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

Did you know that this Galaxy S26 Plus deal can basically score $100 worth of free accessories?
By Derrek Lee published
Free stuff The Galaxy S26 Plus doesn't cost any less, but this Big Spring Sale deal will get you a free $100 gift card, which you can use towards accessories.

Tecno taps OpenClaw to supercharge its Ella AI assistant with new automation features
By Derrek Lee published
Ella evolution Tecno is integrating OpenClaw into its Ella AI assistant, bringing new automation capabilities such as message prioritization and summarization, multi-app integration, and more.

The Galaxy S26 is still missing my favorite Gemini trigger, so I used this Samsung hack to bring it back
By Derrek Lee published
Editor's Desk This Samsung hack will help you recover a lost trigger for your favorite AI assistant, but be ready to do a bit of work.

Does anyone even use 3-button navigation anymore?
By Derrek Lee published
AC Polls Android offers a choice between 3-button navigation and gesture navigation. In our latest poll, we want to know which one you prefer.

The more I use the Tecno Camon 50 Ultra, the more it feels like an affordable Galaxy S26 Ultra
By Derrek Lee published
Galaxy S26 Ultra for less Tenco's latest Camon 50 Ultra focuses on performance and AI, offering tons of features and a solid software experience for less than a typical flagship.

Now that the Galaxy S26 series has landed, what's your favorite new feature?
By Derrek Lee published
AC Polls In our latest poll, we want to know what Galaxy S26 feature you're most impressed with, from Privacy Display to Gemini screen automation.

This game-changing Galaxy S26 feature just transformed my Netflix binge sessions
By Derrek Lee published
Editor's Desk Samsung's Audio Eraser has been upgraded to support third-party apps, lowering background noise and ensuring voices are clear.

5 reasons to buy a Galaxy S26 and 3 reasons not to buy one
By Derrek Lee published
Editor's Desk We break down the pros and cons of Samsung's Galaxy S26 series to help you decide if you should buy one.

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.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is here, so which device are you interested in buying?
By Derrek Lee published
AC Polls In our latest poll, we want to know if you plan to buy a Galaxy S26 model and which one you are buying.

The Tecno Camon 50 Ultra is a Galaxy S26 Ultra look-alike stuffed to the brim with AI
By Derrek Lee published
Camon Tecno launched its new Camon 50 series at MWC 2026, with the Camon 50 Ultra as the flagship model of the series, sporting the best cameras in its price segment.

6 of the coolest display innovations I saw from TCL at MWC, and some of them could be in your next phone
By Derrek Lee published
MWC 2026 TCL's display division showcased its display tech at MWC 2026, including a new Super Pixel display arrangement features in the latest Xiaomi phones.

Android Central's MWC 2026 Best in Show
By Derrek Lee, Harish Jonnalagadda, Sanuj Bhatia, Brady Snyder published
Best in Show Android Central presents the MWC 2026 Best in Show awards, celebrating the products that stood out the most on the show floor.

Tecno's new concept reminds us why modular phones are cool... And why they never took off
By Derrek Lee published
MWC 2026 Tecno showcased a modular phone concept at MWC 2026, with a bevy of accessories that attach magnetically to the back of the phone.

How Tecno's partnership with Google Cloud is taking its 'practical AI' to new heights
By Derrek Lee published
Tecno AI Tecno is teasing new products for MWC 2026, including ways that its AI will continue to evolve across its devices.

Samsung Galaxy S26 release date: This is when Samsung's Agentic AI phone hits store shelves
By Derrek Lee last updated
The countdown begins Samsung announced the Galaxy S26 series, but when can you pick one up? We have the answer for you right here!

Samsung Galaxy S26 series hands-on: The ultimate Pixel experience, but make it One UI
By Derrek Lee published
Galaxy Pixel Samsung has released the new Galaxy S26 series, bringing a host of new and upgraded AI features and a new Privacy Display on the S26 Ultra that hides contents from onlookers.

I tried the new Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, and you won't miss a beat with these
By Derrek Lee published
Smarter earbuds Samsung's new Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro feature new designs and gestures for hands-free or phone-free controls.

The best smart rings to buy in 2026
By Derrek Lee last updated
Smart rings Smart rings are the hot new wearable on the block. Here are our favorite picks!

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.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026: How to watch and what to expect
By Nandika Ravi, Derrek Lee last updated
Unpack the next Galaxy Here's a quick look at what to expect from Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event and how you can stream it.

The Galaxy S26 series is almost here! Are you excited for Samsung's next big flagship?
By Derrek Lee published
AC Polls Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S26 series at Unpacked this week. In our latest poll, we want to know if you're looking forward to the trio of phones.

Should you buy the Google Pixel 10a? Well, the answer isn't that simple
By Derrek Lee published
Editor's Desk Google just launched the Pixel 10a, but is it worth buying when the Pixel 9a still exists? Let's take a look at why you should and shouldn't buy it.
Get the latest news from Android Central, your trusted companion in the world of Android



