Here are some cell phones and accessories that will serve you well — until Apple or Samsung or Google releases their next new cool phone.
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iPhone 7 Plus
What is it: Apple’s latest and biggest iPhone. The iPhone 7 Plus, and its smaller sibling, the iPhone 7. Apple removed the headphone jack, seriously improved the cameras and bumped the storage options. Oh, and they’re water resistant now, too.
Serious photographers should opt for the iPhone 7 Plus that has a two-lens main camera with optical zoom.
Who is it for: iPhone users who are ready to upgrade or perhaps clumsy folks who tend to drop their phones in water.
What does it cost: iPhone 7 starts at $649; iPhone 7 Plus starts at $769.
Where can I get it: Apple stores or any wireless carrier.
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Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
What is it: This is the best Samsung phone currently for sale. Samsung is still reeling from the Note 7 fiasco, but the S7 Edge is darn near as good, albeit a bit smaller and without a stylus, but hey, it is cheaper and won’t start any fires. Bonus points for memory card slot for expansion and it’s water resistant.
Who is it for: Disappointed former owners of the Note 7 and anyone else looking for a solid flagship phone.
What does it cost: Around $790.
Where can I get it: From all major carriers or stores like Best Buy, Fry’s or WalMart.
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Google Pixel
What is it: A great phone running the Android operating system exactly as Google intended.
This is the first Android phone I’ve seen without crappy bloatware or a lame manufacturer’s suite of useless crapware.
This is Google’s answer to the iPhone 7. The Pixel is a dead ringer for an iPhone, but the Pixel is a solid performer.
This is the first in a long line of Google phones and these are going to give Samsung serious competition for best Android handset.
Who is it for: Android users who are looking for something new and exciting.
What does it cost: Starting at $649
Where can I get it: Pixel is Verizon-only for now, so wherever Verizon phones are sold.
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Anker 40W/8A 5-Port USB Charger PowerPort 5
What is it: A small USB charger that can charge 5 gadgets at a time with full power.
The charger puts out 40 watts across those 5 ports. The Anker uses PowerIQ and VoltageBoost to provide the fastest possible charge up to 2.4 amps per port or 8 amps overall.
Who is it for: Great to keep all the gadgets in your home charged. Also great for dorm rooms.
What does it cost: $24
Where can I get it: Amazon
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Paracable USB charge and sync cables
What is it: Charging cables for Apple’s Lightning and MicroUSB that are made with aluminum housings and wrapped in very strong 32-strand paracord.
The Lightning cables are Apple MFI certified using the same components Apple uses on its cables.
Inside the paracord weave, the cables are sheathed in flexible polymer and copper mesh for long life.
Who is it for: Anyone who needs to keep a phone or tablet charged.
What does it cost: $24 for a 5’ Lightning cable; $18 for a 5’ MicroUSB cable
Where can I get it: www.paracable.com
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MyCharge Razor Plus portable charger
What is it: An external 3,000 milliamp-hour rechargeable battery to keep your phone or tablet charged up when you can’t get to a plug.
The Razor Plus is quite small and made of aluminum with one USB port for charging your phone or tablet.
The Razor Plus can easily slip into a pocket, purse or computer bag.
Who is it for: Everyone with a cell phone.
What does it cost: $29 or less
Where can I get it: Amazon, Best Buy, WalMart
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ABOUT THE WRITER
Jim Rossman writes for The Dallas Morning News. He may be reached at jrossman@dallasnews.com.
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