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

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.

It's basically Black Friday already with this steep Galaxy Watch discount
By Derrek Lee published
Deal alert Ahead of Black Friday, the Galaxy Watch 7 is on sale for $77, which is nearly 30% off the original $229 price tag.

I just upgraded my favorite Anker power bank
By Derrek Lee published
Editor's Desk Anker has a portable power bank with a retractable cable, 45W charging, and a display. Here's my experience with this versatile charger.

Qualcomm announces double-digit revenue gains as AI drives sales across form factors, expects high Snapdragon share in the Galaxy S26 series
By Derrek Lee published
Gains Qualcomm reported earnings for the final quarter of its fiscal year 2025, with revenue gains in the double-digits.

How many software updates will the Galaxy S26 receive?
By Derrek Lee published
Updates galore Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026, but until then, we must speculate on how well the upcoming phones will be supported.

How to get started with the Fitbit AI personal health coach and app redesign
By Derrek Lee published
Your AI coach Google has begun rolling out the new Fitbit Personal Health Coach, available for select Fitbit Premium subscribers in preview. Here's how to enable the new experience.

Motorola's new phones are easy on your wallet, and just in time for holiday shopping
By Derrek Lee published
Saving money The Moto G 2026 and Moto G Play 2026 receive welcome upgrades with a near-identical design and price tags under $200.

When does the Samsung Galaxy S26 launch?
By Derrek Lee last updated
The countdown begins Samsung is likely prepping to launch its flagship Galaxy S26 series in 2026. Here's what we know about the Galaxy S26 launch date and when you can expect the phone to arrive.

Daylight saving time: Will your phone automatically adjust for the time change?
By Derrek Lee last updated
Time after time Do I need to do anything to my Android phone to make sure it's ready for the daylight saving time change? Probably not, but here are a few tips just in case.

These are the two flip phones I think you should consider for your next smartphone purchase
By Derrek Lee published
Decisions decisions North American shoppers looking for a flip phone have only two companies to choose from, with the Razr and Galaxy Z Flip series competing for your wallets.

Best Motorola phones
By Derrek Lee last updated
Hello Moto! Here are the best Motorola phones you should consider if you're planning to buy a new phone. From budget options to foldables, there are many choices.

The Pixel Watch may not be my ideal workout smartwatch, but it did the unthinkable — it helped me not hate running, thanks to some Fitbit AI magic
By Derrek Lee published
Editor's Desk Fitbit's daily run recommendations provide an AI-powered running experience that can convert any non-runner, and here's how.

Exclusive: The road to AI — How it will transform our relationship with technology
By Shruti Shekar, Derrek Lee, Jitesh Ubrani, Ramon Llamas, Kiranjeet Kaur published
IDC X AC In this exclusive collaboration, Android Central and IDC discuss the future of AI and its role in our lives.

The Garmin Venu 4 is becoming my new favorite fitness watch
By Derrek Lee published
Editor's Desk How does the Garmin Venu 4 perform during workouts? This is a look at the features, heart rate, and step counter when compared to other devices.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 review: A great flip phone that misses the point
By Derrek Lee last updated
Flip or flop The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is one of the best flip phones, but that's not enough.

Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 review: This cheap Android phone wants to be a flagship
By Derrek Lee last updated
Hello again, Moto The Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 is easily one of the best phones at this price point, thanks to the new OLED display, improved cameras, and flagship-level performance. This is almost a perfect $400 phone.

3 reasons why you should consider buying a hybrid smartwatch
By Derrek Lee published
Editor's Desk Hybrid smartwatches are less capable than traditional smartwatches, but for good reason.

This portable Qi2 power bank is just what I need for my Pixel 10, and there's still time to grab one
By Derrek Lee published
For Pixel, not for Pixel If you're looking for a slim, portable charger for your Qi2-compatible phone, this Anker one is on sale and just might fit the bill.

Skip the 'iPhone Air' and 'Galaxy Edge,' my favorite 2025 Samsung phone is down to its LOWEST price
By Derrek Lee published
Thin-ish The Galaxy S25 Plus is down to its lowest price on Prime Day, making it a great time to buy one over the Galaxy S25 Edge or iPhone Air.
Get the latest news from Android Central, your trusted companion in the world of Android



