Tech / Technology

Best headphones for Samsung in 2023 (UK)

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The best headphones for Samsung devices, including models from Bose and Apple.
Samsung Galaxy Buds on pink background

Your Samsung smartphone might offer plenty of great features, but we’ll bet that the earphones it came with aren’t that great. That’s a standard-issue problem with standard-issue earbuds. You’re better off upgrading by buying a pair of earphones or headphones that offer superior audio and features.

But before you jump in and invest in a fancy new set, it’s worth thinking about your specific requirements — particularly as a Samsung user. After all, some headphones are geared towards Samsung devices, and some are geared towards Apple devices.

Where will you use your headphones? Do you commute regularly? Do you love using Samsung’s voice assistant? Do you need noise cancellation? It’s important to pick a pair that works for you. Especially if you’re looking to spend a decent amount of money on a more than decent pair.

To help get through the jargon and figure out what works best for your Samsung devices, here’s a quick guide.

Are wired or wireless headphones better?

When buying headphones, you can choose between wired headphones, wireless, or even “true” wireless. Wired means you plug them into your headphone jack with cables trailing up to your ears. This can be an issue if you’re moving around a lot and don’t want to get tangled up. These do tend to be cheaper than wireless solutions, though.

Wireless headphones, meanwhile, are typically connected via Bluetooth. That means you’re free to move around without being physically connected to your device.

The latest Samsung smartphones don’t have a headphone jack. Instead, they have a USB-C port that connects to the standard-issue earphones. In other words, Samsung is following Apple in moving towards wireless listening. Be aware of this when ordering headphones that still use an old-school jack connection.

What is true wireless?

True wireless (sometimes called “truly” wireless) is a term you’ll come across often when researching earphones. There are technically several levels of wireless. Regular “wireless” means earphones that aren’t connected to the device but are connected to each other via a cable that hangs behind your neck.

True wireless is exactly as it sounds: two earbuds and no cables anywhere. They’re typically the most expensive option and you need to get a pair that fit comfortably so they don’t fall out. They’re particularly useful for when you’re running or commuting, as you don’t want to be tangled in cables. 

Are headphones better than earbuds?

Wired, wireless, and true wireless aren’t the only variations you have to consider. There are also on-ear headphones or in-ear earphones (or earbuds as they’re often called). Neither is technically better than the other. It all comes down to personal choice. Some people prefer the old school-feel of on-ear headphones. Others like buds that feed music directly into their ears.

There are benefits to both. On-ear headphones tend to have higher-quality sound, while in-ear earphones are more compact, portable, and inconspicuous. They’re also better suited to fitness or commuting.

What is noise cancellation?

Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a clever bit of tech that blocks out external sound. It uses mini microphones that detect incoming noise and then create anti-sound waves to cancel out that noise. Some headphones have variations of ANC, such as “adaptive” noise cancellation, which cleverly adapts to your surroundings, or ambient modes which let in certain types of external noise such as other people’s voices, so you know when someone has started a conversation.

Are Beats headphones compatible with Samsung?

This is a commonly asked question, because Beats is such a popular brand, but became Apple-centric when Apple bought Beats back in 2014. You might think that you can’t use Beats headphones with your Samsung smartphone but that is not the case. The people at Beats are quick to remind listeners that their headphones sync with other types of devices straight out of the box, although you’ll miss out on some iOS features.  

Are cheap headphones any good?

It’s pretty easy to find cheap headphones, but there are reasons why they’re so inexpensive. Typically, you get what you pay for, and the cheapest set is going to be lacking. You’ll want to make sure your headphones offer decent battery life, sound quality, durability, and portability, because otherwise you’re just wasting your cash. The more you spend, the more features you tend to get.

What are the best headphones for Samsung devices?

If the sheer number of headphone options has you feeling overwhelmed, do not fear. We’ve made the whole process much easier. We’ve done the research, listened to the experts (not to mention some tunes), and pulled together a selection of your best options. Just pick something that sound good to you.

These are the best headphones for Samsung devices in 2023.

Tech / Technology

Higher cell phone use linked with lower sperm count, research suggests

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There’s a new study about cell phone usages and how it may impact sperm.
illustration of sperm swimming with one leader

A new study out of the journal Fertility and Sterility suggests that higher cell phone usage may be associated with lower sperm counts.

The study, called “Association between self-reported mobile phone use and the semen quality of young men,” was published on October 31. Researchers recruited over 2,800 men — 2,886 to be exact — ages 18-22 from the general Swiss population between 2005-2018 during their mandatory military service.

This study was brought about because of the sharp increase in cell phone usage in the past few decades and concern over potential risks. Our phones emit a low level of non-ionizing radio frequency radiation, which is generally considered harmless according to the FDA, but some people have concerns as to how it impacts reproductive health.

SEE ALSO:

TikTokkers say their friends aren’t texting back. Why?

Of the total amount of men who participated in the study, researchers had data on mobile phone usage for the vast majority (2,789). Of those, 2,759 responded to questions about frequency of cell phone usage, and 2,764 provided details of whereabouts of their phones when not in use.

“The median sperm concentration and TSC [total sperm count] were significantly higher in the group of men who did not use their phones more than once per week…compared with men using their phones >20 times per day,” the study reports.

This correlates into a 21 percent decrease in sperm concentration and 22 percent decrease in TSC for frequent (over 20 times a day) compared to rare (less than once a week) cell phone users.

The odds of having sperm concentration below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) reference value for fertile men (15 million sperm per milliliter) was significantly higher for men who use their phones 5-10 times a day compared to those who used it 1-5 times a day or less than once a week. “In this logistic regression model, men using their phones >20 times per day had a 30 [percent] and a 21 [percent] increased risk of having sperm concentration and TSC below the WHO reference values for fertile men, respectively,” according to the study.

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Sperm volume, motility (the ability to move properly), and morphology (size and shape) differences weren’t associated with cell phone use frequency. The majority of men in the study (85.7 percent) kept their phones in their pants pockets, but that was not associated with sperm quality differences either.

Correlation also doesn’t mean causation. Lifestyle factors like diet, alcohol use, cigarette smoking, stress, and others can affect infertility as well. As the study concludes, “The lack of clear evidence for a negative association between mobile phone use and male fertility [meaning an increase in cell phone use while a decrease in fertility], as well as the dramatic increase in cell phone use over the past decade, underscores the need for further research in this area.”

Tech / Technology

Samsung Galaxy S24 rumors: Release date, price, features, specs, and more

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Samsung Galaxy S24 leaks and rumors have been pouring in; here’s a compilation of everything we know so far about the upcoming line.
Samsung Galaxy S23

Samsung Galaxy S24 rumors are heating up after Apple’s iPhone 15 reveal in early September. People who practice mobile OS agnosticism – folks who have no loyalty toward Android nor iPhone – may be wondering which flagship line will win ‘em over. Or perhaps Samsung Galaxy S-series fans are watching the leaks closely, wondering whether they should upgrade from their older phones.

Regardless of why you’re here, we’re going to pull the curtains back on all the rumors we know so far about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S24, the Galaxy S24+, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra phones.

SEE ALSO:

3 iPhone 15 features Samsung Galaxy S24 will steal, according to rumors

Samsung Galaxy S24 release date

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is rumored to have a release date some time in January or February of next year. Take a look at its predecessors’ release dates:

  • Samsung Galaxy S21: Jan. 29, 2021

  • Samsung Galaxy S22: Feb. 25, 2022

  • Samsung Galaxy S23: Feb. 1, 2023

The Galaxy S23 line was revealed at Galaxy Unpacked on Feb. 1, and while the Samsung Galaxy S24 could get unveiled in early February, too, a new rumor from South Korean outlet The Elec disputes this.

The publication claims that Samsung plans on choosing an earlier release date for the Galaxy S24 series. How much earlier? The South Korean tech giant allegedly plans to push it back by one month, which means we may see the next-generation flagship phone line in January 2024.

Samsung Galaxy S24 price

There haven’t been many leaks about the Samsung Galaxy S24’s pricing, but there’s one thing to note before I dive into the whispers we’ve been hearing. According to The Elec, Samsung has been considering nixing the Plus model from its line. Why? To put it succinctly, buyers have had a tendency to purchase either the cheapest model or the most premium one – not the mid-tier variant. 

However, X leaker @Tech_Reve, a bean spiller that TechRadar claims has a “respectable track record,” is skeptical. They claim that gossip about Samsung axing the Galaxy S24 are “confused rumors.” I’m leaning toward @Tech_Reve on this one. While I do suspect there have been internal talks at Samsung about potentially ending the Plus model, I don’t believe the Samsung Galaxy S24 line will be the one to do it.

Again, there’s currently not much in the rumor mill about the next-generation phones’ pricing, which may indicate that there won’t be a price hike next year. Let’s take a look at the starting prices of the last three generations:

  • Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra: $799, $999, $1,199

  • Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra: $799, $999, $1,199

  • Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra: $799, $999, $1,199

Pricing has been consistent since Samsung unleashed the Galaxy S21 line in 2021. Could this change next year? With inflation driving price hikes in the tech realm, it’s possible, but we won’t know for sure until we hear it straight from the horse’s mouth.

Samsung Galaxy S24 design

The Samsung Galaxy S23 dropped that camera module block that enveloped the Samsung Galaxy S22. But for this next-generation line, according to @Tech_Reve, we won’t be seeing any major changes to the design language.

In collaboration with @Onleaks, a bean spiller with a decent track record, SmartPrix dropped high-quality renders of the entry-level Galaxy S24.

Samsung Galaxy S24 leaked renders

Samsung Galaxy S24 leaked renders
Credit: @Onleaks/SmartPrix

It looks like the Samsung Galaxy S24 will sport the same squared-off design as its predecessor. It also still has a bump-less camera module and a trio of lenses. However, SmartPrix claims that the Galaxy S24 will be slightly taller and slimmer than the S23.

Ice Universe, another respected leaker in the tech space, claims that the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will get the most salient tweaks. It will likely drop its curved-screen aesthetics for a flat-panel look. @Onleaks, on the other hand, claims that the Galaxy S24 Ultra will have a design that blends both a curved and flat design.

@Onleaks, again, in collaboration with SmartPrix, claims that the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has even slimmer bezels compared to its predecessor. According to SmartPrix, it is one of the “narrowest bezels” seen on any smartphone.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra leaked renders

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra leaked renders
Credit: @Onleaks/SmartPrix

Like the iPhone 15, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is getting an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) antenna, which will make it easier for you to track down your device. The upper-tier Samsung Galaxy S24 model is expected to be slightly shorter than its predecessor, but a tinge wider. And finally, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra may get a brightness bump to 2,200 nits, an upgrade from its predecessor’s 1,750 nits.

Ice Universe suggested that, similar to the iPhone 15 Pro models, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will be made of titanium, ditching the Ultra’s signature “Armor Aluminum” frame. (Forbes’ Ewan Spence also claims that the Samsung Galaxy S24 could switch to titanium.)

Another rumor claims that the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will ditch one of its telephoto lenses, dropping its four-camera system to a trio-lens module, but we’ll dive into this later.

Samsung Galaxy S24 colors

According to GSMArena, the new colors for the entry-level Samsung Galaxy S24 are the following

  • Black

  • Gray

  • Violet

  • Yellow

The first two colors are typically labeled “Phantom Black” and “Graphite,” and they’re no stranger to the Galaxy S series line. However, violet and yellow are hues we haven’t seen for several generations. As GSMArena pointed out, we had a violet colorway with the S21 series, but we haven’t had a yellow hue since the Galaxy S10e.

Samsung Galaxy S24 display

According to Ice Universe, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus – the mid-tier model – will get a negligible bump in display size (6.65 inches vs. 6.6 inches). Let’s take a look at the screen sizes of both generations:

Samsung Galaxy S23 display size

  • Samsung Galaxy S23 – 6.1 inches

  • Samsung Galaxy S23+ – 6.6 inches

  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – 6.8 inches

Samsung Galaxy S24 display size (rumored)

  • Samsung Galaxy S24 – 6.1 inches

  • Samsung Galaxy S24+ – 6.65 inches

  • Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – 6.8 inches

The same leaker also claims that the resolution gap between the S24+ and the S24 Ultra will narrow; the mid-tier model will join the top-tier variant in getting a better-quality WQHD+ resolution. 

As it stands now, all three Galaxy S23 models have 120Hz refresh rate displays. Keep in mind, however, that only the Galaxy S23 Ultra has a variable refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz; the lower-tier models have a dynamic refresh rate between 48Hz and 120Hz. What does this mean? Well, the Ultra can dive down all the way to 1Hz when you’re not particularly active on your phone, which means the screen is refreshing much less. This preserves battery life. The lower-tier Samsung Galaxy S23 models can only drop down to 48Hz, which means it may be refreshing the screen even when your task doesn’t call for such a high rate.

However, we have a strong inkling that the Galaxy S24 and S24+ models will now have the ability to drop to 1Hz. How do we know? Ice Universe claims that they will now use an LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) panel (which is featured on the Ultra model), giving the lower-tier variants the opportunity to smoothly transition between 1Hz and 120Hz.

As a cherry on top, according to SamLover, Samsung may upgrade the Ultra variant to 144Hz. What does this mean for you? Navigating through your phone will feel more seamless, smoother and more responsive. Mobile gaming should feel zippier, too.

Finally, according to Ice Universe, the Samsung Galaxy S24+ is getting slimmer bezels (2.5mm vs. 3.4mm).

Samsung Galaxy S24 cameras

There are conflicting reports regarding the Samsung Galaxy S24 cameras. In June, Ice Universe claimed they secured the camera specs for the Ultra model from “Korean sources.”

The listed specs are largely the same as before, but two months later, Ice Universe changed their tune, suggesting that the Ultra model will feature two telephoto options: a 50MP camera with 5x optical zoom, and a 10MP lens with 3X optical zoom.

The current Ultra model has two 10MP telephoto cameras, one with 10X zoom and another with 3X zoom. This means that the 10MP, 10X sensor may get replaced with the 50MP, 5X camera. On paper, this means that the new telephoto sensor on the upcoming Ultra will have a shorter optical range before the digital-zoom software kicks in, but the picture quality should be crisper and sharper.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:

  • Wide camera – 200MP

  • Ultrawide camera – 12MP

  • Telephoto – 10MP, 3X

  • Telephoto – 10MP, 10X

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (rumored)

  • Wide camera – 200MP

  • Ultrawide camera – 12MP

  • Telephoto – 10MP, 3X

  • Telephoto – 50MP, 5X

IceUniverse also took to Weibo on Oct. 28 to showcase some leaked images of protective cases that appear to be for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. According to the pictures, as Tom’s Guide pointed out, Samsung may consider consolidating the two telephoto lenses into a single camera.

As far as the other models are concerned, there’s not much in the rumor mill about them. But if things remain relatively consistent, the lower-tier models will continue to sport a 50MP wide camera, a 10MP 3X telephoto camera, and a 12MP ultra-wide shooter with a 120-degree field of view.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra specs and new features

According to SamMobile, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 will power the next-generation Samsung Galaxy S-series line. Citing a report from China, SamMobile added that the new chipset will have a GPU that’s 50 percent faster than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 inside the Galaxy S23 line.

Interestingly, the Adreno 740 inside the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is faster than the graphics packed inside A16 Bionic, which you can find inside the iPhone 14 Pro models. So the question is, will the next-gen GPU, likely to be called Adreno 750, beat the A17 Pro inside the iPhone 15 Pro models in graphics prowess? Only time will tell.

SamMobile also reported that the entire Galaxy S24 line will start with 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM. This presumably means that you won’t have to shell out more to increase your phone’s space. The Ultra model may have a variant that comes with 1TB of storage and 16GB of RAM.

Finally, Samsung may take a page out of Apple’s playbook and introduce satellite connectivity to the new S24 line.

Tech / Technology

TikTokkers say their friends aren’t texting back. Why?

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Friendship experts explain why friends may not text back and what to do about it.
back of person surrounded by text bubbles

“Does anybody else have a friend who texts you like they’re famous i.e. they don’t?” asked TikTokker Bel (@khaibellamy) in a video with over 3 million likes and 12 million views.

In the video, Bel goes on to describe how this friend doesn’t reply despite sending them multiple texts and calls — including a joke voicemail about American Idol Season 7 runner-up David Archuleta holding her family hostage. No response.

SEE ALSO:

TikTokkers are calling out their exes using Taylor Swift’s ‘Now That We Don’t Talk’

Bel isn’t alone; the comments on the video are from people on both ends of this, and there are many videos like this on the platform that discuss a lack of communication between friends. Though Bel didn’t respond to Mashable’s request for comment, we spoke to friendship experts about why this happens, and what to do about it.

Why isn’t my friend texting me back?

There are many reasons why someone isn’t communicating, despite what it looks like. “It’s important to acknowledge that what’s tricky is that the symptoms of a friend who doesn’t care and the symptoms of a friend who is not equipped can sometimes look the same,” Bumble for Friends friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson told Mashable. 

“Not responding is something a person might do if they’re not interested,” she said, “but it’s also something a person might do if they’re overwhelmed, if texting isn’t their thing, if they get anxiety from texting, if they feel frazzled knowing exactly the right thing to say on the spot and respond in a timely manner.”

“Some people find it harder than others to have a balance when they feel overwhelmed with work situations or personal issues, they can easily become disconnected from their phone,” agreed clinical and educational psychologist at E-HEALTH Project, Aura De Los Santos.


Not responding is something a person might do if they’re not interested but it’s also something a person might do if they’re overwhelmed.

– Danielle Bayard Jackson, Bumble for Friends

Other reasons Jackson cited are that their notifications can be too much; if the friend has social anxiety about saying the right thing; and the potential mental toll of the messages. For example, if you’re sending a string of TikToks, your friend might see it as homework to watch them when they’re busy with something else.

Another example, which you might have used yourself, is asking if they’re free to hang out this weekend. Though it’s a seemingly casual question, the response may not be easy for everyone; for Jackson, she’d have to check her young children’s schedules and coordinate with her husband, which takes time.

“Just because the format of a text is simple, it doesn’t mean the mental labor expected on the receiver’s end is simple,” she said. 

It’s also possible that they have trouble responding in a timely manner due to ADHD or another condition; there are many variables within every friendship.

SEE ALSO:

What is friendship anxiety and why is everyone talking about it?

Though convenient, smartphones have engendered a culture where everyone is expected to be available all the time. But contrary to these expectations, friends may not be in a place (physically or emotionally) to instantly respond, said Los Angeles-based psychotherapist Layne Baker. Some friends may just not like texting, Baker continued, and that’s OK. They may have different communication preferences, like enjoying chatting over the phone or FaceTime, or meeting up in-person instead. (As for group chats? That’s a whole different ballgame, and one people might feel other forms of guilt or fatigue from.)

There’s another possibility that could be harder to face, however. It could be true that a friend has stopped texting because their interest is waning or that the relationship is fading. Not responding to messages can be a way to end a friendship without telling the other person, said De Los Santos. 

“Sometimes we think that friendships are forever, when this is not the case,” she continued. “One of the parties wants to distance themselves, where they no longer want to have ties with that person, so they don’t take the time to respond and ignore the messages.”

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What should I do if my friend isn’t texting me?

Friendships need to be worked on just like any other relationship, said De Los Santos. Jackson recommends communicating with your friend (try another approach like a different platform, calling, or possibly in person if they’re not responding to texts) and asking what’s best for them. They may not be direct in telling you what’s bothering them; maybe texting overwhelms them, and they just want to see you in person.

Look at your own attachment style as well, Jackson said. Attachment styles don’t just impact romantic relationships! If you’re more anxious leaning, for example, you may text more frequently. Ask yourself what meaning you assign when someone doesn’t text you back, and where that meaning may come from.

“Some of it is on us and our interpretation on the person not getting back,” Jackson continued. “Understanding attachment style helps us manage expectations and recalibrate emotionally.”

Both Jackson and Baker recommend zooming out (figuratively) and “taking a mountain view” of your friendship. Texting is likely just one element of it. Ask yourself:

  • Does your friendship feel healthy otherwise?

  • Does this friend support you?

  • Do you trust them?

  • Is there other tangible evidence that your friend loves you and is invested?

“If the answer is yes, try taking a closer look at why not receiving texts (or texts back) is causing you discomfort,” said Baker. Don’t conflate a lack of response with the notion that they don’t care about you, Jackson added. If you’re really struggling, you could try journaling or seek out a therapist if possible.

SEE ALSO:

Teens want to see friendship on TV, not sex, study shows

In some cases, however, this could be a sign that the friendship has run its course. 

“Relationships [need] work, and if you are the only person who writes and tries to get closer, but that friend never makes the effort, you can stop writing and understand that the friendship fulfilled its purpose,” said De Los Santos. 

If the friendship isn’t serving you — as in your friend isn’t supportive or doesn’t respect your boundaries, it may be time to end the friendship (we’ve written a guide for you if it comes to that). A friendship breakup can be just as devastating (if not more) than a romantic one; here’s how to cope with a friendship ending, if it comes to that.

It’s understandable to want a text back. These days, that may be the primary way of communicating with your friend. But know there are a multitude of explanations why — and this may be better talked out IRL.

Tech / Technology

Best docking station deal: 13-port dual-HDMI for $50

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This computer docking station has two HDMI ports, three USB-C ports plus 8 more for SD cards and other cords your desktop needs.
docking station with cords plugged in

TL;DR: As of October 29, get this 13-in-1 Docking Station with Dual HDMI for only $49.99 — a 28% discount.

As a society, we have grown accustomed to having multiple devices, from laptops to smartphones, tablets to gaming consoles. Keeping those handy devices charged and ready to use can be challenging, especially when traveling. A power station is a good way to manage your charging situation efficiently and with less stress. This 13-in-1 Power Station is currently on sale for just $49.99 (reg. $70).

This hub can offer faster charging times in a sleek, portable design. It measures just 0.6 inches x 5.2 inches x 1.7 inches and weighs only 2.99 ounces with a maximum power of up to 100W, so you can connect your phones, tablets, laptops, and more.

Here’s the breakdown of the ports included:

• Two HDMI 
• Three USB 3.0
• USB 2.0
• USB-C PD charging
• USB-C data
• SD card
• TF card
• VGA port
• A gigabit Ethernet port
• A 3.5mm AUX port

The addition of HDMI and VGA ports transforms this station into a hub for your home entertainment needs. Connect your TV, gaming console, or streaming device easily.

Don’t let charging challenges or forgotten cables slow you down. This power station is your ticket to a more efficient, organized, and connected digital life. Simplify your setup and condense all of your wires and chargers onto this one hub. Not only will it be an added convenience, but reducing the desktop clutter could help clear your mind.

Grab a 13-in-1 docking station with dual HDMIs for yourself or as a gift for just $49.99 (reg. $70) while it’s still on sale.

Prices subject to change.


docking station

Credit: Tech Zebra


13-in-1 Docking Station with Dual HDMI

$49.99 at the Mashable Shop

Tech / Technology

Buy a Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, get a $100 Amazon gift card

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As of Oct. 27, you can score a $100 gift card when you buy a Samsung Galaxy S23 FE at Amazon.
Samsung Galaxy S 23 FE

GET A $100 AMAZON GIFT CARD: As of Oct. 27, Amazon is offering a $100 gift card when you purchase a Samsung Galaxy S23 FE in any storage capacity (128GB or 256GB).


Samsung galaxy s23 fe cell phone and gift card

Credit: Samsung


Samsung Galaxy S23 FE cell phone (128GB) + $100 Amazon gift card

$599 at Amazon

Looking for a new phone without breaking the bank? Amazon and Samsung have teamed up to offer a $100 Amazon gift card with the purchase of a Samsung Galaxy S23 FE.

For a limited time, you get a $100 Amazon gift card just for buying a new Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. The 128GB model is $599.99, and the 256GB model is $659.99. With most smartphones costing upwards of $1,000, this is a pretty sweet deal for anyone on a budget.

The Galaxy S23 FE is a great phone, too. It has a powerful processor, a beautiful display, and a versatile camera system. It’s also packed with features like a long-lasting battery and a fast-charge system.

SEE ALSO:

Samsung Galaxy S24 rumors: Every single thing we know so far

What’s even cooler is that the Galaxy S23 FE has a built-in object eraser, so you can remove unwanted objects from your social media photos without using a third-party app. This can be a huge time-saver for social media managers, influencers, or anyone else who wants to post perfect photos without spending hours editing them.

Get a new phone plus a little something extra at Amazon while this deal lasts.

Tech / Technology

Best headphones for under £100

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The best cheap headphones for under £100, including models from Sony and JBL.
A pair of green headphones on a green and pink background

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

What are the true essentials that every modern person needs? Water, food, oxygen, and oh yeah, a cracking set of headphones. Indeed, you can’t put a price on a great pair of headphones. Except for when you’re working on a budget. Sometimes you just have to put a price on them. In this case, £100 or less.

There is a common trap that a lot of shoppers fall into with headphones: The (false) notion that you need to spend big to get the best technology. Sure, you probably have a better guarantee with the most expensive devices from the biggest brands, but that doesn’t mean quality can’t be found at a more reasonable price point.

Switched-on shoppers will find deals on tech, including laptops, desktops, smartphones, and more, with just a little know-how. See below: You’ll also find great-sounding, tech-savvy headphones at low prices — without comprising on quality.

What’s the best headphones brand?

There are plenty of brands out there — from household name manufacturers to lesser-known audio wizards — offering big sound, total comfort, and serious style. You already know the big-name players such as Philips, Sony, Bose, and Apple. And sticking to the top brands always has plus points. You know you’re getting the best. There are however lots of other brands to consider. There’s great value and surprisingly good spec on offer from smaller brand names like JBL.

What are the most important headphones features?

Choosing a pair of affordable headphones doesn’t mean simply knowing where to get the lowest prices. It means knowing the key features and the spec that best suits your lifestyle and listening habits. Consider whether you prefer old school wired headphones or something that’s wireless and Bluetooth-equipped. Other features to research include built-in microphones for making calls, or apps that allow you to control the music levels and other functions. Also, check out what kind of drivers the headphones offer. Drivers are little bits of tech that convert electronic signals into sound. The best performing drivers within this price point are between 30mm-50mm. Look for performance across the range of frequencies — the highs, mids, and lows.

What is noise cancellation?

This is another important feature in up-to-date headphones. It’s pretty much as it sounds — a feature built into headphones that keeps out external noise, allowing you to fully immerse yourself into the music distraction-free. There are two basic kinds of noise cancellation: Passive and active noise cancelling.

Passive noise cancellation is achieved by the design and build of the headphones, which physically blocks out noise. This might include large over-ear cups that create a seal which prevents external sound seeping through.

Active noise cancellation (ANC) uses a system of small microphones which pick up in-coming sounds and create anti-noise sound waves to cancel them out. Advanced variations include noise cancelling which adapts to your surroundings — or can even be customised — and a transparency mode which allows certain sounds to bleed through, so you can tune back in to reality or have a conversation IRL.

Do closed-back or open-back headphones sound better?

“Closed-back” and “open-back” are other terms you may have come across. Closed-back headphones have hard-shell ear cups which direct the sound towards your ears and keep out external noise. They’re best for listening on-the move or in busy places. Open-back headphones have ventilation — usually with a mesh design on the ear cup — which allows sound to go both ways. This causes sound leakage both ways, but creates a more natural, realistic sound.

To the untrained ear, open-back sounds like a cheap alternative. But the open-back design is usually reserved for top, audiophile-friendly models because the sound is actually superior — closer to listening to a stereo or even a band playing live. At this price point, however, closed-back are more common.

What are the best headphones for under £100?

You could go and hunt down the best value headphones that the internet has to offer, but — fortunately for you — we’re absolute gluttons for audio-based punishment. We’ve done the hard work of tracking down the best headphones that go easy on your bank balance. Just choose the pair that sounds good.

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Tech / Technology

4 best concert cameras for 2023: hands-on reviews

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These concert cameras will capture the magic of live music for Instagram, TikTok, or your own personal memory bank.
rick springfield performing at epcot garden rocks concert

While everyone else in the crowd holds up their smartphones, only the very best cameras for concert photography let you snap the perfect picture.

Whether it’s Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” (how lucky are you?) or Big Time Rush’s “Can’t Get Enough Tour,” 2023 has been an epic year for live music. Although making sure you have your tickets ready for show day and coming up with the perfect outfit are essential, so is solidifying how you’re going to capture your favorite moments from your favorite artists.

You’ve probably seen the countless TikTok videos on your “For You” page about how people have been using digital cameras at concerts to capture professional quality photos and videos that are clearer than their smartphone. Swifties alone have created an entire sub-genre on TikTok about how to best record “The Eras Tour” memories.

To find the best camera for concert photography, I tested popular cameras from Sony, Leica, and Fujifilm. I took hundreds (thousands?) of photographs and videos at recent concerts, and I also chatted with professional concert photographers.

What makes a good concert camera

Good cameras are very expensive, so you’ll want to be extra careful before making a purchase. To learn more about the best cameras for fans and photojournalists alike, we spoke to concert photographers Madison Raney (who has photographed artists including Twenty One Pilots and Blink-182) and Janet Eckles (who has photographed artists including Hozier and Hayley Kiyoko).

Raney and Eckles told me that there are many cameras that can be used for concert photography, but if you’re serious about capturing gorgeous photos and crystal clear videos, there are several key elements you should seek out.

Unless you have a press pass that lets you get right up next to the stage, I also found that zoom lenses, low-light capabilities, and continuous shooting provided me with the best results. Below, you can see some of the photographs I took while testing cameras.

rick springfield performing at epcot garden rocks concert

A photo taken using the Sony RX100 VII camera.
Credit: Jenna Clark / Mashable

rick springfield performing at epcot garden rocks concert

A photo taken at the same concert using the Leica D-Lux 7.
Credit: Jenna Clark / Mashable

a band performing at epcot garden rocks

A concert photograph taken with the Fujifilm X100V camera.
Credit: Jenna Clark / Mashable

rick springfield performing at epcot garden rocks concert

A concert photograph taken with the Sony RX100 VII digital camera.
Credit: Jenna Clark / Mashable

It has a full-frame

“Getting a full-frame camera is always top of mind for me,” says Raney. “Full-frame cameras are going to produce higher-resolution photos as opposed to a crop sensor, which is especially important when you’re shooting in low-light situations.”

By full-frame, Raney means a camera with a 36mm x 24mm image sensor, equivalent to the 35mm film cameras of old. To learn more about image sensors, check out Mashable’s review of the best travel cameras.

It can handle a high ISO

Because you won’t be able to use flash at most venues (and even if you technically can, it’s still considered quite rude), the best concert cameras must be able to compensate for the lack of flash. “Your camera will need to be able to handle a high ISO (3200 or higher) without producing a ton of noticeable noise (grain),” says Eckles.

If you’re already feeling lost, don’t worry. Photography is much more complicated than simply pointing your smartphone at the stage. To get up to speed, you may want to brush up on photography jargon and concert photography for beginners.

Has a large resolution size

A good concert camera would and should have a large resolution size. “The larger resolution you have, the higher quality images you’re going to get and the more detail you’re going to retain in each image,” says Raney. Modern cameras most often use megapixels to measure resolution size. If you want to capture every possible facial twitch in T-Swift’s face as she performs, then you’ll want a high megapixel camera. Remember that these high resolution photos result in huge file sizes.

Can shoot in RAW

A camera that has the ability to shoot in both RAW and JPEG is key. “I’d highly recommend shooting in RAW as opposed to JPEG,” says Eckles. “The files will be a lot bigger, but there will be more information stored in the image so you can better manipulate shadows and tones later when editing.” For serious photographers, these RAW image files are essential to make every single picture look its best.

I put several digital cameras to the test by attending outdoor concerts and testing several photo and video functions of each. All of the cameras featured in this review have been tested by myself or someone else on the Mashable team.

Read on to discover more about my favorite concert cameras.