Laughing Hyena
  • Home
  • Hyena Games
  • Esports
  • NFT Gaming
  • Crypto Trends
  • Game Reviews
  • Game Updates
  • GameFi Guides
  • Shop
Tag:

iPhones

The Best USB-C Cables (2025): For iPhones, Android Phones, Tablets, and Laptops
Product Reviews

The Best USB-C Cables (2025): For iPhones, Android Phones, Tablets, and Laptops

by admin October 2, 2025


More USB-C Cables We Have Tested

There are so many cables out there, and plenty of solid options did not make the cut. Here are a few I’ve tested and liked.

Photograph: Simon Hill

Twelve South PowerCord for $30: While I don’t think we want to go back to permanently attached cables and power adapters, they offer a simplicity that could be useful for some folks or situations. The PowerCord from Twelve South is thick and durable-feeling, with a tangle-resistant woven (4- or 10-foot) USB-C cable attached to a compact 30-watt (Power Delivery) wall plug.

EcoFlow Rapid Pro for $21: Kept out of a place above by Anker’s cables, this durable charging cable from EcoFlow is a solid choice if you want fast charging, since it can supply 240 watts. It also has tough metal ends, a lovely woven finish, and comes with a cable tie.

Nomad Chargekey for $29 and USB-C Cable for $25: The Chargekey is a handy wee addition to your keyring with 12 cm of braided cable capable of delivering 240 watts and up to 10 Gbps data transfer, though it can be a little awkward to use. I also tried Nomad’s new Kevlar-reinforced USB-C cable, which is also 240 W but only has 480 Mbps data transfer. It feels durable with metal ends and braided cable, but you can get more capable cables for less.

QDOS PowerMotion Ultra for £40: This USB 4.0 cable is a solid alternative to our top picks for folks in the UK, combining up to 240-watt charging with data transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps. It is relatively thick, feels durable, and comes with a lifetime warranty. I like the braided nylon finish and color-matched cable tie. I also tried the QDOS Powerloop (£20), a handy wearable charging cable that doubles as a lanyard strap. It’s thick, woven, and durable, with screw-off ends that reveal a USB-C cable capable of supplying 60 watts of power and 480 Mbps of data.

Chargeasap Connect Pro for $60: Magnetic tip cables can be handy for kids and folks with dexterity issues. The idea is you stick the relevant tip in your device and then attach the cable magnetically when you need to charge. This one also has an LED display to show real-time power usage. It works best if you leave the tips in your devices, but that means they can’t be charged by regular cables, and the tips are very easy to lose if you remove them. Performance-wise, it’s a standard 100-watt charging cable.

Krafted Connex for £30: I like the idea of a Swiss Army Knife–style charging cable keyring, but the execution here is flawed. It does offer USB-A, USB-C, Lightning, and MicroUSB, but the flip-out plugs don’t have any cable attached, so they are not very adjustable, making it tough to plug into some ports. The Rolling Square InCharge X 6-in-1 Cable above is the same price and works far better.

Scosche Strikeline Premium USB-C Cable for $25: This braided cable comes in various lengths all the way up to the 10-foot cable I tested, and it’s a good alternative to our best long cable above if data transfer is more important to you than charging speed because it offers 5 Gbps data speeds, but only 60 watts for charging.

Ugreen Uno USB-C Cable for $10: I love the smiley-faced Uno line from UGreen, but I assumed the display on this cable would show the charging rate. It does not. It just displays smiley eyes when charging and changes when fully charged. I tested the 6.6-foot cable, but it also comes in 1.6-, 3.3-, or 10-foot lengths. It feels durable and is reasonably priced, but it is rated at a very ordinary 100 watts and 480 Mbps.

Native Union Pocket Cable for $30: This wee braided USB-C to USB-C cable is perfect for slipping on a keyring to ensure you are never caught without a cable. It’s a nice design with braided cables, but you only get around 7 inches, and it maxes out at 60 watts. It is built to last from recycled materials, USB-IF certified, and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Caudabe ChargeFlex for $25: This was our Lightning recommendation, and it’s still good, but the price has gone up and there’s no need to spend this much. It is a thick braided cable reinforced with Kevlar for durability. There is a leather clip you can use for cable management, and the ridged finish on the connectors makes them easy to grip when unplugging.

Cable Matters Gen 2 USB-A to USB-C cable for $10: This is a good alternative to our pick above if you want faster data transfer speeds (it maxes out at 10 Gbps), but it is limited to 15 watts for charging.

Bluebonnet Eco-Friendly Charging Cable for $25: Bluebonnet (an Austin-based studio named after the Texas state flower) made this cable from naturally biodegradable wheat straw. It promises 50,000 plus bends and uses plastic-free packaging. I love the dappled blue finish and the cream ends. They make it easy to pick this cable out of the crowd. It’s nothing special performance-wise, offering up to 60-watt charging and 480 Mbps data transfer.

RUGD Rhino Power USB-C to USB-C for £11: This is a solid option for folks in the UK seeking a tough cable. It has a braided nylon finish and can withstand a minimum of 100 kilograms of tension and 100,000 bends. It can also deliver up to 60 watts.

Casetify Powerthru USB-C to Lightning Cable for $25: This tough, braided cable comes in some fun colors (most notably cotton candy), but it’s kinda pricey for a 100-watt charging cable.

Iniu Braided USB-C Cable for $6: This is a cheap, 6.6-foot USB-C to USB-C charging cable that tops out at 100 watts. Data transfer is only 480 Mbps. One end lights up green when it’s charging.

Lindy USB 3.2 Type C to C Cable for $23: These active cables are suitable for hooking monitors up to your computer, and they support up to 8K at 60 Hz and 4K at 120 Hz. They also support DisplayPort 1.4. I tested the longer 3- and 5-meter variants that max out at 60 watts for Power Delivery and 10 Gbps for data (but they’re out of stock). The shorter cable linked here can go up to 20 Gbps. They work well and feel durable, but they’re a bit pricey.

Satechi USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable for $20: Gear from Satechi always has a classy look, and its braided nylon cables are no exception. This one is 6.5 feet, has a Velcro strap, and is capable of 100-watt charging, with support for PD and QC. Sadly, data transfer is limited to 480 Mbps.

Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Transfer Cable for $70: This active Thunderbolt 4 USB-C to USB-C cable matches our top pick with support for 100-watt charging and data transfers up to 40 Gbps. It is 6.6 feet long and comes with a two-year warranty.

Belkin Boost Charge USB-C for $10: This cable maxes out at 12 watts and 480 Mbps. The basic PVC finish is the cheapest, but you can opt for braided nylon too; both come in black or white at 3.3 or 6.6 feet. These cables are USB-IF certified and work as advertised (I’ve been using one in the car for the last few months).

Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.



Source link

October 2, 2025 0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Blue iPhone 17
Gaming Gear

Is It Time to Upgrade to the iPhone 17? How Older iPhones Compare

by admin September 30, 2025


The arrival of the iPhone 17 might have you wondering if it’s time to swap your older Apple device for the latest model. Depending on your current iPhone, getting the iPhone 17 could be a notable step up.

The iPhone 17 starts at $829, or $799 if you activate through a carrier. But unlike previous generations, the lowest storage option is 256GB, which is a nice upgrade from the previous 128GB starting point.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.

Several noteworthy updates to the iPhone 17 make it feel like a tempting choice, even over the pricier iPhone 17 Pro models. At long last, Apple has extended a 1-120Hz display across its entire lineup, so you can have smoother scrolling and an always-on display without spending upwards of $1,100 on a Pro model. An anti-reflective coating and higher 3,000-nit peak brightness make the screen slightly easier to see outdoors. And camera upgrades help to level up photos and selfies. 

Here’s how the iPhone 17 compares to older iPhones, ranging from last year’s iPhone 16 to 2020’s iPhone 12.

The iPhone 16

James Martin/CNET

iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16

Appearance-wise, the iPhone 17 has a lot in common with the iPhone 16. But beneath the surface, there are some key differences. 

The display goes from a meager 60Hz on the iPhone 16 to 120Hz on the iPhone 17 (at long last). That means the iPhone 17 finally supports an always-on display, so you can glance at the time and your notifications without waking the screen and enjoy smoother scrolling. A new anti-reflective coating helps reduce glare, especially in the bright outdoor conditions. 

The iPhone 17 has a larger 6.3-inch display, versus the iPhone 16’s 6.1-inch screen, thanks to slimmer bezels. That can make viewing content slightly more immersive, though it won’t be a hugely noticeable difference. And a new Ceramic Shield 2 cover on the iPhone 17 offers three times better scratch resistance, according to Apple, so you can worry a little less about etching into your phone’s screen (but maybe still get a screen protector to be safe).

The iPhone 16 and 17 have a 48-megapixel wide-angle camera, but the iPhone 17 bumps the ultrawide camera from 12 megapixels to 48 megapixels. The front-facing camera also gets upgraded from 12 megapixels (on the iPhone 16) to 18 megapixels on the iPhone 17. Both phones have a Camera Control button for quickly launching the camera and snapping photos.

A new Center Stage feature can automatically adjust selfie photos from portrait orientation to landscape to ensure everyone is in the shot, so you don’t have to manually rotate your phone to its side anymore. Dual Capture lets you simultaneously record on your front and back cameras. These upgrades are specifically catered to the latest iPhone lineup, so that they won’t be coming to older models like the iPhone 16, even with an iOS 26 update.

Battery life is a little longer on the iPhone 17. Apple says the iPhone 17 supports up to 8 hours more of video playback than the iPhone 16. This change aligns with improvements CNET noticed in our battery tests. In a 3-hour streaming test, for example, the iPhone 17’s battery dropped from 100% to 89%, while the iPhone 16 hit 86%. It’s an incremental update, but even a little more battery life is a welcome change. The iPhone 17 also supports up to 40-watt charging, which is a boost over the 25 watts you get with the iPhone 16, helping you top off your battery a little faster.

The bottom line: While the updates to the iPhone 17 help it stand out as an all-around solid device, the changes over last year’s iPhone 16 are incremental enough that there’s not much reason to upgrade — unless you’re really excited about that smoother display and faster charging. But for most people, subtle differences mean you should probably just hold onto your iPhone 16. 

The iPhone 15

James Martin/CNET

iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 15

The iPhone 15 has a lot in common with the iPhone 16, including a 48-megapixel wide-angle camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 6.1-inch display. The 6.3-inch display on the iPhone 17 has slimmer bezels to expand that real estate a bit, and the 48-megapixel ultrawide camera can lead to slightly sharper shots.

The baseline iPhone 15 doesn’t have an Action button that you can customize to launch various apps and functions, and instead has the more traditional ring/silent switch. The iPhone 17 has an Action button and a Camera Control button.

Both phones have a Dynamic Island cutout at the top of the display for showing alerts and Live Activities, such as the time your DoorDash order is arriving, flight updates and what song is currently playing.

With each generation, Apple touts longer battery life, so you can expect to get a couple more hours of video playback with the iPhone 17 than you would with the 15.

Perhaps the most significant difference between the iPhone 15 and 17 is that the iPhone 15 doesn’t have Apple Intelligence; those AI features only arrived on that year’s Pro models. If you upgrade to the iPhone 17, you’ll have access to writing and image editing tools, as well as newer features like Live Translation for calls and messages. 

The bottom line: Like the iPhone 16, there aren’t many drastic differences between the iPhone 15 and 17, though upgrading will notably grant you access to Apple Intelligence. But the other hardware and software-related updates are relatively minimal, so you’re probably good keeping your iPhone 15 for at least another year.

The iPhone 14

James Martin/CNET

iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 14

The iPhone 14 was the last Apple phone with a Lightning port and that’s one of most significant differences between it and the iPhone 17, which has a USB-C port. Upgrading to the iPhone 17 means you won’t have to rely on an outdated and limited-use charging cable anymore, and can instead use one that works with most of your other devices. 

The baseline iPhone 14 also doesn’t have a Dynamic Island cutout in the display, as that feature launched with just the Pro models that year. Upgrading to the iPhone 17 will let you quickly tap into activities like your rideshare trip or flight information.

The iPhone 14 has a 12-megapixel wide and ultrawide-angle camera on the back, while the iPhone 17 bumps that to 48 megapixels across the board. The iPhone 17 also increases the front-facing camera’s resolution from 12 megapixels to 18 megapixels, while adding a new Center Stage selfie feature to automatically adjust between portrait and landscape images without you having to rotate your phone. 

But the two phones also some key similarities, like having eSIM and satellite connectivity on board.

The bottom line: The iPhone 14 has the most noticeable differences with the iPhone 17. Upgrading could offer some fresh features like an Action button and, at last, a USB-C port, as well as Dynamic Island and an upgraded camera. But if you want to save some money and keep your current phone, you won’t be missing out on anything too drastic.

The iPhone 13

Patrick Holland/CNET

iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 13

The iPhone 13 has a similar A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 14, and shares the same dual 12-megapixel camera system. But unlike the iPhone 14, the iPhone 13 doesn’t have crash detection or satellite connectivity, or camera features like Action mode for more stable videos. 

At this point, your iPhone 13 may be showing its age. Upgrading to the iPhone 17 will give you access to newer features like Apple Intelligence, Dynamic Island, USB-C charging and the Camera Control and Action buttons. You might also notice faster speeds by switching to the iPhone 17, now that it’s been a few years since the iPhone 13 came out.

The bottom line: It may be time to upgrade to the iPhone 17 if you have an iPhone 13. It’s possible your phone is starting to show its age, and switching to Apple’s latest baseline will get you a longer-lasting battery, an upgraded camera, AI features and a handful of new hardware and software capabilities. 

The iPhone 12

Sarah Tew/CNET

iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 12

Like the next couple of iPhones after it, the iPhone 12 has a dual 12-megapixel camera system, as well as a 6.1-inch display. Upgrading to the iPhone 17 will get you a slightly more immersive 6.3-inch display with thinner bezels, along with a 48-megapixel dual camera system. 

The iPhone 12 lacks features like crash detection, satellite connectivity, Dynamic Island and USB-C charging. It also doesn’t support the Apple Intelligence suite of AI features for writing, photo editing, language translation and more. 

It’s possible your iPhone 12 has become sluggish and your battery isn’t holding up like it used to. Taking age out of the equation, at launch, the iPhone 12 boasted up to 17 hours of video playback, while Apple says the iPhone 17 supports up to 30 hours. So there’s likely to be a noticeable difference between how long each phone can hold up.

The bottom line: Swapping your iPhone 12 for the iPhone 17 could be a smart move. There have been noticeable changes over the last several years, from the addition of the Action and Camera Control buttons to the introduction of Apple Intelligence. The swap to USB-C and expanded battery capacity can also make the newest iPhone more tempting; you won’t have to cling to your now-outdated Lightning cable. And you’ll likely notice faster speeds and higher performance across the board when switching from a 5-year-old device to the latest generation. 

Apple iPhone 17 vs. Older iPhones

Apple iPhone 17Apple iPhone 16Apple iPhone 15Apple iPhone 14Apple iPhone 13Apple iPhone 12Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate 6.3-inch OLED; 2,622 x 1,206 pixel resolution; 1-120Hz variable refresh rate6.1-inch OLED; 2,556 x 1,179 pixel resolution; 60Hz refresh rate6.1-inch OLED; 2,556×1,179 pixels6.1-inch OLED; 2,532×1,170 pixels6.1-inch OLED; 2,532×1,170 pixels6.1-inch OLED; 2,532×1,170 pixelsPixel density 460ppi460 ppi460 ppi460 ppi460 ppi460ppiDimensions (inches) 5.89 x 2.81 x 0.31 in5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches2.82 x 5.81 x 0.31 in5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 in5.78 x 2.82 x 0.3 in5.78 x 2.82 x 0.29 inDimensions (millimeters) 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm71.6 x 147.6 x 7.8 mm147 x 72 x 7.8 mm147 x 72 x 7.65 mm146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mmWeight (grams, ounces) 177 g (6.24 oz)170 g (6 oz.)171g (6.02 oz)172 g (6.07 oz)6.14 oz; 174g5.78oz; 164gMobile software iOS 26iOS 18iOS 17iOS 16iOS 15iOS 14Camera 48-megapixel (wide) 48-megapixel (ultrawide)48-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)48-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide)Front-facing camera 18-megapixel12-megapixel12-megapixel12-megapixel12-megapixel12-megapixelVideo capture 4K4K4K4K at 60 fpsHDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps4KProcessor Apple A19Apple A18A16 BionicApple A15 BionicApple A15 BionicApple Bionic 14RAM + storage RAM N/A + 256GB, 512GBRAM N/A + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB128GB, 256GB, 512GBRAM NA; 128GB, 256GB, 512GB128GB, 256GB, 512GB64GB, 128GB, 256GBExpandable storage NoneNone (Face ID)NoneNoneUndisclosedUndisclosedBattery Up to 30 hours video playback; up to 27 hours video playback (streamed)Up to 22 hours video playback; up to 18 hours video playback (streamed). 20W wired charging. MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher; Qi2 up to 15WUndisclosed; Apple claims up to 20 hours of video playback (16 hours streamed)Undisclosed; Apple claims 20 hours of video playbackNoNoFingerprint sensor None (Face ID)None (Face ID)None (Face ID)None (Face ID)Undisclosed; Apple lists 19 hours of video playbackUndisclosed; Apple lists 15 hours of video playbackConnector USB-CUSB-CUSB-C (USB 2.0)LightningNo (Face ID)No (FaceID)Headphone jack NoneNoneNoneNoneLightningLightningSpecial features Apple N1 wireless networking chip (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 6, Thread. Action button. Camera Control button. Dynamic Island. Apple Intelligence. Visual Intelligence. Dual eSIM. 1 to 3,000 nits brightness display range. IP68 resistance. Colors: black, white, mist blue, sage, lavender. Fast charge up to 50% in 20 minutes using 40W adapter or higher via charging cable. Fast charge up to 50% in 30 minutes using 30W adapter or higher via MagSafe Charger.Apple Intelligence, Action button, Camera Control button, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2,000 nits display brightness range, IP68 resistance. Colors: black, white, pink, teal, ultramarine.Dynamic Island; 5G (mmw/Sub6); MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; eSIM; satellite connectivity5G (mmw/Sub6); MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; eSIM; satellite connectivityNoNoUS price starts at $829 (256GB)$799 (128GB)$799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB)$799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB)5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM) 5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM)



Source link

September 30, 2025 0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
The best iPhones to buy in 2025
Gaming Gear

The best iPhones to buy in 2025

by admin September 22, 2025


If you’ve been holding off on getting a new iPhone, now’s the perfect time to size up your options. Apple recently launched its 2025 iPhone lineup, which includes the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and a brand-new model, the ultra-thin iPhone Air. These new phones offer a number of new features over their predecessors, such as upgraded cameras, faster chips, better battery life, and even better screens — Apple Intelligence, however, is still a work in progress.

Alongside the new hardware, Apple also launched iOS 26 (yes, the numbering system has changed and we’re jumping from iOS 18), which includes a new Liquid Glass user interface, live translation, wallpapers in messages, and more. The software marks Apple’s biggest visual redesign since iOS 7, and despite some very polarizing reactions, we think it looks fine.

If your current iPhone is humming along, there’s no need to rush out and get a new one. But if you’re questioning whether it’s the year to replace your iPhone that’s a few generations old, then I think the answer is an easy yes. There are real gains to be had this time around, especially in the basic iPhone 17, which features a higher-refresh-rate display than last year’s model for smoother-looking animations, plus double the base storage to 256GB — all without raising the price, despite the current tariff situation.

What we’re looking for

How we test smartphones

Collapse

There’s no shortcut to properly testing a phone; I put my personal SIM card (physical or otherwise) in each phone I review and live with it for a minimum of one full week. I set up each phone from scratch, load it up with my apps, and go about living my life — stress testing the battery, using GPS navigation on my bike while streaming radio, taking rapid-fire portrait mode photos of my kid — everything I can throw at it. Starting over with a new phone every week either sounds like a dream or your personal hell, depending on how Into Phones you are. For me, switching has become so routine that it’s mostly painless.

Overall value

Collapse

The most expensive, souped-up iPhone isn’t automatically the best one for everyone. What I look for is a happy medium — features that will satisfy most people at the best price. Sometimes, that’s last year’s model.

Battery life

Collapse

Battery performance can vary significantly between current iPhone models, primarily due to the size of the phone. Everyone wants a phone that can last a full day, and these recommendations reflect that.

Screen size

Collapse

One size does not fit all. Some people like a small phone, others want the biggest screen money can buy. This list includes iPhones for people in both camps.

The best iPhone for most people

$799

The Good

  • Always-on display makes it vastly more useful
  • High refresh rate makes using the phone smoother
  • The cameras are solid
  • Battery lasts well through the day
  • The price isn’t going up
  • No redesign, but the green is nice

The Bad

  • Zoom capabilities are weak compared to the Pro
  • Gets hot during heavy gaming sessions
  • Apple Intelligence is still somewhere between useless and MIA

Screen: 6.3-inch 2622 x 1206 OLED, 120Hz refresh rate / Processor: A19 / Cameras: 48-megapixel f/1.6 main with sensor-shift IS; 48-megapixel ultrawide; 18-megapixel selfie / Battery: Not advertised / Charging: 40W wired, 25W wireless MagSafe / Qi2 / Weather-resistance rating: IP68

The iPhone 17 marks a turning point for the standard model. After years with a lower-quality screen, the cheapest model finally got two major upgrades for 2025: an always-on display and a high-refresh-rate panel. These features make it feel meaningfully better than the iPhone 16 and prior models in everyday use, bringing it closer than ever to the Pro models. And at the same $799 starting price as the previous generation, this year’s update is a no-brainer.

While the iPhone 17’s 48-megapixel main camera is carried over from last year, the ultrawide camera has been changed from a 12-megapixel sensor to a 48-megapixel sensor, and it delivers sharper and more vibrant photos. The device features an 18-megapixel Center Stage selfie camera, which is also in the Air and 17 Pro. Your selfies may not look materially better, but the front camera’s square sensor elevates the user experience, making it possible to take horizontal selfies while holding the device vertically (no need to rotate the phone).

The iPhone 17’s always-on display lets you quickly glance at notifications. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge

Apple also gives you double the storage — 256GB versus 128GB in the base iPhone 16 — and improved battery life. The standard 17 still lacks a proper telephoto camera, and the A19 chip is slower than the A19 Pro found in the Pro models. Still, it’s a big step up in almost every way, even if it looks basically the same as every iPhone from the past six years.

Read our iPhone 17 review.

$1099

The Good

  • Solid battery life
  • Brighter screen outdoors
  • Center Stage camera
  • Faster charging
  • Doesn’t get blazing hot
  • Orange

The Bad

  • What’s up with Siri?
  • Heavier than last year

Screen: 6.3-inch 2622 x 1206 OLED, 120Hz refresh rate / Processor: A19 Pro / Cameras: 48-megapixel f/1.78 with sensor-shift IS; 48-megapixel 8x telephoto with OIS; 48-megapixel ultrawide; 18-megapixel selfie / Battery: Not advertised / Charging: 40W wired, 25W MagSafe / Qi2 / Weather-resistance rating: IP68

The iPhone 17 Pro introduces a bold redesign and a number of notable upgrades, including the lineup’s most advanced camera setup yet. It also features rounded edges, and similar to last year, it’s on equal footing with the 17 Pro Max in terms of performance; the biggest differences that the Pro Max offers a larger display, a larger battery, and up to 2TB of storage.

Whereas the iPhone 17 is for most people, the 17 Pro is more geared toward creators. The device has three 48-megapixel cameras, including a 48-megapixel telephoto, and it offers several pro features aimed at those who want to take the best possible photos and videos. Some of those features include Genlock support, which lets videographers sync up timecodes across multiple cameras, and support for ProRes RAW recording. It also sports the upgraded Center Stage selfie camera found in other 2025 iPhone models.

The iPhone 17 Pro offers a smaller form factor compared to the 17 Pro Max. Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge

Despite the additions and improvements, there’s little here that makes the 17 Pro an absolute must-upgrade. However, it comes in an irresistible orange, which is apparently the new “it” color.

Read our iPhone 17 Pro review.

The iPhone with the best battery life

$1199

The Good

  • Solid battery life
  • Brighter screen outdoors
  • Center Stage camera
  • Faster charging
  • Doesn’t get blazing hot
  • Orange

The Bad

  • What’s up with Siri?
  • Heavier than last year

Screen: 6.9-inch 2868 x 1320 OLED, 120Hz refresh rate / Processor: A19 Pro / Cameras: 48-megapixel f/1.78 with sensor-shift IS; 48-megapixel 8x telephoto with OIS; 48-megapixel ultrawide; 18-megapixel selfie / Battery: Not advertised / Charging: 40W wired, 25W MagSafe / Qi2 / Weather-resistance rating: IP68

The iPhone 17 Pro Max’s redesign isn’t just about looks. Apple hollowed out the device’s aluminum frame to fit in the biggest battery yet in an iPhone. Apple says the device offers up 39 hours of video playback, which is 12 more hours than last year’s iPhone 16 Plus, our previous battery champ. The device can easily push through a full day and then some, though your mileage will vary depending on how often you play mobile games, watch videos, and doomscroll on social media.

The bigger iPhone 17 Pro Max means a bigger battery. Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge

There are other benefits to going with the 17 Pro Max. It has the largest display among the latest iPhone lineup — 6.9 inches — and offers up to 2TB of storage, giving creators more room than ever for storing their media. If you want the most iPhone you can possibly get, including the longest battery life, then the 17 Pro Max is the way to go.

Read our iPhone 17 Pro Max review.

The best iPhone for people who hate bulky phones

$999

The Good

  • Easier to carry thanks to its slim profile
  • Remarkably light and more pleasant to use for long periods of time

The Bad

  • Battery drains quicker than a standard phone
  • No ultrawide camera

Screen: 6.5-inch 2736 x 1260 OLED, 120Hz refresh rate / Processor: A19 Pro / Cameras: 48-megapixel f/1.6 main with sensor-shift IS; 18-megapixel selfie / Battery: Not advertised / Charging: 30W wired, 20W MagSafe / Qi2 / Weather-resistance rating: IP68

The iPhone Air is Apple’s biggest redesign since the iPhone X was released in 2017. It’s shockingly thin and light, at 5.6mm and 165 grams, respectively. Thanks to its titanium frame and Ceramic Shield 2 display, it’s more durable than you might expect, too. The device feels deceptively small, despite having a 6.5-inch display. You really have to see and feel the phone yourself to get the appeal.

But the thinner design comes with a few substantial compromises compared to the other models available this year. One of the biggest is that the Air features a single 48-megapixel camera on the back. That’s not to say the device’s camera is bad. But it’s a far less versatile system than even the far more affordable iPhone 17, which has a dual-camera setup. The second compromise is on battery life, which is just okay. It’s not terrible, but it’s not great, either.

The iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone ever, though it still has a chunky camera hump. Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge

At $999, you’re paying a lot for middling battery life and camera performance. Those who primarily care about design, though, may be more forgiving about those shortcomings.

Read our full iPhone Air review.

The best inexpensive-ish iPhone

$599

The Good

  • Reliable performance
  • Good, if limited, camera system
  • It’s the cheapest new iPhone you can buy

The Bad

  • No MagSafe
  • $599 feels like $100 too much
  • No ultrawide

Screen: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR / Processor: A18 Cameras: 48MP Fusion with 1x and 2x optical zoom, 12-megapixel selfie / Battery: Not advertised / Charging: 20-watt wired, 7.5W Qi, no MagSafe/ Weather-resistance rating: IP68

This recommendation comes with a heavy sigh. Yes, the 16E is the cheapest new iPhone Apple sells. Yes, it’s a good phone. It has a capable camera, reliable performance, full water resistance, wireless charging, and will be supported with software updates for years to come. But its $599 price tag starts to feel like too much when you consider what it’s missing.

There’s no MagSafe, which you can kind of add by way of a MagSafe case, but it’s a bummer not to have it built in when it has basically become a standard iPhone feature. There’s no ultrawide camera, no Dynamic Island housing timely information, no camera control button (not a huge loss, honestly), and no Ultra Wideband for precise object tracking. It does support Apple Intelligence, but that doesn’t feel like much of a consolation, given that it’s very much still a work-in-progress.

The 16E will most likely receive more years of software support than a previous-gen model like the iPhone 14 or 15. And sure, Apple Intelligence might turn into something useful someday. The 16E is a good choice if you want the path of least resistance to blue bubbles and FaceTime at your fingertips. But if you’d like MagSafe, a more advanced camera, and some of the other bells and whistles that got lost on the way to the 16E, then it’s not a bad idea to look at one of the older iPhones.

Read my full Apple iPhone 16E review.

Apple’s latest iPhone lineup is available now, but there are already reports about what’s next. One report suggests Apple is readying a book-style foldable iPhone for 2026, which allegedly looks like two iPhone Air models put side by side. Apple is reportedly still working to flatten the crease that appears when the phone is unfolded, but has otherwise settled on a design. Looking ahead to 2027, a report claims Apple is planning a redesigned “all-screen” iPhone to celebrate the device’s 20th anniversary. These upcoming releases are allegedly part of Apple’s three-year plan — starting with the new iPhone Air — that’s aimed at refreshing its smartphone lineup.

Update, September 22nd: Updated to reflect current pricing / availability, and added the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and Air as new picks. Brandon Russell contributed to this article.

0 CommentsFollow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.

  • Allison JohnsonClose

    Allison Johnson

    Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.

    PlusFollow

    See All by Allison Johnson

  • AppleClose

    Apple

    Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.

    PlusFollow

    See All Apple

  • Buying GuidesClose

    Buying Guides

    Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.

    PlusFollow

    See All Buying Guides

  • iOSClose

    iOS

    Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.

    PlusFollow

    See All iOS

  • iPhoneClose

    iPhone

    Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.

    PlusFollow

    See All iPhone

  • MobileClose

    Mobile

    Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.

    PlusFollow

    See All Mobile

  • TechClose

    Tech

    Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.

    PlusFollow

    See All Tech



Source link

September 22, 2025 0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Which iPhones Can Run iOS26? Check Out the Full List of Compatible Devices
Gaming Gear

Which iPhones Can Run iOS26? Check Out the Full List of Compatible Devices

by admin September 3, 2025


iOS26 is almost here. The most recent version of Apple’s mobile operating system will be released later this year for iPhone, delivering new features and a new look. That doesn’t mean you have to wait though. The public beta of iOS26 is available for download now, you just need a phone capable of running it.

iOS 26 brings a new translucent “Liquid Glass” look, the latest on-device Apple Intelligence perks (real-time translation and a smarter Visual Intelligence search), and phone and text upgrades like built-in call screening and in-chat polls.

Not everyone will get a chance to test out the new software. iOS 26 requires, at the very least, Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, so some older devices will get left behind. Not sure where your phone stands? Check the full compatibility list below before you try to download iOS 26.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source on Chrome.

Every iPhone that will get iOS 26

The phones left off this year’s list are the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR.

When the iPhone 17 is released later this year, it will come loaded with iOS 26.

Apple/CNET

Heads-up: Apple Intelligence isn’t for everyone

While all of the models above can install iOS 26, Apple Intelligence requires beefier hardware. Features such as Genmoji, Image Playground and the new Visual Intelligence search only work on:

  • iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
  • iPhone 16 models

If you’re on an older device, you’ll still get all the design changes and everyday updates, but nothing involving Apple Intelligence.

Not sure which iPhone you own?

On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and look at Model Name. If your phone isn’t on the compatibility list, it will keep receiving iOS 25 security patches for a while, but you won’t see any of iOS 26’s new features.



Source link

September 3, 2025 0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Best Power Bank for iPhones in 2025
Gaming Gear

Best Power Bank for iPhones in 2025

by admin August 19, 2025


Ugreen Qi2 magnetic power bank: Less well-known battery companies, like Ugreen and Baseus, are trying to take on Anker on Amazon with value power banks like this Qi2 magnetic wireless charger ($35). It’s fairly slim for a 10,000-mAh battery and offers up 15-watt wireless charging and 20W wireless charging if you plug the battery into a 20W or higher power adapter. This power bank can charge an iPhone 16 almost twice and is one of the more affordable Qi2-certified power banks.

Mophie Powerstation Plus Mini: If you have one of the newer iPhones with USB-C charging, or an Android smartphone with USB-C, the Mophie Powerstation Plus Mini ($50) is a relatively compact power bank with an integrated USB-C cable that offers 20-watt fast charging. The mini version has a 5,000-mAh battery that will fully recharge most smartphones at once. Mophie also makes a larger, 10,000mAh version that offers double the charging capacity, but it’s a little bulky and costs more. Note that while you’re charging the battery, you can also charge your device (the battery has pass-through charging).

Mophie Powerstation Plus: If you’re still using Apple devices with Lightning connectors but also want a power bank that can charge USB-C equipped devices, the Mophie Powerstation Plus ($80), while fairly price, is a nice option with its dual UBC-C/Lightning cable design. It’s a 10,000-mAh battery, so it can charge an iPhone 16 almost twice, and it delivers 30 watts of power from its USB-C port, so it can also provide some juice to a MacBook Air in a pinch. The smaller Mini version costs about $30 less and has only a single USB-C cable (it’s a 5,000-mAH battery), while the Mophie Powerstation Plus ($100) also has dual cables but adds retractable prongs so you can charge it in any power outlet.

Anker MagGo Power Bank 6.6K: The Anker MagGo Power Bank 6.6K has a 6,600-mAh battery and a foldable design with customizable viewing angles. It’s Qi2-certified, which means it offers 15-watt fast-charging capabilities and is fully MagSafe compatible, offering twice the speed of standard 7.5-watt wireless chargers for MagSafe-enabled iPhone 13, 14, 15 and 16 models and Android smartphones that support 15-watt wireless charging. Though it comes with a USB-C cable, you’ll need a USB-C charger with more than 15-watt output to hit those 15-watt charging speeds. You can take the power bank on the go or leave it plugged in to use as a wireless charging stand when at home. Its only drawback is that it’s a little bulky for on-the-go use.

Nimble Champ: Nimble’s updated Champ portable charger uses recycled plastic in its construction. You have to pay a bit more for going green, but it’s a nice, compact 10,000-mAh charger that features 20-watt PD fast-charging with dual USB-C ports (one on either side of the power bank) that allow you to charge two devices at the same time. If you are charging two devices, your charging speeds will be limited to 10 watts per device.

MyCharge Superhero MagLock: MyCharge calls its line of magnetic power banks Superhero MagLock, implying that they’re real saviors. I was impressed by their design. Not only do the batteries, which come in various capacities and colors, have strong magnets and stick really well to the back of any MagSafe-enabled iPhone, but they have raised coils, which are supposed to help reduce heat levels while charging. It does seem to work. All the MagLock batteries charge Qi-enabled iPhones at 5 watts, although you can get faster charging if you go wired and use a USB-C-to-Lightning cable. I also liked how there’s a chime when the charging starts and your phone tells you how much juice is left in the battery pack

Anker 523 PowerCore Slim 10K PD: The Anker 523 PowerCore Slim 10K PD ($28) is impressively slim for a 10,000-mAh portable phone charger and has a fast 20-watt USB-C out charging port (it’s also a USB-C input to charge its battery), plus a 12-watt USB-A out port. While the Anker 313 PowerCore Slim 10K is cheaper, this offers fast USB-C outcharging, which makes spending the extra dough a big plus if you have a USB-C-to-Lightning cable.

Mophie Powerstation 10K Stand with MagSafe: Mophie’s Powerstation Wireless Stand with MagSafe isn’t cheap but is a versatile 10,000-mAh battery with both a stand and MagSafe charger built-in and also has a threaded tripod mount at the bottom. Since this is an official MagSafe charger, the battery does charge at 15 watts, making this among the fastest wireless external battery chargers out there and will also charge the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro models with MagSafe. If you use a USB-C-to-Lightning cable (not included) with it, you can charge at 20-watt speeds. You can also charge two devices at the same time.

Anker PowerCore III 10K Portable Charger: The Anker PowerCore III 10K portable charger has fast USB-C out charging (18 watts) as well as a USB-A port and up to 10-watt wireless charging. It’s not magnetic, so your phone won’t stick to it but it will wirelessly charge any Qi-enabled devices.

Mophie Snap Plus Juice Pack Mini: Mophie’s magnetic power bank is similar to Anker’s but is slightly slimmer (it’s suitable for a 5,000-mAh battery) and doesn’t have an integrated flap that converts into a stand. It’s designed to adhere to the back of MagSafe-enabled iPhone or MagSafe cases, it comes with a “snap adapter” ring to stick onto the back of Android devices so they’ll be magnet-friendly. 

Anker PowerCore Fusion Portable Charger (Currently Unavailable): This Anker model is effectively an oversized wall charger with a built-in 5,000-mAh battery. It’s got two standard USB charging ports for simultaneously juicing up your phone and a secondary gadget (or two phones). A little LED indicator on the side lets you check the charge level at the press of a button.



Source link

August 19, 2025 0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Categories

  • Crypto Trends (1,098)
  • Esports (800)
  • Game Reviews (772)
  • Game Updates (906)
  • GameFi Guides (1,058)
  • Gaming Gear (960)
  • NFT Gaming (1,079)
  • Product Reviews (960)

Recent Posts

  • This 5-Star Dell Laptop Bundle (64GB RAM, 2TB SSD) Sees 72% Cut, From Above MacBook Pricing to Practically a Steal
  • Blue Protocol: Star Resonance is finally out in the west and off to a strong start on Steam, but was the MMORPG worth the wait?
  • How to Unblock OpenAI’s Sora 2 If You’re Outside the US and Canada
  • Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth finally available as physical double pack on PS5
  • The 10 Most Valuable Cards

Recent Posts

  • This 5-Star Dell Laptop Bundle (64GB RAM, 2TB SSD) Sees 72% Cut, From Above MacBook Pricing to Practically a Steal

    October 10, 2025
  • Blue Protocol: Star Resonance is finally out in the west and off to a strong start on Steam, but was the MMORPG worth the wait?

    October 10, 2025
  • How to Unblock OpenAI’s Sora 2 If You’re Outside the US and Canada

    October 10, 2025
  • Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth finally available as physical double pack on PS5

    October 10, 2025
  • The 10 Most Valuable Cards

    October 10, 2025

Newsletter

Subscribe my Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & new photos. Let's stay updated!

About me

Welcome to Laughinghyena.io, your ultimate destination for the latest in blockchain gaming and gaming products. We’re passionate about the future of gaming, where decentralized technology empowers players to own, trade, and thrive in virtual worlds.

Recent Posts

  • This 5-Star Dell Laptop Bundle (64GB RAM, 2TB SSD) Sees 72% Cut, From Above MacBook Pricing to Practically a Steal

    October 10, 2025
  • Blue Protocol: Star Resonance is finally out in the west and off to a strong start on Steam, but was the MMORPG worth the wait?

    October 10, 2025

Newsletter

Subscribe my Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & new photos. Let's stay updated!

@2025 laughinghyena- All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by Pro


Back To Top
Laughing Hyena
  • Home
  • Hyena Games
  • Esports
  • NFT Gaming
  • Crypto Trends
  • Game Reviews
  • Game Updates
  • GameFi Guides
  • Shop

Shopping Cart

Close

No products in the cart.

Close