About Karthik Iyer
A senior evergreen writer at XDA Developers serving up reviews, buying guides, deals, and more on laptops, PC hardware, and smartphones that you care about. He's been covering the computing and smartphone industry for over seven years now and has worked with various brands to establish an authority in the technology space. Before joining XDA Developers, Karthik was a senior reviewer at Digit, a popular tech magazine in India. You will likely find him yelling at his monitors while playing an online shooter in his free time.
What tech products or categories are you most passionate about?
Everything that remotely falls under the umbrella of technology gets me excited, but I've been directing my attention more towards the day-to-day computing devices like laptops, desktops, and smartphones that are shaping the future.
How long have you been interested in technology?
I may have started covering the technology space "officially" in 2016, but I've been obsessed with technology and gadgets for as long as I can remember. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a Motorola Razr V3 in 2006, shortly after which I started writing about technology on my blog.
What was your first computer?
I've been dabbling with computing devices for as long as I can remember, but it wasn't until 2010 that I built my first computer. It coincided with the launch of Intel's 2010 Core processor family, and I vividly remember how excited I was to finish the build and install a copy of GTA IV. The good old days when choosing the right component or finding a stable game to run wasn't a chore.
Latest Articles
3 ways Intel Meteor Lake chips can improve future laptops
Expect huge power savings and improved graphics performance, for starters.
You may have heard a thing or two about Intel's new Meteor Lake chips recently. The company shared a lot about how they'll represent a major architectural shift for laptops and greatly improve your overall experience. From new tile technology to whole new cores, let's take a look at the most important changes that'll impact future laptops.
Best Samsung Galaxy S22 cases in 2023
The Galaxy S22 might be last year's phone, but that's no reason to forgo putting a case on it. Here are some of the best options.
The Samsung Galaxy S22 may not be the latest phone in the Galaxy S series roster, but it remains a solid choice for those who are looking for a compact and reliable phone that'll serve well for many years to come thanks to Samsung's software support. It also looks just as stylish as the Galaxy S23 or the Galaxy S23 FE that came out recently, as they all pretty much the same fit and finish overall. That also means you should cover your Galaxy S22 with a case to protect it from accidental drops and scuffs.
Asus Prime AP201 MicroATX case review: Cool, compact, and clean
A capable small tower with good airflow.
My quest to find the "perfect" PC case ended when I stumbled upon the Asus Prime AP201 a few weeks back. Good airflow and compact form factor were high up on my list of things to consider when I set out to build my new gaming PC, and this particular MicroATX enclosure lived up to those expectations and delivered more for just $80. It's not without its flaws, though, and it's far from the best deal in the world of PC cases where options like the MSI MAG Forge 112R and the Corsair 4000D Airflow exist, but it offers plenty of great features that — in my opinion — make it a great small tower in 2023.
How to clean and maintain your mechanical keyboard
Don't let the layer or dirt or gunk spell disaster on your mechanical keyboard.
Cleaning a mechanical keyboard can be quite the task as it sits there on your desk, constantly collecting dust particles, lint, and hair, among other things, over time. Not to mention, the keycaps on your keyboard also start to shine or get greasy over time as you continue to type with greasy or sweaty fingers. Seriously, take it from someone who builds mechanical keyboards for a hobby and spends a lot of time clearing tortilla chips and bread crumbs from them quite often. I can't stress how important it is to clean and maintain your keyboard to ensure it works as intended for a long time.
Best Android phones for $300 or less in 2024
Want a new phone without spending a ton of money? There are some great options that cost less than $300 right now.
Smartphones have gotten a lot better over the years, and thankfully, not all of them will cost you an arm and leg now. That's right, you can buy some great phones for $300 or even less as long as you don't mind giving up on all the fancy features and sticking with the one or two that are most important to you. I recommend turning to Android phones if you're in the market to buy one of the top-rated phones without breaking the bank, as the budget Android space is constantly swarmed by a ton of options. In fact, there are plenty of good handsets to choose from, which is why I decided to shortlist some of the best Android phones under $300 for you.
Pixel Watch 2: Price, release date, and everything you need to know
The Pixel Watch had a lot of potential, but how's the Pixel Watch 2 going to fare? Here's what you need to know.
The Pixel Watch was a decent first attempt at a smartwatch from Google. It made it onto our favorite smartwatch list because it left a strong impression that made us cautiously optimistic about the next iteration, not because it was perfect.
Google Pixel 8 series: Price, release date, and everything you need to know
Google's new flagships are official, but what can you expect beyond some incremental changes? We've got the rundown.
Google announced the new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro at its annual Made by Google hardware event today, alongside the new Pixel Watch 2. These two phones have been unofficially making rounds on the internet for quite some time now, but we finally have all the official information. Both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro bring a slew of improvements over the existing models to deliver a better experience overall, so let's take a quick at these phones to see what's changed this year.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Rumors, leaks, and things we'd like to see
Samsung's foldables have plenty of room for improvements, so let's see what's in store for us.
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a great foldable phone, but it's safe to say that it's not pushing the envelope in any way. Unlike the Galaxy Z Flip 5, the Fold 5 is only a minor improvement over its predecessor. The improvements definitely add up to make it a better phone, but they're not enough to make you feel any differently about the Fold 5 if you weren't convinced by the Galaxy Z Fold 4, to begin with.
These are the five things you should do after building your PC
Don't let anything go unnoticed on your first boot
So you just spent weeks — if not months — scouring the internet to find the best CPUs, GPUs, and other components so you can build a brand-new PC. Firstly, congratulations on your new tower. Building a PC might seem like a Herculean task at first, especially if you're a beginner, but it's a very rewarding process, and you almost always end up with a much better PC compared to what you may have grabbed from a store.
4 reasons why foldable laptops are better than folding phones
They're more practical and useful, for starters
The new Spectre Fold marks HP's entry into the world of foldable laptops, where it joins the likes of the Lenovo X1 Fold and the Asus ZenBook 17 OLED. This space is still relatively new and somewhat of an uncharted territory, especially because there aren't too many foldable laptops out in the wild right now. This is in direct contrast to the foldable phone industry, which has more options like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Pixel Fold.
Budget home/office work PC build guide: These are the best parts for a $450 build
In this PC building guide, we'll discuss the best PC parts you can grab for a budget home or office PC build for $450.
Although the desktop is geared towards gaming more than ever, the way modern PCs have evolved has arguably done much for normal stuff and work-related tasks. In fact, while PC gaming has been made expensive by the rising prices of good graphics cards, it's almost the opposite for a standard home or office PC, which doesn't require a graphics card in most cases.
OnePlus Open: Rumors, leaks, and everything you need to know
OnePlus is expected to launch its first foldable soon. While we don't know a lot just yet, some leakers have shed light on what's to come.
OnePlus is a little late to the party, but it's finally gearing up to jump on the foldable phone bandwagon. The company recently confirmed that it's working on at least one new foldable phone, which it plans to launch sometime this year. OnePlus hasn't shared any details about this officially, but there is a lot that we already know about it, thanks to all the leaks and rumors. If you're excited for what's to come, read on to learn all the details we have on OnePlus' flagship foldable so far.
Best Google Photos alternatives in 2024
Let's take a look at some of the best Google Photos alternatives for your cloud storage needs.
Google Photos remains one of the best cloud storage for photos in 2023. It no longer offers unlimited free storage, but there's more to it than just the storage space. It packs a ton of useful features that let you easily search through your images, automatically create memories, edit photos and videos, and so much more. That being said, if you don't want to pay for additional storage space for Google Photos or if you simply want to explore some other alternatives, then there are some good options to consider. You may not find an alternative that comes with all the bells and whistles, but there are plenty of solid services. Let's dive in!
Best game controllers for Android in 2024
Looking to buy a controller for your Android smartphone? Here are the best options to consider right now.
Android has evolved into one of the best gaming platforms out there, and it's home to many serious mobile gamers playing various first-person shooters (FPS) and other fast-paced titles. You can play almost every game with on-screen controls, but using a dedicated controller can greatly improve your overall experience. Plenty of these modern titles, such as Call of Duty: Mobile and PUBG Mobile are best enjoyed with a controller. There's also an entire world of Android emulation that allows users to play games from older consoles.
Best Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro cases in 2023
Samsung's Galaxy Buds 2 Pro feature a dull exterior chassis. These excellent cases will offer both protection and a more vibrant outer design.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are excellent wireless earbuds for Samsung phone users. Not only do they come packed with technologies and features, but they also have a compact, modern-looking build. Despite that, though, they're still prone to cracks and scratches caused by everyday accidents. That's precisely why you should invest in a case for the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. Not only would a case protect it, but it would also liven up its dull exterior. To help you with the hunt, we've compiled a list of the best Galaxy Buds 2 Pro cases you can buy now.
8 of XDA's favorite products from August 2023
From SSDs to mechanical keyboards and switches
We at XDA go through a lot of products that show up on our test bench to figure out if they're worth buying or at least considering over their counterparts. Some of these devices are flashier and more important than others, but that doesn't mean you should ignore them. Most, if not all, of these products will eventually make their way to our buying guides and recommendation lists, but I've highlighted some of my favorite products (in no particular order) from the ones we reviewed in August to help you stay on top of all the new and important releases.
Best OnePlus 11 cases in 2023
Protect your brand new OnePlus 11 with these amazing cases, whether you want a thin case or something more protective.
The OnePlus 11 is one of the best Android phones this year and for good reason. It brings several big changes from last year's model, offering a better value proposition with top-of-the-line hardware at a great price. The device packs Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, an impressive camera setup designed in partnership with Hasselblad, and a gorgeous high refresh rate AMOLED display, among other things.
Best Samsung Galaxy S22 series deals in 2023
Here are the best Galaxy S22 series deals to help you make them easier on your wallet.
The Samsung's Galaxy S22 series isn't the brand's latest smartphone lineup, but it's still an impressive set of smartphones nonetheless. And for that reason, the company has kept them around for those looking to purchase a quality handset at a lower price. Of course, if you're looking for the latest and greatest, you're going to want to go with Galaxy S23 series phones.
Best Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra wallet cases in 2023
Why carry a big phone and a bulky wallet when you can use one of these wallet cases on your Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is undoubtedly among the year's best phones. It has everything you could possibly ask for, including a gorgeous display, impressive cameras, great battery life, a built-in S Pen, and much more. It's a bit on the expensive side, but it offers great value for your money and is perfect for those looking to buy a reliable flagship. Another thing to note about this device is that it's among the tallest phones on the market, making it a bit difficult to use, especially if you're coming from a smaller phone.
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: How do they compare?
Find out how the plus-sized iPhones compare this year.
Apple's new 2023 iPhone lineup includes four new models, all packing some noteworthy improvements over their predecessors. The regular iPhone 15 models also look very impressive this year with features like Dynamic Island, a USB-C port, upgraded cameras, and more. The Pro models look even better with a brand-new chipset, faster USB-C ports, and a new titanium chassis, among other things.