Derrek has had a long-time interest in mobile technology since the age of 12, which came out of his love for Nokia phones, particularly models like the Nokia N90. Since then, he closely followed the evolution of tech and the transition of Nokia from Symbian to Windows Phone, which eventually led him to Android with phones like the Moto X Pure Edition and LG G5. Since 2013, Derrek has dipped in and out of tech journalism as nothing more than a passion project while receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in Film & Digital Media at the University of California, Santa Cruz. That is until 2020, when he became the news editor for Android Central, guiding the team's coverage of Google, Android, Wear OS, and related topics. Now, as managing editor, Derrek guides the site's editorial content and direction, helping the team reach and resonate with readers, old and new, who are just as passionate about tech as we are.
Throughout his time at Android Central, he has reviewed many products, from phones to smartwatches, smart scales, and even smart rings, establishing himself as an expert with these devices. As a fitness enthusiast, Derrek always looks for ways to incorporate tech into his life by closely examining the intersection of fitness and tech. He is also very passionate about tech being financially accessible, which often drives his decision-making in the types of products he tests out and what he recommends.
Latest articles by Derrek Lee

At what age should kids receive their first smartphone? One study highlights potential health risks with early ownership
By Derrek Lee published
AC Polls A recent study reveals how early smartphone ownership is associated with negative health effects on children.

Black Myth: Wukong fans! There's still time to get your hands on this stylish Anker Docking Station at a discount before Cyber Monday ends
By Derrek Lee published
Destined One Save 20% on a limited edition Anker x Black Myth: Wukong 14-in-1 docking station, or save 30% on the standard version!

Don't miss out! This mini tri-fold smartphone projector would make the coolest stocking stuffer, and it's still on sale through Cyber Monday
By Derrek Lee published
Small yet mighty Unleash movie nights anywhere: The Aurzen ZIP Tri-Fold Projector is on sale through Cyber Monday for just $279!

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: The must-have wireless earbuds for fitness enthusiasts this Cyber Monday
By Derrek Lee published
Beats The Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are $50 off during Cyber Monday, and while it's not the lowest price we've seen, we don't know when they'll be on sale again.

Best smart rings 2025
By Derrek Lee last updated
Smart rings Smart rings are the hot new wearable on the block. Here are our favorite picks!

I'm not even kidding — The Moto G Stylus 2025 is the best phone for most people, especially at this incredible Cyber Monday price
By Derrek Lee last updated
Balling on a budget The Moto G Stylus 2025 is on sale during Cyber Monday for under $300, thanks to a discount of more than $100.

Want a FREE Galaxy smartphone and a pair of Galaxy earbuds? T-Mobile customers won't wanna pass on this Samsung deal
By Derrek Lee published
Free + free The Galaxy S25 Plus is available at T-Mobile for free during Black Friday with a trade-in and on select plans.

These two power banks are all you'll need, and you can spend less than $80 for BOTH
By Derrek Lee published
Less for more Two of Anker's power banks are on sale for Black Friday/Cyber Monday, and you can spend less than $40 on each.

5 reasons why you should buy a flip phone during Cyber Monday
By Derrek Lee published
Flip the script With many smartphones on sale during Cyber Monday, here are some reasons why you should consider a flip phone like the Motorola Razr or Galaxy Z Flip.

This Pixel 10 deal feels almost too good to be true! Now's your chance to get this stellar AI phone at its lowest price of the year
By Derrek Lee published
AI for less The Pixel 10 returns to its lowest price since launch thanks to this Black Friday deal.

Seriously? This Black Friday deal lets you buy a foldable phone for dirt cheap right now
By Derrek Lee published
Flip the script Black Friday sales on the Motorola Razr 2024 bring the phone down to under $400, or you can buy the newer Razr Plus 2025 for just $650.

I've owned this Sony Bluetooth speaker for a year and it's been one of the best Black Friday purchases I've made
By Derrek Lee published
Double-dip? The Sony Ult Field 1 is 37% off at Amazon during Black Friday, bringing it down to just $88.

I didn't see this coming! The Garmin Venu 4 is my new favorite fitness watch, and it just got its first deal in time for Black Friday
By Derrek Lee published
First time The Garmin Venu 4 is on sale for the first time during Black Friday, and you can get $50 or more off each size and color combination.

Which Oura Ring 4 color should you buy?
By Derrek Lee last updated
Color me Oura Oura Ring 4 color options are wider than ever before, with the new ceramic lineup adding four more options to the existing metallic finishes.

It's my birthday, and this Motorola Razr Black Friday deal is my gift to you. You're welcome
By Derrek Lee published
A new low The Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 hits its lowest price during Black Friday with more than $400 off. Here's how you can save and get a free gift.

I was so excited when I saw this Black Friday deal that I pressed 'buy now' before I could talk myself out of it
By Derrek Lee published
Beats The Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are $50 off at Amazon during Black Friday, and while it's not the lowest price we've seen them at, we don't know when they'll be on sale again.

Somehow, this unbelievable Pixel 10 deal returned
By Derrek Lee last updated
Do it! A Black Friday deal on the Pixel 10 returns the phone to its lowest price since launch, thanks to a $200 discount.

Black Friday tech deals are here, but what are you most excited about getting on sale?
By Derrek Lee published
AC Polls In our latest poll, we ask our readers what devices they're interested in buying during Black Friday week.

Oura Ring 4 Ceramic hands-on: Why this might be the chic smart ring upgrade you didn't know you needed
By Derrek Lee published
Editor's Desk Here are our thoughts on the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic after using it for a month. We also dive into the redesigned Oura app and how it highlights the direction the company is going with its tech.

Forget the Pixel Watch 4; last year's Pixel Watch 3 is still my favorite everyday Android smartwatch, and it's cheaper than ever right now
By Derrek Lee published
Pixel Watch steal Google is discounting the Pixel Watch 3 for Black Friday, bringing it down to its lowest price of $199.

Despite its shortcomings, this slim Anker Qi2 power bank is just what I need for my Pixel 10. Here's why
By Derrek Lee published
Slap it on This slim Anker charger is a great companion for Qi2-compatible phones like the Pixel 10, if you can live with the trade-offs.

Garmin Venu 4 review: The ideal fitness watch for everyone, as long as you're willing to pay up
By Derrek Lee published
Editor's Desk The Garmin Venu 4 offers some upgrades over the Venu 3, but they come at a premium.

I spent a week with the $179 Moto G Play 2026, and it may not be the phone you want, but it could be the phone you need
By Derrek Lee published
Everyone's phone The Moto G Play 2026 is so far Motorola's cheapest 5G smartphone, giving new meaning to the word "affordable."

Leaked benchmarks suggest a new Motorola 'Ultra' flagship is coming soon, and with a new Snapdragon chipset
By Derrek Lee published
Ultra without the Elite Motorola is reportedly preparing to launch a new flagship smartphone. Benchmarks suggest it will be powered by the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 5.
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