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Check out this rugged Otterbox case for the OnePlus 5

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Popular accessory maker Otterbox has teamed up with OnePlus in order to produce a rugged protective case for the recently unveiled OnePlus 5. The case is available in two color options, Black or Racing Red and will become available for sale for $29.95 a pop.

For the time being, the Otterbox case is listed as out of stock on OnePlus’ website, just like the other dedicated accessories, but we’ll have to assume customers will be able to place an order for it as soon as the OnePlus 5 launches officially on June 27.

The Otterbox case offers layered protection, as it combines two different layers, one of inner silicone which wraps around the phone to safeguard against shocks and drops and the outer hard shell that keeps everything secure. But despite being a worthy case, it’s worth pointing out that it will add quite a bit of bulk to the phone which is quite sleek without a case on it.

Another caveat is that the Otterbox case is not compatible with OnePlus’ 3D Tempered Glass Screen Protector, so if you have your mind set on getting the Protector, you’ll need to opt for an alternate case. The good news is that there are plenty of options.

When and Where to Buy: OnePlus 5

Earlier today, OnePlus announced its 2017 flagship, the OnePlus 5. The device looks to take the market by storm for another year, while offering flagship-level specs at prices lower than its competitors.

While the OnePlus 5 is priced higher than any of its predecessors, it still offers great value at $150-$250 lower than its competition. As a quick reminder, the OnePlus 5 features the following specs:

  • Display: 5.5-inch 1080p Optic AMOLED
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (Up to 2.45GHz)
  • RAM: 6GB/8GB LPDDR4X
  • Storage: 64GB/128GB UFS 2.1 2-Lane
  • Front Camera: 16MP
  • Rear Camera: 20MP + 16MP with f/2.6 and f/1.7 aperture
  • Battery: 3,300mAh Non-Removable w/Dash Charge
  • Software: Android 7.1.1 Nougat w/ OxygenOS
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
  • Other: USB 2.0 Type-C charging port, Fingerprint Sensor, Alert Slider

Now, for the pricing – the base model OnePlus 5 with the 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage is priced at $479. The higher-specced version with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage is priced at $539, but that leaves one more question.

How do you get one?

Well, OnePlus surprised everyone earlier today by offering an “Early Drop” for its latest device, giving some folks the ability to purchase the device ahead of its official launch date. The initial stock levels are seemingly expiring rapidly, as there are reports of the 8GB/128GB variants already selling out.

Don’t Miss: What’s the difference: OnePlus 5 vs OnePlus 3T

If you want to try your hands on getting in on the “Early Drop”, you can follow these steps:

  1. Visit www.OnePlus.net, go to the page for the OnePlus 5
  2. Click “Early drop” at the top right
  3. Enter “Clearer Photos” as the promotional code

From there, you’ll have to select your model of choice and hope for the best.

However, if you are okay with waiting, you won’t have to wait for too long as the OnePlus 5 will launch on June 27th. From there, you’ll need to follow the regular process for purchasing a device through OnePlus’ online storefront.

As a reminder, pricing for the 6GB/64GB model begins at $479, with the 8GB/128GB variant begins at $539. The OnePlus 5 also comes in two colors – Slate Gray and Midnight Black.

You can hit the link here to head over to the OnePlus site and try your hand at getting one through the Early Drop, or you can bookmark it so you’ll be ready to go on June 27th.

Let us know in the comments below whether you decide to go ahead and pick one up for yourself, or why decided to turn the other cheek.

Here is the spec rundown for the OnePlus 5

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Earlier today, the OnePlus 5 was officially unveiled and we wanted to give you a quick spec rundown. These specs include both the $479 and $539 variants for the latest device.

  • Display: 5.5-inch 1080p Optic AMOLED
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (Up to 2.45GHz)
  • RAM: 6GB/8GB LPDDR4X
  • Storage: 64GB/128GB UFS 2.1 2-Lane
  • Front Camera: 16MP
  • Rear Camera: 20MP + 16MP with f/2.6 and f/1.7 aperture
  • Battery: 3,300mAh Non-Removable w/Dash Charge
  • Software: Android 7.1.1 Nougat w/ OxygenOS
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
  • Other: USB 2.0 Type-C charging port, Fingerprint Sensor, Alert Slider

Let us know what you think about the OnePlus 5 and if you’ll be looking to pick one up for yourself.

Here’s the special code to get the OnePlus 5 early

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If you were watching the OnePlus 5 announcement and have ventured to the page to pre-order your device, you’ll notice that those who enter a special code will be able to get the device early.

In a special promotion called Early Drop, those with the special code can get the phone a week before it’s official release and here’s how to do it. Early Drop shipments will begin on June 21 via free priority shipping (6 days before general sales begin on June 27).

Don’t Miss: What’s the difference: OnePlus 5 vs OnePlus 3T

Here are the steps:

  1. Visit www.OnePlus.net, go to the page for the OnePlus 5
  2. Click “Early drop” at the top right
  3. Enter “Clearer Photos” as the promotional code

You’ll be asked to choose between the Slate Gray (6GB RAM + 64GB storage) for $479 and Midnight Black (8GB RAM + 128GB storage) for $539.

Choose if you want a warranty on your new OnePlus 5 device and proceed to select any accessories. Once completed, you’ll be receiving your OnePlus 5 up to a week before anyone else with delivery in what the website quotes as 1-3 days. You can also get the 50% exclusive welcome bundle that includes a Dash Type-C Cable, OnePlus 5 Protective Case, OnePlus 5 3D Tempered Glass Screen Protector and OnePlus Bullets (V2) headphones.

Grab some Google Home and Pixel deals on the Google Store

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Google have kicked off a few deals on the Google Store that may convince you to make your next purchase.

Call it a coincidence with the OnePlus 5 launch, but Google are offering a free Google Home to customers that purchase a Pixel XL. That’s quite the incentive. Just add both a Pixel XL and a Google Home to your cart and Google will automatically knock $129 off your final price, getting you a Google Home for free.

Don’t Miss: iPhone 7 Plus vs. Pixel XL (Smartphone Showdown)

Google is also offering its first-party Pixel and Pixel XL cases for half-price. That means that you can get a clear case for $15 or a colorful silicone case for $17.50.

Apparently the deal only lasts while stock allows so could this be a way of shifting stock? Insert speculation here.

What’s the difference: OnePlus 5 vs OnePlus 3T

As expected OnePlus today unleashed the highly anticipated OnePlus 5. The phone, which we have seen leak in the rumor mill numerous times, represent an important upgrade over its predecessor the OnePlus 3T.

Want to find out more about what the new OnePlus 5 brings extra compared to last year’s model? Keep reading below.

Design and Display

5.5-inch AMOLED display with fullHD resolution vs 5.5-inch AMOLED display with fullHD resolution

Both the OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 3T boasts a metal unibody and a similar physical home button (which in the case of the OnePlus 5 has been coated with ceramic) which also doubles as a fingerprint scanner. Yet, the antenna lines now run around the perimeter of the phone, instead of cutting across the back, thus making them less visible.

Speaking of which, the new OnePlus 5 (especially the Midnight Black model) bears a striking resemblance to the iPhone 7 Plus with its dual camera, flash and antenna lines positioned in similar fashion. Yet, there are differences between the two including the OnePlus 5’ shape with its flat edges on the side and more curved back.

Going back to our OnePlus 3T comparison, the OnePlus 5 is also slimmer coming it at 7.25mm compared to the 7.3mm of its predecessor.

While both phones share the same display size and resolution, the OnePlus 5 screen includes three color calibration options including standard, sRGB, and DCIP3 for better color rendering.

Power and performance

Snapdragon 835 vs Snapdragon 821
6GB of RAM vs 6GB/8GB of RAM
64GB/128GB of internal storage 64GB/128GB of internal storage.

 

Like most flagships launching today, the OnePlus 5 arrives with Qualcomm’s latest premium Snapdragon 835 processor under the hood. The OnePlus 3T takes advantage of last year’s Snapdragon 821 in combination with 6GB of RAM, which is a still a good enough chipset as proven by the LG G6.

This year, OnePlus upgraded RAM capacity for the OnePlus 5 by throwing in an 8GB variant into the mix. Still, storage options are kept at either 64GB or 128GB, but this time it’s faster UFS 2.1 storage which should allow the phone to work fluidly during an intensive task.

There is no microSD card slot for memory expansion available onboard.

Cameras

16-megapixel/20-megapixel main camera vs 16-megapixel main camera
16-megapixel selfie camera vs 16-megapixel main camera

Obviously, the biggest upgrade of the OnePlus 5 is the dual-camera system sitting on the back of the phone. It’s composed of a main 16-megapixel full-color sensor with f/1.7 aperture and a secondary 20-megapixel telephoto sensor with lower f/2.6 aperture.

The aperture in the main sensor is said to be able to capture 34% more light than the OnePlus 3T, as well as deliver improved optical image stabilization. On top of that, the new OnePlus flagship offers a new “Portrait Mode” feature quite similar to the one included with the iPhone 7 Plus that brings bokeh effect to images, as well as an enhanced optical zoom 2x zoom.

A Pro mode allows smartphone photographers to shoot in RAW format while playing with things like ISO, white balance or exposure.

The main 16-megapixel camera on the OnePlus 3T had a 1/2.8-inch sensor size, as well as f/2.0, phase detection autofocus, OIS and LED flash.

Both phones rely on a 16-megapixel selfie camera, and while OnePlus did not share many details about the secondary camera on the OnePlus 5, we can tell you the OnePlus 3T has f/2.0 aperture.

Software

Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow vs Android 7.1.1 Nougat (with Oxygen on top)

While the OnePlus 3T launched with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow out of the box, the phone is upgradable to Android 7.1.1 Nougat.

With the introduction of the OnePlus 5, the company also took the opportunity to announce a few software enhancements in Oxygen. OnePlus said that Oxygen is more smoother, minimalistic and refined than ever and also riddled with useful new feats like Reading mode, new gaming DND mode, secure box (something akin to Samsung’s Secure Folder), scrolling screenshots and the so-called “app priority” which displays your favorite apps as soon as you turn on your phone in the morning.

Battery

3,300 mAh vs 3,400 mAh

Some of you might get alarmed that the OnePlus 5 comes with a smaller battery than its predecessor. Nevertheless, the company says that thanks to the more efficient Snapdragon 835 processor onboard and other optimizations, the OnePlus 5 will be able to deliver 20% more battery life than the OnePlus 3T.

On top of that, OnePlus has updated its Dash Charge fast charging technology, so you’ll be able to pull a day’s worth of power in only 30 minutes.

Other features

The OnePlus 5 gets 4G LTE, faster Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, dual SIM. Also unlike the case of the iPhone 7 Plus, OnePlus hasn’t removed the 3.5mm headphone jack. A microSD card slot would have been nice, though.

Pricing

Be warned, the OnePlus 5 is the most expensive OnePlus phone to date. The 6GB of RAM/64GB version will take you back with $479, while the 8GB of RAM/128GB of storage will cost $539. The OnePlus 5 will officially launch in the US on July 27.

As for the OnePlus 3T, the phone is currently listed as out of stock on the OnePlus official page. The phone was offered with a $439 price-tag. If you still want the phone today, some third party retailers like Amazon still offer it, but it might be a bit pricier.

OnePlus 5 arrives with Snapdragon 835, dual-camera and $479 price

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The wait is finally over! After weeks of intense teasing, the OnePlus 5 is finally here. The successor of last year’s highly acclaimed OnePlus 3T, the OnePlus 5 launches to carry on the company’s “flagship killer” legacy.

Visually the phone looks very much like an iPhone 7 Plus complete with the dual camera setup on the back, the flash next to it and the antenna lines along the top border. And while companies like Samsung and LG have opted for innovative designs this year, the OnePlus 5 isn’t very striking in this respect. Even so there are a few nice touches: the phone features a sleek aluminum unibody that just 7.25mm thin and the rounded corners and edges make it more ergonomic.

The physical home button hasn’t really changed since the OnePlus 3T and it still houses the fingerprint scanner, which according to OnePlus, can unlock the phone in merely 0.2s.

When it comes to raw specs, we pretty much knew the story in advance. The new phone boasts a 5.5-inch display with fullHD resolution and a powerful Snapdragon 835 chipset under the hood with either 6GB/8GB of RAM (which comes in Slate Gray) or 64GB/128GB (in Midnight Black) configurations. We should also note the OnePlus 5 takes advantage of UFS 2.1 storage.

It appearance is not the only reason why the OnePlus 5 looks so similar to the iPhone 7 Plus. Its dual camera setup brings a telephone lens and a dedicated Portrait mode that simulates the bokeh effect around the subject of the picture. But unlike Apple’s flagship, the OnePlus 5 pairs more advanced sensors: the main Sony 16-megapixel IMX398 sensor with f/1.7 aperture and electronic image stabilization with a secondary 20-megapixel IMX350 telephoto lens with smaller f/2.6 aperture.

This combination should, in theory, be able to allow OnePlus 5 to snap detailed, sharp images with great color reproduction. The new f/1.7 aperture on the main sensor allows the camera to capture 34% more light (compared to the OnePlus 3T) for improved low-light shooting.

The Chinese company also revealed it improved autofocus speed which is now 40% faster. A new “Pro Mode” manual mode allows users to shoot in RAW format and control ISO, white balance, focus, shutter speed and more.

As for the selfie camera it’s a 16-megapixel snapper.

The OnePlus 5 features a smaller 3,300 mAh battery than the OnePlus 3T which relied on a 3,400 mAh powerhouse. But wait, don’t get alarmed yet! Thanks to the more efficient Snapdragon 835 processor on board and other optimizations the new phone is said to be able to offer 20% more battery life than its predecessor. OnePlus also updated its Dash Charge technology, so users will be able to charge up to 60% in only 30 minutes – which is really fast!

Naturally OnePlus 5 offers some software improvements compared to the OnePlus 3T. The Oxygen OS onboard laid upon Android 7.1.1 Nougat offers new functionalities like a new reading mode which filters out blue light, auto night mode, off-screen gestures, and a translucent slide-up drawer. There’s also a thing called “App priority” which shows you the apps you use the most when you turn on your phone for the first time in the morning.

On top of that, OnePlus has implemented a neat gaming do not disturb mode and the ability to capture extended screenshots. Another detail we should mention here is that the OnePlus 5 gets a 20% quieter vibration motor which users can customize.

When it comes to connectivity the OnePlus 5 has faster 4G LTE, faster Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, dual SIM. Also, there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack, in case you were worried.

If you’re already wondering when you’re going to be able to pick up the OnePlus 5, the phone will officially launch in North America on June 27. You can pre-order one starting today.

If you watched the event, you should have heard a special code which you can enter on the company’s website in order to get early access to the OnePlus 5.

As for pricing, the OnePlus 5 with 6GB of RAM/64GB of storage will ship for $479, while the 8GB of RAM/128GB of storage will be available for $539.

PS: There’s another option to snag a OnePlus 5 early. Through pop-up stores. The Chinese company will open locations in New York today and across the pond in London, Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, Helsinki, and Copenhagen tomorrow. Check this website for more info.

Mozilla’s Firefox Focus lets Android users browse privately

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Good news Android users, Mozilla’s private Firefox Focus browser, formerly exclusive to iOS, just landed in the Google Play Store. And it’s a very light download – only 4MB.

Unlike other alternatives, the mobile browser automatically blocks a wide range of online trackers, thus allowing you to surf the web undetected. Firefox Focus taps in the blocklist database offered by Disconnect to disable ads that track online activity. What’s more, one can view how many trackers are being blocked on the current page by accessing the Setting button within the app.

You don’t have to tinker with Settings in order to get the app to work its magic, as Firefox Focus automatically blocks online trackers from the moment it’s launched. Removing trackers and ads has the added benefit of speeding up page load times. What’s more, history gets deleted automatically once you chose to exit the application.

Users can also choose to Block other content trackers, but be warned that choosing to do so might break some videos and Web pages. The app also includes a Stealth mode which you need to disable if you want to take screenshots or see the browser in your list of recently used apps.

We should also note that for the time being, Firefox Focus doesn’t support add-ons, so you won’t be able to open multiple tabs.

Anyhow, the app is currently up for download in the Google Play Store for Android and Chromebook users alike.

Solar Red HTC U11 now available for pre-order in the US

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As anticipated, HTC unveiled a new color option for the U11. It’s dubbed “Solar Red” and honestly, it looks quite stunning. The new model is already available for pre-order in the US for $649 a pop, just like the older variants. Pre-orders will start shipping July 2017.

HTC notes on its website that the Solar Red HTC U11 is sold unlocked and compatible with Verizon, AT&T ad T-Mobile networks. The phone can also be purchased in Sapphire Blue, Brilliant Black and Amazing Silver.

Like the models available so far, the HTC U11 arrives with a 5.5-inch display with 2560 x 1440 resolution (QHD) and a Snapdragon 835 processor under the hood.

The product is sold with 4GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage and a 3,000 mAh battery onboard. It’s worth mentioning that the phone’s main camera has been ranked number #1 by DxOMark, thus dethroning the reputable Google Pixel snapper.

On top of kick-starting the pre-orders for the Solar Red HTC U11, the company also announced the Kick Off of Summer Promotion which will be available until June 29 at 12 am Easter Time.

During this time period, customers can pick up several HTC products with a discount. Here’s the list:

HTC U Ultra for $629 ($130 off)
HTC 10 Google Pixelfor $499 ($200 off)
HTC Bolt for $500 ($100 off)
JBL Reflect Aware C headphones for $99.99 (50% off)

Emporio Armani’s first Android Wear 2.0 smartwatch coming on September 14

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Back at Beselworld 2017, Fossil announced new smartwatch models, including Emporio Armani’s first Android Wear 2.0 device called Connected. Last year, Emporio Armani released a Connected hybrid watch.

The new touchscreen wearable will become available in stores starting September 14. It will be offered with a choice between eight straps, as well as a lineup of exclusive watchfaces.

Not much is known related to the watch’s specs, but we can assume the Connected is going to be a pretty standard Android Wear 2.0 smartwatch.

It will be able to offer Activity Tracking, relay smartphone notifications and control your music – all from your wrist.

It will probably feature an AMOLED display and Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor under the hood. Android Wear 2.0 onboard means users will be able to install Android apps right from the Google Play Store, as well as third-party complications and better Google Fit functionalities.

Pricing is yet to be announced, but given that this is an Armani product be prepared to spend a fair amount of money on it. We’ll remind you that the Tag Heuer’s new Connected Modular 45 wearable comes with a hefty $1,600 price tag. So we expect the Armani device to be offered with a similar price-tag.

Would you be willing to pay a premium price tag for an Android Wear 2.0 smartwatch?