Category: General

OnePlus 8T – The cases

Following on from our OnePlus 8T review, we’re going to have a look at a couple of the cases you can buy. First though, what about the one you get free in the box? Well, all I’ll say is – put it on. It’s see-through, flexible and it’ll …

Another real-world 5G test

My son and I headed to Wembley a year ago and, while I was in the area, I decided to check out the new 5G connection that had popped up on my phone. Getting 5G back then was a hit-and-miss affair, and it was really only to be …

The hidden Vodafone SIM-only deals you need to know about

I’ve spent a couple of hours looking for a new SIM-only deal. I had one requirement – it had to be with Vodafone or one of the virtual networks (like Voxi) running on the Vodafone masts. This is because, in the areas I’ll be needing it, Vodafone is …

Call internationally from just £5 per month with Three

Last year I was in Malta. Whilst in the sunshine I called home, safe in the knowledge that I was in an EU country and I was calling another EU country. The cost was included in my plan and there were no big bill shocks. However, when you …

5 Smartphones you can use in 2020 for Forex trading

It is simply amazing if you think about just how much one can accomplish using a smartphone or tablet for that matter. When you look back at how technology has shaped today’s world, it is crystal clear that things are only getting better. The milestones being witnessed in …

Nokia 8.3 5G now on giffgaff

The Nokia 8.3 5G, which we covered here, is now available to buy on giffgaff. Now, as giffgaff split the cost of the handset and the plan (or “Goodybag”), you can get the phone for £499 if you want to buy it outright, or you can pay for ut …

NHS Workers continue to get unlimited data with EE

As someone who’s in hospital for a few months, I can certainly attest to the hard work and dedication of the NHS staff. It isn’t just a job. I’ve seen doctors, nurses, HCA’s and everybody in-between caring, sharing, helping and listening. They work harder and longer than anyone …

Grab video from across the web – SnapDownloader

Here at Coolsmartphone we’ve previously taken a look at ways to archive and grab YouTube videos to your phone. There’s various online options out there, but for the most part they’re covered in pop-up ads, malware and lots of scary-looking downloads that can easily confuse most users. If …

Honor Watch ES – Unboxing

Its time for another unboxing and this time around it is a Fitness Band/Smartwatch – the Honor Watch ES. The reason I say that this fits into both the camps of wearables is that I feel it’s a crossover device. At least, that is my first impressions of …

Oppo Reno4 Pro now available with Virgin Media

Currently sitting on the EE network (but soon to switch across to Vodafone masts), Virgin Media are going great guns at the moment. They’re now offering the Oppo Reno4 Pro from just £28 a month. Not only that, but you get a free pair of B&O H4 Headphones …

Why is Google Chrome taking so much memory?

Writing about smartphones is kinda my thing, but you’ll find me doing that within the Chrome browser on a laptop. Despite the rather respectable competition (Firefox, Safari, Opera, Edge etc), you’ll find that Chrome is my default choice of browser. It’s by far the most popular way to …

Zepp E Smartwatch – Review

Let’s get one thing out of the way. I like smartwatches. No, that’s not quite right. I really like smartwatches. I have reviewed many smartwatches for Coolsmartphone in my years as a writer for the site. They have varied from the complex, like the TicWatch Pro, to the …

Motorola Razr 5G – Pricing from Vodafone now available

So, we knew that the Motorola Razr 5G was coming to Vodafone but now we’ve got all the pricing. This is a rather cool flip-smartphone with a gapless closure system, even though it is a little pricey to buy outright. Unfolded the phone has a 6.2″ P-OLED screen …

5 Essential tips to safeguard your mobile phone digital security

The potential for a cybercriminal to hack your phone or tablet has continuously grown over the years, and now? It’s even more of a concern. Nowadays, hackers are becoming more and more sophisticated in how they hack devices. There are countless hacking software options online available for free, …

TicWatch Pro 3 GPS launched

I have a soft spot for TicWatch and Mobvoi, they make some really nice gear and I was a particular fan of their TicWatch Pro that I reviewed here. I have also been using the TicWatch S2 for nearly a year and it has been used and abused …

Aznu – Refurbished phones, done differently

A new name in the refurbished handset market has just appeared – Aznu (“As New”, Geddit?). Available exclusively from Argos, they will have a premium range of Samsung S devices for a budget-friendly price. Aznu will guarantee that phones are free from scratches, scuffs, dents or marks. Not …

VeryMe brings two cinema ticket deal back

For £7, and while the cinemas remain open, Vodafone customers can now get two cinema tickets for just £7. Just head straight into the “VeryMe” reward app to enjoy a discounted deal at over 89 Vue venues around the UK. The offer is available weekly and now VOXI …

Zepp E Smartwatch Unboxing

Today I received a new smartwatch to unbox. However, I should mention that there’s a couple of versions – a round model and this, the square version. You can see the difference between the two on Zepp.com. So, ahead of the full review, here’s a look at this …

AIR – The space-helmet designed to deliver a cleaner atmosphere

Produced in and shipped to the USA only at the moment, this is the “AIR”. A helmet which filters inlet and outlet air through HEPA filters via inbuilt fans. Looking a bit like a wrap-around face-shield / space-helmet, you can wear glasses and in-ear headphones without too much …

A selfie stick that’s also a pocket-sized gimbal

For $74.99 or £74.99, this is the “Smooth XS”. You can use it as a selfie stick, as a stand and as a way to make your videos super-smooth. It weighs 246g and slides out to 260mm for wider shots and is available in white or pink. You …

Virgin Mobile adds a free screen repair service

Hold up, it’s not for all smartphones, but Virgin Mobile have added a completely free screen repair service on some top-end models, including the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max. Those phones, I think it goes without saying, are expensive to …

US Customs say OnePlus Buds violate Apple AirPods trademark

Following our earlier story on the seizure of 2,000 “counterfeit Apple AirPods”, it would appear that the Border Police aren’t budging. Speaking to The Verge, they have stated that .. Upon examining the shipment in question, a CBP import specialist determined that the subject earbuds appeared to violate …

US Customs seize OnePlus Buds thinking that they’re Airpods

In New York, Border Officers at JFK airport have announced that they’ve seized a stack of counterfeit Apple Airpods. However, despite the rather tiny images of the seizure, it appears that they have instead seized a stack of OnePlus Buds instead. At least, that’s what we can make …

ARM sold to Nvidia

Based right here in the UK and licensing their innovations to companies like Huawei, Apple, Samsung and Qualcomm; ARM has now been sold to Nvidia. The deal values ARM at £31.2bn and Nvidia have promised to maintain the ARM brand, employ more staff and keep the business based …

What if TikTok USA isn’t sold?

Like Huawei and Honor, Chinese video-sharing app TikTok is suffering the wrath of US President Donald Trump. With an impending ban in the USA, TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer has decided to quit the company – a mere two months into the job. He’d recently moved from Disney to …

EE Announce that they will no longer work with Carphone Warehouse

The range of available networks at Carphone Warehouse has just dropped again. EE have, after 20 years, decided not to renew their partnership with Dixons Carphone. This follows the high profile exit of O2 deals back in April. A BT / EE spokesperson told us.. (We will) shift …

VOXI adds unlimited video plans

I’m actually pretty impressed with the Vodafone-supported VOXI network. They offer flexible plans, phone contracts and you can get 12GB of data for just £10 per month right now. Oh, and not only that but they also make your social media usage completely data-free. Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram …

Asda Mobile follow Virgin Mobile in switching to Vodafone

Last year Virgin Mobile announced a switch from EE to Vodafone masts. The virtual network will be moving customers over later next year, and they’re not the only virtual network to do it. Asda Mobile has announced that they will also be moving away from EE masts, and …

App and behaviour changing across smartphones during lockdown

EE has announced their latest report into the changing habits and trends of their customers. It shows how the usage of services and apps has changed recently, as lockdown came in and then eased off. What’s perhaps not too surprising, as the lockdown restrictions eased some weeks ago, …

Find your local mobile mast – 2020 Update

With 5G masts being thrown up at a rapid rate and concerns over signal or safety, there’s always been a keen interest in where local mobile masts actually are. Back in 2011 we started looking into this, and back then the mobile networks were reporting where all their …

Honor announce Back to School event

This time of year in tech is traditionally the time when companies start to try and get buyers excited with deals on tech that is aimed at people going to Universities and Colleges. It is an idea that has come about from the way the term times fall …

Fancy a contract-free £15 plan with 100GB of monthly data?

That’ll do. More than enough data, eh? Yes, amongst the SIM-only deals on iD Mobile I tripped over a sizeable 100GB 30-day plan which costs a mere £15 monthly. There’s data rollover for unused data, data boost, inclusive roaming, fast 4G and bill capping. The network uses the …

Talk Mobile drop some new SIM-only offers

Sitting on the Vodafone network, you can now get a SIM from MVNO Talkmobile. SIM deals are available direct through their website or you can add a phone into the mix by adding one from Fonehouse or via the Talkmobile upgrades section. Talkmobile do 30-day and 12-month SIM …

What to look for in your kid’s first phone

When it comes to smartphones, some features fit everyone. What’s the point of a phone that can’t call, text, or snap a photo? But when it features like apps, kids and adults have different needs. These days, some kids in the single digits are getting smartphones. Getting them …

Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC launched

Here it is the newest Poco Phone from Xioami, but unlike its slightly older predecessor, this one is not all about pushing to get the bets processor into the cheapest phone possible. This time around we have got a phone that has been built to a price but …

Xiaomi and Poco have something to tell you

A new device is on its way from Xiaomi and Poco and they are keen to tell you all about it but you will have to wait until Monday 7th at 1PM to find out any more. The team will be holding an event to launch their new …

IFA 2020- Huawei Keynote Livestream starts at 1PM. Watch here

So IFA 2020 is starting to kick things off and, although coronavirus means we are not on the ground, we are still going be there “virtually”. The first big-name event is going to be from Huawei who are holding their keynote at 1PM. You can watch right here. …

EE delivers The Full Works for iPhones

EE have launched, or perhaps had to launch, a new plan for iPhone customers today. There’s rumours on the street that Apple weren’t too happy about customers having Britbox and Amazon so a new plan has now been created. Either way “The Full Works Plan” for iPhone gets …