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

I tried the Galaxy Z Flip 8, and Samsung finally gave the cover screen the upgrade it deserves! Well... almost
By Derrek Lee Published
Flippin' awesome The new Galaxy Z Flip 8 is a refined Z Flip 7 with a new battery and an upgraded cover screen experience, but is it enough to save the Flip line?

Samsung's new Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is a beast, but I think the Galaxy Watch 9 is the one to get
By Derrek Lee Published
Watch out! My hands-on time with the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 highlights some very impressive upgrades and shows how these watches are for very different people.

I was fully prepared to hate Samsung's new wider Galaxy Z Fold 8, but after testing it with the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, I've completely changed my tune
By Derrek Lee Published
Wider or taller? Samsung unveiled not one but two new Galaxy Z Fold 8 models, and they're meant to target different users, thanks to a shorter and wider design on the base model. They might be onto something...

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Summer 2026: How to watch and what to expect
By Sanuj Bhatia, Derrek Lee Last updated
Samsung's next big event Here's how to watch Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Summer 2026 and what to expect from the event.

This Android phone is giving Nothing in the best way, with a massive battery and cool AI features to boot
By Derrek Lee Published
Tecno meets Nothing Tecno gives its best Nothing impersonation with the Pova 8 5G. It does a decent job with the landing, and the rear Active Matrix display is pretty cool.

This underrated Samsung feature is the first thing I set up on any new Android phone... except Pixels
By Derrek Lee Published
Editor's Desk This common Android feature gives you quick access to your favorite apps from almost any screen. Unfortunately, you won't find it on a Pixel.

Wear OS 7: New features, eligible smartwatches, and everything you need to know
By Derrek Lee Published
A new Wear Wear OS 7 has dropped, and it's available now for eligible Pixel Watch models! Here's everything it's bringing to your Pixel smartwatch.

Let us know: Are you Team Google, Team Android, or both?
By Derrek Lee Published
AC Polls Google is one of the largest companies in the world, and Android is the most widely used OS. But are you a fan of either? Let us know in our latest poll.

Is the Oura membership worth it? 5 reasons why I think it is
By Derrek Lee Published
Is it worth it? New members get a free month of the Oura subscription when they buy a ring, but should they keep it?

I tested the Oura Ring 5 for a month, and it's exactly what other smart rings should aspire to be
By Derrek Lee Published
Lord of the Rings The new Oura Ring 5 convinced me that thinner really is better, especially when it means you don't have to sacrifice features and functionality.

Hurry! There's still time to grab one of Samsung's best smartphones of 2026 at an all-time low
By Derrek Lee Published
Last call! Last call on this Galaxy S26 Plus deal!

The Pixel Buds 2a have become my go-to workout earbuds, and you can love them as much as I do now that they've dropped below $100!
By Derrek Lee Published
Under $100 The Pixel Buds 2a are surprisingly good for the price, and they get even better when they drop below $100 on Prime Day! But the deal is gonna end soon, so you should hurry!

This 4K Google TV deal is exactly what Optimus Prime gave his life for. We should honor him (and then binge 'Transformers')
By Derrek Lee Published
Optimus Prime Day I love my TCL QM6K, but the QM7K is even better, especially when you can get it this cheap! But don't wait, because Prime Day is almost over!

My favorite Garmin watch is on sale right now, but there's an even better deal if you're trying to stay active this summer
By Derrek Lee Published
Run don't walk! You could save $50 on the Garmin Venu 4, or you can save even more and spend less on the excellent Garmin Forerunner 570.

Don't miss out on this insane Oura Ring 4 deal that practically comes with up to 3 years of its membership FOR FREE
By Derrek Lee Published
Mathing Prime Day is nearly over, but this Oura Ring 4 deal is too good for you to pass up, especially if you've been on the fence about the membership. Here's why

Apple just jacked up its iPad prices, but this Samsung tablet deal is the perfect remedy and there's not much time left to get it at this price!
By Derrek Lee Published
Math is mathing The latest 11-inch iPad Air just went up by $150, but this Samsung tablet is less than half the price. You do the math.

I'm about to level up my audio setup for the summer while saving a few hundred dollars
By Derrek Lee Published
Turn it up Sony's latest Bluetooth turntable is $150 off right now, as is the incredible Marshall Stanmore III home speaker, and it almost feels too perfect!

You deserve a chill summer staycation, and this Kindle Prime Day deal is just what you need
By Derrek Lee Published
Staycation A new Kindle is a great way to enjoy some downtime this summer, and this Prime Day deal gets you the latest version of Amazon's compact e-reader for under $100.

I'm about to charge up my summer with these Prime Day travel essentials under $100
By Derrek Lee Published
Charge-up! Don't get stuck without power while you're traveling this summer! These Prime Day deals should help you stay charged up, no matter where you're going.

If you're like me and still looking for a (late) Father's Day gift, this is my Prime Day pick for a dad who likes tech but likes to keep it classy (and classic)
By Derrek Lee Published
Happy Father's Day! Father's Day came and went, but now that Prime Day is here, you have plenty of options for a late gift, like $165 off this Galaxy Watch 8 Classic.

I went to a FIFA World Cup match with the Motorola Razr. Here are the 5 best camera features I used to capture the moment, and how you can get a serious discount on a powerful Razr flagship
By Derrek Lee Published
Razr+FIFA The Motorola Razr series has a ton of great camera features you can use to capture great moments at the FIFA World Cup, and one of them just so happens to be available at a serious discount.

This Google TV Streamer deal is every broke college student's dream
By Derrek Lee Published
Upgrade ya Don't get stuck next semester with the same-old slow TV. Upgrade your setup with this 25% discount on the Google TV Streamer.

AI is causing phone prices to go up, but you can beat the RAM crisis with this powerfully underrated Galaxy phone
By Derrek Lee Published
Old vs. New The Galaxy S25 Plus may be the awkward middle child of the S series, but it's still a great phone, and even better when you can get it at a steep discount of more than $300.

If you're traveling this summer, you'll want to grab this Prime Day deal on an accessory I don't go anywhere without
By Derrek Lee Published
Charge up I love Anker power banks, and I don't go anywhere without this charger that features a display and a retractable USB-C cable.

Summer is here, the beach is calling, and my favorite Sony Bluetooth speaker is a must-have at less than $80
By Derrek Lee Published
Soak up the sun The Sony ULT Field 1 is one of my all-time favorite purchases, and you can snag one in time for your next summer get-together for less than $80.
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