Information Technology

Kerry Wan/ZDNETA quick scan through ZDNET’s list of the best phones, and two names usually top the list — Samsung and Apple. That’s no exception with our most recent picks, as the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 16 Pro Max take the top two spots. That list will likely be changing soon, though, as Apple is expected to unveil a successor that is the iPhone 17 Pro Max.Also: Should you buy the iPhone 16 or iPhone 17? How to decide which model to buyBoth the 16 Pro Max and the S25 Ultra are their brand’s most impressive phones to date, with each handset packed with premium features and high-end specs, and both being the largest of their lineups. They also feature a whole lot of AI, like it or not.If you’re already locked into a specific ecosystem, the choice here is simple. But if you’re on the fence or you’re considering switching sides, you have a decision to make. Fortunately, there’s enough of a difference between these two devices that you can make a choice. Here’s what you need to know.  Specifications Samsung Galaxy S25 UltraiPhone 16 Pro MaxDisplay 6.9″ QHD AMOLED 120Hz, 2600 nits peak6.8-inch AMOLED with 120Hz, 2000 nits peakWeight 218 grams227 gramsProcessor Snapdragon 8 EliteA18 ProDimensions77.6 x 162.8 x 8.2mm  77.6 x 163 x 8.25RAM/Storage12GB with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB8GB with 256GB, 512GB, 1TBBattery5000 mAh4685 mAhCamera200MP wide / 50MP telephoto (5x) / 10MP telephoto (3x) / 50 MP ultrawide / 12MP front48MP Fusion / 48MP Ultra Wide  / 12MP telephoto (5x) / 12MP front    Price$1,299$1,199 You should buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra if… More

Getty Images/George Pachantouris ZDNET’s key takeaways You can describe travel ideas in natural language to Google’s tool. Flight Deals surfaces affordable flight options to match your ideas. The tool will roll out in beta over the next week.  Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source<!–> on Chrome and Chromium browsers. Google […] More

The Koala cleaning kit with a pair of glasses.  Kayla Solino/ZDNETI’ve been wearing prescription glasses since I was 18 months old, so trust me when I tell you I know a lot about keeping lenses clean and protected — I’ve had over 20 years of practice. While it may seem like you can clean your sunglasses or glasses with any old “glass cleaner,” or something as simple as soap and water, I am here to tell you that it can be a huge (and costly) mistake. Most glass cleaning products (even dish soap) can be too abrasive and harsh on specialized lenses and damage protective coatings for UV, glare, blue light, and more. Of course, clean at your own risk, but I have damaged my lens coating once before from plain soap and water, and there is no fix for it besides getting brand new lenses. Also: I tested the $15 screen-cleaning solution used in Apple stores and it worked like magicAnd just like glasses, the screens on your tech products should be handled with the utmost care. Lucky for you, I’m sharing one of my best-kept secrets that can clean lenses and screens with ease without damaging either. Meet Koala cleaner More

Soundcore Sleep A30 Earbuds <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Soundcore Sleep A30 will be available for $230 starting August 18th, 2025. The earbuds are comfortable with helpful sleep features. Their active noise cancellation falls flat. –> Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source<!–> on Chrome and Chromium browsers. I care a […] More

Jason Hiner/ZDNETLike clockwork, a new iPhone has made its way through the rumor mill in August, and users are beginning to wonder if they should buy what’s currently available or wait until fall to see how things play out.Based on past trends, there’s a good chance Apple will unveil the iPhone 17 series in September. So, should you pick up an iPhone 16 from your local Apple store today or play the long game? Also: Best iPhone 2025: I tested the top models and found the best options for youHaving tested every major smartphone release over the past several years and helped numerous family and friends overcome this exact dilemma, here’s the decision tree I use that works every single time. More

Razer Blade 14 <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Razer Blade 14 (2025) is on sale now starting at $2,000. It’s a gorgeous laptop that redefines portability for gaming machines. However, the ultraportable form factor results in trade-offs when it comes to performance and upgradability. –> Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred […] More

Google / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET ZDNET’s key takeaways Google has introduced a new Create tab for Photos.Create hosts editing tools that let you get creative with photos.The tab is available for Android and iOS versions of the app.Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source More

Omer Taha Cetin/Anadolu via Getty Images ZDNET’s key takeaways Anthropic launched learning modes in Claude chatbot and Claude Code.  Instead of creating answers, they use the Socratic approach to guide you.  You can select ‘Learning’ from the style dropdown to access for free.  When AI chatbots first appeared on the scene, their differentiator from traditional […] More