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
These 6 smart plugs are the best for monitoring energy usage in 2023
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Smart energy management Do you know how much energy your devices and appliances use? These handy smart plugs can help you figure that out.
Best smart video doorbells that store locally (not in the cloud) 2023
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Safely stored Keep your friends close and your video doorbell recordings closer.
Best Wi-Fi 6 routers 2023
By Samuel Contreras published
Upgrade Looking to switch to speedier Wi-Fi? We've got you covered.
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.
Best Wall Outlets with USB Ports in 2023
By Samuel Contreras published
Charge your tech without giving up any outlets
Best GaN chargers 2023
By Samuel Contreras last updated
GaN on! Compact and portable chargers with plenty of power for fast charging.
How to sell or trade in your Android phone to get the most money
By Samuel Contreras last updated
If you're ready for a new phone but your old one is still hanging in there, you can sell it for cash or put it towards a new device. It's not only good for your wallet, but the environment as well.
Best smart plug for Google Home and Alexa 2023
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Hands-free and smart Save on your energy costs with the best smart plugs for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Here are some of our favorites that are compatible with multiple smart voice assistants.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2023) vs. Chromecast with Google TV: Which should you buy?
By Samuel Contreras published
Stick vs. dongle With new features like Live View Picture-in-Picture and Wi-Fi 6, the Fire TV Stick 4K is technically more advanced than Google's Chromecast, but not enough to leave Google's ecosystem.
Best smart LED light bulbs that work with Google Home 2023
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.
Which Echo speakers have eero built-in?
By Samuel Contreras last updated
eero on echo Your Echo speaker can improve your Wi-Fi, as long as you have 4th gen or newer.
Mint Mobile vs. Boost Mobile: Which prepaid carrier is best for you?
By Samuel Contreras, Olivia Lipski last updated
Battle of the MVNOs 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.
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.
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.