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BEST BUDGET PHONE
GOOGLE PIXEL 3A
$399 EDITORS’ CHOICE Llllh
$399 is a pretty high price for our budget phone category. But like the OnePlus Pro, the Google
Pixel 3a is surprisingly free of compromises for a phone at this price. The 3a’s standout feature
is its camera, which uses Google’s proprietary software to deliver the best images you’ll see on
any phone that costs less than $700. Fast software, frequent updates, decent battery life, and
a high-quality build mean that although you’re saving a lot of money, you won’t feel like you
made compromises.15
BEST VOICE PHONE
ALCATEL GO FLIP 3
$99 EDITORS’ CHOICE Llllm
The Alcatel Go Flip 3 has the body, simplicity, and usability of a classic flip phone. It works on
4G networks, so you won’t get caught out as 2G and 3G networks slowly decline. The Go
Flip3’s most potent feature is its operating system, KaiOS, which truly bridges the traditional
phone and smartphone realms. KaiOS adds Google Assistant, Facebook, Twitter, and a simple
app store to make it easy to dictate text messages, sync contacts, and exist in an internet-
enabled world.16
BEST HOTSPOT
INSEEGO MIFI 8000/8800
$240 EDITORS’ CHOICE Llllm
Inseego’s MiFi 8000 platform, available on Sprint as the 8000 and on Verizon as the 8800, is
the best 4G hotspot platform available. It’s pocket-size, speedy, and easy to operate, with a
big touch screen on the front that lets you get at all the settings. With Category 18 LTE, it’s a
big step up from most older hotspots. 5G devices right now aren’t quite fully baked, and
carriers will keep beefing up their 4G networks for several years. For now, this mature 4G
hotspot platform is the way to go.17
BEST SMARTWATCH
APPLE WATCH SERIES 5
$399 EDITORS’ CHOICE Llllm
The Apple Watch continues to be the most comprehensive, powerful smartwatch platform
out there. This year’s model includes an always-on display, so you you can see the time,
workout stats, and other information at a glance. There are some other small improvements,
including a Compass app and an International Emergency Calling feature, and watchOS 6
brings new apps such as Cycle Tracking for women and a Noise app that measures sound
exposure. Its unrivaled app experience and its integration with the iOS phone platform
continues to make the Apple Watch the smartwatch to beat.