Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Xiaomi Mi A2 vs. Xiaomi Mi A1: Should you upgrade?

If you're looking for a mid-range phone, the Mi A2 should be at the top of your list.

The Mi A1 launched last year for the equivalent of $230, and the Mi A2 is slated to make its debut at around the $280 mark. What set the Mi A1 apart from the smorgasbord of Xiaomi phones available in this segment was the fact that it ran Android One instead of MIUI, and that allowed the device to become a fan-favorite in the budget segment.

Xiaomi is retaining the same formula with the Mi A2, but the phone does offer upgraded hardware and much better cameras. The Mi A2 will be available in over 40 markets around the world, so it's time to find out if it's a worthy successor to one of the best budget phones of 2017.

Xiaomi Mi A2 vs. Mi A1: Specs

Category Xiaomi Mi A2 Xiaomi Mi A1
Operating System Android 8.1 Oreo
Android One
Android 8.1 Oreo
Android One
Display 5.99-inch 18:9 FHD+
(2160x1080) IPS LCD panel
Gorilla Glass 5
5.5-inch 16:9 FHD
(1920 x 1080) IPS LCD panel
Gorilla Glass
SoC Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 660
4x2.2GHz Kryo 260 + 4x1.8GHz Kryo 260
14nm
Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 625
Eight Cortex A53 cores up to 2.0GHz
14nm
GPU Adreno 512 Adreno 506
RAM 4GB/6GB 4GB
Storage 32GB/64GB/128GB 64GB
Expandable No Yes, up to 128GB
Rear camera 12MP (f/1.75, 1.25um) + 20MP (f/1.75, 1.0um)
PDAF, LED flash, 4K video recording
12MP (f/2.2, 1.25um) + 12MP (f/2.6, 1.1um)
PDAF, LED flash
1080p video recording
Front camera 20MP (f/1.75, 2.0um)
AI portrait mode
LED Selfie light
Beautify 4.0
5MP f/2.2 lens
Connectivity LTE with VoLTE
Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 5.0
GPS, GLONASS
LTE with VoLTE
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2
3.5mm audio jack
GPS, GLONASS
Battery 3010mAh battery
Quick Charge 4.0 (India)
QC3.0 (ROW)
USB-C
3010mAh battery
Quick Charge 3.0
USB-C
Fingerprint Rear fingerprint Rear fingerprint
Dimensions 158.7 x 75.4 x 7.3mm 155.4 x 75.8 x 7.3mm
Weight 166g 165g
Colors Black, Gold, Blue, Rose Gold Black, Gold, Rose Gold

What's the same

At its core, the Android One initiative is all about providing a clean user experience. The Mi A2 comes with Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box, and Xiaomi says it will deliver the Android P update shortly after it becomes available.

Things haven't changed on the software front, and that's a good thing.

The fact that the Mi A1 offered a pure Android skin in lieu of MIUI was what made the device such an enticing option last year, and the Mi A2 continues that tradition. There isn't a shortage of budget phones that offer great hardware — Xiaomi itself has plenty of decent options available — but more often than not, most devices in this category don't receive timely updates.

Motorola's Moto G series stood out for that reason, but the current Moto G6 series doesn't hold a candle to what Xiaomi, Honor, and others are offering in this space.

Battery life is also unchanged from last year. The Mi A2 has a 3000mAh battery — a smidgen less than the 3010mAh battery on the Mi A1 — and you'll get a day's worth of usage most of the time. I've been using the Mi A2 for nearly a week, and I'm yet to see the battery go below 10% even after heavy use.

What's different

The key difference between the Mi A1 and its successor is the internal hardware. The Snapdragon 625 chipset in the Mi A1 didn't set benchmark scores on fire, but it was well-regarded because of its balance between efficiency and performance. The Snapdragon 660 on the Mi A2, meanwhile, is one of the fastest chipsets available in this segment.

The performance on offer with the Snapdragon 660 is on par with the likes of the Snapdragon 820, and the chipset is essentially using the same cores, albeit clocked lower. The Mi A2 also comes with a memory upgrade, and you'll be able to pick up a variant with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

The upgrade in storage comes in handy as the Mi A2 is losing the MicroSD card slot. The Mi A1 had a hybrid SIM card tray that lets users slot in a secondary SIM card or a MicroSD card, but the Mi A2 doesn't have a provision for the same.

Also missing on the device is the 3.5mm jack, as Xiaomi looks to move away from the port entirely. The brand says the decision to remove the jack was borne out of a need to free up internal space, and it is the one area where the Mi A2 is found lacking when seen against its predecessor.

The Mi A2 is one of the fastest phones you'll see in this segment.

Things haven't changed much up front in terms of quality, and the 5.99-inch IPS LCD panel continues to be one of the best in this category. The switch to an 18:9 form factor has allowed Xiaomi to cram more screen into a body that's roughly the same size as the Mi A1, and that's always a good thing. Furthermore, the Mi A2 finally gets rid of hardware navigation keys, which stuck out like a sore thumb on the Mi A1.

On the subject of improvements, Xiaomi has mentioned that it will offer Quick Charge 4.0 support exclusively for Mi A2 units sold in India, with global units coming with QC3.0 as standard. We haven't seen a lot of phones with QC4.0 in the market — and definitely not in this segment — and the move is a welcome one. That said, there's a lack of wall chargers that deliver QC4.0 speeds, and your best bet is to find a USB-PD charger that goes up to 45W. For its part, Xiaomi is including the standard 5V/2A charger in the box.

Finally, the one reason to consider the Mi A2 over the Mi A1 is the camera. The dual 12MP + 20MP cameras at the back do a fantastic job both in daylight and low-light scenarios, and the 20MP front shooter is the best Xiaomi has included on a phone to date.

Should you upgrade?

The Mi A1 has aged well, but the Mi A2 features considerable hardware upgrades, and the camera is likely to be one of the best yet on a $300 phone. Then there's the fact that the phone is set to debut for just $50 more than the Mi A1, making it an even more attractive option.

If you're using the Mi A1 and are looking for a phone with more robust hardware and an 18:9 panel, then the Mi A2 is a no-brainer. With the phone set to launch in India on August 8, we should know more about pricing and availability shortly, so stay tuned.



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These are all the Huawei/Honor phones coming out in 2018

Having trouble keeping up with Huawei's countless phones? You're in the right place.

Although it may not be as popular as Samsung or Apple in the U.S., one of the world's biggest smartphone brands is Huawei.

Huawei often releases some of the best and most interesting Android phones of the year, including powerful flagships and more affordable options through its Honor sub-brand.

It can be hard to keep up with Huawei's endless releases, so to help keep you in check, here are all the phones the company's launching in 2018.

The phones we're still expecting

Huawei Mate 11

The Mate 10 Pro

Towards the end of 2017, Huawei decided to go out with a bang with the impressive Mate 10 and Mate 10 Pro.

The Mate 10 Pro paved the way for Huawei's 2018 lineup, featuring the Kirin 970, a large 6-inch 18:9 screen, and fantastic dual cameras.

Rumors surrounding its successor are still pretty light, but if it's anything like last year's model, it'll be big, powerful, and a true beauty to look at. The Mate 10 Pro was the first in the series to adopt a new glass back, and we'll likely see Huawei continue that trend this year with the Mate 11.

Huawei Mate 10 Pro review: Best Android flagship for battery life

Honor 8X

Released at the very end of last year, the Honor 7X continues to be one of the best ways to spend less than $200 on a smartphone well into 2018.

Honor really hit the nail on the head with the 7X, offering a sturdy metal design, fast Kirin 659 processor, 5.93-inch 18:9 display, and respectable dual cameras for just $199 in the U.S.

We fully expect an Honor 8X to be announced before 2018 is over, featuring a similar price and even more bang-for-your-buck.

Honor 7X review: The new budget champion

The phones that have already come out

Huawei P20/P20 Lite/P20 Pro

A few months after the Mate 10's U.S. launch, Huawei came out swinging once more with its P20 series — consisting of the P20, P20 Lite, and P20 Pro.

There are a lot of similarities with the three phones, including glass designs, fingerprint sensors, and notches in their displays.

While all of the handsets are worth a look, the P20 Pro is easily the most eye-catching. In addition to its ultra-reflective and color-changing glass back with the Twilight color, you'll find not one, not two, but three rear cameras — including a 40MP RGB sensor, 20MP mono sensor, and 8MP telephoto one.

The end result of this wild combination are some of the best photographs you can take from a smartphone, especially when it comes to low-light shots.

You'll find a lot to love about the P20 Pro, but depending on where you live, buying it could prove to be a bit tricky.

Where to buy the Huawei P20 Pro in the U.S. and Canada

Huawei Porsche Design Mate RS

If the P20 Pro isn't cool enough for you and you've got endless amounts of cash to burn through, the Huawei Porsche Design Mate RS might be the perfect fit.

This is essentially the same phone as the P20 Pro, but it's got a different design, stunning red color, in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a pain-inducing $2000 price tag.

The Porsche Design Mate RS certainly isn't for everyone, but it's easily the most eye-catching phone in all of Huawei's lineup for the year.

See at Porsche Design

Huawei Mate SE

On the complete polar opposite end of the spectrum from the Mate RS is the Huawei Mate SE.

The Mate SE costs just $249 in the States and comes with a 5.93-inch edge-to-edge 18:9 FHD+ display, dual 16MP and 2MP rear cameras, Kirin 659 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB of storage, and a large 3,340 mAh battery. It's also available in both Grey and Gold colors.

You get a lot of bang-for-your-buck with the Mate SE, but if you want to stretch your dollars even further, I'd suggest checking out the Honor 7X that was released at the tail-end of 2017.

Honor 7X vs. Huawei Mate SE: What's the difference?

Huawei Nova 3

If you like the Huawei P20 but wish it came in a more affordable package, that's where the Huawei Nova 3 comes into play.

In regards to its design, the phone looks very similar to its P20 cousin. The front is home to a 6.3-inch Full HD+ display with a 19:9 aspect ratio, and because this is 2018, there's a notch at the very top.

Around back is a glass finish that comes in Purple, Black, Aqua Blue, and Primrose Gold/Yellow colors. This is also where you'll find the fingerprint sensor and dual 16MP + 24MP primary cameras.

Under the hood is the Kirin 970 processor, 6GB RAM, and Android 8.1 Oreo. Huawei will officially unveil the Nova 3 on July 18, but it's already up for pre-order on VMall right now.

See at VMall

Honor View 10

Honor's first phone for 2018 was the Honor View 10, and boy does it have a lot to offer. This is one of the pricier Honor phones at $499, but it comes equipped with just about every flagship feature you could ask for.

The Honor 10 impresses at first glance with a metal unibody design and ultra-slim bezels. The display measures in at 5.99-inches with an 18:9 aspect ratio and has a resolution of 2160 x 1080. There's a fingerprint sensor underneath it, 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom of the frame, and dual 16MP + 20MP cameras on the back.

Other goodies include the Kirin 970, 6GB RAM, 128GB of storage, NFC, and Android 8.0 Oreo with EMUI 8.0 on top of it. Add all that together with a face unlock feature and a long-lasting 3,750 mAh battery, and you end up with one heck of a phone.

See at Amazon

Honor 10

The Honor 10 was released in late April, and it has more in common with the Honor View 10 than just a similar name. Just like the View 10, the Honor 10 has the Kirin 970, 6GB RAM, and either 128GB or 64GB of storage. However, that's where the similarities end.

You'll find dual cameras on the Honor 10, but they're a bit different with 16MP and 24MP sensors. There's also a 24MP shooter for the selfie camera, 5.84-inch 1080p LCD screen with a notch at the top, and a reflective, color-changing glass back just like the Huawei P20 Pro.

The Honor 10 is available in China and the UK, and depending on the storage configuration you choose, you'll spend between $414 and $478.

Honor 10 announced with the P20's design and a much lower price

Honor 7A/7C

Next up, we've got the Honor 7A and 7C. These are the cheapest phones on this list, coming in at £139.99 and £169.99, respectively.

You won't find the most impressive specs on the 7A and 7C, but what you do get is all the basics for a solid experience at an incredible price.

The 7A is the more affordable of the two, offering a plastic body with a metal-like finish, Snapdragon 430 processor, 2GB RAM, 16GB of storage, and a single 13MP camera. With the 7C, you get a faster Snapdragon 450, 3GB RAM, 32GB of storage, and a depth-sensing 2MP camera to go along with the primary 13MP shooter.

You can purchase the Honor 7A and 7C in the UK and India.

Honor 7A + 7C bring face unlock to the sub-£170 price point

Honor Play

There's been a recent interest in gaming phones in the Android space, with notable handsets including the Razer Phone and Asus ROG Phone. Honor's the latest company to take a stab at this growing niche with the Honor Play.

A good gaming phone needs to be plenty powerful, and the Honor Play delivers here. It's powered by the Kirin 970 and comes with a feature called GPU Turbo that allows you to eek out even more performance when playing particularly demanding titles.

You've got your choice between 4 and 6GB of RAM depending on the model you choose and 64GB of storage is present for housing all your local files. Other specs include a 3,750 mAh battery, Android 8.1 Oreo, and a 6.3-inch 19:9 screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2280.

The Honor Play is launching first in China with a starting price of around $375.

See at VMall

Honor 9i

The Honor 9i was also announced alongside the Honor Play, but it ditches the gaming focus and instead aims to be your typical Honor mid-ranger.

Up front is a 5.84-inch 19:9 display with a 1080 x 2280 resolution. The Kirin 659 powers the phone along with 4GB RAM and a 3,000 mAh battery should offer respectable endurance.

Other features include dual 13MP + 12MP cameras on the back, 64 or 128GB of storage, and Android 8.0 Oreo.

Similar to the Honor Play, the Honor 9i is also launching in China and carries a starting price of $220.

See at VMall

Honor 10 GT

In early July, Honor officially took the wraps off of the Honor 10 GT. This is mostly the same phone as the Honor 10 that was released earlier in the year, save for the fact that it has a whopping 8GB RAM.

Aside from that, everything else is just as you'd expect. The Honor 10 GT is powered by the Kirin 970 processor, has a 3,400 mAh battery, 5.8-inch 2280 x 1080 display, 16MP selfie camera, 16MP + 24MP rear-facing sensors, and the rare 3.5mm headphone jack.

The Honor 10 GT is launching in China on July 24, and while pricing is still unknown, it'll likely cost around $500 or so.

See at Honor

Honor Note 10

A little over a week before Samsung takes the wraps off of the Galaxy Note 9, the Honor Note 10 has conveniently been announced just ahead of it.

First thing's first, this is a big phone. There's a massive 7-inch screen on this puppy that's paired with a Super AMOLED panel and a resolution of 1080 x 2200. The tall 18:9 form factor should help out a bit with usability, but even so, there's no getting around the point that this thing's massive.

Other specs for the Honor Note 10 include the Kirin 970 processor, 6GB/8GB RAM, 64GB/128GB internal storage, and a monstrous 5,000 mAh battery. Add that together with a PC-like liquid cooling system, microSD card support, and dual cameras, and you've got a well-rounded package.

The Honor Note 10 goes on sale August 1 with a starting price of $409 for the 6GB/64GB model.

See at Honor

Updated July 31, 2018: Added the Honor Note 10 to the list!



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MoviePass vs. Sinemia vs. AMC A-List vs. Cinemark: Which movie subscription service should you get?

There are so many movie theater subscription choices out there now, but how do you know which one to pick?

So it's peak summer season, which means prime time for going to the movies. But with ticket prices the way they are, along with the cost of concessions, moviegoing gets fairly pricey.

So what are you supposed to do without spending an arm and a leg to enjoy the latest summer blockbusters? Fortunately, movie theater subscriptions have become a rising trend lately, and it seems there's a new option popping up every few months now.

But with so many choices now, which movie subscription service is the best for you? Let's dive into some of the more popular choices and find out!

MoviePass

Let's start with the one that everyone's probably heard of by now due to making plenty of headlines recently: MoviePass.

Pricing

There are two levels of membership: MoviePass and MoviePass Unlimited.

The regular MoviePass subscription starts at $7.95 a month and gives members three movies a month. If you go with MoviePass Unlimited at $9.95 a month, you get one movie a day for the month, although there are some caveats that we'll discuss in a bit.

Membership cards

With MoviePass, unfortunately, you can't use the service until you receive the physical card in the mail. This process can take up to two weeks after you sign up for a plan.

The physical MoviePass card works like a debit card, and it's even branded as a MasterCard. Once you check-in to a movie, just use your MoviePass card to pay for the ticket at the box office or kiosk, just like you would with any other credit card for payment. This works because after you check in, your card gets about $15 of credit loaded onto it to "pay" for the ticket.

It's important to keep track of your MoviePass card at all times, though, because if you lose it, getting in touch with their customer service department for a replacement can be a doozy.

Features and Limitations

The most enticing thing about MoviePass is the fact that you can go to any participating movie theater once a day to watch any movie that's playing. So if you go by that, you can potentially see 30 movies each month for just $10! This was the case when the company first started, and through their jaw-dropping price drop announcement back in 2017.

However, there have been plenty of major changes since then that make MoviePass less appealing.

First off, MoviePass limits you to standard 2D viewings only. That means no IMAX, Dolby Cinema, Digital 3D, or anything fancy, just plain old 2D film. If you prefer premium movie experiences, you're going to have to pay for those separately. It's also limited only to participating theaters, so you have to check to make sure your local theater even takes MoviePass.

While MoviePass does have some e-ticketing options for reserving your tickets, the theaters that utilize this feature in MoviePass are far and wide. For most people, you need to use the standard "check-in" method with MoviePass to get your tickets. This means being within 100 yards of the theater, finding the movie and showtime you want to check into, and then going to the box office or kiosk to get your tickets.

This proves to be rather troublesome when you want to get good seats for big releases, or even seats next to each other on busy days. With this system, you'll need to plan ahead and get to the theater early.

Previously, MoviePass allowed for multiple viewings of a single movie. So if you really liked a film, you could go back and watch it again, no problem. However, recent changes limit subscribers to one viewing for each movie, so no double-dipping!

Users also have to submit a photo of their ticket stub after each check-in, and failure to do so could result in suspended accounts. It's just another annoying little thing to remember when using MoviePass.

Lastly, there's now "peak pricing" for popular blockbuster movies if you want to watch them during opening week. This means more money on top of your monthly charge.

All those changes don't even take into account service outages, which are apparently a thing.

Who's it for?

MoviePass is best for the person who wants good value. If you don't mind only seeing standard 2D movies, don't do repeat viewings, don't care about having another physical card to track, or having to check-in manually every time you want to see something, then MoviePass gets you a lot of bang for your buck.

MoviePass - Free - Download Now

Sinemia

Sinemia is another subscription just like MoviePass, but it seems to be lesser known because of lack of marketing. However, it works similarly.

Pricing

Sinemia has several membership tiers, and there are even family plans as well.

The cheapest option, Classic, starts at $4.99 a month and gets you one standard 2D movie a month at any theater with no blackout days and advance ticketing options. A second level Classic tier is available for $7.99 a month and nets you two movies a month.

Then there are the Elite plans, which start at $9.99 and $14.99 for two or three movies per month, respectively. The Elite plans include everything that comes in Classic, but with the addition of 3D and premium movie formats (Dolby Cinema, IMAX, 4DX, and more).

Sinemia also offers family plans. These include one membership owner, and you can bring up to six additional people when getting your tickets. Only the owner of the account can purchase the tickets though.

It seems that the price of Sinemia Elite pays for itself within one visit to the theater if you go with one of the premium format viewings. However, you need to keep in mind that Sinemia only charges annually, so your first payment starts at $60 and you're locked in for a year.

There's currently a summer sale going on, which reduces every plan's cost by $1 across-the-board. If you want to take advantage of this super-low pricing, then you should sign up now.

Membership cards

Similar to MoviePass, Sinemia issues out a physical card to all members. This takes about a week or two, but it's how you'll be "purchasing" your movie tickets as a Sinemia member.

Unlike MoviePass, there are no geofencing limitations when it comes to the process of obtaining your ticket. In fact, you're able to obtain your tickets the day-of by just purchasing them online through the website or mobile app.

There's even the ability to select and purchase a ticket within 30 days, rather than same-day only as with MoviePass. If you do it this way, you have a window of two hours to buy the ticket with your Sinemia card. MoviePass only has a window of 30 minutes since checking in to get your ticket.

And once again, it's recommended to always keep track of your Sinemia card. If it's lost, it can be hard to get a hold of a representative to get it replaced.

Features and Limitations

Though Sinemia doesn't have an unlimited option like MoviePass, there's still a lot to like about it.

For one, you're able to reserve tickets up to 30 days in advance, and there's a two-hour window to do so, meaning it's much more relaxed. All of your tickets can be purchased online, so there's no silly geolocation restriction.

If you opt for the Classic plans, you'll only get the option for standard 2D showings, but at a cheaper price than MoviePass. This makes sense if you don't go to the movies that much anyways, as it still saves you some money from buying a normal ticket.

But Elite plans offer you the most bang for your buck. With 3D and premium offerings available in these plans, it practically pays for itself with one movie (IMAX and Dolby Cinema tickets are about $20 in my area).

Really, the only flaws of Sinemia are the fact that you'll need to wait to receive the physical card before you can use it, and you can only see up to three movies max each month. You also need to pay for your membership annually, which isn't as appealing.

Who's it for?

Sinemia's designed for the person who doesn't go to the movies every week, but wants to get the most bang for their buck when they do go. And if you want to be able to watch premium formats at any theater with no blockout dates, then Sinemia is the way to go.

Sinemia - Free - Download Now

AMC Stubs A-List

AMC recently rolled out their own subscription service, which is a new level of their Stubz membership. It's made to compete with MoviePass after the little dispute between the companies.

Pricing

AMC A-List is a bit more expensive than the competition. It costs $19.95 a month and you must commit to at least three full months before you're able to cancel. However, the $19.95 cost is locked in for at least 12 months, so you don't need to worry about any changes during that time.

The pricing for A-List only includes one ticket for each of the three movies per week that you're entitled to. If you need more tickets for someone without A-List, those must be purchased separately.

Membership cards

There's no physical card to use for A-List, so you can start using it as soon as you sign up. Everything can be done online through the app or website as long as you're signed in to your AMC Stubs A-List account.

However, if you were a previous AMC Stubs Premiere member and have your physical membership card, you can continue to use it.

Features and limitations

Even though A-List is one of the pricier options, it has a lot of perks.

Though it's not unlimited, A-List members can see up to three movies each week, with new weeks resetting Friday morning. You can spread these out over the week or see three movies in one day, with at least two hours in-between each viewing.

A-List also doesn't limit you to standard 2D films. With membership, you can see 3D, IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and other premium formats. So even if you just see one premium format screening, the membership already pays for itself.

All ticketing and seat reservations are done online, through the app or website. You don't need to be near the theater to get your tickets, as it's all digital and can even be saved to Apple Wallet. To top it all off, you can reserve tickets and seats in advance.

The final benefit of A-List is that it comes with all perks of AMC Stubs Premiere, which is normally $15 a year. That means you get a free fountain drink and popcorn size upgrades, waived online fees (if you purchase separate tickets), 10 percent back on all concessions, and Priority Lane access.

The only restriction with AMC A-List is the fact that you need to go to AMC theaters only.

Who's it for?

If you love watching your movies on the best screens possible and have AMCs nearby or go there frequently, then A-List is totally worth it. Plus, being able to reserve your tickets days in advance is great.

AMC Theaters - Free - Download Now

Cinemark Movie Club

If Cinemark theaters are where you prefer to go for movie watching, then you may be pleased to know they also have their own subscription plan.

Pricing

CInemark's Movie Club is a bit more expensive than the other three that we've covered so far, since it costs $8.99 a month for one movie only. However, unused tickets roll over into the next month, so if you don't go to the theaters often, you can accumulate rollover tickets after a while.

But it's important to keep in mind that the $8.99 per month cost only accounts for standard 2D movies. If you want to catch a premium viewing, then additional upcharges will apply. Extra tickets can also be bought at a discounted price of $8.99, rather than the standard normal ticket cost.

Membership cards

Like AMC Stubs A-List, Cinemark's Movie Club has no physical membership card, so you're able to use your perks right away after signing up.

All ticket reservations are done online or through the Cinemark app. If you prefer to still go up to the box office to get tickets, that's fine too! Just pull up your Cinemark ID on your phone and have them scan your unique QR code to redeem your Movie Club credit.

Features and Limitations

As already mentioned, Movie Club only gets you one standard 2D movie credit per month. But unused credits roll over into the next month, and these unused credits can continue to roll over until you redeem them — there's no expiration on them. If you cancel your Movie Club account, you'll have six months to redeem any unused credits.

If you go over your credits, you can purchase up to two additional tickets per transaction at the rate of $8.99 each. This is great if you're bringing a buddy along. Movie Club also gives members 20 percent off concessions, which can add up over time if you always have a case of the munchies while watching movies. And all purchases net you Connections points, which you can use for movie swag, digital downloads, and sweepstakes entries.

Since this is Cinemark, your Movie Club membership is valid at all Cinemark, Century, CinéArts, Tinseltown, and Rave theaters.

Unfortunately, if you don't frequent these theaters often, then Movie Club may not be your best option. It's also rather limiting with just one movie per month, and you'll have to pay extra for premium format viewings.

Who's it for?

Cinemark's Movie Club is great for those who only seldom go to the movies, get food and drink often, and want the option of purchasing discounted tickets when needed. And if you don't mind a small upcharge, being able to view a premium movie every so often is a nice option to have.

Cinemark Theaters - Free - Download Now

What's your movie subscription service of choice?

Movie subscription services are a rising trend as of late, and it seems that everyone's using some sort of program these days. But with all of these different options, it's definitely hard to pick the one that's right for you. Personally, I was a MoviePass customer but switched to AMC A-List when it came out because I was tired of the constant changes to how MoviePass works.

We've listed out all of the pros and cons of each one, and hope that it helps you narrow down your choices. Happy movie-going!

MoviePass - Free - Download Now

Sinemia - Free - Download Now

AMC Theaters - Free - Download Now

Cinemark Theaters - Free - Download Now



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Electronauts is the VR music maker you didn't know you wanted

The learning curve is steep, but so are the drops.

While there are a few different music games out there for the PlayStation VR, most of them are some kind of standard drumming machine trying to add an interesting VR twist. Electronauts, on the hand, achieves that twist. With striking visuals and a variety of beats to play with, this game – although I'm not sure if game is the right word – uses VR to create a mixing lab the likes of which only Daft Punk ever imagined in their chrome helmets.

Electronauts

Price: $18

Bottom line: Electronauts is a cyberpunk musical experience unlike any other, and enjoying it means remembering to forget what you think it means to do things in VR or music.

The Good

  • Visually stunning
  • Super easy to feel like you are making music
  • Fantastic starting song list

The Bad

  • This is not a game, there is no score
  • Tutorial is a little too basic

See at Survios

Electronauts What I Like

The premise is simple, I think, from my time playing the game it seems to be devoid of any real gaming intent. Don't think of it as a game with levels, or a score, but more of an interactive music experience, a chance to be creative with samples, beats and even the crazy visuals around you.

With minimal effort or musical background it is easy to feel like you're creating something fun that you'd want to share with others.

Electronauts is visually a cyberpunk playground. Lots of bright colors and the general theme of the music you're interacting with is electronic in nature. You can lean in any direction of that spectrum, but there's clearly a theme. The initial tutorial explains that you're on a musical voyage of creativity and expression, and starts you off with a premade track you interact with. The floating platform you are standing on, and yes i do mean standing because Survios has made sure when you look down you see a whole body, is orbited by 3 stations that allow you to chop and change almost anything from the song. This three-station layout lets you change the vocals, the visuals, add effects to the music and even use orbs to add your own extra beats to the music in sampled loops.

The feel of the 3 stations in VR is perfect. When I think of VR games this is what I want, taking something that you couldn't do in a normal game – if you had 3 stations on a normal screen you wouldn't be able to switch the view fast enough – and adding a 3D element not available otherwise, it really does make it feel like future tech. With minimal effort or musical background it is easy to feel like you're creating something fun that you'd want to share with others.

Electronauts is played with 2 virtual drumsticks that you use like wands to help you cut and mix tracks. Depending on the song or even the part of the song there are sections of the backing track that you can play at will as well as well being able to mute component parts like the high hat or bass drum. If you have listened to Drum and Bass, Dubstep, or EDM, you will know that these kinds of muting options work extremely well in changing up the flow of the music.

This experience doesn't have a victory condition, but there are still achievements to unlock for exploring things. The purpose of this game is not to win but to create a new artistic endeavor and share with those around you. For the moment, there aren't any ways to share mixes you have assembled externally, like through Soundcloud or something. There are camera controls, and when I played with them I got a small screen showing my avatar doing cool stuff but nowhere did there seem to be a save or record or stream function anywhere. Maybe that will appear in time, I hope so, this game feels like it needs to be shared to really be appreciated. The goal is to have fun and make music, and be the virtual mix master of your friend circle. It's not difficult to imagine a party with nice speakers connected to a VR set up, where someone in this experience was making music for the whole group to enjoy.

Electronauts What I don't like

I really struggled with the no-win aspects of this game. I needed to feel like there was a goal in mind like I was doing well or not but the game offered little in the way of encouragement or even basic guidance. I constantly found myself looking for a running total or a Guitar Hero style meter that tells me if I am doing good or bad – I was doing bad gang, really, really bad – and not receiving any feedback from the game at all.

The tutorial is also frustratingly simple, so basic as to be almost no help. The tutorial takes you through the 3 simplest cubes – the cubes fit into the base station to bring up new interfaces to work with – and then says goodbye like you know everything there is to know. As you start your own music however you realize that everything is far more complicated. It's maddening to want to be good but not knowing how to get there.

The game feels like it is actively working to stop you sounding too objectively terrible. I found myself dancing along to the dubstep track I made, eagerly waiting for the beat to drop then realizing we were in a safe break until I actually started the drop, which, when I actually hit the button at the exact right moment gave me a real thrill. Of course, I was instantly sad that there was no part of the game that told me I did it right, which is part of the hangup I have.

Electronauts Should you buy it? Probably.

Survios has made Electronauts that heady mix of futuristic and retro with primitive voxels and primary colors all around you and crisp clear details on your equipment. It's like Daft punk went back in time into Jobes world in Lawnmower man, they are from the future, stuck in what the past thinks the future will be. The game is pretty trippy and so my head is all over the place. I really do enjoy the overall visual look of Electronauts and I'm happy that this kind of aesthetic is here to stay in VR.

The game is definitely very stylistic but it is still lacking what I need to make the game feel like a game, direction. When I finally did find a help button it was so overwhelming and technical that it actually made me feel less attached to the game, not more. I would like to see it become more game-ified in the future if I am going to continue playing it.

You can pick this game up August 7th on for HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and PlayStation VR. In the Steam, and Oculus stores the game will start at $19.99, but for PlayStation VR users the price is $17.99. Enjoy!



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Why your carrier's coverage map may not match your experience

Maybe it's time for a new phone.

When you're looking to switch cellular carriers, the most important factor is going to be how well the service actually works in your area. Sure, saving $10 a month is great, but not if it means your family and friends can't get ahold of you. A good starting place is your potential carrier's coverage map, since that will show the relative coverage in a given location.

But that's not the be-all and end-all. There are some factors that could drastically change the experience when you use your phone.

Old hardware

Truth be told, you can get a lot of miles out of an older phone these days. Battery life and photos won't be as good as those on a modern smartphone, but something from 2014 onwards will still open apps in a reasonable amount of time, make phone calls and take decent photos.

But the modem in your phone is going to be older as well. The carrier is going to be advertising coverage based on all of the antenna bands they could use, and if they're using frequencies that have been deployed in the last few years, your phone won't be able to take advantage of that coverage.

The number of users

A cellular tower can get congested quickly if there are a lot of users all trying to connect to the same tower. If you've ever been at a concert, played Pokémon Go, or been at another large public event, you know your data can slow to a crawl as everyone tries to Snapchat and Instagram all at the same time. If you live near a concert venue or popular public space, you may just have to deal with slow speeds because you're connecting to the same tower as the large crowds.

There's also the chicken and egg problem when it comes to where carriers invest in their network. If there aren't as many potential users in a given town — like my hometown of 1,200 people — the carrier is going to spend their time and money focusing on areas where they can better serve existing customers and maybe poach customers from competitors. But this means service is bad in places like my hometown, so no one there is going to use a carrier that doesn't work for them.

How to test your coverage

If you want to know why your coverage isn't as good as promised, there are a few tools available to help you out. Of course, the easiest thing to do is just try using your phone on the carrier you want to switch to. Pre-paid plans exist, and the $40 or so you spend up front for a month of service is a good way to know if the coverage is worth saving $10 per month. Just pop in your new SIM card, let the phone activate on the network, and make some phone calls and watch some YouTube videos.

But you can get more scientific with some apps. Signal Spy will tell you exactly which antenna band your phone is using to connect to the network. Meanwhile, OpenSignal will do a speed test without any carrier "optimization" that could change the results. It will also show you a map of the exact cell towers near your location that your phone could be trying to connect to. You can zoom in on a different area on the map, which can be helpful if you're planning a trip to a remote area.

Download: Signal Spy (free, in-app purchases)

Download: OpenSignal (free)

What say you?

How consistent is your cell coverage? Let us know down below!



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Best Chromebox in 2018

Why trust us? We don't just write about Chromebooks and Chromeboxes; we use them every day. Whether you want to watch a video, play a game, or get some work done, these are the best Chromeboxes you can buy.

The ASUS Chromebox 3 is the best Chromebox you can buy. Available in several configurations from the modestly priced Intel Celeron version to a powerful — and ready for Linux applications — Intel Core processor and all models feature a true M.2 SATA SSD for years of worry-free storage and upgradability should you need it.

Our Pick

ASUS Chromebox 3

Amazon — $429

A powerful and secure desktop computer

This is ASUS' newest Chromebox. It's pricey, — our pick is the Intel Core i3 version at $429 — but it's also a very powerful computer that can handle every task you need it to today as well as any future tasks as Google rolls out Linux program support to Chrome OS devices.

This Chromebox simply can do everything. It's loaded with exterior ports (both USB Type-C and legacy USB ports are included) and the components are current generation as you would expect in any powerful computer. If you want a Chromebox for the whole family that's future-proof, secure, and dependable, you can't go wrong with the ASUS Chromebox 3.

Who should buy this Chromebox

It's tough to say anyone should buy a $429 Chromebox. Our budget pick, also from ASUS, will handle the needs of most users and provide a great experience on the web or in the home office. The difference, and what makes this configuration of the Chromebox 3 our top pick is its raw power versus price.

Linux and Android applications will change how many of us use a Chromebox. When updated, the Chromebox 3 will be able to install almost any program written for a full desktop computer and plenty of programs like Steam for gaming or Blender for 3D modelling and rendering will make good use of the higher specs. And since all Chrome products are fully supported by Google for over six years, the Chromebox 3 will also age very well and should be considered future-proofed.

Is it a good time to buy this Chromebox?

Yes. Last year's Chromeboxes weren't designed to be ready for full desktop programs or Android apps, and manufacturers have rushed to the gate with new models featuring powerful hardware. With the cost of computer components rising, buying a high-end pre-built small form-factor desktop is a wise decision for anyone who wants or needs said power under the hood.

We don't see component prices lowering anytime soon, so an investment today means you'll enjoy the benefit of a secure workstation or entertainment PC without needing to worry about upgrading in 2019 or beyond.

6 reasons to buy

  • Desktop-class Intel Core processors are available
  • 8 GB of high-speed DDR4 RAM
  • User-upgradable internal SSD storage
  • HDMI connection
  • USB Type-A legacy ports and USB Type-C 3.1 ports
  • Three-in-one SD card reader

2 reasons not to buy

  • Expensive if you won't need the extra power
  • No internal speakers

When all Chromeboxes are similar, the little things count

It's tough to say one brand of Chromebox is better than the rest. Google has strict guidelines manufacturers need to follow and almost every company that makes computers offers a Chromebox that is very similar to all the rest. What makes the Chromebox 3 the top pick when compared to Chromeboxes from other manufacturers is the performance versus price ratio and ASUS history of Chrome product support.

Out of the box, the Chromebox 3 can fit your needs because of the multiple configurations available. We think the Intel Core i3 version is the best purchase right now because it will offer the power needed to run any application and isn't exorbitantly expensive.

Alternatives to the Chromebox 3

The Acer CX12 is also an excellent buy. It's a popular model from 2017, but will be fully supported until 2023. We also recommend the Intel Core i3 version here because of the performance to price ratio, as the Acer CX12 can be found had for $350. the biggest difference, and what allows for the cheaper price, is the storage — the CX12 comes with a 16 GB SSD as configured.

Runner-up

Acer CX12

Acer's CX12 Chromebox also brings plenty of power to a chrome desktop, but being a 2017 model with less storage means you can save a good bit of money.

See at Amazon

Google's 6.5 years of support for Chrome products means a Chromebox that's a year old can still be a great purchase. in the case of the Acer CX12, you're getting a Chromebox that for all intents and purposes is just as powerful as our top pick art a considerable savings.

Budget pick

ASUS Chromebox 2

Had Google not announced a future where powerful Chrome products would have access to the vast library of Linux programs, last year's ASUS Chromebox might have been our top pick. An Intel Celeron CPU with 4 GB of RAM means this $200 Chromebox will handle all Chrome has to give it and is nice and easy on the wallet.

See at Amazon

Bottom line

For someone who wants the best possible Chromebox experience the ASUS Chromebox 3 configured with a powerful but thrifty Intel Core i3 CPU is the best choice. It's chock full of powerful components and many are user-serviceable, but you'll pay quite a bit for it, roughly $430.

If you would rather opt for a 2017 model and save a considerable amount of cash, the Acer CX12 will deliver virtually the same performance, albeit with less storage. If you aren't concerned about Linux containers or any of the voodoo Google has in store for Chrome products, the ASUS Chromebox 2, also from 2017, is an incredible value.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Jerry Hildenbrand is Mobile Nation's Senior Editor and works from a Chromebook full time. Currently he is using Google's Pixelbook but is always looking at new products and may have any Chromebook in his hands at any time. You'll find him across the Mobile Nations network and you can hit him up on Twitter if you want to say hey.

Andrew Martonik is the Executive Editor, U.S. at Android Central. He has been a mobile enthusiast since the Windows Mobile days, and covering all things Android-related with a unique perspective at AC since 2012. For suggestions and updates, you can reach him at andrew.martonik@androidcentral.com or on Twitter at @andrewmartonik.

Daniel Bader is the Managing Editor of Android Central. As he's writing this, a mountain of old Android phones is about to fall on his head, but his Great Dane will protect him. He drinks way too much coffee and sleeps too little. He wonders if there's a correlation.



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Thanks, Lenovo, for including a camera cover on your Smart Display

For me, the most important feature is something most people aren't talking about.

I ordered the Lenovo Smart Display on day one because a digital assistant with its own display is a thing I'm really interested in. Ever since the first crafty DIY'er built the first smart mirror people have thought of ways visual feedback can be integrated with something that gives you some extra information, and a small(ish) screen that can tap into the power of a virtual assistant would make for the ultimate bedside clock. At least until we see a full-size smart mirror for your dresser or chest of drawers, that is.

I thought I'd be able to have what I wanted when Amazon dropped the Echo Show with its 7-inch display and the power of Alexa to tell me the weather, play me a song, or wake me up when I just want to stay in bed. When we got the information and specs I knew I wasn't going to buy one because of one simple reason — you can't turn off the camera.

There is actually a serach engine for hacked webcam feeds and no I am not linking it for you.

Some of us might be OK with a camera on their bedside table. Some might even want a camera beside the bed for one reason or another. I am neither of those persons, and I'm also not going to spend all that money then slap a piece of duct tape over a lens hole or resort to some other less simple plans and call it a day. Ideally, I wanted a model without a camera, but at least I'd need a way to properly shut it down and block it off. Like most of us, I have a phone and a tablet or laptop if I want to make video calls and don't need some Orwellian eyeball watching me while I sleep.

That's why the thing about the Lenovo Smart Display that made me order one is the thing most people don't care about — you can cover the camera and it shunts it out of the system like it was never there.

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It's a simple addition that probably costs more than I want to know to include. But it's also a smart decision, and not just for people like me who are thinking about their nightstand. It seems odd (to me at least) that people are more than happy to share every detail about their personal life with their cell phone carrier or Google or Facebook but freak out over Google Assistant or Alexa and all the details each gleams from our digital data. I chalk it up to the fact that something like Google Home or an Amazon Echo can talk to you so you can't escape seeing how much it knows about you, even though Google and Amazon already had the data to begin with.

Adding a camera to the mix might sound cool when you think about calling someone up and chatting Star Trek style, but soon talk turns to having a camera attached to a company that feeds on your data right in the middle of your living room or kitchen. Or bedroom. Even if you know and understand how these things work, you'll never be able to be 100% sure the camera isn't on and watching. There will be plenty of times you don't want the camera on and watching you when it's inside your home.

So consider this a shout-out to Lenovo for thinking ahead and spending the money to include a feature a lot of folks will appreciate. We're soon going to see plenty more smart display products and I'm hoping this sets a precedent for others — including Amazon for the Echo Show v2 — to follow.

Lenovo Smart Display 10"

Price: $249.99

Bottom line: Lenovo's Smart Display elegantly transitions the Google Assistant onto screens, but it's the elegant design and great sound that make it a clear recommendation.

The Good

  • Lovely, elegant design
  • High-quality 10-inch display
  • Great sound overall
  • Assistant + screen can be very useful
  • Camera privacy slider should be everywhere

The Bad

  • Android Things isn't fully baked just yet
  • Lacks Netflix and other big-name Cast target support
  • Better optimized for voice than touch
  • Speaker lacks bass impact

See at Lenovo



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