Editor’s Desk
Android Central’s Editor’s Desk is a weekly column discussing the most recent information, traits, and happenings within the Android and cell tech area.
Amazon Prime Day is true across the nook, and it is at all times tempting to spend cash on alluring offers, just because they exist. Whether or not it’s Prime Day or Black Friday, I discover myself shopping for issues I usually wouldn’t and which are usually out of my value vary, as a result of who is aware of when the following time that TV or laptop computer can be this low-cost?
It’s simply as straightforward to spend some huge cash on a smartphone. My favourite cellphone this yr is the Motorola Razr Extremely 2025, a cellphone that prices $1,299, or simply as a lot because the Galaxy S25 Extremely. In fact, they go on sale from time to time, however can be discounted by a few hundred {dollars} or much more if you commerce in a cellphone.
However to be trustworthy, you don’t must spend a ton of cash on a cellphone to have an awesome system. Inexpensive telephones hold getting higher yearly, with firms like Motorola and Google providing extra for much less. At Moto G or Pixel A-series costs, you don’t even have to attend for a sale; these telephones supply loads of worth year-round at full MSRP. A Prime Day low cost would simply be the cherry on prime.
Filled with specs
I just lately reviewed the Moto G Stylus 2025, and I used to be completely impressed with simply how good a cellphone it’s. At $399, it affords specs that rival these of many flagship Android telephones, such because the Galaxy S25, and includes a fashionable vegan leather-based design that stands out from the group. It comes with a 120Hz Tremendous HD OLED show, an all-day 5,000mAh battery, and 68W charging that tops up the cellphone quicker than an episode of “Andor.”
The 50MP digital camera can also be higher than you’d count on from a $400 cellphone. Picture high quality hasn’t precisely been Motorola’s sturdy go well with, so it’s good to see the corporate bettering on this entrance, even on its lower-end telephones.
General, the Moto G Stylus 2025 is a significantly better cellphone than you’d count on, and even consists of some AI options like Circle to Search and Sketch to Picture, each of which work nice with the improved stylus pen you get constructed into the cellphone.
However it’s not simply the Stylus; the extra inexpensive Moto G 2025 can also be surprisingly good for the worth. As Android Central’s Nick Sutrich factors out in his Moto G 2025 evaluation, this $300 cellphone includes a vivid, eye-friendly show, a big battery, and an improved digital camera in comparison with its predecessor.
For those who’re a Motorola fan, both of those 2025 telephones can be an awesome choice. However generally, having essentially the most spectacular specs is not every little thing, and Motorola isn’t the one firm with telephones which are straightforward in your pockets.
All of the AI for much less
Whereas the Moto G Stylus could have some spectacular specs, it doesn’t have a lot in the best way of AI. That could be high quality for a lot of, however if you would like the most recent options from Google at half the price of most flagships, the Pixel 9a might be the cellphone for you.
I reviewed the bottom Pixel 9 final yr and actually loved it; it actually felt near being a Professional-level cellphone. Nonetheless, the $500 Pixel 9a would possibly make you suppose twice about spending that further $300. That’s as a result of apart from just a few spec adjustments and a more moderen design, these two telephones are extremely comparable.
You get most of the identical AI options, the Pixel 9a will get first dibs on new software program updates like Android 16 and past, and also you get a reasonably spectacular twin digital camera system with the efficiency anticipated from a Google cellphone.
Android Central’s Michael Hick’s calls the Pixel 9a the “Energizer cellphone,” as a result of battery life goes on and on, which is a bit a part of the brand new design. And that’s an awesome factor as a result of charging speeds aren’t essentially one of the best, however that’s much less of a priority when the cellphone lasts all day after which some.
You additionally gained’t discover many smartphones this inexpensive with software program assist just like the Pixel 9a, with a promise of updates for seven years.
The specs is probably not the strongest, however you continue to get a flagship-level Tensor G4 chipset. This brings tons of AI options straight from Google, from Gemini to Pixel Studio, and all of the AI digital camera or picture enhancing options. Pixels are enjoyable telephones, and also you don’t have to spend so much to get entry to one of the best of Google.
Spend properly this Prime Day
It’s at all times tempting to purchase the most recent and biggest smartphone, however as I’ve discovered over the previous couple of years, a smartphone half as costly will be simply pretty much as good, relying in your wants. Past Motorola and Google, firms like OnePlus and Samsung supply gadgets that undercut a lot of their flagship counterparts whereas nonetheless providing flagship-like specs and experiences.
I’m not saying don’t purchase that Razr Extremely, Galaxy S25 Extremely, or no matter different Extremely you’ve had in your radar for a while, particularly if you find yourself discovering a great Prime Day deal on it. Nonetheless, do not forget that there’ll at all times be some good choices accessible that will not damage your pockets as a lot, deal or no deal.