who wants an everyday laptop with a color-accurate screen. While the laptops have just been announced, we already have a lot of information, and we've collected everything we know about the device in one place for you.

Best AirPods Pro 1 cases in 2023

Whether you want a leather case, a waterproof case, or something funky, there's an AirPods Pro case for you.

4
By

Back in 2019, Apple revealed the first AirPods Pro model, featuring a compact build, Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) support, and much more. And even though the company refreshed these wireless earbuds in 2022, the first-gen variant is still a solid choice. However, a common complaint across all AirPods charging cases is how prone to scratches they are. That's why a protective case is an essential investment. Not only can it protect your AirPods from scratches and drops, but it can help when exposed to the elements. To help you out, we've compiled a list of the best AirPods Pro cases currently available.

iPhone SE 2022

Best Apple iPhone SE 3 chargers and cables in 2023

The iPhone SE 3 is great and affordable but doesn't come with a charger in the box. Here are some of the best options to top off your phone.

4
By

Apple is keeping with its affordable phone line with the iPhone SE 3, which packs boosted internals in a classic chassis. What many people don't know about it is that its box doesn't include a charger. You get a charging cable, but nothing to plug it into. So if you buy an iPhone SE 3, you will have to separately get accessories like a case, screen protector, and charger. To help you out, we've compiled a list of the best chargers and charging cables currently available for the iPhone SE 3.

Galaxy Z Flip 4 at a 90-degree angle

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 wishlist: Five things we want to see

Here are a few ways in which Samsung can make its clamshell foldable better with the Galaxy Z Flip 5.

4
By

Samsung's foldable phones have evolved a lot over the years, and they're no longer just an expensive experiment. In fact, both Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Galaxy Z Flip 4 are two of the best foldable phones you can buy on the market right now. However, that doesn't mean they're flawless devices. They're both easy to recommend compared to many others out there — and they're some of the only foldables available in the U.S. — but they're at least one generation shy of truly hitting their stride. 2023 will be a big year for foldables, and we hope Samsung addresses some shortcomings to deliver a considerably better user experience.

Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Pro 1

Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5 (2023): Price, release, and everything else we know

Lenovo's IdeaPad Pro 5 is coming later in 2023 and promises reliable performance. Here's what we know so far.

4
By

Looking for a new reliable Lenovo laptop to kick off 2023? Then, you might want to keep the IdeaPad 5 Pro lineup, which has the potential to go up against other great cheap laptops this year, at the top of your list. With features like a 120Hz refresh rate screen, a bigger touchpad, and long battery life, the latest generation seems to be as good as ever.

HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook 8

HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook: Price, release date, and everything else

HP's newest flagship Chromebook is the Dragonfly Pro Chromebook. We look at everything you need to know about this incredible new ChromeOS device.

4
By

HP topped our list of favorite Chromebooks with their Dragonfly Chromebook, but the company is back in 2023 with what could be an even better device for the average person. This time around, there's a traditional clamshell laptop, the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook.

Best Apple AirPods 3 cases in 2023

Are you looking for an accessory to protect your new Apple AirPods 3? We have selected the best cases and covers on the market right now.

4
By

The Apple AirPods 3 launched back in late 2021, introducing a cleaner design and a number of new features and technologies. These include Spatial Audio, water resistance, a longer battery life, MagSafe charging support, and more. Despite these earbuds being solid, they're still prone to get damaged. After all, accidents occur all the time, especially when you least expect them to.

Best Apple iPad Mini 6 (2021) cases in 2023

Protecting your new device is important, so we have prepared for you a list of the best iPad Mini 6 cases currently available.

4
By

Apple announced the iPad Mini 6, along with the iPhone 13 lineup and iPad 9 during its California Streaming event in 2021. This iPad Mini comes with a complete redesign, inspired by that of the newer iPad Pro models, in addition to new colors. It has no physical home button and moves the Touch ID scanner to the Power button. If you haven't yet bought it, do check out the best iPad Mini 6 deals. A compact yet powerful slab deserves to remain as shiny as the day you bought it. Scratches and cracks would simply ruin its clean aesthetic. So we have compiled for you a list of the best iPad Mini 6 cases to help minimize the damage in potential accidents.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 vs MacBook Pro 14

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 vs MacBook Pro 14: Which should you buy?

This is the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 vs MacBook Pro 14: The battle between two Pro laptops that run different OSs.

4
By

Deciding which computer to buy next can be confusing, especially when you're investing a big sum of money in your device. There are plenty of decent Macs and laptops out there, including some ThinkPad notebooks — deciding which one is right for you can be confusing. To make the selection process simpler for you, we're breaking down two powerful laptops manufactured by Lenovo and Apple. This is the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 vs MacBook Pro 14: The battle of powerhouses.

Best Apple Watch Series 7 screen protectors in 2023

Looking for a solid screen protector for the Apple Watch Series 7? We have compiled a list of the best screen protectors you can find right now.

4
By

Back in 2021, the great iPhone maker expanded the Apple Watch family by introducing the Series 7 model. A year later, the company launched the Apple Watch Series 8, featuring the same display sizes and chassis. Nonetheless, it did introduce some minor internal tweaks in the process, such as crash detection and the body temperature monitor. One of the several aspects these two smartwatches share is the round, scratch-prone display. Any bump towards a wall or hard object can scratch or, worse, shatter these screens. After all, they're not flat, and they don't have any raised protective bezels. That's why it's a smart idea to protect your Apple Watch with a screen protector. To help you find the right pick, we've chosen some of the best options currently available. They all come in 41mm and 45mm variants, so no matter which Apple Watch Series 7 model you have, they'll fit perfectly. These same options will also work on the Series 8 models if that's what you've got.

Apple Watch SE 2nd-generation in three colors

Is the Apple Watch SE 2 waterproof? Does it have an IP rating?

The Apple Watch SE 2 is an affordable smartwatch. Is it waterproof, though? Should you swim or shower while wearing it? Let's find out.

4
By

Let's start by clearing a common misconception. Many of the tech products you use are water-resistant, not waterproof. This means they resist certain liquids under different conditions. Notably, though, this resistance wears down over time. So just because a device is water-resistant when it's new doesn't mean it'll remain so down the road. Thus, avoid unnecessary water or liquid exposure.