
Samuel Contreras
When Samuel is not writing about networking or 5G at Android Central, he spends most of his time researching computer components and obsessing over what CPU goes into the ultimate Windows 98 computer. It's the Pentium 3.
Latest articles by Samuel Contreras

USB Type-C FAQ — everything you need to know
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Superior connector USB Type-C, or more simply, USB-C, is a rounded and reversible plug for charging and data transfer. Used by most Android phones, USB-C can deliver fast charging and transfer speeds up to 40Gbps.

Best battery cases for Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 2023
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Protect and charge Keep your S22 Ultra running all day and into the next.

Visible vs. Mint Mobile: Which should you get?
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Who wins? Mint Mobile and Visible both offer great savings, from budget-conscious plans to access to the biggest cellular networks. We'll show you how to pick the carrier that's right for you.

Mint Mobile vs. Boost Mobile: Which prepaid carrier is best for you?
By Samuel Contreras, Olivia Lipski last updated
Mint Mobile and Boost Mobile offer customers some of the best deals you can get for prepaid cell phone plans. This guide will help you choose an alternative carrier based on your specific needs.

Best Samsung tablet 2023
By Michael L Hicks, Samuel Contreras last updated
Samsung makes the best Android tablets, and these models are the best of the best.

Best smart home bathroom gadgets 2023
By Samuel Contreras published
Make your bathroom time more comfortable and convenient

Best Wi-Fi 6E mesh routers 2023
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Better Wi-Fi When shopping for the best Wi-Fi 6E mesh routers, the ASUS ZenWiFi ET8 tops the list thanks to its low price and balanced performance.

These are the most secure smart plugs you can buy
By Samuel Contreras published
Stay in control of who has access to your smart home tech.

Brightest LED smart bulbs 2023: The best lights for dark spaces
By Samuel Contreras, Chris Wedel last updated
Light up! Get plenty of bright light for your space, without giving up any control.

Goal Zero Sherpa 100 PD Qi review: An expensive yet powerful 100W battery pack
By Samuel Contreras published
Power up! Built like a tank with up to 100W of power

Tello vs. Google Fi: Which flexible prepaid carrier is the best?
By Samuel Contreras last updated
The battle for affordable prepaid domination!

Verizon vs. Mint Mobile: Which is right for you?
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Verizon and Mint Mobile offer some of the best cell phone plans today, but picking between the two isn't easy. Both carriers offer excellent service, but the right one for you depends on your needs.

Best places to buy a refurbished phone 2023
By Samuel Contreras, Patrick Farmer published
Some people are happy to pay retail, but others are looking for a deal — and one of the ways to find discounts is to look for refurbished phones.

Best wireless carriers for students 2023
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Get unlimited data or just enough to get by at the right price.

How to port your number to Mint Mobile
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Porting your number seems like one of the most daunting parts of switching services, but in reality, it's a pretty simple process. Here's what you need to know!

Should you worry about data prioritization on prepaid carriers?
By Samuel Contreras last updated
If you're looking to save with a prepaid carrier, keep in mind that not all data is treated equally. Here is what you need to know about "de-prioritization".

What is 5G? Everything you need to know
By Samuel Contreras last updated
5G All of the major carriers are deploying 5G in some capacity and 5G-capable phones are more common than ever. It's all to answer the demand for more capacity and more consistent coverage.

Best wireless carrier in the U.S. 2023
By Samuel Contreras last updated
The United States has more than a few wireless carriers to choose from, but which one is truly the best?

Visible vs. Verizon prepaid: Which carrier should you get?
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Visible's pair of plans stick to the carrier's principles of simple wireless connectivity. Verizon fights back with a better phone selection and more flexibility.

Best Mint Mobile phones 2023
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Mint Mobile is a great fit for the best Android phones thanks to T-Mobile's fast and compatible 5G network. Mint Mobile works with the latest phones from Google, Samsung, and even OnePlus.

Best Kindle Paperwhite cases 2023
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Protect your virtual library with a stylish case.

Best Google Fi Wireless alternatives 2023
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Best of the rest Google Fi is a favorite among Android fans thanks to its flexibility and unique features but its pricing won't work for everyone. Luckily, there are plenty of other carriers to choose from.

Best T-Mobile Cell Phone Plans 2023
By Samuel Contreras last updated
If you want to use the nation's largest 5G network, you have a few plan options to choose from.
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