Phone Scoop - Reviews

Hands On with the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro

Rich Brome — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 18:41:08 GMT

The new OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro bring 5G, an updated design, and updated specs to OnePlus's lineup of high-end phones. For the first time, the standard and "Pro" models are being launched at the same time, making for a more rational lineup. Since checking out phones in person is particularly difficult during a pandemic, we're here with a full hands-on report / mini-review to tell you everything a spec sheet can't.

Mini Review: OnePlus 7T

Rich Brome — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 15:11:30 GMT

OnePlus has an unusually confusing array of different "flagship" phones available right now, but the 7T is the newest mainstream model for most people. It's still quite high-end, but for a reasonable price and without some of the crazier features of the new Pro models, which most people don't need anyway. How does it stack up? I used the 7T as my main phone for over two weeks. Here's what you should know about this promising phone.

Review: Asus ROG Phone II for Non-Gamers

Rich Brome — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 17:50:49 GMT

The Asus ROG Phone II is a beast of a phone. It's loaded to the gills with top-end specs and unique extra features that cater to hard-core gamers. But some of its wilder specs — like its massive 6,000 mAh battery and huge screen — might appeal to casual gamers, and even people who don't game on their phones at all. Other sites will tell you how this phone stacks up for gamers; we're going to focus on whether it makes sense for anyone else. Here are our thoughts after using it daily for two weeks.

Samsung Galaxy Note10 Mini Review

Rich Brome — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 16:41:27 GMT

A video mini-review of the Samsung Galaxy Note10, the smaller of the two Note models this year. Here are the things that stood out to me after using the Note10 as my main phone for two weeks. It's a good phone, but a few design choices and quirks made it not the phone for me. Find out why in this video.

Review: Jitterbug Smart2 for GreatCall

Eric M. Zeman — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 12:00:00 GMT

The Jitterbug Smart2 for GreatCall may be an Android smartphone, but the interface has been simplified so your older relatives can handle it. It also gives the elderly access to select healthcare services directly from their phone. Can the Jitterbug Smart2 fill this vital role for your loved ones? Find out in Phone Scoop's in-depth report.

Review: Asus ROG Phone

Eric M. Zeman — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 20:45:16 GMT

Asus has for the most part contented itself with sticking to entry-level and mid-range smartphones. The ROG Phone is a dramatic leap for the company. This dedicated gaming device has one of the best spec sheets in the industry -- and killer hardware to boot. If you're the type to strap in for hours of gameplay, the Asus ROG Phone may be the weapon you need to blast your way to the finish line. Here is Phone Scoop's in-depth report.

Review: Marshall Minor II Bluetooth Headphones

Eric M. Zeman — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 15:36:56 GMT

The Marshall Minor II are in-ear headphones that deliver huge sound and impressive battery life. Though they skimp on advanced functions, there's nothing minor about these basic music buds.

Review: Moment Case and Lenses for Google Pixel 3

Eric M. Zeman — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 12:00:00 GMT

Google’s Pixel 3 may have one of the best cameras on a modern smartphone, but with no wide-angle or telephoto options, it isn’t as flexible as the cameras on competing devices. That’s why Moment has targeted the Pixel with a new case and lens system. If you want to take your Pixel photography to the next level, this is how you do it.

Review: ZTE Blade Max View

Eric M. Zeman — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 12:00:00 GMT

ZTE is looking to the Blade Max View, an inexpensive Android phone with a huge screen and a massive battery, to help it regain its place in the U.S. market. The phone follows ZTE's mantra of offering affordable devices with good performance, but the Blade Max View is held back by a few core features. Is is worth taking another look at ZTE? Find out in Phone Scoop's in-depth report.

Review: Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3100

Eric M. Zeman — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 14:36:51 GMT

Plantronics' first foray into the truly wireless headphone space targets those who are always on the go. The BackBeat Fit 3100 fall into the company's sport and fitness range, making them a viable option for people who value stability and sweat resistance during their workouts.

Review: BlackBerry Key2 LE

Eric M. Zeman — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 12:00:00 GMT

The Key2 LE shares the same basic size, shape, and appearance of the pricier Key2, but downshifts materials and components to make it less costly. If you're a keyboard die-hard, the Key2 LE is an intriguing and affordable option thanks to the solid Android platform and productivity-boosting software from BlackBerry. Here is Phone Scoop's in-depth review.

Review: Marshall Kilburn II

Eric M. Zeman — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 12:00:00 GMT

Looking to add a little rock'n'roll to your life? Don't let the throwback vibe of the Kilburn II from Marshall Headphones fool you. This lunch-box-sized, portable Bluetooth speaker packs the latest tech so it can blast your tunes to the max.

Review: OnePlus 6T

Eric M. Zeman — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 14:00:13 GMT

The 6T from OnePlus is among the first wave of phones to put the fingerprint reader under the display. With a svelte glass-and-metal design, huge screen, high-capacity battery, and reimagined cameras, the OnePlus 6T offers a lot of phone for far less than competing flagships. If you want a classy device that gets the job done while saving you hundreds of dollars, the 6T could be it. Here is Phone Scoop's in-depth review.

Review: Olloclip Multi-Device Clip

Eric M. Zeman — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 12:00:00 GMT

Not satisfied with your smartphone's camera? Olloclip has a new, universal lens system that attaches to most any phone. The company has also overhauled its collection of lenses. If you want fisheye, wide-angle, telephoto, and other lenses that are easy to swap, Olloclip's new system is more flexible than most.

Review: Palm Phone for Verizon Wireless

Eric M. Zeman — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 17:00:52 GMT

A California startup hopes a bit of nostalgia for one of the pioneers in the smartphone space will drive sales of its new device, the Palm Phone. Verizon sells this tiny telephone as an accessory for your main device. Is it worth paying for two phones so you can put your main device down on the weekends? Find out in Phone Scoop's in-depth review.

Review: Jaybird Tarah Bluetooth Headphones

Eric M. Zeman — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 20:30:00 GMT

The Tarah from Jaybird are sport Bluetooth headphones that can handle your most intense workouts. If you're looking for a simple music experience for your outdoor adventures, the Tarah may fit the bill.

Review: Sony Xperia XZ3

Eric M. Zeman — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 15:40:33 GMT

The Xperia XZ3 is one of the most cohesive phones to come from Sony's designers and engineers. This silky Android smartphone offers a tasty slice of Pie with sophisticated updates to the user interface and camera capabilities. Here is Phone Scoop's in-depth review.

Review: Red Hydrogen One

Eric M. Zeman — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 12:00:05 GMT

Red announced its "holographic 4-view" phone more than a year ago. After several delays, it is finally ready for prime time. The Hydrogen One boasts the first 3D display we've seen in years, as well as the ability to take 3D photos and videos. If you're longing for more depth from your Android phone, not to mention a unique industrial design, the Hydrogen One has beamed in from another dimension. Here is Phone Scoop's in-depth review.

Review: Wicked Audio Enix Bluetooth Headphones

Eric M. Zeman — Wed, 24 Oct 2018 20:34:15 GMT

Wicked Audio expanded its line of Bluetooth headphones this year to include the over-the-ear Enix. This inexpensive pair of cans skips advanced features in favor of focusing on the basics. Do they provide the sound you seek? Find out in Phone Scoop's full review.

Review: Samsung Galaxy A6 for Sprint

Eric M. Zeman — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 20:57:44 GMT

The Galaxy A6 from Samsung finds a good spot in the middle of Sprint's lineup. This affordable Android phone features a metal chassis, a pair of capable 16-megapixel cameras, and Samsung's Infinity Display. It looks and acts like a flagship at half the cost. Here is Phone Scoop's in-depth review.