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Karthik Iyer-Senior writer

Karthik Iyer

Senior writer

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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

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Best true wireless earbuds for OnePlus 11 in 2023

The OnePlus 11 doesn't have a headphone jack, so here are some good wireless earbuds with rich sound.

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OnePus 11 has officially landed in the U.S. as one of the first flagships of 2023, and it's pretty impressive. As mentioned in our OnePlus 11 review, it's a polished flagship that offers great value going against other options like the Galaxy S23. We highly recommend it if you're in the market to buy a new flagship but don't want to spend over $1,000.

The Samsung Galaxy A54 in Awesome Violet color resting on a leather mat next to its retail box.
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G: Here's everything you need to know about the new mid-range phone in town

Samsung's new entry in the mid-range Galaxy A-series is now official. Here's everything you need to know before buying the Galaxy A54 5G.

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The Galaxy A series has been a heavy-hitter for Samsung for quite some time now, and it has given us some amazing phones in the mid-range segment. It's just as important as the Galaxy S series or the foldable lineup — if not more — for Samsung as it allows the company to establish a strong presence in the mid-range and budget markets. The Galaxy A53 was one of the best mid-range phones to come out of 2022 that ended up making it to many of our recommendations lists here at XDA. But it's time to talk about its successor because the Galaxy A54 5G is now official and is ready to hit the shelves in a couple of weeks.

Black OnePlus 10 Pro on white surface with blurred background.
Best OnePlus 10 Pro screen protectors in 2023

Keep the OnePlus 10 Pro's curved screen safe from scratches, cracks, and more by grabbing one of these screen protectors.

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The OnePlus 10 Pro isn't the latest phone on the block, but it's still available to purchase and is a solid phone to consider if you don't want to spend top dollars on a flagship. One of the best things about this particular phone is its durability. It sports a Gorilla Glass Victus panel on the front that protects the display from accidental drops and bumps. It is, however, glass at the end of the day, meaning it's bound to get scratched or cracked over time, depending on how clumsy you are.

An image showing the Galaxy S23 on a leather mat next to some plants and a vintage diary.
Here's how to customize the homescreen on a Samsung device

Samsung gives you a ton of options to customize the home screen. Here's how you can use them to make your phone stand out.

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Customizing the home screen of your Android phone is one of the best and easiest ways to make it stand out from the rest. With so many Galaxy S23 units out in the wild, you can make yours look unique by personalizing and decorating it to your liking with any number of excellent Galaxy S23 cases. But Samsung's One UI skin also packs a ton of useful features and customization options that you won't find on other Android devices. So if you just bought a new Samsung phone and are wondering how to get started, then here are some ways in which you can customize your homescreen experience and take it to the next level. I swear by a lot of these customization options and made sure to set them up during the review of the Galaxy S23. So, I hope they help you improve your homescreen experience as well. Let's dive in!

An image of a person holding a Galaxy S23 showing the call screen with the Bixby text call option.
I used Samsung's Bixby to answer calls and respond to people, and here's how you can do it too

Samsung's Bixby text call feature can answer calls and respond to people for you. I tried it on my Galaxy S23 and here's how it went.

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It's been nearly six years since Samsung introduced us to Bixby — the latest in the long line of Samsung voice assistants. The company's software has evolved a lot over these six years to become one of the main reasons why we love Samsung phones today. Bixby, on the other hand, is yet to reach its final form. I can't say I am a huge fan of Bixby, but I launch it occasionally to see if it has learned some new tricks to catch up with other digital assistants. I stumbled upon the Bixby call text feature this time while setting up and exploring all the settings on my Galaxy S23.

Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Pro 360 in Silver with the lid open at 90 degrees
Best replacement chargers for Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Pro in 2023

Did you lose your Galaxy Book 2 Pro charger, or just need a new one? Here are the best replacements available.

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The Galaxy Book 2 Pro series of devices are a solid alternative to the Galaxy Book 3 Pro series, which recently launched. Both the Galaxy Book 2 Pro and the Galaxy Book 2 Pro 360 are great lightweight laptops available in two smaller sizes compared to the Galaxy Book 3 Pro. There's the smaller 13.3-inch variant which is packed with a 63Whr battery, and the bigger 15.6-inch notebooks that come with a 68Whr battery.

An image showing a Pixel 7 with the Photo Unblur feature on it.
These Google-exclusive features make me want to go back to the Pixel 7

Samsung's Galaxy S23 has been treating me well, but I'd be lying if I said I don't miss using these Pixel-exclusive features on my Pixel 7.

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The last few Pixel phones have been a major step up from almost everything we've seen from Google in the past. The Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro, in particular, are pretty darn good inside and out. Not only do they pack powerful internals that can compete with the best phones on the market, but they also deliver a solid Android experience.

The back of the iPhone 14 in white
What colors do the Apple iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus come in?

Apple's iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are available to purchase in six different colors, including the new Yellow finish.

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Apple's iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus arrived in September 2022, and they went on sale soon after that across the globe. Both devices are readily available to purchase now in a rainbow of colors. Apple has also added a new color to the original lineup, so now you can buy the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 14 Plus in six different colors. It's nice to have a variety of colors, but it can be overwhelming at times to pick the right one, especially considering the fact that these phones will be with you for at least a few years. If you're unsure about the color you want to pick, then you've come to the right place. Let's take a quick look at the iPhone 14 colors to find out which one you should pick.

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Here's how to pair the OnePlus Buds 2 Pro with your device

Google Fast Pair makes it incredibly easy to connect the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 earbuds with a variety of devices.

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The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 is the newest pair of earbuds to enter the market, and it brings a lot of great features to the table. As we mentioned in our OnePlus Buds Pro 2 review, these earbuds look and sound great, and they also offer good value for your money, going against the high-end offerings on the market from the likes of Samsung, Apple, and Google.

An illustration image to show OnePlus Buds 2 Pro vs Noting Ear 1 comprison.
OnePlus Buds Pro 2 vs Nothing Ear 1: Which wireless earbuds to buy in 2023?

Is the OnePluds Buds Pro 2 better than the Nothong Ear 1 earbuds? Let's find out!

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OnePlus Buds Pro 2 earbuds are finally here, bringing some noteworthy improvements over the original OnePlus Buds Pro. The new pair is better fitted to go against the latest and more feature-packed earbuds out there. It's a good thing because a lot has changed in the wireless earbuds space over the last two years since the original OnePlus Buds Pro debuted. Not only do we have more options on the market, but a lot of them also offer a solid bang for your buck too.

Samsung Galaxy S23 lying on a book with the display on.
Samsung Galaxy S23 review: Finally able to stand on its own

The regular Galaxy S23 may not look like a significant improvement over its predecessor, but it's actually a worthwhile upgrade.

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It's hard to get excited about yearly smartphone upgrades these days since most don't offer a substantial reason to splurge. But the Galaxy S23 is an exception — a worthwhile upgrade over its predecessor, even if the spec sheet tells you otherwise. I used the regular Galaxy S22 for the better part of 2022, and the Galaxy S23 checks all the right boxes for an upgrade. From the 6.1-inch AMOLED screen and the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip to the improved battery life and camera experience, there is a lot to like about the Galaxy S23 that makes it convincingly better than the last year's model.

Galaxy Tab S8 series
Best Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series deals in 2023

Grab these deals to make the Galaxy Tab S8 easier on your wallet.

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Samsung introduced the Galaxy Tab S8 lineup last year alongside the Galaxy S22 series, and they still hold up very well against the competition. The new Galaxy Tab S9 series is already here, but the Galaxy Tab S8 lineup remains the best you can buy from Samsung. These tablets are also frequently discounted, so be sure to check them out. If you are in the market to buy a new tablet and you're eyeing one of the three Galaxy Tab S8 lineups, then here's a collection of deals that can help you make them easier on your wallet.

An image showing the Samsung Smart Suggestions feature on a Galaxy S23.
Here's how to use smart suggestions on your Samsung device

Let your phone predict what you want to do and make smart suggestions for you.

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Samsung's One UI software has evolved a lot over the years, and it has played a huge role in shaping the experience of modern Samsung phones. One UI's customizations and additional features on top of Android make it stand out from the rest, and I also like how the company is constantly adding new features and improving the existing ones. One such feature that has improved over the last couple of updates is Samsung's smart suggestions.

NVIDIA RTX 4090
How to install a graphics card in your PC: A beginners guide

There's never a bad time to upgrade and install a new GPU. In this guide, we'll teach you how to install a new graphics card.

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Installing a new graphics card (GPU) is the single most impactful upgrade you can make to improve the overall gaming performance of a PC. The 2020s haven't been particularly kind to PC enthusiasts due to the ongoing global chip shortage. While it's now possible to get your hands on the best graphics cards on the market, they're much more expensive than they ought to be. Still, upgrading your GPU is sometimes necessary, though thankfully, the installation process is pretty simple. We'll walk you through it step by step.

MWC 2023 Awards banner
XDA's Best of MWC 2023 Awards: Our favorite gadgets from the show

From high-end smartphones and foldable devices to some rollable concepts, MWC 2023 had a handful of devices that caught our attention.

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Mobile World Congress (MWC) is one of the biggest technology events of the year, with thousands of people flocking to Barcelona to get a glimpse of the latest gadgets. MWC 2023 was packed with a ton of cool new tech products, and we got some hands-on time with many of them. From flashy prototypes and concept phones to gadgets you can actually buy, we're here to highlight some of our favorites from the MWC show floor.

An illustration to show the Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs Google Pixel 7 Pro comparison.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs Google Pixel 7 Pro: Which flagship should you buy?

Samsung's Galaxy S23+ looks like an impressive package, but how does it stack up against Google's Pixel 7 Pro? Let's find out!

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Samsung's 2023 flagship lineup includes three new phones — the compact Galaxy S23, a slightly bigger Galaxy S23+, and the top-of-the-line Galaxy S23 Ultra. The Plus model, once again, sits between the regular Galaxy S23 and the Ultra unit, offering a solid middle ground for those who want a device with just a bigger display without burning a huge hole in their pockets. The Galaxy S23+, just like its siblings, comes with a fresh coat of paint and a couple of design changes. It's also the perfect size to go against a lot of other flagships on the market. It's not as small as the regular Galaxy S23 or not as big and unwieldy as the Ultra model.

Microsoft Surface Duo 2
Best Microsoft Surface Duo 2 deals in 2023

Are you interested in buying the Microsoft Surface Duo 2 foldable? Here are some deals to help you save some money on your purchase.

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Microsoft's Surface Duo 2 may not be the latest or the best foldable phone on the market, but it continues to thrive as an option in 2023 for Windows fans. It has received a lot of updates over the last few months, making it a better device than what we initially got. It's also a lot cheaper now compared to its original launch price of $1,500, and you can get some good deals on it now too.

A image showing the Samsung Galaxy S23 in cream color over a GAF deskmat and a keyboard.
Samsung Galaxy S23 unboxing: What do you get inside the retail box?

Samsung has changed how the retail packaging looks, but is there anything new inside the box? Let's find out in this Galaxy S23 unboxing!

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Samsung's Galaxy S23 series is officially out, and the new phones are now up for grabs. All three phones in the series have new internals and a slightly updated design, among other things. We've spent a lot of time testing the Ultra model in the lineup, and you can check out our Galaxy S23 Ultra review to get all the details before buying it. The regular Galaxy S23 and the Plus models are next in line for the review treatment, but here's a quick look at the goodies you get inside the retail packaging in the meantime to give you an idea of what to expect when you unbox the Galaxy S23.

A illustration to show the Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy Z Flip 4 comparison.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy Z Flip 4: Which Samsung flagship to buy in 2023?

To flip or not to flip? That's the question!

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The Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy Z Flip 4 are two of the best Samsung phones you can buy right now. Both phones, however, have some significant differences, especially in terms of the form factor, so you may lean towards one or the other depending on your preference. The Galaxy S23 is a regular flagship with a conventional glass slab design, whereas the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is a foldable phone that has improved a lot over the past few iterations. But there's more to the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 comparison than the form factor, so let's see how these phones stack up against each other.

How to pick a PC case: 5 things to consider while buying a chassis for your build

The PC case is the first and the most important thing to consider while building a PC. Here's how to pick a PC case for your next build.

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Most people tend to prioritize choosing the best CPUs and the best graphics card over anything else while building a PC. The decision of picking the best PC case is often overlooked and is usually considered an afterthought. While the core components like the CPU, GPU, motherboard, etc. are important for the build, the PC case is perhaps the one that should be picked first. A chassis is more than just a box to put your PC components and hide the cables. Not only does it give an identity to your build, but it also plays a crucial role in determining what components can fit inside. Not to mention, it also influences factors like thermals, noise levels, and more. In this article, we'll try to break down a few important things and tell you how to pick a PC case.

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