The Best-Selling Phones Of 2024: What Everyone's Talking About

Bits and Bytes - September 2021 Edition

WWDC 2025 unveiled iOS 26, Live Translate and more. See what's new for iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple Watches — and which devices are supported.Apple just wrapped its 2025 World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC), and  it’s quietly made every part of the Apple experience better. This year’s announcements focused on refining, unifying and modernising how we interact with our Apple devices.And the results are frankly, showstopping.Here’s your full breakdown of what’s coming.One Number, All Platforms: Everything’s on 26For the first time ever, every major Apple platform is aligned under one version: 26. That means iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 "Tahoe", watchOS 26, tvOS 26 and visionOS 26 are all singing from the same software hymn sheet.It’s neat, logical and long overdue.Liquid Glass and Full of Class Design-wise, Apple introduced a fresh aesthetic across all platforms called Liquid Glass. It features soft transparency, rounded edges and gentle motion that feels more alive. It’s a low-key upgrade that brings visual harmony across devices and adds another layer of glass to the Apple design.If the previous design was clinical and crisp, this one feels warmer and has more understated polish without the pomp.iPadOS 26: Now With Proper MultitaskingiPad users, rejoice: iPadOS 26 finally delivers true windowed multitasking. You can now freely move, resize and stack app windows like you would on your desktop. This is something productivity fans have been begging for for a while and it’s great to see that Apple heavyweights took this into account.The Files app gets a redesign too, making file navigation smoother. And for those who use keyboards with their iPads, the experience now feels way more intuitive, complete with improved shortcuts and navigation tweaks that make the iPad feel more like a Mac (in the best way).macOS 26 “Tahoe”: Utility And Elegance? macOS 26, affectionately called “Tahoe” also adopts the new Liquid Glass visuals while adding practical upgrades that actually improve daily use.Highlights include, smarter battery management, with insights into power-hungry apps, improved Wi-Fi diagnostics for stronger, more stable connections and smoother continuity features between Mac and iPhone.watchOS 26: Your Watch Is Thinking AheadWith watchOS 26, the Apple Watch gets a little more proactive. The headline feature, Hints, offers timely suggestions based on your daily habits — like nudging you to drink water, suggesting a walk after lunch, or getting your go-to playlist ready before your morning trek to work.Health tracking also gets a boost with more accurate, AI-backed insights. The watch isn’t just counting steps anymore, it reads your rhythm, helps you spot commonalties in your habits and keeps tabs on your wellness in smarter ways.tvOS 26: More Personal, More FuntvOS 26 brings two anticipated features: user profiles and karaoke. Finally, each person in your household can enjoy tailored recommendations, instead of everyone’s preferences getting mashed into one weird mix of fitness, romcoms and cartoons.And now Apple Music Sing is built into Apple TV. And yes, older Apple TV models are still supported.AI Goes Quietly Smart with Live TranslateApple may not have shouted about AI from the rooftops like some of its competitors, but that doesn’t mean it was missing. Instead, it delivered quiet, practical intelligence.A major standout is Live Translate. A feature built into FaceTime and Messages that allows real-time translation during conversations — both text and during video call. If you’re talking to someone in another language, Live Translate detects the language and displays immediate translated captions on the fly.Other Clever Additions We Love:Visual Lookup for screenshots (great for decoding memes, recognising landmarks, or scanning receipts)AI-powered call screening, which transcribes unknown calls and lets you decide whether to answerSiri’s Big Makeover? Not Yet.  The Siri update has been promised for a while now but, disappointingly, no major Siri upgrade was mentioned at this year’s WWDC.However Apple has confirmed that a fully reimagined Siri is in the works for 2026. Apple’s Tim Cook says the aim is to create a less robotic Siri with more natural conversation style and greater understanding of context.But for now, it’s still the same old Siri – until 2026 anyway.iOS 26: Who Gets It?Good news: If you’re using an iPhone 11 or newer, you’re eligible for iOS 26. That’s six years of software support on phones dating back to 2019.When Can You Try It?The developer beta is currently available and public betas roll out starting next month. So if you’re  curious or just want a chance to test the waters, now’s your chance. But if you prefer the full official version, with bugs exterminated, expect it around October 2025.Fair warning though, if you're planning to install the beta version, maybe don't do it on your main device unless you're into buggy banking apps and random reboots.Final Thoughts: WWDC 2025 didn’t reinvent the wheel but it has refined it. This was a developer conference focused on making things feel more connected, more intuitive and a lot more polished. The unified versioning, smarter features and subtle design upgrades point to a company playing the long game.Apple isn’t trying to wow us with flashy gimmicks. It’s making every day tech feel more seamless and sometimes, that can be the biggest flex of all.

8 Helpful Tech Apps Your Dad Needs In 2025

Discover the top apps for dads in 2025 including fitness, smart budgeting and mental wellness. These essential tools keep you healthy, financially on track, and focused on what matters!Daddy’s Cool Contrary to popular belief, dad’s do a lot more than just make badly timed Dad Jokes. Between work, school runs, late-night feeds and long to-do lists, finding time for your health, mental well-being or finances can be tough.That’s why we’ve put together 8 of the best apps for modern dads.Now you’ll be able to track workouts, manage your stress and take control of those unexpected expenses all from your smartphones.These apps are practical tools to help you stay strong, focused and financially confident. Let’s find the right fit for your dad life.Mental Health AppsDadditudeBuilt specifically for dads, Dadditude delivers expert-backed self-care tips to help manage stress, build emotional resilience and maintain focus throughout every stage of parenting. The app also features motivational quotes and insights from well-known dads like Jack Black and Tyler Perry. Dadditude adapts to your needs and helps you stay emotionally present.CalmThis wellness app is designed to support users with everyday stress and anxiety. It offers guided meditations, sleep stories, breathing exercises and soothing soundscapes – all built to promote relaxation and mental clarity. For dads juggling busy schedules, Calm provides a simple way to find moments of peace throughout the day.MyPossibleSelfDescribed by Buzzfeed as a “pocket therapist”, MyPossibleSelf is a mental health app developed with input from clinical psychologists. It helps users track their mood, manage anxiety and build better emotional habits – something all parents are looking to cultivate.With guided modules on topics like stress, loss and low mood, it’s a practical choice for dads looking to stay on top of their mental wellbeing. The app is free to use, with additional features available through optional in-app purchases.Health AppsMyFitnessPalFor dads looking to build healthier habits or manage weight, MyFitnessPal an easy way to stay on track without the guesswork. MyFitnessPal makes meal-tracking simple with an extensive food database and built-in barcode scanner, so logging your meals takes seconds. It tracks calories, nutrients and water intake, giving you a clear overview of what you’re consuming every day.StravaWhether you’re running, cycling or just out for a walk, Strava turns your movement into motivation. It maps your routes, tracks key stats like pace and distance and lets you compete with yourself – or others – for that extra push. If you’re a dad who loves a challenge, Strava keeps you focused and fired up with performance insights and community support. FitOnWorking out becoming too expensive? We’ve got you! FitOn gives you access to free, high-quality workouts whenever and wherever you want. From quick HIIT sessions to calming yoga or strength training, it’s all guided by expert trainers – no equipment or subscriptions required. You’ll be able to fit in a fitness routine that can work around you. Be it 10 minutes or 45, FitOn makes it easy to stay active and feel your best, right from your living room.Budgeting AppsYNAB (You Need a Budget)YNAB isn’t just about tracking what you’ve spent – it’s about planning for what’s ahead, like that collage fund you’ve been meaning to set up.With a proactive, goal-based system, it helps you assign every rand a job, whether that’s covering bills, building savings or tackling debt. The app focuses on long-term habits that stick and the website offers plenty of educational content to guide you along the way. If you’re serious about gaining control over your money, YNAB gives you the tools to make it happen.SplitwiseThe rugby’s on, your brus are over and you’re hosting a proper bring and braai, if you do say so yourself. One brought chops, another showed up with garlic bread and a six-pack and you covered the charcoal, snacks and enough boerie to feed half the neighbourhood. A few days later, everyone says, “Just let me know what I owe you.” Except.. they forget. Again.Splitwise is an expense-sharing app that keeps things simple and fuss-free. You log who paid for what and it handles the rest – no awkward follow-ups, no mental gymnastics. Whether you're managing family holidays, shared bills or group gifts, it takes care of the math – and the pay me when you can conversations, so you don’t have to.ConclusionAs a dad, you don’t have to go it alone – or juggle sticky notes and mental lists. The best dad-friendly apps of 2025 are designed to lighten the load, support your wellbeing and keep life running smoothly without the stress.Whether it’s calming your mind, staying active or managing your money, these apps offer practical, easy-to-use tools that fit right into your routine. Try a few, see what works and let technology take some of the pressure off you.FAQSHow does Dadditude support dads’ mental health? Dadditude offers bite-sized self-care tips from licensed professionals and inspiring quotes from famous dads. It’s designed to help dads manage stress, build resilience and navigate fatherhood with confidence.Is Strava good for beginners or only for serious athletes? Strava works for all fitness levels. Whether you’re a casual walker or a cycling enthusiast, Strava tracks routes and performance while connecting you with a motivating community.How can dads manage family or group expenses easily? Apps like Splitwise are ideal for managing shared costs after events like bring and braais, holidays or birthday gifts. It tracks who paid for what and calculates who owes who—no awkward WhatsApps or complicated spreadsheets.Which health apps are ideal for busy dads? Popular health apps for busy dads include MyFitnessPal for tracking meals and nutrition, Strava for outdoor fitness like running and cycling, and FitOn for free, flexible workouts that fit any schedule.Are parenting apps useful for new dads? Absolutely. Parenting apps like Dadditude provide tailored advice, emotional support and practical tips that new dads need to navigate the challenges of early fatherhood confidently.Referenceshttps://www.calm.com/https://americanspcc.org/dadditude/https://www.mypossibleself.com/https://www.strava.com/https://americanspcc.org/dadditude/https://fitonapp.com/https://www.ynab.com/https://www.splitwise.com/

The 5 Best Value Smartphones Of 2025 You'll Want To Buy

Looking for an affordable smartphone in South Africa? Discover 5 budget phones with 5G, top-end displays and impressive cameras. Which one’s your next pick?Decisions, Decisions Picking your next smartphone isn’t just about the flashy specs or the latest trends. You have to factor in how much you can afford to pay every month.If you’re looking for a 24- or 36-month plan, you need a phone that can keep up with you when it comes to work, play and snapping solid pics for The Gram.The good news is that 2025’s budget smartphones are spoiling us all for choice. You can now get reliable performance, great cameras and 5G connectivity without going into debt to get it.We’re breaking down five of the best value-for-money phones around right now: the still-strong Apple iPhone 13, Samsung’s new Galaxy A26, Huawei nova Y63, the sleek HONOR 200 Lite and the budget-friendly Spectra J1. Let’s find the one that ticks all your boxes.Why are Budget Smartphones such a Big Deal?Not long ago, budget smartphones meant settling for low-quality displays, weak performance and shaky reliability. If you wanted great features, you had to pay big.But in 2025, that’s all changed. Budget and mid-range phones now pack specs once reserved for flagships.AMOLED screens, 5G, faster chips and solid cameras are showing up in phones well under R10 000. Battery life? Many last over a day on only one charge. These days, affordable doesn’t mean bad quality. Whatever you’re in the market for – a crisp display, reliable speed or a battery that goes the distance – the choices keep improving.Apple iPhone 13The iPhone 13 may be from all the way in 2021 but it’s still a powerhouse device.  This is perfect for you if you want in on an Apple smartphone without paying for the newest model. Its sharp 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display and dual 12MP cameras are great for photos and videos. Storage options range from 128GB to 512GB so you won’t run out of space. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, it handles gaming and multitasking like a champ and the battery can last up to 19 hours. No mid-day slumps here, proving once again that there are no bad Apples.Samsung Galaxy A26If you want something a little newer or you’re a Samsung loyalist, the Samsung Galaxy A26 is definitely worth checking out. Launched this year, it comes in White, Mint, Peach Pink and Black.The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display is bright and crisp, ideal for binge-watching or scrolling. With 6GB RAM and 128GB storage – expandable up to 2TB via MicroSD – you’ll have plenty of space. The 50MP rear camera takes solid shots and the 13MP front camera is great for selfies and video calls.Huawei nova Y63The Huawei nova Y63 is a great new entry-level option packed with features for everyday use. It has a large 6.7-inch display perfect for browsing and streaming plus 128GB of storage for all your apps and photos.Its 50MP AI dual rear camera delivers solid shots in good light while the 8MP front camera is perfect for selfies and video calls. With a hefty 6 000mAh battery, it’s built to last all day. Important because you never want to worry about running out of juice before bedtime.HONOR 200 LiteThe HONOR 200 Lite stands out with its vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, that delivers a premium viewing experience. Its 108MP main camera captures sharp, detailed photos while the 50MP front camera is perfect for bright selfies and smooth video calls.A 4 500mAh battery easily gets you through the day and the 35W HONOR SuperCharge powers you up fast. Overall, the HONOR 200 Lite packs a great display, strong cameras and decent battery life.Spectra J1Spectra is a South African brand of budget-friendly phones that still pack solid tech. The Spectra J1 is a great choice if you want a reliable everyday phone without spending a fortune. It sports a 6.56-inch screen which is big enough for comfy browsing and streaming but still easy to handle and carry around.Security is simple with fingerprint recognition for quick unlocking. The 13MP rear camera captures decent shots for social and casual snaps while the 8MP front camera handles selfies and video calls with ease. Plus the 5 000mAh battery keeps you powered all day, making the Spectra J1 a practical, no-fuss choice.The Verdict Choosing your next smartphone doesn’t have to drain your wallet or force you into settling for less. The best phone is the one that feels like it was made just for you, without a huge price tag. Ready to upgrade? Your next favourite smartphone is waiting. Check out our top deals here.FAQsIs the iPhone 13 a good buy in 2025? Yes! Though it launched in 2021, the iPhone 13 remains a powerful and reliable choice. It has a stunning Super Retina XDR display, solid dual cameras and the speedy A15 Bionic chip – all at a lower price than the latest models.Are there any reliable budget smartphones made in South Africa? Yes! The Spectra J1 is a great local option. It offers a large screen, fingerprint security, decent cameras and a powerful 5 000mAh battery.Are budget smartphones good for photography? Definitely! Phones like the HONOR 200 Lite with its 108MP camera and the Samsung Galaxy A26 with a 50MP shooter prove you can get sharp, detailed photos without paying flagship prices. They handle everyday snaps and selfies with ease.Are budget smartphones worth it for everyday use? Absolutely. With improved displays, cameras, battery life and faster processors, budget smartphones in 2025 are designed to handle daily tasks like work emails and social media without compromise or breaking your budget.Can budget smartphones handle gaming and multitasking? Yes, many budget phones now come with powerful processors and enough RAM to smoothly run games and multiple apps. The iPhone 13’s A15 Bionic chip and Samsung A26’s 6GB RAM offer reliable performance for gaming and streaming.Referenceshttps://www.samsung.com/za/smartphones/galaxy-a/galaxy-a26-5g-mint-128gb-sm-a266blgiafa/https://swappie.com/en/blog/is-it-still-worth-buying-an-iphone-13/https://consumer.huawei.com/za/offer/huawei-smartphones/nova-y63-buy/https://www.HONOR.com/global/phones/HONOR-200-lite/https://spectramobile.co.za/j1-2/

Bits and Bytes - September 2021 Edition

WWDC 2025 unveiled iOS 26, Live Translate and more. See what's new for iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple Watches — and which devices are supported.Apple just wrapped its 2025 World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC), and  it’s quietly made every part of the Apple experience better. This year’s announcements focused on refining, unifying and modernising how we interact with our Apple devices.And the results are frankly, showstopping.Here’s your full breakdown of what’s coming.One Number, All Platforms: Everything’s on 26For the first time ever, every major Apple platform is aligned under one version: 26. That means iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 "Tahoe", watchOS 26, tvOS 26 and visionOS 26 are all singing from the same software hymn sheet.It’s neat, logical and long overdue.Liquid Glass and Full of Class Design-wise, Apple introduced a fresh aesthetic across all platforms called Liquid Glass. It features soft transparency, rounded edges and gentle motion that feels more alive. It’s a low-key upgrade that brings visual harmony across devices and adds another layer of glass to the Apple design.If the previous design was clinical and crisp, this one feels warmer and has more understated polish without the pomp.iPadOS 26: Now With Proper MultitaskingiPad users, rejoice: iPadOS 26 finally delivers true windowed multitasking. You can now freely move, resize and stack app windows like you would on your desktop. This is something productivity fans have been begging for for a while and it’s great to see that Apple heavyweights took this into account.The Files app gets a redesign too, making file navigation smoother. And for those who use keyboards with their iPads, the experience now feels way more intuitive, complete with improved shortcuts and navigation tweaks that make the iPad feel more like a Mac (in the best way).macOS 26 “Tahoe”: Utility And Elegance? macOS 26, affectionately called “Tahoe” also adopts the new Liquid Glass visuals while adding practical upgrades that actually improve daily use.Highlights include, smarter battery management, with insights into power-hungry apps, improved Wi-Fi diagnostics for stronger, more stable connections and smoother continuity features between Mac and iPhone.watchOS 26: Your Watch Is Thinking AheadWith watchOS 26, the Apple Watch gets a little more proactive. The headline feature, Hints, offers timely suggestions based on your daily habits — like nudging you to drink water, suggesting a walk after lunch, or getting your go-to playlist ready before your morning trek to work.Health tracking also gets a boost with more accurate, AI-backed insights. The watch isn’t just counting steps anymore, it reads your rhythm, helps you spot commonalties in your habits and keeps tabs on your wellness in smarter ways.tvOS 26: More Personal, More FuntvOS 26 brings two anticipated features: user profiles and karaoke. Finally, each person in your household can enjoy tailored recommendations, instead of everyone’s preferences getting mashed into one weird mix of fitness, romcoms and cartoons.And now Apple Music Sing is built into Apple TV. And yes, older Apple TV models are still supported.AI Goes Quietly Smart with Live TranslateApple may not have shouted about AI from the rooftops like some of its competitors, but that doesn’t mean it was missing. Instead, it delivered quiet, practical intelligence.A major standout is Live Translate. A feature built into FaceTime and Messages that allows real-time translation during conversations — both text and during video call. If you’re talking to someone in another language, Live Translate detects the language and displays immediate translated captions on the fly.Other Clever Additions We Love:Visual Lookup for screenshots (great for decoding memes, recognising landmarks, or scanning receipts)AI-powered call screening, which transcribes unknown calls and lets you decide whether to answerSiri’s Big Makeover? Not Yet.  The Siri update has been promised for a while now but, disappointingly, no major Siri upgrade was mentioned at this year’s WWDC.However Apple has confirmed that a fully reimagined Siri is in the works for 2026. Apple’s Tim Cook says the aim is to create a less robotic Siri with more natural conversation style and greater understanding of context.But for now, it’s still the same old Siri – until 2026 anyway.iOS 26: Who Gets It?Good news: If you’re using an iPhone 11 or newer, you’re eligible for iOS 26. That’s six years of software support on phones dating back to 2019.When Can You Try It?The developer beta is currently available and public betas roll out starting next month. So if you’re  curious or just want a chance to test the waters, now’s your chance. But if you prefer the full official version, with bugs exterminated, expect it around October 2025.Fair warning though, if you're planning to install the beta version, maybe don't do it on your main device unless you're into buggy banking apps and random reboots.Final Thoughts: WWDC 2025 didn’t reinvent the wheel but it has refined it. This was a developer conference focused on making things feel more connected, more intuitive and a lot more polished. The unified versioning, smarter features and subtle design upgrades point to a company playing the long game.Apple isn’t trying to wow us with flashy gimmicks. It’s making every day tech feel more seamless and sometimes, that can be the biggest flex of all.

8 Helpful Tech Apps Your Dad Needs In 2025

Discover the top apps for dads in 2025 including fitness, smart budgeting and mental wellness. These essential tools keep you healthy, financially on track, and focused on what matters!Daddy’s Cool Contrary to popular belief, dad’s do a lot more than just make badly timed Dad Jokes. Between work, school runs, late-night feeds and long to-do lists, finding time for your health, mental well-being or finances can be tough.That’s why we’ve put together 8 of the best apps for modern dads.Now you’ll be able to track workouts, manage your stress and take control of those unexpected expenses all from your smartphones.These apps are practical tools to help you stay strong, focused and financially confident. Let’s find the right fit for your dad life.Mental Health AppsDadditudeBuilt specifically for dads, Dadditude delivers expert-backed self-care tips to help manage stress, build emotional resilience and maintain focus throughout every stage of parenting. The app also features motivational quotes and insights from well-known dads like Jack Black and Tyler Perry. Dadditude adapts to your needs and helps you stay emotionally present.CalmThis wellness app is designed to support users with everyday stress and anxiety. It offers guided meditations, sleep stories, breathing exercises and soothing soundscapes – all built to promote relaxation and mental clarity. For dads juggling busy schedules, Calm provides a simple way to find moments of peace throughout the day.MyPossibleSelfDescribed by Buzzfeed as a “pocket therapist”, MyPossibleSelf is a mental health app developed with input from clinical psychologists. It helps users track their mood, manage anxiety and build better emotional habits – something all parents are looking to cultivate.With guided modules on topics like stress, loss and low mood, it’s a practical choice for dads looking to stay on top of their mental wellbeing. The app is free to use, with additional features available through optional in-app purchases.Health AppsMyFitnessPalFor dads looking to build healthier habits or manage weight, MyFitnessPal an easy way to stay on track without the guesswork. MyFitnessPal makes meal-tracking simple with an extensive food database and built-in barcode scanner, so logging your meals takes seconds. It tracks calories, nutrients and water intake, giving you a clear overview of what you’re consuming every day.StravaWhether you’re running, cycling or just out for a walk, Strava turns your movement into motivation. It maps your routes, tracks key stats like pace and distance and lets you compete with yourself – or others – for that extra push. If you’re a dad who loves a challenge, Strava keeps you focused and fired up with performance insights and community support. FitOnWorking out becoming too expensive? We’ve got you! FitOn gives you access to free, high-quality workouts whenever and wherever you want. From quick HIIT sessions to calming yoga or strength training, it’s all guided by expert trainers – no equipment or subscriptions required. You’ll be able to fit in a fitness routine that can work around you. Be it 10 minutes or 45, FitOn makes it easy to stay active and feel your best, right from your living room.Budgeting AppsYNAB (You Need a Budget)YNAB isn’t just about tracking what you’ve spent – it’s about planning for what’s ahead, like that collage fund you’ve been meaning to set up.With a proactive, goal-based system, it helps you assign every rand a job, whether that’s covering bills, building savings or tackling debt. The app focuses on long-term habits that stick and the website offers plenty of educational content to guide you along the way. If you’re serious about gaining control over your money, YNAB gives you the tools to make it happen.SplitwiseThe rugby’s on, your brus are over and you’re hosting a proper bring and braai, if you do say so yourself. One brought chops, another showed up with garlic bread and a six-pack and you covered the charcoal, snacks and enough boerie to feed half the neighbourhood. A few days later, everyone says, “Just let me know what I owe you.” Except.. they forget. Again.Splitwise is an expense-sharing app that keeps things simple and fuss-free. You log who paid for what and it handles the rest – no awkward follow-ups, no mental gymnastics. Whether you're managing family holidays, shared bills or group gifts, it takes care of the math – and the pay me when you can conversations, so you don’t have to.ConclusionAs a dad, you don’t have to go it alone – or juggle sticky notes and mental lists. The best dad-friendly apps of 2025 are designed to lighten the load, support your wellbeing and keep life running smoothly without the stress.Whether it’s calming your mind, staying active or managing your money, these apps offer practical, easy-to-use tools that fit right into your routine. Try a few, see what works and let technology take some of the pressure off you.FAQSHow does Dadditude support dads’ mental health? Dadditude offers bite-sized self-care tips from licensed professionals and inspiring quotes from famous dads. It’s designed to help dads manage stress, build resilience and navigate fatherhood with confidence.Is Strava good for beginners or only for serious athletes? Strava works for all fitness levels. Whether you’re a casual walker or a cycling enthusiast, Strava tracks routes and performance while connecting you with a motivating community.How can dads manage family or group expenses easily? Apps like Splitwise are ideal for managing shared costs after events like bring and braais, holidays or birthday gifts. It tracks who paid for what and calculates who owes who—no awkward WhatsApps or complicated spreadsheets.Which health apps are ideal for busy dads? Popular health apps for busy dads include MyFitnessPal for tracking meals and nutrition, Strava for outdoor fitness like running and cycling, and FitOn for free, flexible workouts that fit any schedule.Are parenting apps useful for new dads? Absolutely. Parenting apps like Dadditude provide tailored advice, emotional support and practical tips that new dads need to navigate the challenges of early fatherhood confidently.Referenceshttps://www.calm.com/https://americanspcc.org/dadditude/https://www.mypossibleself.com/https://www.strava.com/https://americanspcc.org/dadditude/https://fitonapp.com/https://www.ynab.com/https://www.splitwise.com/

The 5 Best Value Smartphones Of 2025 You'll Want To Buy

Looking for an affordable smartphone in South Africa? Discover 5 budget phones with 5G, top-end displays and impressive cameras. Which one’s your next pick?Decisions, Decisions Picking your next smartphone isn’t just about the flashy specs or the latest trends. You have to factor in how much you can afford to pay every month.If you’re looking for a 24- or 36-month plan, you need a phone that can keep up with you when it comes to work, play and snapping solid pics for The Gram.The good news is that 2025’s budget smartphones are spoiling us all for choice. You can now get reliable performance, great cameras and 5G connectivity without going into debt to get it.We’re breaking down five of the best value-for-money phones around right now: the still-strong Apple iPhone 13, Samsung’s new Galaxy A26, Huawei nova Y63, the sleek HONOR 200 Lite and the budget-friendly Spectra J1. Let’s find the one that ticks all your boxes.Why are Budget Smartphones such a Big Deal?Not long ago, budget smartphones meant settling for low-quality displays, weak performance and shaky reliability. If you wanted great features, you had to pay big.But in 2025, that’s all changed. Budget and mid-range phones now pack specs once reserved for flagships.AMOLED screens, 5G, faster chips and solid cameras are showing up in phones well under R10 000. Battery life? Many last over a day on only one charge. These days, affordable doesn’t mean bad quality. Whatever you’re in the market for – a crisp display, reliable speed or a battery that goes the distance – the choices keep improving.Apple iPhone 13The iPhone 13 may be from all the way in 2021 but it’s still a powerhouse device.  This is perfect for you if you want in on an Apple smartphone without paying for the newest model. Its sharp 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display and dual 12MP cameras are great for photos and videos. Storage options range from 128GB to 512GB so you won’t run out of space. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, it handles gaming and multitasking like a champ and the battery can last up to 19 hours. No mid-day slumps here, proving once again that there are no bad Apples.Samsung Galaxy A26If you want something a little newer or you’re a Samsung loyalist, the Samsung Galaxy A26 is definitely worth checking out. Launched this year, it comes in White, Mint, Peach Pink and Black.The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display is bright and crisp, ideal for binge-watching or scrolling. With 6GB RAM and 128GB storage – expandable up to 2TB via MicroSD – you’ll have plenty of space. The 50MP rear camera takes solid shots and the 13MP front camera is great for selfies and video calls.Huawei nova Y63The Huawei nova Y63 is a great new entry-level option packed with features for everyday use. It has a large 6.7-inch display perfect for browsing and streaming plus 128GB of storage for all your apps and photos.Its 50MP AI dual rear camera delivers solid shots in good light while the 8MP front camera is perfect for selfies and video calls. With a hefty 6 000mAh battery, it’s built to last all day. Important because you never want to worry about running out of juice before bedtime.HONOR 200 LiteThe HONOR 200 Lite stands out with its vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, that delivers a premium viewing experience. Its 108MP main camera captures sharp, detailed photos while the 50MP front camera is perfect for bright selfies and smooth video calls.A 4 500mAh battery easily gets you through the day and the 35W HONOR SuperCharge powers you up fast. Overall, the HONOR 200 Lite packs a great display, strong cameras and decent battery life.Spectra J1Spectra is a South African brand of budget-friendly phones that still pack solid tech. The Spectra J1 is a great choice if you want a reliable everyday phone without spending a fortune. It sports a 6.56-inch screen which is big enough for comfy browsing and streaming but still easy to handle and carry around.Security is simple with fingerprint recognition for quick unlocking. The 13MP rear camera captures decent shots for social and casual snaps while the 8MP front camera handles selfies and video calls with ease. Plus the 5 000mAh battery keeps you powered all day, making the Spectra J1 a practical, no-fuss choice.The Verdict Choosing your next smartphone doesn’t have to drain your wallet or force you into settling for less. The best phone is the one that feels like it was made just for you, without a huge price tag. Ready to upgrade? Your next favourite smartphone is waiting. Check out our top deals here.FAQsIs the iPhone 13 a good buy in 2025? Yes! Though it launched in 2021, the iPhone 13 remains a powerful and reliable choice. It has a stunning Super Retina XDR display, solid dual cameras and the speedy A15 Bionic chip – all at a lower price than the latest models.Are there any reliable budget smartphones made in South Africa? Yes! The Spectra J1 is a great local option. It offers a large screen, fingerprint security, decent cameras and a powerful 5 000mAh battery.Are budget smartphones good for photography? Definitely! Phones like the HONOR 200 Lite with its 108MP camera and the Samsung Galaxy A26 with a 50MP shooter prove you can get sharp, detailed photos without paying flagship prices. They handle everyday snaps and selfies with ease.Are budget smartphones worth it for everyday use? Absolutely. With improved displays, cameras, battery life and faster processors, budget smartphones in 2025 are designed to handle daily tasks like work emails and social media without compromise or breaking your budget.Can budget smartphones handle gaming and multitasking? Yes, many budget phones now come with powerful processors and enough RAM to smoothly run games and multiple apps. The iPhone 13’s A15 Bionic chip and Samsung A26’s 6GB RAM offer reliable performance for gaming and streaming.Referenceshttps://www.samsung.com/za/smartphones/galaxy-a/galaxy-a26-5g-mint-128gb-sm-a266blgiafa/https://swappie.com/en/blog/is-it-still-worth-buying-an-iphone-13/https://consumer.huawei.com/za/offer/huawei-smartphones/nova-y63-buy/https://www.HONOR.com/global/phones/HONOR-200-lite/https://spectramobile.co.za/j1-2/

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The Best-Selling Phones Of 2024: What Everyone's Talking About

Aimee Bestel / 19-12-2024 / Tech

The Huawei Standouts

Huawei nova 12i

Huawei nova Y91

Flagship Favourites: Apple iPhones

Apple iPhone 13

Apple iPhone 11

The HONOR Roll

HONOR 200 Lite

HONOR X5b Plus

Mid-Range Marvels: Samsung Galaxy Series

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

Samsung Galaxy A34 5G

Samsung Galaxy A73 5G

The OPPO You Waited For

Oppo A40

What to Consider When Choosing Your Perfect Phone

Camera Quality

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