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

Say what? The Pixel 10 has been out for two seconds and it's already on sale!?
By Derrek Lee published
Already!? The Pixel 10 receives a discount for Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days, knocking it down to its cheapest price since it launched less than two months ago.

Not the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 FINALLY getting the price cut I've been hoping for!
By Derrek Lee published
A big deal, indeed Amazon is offering the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 at a $200 discount on most models, while one colorway is even cheaper.

YouTube Music 'borrowed' this divisive Spotify AI feature, and I don't hate it
By Derrek Lee published
Beyond the Beat YouTube Music recently introduced a new experiment, testing AI music hosts that provide commentary between tracks. Some users may not like this, but it's not half-bad.

These two AI shortcuts have become an invaluable part of my Android experience
By Derrek Lee published
Editor's Desk Gemini and Circle to Search can be easily accessed using these two gestures, although not everyone is on board.

The first 10 things to do with the Google Pixel 10
By Derrek Lee, Nicholas Sutrich last updated
Editor's Desk The Google Pixel 10 features a bevy of new software and AI features. Here are some of the first things you should do when you get your device.

How to test YouTube Music's AI music hosts: A new way to re-discover your favorite songs
By Derrek Lee published
Hey mister DJ YouTube Music has a new experimental feature with AI hosts that chime in between songs to provide commentary about songs. Here's how you can try it.

Google and Qualcomm finally realize what AI is for
By Derrek Lee published
Editor's Desk Qualcomm's latest chip will help enable a new evolution of personalized agentic AI.

The new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 promises smarter, more proactive AI and better video recording
By Derrek Lee published
Unleash the dragon The new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 takes AI to another level with enhanced on-device agentic capabilities, allowing phones to become more proactive and helpful.

Google Pixel 10 review: A blend of AI magic and camera upgrades worth your attention
By Derrek Lee last updated
Pixel power In our Pixel 10 review, we take a look at how Google's 10th-generation Pixel model brings AI to the forefront of the experience.

Meta's Gen 2 AI smart glasses set the stage for Samsung and Google's challenge
By Derrek Lee published
Editor's Desk Meta's newly revealed Ray-Ban Gen 2 AI glasses are a welcome upgrade, but now all eyes are on Samsung and Google's offering.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Price, specs, and everything you need to know
By Derrek Lee last updated
The new flip The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is here, and it's Samsung's best flip phone yet — here's everything you need to know about it.

Deciding between iPhone 17 models as an Android user? Here's what to consider
By Derrek Lee published
Editor's Desk Apple's iPhone 17 series features enticing new designs and features, but is it enough to tempt Android users? Here are some key considerations and comparisons.

Android 16 on the Pixel 10 is a step in the right direction, but there are still changes I wanna see
By Derrek Lee published
Editor's Desk I love the changes Google brought to the Pixel with Android 16, but it can and should go further.

Can the Pixel 10 Pro really compete? We test the cameras against Google's biggest competitors
By Nicholas Sutrich, Derrek Lee last updated
Take a picture Our Pixel 10 camera review showcases the changes made to Google's latest flagships, while also comparing results to competing Android phones and previous Pixel devices.

Does the voice assistant on the Galaxy S25 sound natural compared to Gemini?
By Derrek Lee published
Bixby or Gemini The Galaxy S25 includes both Bixby and Gemini as voice assistants. However, which one sounds more natural?

Google Pixel 10 launch live blog: Reviews, camera comparisons, deals, and more
By Derrek Lee, Nicholas Sutrich, Brady Snyder last updated
Pixel 10 The Google Pixel 10 is here, and we're reacting to all the reviews, sharing our thoughts on everything we've seen. Follow along!

How secure is Bluetooth pairing on the Galaxy S25?
By Derrek Lee last updated
Bluetooth security If you own a Galaxy S25, you're likely pairing multiple Bluetooth devices to it. How secure is your Bluetooth connection?

Should you buy a Google Pixel 10?
By Derrek Lee published
Editor's Desk Is the Pixel 10 series worth buying or upgrading to? Here are some pros and cons of Google's latest phones.

Google Pixel 10 software updates: How long will it be supported?
By Derrek Lee last updated
Updates galore Google has one of the best software update promises in the industry, and it extends this promise to the Pixel 10.

When is the Google Pixel 10 release date?
By Brady Snyder, Derrek Lee last updated
Release date Google's Pixel 10 series is here. Here's everything you need ot know about the Pixel 10 release date.

Google Pixel Watch 4 hands-on: AI on your wrist
By Derrek Lee published
Pixel Watch power We go hands-on with the new Google Pixel Watch 4, which brings some smartwatch firsts like a new Snapdragon chip, satellite SOS, and on-device AI capabilities.

Google Pixel 10 series hands-on: A bigger upgrade than you think
By Nicholas Sutrich, Derrek Lee published
X marks the spot The Google Pixel 10 series is official, and while they look identical to the Pixel 9 at first glance, some substantial upgrades pave the way for significantly better phones

The TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER is an affordable Android device blending smartphone and e-reader
By Derrek Lee published
Editor's Desk In our TCL 60 NXTPAPER review, we take a look at why this smartphone may be perfect for avid readers or anyone who wants a more comfortable viewing experience.
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