14
BEST iPHONE
APPLE iPHONE 12 MINI
$699.99 EDITORS’ CHOICE Llllh
We’ve been asking for a smaller premium iPhone for a long time. Apple finally delivered. The
iPhone 12 mini isn’t a second-class citizen in the iPhone world—it has all the speed, camera
prowess, and 5G capabilities of its bigger sibling, in a one-handed form factor, for less money.
When we start to leave our houses on a regular basis again, we’re going to want to carry bags,
hold childrens’ hands, and fit things into the annoyingly small pockets of tight pants. The
iPhone 12 mini is an affordable, powerful phone for the world we’re hoping 2021 will be.
15
BEST BUDGET PHONE
MOTOROLA MOTO G POWER
$249.00 EDITORS’ CHOICE Llllm
The Moto G Power hits all the basics, the way a good budget phone should. It has excellent
battery life, reliable reception and call quality, and a big screen that’s usable in sunlight.
Motorola always uses a light hand with its Android software, not loading it down with
bloatware, and it has a better track record with updates and support than many other budget
phone makers do. We’ve recommended many phones in the Moto G series, because we know
that when you get one, you don’t have to worry. The G Power continues this solid legacy.
16
BEST HOTSPOT
VERIZON MIFI M2100 5G UW
$399.00 Lllhm
The first real hotspot for Verizon’s super-high-speed 5G network is the first hotspot that can
give you a taste of what 5G is supposed to be—provided you can find network coverage. The
M2100 can use Wi-Fi 6 to split Verizon’s gigabit wireless connection across up to 30 devices,
letting you quickly set up an outdoor office or workgroup. It’s held back by Verizon’s network,
which primarily works only outdoors, in relatively small parts of major cities. But at least
Verizon is showing what we can do with true wireless, high-speed access when it becomes
more widespread.
17
BEST SMARTWATCH
APPLE WATCH SERIES 6
$399.00 EDITORS’ CHOICE Llllh
Outperforming Google Wear OS–based models and offering a much more fully realized
smartwatch experience than Fitbit’s health-centric alternatives, the Apple Watch is once
again our top pick. This year’s flagship Series 6 model offers two key features that can help
keep you safe amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic: an SpO2 sensor that lets you monitor
your blood oxygen saturation level and a countdown timer that keeps you honest when
washing your hands. The Series 6 further impresses thanks to a faster processor, a brighter
display, and an always-on altimeter, all of which help make the best smartwatch you can buy a
smarter choice than ever.
