Review Geek - Cheap Phones Shouldn't Exist

January 24, 2023

Has the time ever come to get a new phone, and you’d thought you’d save a few bucks by going with a lower-tier model? Or maybe you’re buying a device for a child or teenager and want to don’t want to splurge on something that they might break two weeks after you buy it. So, a cheap phone would be a great option, right? Well, maybe not. In our top story, Andrew discusses why inexpensive phone models shouldn’t exist anymore. He goes over the big differences between lower-tier and flagship models, how long more expensive phones should last, how repairability factors in, and if it’s realistic to expect phone companies to ever drop the bottom run of the smartphone ladder.

Other Highlights:

• Dictionary company Merriam-Webster acquires Quordle.
• Google intends to reclaim its position as leader in the AI market.
• Grab a really nice 4K TV at an amazing discount for the Super Bowl.
• … and more!

–Danny

Smartphones place a ridiculous strain on our wallets. And, somewhat ironically, getting rid of cheap phones could ease this strain. Manufacturers need to build high-quality smartphones that last a decade, replacing cheap new phones with a strong and consumer-friendly aftermarket. Read More »

Windows makes the world go round, so why not master everything it has to offer? Windows 11 For Dummies will teach you everything you need to know, from how to get around the newly updated Windows 11 interface, to how to troubleshoot when things go wrong, and so much more!
Download your free copy today to get started.

For the last five months, I’ve used the Yeedi Mop Station Pro to keep the floors of the largest room in my house clean. This is quite a task because it’s quite a large room with a ceramic tile floor, carpet rugs, and lots of furniture. Now, it’s cleaner than ever, and I don’t have to think about it. Read More »

Wordle was just too easy, wasn’t it? You probably left that behind and moved on to Quordle, the true “hard mode” of the word-guessing game format. But now you’re stuck and so close to failing. Don’t worry, we’re here to help with a hint—and if you really need it, today’s Quordle Answers. Read More »

Are you a huge fan of Wordle and absolutely stuck today? Let me guess; you’re hanging out on guess four or five and feeling the pressure. We get it entirely: nothing feels worse than losing your streak. If you’re not ready to outright cheat, we have you covered with hints and today’s Wordle answer. Read More »

We’re just a week away from Samsung’s Unpacked event, where the company is expected to reveal its Galaxy S23-series smartphones. So, quite naturally, leaks are starting to come at a rapid pace. And the latest leak gives us a hands-on look at the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Read More »

Temperatures are dropping, but that doesn’t mean you have to be cold. Hand warmers are great, but have you ever tried electric warming socks? If not, you’ll love these rechargeable socks that keep your toes toasty during the chilly months. Perfect for hiking, snowboarding, ice fishing, or just staying warm at home or the office. Each sock has heating elements and a built-in battery. You’re welcome.

Word game Quordle has found a home appropriate to its theme—Merriam-Webster, publisher of Webster’s Dictionary. The Wordle clone now features a Merriam-Webster logo at the top of its web interface, and its website now redirects to the merriam-webster.com domain. Read More »

Are you an avid reader? Or did you make a New Year’s resolution to read more this year? If so, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to get lost in a good book. You might think you’re all set if you have a library card and eReader. However, even with these bookworm essentials, you’re still missing something: a Goodreads account. Read More »

The HBO adaptation of the popular video game The Last of Us premiered on January 15th to both critical and audience acclaim. Today, if you search the title of the game/series, you’ll get a fun easter egg that simulates growing cordyceps filling the screen. Read More »

Artificial Intelligence was all the rage in 2022. AI-generated art apps like Lensa, text generators like Article Forge, and even chatbots like ChatGPT, made big splashes in the tech world last year. And they got Google’s attention and refocused its commitment to AI, the New York Times reports. Read More »

If you own, or are thinking about owning, an Apple product, you’ve probably wondered if the company’s add-on product protection service, AppleCare+, is worth the price. With how costly iPhones, Macs, and other Apple devices are, is it worth paying yet another chunk of change on top just for peace of mind? Read More »

With just a few weeks until Super Bowl LVII, TCL is slashing prices on some of its best 4K TVs. Now’s the best time to get a 50-inch 4K TV for just $240, or save thousands on TCL’s flagship 98-inch XL smart TV. Remember, this year’s Super Bowl airs in 4K, so you want the best TV you can get! Read More »

You probably know Spotlight as your Mac’s handy search tool, but it’s so much more than that. Mastering Spotlight is key to using your Mac in the most efficient manner possible. Here are some tips to help you get around macOS in record time. Read More »

As the days grow colder (and dryer), our body tends to fall, victim, leaving us with dry and flakey skin. If you’ve noticed your skin becoming dryer and itchier lately, it might be worth exploring whether or not you have eczema. Read More »

DirectStorage for Windows promises to bring the rapid loading speeds of the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 to PC gaming, and the first title to actually implement this technology arrives January 24, 2023. Can your PC handle it? Read More »

Elgato’s line of Stream Deck customizable controllers have been popular options, but they were missing something. The Stream Deck+ addresses that void with twisting dials—or knobs. It turns out these continually spinning controls are a perfect complement to LCD buttons. Read More »

If you didn’t know you need to clean your dishwasher, well, now you do. While there are all kinds of dishwasher cleaning methods available to you, one hack might surprise you. Read More »

You’ve probably heard it before. Twinkies could survive an apocalypse, and they never expire. But before you start chowing down on the one you found in the recesses of your pantry, you might want to verify if that’s true or not. Read More »

Netflix is finishing out January strong with this week’s releases. From a star-studded new comedy to a blockbuster animated film, there’s something for everyone this week. Read More »