TL;DR
Jio Platforms filed for a $3.8B IPO that would be India’s largest ever, with $2.9B earmarked to repay its telecom unit’s foreign currency debt.
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Jio Platforms files for India’s largest-ever IPO, with nearly $3 billion earmarked for debt repayment
Jio Platforms, the digital and telecom arm of Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, filed its draft red herring prospectus with India’s securities regulator on Friday for what would be the country’s largest initial public offering. The filing covers a fresh issue of up to 270 million shares, with no offer-for-sale component, meaning every rupee raised flows directly into the company’s balance sheet.
The IPO is expected to raise approximately $3.8 billion, according to people familiar with the matter. That would surpass Hyundai Motor India’s $3.3 billion listing in October 2024, currently the record for an Indian maiden offering.
The DRHP specifies that 275 billion rupees ($2.9 billion) of the net proceeds will go toward prepaying external commercial borrowings held by Reliance Jio Infocomm, its telecom subsidiary. The remaining funds are earmarked for general corporate purposes.
The borrowings in question consist of three loan facilities denominated in dollars and yen, totaling 300.6 billion rupees. Lenders include Australia & New Zealand Banking Group, Bank of America, Barclays, BNP Paribas, and Citibank. All three facilities are scheduled for repayment between March and June 2028, but Jio Platforms intends to prepay them in full or in part from the IPO proceeds.
Ambani announced the filing at Reliance Industries’ 49th annual general meeting on June 19, describing the listing as a step toward unlocking value for shareholders. The IPO will be led by Akash, Isha, and Anant Ambani, the next generation of the family.
Nineteen banks have been appointed as book-running lead managers, including Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, and Kotak Mahindra Capital.
The deleveraging strategy is significant. Jio Platforms’ net debt stood at 275.8 billion rupees as of March 2026, down from 452.7 billion rupees a year earlier and 484.4 billion rupees in March 2024. A successful IPO would eliminate the bulk of the remaining foreign currency exposure and reduce the company’s annual servicing costs.
The company said in the prospectus that repaying the debt would improve its ability to raise future resources for business development and position it for continued investment in 5G network densification, fixed broadband expansion, and AI and cloud services.
Jio Platforms operates through its telecom subsidiary Reliance Jio Infocomm, which is the world’s second-largest mobile operator by single-country subscribers after China Mobile. As of March 2026, it had 524.4 million subscribers, with 268.5 million already on its 5G network, making it the largest single-country 5G operator outside China in a market racing to scale its digital infrastructure.
In the financial year ending March 2026, Jio reported operating revenue of approximately 1.47 trillion rupees ($15.6 billion) and a net profit of roughly 300 billion rupees ($3.2 billion). EBITDA rose 18.8% to 762.6 billion rupees, with margins improving to 51.9%.
At a valuation above $130 billion, which analyst estimates place between $131 billion and $180 billion, the IPO would make Jio Platforms one of the most valuable companies to list in Asia. The offering represents roughly 2.9% of post-issue equity, enabled by a March 2026 regulatory change that allows companies valued above 5 trillion rupees to list with just 2.5% public float.
Meta holds a 9.99% stake and Google holds 7.73%, both acquired during a 2020 fundraising round that brought in more than a dozen global investors including KKR, Vista Equity Partners, Silver Lake, and sovereign wealth funds from Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia. The fresh-issue structure means none of these investors are selling in the IPO itself, though the DRHP does not restrict future secondary sales once lock-up periods expire.
The timing places Jio’s filing alongside a broader wave of major Asian tech listings. At the same AGM, Ambani outlined a $110 billion AI infrastructure investment over seven years and announced a partnership with Meta to build an AI data centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The IPO proceeds, by clearing the balance sheet of foreign currency debt, would free up capacity for those commitments.
India’s broader push toward technological self-reliance and sovereign AI infrastructure adds a geopolitical dimension to the listing. Jio has positioned itself as the backbone of India’s digital economy, and its 5G and AI ambitions align with the government’s stated goal of reducing dependence on foreign technology platforms.
Existing Reliance Industries retail shareholders will receive a dedicated quota in the offering, with up to 35% of the issue reserved for retail investors. Price band, lot size, and bidding dates have not yet been disclosed, which is standard at the DRHP stage. These will follow once SEBI issues its observations and Jio files its final prospectus.
The draft document did not specify the IPO’s total size in rupee terms, as the issue price will be determined through book building. However, based on the 270 million share figure and prevailing valuation estimates, the offering is expected to land in the range of 360 billion rupees.
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Prediction market Kalshi sent Netflix a cease-and-desist letter on Friday demanding that the streaming service take down the trailer for an upcoming documentary. In the letter, Kalshi claimed the trailer is “defamatory” and contains “both fabricated documents and false and misleading statements.”
“Instadocs: The Prediction Games” is a documentary about the rise of prediction markets. According to Netflix, the film — part of the streamer’s “Instadoc” series of fast-turnaround documentaries — features interviews with both Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan and Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour.
The trailer, however, focuses on a recent party in Las Vegas, where men who have “made millions of dollars on prediction markets, probably eight figures, just over the course of the World Cup” have gathered to watch the World Cup final. One of the guests declares, “I like betting on Kalshi,” while another shows off an apparent $5,000 bet on their phone.
However, Kalshi is currently banned from operating in Nevada due to a court order. In its cease-and-desist letter, Kalshi said the bet shown on the phone is actually a screenshot of a bet made on May 16, 2025 — long before the ban. But the company argued that in the trailer, Netflix “misled its millions of customers into believing this individual was able to successfully trade sport event contracts in Nevada on July 19, 2026.”
In its letter, Kalshi also said that it recently spoke to a Netflix employee who “agreed not to feature the receipt in the documentary when it is released” on Sunday, July 26.
“However — despite Kalshi demonstrating to this employee that the claims in the video were demonstrably false — Netflix inexplicably refused to remove the receipt from the trailer currently circulating on the homepage of the Netflix app,” the company said.
Netflix doesn’t dispute that the screenshot is of a bet from 2025, but a spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter that none of the documentary footage was fabricated.
“The footage was filmed at the Winible World Cup Watch Weekend in Las Vegas on July 17, 2026,” the spokesperson said. “The featured trader with the trade on Spain showed us a screenshot of his bet, that was made in May 2025 prior to any Nevada court order. Any specific trades or bets referenced during that weekend are between the individual and the app in which they placed the trades.”
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When it comes to collecting items from movies and television shows, there are plenty of options. Above all, there are the vehicles, and in many shows and films, they’re highly collectible. More than a few people have built replicas of the TARDIS from “Doctor Who,” though this is something that only a handful of folks can do.
However, when you move to real vehicles, the costs skyrocket. This is especially true when they require heavy modifications. Add to that the fact that high-profile productions often pull out all of the stops to make their vehicles stand out, and getting your hands on something like Baby from “Supernatural” isn’t an inexpensive undertaking.
Restoring something built decades ago isn’t cheap, and costs tend to rise when collectability is taken into account. Regardless, there are a select few who have shelled out a ton of cash to ride in style. Each of these 15 vehicles comes from an incredibly popular show or movie, and while you can technically buy them all, odds are the sticker shock will keep you away.
Bullitt – 1968 Ford Mustang GT390 Fastback
“Bullitt” is one of the greatest car-chase movies from the 1960s, and its car has long been highly desired by collectors. In the film, Steve McQueen plays SFPD Lt. Frank Bullitt, and he drives a beautiful 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 Fastback; and much of the action takes place on the road.
The car is painted Highland Green with the GT package, featuring the 390 FE V8 engine with some modifications for filming. Two were used in the movie, and after filming wrapped, they disappeared. There’s a great story about how the car from “Bullitt” was finally found, but even if you wanted to get your hands on a film-used car, you’re going to have a tough time.
The last time one sold was in 2020, and it went for $3.74 million. Fortunately, a non-screen-used ’68 GT 390 Fastback isn’t too hard to locate, so you can find them for sale every so often. Depending on condition, you can probably get your hands on one for around $58,000, though some sell for considerably more.
Supernatural – 1967 Chevrolet Impala
“Supernatural” is all about Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Sam (Jared Padalecki) Winchester, two brothers who travel about the United States killing monsters. The show ran for 15 seasons, and while it’s not exactly a character in and of itself, “Supernatural’s” 1967 Chevrolet Impala, known affectionately by Dean as “Baby,” might as well be one.
Prior to the show’s first episode airing in 2005, the ’67 Impala wasn’t the most iconic car. That’s since changed, and the Chevy has become one of the most collectible cars on the market for lovers of the series. There are several variations, but for Baby, it’s the 1967 SS Impala four-door hardtop with an eight-cylinder 427ci Turbo-Jet V8 engine.
Finding one in good condition isn’t too difficult, though because of the series, the cost of these beauties has steadily risen. On average, you can expect to pay around $66,750 for a decent one. Some sell for considerably more, while lower-end cars can run you as little as $20,000. The production used several Impalas, though Ackles managed to get the main one off the lot when filming wrapped.
Magnum P.I. – 1979 Ferrari 308 GTS
Tom Selleck dominated ’80s prime-time television on “Magnum P.I.,” and he did so while driving a red 1979 Ferrari 308 GTS. The car is iconic and expensive, though, fortunately, even Ferraris can become affordable (to some) after 50 years. That’s not to say that Thomas Magnum’s ride is cheap or easy to find.
The production used three Ferrari models, changing it up over the seasons, beginning with a 1979 308 to a GTSi, and finally a 1984 GTS Quattrovalvole, but the differences weren’t too noticeable to fans unfamiliar with the minor differences between models. They required modifications to accommodate Selleck’s height, but were otherwise the same cars a select few could afford to drive in the early 1980s.
In 2017, a 1984 model driven by Selleck on the show sold for $181,500. If you want to get behind the wheel of one that wasn’t seen on television, it won’t cost as much, but expect to shell out some serious cash. These average for around $77,000; like any car, condition matters, and some can go for around $130,000 or more.
Smokey and the Bandit – 1976 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
When it comes to great car movies from the 1970s, look no further than “Smokey and the Bandit.” The action comedy film features an all-star cast and some seriously great driving scenes. Bo “The Bandit” Darville (Burt Reynolds) sat behind the wheel of a 1976 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am.
The car used in the film is a 1976 Trans Am with its front end restyled to look like the 1977 edition. Regardless, there are plenty of tribute cars decked out in black paint and gold trim that look, to the average viewer, like a so-called “Bandit Edition” Trans Am. You can usually find these cars for sale, but they often require some modifications.
Indeed, the car used in the film was heavily modified and made to look very different from what it actually was. It is occasionally possible to get your hands on one tied to the movie, as a promo car used by Universal Studios was sold at auction in 2016 for $550,000. Thriftier collectors can usually get a ’76 or ’77 Trans Am for around $82,000 on average.
Batman: The Movie – 1966 Ford Futura
Since his introduction in 1939, Batman has driven tons of vehicles, though the Batmobile is the most recognizable. There have been several versions over the years, but the most iconic is easily the car featured in the 1966 television series starring Adam West as the Caped Crusader. It may come as a surprise, but the production used a legit car to make the Batmobile.
The retro-futuristic design came about thanks to the 1955 Ford Lincoln Futura concept car, which was modified heavily to align with the show’s theme. Eventually, the Batmobile switched over to the 1966 Ford Futura, but the overall design scheme remained pretty much the same.
Owning the Batmobile isn’t an inexpensive endeavor, and the one featured in the 1966 feature film sold at auction in 2010 for $4.2 million. While it’s possible to find a reasonably priced replica for around $85,000, most require tons of modifications to bring them up to Batman’s approved specs, as the car that hit the market looks very different from the one driven by the Dark Knight.
Knight Rider – 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
“Smokey and the Bandit” wasn’t the only production to glamorize the Pontiac Trans Am, and one of the most well-known cars in ’80s television was a 1982 model. “Knight Rider,” the show that made David Hasselhoff a star, features a 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am as K.I.T.T., voiced by William Daniels.
Because of the show’s popularity, the ’82 Trans Am became highly collectible — especially when the car is modified to feature K.I.T.T.’s various upgrades and alterations. These are fairly extensive, beginning with a light bar in the car’s grill and moving to the interior, which is not stock by any stretch of the imagination.
There are plenty of tribute cars out there, including one “Knight Rider” car that got a speeding ticket while parked in a museum. Tribute cars that look like K.I.T.T. can get expensive, running around $130,000 to as much as $150,000. That said, newer replicas sell for considerably less, with one from the 2008 revival series going for $44,000 in 2009, though it was hardly an ’82 Trans Am. Without modifications, one of those runs around $12,000.
Back to the Future – 1981 DeLorean DMC-12
Before “Back to the Future” hit the silver screen in 1985, the DeLorean DMC-12 was a failed car. After, it was a pop culture icon that’s so recognizable, the DeLorean nameplate managed to return from the dead. Regardless of the real vehicle’s fate, the movie car is one of sci-fi’s most celebrated, and it’s possible to own one.
While your 1981 DMC-12 won’t fly or travel through time, it can be modified to look just like the one from the movies. Most tribute cars and replicas take the car’s look from “Back to the Future Part II,” which features a Mr. Fusion alongside other items like the Flux Capacitor introduced in the first movie.
Getting a film-used DeLorean from “Back to the Future” isn’t likely, so you can do one of two things: buy a used ’81 car and modify it yourself or buy one that’s already been outfitted with all the bells and whistles. Unmodified, they can sell for around $40K, though the average price is around $130,000 for a pristine, working car. A modified one might run as much as $200,000.
The Dukes of Hazzard – 1969 Dodge Charger
One of the most recognizable cars from ’80s television is the General Lee, the 1969 Dodge Charger used in “The Dukes of Hazzard.” The car is painted bright orange with the number “01” emblazoned on the doors, while the Confederate Battle Flag is painted across its top.
The car is probably best known for its amazing stunts, but don’t be fooled — the production went through a lot of them. Across the series’ seven seasons, the folks behind “The Dukes of Hazzard” went through at least 329 different cars, destroying as many as two each episode. One of the best-known stunts involves the car flying up into the air after hitting a ramp while the Duke cousins cheer “Yahoo” while it arcs through the air.
If you don’t think that destroys a car’s vital parts, you’d be wrong. The ’69 Dodge Charger is highly collectible and has been featured in numerous series, including being Ghost Rider’s “Hell Charger” in “Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD.” On average, these cars go for around $150,000 in good condition, though a tribute car went for $62,700 in 2022.
Casino Royale – 2007 Aston Martin DBS V12
When it comes to classic cars and movies, the franchise with perhaps the most is James Bond. Beginning in 1962 with “Dr. No,” the Bond franchise exploded to include dozens of movies and plenty of iconic actors. It also features a ton of automobiles, and one of the most impressive arrived in 2006’s “Casino Royale,” which introduces Daniel Craig as the new Bond.
In the film, Bond gets behind the wheel of a beautiful 2007 Aston Martin DBS V12, which didn’t technically exist when the movie was shot. Aston Martin provided the production team with a 2006 model that featured a mockup of the body panels for the 2007 model.
This isn’t apparent when watching the movie, and the car looks incredible. As any enthusiast knows all too well, Aston Martin doesn’t make inexpensive cars, and this model’s MSRP was $256,000 in 2008. You can buy a 2007 model for around $222,000, but condition is everything, and a superb example can run considerably more. Still, if you’re incredibly lucky, they can sometimes sell for $110,000.
Ghostbusters – 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor
While most people weren’t interested in riding around in a hearse, that changed in 1984 when the ECTO-1 found its way to screens in “Ghostbusters.” The white hearse with tons of techno gadgets and the Ghostbusters logo became a cinematic pop culture icon, leading a small number of collectors to get their own versions.
For most people, that wasn’t an easy task, as the car used for the famous hearse was the 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Futura Duplex, which was a huge vehicle that was used for all sorts of things, including functioning as a limousine and ambulance. It was also a hearse and much more, but there aren’t many of them left in the world.
Getting one from the movies is unlikely, as there are too few, but you can sometimes find them for sale sans modifications for around $231,000. You can also rent a replica through the Volo Car Museum, so there are options. One re-creation sold in 2025 for $297,000, so expect to shell out some serious cash on your way to becoming a semi-professional Ghostbuster.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – 1961 Ferrari 250 GT Spyder California
Even if you didn’t know a thing about Ferraris, you probably winced when Cameron (Alan Ruck) destroys his father’s 1961 Ferrari 250 GT Spyder California in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” The car is such a focal point of Ferris and company’s skip day that it stands as one of the most important elements in the movie.
You’ll be happy to know that they didn’t actually destroy a real car because the production couldn’t afford it. They had three different replicas made for the shoot, which used a Moderna Spyder with no engine for the destroyed one seen in the movie. A real Ferrari 250 GT Spyder California sold in 2016 for $17.16 million, which explains the swap.
The real GT Spyder wasn’t worth as much in 1984, but it was still too expensive to destroy for a movie; the replicas were good enough. One of the two that weren’t destroyed sold for almost $400,000 in 2020, so while that’s out of most people’s price range, for a select few, it’s possible to get their hands on a “real” car used in the film.
The Cannonball Run – 1979 Lamborghini Countach LP 400 S
Perhaps one of the most famous racing movies of the 1980s is the Burt Reynolds comedy “The Cannonball Run.” The film is all about the real outlaw road race called the Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, which started in Connecticut and ended in California.
Reynolds plays J.J. McClure, and while he drives a 1974 Chevrolet Laguna, that’s not the most impressive car in the movie. That honor goes to the black 1979 Lamborghini Countach LP 400 S driven by Marcie Thatcher (Adrienne Barbeau) and Jill Rivers (Tara Buckman) in the film’s opening credits. The spandex-clad ladies flash some cleavage to distract some pursuing Nevada Highway Patrol officers.
As you can imagine, the car isn’t on the lower end, but you can buy your own version of the 1979 Lamborghini Countach from “Cannonball Run” with enough cash. They average around $536,000 in good condition, though they can sell for nearly $700,000 on the higher end. That’s not bad for a car that had an original MSRP of only $41,000, though that would be $188,595 in 2026 when adjusted for inflation.
Easy Rider – 1969 Harley-Davidson Captain America Chopper
There are tons of great motorcycles seen in movies and TV shows, but when you get right down to it, the most influential comes from “Easy Rider.” The road film sees two bikers make their way across parts of the United States, carrying cash from a drug deal as they ride the open road.
Dennis Hopper plays Billy, while Peter Fonda is Wyatt, and it’s his bike that’s the most iconic. He rides a 1969 Harley-Davidson Chopper with a Stars & Stripes paint job that earned him and the bike the nickname “Captain America.” The chopper is one of the most iconic motorcycles of the 1960s, and because it’s a chopper, you know that it’s already a custom job.
It features an elongated front end and stretched-out frame with a paint job that makes it stand out. The original bike from the film sold in 2024 for a record-smashing $1.35 million, and based on that and other sales figures, they can average as much as $592,000. Don’t let that sticker shock scare you away because some tribute bikes have been built for far less, amounting to around $30,000.
Iron Man – 1967 AC Shelby Cobra
While it would be nice to score Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey Jr.) armor from “Iron Man,” that’s pretty unlikely to happen anytime soon. Fortunately, there are other options, and if you pay attention to Stark’s garage, you’ll see that the man has a pretty sweet collection of classic cars.
While it doesn’t get much screen time, one of his most impressive is a 1967 AC Shelby Cobra. These are among the most desirable cars on the market, and it’s painful to see Iron Man crash into his, destroying it as you see in the above image. Thankfully, they didn’t actually smash a real one for the movie and instead opted for a so-called “re-creation rolling chassis.”
This was little more than an aluminum rendition of a ’67 AC Shelby Cobra. One of the rolling chassis sold in 2015 for $24,200, but don’t expect to get the real deal for anywhere near that price. There’s a pretty wide range, depending on condition, but it’s not uncommon to see a ’67 AC Shelby Cobra like the one recreated for “Iron Man” sell for around $1.1 million, while running replicas cost around 10-20% as much.
Goldfinger – 1963 Aston Martin DB5
While the Aston Martin featured in “Casino Royale” is an amazing piece of machinery, the most iconic vehicle from the franchise debuted decades earlier. Bond’s most recognizable car is his 1963 Aston Martin DB5 featured in 1964’s “Goldfinger.” Technically, it was a DB4 with prototype DB5 parts, but most fans couldn’t care less.
While you’ll be hard-pressed to load one with as many gadgets, it’s not impossible. Granted, you’re going to have to star in the next James Bond movie to be able to afford your very own because the ’63 Aston Martin DB5 is one of the most desired and expensive automobiles on the planet. The car’s model appears in eight of the franchise’s movies, though from different years.
Still, the ’63 model is at the top of most collectors’ lists. Aston Martin made 25 re-creations, fitted with plenty of gadgets and gizmos, which boasted a sticker price of $3.63 million, but there’s a cheaper option. A legit ’63 model can often go for as much as $1.7 million, though you might get away with spending only $1.3 million of your hard-earned cash to add one to your collection.
Does your phone have a cracked screen? A battery that barely makes it past 3 PM? Or a camera that captures a blurry mess instead of great memories? You know it’s high time for a new one, and right now, while you’re shopping for the new school year, is probably the best time to make the switch.
The best part is that you don’t need to spend flagship money to get a phone that’ll last you the next few years. Mid-range phones have gotten seriously good of late, closing the gap with flagships where it matters the most, be it battery life, performance, or camera quality. Whether you’re upgrading your own phone or picking one out for your kid before classes start, here are the best mid-range phones worth your money this back-to-school season.
Google Pixel 10a
| Pros | Cons |
| Bright, 120Hz display | Older chip |
| Impressive camera performance | 8GB RAM isn’t enough for some on-device AI features |
| Long-term support window | Low base storage |
| Sleek design |
The Pixel 10a is the phone I’d pick, knowing I wouldn’t have to think about buying another phone for years. Google didn’t chase big upgrades with this year’s A-series refresh, and that’s not exactly a deal-breaker. The 10a offers plenty to like on the hardware front, right from its bright, 120Hz display to its 48MP main shooter that takes great photos in most lighting conditions. Sure, the Tensor G4 is a bit dated and 8GB of RAM isn’t enough to run some of the on-device AI features Google offers, but the Pixel 10a can handle most daily tasks consistently. And that consistency is exactly what you’re paying for.
Google’s suite of useful AI features is a genuinely helpful bonus that you won’t get with any of the other devices on this list, plus the seven-year software support commitment adds another point in its favor. At $499, the Pixel 10a is my top pick for most students, especially if you want the safest, longest-lasting device out there.
Apple iPhone 17e
| Pros | Cons |
| A19 chip offers top-tier performance | 60Hz display |
| MagSafe support | Single rear camera |
| Double base storage | Ugly notch |
| Full access to Apple’s ecosystem |
If you’re upgrading from an older iPhone, you’re probably already knee-deep in Apple’s ecosystem and have an iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch that you’re not about to replace just because your phone’s getting old. In that case, there’s no better pick than the iPhone 17e. Apple finally gave its budget model the upgrade it deserves this year, and it now features an A19 chip that can handle most everyday tasks and casual gaming without breaking a sweat. Base storage has also been doubled to 256GB at the same $599 starting price, and MagSafe support has made it to the “e” lineup for the first time, which means you can finally use the same chargers, car mounts, and accessories as the rest of the iPhone family.
The display still runs at 60Hz, which will take some getting used to if you’re switching from a phone with a high refresh rate panel, and you’ll be limited to a single rear camera with no ultrawide lens. But the camera you do get is pretty solid, and the phone’s overall speed more than makes up for what it lacks in screen refresh rate. The iPhone 17e is the cheapest way into Apple’s ecosystem, whether you’re upgrading from an old iPhone or picking your first because everyone around you already has one.
Samsung Galaxy A57
| Pros | Cons |
| Premium design | Exynos 1680 is underpowered |
| Stunning Super AMOLED display | Unremarkable ultrawide and macro lenses |
| Long-lasting battery | Pricey for what you get |
| Long-term software support |
Pick up the Galaxy A57 without knowing the price, and you’d most likely guess wrong. Samsung’s latest mid-ranger looks and feels a lot like its much more expensive S series brethren with its glass back, aluminum frame, stunning Super AMOLED display, and familiar camera arrangement. The phone is genuinely great to look at, whether you’re reading in class or watching something during a study break. The battery also holds up quite well, easily making it through a full day without you needing to reach for a charger.
But under the hood, things aren’t as flashy. Its Exynos 1680 chip is a modest step up from last year’s model, and it isn’t as fast as what you’ll get with the other phones on this list. The camera setup also carries over unchanged from the Galaxy A56, with the main 50MP shooter proving good enough in most scenarios and the ultrawide and macro offering nothing to write home about. At $549, this one’s only for Samsung loyalists who like One UI. If that doesn’t sound like you, the Pixel 10a will serve you better and save you 50 bucks that you can use to get some accessories or school supplies.
Nothing Phone 4a Pro
| Pros | Cons |
| Eye-catching design with Glyph Matrix display | Only IP65 rating |
| Strong performance with Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 and 12GB RAM | Three years of OS upgrades |
| Bright and high refresh rate display | Not as good value as the Pixel |
| 50MP periscope camera with 3.5x optical zoom |
Put the Nothing Phone 4a Pro next to any other device on this list, and it’s the one people will ask about. Nothing refined its design this year, swapping the fully transparent back for a unibody metal build with a transparent camera island housing three lenses in a unique arrangement, plus the Glyph Matrix display for timers, notifications, and more. Under the hood, you get a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chip and 12GB of RAM, which give it enough muscle to power through most daily tasks.
The 6.8-inch display gets plenty bright with a rated peak brightness of 5,000 nits and is also great for gaming, offering a refresh rate of 144Hz. Camera performance holds its own against the Pixel 10a and the iPhone 17e too, with the 50MP periscope zoom lens giving you reach neither of those phones can match. The Phone 4a Pro has two notable tradeoffs in terms of durability and longevity, with the device featuring an IP65 rating and Nothing committing to only three major OS upgrades. At $599, the Phone 4a Pro is for anyone who wants a device with real personality that still delivers on performance, so long as you’re willing to trade some durability and long-term support to get it.
Motorola Moto G Power 2026
| Pros | Cons |
| Large 5,200mAh battery | Dimensity 6300 isn’t the strongest performer |
| IP68, IP69, and MIL-STD-810H certification | LCD rather than OLED display |
| Most affordable on this list | Only two years of promised OS upgrades |
| Cool color options |
Ask most people what they want from a phone, and a long-lasting battery usually ranks higher than having the fastest chip. That’s the whole case for the Moto G Power 2026. Its 5,200mAh battery is the largest in this lineup, and can easily stretch across a busy day without you hunting for an outlet. Motorola also built it to survive whatever you throw at it, with IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance, plus MIL-STD-810H certification covering drops and general abuse, making it a great option if you have butter fingers.
However, the Moto G Power 2026 isn’t the most capable phone on this list. Its MediaTek Dimensity 6300 isn’t as powerful, its 6.8-inch display has an LCD panel, its cameras are unremarkable, and software support is pretty thin too, with Motorola promising just a couple of years of OS updates. The $399 price tag for the 128GB model will be another draw for anyone on a tight budget, but the battery life and durability are the real draw for this device.
Mid-range phones aren’t the compromise they used to be, and this list proves it. Whether you’re chasing battery life, a great camera, a phone that can take a beating, or one that looks like nothing else on campus, there’s a pick above that gets you there without breaking the bank.
My tote bag is more a mobile workstation than a carrier. On any given day, it’s hauling a 16-inch laptop, noise-canceling headphones, chargers, my daily planner, a water bottle, and whatever gadgets I’m testing that week. Plenty of leather totes look beautiful on day one, but far fewer are designed to hold up against the reality of transporting thousands of dollars’ worth of tech every single day.
That’s why Leatherology surprised me.
After months of rotating between the Mia Horizontal Tote, Transit Travel Tote, and Large Zippered Downtown Tote, I found myself thinking less about the leather—though it’s undeniably excellent—and more about how each bag has been intentionally designed to fit specific workflows.
But the first thing you notice, of course, is that leather. Leatherology uses semi-aniline, drum-dyed pebbled leather that is soft and supple, making it feel broken in from day one without being overly delicate.
Courtesy of Leatherology
Courtesy of Leatherology
The hardware is clean, the branding is subtle, and the totes don’t feel ostentatious, which I appreciate. These bags look expensive because the quality of the materials and craftsmanship speak for themselves, not because there’s a flashy logo plastered on them. And if you want something more personal, every model can be monogrammed.
As a tech reviewer, though, I find that aesthetics go only so far. What impressed me most about these bags is their functionality, which is something I can’t say about many luxury bags. The straps remained comfortable even when I loaded the bags with bulky gear. The interiors are well-organized, preventing cables and accessories from getting lost in a single, cavernous compartment, yet they don’t feel over-engineered. Each bag is sturdy and secure enough to protect your valuables.
Courtesy of Leatherology
Courtesy of Leatherology
Built Better Than It Looks
The Mia Horizontal Tote ($330) is the most relaxed of the three and has become my go-to bag for the weekend. Its wider silhouette is ideal for farmers market runs, shopping trips, or afternoons working from a coffee shop when I don’t need my entire desk setup. My Kindle, headphones, a sweater, and small essentials all fit comfortably with room to spare. Two interior slip pockets kept accessories within reach, while the removable leather pouch became my designated home for my card holder and lip balm. The magnetic closure allows for easy access during everyday errands, but because it lacks a dedicated laptop sleeve or zippered top, I wouldn’t use it as a work bag for my commutes.
That’s where the Transit Tote ($465) comes in. This is the bag that feels purpose-built for work trips, where a personal item often doubles as your office. It features two exterior pockets, nine interior pockets, two zippered compartments, and a padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 16-inch laptop. I could separate chargers, travel documents, and toiletries into designated, well-organized spaces. A hidden trolley sleeve slides over rolling luggage, and the zippered top adds an extra layer of security at airports. Between the short leather handles and longer shoulder straps, it’s also comfortable to carry through terminals without constantly shifting your grip. Plus, it feels much more heavy-duty than the Mia Horizontal, whose straps I sometimes worry might give out when the bag is overpacked. There’s also a foldable bottom gusset with a removable support panel that helps the bag maintain its structured silhouette. During my testing, it fit comfortably under an airline seat, but it’s always worth confirming measurements with your specific aircraft.
Tech
Back-to-school phone shopping on a tight budget? Here’s the one phone I’d recommend without hesitation
Somewhere between the last day of school and the first day back, your phone conked out. Perhaps the screen shattered after a particularly nasty fall, or its battery regularly gives up by noon, or apps take so long to launch that by the time they do, you’ve forgotten why you opened them in the first place. You don’t think it’ll last another school year, but between all the school supplies and everything else, a budget phone is all your wallet can handle right now.
Fortunately for you, cheap phones have come a long way, offering better screens, bigger batteries, and more capable cameras than devices launched just a couple of years ago. Since you’re already prepping to head back to school, this is as good a time as any to lay your old phone to rest and lock in an upgrade. But unfortunately, the timing isn’t great for the smartphone industry in general, and that has had a real impact on entry-level phones.
The ongoing memory and storage shortage has driven some manufacturers to increase prices. It has also impacted availability and, in at least one case, pushed a major manufacturer out of the US market entirely. That’s left the field thinner than usual, with only two phones that still earn a clear recommendation at budget pricing. Here are those picks, plus what dropped out of contention this year.
Samsung Galaxy A17: The safest budget pick
| Pros | Cons |
| Six years of OS and security updates, unmatched at this price | Exynos 1330 is showing its age |
| 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate | 4GB RAM on the base model is limiting |
| 5,000mAh battery easily clears a full day | Ultrawide and macro cameras are essentially filler |
| Works on any US carrier | IP54 rating only protects against splashes |
| $35 upgrade to 256GB storage also doubles RAM to 8GB |
Samsung’s most affordable Galaxy A-series device is the one I’d confidently hand to a student who just needs a reliable phone that’ll survive the next few years without breaking the bank. Samsung backs the Galaxy A17 with six years of OS and security updates. That’s unheard of for a $200 device, and it’s the single biggest reason this is the budget phone to buy right now.
Its 6.7-inch AMOLED display is gorgeous to look at and, with its 90Hz refresh rate, it will feel smoother if you’re upgrading from an old phone with a 60Hz panel. Gorilla Glass Victus on the front means it can survive the kind of drop that would spiderweb a cheaper screen, and the plastic build, while not glamorous, doesn’t feel flimsy in hand either. The 5,000mAh battery can easily clear a full day without needing a midday charge, but you should tame your expectations when it comes to performance.
The Exynos 1330 powering the device is a few generations old, and you may notice occasional stutters when opening apps or scrolling through pages. But that’s mostly due to the 4GB RAM on the base model. Upgrading to the 256GB storage variant for $35 extra will get you 8GB RAM, which will resolve this hitch for the most part and even improve multitasking performance.
The triple-camera setup on the back is mostly marketing, with the main 50MP sensor pulling all the weight while the other two are nothing worth writing home about. The device has an IP54 rating that won’t survive a dunk in a pool, but it’ll handle a spilled drink or a walk in the rain just fine.
Compromises like these are expected from devices in the sub-$300 price range, so they’re not entirely deal-breakers. What matters more is whether the phone you buy today still looks sharp, gets through most of the day with few hiccups, and receives updates by the time you graduate, and that’s exactly where the Galaxy A17 delivers. It works on all carriers and is the safer of the two options in this piece.
TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro: A strong alternative, if you’re on T-Mobile
| Pros | Cons |
| 8GB RAM and 256GB storage as standard | $199.99 price requires signing up for T-Mobile or Metro, unlocked price is $329.99 |
| Larger 5,200mAh battery | Carrier compatibility claims are vague and require confirmation |
| Unique NXTPAPER 120Hz display | TCL doesn’t match Samsung’s software support window |
| IP68 rating offers full submersion protection |
The TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro is a great pick for students who will spend several hours a day staring at a screen and want their eyes to survive the semester. It offers 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, a 5,200mAh battery, and an IP68 rating, giving it a significant leg up over the Galaxy A17.
Its headline feature is the NXTPAPER display itself, which switches the 6.9-inch, 120Hz screen between full color and a matte, paper-like Ink Mode at the press of a switch. The Ink Mode cuts down glare and is genuinely useful for a student working through PDFs, textbooks, or lecture slides late at night.
The pricing has a major caveat, though. The $199.99 figure you’ll see attached to this phone requires signing up for service through T-Mobile or Metro by T-Mobile. But if you want to buy it unlocked, the price jumps to $329.99. TCL also doesn’t have Samsung’s track record on update speed or longevity, so that’s another thing to consider.
It’s also worth pointing out that while the device’s Amazon listing claims that it’s compatible with almost all US carriers, the fine print tells the real story. “Carrier compatibility may vary depending on SIM type, carrier-specific rules, SIM configuration, or plan provisions. Please check with your carrier for activation before use.”
You should take TCL’s claim of carrier compatibility with a grain of salt and confirm whether it works with your specific carrier before buying. Or better yet, stick with the Galaxy A17 if you’re not already on T-Mobile or Metro.
The phones that fell out of contention
A few months ago, more phones would have made it to this list, like the Moto G (2026), the Moto G Power (2026), the CMF Phone 2 Pro, and devices from OnePlus’ Nord lineup. But not anymore.
The Moto G (2026) launched at $199.99 with a 5,200mAh battery that posted some of the best screen-on time of any budget phone this year. That, despite its weaker Dimensity 6300 chip, two years of software support, and HD+ display, would’ve landed it a spot on this list. But Motorola bumped its price up to $299.99 in April, and at that price, it makes no sense, especially considering the Galaxy A17 offers better software support and a sharper display for $100 less.
The Moto G Power (2026) had a stronger case despite its own aging chip and shallow two-year update promise, thanks to 8GB of RAM, a sharper display, and wireless charging support. It launched at $299.99, competitive enough to earn a spot. Then it jumped to $399.99 in the same round of hikes, making it twice the price of the A17 while offering only slightly more.
The CMF Phone 2 Pro at its introductory price of $279 would’ve been the wildcard pick, but it’s sold in the US only through a beta program with limited availability, no carrier certification, and a 14-day warranty. That’s too risky a buy for a student.
And OnePlus’ Nord lineup, despite years of solid value-for-money offerings, isn’t worth recommending for quite the obvious reason. The company recently confirmed that it’s exiting the US market, and while it has promised continued software updates and customer support, there’s no telling how long that promise will hold.
Price hikes took out two of these phones, limited availability took out a third, and a market exit took out a brand that could have offered the fourth, leaving the Galaxy A17 as the one clean pick and the NXTPAPER 70 Pro as the one with an asterisk. If you have some wiggle room in your budget and don’t want to settle for the Galaxy A17 or take a chance on the NXTPAPER 70 Pro, our picks of the best mid-range phones for this back-to-school season may have what you’re looking for.
Vintage audio is not short of famous amplifiers. We have covered the Pilot 602, Fisher 400, an RCA EL84 console amplifier, the Muzak 975A, vintage Marantz components and the McIntosh MC2105. Some were elegant. Others looked as though they had been removed from the basement of a municipal building during a fire drill. All earned their reputations because the circuits mattered more than the marketing.
The new Pilot Radio 232 Stereophonic Power Amplifier is interesting because it is not merely another old name purchased by people who found a logo and a container of generic electronics.
Pilot was relaunched by company founder Isidor Goldberg’s great grandson, Barak Isidor Epstein, with engineering by Damon Coffman of Coffman Labs. The $4,790 amplifier is based on Pilot’s 1959 “Curtain of Sound” design and is built in Portland and Dallas.
EL84 Tubes and 15 Watts Per Channel
The 232 delivers 15 watts per channel from EL84 output tubes and is described by Pilot as a pure Class A design.
The construction includes custom transformers made in the United States, vintage oil in paper capacitors and point to point hand wiring. Speaker outputs are provided for 4 and 8 ohm loads, while separate sensitivity and balance controls are included for each channel.
Fifteen watts is not a lot, but it is enough with the right loudspeakers. The Pilot 602 we covered used the same EL84 tube family and worked best with speakers offering sensitivity around 90dB or higher. The new 232 should make sense with DeVore Fidelity, Klipsch Heritage, Audio Note, Omega, PureAudioProject and other efficient loudspeakers with relatively benign impedance curves.
This is not the amplifier for Magnepan owners, difficult four ohm floorstanders or anyone trying to recreate Madison Square Garden in a 400 square foot room. Sorry Swifties.
Balanced Inputs and a Real Headphone Output
Pilot provides both RCA and balanced XLR inputs, with the XLR connections feeding the differential amplifier stage directly.
The front panel also includes a four pin XLR balanced headphone output, which is highly unusual on a stereo tube power amplifier. That gives the 232 potential appeal for owners of balanced dynamic and planar magnetic headphones who want to use the same amplifier for speakers and private listening.
Pilot has not yet published headphone output power, output impedance or recommended headphone loads, so it would be premature to assume the 232 will drive every HIFIMAN or Audeze model with complete authority. A four pin socket is useful; it is not a substitute for specifications.
A Proper Family Revival
Pilot Electric Manufacturing Company was founded in Brooklyn in 1919 by Isidor Goldberg and produced radios, shortwave receivers, televisions, cinema electronics and hi-fi components. Pilot moved exclusively into high fidelity in 1952 and introduced the original “Curtain of Sound” stereo concept in 1959. The company also worked with Sid Smith and Dick Sequerra, both of whom later became associated with Marantz.
The company was sold in 1962 and disappeared during the following decade before being revived by the Goldberg family in 2025.
That family continuity does not guarantee great sound, but it gives the project more credibility than a trademark revival created around products that have nothing to do with the original company.
The Matching Pilot Preamplifier
Pilot currently offers one other major component: the Pilot Phono and Line Preamplifier, priced from $3,590.
It uses two 12AX7 and two 12AU7 tubes, passive RIAA equalization, two line inputs and selectable moving magnet and moving coil phono inputs. MC gain is selectable between 46dB and 52dB before the line stage, while the preamplifier can be ordered for 120V or 240V operation.
A complete Pilot electronics system therefore starts at $8,380 before cables or replacement tubes. Pilot also sells branded PSVANE tubes, RCA interconnects and speaker cables.
What Is Still Missing?
Pilot has published the core design information, but several specifications remain unavailable:
- Complete tube complement
- Frequency response
- Input sensitivity and impedance
- Total harmonic distortion
- Signal to noise ratio
- Headphone output power
- Dimensions and weight
- Power consumption
- Warranty details
Those are not unreasonable requests for a $4,790 amplifier. Pilot has done the difficult part by reviving a historically important circuit and building it domestically. Finishing the specification sheet should not require another 67 years.
Who Is It For?
The Pilot 232 is for listeners using efficient loudspeakers who want an American built tube amplifier without DACs, streaming apps or firmware updates. It should pair well with quality tube preamplifiers and simple active line stages, while the balanced headphone output gives it broader appeal than most vintage inspired power amplifiers.
Buyers with inefficient speakers or large rooms should look for more power.
Hear It at Southwest Audio Fest 2026
Pilot Radio will demonstrate the 232 in Room 732 at Southwest Audio Fest with DeVore Fidelity loudspeakers and Prosper Cables. The matching Pilot preamplifier will also be part of the system.
Southwest Audio Fest 2026
- Dates: July 23 through July 25, 2026
- Venue: Sheraton Dallas Hotel
- Location: Dallas, Texas
- Thursday: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Pilot Radio: Room 732
The Bottom Line
The Pilot Radio 232 is more interesting than the average vintage brand revival because the history, family connection and circuit are all real.
Its 15 watts will limit loudspeaker choices, but efficient speakers and EL84 amplifiers have been making beautiful music together for decades. The balanced inputs and headphone output also make the 232 far more useful than a strict reproduction of the 1959 original.
At $4,790, it is not inexpensive, but neither is it wandering into the absurd end of boutique tube amplification. Pilot now needs to publish the missing specifications and prove that the new company can provide the service and support that owners of vintage Pilot equipment have been forced to find elsewhere for half a century.
Heritage gets attention. Execution keeps the tubes glowing.
Price & Availability
The Pilot Radio 232 costs $4,790 and is available now through Pilot Radio and selected U.S. and Canadian dealers.
Orders ship from Texas with an estimated two week lead time. Ground shipping is included for U.S. customers, while Dallas Fort Worth buyers receive local delivery and setup.
For more information: pilotradio.com
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Already, I’ve almost forgotten rain;
I know I will never know that again.
I move forward with the powers you gave me
to live up to my name, Curiosity.
This is a land without leaves, fronds, or spines.
If there are plants, they are small and supine,
dust hidden, like light here, filtered and sand
softened, at home in the thin air, thousands
of motes so small they seem to be fluid,
more fog than firmament. Shadows, few and
far from here, I know I must go to them
to see if they hold order or mayhem
or just another common rock or two.
If a machine can miss the Earth, I do.
Many of us only open Meta’s original social media app to browse listings on Facebook Marketplace. Now, sellers are getting a new standalone app to help manage their listings, Meta announced on Friday.
The app is called Seller, and it’s available now to download on iOS and Android. You don’t have to download the app to sell things on Facebook, but it is designed to offer you better ways to manage your listings and interact with buyers.
You’ll have all your Marketplace history in the Seller app once you log in with your Facebook account. On the homepage, you get an overview of all your activity and reminders about tasks you need to do to complete sales. There’s a dedicated data insights tab, which would be useful for people trying to turn their reselling hobby into a real business. The messages inbox would presumably help keep your conversations with potential buyers separate from chats with your friends and family in Messenger.
Facebook’s core strengths in the TikTok era have been Marketplace and Groups. These two features kept people coming back to the app even as they relied on other apps for their social networking. But it’s not just Marketplace that’s branching out; Meta is experimenting with a Groups-only app called Forum, and the Facebook Creator Studio is getting a revamp, too.
The reason behind these new apps is the same reason any tech company does anything nowadays: artificial intelligence.
“Underlying our new apps is a belief that we can leverage AI to remove friction and empower the people who are making things happen on Facebook,” Tom Alison, head of Facebook, wrote in a blog post. Don’t want to write listings? Have AI do it. Can’t find an old post in your community group? Do an AI search. You get the idea.
But when you use Marketplace in the Facebook app, you’re able to easily check out a person’s profile before interacting with them – an important safety check that sellers and buyers do to avoid getting scammed. Meta’s solution to this is to introduce verification check marks everywhere on Facebook.
If you want a verification mark, you can upload a selfie of yourself. If it matches your profile picture, you’re likely good to go. All this does is indicate that a real person, not an AI bot, is behind an account. You can get scammed just as easily by a real person as a bot, so keep on the lookout for other red flags when buying and selling.
While the new Marketplace app may be good for power sellers, it’s a curious move by Meta to siphon off its most popular features into separate apps. Perhaps in an attempt to stymie the flood of people who won’t return to Facebook if Marketplace and Groups are removed, the company is introducing a new format that has videos playing as soon as you open the app – like TikTok. This may be coming to the US next year.
The best Amazon Kindles are reliably good at their main job: displaying ebooks in a crisp, easy-on-the-eye format. But Kindle e-readers are actually more versatile than you might imagine.
If you’ve just upgraded to a new Kindle and are looking for something to do with your old one, or if you’re simply interested in seeing how hackable these e-readers are, we’ve got three projects for you to attempt.
These projects vary in terms of difficulty and the amoung of time and effort you’re going to have to invest, but full instructions for all of them are available online, so you can follow the steps on your own Kindle.
Turn Your Kindle Into a Spotify Controller
Part of the appeal of Spotify is that it can work across so many different devices and connect to so many other services. There are lots of ways to use Spotify, and that includes through your Kindle. All you need to do is supply your Spotify credentials, and then make sure your Kindle is on the same Wi-Fi network as the other device you’re using to play your music, podcasts, or audiobooks.
This is made possible through Kindlify.co. Open the site in the Kindle’s built-in web browser, then tap Connect Spotify to log in. Once that’s done, you should see details of whatever you’re currently playing in Spotify—though you will need to use another device to choose something from your library. There’s more discussion about this hack on Reddit, which is where I found it.
It all works through the magic of Spotify Connect, which you may already have come across. This feature lets you play something on your laptop and then control playback from your phone, for example, or vice versa. You can also use the feature to manage playback through compatible smart speakers.
Bear in mind that you’re not actually storing any music on your Kindle or running an official Spotify app. This hack is just a way to connect to your Spotify account and control whatever’s being played through it, from your Kindle. You can skip forward and backward, and pause and resume playback, all from the e-reader.
Turn Your Kindle Into a Smart Home Display
Another way to repurpose a Kindle and its E-Ink screen is to turn it into a smart display that pulls in all kinds of data from other services. You can use the e-reader to show a variety of information related to your devices, including weather forecasts, calendar information, and your to-do lists.
This is just about the most involved of the projects featured here, and you need to do everything from setting up a custom website to cutting out a custom-made frame for your Kindle. Developer Matt Healy, who originally put all this together, has diligently provided instructions online.
It’s the sort of project you can try if you want to learn more about hardware hacking, coding, the inner workings of Kindles, and how various apps and services talk to one another. By the time you’ve finished, you may well have some ideas about similar hacks of your own you could attempt.
The information you display is entirely up to you, but it will need to come from platforms that allow third-party connections. You can see from the scripts supplied by Matt Healy that he’s managed to pull in real time information from weather services, calendars, and even status reports for upcoming deliveries.
Turn Your Kindle Into a Literary Clock
Finally, you can also consider turning your Kindle into a literary clock. This hack keeps the e-book theme but repurposes the device into a display you can glance at any time you want to know what time it is, with each minute represented by a different quote from a book that mentions that particular time.
As with the smart home display, this requires a significant amount of work in terms of coding and getting everything set up, but again, there are full instructions online, so you can tackle it yourself. You can fashion a stand or frame for the clock, but it’s not essential if you don’t mind the original look of the e-reader clock.
Anthropic has released a new Claude model, Opus 5, bringing it close to the capabilities of Claude Fable 5 at half the price. The new model produces the strongest work performance the company has released, with even more gains in its coding capabilities.
In a fight for AI supremacy, Anthropic joins Google and OpenAI, which earlier this month released new AI models — all of which are more efficient and better at certain tasks. While Fable 5 remains Anthropic’s most “ambitious” work, the latest model excels in enterprise with its coding capabilities and more.
Anthropic says Opus 5’s strengths lie in knowledge work, autonomy and biology. It’s capable of working more independently at completing tasks without user input and with less back-and-forth than previous models. It can also now double-check its own work and recover from errors as it goes along.
There’s been a boost in the quality of scientific research with Opus 5 over Opus 4.8. Those improvements are seen most in organic chemistry tasks, like inferring molecular structures from spectroscopy data, according to Anthropic.
You can now adjust effort levels for the model as well. There’s a “dial” that can be adjusted to indicate how hard AI thinks about a specific problem or task. There are also new safety and security guardrails in place, which Anthropic calls the “most secure model yet and the hardest to trick into doing harmful things.”
While the model is not specifically designed with cybersecurity in mind, its safeguards make it more useful for tasks such as secure coding and finding vulnerabilities.
New fast mode and more
Claude now has a research preview for an Opus 5 fast mode. Anthropic says this mode provides Full Opus 5 Intelligence with 2.5x faster output token generation at 2x standard Opus 4 pricing. The mode is also available via Claude Code with extra usage credits.
Anthropic is introducing a “fallback model” for when you prompt something that trips a strict safety filter, only to block the request. For these instances, the system will automatically switch to another model in an attempt to provide an answer to the prompt. You can choose what model to fall back on in these scenarios.
There’s also a new option for developers that will allow them to change the tools Claude can use midconversation without invalidating the prompt cache. This means each phase of an agent’s work is only exposed to the tools it needs to perform its task.
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