Chase Bonar

From Winter Springs, FL

Chase is a contributing editor for PhoneDog and is new to the mobile industry, but not to writing. When he's not flashing a new ROM, or reading specs of the latest phones, he's probably lurking Craigslist for a new phone, tablet, or crazy deal. Outside of the mobile universe, Chase is an F1 fan and dachshund enthusiast. When completely disconnected from society, you can find Chase biking, running, or working on his money-pit E46 330xi.

Chase's latest articles, videos, reviews and more...

Updated

I'm not convinced of the latest Motorola X Phone rumors

Android Motorola just spilled more details on an X Phone in what seems like an emphasis to remain as vague as possible, and I wish they hadn't because it all doesn't add up. To be fair, these details seem leave much left to the imagination, so...

3 weeks ago by Chase Bonar 5

Updated

Should Samsung continue the "inspired by nature" design into its next wave of devices?

Android It wasn't long ago that Apple's iPhone began receiving criticism of its design. Many would even argue it's just recently reached a tipping point. Yes, most believe Apple's main struggle was on the software front, but that hardware is...

3 weeks ago by Chase Bonar 22

Updated

How do apps earn your dollar?

Cell Phone Apps Not a day goes by when we don't use apps. They might not rank high on your list of priorities when picking a device, but they undoubtedly shape your experience when you're using every new smartphone. Most of the time, we can get by with...

3 weeks ago by Chase Bonar 4

Exclusive

Don't confuse "Google Edition" with Nexus

Android Shortly after Google's Hugo Barra took the stage at I/O just a few weeks ago to show off a Samsung Galaxy S 4 running stock Android, questions were immediately inbound from all directions. Would Samsung make any other devices running stock...

3 weeks ago by Chase Bonar 1

Updated

Why I'm considering a switch to Windows Phone OS

Windows Phone 8 Switching smartphones has become a normal task for me, the reasoning being that I tend to get a bit overzealous with the amount of choices on the market, and impulsively pull the trigger more often than not. Traditionally, I find it hard...

4 weeks ago by Chase Bonar 64

Updated

Manufacturers should offer flagships in more form factors

Lifestyle It used to be expected that smartphones would be available in any form factor you could imagine, and some you couldn't dream of. Whatever your heart desired was an option, and that has included many downright odd devices over the years....

4 weeks ago by Chase Bonar 12

Exclusive

Did Fairphone just change my life?

Business And Money It's very easy to look at your smartphone and forget how it came to be. Often times, I stare in awe of certain design cues and finishes which make me realize how hard manufacturers work to deliver such stellar products. However, it's what...

4 weeks ago by Chase Bonar 1

Exclusive

Here's why HTC shouldn't make a phablet yet

Android When it comes to smartphones with large displays, there's a polarizing effect which quickly sends fans into a frenzy. On one side, you've got arguments for increased productivity with software additions and a more immersive experience for...

4 weeks ago by Chase Bonar 22

Updated

Hello Moto, come back to mobile

Android There is one company that has proven their hardware can rival the best in the smartphone market. While Apple was selling its one millionth iPod in 2003, Motorola was setting up its slamdunk clamshell masterpiece for sales glory, the...

4 weeks ago by Chase Bonar 8

Exclusive

Smartphones should be waterproof

Lifestyle Smartphones are inching towards perfection on many levels this year. From the build and design of the HTC One, to the sheer freshness of Jolla's smartphone running Sailfish OS, the choices feel endless. But it's clear that when these...

4 weeks ago by Chase Bonar 11

Updated

Jolla's smartphone already has an edge, but is it enough?

Lifestyle It feels like an eternity since a band of MeeGo engineers left Nokia to carry-out their very own endeavour dubbed Sailfish OS, a continuation of MeeGo OS gracing such smartphones as the Nokia N9 and N950. The group of ex-Nokian's...

5 weeks ago by Chase Bonar 6

Exclusive

5 ways Apple can refresh the iPhone

Ios Many are quick to judge each successor to the iPhone without giving it a fair chance. As we currently stand, Apple presumably has their hands full in delivering a product that truly surprises. Whether from a hardware or software...

5 weeks ago by Chase Bonar 12

Updated

What does Android really need?

Android There are many reasons to oppose Google's Android mobile operating system, but one of them is not stagnation. Since inception six years ago, Android has been on a fast-track towards eclipsing all other mobile interfaces on many levels....

May 18th by Chase Bonar 99 41 Reactions

Reader reactions

Hey, text message: Grow up

Lifestyle Alternate messaging platforms have been the cat's pajamas of 2013, and I see no sign of the trend letting up. Like a bull on a parade, software companies have decided its time that the traditional text message underwent a facelift, and...

May 17th by Chase Bonar 14 7 Reactions

Updated

A Microsoft Surface RT Mini could work, here's why

Microsoft As the tablet market matures, many manufacturers across varying operating systems are vying for a share of the pie, and no matter your OS preference, there are varying screen sizes beckoning you. Well, that is if you prefer Android and...

May 17th by Chase Bonar 32 23 Reactions

Updated

Google I/O 2013 is a lesson in appreciation, not disappointment

Android The opening act of Google I/O 2013 has come and gone without any major software overhaul or hardware announcements, but I'm thankful anyways. Many were expecting something of the Mountain View company to sweep them off their feet like past...

May 16th by Chase Bonar 23 21 Reactions

Reader reactions

Do Nokia's Lumia flagship smartphones even matter?

Business And Money The rumored Nokia "Catwalk" which became infamous around the Web for its aluminum chassis and svelte profile just became a reality. Nokia launched the Lumia 925 at their big event in London earlier today putting to rest the tagline of...

May 14th by Chase Bonar 55 37 Reactions

Updated

To the distracted drivers of the Web

Lifestyle According to the Cohen's Children's Medical Center of New York, texting and driving has just surpassed drunk driving as the leading cause of death in teenagers behind the wheel. Last year, more than 3,000 teens died as a result of sending...

May 12th by Chase Bonar 8 6 Reactions

Reader reactions

Here's why the HTC One's software update is super important

Android Some would have argued that HTC's main hurdle to overcome with their new flagship, the One, was marketing the device on all carriers and ensuring adequate supply kept up with demand. Both feats have plagued the Taiwanese company in the...

May 11th by Chase Bonar 153 73 Reactions

Updated

OEMs, please make sense of these smartphone names

Lifestyle Google's Nexus devices have attacked the affordable gadget market by storm. From the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10, you're likely to find a device at the right screen size, or whatever it is that you desire. But rumors have starting...

May 10th by Chase Bonar 16 2 Reactions

Reader reactions

Two ways the Windows Phone war is heating up

Lifestyle The mobile market has heavily favored high-end specifications the past three years, but that's not to say it's been in vain. Consumer demand for these devies has urged manufacturers to bring them to the masses in the first place....

May 10th by Chase Bonar 26 15 Reactions

Reader reactions

Why LG's actions in mobile resonate now more than ever

Android It's likely that when LG announced the Optimus G a year ago, you brushed it off with ease. The Korean company capable of producing high quality electronics, including smartphones, is often overshadowed by its overzealous countryman,...

May 9th by Chase Bonar 20 8 Reactions

Exclusive

What's in your pocket, Chase Bonar?

Lifestyle My pants pockets are always full...of phones. I've owned way too many over the years, and I probably still own one too many today. So, without further ado, here's what could be in my pants pockets right now , ya'll. The eldest...

May 9th by Chase Bonar 24

Reader reactions

Here's what the Motorola X Phone needs to do to be a hit

Android At first mention of Motorola's X Phone, it's difficult not to ask a follow-up question. "What's special about it?" "Will it be available on my carrier?" "It's not a Galaxy...why would I want it?" Thus, it has become crystal clear that...

May 7th by Chase Bonar 21 12 Reactions

Reader reactions

Why are smartphone bezels going the way of batteries?

Lifestyle Every new smartphone concept has gradually shed body mass to outline design. There's a certain sense of sexiness that manufacturers strive to achieve with each new form factor. Often times, the display grows into its own by taking up more...

May 5th by Chase Bonar 42 23 Reactions

Reader reactions

Can low-light camera performance sell a smartphone?

Lifestyle Camera quality ranks high on my list of requirements for a smartphone to be considered a true "hero" device. Since I do not own a traditional point-and-shoot camera, I rely on my smartphone every time to capture the moment. I also rely on...

May 4th by Chase Bonar 42 32 Reactions

Reader reactions

Microsoft, where are your phablets?

Lifestyle There is no limit to display size on Android as evidenced by the Asus Fonepad. There is no differentiation between iOS on the iPhone and on the iPad. So, why has Windows complicated the gadget market with multiple versions of a single,...

May 3rd by Chase Bonar 28 19 Reactions

Reader reactions

How do you increase the battery life of your smartphone?

Android When it comes to smartphones in 2013, battery size is all the rage. No matter your mobile OS, the amount of time you can spend away from a wall outlet is easily one of the most important reasons to choose one handset over another. But...

May 3rd by Chase Bonar 84 58 Reactions

Reader reactions

Is Google up to something?

Android Google! At this point last year we had already heard rumblings of what you'd announce at your annual gathering of developers and fans, Google I/O. The Google Nexus 7 made by Asus was announced by Asus earlier in the year, disappeared, and...

May 2nd by Chase Bonar 13 7 Reactions

Updated

Apple isn't going anywhere, and that includes iOS 7

Business And Money It can be said that Apple was once the world's most advanced mobile operating system. The original iPhone (and its four successors) sported a 3.5-inch touch screen, an Internet browser, and a multitude of native apps. iOS was quite simply...

Apr 30th by Chase Bonar 80 63 Reactions