Archives: Glossary

  • Spatial audio

    Spatial audio makes sound feel like it is coming from around you instead of only left and right. In everyday buying decisions, the useful question is not just what the spec says, but what it changes for comfort, cost, speed, safety, or battery life.

  • Smartwatch

    A smartwatch is a wrist-worn computer for notifications, health tracking, apps, and quick controls. In everyday buying decisions, the useful question is not just what the spec says, but what it changes for comfort, cost, speed, safety, or battery life.

  • Sideloading

    Sideloading means installing an app from outside the official app store. In everyday buying decisions, the useful question is not just what the spec says, but what it changes for comfort, cost, speed, safety, or battery life.

  • Root

    Root access gives deeper control over Android, but it can weaken security and break some apps. In everyday buying decisions, the useful question is not just what the spec says, but what it changes for comfort, cost, speed, safety, or battery life.

  • Roaming

    Roaming is when your phone connects through another network outside your usual carrier area. In everyday buying decisions, the useful question is not just what the spec says, but what it changes for comfort, cost, speed, safety, or battery life.

  • Resolution

    Resolution is the number of pixels used to make an image, video, or screen. In everyday buying decisions, the useful question is not just what the spec says, but what it changes for comfort, cost, speed, safety, or battery life.

  • Refurbished

    A refurbished device has been previously owned, checked, repaired if needed, and resold. In everyday buying decisions, the useful question is not just what the spec says, but what it changes for comfort, cost, speed, safety, or battery life.

  • Refresh rate

    Refresh rate is how many times per second a screen updates what you see. In everyday buying decisions, the useful question is not just what the spec says, but what it changes for comfort, cost, speed, safety, or battery life.

  • Ray tracing

    Ray tracing is graphics tech that simulates light more realistically in games and 3D scenes. In everyday buying decisions, the useful question is not just what the spec says, but what it changes for comfort, cost, speed, safety, or battery life.

  • RAM

    RAM is short-term working memory that helps a device keep apps and tasks ready. In everyday buying decisions, the useful question is not just what the spec says, but what it changes for comfort, cost, speed, safety, or battery life.