Chris P. - Mobile tech review journalist

Chris P. - Mobile tech review journalist
phonearena@phonearena.com
Chris Panayotov is a former mobile tech reviewer of phones, tablets and wearables at PhoneArena. However, his contribution to PhoneArena content includes not just reviews, but all kinds of regular and experimental features, such as news stories, buying guides, and an exclusive column on the most notable phones out of Asia.
Recent articles by Chris
How to use AirDrop on your iPhone and iPad to share photos, videos, contacts, and links

How to use AirDrop on your iPhone and iPad to share photos, videos, contacts, and links

Chris P. •
Wallpapers on steroids: Ultra high-res works for your Quad HD smartphone

Wallpapers on steroids: Ultra high-res works for your Quad HD smartphone

Chris P. •
VRS Design's iPhone 7/7 Plus case collection has it all, even a selfie stick bumper

VRS Design's iPhone 7/7 Plus case collection has it all, even a selfie stick bumper

Chris P. •
23 useful Note 7 tips and tricks to make the most out of it

23 useful Note 7 tips and tricks to make the most out of it

Chris P. •
The subtle danger of unlocked smartphones: Network compatibility

The subtle danger of unlocked smartphones: Network compatibility

Chris P. •
Where and how to watch HDR content on the Note 7

Where and how to watch HDR content on the Note 7

Chris P. •
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 vs Apple iPhone 6s Plus
versus

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 vs Apple iPhone 6s Plus

Chris P. •
The Note 7 is the first smartphone with HDR10-compliant display and this is why you should care

The Note 7 is the first smartphone with HDR10-compliant display and this is why you should care

Chris P. •
Ultra high-res wallpapers for Galaxy S6, S7, Note 5, LG G4/G5, Nexus 6P, HTC 10, and others

Ultra high-res wallpapers for Galaxy S6, S7, Note 5, LG G4/G5, Nexus 6P, HTC 10, and others

Chris P. •
Samsung Gear Fit 2 fitness band Review
8.0

Samsung Gear Fit 2 fitness band Review

Chris P. •
Monsters from Asia: the $225 (Lenovo) ZUK Z2 Rio Edition is the cheapest Snapdragon 820 phone

Monsters from Asia: the $225 (Lenovo) ZUK Z2 Rio Edition is the cheapest Snapdragon 820 phone

Chris P. •
The Galaxy Note 7 is ready for the titanic clash: arrives on the scene with iris scanning, water resistance, and 64GB base storage

The Galaxy Note 7 is ready for the titanic clash: arrives on the scene with iris scanning, water resistance, and 64GB base storage

Chris P. •
Note 7 cases lineup from VRS Design bets on stylish yet affordable protection

Note 7 cases lineup from VRS Design bets on stylish yet affordable protection

Chris P. •
Beautiful ultra high-res wallpapers for Galaxy S6, S7, Note 5, LG G4/G5, Nexus 6P, HTC 10, and others

Beautiful ultra high-res wallpapers for Galaxy S6, S7, Note 5, LG G4/G5, Nexus 6P, HTC 10, and others

Chris P. •
5 Pokemon Go maps and advanced tools to help you catch 'em all

5 Pokemon Go maps and advanced tools to help you catch 'em all

Chris P. •
Monsters from Asia: the truly incredible, $99 ZTE ZMax Pro

Monsters from Asia: the truly incredible, $99 ZTE ZMax Pro

Chris P. •
When will my phone get Android 7.0 Nougat? - July 2016 edition

When will my phone get Android 7.0 Nougat? - July 2016 edition

Chris P. •
Sony Xperia XA Ultra Review
7.5

Sony Xperia XA Ultra Review

Chris P. •
There's something really wrong with Android Marshmallow

There's something really wrong with Android Marshmallow

Chris P. •
LG 360 VR Review
2.0

LG 360 VR Review

Chris P. •
8 hilarious (and terrifying) Pokemon Go stories from the week

8 hilarious (and terrifying) Pokemon Go stories from the week

Chris P. •
Best iPhone 6s/6s Plus cases (2016 edition)

Best iPhone 6s/6s Plus cases (2016 edition)

Chris P. •
5 unique smartphones that break the mold (2016)

5 unique smartphones that break the mold (2016)

Chris P. •
The Galaxy S6 has a nasty problem with auto brightness that I can no longer stand

The Galaxy S6 has a nasty problem with auto brightness that I can no longer stand

Chris P. •
The wayback machine challenge: Name the first 5 apps you ever downloaded

The wayback machine challenge: Name the first 5 apps you ever downloaded

Chris P. •
Galaxy S7 battery life with Exynos CPU vastly superior to Snapdragon flavor, here's the proof

Galaxy S7 battery life with Exynos CPU vastly superior to Snapdragon flavor, here's the proof

Chris P. •
iPhone SE cases by Spigen: hands-on review

iPhone SE cases by Spigen: hands-on review

Chris P. •
10 hilarious Google Now Easter egg phrases to speak out to your phone when nobody's looking

10 hilarious Google Now Easter egg phrases to speak out to your phone when nobody's looking

Chris P. •
Sony Xperia E5 Review
8.0

Sony Xperia E5 Review

Chris P. •
Monsters from Asia: the newly announced Sharp Aquos mini is a compact powerhouse

Monsters from Asia: the newly announced Sharp Aquos mini is a compact powerhouse

Chris P. •
5 kind of unpopular apps that are nevertheless awesome

5 kind of unpopular apps that are nevertheless awesome

Chris P. •
7 things smartphone manufacturers can learn from Japan

7 things smartphone manufacturers can learn from Japan

Chris P. •
These are the best smartphones we reviewed in the first half of 2016

These are the best smartphones we reviewed in the first half of 2016

Chris P. •
Beautiful, beyond-Quad HD (1440 x 2560) wallpapers for your Galaxy, LG, Nexus, HTC, and others - part 2

Beautiful, beyond-Quad HD (1440 x 2560) wallpapers for your Galaxy, LG, Nexus, HTC, and others - part 2

Chris P. •
Do we need 5G networks? (poll results)

Do we need 5G networks? (poll results)

Chris P. •
Do we need 5G networks?

Do we need 5G networks?

Chris P. •
Are you satisfied with the battery life of your smartphone? (poll results)

Are you satisfied with the battery life of your smartphone? (poll results)

Chris P. •
Beautiful, beyond-Quad HD (1440 x 2560) wallpapers for your Galaxy S6, S7, Note 5, LG G4/G5, Nexus 6P, HTC 10, and others

Beautiful, beyond-Quad HD (1440 x 2560) wallpapers for your Galaxy S6, S7, Note 5, LG G4/G5, Nexus 6P, HTC 10, and others

Chris P. •
HTC 10 cases by Spigen: hands-on review

HTC 10 cases by Spigen: hands-on review

Chris P. •
Are you satisfied with the battery life of your smartphone?

Are you satisfied with the battery life of your smartphone?

Chris P. •
Smartphone battery life over the years: A surprising study

Smartphone battery life over the years: A surprising study

Chris P. •
Monsters from Asia: the Meitu V4s is an edge in a round world

Monsters from Asia: the Meitu V4s is an edge in a round world

Chris P. •
Let's play a game: Would you buy the OnePlus 3? (poll results)

Let's play a game: Would you buy the OnePlus 3? (poll results)

Chris P. •
If you want to ask OnePlus anything, this ongoing Reddit AMA is where it's at

If you want to ask OnePlus anything, this ongoing Reddit AMA is where it's at

Chris P. •
If we get an Edge and a normal Galaxy Note 7, which one would you prefer? (poll results)

If we get an Edge and a normal Galaxy Note 7, which one would you prefer? (poll results)

Chris P. •
The OnePlus 3 features an 'Optic AMOLED' display: here's what it means

The OnePlus 3 features an 'Optic AMOLED' display: here's what it means

Chris P. •
For the curious at heart: The OnePlus 3 shares its camera with these other flagships

For the curious at heart: The OnePlus 3 shares its camera with these other flagships

Chris P. •
Let's play a game: Would you buy the OnePlus 3?

Let's play a game: Would you buy the OnePlus 3?

Chris P. •
iOS 10: Discover all the new features in 20 slides

iOS 10: Discover all the new features in 20 slides

Chris P. •
Photos app in iOS 10 gets inspiration from Google, but improves upon it in a key way

Photos app in iOS 10 gets inspiration from Google, but improves upon it in a key way

Chris P. •
Quick stats from WWDC: Apple's ecosystem is still going strong with a 2 million app catalog

Quick stats from WWDC: Apple's ecosystem is still going strong with a 2 million app catalog

Chris P. •
5 differences between the Moto Z and Z Force that aren't immediately obvious

5 differences between the Moto Z and Z Force that aren't immediately obvious

Chris P. •
If we get an Edge and a normal Galaxy Note 7, which one would you prefer?

If we get an Edge and a normal Galaxy Note 7, which one would you prefer?

Chris P. •
Sony Xperia X vs Sony Xperia Z5
versus

Sony Xperia X vs Sony Xperia Z5

Chris P. •
Handful of iPhone 7 and 7 Plus case images support the latest rumors

Handful of iPhone 7 and 7 Plus case images support the latest rumors

Chris P. •
9 crazy addictive, casual games for Android and iOS

9 crazy addictive, casual games for Android and iOS

Chris P. •
The Incipio offGRID Power Pack is a clever battery case for the Moto Z and Z Force

The Incipio offGRID Power Pack is a clever battery case for the Moto Z and Z Force

Chris P. •
The Moto Insta-Share Projector for Moto Z/Z Force turns any flat surface into a 70" screen

The Moto Insta-Share Projector for Moto Z/Z Force turns any flat surface into a 70" screen

Chris P. •
The JBL SoundBoost add-on for the Moto Z/Z Force cranks up the volume, adds an extra battery and kickstand

The JBL SoundBoost add-on for the Moto Z/Z Force cranks up the volume, adds an extra battery and kickstand

Chris P. •
The Moto Z is the thinnest mainstream flagship on the planet

The Moto Z is the thinnest mainstream flagship on the planet

Chris P. •
HTC 10 vs Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
versus

HTC 10 vs Samsung Galaxy S7 edge

Chris P. •
If the Moto Z Style/Z Play StyleMods end up substituting MotoMaker, would they be worth it? (poll results)

If the Moto Z Style/Z Play StyleMods end up substituting MotoMaker, would they be worth it? (poll results)

Chris P. •
If the Moto Z Style/Z Play StyleMods end up substituting MotoMaker, would they be worth it?

If the Moto Z Style/Z Play StyleMods end up substituting MotoMaker, would they be worth it?

Chris P. •
Users are still mostly charging their smartphones daily (poll results)

Users are still mostly charging their smartphones daily (poll results)

Chris P. •
How often do you usually have to charge your phone? - 2016 edition

How often do you usually have to charge your phone? - 2016 edition

Chris P. •
Sony Xperia X Review
6.0

Sony Xperia X Review

Chris P. •
Do you have a tablet? How old is it? Are you planning on a new one? (poll results)

Do you have a tablet? How old is it? Are you planning on a new one? (poll results)

Chris P. •
Do you have a tablet? How old is it? Are you planning on a new one?

Do you have a tablet? How old is it? Are you planning on a new one?

Chris P. •
At $499+, would you say the new Asus flagship is as tempting as its predecessor? (poll results)

At $499+, would you say the new Asus flagship is as tempting as its predecessor? (poll results)

Chris P. •
Marketing puffery: 5 potentially misleading phone features to be on guard for

Marketing puffery: 5 potentially misleading phone features to be on guard for

Chris P. •
At $499+, would you say the new Asus flagship is as tempting as its predecessor?

At $499+, would you say the new Asus flagship is as tempting as its predecessor?

Chris P. •
5 exciting Kickstarter/Indiegogo projects that you can still get in on

5 exciting Kickstarter/Indiegogo projects that you can still get in on

Chris P. •
Vertical wallpapers beyond Quad HD (1440 x 2560) for your Galaxy S7/S7 edge, Note 5, LG G4/G5, Nexus 6P, HTC 10, and others

Vertical wallpapers beyond Quad HD (1440 x 2560) for your Galaxy S7/S7 edge, Note 5, LG G4/G5, Nexus 6P, HTC 10, and others

Chris P. •
Patently ridiculous: Apple hit with a lawsuit because its iPhones can... make calls and take photos

Patently ridiculous: Apple hit with a lawsuit because its iPhones can... make calls and take photos

Chris P. •
Instant Apps and Multitasking among the most exciting new Android features according to our readers

Instant Apps and Multitasking among the most exciting new Android features according to our readers

Chris P. •
Conversation starter: Why do you think Microsoft failed with mobile?

Conversation starter: Why do you think Microsoft failed with mobile?

Chris P. •
Google I/O 2016 was huge, so which new feature/service are you most excited about?

Google I/O 2016 was huge, so which new feature/service are you most excited about?

Chris P. •
Instant Apps are a rare feat of Android brilliance that might just change the OS for good

Instant Apps are a rare feat of Android brilliance that might just change the OS for good

Chris P. •
Galaxy C5 and C7 media renders pop up, new rumor pegs higher prices

Galaxy C5 and C7 media renders pop up, new rumor pegs higher prices

Chris P. •
iPhone 7 images based on 3D blueprints pop up, show little change

iPhone 7 images based on 3D blueprints pop up, show little change

Chris P. •
Google detailed a number of important new developments in the world of Android Pay at I/O

Google detailed a number of important new developments in the world of Android Pay at I/O

Chris P. •
Hot from I/O 2016: Google Home is the search giant's answer to Amazon Echo

Hot from I/O 2016: Google Home is the search giant's answer to Amazon Echo

Chris P. •
Monsters from Asia: the Aquos Zeta SH-04H is Sharp's summer pitch

Monsters from Asia: the Aquos Zeta SH-04H is Sharp's summer pitch

Chris P. •
Wallpapers beyond Quad HD (1440 x 2560) for your Galaxy S7/S7 edge, Note 5, LG G4/G5, Nexus 6P, HTC 10, and others

Wallpapers beyond Quad HD (1440 x 2560) for your Galaxy S7/S7 edge, Note 5, LG G4/G5, Nexus 6P, HTC 10, and others

Chris P. •
HTC 10 vs Samsung Galaxy S7
versus

HTC 10 vs Samsung Galaxy S7

Chris P. •
The PhoneArena H1 2016 census: What brand phone are you using right now?

The PhoneArena H1 2016 census: What brand phone are you using right now?

Chris P. •
It's an even split when it comes to people using digital zoom (poll results)

It's an even split when it comes to people using digital zoom (poll results)

Chris P. •
Do you use your smartphone camera's digital zoom?

Do you use your smartphone camera's digital zoom?

Chris P. •
HTC 10 Review
9.0

HTC 10 Review

Chris P. •
Samsung Galaxy S7 Clear View Cover review: The prettiest of them all

Samsung Galaxy S7 Clear View Cover review: The prettiest of them all

Chris P. •
The internet is going bananas over this iPhone story, and it's not even true

The internet is going bananas over this iPhone story, and it's not even true

Chris P. •
Poll results: Would you bet the house on the HTC 10 being a success?

Poll results: Would you bet the house on the HTC 10 being a success?

Chris P. •
Official LG G5 case confirms a G5 SE variant, suggests beefier specs?

Official LG G5 case confirms a G5 SE variant, suggests beefier specs?

Chris P. •
Samsung Galaxy S7 S View Cover review: The classic recipe

Samsung Galaxy S7 S View Cover review: The classic recipe

Chris P. •
Samsung Galaxy S7 LED View Cover review: $69.99 worth of blink-blink?

Samsung Galaxy S7 LED View Cover review: $69.99 worth of blink-blink?

Chris P. •
Would you bet the house on the HTC 10 being a success?

Would you bet the house on the HTC 10 being a success?

Chris P. •
16 tips and tricks to improve battery life on the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge

16 tips and tricks to improve battery life on the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge

Chris P. •
Aaaand, of course: LG trademarks the G5 SE name

Aaaand, of course: LG trademarks the G5 SE name

Chris P. •
Our readers love metal phones, mostly because of the way they feel and look (poll results)

Our readers love metal phones, mostly because of the way they feel and look (poll results)

Chris P. •
Do you like metal smartphones, and why?

Do you like metal smartphones, and why?

Chris P. •
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless