Samuel Contreras
When Samuel is not writing about networking or 5G at Android Central, he spends most of his time researching computer components and obsessing over what CPU goes into the ultimate Windows 98 computer. It's the Pentium 3.
Latest articles by Samuel Contreras
Best prepaid cell phones 2024
By Samuel Contreras, Namerah Saud Fatmi last updated
Pay in full With these best prepaid cell phones, you can save money when switching between no-contract carriers. These affordable phones offer all the essentials.
Is the Google Pixel 9 waterproof?
By Samuel Contreras published
Bring a towel! The Google Pixel 9 and its Pro siblings keep the same IP rating as the Pixel 8 to keep water out.
These are the smartwatches that support Google Pay 2024
By Samuel Contreras last updated
G Pay on your wrist Ready to start paying for your coffee with only your smartwatch? Here are all the Wear OS watches that support payment with Google Wallet.
How much RAM and storage does the Google TV Streamer have?
By Samuel Contreras published
Download all of your apps Google TV Streamer features a number of upgrades over Chromecast with Google TV, including upgraded storage.
How do I know if my phone is unlocked?
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Own your phone! An unlocked phone is the key to getting service from an alternative carrier. Here's how to check if a phone is unlocked.
Mint Mobile vs. Ultra Mobile: Which is better for you?
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Versus Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile are both Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that use T-Mobile's network infrastructure, but which one of these two prepaid carriers is right for you?
VoLTE: How to use it and why you should care
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Better calls! Short for Voice over Long-Term Evolution, VoLTE utilizes your carrier's existing LTE network infrastructure to help you make clearer voice calls.
Best hybrid smartwatches 2024
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Analog design with digital features Hybrid smartwatches combine the best of traditional timepieces with helpful smart features. These are some of our favorites!
5G: Everything you need to know
By Samuel Contreras last updated
5G for thee All of the major carriers are deploying 5G in new phones with the exception of budget or entry-level phones. It's all to answer the demand for more capacity and more consistent coverage.
Brightest LED smart bulbs 2024: The best lights for dark spaces
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Light up! Get plenty of bright light for your space, without giving up any control.
Mint Mobile vs. T-Mobile: Which is right for you?
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Versus We take a comparative look at Mint Mobile vs. T-Mobile to help you pick the right one. Despite using the same network, the two are quite different.
Best smart LED light bulbs that work with Google Home 2024
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Hey Google! Here's a bright idea — connect these LED smart bulbs to your Google Home and control it all with your voice. Here are our top recommendations.
Mint Mobile review: Tons of data with multi-month savings
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Buy More To Save More! Loads of data for most people on T-Mobile's 5G network.
Best controllers for Android tablets 2024
By Nick Ransbottom, Samuel Contreras last updated
CTRL Yourself It's harder to find a good tablet controller than it is a phone controller, but tablet gamers still have some options to choose from .
Best 5G hotspots 2024
By Samuel Contreras last updated
5G internet on the go High-speed internet when you're away from home
8 important considerations when switching to an MVNO
By Jerry Hildenbrand, Samuel Contreras last updated
Do your homework! Going prepaid is a great idea, but there are many things you need to know. Here are some of the important considerations when switching to an MVNO.
How to cancel T-Mobile service
By Samuel Contreras, Judy Sanhz last updated
Bye T-Mobile You may have signed a multi-year agreement with T-Mobile, but that doesn’t mean you’re truly locked in. You can cancel at any time; you just might have to pay some penalties.
Does the Pixel 8a support wireless charging?
By Samuel Contreras published
Qi charging The Pixel 8a supports Qi wireless charging, like its predecessor, though the speeds could leave you wishing you got the Pixel 8.
How fast is the Google Pixel 8a charging speed?
By Samuel Contreras published
Get you Pixel powered up! The Pixel 8a supports 18W wired fast charging, which isn't all that fast these days. You'll need a PD 3.0 charger charge the 8a at its full speed.
Best Nokia phones 2024
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Budget-friendly Nokia makes some of the best budget and mid-range phones in the market today. That's down to a combination of great hardware and collaboration with HMD to offer clean Android devices.
Best Metro by T-Mobile phones 2024
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Winning combo Metro by T-Mobile offers customers a more affordable wireless package on T-Mobile's network. The best Metro by T-Mobile phones have great 5G support, attractive designs, and the right pricing.
Best Wi-Fi 6E router 2024
By Samuel Contreras, Harish Jonnalagadda last updated
Extend your Wi-Fi The ROG Rapture is the ultimate Wi-Fi 6E pick, but there are plenty of other options if you're looking to upgrade.
How to use Object Eraser on a Samsung phone
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Out of sight Samsung's Gallery app and Object Eraser can erase unwanted objects reducing distractions so your viewers can focus on the most important parts of the photo.
Tello vs. Google Fi: Which flexible prepaid carrier is the best?
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Two Great Options! We compare Tello vs. Google Fi to help you decide which of these T-Mobile-based MVNOs you should go for. While Google Fi has three flexible plans, Tello lets you customize everything.
Be an expert in 5 minutes
Get the latest news from Android Central, your trusted companion in the world of Android