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
![Philips Hue Smart Lights](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mbQHJUHQmcgTFTazZtUd7X-320-80.jpg)
Best smart LED light bulbs that work with Google Home 2024
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Hey Google! Here's a bright idea — connect these LED smart bulbs to your Google Home and control it all with your voice. Here are our top recommendations.
![Mint Mobile review](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bfyqXkh6kjzKLmGaACKd5V-320-80.jpg)
Mint Mobile review: Tons of data with multi-month savings
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Buy More To Save More! Loads of data for most people on T-Mobile's 5G network.
![8bitdo Pro 2 Review Up Close](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fy6Xupr3vheVFofu3FbjzQ-320-80.jpg)
Best controllers for Android tablets 2024
By Nick Ransbottom, Samuel Contreras last updated
CTRL Yourself It's harder to find a good tablet controller than it is a phone controller, but tablet gamers still have some options to choose from .
![Mint Mobile site on smartphone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uPjJuixQSQypqLvX6V4WqN-320-80.jpg)
How to port your number to Mint Mobile
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Move To Mint! Bring your existing number to Mint Mobile and save on wireless service.
![Netgear Nighthawk M6 and M6 Pro 5G mobile hotspots with a PC](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/akaGYeetVWmGX4pEUoXcFC-320-80.jpg)
Best 5G hotspots 2024
By Samuel Contreras last updated
5G internet on the go High-speed internet when you're away from home
![Mint Mobile homepage on Google Pixel 6 screen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/U8qsragHjW4KFtr68XEFnJ-320-80.jpg)
8 important considerations when switching to an MVNO
By Jerry Hildenbrand, Samuel Contreras last updated
Do your homework! Going prepaid is a great idea, but there are many things you need to know. Here are some of the important considerations when switching to an MVNO.
![T-Mobile retail storefront](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tayKpSosAMQZjqacPBJVcP-320-80.jpg)
How to cancel T-Mobile service
By Samuel Contreras, Judy Sanhz last updated
Bye T-Mobile You may have signed a multi-year agreement with T-Mobile, but that doesn’t mean you’re truly locked in. You can cancel at any time; you just might have to pay some penalties.
![A person holding an Obsidian Google Pixel 8a](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XJrBJTbAnK5LULvLJybsBG-320-80.jpg)
Does the Pixel 8a support wireless charging?
By Samuel Contreras published
Qi charging The Pixel 8a supports Qi wireless charging, like its predecessor, though the speeds could leave you wishing you got the Pixel 8.
![The Aloe Green Google Pixel 8a](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KASyLk6w3P4hU9VRwxrDrS-320-80.jpg)
How fast is the Google Pixel 8a charging speed?
By Samuel Contreras published
Get you Pixel powered up! The Pixel 8a supports 18W wired fast charging, which isn't all that fast these days. You'll need a PD 3.0 charger charge the 8a at its full speed.
![The Nokia X100](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wWrG5pjqViNpXfwapkdg9f-320-80.png)
Best Nokia phones 2024
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Budget-friendly Nokia makes some of the best budget and mid-range phones in the market today. That's down to a combination of great hardware and collaboration with HMD to offer clean Android devices.
![Chromecast with Google TV](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GjUEAuJDetVekTTEamVBoQ-320-80.jpg)
Best streaming devices 2024
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Plug and stream Whether you're looking for simplicity and ease of use or 4K HDR, there are tons of options and these are the best streaming devices of them all.
![ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 quad-band Wi-Fi 6E router](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wyUDNHGYrbgfiqWtMXE6tf-320-80.jpg)
Best Wi-Fi routers 2024
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Let's connect It's time for an upgrade.
![Mint Mobile home page on Pixel 6 screen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JbvqJ52jTH7SVyw7Y6fNKe-320-80.jpg)
Visible vs. Mint Mobile: Which should you get?
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Pick your prepaid carrier! Comparing Visible vs. Mint Mobile, it's easy to see that both offer great savings and many features. Let's see which one of them you should go for.
![Hands-on with the smaller Samsung Galaxy S24](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/U8aCq7Ff9B39uwR6GcVezh-320-80.jpg)
Best Metro by T-Mobile phones 2024
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Winning combo Metro by T-Mobile offers customers a more affordable wireless package on T-Mobile's network. The best Metro by T-Mobile phones have great 5G support, attractive designs, and the right pricing.
![Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE1000 review](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7h49zbfjFSQGUsnpBbHeaX-320-80.jpg)
Best Wi-Fi 6E router 2024
By Samuel Contreras, Harish Jonnalagadda last updated
Extend your Wi-Fi The ROG Rapture is the ultimate Wi-Fi 6E pick, but there are plenty of other options if you're looking to upgrade.
![Visible SIM next to an S20+](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iSBCXKprzGB5G9izqvAdQM-320-80.jpg)
Visible Wireless review: Unlimited high-speed data on Verizon's network for lower fees
By Samuel Contreras last updated
5G you can see If you’re a heavy user on a budget, Visible gives you totally unlimited data for just $25.
![The vibrant display of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AHC56nt5DfQGA4x7UEYZ2Y-320-80.jpg)
Best AT&T phones 2024
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Best for AT&T With one of these best AT&T phones, you'll be able to enjoy 5G connectivity, as well as a number of other benefits offered by the carrier.
![Samsung Object eraser removing an unwanted lighted from a picture of a plant.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DfHagxeKWsXYJ2mThuakMZ-320-80.jpg)
How to use Object Eraser on a Samsung phone
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Out of sight Samsung's Gallery app and Object Eraser can erase unwanted objects reducing distractions so your viewers can focus on the most important parts of the photo.
![Device lock status shows unlocked on a OnePlus Android phone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MjqWdSVW8usF9dHheCSUE7-320-80.jpg)
How do I know if my phone is unlocked?
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Own you phone! An unlocked phone is the key to getting service from an alternative carrier. Here's how you can check if your device is unlocked.
![Hand holding phone with Tello on screen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CAuYyHjUD5UFfqXLiNS72Y-320-80.jpg)
Tello vs. Google Fi: Which flexible prepaid carrier is the best?
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Two Great Options! We compare Tello vs. Google Fi to help you decide which of these T-Mobile-based MVNOs you should go for. While Google Fi has three flexible plans, Tello lets you customize everything.
![Metro by T-Mobile](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FWeGYeazPwFJjoS5dvnLiD-320-80.jpg)
How to activate a Metro by T-Mobile phone 2024
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Hello Metro! Activate a Metro by T-Mobile phone by following a few simple steps. Here's how!
![Google Fi SIM cards](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SNmsQcYxXvVETwoyNXkhNL-320-80.jpg)
Best Google Fi Wireless alternatives 2024
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Choices abound! Google's MVNO is good, but it's not the only game in town.
![AT&T store sign](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rPx3BSaqNjxZVRQef5pJfP-320-80.jpg)
Best AT&T cell phone plans 2024
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Take your pick! As one of the three big carriers in the United States, AT&T has a plethora of cell phone plans — both unlimited and prepaid — to meet the requirements of anyone and everyone.
![5G connected on Zenfone 8 with Android 12](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TV6Y9T24n7PtJykmUPnwKb-320-80.jpg)
T-Mobile 5G: Everything you need to know
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Super-fast 5G! T-Mobile and 5G go together like PB&J.
![Mint Mobile home screen on Pixel 6](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sYeKYnvoA9MkiVuX5zLMmX-320-80.jpg)
Mint Mobile vs. Boost Mobile: Which prepaid carrier is best for you?
By Samuel Contreras, Olivia Lipski last updated
Boost or Mint? Both Mint Mobile and Boost Mobile offer some of the best deals you can get for prepaid service. This guide will help you pick the right alternative carrier for your specific requirements.