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

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.

We asked what AI chatbot you prefer to use, and the top answer may surprise you
By Derrek Lee published
AC Polls In our latest poll, we asked readers which AI chatbot they preferred. These are the responses we received.

This hidden Motorola Razr feature is like a time machine that takes you back to a simpler time
By Derrek Lee published
Razr vs. RAZR Motorola has a button on the Razr that some may not know about, which transforms your phone into an old-school RAZR. Here's how to activate it

There are plenty of AI chatbots out there. Which one do you prefer to use and why?
By Derrek Lee published
AC Polls In our latest poll, we want to know which AI chatbot you use as a default in your daily life.
Samsung’s failed Edge experiment shouldn't go to waste
By Derrek Lee published
AC Editor's Desk The Galaxy S26 Edge has reportedly been canceled, but the company can let it live on in the Plus, just like it did with the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

The Galaxy S26 may not have built-in Qi2 magnets. Here's what you have to say about it
By Derrek Lee published
AC Polls We asked if the lack of built-in Qi2 magnets on the Galaxy S26 would be a dealbreaker. Here are the results from our latest poll.

I finally ditched LTE on my smartwatch, and I feel so much freer despite being tethered
By Derrek Lee published
Editor's Desk I've finally let go of my smartwatch data line after years of paying for a feature I never used. Here's why I did it.

This underrated Pixel Watch feature just helped me upgrade my workouts, but you'll need the right equipment
By Derrek Lee published
Just run Did you know your Pixel Watch 2, 3, or 4 can connect to your fitness equipment to display live heart rate data? Here's how I use it to connect to Peloton to help me maximize my workouts.

Is it a dealbreaker if the Galaxy S26 series doesn't have built-in Qi2 magnets?
By Derrek Lee published
AC Polls Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 series is rumored to once again skip built-in Qi2 magnets. In our latest poll, we want to know if this is a dealbreaker.

Qualcomm reports record earnings, but things aren't looking good
By Derrek Lee published
Earnings Qualcomm reports its FY Q1 2026 financial results, posting record total revenue but offering a cautious outlook amid the ongoing memory shortage.

Between longer battery life and faster charging speeds, here's what you want
By Derrek Lee published
AC Polls Our latest poll asked you to choose between longer battery life and faster charging on a smartphone. Here are the results and your responses.

I've been testing the Moto Watch, and it really makes me wish Motorola would stop teasing us and just jump on the Wear OS wagon already
By Derrek Lee published
Not the Moto 360 Motorola's new Moto Watch doesn't run Wear OS, but it relies on Polar for its health and fitness features. Does this translate to a better smartwatch experience? Find out in our Moto Watch review.

Battery life vs. charging speed: Which smartphone spec is more important to you?
By Derrek Lee published
AC Polls Between faster charging and longer battery life, we want to know which smartphone spec you care about more.

Google has proven it can make a compelling foldable, so where's the Pixel Flip?
By Derrek Lee published
Editor's Desk Google is on its third foldable iteration, but the company has yet to launch a flip phone under the Pixel name. Here's why I think a Pixel flip would make a compelling option.
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