Google just added four new phones to the Pixel family: the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. They're slightly more expensive than their predecessors, but they come with some notable upgrades, including improved cameras and a new Tensor G6 chip that should deliver faster performance. The phones also have new photography tools, like Magic Capture, along with improvements to Gemini Intelligence, expanded Live Translate capabilities, and the ability to use Circle to Search directly through the camera.
To make deciding whether you'll upgrade or hold onto your last-gen phone a little simpler, we're focusing on co …
Anker’s Nano Travel Adapter can power up to five devices at once. | Image: Anker
If you’ve got international travel coming up, an adapter is essential for keeping your phone, earbuds, power banks, and other gadgets charged. Anker’s Nano Travel Adapter is one of our picks from our guide to the best gadgets for summer travel because it can charge up to five devices at once, yet it’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.It’s also available in black for just $19.99 ($6 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from Anker (with code WS7DV2BNB82J) matching its best price to date.
The Nano’s four built-in sets of prongs should keep you covered in “over 200 countries and regions,” according to Anker. It also features two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports, along with an AC outlet for plugging in a standard wall charger. A single USB-C port delivers up to 20W, which should be enough to get an iPhone 17 to 50 percent in less than 30 minutes. That’s not enough power to charge most laptops, making the USB ports better suited for smaller gadgets like phones, tablets, earbuds, and power banks. You can still charge your laptop, however, by plugging its wall charger into the AC outlet.
What’s more, it’s designed to take up as little space as possible. The adapter’s only an inch thick with its prongs folded in and, at 3.8 ounces, weighs less than a smartphone. Just keep in mind that the Nano doesn’t convert voltage, so you’ll want to make sure gadgets like hair dryers and electric razors support the voltage at your destination before plugging them in.
There’s something magical about using instant cameras that smartphones can’t match. You can capture a moment, print it out, and then give the photo as a gift or hold onto it. Image quality won’t be all that good, but imperfections are part of the allure.
We tested instant camera models from popular brands and landed on a handful that we think are the best. Some aim to preserve the classic experience above all else, while others support companion apps and the ability to print stored photos.
Fujifilm’s latest Instax cameras are the best out there for most people. The company’s Instax Mini Evo is a bit pricey, but it produces great-looking images and offers a lot of creative control. If you’re shopping on a tighter budget, the Instax Mini 13 also takes good photos but has fewer features. The Polaroid Flip is the best retro-focused experience (be warned: prints are pricey!), while Kodak’s Mini Retro 3 might be a better purchase for some because its prints are quite affordable by comparison.
Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini film/ Film size: 2 x 3 inches /Weight: 285 grams/ Charging method: USB-C / Companion app: Yes/ Other features: LCD screen, smartphone printing
Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Evo is a hybrid instant camera that bears a resemblance to its premium X100 line of cameras that cost hundreds more. Its vintage dials and buttons look so stylish that they caught the attention of passersby as I walked around Los Angeles.
It’s easy to balk at its price tag, but this camera offers a level of flexibility that sets it apart (and could save you from wasting a bunch of prints). The camera’s dials also let you apply lens options and effects, from retro filters to monochrome shades, and you can even remotely trigger shots from the app. Its 3-inch LCD screen can be used as a viewfinder, and it also lets you preview and select which images you want to print. The camera’s internal storage tops out at 45 images, which is more limited than we’d prefer, though you can send photos from a smartphone to print. Plus, unlike the Instax Mini 13 (a more budget-friendly pick mentioned below), the Evo uses a USB-C port for charging.
Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini film/ Film size: 2 x 3 inches /Weight: 327 grams/ Charging method: AA batteries/ Companion app: None/ Other features: Built-in selfie mirror, self-timer, film counter
Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 13 is a more budget-friendly option that can take great photos mostly on par with the Mini Evo. It’s easy to use (just twist its lens to turn the camera on or off), it outperforms other budget instant cameras we tested, and we like its bright, playful designs. Its biggest improvement over the Mini 12 is its self-timer, with both two- and 10-second countdown options. Meanwhile, the Instax Mini 41 looks more sleek, but it lacks the Mini 13’s self-timer and costs about $23 more usually.
The Mini 13 produced more true-to-life photos than the non-Fujifilm instant cameras I tested. I also appreciated the Mini 13’s generously sized physical viewfinder and that it shows your remaining shots, which is useful given that each print costs about $1.
Like many instant cameras, it struggles in low light, though the built-in flash brightens dark scenes. The flash can’t be disabled, and it’s very powerful, which resulted in a handful of overexposed shots during testing. It lacks Bluetooth connectivity along with creative shooting modes found on pricier cameras, so you can’t edit photos, apply filters, or choose from different lens effects before printing.
Fujifilm’s Instax cameras produce excellent-looking photos, but each print costs around $1. Kodak’s hybrid Mini Shot 3 Retro is pricier up front (it retails for $159.99 but it often on sale for much less) but much cheaper to buy film for, making it the better budget pick (or beginner-friendly pick). Replacement cartridges are often around $20 for a 60-print pack. And, because you can preview photos before printing, you’re less likely to waste prints.
The Mini Shot 3 Retro affords you more controls than the Instax Mini 13; it sports an LCD screen for previewing photos, it lets you print photos from your phone via Bluetooth, and you can upload ones you shoot to social media using Kodak’s Photo Printer app. The companion app features frames, stickers, filters, and other effects that would look great in a scrapbook. There’s even a beauty mode and Snapchat-style filters. However, photos taken with the Mini Shot 3 Retro lack sharpness and sometimes have an excessive pink tint, and the prints also feel flimsier.
The best instant cameras for retro fans
Polaroid Flip
Score: 6
Pros
Cons
Attractive, retro design
Prints dreamy, vintage-style photos that are relatively sharp for a Polaroid photo
Film type: Polaroid i-Type Color Film / Film size: 4.2 x 3.5 inches / Weight: 648 grams / Charging method: USB-C / Companion app: Yes / Other features: Scene Analysis
If you’re looking for an instant camera that offers a retro-inspired experience, the Polaroid Flip might be for you. Its classic design and flip-up lid resemble vintage instant cameras like the Polaroid 600, and its square I-Type film prints iconic white-framed photos that look like authentic Polaroids. Yet the camera has modern features like Bluetooth, USB-C charging, and a beginner-friendly companion app that adds convenience and creative control.
The Flip improves on my former retro pick, the third-gen Polaroid Now Plus, with clearer shots and fewer wasted photos. That’s important, as you don’t want to waste any of the eight I-Type sheets that come in a pack that’s $18.99. The Flip’s sonar autofocus and a four-lens hyperfocal system result in sharper images, plus it has an excellent flash — it’s the most powerful of any Polaroid camera I’ve tested. The Scene Analysis feature also helps by warning if a shot is likely to be over or underexposed, or if you’re too close to your subject (these warnings didn’t always get the exposure right).
The Flip has a few downsides, in addition to its costly film. It’s the heaviest camera on this list, not to mention it’s awkwardly sized, making it tough to slip into a purse or easily carry around. Prints also take 15 minutes to develop, during which they must be shielded from light. Low-light performance remains a weak spot as well, and I struggled to capture indoor shots given the contrast and saturation are lower than with Instax film. Sometimes, this gave my pictures a more dreamy, vintage look that felt artistic, but you might not be into it.
If the Flip seems too bulky or expensive for you, the third-generation Polaroid Go is a smaller retro-inspired alternative. It weighs just over a pound and fits easily in the palm of my hand. At $89.99, the latest Go is the most affordable Polaroid camera available, with film that costs only a little more than Fujifilm’s Instax sheets (a 16-sheet pack runs $21.99).
The Go skips advanced features found in the Flip, including creative shooting modes, Bluetooth connectivity, and a companion app for editing photos. It’s a straightforward point-and-shoot camera with a self-timer and large selfie mirror. The smaller prints may disappoint those who prefer traditional Polaroid sizes, but its simplicity and portability make it an approachable way to enjoy the classic Polaroid experience at a much lower price.
Update, August 6: Added the Instax Mini 13 and Polaroid Go Gen 3, made the Instax Mini Evo our top pick, and designated the Kodak Mini Retro and Instax Mini 13 as our budget picks.
The Birdfy Feeder Rookie is a good option if you’re new to birdwatching or simply don’t want to spend a lot on a smart feeder, and several configurations are on sale. The standard model is down to $59.99 ($60 off) at Amazon, which is close to its lowest price. It includes seven days of access to its AI-powered features that can identify different kinds of birds (after the trial expires, it can identify birds up to 10 times per day without a subscription). Alternatively, you can get a version that permanently unlocks its AI bird identification for $85.49 ($34 off) at Amazon, or pick up the standard model with a solar panel for $79.99 ($60 off) directly from Birdfy.
The Rookie covers the basics offered by most smart bird feeders. It features a 1080p camera that lets you watch visiting birds from your phone throughout the day, with notifications alerting you when there’s activity. The camera can also capture slow-motion video and color night vision that you can replay in the Birdfy app. Unlike many smart feeders that place the camera in the center of the seed bin, Birdfy’s camera is located to the side, which provides a closer view. You can also share access with friends and family.
The Rookie has an IP66 weather-resistant rating, and its built-in battery can last up to four months on a charge; you can also get a version with a solar panel for $20 more. The feeder holds up to 1.3 liters of seed, too, so you shouldn’t have to constantly refill it, and it comes apart easily when it’s time for a cleaning.
Three more Verge-approved deals
You can buy Fujifilm’s pink Instax Mini Evo bundled with two packs of film (one color and one monochrome) for $212.90 at B&H Photo, which is a rare deal. That’s like getting one pack of film for free, along with a roughly $22 discount on the camera itself. If you prefer the black model, it’s also on sale with one pack of color film for $236.50 (about $22 off). The Evo is my favorite instant camera because you can preview shots before printing to avoid wasting film and print photos directly from your smartphone. It also looks stylish and produces better-looking prints than most instant cameras I’ve tested.
Nothing’s Headphone (a) are down to $164.99 at Amazon, which is their second-best price to date. They offer solid noise cancellation for the price and can last more than five days on a charge, while letting you listen over USB-C or a 3.5mm cable when needed. Plus, they’re IP52-rated for dust and water resistance, which isn’t something you always find on over-ear headphones. Read our review.
The Lego Star Wars K-2SO Security Droid is down to $71.99 ($18 off) at Amazon and Walmart, matching its best price to date. Based on the Imperial droid-turned-ally from Star Wars: Andor season two, the 845-piece set lets you build a 16-inch-tall display model complete with an information plaque and a standard-size K-2SO minifigure.
AirPods Pro 3 | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
Best Buy kicked off a sale on Apple products with discounts on its latest smartwatches to phones. Another deal that caught our eye is on the latest AirPods Pro, Apple’s flagship wireless earbuds, which are down to $189.99 ($60 off), with retailers like Amazon and Walmart matching the price. That’s their lowest price since Prime Day in late June, and just $20 shy of their all-time low.
AirPods Pro 3
The AirPods Pro 3 have a new design that improves their fit, superior noise cancellation, better bass, and fairly accurate heart rate sensors. Read our review.
The AirPods Pro are our favorite wireless earbuds to recommend for iPhone owners because they offer better sound quality than Apple’s entry-level AirPods. Our A/V reviewer John Higgins uses them more often than other pairs because of their, praising their excellent audio, best-in-class active noise cancellation, and just how easy they are to use. They also provide a tighter fit, making them more comfortable for some people, especially during workouts.
Beyond how good they sound, they offer a number of perks for Apple users. They can automatically sync with other Apple devices you’re signed in on, so you can move from taking a call on your iPhone to watching a show on your iPad. They also feature a built-in heart rate sensor that works with more than 50 workout types in Apple’s Fitness app, so you can use them as a fitness tracker of sorts.
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