Derrek Lee
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
News Weekly: Green bubbles just got better, a Samsung rollable phone, and more
By Derrek Lee published
News Weekly This week's top news included the rollout of RCS with iOS 18, a rollable Samsung phone in the works, the leaked price of the Quest 3s, and more.
How to use Camera Assistant to customize camera settings on your Samsung phone
By Derrek Lee last updated
Say cheese! Samsung's Good Lock lets you use Camera Assistant for even more control over your camera. Here's how you can use it.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 vs. OPPO Find N3 Flip
By Derrek Lee published
Fierce flip phones If you're a fan of OPPO, the triple-camera-touting Find N3 Flip might seem tempting. However, Samsung's new Galaxy Z Flip 6 has a lot to offer, as well.
I finally tried Auracast, and it feels like Bluetooth's final form
By Derrek Lee published
The future of Bluetooth After going through a demo of Auracast at IFA 2024, I'm convinced this is the perfect use case for Bluetooth.
News Weekly: Galaxy S25 renders break cover, the world's first tri-fold phone, and more
By Derrek Lee published
News Weekly A round-up of the biggest Google/Android-related news that stood out this week.
TECNO Phantom V Flip 2: An affordable flip phone for the rest of the world
By Derrek Lee published
Affordable flip The Phantom V Flip 2 continues TECNO's strategy of offering plenty of value in an affordable phone with flagship-like specs, which is important for the markets in which this phone will be offered.
TECNO is using foldables and AI to bridge the gap between developed and developing countries
By Derrek Lee published
TECNO AI How practical AI plays a role in TECNO's strategy.
News Weekly: Android 15 is coming, new Android features drop, and Honor's very thin foldable
By Derrek Lee published
News Weekly A round-up of the biggest Google/Android-related news that stood out this week.
Amazfit Helio Ring review: A bit of a letdown
By Derrek Lee published
Try again The Helio Ring has some good ideas with a poor overall execution.
How to use Call Notes on the Pixel 9 to record your conversations
By Derrek Lee published
Call notes The Pixel 9 launched with a cool AI feature dubbed Call Notes. This lets you record your calls and will use AI to create a summary and transcript so you can recall your conversation more easily.
News Weekly: New flagship Garmin watches, a unique tri-fold phone, Pixel 9 Pro XL teardown, and more
By Derrek Lee published
News Weekly This week, Garmin launched some impressive new smartwatches, TECNO unveiled a tri-fold phone, the Pixel 9 Pro XL gets taken apart, and more.
How to use Pixel Studio
By Derrek Lee published
Pixel Studio Pixel Studio is a new app introduced on the Pixel 9 series that lets users generate images using AI. All you have to do is imagine it, type it up, and the app does the work.
TECNO unveils innovative tri-fold phone thinner than the Galaxy Z Fold 6
By Derrek Lee published
More to fold TECNO is showing off a new tri-fold phone concept with a thin profile, strong hinges, and an ultra-thin battery.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. Pixel 8 Pro: A king-sized comparison
By Derrek Lee published
King-sized comparison The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a more direct successor to the Pixel 8 Pro. So how do they compare, and which should you get?
News Weekly: Pixel Watch 3 repair policy, a welcome Astrophotography change, Gemini upgrades, and more
By Derrek Lee published
News Weekly A round-up of the biggest Google/Android-related news that stood out this week.
RingConn Gen 2 Smart Ring review: Your move, Oura
By Derrek Lee published
Battery king The RingConn Gen 2 Smart Ring has crazy battery life and a new life-saving health feature.
First 10 things to do with the Galaxy Z Flip 6
By Derrek Lee published
First things Setting up a new phone is always a hassle, but it's easier when you know where to start. This guide should help you familiarize yourself with some Galaxy Z Flip 6 basics while you're getting set up.
News Weekly: Google's big Pixel 9 launch, the US wants to break up Google, and more
By Derrek Lee published
News Weekly A round-up of the biggest Google/Android-related news that stood out this week.
Made by Google 2024: The Pixel 9 and other big announcements
By Derrek Lee published
Made by Google The Made by Google 2024 launch event came and went, with plenty of devices revealed, from the Pixel 9 series to the Pixel Watch and even a new foldable. Here's everything the company announced.
News Weekly: Google is a monopoly, Meta closes a first-party VR studio, new Google hardware, and more
By Derrek Lee published
News Weekly A round-up of the biggest Google/Android-related news that stood out this week.
Made by Google 2024: How to watch the Pixel 9 launch and what to expect
By Derrek Lee published
Made by Google The upcoming Pixel 9 Made by Google event is expected to feature plenty of devices. Here's everything we expect to appear during the launch.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs. S22: Should you upgrade?
By Derrek Lee last updated
To level up or not We've had our time with the Galaxy S23, which means we can compare it to the Galaxy S22 to see if it's worth the upgrade or help you decide which one to buy.
Motorola Razr 2024 review: Setting the standard at a price we love
By Derrek Lee published
Razr cheap The Motorola Razr 2024 is one of the cheapest foldable phones available, offering a great experience for hundreds less. However, weak camera performance could be a deal breaker.
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