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Google’s Pixel series has crafted a name for itself by offering a clean Android experience, day-one software updates, and computational photography that’s often only rivaled by the iPhone or Samsung’s most expensive flagships. They also have a signature design philosophy, exemplified by the Pixel 10 and 10 Pro’s flat screens, polished or stain-finished aluminum frames, and distinct camera bars to house all the hardware.

Other perks of the Pixel phones include up to seven years of Android updates to newer Pixel models, which include frequent Pixel Drops and security patches. Google is also doing AI in its smartphones a bit better than other manufacturers: You get built-in Gemini models that run directly on the device and offer you features such as enhanced call screening and faster recorded transcriptions.

All that said, Pixel phones don’t always have the best reputation when it comes to value. For starters, the in-house Tensor G5 that powers the Pixel 10 Pro is considerably slower than what the competition is using. Battery life, too, isn’t Pixel’s strong suit, with many users complaining of poor endurance even after just a few months of use. Fortunately, the Android segment is packed to the brim with alternatives that may prove to be a better value for your money. Here are five cheaper alternatives to the Pixel 10 Pro that either offer similar features or much better performance.

If you like the Pixel experience but want a phone that offers better value than the 10 Pro, you can just step down a few notches in Google’s own lineup. The Google Pixel 10a is the company’s budget offering, but it packs in nearly everything good about the flagship Pixel experience at a fraction of the cost. Priced at $500 for the 128GB model, the Pixel 10a is powered by last year’s Tensor G4 chip and 8GB of RAM.

It still offers a 120Hz OLED display with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. At 6.3 inches, the screen is also the same size as that of the Pixel 10 Pro, albeit with ever so slightly larger bezels all around. The Pixel 10a does cut a few corners in the camera department, though: Apart from a smaller main sensor with a slightly lower resolution, you lose out on the 5x telephoto lens that the Pixel 10 Pro provides. You retain the ultrawide lens, but it’s 13 MP instead of the 10 Pro’s 48 MP.

What remains the same is the software experience, beyond a few on-device AI features like Magic Cue that probably require more RAM. The 10a will also receive up to seven years of OS updates. It also has support for wireless charging for the 5,100 mAh battery, but Pixelsnap compatibility is not present.

Samsung’s flagship S Ultra device enjoys most of the attention during every launch cycle, but the base variant is no less of a premium experience. Not only does the Samsung Galaxy S26 start at $900, which is $100 less than the Pixel 10 Pro, but it also offers twice the storage capacity at 256GB by default — which we’d like to see Google do with its future phones. This is important considering these flagship smartphones are equipped with cameras that can churn out multi-gig video files if you’re shooting in 4K.

The Galaxy S26 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which will be a much better chip if you’re planning on gaming. According to NanoReview, the Snapdragon processor offers up to 2.7 times better performance than the Tensor G5 in AnTuTu benchmarks. You may not notice the difference in regular day-to-day use, but the Galaxy S26 is better equipped to handle heavier workloads or console-quality games like “Alien Isolation” that are becoming increasingly common on mobile devices.

You’re also not losing out on any of the software benefits by picking a Samsung phone over a Pixel, either. Like Google, Samsung offers up to seven years of Android updates to its smartphones. One UI is also one of the most feature-packed variants of Android and comes with a Galaxy AI suite that’s comparable to what Pixel phones have to offer.

OnePlus is known for its performance-first phones that undercut the competition, and the OnePlus 15 is no different. It starts at $900, for which you get 256GB of UFS 4.1 storage and 12GB of RAM. For $100 more, you can double the storage and up the RAM capacity to 16GB — and it will still be cheaper than the base variant of the Pixel 10 Pro XL. The OnePlus 15 is also a large phone, sporting a 6.78-inch AMOLED display that can hit refresh rates of up to 165Hz in supported apps and games. It has slim bezels, support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and a touch sampling rate of 3,200Hz.

Being powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 means the OnePlus 15 also has the Pixel 10 Pro comfortably beat on the performance front. The phone can easily handle any modern game you throw at it, and its screen’s higher-than-usual refresh rate actually makes it comparable to dedicated gaming phones. OnePlus didn’t cut any major corners with the 15, either, despite its very competitive pricing: The 50-megapixel cluster of sensors delivers excellent results and offers videos up to 4K 120fps or 8K 30fps.

When we reviewed the OnePlus 15, though, the feature that impressed us the most was its battery life. Not only does its 7,300 mAh silicon-carbon battery dwarf what the Pixel 10 Pro offers, but OxygenOS’ aggressive battery optimization also makes for a phone that comfortably lasts a day and a half on a single charge.

If you must have the quintessential Pixel experience with all the goodies, the regular Google Pixel 10 could prove to be a great middle ground between the 10a and Pro. It shares the same SoC as the more expensive Pixel 10 Pro, though you get less RAM at 12GB. It sports a similar 6.3-inch OLED 120Hz display with the same Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection and an IP68 rating. The phone is priced at $800 for the 128GB variant, which makes it $200 cheaper than the Pixel 10 Pro.

The Pixel 10 offers a triple-camera system as well, including a 5x telephoto lens for your zoom photos — just with smaller, lower-megapixel sensors. Design-wise, it’s really difficult to tell the two models apart. Some users actually prefer the matte aluminum frame on the Pixel 10 over the polished finish of the Pixel 10 Pro’s frame. 

As expected, you get the same software experience with seven promised Android versions and frequent Pixel Drops. Also, unlike the Pixel 10a, the regular Pixel 10 doesn’t skimp on any AI features. You also get support for Pixelsnap, which is Google’s version of MagSafe. If you’ve owned an iPhone before, you can use any MagSafe accessories you already have with your Pixel 10. As long as you’re willing to compromise on the cameras, the Pixel 10 offers the same performance and software experience as its elder sibling at a much more compelling price.

You don’t need to spend $1,000 if you want to play demanding games on your smartphone, and especially not on a Pixel 10 Pro. Instead, you’ll want to turn to a phone like the Nubia RedMagic 11 Air. This gaming-centric phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. Although it uses an older chip, the 8 Elite still outperforms Google’s Tensor G5 by quite a margin. More importantly, the RedMagic 11 Air offers considerably better value thanks to its $530 price tag.

A factor that differentiates the RedMagic 11 Air from pretty much every other smartphone being currently sold is its notchless, full-screen display. Yes, that does come at the cost of a lower-quality image from the under-screen front-facing camera, but that’s a sacrifice hardcore gamers might be willing to make. The display itself is an AMOLED panel that refreshes at 144Hz with a touch sampling rate of 2,592 Hz. The phone also offers a large 7,000 mAh silicon-carbon battery with support for up to 80W of wired charging.

Unfortunately, RedMagic is only promising two years of major Android updates and three years of security patches. If you’re looking for more horsepower, you can stay within the RedMagic family and get the RedMagic 11S Pro. It sports the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and a slightly larger battery with support for wireless charging — while still being cheaper than the Pixel 10 Pro.

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One of the most exciting parts of fixing up your home and adding some personality is painting. However, it’s also one of the most time-consuming tasks, since it involves extensive preparation and cleanup. When working with houses, there are bound to be all kinds of surfaces that need to be treated individually before a can of paint can even be opened. There are also many environmental factors outside your control that affect the overall look, such as humidity, drying rates, and temperature. And of course, you may even realize too late that the paint didn’t stick very well or you got the wrong color. Because of this, many homeowners are always looking for ways to make sure they get everything right on the first application.

For spray painting, there are game-changing accessories, like inlet strainers, gravity-feed spray gun stands, and air paint shakers. However, these aren’t your only options when it comes to painting tools, especially smart ones. While most people already know that you can use your drills with paint-mixing attachments, there are other painting tools that might be worth your time. For your consideration, we’ve rounded up several options, including paint holders, roller cleaners, spray booths, and even tools to help you choose colors. To understand why we chose them, see the end of the article for our full methodology. But if you’re ready to shop for your next home makeover, keep reading.

When it comes to painting walls, it can be challenging to get the exact color because factors like lighting and texture can affect how it looks. In the past, people used color fan decks, which were basically swatches of a paint brand’s available products. But if you don’t have the best eyes for detecting colors, there are now color-matching tools that can reduce your chances of error. By combining a compact color reader with a smartphone app, color-matching tools let you scan surfaces and identify the closest possible paint match. Typically, they’ll be able to display different values and have access to different paint brand libraries for your reference, so you can choose what is available at your local hardware store.

On Amazon, the best-selling lab colorimeter is the COLOR MUSE series, which has been rated 4.1 stars by more than 1,300 people. Depending on your needs, it offers different models and packages that include cases and app subscriptions, priced between $69.99 and $174.99. Alternatively, if you want something known to be a little more durable, there’s the $129 Nix Mini 3, which is also highly rated, with a 4.2-star average from 600+ people. Unlike other similar options, it has an IPX4 rating, which means it can handle water splashes, and a durable design to protect against dust and debris. However, if you have a larger budget, the brand also sells higher-end options, such as the Nix Spectro L and Nix Spectro 2.

If you’ve invested in a home with plenty of high walls or ceilings, a ladder paint tray might just save you time and your back. Unlike normal paint trays, ladder paint trays like the ROLLINGDOG Multifunction Paint Tray can be conveniently hooked onto ladders. This option has a 3-liter capacity and measures 16.7 inches by 14 inches by 6.7 inches. Designed for rollers up to 10.6 inches, it also comes with reinforced legs, a textured loading grid, and a slot that can hold rollers. However, it doesn’t work for all ladders, so before you check out, make sure your ladder rung is 1.1 feet wide and 2.5 inches thick. It weighs just 1.6 pounds without paint, so it can even be held by hand. Retailing for $32.99, the ROLLINGDOG multifunction paint tray for ladders has been rated 4.6 stars by over 220 people.

Alternatively, you can also get the Little Giant Project Tray, which adds a tray to your ladder. Since it can hold up to 25 pounds, you can load heavy paint cans. Apart from paint container slots, it also has slots for power tools and hand tools, plus a magnetic dish for small parts. Priced at $35.94, it’s not just an Amazon’s Choice product, but it’s also highly rated with more than 2,200 people giving it 4.7 stars. The same brand also manufactures a larger-capacity paint roller tray under $40 that holds up to a gallon.

Whether you’re painting an entire wall or a small peeling area, you’ll often need to use different tools to get the job done, such as opening cans, cleaning surfaces, or even removing old nails. Thankfully, there are plenty of multi-functional painter’s tools, like the DeWalt 9-in-1 Painter’s Tool. Priced at $14.39, this carbon steel painter’s tool comes with a soft-grip handle and large hang hole. Apart from acting as both a straight and curved scraper, it also works as a paint roller gouger, can opener, and bottle opener. And if you need to pull a nail, hammer a few cans shut, or tighten a screw or two, it works for that too. As of July 2026, more than 2,300 people have rated it 4.8 stars.

If you’re looking for something even cheaper, there’s also the $6.95 Bates 10-in-1 Painter’s Tool, plus it’s also sold in a pair ($11.99) and a 3-pack ($14.99). An Amazon’s Overall Pick product, it boasts a 4.7-star average rating from more than 6,800 reviewers. But for those with a larger budget, the $17.99 RED Devil 6-in-1 Painter’s Tool might be worth the money. Designed for professionals, it uses a high-carbon precision-ground steel blade combined with a brass-plated, solid steel nail setting head. Not to mention, its black nylon handle is made to withstand solvents. You’ll still need to be mindful of paint-related health risks, especially if you’re working with spray paint.

While you can use drop cloths and tarpaulins, one convenient way to spray paint items like furniture with less fuss is a spray paint booth tent. With the same purpose of reducing cleanup time, it also involves a much shorter setup period. On Amazon, you can get the PLANTIONAL Spray Shelter, which comes in multiple sizes: small (3.1 ft by 3.2 ft by 3.3 ft), medium (7 ft by 4 ft by 4 ft / 4.9 ft by 4.5 ft by 4.3 ft), or large (8.4 ft by 6 ft by 5.5 ft). Each tent shares many of the same core features, such as tear resistance, waterproofing, and a built-in floor. They also have added features, like protective mesh screens, Velcro, and rear ventilation. Plus, they come with portable storage bags. With prices that range between $29.99 and $49.99, many people feel quite satisfied with their collective performance, with more than 1,200 people who rated them around 4.4 stars.

To be able to hit all the right angles, you might want to augment your spray paint booth setup with other accessories as well. For example, there’s the 11-inch diameter Wagner Spraytech Turntable, which has an average rating of 4.5 stars from 5,600+ people and retails for just under $15. Capable of holding up to 15 pounds, it can rotate the items you want to paint for a smoother spray-paint experience. It functions similarly to what bakers use to decorate cakes.

One of the most annoying aspects of painting is the cleanup and storage process, especially when you’re working with paint rollers. When cleaning paint rollers, you’ll want to make sure you don’t waste paint, which you can do with a paint roller scraper, like the Touch Up Cup Roller Saver. Capable of removing extra paint with just a single swipe (and without messy hands), the tool is available in two colors (blue and pink) and retails for just under $12. You can also get a pair for $21.25. Weighing just 3.84 ounces, it’s a little over 9 inches on its longest side, so it’s easy to store when not in use. On Amazon, you can get the Touch Up Cup’s paint roller cleaner tool, which works with three roller sleeve sizes: ¼ inch, ⅜ inch, and ½ inch. An Amazon’s Choice product, it has been rated 4.4 stars by more than 360 people on average. And if you want to support local products, it’s also made in the United States.

If you tend to have a lot of leftover paint, the same brand also sells leftover paint containers that have a special mixing ball that keeps it from clumping. Afterward, you can get something like the $9.99 Scottchen PRO drill driver attachment, which lets you spin the paint roller at high speeds and reduce washing time. It’s compatible with rollers between 9 inches and 18 inches. Another Amazon’s Choice product, it has an average rating of 4.3 stars from 420 customers.

When making this list of painting tools for smart homeowners, we considered the various pain points of the painting experience, including preparation, application, cleaning, and storage. Next, we looked into the different tools designed to address each issue. We made sure to take into account different homeowners’ budgets, so we included tool recommendations ranging from $7 to $175. In addition, each product must have had an average rating of at least 4 stars from more than 200 reviewers. Although it didn’t affect their placement on the list, we also mentioned whether they were highlighted in other ways, such as being Amazon’s Choice or top-selling items in their product category. When possible, we also mentioned alternative products that may have specific functions that you might prefer.

Wind turbines turn flowing air into electricity, but how much can be difficult to predict. A good starting point is to determine a wind turbine’s efficiency by its rated wind speed. 

This refers to the wind speed required to generate a wind turbine’s maximum power output without overworking its components, like the blades and generators. Engineers need to understand a wind turbine’s rated wind speed to ensure it is operating as expected without impacting its durability and reliability (they should be able to last 30 years with proper maintenance). On top of ensuring structural integrity, wind turbines should also have the proper rated wind speed to reduce noise. 

Rated wind speed also determines if it can consistently produce more electricity, leading to higher revenue. The usual range is between 11 and 15 meters per second, but this is often considered the peak production — you may want to use power curves to estimate a more realistic output, which is how much electricity the wind turbine produces at given wind speeds. You can then calculate how much electricity will be produced at that average wind speed.

The rated wind speed of a wind turbine can be impacted by a lot of factors. First, you should consider the turbine’s size and components. A turbine’s blades will impact the rated wind speed. For example, longer blades can capture more wind energy at lower spinning speeds. The Department of Energy has stated that “the bigger the better” is true for wind turbines, “since they can sweep more area, capture more wind, and produce more electricity.” Some wind turbines are getting quite large.

The wind turbine may also have some technological upgrades. Certain materials and control systems may make a wind turbine more efficient. Different blade designs could be more aerodynamic, allowing the wind to travel over the curved side and then under the flatter side, creating a pressure pattern that creates more lift. The Department of Energy has worked on longer, lighter blades, as well as tall towers and upgraded drivetrains and control systems. 

The wind turbine’s location can also impact rated wind speed. Every area has a different average wind speed — and wind turbines should be designed to work with the wind conditions. Naturally, a location with higher wind speeds needs wind turbines with a higher rated wind speed to take create the most electricity possible.