Iyaz Akhtar

Iyaz Akhtar

Mobile Writer

My Experience

I've been into technology for as long as I can remember. As a PCMag mobile writer, I get to test the newest phones and tablets. Since you rely on our buying advice, I make sure you get everything a manufacturer claims, which means lots of testing. This is your phone we're talking about; it's like a part of you. I've covered technology as a career for around two decades (yikes, I had to think about that). You've seen my work at The Apple Blog, PCMag (from my first go around), This Week in Tech, and CNET. I also occasionally produce independent video projects, including This Old Nerd, a how-to series that shows practical ways to get the most from your tech.

The Technology I Use

I use a 2023 M3 MacBook Pro customized with lots of keyboard shortcuts thanks to Raycast. Pixelmator Pro is my go-to photo editing application because there is no subscription, and I'm trapped with Evernote because I've used it forever.

I'm between phones at the moment, but I use a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 now, and used a Z Fold 6 before that. Considering that I like to have multiple windows open at once, the large inner screen of folding phones can show a baseball game on the top while I keep a chat app and Reddit open beneath. I do miss being able to write on the Z Fold 7's screen, though, which has me eyeing a Galaxy S25 Ultra.

My home is semi-smart, with many Google Home products that I thoroughly enjoyed in the pre-Gemini days. Be warned: smart bulbs are a gateway drug into smart home life.

    • The Best Mobile Hotspots for 2026

      Why rely on public hotspots when you can bring a personal Wi-Fi network with you wherever you go? These are the top mobile hotspots we've tested for each major US carrier.

      1 day, 4 hours By Iyaz Akhtar
      The Best Mobile Hotspots for 2026 (Roundup Apple WWDC)
    • What's the Best iPad to Buy in 2026?

      Apple offers a surprisingly diverse lineup of tablets, so there's likely one that fits both your budget and your needs. We've tested every model to help you choose the right iPad for you.

      2 days, 22 hours By Iyaz Akhtar, Eric Zeman
      What's the Best iPad to Buy in 2026? (Roundup Tablets)
    • The Best Car Phone Mounts for 2026

      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 month By Iyaz Akhtar, Sarah Lord
      The Best Car Phone Mounts for 2026 (Roundup Mobile Phone Accessories)
    • The Best Small Phones for 2026

      Are today's palm-stretching handsets too much for you? The top small phones we've tested fit comfortably in your hand and pocket.

      1 month By Iyaz Akhtar
      The Best Small Phones for 2026 (Roundup Mobile Phones)
    • The Best Unlocked Phones for 2026

      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, giving you more freedom to roam and carrying less bloatware.

      1 month, 1 week By Iyaz Akhtar
      The Best Unlocked Phones for 2026 (Roundup Mobile Phones)
    • The Best Gaming Tablets for 2026

      Don't waste time gaming on your phone's small screen. Instead, play with panache on one of the top gaming tablets we've tested.

      1 month, 1 week By Iyaz Akhtar
      The Best Gaming Tablets for 2026 (Roundup Tablets)
    • The Best Camera Phones for 2026

      Tired of hauling around a separate camera? We've lab-tested a large majority of the phones on the market, and these are the best ones for snapping photos.

      1 month, 1 week By Iyaz Akhtar
      The Best Camera Phones for 2026 (Roundup Mobile Phones)
    • The Best Fast iPhone Chargers for 2026

      Want to charge your iPhone as quickly as possible? Check out our favorite fast iPhone chargers to top off your battery in a flash.

      1 month, 1 week By Iyaz Akhtar, Sarah Lord
      The Best Fast iPhone Chargers for 2026 (Slideshow Mobile Phone Accessories)
    • The Best Cheap Phones for 2026

      Looking for a new phone that won't wipe out your bank account? Whether you're looking for a basic smartphone or a retro flip phone, these are the top models we've tested for under $300.

      1 month, 1 week By Iyaz Akhtar
      The Best Cheap Phones for 2026 (Roundup Mobile Phones)
    • The Best Android Phones for 2026

      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 one for you.

      1 month, 1 week By Iyaz Akhtar
      The Best Android Phones for 2026 (Roundup Mobile Phones)
    • The Best Android Tablets for 2026

      Android is a capable modern OS for slates that's often enhanced by the tablet maker. Here's what to look for in an Android tablet, along with our top-tested choices.

      1 month, 3 weeks By Iyaz Akhtar
      The Best Android Tablets for 2026 (Roundup Tablets)
    • The Best Cell Phone Boosters for 2026

      Cellular signal boosters use big antennas to improve the coverage in your home, vehicle, or property. These are the top signal boosters for apartments and houses.

      1 month, 3 weeks By Iyaz Akhtar, Sarah Lord
      The Best Cell Phone Boosters for 2026 (Roundup Modems & Hotspots)
    • The Best Phones for Seniors in 2026

      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 month, 3 weeks By Iyaz Akhtar
      The Best Phones for Seniors in 2026 (Roundup Mobile World Congress (MWC))
    • The Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks for 2026

      Is your phone, tablet, or laptop typically in the battery red zone before the end of the day? These portable chargers and power banks give you the most boost when you're out of juice.

      1 month, 3 weeks By Iyaz Akhtar, Sarah Lord
      The Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks for 2026 (Roundup Mobile Phone Accessories)