Justin Duino

Charlotte

Editorial Director, Reviews at Valnet Inc.

Tech Journalist • Editorial Director, Reviews: @Valnetinc (@howtogeek, @muo_official, more) • Contact: [email protected] • Find me on 🧵 @jaduino

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Articles

After Trying the Google Android XR Glasses, I’m Ready to Ditch My Meta Ray-Bans

2 weeks ago | howtogeek.com | Justin Duino

Google wrapped up its I/O 2025 keynote today with an extensive demo of its Android XR glasses, showcasing Gemini-powered translation, navigation, and messaging features. Although the on-stage showcase was cool, we didn't really see anything new. You could say I was unimpressed. But then I got to use the glasses for five minutes, and I can't wait to buy a pair.
The Google Pixel 9a Proves Once and for All That Budget Phones Are Worth Buying

1 month ago | howtogeek.com | Justin Duino

Last year's Pixel 8a felt like a budget phone and seemed unnecessary in Google's lineup. This year, the search giant turned things around. With near-flagship performance and a sub-$500 price, the Pixel 9a might be the best-value Android phone in 2025.
MWC 2025: What's Happening and Why It's a Big Deal This Year

Feb 27, 2025 | makeuseof.com | Sanuj Bhatia |Justin Duino |Gavin Phillips

It's that time again: MWC 2025 is just around the corner, and heaps of leading tech companies are waiting to launch shiny new tech. There's a great deal to be excited about, and the MakeUseOf team is going to bring you the best of the event directly from the floor. What Is MWC 2025?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Is a Great Phone, but It Doesn’t Stand Out

Feb 7, 2025 | howtogeek.com | Justin Duino

I'll cut straight to the point. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a fantastic phone. It was also one of the easiest phones I've ever reviewed because it's not much different from last year's Galaxy S24 Ultra. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra $1300 $1500 Save $200 The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a top-of-the-line smartphone with a 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and a 120Hz refresh rate.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra Feels Nice, but Samsung Didn’t Provide a Reason to Upgrade

Jan 22, 2025 | howtogeek.com | Justin Duino

It's another year of refinements for Samsung with the announcement of the Galaxy S25 series. The hardware remains great, but the company hasn't given much of a reason to upgrade, unless you're interested in personalized AI features. I've gone hands-on with all three phone, and have some thoughts. The Ultra Is the Only Phone Seeing Physical Changes The Ultra lineup has always looked and felt like a phablet. It's a large phone with a lot of power under the hood.
After Trying the Galaxy S24 FE, I'd Buy Samsung's Flagship S24+

Sep 26, 2024 | howtogeek.com | Justin Duino

The Galaxy S24 series are some of the best Android smartphones you can buy today, but being flagship devices, they can be a bit expensive. Samsung's answer for fans looking for a more budget-friendly handset is the new Galaxy S24 FE. It shares a lot of features with the more expensive models, but it's obvious where corners were cut. After checking out the phone, I think you should stick with the flagships.
The iPhone 16's Camera Control Button Is Useful but Also incredibly Inconvenient

Sep 20, 2024 | howtogeek.com | Justin Duino

The Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 series has pressure-sensitive features, but its awkward placement hinders easy access. On-screen controls are more convenient than using Camera Control due to the button's complexity and multiple steps to adjust settings. Case manufacturers are working to accommodate Camera Control, but its usefulness may not justify upgrading solely for this feature.
The Beats iPhone Case Offers Style You Won't Get From Apple

Sep 20, 2024 | howtogeek.com | Justin Duino

The Beats iPhone case with MagSafe offers a minimalistic design with color options for $49. It features a hard shell with MagSafe and a responsive Camera Control button. The case is sleek, slim, and has clicky buttons, but it lacks protection on the bottom edge. Apple makes first-party cases for its iPhones, and while I like the clean-cut look of its silicone case, it's a bland design.
The Pixel 9 Pro Is Proof That Google Is Taking Hardware Seriously

Aug 21, 2024 | howtogeek.com | Justin Duino

Google's Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL offer top-tier hardware design and camera quality, ideal for advanced AI applications. Gemini and Google Assistant integration enhances user experience, but the devices lack Qi2 support, and some AI features seem gimmicky. Pricing starts at $999 for the Pixel 9 Pro and $1,099 for the Pro XL.
Hands on With the Google Pixel 9 Series, 9 Pro Fold, Watch 3, and Buds Pro 2

Aug 13, 2024 | howtogeek.com | Justin Duino

Instead of waiting for October, Google took to its Silicon Valley HQ to unveil its latest generation of products at today's Made By Google event. Instead of relying on AI and software features to be the star of the show, Google made serious improvements to its Pixel 9 lineup, with much-needed upgrades to the Watch 3 and Buds Pro 3. I got an early hands-on with everything announced, so here are my first impressions.