Xiaomi’s site in the Netherlands still offers Early Bird discounts on the Poco F7. After adding it to the cart, the price falls to €384 thanks to a €15 discount. You can find it here – it comes with a free 120W charger, free Xiaomi Smart Band 10 and a choice between a free Xiaomi Sound Outdoor 30W Bluetooth speaker or Redmi Buds 5 Pro.
Amazon sells it at a slightly lower price, although without the freebies. The Poco F7 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 – the same chipset used in the Nothing Phone (3), which will become available soon. The F7 has a bigger 6.83” OLED display and a higher capacity 6,500mAh battery. Its cameras are fairly basic, however, with a 50MP main (1/1.95”) and 8MP ultra-wide. Of course, the Nothing starts at €800 – double the price of the F7.
We will talk about Nothing more in the coming weeks, but the Poco F7 Ultra is a more direct competitor – and can be had for as little as €640. It is powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and a 5,300mAh battery with 120W wired and 50W wireless charging. The camera setup includes a 50MP main (1/1.55”), 50MP 2.5x/60mm telephoto (1/2.76”) and a 32MP ultra-wide.
The middle ground is the Poco F7 Pro. That one also has a faster chipset – the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 beats the 8s Gen 4 by a small margin – and a sharper 1440p+ display (the Nothing Phone (3) has a 1260p+ panel). The 6,000mAh battery is bigger, but it only offers 90W wired charging. And the camera is similar to that of the vanilla F7, save for the bigger sensor in the main (50MP 1/1.55”).
The Poco X7 Pro is part of the more affordable series, but its Dimensity 8400 Ultra performs close to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. Again, you’re looking at pretty basic cameras (50MP 1/1.95” main, 8MP ultra-wide) and a large battery (6,000mAh, 90W wired-only charging).
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After releasing the Nothing Phone (2) in 2023, Nothing took a year off from premium phones – but it promised a proper flagship for 2025. And, uh, here it is. The Nothing Phone (3) quickly became the talk of the town and not in a good way. Where should we start?
The design is one of the more controversial aspects of the phone and it’s hard to ignore. Nothing has built a reputation for out-of-the-box designs and the brand’s style is instantly recognizable. However, this latest model – remember, it was two years in the making! – caused an avalanche of negative reactions.
And that may not be the worst of it – let’s look at the prices next.
| Nothing Phone (3) | 12/256GB | 16/512GB |
|---|---|---|
| US | $800 | $900 |
| UK | £800 | £900 |
| EU | €800 | €900 |
| India | ₹80,000 | ₹90,000 |
For context, a 12/256GB OnePlus 13 is $900/£900/€1,000/₹70,000 without any discounts. No, you’re not reading it wrong, the OnePlus flagship has a lower MSRP in India than the Nothing phone.
The Nothing Phone (3) has a non-LTPO 6.67” 120Hz OLED display and a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 instead of Elite. The triple 50MP camera has a large 1/1.3” main sensor, but the 3x periscope has a smaller sensor than the Phone (3a) Pro (1/2.75” vs. 1/1.95”). The battery is 5,150mAh in most of the world and 5,500mAh in India – in either case you are looking at 65W wired and 15W wireless charging. The dust and water resistance is the best of any Nothing phone so far but it’s still only IP68.
Those are not exactly flagship specs, are they? So far, Nothing phones have been better value for money than much of the competition, but the same can’t be said of the Phone (3). How much does that dot matrix display on the back cost, anyway?
The phone will receive 5 OS updates and 7 years of security patches. Nothing OS 4.0/Android 16 is coming “later this autumn”. Check out our hands-on to learn more about the Nothing Phone (3).
What do you think – will you buy the Nothing Phone (3) or are you looking at other models?
Here’s how to get a refund and make returns on Amazon orders.
Macy Meyer is a North Carolina native who graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a BA in English and a second BA in Journalism. Macy is a Writer on the CNET How-To team, covering a variety of topics, including home security, fitness and nutrition, smart home tech and more. In each article, Macy helps readers get the most out of their home, tech and wellness. When Macy isn’t writing, she’s volunteering, traveling, walking her dog, Holden, or watching sports.
Expertise Macy covers a variety of topics for the CNET How-To team. Credentials
- Macy has been working for CNET for coming on 2 years. Prior to CNET, Macy received a North Carolina College Media Association award in sports writing.
Amazon’s Prime Day event, running from July 8 to 11, is just around the corner. If you’re planning to stock up on tech, household essentials or that robot vacuum you’ve been eyeing, there’s something important you’ll want to keep in mind: not every purchase will be a keeper. And now, some returns may cost you.
Amazon introduced a $1 surcharge for returning certain items via The UPS Store, especially when a closer, cost-free option is available. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of free and easy return alternatives. Here’s what you need to know to avoid unnecessary fees and how to make returns stress-free after Prime Day shopping.
Start your return the right way
Begin by visiting your Amazon Orders page and selecting the item you want to send back. Choose a reason for the return, then review your drop-off and pickup options. Amazon will show you eligible locations.
If your item qualifies for multiple return methods, keep an eye out for the ones marked “no-box, no-label” — those are your free-ticket returns.
Free Amazon return options near you
Kohl’s and Staples
Kohl’s and Staples locations across the US accept Amazon returns at no cost. Just choose one of these retailers as your drop-off spot when initiating your return. You’ll receive a QR code to show in-store and there’s no need to repackage the item.
Better yet? Some stores may reward you with in-store discount coupons just for stopping by.
Whole Foods Market
You can also drop off returns at select Whole Foods locations. As with Kohl’s, you’ll get a QR code to scan when you arrive. However, not all Whole Foods stores support Amazon returns and some may require you to box the item beforehand, so double check the return instructions during checkout.
Amazon Fresh, Amazon Go and Amazon Lockers
If you’re lucky enough to live near an Amazon-owned store, such as Amazon Fresh or Amazon Go, you might be able to drop your item there. Choose Amazon Store Dropoff and follow the provided instructions. For Amazon Hub Lockers, you’ll typically need to box your return first, but materials may be available on-site.
UPS return options: Free or fee?
Drop off at The UPS Store
UPS Store drop-off is often free unless a closer free location is available. In that case, Amazon may charge you a $1 convenience fee. You’ll still get a QR code and The UPS Store will handle packaging and labeling for you.
Schedule a UPS pickup
For maximum convenience, Amazon lets you request a UPS pickup from your doorstep. You’ll need to pack the item yourself, but UPS provides the label. While this can be a great option, a small fee may apply depending on the item and your location. Amazon will notify you during the return process.
Pro tip: Check each return option closely
As Prime Day deals roll in next week, it’s smart to know your return options in advance. Amazon makes it relatively easy to send back items, but fees and eligibility can vary based on where you live, how far you are from partner stores and what you’re returning.
By choosing the right return method, you can skip the hassle and the charges.
Stay tuned to CNET for the latest on Amazon Prime Day 2025, including expert advice on scoring the best tech, smart home gear and more. For even more bargains, take a look at our full roundup of the best Amazon deals under $100.
I know, I know — summer vacations are for unplugging and disconnecting. But the truth is that you’ll likely need some kind of internet connection while you’re traveling — if only just to find directions, book a reservation or post pictures of your travel shenanigans on Instagram or Facebook.
You may not have a mobile connection everywhere you go, so knowing where to get secure, accessible Wi-Fi is a must for a safe (and fun) trip. Whether you’re on the go for a long weekend beach getaway or an extended stay in the tropics, finding secure Wi-Fi can be difficult.
In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of finding and using an internet connection while travelling and vacationing. While you might not have access to your secure home network during your travels, you can still connect to a reliable internet connection, provided you know where to look. Here’s everything you need to know.
How to get online quickly using a hotspot
A hotspot is a central location (or a device) that offers wireless access to the internet. Any network device can connect to the hotspot with the right access. Depending on your mobile provider and plan, you may be able to use your smartphone as a hotspot. A mobile hotspot relies on the cellular network of your mobile carrier and is generally much slower and unreliable than a fixed home internet connection, but it can still be a lifeline if you need to connect to the internet on the go. A mobile hotspot will not replace your traditional home internet connection, but it can be a temporary way to get back online. CNET’s How-To Expert Nelson Aguilar tells users to avoid connecting their computers to a mobile hotspot.
“A mobile device typically uses less data than a computer, and so the performance is much higher than with a computer, which often runs several high-bandwidth tasks in the background that can quickly consume data and slow down performance,” Aguilar said.
There are some other things you should keep in mind about using a hotspot.
There are two different types of hotspots: Public vs. private
If you’ve paid your mobile provider for the ability to create a hotspot with your smartphone, your device acts as a private hotspot and can create wireless access for other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, like laptops, desktop computers and streaming devices. That’s a pretty secure way to get internet on the go, but it’s not always available to everyone.
On the other hand, public hotspots are much easier to find and are usually created by a business to provide internet service when visitors, customers and clients are on site. Many free, public Wi-Fi connections are hotspots. For instance, you can connect to a public hotspot in areas like cafes or shopping malls. But public hotspots come with a lot of security and privacy risks.
Wi-Fi vs. hotspot: Knowing the difference
Hotspots are a physical location or device; Wi-Fi is a wireless technology that devices can use to send information to each other. If you have Wi-Fi at home, it’s because you have a Wi-Fi router quarterbacking all of your wireless gadgets, and an internet service provider that’s connecting that router to the internet.
As long as you set a strong password, a private Wi-Fi network like that will be much more secure than a public hotspot because you’re controlling who and what connects to it. Public hotspots, on the other hand, are open to anyone within range and are not often encrypted.
In other words, you’re more susceptible to hackers stealing your information and intercepting your network with malware and other viruses with a public hotspot. This is why it’s a good idea to use a VPN if you need to do anything sensitive, like shopping or sending money, while using a hotspot. CNET’s recommendation for the best VPN service overall is ExpressVPN, for its simple-to-use features, fast server speeds and it is excellent for streaming.
Tips for securely connecting to public Wi-Fi
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network will encrypt and protect your internet activity.
- Do not access sensitive information: Unless you really have to, don’t access your bank account or websites with sensitive personal information on a public network.
- Turn off auto-connect: It’s convenient to reconnect to the same Wi-Fi network automatically, but it could happen without you knowing and potentially expose your personal information.
- Only visit secure or encrypted websites: You can check to see if a website is secure if it has a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar or if the websites start with ‘HTTPS.’
- Log out: If you’ve signed into an account, even just your Google account, always sign out when you’re finished on a public network.
How to find free Wi-Fi or public Wi-Fi hotspots almost anywhere
You probably can’t get a hotspot from home unless you create one with your smartphone (or you happen to live really close to someone who has an unsecured network). There are lots of options for finding free Wi-Fi or public hotspots in businesses like coffee shops, parks, libraries, hotels, museums, restaurants, fitness centers and much more. Some public transportation, like buses or the metro, offer free Wi-Fi.
If you’re about to head out for the day in search of free internet, try using these helpful apps first:
- Instabridge — Android or iOS
- WiFi Map — Android or iOS
- WiFi Around — iOS
- Wiman — Android
- WeFi — Android
Apps like these display a map of your area or list free public Wi-Fi or hotspots. Most also let you track login requirements and view user hotspot reviews.
Some locations, like libraries or college campuses, are generally predictable sources for free public Wi-Fi, but if you’re not using a Wi-Fi finder app, it’s a good idea to call first to make sure. In addition, your internet provider’s network might offer access to hotspots. For instance, AT&T customers can access over 30,000 Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide under its network, as can customers of Cox Communications, Spectrum, Xfinity and more.
How to set up and use free Wi-Fi
Make sure the device you plan to use is Wi-Fi capable. If it is, turn on Wi-Fi.
Once you’ve arrived at the location where you’ll use public Wi-Fi or a hotspot, open a browser and then either open up your computer’s network settings or click on the Wi-Fi icon on your screen. Next, select the public Wi-Fi connection you intend to use. If the connection is public, you will now be connected, but watch for an opt-in site to pop up in your browser. Some businesses require you to agree to their terms of service or provide an email address before they’ll let you use their free Wi-Fi.
Some businesses provide a login and password to their customers and offer a secure network. If the connection you intend to use shows up as secured, look around for the login and password posted in the business, or ask someone for help. Yes, if you’re somewhere like a coffee shop, it’d be polite to buy a pastry or a latte while you’re at it.
This hotspot device from HTC uses an incoming 5G connection to provide Wi-Fi internet access for nearby wireless devices.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
How to set up and use your mobile hotspot
They aren’t free, but if you need an internet connection and have a good cellular signal, a paid hotspot is another way to get Wi-Fi on the go. For example, maybe you’re traveling to a rural area with limited ISP options or the Wi-Fi where you’re staying isn’t as fast as you’d like it to be.
Depending on your mobile provider and the plan you pay for, you might already have personal hotspot capabilities. If not, speak with your provider to determine how much they’ll charge you for that option. Be prepared to pay more if you’re seeking unlimited data.
After you’ve considered pricing, you’ll need to decide whether to use your smartphone as a hotspot or purchase a dedicated Wi-Fi hotspot device.
Enlarge Image
Check your phone’s settings for hotspot capabilities.
Screenshots by Ry Crist/CNET
Should I use my smartphone or a separate hotspot device?
A hotspot device is a separate device on your mobile plan with its own separate data limit. While the downside is the extra cost, the upside is that you won’t have to worry about your smartphone usage eating up your hotspot data. Another positive: If you set a strong password, using a hotspot device to get online is just as secure as any ISP-provided Wi-Fi connection, and it’ll often provide a greater range of coverage. We’re also seeing a growing number of full-fledged Wi-Fi routers and mesh routers that are designed to get their incoming signal over a cellular connection, such as LTE or 5G.
Both smartphone hotspots and dedicated hotspot devices can be used anywhere, although using a smartphone hotspot in public places may be more convenient, especially if you’re just trying to get your laptop online for a few minutes. It’s worth noting that using a smartphone as a hotspot can be convenient temporarily. For instance, if your mobile provider experiences a network outage, you won’t be able to get online. In addition, a mobile hotspot is only ideal until your smartphone’s battery eventually runs out.
What Wi-Fi options does my internet provider offer?
In response to the pandemic, the Federal Communications Commission created the Keep Americans Connected initiative to help people keep their broadband and telephone connectivity in 2020. Additionally, providers like Xfinity, Spectrum and Optimum extended free Wi-Fi to anyone (customers and noncustomers). Most of these programs are no longer active in these post-pandemic times, but it’s still worthwhile to check with your local ISP. Occasionally, as in the example of the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, these providers activate hotspots for noncustomers so everyone can stay online even while structural damage may inhibit people from using the Wi-Fi at home.
What’s the bottom line?
Whatever path you take, you have more than one option for getting online. If you’re still struggling to find free Wi-Fi on your travels, it’s worth checking with your provider’s hotspot map (if it offers one) to see if there are any hotspots near you. Just remember to use a VPN if you join a public network and take other safety measures to keep your personal information safe.
Find Free Wi-Fi FAQs
What’s the difference between Wi-Fi and a hotspot?
Hotspots are a physical location or specific devices that offers wireless access to the internet. In contrast, Wi-Fi is a wireless technology that devices can use to send information to each other. In most cases, Wi-Fi is accompanied by a Wi-Fi router and an internet service provider that connects all your devices to the internet.
Where can you find free Wi-Fi?
There are many ways to find free Wi-Fi. First, knowing the difference between a public and private hotspot is essential. Private hotspots are not free. The good news is that most public establishments — such as businesses, coffee shops, shopping malls, libraries, hotels and even parks (limited for some) — typically offer free public hotspots. Certain apps like Instabridge, WiFi Map and WiFi Around can help narrow your search for free Wi-Fi hotspots available near you.
Are private networks more secure than public hotspots?
Yes. Public hotspots are open to anyone within range, which means you’re more susceptible to hackers stealing your personal information or other risks. Incorporating a VPN as an extra layer of protection is a good call when using public Wi-Fi.
Our Experts
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
Mae has always been fascinated with technology. From teaching her parents to send their first email to writing about antivirus software and VPNs. She has always enjoyed learning about the latest cybersecurity and teaching others how to stay safe online.
Expertise Computer software | VPNs | Antiviruses | PC games | PC help guides
Sam Dawson Cybersecurity Expert
Sam Dawson is a cybersecurity expert and VPN reviewer. After making the leap from academic research into the world of tech writing, Sam found his advocacy for data privacy was a natural fit for the team at ProPrivacy. He has since gone freelance, working for outlets such as TechRadar, TomsGuide, ITPro, and CNET, as well as continuing to conduct research in everything from VPN obfuscation techniques to dark web data leaks.
We intensively test each VPN, making sure it meets our standards for privacy, speed and usability.
Virtual private networks, or VPNs, are privacy tools that encrypt your web traffic, so your ISP or mobile provider can’t see which websites you visit or apps you use. There are many reasons why you may want to use a VPN for travel, from unblocking streaming content you wouldn’t otherwise be able to access in Japan to keeping access to your local banking and news sites on the go. VPNs can make it look like you’re in another city, state or country. So, if you’re connecting from your hotel in Shibuya, but you’re using a VPN server in Alabama, websites you visit will think you’re connecting from the United States.
By using a VPN, you will be able to keep up with your favourite shows on streaming services while resting in your room after a long day of sightseeing around Japan. On the flipside, you could also use your VPN to access your favourite Japanese series, such as Sakamoto Days or Dan Da Dan, before they’re released outside of Japan, as well as region-locked J-dramas that rarely get international releases, all from the comfort of your home country. You can also use a VPN to log into your email or mobile banking app from abroad while making it look like you’re in your home country to potentially avoid pesky CAPTCHAs.
Choosing the right VPN for Japan requires some careful evaluation, and CNET’s VPN experts have picked the top VPNs from the dozens that we regularly test. Our rigorous testing process evaluates each service based on the crucial factors you need in a VPN, including connection speed, reliability, pricing, user experience, privacy protection and streaming compatibility.
Using a VPN in Japan is necessary to protect your privacy and data from prying eyes like the government, ISPs and more. Although Japan has no censorship laws regarding the internet, it still has heavy surveillance. A VPN will protect your personal information using Japanese internet connections and allow you to stay anonymous while in the country. Plus, using a VPN will allow you to stream US-only content.
After running several extensive tests, we have established a thorough list of the best VPNs for Japan, the winner being ExpressVPN. Its full suite of premium security features makes it the most protective app on the market. It has impressive speeds for streaming, internet browsing and or uploading vacation pictures in Japan. A close runner-up would be NordVPN due to its lightning-fast speeds and large Japanese server network.
IPVanish
IPVanish is a simple-to-use VPN with great streaming speeds and a decent security suite. (IPVanish is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) It’s the perfect VPN for beginners due to its simple user interface and provides unlimited connections. Unfortunately, it’s not the best VPN for Japan due to its inconsistent speeds. Its speed testing results were all over the place, making it hard to stream or use the internet. Plus, its Quick Connect button sometimes didn’t do what it advertised. Although we tested this only in the US, considering its differing speed results outside the country, I don’t recommend trying it in Japan.
Read our IPVanish review.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
PIA is a wallet-friendly VPN that’s cheaper than most competitors at $12 per month, $40 for the first year (renewing at $50 annually) or $79 total for three years of service. Despite all it offers, we don’t recommend using it in Japan due to its limited Japanese server network (only servers in Tokyo) and high internet speed loss. PIA also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, a benefit that pricier VPNs like Proton, ExpressVPN and NordVPN don’t have. It’s suitable for streaming service unblocking, provides a solid network of 35,000-plus servers in 91 countries and has highly customizable, albeit a little unpolished, apps. Folks who live in or frequently travel to the US may appreciate PIA’s servers in all 50 of the United States — this can be helpful for streaming regional sports, like NFL games.
We like that its apps are open-source, meaning anyone can inspect the source code for bugs or vulnerabilities, which is solid transparency. Only a few other providers, including Proton VPN and Mullvad, have open-source apps. While PIA largely sticks to covering the basics, it features some neat privacy amenities, including split tunneling on MacOS (which lets you use a VPN for certain apps and services but not others) — a rarity among VPN providers. Notably, Surfshark also has Mac split tunneling.
But unfortunately, PIA was rough around the edges in our latest round of testing. We clocked its internet speed loss at an underwhelming 49% average, meaningfully higher than the 25% average we like to see. Additionally, we encountered many CAPTCHAs while trying to perform basic tasks like running a Google search. Although streaming was largely decent, we had to change servers more often than with other providers, like NordVPN, Proton VPN, ExpressVPN or Surfshark. You can get Surfshark, which delivers far faster speeds, a better streaming experience and more forward-thinking privacy features, for a little more money. Still, PIA can be good on a budget for folks who need comprehensive US server coverage. Otherwise, your money is probably better spent on Surfshark or Proton VPN, both of which offer faster server performance and robust privacy while charging slightly more cash than PIA.
Read our PIA review.
Our VPN testing methodology involves using real-time speed testing services across multiple servers across the globe throughout the day, not just during off-peak hours. This gives us an accurate picture of how each VPN performs under different conditions, helping you choose a service that stays fast and reliable whenever you need it. Note that speed test numbers are based on US testing but should still be representative of speeds you’ll see elsewhere.
Privacy is among our top considerations when we test out each VPN, but we also look at results for speeds, streaming, value and server network size when determining which VPN is the best for Japan. Besides looking out for top-notch encryptions and security features, we always read and research each VPN’s privacy policy. Some VPNs intentionally save your data to sell to third parties, so we look for privacy-friendly elements like a strict no-logs policy (even if they’re difficult to prove). On top of that, when a VPN has been independently audited, it shows a proven track record that they hold their word.
Equally crucial to privacy features is the server network, with a decent number of US (so you won’t have any issues accessing home content abroad) and Japanese servers (to connect to local news and search results). While traveling, other key benefits like speed and streaming capabilities are high on our list, so we can test how capable each VPN is at unblocking and streaming content when you’re outside the US.
There are hundreds of VPNs on the market, so we used these key factors to test and determine which VPN will be the best overall in Japan.
Privacy
Any VPN worth using takes privacy seriously. On a technical level, this means using VPN protocols like OpenVPN with AES-256 encryption or WireGuard with ChaCha20. These encryption technologies are built to provide you privacy against snooping third parties by making it difficult to decrypt the data you send. You should also check that your VPN provider has a no-logs policy that’s been audited by a trusted external company. While it’s impossible to know whether a provider is completely trustworthy with your data, it’s one of the best ways to check whether a VPN has policies in place to keep your internet traffic safe.
Servers
We searched through VPNs with a vast server selection (with dozens of locations) to get the best selection of connections. Additionally, we also wanted the largest Japanese and US server networks as well.
Streaming capabilities
Finding a VPN with strong geo-unblocking capabilities is essential to stream all your favorite content while traveling in Japan. We’ve tested the best VPN for streaming specifically for those results.
Speed
Fast speeds are important as every VPN will always slow down your internet connection. Finding a fast VPN (like NordVPN) will allow you to stream in UHD and use the internet without any slowdown.
Price
We compared the price with the number of security features and benefits we got from each VPN, ensuring each one had the best value. VPNs with a discounted annual plan or a money-back guarantee are the best option, but sometimes, a cheap VPN will work well in Japan.
You only need a VPN with Japanese servers to get a Japanese IP address. Whether you’re in the US, Japan or another location, it doesn’t matter as long as your VPN can connect to a Japanese server. Simply download a VPN (I recommend ExpressVPN as CNET’s top VPN for Japan), choose a Japanese server and press the connect button to get a Japan IP address.
Yes, setting up and using a VPN is completely legal in Japan. The country has no laws against using a VPN for your online privacy, but it has a close intelligence-sharing relationship with the Five Eyes Alliance. It is unofficially considered a “sixth eye.” And remember that you’ll still get in trouble if you’re using a VPN for illegal activities. For example, Japan has some of the strictest file-sharing copyrighted material laws. Many VPNs support torrenting, which sometimes includes file-sharing copyrighted content, which could get you in legal trouble if you do so in the country.
A free VPN will work in Japan, but I only recommend using Proton VPN as it’s the only reliable free VPN we’ve tested. Most free VPNs lack many security features compared with a premium one, have a limited server list or usually have data restrictions that limit how much you can use the VPN. More importantly, many free VPNs are just unsafe to use, as they’ll sell your data to make money.
You don’t see iPhone discounts often, but this week the entire 16 series is on sale – including the 16e. On the other side of the iOS/Android divide, the Pixels are on sale too.
The Apple iPhone 16e serves as the “cheap” iPhone after the SE series was discontinued. We put it in quotes since it’s not that cheap – but having a €100 discount helps. You do lose quite a few features compared to the vanilla 16, though – here is a detailed iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 16 comparison.
Those extra features come at a price, however, somewhere around €200, depending on which storage option you are looking at. Of course, if you are looking at more capable models, you should also consider the similarly-sized Pro – here is the iPhone 16 vs. 16 Pro head-to-head article.
Some people prefer larger displays and batteries and the Apple iPhone 16 Plus offers just that. Here is how it compares with the smaller iPhone 16.
There is a similar debate among the Pro duo – their features are mostly the same, the main differences stem from the display and battery size. Check out the iPhone 16 Pro vs. 16 Pro Max for a detailed discussion on the pros and cons of each model.
We promised you Pixels and here they are, starting with the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. It has the biggest discount here – up to €383 – though we will warn you that the exact amount depends on both storage and color. Which is better, this or the iPhone? Check out our thoughts on the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL comparison.
Again, you have the option of mostly the same features in a smaller package (with a smaller screen and battery) in the Google Pixel 9 Pro. Still, you can find the in-depth comparison here.
Finally, there is the cheaper Google Pixel 9. We would point you to the Pixel 9 vs. 9 Pro article, but the comparison here is not so straightforward – Amazon will sell you an Acer Chromebook for just €5 extra. This is a continuation of the free Chromebook offer from a few weeks ago. It’s not a very capable laptop, but coupled with the major discount on the phone (the discount is bigger now), it’s a deal worth considering.
We may get a commission from qualifying sales.
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Today’s Mini Crossword took me much longer than usual. 6-Across and 5-Down look like the same clue, but note that question mark, which makes one kind of a jokey answer. Need help with today’s Mini? Read on. If you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Gaping hole
Answer: CHASM
6A clue: Conversation opener
Answer: HELLO
7A clue: Group of five found in “Julia Roberts” and “Austin Powers”
Answer: AEIOU
8A clue: Ben of Broadway
Answer: PLATT
9A clue: “Keep it down!”
Answer: SHH
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Bloke
Answer: CHAP
2D clue: Inside part of a golf club
Answer: HEEL
3D clue: A.k.a. name
Answer: ALIAS
4D clue: Animal that talks comically slowly in “Zootopia”
Answer: SLOTH
5D clue: Conversation opener?
Answer: MOUTH
Here are some hints and the answers for the NYT Connections puzzle for Sunday, July 6, No. 756.
CNET editor Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, a journalist and pop-culture junkie, is co-author of “Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops? The Lost Toys, Tastes and Trends of the ’70s and ’80s,” as well as “The Totally Sweet ’90s.” She’s been a journalist since 1989, working at Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, Twin Cities Sidewalk, the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and NBC News Digital. She’s Gen X in birthdate, word and deed. If Marathon candy bars ever come back, she’ll be first in line.
Expertise Breaking news, entertainment, lifestyle, travel, food, shopping and deals, product reviews, money and finance, video games, pets, history, books, technology history, and generational studies Credentials
- Co-author of two Gen X pop-culture encyclopedia for Penguin Books. Won “Headline Writer of the Year” award for 2017, 2014 and 2013 from the American Copy Editors Society. Won first place in headline writing from the 2013 Society for Features Journalism.
Looking for the most recent Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands puzzles.
Today’s NYT Connections puzzle could be tough. That purple category almost sounds like one of the goofy TikTok parody Connections categories, like “18th century whaling ships spelled backwards and minus three letters.” That’s not the category, but it feels a little bit like it is. Read on for clues and today’s Connections answers.
The Times now has a Connections Bot, like the one for Wordle. Go there after you play to receive a numeric score and to have the program analyze your answers. Players who are registered with the Times Games section can now nerd out by following their progress, including number of puzzles completed, win rate, number of times they nabbed a perfect score and their win streak.
Read more: Hints, Tips and Strategies to Help You Win at NYT Connections Every Time
Hints for today’s Connections groups
Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group, to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.
Yellow group hint: Get the kiln ready.
Green group hint: Tiny bit.
Blue group hint: Not nurses or lawyers.
Purple group hint: Hoo boy. Let’s say, a portion of these words sound like a body part.
Answers for today’s Connections groups
Yellow group: Fired objects.
Green group: Particle.
Blue group: Drs.
Purple group: Ending with homophones of parts of the leg.
Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words
What are today’s Connections answers?
The completed NYT Connections puzzle for Sunday, July 6, 2025, #756.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
The yellow words in today’s Connections
The theme is fired objects. The four answers are ceramics, china, pottery and ware.
The green words in today’s Connections
The theme is particle. The four answers are crumb, grain, morsel and shred.
The blue words in today’s Connections
The theme is Drs. The four answers are Dre, Evil, Pepper and Seuss.
The purple words in today’s Connections
The theme is ending with homophones of parts of the leg. The four answers are crypto, decaf, Disney and Prussian.
- Crypto = toe
- Decaf = calf
- Disney = knee
- Prussian = shin
Looking for the most recent Strands answer? Click here for our daily Strands hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Today’s NYT Strands puzzle is a fun one. The category offers some creative answers, and once you understand the theme, the unscrambling comes easily. If you need hints and answers, read on.
I go into depth about the rules for Strands in this story.
If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections and Mini Crossword answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: NYT Connections Turns 1: These Are the 5 Toughest Puzzles So Far
Hint for today’s Strands puzzle
Today’s Strands theme is: My hero!
If that doesn’t help you, here’s a clue: Marvel and DC.
Clue words to unlock in-game hints
Your goal is to find hidden words that fit the puzzle’s theme. If you’re stuck, find any words you can. Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the theme words. These are the words I used to get those hints but any words of four or more letters that you find will work:
- PEST, PETS, PITH, BILE, SUED, POWER, BITE, LIGHT, TOPS, SPOT, GENT, FEED, FEET, RENT, RENTS
Answers for today’s Strands puzzle
These are the answers that tie into the theme. The goal of the puzzle is to find them all, including the spangram, a theme word that reaches from one side of the puzzle to the other. When you have all of them (I originally thought there were always eight but learned that the number can vary), every letter on the board will be used. Here are the nonspangram answers:
- SPEED, FLIGHT, HEALING, STRENGTH, INVISIBILITY
Today’s Strands spangram
The completed NYT Strands puzzle for July 6, 2025, #490.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
Today’s Strands spangram is SUPERPOWER. To find it, look for the S that’s four letters to the right on the bottom row, and wind up.
The vivo X200 FE has a big presence for such a small phone – looking at the results from last week’s poll, this could be the best mini flagship out there. And yes, it’s a mini flagship, less than 5% of voters had issues with the size.
Many still haven’t made up their minds and are waiting for a review (ours is coming soon). It doesn’t help that vivo hasn’t confirmed the global pricing yet. That said, the majority of voters are showing strong interest towards the FE.
It will compete against the likes of the OnePlus 13s (but the X200 FE wins by default in Europe) and Xiaomi 15 (but that one is certainly the more expensive model). Only around 10% of voters think they can get better value with some other small flagship.
That is not to say that the vivo X200 FE didn’t have its critics. The 8MP ultra-wide is a letdown for some (the vivo X200 Pro mini has a 50MP UW sensor) as was the USB 2.0 port.
The proper launch of the vivo X200 FE (and X Fold5) is scheduled for July 14 for India, so stay tuned for pricing info.