It used to be incredibly difficult to test out another network. You needed to sign-up for a plan from a carrier, ditch your current SIM card for a new one, possibly transfer your number, and basically throw a huge wrench into your world of connectivity.

Today, that has all changed. All of the three major carriers (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) will let you try their networks for free and you get to keep your current phone number and network while you do the testing.

Back in 2023, we put together a guide on how to test Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile for free, but it needs a big update for 2026.

Ready to test out a new network at no cost? Here’s how to do it.

How Carrier Free Trials Work

Before we get into this, you should understand how these free trials work on all of the carriers, because once you know, it should erase any hesitation you may have.

Modern smartphones tend to have the ability to handle multiple SIM cards, which could be a combination of a physical SIM with an additional eSIM or 2 eSIM slots. The SIM or eSIM, for those not familiar, is essentially how your carrier sets up service through your phone. The SIM or eSIM is where your phone number is attached, as well as the network access and plan you’ve signed up for.

Since our modern smartphones can handle two SIMs at a time, these trials allow you to keep your current carrier phone number and data plan, while simply activating a secondary provider in an open eSIM slot. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that can be downloaded to your phone through a carrier app within a matter of minutes, allowing you to get up and testing on a new network in no time.

When you test Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile’s networks, your current phone number and data plan are active, so you still get calls just like you would expect. However, with a free trial activated as well, you can choose to turn off your current carrier’s data to then test the data and network of the test network. Again, your phone number and current carrier plan remains untouched, but by adding a secondary eSIM with the test network’s access, you can spend 30 days testing without any real interruption.

Should you decide to make the switch, the carrier apps will help you do so and bring your number on over. If you decide to stick with your current carrier after the test, you turn off or delete the trial eSIM and continue using your carrier. It’s really that simple and there is no reason you shouldn’t give another carrier a try if you have been considering a switch or are having network issues.

1. Verizon Free Trial: 100GB and 5G Ultra Wideband access

Verizon is offering a 30-day free trial that does not require a credit card and won’t cost you anything once the trial is done. They give you a large data bucket to use on their best and fastest network, plus you get hotspot access, can keep your current number and carrier during the trial, and it’ll work on Android or iOS.

• Trial Length: 30 Days – no credit card required, $0 cost
• Data Bucket: Up to 100 GB of premium 4G LTE / 5G data.
• Hotspot Included: That 100GB data bucket is also used if you decide to hotspot your phone.
• Network Access: If you have a compatible unlocked 5G device, your trial includes access to 5G Ultra Wideband (their fastest network) with up to 4K video streaming. It also includes unlimited domestic talk and text on a secondary trial number.
• What You Need (phone): An unlocked, eSIM-compatible smartphone. This includes Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and newest iPhone models.
• What You Need (app): You can sign up entirely through the My Verizon app without inputting a credit card. The app will check your device for compatibility.
• Keep your phone number: Verizon’s free trial allows you to keep your current phone number and carrier setup.

Sign-up for Verizon Free Trial

2. T-Mobile Free Trial: Unlimited data and more

The T-Mobile free trial works exactly like Verizon’s, with lots of data on their best network and setup as a secondary provider to keep your current phone and carrier on your device. However, you do get a couple of extra bonuses, like access to T-Satellite messaging and use in Canada and Mexico. You also get unlimited data and a bigger hotspot bucket.

• Trial Length: 30 Days – no credit card required, $0 cost
• Data Bucket: Unlimited 5G data.
• Hotspot Included: You get a 250GB data bucket if you decide to hotspot your phone.
• T-Satellite Included: T-Mobile gives access to their emergency T-Satellite messaging service with compatible devices.
• Canada / Mexico Included: T-Mobile also gives you unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico during your trial.
• Network Access: If you have a compatible unlocked 5G device, your trial includes access to their entire 5G network with up to 4K video streaming.
• What You Need (phone): An unlocked, eSIM-compatible smartphone. This includes Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and newest iPhone models.
• What You Need (app): You can sign up entirely through the T-Life app without inputting a credit card. The app will check your device for compatibility.
• Keep your phone number: T-Mobile’s free trial allows you to keep your current phone number and carrier setup.

Sign-up for T-Mobile Free Trial

3. AT&T Free Trial: Lots of data, iPhone only

The AT&T free trial, as you might have guessed, works exactly like both Verizon and T-Mobile’s, where you set it up as a secondary provider on your phone. You get 100GB of data, hotspot access, and there is no credit card required or money out of pocket. Unfortunately, AT&T is only allowing iPhones to test its network. We still aren’t sure the reasoning for this, but back in 2023 we told you to trial Cricket if you needed to test AT&T’s network on your Android device (Cricket is owned by AT&T and it uses their network).

• Trial Length: 30 Days – no credit card required, $0 cost
• Data Bucket: 100GB of 5G data.
• Hotspot Included: You get a 25GB data bucket if you decide to hotspot your phone.
• Canada / Mexico Included: AT&T also gives you unlimited talk and textin and between Canada and Mexico during your trial.
• Network Access: If you have a compatible unlocked iPhone device, your trial includes access to their entire 5G network.
• What You Need (phone): An unlocked, eSIM-compatible iPhone. This includes iPhone models from the iPhone XR up through the latest iPhone 17 series.
• What You Need (app): You can sign up entirely through the AT&T app without inputting a credit card. The app will check your device for compatibility.
• Keep your phone number: AT&T free trial allows you to keep your current phone number and carrier setup.

Sign-up for AT&T Free Trial

Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile: Free Trial Comparison

As you can see from all of the information we just gave you, testing out a new network and carrier is incredibly easy. There are no strings attached, you get to keep your current phone number the entire time, and there is no cost whatsoever unless you decide to switch to the new carrier.

Read the original post: How to Try Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile for Free

If you head into a Best Buy store or the retailer’s US website, you can find the Nothing Phone 3, Phone 4a Pro, Headphone (a), and Ear (3). This follow’s the company’s launch onto Best Buy Canada last year.

As an Android buyer, it’s always good to have another place to buy a phone. Additionally, this lets you get some potential hands-on time with a phone before you make a purchase. That’s a good thing.

Nothing Phones on Best Buy

Read the original post: Nothing Devices Now for Sale at Best Buy in US

The security patch is the only notable item in the changelog. However, if you boot the update and notice any changes, drop us a line.

Updated Software Version Numbers

• Galaxy Watch 7:
  • L305USQS3BZE1 (40mm)
  • L315USQS3BZE1 (44mm)
• Watch 8:
  • L335USQS3AZE1 (44mm)
  • L325USQS3AZE1 (40mm)
• Watch 8 Classic: L505USQS3AZE1
• Watch Ultra: L705USQS3BZE1

Go snag it.

// Verizon

Read the original post: Galaxy Watches Updated With May Security Patch

One of the features highlighted was a screen reaction-type of thing, where you could turn on your selfie camera during screen recordings to react to happenings on screen. It basically gave everyone with a Pixel phone the opportunity to make one of those awful YouTuber reaction clips.

That feature was included in the latest Android 17 QPR1 Beta 4 that began rolling out yesterday.

You can find it by turning on a screen recording and then choosing the “Entire screen” option from the top dropdown menu. That choice will present a “Show selfie camera” toggle that, when enabled, presents you through the selfie camera as you record.

It’s pretty slick! When activated, the selfie camera is able to filter out your background, almost as if you had a green screen behind you. You can also choose to add a colored background and drag your picture around the screen too.

Other options are here too, like recording of device audio, using the microphone of your phone, and showing touches.

Aspiring reaction folk, it’s time to install the latest Android 17 QPR1 beta on your Pixel phone.

Read the original post: Android 17 Just Added a Built-in Selfie Reaction Feature

You can do more than just adjust sound settings, of course. Using Gemini, you could complain to Gemini about the screen being too dark, change display modes, have it optimize for specific content, or just open settings to quickly find what you need.

In a short community post to share this news, Google gave the below examples on what you might try with Gemini on your TCL Google TV:

• Adjust audio & video settings: Change common settings like brightness, contrast, picture, volume, and sound modes³. For example, ask Gemini to “Set picture mode to Sport” or “Increase the bass.”
• Troubleshoot picture & sound issues: Describe what you’re experiencing, and Gemini will adjust the settings to fix it. Try saying, “The screen is too dark” or “I can’t hear the dialogue clearly.”
• Optimize settings for your content: Tune settings for what you’re watching. You can say, “It’s movie night—help make this feel like a cinematic experience.”
• Find settings menus: Go directly to the menu you want without clicking through multiple screens. Just say, “Open display settings.”

These Gemini settings controls for Google TV are rolling out starting today in the US to the following TCL Google TV models: QM9K, X11L, QM9L, QM8L, and RM9L.

Let us know if you get it!

Read the original post: Gemini Can Now Control Your Google TV Settings

This is a quick look back at our favorite Android hardware. We limited it to a top 5, even though it could easily be a top 10 or top 15. There are a few phones that could be swapped in for what we have here, such as the HTC One (M7 and M8), but when you have to lock in and select just 5, cuts have to be made.

Enjoy. Please feel free to argue for your favorites down in the comments. The below list is numbered, but they aren’t true rankings.

1. Moto X

This phone could be customized to suit anyone’s taste. Leather backs. Wood backs. Whatever you wanted. We know some people weren’t fans of the leather backside, but oh my, it was absolutely glorious and aged beautifully. Or how about the bamboo backsides? Motorola knocked this one out of the park.

2. Nexus 5 (in Red)

If the Nexus 5 (Red) didn’t release, I don’t think either the White or Black variants would have made the list. When we ask for more red phones from Android OEMs, this is the red we’re looking for. It’s a bright red, scorching the eyes. And with the matching earpiece, it was such a hot phone.

3. Nexus 4 (in White)

The Nexus 4 certainly had its issues, but hardware was not one of them. What a classy device. We definitely broke a fair share of them, but fragile glass backside aside, it’s a hot phone. Google and LG used a dotted glass pattern which resulted in what’s apparently called a chatoyance effect. While the black model was good looking, the white one really stood apart to us.

4. LG G3

At the time, LG G3 was my favorite phone. I loved the introduction of rear-facing buttons, allowing for an ultra thin device. The camera was very good, plus the software wasn’t completely terrible at this point. This phone doesn’t quite have the “wow factor” that others might have on this list, but it’s an important piece of hardware in my personal Android journey.

5. Pixel 2 XL (Panda)

We have dedicated glory posts to this phone. In our view, it’s goated. The contrast of the black and white, the orange power button, along with the subtle shine of the fingerprint reader’s outer ring. From a design standpoint, it’s perfect. No notes.

Its beauty was matched by its performance, too. It ran well, delivered an exceptional camera experience and was overall one of, if not the best Pixel experiences Google ever released.

Bonus: OG Moto 360

We wanted to send a special shoutout to at least one Wear OS device — the Moto 360. Since the launch of this smartwatch, Wear OS hardware seems to have gone downhill. Sure, the battery didn’t last very long, but it sure did look good. Motorola’s design team absolutely crushed this one.

We hope this list isn’t met with too much displeasure. All of this is subjective, except for the Pixel 2 XL. We won’t hear any penguin (or panda) slander from anyone.

Would you make any changes?

Read the original post: TBT: Here’s Our Top 5 Favorite Android Hardware

This Woot deal on the Galaxy S25 Ultra has cut $560 off the 1TB storage model. That discount brings the price to $1,099, which is lower than you would pay for the base 256GB model.

At this time, Woot has all of the colors too, so you can choose from Titanium Gray, Titanium Black, Titanium Whitesilver, and Titanium Silverblue. Yes, those are official names and not typos.

This deal is for the unlocked version of the Galaxy S25 Ultra and there are no mentions of any network restrictions. As far as we can tell, this should work on US networks without issue.

This is really an incredible price on the Galaxy S25 Ultra because the phone will get years upon years of software support still, is very much like this year’s Galaxy S26 Ultra, and it has 1TB of freakin’ storage. This thing is never going to run out of space for your photos and videos and apps and games.

Woot could run out of these, so get after it.

Shop this Galaxy S25 Ultra deal at Woot

Read the original post: Samsung’s 1TB Galaxy S25 Ultra Dropped by $560

In this new QPR1 Beta 4 update, we’re seeing 7 bug fixes, but Google hasn’t been open about any new features. They aren’t typically that open about new stuff, so we’ll try to dive in shortly and let you know if anything is fun.

As for which devices are getting this update, Google has removed the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro from the program. Both phones were previously a part of the Android 17 QPR1 beta program, so this is a bit of a surprise. The Pixel 6a is still a part, it’s just that Google ripped away the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro without notice or reason.

UPDATE: Google has explained on reddit that they are skipping the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro for this Beta 4, but will send the next beta to each – “The plan is for Pixel 6 and 6 Pro to return in the next beta of QPR1.”

Bugs fixed in Android 17 QPR1 Beta 4

• An issue where the mouse pointer becomes invisible on external displays when Work profile or FLAG_SECURE applications are active. (Issue #446715557)
• A Settings app crash occurring when launching credential provider settings from a Private Space. (Issue #499908921)
• An issue where screenshot sounds were coupled with the ringer volume, preventing silent captures while maintaining call alerts. (Issue #336098340)
• An issue where video recording at 5x zoom would exhibit frame jumps and jitter during panning. (Issue #447867142)
• An issue where Back Tap gestures failed to trigger on the interactive lock screen. (Issue #476775220)
• A graphics driver regression that caused severe 3D performance drops in OpenGL ES applications on newer hardware. (Issue #476585209)
• A regression where Wireless ADB and local network-dependent apps failed to connect. (Issue #506418219)

The best way to get this update is through the Android Beta Program (sign-up). If you are into flashing images, there are OTA images available (here) too.

Read the original post: Android 17 QPR1 Beta 4 Just Released for Pixel Phones

Scheduled to release later this year, SamMobile reports that Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will come equipped with a battery with a rated capacity of 784mAh. That’s around a 35% increase, which for a smartwatch, is incredible.

For the typical user, that should directly result in an extra day or even day and a half of usage before a charger needs to get involved. If you’re someone who does long-lasting endurance events, then battery life is crucial, so any large increase would be significant.

The outlet also reported that Galaxy Watch 9 (40mm) will come with a 382mAh battery, while the Watch 9 (44mm) will feature a 435mAh battery.

Expect Galaxy Watch 9 series and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 to launch alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series and Galaxy Z Flip 8 sometime around August.

// SamMobile

Read the original post: Report: Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Getting Big ol’ Battery Boost

For those not familiar with Mint Mobile, they are US prepaid carrier that is now owned by T-Mobile, so they are allowed to operate on T-Mobile’s top tier network. Mint Mobile offers four different plans, three of which carry data limits, while one is unlimited.

The data bucket plans were previously capped at 5GB, 15GB, and 20GB. Mint is now adding more storage to each with the following breakdown:

• 5 GB → 6 GB
• 15 GB → 17 GB
• 20 GB → 23 GB

As for pricing, these plans technically cost $15, $20, and $25 per month. However, Mint Mobile is almost always running a promotion on them where you pay for 3, 6, or 12 months of service and they give you a discount. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a situation where you would pay full price for any of their plans.

For example, the current Mint Mobile promotion cuts $5 per month off of each plan, making them $10, $15, and $20 in order. To be honest, these are their worst discounts in some time. Throughout most weeks and months, you can get their fully unlimited plan for as little as $15 per month.

Overall, Mint Mobile is still very much a top choice for prepaid. In fact, we typically recommend Mint or Visible for most people, since each is backed by major carriers. We have a Mint Mobile vs. Visible comparison you should checkout.

Sign-up for Mint Mobile

Read the original post: Mint Mobile Just Added More Data to Plans for Free

Verizon has two changelogs confirming Wear OS 7. There’s one for the Pixel Watch 2 and the Pixel Watch 3. We expect the Pixel Watch 4 will be grouped into this once the update is live. As for the original Pixel Watch, it’s not listed either.

• Related: What’s New in Wear OS 7

Wear OS 7 was first detailed in mid-May. It includes major upgrades, such as Gemini Intelligence, Live Updates from your supported apps, Wear OS widgets, and plenty else. We’ve detailed everything new in Wear OS 7.

Updated Software Version Numbers

• Pixel Watch 2: CP2A.260603.001
• Pixel Watch 3: CP2A.260603.001
• Pixel Watch 4: CP2A.260603.001

Update: Pixel Watch 4 software version number added.

Even with Verizon confirming the changes, it’s likely that the update is not yet officially rolling out. Inbound it may be, but not exactly live yet.

We will continue monitoring the situation and give you the latest when we hear it from Google.

// Verizon [2]

Read the original post: Wear OS 7 Update Ready for Pixel Watches

Google says that this model can automatically detect and smoothly translate over 70 different languages, all while preserving the speaker’s innotation, pacing, and pitch. “Unlike turn by turn systems that wait for the speaker to finish speaking before responding, 3.5 Live Translate generates speech continuously, balancing the trade-off between waiting for context to improve quality and translating immediately to stay in sync with the speaker,” the company explained.

How to use: To use this feature, you’ll connect a pair of any headphones to your device. In the bottom left of the Translate app, you’ll see a button for Live Translate.

Google says that specifically for Android users, “we’re also starting to roll out a new ‘listening mode’ with 3.5 Live Translate that lets you hear translations directly through your phone’s earpiece.”

A user can hold the phone to their ear like a regular call, then the translated audio streams straight to only you. This is perfect if you don’t have headphones and/or don’t want others to hear what’s being translated.

Google Play Link: Google Translate

// Google

Read the original post: Google Translate App Gets Gemini 3.5 Live Translation

A “portable handset” under the Samsung model number SM-F776U slid into the FCC today, gaining approval so that it can launch in the US. This model number will represent the Galaxy Z Flip 8.

For comparison, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 was SM-F731, Galaxy Z Flip 6 was SM-F741, and the Galaxy Z Flip 7 was SM-F766. The Galaxy Z line has always started with SM-F7** since first introduced. There is no other phone we expect to carry SM-F776 at this time other than the Flip 8.

The FCC listings confirm that we have wide connectivity and all of the current network tech. In the table below, you can see the range of supported network bands (no 5G mmW), as well as NFC, wireless charging, and at least WiFi 6.

Finally, here is a graphic that shares where you’ll find antennas and the battery. It shows a phone that is split in half, which is yet another confirmation that this is the Galaxy Z Flip 8.

As far as the timing goes, an FCC approval lets us get to a launch of the Flip 8 (as well as the Galaxy Z Fold 8). The current rumor is Samsung hosting Unpacked in London on July 22 for its next-gen foldables.

Do we still buy flip phones?

// FCC

Read the original post: Galaxy Z Flip 8 Gets to the FCC for Approval

The first feature that caught my eye is specific to Pixel phones. Google says that Google Fi can now automatically shift between multiple international networks in real-time through their “upgraded dual cellular switching technology.” They haven’t shared anything else surrounding the secret sauce here, but the idea is that a Pixel phone, when on Google Fi, will do its best to get you on the best available network.

Following that feature, we have several other upgrades coming to Google Fi subscribers who are on the Unlimited Premium plan:

• 5G in more international markets: Google Fi has expanded 5G access to 22 new international markets, which brings the total up to 110+.
• Expanded VPN availability: Google has expanded Google Fi’s built-in VPN to South Korea and Japan.
• W+ in more locations: Google Fi’s WiFi Auto Connect+ (or W+) is the premium WiFi you can automatically access in public locations. Google is expanding W+ across Europe and Asia. When on W+, your connection is encrypted and you should see faster speeds for doing things like streaming video.
• Switch to Fi before traveling: Google Fi has added a way to quickly check for proper connection and setup before you travel abroad. They want you to setup Fi before you travel and confirm that all is well, so that when you land, you’ll know you will have coverage.

Again, these are included with Unlimited Premium plans at no cost.

To help kick off the new feature rollout, Google is offering a 50% off promo on Unlimited Premium for the next 12 months to new subscribers. This plan includes 100GB of high-speed data, 50GB hotspot, international coverage, free connectivity to a smartwatch, 100GB of Google One storage, and more.

This plan normally costs $65 per month, so a 50% savings is substantial and worth a look.

Sign-up for Google Fi

Read the original post: Google Fi Subscribers Just Got 5 Big Upgrades for Free

In iOS 27, Apple has confirmed that if someone with an iPhone shares a photo album with you through iCloud, you can join and also add photos to it from Android. This applies to Windows users too.

During the opening WWDC keynote, Apple shared the image above while talking about the new feature and showed images being added to it within the cloud. They only shared this single image, so we don’t know exactly how the flow of adding a photo from Android will look, but it shouldn’t be a difficult process.

This is an iOS 27 feature, as far as we can tell, so it won’t be a thing you can participate in with iPhone users just yet. iOS 27 is only in a developer beta state at this point. As it goes public and then stable, we should know more.

First RCS and now this? Who is this Apple?

Read the original post: Apple Finally Lets Android Users Add to iCloud Shared Photo Albums