Every DGTULS review, comparison and "Best" list follows the same rules, so you know exactly what's behind a recommendation.
The short version#
- Facts from official sources, linked, with the date we checked them.
- Hands-on use only when we really did it, and we say what we did.
- No scores we didn't earn. We don't give star ratings without testing.
- Money never buys a recommendation.
1. What we look at#
For each product we check the things that matter when you're deciding:
| For | We look at |
|---|---|
| Phones | Price and storage options, screen, chip, cameras, battery claims, years of software updates, repairability and what's in the box |
| Apps and software | Free plan limits, paid plan prices, platforms, privacy settings, export options and how billing works |
| AI tools | What each plan includes, usage limits, which models you actually get, data and training settings, and the real monthly cost for typical use |
2. Where the facts come from#
Prices, plans, limits and specs come from the company's own pricing pages, spec sheets and documentation, linked in the article. Every price shows "Prices checked on {date}". When a plan changes, we update the article and the date.
3. Hands-on use#
- When we've used a product, the review says what we did, for how long and on what device or plan.
- When we haven't, the review says it's based on official information and documentation, and doesn't pretend otherwise.
- We don't invent benchmarks, battery tests or user counts.
4. How we make a recommendation#
We recommend products for specific people, not "for everyone": "Pick this if you…", "Skip it if you…". We weigh:
- Value: what you get for the money, including long-term costs like subscriptions and updates.
- Fit: who it's actually for.
- Trust: update promises, privacy settings and how easy it is to leave.
- Evidence: official facts first, then our hands-on use where we have it.
Our verdicts and "Our take" sections are opinions, with the reasons stated.
5. Comparisons and "Best" lists#
- Comparisons use the same criteria for every product, side by side.
- "Best" lists explain why each pick is there and who it's for, and they're updated when prices or plans change.
- Products can't pay to be included or to rank higher.
6. What we never do#
- Accept payment for a review, rating, ranking or mention.
- Let companies review or approve our articles before publication.
- Publish scores we didn't produce.
- Write fake reviews or testimonials.
7. Affiliate links#
Some links earn us a commission if you buy. That never affects which products we include or how we rate them. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
8. Keeping reviews current#
We revisit reviews when prices, plans or major features change, and show the latest check date at the top. Found something out of date? Tell us.
Related: Editorial Policy