For example, right now you can score the Sony 55-inch A75L OLED 4K TV for $1,199 at Best Buy. This TV is $400 off, and it has stunning visuals, a 120Hz refresh rate and exclusive gaming features for the PS5. There are also some incredible deals up for grabs on Apple computers — right now the MacBook Air (M1/256GB) is $699 at Walmart ($300 off.) And the 24-inch iMac (M1/256GB) is $849 at Best Buy ($400 off). These models are a couple of years old, but the M1 chip powering both of them still provides excellent performance for everyday computing tasks. They're some of the cheapest MacBook and iMac deals I've ever seen, respectively.

Keep scrolling to see more of my favorite deals that rival Amazon's Big Spring Sale this weekend. Plus, check out this huge AirPods Pro 2 USB-C deal.

Amazon alternative deals — Quick links

• MacBook Air M3: $50 off @ Best Buy [member deal]
• Appliance sale: deals from $24 @ Best Buy
• Centr Fitness Essentials Home Workout Kit was $99 now $29 @ Walmart
• The North Face Antora Rain Jacket: was $120 now $33 @ Dick's
• Sonos One (Gen 2): was $219 now $175 @ Best Buy
• Meta Quest 2 (128GB): was $249 now $199 @ Walmart [free $50 credit!]
• Apple Watch 9 (GPS/41mm): was $399 now $319 @ Best Buy
• Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool HP07: was $749 now $599 @ Dyson
• MacBook Air (M1/256GB): was $999 now $699 @ Walmart
• iPhone 15: up to $1,000 off w/ trade-in @ Best Buy
• Apple iMac 24" (M1/256GB): was $1,299 now $849 @ Best Buy
• TCL 85" S4 S-Class 4K TV: was $999 now $849 @ Best Buy
• MacBook Air 15.3" (M2/256GB): was $1,299 now $999 @ B&H Photo
• Saatva Mattress: was $1,395 now $1,186 @ Saatva
• Sony 55" Bravia XR A75L 4K OLED TV: was $1,599 now $1,199 @ Best Buy

Amazon alternative deals — Editor Picks

It’s a phone that’s sorely needed, given how expensive foldable phones are. While you may be able to get a foldable flip phone for as little as $699 these days, the book-style foldables remain out of reach of a lot of people because of how expensive they are. But unfortunately the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE is going to need to offer a lot more than a relatively low price tag to be one of the best phones you can buy.

$800 is still a serious amount of money

While an $800 foldable seems like a good deal in comparison to older foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 5 or the OnePlus Open, it’s still a lot of money to spend on a phone. Think about the kind of phone you can pick up for $800 these days.?

You can get an iPhone 15, OnePlus 12 or even a Samsung Galaxy S24 for $799, while other great phones are available for less — like the $699 Google Pixel 8. While some of those phones aren’t top flagships, and do feature some compromises compared to their more expensive siblings, they are exceptional phones with a lot of great qualities.?

These are phones with great displays, strong cameras, solid performance and battery life, the list goes on. They’re very appealing, and perfect for the people who don’t want to spend an extra few hundred dollars for a top-of-the-line Pro or Ultra model.

The thing about foldables is that they also sacrifice things, only this time it’s in the name of design rather than cost-cutting. Rather than sporting a 200MP camera like the Galaxy S23 Ultra, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is limited to just 50MP and it only comes with a single telephoto lens with a measly 3x optical zoom.?

Similarly, the battery is 600 mAh smaller than you’d find in a Galaxy S23 Ultra, lasting 10 hours and 55 minutes in our testing, and limits charging speeds to the same 25W as a standard Galaxy S24.?

In the grand scheme of things these are not particularly troublesome cutbacks to deal with. But it does show that foldables aren’t priced the way they are because they’re offering the best of the best. No, the Z Fold 5’s $1,799 starting price, which is $600 more than the S23 Ultra’s $1,199, is there simply because it’s a foldable phone.?

I’m not saying new and exciting technology shouldn’t come with a premium, but it’s such a massive price difference and you’re still not getting state-of-the-art features. And the problem is that scaling this expensive technology back, especially if Samsung really is planning to knock 50% off the price tag, is going to come with a lot of compromises.

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE will need to make up for its cutbacks?

If Samsung isn’t able to offer a $1,799 foldable with the same kind of hardware as a cheaper non-folding phone, then it does make me wonder just how much the Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE is going to have in terms of features.?

Right now it isn’t entirely clear what sort of trade-offs we will get, though one report claims that we’ll see those cutbacks affect a number of key areas — including the cameras, battery, display and processor. It’s also been claimed that the phone won’t have the necessary display components to support an S Pen, which will remove a bunch of the helpful foldable-exclusive features in the process.

The only elaboration we’ve heard right now is that the camera may be a “dual camera module” and that it will be similar to the “current generation." In other words two rear cameras with hardware pretty close to the Z Flip 5 or Z Fold 5 — minus the latter’s telephoto lens.

Currently a flagship foldable is beyond the means of a lot of people — and clearly the serious foldable fans are willing to pay a premium. Dropping the price to a more affordable (if you can call it that) level means there’s a much wider pool of customers to pull onboard the foldable hype train. And you’re going to need more than the simple “folding” gimmick to keep them happy.

After all, what qualifies as “cheap” for a foldable isn’t necessarily what most people would consider cheap. So why would you spend $800 on a foldable phone with sub-standard hardware? Especially when you can pick up a much better phone for the same price. Those phones may not be able to fold, but that hasn’t really been a problem so far.

The idea of a cheap foldable is only going to go so far, and Samsung is going to need some other hook to entice people into buying the Z Fold 6 FE in meaningful numbers. Because otherwise people are going to drop off the bandwagon faster than you can say “Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE”.

The only question is what that sort of hook might be, and the truth is I really don’t know. But considering how many cutbacks Samsung may have to make on the hardware side of things, I’d expect it’s going to have to be software-based.

Bottom line

So far foldable phones, or at least those with the book-style design, have remained pretty niche products — pricing out the majority of people. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE, or wherever it ends up being called, has a real opportunity to bring foldable phones to the masses. The problem is that while relatively low in price, it’s still going to a rather expensive phone overall.

The problem is that cutting the cost of a foldable is going to be pretty difficult, and that runs the risk of Samsung making pretty serious compromises to the hardware. And that could be a serious problem if people don’t get the level of quality and experience they expect from a typical $800 phone. Assuming the Z Fold 6 FE can’t match those expectations it’s going to need something other than the folding screen to bring people in.

Because, let’s be honest here, folding phones may still be pretty niche but they don’t have the same novelty they did four or five years ago.?

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• iPhone 16 just tipped for ridiculously thin bezels thanks to this new tech
• I’ve been using the Pixel 8 Pro for nearly 6 months — what I love and hate
• Pixel 8a could steal some of the best Pixel 8 features — here's what they are

For the past five years, I've been getting by with a single set of 15-pound dumbbells, but they're rather restrictive. Fortunately, I got the chance to try out NordicTrack's Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells for a few weeks, and I'm hooked.?

Here are the five things that surprised me most about NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Dumbbells, from versatility to build quality to price.

Note: These are not the same weights as the NordicTrack 50 LB iSelect Voice-Controlled Adjustable Dumbbells, which were recently recalled in the US due to the potential for weights to become dislodged and fall off.?

They seem well constructed

Given the recall on a similar set of NordicTrack adjustable weights, I was pleased to discover that the Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells seem quite durable, with a primarily steel construction.?

That said, portions of the design, like the tab on the weight adjuster pins, are built from hardened plastic. The storage tray is also made of high-impact plastic, but you'll definitely want to avoid dropping the weights — I imagine it wouldn't take a drop from much height to crack or shatter the plastic.?

The weights are slightly bottom-heavy to avoid rolling around, which is a nice touch. However, they are completely round. So, if you work out in say, a garage with a slanted floor, one may take off on you.?

The handle on the NordicTrack adjustable weights has a grippy knurling pattern to avoid slips, which I quite appreciate as someone who often gets sweaty hands while working out.?

You can choose from 15 different weight loads

With weights ranging from 10 pounds per dumbbell up to 55 pounds apiece, the NordicTrack Select-a-Weights are perfect for both myself and my partner, who finds my standard 15-pound dumbbells a tad too heavy.

Users can adjust the Select-A-Weights in 2.5-pound and 5-pound increments, with 15 total weights to choose from. They include 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 32.5, 35, 40, 42.5, 45, 50, 52.5, and 55 pounds.

The outer selection pins adjust the weights in 10-pound increments, with five selectable positions — the load increases as you move the pins outward. The inner weight selection pins slide up and down with three positions. In the upper position, five pounds are added to the load, in the lower, 2.5 pounds are added — the middle position adds no additional weight.?

They don't take up too much space

The footprint of the two Select-a-Weights trays next to one another on my floor is roughly 19 inches by 17 inches, taking up a little less than 2 square feet of my 700-square-foot apartment. They're also about 7 inches high, which is sadly a tad too tall to fit under my couch, but they do fit nicely under my bed.?

They're also not too shabby to look at, which is why I've left them out in my living room for the time being.

The weight selection mechanism is a tad fiddly

My only real pain point in testing out NordicTrack’s 55-pound Select-a-Weight dumbbells is the adjuster pins. They can be a tad temperamental to slide in and out of position, occasionally getting caught.

This issue plagues both the inner and outer weight adjusters. However, this is by no means a deal-breaker in my mind: I'd rather have a temperamental-to-move locking pin that works than an easy-to-operate one that doesn't.?

Also, I may just need to break in the mechanisms a bit more to ensure a smoother operation.?

The price seems right

Depending on sales, the NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells will set you back between $300 and $350. That's a pretty steep price for the casual workout enthusiast to stomach, myself included. But after a few weeks with the set, I'm convinced it's money well spent.?

My boring 15-pound dumbbells set me back about $25. Sure, I could get three or four more sets to add some versatility to my equipment, and still be well under half the cost of the Select-a-Weights. But four pairs of dumbbells would surely take up more space, and be more of an eyesore than this all-in-one set.?

The real question is, are you paying extra for the name with the NordicTrack dumbbells? Not so much, it turns out: They're priced similarly to many of the best adjustable dumbells out there. For example, other popular ~55-pound options, like the Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells and Bowflex SelectTech 552i Dumbbells, cost roughly the same.?

There are some budget-friendly alternatives, like this Buxano adjustable set, ?but these don't offer anywhere near the versatility of the NordicTrack Select-a-Weights.?

NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Dumbbells: Fnal thoughts

Ultimately, my experience with the NordicTrack Select-a-Weights has turned me into an adjustable dumbbell believer. Of course, the 55-pound upper limit is going to be a deal-breaker for some folks. Likewise, not everyone needs 15 levels of weight adjustments, in which case, a more budget-friendly set may be your best bet.?

By the way, the NordicTrack Select-a-Weights come with a 30-day free trial of the brand iFit on-demand workout subscription. However, the warranty period on the weights is a measly three months, which is worth keeping in mind.?

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• Shopping for your first ebike? 5 things to look for
• I wore the $99 REI Rainier Rain Jacket in my shower to test water resistance
• 7 reasons why I like this budget-friendly massage gun better than my $200 Theragun

Whether it's the kick of an espresso in the morning, making a perfect latte at home, or getting your cold brew fix, there are a whole host of excellent deals out there for coffee machines in this sale.

For example, the popular L'OR Barista system is just $129 (that's $60 off), while you can find a Ninja CM401 speciality coffee maker for $118 (30% off). There's even $150 off the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo, bringing it down to just $649.

Whatever your choice of coffee, it's a great time to take a look, so we've rounded up the finest cup of deals you'll find anywhere.

Amazon Coffee Machine Deals — Quick links

• shop the entire Big Spring Sale at Amazon
• Cold Brew Coffee Maker: was $18 now $9
• Black and Decker Digital: was $37 now $34
• Keurig K-Express: was $89 now $69
• Cuisinart 14 Cup: was $99 now $74
• Cuisinart Single Serve: was $149 now $101
• Cuisinart SS-10P1: was $149 now $110
• Ninja CM401: was $169 now $118
• Pokk Espresso Machine: was $169 now $129
• L'OR Barista System: was $189 now $129
• De'Longhi Nespresso VertuoPlus: was $199 now $138
• Ninja DualBrew Pro: was $229 now $179
• De'Longhi Magnifica Evo: was $899 now $649

Amazon Coffee Machine deals

American actress Maude Apatow is one celebrity boosting the trend on TikTok, with her pink NYC apartment going viral with over 32K views and counting. Maude’s kitchen has been described as “classic, feminine chic at its best” by Architectural Digest, and it’s a look we can expect to see becoming increasingly popular this year.

@archdigest

? original sound - Architectural Digest

Tom Revill, creative director at?Plank Hardware, is also predicting that the ‘girlcore’ trend will make its way into our home this year, describing Apatow’s kitchen as the epitome of the latest interior trend, with light pink kitchen cabinets, marble countertops and pink velvet chairs. “Often with TikTok trends, they start in one particular niche and feed into other industries and we’re already seeing the trend merge into the interior design space,” he says.?

“After years of minimalism, we’re seeing people move away from the same neutral colour scheme and opting for decor that reflects their own personal style. We’re confident that we’ll see more and more people adopting a ‘girlcore’ approach this year,” Revil adds.

Since the ultra-feminine trend has skipped off the catwalk and into our homes, where bows, lace and an abundance of pink are strutting their stuff, here we share how you can get the ‘girl code’ aesthetic in your home.

1. Pastel hues

So, how do you embrace the ‘girlcore’ trend in your home? Revill suggests, “Immerse yourself in a palette of pastel hues, incorporating soft pinks, lilacs and mint greens. Take inspiration from Maude and try upcycling your kitchen cabinets in a light pink shade, with brass hardware to match, as a warm and elegant finishing touch.”

To get the look, Apatow painted her kitchen cabinets in Farrow & Ball’s ‘Setting Plaster’, ($46 for 0.75l, Amazon).

Apatow is not the only celebrity who embraces the look. Paris Hilton has gone all-out ‘girlcore’ with her outfits and interior. In the Instagram post above she is adorning a feminine ‘girlcore’ dress against the backdrop of a pastel pink kitchen with marble countertops.

2. ?Add texture ?

Apart from a pastel color palette, texture also plays a part in the ‘girlcore’ interior trend. Revill suggests adding “cosy elements, like velvet cushions and faux rugs” to create a soft, feminine aesthetic.?

Go for a decadent vibe and keep out the drab. Thinks frills and flounces rather than cold, hard lines. And don’t be afraid to layer up. In the boudoir, pile up your bed with a mix of pastel-colored patterned fabrics, and add different textures with cushions.

For curtain treatments, go sheer, with voile in soft pink, like these Marjorie Sheer Voile Curtains ($5 per panel, Walmart).?

3. ?Go vintage?

‘Girlcore’ is all about adding personality to your interior, rather than swiping out your quirks to please the crowd. Revill says, “Vintage decor will bring character to your living space, scout charity shops and Facebook Marketplace for retro furniture or quirky decor pieces.”

Go eclectic and avoid matching furniture. An interior scheme can still pull together and look fab without all furnishings from the same store – so don’t be afraid to try something new and step outside your comfort zone.?

And for your floor, you could opt for a vintage-style rug. This Well Woven Dazzle DISA Vintage Medallion blush pink rug (from $39, Amazon) ticks all the boxes, offering femininity and vintage styling.

4. ?Add feminine accents?

Feminine accents like ruffles, lace and bows further enhance the ‘girlcore’ allure. U.K. interior designer and TV presenter Sophie Robinson says bows are a big part of the ‘girlcore’ interior look. “Where fashion goes, interiors tend to follow, so whilst we’re going to see bows on our dresses, blouses or accessories, we can expect to see bows being used across the home decor too.”

And it was an interior trend that Robinson notes was celebrated by interior designer, Melanie Lissack at Christmas, as she decorated her tree with colorful fabric ribbons.

5. Make it personal

Then to finish the look, make it your own. Revill says, “Infuse the space with personal touches — framed photos or cherished trinkets —making it uniquely yours within the girlcore aesthetic.”

Dust down your personal treasures that tell your story and put them on display. Choose decorative photo frames to make an arrangement of your favorite images and embrace the high dose of feminity that 'girlcore' is all about.

More from Tom's Guide

• Discover the Urban Aunt interior trend is going viral — so what exactly is it?
• And Bookshelf Wealth — everything you need to know about the first major interior trend for 2024
• Plus, the ‘mob wife’ aesthetic is trending — so why is everyone talking about it?

Even better, many of these air fyers can be used for other purposes, like roasting, reheating, or even baking. Some of the biggest deals we've found are the Cosori Air Fryer for $99 (just $3 shy of its all-time price low) and the fantastic Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer for just $79. These deals won't last forever, so get them while they're hot (get it?).

Amazon Air Fryer Deals — Quick links

• shop the entire Amazon Big Spring Sale
• Bella 2: was $39 now $33
• CRUS x Marshmello 3.0: was $49 now $42
• GoWISE USA: was $119 now $62
• Veken Air Fryer: was $159 now $72
• Instant Vortex 5.7QT: was $139 now $79
• Cosori TurboBlaze: was $119 now $99
• Cuisinart Air Fryer: was $149 now $133
• Emeril Lagasse: was $189 now $139
• Cosori Pro III: was $179 now $149
• Midea Dual Basket: was $199 now $159
• Ninja Foodi 8 was $199 now $179

Best air fryer deals

Midrange phones are a step or two behind flagships like the iPhone, Pixel or Galaxy S models that command big bucks. As a result, they're a lot friendlier to your wallet with prices typically ranging between $400 to $600.?

But don't be fooled into thinking you're getting some bargain bin chunk of hardware. While you sacrifice some features by turning to a midrange phone, most of these devices still manage to include the kind of premium features you'd expect from more expensive handsets.

Already this year, we've seen the OnePlus 12R and Nothing Phone 2a join the ranks of the best cheap phones, and Samsung's in the process of rolling out this year's Galaxy A updates. The biggest launch of all could come in a couple of months when we see what Google has planned with the Pixel 8a.

To help you sort through this abundance of choices, we've put together a guide to midrange phones — both devices you can buy right now and those that are coming soon, so you can figure out if it's better to wait for your next phone purchase. If you think the best phone for your needs shouldn't have to cost nearly $1,000, any one of the following models should be on your short list.

OnePlus 12R: The power champ

When is it out: The OnePlus 12R came out in February, about the same time as the OnePlus 12 flagship that it closely resembles.

What does it cost: In the U.S., you can buy a OnePlus 12R with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage for $499. Sadly, that cheaper model isn't an option overseas where you can only pick up the 16GB/256GB OnePlus 12R for $599/?649.?

What to expect: Having reviewed the OnePlus 12R, we came away impressed by its performance and battery life. Like other phones in the midrange category, the OnePlus 12R doesn't feature the latest and greatest silicon, but it comes pretty darn close with last year's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset providing the power. That means the OnePlus 12R has more than enough muscle to out-perform the other phones on this list.

There's another benefit to that Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, as it excels at power management. That capability along with the OnePlus 12R's massive 5,500 mAh battery helps the phone last a ridiculously long time on a charge. As of this writing, the OnePlus 12R is the runner-up on our best phone battery life rankings, with an eye-popping time of 18 hours and 42 minutes on our battery test.

There are some trade-offs to get this phone's sub-$500 price, such as the lack of wireless charging support. And the cameras, while decent, simply don't perform as well as the Pixel 7a's cameras. Overall, though, there's plenty to like about the OnePlus 12R, with a bright display and a distinctive-looking design joining the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset among the phone's positives.

Bottom line: If you need a low-cost phone right now and don't require a top-performing camera, the OnePlus 12R is a terrific option, especially if you're in the U.S. and can buy the cheaper of the two models.

Samsung Galaxy A55: The new kid on the block

When is it out: The Galaxy A55 went on sale on March 20 in the U.K. Australians get their chance to buy the new phone on March 25. And U.S. shoppers... had better learn to do without.

What does it cost: A Galaxy A55 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage costs ?439/AU$699. (That UK price is a ?10 discount from the Galaxy A54.) There's also a 256GB version of the phone available in the UK for ?489.

What to expect: Last year's Galaxy A54 gave the Pixel 7a all it could handle in the fight to be the best cheap phone, so we were eager to see how the Galaxy A55 built on that success. In the U.S., the answer to that question is "not at all," as Samsung doesn't plan on releasing the phone there.

In other parts of the world, a Galaxy A55 vs. Galaxy A54 comparison reveals that not much has changed from year to year. The Galaxy A55 runs on a newer processor and features a bigger screen (6.4 inches compared to 6.2 inches on the A54). There's also a Key Island on the side of the Galaxy A55 that offers a raised rail to house the power and volume buttons and a tougher version of Gorilla Glass for the screen. But other key features, like the camera setup and battery size are unchanged from the Galaxy A54.

That's not necessarily a bad thing, as the A54 had better than average battery life and took good photos for a sub-$500 phone. But it's not much incentive to upgrade if you have a newer phone.

Bottom line: We're still waiting to get our hands on the Galaxy A55, but it sounds like a modest upgrade from a phone we were pretty keen on last year. If you live in an area where Samsung is shipping the A55, it could be an attractive option, though how the cameras perform in our review will go a long way to figuring out just how attractive.

Samsung Galaxy A35: The new kid on the block's cheaper brother

When is it out: Just like the Galaxy A55, the Galaxy A35 went on sale in the U.K. on March 20, with Australia getting the phone on March 25. Unlike the Galaxy A55, Samsung apparently plans a U.S. release for the A35, though no date has been set.

What does it cost: The Galaxy A35 starts at ?339/AU$549. We don't have U.S. price yet, but it's a safe assumption that the phone would likely cost less than $400. That would make it the cheapest phone on this list by far.

What to expect: Take the Galaxy A55, downgrade a couple of features and you've pretty much got a Galaxy A35, a midrange phone that Samsung is likely to bring the U.S. The biggest tradeoff appears to be with the phone's chipset — the Galaxy A35 uses the same Exynos 1380 silicon that powered the Galaxy A54. That phone didn't exactly wow us when we benchmarked for the A54, so you'd imagine the Galaxy A35 will fall behind the Galaxy A55.

Other differences between the A35 and A55 included a less sharp ultrawide lens (8M as opposed to 12MP) and a lower resolution front camera. There's less RAM on board the A45, too.?

Bottom line: We said it with the Galaxy A55, and we'll say it again here: we need to put the Galaxy A35 through our usual array of tests before we can issue any definitive verdict. But from the outside looking in, it seems like you're sacrificing overall performance in favor of a lower price tag.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: All this, and a telephoto lens, too

When is it out: The Galaxy S23 FE came out late last year, predating even the Galaxy S24 launch this past January.

What does it cost: The Galaxy S23 FE costs $599, $200 lower than the starting price of one of Samsung's Galaxy S24 flagships. Even at that discounted cost, the S23 FE is still the priciest phone in this round-up, with the exceptional of the OnePlus 12R with added memory and storage.

What to expect: Though the Galaxy S23 FE may be on the midrange/flgship phone cusp, it offers something none of the other phones here do — a dedicated telephoto lens. The S23 FE has the same triple camera array as the standard Galaxy S23, albeit with only an 8MP telephoto lens instead of a 12MP shooter. Even with the lower resolution, the Galaxy S23 FE can deliver a 3x optical zoom.

Another trade-off is more significant, the Galaxy S23 FE uses a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset instead of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 silicon found in the standard S23 and the OnePlus 12R. As a result, it's not as powerful as either of those phones, and the older Qualcomm system-on-chip is less power efficient, too. Don't expect anything close to the OnePlus 12R's battery life.

Bottom line: At the time of the Galaxy S23 FE's release, we said that the phone found itself caught between more powerful flagships and more affordable midrange models. That's more true than ever, as even more impressive midrange phones have come out. Still, if you want a dedicated telephoto lens on a lower-priced phone, this is your best bet.

Google Pixel 7a: The best value — for now

When is it out: The Google Pixel 7a will be celebrating its first birthday in May.

What does it cost: Google charges $499 for the Pixel 7a, a $50 hike from the Pixel 6a's starting price. These days, though, Pixel 7a deals have dropped the phone's price as Google makes way for Pixel 8a. (More on that upcoming phone in just a little bit.)

What to expect: My favorite phone of the past year, the Pixel 7a delivers premium-looking photos at a price that's hundreds of dollars less than many of the other best camera phones. You won't get a dedicated telephoto lens like you do on the Galaxy S23 FE, but you will benefit from Google's AI-powered photo-processing, and tools that let you easily tweak images after they're shot.

The Pixel 7a's appeal goes beyond just photos. It runs on the Tensor G2 chip that debuted with the Pixel 7 flagships, so the same AI-powered features available on those premium phones have made their way to Google's budget model. That includes features like the Voice Recorder app automatically recognizing when multiple people are speaking and splitting up the transcript accordingly. Direct My Call features give you on-screen menus for navigating your way through phone directories when you make a call.

Bottom line: The only thing that would stop us from enthusiastically recommending the Pixel 7a is that a new version of the phone is on the horizon. Still, if you need a phone right now, the Pixel 7a is a solid choice for bargain hunters, particularly if you can find a deal that offers the phone for less than its usual $499 asking price.

Google Pixel 8a: All eyes are on Google

When is it out: Google hasn't confirmed the existence of the Pixel 8a yet, let alone a release date. But if the company sticks to its usual way of doing things, we should be seeing a new Pixel A Series phone at Google I/O 2024. This year's develoer event gets underway on May 14.

What does it cost: We don't know if the Pixel 8a will come in at the same price as the $499 Pixel 7a yet. One rumor suggests a potential price hike in Europe, which has led to speculation that the Pixel 8a's price might go up by $50. That would follow a $100 price increase for the Pixel 8 flagship models last fall.

What to expect: We can confidently make two predictions — the Pixel 8a is going to adapt the Pixel 8's design and it's also going to pick up the Tensor G3 chipset that debuted in those phones. That means getting the same capabilities as a Pixel 8, including improved call screening and generative photo edits.

Rumors suggest the Pixel 8a will get a display on par with the Pixel 8, offering a maximum 1,400 nits of brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate. There's no rumored changes to the camera setup, though.

Bottom line: The Pixel 8a figures to be an improvement over the Pixel 7a, though it's still too early to say how big of a gap there will be between the two phones. The rumored price increase might deter some upgraders — or it might drive them to the Pixel 7a if Google keeps that phone around at a reduced rate like it did with the Pixel 6a after lear year's 7a release.

Nothing Phone 2a: Style and substance

When is it out: The Nothing Phone 2a started shipping in early March, at least in most parts of the world. That includes the U.S., sort of, where the phone is available through Nothing's developer program instead of through a wider release.

What does it cost: Nothing conceived of the 2a as a lower-cost version of the Nothing Phone 2, and it's clearly serious about delivering on that. In the U.K., you'll pay ?319 for the phone, while U.S. shoppers who can access the Nothing Phone 2a through the developer program will pay just $349. Pending a final US price on the Galaxy A35, the Nothing Phone 2a is the least expensive option here.

What to expect: Even though its scaled back from what you get on the standard Nothing Phones, the Nothing Phone 2a features a Glyph interface where LEDs double as notification alerts. Tastes differ from person to person, but the Nothing Phone 2a is one of the more stylish phones we've seen.

The 5,000 mAh battery on the Nothing Phone 2a lasts a surprisingly long time — 15 hours on our battery test. The 6.7-inch display is also pretty bright, even if the Pixel 7a outshines it. We were less impressed by the Nothing Phone 2a's struggle with demanding graphics and the subpar low-light photos it captured.

Nevertheless, Nothing has delivered a premium design for such a low-cost phone, and that deserves praise. This is a welcome addition to the growing number of noteworthy midrange phones.

Bottom line: U.S. phone buyers may have a hard time getting their hands on the Nothing Phone 2a, but the low price and sharp looks may be worth the effort.

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Latex beds are often considered to be some of the best mattresses on the market thanks to their natural, hypoallergenic benefits. Here we'll discuss what latex mattresses are and the top three reasons why you should buy latex mattresses this springtime.?

Latex mattress's premium materials also mean they come at a premium price, so we've also rounded up some of the best latex mattress deals this month if you can't wait for the Memorial Day mattress sales in late May.?

What is a latex mattress??

Latex mattresses are beds that use natural latex foam for both comfort and support, and are often paired with springs to form eco-luxury hybrid mattresses. Latex mattresses can either be made from Dunlop latex vs Talalay latex, which have some differences but are ultimately packed with the same benefits.

Latex is one of the most eco-friendly materials thanks to its sustainable production method, which involves mixing sap from the rubber tree with non-toxic materials which are then mixed into a froth and baked. Thanks to this eco-conscious process, latex is?often found in the best organic mattresses on the market.?

3 key benefits of a latex mattress

1. They’re naturally resistant to allergens?

The spring season brings warmer days, brighter evenings, and a whole host of allergy triggers. Luckily latex mattresses are some of the best beds at repelling allergens, thanks to their non-toxic, hypoallergenic materials.?

Latex is dust mite-resistant and antimicrobial, meaning protects against bacteria, mold, and mildew. They are also free from chemicals petroleum-based?polyurethane?foams and fiberglass, often substituting the hazardous fire retardant for natural flame barriers such as organic wool.

Always check whether you have a latex allergy before purchasing a natural latex bed, as those with latex allergies may experience allergic symptoms to the natural latex within a latex mattress.

2. They keep you cool?

As we leave winter behind, the days are about to get a lot warmer, so you may want to introduce some temperature control into your bedroom. Latex mattresses make some of the best cooling mattresses thanks to latex foam's naturally cooling properties.?

Its porous texture means that it encourages airflow, making the bed more breathable and ventilated and offering a cooler nights' sleep. Add coils and an organic cotton cover (found in most latex beds), and you have maximum moisture-wicking breathability.

?3. They last longer

If you're going to overhaul your sleep and invest in a brand new, top-of-the range mattress, then you'll want to get a bed that's worth the money in the long run. Fortunately, latex beds offer the most durability.?

While the maximum lifespan of innerspring, hybrid, ?and memory foam beds is 8 to 10 years (they're more prone to sagging and wear and tear), a latex mattress can last up to 20 years and has an average lifespan of 15 years. Overall, a top-value replacement for your old, creaky bed.

Where to buy latex mattresses: top 3 deals

Google Gemini is an incredibly power artificial intelligence tool, but as with any tool, you can often suffer from the same “blank page problem” when opening it for the first time ever — or even the first time in a day.

That is in part why I created the Prompt_Jitsu column. A way to share prompt ideas that anyone can try and possibly get inspiration to do something fun. This week I am turning to Google Gemini again, but with the idea of spring as inspiration.

Prompting Google Gemini

Prompting any artificial intelligence chatbot can be hit and miss. More often than in the past, you do get exactly what you’d expect, but sometimes it throws you a curveball. Check out our guide to using Google Gemini if you haven't tried this chatbot before.

I’ve tested each of these prompts in the free and Gemini Advanced versions of the Google chatbot and they worked fairly well —?but if you get something completely obscure, I’d love to hear about it.

1. Imagine a field of flowers

We're going to start with an image prompt. Google Gemini can't generate images in the UK or much of Europe so you'd need a VPN, or the same prompt would generate a descriptive scene rather than a picture —?which can be fun.

The prompt I've picked: "Generate a colorful Spring-themed image featuring a picnic in a field of wildflowers."?

This will create a cartoon-like generic image of a picnic scene. You could further refine the prompt by replying to the images by typing something like "add the word Spring to the picture. If you put the word in " " marks, it will improve the text quality.

Generate a colorful Spring-themed image featuring a picnic in a field of wildflowers

2. Food for the picnic

Next up, we need some food to go with that picnic. We're going to do this over a couple of prompts. The first is a simple one and will get a different result most times you try it —?although I've been wrong about that in previous weeks.

The prompt: "Suggest. delicious savory dish for a Spring picnic". Gemini should give you something like a salad, skewers or a frittata, and this is where prompt two comes into play, as this is not a "one shot" idea.

Next up you'll need to pick one of those recipes, or ask it to suggest some more. If you're happy say "give me the full recipe for x". In my case I asked for a full frittata.

The recipe required parmesan cheese, milk, eggs, thyme, oil, onion, asparagus, peas, goat cheese and herbs. The full recipe is on the Prompt_Jitsu GitHub repo.

Suggest. delicious savory dish for a Spring picnic

3. A day with the kids

We've got the picture and the food, now we need something else to do on the day. This is something Google Gemini can be good at, so I've asked it to "plan a perfect Spring day itinerary for a family with kids ages 5-12."?

You can adjust the ages or even remove the kids part completely and ask for a fun day out on your own or with a partner. You could even use Gemini to plan a day with the boys or girls — it should be able to adapt.

For me, it suggested that between 9 a.m. and midday we "embrace the outdoors" with a visit to a park or botanical garden and let the kids run free. After our amazing picnic, the chatbot said we should visit an art studio or pottery place for the afternoon.

Plan a perfect Spring day itinerary for a family with kids ages 5-12

4. A story to tell

After we wind down at home after a busy, fun-filled day, why not enjoy a story about the spring? This is something Gemini is very good at doing.

Use this prompt: "Write a short, whimsical story about a talking flower that blooms in the Spring." Or adapt it to suit your own circumstances, even putting the names of your children into the prompt. For example, have the chatbot call the flower after your kid.

I didn't do this and Gemini called the flower Primrose. She told of faraway lands where exotic flowers bloomed and of whispering rain showers painting the meadow green. You can read it on my GitHub.

Write a short, whimsical story about a talking flower that blooms in the Spring.

5. Design my garden

After all that talk of talking flowers and from inspiration gained while being out and about in our fictional family day in the botanical garden, let's design a garden.

The prompt: "What are some tips for planning a successful Spring garden, including recommended plants and layout ideas?" This is another example where multiple prompts will be needed to get exactly what you want.

However, from a single prompt I got planning tips such as "knowing your zone, doing a sunlight assessment and preparing the soil," as well as the idea of planing seasonal vegetables and herbs. Gemini also said to plant tulips, daffodils and hyacinths.

If you want to get the best out of your garden though, check out this guide to preparing your garden for spring from Tom's Guide's homes content editor Cynthia Lawrence.

What are some tips for planning a successful Spring garden, including recommended plants and layout ideas?

6. A poem — but make it short

We all know that children don't get to sleep after the story, they always want one more thing. So why not a haiku about watching baby animals at play?

The prompt: "Create a Spring-themed haiku about the joy of watching baby animals play." You could swap baby animals play with anything you like —?what about watching monster trucks play or watching dolphins play?

Gemini gave me: "Soft chirps fill the breeze / Fluffy chicks chase butterflies / Spring's heart beats anew."

And for monster trucks: "Mud splatters like blooms / Giant tires churn earth reborn / Spring roars, a joyful wreck."

Create a Spring-themed haiku about the joy of watching baby animals play

7. Going on a hiking trail

For this prompt, you want to make sure you've got the Google Maps extension turned on. To do this, click Settings, then extensions on the left-hand menu and toggle the Google Maps button to on.?

We'll use Denver, Colorado as our location for this prompt, as there aren't many places to go hiking around me. The prompt: "I want to go on a scenic Spring hike this weekend. Can you suggest the top 3 hiking trails within a 30-mile radius of Denver, Colorado? Please provide trail details like length, difficulty level, notable features, and directions to the trailhead using Google Maps."

This will trigger the Google Maps extension, and Gemini suggested three top-rated hikes in the area, showed them as icons on a map and gave me all the difficulty level details. You can see my full interaction for this prompt on Gemini.

I want to go on a scenic Spring hike this weekend. Can you suggest the top 3 hiking trails within a 30-mile radius of my location? Please provide trail details like length, difficulty level, notable features, and directions to the trailhead using Google Maps."

More from Tom's Guide

If you enjoyed the prompts this week why share your output with us and then try out a?series of Google Gemini prompt ideas or even?make a story, song and images?from previous weeks.

So let us here at Tom's Guide do the hard work for you. We've combed through all the new movies that just landed on streaming to highlight all of the blockbusters and none of the duds to watch this weekend. Leading the pack is Oscar-winner "Anatomy of a Fall" on Hulu, while Prime Video has a reboot of the classic '80s action flick "Road House."

Horror fans should check out "Bodies Bodies Bodies" on Netflix, A24's horror/comedy twist on the classic "whodunnit" story. Meanwhile, Peacock has a new documentary, "Stormy," about the adult film star at the center of one of America's biggest political scandals in recent history. Here's our guide on?what to watch?this weekend.?

'Anatomy of a Fall' (Hulu)

"Anatomy of a Fall" was up for five Oscar nominations this year, and while it lost out to "Oppenheimer" for Best Picture, it did take home the prize for Best Original Screenplay. Now you can see why this French courtroom drama racked up so much acclaim from critics and audiences alike.?

One of the most engrossing movies of 2023, "Anatomy of a Fall" stars Sandra Hüller stars as Sandra Voyter, a successful novelist accused of murdering her husband (Samuel Theis) after their visually impaired son Daniel (Milo Machado-Graner) stumbles upon his body in the snow outside their isolated mountain chalet. The cause of death? An apparent fall from an open attic window. Sandra insists it must have been an accident, but some discrepancies in her and Daniel's stories, including the revelation that her husband sustained a head wound before his plunge, lead the police to charge her with homicide.?

With the help of an old friend and lawyer Vincent (Swann Arlaud), she heads to court, where her marriage is put under a microscope. This is one of those movies where the twists and turns will keep you hooked up until the end.?

Watch it now on?Hulu

'Road House' (Prime Video)

This?iconic ‘80s action flick is back with a new remake from Doug Liman (“The Bourne Identity”). Except this time, Jake Gyllenhaal steps into Patrick Swayze’s shoes as Dalton, a bouncer with a troubled past hired to clean up the rowdiest honkytonk in the Florida Keys.?

After Dalton's UFC career was cut short when he pummelled an opponent to death, he resorts to the seedy world of underground, bare-knuckle boxing, where his brutal reputation is enough to scare his opponents into giving up before the fight's even begun. The owner of a local bar, Frankie (Jessica Williams), hires him as head bouncer out of concern that a local gang run by crime boss Brandt (Billy Magnussen) has their eye on her business. Dalton can easily bust his way through Brandt’s thugs, but the threat level is dialed up to 11 with the arrival of ruthless gun-for-hire Knox (Conor McGregor).?

Watch it now on?Prime Video

'Bodies Bodies Bodies' (Netflix)

A24's critically acclaimed horror comedy "Bodies Bodies Bodies" is a Gen Z twist on the classic "whodunit?" Pete Davidson stars as David, a rich 20-something who invites his fellow rich friends to a night of debauchery at his family's mansion to wait out a hurricane. They soon decide to play a murder mystery game, but things take a turn when, after a heated argument, the power goes out and one of them ends up dead.?

They start to turn on each other as they're forced to figure out who's behind the night's violent turn. Throughout the movie, the group is constantly taking verbal jabs at each other in a way that might make you think this is a satire of Gen Z. But rather than coming off as cringey and out-of-touch, "Bodies Bodies Bodies" has received praise for its biting observations, clever writing, and shrewd, class-aware humor. It's been hailed as the next generation's "Mean Girls" or "Heathers." ?

Watch it now on Netflix

'Stormy' (Peacock)

Peacock has a new documentary in "Stormy," an expose on Stormy Daniels, the porn star who made headlines when it came to light that Donald Trump's legal team paid her hush money during his 2016 presidential campaign to keep quiet about an alleged affair.?

Directed by Sarah Gibson, "Stormy" follows Daniels' life from her childhood in Louisiana to her rise as an adult film actor before crossing paths with the celebrity businessman a decade before he would become president of the United States. It spends the bulk of its runtime on how Daniels navigated motherhood and her career in the aftermath of the scandal, offering an inside look from the sensationalist bubble of fame.?

Watch it now on Peacock

'The LEGO Batman Movie' (Prime Video)

This spin-off from 2014's "The LEGO Movie" is one of the few spin-offs that actually stacks up to the original. "The LEGO Batman Movie" is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: an animated superhero movie about the plastic-brick version of the Dark Knight, as voiced by Will Arnett.?

Arnett's take on Bruce Wayne’s nocturnal alter-ego is a clever and playful mash-up of the Batman mythology. Brooding, egotistical, and melodramatic, he insists he doesn't need any help keeping the streets of Gotham City safe. That is, until his arch-nemesis the Joker recruits an army of supervillains to take over the city, and Batman must turn to his companions Robin (Michael Cera) and Batgirl (Rosario Dawson), to save the day. But first, he’ll have to learn how to work with others. "The LEGO Batman Movie" may not be the Batman film we wanted, but it's undeniably the Batman film we needed.

Watch it now on Prime Video

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