Cameron Faulkner is an editor covering deals and gaming hardware. He joined in 2018, and after a two-year stint at Polygon, he rejoined The Verge in May 2025.
This week, all of Google’s Pixel 11 phones launched, including the $899 Pixel 11, the $1,099 Pixel 11 Pro (with the same processor and starting 12GB RAM as the standard model, but with better cameras), and the $1,899 Pixel 11 Pro Fold. They’re good phones, but if you don’t mind missing out on their new, exclusive camera and AI features, you can get a great Google-made phone that’s hundreds less.
$424Google’s new Pixel 10A introduces faster wired charging, Satellite SOS, and new AI tools like Camera Coach and Auto Best Take. Otherwise, it’s basically the Pixel 9A, with the same Tensor G4 chip and a dual-camera system.
Read our hands-on impressions. An IP68 rating, 90Hz refresh rate screen, wireless charging, and great design aren’t something you have to pay close to $1,000 to get.
Similar to Apple’s iPhone 17E (but with slightly older parts by direct comparison), the Pixel 10A offers many of the same hardware and software features as previous Pixels. Its camera specs and Tensor G4 processor — debuted within the Pixel 9 series — are the biggest differences between the 10A and pricier versions.
Our criticism of the 10A focused on how little Google changed compared to the 9A, yet it’s still a good phone if you haven’t upgraded in a while. Read our review.
99 and isn’t all that different from its predecessor, 2022’s Nova Pro Wireless. Aside from the Omni’s minor improvements to sound and noise cancellation, you aren’t missing out if you get the last-gen model.
99 at Amazon, which is about as cheap as it gets these days. It’ll work with PlayStation, Switch, Switch 2, and PC, too.
Read our review. I’ve been interested in trying out soldering, especially since Hoto launched its SnapBloq rechargeable soldering iron.
99, though, especially when Fanttik’s T1 Max seems like a more complete and more powerful setup that costs less. 99 at Amazon and includes multiple soldering tips, an aluminum swiveling stand, sponges, a desoldering pump, plus a cable to plug it in for more power.
It can heat up to 840 degrees Fahrenheit, though it has six temperature levels so you can find the right temperature for your specific job. Best Buy doesn’t stock physical movies in its warehouses or stores, but it still sells them online through third-party sellers.
