Best iCloud Alternatives in 2026 Tested for iPhone Users

gizmodo.com Oct 3, 2026

Best iCloud Alternatives in 2026 Tested for iPhone Users

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 3, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Apple’s iCloud+ costs $9.99 per month for 2 TB, with no yearly or one‑time option, totaling roughly $600 over five years. pCloud offers a 2 TB plan for a single payment under $500 and supports Android, Windows, and iPhone, making it the top alternative for overall functionality. Internxt provides privacy‑focused storage with encryption before upload, while NordLocker excels at sending code‑protected links from an iPhone. Sync.com offers up to a year of file history, and MEGA supplies 20 GB of free, end‑to‑end encrypted storage. Each service was evaluated on speed, free tier, and file recovery.

💡 Why It Matters

· The shift to lifetime or low‑cost plans gives iPhone users a viable escape from Apple’s high‑priced, subscription‑only model, potentially reshaping mobile cloud storage habits.

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Apple now sells Aqara Adaptive Temperature thermostat and seven more accessories

Apple expanded its third‑party accessories lineup by adding eight new products, including the Aqara Thermostat Hub W200 and Aqara Climate Sensor W100. The W200, launched at CES 2026 and released in April, retails for $169.95 on Apple’s platform—$10 above Amazon’s price—offering Apple Adaptive Temperature and Clean Energy Guidance through the Home app. Apple also sells the pricier ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, AirPods 5, AirTag 2, AirPods Pro 3, a Wireless CarPlay Adapter, and a Beats USB‑A to USB‑C cable. The update underscores Apple’s push into smart‑home integration and its expanding retail inventory.

💡 By stocking Aqara’s thermostat, Apple signals confidence in third‑party devices that enhance HomeKit’s capabilities, potentially drawing users who prefer Apple‑centric ecosystems over competing platforms. The move also positions Apple as a central hub for smart‑home tech, broadening its appeal beyond core hardware.

technobaboy.com · Oct 3

Samsung launches Galaxy A08 with big battery

Samsung introduced the Galaxy A08 in Singapore, positioning it as a budget-friendly device with a 6.7‑inch HD+ LCD display that refreshes at 90 Hz. The phone runs on a MediaTek Helio G99+ processor, paired with 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage, and is powered by a 6,000 mAh battery supporting 25 W fast charging. Camera hardware includes a 50 MP primary sensor, a 2 MP depth lens, and an 8 MP front shooter. The handset offers IP64 dust and splash resistance and ships with Android One UI, promising up to six OS generations and six years of security updates, plus Samsung Knox Vault for hardware‑based data protection. AI features such as Circle to Search, Find the Look, and music recognition are integrated, and the device is sold for SGD 278 through Samsung stores and major online retailers.

💡 By bundling a high‑capacity battery, extended software support, and AI tools at a sub‑USD 250 price point, Samsung aims to capture cost‑conscious consumers seeking premium‑grade durability and longevity in emerging markets.

9to5google.com · Oct 3

The Pixel 5 doesn’t get enough credit for making the best of…

In 2020, Google released the Pixel 5 amid a pandemic‑driven supply crunch that crippled its flagship line. The device abandoned the Pixel 4’s high‑end glass and metal chassis for a lighter “bio‑resin” body and a less powerful chipset, while re‑introducing a fingerprint sensor and a larger battery. Reviewers described it as an “exercise in compromise,” yet the phone addressed many of the Pixel 4’s shortcomings and delivered a surprisingly durable, well‑balanced experience that has aged better than many contemporaries. Although marketed as a flagship, its specifications align more closely with mid‑range phones, and its resilient design contrasts sharply with today’s glass‑heavy premium phones. The Pixel 5 thus stands as a pragmatic response to an unprecedented market shock.

💡 Its durable, cost‑effective design shows how manufacturers can thrive by prioritising practicality over premium materials during supply disruptions.

windowscentral.com · Oct 3

Razer Tartarus V2 Pro review: I loved playing with this, but it…

Windows Central’s review of Razer’s Tartarus V2 Pro highlights a premium, ergonomic keypad that blends a comfortable wrist‑rest with Razer’s high‑end analog optical switches. Priced at $199.99, the device features 27 linear keys, adjustable actuation depth, on‑board storage for three profiles, and a detachable Type‑C cable. Reviewers praise the faux‑leather wrist rest, smooth key travel, and the ability to fine‑tune key activation, noting it feels superior to traditional keyboard‑and‑mouse setups for extended play. However, the thumb cluster falls short: the analog thumbstick lacks an optical key, the HyperSpeed button feels mismatched, and the Synapse app requires updates to improve thumbstick functionality. The unit ships globally through Razer’s storefront and select retailers, with earlier Tartarus models still available at lower price points.

💡 The V2 Pro’s ergonomic design and customizable actuation could redefine comfort standards for gamers who spend hours on key‑heavy titles, forcing competitors to address wrist health in future hardware.

gsmarena.com · Oct 3

Oppo Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max leaked European prices are…

Leaked European pricing for Oppo’s upcoming flagship line shows a steep increase from last year’s models. The Find X10 is rumored to launch at €1,399 for the 256 GB variant and €1,599 for 512 GB, while the Find X10 Pro Max is listed at €1,799 with 512 GB of storage. By comparison, the Find X9 sold for €999 and the Find X9 Pro for €1,299, both with 512 GB, indicating a 60 % rise for the X10 and a 38 % jump for the Pro Max. The price surge is attributed to soaring memory and storage chip costs driven by AI data‑center demand. Oppo has begun blind pre‑orders in the UK, offering perks and limited discounts, though the official European launch date remains unconfirmed.

💡 Consumers face unprecedented flagship costs, testing brand loyalty amid a global chip shortage.

notebookcheck.net · Oct 3

Xiaomi releases new affordable 5G smartphone with 120 Hz display and 6,000…

Xiaomi has launched the Redmi 17C 5G in India, expanding its budget 5G lineup after a Singapore debut in August. The phone features a 6.9‑inch IPS LCD panel with 120 Hz refresh, 660‑nit peak brightness and 83% NTSC colour coverage. Powered by a 6 nm MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, it offers up to 6 GB LPDDR4X RAM, 128 GB storage (expandable to 1 TB) and runs Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3. Camera hardware includes a 50 MP primary sensor with f/1.8 aperture, an auxiliary lens and an 8 MP front shooter. A 6,000 mAh battery supports 33 W wired and 10 W reverse charging, promising 80% capacity after 1,000 cycles. The device weighs 211 g, is 7.9 mm thick, and is priced at ₹20,999 for the 4 GB/128 GB model, available from 7 October via Xiaomi’s website and Amazon.

💡 By pairing a high‑refresh display and large battery with a sub‑₹21,000 price tag, Xiaomi pushes true 5G capability deeper into India’s cost‑conscious market.