Iyaz Akhtar
Mobile Analyst

I’m one of PCMag’s mobile analysts. That means I check out phones, hotspots, and mobile networks. Technology has been my passion and hobby since I was a child. I’ve covered tech professionally for over 15 years at outlets including The Apple Blog, This Week in Tech, and CNET.
Recent Articles By Iyaz Akhtar
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The Best Folding Phones for 2025: Google, OnePlus, Samsung, and More
Want a big-screen phone that folds in half and slides right into your pocket? Here's everything you need to know about these nifty dual-display devices, along with our top tested picks.
2 days, 14 hours -
The Best Small Phones for 2025
Are today's palm-stretching phones too much for you? These are the top devices we've tested that fit comfortably in your hand and pocket.
2 days, 14 hours -
The Best Unlocked Phones for 2025
Tired of the restrictive carrier payment plans that often come with new cell phones? The top unlocked phones we've tested aren't tied to a carrier, offer you more freedom to roam, and carry less bloatware.
2 days, 17 hours -
The Best Gaming Phones for 2025
From cutting-edge processors and ultra-high refresh rates to specialized controls and software, give yourself a competitive edge with the best gaming phones we've tested.
3 days, 16 hours -
The Best Cheap Phones for 2025
Looking for a new phone that won't wipe out your bank account? Whether you want a basic smartphone or a retro flip phone, these are the best budget-friendly handsets we've tested for around $300 or less.
1 week, 1 day -
The Best Phones for Seniors in 2025
No matter your age, you can benefit from the simplicity of a voice phone or one with a big, bright screen. These are the best phones we've tested that make life easy.
1 week, 1 day -
The Best Android Phones for 2025
Google’s Android platform is the dominant global mobile operating system for good reason. Here are the top Android phones we've tested along with how to find the right device for you.
1 week, 1 day -
The Best Phones for 2025
Whether you're looking for an Android smartphone, an iPhone, or a simple feature phone, these are our top picks for a variety of budgets across the major US wireless carriers.
1 week, 1 day -
HTC Viverse Is a Surprisingly Powerful and Easy Way to Build, Share 3D Worlds
HTC's Viverse lets anyone build, edit, and share interactive 3D worlds—no coding, software downloads, or VR headset required. We tested it out at Mobile World Congress.
1 week, 1 day -
This Teledriving Tech Let Me Drive a Car From 2,000 Miles Away
At MWC, I remotely drove a real car in Finland—from the trade show floor in Barcelona—thanks to teledriving technology from Nokia and Elmo Remote.
1 week, 1 day -
Hands On (and Off) With Sonim's XP Pro Thermal and XP Pro Rugged Phones
Sonim's new XP Pro Thermal and XP Pro are ultra-durable phones designed for use in harsh environments. I got my hands on them—and repeatedly threw them on the ground.
1 week, 1 day -
Samsung Display Wows With Stretchable, Rollable, and Foldable Screens
We had the opportunity to check out Samsung Display's latest concepts at Mobile World Congress, including tri-fold tablets, folding gaming handhelds, and even a screen that stretches.
1 week, 2 days -
Hands On: Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro Clearly Stand Out From the Pack
Nothing sticks to its transparent design with the new (3a) and (3a) Pro, adding a new button, better cameras, and a faster chip, but you'll still have to jump through some hoops to get either.
1 week, 2 days -
Eyes On: These AI Glasses Are Built for Cycling
I got to try the BleeqUp Ranger glasses, which can take pictures, record video, and play audio in a design that rests on your face while you cycle.
1 week, 3 days -
HMD Collaborates With Drew Barrymore, Unveils Fusion X1 Phone for Teens
The Fusion X1 is a new phone designed with young people (and their parents) in mind, with continuous location tracking, app limitations, low-battery warnings, and parental access.
1 week, 4 days -
Hands On: Samsung Brings AI to Low-Cost Galaxy A Phones
The latest changes to Samsung's affordable Galaxy A26 and A36 phones include tougher builds, Galaxy AI, and more software support, making them even better bargains. I take a first look at the new lineup.
1 week, 5 days -
The Best Car Phone Mounts for 2025
Need a safe and smart way to use your phone in the car? These car phone mounts are ideal for hands-free calls, navigation, music streaming, and more.
1 week, 6 days -
The Best Apple Wireless Chargers for 2025
If your nightstand is cluttered with cables for your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch, check out our favorite, space-saving wireless Apple chargers for every budget.
1 week, 6 days