Skip to main content
Mark Jansen

Mark Jansen

Contributor

Mark Jansen is an avid follower of everything that beeps, bloops, or makes pretty lights. He has a degree in Ancient & Medieval History, which obviously makes him a shoo-in to write about technology for a living. He currently contributes to the Mobile section on Digital Trends, with a particular emphasis and expertise on exploring the weirder side of smartphones, from tiny rugged phones to massive gaming phones. You'll most often find him seeking out leaks and rumors on upcoming devices, and playing with a variety of new apps for both Android and iOS.

Weather widget on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6.

Should you buy the Galaxy Watch 6 or wait for the Galaxy Watch 7?

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is expected to be revealed on July 10. Should you wait for it, or buy a Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 right now? We found out.
Mobile Features
Front and rear profile of leaked Google Pixel 9 renders.

Google Pixel 9: news, rumored price, release date, and more

The Google Pixel 9, 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL phones are undoubtedly on the way, and the rumors we've seen so far point to a big design refresh and new AI smarts.
Mobile News
The Google Pixel 8a's screen.

5 phones you should buy instead of the Google Pixel 8a

The Google Pixel 8a is a midrange star, but it's not the only option in town. Here are five phones you should buy instead of the Google Pixel 8a.
Mobile Features
A person folding up the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.

5 phones you should buy instead of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is an incredible smartphone, but there are others to consider. Here are five alternatives to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.
Mobile Features
The OnePlus 12 and Pixel 8's screens.

The best Android phones in 2024: the 15 best ones you can buy

If you’re an Android fan in search of a new smartphone, then allow us to find the perfect partner. Here are the best Android phones at various prices.
Mobile Products
The Google Pixel 8a's screen.

The best Google Pixel 8a screen protectors in 2024

The Google Pixel 8a could be your next midrange phone. Protect it with the best Google Pixel 8a screen protectors to keep it safe from damage.
Mobile Products
Three 2021 iPads are stacked on a table.

The one thing stopping me from buying a new iPad

I love the iPad, and I can't wait to upgrade my 2019 iPad for something newer. Only, there's a very big problem holding me back: Apple doesn't want me to.
Mobile Features
A person holding the Google Pixel 8a, showing the back.

The best Google Pixel 8a cases in 2024

The Google Pixel 8a is seriously impressive, but it still needs protection against hazards. Here are the best Google Pixel 8a cases and covers.
Mobile Products
iPad Pro (2024) next to the iPad Pro (2018).

iPad Pro (2024) vs. iPad Pro (2018): Should you finally upgrade?

If you're still using a 2018 iPad Pro, then it's really earned its keep. Is it time for an upgrade to the 2024 iPad Pro? We found out for you.
Mobile Products
Side view of M4 iPad Pro

The best iPad Pro screen protectors in 2024

The iPad Pro is one of Apple's most powerful creations, regardless of its age. Here are the best screen protectors for iPad Pros, new and old alike.
Mobile Products
A person holding the OnePlus 12.

5 phones you should buy instead of the OnePlus 12

The OnePlus 12 is a stunning smartphone and a powerful one too. But there are a bunch of other phones that offer similar experiences. Here are five of the best.
Mobile Features
Rose Yao on Google I/O 2024 stage.

Everything announced at Google I/O 2024

Google I/O is the biggest event of the year for updates to Android, Wear OS, and more. Here's everything announced at Google I/O 2024.
Mobile News
Sim chip on fingertip with phone in the background.

How to unlock a phone on every carrier in 2024

Want to break your smartphone out of carrier jail? Here's a guide on how to unlock your phone so you can change carriers or use it while traveling abroad.
Mobile Guides
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, seen from the side.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 may fix my biggest issue with the Z Fold 5

My time with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 assuaged a lot of my fears, but it also highlighted some odd issues. Thankfully, it seems the Z Fold 6 will fix them.
Mobile Features
YouTube Premium on iPhone.

How to play YouTube in the background on iPhone and Android

Mobile YouTube is great for when you want to watch stuff on the go, but you may just want to listen to YouTube while browsing elsewhere. We'll show you how.
Mobile Guides
Amazon Kindle (2022) Dark Mode

10 best apps and websites for downloading free books in 2024

If you're an avid reader, then you're always looking for new books. Here are 10 websites and apps where you can score free e-books.
Mobile Products
The main workout screen on the Google Pixel Watch 2.

5 smartwatches you should buy instead of the Google Pixel Watch 2

The Google Pixel Watch 2 proves that Google is on the right track with its smartwatches. But it's not perfect. Here are five alternatives you should consider.
Mobile Features
Disney+ app on the iPad Air 5.

The best tablets in 2024: top 11 tablets you can buy now

Here are our picks for the best tablets in every category, so you can find the right one to fit your needs.
Mobile Products
The home screen on the Google Pixel 8 Pro.

The most common Google Pixel 8 problems and how to fix them

The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are two of Google's best devices in years, but they're not perfect. Here are some of the more common issues (and fixes) for them.
Mobile Guides
A person folding up the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.

Every Samsung gadget we still expect in 2024

Samsung isn't done with 2024 yet, as it has a whole bunch of gadgets that it's yet to launch. Here are all the Samsung gadgets we still expect to see in 2024.
Mobile Features
iPhone 14 Pro showing the Moon always-on screen, held in a man's hand.

10 iPhone productivity apps you need to download right now

The iPhone is great, but it could be better, especially for productivity. Here are some of the best apps to boost your iPhone's productivity.
Mobile Products
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 Pro.

The 10 best photo editing apps for Android and iOS in 2024

From simple filters to light leaks and effects, step up your smartphone photography with 10 of the best photo editing apps for iPhone and Android.
Mobile Products
iBlason iPhone 15 Pro case sponsored

The best iPhone 15 Pro cases in 2024: our 21 favorites

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro is the iPhone to buy if you want the most powerful iPhone available in a smaller size. Here are the best cases to keep it safe.
Mobile Products
A person holding the Google Pixel 8, showing the back of the phone.

This Google Pixel 8a leak just spoiled everything about the phone

It's very likely Google is winding up to reveal the Pixel 8a at the start of next month, but this leak may have just stolen its thunder entirely.
Mobile News
The Moto G Power 5G (2024) laying next to the Motorola Edge (2023).

The best Motorola phones in 2024: which one should you buy?

Looking to buy a Motorola smartphone? Not sure which one to get? You've come to the right place! Here are the best Motorola phones available in 2024.
Mobile Products
Emoji reactions on Google Messages running on OnePlus 11.

How to get new emojis on your iPhone or Android device

We all use and love emojis. But how do you know if you have all of the latest ones? Here's how to get new emojis on your iPhone or Android device.
Mobile Guides
Epson WF-7510 front printing

How to print from an Android phone or tablet

Printing from a mobile device is now easier than ever — you don't even need a PC. Here's how to print from an Android smartphone or tablet in multiple ways.
Mobile Guides
Someone holding the Bay blue Google Pixel 8 Pro.

5 phones you should buy instead of the Google Pixel 8 Pro

The Google Pixel 8 Pro is Google's best ever Pixel phone. But there are alternatives. Here are five other phones you should buy instead.
Mobile Features
The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music sat in an open gym bag.

I reviewed Garmin’s newest fitness watch. Here’s why it’s a must-buy

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a new, reasonably priced entry in Garmin's roster of fitness watches. But is it worth its price tag compared to other options?
Mobile Reviews
Renders of the Moto G 5G (2024) and Moto G Power 5G (2024).

Don’t buy this new Motorola phone — get this other one instead

Motorola's two new budget smartphones look great, but how do they compare? We put the Moto G Power 5G (2024) against the Moto G 5G (2024) to find out.
Mobile Products
WhatsApp logo on a phone.

How to know if someone blocked you on WhatsApp

Do you suspect you've been blocked on WhatsApp? Here are some ways you can test to see whether you've been blocked by a specific WhatsApp contact.
Mobile Guides
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in Titanium Gray camera module.

How to get developer options on your Android phone

Want to go behind the scenes with Android? We’ll teach you how to access your phone’s developer options, where plenty of new features and settings await you.
Mobile Guides
The Moto G Power 5G and Moto G 5G phones in a render.

Motorola’s two new budget phones shouldn’t look this good

Budget phones are far from being the slow, ugly affairs they once were, as the new Moto G Power 5G and Moto G 5G from Motorola prove.
Mobile News
OnePlus 5 soft gold with the phone app open.

How to block a number on iPhones and Android phones

No matter what type of smartphone you're using, we can help you avoid all of those pesky robo and sales calls. Here's how to block a number on any smartphone.
Mobile Guides
1234567
Next