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
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 vs. Galaxy Tab S8: Is the new tablet worth the upgrade?
Did Samsung unpack anything new for its Galaxy Tab S9 slate?
Samsung's Galaxy tablets are second to none in the Android space, with its Galaxy Tab S8 series being an easy recommendation for us over the last year. Even the regular Galaxy Tab S8 model was among the top picks for delivering a reliable tablet experience in a relatively compact and portable form factor. It wasn't without its flaws, though, and the company has addressed those with an updated model, the Galaxy Tab S9.
Best phone and laptop car chargers in 2023
Looking for a car charger for your phone, tablet, or laptop? Here are the best options to consider.
If you are someone who's always on the move or if you simply want a charger to top off your phone, tablet, or laptop while traveling, then you might want to consider buying a car charger. Having a reliable car charger for your phones and laptops is important to ensure you never run out of charge while you're in a car.
RedMagic 8S Pro review: A great gaming phone with little else going for it
More of the same gaming phone experience from RedMagic
RedMagic is no stranger to packing its phones with over-the-top gaming features. We saw it with the RedMagic 8 Pro earlier this year, along with many others that previously made it to the top of our best gaming phones list. The RedMagic 8S Pro is no different, meaning it's a beefy, overpowered, and just a monster of a phone. It offers a fantastic display, a massive 6,000mAh battery, and ridiculously fast performance with the most powerful Snapdragon chipset and 16GB of RAM. It even comes with a built-in cooling fan and an abundance of RGB to go toe-to-toe with other gaming phones that have flocked the market over the years.
Best chargers for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series in 2023
Keep your new Samsung tablets charged up with these chargers.
Samsung's Galaxy Tab S8 lineup has a lot of competition from the likes of the OnePlus Pad and the newly announced Google Pixel Tablet, but they still hold up very well in 2023. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, in particular, is mighty impressive, but the regular Galaxy Tab S8 and the Plus models are also pretty good for those who are looking to pick up a new budget-friendly tablet right now. There is a lot to like about these tablets, but they're not without their faults. One of the cons, for instance, is the lack of wireless charging. That's right, even the most premium Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra lacks wireless charging, meaning you'll have to rely on wired chargers. You get fast wired charging support, but these tablets don't ship with a charger in the box either.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic vs. Watch 4 Classic: Should you upgrade?
The Classic model is back with the rotating bezel, but is it really an upgrade?
Samsung's Galaxy Watch 6 series is now official, and the new models bring bigger batteries, larger screens, and even a better chipset, among other things. This particular series also marks the return of the Classic model with a rotating bezel. That's right, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic comes with a rotating bezel, which was last seen on the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic a couple of years back. The new watch comes with more bells and whistles and is also more expensive than the old Classic model, but it's only fair that we compare the two to see just how much of an improvement the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic really is. Let's dive into the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic vs Galaxy Watch 4 Classic comparison to learn more about the differences.
4 things foldable phones need to change to earn my dollars
Even the best foldable phone out there isn't good enough yet.
Foldable phones — believe it or not — have been out for about five years now. Samsung's original Galaxy Z Fold was among the first to enter the market in 2019, meaning we've had this form factor floating in the market for quite some time. It's hard to believe it's been that long because I still think they're far from where I thought they would be in 2023. Don't get me wrong; they've come a long way in that time with things like more durable displays, water resistance, and improved hinges, among other things. It's just that there are still several foldable phone problems that keep me from using one every day. Let me highlight a few of them below before the pitchforks come out for me.
How I use the self-text feature in messaging apps to stay on top of my digital life
A delightfully simple and convenient way to access important notes, files, to-do lists, and more.
The idea of self-texting was introduced to me by a former colleague a few years ago. This was when messaging apps didn't even have the "self-text" feature, and it required a few extra steps to get messages delivered to yourself. I wasn't particularly interested in it back in the day, and it — quite frankly — felt like a weird thing to do. But little did I know that I'd been let in on a big secret or the "ultimate hack," if you will. I say that because I text myself every day now, and it has made me use messaging apps differently.
How to use the same WhatsApp account on two Android phones
Setting up a secondary device for your WhatsApp account is a breeze now.
WhatsApp is one of the biggest and best messaging apps out there, with billions of daily active users. It's gotten better over the years with a bunch of new features, but what I like the most about WhatsApp is that it now lets you use the same account on two phones simultaneously, thanks to its companion mode. It's a fairly simple process to set up and use the same account on two different Android phones using WhatsApp's companion mode. Let's take a look.
Best Samsung Galaxy phones in 2024
Samsung makes some of the finest phones on the market, but with so many devices to choose from, which are the best Samsung Galaxy Phones?
Although Samsung built its reputation off flagship phones, like the latest S23 Ultra, it has slowly moved its attention to budget and mid-tier smartphones as well. When it comes to handsets, Samsung definitely has a finger on the pulse of what Android users want; the South Korean electronics giant has been launching one banger after the other recently. It's safe to say that Samsung phones consistently make it to the top 3 of Android smartphones, and you're bound to find a Samsung device regardless of whether you’re shopping for a budget phone or a top-end foldable.
Mainstream gaming PC build guide: The best PC parts you need for gaming in 2024
In this mainstream PC build guide, we're going to take a look at some of the best PC parts you can buy in 2023 for a good gaming PC build.
If you're in the market to build a new gaming PC, then you just landed on the right page. We already have a couple of other PC guides including one for an enthusiast gaming PC build and one for an Intel-based streaming PC build. Today, we're going to be taking a look at some of the best PC parts you can grab on the market for a mainstream gaming PC build. These are the components I recommend now at the start of 2023 to anyone who's looking to put together a decent gaming rig that balances price and performance.
Best tablets for students in 2024
If you're looking to buy a school tablet for yourself or your child, these are the best options to consider right now
Back-to-school season is officially upon us, so you should consider stocking up on the right supplies and other essentials to ensure your kids are ready to kick off the academic year. If you're in the market to buy a tablet for school, then you've landed on the right page. Tablets have evolved a lot over the years, and there are some great options on the market right now.
Best Google Pixel 6a deals in 2023
Here's are some of the best Google Pixel 6a deals you can find across major retailers and carriers to save some money on your purchase.
Google has decided to keep the Pixel 6a around as an alternative to the new Pixel 7a for those who want to buy something cheaper. In fact, it's officially down to $350, making it the most affordable Pixel phone you can buy right now. It may not be the most powerful or feature-packed phone out there, but it's hard to argue against the value it brings to the table. You can check out our Google Pixel 7a vs Pixel 6a comparison to see how it stacks up against the latest mid-ranger.
Top 5 things you can do with Samsung DeX in 2023
Take it from someone who uses DeX regularly.
Contrary to popular belief, Samsung DeX is no longer limited to helping you with just simple tasks like texting, copy-pasting text, managing files, etc. It's great at those too, but I've been trying to unlock new ways of using it, and it's honestly been a great experience so far. I still don't think it's the biggest reason to go buy a Galaxy flagship (there are plenty of other compelling reasons to pick one), but it's also far from the disappointing platform it used to be. It's the best way to turn your phone into a PC, and here are some of my favorite use cases for DeX, which prove that it's indeed powerful enough to drive a big-screen experience.
How to scan documents as PDFs or images on Android and iOS
Let's take a quick look at how you can scan documents and save them as PDFs or images on Android and iOS devices.
Scanning documents is one of those things that we all deal with every once in a while in both our professional and personal lives. Thankfully, we don't have to rely on a big, clunky machine for digitizing our documents. All you need is a phone with a camera, really. There are plenty of ways to scan documents using your smartphone, and they're all fairly simple. The process is slightly different in the case of Android phones compared to iPhones, so let's go through the different ways you can scan documents as PDFs on both platforms.
Mous Limitless 5.0 case review: A beautiful MagSafe case for Android
A stylish case with solid protection and MagSafe support. What's not to like?
I am a big proponent of smartphone cases that do a little bit more than just protect your phone. That's one of the main reasons why dbrand's Grip case and rugged cases like the Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro have been my go-to recommendations. The Grip case can keep devices looking fresh with different skins, while the Supcase UB Pro adds handy features like a kickstand and belt clip. The idea is to recommend more versatile options, so you're not covering your expensive investment with a regular old boring case.
How to get Google's Pixel-exclusive emoji wallpapers on any Android phone
Google might've intended its Emoji wallpaper to be Pixel-exclusive, but you can get it on any Android phone.
Google's new Cinematic and Emoji wallpapers are two of my favorite customization features to have come out in a while. They can both change the complete vibe of your homescreen, and they're super easy to set up on a Pixel phone. I wish they were available on both phones. There's no way to tell whether Google would bring these features to more phones, but there is a way to get at least one of them working on any Android phone.
How to use Google Maps Immersive view
Scout a place virtually from the comfort of your couch before you travel.
Google Maps is one of the best and most popular apps out there that's packed with some impressive features like real-time routing, live traffic updates, and more. Just when you think the service can't get any better, Google finds new and impressive ways to improve the service with some neat features. One such feature that was recently added to Google Maps is called Immersive View. This particular feature, as the name suggests, offers an immersive view to get a better, more detailed look at a particular location in Google Maps.
How to create custom Modes and Routines on a Samsung device
Learn how to make your Galaxy phone work for you.
Samsung's One UI software has seen a lot of changes over the years, and it has become one of the best Android skins out there in 2023. It packs a long list of features that can make your life easier, but did you know that you can automate a lot of system functions to make your phone work for you? That's right, you can use Samsung's Modes and Routines feature to make automate a bunch of system functions and make your phone play by your rules.
Best cheap Android phones in 2024
A great experience doesn't have to cost a lot and these picks for best budget Android phones in 2023 will help you get the best value!
Budget phones have improved a lot over the past few years thanks to various advancements in the technology that goes into them and also to the growing competition in the smartphone industry. We've reached a point where you can spend less than half of what the best Android smartphones cost and still get a good solid phone capable of delivering years of faithful service. Of course, "cheap" is a subjective term, but you will find some compelling options in this list that won't make you empty your wallet.
What colors does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 come in?
Samsung's new foldable looks a lot like its predecessor, but what about the colors?
Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold 5 is now official, and it comes bearing some notable improvements over its predecessor to offer a more refined foldable experience. Not only does it have updated internals to go toe-to-toe with the best phones, but it also has a slightly updated design that allows it to fold without any gaps in the middle. Despite all the changes, the new foldable looks a lot like its predecessor, and you're not likely to notice a huge difference between the two. It also comes in mostly the same colors except for new shades of blue.