Don't miss out on this limited-time Chase Sapphire perk increase

Heads up! We share savvy shopping and personal finance tips to put extra cash in your wallet. Android Central may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network. Please note that the offers mentioned below are subject to change at any time and some may no longer be available.

As the effects of the coronavirus pandemic continue, U.S. spending habits have shifted dramatically from even earlier this year. While road trips are sputtering back to life, travel overall is still dramatically down.

Since April, credit card issuers have been quick to catch on, adding in new limited-time bonus categories, annual-fee reductions, and other credits that could be used from home. These changes were intended to keep certain cards — especially travel rewards cards — to be top of mind for those that hold them.

Just last month, Chase announced a slew of benefit updates for two of its most popular cards — the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve. Those perks included the new Pay Yourself Back program and flexible use of the Sapphire Reserve's $300 travel credit.

Now, Chase is back with yet another round of extras specifically for its Sapphire lineup — and it all starts on July 1.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Limited-time perks on Instacart through Sept. 30:

• 5x points on Instacart delivery and pickup orders — on up to $3,000 across the three-month promotional period
• Up to $50 in statement credits towards an Instacart Express membership (annual or monthly)

New bonuses categories through Sept 30:

• 5x points at gas stations — on up to $1,500 across the three-month promotional period
• 10x points on select streaming services (such as Spotify or Netflix) — on up to $1,500 across the three-month promotional period

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Limited-time perks on Instacart through Sept. 30:

• 3x points on Instacart delivery and pickup orders — on up to $3,000 across the three-month promotional period
• Up to $50 in statement credits towards an Instacart Express membership (annual or monthly)

New bonuses categories through Sept 30:

• 3x points at gas stations — on up to $1,500 across the 3-month promotional period
• 5x points on select streaming services (like Spotify or Netflix) — on up to $1,500 across the three-month promotional period

Details of the limited-time perks

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers will earn 5x total points and Chase Sapphire Preferred will earn 3x total points on all Instacart delivery and pickup orders – up to $3,000 in spend across the three months. In addition, cardmembers will also receive up to $50 in statement credits towards an Instacart Express membership (annual or monthly) — including $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on orders of $35 or more.

With a new, limited-time bonus on gas, Sapphire Reserve cardmembers will earn 5x total points and Sapphire Preferred cardmembers will earn 3x total points – on up to $1,500 in spend across the three months.

Finally, Chase is also announcing a new bonus on select streaming services including Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, Netflix, Sling, Vudu, Fubo TV, Apple Music, SiriusXM, Pandora, Spotify, YouTube TV. Sapphire Reserve cardmembers earn 10x total points and Sapphire Preferred cardmembers earn 5x total points. This also can be used on up to $1,500 in spending across the three-month promotional period.

For all of these offers, no activation is required and they will automatically begin on July 1 and end on Sept. 30, 2020.

*Bonus valuation based on TPG valuation and not provided by issuers.

Delivery and pickup through Instacart open the door to a hefty bonus at a number of retailers, including groceries and other household items. From Costco to Petco to Target and more, it will be easy for many cardholders to maximize this bonus during the three-month span.

Like the previously offered grocery bonus. the increased earnings on gas and streaming are new categories entirely — complementing the existing travel and dining bonuses on the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Finally, with a $50 credit to Instacart Express, you would be able to receive half off of an annual subscription or three months free on a monthly plan.

With an Instacart Express membership, you'll get the following perks:

• $0 delivery fees on orders of $35 or more (typically $3.99-$7.99 for non-Express)
• Reduced service fees (typically 5% for non-Express)
• No busy pricing fees during peak delivery hours

Bottom line

With the limited-time grocery bonus ending on most Chase cards, this is a stellar replacement — as long as you are a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholder. Chase appears to be doubling down on benefits for its most popular cards, which ultimately leaves some Chase cardholders in the dark.

If you're currently a Sapphire cardholder — or interested in applying — these offerings through Sept. 30 can be a lucrative addition to your summer spending. Even if you aren't yet comfortable traveling far from home, you'll be able to maximize these bonuses with delivery and pickup, driving around town, or streaming yet another movie from the couch.

Featured photo by The Points Guy.

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B&H's 4th of July sale is now live with discounts on PCs, TVs and much more

With the 4th of July only a few days away, now's the perfect time to start looking for a deal on a new laptop, 4K TV, or another expensive purchase you've been meaning to make in the last few months. B&H's 4th of July sale is one that's live right now so you can find that new TV or PC you've been looking for and save a few hundred bucks on it in the process. Of course, B&H has plenty of other tech on sale too, from smart home devices to streaming media players, along with tons of cameras and accessories. Plus, standard shipping is free for most items, with expedited shipping free on most orders over $49.

Unlocked smartphones are on sale during B&H's 4th of July sale too. For instance, this OnePlus 6T device is not only $200 off right now but also includes a Ting Sim Card Kit that gives you $60 worth of prepaid phone service free-of-charge.

Anyone looking for a new TV should consider the Samsung TU8000 75-inch 4K Smart TV. This is the latest model to come from Samsung and today's deal brings its cost down to $997.99, saving you $200 in the process.

Another discount you shouldn't overlook is on the GoPro Hero7 Black Action Camera. At $100 off, you'll pay $229.99 for this mini camera that is designed to capture all the action wherever you bring it. It includes a full 1-year warranty with the purchase, along with a few helpful accessories and free expedited shipping.

B&H's 4th of July sale is just one of many that is live right now. If you don't find anything at B&H worth picking up right now, we have a whole guide comprised of the best 4th of July sales to give you some other options.

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Bring the arcade to your counter with $100 off Arcade1Up machines

Arcades may be a relic of the past in 2020, but that doesn't mean arcade-style gaming is dead. Arcade1Up machines bring the fun of arcade games to your home with mini cabinet designs that are reminiscent of popular arcade cabinets yet in a smaller size that makes it possible for anyone to own one. Thanks to a limited-time sale at Walmart, the price on two of these machines is much lower than usual. While supplies last, you can pick one up for as low as $99.99 and save $100 off the regular price. Shipping is free.

Two different models are on sale at Walmart today, and it's likely these prices won't last long at all. The first is this Space Invaders Arcade1Up Machine. At $100 off its normal cost, that marks one of the lowest prices we've ever seen on one of these machines. The second model, Centipede Arcade1Up Machine is on sale for the same price of $99.99.

Arcade1Up's Countercade machines measure 18 inches high and are best suited to be placed on a counter or table of some sort. Unlike the usual arcade machines we think of, these machines don't require a quarter to start playing. They feature original artwork from the games, along with full-color high resolution displays and speakers. There are full-size joysticks and control buttons as well, so you don't have to worry about playing with minature controls even though the machine is smaller than traditional models.

Best of all, these machines come with two games in one. While the Space Invaders cabinet includes Color and B&W versions of that popular game, the Centipede cabinet includes the game Centipede as well as the game Missile Command. Just plug the cabinet into an AC outlet and you can begin playing wherever you bring it.

Walmart offers free shipping on orders of $35 or more.

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Here's where you can score the best deals on a new PS4 console or bundle

You don't have to look far to find some of the best PS4 prices and discounts from a variety of retailers. Sony's PlayStation continues to dominate the console scene, and even as Sony and its competitors gear up for a new generation of console, the PlayStation 4 shows no signs of slowing down. It still has some of the best games of the generation, including some exclusives you can't find anywhere else. If you haven't invested in the console yet, there has never been a better time.

New and better deals get released much more often than you'd expect. If you've already bought one of the consoles in the past, maybe today is the day you upgrade to a higher storage capacity or even jump up to the PlayStation 4 Pro.

Best PlayStation Deals Available Now

• PlayStation 4: now $299
• PlayStation 4 Pro: starting at $399.99
• PlayStation VR: from $149.99
• More Info: Pricing history, which to buy & more

Our team has had an eye on the PlayStation 4 for years, and we've been tracking the best prices, the best deals, and all the best bundles and combo deals around. Now we're consolidating all that experience into one place so you can quickly find the best ways to save and take your pick from what's available. This is the sort of post that will change pretty regularly, too, so you'll want to bookmark it and come back later if you don't see anything appealing right away.

You probably already know that major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart regularly have good sales, but you might be surprised at the other places you can find a PlayStation 4 on sale... like Adorama, an online camera store, or even Kohl's. Right now with everyone practicing social distancing and staying at home, it's even harder to find PlayStation consoles in stock even at their regular price.

Current PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro deals and prices:

Model	Regular Price	Best Price	Current Price
PlayStation 4 Slim 1TB	$300	$200	$299 at Walmart
PlayStation 4 Pro 1TB	$400	$300	$399.99 at Best Buy

Here are all of the best PlayStation 4 Slim and PlayStation 4 Pro deals we can find around the internet. Time to start gaming in earnest!

Best Cheap PlayStation 4 Slim Deals

This might be hard to believe, but it has been more than three years since Sony discontinued the original version of the PlayStation 4. The newer, slimmer, version is now the dominant console and it's well worth the change. The original is so old at this point you'll actually end up paying more for it because it falls into the rare category. The Slim is the best option if you want to save money, and we've got all the best places to do that right here.

PlayStation 4 Slim 1TB Console | $299 at Walmart

Walmart is one of the few retailers with stock of the PlayStation 4 Slim console available. This console may be at its regular price, but considering how third-party sellers and resellers on eBay have marked up the price otherwise, it ends up being one of the most affordable ways to get your hands on the console right now.

$299 at Walmart

PlayStation 4 Slim 1TB bundle | $359.99 at Kohl's

This PlayStation 4 bundle at Kohl's includes an additional DualShock 4 Wireless Controller at its regular price so you're prepared for co-op and multiplayer modes right when it arrives at your home.

$359.99 at Kohl's

Best Cheap PlayStation 4 Pro Deals

At the same time Sony introduced the re-designed original, it also announced the upgraded PlayStation 4 Pro. The Pro has much improved insides, including a faster CPU and more powerful graphics card. The biggest selling point for the Pro is that in addition to supporting HDR content, it's the first version of the PlayStation to support 4K gaming and other entertainment. Now you can play all your favorite games with all the millions of pixels you truly want.

PlayStation 4 Pro Exclusives Bundle | $519.99 at Kohl's

Kohl's has the PlayStation 4 Pro bundled with two PlayStation Exclusive games: Days Gone and Gran Turismo Sport. You'll also receive an additional red DualShock 4 Wireless Controller with the purchase.

$519.99 at Kohl's

PlayStation 4 Pro 1TB Console | $399.99 at Best Buy

While this offer at Best Buy doesn't include any games, it's one of the few places where you can find the PlayStation 4 Pro in stock at its regular price right now. Best Buy includes free shipping with the purchase as well.

$399.99 at Best Buy

Best Cheap PlayStation VR Deals

Step into virtual reality with a PlayStation VR bundle. There are a few different ways you can purchase the PSVR, including in bundles that come with everything you'll need to get started, though sometimes you can save a bit extra by buying the required accessories separately. It's important to know that PlayStation VR bundles do not come with a PlayStation console but you will need one if you want to start gaming with PSVR. Then again, you can hook the headset up to PCs and other game consoles as well. To learn more about the PlayStation VR, be sure to check out this guide on everything you need to know.

PlayStation VR Blood & Truth bundle | $332.49 at Target

Everything you need to get started with PlayStation VR comes in this bundle, except the PlayStation 4 console of course. You'll receive the PlayStation VR headset, PlayStation camera, two PlayStation VR Move controllers, and two games: Blood & Truth and Everybody's Golf VR. Use a RedCard to save an additional 5% on today's purchase at Target.

$332.49 at Target

PlayStation VR headset (Refurbished) | $149.99 at GameStop

Score a discount on the PlayStation VR headset with this refurbished model at GameStop. Keep in mind you'd need to buy other essential accessories separately, like the PlayStation Move controllers and the PlayStation Camera which the above bundle includes.

$149.99 at GameStop

What is the PlayStation 4?

You can learn everything you need to know about the PlayStation 4 through our roundup, but essentially it is the current generation gaming console from Sony. More than just a system for games, the PS4 is an all-around entertainment center with the ability to stream from all your favorite apps like Netflix, Hulu, and more. Plus you can play movies, including 4K Blu-ray if you have the PS4 Pro. On top of that, PlayStation has some of the best exclusive video games of this generation. You can also play online with friends and strangers with some of the most robust multiplayer features around.

PlayStation Price Tracking

Consoles generally see their biggest drops of the year during major holiday events like Black Friday. Obviously, we're a long way off from this year's Black Friday, and we've already seen that Amazon is probably delaying this summer's Prime Day, so your options for getting a true deal on these consoles is going to be pretty limited for a while.

Last year, the PlayStation 4 Slim had a ton of deals that saw it drop as low as $200 just on the console itself. It was also a great opportunity to find tons of games just bundled into the regular price. The PlayStation 4 Pro even dropped as low as $300, but that was a really rare deal. I doubt we'll see many chances like that anytime soon.

Of course, the other major thing that could bring the price of the PlayStation 4 down is the release of the new generation PlayStation 5. Of course, that raises a whole bunch of new questions. Like, should you upgrade to the next generation altogether? Probably not since it's reportedly costing about $450 to make and will probably be released around that price. And its introduction is sure to drop down the price of the PS4 models for a while. The point is moot, though, since the PS5 looks like it isn't coming out until at least the holiday season and that's a long way off right now.

Playstation 4 vs. PlayStation 4 Pro: Which should you buy?

Honestly, the answer to this question is easier than it seems. Do you have the extra hundred dollars you're generally going to need to upgrade to the PS4 Pro? Then get it. If you can't afford it, get the regular PS4. You won't be disappointed either way, but the inclusion of 4K gaming, improved PlayStation VR performance, and an extra USB port for another accessory or external storage, makes the PlayStation 4 Pro easily the best possible option. However, the PS4 Pro is also bigger than the regular console, and that can be important if space is at a premium for you. Check out more of the details comparing the two consoles here.

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Listen to some tunes with the SoundPeats true wireless earbuds down to $24

The SoundPeats TrueFree Plus true wireless earbuds drop to $23.69 when you combine the $6 off on-page coupon with the code 792CUFIB at Amazon. The two discounts stack together to help lower than price to one of the lowest we have ever seen. These earbuds have never dropped below $23 directly, and they rarely go on sale at all without coupon codes like in today's deal. Without the discounts, the earbuds are going for $33.

The SoundPeats earbuds use Bluetooth 5.0 technology. This is one of the latest iterations of Bluetooth and includes a high-resolution decoder built right in along with advanced audio coding technology. With Bluetooth 5.0, you'll get great Hi-Fi audio, low latency for little interuption in your music, and fantastic power consumption so your earbuds last longer.

You'll be able to pair your earbuds right out of the case, and they will start automatically turning on when you pull them out in the future. The pairing is simple and once it's done you won't have to worry about it. Each earbud has a user-friendly button, too, so it's easy to play or pause your music on the fly. The buttons can also be used to switch tracks or answer phone calls with a simple push.

With built-in microphones in both earbuds, you can enjoy hands-free phone calls. You can also access your phone's voice assistant and use voice commands. If you're using both earbuds, you can do voice calls in stereo mode.

Each earbud lasts between 3.5 and 4 hours, and you'll get up to 10 times the charge if you use the included charging case. That's a long time to go before you ever even have to plug the earbuds in anywhere. You'll also get different-sized ear tips to find the most comfortable fit.

SoundPeats backs these up with a 1-year warranty. These are great budget earbuds, but you might want something a little different. We've got a great roundup featuring all the best true wireless earbuds for everything from sound quality to active noise-canceling.

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Moto G 5G with dual hole-punch selfie cameras shown off in leaked render

The phone will have a 48MP main camera at the rear.

What you need to know

• A press render of Motorola's upcoming 5G-enabled G series phone has surfaced.
• The render reveals a quad-camera setup on the back and two hole-punch cutouts on the front.
• It is possible that the phone will use Qualcomm's recently announced Snapdragon 690 chipset.

When Qualcomm announced its new Snapdragon 690 earlier this month, Motorola confirmed that it is working on an affordable 5G phone powered by the chipset. Reliable leaker Evan Blass has now shared the first render of the company's upcoming budget 5G phone, which will likely debut sometime later this year.

The render reveals a phone with dual hole-punch cutouts on the top-left corner of the display. Unlike other phones with dual hole-punch displays, however, the "Moto G 5G" will not have a pill-shaped cutout but two individual cutouts. On the back of the phone, we find a quad-camera setup with a 48MP resolution primary sensor. The render also suggests the phone will have a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

At this point, the key specs of the upcoming Moto G 5G phone remain a mystery. However, it is likely that the phone will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 690 chipset, which has been designed to bring 5G to affordable phones. Apart from Motorola, other Android OEMs such as HMD Global, LG, and TCL are also expected to launch 5G phones powered by the Snapdragon 690 chipset later this year.

Moto G Power

$250 at Amazon $250 at Best Buy $249 at Walmart

The Moto G Power is among the more impressive budget phones that Motorola has launched this year. It offers excellent battery life, a triple-camera setup on the back, and great software experience.

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Motorola Edge confirmed to be unlocked in the U.S. and cost $700

It's also getting more RAM and storage than initially announced.

What you need to know

• The Motorola Edge will cost $700 when it launches later this summer.
• It'll also be available universally unlocked, unlike the Verizon-exclusive Edge+.
• Motorola is equipping the phone with 6GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

Back in April, Motorola announced two new smartphones — the Edge and Edge+. The latter of those two devices was made available for purchase shortly after, but the former has remained something of a mystery. We learned about all of its specs and features, but availability and price were kept under wraps. That's finally changing.

On June 30, Motorola confirmed that the Motorola Edge will be available universally unlocked in the United States — a huge improvement over the Edge+'s exclusivity to Verizon. Motorola is still touting a "summer" release date, but we also now know it'll cost $700 whenever that does happen.

I was personally hoping for something closer to the $600 marker, but Motorola is equipping the Edge with more RAM and storage than what we were expecting. The phone was initially said to come with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, but now it'll offer 6GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

The rest of the Edge's specs remain unchanged, meaning it'll still have a Snapdragon 765 processor, a 6.7-inch OLED display with a Full HD+ resolution and 90Hz refresh rate, a 4,500 mAh battery, and four rear cameras — including a 64MP primary camera, 16MP ultra-wide camera, 16MP macro camera, and an 8MP telephoto camera.

Rounding out the spec sheet is support for expandable storage, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and 5G connectivity with the sub-6 standard. Wireless charging would have been great to see at this price, but regardless, it seems that you'll be getting a lot for your money.

Now that pricing is official, the Motorola Edge is shaping up to be an interesting alternative to the OnePlus 8. It should also compete well with the upcoming Pixel 5, which is also expected to use the Snapdragon 765 chipset.

Given how impressed we were with the higher-end Edge+, we can't wait to get our hands on the Motorola Edge and put it through its paces. Now, if Motorola would only give us a release date to look forward to.

Motorola Edge+ review: Slippery slope

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These are the best Galaxy Note 10+ screen protectors

For the first time, Samsung is releasing a Plus-sized version of its larger Galaxy Note phones. This release means an even larger screen option for those interested in the latest in the Note series. That also means more display real estate to protect from scuffs and scratches. Don't let your display get damaged by your daily use; keep your Note 10+ protected with a screen protector!

Trusted wrapper

IQ Shield Screen Protector

Staff pick

IQ Shield is well-known for its super thin smart film that blends into the screen almost imperceptibly. This two-pack comes with everything you need to install the screen protector onto your Note 10+ without bubbles or hassle.

$9 at Amazon

Trusted tempered glass

Whitestone Dome Glass

The Whitestone Dome Glass is a premium option for protecting the display of your Note 10+. This kit includes a phone holder that ensures a perfect installation and acts as a guide for the UV light that cures the screen protector to the display. Whitestone Dome Glass offers full coverage for the entire curved display surface and won't pop loose over time.

$50 at Amazon

Cured with UV light

amFilm Ultra Glass Screen Protector (2-pack)

The more premium tempered glass screen protectors use UV lights to cure adhesion gel to the display, and that's just what you get with this two-pack from amFilm. The tempered glass design allows for maximum durability, along with no loss in display quality and full compatibility with the Note 10+'s in-screen fingerprint sensor.

$40 at Amazon

Case friendly design

Spigen NeoFlex TPU Film (2-pack)

Spigen only offers a film screen protector for the Note 10+, but it's a sound investment if you also plan on buying a case for your phone. A flexible film can be better for installing because you're able to bend it to cover the curved edge of the display. Spigen recommends using a case to get the perfect fit with no raised corners.

$10 at Amazon

Film protector multipack

IVSO TPU Film Screen Protector (3-pack)

As great as tempered glass is for protection, I've found a film screen protectors to be the better choice for larger phones. It's because they're easier to install and position correctly, and will still defend against daily wear and tear. This three-pack of film screen protectors will serve you well and offers the best overall value on the market so far.

$6 at Amazon

Designed to work with cases

Ferilinso PET Film Screen Protector (3-pack)

A screen protector can only protect so much, and with a phone that starts at well over a grand, you're going to want all the protection you can get. These film screen protectors from Ferilinso are your best bet for PET film and are designed to be fully compatible with most cases.

$5 at Amazon

Keep that Note 10+ looking fresh

Don't risk scuffing up your brand new Galaxy Note 10+ by forgoing a screen protector. All it takes is one little scratch, and suddenly it's all you'll see when you use your phone. It's super distracting and more than a little depressing when it inevitably happens, but there's a simple fix. Use a screen protector as soon as you pull your phone out of the box.

Our top pick is the IQ Shield Screen Protector. This easy-to-apply smart film keeps your Note 10+ screen looking fantastic, and the best part is that you'll hardly notice it at all!

You also can't go wrong with Whitestone Dome's excellent tempered glass screen protector. It may be expensive, but it's worth it to ensure a clean install and long-term protection.

For those interested in film screen protectors, I would recommend the Spigen NeoFlex 2-pack. Spigen is a trusted brand, and it designed its screen protectors to be fully compatible with cases. And let's be real, if you're using a screen protector chances are you're also going to use a case for your Note 10+.

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The OnePlus Nord is coming — here's everything we know so far

The spiritual successor to the OnePlus X is coming soon.

Leading up to the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro launch, the rumor mill was strongly suggesting that the two phones would be joined by a budget-focused OnePlus 8 Lite. As time went on, that name went to the wayside and it was starting to be referred to as the OnePlus Z. The product unveiling came and went, and there's still no OnePlus 8 Lite/OnePlus Z in sight.

The phone is still coming, it'll actually be called the "OnePlus Nord," and we just have to wait a little while longer before we can get our hands on it.

Based on what we know so far, the OnePlus Z/Nord should carry the same ideals of 2015's OnePlus X. In other words, we're expecting a phone with great build quality, good specs, and a super low price. Interested in learning more? Let's dive in!

Nice balance

OnePlus 8

From $699 at Amazon $608 at Walmart $788 at Newegg

Right in the middle

If the OnePlus Nord is the most affordable new OnePlus phone for 2020, the regular OnePlus 8 sits right in the middle between it and the OnePlus 8 Pro. This is a device that boasts a 90Hz AMOLED display, three rear cameras, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865 processor. We expect the OnePlus Nord will have a more competitive price than it, but if you have some additional cash to spare, the OnePlus 8 is a solid pickup.

Jump to:

• What we know about price
• It should be announced soon
• Here's what the phone looks like
• Let's look at the specs
• The start of a new product line
• It's a sequel to the OnePlus X
• Don't forget about the OnePlus 8

How much is the OnePlus Z/OnePlus Nord going to cost?

First thing's first, let's talk about the elephant in the room — price.

The big draw to the OnePlus Z/OnePlus Nord is that it'll mark OnePlus's return to truly affordable smartphones, and thankfully, the latest reports have us excited.

On June 19, OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei shared an old Tweet from the official OnePlus account that was highlighting the OnePlus One from 2014. He commented "It's been a while...," and that's it.

It's been a while... https://t.co/O61EoIa3Gc

— Carl Pei (@getpeid) June 19, 2020

What does any of this mean? If you ask us, it's a secret indicator of the OnePlus Nord's price. The OnePlus One cost $299 for its 16GB configuration, or $349 if you wanted 64GB of storage. Both of those price tags would make the OnePlus Z very interesting, especially if it can go all the way down to $299.

Prior to that tweet, a customer survey inadvertently leaked the OnePlus Z as costing ₹24,990 in India (around $330 USD).

When will the OnePlus Nord be announced?

In a perfect world, the OnePlus Nord would have been released back in April alongside the OnePlus 8 series. Unfortunately, live in a perfect world we do not.

Thanks to the ongoing pandemic that's wreaking havoc in more ways than one, OnePlus reportedly had to delay the launch of the OnePlus Z until this July.

We've been able to confirm that OnePlus is planning to unveil the phone on July 10 in India, though it remains unclear how availability will play out for other countries.

What does the OnePlus Nord look like?

The front of the phone is home to a 6.55-inch Full HD+ display, slim bezels, and a hole-punch cutout in the center near the top. The display also isn't curved at all, which is something you do get on the 8 and 8 Pro.

Around back, you'll see that there are three rear cameras and an LED flash to the right of the camera bump. That's one of the more recent renders that we've seen, but prior to it, the render below is what was being shared. It looks mostly the same, save for the fact that it only shows two rear cameras.

Additional leaks have basically confirmed that three cameras will be present, but as always, nothing is official until OnePlus says so.

On June 26, we were able to confirm some details about the OnePlus Nord's front-facing cameras. That's right, this is the first OnePlus phone to have more than one selfie shooter — specifically, it'll offer a 32MP primary camera and 8MP ultra-wide camera. A source of ours has confirmed that the arrangement is final, and this could make the OnePlus Nord the new phone to get if you're serious about selfies or vlogging.

Rounding out the design of the OnePlus Nord, it looks to have the iconic OnePlus alert slider and a USB-C port for charging. Just like the last few OnePlus phones, there's no 3.5mm headphone jack.

What specs does the OnePlus Nord have?

On June 6, we got a massive leak regarding the OnePlus Z/OnePlus Nord's specs. According to a user survey gauging people's interest in a budget-minded OnePlus device, the following specs were revealed:

Category	OnePlus Nord
Operating System	Android 10 OxygenOS
Display	6.55-inch Super AMOLED Full HD+ 90Hz refresh rate
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
RAM	6GB
Storage	128GB
Rear Camera 1	64MP primary camera
Rear Camera 2	16MP ultra-wide camera
Rear Camera 3	2MP depth or macro camera
Front Camera 1	32MP primary camera
Front Camera 2	8MP ultra-wide camera
Security	In-display fingerprint sensor
5G	✔️
Battery	4,300 mAh
Charging	30W Warp Charge

Looking at that spec sheet, one of the more interesting tidbits is the OnePlus Nord's processor. For the longest time, it was looking like the phone would get the MediaTek Dimensity 1000 chipset. However, the conversation has now shifted to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 — the same processor that's in the LG Velvet and rumored for the Pixel 5.

Both chipsets bring a lot to the table, but with the Snapdragon 765, OnePlus can deliver fast processing speeds and sub-6 + mmWave 5G connectivity.

It's also great to see that the OnePlus Nord will retain a 90Hz refresh rate despite its low price, and with a beefy 4,300 mAh battery, battery life should be quite swell.

Is the OnePlus Nord part of a new product line?

Back when the OnePlus Nord/OnePlus Z was thought to be the "OnePlus 8 Lite," we were expecting it to be a typical release for the company. It would obviously traget a lower price than we'd seen from past OnePlus phones, but at the end of the day, that's all it would be — another OnePlus phone. Now, we know that this will be a much bigger deal.

On June 23, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau shared a post on the OnePlus forums to announce the creation of a new "affordable smartphone product line."

As we have always done when we try something new, we are going to start relatively small with this new product line by first introducing it in Europe and India. But don't worry, we're also looking to bring more affordable smartphones to North America in the near future as well.

This new product team is led by Paul Yu, who has headed product hardware development for many of our previous flagship devices over the past 5 years. We've also assembled a team of young, creative and enthusiastic OnePlus staff from all over the world, who have been working tirelessly over the past few months to bring this product line to life.

The "new product line" is more than likely referring to the OnePlus Z, and a day before this post was published, Pete Lau shared a teaser image on Twitter. It's a photo of the OnePlus logo in a new blue color, along with the text, "Who's ready for something new from OnePlus?".

Who's ready for something new from @oneplus? 😎 #NewBeginnings pic.twitter.com/EOCiJZVrTU

— Pete Lau (@PeteLau) June 22, 2020

There's been talk of this new product line being called "OnePlus Nord," and on June 26, we confirmed with our sources that it is the final name for the device. Shortly after that on June 30, OnePlus made the name official via a video on its OnePlus Nord Instagram page. In the video, OnePlus CEO and founder Pete Lau says:

Launching the OnePlus Nord product line marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for OnePlus. The 'Never Settle' spirit is centered around sharing the best technology and products with the world, but it is also about challenging ourselves and going beyond our comfort zone. We are immensely proud of our flagship products and will continue to create more tech-leading flagships for our users. Now we are excited to share the OnePlus experience with even more users around the world through this new product line.

Exclusive: Carl Pei on OnePlus' new beginnings with the OnePlus Nord

Is the OnePlus Nord a successor to the OnePlus X?

Unless you've been following OnePlus from the very beginning, there's a good chance you don't remember the OnePlus X. Honestly, we don't blame you.

The OnePlus X was released in October 2015, just a few months after the OnePlus 2 hit the scene. The idea behind the OnePlus X was to deliver the OnePlus experience at the lowest price possible, resulting in a $249 phone that offered a 5-inch Full HD AMOLED display, Snapdragon 801 processor, 3GB of RAM, and a 13MP rear camera. At the time, those were great specs for a phone so cheap.

Unfortunately for OnePlus, the phone was plagued by poor camera performance, weak battery life, and just never captivated a similar audience that its other phones had.

The OnePlus X remains as the cheapest handset OnePlus has ever sold, and seeing as how it's getting close to five years since it released, there are a lot of expectations for a successor to it. Especially with the baseline OnePlus 8 costing $699 and the OnePlus 8 Pro costing as much as $999, a truly low-cost OnePlus device is just what we need right now.

Should I just get the OnePlus 8 instead?

We can't wait to see what OnePlus delivers with the OnePlus Nord, but if you want a new phone right now and don't feel like waiting, you should consider picking up the OnePlus 8.

It is a lot more expensive than what we're expecting the OnePlus Nord to cost, but it's still a pretty good price considering everything it brings to the table. Some highlights for the phone include a 6.55-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 865 processor, up to 12GB of RAM, and a 4,300 mAh battery.

The OnePlus 8 isn't the absolute best value we've ever seen from the company, but if you're shopping for a new Android handset, it's definitely one of the top ones you should consider.

Nice balance

OnePlus 8

From $699 at Amazon $608 at Walmart $788 at Newegg

Right in the middle

If the OnePlus Nord is the most affordable new OnePlus phone for 2020, the regular OnePlus 8 sits right in the middle between it and the OnePlus 8 Pro. This is a device that boasts a 90Hz AMOLED display, three rear cameras, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865 processor. We expect the OnePlus Nord will have a more competitive price than it, but if you have some additional cash to spare, the OnePlus 8 is a solid pickup.

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Would you buy a phone that doesn't come with a charger in the box?

Let's have a chat with the AC forums.

Love it or hate it, there's no denying the impact Apple has on the entire mobile tech industry. When it dropped the headphone jack from the iPhone 7, just about every Android phone maker was quick to follow. The iPhone X popularized the infamous notch, and once again, the Android market followed.

There's a new report that Apple will not include EarPods or a charging adapter in the iPhone 12's box, with this being an attempt to save money given the iPhone 12's increased production costs compared to past models.

Not including a charging adapter would mean the iPhone 12 comes with no out-of-the-box way to refuel the battery — something we've come to expect with every phone that's released. We recently asked our AC forum members what they think about this, and this is what they had to say.

L0n3N1nja

06-29-2020 03:30 PM

“

It's beyond stupid not to include a required charger, as it is their cords are low quality and prone to failure, just another way for them to make cash and sadly it won't hurt their sales. If this is true I'm sure fan boys will proclaim it's a great thing to buy the charger separate and all Androids should do the same.

Reply

B. Diddy

06-29-2020 03:57 PM

“

I guess I can kind of understand the reason for this, since so many people have mountains of chargers and charging cables at home. I think it'd make more sense if Apple gave consumers the option to get a charger/cable with their phone (for free) or not. Just have the charger in a separate package and hand them to the consumer if they request it. But don't charge for it -- that's tacky.

Reply

Mooncatt

06-29-2020 06:11 PM

“

I haven't used an OEM charger in years. Even with my new LG V60, it's only seen the OEM charger and cable once, just to see what it would do. It wouldn't bother me if those were no longer included. I would throw the caveat in that I would expect that cost cutting to translate to a lower phone price, but it's such a cheap accessory that there's no way to tell unless they offer a version with the...

Reply

bembol

06-30-2020 12:27 AM

“

One word. Courage. FML I guess they're finally coming out with some wireless charger like no other, that's just simply amazing. What I hate even more is, Samsung and the rest will make this move as well.

Reply

This got us to wondering — Would you buy a phone that doesn't come with a charger in the box?

Join the conversation in the forums!

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Best True Wireless Earbuds for Galaxy S20 in 2020

The Galaxy S20 is one of the best flagship phones you'll find in 2020, and you need a suitably-great pair of true wireless earbuds to use with the device. Thankfully, there are a lot of excellent options available across price points. Our pick is the Galaxy Buds+ for the incredible sound quality combined with seamless connectivity, excellent battery life, and wireless charging.

Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy Buds+

The Galaxy Buds+ build on the first-gen model by offering better sound quality and improved battery life. Samsung has increased the battery capacity to 85mAh, and the earbuds now deliver an incredible 11-hour battery life between charges. Sound quality has also gotten much better thanks to dual drivers — a tweeter and a woofer — in each earbud. You'll also find a third microphone for clearer calls and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.

The carrying case also provides an additional 11 hours worth of battery life, effectively giving you 22 hours. The best part is that you can charge the Galaxy Buds+ wirelessly via any Qi wireless charger.

Pros:

• Great sound quality
• Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
• Qi wireless charging/fast charging
• Excellent battery life

Cons:

• Average noise isolation
• Limited bass
• Finicky controls

Best Overall

Samsung Galaxy Buds+

• $149 at Amazon
• $150 at Best Buy
• $149 at Walmart

The perfect wireless earbuds for your Galaxy S20.

The Galaxy Buds+ offer great sound via dual drivers, and you get an 11-hour battery life, Bluetooth 5.0, and wireless charging.

Best Value: Soundcore Liberty Air 2

The Liberty Air 2 continue to be one of the best value-focused options around. You're getting earbuds with a comfortable fit for all-day use, and they manage to deliver excellent sound quality despite the size. The charging case is easily pocketable, and you get seamless connectivity along with an IPX5 rating that makes them more resistant to the elements.

They deliver seven hours' worth of music playback between charges, and the case includes enough power for three full charges. Sure, the build quality may not be on par with what you get from the likes of Sony and Bose, but they sound great and are very affordable.

Pros:

• IPX5 rating
• Great sound
• Excellent value
• Pocketable design
• Great battery life

Cons:

• Volume controls are missing
• Plastic design

Best Value

Soundcore Liberty Air 2

• $80 at Amazon
• $80 at Best Buy

Great sound, incredible value.

Combining excellent value with a comfortable fit for all-day use and decent sound quality, the Liberty Air 2 are an easy recommendation.

Best Battery Life: Creative Outlier Gold

If you're looking for true wireless earbuds that deliver the best battery life, look no further than Creative's Outlier Gold. With a class-leading battery life of 14 hours between charges, you'll only need to charge these a few times a week. What's even more interesting is that the charging case has enough power for another 25 hours of music playback, giving you a total of 39 hours for each charge cycle.

You're getting great audio quality here, with decent bass and a balanced soundstage. There's also Bluetooth 5.0 for rock-solid connectivity, and the AptX codec delivers high-fidelity streaming over Bluetooth. Finally, you also get IPX5 water resistance, making them a great choice for workouts.

Pros:

• 14-hour battery life
• Bluetooth 5.0 with AptX
• IPX5 rating
• Balanced sound

Cons:

• Huge carrying case
• Limited software features
• Plastic design

Best Battery Life

Creative Outlier Gold

• $95 at Amazon

Listen to more music than ever before.

With a 14-hour battery life, the Outlier Gold are the gold standard for battery life. They also deliver great sound and are water-resistant.

Best Sound Quality: Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro

The Liberty 2 Pro are the best-sounding true wireless earbuds you'll find for under $200. They deliver incredible sound thanks to a unique driver design, and the sound quality is backed up by a comfortable fit and rock-solid connectivity. The earbuds connect over Bluetooth 5.0 and feature the AptX for high-fidelity streaming.

You get eight hours of music playback from a full charge, and the carrying case provides another 24 hours' worth of power. The earbuds charge over USB-C, and there's fast-charging as well: a 10-minute charge provides two hours' worth of playback. Finally, you also get wireless charging. The sheer number of features on offer combined with the sound quality makes the Liberty 2 Pro a fantastic choice.

Pros:

• Exquisite sound quality
• Supreme comfort
• AptX codec
• Wireless/USB-C wired charging

Cons:

• EQ isn't adjustable
• Bulky charging case
• Mushy controls

Best Sound Quality

Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro

• $150 at Amazon
• $150 at Best Buy
• $150 at Walmart

Sound quality that's in another league.

The Liberty 2 Pro have an exhaustive list of features, but you should pick them up for the sound quality on offer.

Best for All-Day Use: TaoTronics TT-BH079

Looking for earbuds that you can wear all day? The TT-BH079 is the obvious choice. Clunky naming aside, TaoTronics' earbuds provide supreme comfort that makes them an ideal option for all-day use. You get eight hours of continuous music playback, and the case has another 32 hours' worth of juice, ensuring you only need to charge the case once a week.

And when you do need to plug in, you'll do so over USB-C. The sound signature is flat, so you're not going to get booming bass from these earbuds. But considering they cost just $50, they're still great value.

Pros:

• All-day comfort
• Excellent battery life
• USB-C charging
• Great value
• Pocketable case

Cons:

• Pairing issues
• Average sound quality
• Plastic build

Best For All-Day Use

TaoTronics TT-BH079

• $52 at Amazon

Great for all day every day.

TaoTronics' TT-BH079 provide a snug fit that's great for everyday use, and you also get all-day music playback and a no-nonsense design.

Best Noise Isolation: Sony WF-1000XM3

If you want a pair of true wireless earbuds with excellent noise cancellation, the Sony WF-1000XM3 should be at the top of your list. Sony has done an incredible job bringing such powerful noise cancellation to an in-ear option, and they effectively tune out all ambient sound in your vicinity. That makes them ideal for your daily commute or noisy offices.

You also get astounding sound quality here, and you can tune the sound signature to your liking thanks to highly customizable EQ settings in the app. The earbuds last five hours on a full charge, and the case provides another 10 hours' worth of charge. There's also fast charging here, with a 10-minute charge giving you enough power for 1.5 hours of music playback. Combine that with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and fast pairing over NFC, and you get true wireless earbuds that are hard to beat.

Pros:

• Incredible sound quality
• Superlative noise cancellation
• Easy-to-use controls
• Adjustable EQ
• Bluetooth 5.0/NFC fast pairing

Cons:

• Costly
• No water resistance
• Bulky charging case

Best Noise Isolation

Sony WF-1000XM3

• $178 at Amazon
• $178 at Best Buy
• $178 at Walmart

Tune out the world.

Sony is the currently the brand to beat when it comes to noise cancellation, and the WF-1000XM3 do a fantastic job tuning out ambient sound.

Best For Workouts: Jabra Elite 65t

The Elite 65t may be a generation old, but don't let that dissuade you. They have proven sound quality, and the IP55 rating makes them ideal for workouts. You also get a snug fit that ensures they don't fall out during strenuous workouts or when you're running outdoors.

With a five-hour battery life between charges and a further 15 hours from the charging case, you don't have to worry about battery life either. The best part is that they're on sale for $100, making them an even more enticing option. If you're in the market for a decent pair of true wireless earbuds, look no further.

Pros:

• IP55 rating
• Decent sound quality
• Great controls
• Pocketable design

Cons:

• No AptX
• Video latency issues
• Micro-USB charging

Best For Workouts

Jabra Elite 65t

• $100 at Amazon
• $100 at Best Buy
• $100 at Walmart

Still going strong.

With an IP55 rating, excellent audio quality, and a secure fit, the Elite 65t continue to be an excellent option for workouts.

Here's why you should buy the Galaxy Buds+ with your Galaxy S20

The true wireless segment has matured over the last two years, and you can get earbuds for under $50 that offer decent sound quality. But if you're looking for the best true wireless earbuds for your Galaxy S20, you should get the Galaxy Buds+. Samsung's first-party option has a lot going for it, including stellar audio quality, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, and fast pairing.

The Galaxy Buds+ provide an incredible 11-hour battery life, nearly twice as much as the first-gen Galaxy Buds. You also get Qi wireless charging and fast charging over USB-C, and you're getting more than your money's worth here.

If you're in the market for earbuds for under $100, the Soundcore Liberty Air 2 is the obvious choice for its excellent audio quality, IPX5 water resistance, and pocketable design.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Harish Jonnalagadda is the Regional Editor of Android Central. A reformed hardware modder, he now spends his time writing about India's burgeoning phone market. Previously, he used to ponder the meaning of life at IBM. Contact him on Twitter at @chunkynerd.

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