The Buying Game (Issue 31)
This week's picks include a low-cost phone, travel charger, and soda.
How I’d spend $500: Google Pixel 10a
Google's newest budget phone, the Pixel 10a, has officially been announced and is available for pre-order. The device has some solid technical details like a 6.3-inch OLED and an advertised 30 hours of battery life for its price. But the most noticeable feature is the rear camera system that sits flush. There's no notorious "camera bump." The phone comes in four colors.
Price: $499 [or less] (link)
Value Score: Good
$500 for the Pixel 10a is a good starting price. The iPhone 16e starts at $599, for example. But there are pre-order promotions going on right now. First, Google is offering a $100 credit or free Pixel Buds 2a. Next, there are trade-in deals. A Pixel 9a, the previous version, will net you a $275 trade-in value and bring the new 10a under $250. Trading in an iPhone SE 3 with 64GB of storage will get you $150 in credit and bring the 10a down to $350.
How I’d spend $150: Belkin UltraCharge Pro 2-in-1
I finally got my hands on Belkin's latest travel charger. Besides being seriously compact, the puck-shaped wireless charger features Qi2.2, so it can charge supporting devices up to 25 watts. The top flips up for multi-angle positioning and reveals an Apple Watch charger, which also has multiple positions.
Price: $100 (link)
Value Score: Good
I think a 2-in-1 wireless charger is perfect for travel. If you do need to charge AirPods, you can lay them on the phone's charging spot. Despite the product's $100 retail price, I still think it's a good value because of its include 45W power adapter. The wall plug is petite and retails for $20 if you want to buy it on its own.
How I’d spend $50: Stiller's Soda
Did you know Ben Stiller—yes, that one—has a soda company? Stiller's Soda currently comes in three flavors: Lemon Lime, Root Beer, and Shirley Temple. The gimmick is that there is no gimmick. As the company advertises, "Stiller’s skips the prebiotics and probiotics. This is just a clean, crisp, caffeine-free soda with real flavor." Each can has 30 calories and 7 grams of sugar.
Price: $30 (link)
Value Score: Poor
$30 for a 12-pack on Amazon isn't a steal or even a great value—but it is convenient. The drinks are also sold in Target and other locations, though, so you should be able to buy a pack or individual cans for cheaper in person.
The winning pick: Belkin UltraCharge Pro 2-in-1
A good travel charger is a necessity. Your phone and Apple Watch need a place on the hotel nightstand to rest and recharge. They're on vacation too. I have a round-up of five different 25W portable chargers coming soon, and this Belkin one is among my favorites. I like its size and functionality, as well as its included 45W power adapter.
Are you looking for even more picks this week? Here are a few things worth considering.
An expensive pick: Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones
Dyson's latest vacuum is a stunner. The handle is only 1.5 inches thick—the same width as its hair dryer handle. But inside that small space is the motor, dust bin, and battery. The whole thing weighs only four pounds. Because it's so light, you can switch the roller and then use it for overhead dusting. Of course, the Fluffycones name comes from its cone-shaped roller brushes, which keep hair from getting tangled. All in, the PencilVac is a fun way to do some cleaning.
Price: $600 (link)
Media pick: U2 - "American Obituary"
930 Minneapolis
To desecrate domestic bliss
Three bullets blast, three babies kissed
Renee the domestic terrorist???
What you can’t kill can't die
America will rise
Against the people of the lie
I love you more
Than hate loves war
This week's other interesting deals and product news
- Apple announced a media event on March 4th. The iPhone 17e, new iPads, and a low-cost MacBook are expected to be announced.
- The new 007 video game, First Light, is now available for pre-order.
- The Logitech Pop Icon Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse Combo is 40% off, down to $39.
- Newegg has refurbished Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones on sale for $255—$195 off.
- Meta is planning to add facial recognition to its smart glasses.
- Weezer is selling a new box set of the band's six colored albums for $250.
- Peak Design has some new crossbody iPhone straps.
This week's published stories
- Apple Watch Series 11 review [Business Insider]
- iMovie has lost the plot. Apple needs a more modern video editor [Yahoo]
- You have to see Ferrari's new E Ink key [Yahoo]
- Review: Renpho x Headphones eye massager [Yahoo]
- Wuthering Heights review [Yahoo]
- Want to limit doomscrolling? There's a simple trick for that [Yahoo]
- Key Smart SmartCard gen 3 review [Yahoo]