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Samsung Galaxy S22 vs. S22+ vs. S22 Ultra: What’s the difference?

February 25, 2022 Admin Leave a comment

Samsung’s new Galaxy S22, S22+ and S22 Ultra give Android fans a healthy list of new options when it comes time to upgrade their phones. With three new devices in Samsung’s lineup, however, it can be confusing trying to decipher which phone is the right choice for you.

All three of these phones use the same Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, run Android 12 and have reliable camera setups. There are, of course, some key differences, such as display size and number of cameras — and there’s even an S Pen involved that can help you make a buying decision. Below we’ll break down which device you should buy if you’re shopping for a new Galaxy S22.

Mike Andronico/CNN

Don’t want to spend a lot on a new phone

The Galaxy S22 is the least expensive of the three new Samsung phones. Pricing starts at $799 for the S22 with 128GB of storage. The S22+ starts at $999, while the S22 Ultra starts at $1,199. If you have an old phone to trade in, then you can end up getting an S22 for as little as $299 when you buy from Samsung. To be clear, the S22 and S22+ are virtually the same exact phone except for the overall size, which also allows for the S22+ to have a slightly larger battery and 45W fast charging. The S22 has the same camera, processor and display tech. You’re not getting a bad phone just because you paid less.

Like smaller phones

The Galaxy S22 is the smallest phone out of the S22 group. It has a display of 6.1 inches, undercutting the 6.6-inch S22+ and 6.8-inch S22 Ultra. Even though it’s the “smallest” phone in the lineup, it’s by no means a small phone, providing plenty of screen real estate for you to watch videos, read your next Kindle book or endlessly scroll through your TikTok feed. In fact, it’s virtually identical in size to Apple’s iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro, both in screen size and overall dimensions.

Mike Andronico/CNN

Want a large — but not too large — display

The S22+ has a 6.6-inch display, making it bigger than the S22’s 6.1-inch screen, but smaller and more manageable than the S22 Ultra’s 6.8-inch screen. Like the standard Galaxy S22, the S22+ has a fast 120Hz display that adjusts the screen’s refresh rate as you scroll through your Instagram feed or play a game, ensuring whatever’s on your screen always looks smooth.

Don’t care about the Samsung’s S Pen stylus

Outside of the obvious design differences between the S22+ and S22 Ultra, the S22+ lacks support for Samsung’s S Pen stylus. If you don’t care about having a small digital pen for taking notes, then do yourself a favor and save $200 by going with the S22+.

Jacob Krol/CNN

Gotta have a big display

The Galaxy S22 Ultra is Samsung’s most expensive phone, but that’s because it’s also the best in Samsung’s early 2022 lineup. It has a massive 6.8-inch display that has an adaptive refresh rate that goes from 1Hz all the way to 120Hz. The speed of the refresh rate depends on what you’re doing. If you’re reading a long article with static text, the screen drops down to 1Hz to save on battery life. But if you’re scrolling through your Reddit feed or gaming, it can go as high as 120Hz.

Need the best camera setup

There’s a saying that claims the best camera is the one you have on you, and while there’s truth to it, it’s not that simple. If you’re someone who takes a lot of photos and videos and you want the best camera experience Samsung has to offer, that experience just so happens to be on the S22 Ultra, which has a 40-megapixel front camera and four rear-facing cameras with up to 100x zoom.

For those who want more specifics, that breaks down to a 12MP ultrawide camera, a 108MP wide camera and two 10MP telephoto cameras, one with 3x optical zoom and the other with 10x optical zoom.

Are a Galaxy Note fan (or want a phone with a stylus)

The Galaxy S22 Ultra is effectively a modernized version of Samsung’s Galaxy Note. It has all of the same features that you’d find in a Note smartphone, like an S Pen stylus complete with a silo for safekeeping. You can jot notes or sketch out ideas on the screen using the S Pen or take advantage of air commands to remotely control your phone, using the stylus like a magic wand. It can even convert your handwritten notes into typed-out text.

As you can see, even though all three Galaxy S22 phones use the same core technology, there are some key differences between them. The S22 is the entry-level model that has an easy-to-digest price tag but offers the same features as its bigger sibling. The S22+ is the model to get if you want a relatively big screen but don’t care about the fancy S Pen and extra camera features the S22 Ultra offers.

If you want the best Samsung has to offer, there’s only one option: the Galaxy S22 Ultra. It’s basically a Galaxy Note, with full S Pen support, a maxed photo and video setup with four different cameras and a large 6.8-inch display.


Display	6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate	6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate	6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
RAM	8GB	8GB	8GB or 12GB
Storage	128GB/256GB	128GB/256GB	128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
Cameras	12-megapixel ultrawide, 50-megapixel wide and 10-megapixel telephoto with flash (rear); 10-megapixel (front)	12-megapixel ultrawide, 50-megapixel wide and 10-megapixel telephoto with flash (rear); 10-megapixel (front)	12-megapixel ultrawide, 108-megapixel wide and dual 10-megapixel telephoto with flash (rear); 40-megapixel (front)
Battery	3,700mAh	4,500mAh	5,000mAh
Size and weight	2.7 x 5.7 x 0.29 inches; 0.37 pounds	2.98 x 6.19 x 0.29 inches; 0.43 pounds	3.06 x 6.42 x 0.35 inches; 0.50 pounds
Price	From $799	From $999	From $1,199

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Technology

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE review: A solid budget phone, but is it right for you?

January 14, 2022 Admin Leave a comment

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE trickles down the Galaxy S21’s great display, impressive cameras and versatile software into a more affordable, less flashy package. And though the $699 S21 FE is not the company’s first full-featured phone to go for under $1,000, this time it’s launching with stiff competition in the form of the $599 Google Pixel 6.

After a week of living with Samsung’s latest smartphone, here’s what you need to know about the S21 FE.

An affordable Galaxy phone

The S21 FE is best for those who want an affordable Galaxy smartphone that doesn’t skimp on features like an immersive display and a trio of cameras.

The who, what and how

Who this is for: The S21 FE is ideal for someone who wants a bright display and a versatile set of cameras to shoot with for under $700, or who wants Samsung’s software and exclusive features on a budget.

What you need to know: The S21 FE is smooth in everyday use, can handle intense tasks and is a solid shooter for photo or video. Samsung’s many modes include portrait, a night mode and Single Take, which removes the fuss out of capturing content. The phone also offers smooth, fluid processing, a triple-camera system and long battery life.

How this compares: The Galaxy S21 FE isn’t best in class like the more expensive S21 smartphones, but it offers a vibrant display, swift processing and better-than-average cameras housed in a less-than-premium build. But if you’re not married to Samsung’s interface, we’d opt for another phone like the Pixel 6. Google’s latest flagship delivers the best camera experience on any Android phone we’ve tested, and while it has only two lenses — wide and ultrawide — we didn’t miss the telephoto, thanks to its excellent digital zoom. And if you’re not after the latest and greatest hardware, the Pixel 5a With 5G is an excellent $449.99 phone with similar camera chops, and Samsung’s Galaxy A52 5G ($449) offers a dose of future-proofing with full support for mmWave and Sub-6 5G. If you’re looking for an Apple product, the iPhone SE at $399 is a high performer with a classic design, while the iPhone 11 ($499) and 12 ($599) are both available at discounted prices — just be wary of the storage limit on these models.

Jacob Krol/CNN

The Galaxy S21 FE looks like a modern smartphone with one catch. Like the S21 and S20 FE, Samsung is using less premium materials. The frame is aluminum, but the back is polycarbonate — aka plastic. It doesn’t necessarily feel cheap in hand and is plenty comfortable and light, but the smooth plastic finish on the back shows fingerprints, leading us to recommend a case.

The S21 FE is slightly larger than the standard S21, and though it’s built with similar materials, it feels cheaper. For instance, the camera bump on the back, which contains the three-camera system, still comes out of the device’s frame — yet instead of the metal on the Galaxy S21, here it’s all polycarbonate.

The S21 FE also fully supports wireless charging and works on any standard Qi charging pad, though you can also plug it in via a USB-C cable. The port is flanked by a speaker and the Micro SIM card slot, while the power/sleep button and volume rocker live on the right side. You’ll also find cutouts and bands for 5G support — the S21 FE supports both the Sub-6GHz and mmWave standards. This not only future-proofs you as these networks continue to roll out, but it fixes the 5G conduction of the previous S20 FE, which only packed support for the slower Sub-6 spectrum.

The front of the phone is mostly screen surrounded by thin bezels. Centered at the top of the screen is a pinhole notch with a 32-megapixel selfie camera, though it doesn’t distract in everyday use.

Jacob Krol/CNN

The 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display is immersive, with vibrant colors that pop when scrolling through Instagram, taking in a TikTok or swiping through various apps. Watching an episode of “The Book of Boba Fett” showcases how the S21 FE’s display can handle vibrant areas like a glowing sun against the dark armor of the bounty hunter in the same scene. Other displays, mostly on cheaper phones, may struggle with scenes like this.

The display also features a 120Hz refresh rate, which is becoming the new standard for mobile phones. It’s not adaptive like the 60Hz screens on the S21 or the iPhone 13 Pro, so it won’t adjust based on the content you’re watching or what you’re doing on the phone, but you’ll see a marked difference in how the higher refresh rate enhances action scenes and allows for smoother scrolling. You can set the display to 60Hz or 120Hz in the settings menu — going with the former option could increase battery life.

The in-display fingerprint sensor may not be as fast as the standard S21, S21+ or S21 Ultra, but it performs admirably. Samsung’s using a less advanced optical sensor in the S21 FE, unlike the zippy ultrasonic sensor that impressed us on the more expensive models.

Smooth performance and solid battery life

Like nearly every higher-end Android phone that launched recently, the Galaxy S21 FE packs the zippy Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, letting you easily browse social media, handle productivity tasks (email, web browsing, G Suite and spreadsheets) and even engage in some play, whether that be streaming video or gaming.

And because the Galaxy S21 FE is launching close to a year after the main Galaxy S21 family, you’ll score Android 12 running Samsung’s One UX 4.0 out of the box. We especially appreciate the new privacy tab in settings to get a better sense of how the hardware is being used. However, if you’re expecting clean Android without the Samsung user interface, you’ll want to look at the Google-made Pixel 6.

Jacob Krol/CNN

Our other qualm with the Galaxy S21 FE is that it’s limited to 6GB of RAM in the 128GB of storage and 256GB with 8GB of RAM. This is a full 2GB less than the entry-level S21, though we easily got through several tasks and a full day of use. Those who use the phone for more intense tasks, like photo editing and gaming, might see more of a slowdown. Down the line, with software updates, this could present an issue as the system and apps get more demanding. And, of course, it won’t offer the same future-proofing as the S21 Ultra, which features a massive 12GB of RAM.

In day-to-day use, we found the S21 FE glitched or slowed down at times. This could get sorted out with software updates, but it’s worth noting we didn’t encounter these snags on the standard S21 or Pixel 6.

As we do with every device we test at CNN Underscored, we ran the Galaxy S21 FE through a series of benchmarks. On the standard Geekbench 5, which runs the phone through a series of tasks in a stress test, the Galaxy S21 FE scored 1,098 on single-core performance and 3,210 on multi-core tests, which are well in line with other Snapdragon 888-powered phones, including the standard Galaxy S21. Most importantly, though, the S21 FE’s scores match up with our use day in and day out.

In terms of battery life, Samsung’s 4,500mAh battery has been getting us through a full day.

The Galaxy S21 FE has a different look than the Galaxy S20 FE, but the camera hardware is identical.

The triple-camera main system performs well, allowing colors to pop without sacrificing the image’s details. Samsung’s software modes for taking photos and capturing content also help make the experience better. As we’ve called out before, Samsung’s Single Take mode is an intuitive feature for taking the fuss out of photographing a moment. You just tap the start button and move the phone around what you want to capture. It then uses AI to strategically snap shots and capture video. It’s a pretty neat feature, and we had no issues with processing.

Samsung also offers a variety of other modes, like a portrait bokeh effect and an efficient night mode, though if given the choice, we prefer shooting with Apple and Google’s proprietary modes for those same styles.

There’s also no battle when it comes to image processing against the Pixel 6 because Google’s images consistently look better and pack more details.

Here’s what to expect with the Galaxy S21 FE:

12-megapixel ultrawide lens: You can pack a lot in a scene without physically moving by shooting with this 123-degree field of view. It’s a great way to frame different shots, and Samsung minimizes disruptions in the edges of the photos.
12-megapixel wide-angle lens: The camera automatically opens to the 12-megapixel main camera. This works best for portraits and can handle more crowded shots with tons of colors and details.
8-megapixel telephoto lens: The zoom lens is only 8 megapixels here, allowing for a 3x optical zoom and a 30x Space Zoom. This mixes optical and digital zoom into one shot. Though it’s a fun mode to use, the quality phases out past 10x zoom, resulting in blurry images.

You can see some images we shot on the device above. In direct comparison, the telephoto lens included here outperforms the Pixel 6 in zoom shots in most scenarios. Samsung also ups the vibrancy with its photos compared to rivals, and you can see that on the S21 FE. The selfie camera performs admirably and is excellent for capturing TikToks or posting on stories, while the overall performance of the wide and ultrawide lenses is on par with the previous S20 FE and nearly the same level as the S21.

Jacob Krol/CNN

As the last chapter in the story of the Galaxy S21 and the first Samsung smartphone of 2022, the S21 FE gets a lot right. But when it comes to timing and price, the smartphone space has other compelling models to offer.

If you’re not desperate for a Galaxy smartphone or a dedicated telephoto lens, we’d opt to save $100 with the Pixel 6. Google’s $599 phone delivers longer battery life, a higher-end design and fast processing along with one of the best cameras we’ve ever tested. But if you want a Samsung-flavored Android or an impressive zoom lens, there’s a lot to like with the S21 FE. You also might consider the standard Galaxy S21, which is frequently discounted from its $799 starting price and comes with more RAM, a better screen, a higher-end build and a better telephoto lens.

Right now Amazon has a great deal that gets you the S21 for $699 with a free $100 Amazon.com gift card. If you choose to order from Samsung, you can either get a $100 credit or choose a pair of Galaxy Buds Live or Galaxy Buds Pro for $29.99 with the purchase of the S21 FE. Either way, you’ll want to wait to purchase it at a discount or attached to a deal.

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Technology

Samsung’s new Freestyle projector is ultra tiny, portable and the perfect home accessory

January 6, 2022 Admin Leave a comment

CNN Underscored is bringing you the best of CES 2022 all week — be sure to check out our coverage hub for the biggest tech products worth getting excited about.

Samsung always brings something wild to CES, and this year is no different. The Freestyle is a teeny, tiny $899.99 projector that feels tailor-made for the millennial generation.

Yes, it can be your TV with the ability to project up to a 100-inch screen on seemingly any surface — but it can also be a speaker, a light or a groovy star show projector. Plus, you can even screw it into a standard lightbulb socket to power it.

There’s a lot to unpack here, so we’re breaking it all down and sharing some insights from our conversation with Samsung’s Dan Schinasi, director of product planning for TV, and Lydia Cho, head of product marketing for TV. Oh, and if you’re sold, The Freestyle is up for preorder now at $899.99 and will ship on Jan. 24.

Much like The Frame, which mimics art, or The Sero, which flips from horizontal to vertical, The Freestyle is the latest in a long line of lifestyle home entertainment products from Samsung. It’s described as a “portable screen,” which is fitting.

The Freestyle itself looks like a canister projector that sits in a cradle that can swivel up to 180 degrees. It’s also pretty darn light at under 2 pounds and takes up much less space than a conventional projector. We’ll need to see it in person to see how it measures up to Anker’s Nebula projectors, though. You could easily carry this gadget around in one hand or toss it in a bag for easy portability.

And out of the box, you’ll get everything you need to use it. Since the cradle is built in, you can position The Freestyle to project onto a wall, a ceiling or really any imaginable surface.

“I always imagined like, hey, what if you put your TV on your ceiling? Oh, well, that’s sort of dangerous, right. But now you could use The Freestyle to just be lying down and just be, you know, watching it just from anywhere,” says Cho.

The Freestyle is powered via USB-C, and once you plug it in, you’re ready to project up to a 100-inch screen. The smallest it can project is 30 inches. It will auto focus for a clear view, and thanks to onboard sensors — like gyroscopes — it will be able to auto level the screen as well. The Freestyle delivers a full 1080p HDR-capable view as well, which is pretty impressive for a projector of this size. Samsung is also promising strong sound with 360-degree audio built in.

There are also microphones enabled for voice control from both near and far. This way you can ask Bixby or Amazon’s Alexa for specific content to view. You could also ask more smart speaker-centric questions like for the weather or a fun fact. And if privacy is a concern, you can disengage the microphone.

“It’s got all of the smart features that you would expect from Samsung,” says Schinasi. That means that it features a Tizen interface with support for major streaming services, a gaming mode and compatibility with AirPlay or Google Cast. You’ll just need to make sure Freestyle is on Wi-Fi. He also notes that The Freestyle will integrate with SmartThings. And while Freestyle doesn’t have many ports, you will find a micro HDMI and a USB-C port.

It’s also a lamp, a speaker and compatible with accessories

As we hinted at above, The Freestyle can also be a lamp. Included is a lens cap that can act as a filter for some light shows — including a starry night look or a groovy lava lamp effect. The lights display can also be reactive to sound, so in turn it can sync with a playlist for a full immersive light show.

You can also connect and use The Freestyle as a stand-alone speaker. We haven’t heard the sound quality just yet, but we imagine it can pack a punch given our experience with other Samsung devices like TVs and soundbars.

The Freestyle will only come in white, over what appears to be an aluminum and metal finish, so while it’s a fun product, the color choice is limited. If you want to mix things up, you’ll need to purchase a skin from Samsung for $29. The brand will offer these in three colors: green, pink and yellow. A Bespoke version of The Freestyle, like Samsung offers for refrigerators and the Galaxy Z Flip 3, would have been pretty neat.

Samsung will also be selling a Base Accessory for $79.99 that lets you screw The Freestyle into a standard lightbulb socket. It’s unique to say the least and seemingly would allow you to place this projector on a lamp. Since this projector is designed to go anywhere and everywhere, you can also power it via a USB-C-compatible battery. Samsung will eventually sell one, but you can also pick up one from Anker for likely a lot less.

And for those who want to take it outside, Samsung is selling a carrying case for $59.99. Those who preorder The Freestyle before Jan. 24 will get that carrying case for free.

The Freestyle is certainly a unique and expensive product that feels to be targeting someone who wants one device instead of many. Given the bevy of accessories for it as well as its functionality as a TV or speaker, it’s really designed for a millennial — one who wants to spend $900 on a device.

We’re naming The Freestyle as a finalist for most innovative TV and home entertainment accessory for CES 2022. It’s not the most affordable category in the TV space, but it does deliver a lot in return for its $899.99 price point. We’ll be sharing our full finalists later this week ahead of the top picks in each category.

If you’re sold, you don’t have to wait to preorder. Samsung’s taking preorders now for The Freestyle at $899.99, and the device will begin arriving to customers on Jan. 24. Until that day, you’ll score a carrying case at no extra charge with the preorder of the projector as well.

We’ll be circling back soon with a hands-on and full review of The Freestyle in the coming weeks.

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Technology

Galaxy S21 FE: We went hands-on with Samsung’s affordable phone

January 4, 2022 Admin Leave a comment

CNN Underscored is bringing you the best of CES 2022 all week – be sure to check out our coverage for the biggest tech products worth getting excited about.

Samsung’s Galaxy S21 family of smartphones — the S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra — is expanding with a new entry point: the Galaxy S21 FE.

As it did with the Galaxy S20 FE in late 2020, Samsung plucks some of the best features from the S21 line and places them into this smaller, more affordable device. Samsung is launching the S21 FE at CES 2022, a show where they typically focus on TVs and monitors.

The Galaxy S21 FE will be available on Jan. 11 at $699.99 for the 128GB model and $769.99 for 256GB of storage. We were able to spend a weekend with the S21 FE, and after that time we are naming it a finalist for the Best Mobile Phone from CES 2022.

The Galaxy S21 FE looks familiar, though it is slightly larger than the S21 without flashy design elements like a metal border. It is also highlighted with a camera bump that comes out of the phone’s edge.

Samsung calls this a Contour-Cut frame and the subtle design provides uniformity to the back panel of the phone. The frame of the S21 FE is aluminum, though as might be expected with this more affordable option, the phone’s rear panel is a smooth polycarbonate. It isn’t glossy but does show some fingerprints. Weighing in at 177 grams, the S21 FE feels substantial in our hand, and it comes in Olive, Lavender, White or Graphite color options.

The device’s front is nearly all screen with a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel, and it’s nice to see minimal bezels all-around at this price point. We also appreciate how well it handles colors, and supports a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals than you’ll see on many phones at this price. Samsung’s also tucked a 32-megapixel selfie camera into the top which is great for video calls and quick shots. They’ve also included a fingerprint sensor built into the bottom half of the display.

Powering all of this is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, the same one that resides in the rest of the Galaxy S21 family. That means that photos are quick to process, games can be played locally or from the cloud, and multitasking is made easy by fluidly moving between apps. However, the RAM is lower than other S21s and this could lead to slowdowns with more intense tasks or just leaving a bevy of apps open. The $699 S21 FE features 6GB of RAM (what we’ve been testing) and the $769 variant ships with 8GB. The S21 FE comes preloaded with Android 12 and Samsung’s One UX 4.0.

Battery life has also been strong throughout the weekend, likely thanks to the 4,500mAh battery inside. We’ve easily gotten through a full day on a charge, even making it through two with lighter usage. When it comes time to charge, you’ll need to plug in the included USB-C cable or place it on a Qi-enabled wireless charging pad. Samsung doesn’t include a wall plug in the box, but we’d recommend an Anker Nano II.

While Samsung’s S21 FE comes with a bigger battery and a faster processor inside, the same treatment was not given to the main camera array on the back. Here’s what the Galaxy S21 FE is packing.

12-megapixel ultrawide lens: The ultrawide lens offers a 123-degree field of view and is great for capturing a large area in a shot. In our early tests, we captured a ton in the frame without seeing much blur or fisheye effect around the edges.
12-megapixel wide-angle lens: The main shooter on the S21 FE performs admirably. It’s best for portraits and more traditional shots.
8-megapixel telephoto lens: This is the same zoom lens as on the S20 FE and we are surprised it wasn’t improved on. It’s an 8-megapixel lens with 3x optical zoom functionality. 30x Space Zoom is supported here, but without the physical periscoping lens on the S21 Ultra. It’s simply a combination of physical and digital zoom along with upscaling, which can lead to some serious distortion at a full 30x. We found the 10x zoom functionality to be the most practical.

Samsung’s various modes are also included here — Night Mode, Single Take, Portrait, Pro, Food, Portrait Video, Dual Recording and Slow Motion, among others, and they all run well (samples below). Single take is still one of our favorites, letting you hit the shutter button and move the phone around, then the S21 FE uses AI to figure out which shots to capture, and if it needs to apply effects.

Camera performance here will be critical, since the Pixel 6 costs just $599 and offers excellent photography. You lose the physical telephoto lens there, but Google’s processing is second-to-none in the Android space.

Samsung’s Galaxy S21 FE is shaping up to be an excellent new entry point into the Galaxy S21 family. However, it’s launching at an interesting time as we’re just a few weeks away from the rumored successors to the Galaxy S21 family, aka the Galaxy S22. Still, for those who want a more affordable Samsung device, the $699 S21 FE will likely fit the bill. As long as you’re cool with a cheaper design and not the most impressive telephoto lens.

The Galaxy S21 FE is also making a splash at CES as one of the few mobile phones to launch at the show. For it’s feature-set and affordable positioning, it’s a finalist for Best Mobile Phone of CES 2022. We’ll be sharing our full finalists later this week, ahead of the top picks in each category.

Orders open on Jan. 11 for the Galaxy S21 FE at $699.99 for 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM or $769.99 for 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. Either way, you’ll find support for 5G mmWave and Sub-6 as well, which is terrific news — especially if either network exists near you. Those seeking ultra-fast speeds which can rival home networks will want to find mmWave connectivity, though it’s not rolled out nationally. Sub-6 is more common, but doesn’t deliver a crazy increase in speeds.

We’d also recommend looking at the standard Galaxy S21 or, if you’re alright without a telephoto lens, the cheaper Pixel 6.

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Technology

Apple Cyber Monday deals 2021: Save on AirPods, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad

November 29, 2021 Admin Leave a comment

Looking for more holiday deals? Visit our Guide to Cyber Week to see all the best sales to shop during Cyber Monday.

Whether you’re on a quest for an M1 MacBook Air, AirPods Pro or an Apple Watch for an all- time low price, safe to say that now’s a really good time to be purchasing an Apple product.

Retailers like Adorama, Amazon, Best Buy, B&H Photo Video and Walmart are turning up the heat with discounts on nearly all Apple devices available. And Apple itself is hosting its annual shopping event from Black Friday to Cyber Monday — it’s not the best deal, but you will get a gift card with select purchases.

And you won’t need to sift through hundreds of webpages; we’ve done the hard work for you. So let’s break down the best Apple deals available.

Jacob Krol/CNN

Make no mistake about it, AirPods are some of the most popular earbuds and headphones on the market. And what started with one product has morphed into four — second-generation AirPods, AirPods 3, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.

All AirPods offer fast charging and a deep integration with all Apple devices — iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and the Mac included. They’ll auto connect to your main device and quickly switch as you rotate between devices. You can even use “Hey Siri” for hands-free access to the virtual assistant.

Right now AirPods Pro are available for $179.99 from Amazon. Amazon is also discounting AirPods 3 to an all-time low of $149.99 after an additional $15 off at checkout.

Starting Friday, Oct. 26, Apple will kick off its annual Black Friday gift card promotion, meaning you’ll get a $25 gift card if you get a pair of second- or third-generation AirPods, a $50 gift card with AirPods Pro and a $75 gift card with AirPods Max.

Here are all the deals on AirPods available now:

Jacob Krol/CNN

While neither a single AirTag ($29; amazon.com) nor an AirTag four-pack ($97.62) are seeing major discounts, some of the accessories are. We’re big fans of the AirTag for precision tracking and game-like experience to find a lost object through Precision Finding. If you do purchase a four-pack of AirTags directly from Apple beginning Oct. 26, you will get a $25 Apple gift card for free.

The Apple-made Leather Key Ring in Product Red is discounted to $31 from $35. Additionally, the Saddle Brown is available for $31.85, and Wisteria (a nice lavender) is down to $32.99. If you’re looking to attach the AirTag to a suitcase or backpack, we’d take a look at the Leather Loop, which is discounted to $33.05 in Saddle Brown.

Belkin’s Key Ring Case is $3 off at $9.99 in pink, blue, black or white. Additionally, the secure tag holder is also down to $9.99 in several colors.

Jacob Krol/CNN

Apple TV 4K

As our pick for best luxury streaming box, the Apple TV 4K is a bit more expensive but makes up for it with a ton of features. It offers a deep integration with other Apple hardware and services that makes it easy to set up and intuitive in everyday use.

It also comes with the all-new Siri Remote, aka the best remote we’ve ever tested. It uses a click wheel reminiscent of the iPod for easy control and an easy way to fast-forward or rewind.

Right now the 32GB Apple TV 4K is down to $174.95 on B&H Photo Video and the 64GB is also discounted at $189.95. It’s not the biggest discount, but still some savings nonetheless. If you already have an Apple TV 4K, we recommend opting for the upgraded Siri Remote. It’s also on sale at $54.98 from $59.

As part of Apple’s Black Friday event, you’ll get a $50 gift card with the purchase of an Apple TV HD or 4K direct from Apple.

If you’re all right with the previous Siri Remote, Adorama is offering the previous-gen Apple TV 4K 32GB for $179.99. But CNN Underscored readers can use code SAVEONCNN to score this streaming box for just $124.99, which is the lowest price you’ll find.

Jacob Krol/CNN

Our budget pick for a smartwatch, the Apple Watch SE is down to its lowest price ever at Amazon. You can score a 40mm GPS Watch SE for just $219.99, which is down from the $279 price tag. And if you can live without an always-on display and some advanced health tracking features, it’s the Apple Watch to get.

Those looking for the most feature-filled Apple Watch can opt for the Apple Watch Series 7 — it has an always-on display, a bevy of health features and the keen ability to fast charge. Right now Amazon has the green, Product Red, and blue 41mm at nearly $20 off at $379.99. Those who want a Series 3 — the budget Apple Watch — can score the 38mm for $169.99 or 42mm for $199.99 at Target.

Apple’s Black Friday gift card promotion will kick off on Friday, Oct 26, and run through the end of Cyber Monday. Rather than discounting the Apple Watch, you’ll get a gift card with the purchase of a watch. You’ll get a $50 gift card alongside the Apple Watch Series 3 or SE.

You can even pair your Apple Watch — new or old — with one of our favorite charging stands. Just pop your charging cable in and your Apple Watch screen will delightfully turn into a classic Mac. Elago’s W4 stand is on sale for $10.39 in Aqua Blue or Aqua Pink from the $24.99 MSRP.

Jacob Krol/CNN

While we’re still waiting for deals on the ninth-gen iPad (starting at $329) and the iPad Mini (starting at $499), retailers are wasting no time discounting the iPad Pro and iPad Air. So let’s start with the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros. Both of these are powered by the Apple M1 chip, and iPadOS 15 runs swimmingly on both tablets.

You can also pair these with a Magic Keyboard for a laptop-like experience or an Apple Pencil to get even more out of both devices. We’d recommend the larger 12.9-inch size since it has a Mini LED display. As part of Apple’s Black Friday gift card event, those who get an iPad Pro directly from Apple will get a $100 gift card.

11-Inch iPad Pro 128GB Wi-Fi in Silver ($788.88, originally $799.99; amazon.com)
11-Inch iPad Pro 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular in Silver ($949.99, originally $999; amazon.com)
12.9-Inch iPad Pro 128GB Wi-Fi in Silver or Space Gray ($999.99, originally $1,099; amazon.com)
12.9-Inch iPad Pro 256GB Wi-Fi in Silver or Space Gray ($1,199.99, originally $1,299; amazon.com)

The iPad Air is no slouch either, and, arguably more important, it’s also more colorful. Like all other iPads it is running iPadOS 15 and runs it very well. Apple’s iPad Air performed well in our testing and trickled down some higher-end features previously locked to the Pros. Slimmer bezels around the display, a USB-C port for charging and data transfers and better cameras all around.

Right now Adorama has the 64GB Wi-Fi Green iPad Air for $589.

Jacob Krol/CNN

As we expected, the Mac deals are in full force. You can score an entry-level M1 MacBook Air for $869.99 in any color from Amazon. And that’s a huge $149.01 off our top pick for an Apple laptop. It’s ideal for pretty much any user, with super-long battery life and fast performance in an ultra-portable design.

Similarly, Amazon and B&H Photo Video are taking $100 off the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro. For those who are more focused on creative tasks, the addition of a fan to cool things down and an extra GPU core will help speed through those processes.

Those looking to score a Mac Mini at a discount are in luck. Amazon has the upgraded M1 Mac Mini with a 512GB SSD inside for $150 off at $749. Just remember you’ll need to bring your own mouse, keyboard and monitor.

B&H Photo Video is now discounting the brand new 14-inch MacBook Pro. You can score the M1 Pro 14-inch with 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM for $1,799. That’s a full $200 off the the $1,999 MSRP.

Apple

HomePod Mini

Our runner-up pick for a smart speaker and the best option for those who have Apple devices is finally seeing a discount. Yes, the HomePod Mini is now $10 cheaper courtesy of a fresh discount from Staples. You can score a white or Space Gray Apple smart speaker for $89.99. As of now, the discount doesn’t apply to the colorful HomePod Minis — yellow, orange or blue.

Apple’s HomePod Mini is a Siri-powered smart speaker that can pump out rich, crisp audio that gets plenty loud. While it is the size of an apple (the fruit), it’s plenty powerful and can go head-to-head with larger speakers, like the fourth-gen Echo.

Nomad Goods

From Apple-made to some of our favorite accessory makers, there are plenty of deals to score to decorate or protect your devices.

Apple Pencil ($79.99, originally $99.99; amazon.com)

The Apple Pencil extends the functionality of your iPad. You can use it to turn your iPad into a notebook or canvas and get even more out of your device. The second-generation Apple Pencil is also on sale for $99.99, originally priced at $129.

MagSafe Battery Pack ($89.95, originally $99; amazon.com)

If you have an iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 of any size, this Apple-made battery pack magnetically attaches to the back of your phone and will keep it charged. It charges with a Lightning connector or with wireless charging.

MagSafe Charger ($31.99, originally $34.99; amazon.com)

Both the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro charging cases now support MagSafe, which means that they can magnetically attach to this MagSafe charging puck for an easy wireless charge.

Sport Band ($41.97, originally $59.95; nomadgoods.com)

We’ve been wearing this watch band for a few weeks now and we’re into it. It’s comfortable throughout daily wear and gets us through sweaty workouts since it’s waterproof. Not to mention, it comes in five different colors to fit your personal style.

Anker Nano II 65-Watt Charger ($31.49, originally $54.99; amazon.com)
Not only can this sleek wall plug charge a MacBook Pro, but it’s pocket-friendly and pint-size as well. The Anker Nano II is the ultimate tech accessory, and this Black Friday deal brings the price to an all-time low. With a single USB-C port and fast charging tech inside, it’s the ultimate way to charge nearly any device.

Modern Leather Case ($24.47, originally $34.95; nomadgoods.com)

This AirPods case comes in four different hues of leather to give a sleek look to your earbuds. The microfiber interior will keep your AirPods from getting scratched, while the leather exterior is designed to patina over time so your case looks great no matter how long you’ve had it. The case is available for all AirPods models.

Mirror AirPods Case ($31.50, originally $35; casetify.com)

A super-trendy option, this case from Casetify comes in a silver or bronze finish to transform your AirPods case. It’ll also keep your earbuds safe from drops and scratches, and comes with a metal carabiner for easy on-the-go access to your AirPods.

Custom Matte AirPods Case ($31.50, originally $35; casetify.com)

Upgrade your plain white AirPods charging case to a bright and cheery option with this matte case, available in six different bright tones. You can customize the front of the case to include your name or initials and pick from 17 different font colors.

Rugged Band ($41.97, originally $59.95; nomadgoods.com)

If you’re looking for a watch band to get you through the toughest of adventures or tend to opt for a more rugged look, this band is a great choice. The band is lightweight and flexible, so it feels nice on the wrist all while staying oil-, water- and dirt-resistant.

Modern Slim Band ($48.97, originally $69.95; nomadgoods.com)

Much more of a fashion band, this pick form Nomad comes in three different leather tones to fit your style. It’s comfortable to wear every day and gives a sophisticated look to your high-tech wearable.

Custom Clear TPU Band ($36, originally $40; casetify.com)

Add a bit of personal flair with this customizable band from Casetify. Add your initials or name to the side of this durable and flexible TPU band. Choose from four different band colors, two different font styles and 18 different text colors for a totally unique look.

Saffiano Leather Initial Apple Watch Band ($46.80, originally $52; casetify.com)

We love the look of a leather watch band, so pairing it with Casetify’s customizable options is a no-brainer. You get to pick a base band color and then two accent colors for a sleek stripe that runs down the band as well as for your initials.

Apple Magic Keyboard for 12.9-Inch iPad Pro ($242.99, originally 349.99; walmart.com)

The Apple Magic Keyboard only further extends what your iPad can do with the addition of a physical keyboard and trackpad. It has a floating design so you can attach your iPad Pro or Air magnetically and smoothly adjust your working angle.

Custom Ultra Impact Case ($71.10, originally $79; casetify.com)

Add your personal style to your iPad with this fully customizable case. Take your pick from different font styles and colors as well as text placements for a totally “you” case. The case is Apple Pencil charging compatible and shockproof, so your tablet is safe should accidents happen.

Modern Case ($62.97, originally $89.95; nomadgoods.com)

A classic and minimalist design, the Modern Case from Nomad offers a sleek look to your high-tech device. It features a wraparound bumper to minimize damage from drops and mishaps. It’s available for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, 11-inch iPad Pro and iPad Air.

Satechi Aluminum 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand ($49.99, originally $59.99; satechi.net)

This charging stand is design for iPhones that support MagSafe, so that it can effortlessly hold your phone and charge it at the same time. Additionally, the bottom of the stand features a Qi wireless charger, which can charge a pair of earbuds like AirPods 3.

Magnetic Wireless Charger Stand 7.5W ($26.24, originally $34.99; belkin.com)
This MagSafe charger is a wireless stand that your iPhone 13 or 12 will hold onto and charge quickly and safely. An LED light on the top of the charging stand lets you know your phone is getting power, and you have the option to charge in both portrait or landscape modes. Use code BF21 to get 25% off.

Boost Charge Dual Wireless Charging Pad ($32.99, originally $49.99; belkin.com)

Charge your phone and your AirPods at once with this dual pad charger. Simply place your devices on the rubberized charging stations and let them juice up. It’s available in both black and white finishes, so it’ll look nice no matter where you set it in your home or office.

AirTag Rugged Case ($14.97, originally $19.99; otterbox.com)

Durable and aptly named, this AirTag case will keep your item tracker securely fastened so you’ll always be able to find your stuff. It comes in both a black and white option and comes with two carabiners.

Amplify Glass Screen Protector for iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro ($37.47, originally $49.95; otterbox.com)

Scratch-resistant and durable against daily wear, this aluminosilicate screen protector will keep your iPhone safe and protected from accidents when they happen. It’s easy to install, and OtterBox offers a limited lifetime warranty should you need to replace your screen protector.

Campus Compact Backpack ($41.95, originally $59.95; incase.com)

A perfect gift for the student in your life, this backpack makes commuting and carrying your tech that much easier. It can hold up to a 16-inch MacBook and has easy access pockets for your iPhone, AirPods and chargers.

Compact Sleeve in Woolenex for MacBook Pro 13-Inch and MacBook Air 13-Inch ($34.95, originally $49.95; incase.com)

This MacBook sleeve will keep your laptop secure while you take it on the go. It comes in three different colors: a light pink, a graphite gray and a navy blue. It also features a pocket to carry your charger or adapters.

Eco-Friendly Band for Apple Watch ($30, originally $39.99; lifeproof.com)

This earth-friendly watch band is available in seven different colorways so you can match it to your personal style. It’s made of 99% ocean plastic yarn, making it an excellent and sustainable choice for your tech accessory lineup.

Charge Stream Vent Mount ($29.95, originally $49.95; zagg.com)

Mophie’s 10-watt wireless charger clips into your car air vents so you’re able to glance at your phone or view your GPS safely while driving and charging up. It has a secure nonslip grip to keep your iPhone in place while in motion and comes with everything you’ll need to get set up.

Pro Stylus ($41.99, originally $69.99; zagg.com)

Compatible with your iPad, this stylus lets you take notes, swipe through pages and get the most out of your creative apps. It’s a sleek black pen that has an eight-hour battery life, It charges with an included USB-C charging cord and it’s magnetically compatible to hold onto the side of your tablet.

Balance Folio for iPad Pro 11-Inch ($19.97, originally $39.95; speckproducts.com)

A slim and stylish iPad case, this pick from Speck makes taking your tablet around with you that much easier. It can protect your iPad from drops up to 4 feet and comes in six different colors, some bright and fun and some more muted and classic. The case turns into a convenient stand for viewing or typing and is fully compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil.

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Technology

Nintendo Switch Black Friday deals 2021: Bundles, cheap games and more

November 27, 2021 Admin Leave a comment

Looking for more holiday deals? Visit our Guide to Cyber Week to see all the best sales to shop during Black Friday.

Black Friday is always a great time to snag a Nintendo Switch or some discounted games and accessories, and that’s especially true this year. Nintendo’s beloved home console is finally somewhat easy to find again after a year of shortages (unless you want the shiny new OLED model), and there’s a new bundle this year that gets you lots of useful extras right out of the box.

On top of that, some of the absolute best Switch games out there are significantly discounted, as are plenty of useful accessories for enhancing family game nights or playing on the go. Ready to play? Here are the best Switch savings we’ve spotted so far.

Nintendo Switch console and bundle deals

Best Buy

Nintendo Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle

Nintendo Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle ($299, originally $369; bestbuy.com, walmart.com, amazon.com or gamestop.com)

Nintendo usually offers a Mario Kart 8 bundle every Black Friday, but it’s sweetened the pot a bit for 2021. On top of getting you Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — an excellent kart racer that just about every Switch owner should have anyway — this bundle also includes three months of Nintendo Switch Online. That will allow you to play games online right out of the box while also getting you access to cloud saves and a sizable library of NES and SNES classics, including The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario World.

You’re getting all of that for the system’s base $299 price, which essentially means you’re getting $70 of free stuff. Just note that this bundle includes the standard Nintendo Switch, meaning you won’t get the bigger, bolder display found on the $349 Nintendo Switch OLED.

Nintendo Switch OLED ($349; amazon.com, target.com and gamestop.com)

While we don’t expect the Nintendo Switch OLED to be discounted for Black Friday, this week might be your best chance to find this hard-to-find console in stock. We called this model the best Nintendo Switch yet, thanks to a gorgeous 7-inch OLED screen that really makes games pop and an improved kickstand that’s ideal for impromptu Smash Bros. tournaments.

Walmart

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con ($69, originally $79; walmart.com)

It’s never a bad idea to pick up an extra pair of Joy-Cons, whether you want to refresh your Switch with some new colors or just need extra controllers for family game night. Nintendo’s versatile mini gamepads are available for their usual sale price of $10 off, making now a good time to grab some if you’ve been holding off.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller ($59, originally $69; walmart.com)

When you’re trying to win an intense Mario Kart match or finally vanquish that difficult Metroid Dread boss, sometimes the tiny Joy-Cons don’t cut it. The Switch Pro Controller is all but essential if you do lots of big-screen gaming, as it’s much more ergonomic and comfortable than the Joy-Cons while still supporting motion controls and advanced HD rumble haptics. It’s rarely cheaper than this sale price, so snag one while you can.

PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller ($38.99, originally $54.99; amazon.com)

Looking for a cheaper alternative to the Pro Controller? If you can live without HD rumble and Amiibo support, PowerA’s wireless option is a great choice at this price. It has a similar look and feel as Nintendo’s first-party pad as well as two programmable back buttons that can help give you an edge in competitive games. And if you’re shopping for a serious Nintendo lover, this gamepad comes in a variety of themed skins that run the gamut from Animal Crossing to Zelda.

PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller ($13.99, originally $27.99; bestbuy.com)

If you don’t mind going wired, this is one of the cheapest prices we’ve seen on a dependable Nintendo Switch controller. Like its wireless counterpart, this PowerA pad has programmable rear buttons and comes in several Nintendo flavors inspired by Mario and Pokémon.

PowerA GameCube Style Controller ($29.99, originally $44.88; walmart.com)

If you’re a hardcore Super Smash Bros. player or just have a lot of nostalgia for the Nintendo GameCube, this throwback controller will let you play games like it’s 2002.

Amazon

Orzly Carry Case

Orzly Carry Case ($16.59, originally $19.99; amazon.com)

One of the most popular Switch cases out there, this Orzly model features a hard water-resistant shell for keeping your Switch safe on the go, and has enough room to store up to eight game cards and plenty of extra Joy-Cons and cables.

Sisma 80 Games Holder ($13.58, originally $16.99; amazon.com)
For folks who own a ton of physical Switch games, this Sisma case will make it super easy to take your whole collection with you. This case can store up to 80 game cards and will also fit your SD cards if you want to take some extra storage with you. Just note that this lightning deal will be gone by tonight and may sell out soon.

Razer Kraken X ($29.99, originally $49.99; amazon.com)

The Razer Kraken X is our favorite budget gaming headset, thanks to its excellent sound, comfort and mic quality for the money, and it’s a perfect companion for playing your Switch on the go.

SanDisk 128GB MicroSDXC Card ($19.99, originally $34.99; amazon.com)

If you download most of your games digitally, your Switch’s internal storage is going to fill up fast. We highly recommend that any Switch owner picks up a microSD card like this discounted 128GB SanDisk model, which will let you store exponentially more games, screenshots and videos at once. This popular card works with every Switch model, and as a bonus, it comes with some fun Nintendo branding.

Amazon

Ring Fit Adventure

Ring Fit Adventure ($54.99, originally $79.99; amazon.com)

Nintendo’s hugely popular exercise game just hit its lowest price yet, making now a great time to see what all the hype is about. Ring Fit Adventure is essentially an immersive role-playing game that you play with your entire body, as you’ll use the included Ring-Con and Leg Strap to vanquish foes by performing various exercises. If you’re looking for a fun way to work up a sweat, this is it.

Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit ($59.99, originally $99; bestbuy.com)

Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is an augmented reality game that essentially turns your living room into a playable Mario Kart course. You’ll drive an actual remote-controlled car around your home, which comes to life on your Switch screen as an interactive track complete with enemies, hazards and all the fun chaos that comes with a great Mario Kart race. It’s a really fun blend of digital and physical play, and it’s available at its lowest price yet right now.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild ($35, originally $59.99; amazon.com)

If you somehow haven’t played Breath of the Wild yet, you’ve got one fewer excuse now. Largely considered to be the best Switch game out there, Breath of the Wild reinvents the Zelda formula by throwing Link into a gorgeous, expansive open world that you can explore however you see fit. This popular title rarely drops this low in price, so snag it while you can.

Super Mario Odyssey ($35.23, originally $59.99; gamestop.com)

Much like Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey is essential for any Switch owner. This joyously inventive 3D platformer is nearly half off right now, so don’t miss out if you haven’t played it yet.

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle ($14, originally $59.99; walmart.com)
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle may have slipped under your radar when it launched a few years ago, but this Black Friday deal is a great chance to fix that. This charming strategy game features some surprisingly tactical turn-based gameplay that challenges you to carefully position Mario and friends around the battlefield while using and combining a bunch of fun abilities. It’s a must-have for Switch owners, especially at this next-to-nothing price.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 ($20, originally $39.99; walmart.com)
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is a superb remake of the first two games in the iconic skateboarding series, with gorgeously rebuilt levels, a stacked roster of skaters old and new and the same addicting gameplay that feels better than ever. With all of the levels from the first two games, online multiplayer and a create-a-park mode, you get a whole lot of game for the money here, particularly at this super-low sale price.

Animal Crossing New Horizons ($49.99, originally $59.99; amazon.com or gamestop.com)
Animal Crossing New Horizons is a relaxing simulation game that can easily eat up hundreds of hours of your life as you build your dream getaway island and hang out with a bunch of charming villagers. It’s still getting fresh updates and fun seasonal events nearly two years after release, and it’s currently $10 off for those who want to finally see what the hype is about.

Super Smash Bros Ultimate ($49.94, originally $59.99; gamestop.com)
Another essential addition to any Switch library, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is both a fun way to virtually beat up your friends and a loving tribute to all things video games. Its massive 89-character roster runs the gamut from staples like Link and Donkey Kong to third-party guests such as Pac-Man, Sonic, Solid Snake and Simon Belmont. Between its expansive World of Light single-player mode to its near-endless amount of casual and competitive multiplayer options, Smash Ultimate is one of the most content-packed games you can get for the money — especially at this rare $10 discount.

Lego Marvel Super Heroes ($15, originally $39.99; amazon.com)

Lego Marvel Super Heroes is a delightful brick-based adventure that lets you play as more than 100 beloved Marvel characters, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and Spider-Man. It’s a great time for adults and kids alike, and an excellent pickup for just $15.

Just Dance 2022 ($24.99, originally $49.99; amazon.com)

The latest installment in Ubisoft’s popular dancing game has new features designed to help you work up a sweat as well as a family-friendly kids mode, and it’s available for half off right now.

Super Mario Maker 2 ($39.99, originally $59.99; amazon.com)

Why settle for just playing a Mario game when you can make your own? Super Mario Maker 2 makes it easy to craft the Mario courses of your dreams as well as play a near-endless stream of creative, charming and straight-up sadistic levels created by other players. There’s even a story mode for those who want a more classic Mario experience that also teaches you some building basics. It’s one of our favorite Switch games, and well worth it at this price.

Sonic Colors: Ultimate ($19.98, originally $39.99; gamestop.com)

Sonic Colors: Ultimate brings the classic Wii game to the current generation with slicker graphics, new modes and all of the high-speed action you’d expect from a Sonic game. It’s 50% off just months after release.

Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition ($26.99, originally $59.99; gamestop.com)

Looking for a game you can sink serious hours into? Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition finally brings Nintendo’s beloved role-playing game to the Switch with improved visuals, new music and a variety of quality-of-life improvements. If you want to carry a giant sword around, engage in fun real-time combat and explore some truly beautiful environments, this one’s for you.

Splatoon 2 ($26.99; originally $59.99; gamestop.com)

Splatoon 2 is a great introduction to the shooter genre that has teams of squid-like children battle to cover the arena (and one another) in colorful ink. But don’t be fooled — just because Splatoon 2 is kid-friendly doesn’t mean that it isn’t highly competitive, as you’ll need good reflexes and strategy to come out on top. With Splatoon 3 set to hit next year, now’s a great time to snag this addictive shooter and get your ink-blasting skills in shape.

Cruis’n Blast ($22.99, originally $34.99; gamestop.com)

If you’re looking for pure arcade racing action, few games do it better than Cruis’n Blast. It’s a whole lot of nostalgic fun, and well worth it for just over $20.

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Technology

Apple Black Friday deals 2021: Save on AirPods Pro, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch

November 24, 2021 Admin Leave a comment

Looking for more holiday deals? Visit our Guide to Cyber Week to see all the best sales to shop before — and during — Black Friday.

Whether you’re on a quest for a M1 MacBook Air, AirPods Pro or an Apple Watch for an all time low price, safe to say that now’s a really good time to be purchasing an Apple product.

And you won’t need to sift through hundreds of webpages; we’ve done the hard work for you. So let’s break down the best Apple deals available.

Jacob Krol/CNN

Right now AirPods Pro are available for an all-time low price of $159.99 from Amazon and Walmart for Walmart+ members. Amazon is also discounting AirPods 3 to an all time low of $154.99, after an additional $15 off at checkout.

Starting Friday, Oct. 26, Apple will kick off its annual Black Friday gift card promotion, meaning if you get a pair of second- or third-generation AirPods you’ll get a $25 gift card, a $50 gift card with AirPods Pro and $75 gift card with AirPods Max.

Here are all the deals on AirPods available now:

Jacob Krol/CNN

Apple TV 4K

It also comes with the all-new Siri Remote, aka the best remote we’ve ever tested. It uses a click wheel reminiscent of the iPod for easy control and an easy way to fast-forward or rewind.

Right now the 32GB Apple TV 4K is down to $169.95 on Amazon and the 64GB is also discounted at $189.95. It’s not the biggest discount, but still some savings nonetheless. If you already have an Apple TV 4K, we recommend opting for the upgraded Siri Remote. It’s also on sale at $54.98 from $59.

As part of Apple’s Black Friday event, you’ll get a $50 gift card with the purchase of an Apple TV HD or 4K direct from Apple.

If you’re alright with the previous Siri Remote, Adorama is offering the previous-gen Apple TV 4K 32GB for $179.99. But CNN Underscored readers can use code “SAVEONCNN” to score this streaming box for just $124.99, which is the lowest price you’ll find.

Jacob Krol/CNN

11-Inch iPad Pro 128GB Wi-Fi in Silver ($749.99, originally $799.99; amazon.com)
11-Inch iPad Pro 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular in Silver ($949.99, originally $999; amazon.com)
12.9-Inch iPad Pro 128GB Wi-Fi in Silver or Space Gray ($999.99, originally $1,099; amazon.com)
12.9-Inch iPad Pro 256GB Wi-Fi in Silver or Space Gray ($1,099.99, originally $1,199; amazon.com)

The iPad Air is no slouch either, and, arguably more important, it’s also more colorful. Like all other iPads it is running iPadOS 15 and runs it very well. Apple’s iPad Air performed well in our testing and trickled down some higher-end features previously locked to the pros. Slimmer bezels around the display, a USB-C port for charging and data transfers and better cameras all around. Currently, Adorama is offering the 64GB green iPad Air for $589 from $599.

Jacob Krol/CNN

As we expected, the Mac deals are in full force. You can score an entry-level M1 MacBook Air for $849.99 in any color from Amazon. And that’s a huge $149.01 off our top pick for an Apple laptop. It’s ideal for pretty much any user with super-long battery life and fast performance in an ultra-portable design.

We’re expecting discounts on the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros as well as the iMac and Mac Mini to arrive as we get closer to Black Friday.

Jacob Krol/CNN

While neither a single AirTag ($29; amazon.com) or an AirTag four-pack ($97.62) are seeing major discounts, some of the accessories are. We’re big fans of the AirTag for precision tracking and game-like experience to find a lost object through Precision Finding. If you do purchase a four-pack of AirTags directly from Apple beginning Oct. 26, you will get a $25 Apple gift card for free.

Belkin’s Key Ring Case is $3 off at $9.99 in pink, blue, black or white. Additionally, the secure tag holder is also down to $9.99 in several colors.

NOMAD