Boost
DirecTV Backs Out of Deal to Acquire Dish TV
EchoStar has hit a stumbling block in its efforts to refocus its business on Boost Mobile. EchoStar previously reached an agreement to sell its Dish satellite TV business — including its Sling streaming TV service — to DirecTV. At the time, EchoStar said the deal would allow it to "focus more clearly" on building Boost's new 5G network. Now DirecTV has decided to terminate the deal, after failing to reach an agreement on the details of how to handle existing debt.
Boost Intros New Multi-Line Deals for Holidays
Boost is offering new deals on additional lines of mobile service this holiday season. For a second line, Boost is offering 50% off that second line for the first year. For those needing three lines, Boost is offering the third line for free. These deals assume everyone is on Boost's standard "Unlimited" plan, which is normally $25/month. The Unlimited plan includes 30 GB of "Premium" high-speed data per month. (Pricier plans include taxes, hotspot, international service, and more high-speed data.)
Hands On with the Boost Summit 5G
The Boost Summit 5G is a very straightforward phone: it aims to be the most affordable 5G phone in the US, one that Boost can give away for free to new customers. In terms of features and specs, it has everything you'd expect this type of phone to have, and nothing you wouldn't. And yet there are a couple of things about this phone that might surprise you. Read on for our hands-on first impressions and rundown of what you need to know about the Summit 5G.
Boost Launches Sub-$100 5G Phone
Boost Mobile has launched the Summit 5G, a new, Boost-branded 5G phone with a list price of just $95. Boost is further subsidizing the phone, bringing the price to $20 for existing customers, and free for new customers. The Summit 5G is based heavily on the Boost Celero5G SC, which previously held the title of Boost's most affordable 5G phone. The only significant difference is the camera, which is 50 megapixel on the Celero5G SC versus 13 megapixel on the Summit 5G. Both phones have a 6.6-inch display, 5,000 mAh battery, 64 GB of storage (expandable), 4 GB RAM, MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor, fingerprint reader, and headset jack. Both phones are manufactured by Coosea, which also makes white-label phones for Cricket.
EchoStar Sells Dish TV to Focus on Boost Mobile
EchoStar has reached an agreement to sell its Dish satellite TV business — including its Sling streaming TV service — to DirecTV. This will help the company "focus more clearly on enhancing and further deploying its nationwide 5G Open RAN wireless network, which will provide more choices and better service to consumers under the Boost Mobile brand". The company will also continue focusing on new direct-to-device (D2D) satellite solutions, such as satellite service for phones. EchoStar is already partnered with Skylo to provide such service.
Boost's New Promo Offers Free Year of Service
Reversing the typical wireless carrier offer of a free phone with service, Boost Mobile has launched a new promo that offers a free year of basic service with the purchase of a 5G phone. The deal requires the up-front purchase of a phone retailing for at least $300. This gets you $300 in service credit, enough to cover Boost's $25 plan for a whole year, or a significant discount on pricier plans (spread over 12 months). The offer is available to both new and existing customers, and does not require a trade-in.
Boost Merges Brands
Boost Mobile has consolidated its Boost Mobile (pre-paid) and Boost Infinite (post-paid) offerings into one unified brand and website, now known as simply "Boost Mobile". The change comes with updated, unified service plans, most of which are no-contract and available on either a pre-paid or post-paid basis. The entry-level "Unlimited" plan is just $25/month (after auto-pay discount, before taxes & fees) with a "forever" pricing promise. It includes 30 GB of high-speed data per month. The "Unlimited+" plan for $50/month (after auto-pay discount, taxes & fees included) steps up to 40 GB of high-speed data per month and adds hotspot access, global talk and text, and up to $300 in device savings. The "Unlimited Premium" plan for $60/month (after auto-pay discount, taxes & fees included) steps up to 50 GB of high-speed data per month, up to $430 in device savings, and adds roaming for Canada & Mexico. Boost Mobile also offers $65/month "Infinite Access" plans for iPhone or Samsung Galaxy that include annual phone upgrades. These offer 30 GB of high-speed data, no hotspot, and taxes are not included. (Infinite Access plans were $60/month under Boost Infinite.) Boost also offers many "Add-On" plans such as $20/month for global roaming, hotspot access for $10/month, or $10/month for "Boost Family Guard", a parental control app. The new Boost Mobile also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, just as Boost Infinite did before. The new Boost Mobile logo is based on the old Boost Infinite logo.
Boost Celero5G SC is Just $110
Boost Mobile today launched the Celero5G SC, a more-affordable model in Boost's own Celero5G lineup that retails for just $110. Compared to the standard Celero5G (2024), the SC has less memory and lacks NFC or a dedicated wide-angle camera. It does have a fingerprint reader, large battery, and large 6.6-inch display with 90 Hz refresh. It's powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, the same as in the new TCL 50 XE 5G that also launched this week on Verizon Prepaid. The Celero5G SC is available in black or white.
Motorola Gives its Stylus Phone a Spec Bump
Motorola has revealed the 2024 edition of its moto g stylus 5G, a model that typically sits near the upper end of its moto g series of affordable phones. The new model addresses most shortcomings of last year's model, adding wireless charging and boosting the wide-angle camera resolution from 8 megapixel to a more-useful 13 megapixel. The selfie camera also gets a boost, from 16 megapixel to 32, and RAM gets a nice bump to a generous 8 GB. Wired charging is also faster at up to 30 watts instead of 20. Other specs remain similar, including the large AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh, pop-out stylus, Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, and 5,000 mAh battery. There's also NFC, expandable storage, and a headset jack. The body is water repellent with an IP52 rating, slightly thinner than last year's model, and has a "vegan leather" finish on the back. Motorola will sell it unlocked for $400 starting May 30th. It will also be offered by AT&T, Metro by T-Mobile, Cricket, Boost, Consumer Cellular, US Cellular, Spectrum, Xfinity Mobile, Google Fi, Optimum Mobile, Straight Talk, Total by Verizon, and Visible.
Motorola Brings More Affordable 5G Phones to its 2024 Lineup
Motorola has announced the 2024 editions of the moto g 5G and moto g power 5G, priced at $200 and $300, respectively (MSRP, unlocked). Both phones offer 5G, a vegan leather finish on the back, 120 Hz display refresh, 50 megapixel main camera, 5,000 mAh battery, 128 GB storage (expandable), NFC, fingerprint reader (on the side), and a headset jack. For the moto g 5G, NFC is a key addition compared to last year's version. For the extra $100, upgrades on the moto g power 5G (compared to the moto g 5G) include a sharper display (FHD+ instead of HD+), double the RAM (8 GB instead of 4), better front camera (16 megapixel instead of 8), an 8-megapixel wide-angle camera (instead of 2-megapixel macro), faster charging (30-watt instead of 18), and wireless charging. Compared to last year's moto g power 5G, improvements include more RAM, the wide-angle camera, NFC, wireless charging, and faster wired charging. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile will all offer both phones. The moto g 5G (2024) will come to T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile first, on March 21st. Boost, Consumer Cellular, Cricket, TracFone, US Cellular, Xfinity, Google Fi, Optimum, Cox, Straight Talk, Total by Verizon, Simple Mobile, Walmart Family Mobile, and Visible will also offer it. The moto g power 5G (2024) will launch with Cricket on March 22nd, and later with Metro, US Cellular, Straight Talk, Total by Verizon, Walmart Family Mobile, and Visible as well. Motorola's g series for 2024 also includes the already-announced, 4G-only moto g play (2024), which retails for $150.
Samsung Launching Two New Affordable 5G Phones Today, Too
While Samsung's big news today is the new S24 series of flagship phones, the company is also quietly launching two new affordable 5G phones today: the Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A25 5G. The Galaxy A15 5G updates last year's A14 5G with a 6.5-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with 90 Hz refresh, a major upgrade for a phone that sells for $200. It also has double the built-in storage (128 instead of 64 GB), faster fast charging (25W instead of 15), and replaces the depth camera with a 5 megapixel wide-angle camera. Other specs carry over from the A14 5G, including a 5,000 mAh battery, 50 megapixel main camera, NFC, fingerprint reader, expandable storage, and a headset jack. It's powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset. Verizon, T-Mobile, Boost, and US Cellular started selling the phone today, and samsung.com indicates that AT&T may offer it as well. The Galaxy A25 5G doesn't seem to be nearly as popular with US carriers, as there are no indications that any of the big three national carriers plan to offer it. It's quite similar to the A15 5G, with the upgrades being OIS on the main camera, an 8 megapixel wide-angle camera, 4K video capture, and 120 Hz display refresh. It's powered by a Samsung Exynos 1280 chipset. For these upgrades, US Cellular shows a list price of $300. Boost and TracFone may offer it, as well.
Boost Updates its Celero Phones for 2024
Boost has launched new 2024 versions of its own-brand Celero5G and Celero5G+ affordable 5G phones. The phones have updated designs that are more stylish than most such white-label phones. Both models are powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1050 chipset. The more affordable Celero5G has a 6.5-inch HD+ display with 90 Hz refresh, 50 megapixel main camera, 5,000 mAh battery, 20W fast charging, Wi-Fi 6E, NFC, and a fingerprint reader. It has 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of built-in storage (expandable by another 1 TB). The new Celero5G+ steps that up with a huge 7-inch FHD+ display with 120 Hz refresh, 108 megapixel main camera, 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of built-in storage. It has all of the features of its little sibling plus 15W wireless charging, and an IP68 water rating. The "plus" model also comes in a choice of Twilight Blue or Sunrise Orange, with a premium glass back. While the original Celero phones were manufactured by Wingtech, the new models are made by Tinno. Tinno has long made white-label phones for Cricket, such as the Magic 5G, Debut S2, and Outlast. The phones are available immediately for both prepaid Boost Mobile and postpaid Boost Infinite customers. The Boost Celero5G has a list price of $160 while the Boost Celero5G+ runs $240; new customers can get the Celero5G for as little as $10.
Motorola's new razr Foldable is Just $600
Motorola has announced launch details for its new razr (2023). Not to be confused with the higher-end razr+ that launched earlier this year, the new razr is a more affordable model. In fact, it is, by a wide margin, the most affordable foldable phone to reach the US to date. Motorola will sell it unlocked for $600 for a limited time, with a full retail price of $700. This new model keeps many of the high-end features of the pricier razr+, such as basically the same 6.9-inch flexible main display, 8 GB of RAM, a dedicated 13 megapixel wide-angle camera, wireless charging, and Wi-Fi 6E. Other features include a 64 megapixel main camera and a relatively large battery (4,200 mAh) for a flip-style foldable. The most obvious difference is the smaller outer display. But Motorola has added something new: Motorola Unplugged, a software feature that lets you take "digital breaks" where you choose just a few essential apps that will remain available while everything else disappears. Both AT&T and T-Mobile will offer this new razr, along with Metro by T-Mobile, Cricket, Xfinity Mobile, US Cellular, Boost, and Consumer Cellular. Motorola and most carriers will offer it starting October 19th.
Dish Meets FCC Deadline for 5G Network Coverage
Dish Network claims that it has met this month's deadline imposed by the FCC to cover 70% of the US population with its new, built-from-scratch 5G network. The company has been aggressively building out its network across the country, building over 15,000 new cell sites in 50 markets. The network is available to customers of Project Genesis, as well as Boost Mobile and Boost Infinite customers with compatible devices (band 70 is unique to Dish's new 5G network and necessary for full 5G coverage with Dish.)
2023's moto g stylus 5G is Smaller
Motorola has launched the 2023 edition of its moto g stylus 5G, a mid-range phone that offers a few extras for $400 (or less through some carriers). This year's model is more compact, with a 6.6 inch display instead of 6.8". It also updates the processor to the newer Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip and adds stereo speakers. Other specs and features remain the same, (and a major upgrade over this year's 4G model). That includes the integrated stylus, 120 Hz display, 5,000 mAh battery, 50 megapixel main camera, combined wide/macro camera, NFC, memory card slot, headset jack, and fingerprint reader. The phone has excellent support for all major (sub-6) frequency bands used in the US. It comes with either 4 or 6 GB of RAM and 128 or 256 GB of storage,. It appears to be very popular with carriers. Cricket will sell it starting this Friday, June 2nd. It will also be offered by AT&T, T-Mobile, Metro, Consumer Cellular, US Cellular, Boost, Google Fi, Xfinity, Optimum, and Spectrum.
Motorola's New Flagship Gets its Signature Edge Back
Motorola has taken the wraps off the new edge+ (2023), its flagship phone for the US this year. This year's model brings back the curved-edge OLED display that was a hallmark of the edge series until last year's model switched to a flat display. The curved sides give the phone slimmer bezels and a narrower body that's easier to hold. Both the front and back are made of Gorilla Glass Victus that's curved on all four edges, helping the phone feel thinner. Also, this year's model is actually thinner at just 8.39 mm. The sandblasted aluminum frame rounds out the IP68 waterproof body, another improvement over last year's model. The fast charging is more than twice as fast at 68 watts, and the battery itself is larger at 5,100 mAh. There's also two-way wireless charging (15W/5W). While the display is still 6.7 inches, HDR10+, and FHD+ resolution, the refresh is faster at 165 Hz. The two 50 megapixel cameras (main and wide/macro) are joined by a new 12 megapixel 2x telephoto "portrait" camera. The front camera is 60 megapixels. Naturally, the processor gets an update to the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 from Qualcomm. There's also 8 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 256–512 GB of UFS 4.0 storage (not expandable). Connectivity includes USB 3.2, Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio, NFC, and the phone is Wi-Fi 7 ready. The edge+ supports Motorola's ReadyFor connections to TVs and monitors (wired and wireless). The camera app sports a new 360º "Horizon Lock" feature that mimics a gimbal. Also new are Night Vision and portrait modes for video. The edge+ comes with Android 13, three OS upgrades, and four years of security updates. Boost Infinite and Boost Mobile will be first to offer the new edge+ (2023) starting in one week, May 9th. Spectrum and Consumer Cellular will also offer the phone. An unlocked model with 512 GB storage will be available for $800 starting May 25th (pre-orders May 19). Only one color — Interstellar Black — will be offered in the US.
Motorola Updates its Most Affordable Phones
Motorola has introduced two new models in its "moto g" series of affordable phones.
- The moto g 5G (2023) is very similar to last year's moto g 5G, offering 5G for a low price. Updates include 120 Hz display refresh (vs. 90), 15-watt fast charging (vs. 10), and stereo speakers. A Snapdragon 480+ ship replaces the MediaTek Dimensity 700 in last year's model. Other specs are essentially unchanged, including a 6.5-inch, HD+ display and a 48 megapixel camera. It has excellent support for all US networks. It will be available with AT&T, T-Mobile, Cricket, Metro by T-Mobile, Boost Infinite, Boost Mobile, Google Fi Wireless, US Cellular, and Consumer Cellular, with dates and pricing TBA. It will also be available unlocked starting May 25th for $250. Color options are Ink Blue and Harbor Gray.
- The moto g stylus (2023) takes a different approach, cutting some specs to reach a lower price compared to last year's model. The new model is more compact with a 6.5-inch HD+ display and no wide-angle camera. What the new model keeps is the large 50 megapixel main camera, 90 Hz display refresh, and, of course, built-in stylus. It's powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 4G chip. Cricket, Straight Talk, and Walmart Family Mobile will all offer the phone. It will also be available unlocked for $200 starting this Friday, May 5th. It has excellent support for all US 4G networks. It will come in Midnight Blue and Glam Pink.
iPhone 14 Plus Offers a Big Screen For Less
Apple has revealed the iPhone 14 series, with new features, improved specs, and new size options. In place of a Mini option, the iPhone 14 will come in the same 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screen size options as the Pro models. The larger model is called the iPhone 14 Plus, while the Pro models keep the same screen sizes and naming scheme (Pro and Pro Max) as last year. All of the new iPhone 14 models include at least 2x better low-light performance on all cameras, including front cameras. They also include Emergency SOS via Satellite and Crash Detection, and move completely to eSIM, eliminating physical SIM cards. The Pro models move from a notched display design to a "pill" shape for the TrueDepth camera-and-sensor system, which changes shape via software in a feature Apple calls Dynamic Island. Emergency SOS via Satellite uses a low-bandwidth satellite data network. It requires you to point the phone at the satellite, which the interface guides you through. It only supports short messages sent at low speed, even using 3x compression. Messages may take 15 seconds or up to a few minutes to send. The interface guides you through creating a concise message that contains the info emergency responders will need to provide help. For 911 call centers that can't receive text messages directly, Apple will call that center and relay your message. The service also supports non-emergency usage, but only in the form of location sharing. The feature will be available first in the US and Canada starting in November, and will be free for the first two years. Crash Detection utilizes a new high dynamic range gyroscope and dual-core accelerometer to automatically detect a car crash and alert emergency services. The new dual eSIM works with all major US carriers and can be set up even without Wi-Fi. The 12 megapixel main camera has a larger sensor and faster lens for 49% better low-light performance in low light via hardware alone, while Deep Fusion has been improved and renamed Photonic Engine, boosting low-light performance 2x on all cameras, for a total boost of 2.5x on the main camera. The front camera is also improved and now has auto-focus. A new Action Mode provides gimbal-like stabilization for video. The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus do not feature an all-new chip like the Pro models, instead using an A15 Bionic chip like last year's models. However, Apple has redesigned the aluminum body to provide better thermals, which may improve peak chip performance. Apple says the iPhone 14 Plus has the best battery life ever for an iPhone. The 14 series will come in five colors: blue, purple, Midnight, Starlight, and Product Red. The iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max have all the features of the standard iPhone 14 models, plus the new Dynamic Island display design, always-on display, better display specs, better cameras, a new A16 Bionic chip, and stainless steel bodies. The Dynamic Island takes up 30% less space than Apple's notch. Via software, the black pill area can expand a little to the sides to show background activity status, or split in two to show two different activities. For more important alerts or interactive controls, it can expand vertically as well. An API will allow third-party apps to access the Dynamic Island display area, such as a sports app showing a live-updating game score. The always-on display uses LPTO dimming and refresh down to 1 Hz to keep battery life in check. Unlike some always-on displays, it supports widgets and can show wallpaper over the whole display. The display also has thinner bezels and is (Apple claims) the brightest display on any smartphone, offering up to 2,000 nits peak brightness outdoors. The main camera is now 48 megapixel, enabling a high-quality 2x tele mode while leaving the dedicated telephoto camera to 3x. The camera also offers a 48-megapixel ProRAW mode. The wide camera offers 3x better low-light performance, while the other cameras offer 2x better. A sophisticated new LED flash offers nine discrete LEDS shining through a special lens that lets it effectively "zoom" to match the current focal length. The new A16 Bionic chip engages the whole chip for photography, able to perform 4 trillion operations per photo. It uses a 4nm manufacturing process that improves power efficiency. The Pro and Pro Max will be available in black, silver, gold, and purple. The iPhone 14 will start at $799, the iPhone 14 Plus: $899, the iPhone 14 Pro: $999, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max: $1,099. All models will be available with 128, 256, or 512 GB of storage, while the Pro series also gets a 1 TB option. Pre-orders start Friday, September 9th. Most models ship September 16th, except the 14 Plus which will ship October 7th.
Nokia Brings New Affordable Phones to T-Mobile, Boost
HMD Global this week finally launched its Nokia G400 5G with T-Mobile. Way back in January, the company announced that the launch was planned for the second quarter of the year. HMD also just announced that Boost will offer its Nokia C200 and G100 4G phones "in the coming weeks". Those phones were also part of the January announcement, although carrier partners were not disclosed at the time. The G100 is arriving later than planned, but at a lower price of $140. The C200 is already available from TracFone. Further, HMD was named "the #5 Smartphone company in the U.S." according to IDC. "Nokia smartphones now account for 2.9% of the U.S. smartphone market". The company released new details of the G100 and G400 5G:
- The G100 improves on the C200 with a larger 6.5-inch display, larger 5,000 mAh battery, a more powerful Snapdragon 662 chip, a fingerprint reader, and an 8 megapixel wide-angle camera. Other specs are similar, including a 13 megapixel main camera, 8 megapixel front camera, 3 GB RAM, 32 GB storage (expandable), fast charging, and a headset jack. It will sell for $140.
- The G400 5G steps up to FHD+ display resolution with 120 Hz refresh, a 48 megapixel main camera, 16 megapixel front camera, NFC, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, and of course, 5G. T-Mobile is selling it for $234.
Boost Mobile Lets Customers Earn Free Service
Boost Mobile has rolled out a new app called BoostOne that lets customers earn credits toward their bill by playing games, watching videos, and "engaging with ... partners to complete offers". By playing games like "Spin & Win", users earn blockchain-backed "Boostcoins". Boostcoins can then be redeemed for discounted and free wireless service. "In the future, Boost expects the coins may be used for additional goods and services like free phones, other third-party products and exchanged with other users." The BoostOne app is available now for Android and iOS.
Motorola Adds 5G to its 2022 Mid-Range Lineup
Motorola has announced two new mid-range phones with 5G. Both are essentially 5G upgrades of existing 4G models already announced for 2022. Both will come to a wide range of US carriers, including AT&T, Cricket, Boost, US Cellular, and Xfinity Mobile. Both have a 50 megapixel main camera, 5,000 mAh battery, 10-watt fast charging, fast-refresh display, water resistance, fingerprint reader, expandable storage, and a headset jack.
- The moto g stylus 5G (2022) has a three key upgrades compared to both last year's model and this year's 4G model: a 120 Hz display (a first for the g series in the US), a Snapdragon 695 chip, and NFC. The LCD display measures 6.8 inches with FHD+ resolution. The phone also has an 8 megapixel wide/macro camera and 16 megapixel front camera. Naturally, it has a built-in stylus. While the base version has 4 GB RAM and 128 GB storage, versions will also be available with 6 or 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. Verizon will also offer a version with mmWave 5G. Motorola will sell it unlocked for $500 starting April 28th. Carriers are expected to sell it for less, at dates to be announced. It will come in two colors: seafoam green and steel blue.
- The moto g 5G is essentially a 5G version of the moto g power (2022). Like that model, it has a 6.5-inch LCD display with HD+ resolution and 90 Hz refresh. The selfie camera does get a bump up to 13 megapixel. Extra rear cameras are a depth camera and 2 megapixel macro camera. It's powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chip paired with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage. An unlocked version will also be available with 6 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. Motorola will sell it unlocked for $400 starting May 19th. Carriers are expected to sell it for less, at dates to be announced.
First Phones With Dish's Band 70 Approved by FCC
The FCC this week approved two new Motorola phones that support 5G NR in band 70, the unique band definition created specifically to combine the unique collection of frequency bands that Dish Network has won in FCC auctions over the past decade. These are the first phones approved by the FCC that support band 70. Such phones will be needed to utilize Dish's own nascent 5G SA (stand-alone) network. Band 70 is unusual in that it's an asymmetric paired band, with separate uplink and downlink frequencies, but more bandwidth set aside for downlink. The downlink spans 1,995 – 2,020 MHz (H block and AWS-4), while the uplink spans 1,695 – 1,710 MHz (AWS-3). Currently, phones operating under Dish's Boost brand rely on other networks, and Dish will continue to rely on other networks to fill in coverage gaps as it builds its own network. The FCC is requiring Dish to launch its own 5G network covering 20% of the population by the middle of this year, and 70% by the middle of next year. Dish says it's on track to meet the first deadline by launching its own 5G service in 25 major metro markets and 100 smaller cities by June. The company is already beta-testing its own 5G network in Las Vegas. This week's FCC documents reveal little about the two new Motorola phones, although one has NFC while the other does not, implying that that these are two distinct models and one is higher-end.
Motorola's new Edge+ has Dual 50 Megapixel Rear Cameras and 60 on the Front
Motorola has announced its new flagship phone for 2022: the Motorola edge+ (2022). Its most unique specs are the camera resolutions: 50 megapixel for both the main camera and wide-angle camera; the selfie camera also clocks in at an unprecedented 60 megapixel. The wide-angle camera doubles as a macro camera, delivering both auto-focus and 50 megapixel resolution for both wide and macro shots, which is a first. The new edge+ also has new and advanced support for an optional stylus. It also supports multiple scenarios connected to an external display, which Motorola calls "Ready For". This includes desktop-replacement and TV/entertainment modes, where the optional stylus can act as an "air mouse". But it also includes a new webcam mode where the phone's high-quality main camera can be used as a webcam for desktop video calls. This feature works both wired and wirelessly, and includes a subject tracking feature. As a flagship phone that will run $1,000 unlocked, it includes expected flagship specs such as a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, 6.7" FHD+ HDR10+ OLED display with 144 Hz refresh, 4,800 mAh battery, 30W fast charging, two-way wireless charging, Wi-Fi 6E, and Android 12. Motorola promises two years of OS upgrades and three years of security updates. It can capture 4K video in HDR10+ and still photos in 10-bit RAW. The phone is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip (Qualcomm's best) and comes in several (somewhat-unusual) memory configurations: The unlocked model (for $1,000, or $100 less for limited time) has 8 GB of RAM and 512 GB storage. The phone does not accept memory cards. Motorola has yet to announce the launch date for the unlocked version (or any version). Verizon, Boost, and Republic will also offer the phone "in the coming months". Verizon will offer the phone with either 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage or 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage. Pricing for US carriers has yet to be announced, but in recent years Motorola phones have reached US carriers at far lower prices that what Motorola offers initially (unlocked). The Motorola edge+ will be available in "Cosmos Blue" or Stardust White".
Nokia Phones Coming to New US Carriers in 2022
HMD Global is teasing its lineup of Nokia phones for the US for first half of 2022. The five new phones will bring the company's presence to two new US carriers, representing "its largest U.S. expansion since launching in the market more than four years ago". The claim seems to refer to the number of phones launching across all US carriers, not the number of carriers, since the list does not include previous partners Verizon, AT&T, and Cricket. Instead, Nokia will launch new phones with Dish (Boost) and Consumer Cellular, while keeping T-Mobile, Metro, and TracFone on board. The first two phones to launch (in the first quarter) will be the most affordable: the Nokia 2760 Flip 4G feature phone for $79, and the Nokia C100 4G smartphone for $99. In the second quarter, the Nokia G400 will be the company's next affordable 5G phone. It will offered by T-Mobile and/or Metro, TracFone, Dish (Boost), and Consumer Cellular. It has an MSRP of just $239. The company will also bring the C200 and G100 4G phones to US carriers in Q2, for $119 and $149, respectively. Specs and further details are being withheld until closer to launch.
Motorola's Affordable New moto g power has 90 Hz Screen
Motorola has announced a new moto g power, just ten months after announcing the last one. The new moto g power (2022) has two key upgrades over the old 2021 model: a display with 90 Hz refresh, and a 50 megapixel main camera. It specs are otherwise comparable to the 2021 model, including a huge 5,000 mAh battery, fast charging, 6.5-inch HD+ display, 4 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage (expandable). The new model is powered by a MediaTek Helio G37 chip. The phone also has a rear fingerprint reader, headset jack, FM radio, dual-band Wi-Fi, and IPx2 water resistance. The phone launch soon with Metro by T-Mobile and Republic Wireless, followed by Verizon, Boost, Xfinity, AT&T, Cricket, US Cellular, and Google Fi. It will also be available unlocked for $200, or $250 for a version with 128 GB built-in storage.
Hands On with the TCL 20 XE and TCL 20 A 5G
TCL has two new affordable phones for the US market: the entry-level TCL 20 XE, and the $200, 5G-enabled TCL 20 A 5G. While the price is certainly right, are they truly a good value, or just cheap? US carriers have trusted TCL's affordable phones for many years (often under the Alcatel brand), so the company should know what it's doing. Read on for our hands-on report and first impressions, to find out how these models turned out.
TCL Intros Two New Affordable 5G and 4G Phones for US
TCL today announced the TCL 20 A 5G, a 5G phone for under $200 coming to Visible next month. The company also announced the TCL 20 XE, an entry-level 4G phone coming to Metro by T-Mobile tomorrow, and Boost next month.
- The TCL 20 A 5G is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 chip, paired with 4 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage (expandable). It supports sub-6 5G, including C-Band (band 77). The 6.52-inch display has HD+ resolution. The battery is rated 4,500 mAh and the phone supports 18-watt fast charging. The 16-megapixel main camera is joined by a 5 megapixel wide camera and 2 megapixel macro camera. A 13 megapixel selfie camera sits in the display notch on the front. It ships with Android 11 and also features a fingerprint reader, Bluetooth 5.1, dual-band Wi-Fi, a dedicated Google Assistant button, headset jack, and USB-C with OTG. It has a matte gray finish.
- The TCL 20 XE is a similar size, with the same 6.52-inch HD+ display, rear fingerprint reader, fast charging, headset jack, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Android 11. However, it's powered by a MediaTek Helio P22 chip with 3 GB RAM and 32 GB internal storage (also expandable). The battery is 5,000 mAh. The main camera is 13 megapixel, with a 2 megapixel macro camera, depth camera, and 5 megapixel front camera. It also has a matte gray finish. Metro is selling it for $160, while Boost will sell it for $120.
Motorola's New Budget Phone is Already Very Popular
Motorola today announced the moto g pure, the company's latest entry-level phone. The phone will be sold by essentially every carrier in the US, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Cricket, Metro, Boost, US Cellular, and Xfinity. Verizon will be the first to offer it, for $150 starting October 14th. Other carriers will offer the phone "in the coming months". Motorola will sell the phone unlocked for $160, with pre-orders starting October 14th. The phone will come in two variants: one for AT&T, Cricket, and Verizon — with support for AT&T's unique bands 14 and 30 — and the other for all other carriers, supporting T-Mobile's network and overseas 4G networks. Both variants will be powered by a MediaTek Helio G25 chip. The phone's features include a fingerprint reader on the back, basic water resistance, headset jack, and dual-band Wi-Fi. The HD+ display measures 6.5 inches. The 13 megapixel main camera is joined by a depth camera for portrait shots and a 5 megapixel front camera. Motorola claims two days of battery life from the 4,000 mAh battery. It has 3 GB RAM and 32 GB of storage, which is expandable with a memory card. It comes with Android 11 and Motorola promises one major OS upgrade plus two years of security updates (at least quarterly).
Boost Gets Its Own Affordable 5G phone
Boost Mobile has introduced the Celero5G, a white-label affordable 5G phone with a unique launch promotion attached. Like T-Mobile's REVVL V+ 5G, the Celero5G is manufactured by Wingtech and powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, (but the two phones differ in size and specs.) The Celero5G has a 6.5-inch display, 4,000 mAh battery, 4 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage, expandable by up to 2 TB. The main camera is 16 megapixel, along with a 5-megapixel wide camera and 8-megapixel front camera. It also has a side fingerprint reader, 15W fast charging, and a headset jack. The "premium design" has a glass back and metallic frame. Until October 31, customers can get a free year of service when paying the full $280 retail price for the phone. The free year of service includes unlimited talk, text, and up to 35 GB of 5G/4G data per month. Boost's web site shows the phone as shipping October 17th. Boost also offers the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G with a list price of $280 but currently selling for $130, and the Motorola g stylus 5G with a list price of $250 but currently selling for $200. Boost is a brand of Dish Network. Boost is currently transitioning from T-Mobile's network to AT&T's network, while also building out its own 5G-only network.
Dish Prepping "Beta" 5G Network in Las Vegas
By the end of September, Dish Network will launch a 90-day "beta" of its own 5G network covering Las Vegas. Anyone interested in participating is invited to sign up at the company's "Project Geni5is" web site. Dish currently operates the Boost Mobile brand, which it bought from Sprint as a condition of the T-Mobile merger. Dish has promised to build its own nationwide 5G SA network from scratch to create a new fourth national carrier, an ambitious project.
Dish Turns to AT&T as New MVNO Partner
Dish has struck a 10-year deal to use AT&T's network to provide service for Dish's mobile customers. Dish's mobile brands include Boost Mobile, Ting, and Republic Wireless. Until now Dish has relied on T-Mobile's network, an arrangement put in place when Sprint sold Boost to Dish as a condition of Sprint's merger with T-Mobile. Dish's deal with T-Mobile was for seven years, giving Dish time to build its own 5G network. That the new deal with AT&T spans ten years calls into question Dish's commitment to fully building out its own network.
Moto g stylus 5G Comes to AT&T, Cricket, Boost with Heavy Discounts
Boost Mobile started selling the new Motorola moto g stylus 5G this week. Cricket starts selling the phone today, and AT&T will start sales July 16th. All three brands are offering the phone for far less than the $400 that Motorola is asking for the unlocked version. Boost's web site lists the full price as $250 but is currently selling it for $200. Cricket's price is $100 for new customers or $150 for existing customers. AT&T is selling the phone for $180 on a 36-month installment plan ($5/month) with an unlimited plan (for both new and existing customers, for a limited time). The version offered by carriers has 4 GB RAM and 128 GB storage, while Motorola's pricier unlocked version has 6 GB RAM and 256 GB storage (though the phone has expandable storage.) T-Mobile and Metro are also slated to sell the phone soon.
Motorola Adds 5G to the Moto G Stylus
Motorola today announced the moto g stylus 5G, a version of this year's moto g stylus with 5G and a larger battery, for $400. The new 5G model has excellent support for all 5G and 4G networks in the US, (except mmWave 5G.) The battery has been bumped up from 4,000 mAh to a whopping 5,000 mAh. The 5G model has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 chipset instead the Snapdragon 678 in the 4G model. Although the 480 is a 4-series chip, it's newer than the 678 and offers similar performance. The 48 megapixel main camera offers access to the full 48 megapixel resolution, and the fingerprint reader is located on the back instead of the side. Other specs and features are similar to the 4G model, including a huge 6.8-inch full-HD display, wide camera, macro camera, 16 megapixel selfie camera, fast charging, memory card slot, and headset jack. The software is Android 11 with a nearly stock Google interface. Added stylus-oriented software includes the Moto Note app, Coloring Book app, and a customizable shortcut bar that appears when the stylus is removed. The stylus itself has been redesigned to be easier to remove and replace, and has a new feature that can help you find the stylus if you lose it. New features in the camera app include Spot Color for video and Dual Capture, which combines video from the front and rear cameras. The moto g stylus 5G will come in Cosmic Emerald. AT&T, Cricket, T-Mobile, Metro, Boost, Xfinity, and Spectrum will offer a version with 4 GB RAM and 128 GB storage (launch timing and pricing TBA), while the unlocked version sold by Motorola (plus B&H, Best Buy, and Amazon) will up that to 6 GB RAM / 256 GB storage. The unlocked version goes on sale for $400 on June 14th.
Wiko Drops a Better Ride for Boost
Wiko this week launched the Ride 3, an updated entry-level Android phone that Boost Mobile will sell for just $35. Compared to the Ride 2, the Wiko Ride 3 has a taller, more modern notched display, larger 3,400 mAh battery, faster MediaTek Helio P22 processor and more RAM (3 GB), 13 megapixel main camera, USB-C, and Android 11. It also has a headset jack and memory card slot. The Ride 3 is available now from Boost's web site. It will hit Walmart June 12th and Boost stores by the end of June. Wiko first entered the US market in 2019 with a single model for Boost Mobile: the original Wiko Ride. Although Wiko has yet to grow its presence in the US market, the company has consistently offered a new model in the Ride series each year.
Boost Mobile Adds Telemedicine as Perk of Premium Plan
Boost Mobile today announced a partnership with K Health to include a telemedicine offering as part of the company's Unlimited Plus plan. New subscribers will receive free, 24/7 access to health services via the K Health app on their phone. Specifically, this will include the opportunity to chat with a doctor directly; use K Health's AI-powered symptom checker to understand what is wrong and decide what to do next; and get treatment, including medications prescribed. Boost's "Unlimited Plus" plan offers 35 GB of high-speed data and 30 GB of mobile hotspot for $60/month. Boost Mobile customers on other plans will be able to add K Health "for a discounted service fee" of $8/month. The service will launch early this summer.
Dish Buys Republic Wireless
Dish is acquiring Republic Wireless and its 200,000 customer relationships. This will help grow Dish's customer base beyond Boost customers. Both Republic and Boost use T-Mobile's network, but Dish is working toward building its own 5G network from scratch. The deal is subject to closing conditions and regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021. "Once acquired by DISH, Republic customers will not see any immediate changes to their experience or plans, and there is no need for customers to take action."
Motorola Unveils Full Affordable Lineup for 2021
Motorola today unveiled a full lineup of four new affordable phones, including three g-series models ranging from $169 – $299 and one 5G model for $399. All four feature large batteries (4,000 – 5,000 mAh) and large displays (6.5 – 6.8 inches). All four also include a fingerprint reader, multiple cameras, headset jack, memory card slot, USB-C connector, and a "water-repellant design" that protects against accidental spills, splashes, sweat, or light rain. They ship with Android 10 and Motorola promises one full OS version update plus two years of security updates. Moto's latest camera app supports AI scene detection and optimization, Google Lens, portrait mode, RAW format, Active Photos, Auto Smile Capture, Gesture Selfie, time-lapse, and slow-motion on all models. All four also support gestures such as Lift to unlock, Flip for DND (Do Not Disturb), Pick up to silence, and Fast flashlight, where a quick double-chop motion turns the flashlight on or off. All four phones will be available unlocked as well as from many US carriers.
- moto g play (2021): The most affordable at $170, this phone has a 6.5-inch HD display with notch, huge 5,000 mAh battery, Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 chipset, 3 GB RAM, and 32 GB built-in storage. Its primary 13 megapixel camera is assisted by a depth camera for portrait mode, and the front camera is 5 megapixel. It also has 10W fast charging. The new moto g play will be offered in the coming months by AT&T, Cricket, Boost Mobile, Consumer Cellular, Google Fi, Metro by T-Mobile, T-Mobile, Republic Wireless, Verizon, and Xfinity Mobile.
- moto g power (2021): Upgrades compared to the g play include: Snapdragon 662 chipset, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, up to 15W fast charging, "48 megapixel" main camera that outputs 12-megapixel photos using pixel binning, 2-megapixel macro camera, and an 8-megapixel front camera. The upgraded main camera enables a Night Vision mode and better low-light performance in general. The camera app also gains Cinemagraph mode, Group Selfie, and Spot Color for video. The fingerprint reader moves to the side and the display is slightly larger at 6.6 inches, with a corner hole-punch design. This new moto g power will sell for $250, although Best Buy will sell a variant with 3 GB RAM and 32 GB storage for $200. It will also come to Boost Mobile, Cricket, Consumer Cellular, Google Fi, Republic Wireless, US Cellular, Verizon, and Xfinity Mobile in the coming months.
- moto g stylus (2021): This model adds a stylus that stows in the bottom-right of the phone. It comes with two special apps: Moto Note and Coloring Book. The stylus also offers system-wide shortcuts and works with third-party apps. This is the only model of the four to come with a smaller 4,000 mAh battery, which Motorola says was necessary to make room for the stylus. It has several spec upgrades compared to the g power, including a larger 6.8-inch display with full-HD resolution, Snapdragon 678 chipset, 128 GB storage, 8-megapixel wide-angle camera, 16 megapixel selfie camera, and 4K video capture. It will sell for $300 unlocked. Boost Mobile, Cricket, Consumer Cellular, and Republic Wireless will also offer it in the coming months.
- Motorola one 5G ace: Combines the best of the g power and g stylus specs (minus the stylus) while adding 5G (sub-6 GHz only) thanks to its Snapdragon 750G chipset. Other upgrades include 6 GB RAM, NFC, and an official IP rating for water resistance: IP54 for the T-Mobile version and IP52 for other versions. The display measures 6.7 inches with a centered hole-punch design, and the fingerprint reader is located on the back. It will run $400 unlocked. AT&T, Consumer Cellular, Google Fi, Metro by T-Mobile, T-Mobile, Republic Wireless, Verizon, and Xfinity Mobile will also offer it in the coming months.
Boost Launches LG K22 for Under $100
Boost has launched the new LG K22, an affordable, entry-level phone with a large 6.2-inch HD notched display. Normally priced at $90, Boost is currently offering the phone for just $70. Other specs include a 3,000 mAh battery, Android 10, Qualcomm 215 processor, 2 GB RAM, and 32 GB of internal storage plus a memory card slot supporting up to 32 GB more. Its 13 megapixel PDAF rear camera is accompanied by a 2 megapixel macro camera. The front camera is 5 megapixel. The camera app supports full-HD video capture and Google Lens. Like most current LG phones, it has a dedicated Google Assistant button on the side. It also includes a 3.5mm headset jack.
Boost Offers New $10 Plan
Boost has sweetened the value of its cheapest plans, temporarily offering 2 GB of high-speed data with unlimited talk and text for just $10/month. The offer is only available to new customers who bring their own unlocked phone compatible with the T-Mobile network. Further, the 2 GB of monthly data is only for the first three months, after which it becomes 1 GB of monthly data. A step-up plan with similar terms runs $15/month for 4 GB of monthly data, stepping down to 2 GB after three months. This limited-time offer is available until the end of the year.
Boost Launches New $100 Phone from Coolpad
Boost this week launched the Coolpad Legacy Brisa, a new Android phone for $100. It replaces the original Coolpad Legacy released in the middle of last year. It has similar design and features, but improvements include a Snapdragon 665 processor, 16 megapixel selfie camera, and a slightly larger display at 6.53 inches, thanks to a more modern notched design. Like the original Legacy, it sports full-HD display resolution, large 4,000 mAh battery, 3 GB of RAM, 32 GB storage, memory card slot, 16 megapixel main camera, rear fingerprint reader, and USB-C.
