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Apple's new iPhone heavyweight faces the AI powerhouse that is the Pixel.
#iPhone #Pro #Max #Pixel #Pro #Sample #Photos #Comparison
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So which one comes out on top in a direct camera face-off? We took dozens of photos in various conditions with both phones and in this article, we give you the samples side by side with no further commentary. Take a close look and make up your own mind.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra Camera Specs:
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|
| Main Camera 48MP, f/1.6 24mm 1/1.3-inch sensor | Main Camera 200MP, f/1.7 24mm 1/1.3-inch sensor |
| Ultra-wide 48MP, f/2.2 13mm 1/2.55-inch sensor | Ultra-wide Camera 50MP, f/1.9 13mm 1/2.5-inch sensor |
| Telephoto 1 – | Telephoto 1 3X zoom 10MP, f/2.4 1/3.5-inch sensor |
| Telephoto 2 4X zoom (100mm) 48MP, f/2.8 1/2.55-inch sensor | Telephoto 2 5X zoom (111mm) 50MP, f/3.4 1/2.5-inch sensor |
| Front Camera 18MP Center Stage | Front Camera 12MP |
Zoom Quality
Front Camera
Portrait Mode
Main Camera (Day photos)
Main Camera (Night photos)
Ultra-wide Camera (Night photos)
Zoom Quality (Night photos)
So, does the new iPhone 17 Pro Max live up to the high expectations? And which one would you pick, the iPhone or the Galaxy?
Read the latest from Victor Hristov
#iPhone #Pro #Max #Galaxy #S25 #Ultra #Sample #Photos #Comparison
T-Mobile forces us to buy cases we don’t need, but here’s the irony: the iPhone 17 might need extra protection
While the iPhone 17 is so good that T-Mobile just went through its “biggest iPhone weekend” ever, there’s another Apple-related story that involves the Magenta carrier:
So, which one is it?! Is everybody getting an iPhone 17 from T-Mobile, or is the carrier behaving outrageously? Or both?
The T-Mobile way


Image by PhoneArena
Imagine this: you’re at a T-Mobile store, eager to get your hands on the latest iPhone 17 Pro. The excitement is palpable. But then, the salesperson drops a bombshell that you can’t buy this phone unless you also purchase an accessory.
Now, this isn’t a third-party retailer; it’s a corporate T-Mobile store. A place where, one would assume, customer choice reigns supreme.
But no. Instead, you’re being told that you need to spend more money on accessories you may not need or want. It’s like going to a restaurant and being told you can’t order just the steak unless you also buy a bowl of french fries, or some slobbery salad from days ago. Well, I mean, you might be into greens, but shouldn’t that be your choice?This isn’t an isolated incident. Reports have surfaced of T-Mobile reps being under pressure to meet sales metrics, leading them to push accessories onto customers. In some cases, reps have been reprimanded for selling phones without bundling them with accessories.
Every business wants to boost sales, I get it; but this approach feels more like a coercive sales tactic than a customer-first strategy.
Here’s the “scratch-prone” iPhone 17


Image by PhoneArena
Here is where the iPhone 17 Pro itself comes into the story. Apple has touted its new aluminum design as a step forward in durability. However, reports indicate that the new Pro models are scratching with surprising ease.
Demo unit iPhone 17 Pro scratches on day 1… (it’s not even 24 hours yet)
Use a case immediately if you don’t wait to experience this kind of issue. I’m very disappointed with the quality here pic.twitter.com/zRjIQrl3zA
— Bradley (@VerdeSelvans) September 19, 2025
So, what’s the solution? According to many, it’s simple: buy a case. But here’s the kicker – T-Mobile is now allegedly refusing to sell you the iPhone 17 Pro unless you also purchase an accessory.It’s almost as if they’re anticipating the scratches and are preemptively nudging you toward a solution they conveniently offer…This raises a pertinent question: If a phone is so prone to scratching that the carrier won’t sell it to you without a case, is it really a premium product? Shouldn’t a device costing a small fortune be able to withstand the rigors of daily use without turning into a scratched-up relic within days (the iPhone 17 hit stores on September 19, which is way less than a week, currently)…
The forced bundle that’s almost justified


Image by PhoneArena
It’s one thing to offer accessories as an upsell. It’s another to make them a prerequisite for purchasing a product. While T-Mobile‘s alleged policy might be legal, it certainly doesn’t feel ethical.
Look, the customer should be free. Free to grab the phone and stride out into the world without being strong-armed into a shopping cart full of extra stuff gizmos. If the iPhone 17 can survive life without a case glued to its back, that ought to be the baseline. No footnotes, no fine print, no sneaky nudge.
And yet… here’s the rub. Maybe T-Mobile isn’t entirely in the wrong. After all, if the iPhone 17 Pro is as delicate as the rumors suggest – prone to scratches, prone to paint peeling – a case isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s practically a survival kit.
In the end, maybe it’s not just the iPhone that needs protection – maybe the whole buying experience could use a case, a helmet, and a small warning label about corporate overreach.


“Iconic Phones” is coming this Fall!
Rediscover some of the most unique and memorable phones of the last two decades! “Iconic Phones” is a beautifully illustrated book that we’ve been working on for over a year – and it’s coming out in just a couple short month!
LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP FOR EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS HERE
Read the latest from Sebastian Pier
#TMobile #forces #buy #cases #dont #heres #irony #iPhone #extra #protection
These earbuds will cost you almost as much as two iPhone 17s, but only have a 4.5-hour battery life
You can preorder the Beo Grace with some nifty features
Bang & Olufsen announced its new Beo Grace earbuds, which have what the company calls its “most advanced” active noise cancellation and an aluminum design. The buds cost a staggering $1,500 and are now available for preorder. They have 12mm titanium drivers and six “studio-grade microphones” that help them adjust the audio based on the surrounding noise.The buds support Dolby Atmos spatial audio and come with what Bang & Olufsen calls TrueTransparency, based on the transparency mode of the $2200 Beoplay H100 headphones. The company says that mode recreates a realistic version of the ambient sound, “free from hiss or distortion.” The buds also support NearTap, so you could tap in front of your ears to control the volume.
A disappointing battery life
One of Beo Grace’s most baffling specs is the battery life. They can last 4.5 hours with ANC turned on. That is less than the company’s own Beoplay Eleven earbuds, which can last up to six hours and cost $499. It’s also far behind the eight hours Apple promises on the AirPods Pro 3, or the six hours on the Galaxy Buds Pro 3, both of which cost $249.
The aluminum charging case can turn into an audio transmitter. You can plug it into any device with USB-C or line-in and stream audio from it to the earbuds. That could add Bluetooth support to any laptop, airplane entertainment system, or even many old TVs.
If spending $1,500 on the Beo Grace doesn’t seem pricey enough, you can get them a leather pouch to store the case in. That will cost you an extra $400, but you can choose between Infinite Black, Cranberry Red, and Seashell Grey colors.
Whatever floats your boat, I guess
If I am given the choice to get an iPhone 17 Pro Max and a pair of AirPods Pro 3 or a pair of Beo Grace earbuds, I’d definitely choose the shiny new smartphone and plastic buds. I am still happy that all audiophiles who think paying $1,500 for a pair of earbuds is a good deal still have the choice to make that purchase, though.


“Iconic Phones” is coming this Fall!
Rediscover some of the most unique and memorable phones of the last two decades! “Iconic Phones” is a beautifully illustrated book that we’ve been working on for over a year – and it’s coming out in just a couple short month!
LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP FOR EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS HERE
Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
Read the latest from Ilia Temelkov
#earbuds #cost #iPhone #17s #4.5hour #battery #life
Oppo Find X9 series could push MediaTek 9500 performance beyond expectations
The Oppo Find X8 Ultra for reference. | Image by PhoneArena
The iPhone 17 is a fact, the Galaxy S26 is still months away, but many smartphone aficionados are still losing sleep at the end of September. That’s because Oppo’s Find X9 series are yet to debut – and the global announcement event (although without an exact date) is coming soon.Oppo is gearing up to raise the bar for flagship smartphones with its upcoming Find X9 Series, promising not just speed but efficiency and sustained performance. The series will feature the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset, a combination of raw power and advanced energy management that could redefine what users expect from a high-end device.
The MediaTek 9500 powerhouse


Image by Oppo
Oppo announced that the Find X9 Series will be powered by the Dimensity 9500, MediaTek’s latest flagship platform. This chipset introduces a third-generation All-Big-Core CPU architecture, featuring a 4.21GHz ultra-core, three premium cores, and four performance cores.
As we reported, this design is said to achieve up to 32% higher single-core and 17% higher multi-core performance compared to its predecessor, while cutting peak power consumption by as much as 55%, helping extend battery life. 55% is a lot (even if we’re talking strictly about peak power consumption), so I’m already a fan.
Graphics performance also sees a boost through the Arm G1-Ultra GPU, delivering up to 33% higher performance and 42% greater power efficiency, with support for console-grade ray tracing.
Oppo, however, says the chipset will take advantage of a customized cooling system designed to maintain stable performance even during demanding, high-frame-rate gaming sessions. You know, heat is your phone’s enemy. When temperatures are too high, your performance throttles.
The Find X9 Series should also integrate Oppo’s Trinity Engine, featuring Android’s first Unified Computing Power Model. This system-level computational solution optimizes power consumption across the CPU, GPU, and DSU, achieving over 90% accuracy in predicting energy use and refining efficiency for daily activities, gaming, and photography.
This could mean a smoother experience
The aforementioned promises are so far just Oppo claims, but it’s interesting to see how well the phones will perform in real life situations.
The combination of Dimensity 9500, Trinity Engine, and Oppo’s cooling solutions positions the Find X9 as a true Apple, Samsung rival.
For gamers, content creators, and heavy users, this could mean smoother gameplay, faster processing, and longer device endurance.
You know – stuff that we all care about!


“Iconic Phones” is coming this Fall!
Rediscover some of the most unique and memorable phones of the last two decades! “Iconic Phones” is a beautifully illustrated book that we’ve been working on for over a year – and it’s coming out in just a couple short month!
LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP FOR EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS HERE
Read the latest from Sebastian Pier
#Oppo #Find #series #push #MediaTek #performance #expectations
iPhone 17 is so good that T-Mobile just went through its “biggest iPhone weekend” ever
That’s what Mike Sievert, T-Mobile‘s outgoing CEO said to CNBC while presenting the company’s new CEO, Srini Gopalan:
T-Mobile‘s iPhone sales are at all-time record highs. We just had the biggest iPhone weekend [ever]. We’re at double digits from a year ago. And you know what our last biggest iPhone weekend was? Last year’s. We’re 1758632355 double-digit from that launch.
– Mike Sievert, T-Mobile CEO for CNBC, September 2025
Speaking of iPhone sales at T-Mobile, be sure to check out this cool story:
What happened to T-Mobile?


Srini Gopalan. | Image credit – CNBC
As we recently told you, T-Mobile confirmed that Chief Operating Officer Srini Gopalan will succeed Mike Sievert as CEO on November 1, following months of speculation. The company credited Sievert with driving growth, noting achievements such as leading both wireless and broadband markets and adding nearly $200 billion in market value during his six-year tenure.While Sievert transitions to Vice Chairman to advise on strategy and innovation, T-Mobile‘s broader goal is to accelerate digital transformation. Sievert’s early exit, alongside other executive changes, signals a broader realignment with T-Mobile‘s long-term business goals.
Srini Gopalan is set to become T-Mobile‘s new CEO on November 1, taking over from Mike Sievert, who has led the company for more than five years. Gopalan has been T-Mobile‘s Chief Operating Officer since 2023, but his connection to the company goes back further as a member of its board.
Before joining T-Mobile‘s leadership team, he oversaw Deutsche Telekom’s German business, where he doubled growth and led a major expansion of its fiber network. His career also includes senior roles at Vodafone, Bharti Airtel, and Capital One, giving him a global perspective on both telecom and finance.
Big AI bets
At 54, Gopalan steps into the role as T-Mobile sits on top of the US wireless market, outpacing AT&T and Verizon, as the Magenta carrier claims. In an interview with CNBC following the announcement, he described his vision of “unleashing the Un-carrier”.He said that while T-Mobile once had to disrupt the industry without always having the strongest network, the company now holds a clear lead. With that advantage, he wants to combine network strength with digital tools like AI and automation to simplify switching carriers, improve services, and make life easier for customers.So, what’s the story? Yup, more AI! Like it or not, it’s here to stay.
And that’s exactly where T-Mobile is placing its bets – pairing its record-breaking iPhone momentum with a push into AI-powered services. With Gopalan stepping in, the company is hoping to show that it can keep the spirit of disruption alive while modernizing how people connect. T-Mobile wants to be at the center of it all. The next chapter is less about simply selling phones and more about reshaping how wireless service itself works.


“Iconic Phones” is coming this Fall!
Rediscover some of the most unique and memorable phones of the last two decades! “Iconic Phones” is a beautifully illustrated book that we’ve been working on for over a year – and it’s coming out in just a couple short month!
LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP FOR EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS HERE
Read the latest from Sebastian Pier
#iPhone #good #TMobile #biggest #iPhone #weekend
Searches for downgrades skyrocket after iOS 26 launch
Numbers show a spike in searches for downgrade methods. | Image credit – MightyCall
Now, of course, it makes sense that searches like “how to downgrade iOS 26 to 18” would jump after the update – before iOS 26 launched, no one needed to look for it. That explains part of the spike, since going from almost zero searches to thousands instantly makes the percentage jump look drastic. Still, the numbers are really high, and other stats show similar surges.
Early regret says a lot about big updates
When so many users go searching for ways to undo an upgrade, it sends a pretty clear message: the launch didn’t land smoothly. To be fair, this isn’t new – every big OS release, whether it’s from Apple, Google, or Samsung, tends to ship with bugs that take a few weeks to iron out. Still, it’s no less annoying when your phone suddenly feels worse after installing something that was supposed to improve it.
Mixed feelings about iOS 26
Personally, I’m torn. There are parts of iOS 26 I really don’t enjoy, like Safari’s cluttered new interface. Closing tabs feels way more complicated than it needs to be, and it pushed me to switch to another browser.
But it’s not all bad. The new Preview app is fantastic and helps me get work done quickly on my phone, and some elements of Liquid Glass look genuinely fresh. So while the update is rough around the edges, I think many of the people regretting the switch now might warm up to it after spending more time exploring the changes.


“Iconic Phones” is coming this Fall!
Rediscover some of the most unique and memorable phones of the last two decades! “Iconic Phones” is a beautifully illustrated book that we’ve been working on for over a year – and it’s coming out in just a couple short month!
LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP FOR EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS HERE
Read the latest from Tsveta Ermenkova
#iOS #regret #real #iPhone #users #searching
It’s not too late to grab the Galaxy Tab A9+ at a seriously sweet discount
Get the Tab A9+ for 28% off at Amazon
$61 off (28%)
Amazon is still offering the budget Galaxy Tab A9+ at a fantastic discount, letting you save 28% on both 64GB models. This promo has been available for some time and might vanish soon, so act fast and save now.
Buy at Amazon
Sure, the Tab A9+ has been even cheaper in the past. But with no better deals at Best Buy and Walmart right now, we think it’s more than worth it. Plus, there’s no guarantee that better promos will appear during Prime Big Deal Days — another reason to jump on this sale. Just keep in mind that it’s been live for about two weeks and might expire soon.But what exactly makes this Samsung slate better than other budget Android tablets? For starters, it has a more powerful chip than the similarly priced Lenovo Tab M11. With the Snapdragon 695 chip, you get more potential for light multitasking and all-day browsing. Moreover, while it only has 64GB of built-in space, you can get up to 1TB storage with a microSD card.
On top of that, this fella packs an 11-inch screen with reasonably sharp resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. Although it doesn’t offer ultra-vivid colors, it provides excellent visuals for its asking price. Consider also the Quick Share support. With it, you can effortlessly transfer files to friends or other nearby devices. This feature is compatible not just with Android devices but also with iOS, making photo, video, and document sharing fast and seamless.
Software support is another strong suit. The slate gets regular OS upgrades until Android 16 and security patches until 2027, so you won’t have to think of a replacement any time soon.
So, what do you think? If the Galaxy Tab A9+ seems like the right fit, now’s your chance to save 28% on it at Amazon.


“Iconic Phones” is coming this Fall!
Rediscover some of the most unique and memorable phones of the last two decades! “Iconic Phones” is a beautifully illustrated book that we’ve been working on for over a year – and it’s coming out in just a couple short month!
LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP FOR EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS HERE
Read the latest from Polina Kovalakova
#late #grab #Galaxy #Tab #sweet #discount
$300 off the Galaxy Z Fold 7
$1699
99
$1999
99
$300 off (15%)
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is now available at an awesome discount at the official Store. Right now, you can grab the 256GB model for $300 off. This promo requires no trade-in, making it even sweeter.
Buy at Samsung
Galaxy Z Fold 7: save up to $1,000 with trade-ins
$999
99
$1999
99
$1000 off (50%)
Don’t mind trading in a Galaxy S25 Ultra or a Galaxy Z Fold 6 in good condition? In that case, pick Samsung’s trade-in offer, which saves you up to $1,000 with eligible device trade-ins.
Buy at Samsung
Want even bigger savings? Consider the official store’s trade-in deal. With a Galaxy S25 Ultra or Z Fold 6 trade-in, you can grab the 256GB Fold 7 for only $999.99 — basically the price of a Galaxy S25+.This Android handset offers multiple upgrades over its predecessor, solidifying its spot among the best foldable phones in 2025. For instance, it has a larger 6.5-inch cover screen, which is much more comfortable to use. With a snappy 120Hz refresh rate, vivid colors, and exceptional brightness, this screen feels truly premium. The same goes for the main panel, which measures 7 inches and boasts an improved hinge — and sturdy hinges are a must in foldable devices.
What about performance? In true flagship fashion, this model comes with none other than the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip, delivering massive potential for just about anything. Whether you’re gaming, browsing, or multitasking heavily, this Samsung phone keeps up with anything.
Camera capabilities are just as impressive — the device packs a 200MP main camera, the same as the Galaxy S25 Ultra. As our Galaxy Z Fold 7 review’s sample photos show, it captures images with superb detail and lifelike colors.
Factor in the Android 16 right out of the box and the plethora of AI features, and you’ve got a proper flagship foldable. Plus, it’ll stay safe and reliable for years, as Samsung has committed to seven years of continuous support.
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to pick the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Sure, it’s not the cheapest foldable out there, but Samsung’s latest promos make it much more attractive. Grab yours for $300 off without trade-ins or take advantage of the $1,000 trade-in credit before it’s too late.


“Iconic Phones” is coming this Fall!
Rediscover some of the most unique and memorable phones of the last two decades! “Iconic Phones” is a beautifully illustrated book that we’ve been working on for over a year – and it’s coming out in just a couple short month!
LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP FOR EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS HERE
Read the latest from Polina Kovalakova
#Samsungs #latest #bargain #Galaxy #Fold #harder #resist
No longer in-Visible, Verizon’s digital MVNO will soon have a presence in Best Buy stores
Starting on September 28th, Visible gets a physical presence


Visible will launch at Best Buy locations nationwide. | Image credit-Visible
On September 28th, Visible will debut in Best Buy stores nationwide, which will be the digital carrier’s first presence in the world of physical retail stores. This is a big deal for Visible subscribers since it allows them to keep all of the advantages of being subscribed to a digital wireless provider, such as the ability to manage their account at any moment in the day or night without having to deal with a rep. But for those times when you need help from someone right in front of you, there are over 1,000 Best Buy locations nationwide.
Visible says that its core beliefs have not changed despite Visible’s presence in Best Buy stores. Those beliefs are:
- Unlimited data, talk, text, and hotspot.
- No annual contracts or hidden fees.
- App-based account management.
- Powered by Verizon‘s award-winning network.
- Visible Inner Circle group plans for friends and family savings.
If you decide to join Visible through Best Buy, you can save $5 per month on the Visible+ plan for 12 months, bringing the price down to $30 per month. Or, you can save $10 per month for a year with the Visible + Pro plan, taking it down to $35 per month. Both of those plans offer unlimited 5G UltraWideband service. Since Visible relies on Verizon‘s 5G network, 99% of the U.S. population is covered. Unlimited hotspot service allows you to stream wherever you are.
Visible offers three plans starting as low as $25 per month
Besides the Visible+ and Visible+ Pro plans, Visible offers a $25 per month plan with unlimited service. While the other plans feature Verizon‘s UltraWideband tier of 5G connectivity, the Visible plan hooks you up with Verizon‘s 5G Nationwide service.
If you need help anytime from a human anytime, Visible offers a 24/7 chat. According to Visible, it takes less than 15 minutes to activate service either online or at a Best Buy store.


“Iconic Phones” is coming this Fall!
Good news everyone! Over the past year we’ve been working on an exciting passion project of ours and we’re thrilled to announce it will be ready to release in just a few short months.
LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP FOR EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS HERE
Read the latest from Alan Friedman
#longer #inVisible #Verizons #digital #MVNO #presence #Buy #stores
