TechRadar Reviews

The EcoFlow Rapid Pro X is a high-capacity, fast-charging power bank that oozes quality while being user-friendly.

EcoFlow Rapid Pro X - Specification

Battery capacity: 99.5Wh

Number of charge cycles: Over 300 before 20% drop

Number of USB sockets: 3 Type C

Number of power inputs: 2

Fastest charge time: 1 hour

Additional features: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Weight: 700g

A large color screen constantly shows the remaining power, and three touch buttons make navigating the menu easy. The Pro X also provides haptic feedback in the form of vibrations when accessing menus.

The station can power only Type-C devices and delivers a combined 270W in a compact footprint, the size of a soda can. The Rapid Pro X supports the newer 140W Power-Distribution profile and fully charges in less than an hour to its 100Wh capacity. EcoFlow offers a desktop charger that adds five additional USB ports and fast charging, making it an ideal companion to the Pro X.

The Pro X alone will cost $299 and is currently discounted for $260. Accessories include the desktop 300W charger, which retails at $150, and a 140W GaN Rapid Pro AC adapter for $80.

(Image credit: Future)EcoFlow Rapid Pro X: Design

The EcoFlow Pro X battery ships in a compact box, with only a charging cable and a user guide. The unit weighs 700g and measures 5.7cm x 8.4cm x 15.2cm, making it convenient to throw in a backpack. The plastic case with its rounded edges fits easily in the palm. Electrical connections are on the top and bottom, and the plastic shell can be replaced if the case is scratched or broken.

The front panel sports a large 5” color display with the menu accessible using three touch buttons on the right side. Two buttons control the up and down menu, while a third validates the selection. The unit vibrates when touched, and the backlight turns off after 60 minutes of inactivity.

The Pro X hosts three Type-C connectors on the top. The leftmost blue-keyed connector, known as C1, supports up to 140W of power for downstream devices. The remaining two connectors, C2 and C3, can each output 65W, and along with C1, make the Pro X a 270W unit.

The built-in 100Wh Lithium Polymer battery charges via either the high-powered C1 connector or the docking connector at the bottom. Type-C charging is convenient for on-the-go use and requires only a standard power adapter.

With an input power of up to 140W, the charging time is about 40 minutes. The faster method is through the docking station, which can transfer at up to 240W, resulting in a complete charge in under 30 minutes.

(Image credit: Future)EcoFlow Rapid Pro X: In Use

The EcoFlow Pro X setup is straightforward thanks to a well-designed user interface. We recommend first charging the Pro X, then connecting it to the mobile app, available on both Apple and Android platforms.

A firmware update may be available and pushed to the device. The local clock auto-adjusts once connected to the app. The unit features a timer that can be set to time out in five-minute increments.

The rate at which the Pro X charges through its base station is not constant. The unit will first charge at full power, providing 240W through the bottom pins, but will gradually decrease to settle on 60W at around 40% battery charge. On the other hand, charging through the 140W GaN EcoFlow adapter provides a constant flow and is generally quicker.

The mobile app displays the current charging rate for the internal battery and the output power rate for each connected device. Since all outputs are always enabled, the Pro X will self-discharge over a couple of days, even when no device is connected.

This is likely due to having an active Wi-Fi connection. The unit will also dissipate heat on its own. We recommend turning it off through the menu when unused for an extended period.

In addition to not fully utilizing the 320W capacity when paired with the Rapid Pro desktop charger, the Pro X’s battery provides only 300 charge cycles before experiencing a 20% capacity drop.

(Image credit: Future)EcoFlow Rapid Pro X: Competition

The EcoFlow Pro X's main competitor is the Anker Prime power bank, which has a similar form factor and power capacity.

The Pro X has a slightly higher output power capacity, at 300W, compared to the Prime's 250W. The three Type-C sockets are also more helpful than the two Type-C and one Type-A available in the Prime.

(Image credit: Future)EcoFlow Rapid Pro X: Final Verdict

The EcoFlow Pro X is an excellent portable power source to quickly charge multiple Type-C devices. Its main selling points are a refined UI, a bright display, and WiFi connectivity.

The unit seamlessly integrates into the EcoFlow ecosystem, with the mobile app functioning smoothly. Thanks to the new 140W Type-C power profile, it will charge devices faster than a conventional adapter.

Its main drawbacks are an ability to self-discharge when left unconnected and a quick charge that settles to a lower input power over time.

We liked the ease of replacing part of the enclosure and the hassle-free docking when paired with the Rapid Pro desktop charger.

Get the Rapid Pro X if ... you already have other EcoFlow devices and need portable power.

Don’t get the Pro X if ... you are on a budget.

We've featured the best portable power stations.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.: one-minute review

We’re big fans of Thrustmaster’s eSwap products at TechRadar Gaming but the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. isn’t exactly the big leap forward the brand’s controller lineup needs. As for changes, the clue’s in the name. The H.E. packs in a pair of Thrustmaster’s H.E.A.R.T. Hall effect thumbsticks, which is nice, and means you won’t need to buy them separately. It's one of the best Xbox controllers, but slightly better.

If you’re buying an eSwap controller for the first time, then the H.E. is definitely the one to get. By default, it is the best eSwap gamepad to date by packing those Hall effect sticks in with the already excellent eSwap X2. And yes, you can still expect brilliant build quality and Thrustmaster’s commitment to accessibility and customizability through its swappable stick and D-pad modules.

But don’t expect any changes beyond that, which also means issues that we had with the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 are still present here. It’s a bulky controller that, while ideal for big-handed players, can be a bit unwieldy for anyone else. I also found the D-pad to be a little uncomfortable over long play sessions.

Finally, I’m still baffled by the lack of a wireless connectivity option, given the relatively high price of the controller. This is a competitive-facing controller, and naturally wired connections offer little to no input latency. However, as we see in rival controllers like the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, wireless polling rates are improving, further reducing input lag over 2.4GHz wireless connections on PC. It’s something I’d like to see Thrustmaster at least consider if and when it gets around to making the eSwap X3.

(Image credit: Future)Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.: price and availability

• List price: $169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)
• Cheaper than the eSwap X2 in the UK
• Price remains identical to the eSwap X2 in the US

The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. launched on October 1, 2025, and is available to buy from Thrustmaster’s website and other stocking retailers for $169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260). In terms of price, it’s on par with the original Thrustmaster eSwap X2 in the US. In the UK, the eSwap X2 H.E. is £10 cheaper than the first eSwap X2, coming in at £149.99 as opposed to the prior model’s £169.99. Bonus.

Looking at the wider controller market, when it comes to pads compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC, the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. finds itself among a busy crowd. While cheaper than the excellent Razer Wolverine V3 Pro ($199.99 / £199.99), it finds company with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 ($179.99 / £159.99).

And frankly, I’d recommend the eSwap X2 H.E. over that official Xbox pad in a heartbeat, due to the former’s Hall effect sticks and generally superior build quality.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Specs

Price

$169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)

Weight

10.6oz / 0.3kg

Dimensions

6.3 x 4.7 x 2.4in / 160 x 120 x 60mm

Compatibility

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC

Connection type

Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

N/A

(Image credit: Future)Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: design and features

The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. remains largely identical to the original eSwap X2 in design. It’s the exact same shape and has all the same features. That includes swappable thumbstick and D-pad modules, trigger locks, and four remappable buttons on the rear of the pad.

You also have a row of on-board function buttons at the bottom of the controller, and these are for headset volume and mic muting, as well as swapping between custom button profiles. You can hit a ‘map’ button to customize the rear remappable buttons, too, if you don’t like the fact that they’re assigned to the four face buttons by default.

The controller does feel quite bulky in the hands, and the thumbsticks rest higher than what you’ll find on the average pad. As such, it really benefits players with larger hands, or those looking for an especially sturdy grip. It’s not quite to my personal preference, but I absolutely can see it being many players’ go-to pad for specifically this reason.

Much like the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded, the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. supports swappable stick and d-pad modules. These are magnetic, and pop out either by pulling them (don’t worry, you’re not at risk of breaking these as they’re especially sturdy and there’s no physical connection), or the included screwdriver which slots into the D-pad. This makes it easy to adopt a symmetrical stick layout if you prefer, or to swap out with other Thrustmaster modules that are sold separately.

As was the case with the eSwap X2, you can expect build quality to be solid here. After all, it is for all intents and purposes also an eSwap X2, just with the addition of those Hall effect sticks included in the box. So no movement or changes on that front.

(Image credit: Future)Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Performance

The inclusion of Thrustmaster H.E.A.R.T. thumbsticks really is the selling point here. These resist stick drift and are a massive improvement over the eSwap X2’s default sticks. They feel super smooth, too, reminding me greatly of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller’s sublime stick feel.

Like the original X2, the face buttons here are impressively responsive and tactile, offering a mouse click-esque press. You’ll feel the difference immediately if you’re used to the softer, spongier button presses of cheaper pads like the Xbox Wireless Controller. The immediacy of presses here are super satisfying, and that also goes for the clicky bumpers and D-pad.

Speaking of, the D-pad here actually isn’t among my favorites. While I appreciate its responsiveness, the raised, bumpy design is something I found to be quite uncomfortable to use over longer stretches of time. It’s far from horrible, but for platformers, arcade-style games, and the best fighting games, it’s not a great fit.

One other thing to note is that the H.E. is still a strictly wired controller. To an extent, this is to be expected, as what we have here is essentially a slight revision of the eSwap X2. The ‘definitive’ version, quite possibly. I’d definitely like to see Thrustmaster offer a wireless solution for its next big gamepad release, though, as I strongly feel the option should be there when your controller is north of the $120 / £120 mark.

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.?Buy it if...

You’re new to the eSwap line
If you’re looking to buy an eSwap controller for the first time, then the H.E. really is the only choice you need to make. Depending on where you live, it’s the same price or slightly cheaper than the standard eSwap X2, and offers Hall effect sticks in the box.

You want a chunky, sizable controller
There aren’t many controllers that seem designed primarily for larger hands. This may not have been the intended design goal with the eSwap X2 H.E., but its chunky build and high quality make it extra comfortable if your hands are on the larger size.

Don't buy it if...

You own an eSwap X2
Quite simply, if you already have a Thrustmaster eSwap X2 controller, there’s no reason to buy this latest revision. Instead, you should consider picking up the H.E.A.R.T. modules from Thrustmaster’s website.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Also consider

Not too keen on the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.? Here are a couple more controllers worth considering if you’re planning to upgrade from the stock Xbox Wireless Controller, or otherwise.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited

Price

$169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)

$209.99 / £179.99 (around AU$322)

$199.99 / £179.99 (around AU$300)

Weight

10.6oz / 300g

9.3oz / 265g

11.53oz / 327g

Dimensions

6.3 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 160 x 105 x 60mm

6.3 x 4.2 x 2.6in / 160 x 106 x 66mm

7.5 x 7.4 x 3.5in / 190 x 189 x 89mm

Compatibility

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC (PlayStation version sold separately)

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC

Connection type

Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4Ghz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

N/A

Around 20 hours

Around 10 hours

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded
The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is more expensive, but offers wireless connectivity and a similar module-swapping tech to the eSwap X2 H.E. You’re even getting a ‘fightpad’ module in the box that works excellently with fighting games or your favorite arcade classics.

Read our full Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded review

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited
Certainly a strange one at first glance with its built-in LCD display. But this ends up being the Revolution X Unlimited’s best feature, offering plenty of convenient options and features right on the deck without needing to open any external software. A real winner and one of my favorites.

Read our full Nacon Revolution X Unlimited review

How I tested the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.

• Tested for a week
• Played a variety of games across Xbox and PC
• Compared to the previous eSwap X2, and the Victrix BFG Pro Reloaded among others

I tested the eSwap X2 H.E. for about a week for this review. I was already familiar with the original eSwap X2 via its excellent Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree special edition, and I found the H.E. to be completely identical in design and performance, with the addition of those included Hall effect sticks.

I played games across Xbox Series X Digital Edition and PC, including Final Fantasy 14 Online, Tekken 8, Ninja Gaiden 4, The Outer Worlds 2, and Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage.

I compared my time with the eSwap X2 H.E. primarily with that of the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded. Victrix’s pad is the most similar to Thrustmaster’s with its swappable modules. While I do prefer the Pro BFG Reloaded overall, that mainly comes down to personal preference given its aptitude for fighting games and a comfier build for my smaller hands. Still, the eSwap X2 H.E. is more affordable, which is a strong reason to consider it here.

First reviewed October/November 2025

Read more about how we test

Kodak PixPro C1: Two-minute review

Compact cameras are suddenly trending, including simple pocket-sized point and shoot cameras, and Kodak is riding the wave with the PixPro C1. It’s pretty, it’s cheap and it looks like the perfect antidote to complex mirrorless cameras or expensive smartphones. But can a camera this cheap be any good?

Sadly, it doesn’t take long to answer that question. The PixPro C1 is pretty plasticky, as you would expect at this price, but it looks the part and it has a flip-up selfie screen and a basic but effective set of controls that makes it easy to use. It’s what’s inside that’s the problem.

The C1 uses a very small 13MP 1/1.3-inch sensor of unknown vintage that exhibits all the characteristics of old point and shoot cameras that we’ve conveniently forgotten, with image quality that’s OK in good light but rapidly disintegrates if you need to use a higher ISO in low light or if you use the digital zoom.

The PixPro C1 looks smart, but inside is a tiny 13MP sensor and a digital, not optical zoom. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

Yes, it’s a digital zoom not an optical one. The tiny sensor’s image quality is already stretched to the limit in perfect conditions, so the digital zoom just magnifies its limitations. At the maximum 4x zoom setting you get photos that might look OK on a phone screen, but not so much on a tablet and definitely not in a print. You really are better off sticking to the native focal length, and at 26mm equivalent, this is pretty wide, much like the main camera on a phone.

This camera’s other major issue is its slow response. The single (center) point autofocus can take half a second or a second to lock on, and when you press the shutter release there’s a further delay of a second while the screen goes black… and then you get the shutter sound. It’s very difficult to time your exposures with moving subjects, and the Kodak’s slim, slippery shape makes it difficult to keep it steady – there’s no image stabilization.

So from the outside the Kodak PixPro C1 is quite smart, but inside it uses tech that could have come straight from an old phone or a very cheap point and shoot compact from ten years ago. It’s very disappointing.

Kodak PixPro C1: price

• Priced at $99 / £79 / AU$154
• USB cable and wrist strap included
• Available now

The Kodak PixPro C1 sells for around $99 / £79 (about AU$154). That doesn’t sound much for a fully-functioning pocket-sized digital camera, but it’s quite a lot to spend on something that you end up not using because your smartphone is so much better. That price doesn’t include a memory card, though our sample included a microSD card and card reader, so bundles may vary.

Kodak PixPro C1: specsKodak PixPro C1 specs

Type:

Pocket sized compact camera

Sensor:

13MP 1/1.3-in CMOS

Lens:

3.57mm (26mm equivalent) f/2, up to 4x digital zoom

Focus range:

0.6m-infinity, 0.08m macro

ISO:

100-1600

Video

1920x1080 up to 60fps

Storage:

microSD, up to 32GB

EVF:

No

Stabilization:

No

Flash/light:

Built in

Screen:

180-degree tilting, 2.8-in, 230k-dot

Battery:

Built in, non-removable, 200 shots approx.

Size:

103 x 60 x 20.3mm, 115g

Kodak PixPro C1: design

• Slim, light, smart styling
• Plasticky feel but solid enough at the price
• Memory card slot exposed in the base – no door
• Phone-style LED ‘flash’

The Kodak's rear screen flips upwards to face the front, so it's ideal for selfies. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

The menu system has only a few basic options, but that's ideal for a beginner audience. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

The battery is good for around 200 shots. It's non-removable, so you charge it via the USB-C port on the side. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

The PixPro C1 takes micro SD cards up to 32GB. Unusually, they just slot into the base, with no door or cover. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

We forget how small point and shoot cameras used to be! The Kodak PixPro C1 will easily slip into a shirt pocket or a trouser pocket, and because it weighs just 115g, you’ll hardly know it’s there. It’s available in a black or tan or brown finish – mine came in brown, and it does look pretty classy.

It does feel plasticky when you pick it up, however, especially round the back where the screen and the controls are. The top edge of the screen has a hinge so that you can flip it up to face forward for selfies, and to the right you’ve got a four-way controller, menu, playback, mode and record buttons, plus a rocker for the zoom.

You can shoot in full auto mode, switch to program mode for a little more control, or use a small selection of ‘scene’ modes. The menu button displays options for picture styles, metering pattern, resolution (just in case you want less than 13 megapixels!), white balance and continuous versus single shot mode. The menus are basic but clear.

There is a built in flash – well, sort of, as it’s actually a phone-style LED, but that’s fine. Underneath, in the base of the camera, you’ll find the memory card slot, which takes microSD cards. There’s no door or cover of any sort – the card just pushes into the slot, where it’s flush with the base so you can still stand the camera on a flat surface.

It’s all very basic but effective, and exactly what you would expect from a cheap camera. It’s not too daunting for beginners, either.

Kodak PixPro C1: performance

• Sluggish shutter action
• Poor image quality at higher ISOs
• Digital zoom not worth using
• Autofocus struggles/fails in low light

The Kodak PixPro C1 delivers decent enough image quality in good light, but not really on a par with a modern smartphone. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

The metering system did a good job with the tricky lighting in this shot. The brightest parts of the sky might be a little blown out, but you can see all the detail in the foreground. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

The sensor can go up to ISO 1600, but by this point any fine detail in the image has been swallowed up by heavy noise reduction. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

Physically, the PixPro C1 is pretty decent at this price. It’s the performance that’s disappointing. You could argue that you shouldn’t expect much for this money, but there comes a point where a product just isn’t good enough to use, regardless of how cheap it is, and the PixPro C1 sails pretty close to the wind here.

Before you even get to look at its images, its operation feels very vague and sluggish. The AF is not particularly quick, but the worst part is the shutter action, which takes about a second to complete and only makes a shutter sound at the end. This is not a camera for fast action or grabbed shots. Not only that, the rear screen gets quite hard to see in bright light.

It's best to use the PixPro at its native 26mm equivalent zoom setting, which is pretty wide and a bit like the main camera on a smartphone. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

With smaller subjects like this, you can switch to the macro mode to get a whole lot closer. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

As for the pictures… well, it depends on what you are expecting. The resolution, dynamic range and noise are just what you would expect from a small sensor of the old days, and not a patch on what a modern smartphone camera array would produce. In good outdoor light where you don’t need a higher ISO and there’s little risk of camera shake, the images are OK. But in poor light at higher ISOs the detail smudges and object edges become hyper-processed and things aren’t good at all.

Just so that you can get an idea of what the digital zoom does, here is a shot taken without the zoom. Sorry about the weather, by the way. I live in the seaside tow Weston-super-Mare in the UK. This is what it looks like between October and March... (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

Here is the same subject captured with the 4x digital zoom. Click the gadget, bottom left of the photo, to see the full size version if you dare. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)

If you do use the zoom, you quickly realize that the 13MP sensor really can’t stand a lot of cropping. Or any cropping, to be honest.

I did try the ‘flash’ indoors. There’s nothing wrong with the illumination it provides, but it only comes on when the camera has focused, and in my tests the autofocus struggled if it was too dark, and without sharp focus the flash wasn’t much help.

The inbuilt lamp does a good job of illuminating indoor scenes. Unfortunately, it was too dark for the AF system to focus, so the shot isn't sharp. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)Should you buy the Kodak PixPro C1?

(Image credit: Rod Lawton)Buy it if...

You just need a cheap camera

The PixPro C1 makes a certain amount of sense as a basic camera you don’t need to worry about for school trips, as a gift, or as a ‘just in case’ camera to keep in your vehicle’s glovebox or your coat pocket

You want a lightweight pocket camera

The Kodak is lighter than a smartphone, probably won’t fall out of your pocket as easily and has a simple clarity of purpose that a lot of people like in their gadgets

You want to relive those retro point-and-shoot years

This is a big thing at the moment, as modern photographers yearn for the simplicity of the old days and the flawed but characterful look of old digital cameras. If character is the word

Don't buy it if...

You’re expecting modern digital quality

The PixPro C1 uses very old, very basic sensor technology that would have earned it a bit of a roasting even ten years ago

You want a cheap and effective ‘street snapper’

The Kodak’s responses are way too slow for any kind of ‘snap reaction’ photography. It’s actually quite difficult to time your shots, and you have to hope your subjects will wait

You need the versatility of a zoom

I’ve seen the PixPro C1 advertised (mistakenly) in some places as having a 4x ‘optical’ zoom. It doesn’t. It’s digital, and the sensor really doesn’t have the resolution or quality to make the digital zoom feature useful.

Also consider

Akaso Brave Lite

Yes, the Akaso Brave Lite is an action, camera, but hear me out. It’s small, it’s rugged, it takes 20MP stills and shoots 4K video. An action camera is like a point and shoot but with added versatility. The Brave Lite doesn’t even cost a whole lot more than the PixPro C1.

Read our Akaso Brave Lite review

CampSnap camera

Think the Kodak PixPro C1 is cheap? How about the cheaper-still CampSnap camera? It's essentially a digital reimagining of the single-use disposable film cameras, with a memory card already inside that can hold up to 2,000 pictures.

Read our CampSnap camera review

Fujifilm X Half

The Fujifilm X Half is perfect if you’re serious about re-living those retro shooting vibes and you don’t want to take a big drop in image quality and responsiveness. Yes, it costs a LOT more than the PixPro C1, but it will take far better pictures and probably give you a lot more pleasure.

Read our Fujifilm X Half review

How I tested the Kodak PixPro C1

(Image credit: Rod Lawton)

• I tested it over a period of two weeks
• I tried it with a variety of subjects and lighting conditions
• I also assessed its responsiveness and ease of use

I’ve had the Kodak PixPro C1 for a couple of weeks, which has given me the chance to try it out in all kinds of situations where a camera like this might be used, including outdoor shots, close-ups, indoor scenes and pet pictures. I wanted to give it every chance to show what it could do and how it would react to typical point and shoot situations.

Obviously I wasn’t expecting top image quality, just pictures that were good enough for the purpose. I did feel the Kodak needed to prove it was better than a smartphone or at least as good. Most poeple already have a smartphone with a decent camera, so the Kodak did need to bring something else to the table.

It’s not just the image quality that’s important, but overall handling, usability and responsiveness, and that’s how I approached the PixPro C1.

• First reviewed November 2025

It’s almost hard to believe that the original release of Virtua Fighter 5 is 20 years old. Sega’s 3D fighter has had almost as much staying power as Street Fighter 2, with a dedicated fan base that’s continued to keep the torch lit for two decades now.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5, PC
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC (Nintendo Switch 2 coming soon)
Release date: October 30, 2025

It’s a title that has received not one, but two revisions in 2025 alone, as part of a series revival that will culminate in a brand new entry expected to arrive sometime over the next couple of years. Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage is the latest rendition, bringing the Steam release of R.E.V.O. earlier this year to modern platforms, including PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and soon on Nintendo Switch 2.

While mostly a straight port of said PC version (which has also received a free update adding in the new content), World Stage does bring new elements worth checking out. The titular World Stage mode is a substantial piece of single-player content, and it’s joined by a new playable character (who is unfortunately paid downloadable content), full crossplay between consoles and PC, and the reintroduction of customization items from earlier versions of Virtua Fighter 5.

(Image credit: Sega)

It’s an impressive package for the low price of $19.99 / £15.99 / AU$27.95, and an easy sell for folks looking for a new 3D fighter to get into; perhaps even those who’re burned out on Tekken 8’s controversial Season 2 changes.

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage isn’t brimming with content necessarily, but I have been enjoying World Stage mode in short bursts. And ultimately, in terms of play, VF5 simply remains one of the best fighting games out there, with bogglingly complex and technical gameplay that stretches far beyond what its three-button system might initially imply.

Virtua insanity

(Image credit: Sega)

So first, a quick introduction for those who might be largely unfamiliar with Virtua Fighter 5. It - along with the series in general - is a 3D fighter with just three main buttons: punch, kick, and guard. It sounds simple, but the game’s overt complexity comes from its characters’ incredibly diverse move sets, and what it does with various combinations of those buttons.

Each of the game’s 20 playable characters are masters of a specific martial art and largely plays wholly differently from one another. Jeffry, for example, hits like a truck with his Pankration style, while Pai’s Ensei-Ken is faster and more elegant.

Then you have more specialist characters. Vanessa is essentially two characters in one, able to switch between stances for two completely different move sets. Aoi’s Aiki Ju-Jutsu is more of a defensive style, prioritizing parries and reversals for big damage cashouts. And if you’re looking for something flashier, Wolf and El Blaze fill out the pro wrestling and Lucha Libre styles, respectively. Then there’s Taka Arashi, a sumo wrestler whose large size makes him entirely unique in both offense and defense.

Virtua Fighter 5 is much more grounded than other 3D fighters like Tekken or Dead or Alive, with relatively few fantastical aspects. A decidedly more ‘realistic’ fighting game experience, matches can be over in a matter of seconds thanks to small health bars, quick round times, and blisteringly fast-paced gameplay. Button mashing and input mistakes are heavily punished, as is forgetting to guard, given that’s an action assigned to its own button here.

Around the world (stage)

(Image credit: Sega)

Let’s talk about the new, then. Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage’s biggest addition is the titular World Stage mode. This is an entirely single-player piece of content that aims to emulate Virtua Fighter 4’s excellent Quest mode. In World Stage, you travel to various venues from a menu where you’re pitted against random AI opponents. Each new venue scales upwards in difficulty, with some opponents even being based on real-world players’ signature playstyles.

Best bit

(Image credit: Sega)

Virtua Fighter 5 is a three-button fighting game that does a lot with a little. The complexity can be utterly mind-boggling for newcomers, but within lies one of the most satisfying learning experiences you can have with any fighter on the market.

It starts off simple enough for beginners to enjoy, and keeps the training wheels on while encouraging them to try out a bunch of characters. You’re even incentivized to do so, as there are hundreds of challenges that each unlock a piece of clothing or an accessory for you to customize characters with. It’s a snappy, fast-paced mode that queues up fights one after another in rapid succession, and it’s really enjoyable in short bursts.

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage also adds ‘Costume E’ - a fifth outfit for each playable character, and the bulk of World Stage mode’s unlocks are related to these outfits. Sadly, customization still feels lacking overall, with most options being simple recolors, and there aren’t all that many different styles per character. You can’t mix and match pieces of clothing between characters (you can only do so with certain accessories) either, and there are no custom color options for clothing or hairstyles.

That’s a real shame, especially because older versions of VF5 had even more customization options that are still absent in World Stage. It’s a step in the right direction with the addition of Costume E, for sure, but I’d like to see future patches potentially adding more. Of course, it’s not the end of the world; VF5 remains an unbelievably fun and rewarding fighting game to just play, and nowhere is that more apparent than in its online suite.

Hop on VF

(Image credit: Sega)

Online play in Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage is stronger than it’s ever been, thanks to its release on modern platforms with full crossplay support. That means PlayStation and Xbox players (and soon to be Switch 2) can play against each other as well as with those on Steam.

Rollback netcode is also great here, allowing for smoother connections between players online. Though I’d still recommend investing in an Ethernet cable if you haven’t already, Wi-Fi and fighting games just don’t mix well, no matter how good the netcode here is, due to the inherent instability of wireless connections, and especially when fighting players who live overseas.

The suite of online options is pretty standard, but not really missing anything major except for unranked quickplay. You have ranked matches, as well as room matches, for when you want to set up a lobby with multiple players. There are also tournaments that happen periodically that you can sign up for.

I’ve been playing on PC on and off since the release of Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. back in January. Now that I’ve tested the game on PS5 via the World Stage revision, I’m happy to say that online connectivity holds up just as well on that console as it does on PC.

The only real issue I’ve run into is occasionally slow matchmaking times. The playerbase here isn’t as lively as it is for, say, Street Fighter 6 or Tekken 8, so it’s not uncommon to be waiting upwards of a minute to get into a match. But now that the game is available across all platforms, I hope this issue diminishes as more people discover the game.

Should you play Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage?

(Image credit: Sega)Play it if...

You’re burned out on Tekken 8
As 3D fighters go, VF5 is refreshing in its grounded design. It could not be further from Tekken’s fantastical elements or its agonizingly long combo strings. Overall, it’s a brilliant palette cleanser and significantly less stressful right now than the state Bandai Namco’s fighter finds itself in.

You want to be a part of a close-knit fighting game community
I can say with confidence that the Virtua Fighter community is an incredibly nice and welcoming one. The official Discord server is full of folks willing to help out beginners, offer tips, and generally make the intimidating task of learning VF5 that much more manageable.

You like single-player content in fighting games
World Stage does have a standard arcade mode, but the addition of the titular World Stage mode adds tens of hours of play time for casual players who like ticking off challenges and collecting customization goodies in an offline environment.

Don't play it if...

You were hoping for the next big 3D fighter
As I’ve already said, World Stage is not a blockbuster, full-priced premium release. While a brand new Virtua Fighter is in development at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios, World Stage is more of an affordable appetizer to tide folks over until the next big game.

Accessibility

There aren’t any dedicated accessibility settings in Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage; nothing in the way of things like colorblind modes or visual or audio cues like we see in other modern fighting games like Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6.

How I reviewed Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage

I’ve played Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage for a combined 25 hours across PC and PS5. Some of that playtime also came from R.E.V.O.’s initial release back in January. For World Stage specifically, I played a whole bunch of the new World Stage mode and tried out the new crossplay features, which open the game up to console players.

My controllers of choice were primarily the Razer Raiju V3 Pro on PlayStation 5, as well as the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 and Corsair Novablade Pro on PC.

First reviewed November 2025

Dyson Hot+Cool HF1: two-minute review

The Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 is a sleek and smart fan heater with the bladeless and aesthetically pleasing design we expect to see from the brand.

Availability in other regions

At the time of publishing, the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 has only been released in the UK, and we’ve had no response regarding when it will be released elsewhere as yet.

In the meantime, I recommend taking a look at the previous model, the Dyson Hot+Cool Fan Heater AM09, or the purifying Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10.

With a premium list price of £399.99, the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 can be found at Dyson and a few other retailers. Sadly, it’s only available in the UK at the time of publishing, but I’ll provide an update if it ever makes its way off the island.

The HF1 offers ten fan speeds, three oscillation options of up to 70 degrees, a heater that can kick out up to 90ºF / 32ºC, and, most excitingly, some desirable smart features.

During testing, I found the HF1 to be very efficient in both Cool and Hot modes. The lowest setting delivered a delicately cooling breeze to me as I sat on my couch six feet away.

There are plenty of ways to control the HF1, with a few onboard controls, a remote, and the MyDyson app, which gave me access to the whole suite of settings and features.

I could perform most actions with the remote, but its communication with the HF1 was a bit patchy at times. The MyDyson app made controlling the HF1 delightfully easy and offered me a wider range of timer options, as well as scheduling, historical ambient temperature data, and, pleasingly, the option to turn on heat mode remotely so I could return to a warm living room.

(Image credit: Future)

The fan’s volume was perfectly acceptable and on par with most of the similar fans I’ve tested. Sleeping with the HF1 a few feet from the bed was a smooth ride, for the most part. However, when it came to using Hot mode, I found that it would go through a period of being particularly noisy for a few moments as it got up to temperature, which it would do whenever the ambient temperature dropped below the target I’d set.

This wasn’t so bad in the daytime, but as one of its selling points is that you can use it in your bedroom overnight to keep the temperature at a desirable level, it’s worth bearing in mind if you’re a light sleeper.

(Image credit: Future)

If you have children or inquisitive pets, it’s also worth noting that the metallic edging at the front of the air purifier can get very hot very quickly, and that the child lock only applies to the onboard controls. So if you have a rampaging toddler or a clumsy cat, this could potentially prove inconvenient.

Overall, though, the Hot+Cool HF1 is a satisfyingly efficient fan heater. While it has a high price tag, it’s worth it for the performance and convenience, especially with those clever smart features.

If you’d like to explore more options, our guide to the best fans has our top recommendations.

Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 review: price & availability

• List price: £399.99
• Launch date: October 2025 (UK)
• Availability: UK only at time of publishing

The HF1 is a premium option packed with some fantastic features, but as is often the case with Dyson, it has a premium price tag to match, costing £399.99.

The Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 is currently only available in the UK, and can be purchased from Dyson, Currys, and a few other retailers.

There’s a price difference of £150 between the HF1 and the Dyson Cool CF1, which is actually pretty reasonable considering the addition of Hot mode and the fantastic smart features.

Overall, with its good performance and a number of convenient features, the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 won't disappoint if you have the money to spare. However, it’s worth considering the drawbacks I’ve covered in my review to ensure they won’t pose an inconvenience before you stretch your budget.

• Value for money score: 4 / 5

Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 review: specs

Type

Fan heater

Speeds

10

Oscillation

15, 40, 70 degrees

Dimensions

8 x 8 x 23 inches / 20.4 x 20.4 x 58.5cm

Weight

5.12 1bs / 2.6kg

Control

Onboard buttons, remote, app

Timer

Yes

Additional modes

Sleep mode

Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 review: design and features

• Small and lightweight design, which can be tilted
• The HF1 has 10 fan speeds and outputs temperatures up to 90ºF / 32ºC
• MyDyson app offers extra settings and features, including a pre-heat function

Setting up the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 was a quick and simple process of attaching the plastic base plate and connecting the HF1 to the MyDyson app.

The Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 is conveniently sized, with a max diameter of 8 inches / 20.4cm once the base is attached; however, at 23 inches / 58.5cm, it might feel a smidge tall for desktop use.

Though it feels a little wrong, as I’m used to using larger-scale formats like the Dyson HP10, it worked perfectly well on the floor. Whether you place it on a tabletop or the floor, the vertical angle of the airflow can be adjusted slightly by shifting the fan’s body backwards or forward to tilt it.

(Image credit: Future)

Predictably, the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 fan features a bladeless design, making it easier to clean and a safer option to bladed fans for those who happen to have curious offspring or pets.

In addition to its 10 fan speeds, the HF1 can oscillate 15, 40, or 70 degrees. Both of these functions can be adjusted via the onboard controls, with a power button/dial combo that can be turned to increase or decrease the fan speed, a button to cycle through oscillation angles, and another button that enables Hot mode.

Hot mode offers a temperature range of up to 90ºF / 32ºC, and the combination of the ceramic heater plates and Air Multiplier technology can apparently increase whole-room temperature by one degree in as little as one hundred seconds.

(Image credit: Future)

Like the Dyson Cool CF1, the Hot+Cool HF1 also comes with the standard Dyson-style magnetic remote control, which can be stored on top of the loop amplifier. It features power, oscillation, fan speed, and temperature control buttons, as well as ones to enable sleep mode, set the timer, and engage the child lock.

One advantage the HF1 has over the Cool CF1 is its app integration, which gives access to an advanced range of settings, historical temperature readings, outdoor air quality data, and easy remote control, whether you’re out and about or sitting on the couch. Plus, there’s the option to connect the HF1 to your smart home system, so it can be controlled without lifting a finger.

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the HF1's smart capabilities is the ability to preheat a room to your desired temperature, ready for when you return home.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 review: performance

• Good performance for its size in both Cool and Hot modes
• Very easy to control, thanks to the MyDyson app
• Quiet overall, but noisy while getting up to temperature in Hot mode

The Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 was simple and straightforward to use, especially when using the app. I often used the remote, too, but there was a bit of a lag whenever I made an adjustment, and the HF1 didn’t register the command at all at times.

When testing from my couch, which was around 6ft / 1.8m away from where I’d placed the HF1, the breeze from speed one wasn’t really detectable when the fan was static, which isn’t really a surprise considering its size. However, when I set it to oscillate at 40 degrees, it was enough to give a gentle and surprisingly effective cooling breeze.

As you’d imagine, the breeze felt a little more prominent with each setting increase, until speed five, when the airflow felt noticeably amplified, and I could hear a quiet windrush past my ears.

(Image credit: Future)

The airflow was satisfyingly strong at top speed 10, though it was a little noisy at 45dB from 6 feet away, which was loud enough for me to need to turn the volume up on my TV.

When I measured the sound output of the HF1 in Cool mode from the usual 2ft distance, I found that it produced a similar volume to the Dyson Cool CF1 and the Levoit Circulair. However, its readings of 29dB at speed one, 36dB at speed five, and 50dB at speed ten, conveyed that the HF1 is a whole 10dB louder at its top speed than the Meacofan Sefte 8in.

These aren’t bad volumes, though, with the HF1 operating as quietly as a whisper, to as loud as moderate rainfall when in Cool mode. Some may find the oscillation sound mildly distracting because, as I discovered when reviewing the Cool CF1, it’s reminiscent of the droning of a document scanner. The oscillation itself is only around 28dB, however, and the whirring was subtle enough that I could fall asleep to it.

(Image credit: Future)

As it’s getting mighty chilly in the UK as I write this, I’ve been very grateful to have the opportunity to test out Hot mode.

I could easily find out the current room temperature by looking at the fan’s display or checking the app, and the temperature was very straightforward to adjust a degree at a time using the buttons or the slider in the app.

It’s important to note that, while Dyson states that the HF1 is safe for family and pets as there are no exposed heater elements, it would appear this doesn’t eliminate the chance of scalding, as I found that the metallic edging around the air outlets became too hot to touch within just a couple of minutes in Hot mode at 73ºF / 23ºC.

Hot mode starts off noticeably louder than Cool mode. The HF1 is fairly quiet for the first few moments, then quickly ramps up before settling down to a consistent volume. For example, when using Hot mode at fan speed five, the volume quickly rose to 42dB, then settled down to 37dB.

(Image credit: Future)

True to Dyson’s claim, the HF1 did increase the temperature by a degree in less than two minutes, though I’m not sure how accurate the temperature reading is when it comes to the ambient temperature across a large room.

As the ambient temperature is monitored for Hot mode, I would have liked to see Dyson use it for an auto function for Cool mode so that it could adjust the fan speed based on how hot the room is, as I loved this feature in the Meacofan Sefte 8in.

Another change I’d love to see is the extension of the child lock beyond the onboard controls, so the remote cannot be used either. Having access to the app should mean this wouldn't cause inconvenience for adults, but even if not, Dyson could take a leaf out of other brands’ books and assign a combination of buttons to unlock the remote.

(Image credit: Future)

When I set the HF1 to sleep mode at bedtime, it turned off the display and reduced the fan speed to four, which has a volume of 29dB, though I could still adjust the speed if required.

Due to the weather in the UK right now, I mostly used the hot mode overnight. Aware that a key feature of the HF1 is that it will start up whenever the temperature drops, and having witnessed how noisy Hot mode can get, I set it to fan speed one to minimize disturbances.

(Image credit: Future)

I can recall it waking me up at one point in the early hours of the morning, but it wasn’t loud enough to shock me awake, and I fell back to sleep once it had settled down. It should hopefully be bearable enough for most people, but I definitely wouldn’t recommend it if you’re a particularly light sleeper.

While the hot mode might be good for speedy heating, it would be great if the sleep mode could increase the heat gradually, so there wouldn't be such a sudden volume increase. It’s also worth noting that the display doesn’t appear to turn off when in sleep mode if you’re using the heat function.

Overall, though, I quite like the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1. I appreciate how no fan speed felt redundant from six feet away, and that it was light enough to relocate without much effort. So, while the HF1 may not be the right fan heater for you if you’re a light sleeper who intends to use Hot mode overnight, for everyone else its smart features, effortless remote control, energy-saving Hot mode, and satisfying airflow make it a great choice.

• Performance score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1?

Section

Notes

Score

Value for money

The HF1 is a premium-priced fan heater, but it’s worth it for the convenient smart features and well-performing functions.

4/5

Design

This bladeless fan heater is satisfyingly compact and easy to control, thanks mainly to the MyDyson app, which houses a host of settings and smart features.

4/5

Performance

The HF1 performed well during testing, delivering surprisingly strong airflow for its size. The smart features proved convenient, especially the pre-heating function. However, the heater’s louder volumes and the hot surface of the air outlet might be a cause for concern for some.

4/5

Buy it if...

You want to preheat a room ready for when you arrive home
Having the opportunity to set off Hot mode remotely is fantastic, as it ensures a toasty welcome once you’re in and ready to slump down on the couch.

You love smart appliances
With smart home integration, remote app control, and temperature data, the HF1 is a great choice for anyone who wants to get the most out of their devices.

Don't buy it if...

You’re a light sleeper
While I appreciated not waking up to a freezing cold room, I was woken by the noise of the fan starting up to maintain the target temperature.

You’re on a budget
While the HF1 is well-performing and convenient, its price tag is undeniably high. Therefore, it would be cheaper to buy a separate fan and heater from a more affordable brand.

Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 review: Also consider

Dyson Hot+Cool HF1

Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10

Type

Fan heater

Fan heater

Purifying fan heater

Price

£399.99

$399.99 / £349.99

$529.99 / £549.99

Speed settings

10

10

10

Oscillation

Up to 70 degrees

Up to 180 degrees

Up to 350 degrees

Timer

Up to 9 hours

Up to 8 hours

Up to 8 hours

Controls

Onboard buttons, remote, app

Touchscreen buttons, remote

Onboard buttons, remote

Companion app

Yes

No

No

Additional modes

Sleep mode

Natural Breeze, Sleep, BreezeBoost, Thermo IQ, Focus, and Comfort mode

Auto purifying, Sleep mode

Dimensions

8 x 8 x 23 inches / 20.4 x 20.4 x 58.5cm

13.8 x 11.8 x 45.9 in / 35.1 x 30 x 116.6cm

9.8 x 9.8 x 30.2 inches / 25 x 25 x 77cm

Weight

5.12 lbs / 2.6kg

19.8 lbs / 9kg

11.7 lbs / 5.3kg

Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat
If you want something a little more powerful that can distribute the airflow over a larger space, it’s worth looking at this Shark fan heater. The fan’s arms can be positioned horizontally, vertically, and diagonally, and the vents can be adjusted so that they slant up, down, or straight forward, offering plenty of opportunity to perfect the airflow direction. It also has a broader range of oscillation than the HF1, as it can oscillate up to 180 degrees. If you’d like to learn more, check out our full Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat review.

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10
The HP10 is practically a larger version of the HF1 without the smart features and temperature sensor, but it has the added benefit of air purifying, which makes it a good choice if you’re trying to save space. It’s also a great choice if you’re concerned about the hot edging of the HF1, as I didn’t find the all-plastic casing of the loop amplifier to get anywhere near as toasty. It operates quietly for its size, and I’ve become particularly fond of its heat functions over the last few months. If you’re in the market for an air purifier alongside your fan heater, take a look at my full Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 review.

How I tested the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1

• I used the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 in multiple locations
• I explored the features and settings in the MyDyson app
• I evaluated the strength of the airflow and the sound levels

I unboxed the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1, attached its base, and set it up on the MyDyson app. I tested it out on different surface heights, on the floor, and next to my bed. I did most of my testing with the HF1 where I usually place my table fans, about six feet away from my couch and near my bed at nighttime.

I adjusted the settings using the onboard controls, the remote control, and the MyDyson app. In the app, I went through the setup process before exploring the different settings and sections.

I used all the fan speeds in Hot and Cool mode, and measured the sound output. I used it in Hot mode on my bedroom windowsill when I went to bed at night, using the timer so that I didn’t get too toasty after I fell asleep.

• First reviewed: October 2025
• Read TechRadar's Reviews Guarantee

Samsung Galaxy XR: Two-minute review

I think I finally understand why Apple's Vision Pro costs so darn much. The Samsung Galaxy XR delivers moments of beauty and inspiration, but it's also stuffed full of disappointment, from the sound of fans on your face to imprecision of gestures to a total lack of 'wow' apps and experiences.

Yes, Gemini is in there, and I spent a lot of time with it riding side-saddle during my testing; but I soon grew tired of hearing it say, "Let me check that for you." Instead of a smart companion, it often felt like a slightly inexperienced assistant who covers that lack of expertise with long pauses, as if it's doing a Google search before responding.

It's not just in the operation that there are shortcomings. The headset feels lighter and overall more comfortable than the Vision Pro, but also manages to feel less premium. If anything, the design looks and feels mixed-reality headset retro, like something Microsoft and its partners might have introduced five years ago.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

The lack of a way to integrate my Windows desktop workflow was also frustrating (the headset currently only works with Samsung Galaxy Books) and forced me to be more intentional in my use. I could be inside Android XR or I could be productive on my laptop, but never both.

There is some elegance in the overall Android XR platform, but I also felt like it wasn't nearly as cohesive as, say, visionOS.

Among the positives are the video viewing experience and Dolby audio. It all looked and sounded great, and I could see watching a movie on that big virtual screen.

The immersive environments are impressive, but no more so than Apple's. Overall, I wondered, "Where are the dinosaurs? Where's the virtual butterfly landing on my fingertip? Where's the magic?"

So, yes, the Samsung Galaxy XR is way cheaper than the Vision Pro, but it has not arrived fully realized, or with any of the excitement I expect from a next-gen spatial computer.

Samsung Galaxy XR: Price and availability

Half the price of the Vision Pro

Still expensive compared to VR headsets

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy XR mixed reality headset on October 21 in the US and South Korea. It's priced at $1,799 (availability and pricing for other regions is TBC, but that price converts to about £1,340 or AU$2,770).

For those who wear prescription glasses, Kodak lens inserts start at $99. Samsung is also selling optional controllers for $249, and an optional carrying case for $249.

Value score: 4.5

Samsung Galaxy XR: What's in the box

• The Samsung Galaxy XR mixed reality headset
• Extra forehead spanner
• Battery with an attached cable
• USB-C charging cable and adapter
• Rubber light seals
• Rubber and felt cover
• A polishing cloth

Samsung Galaxy XR: Specs

Samsung Galaxy XR

Apple Vision Pro M5

Meta Quest 3

Meta Quest Pro

Dimensions

170mm wide x 280mm long

Est: 152 x 101 x 101mm / 6 x 4 x 4 inches

184 x 160 x 98mm / 7.2 x 6.3 x 3.9 inches

265 x 127 x 196mm / 10.4 x 5 x 7.7 inches

Weight

545g

From 1.3lbs / 600g

1.14lbs / 515g

1.6lbs / 722g

Display

micro-OLED 

Dual micro-OLED

Two LCD displays

Two LCD displays

Display resolution

3552 x 3840 dual (27M pixels)

4K per eye (23 million pixels)

2064 x 2208 pixels per eye

1920 x 1080 per eye

FOV

109-degree

Est 100-degree

110-degree horizontal, 96-degree vertical

120-degree

Refresh rate

60Hz, 72Hz, 90Hz

90Hz, 96Hz, 120Hz

72Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz

90Hz

Chipset

Qualcomm Snapdragon® XR2+ Gen 2 Platform 

Apple silicon M2, R1

Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2

Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+

RAM

16GB

16GB

8GB

12GB

Storage

256GB

256GB, 512GB, 1TB

128GB or 512GB

256GB

Battery life

2 hours

3 hours (rated for video)

2 hours 12 minutes

2 hours

Samsung Galaxy XR: Design and display

• Decent if slightly retro design
• A lot of plastic, and doesn't exude a premium feel
• Comparatively lightweight, and better balanced than the Vision Pro
• External battery pack and cable

There's naturally going to be a trade-off between weight and premium materials with a device such as this. With the Vision Pro, Apple took the 'no expense spared' approach, and the result is a beautiful set of goggles that balance glass, magnesium, aluminum, and more – mostly on your face. With the Galaxy XR, Samsung focused, I think, on comfort. That means while we have some glass, all those cameras, and components, we also have a minimal amount of metal, some soft fabric, and a whole lot of plastic.

It looks like a mashup of the Vision Pro and classic VR headsets of a bygone era. The thick stalks jutting out of either side and connecting to the thick, flexible plastic adjustable band remind me of the Microsoft HoloLens, although that headset was far less comfortable, to be fair.

Inside the headset is a removable forehead rest, which comes in two parts: you can use them together for more support (but your eyes are further away from the lenses) or remove the spanner and use just the main cushion part, which has the same magnetic back, which keeps your eyes closer to the lenses. In either case, the Galaxy XR is smart enough to know if your gaze is too far away, and will recommend the right forehead rest.

Opposite that is a brace that cradles the back of your head. There's just one large aluminum knob on the back that you tighten – pulling the flexible stems into the body – for adjustment.

On the left stem is the proprietary power port where you connect the external battery pack. On the right stem is a thin touch-sensitive control bar (which you can double-tap to enter and exit an immersive environment). Each stem features microphone holes so that the headset – or more specifically Gemini – can listen for your prompts.

The stem also features the rather loud and robust speakers, and a sensor on the left side so that the Galaxy XR knows instantly when you're putting it on.

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(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

The face area is dark glass through which you can faintly make out six camera lenses (there's no Vision Pro-style external display). The frame is aluminum, with cutouts along the bottom for two more lenses near the nose bridge, speakers, vents, and more microphones. The top features a pair of wide vents and two buttons. On the left is a button you can use to summon the main menu or Gemini, and on the other is a volume rocker.

The Galaxy XR also ships with a rubber cover to protect the glass, and a pair of light shields that magnetically snap into the headset, cutting off much of the light leaking in from below, and are useful for when you want to enjoy a fully immersive experience like a movie or game. They're not as effective as the Vision Pro's more cohesive light seal, but they may be more comfortable.

Even though the Galaxy XR is only 65g lighter than the Vision Pro, it feels significantly lighter on my head. This is due, in part, to how Samsung has balanced the weight across the entire body of the device, and also to those aforementioned materials, and the lack of an external display.

I'd say Samsung and its partners (Qualcomm and Google) made all the right choices when it comes to comfort. Don't misunderstand me though – I've come to accept that even with this level of comfort, there's nothing natural about wearing a headset for any significant length of time. The Galaxy XR can still get uncomfortable after a while (say 45 minutes), and my wife called me "space man" every time she caught me wearing it.

In general, the Samsung Galaxy XR is not as elegant as the Vision Pro, but it's otherwise fit for purpose.

Inside the headset are the two round lenses behind which sit a pair of micro-OLED displays together supporting 27 million pixels (the Vision Pro, by contrast, supports 23 million pixels). It's a stereo display system that supports up to a 90Hz refresh rate (below the Vision Pro M5's 120Hz) and a 109-degree field of view (better than the Vision Pro's 100 degrees).

Samsung failed to provide my lens inserts in time for this review, so I arrived at a somewhat novel solution to continue my tests: I used the lens inserts from the Vision Pro M5 I just finished testing. They're not a perfect fit, in that the shape of the lenses in the Vision Pro is more aviator style, and the insets for the XR appear to be circular. Even so, this effectively corrected my vision and made everything crystal clear. I did try to use my glasses, but my thick frames blocked some of the imagery.

After almost a week of testing, the Kodak lens inserts arrived, but they did not change my experience in any noticeable way.

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(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Design and Display score 4

Samsung Galaxy XR: Set-up

Like the Vision Pro, the Samsung Galaxy XR is an intelligent wearable that works with you to calibrate your experience. As soon as I put on the headset, and after I struggled a bit to find the best and most comfortable fit, it started to adjust the lenses for my pupilary distance (I could actually hear the motors moving things around).

If you have the optional lens inserts, the system automatically recognizes them as soon as you put them in, then it asks you to scan a QR code that came with the lens inserts (ostensibly containing the prescription info) so that adjustments can be made accordingly.

Early on, the system walks you through its control metaphors, and lets you use your hands to virtually squish floating blobs. But this is really just the beginning.

There are a couple of ways to control the Galaxy XR, with just your hands or with your gaze and hands. For the former, you reach out and touch virtual elements, pushing buttons and squeezing objects. For the latter, you look at the object and, while keeping your hands in your lap, pinch, pull, or subtly move.

If you choose gaze-based control, the Galaxy XR system walks you through a visual calibration process that's quite similar to what I experienced with the Vision Pro, having me look at a series of floating dots and pinch my fingers as my eyes rested on each one.

You can secure the Galaxy XR through a password, PIN, or iris recognition. I chose the eye scanning, after which the XR had me stare at a pair of overlapping green and blue dots.

Samsung calls the Galaxy XR an "AI" device, so it's no surprise that Gemini is part of the setup process. There are three ways to summon Gemini: through the on-board app, by long-pressing the button on he right side, or via voice, which requires you to begin a conversation with "Hey Google" (no, not "Hey, Gemini").

You can also press the button to pause Gemini's listening mode.

Samsung Galaxy XR: Software and experience

• Generally intuitive
• Occasional lack of gesture and gaze precision can prove frustrating
• Gemini integration doesn't feel fully realized
• It sometimes feels more like a Samsung phone than a next-gen spatial experience
• Almost total lack of 'wow' software

The Samsung Galaxy XR home screen is familiar as a competitor to the Vision Pro. It's not as pretty, but the configuration of round icons is similar. It's also, though, clearly a Samsung Android device, with apps for Samsung's Internet, Notes, Gallery (please, why not just Google Photos?), and other recognizable phone-like elements.

Above the app grid is a home button, a capsule containing Google and Gemini logos, and another capsule with open apps, alerts, and quick settings (there's also a full settings app icon in the main menu).

Above that are the time, date, Gemini's current mode ('Listening' or 'Paused'), Wi-Fi status, and percentage of battery life remaining.

(Image credit: Future)

Samsung and its partners designed the Galaxy XR to be an intuitive system, where a look and a subtle gesture will get the job done.

As I looked around, I noticed various interface elements highlighted with gray boxes around them. I think I prefer the Vision Pro's more starkly animated selection metaphor.

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You can grab entire screens and move them around; you just have to look at a corner, and a wide swath of area will start to glow around the window. Grab that, and you can move the window around in 3D space. Alternatively, you can look at a corner and grab a glowing white circle near it to stretch and shrink the window.

That's how it should work anyway. In practice, I sometimes struggled mightily to properly grab these screen elements.

More problematically, the system seems to have trouble settling on an object. I had to be quite precise with my gaze and pinch gestures. Sometimes, I would try to help by reaching out and moving my hand, which triggered the system's glowing white dot mouse selector. Other times, when I intended to access an interface element, I accidentally grabbed the window and threw it behind me.

There were far too many instances where I was muttering to myself, "No, that, not that… wait, that's wrong."

(Image credit: Future)

Gemini is an intrinsic part of the Galaxy XR experience. When you enable Gemini Live, you can let it see what you see and then interrogate it about whatever's in front of you. That sounds amazing, but since most of us will not be walking around outside our home or offices when wearing the Galaxy XR, it'll mostly be telling you about a world you already know.

It may, though, come in handy for tasks like putting together a new bike, if you're comfortable wearing a $1,799 headset while performing that task.

Gemini can be a help for navigating the system, opening apps, and even finding the right content. I asked Gemini to open YouTube and find me some DIY content, and it quickly complied.

(Image credit: Future)

When I played an XR-designed game called 'Inside Job,' I asked Gemini to describe what was on screen. It accurately described the simulated workplace scene, but was less helpful when it came to gameplay and strategy.

(Image credit: Future)

Gemini Live can't generate images, but when I opened the Gemini app and asked for a picture of a donkey driving a car, it quickly complied and generated the image. I then used gestures to copy the image, open Gmail, paste the image, and mail it to myself.

(Image credit: Future)

If you leave Gemini on all the time you can just keep a running conversation going, but it can get kind of annoying to have Gemini constantly interjecting, and I did not enjoy the fact that almost every time I asked it to do something, it would repeat the phrase, "Let me check that for you." Fortunately, you can pause Gemini with a press of one of the top buttons.

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Google Circle to Search is also present, but enabling it takes some practice. First, you have to look at your palm. Then you pinch your thumb and index finger until the Google 'G' logo appears. Then you turn your hand back toward the virtual screen and circle what you want to search on. After that, Google runs a quick search, and a floating results box appears next to the circled item. In my case, I circled a chair laden with bed sheets, and Google accurately identified the exact chair. Aside from the convoluted process, it's a pretty impressive feature.

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Like the Vision Pro, this is a wearable computer, rich with pre-installed apps and connected to a world of app options in the Google Play Store. Not all are designed for the XR experience, so I did my best to find ones that at least understood the platform and its control metaphors. Apps like YouTube and Gmail work smoothly, but third-party apps like, for instance, Spatial TV can be disappointing, especially when they do not follow interface control metaphors.

On YouTube, I watched a Red Bull-produced 3D video called World’s Fastest Drone Camera vs F1 car. While the screen didn't fill my view, I found I could use the quick settings to turn on Virtual Environments and then settle in to watch a video in a daytime or nighttime mountain landscape.

(Image credit: Future)

The video was fun and compelling, but I never felt like I got as up-close to the action as I do when viewing some of Apple's Immersive content. I think more people have to shoot content specifically for the Galaxy XR and take better advantage of all those millions of pixels.

I also watched a 3D trailer for Avatar: The Way of Water that looked excellent.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

You have the option to create a 3D, cartoonish avatar of yourself for interactive play and activities. These are not very compelling, and I await the life-like avatars Samsung showed off during the Samsung Galaxy XR launch event.

The headset is also a great way to view photos and to convert them into spatial (stereo) experiences. While I wish the spatial conversion icon in the Google Photos App was more than a graphic (a 'Make 3D' label would be nice), the effect works well on virtually any photo – and the effect is even better when you go 'Immersive' and remove the photo borders.

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One of the best experiences is Google Maps, an app nearly perfectly built for voice, gaze, and gesture control. I loved asking Gemini to whisk me off to a faraway place in Maps, then I used my eyes and hands to fly around. I could drop down to street level, and use gaze and gestures to virtually walk around a city. I could even go inside some businesses.

After some back and forth with Samsung I did figure out how to connect the Galaxy XR to a Samsung Galaxy Book. You start by selecting PC Link in the XR's quick settings, then you go into the display settings on the laptop and choose to connect to it as a wireless display. The virtual screen that appears is sharp, and can be as big as you want it, but it's not curved like the Vision Pro's virtual MacBook display. Plus, since the pass-through isn't as clear (I need to see the laptop's real keyboard after all), I can't imagine myself working for any length of time in this setup.

Throughout my time using the Samsung Galaxy XR I could hear the fan running. It's not that anyone else could hear it, but since it was on my face and close to my ears, well, I could hear it almost anytime I wore the headset. On the one hand, I know this means that a powerful chip is running inside. On the other hand, isn't there a more elegant and less noisy way to dissipate system heat?

Perhaps if I hadn't spent the last two years using the original Vision Pro, and hadn't just reviewed the M5 model, I might feel differently; this would all feel new to me, after all. But you can't turn back the clock, and the Samsung Galaxy XR has arrived after the first and best spatial computer. Its interface metaphors are well known, and virtually perfect. Samsung's interface and level of control feel, at times, like a cheap imitation – it is indeed a lot cheaper, and does feel at least somewhat influenced by the Vision Pro.

Overall, the experience does show promise, but it needs more bespoke apps, fewer duplicate Samsung apps (Bixby? Really?), even deeper integration of Gemini, better hand and eye tracking, and maybe an interface upgrade.

Software and Experience score: 3.5

Samsung Galaxy XR: Battery and performance

• The external battery is a bit heavy and will need a pocket
• Long-lasting
• The cable is long enough
• The proprietary attachment system is dependable

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

When it comes to powering its spatial computer, Samsung made the same decision as Apple: keep the weight of the battery off the head. So even though the Samsung Galaxy XR looks a little bit like a HoloLens, there's no weighty battery on the back of your head.

Instead, you get a roughly half-pound battery pack attached to a roughly 3.5-foot woven cable that ends in a proprietary adapter. There's a little button on the top that you use to release it from the headset. The battery pack also includes a USB-C-in charge port for recharging the brick.

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As for longevity, the pack is pretty impressive. It got me through a full day of intermittent use, although it's rated for about two hours of continuous use, which is slightly less than the Vision Pro's battery pack.

You might attribute the battery life to, in part, a rather efficient and AR/VR/AI-ready bit of silicon, the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 Platform (backed by 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage), which, while obviously generating some serious heat (see my comments re the fan noise above), seems to be rather efficient. As for the overall power, I don't have benchmarks, but as I noted, AI image creation was pretty fast, and all other operations were smooth, including web browsing, video watching, and game-play.

Battery and Performance score: 4.5

Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy XR?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

Far cheaper than the competition and generally good value for the price

4

Battery and Performance

Backed by 16GB of RAM, the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 Platform  provides plenty of power for smooth performance throughout, but obviously needs a fan to keep it cool. Battery life is impressive

4.5/5

Design and Display

It's a decent if slightly retro design with good-enough materials, but Samsung gets major points for the device's light weight and balance. The displays are sharp, and provide more pixels than a Vision Pro

4/5

Software and Experience

Samsung needs to take a long hard look at the gaze and eye tracking, which were not nearly precise enough for my tastes. The interface is good but also a little reductive. I would not have kept so many Samsung-specific apps in there, and Samsung needs more eye-popping XR-specific experiences.

Gemini integration is good but feels like it could go further

3.5/5

Buy it if... 

You want a spatial computer that doesn't rely on Apple

The Vision Pro has owned this space for two years, but the exorbitant price and overbearing weight made it a non-starter for many. Maybe a cheaper, lighter, Android-friendly headset is more your style.

You love Gemini and want the immersive experience

The Samsung Galaxy XR headset brings the generative platform to mixed reality. This is your chance to get in on the ground floor of a very new experience.

You want to see what Samsung, Qualcomm, and Google can accomplish
These three tech amigos put their heads together to make this one-of-a-kind multi-modal AI headset.

Don’t buy it if… 

You don't want to spend more than $1,000 for a mixed-reality experience
The Samsung Galaxy XR is far cheaper than the Vision Pro, but it's still $1,799, and that's without the $249 case.

You use a Mac or Intel-PC
For now, there's no way to integrate a virtual desktop experience unless you own a Samsung Galaxy Book.

Also consider

Apple Vision Pro M5
Expensive? Yes. Heavy? It can be, but the new band helps. Plus, there's still no better mixed-reality, spatial computing experience on the market. This is the apex predator of the category, with the best interface, best looks, and best experiences on the market. What it doesn't have is any truly decent AI. For that, the Galaxy XR is really your only choice.View Deal

PlayStation VR 2
TechRadar Gaming called the PSVR 2 headset "an experience that’ll be well worth your hard-earned cash." If you have a PS5 already and want a VR headset, this is the headset to check out.

Check out TRG's PSVR 2 review

Meta Quest Pro
An excellent VR headset with great passthrough, mixed reality, and some hand-tracking that's also a fraction of the Vision Pro's price, and is supported by a well-baked ecosystem and a rich collection of apps.

Meta Quest 3
We call this the "best VR headset for most people", and considering the far more affordable price and vast number of apps built specifically for the platform, this might be, even with its less-impressive visual quality, a more attainable and reasonable option than the Vision Pro.

Nreal Air AR Glasses
The Nreal Air AR Glasses are nothing like the Vision Pro (or any other VR headset, for that matter), but they're nevertheless an intriguing AR gadget that effectively offers you your own private theater viewing of whatever is happening on your connected device's screen. It's pretty neat, and potentially a great pick for commuters.

How we test

For my Samsung Galaxy XR review, I spent a week wearing the headset. I watched movies, played games, drew, and used Gemini

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed November 2025

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is the third game in this Koei Tecmo-developed subseries, following non-canonical Breath of the Wild side story Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity and the excellent original Hyrule Warriors that acted more like a celebration of the franchise as a whole. It's also another much-needed Nintendo Switch 2 game exclusive for the platform's first year.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: November 6, 2025

Age of Imprisonment differs from its predecessors in that it adheres to the canon of the series, specifically acting as a prequel to the events of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The Imprisoning War is something we learn much about in that game, and the premise is a match made in heaven for the Warriors franchise’s ‘1 vs 1,000’ brand of hack n’ slash combat.

Age of Imprisonment is handily the most refined, polished, and satisfying Zelda-flavored Musou to date. For one, it’s a game I’m thankful is exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, completely avoiding the subpar resolution and glacial frame rate of its predecessor, Age of Calamity, on the original Switch hardware.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

It’s also a vast improvement in terms of combat in general. So much creativity has been squeezed out of the simple ‘light into strong attack’ combo strings the Warriors franchise is known for. But on top of that, there are powerful Sync Strikes between characters, multiple weapon types, Tears of the Kingdom-esque Fuse attacks with monster parts, and elemental reactions with the environment.

At around 30 hours (or less if you just beeline the main story missions), it’s pretty compact by Warriors game standards, too. While there’s plenty to do after the credits roll, Age of Imprisonment thankfully does not overstay its welcome, and I felt immensely satisfied with my time with the game overall.

Can’t believe that Ganondorf fella

(Image credit: Nintendo)

If you’ve played Tears of the Kingdom and experienced its flashbacks to the Imprisoning War, then you know what to expect in terms of story in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. What this game does is flesh out that conflict, focusing on individual battles across the land of Hyrule, and the rebellion that helped quell Ganondorf’s invasion - however temporarily.

The game begins right after Princess Zelda is transported back in time after encountering Ganondorf’s ancient husk at the start of Tears of the Kingdom. We’re quickly introduced to King Rauru, Queen Sonia, and Rauru’s scholarly sister Mineru, the resident expert on ancient Zonai technology. From there, we set out to recruit the leaders of Hyrule’s various races to form a united front against the King of Evil.

One complaint I have, though, is that this feels like the safest way of going about showing a Tears of the Kingdom prequel. Outside of one or two endearing characters, there’s very little in the way of character development or interesting lore elements built upon here. Even Zelda herself largely takes a backseat, with much of the plot revolving around King Rauru and a mysterious construct that totally, definitely isn’t a way of shoehorning a Link-style character into the game. Ultimately, it’s another round of ‘Ganondorf has been a very naughty boy.’

That’s not to say the story in Age of Imprisonment doesn’t have its high points. Said mysterious construct is the most interesting aspect of the game’s plot, and its inclusion is handled in a deft and satisfying way, narratively speaking. But I was definitely hoping for more moments for Zelda herself to shine. Instead, she’s very much an afterthought once the plot gets moving properly, and that’s a massive shame given how integral she is to the events of both Breath of the Wild and its sequel.

Bring the light

(Image credit: Nintendo)

But okay, I hear you; this is a Warriors game first and foremost. Surely any shortcomings brought by the story can be made up for in the gameplay department, right? Well, if you’re here simply to know whether or not Age of Imprisonment is a better game than Age of Calamity, the answer to that is a resounding yes. And it’s not close.

Best bit

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Koei Tecmo has done a brilliant job fleshing out the playable roster of Age of Imprisonment. While most were made exclusively for this game and have little in the way of personal story, they all have unique move sets and abilities that are generally tons of fun to play as and improve through the game’s progression systems.

Obviously, it helps that Age of Imprisonment is running on better hardware. Image quality can be just a touch soupy at times (it appears to be using dynamic resolution to keep things smooth), but the game does a great job of maintaining a solidly high frame rate most of the time. I only ever encountered dips during the most bombastic special attacks, and really, that kind of slowdown is all good in my books.

Performance aside, Age of Imprisonment just does so much to make combat more interesting than both prior Hyrule Warriors games. It still uses that ‘light and strong attack’ combo system that governs most Warriors titles, but this game is far from a one-trick pony in that regard.

Most missions in Age of Imprisonment will have you controlling a team of two to four heroes, which you can switch between with a quick press of the d-pad. Large-scale maps usually encourage you to give orders to your roster of allies, which you can do easily by accessing the map from the pause menu.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

It’s here where each of your heroes’ strengths can really come into play. Zelda and Rauru, for example, have many light-element attacks, and thus are great against shades or gloom-inflicted enemies. Meanwhile, Qia, princess of the Zora, can use water to quickly demolish fire-shielded enemies or ones coated in sludge. You can even cause elemental chain effects, such as electrifying bodies of water or setting Rito sage Raphica’s bow-generated whirlwinds ablaze with fire.

Beyond that, you’ve got Sync Strikes, something of a coup de grace and the most satisfying abilities to pull off in Age of Imprisonment. When two characters have their Sync gauges maxed, they can team up (punctuated by an incredibly cool high-five cut-in animation) to perform a devastating Chrono Trigger-esque coordinated attack. Some pairs have unique, more powerful Sync Strike synergies to make use of - something to think about when putting together your team for any given mission.

But it doesn’t even stop there. Your warriors can also make use of Zonai devices to exploit enemy elemental weaknesses or counter certain powerful (and unblockable) attacks. These are always so fun to use, and are easily the best way of diminishing enemy weak point gauges for a critical strike. There’s just so much any given character can do, and I’m glad Koei Tecmo leveraged some of Tears of the Kingdom’s coolest mechanics and put its own unique spin on them.

Motley crew

(Image credit: Nintendo)

About half of Age of Imprisonment’s roster are characters unique to this game. These are pretty much background characters with little in the way of personal story beats, but they’re nonetheless incredibly fun to play as. These heroes, along with the mysterious construct, are actually able to make use of different weapons like greatswords and spears.

Furthermore, most can access the Fuse system, returning here from Tears of the Kingdom. Monster parts you collect from enemies can be attached to these weapons, and like in that game, they offer a variety of effects here. Some can dish out elemental damage, while others are great for quick weak point gauge breaking.

You’ll want to use these sparingly, however, as monster parts - as well as other materials gathered in missions - can be used to upgrade your heroes. The overworld map screen contains a smattering of side quests and ability-improving nodes that you pump required resources into to unlock enhancements. These range from granting extra health or special attack gauges to entirely new moves and features. If you don’t meet a node’s requirements, you can mark it with the Zonai sensor, which will show you all the missions, shops, and side activities where you can gather the necessary materials.

Progression is generally breezy in Age of Imprisonment, though one type of side mission that did irk me was the defensive engagements. These frequently show up on the map and are essentially contested territory. If not cleared within a certain amount of time, the territory will be reclaimed by Ganondorf’s forces, thus locking out any outposts or ability nodes until you win it back.

Defensive missions can show up at an alarmingly quick rate, and while they do offer materials, it just starts to feel like busy work after a few. Especially when you have to divert your attention from other side missions and upgrades to prioritize them. I’d be a bit more forgiving if they happened only every now and then, but you’ll almost always have one on the map to deal with at any given time.

Should you play Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment?

(Image credit: Nintendo)Play it if...

You love Tears of the Kingdom
If you simply want more from the Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom rendition of Hyrule, you’ll find it here. This isn’t a giant open sandbox by any means, but if you really like the vibe of those recent mainline Zelda titles, Age of Imprisonment successfully recaptures that.

You were disappointed by Dynasty Warriors: Origins
While I loved Origins’ gameplay, its reliance on a sole character was a huge sore point for me. Age of Imprisonment, meanwhile, has plenty of heroes to play as, all with unique move sets and abilities.

Don't play it if...

You're hoping for extra modes
Sadly, there’s nothing like the original Hyrule Warriors’ awesome Adventure Mode, where you could unlock new weapons, characters, and costumes. Granted, it probably wouldn’t fit as well here, but outside of some post-game missions, there’s not much to keep you coming back after the credits roll.

You want a satisfying story
Age of Imprisonment does bridge the gap between the Imprisoning War and Tears of the Kingdom, but it does so in a largely uninteresting manner. Don’t expect much in the way of fun or heartfelt character moments, or an engaging plot overall.

Accessibility

There isn't much in the way of substantial accessibility settings in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. Options to display combo guidance on screen are nice, as are text and voice options for several languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Latin American, Dutch, Japanese, and more.

How I reviewed Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

I played Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment for 30 hours for this review. That play time encompassed the entirety of the main campaign, as well as around 60-70% of side missions and activities.

I played on Nintendo Switch 2 in both docked and handheld modes, though I ultimately preferred docked mode with a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller thanks to its more stable performance. The game is by no means bad or unplayable portably, but the larger screen size of my LG CX OLED TV helped the busy on-screen action become much easier to parse.

I’m a huge fan of both the Warriors and Zelda franchises, and I’ve poured hundreds of hours into the original Hyrule Warriors and other titles in the series besides. In that sense, I can see where Age of Imprisonment improves on its predecessors, as well as areas I think it could have handled better.

First reviewed October/November 2025

When the first season of Squid Game: The Challenge came out, I thought it was the best reality competition show I’d seen in years outside of The Traitors. But in just two short years, the Netflix gameshow has fallen from the best to the worst.

The recipe for why is actually very simple – in 2023, we were enthralled by the idea that Netflix’s biggest K-drama could be replicated with everyday people and exceptionally detailed gameplay following in the footsteps of what we saw in each episode of Squid Game season 1.

The new games that were introduced fused dynamic action with familiar tactics (e.g. the use of Battleships in the third game) and we genuinely grew to love the alliances and band of characters we saw on screen.

Almost none of that is represented in Squid Game: The Challenge season 2. The original show's games are still well replicated, but they’re mundane compared to the big classics we saw in season 1. New twists and turns mostly fall flat, and our cast is too weak to be memorable or build an invisible rapport with the audience.

And if that all isn’t bad enough, where on earth is Red Light, Green Light?

All of the reality TV sparkle has gone in Squid Game: The Challenge season 2

Squid Game: The Challenge season 2 has taken a risk by getting rid of the show’s most famous games (think Red Light, Green Light and Dalgona) and replacing them with brand-new gameplay. Half of our cast of 456 players are immediately eliminated by the new game Count, which is merely comprised of two teams counting 456 seconds before pressing a button.

It makes for the most anti-climactic premiere episode of TV I’ve seen this year, and I’m absolutely baffled for why Netflix would choose to use a counting game over the brutal run-and-stop elimination we’re all looking forward to. Annoyingly, it’s not coming any later in the series either.

Games such as Mingle in episode 4 win back some level of tension, but it might be too little, too late. In the first four episodes alone, we only see two and a half games played out, with dorm challenges or recordings of the contestants filling our screens in the meantime. Normally, if there is a strong cast and genuinely shrewd surprises, this wouldn’t be a problem.

However, we’re presented with labored and anti-climactic developments between cast members we can’t remember from one minute to the next.

Let’s address the changes first. There are a variety of new dorm challenges introduced to try and stoke up drama between players – the most successful of these being a secret boiler room where players are sent to enact eliminations or receive coins to use in a snack-filled vending machine. We also see players presented with a chance to swap meals for “scratchers” or pass around Russian dolls, both of with lead to potential disadvantages in the next game.

Despite the fact that none of these make the level of impact that Netflix is hoping for, it all feels too pre-meditated – and that’s the same problem we see with the casting. In short, it’s all gone a bit too X Factor, putting the pedal to the emotional medal so hard that nothing feels genuine. Everything we’re seeing feels overly contrived, and Netflix is trying far too hard to keep our attention.

Where season 1 introduced players we could connect with (think mother-son duo Leanne and Trey), Netflix is clearly trying to fit the same character profiles, but with less success. As soon as I can remember that somebody exists, they’re killed off, and that’s always been the downside of a gameshow with such a big cast. The finalists don’t become clear until the last moment, but this time there’s nobody in the interim to tide us over.

What does this mean for Squid Game: The Challenge season 3?

(Image credit: Netflix)

In short, this all isn’t amazing news for the already-renewed Squid Game: The Challenge season 3. It feels as though season 2 is following the original series slump that came at the same point (at least, in my opinion), which wasn’t completely clawed back by the time season 3 dropped six months later.

But it’s not all hopeless. Game stalwarts like Marbles returns, offering up the most emotional turning point we’ve seen across all iterations of the game, and the production design is still beyond astounding. We know season 3 will likely replicate the jump rope horror from the first season of Squid Game, and that’s got the opportunity to be the jewel in Netflix’s reality TV crown.

In the meantime, I’d rather rewatch the original series than get ready for the rest of Squid Game: The Challenge season 2 in the coming weeks.

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The Bluetti Pioneer Na isn’t just another grey box of portable power — it’s a signpost to the future.

At a glance

Capacity: 900 Wh

Battery: Sodium-ion (Na-ion)

AC Output: 1,500 W (2,250 W surge)

Weight: ~16 kg

Charging: AC + solar combo (0–80% in ~35 min)

Operating Temp: Charge to –15 °C, discharge to –25 °C

Ports: AC, USB-C (100 W), USB-A, 12 V, wireless pad

Price: £799 / ~$899

The Bluetti Pioneer Na isn’t just another grey box of portable power station — it’s a signpost to the future.

As the world’s first sodium-ion portable power station, it challenges the lithium-ion status quo with a chemistry that’s cheaper, safer, and performs far better in freezing temperatures.

While most power stations give up when the mercury plunges, Bluetti’s Pioneer Na is designed to charge at –15 °C and discharge down to –25 °C. That’s huge news for campers, off-grid explorers, or anyone living where winter bites hard.

With 900 Wh of capacity and 1,500 W output (2,250 W surge), it’s more than enough to keep laptops, fridges, routers, and power tools humming. It’s not the biggest station on the market, but for its size, it punches well above its weight — figuratively and literally (it tips the scales at 16 kg).

Bluetti Pioneer Na: Design and build

Bluetti hasn’t reinvented the aesthetic wheel here — the Pioneer Na sticks with the brand’s familiar industrial-chic look: matte dark grey casing, chunky carry handles, and a crisp LCD readout. It’s rugged enough for camping or garage duty, though not waterproof (so don’t leave it out in a snowstorm).

At 16 kg, it’s no featherweight, but it’s compact enough to slot into a van or under a desk. What stands out is the build quality — Bluetti’s hardware feels solid, and the tactile buttons and port layout are easy to navigate even with gloves on.

Bluetti Pioneer Na: Performance

Here’s where it gets interesting. The sodium-ion chemistry gives the Pioneer Na a unique edge: thermal stability and cold-weather reliability that lithium simply can’t match.

In tests, the unit powered a small refrigerator, LED lighting, and a laptop simultaneously without breaking a sweat. The “Power Lifting” mode also handled high-draw appliances like kettles and hair dryers, at least for short bursts.

Charging is another strong suit. Hook up both AC and solar input and Bluetti claims you can hit 80% charge in just 35 minutes. Real-world times were closer to 45–50 minutes, but that’s still outstanding. You’ll also appreciate its miserly 1.5 W standby draw, making it ideal for emergency standby use.

Bluetti Pioneer Na: Features and connectivity

The port selection covers almost every base:

2 × AC outlets (1,500 W total)

1 x 100 W USB-C for laptops and tablets

4 × USB-A ports for smaller gadgets

12 V car socket, DC barrel ports, and a 15 W wireless charging pad

Bluetooth or app integration is absent — something Bluetti includes on some pricier models — but the intuitive front panel compensates for that.

Bluetti Pioneer Na: Battery life and sustainability

With over 4,000 charge cycles and an estimated lifespan of 10 years, the Pioneer Na promises serious longevity. And because sodium-ion avoids scarce materials like lithium and cobalt, it’s greener and potentially easier to recycle.

This is still early-days tech, though. Sodium-ion batteries are new to consumer power products, so long-term reliability in the field remains unproven. Bluetti’s two-year warranty helps, but early adopters are still taking a small gamble.

Bluetti Pioneer Na: Drawbacks

There’s no getting around it — 900 Wh isn’t huge. For extended off-grid living or powering a home during long outages, you’ll need something beefier (or multiple units). It’s also fairly heavy for its size, and Bluetti’s customer service reputation remains mixed according to user reports online.

Finally, the price reflects its pioneering status — you’re paying a slight premium for cutting-edge tech.

Bluetti Pioneer Na: Verdict

The Bluetti Pioneer Na is a trailblazer: the first sodium-ion portable power station, built for real-world cold and genuine sustainability.

It’s ideal for adventurers, RV users, and homeowners who want dependable backup in frosty conditions — and a taste of what’s next in battery tech.

If you need raw capacity, there are bigger and cheaper lithium models out there. But if you want something that works when everything else freezes, the Pioneer Na is in a league of its own.

TechRadar says:

Buy it if...

You need a power station that works in freezing temperatures.

You care about sustainability and want to avoid lithium-based cells.

You want quick charging and solid all-around performance for small to medium devices.

Don’t buy it if...

You need multi-day home backup or high-capacity off-grid power.

You’re counting every penny — it’s innovative but not cheap.

You prefer tried-and-tested tech with years of user history.

Bottom line:

The Bluetti Pioneer Na isn’t just another power station — it’s the start of a new era in portable energy. Sodium-ion is here, and it’s impressively capable.

We rate the best power banks: top portable chargers.

Jackery has been busy expanding its new V2 line of its best portable power stations, ranging from the flagship Explorer 3000 down to the compact Explorer 240. Now, we’re looking at one of the smallest in the family — the Jackery Explorer 500 v2, paired with the SolarSaga 100W portable solar panels.

This setup is designed for users who want serious off-grid capability without the bulk or weight of a full-size generator. Compact, quiet, and built with the same attention to detail Jackery is known for, it aims to balance performance and portability.

(Image credit: Future)Jackery Explorer 500 v2: Packaging

The Explorer 500 arrived in Jackery’s familiar plain shipping box, with a glossy orange inner carton for presentation. Inside, the power station was well-protected with cardboard corner bumpers and foam inserts. Included were the IEC13 AC charging cable and a user manual — simple, straightforward, and nicely packaged.

(Image credit: Future)Jackery Explorer 500 v2: Design and Build

Out of the box, the Explorer 500 measures 311 × 205 × 157 mm and weighs 5.7 kg, making it a manageable size for travel or outdoor work.

Features at a Glance – Explorer 500

512Wh capacity from LiFePO₄ batteries

500W continuous output

2 × AC sockets (230V, max combined 500W)

1 × USB-A (18W max)

2 × USB-C (1 × 100W, 1 × 30W)

0–100% charge in just 1.3 hours via AC

Multiple charging options (AC, DC, solar, car)

Fast 10ms response UPS with multiple operating modes

Compared to the larger Jackery Explorer 2000 or Jackery Explorer 3000 models, it feels feather-light, and the large fold-out carry handle makes it easy to move around.

All the output sockets, control buttons, and display are neatly positioned on the front panel. On this UK model, you’ll find:

2 × 230V AC sockets (max 500W combined)

1 × USB-A (18W)

2 × USB-C (100W and 30W)

1 × 12V car socket (10A)

The AC and DC inputs are located on the right-hand side. Overall, the layout is clean, intuitive, and practical.

(Image credit: Future)Jackery Explorer 500 v2: Charging

Using the Explorer 500 is refreshingly straightforward. Out of the box, the battery was at 28%, and when plugged into the mains via the AC cable, it began charging immediately. A full charge from that level took just under an hour, which aligns closely with Jackery’s claimed 1.3-hour full charge time.

It’s great to see Jackery continuing to rely on standard, widely available cables instead of proprietary chargers.

Alternative charging options include solar, a 12V vehicle socket, or a DC8020 input (11–60V, up to 10.5A / 200W). While DC8020 connectors aren’t as common as XT60 or XT90 standards, third-party adapters are easy to find.

(Image credit: Future)Jackery Explorer 500 v2: SolarSaga 100 Portable Solar Panels

As part of the bundle, I tested the Jackery SolarSaga 100 — the smaller sibling of the SolarSaga 200 reviewed earlier this year. With an advertised efficiency of 25%, I tested it on a clear November afternoon with low but bright sunlight.

Features at a Glance – SolarSaga 100W

Folded: 61 × 55.2 × 3.5 cm (24 × 21.7 × 1.4 in)

Unfolded: 122 × 55.2 × 2.0 cm (48 × 21.7 × 0.8 in)

Weight: 3.6 kg (7.9 lbs)

Setup, as with most folding panels, takes a few minutes, but Jackery’s attention to usability stands out. The build quality feels excellent, and the two-pin proprietary connector — while not standard — is actually a time-saver compared to traditional MC4 connections. It’s quicker, cleaner, and less fiddly.

A small junction box includes USB-A and USB-C ports, letting you charge small devices directly, no power station required.

The kickstands fold neatly away, and the panels are held closed by strong magnetic clasps rather than cheap snaps — a premium touch. The panels are a bit stiff when new but loosen with use.

A clever angle indicator helps you align with the sun, and under test conditions, the SolarSaga 100 produced a consistent 88W average output. That’s enough to fully recharge the Explorer 500 in around six hours — realistic and impressive for a 100W panel.

Overall, it’s a well-designed, travel-friendly solar panel that feels perfectly matched to the Explorer 500’s capabilities.

(Image credit: Future)Jackery Explorer 500 v2: Display

The status screen provides all the essentials at a glance: state of charge, input/output wattage, voltage, and AC frequency. It’s small but bright, crisp, and perfectly legible even in direct sunlight — ideal for outdoor use when you need quick, accurate readouts.

Jackery Explorer 500 v2: Performance – AC and USB/DC

(Image credit: Future)

In everyday use, the Explorer 500 feels like a mini powerhouse. It comfortably powered a range of small household devices, including a milk frother, mini fan, and LED lighting, staying well within its 500W continuous output limit.

High-draw appliances like coffee machines or kettles are beyond its reach, though its 1,000W surge rating helps absorb brief startup spikes.

The USB section performs flawlessly, charging phones, tablets, laptops, and power banks simultaneously without issue. However, only two USB-C ports and one USB-A feel slightly limiting given the available front-panel space — an extra USB-C port would have been welcome.

The 12V car socket remains useful for certain accessories, though it’s increasingly outdated as USB-based standards take over.

A small auto-shutoff switch cuts power when draw falls below a set threshold — a handy energy-saving feature. Meanwhile, the built-in LED light offers dim, bright, and SOS modes, useful for emergencies or camping.

One omission is Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity. While some will appreciate the simplicity, others might miss app-based control or monitoring, which competitors increasingly offer.

(Image credit: Future)Jackery Explorer 500 v2: UPS Mode

Jackery claims a <10ms response time for the Explorer 500’s uninterruptible power supply (UPS) mode — and in testing, it lived up to the promise.

Connected to a home office setup drawing around 220W, the power handover was seamless when the mains was cut — no flicker, reboot, or delay.

That said, the limited battery capacity means run-time is short. For brief outages or safe shutdowns, it’s excellent. But it’s not a substitute for a larger backup power system if you need sustained uptime.

Jackery Explorer 500 v2: Pricing and Value

(Image credit: Future)

As of writing, the Jackery Explorer 500 retails for £269 on the UK Jackery Store, while the SolarSaga 100 bundle is priced at £399. Purchased separately, the SolarSaga costs £169, so the bundle saves you £39 overall.

It’s not a huge discount, but given the build quality, ease of use, and strong integration between the two products, it’s still solid value for anyone seeking a portable, all-in-one solar power setup.

(Image credit: Future)Jackery Explorer 500 v2: Verdict

The Jackery Explorer 500 v2 may sit on the smaller end of Jackery’s power station lineup, but don’t let that fool you — it’s a seriously capable, well-balanced performer. While the larger models offer more muscle, the 500 hits a sweet spot between power, portability, and price.

Paired with the SolarSaga 100, it forms a genuinely self-sufficient off-grid system for camping, van life, or emergency use.

Yes, there are limitations — the modest port selection and lack of app connectivity are mild drawbacks — but for users who value simplicity, dependability, and premium build quality, the Explorer 500 delivers exactly what it promises.

We've listed the best portable power stations.

Dell Chromebook 3120: Two-minute review

The Dell Chromebook 3120 is a small but tough laptop designed to withstand the rigors of student life.

Its compact and rounded design is certainly different. The softer material around its edges help protect it from impacts, making the Chromebook 3120 tougher than many others in this field.

Not only is it more rugged than the best Chromebook constructions, it’s also easier to repair, thanks to its top-mounted keyboard and captive screws that keep the various materials together.

The price paid for this toughness, however, is the huge bezel around the screen, which reduces the display size by a disappointing amount. At least it features screws in each corner, which again should help with servicing.

There are only four ports on the Chromebook 3120: two USB-C, one USB-A, and a headset jack. The type-C ports are located on either side, which improves versatility, and both support charging and external display connections.

The performance of the Chromebook 3120 is respectable, handling the sorts of tasks students demand of their laptops quite well. It can also handle HD video streaming and even light gaming, though nowhere near as well as many of the best laptops, so temper expectations.

(Image credit: Future)

The display is sharp and vibrant enough to enjoy such content, although its lack of brightness can cause some visibility issues, especially when viewing darker scenes. It’s also a little too reflective at times.

I was pleased to see that even the non-convertible model of the Chromebook 3120 features a touchscreen, which can be useful for navigation, although it’s not smooth enough for dedicated illustrators and handwriters.

The keyboard layout is good, with plenty of space between keys to make typing comfortable. However, presses frequently failed to register when I used it, which was frustrating. Worse, though, was the touchpad, which is too small and imprecise for accurate and smooth navigation.

Battery life, on the other hand, is up to expected standards. It lasted close to 11 hours when I played a movie on a continuous loop, which eclipses many of its rivals, although there are others that can endure for longer.

Considering its budget pricing, the Dell Chromebook 3120 is a worthwhile proposition. Thanks to its durability, portability, and performance, it really shines as a study companion—but I would recommend pairing it with an external mouse to eschew the wayward touchpad.

Dell Chromebook 3120 review: Price & availability

(Image credit: Future)

• Starts from $179.99 / £369.68 (about AU$350)
• Available now
• Reasonable price

The Dell Chromebook 3120 starts from $179.99 / £369.68 (about AU$350) and is available now. It can be configured with 4GB or 8GB of RAM, and a 2-in-1 version is also available, with a display made with Gorilla Glass.

This is a fantastic price for a Chromebook of this spec, making it one of the best student laptops around thanks to its performance and touchscreen functionality.

If you’re looking for something even cheaper, the Asus Chromebook CX1505 is a great alternative. It doesn’t have a tough exterior or a compact form like the Chromebook 3120, but it has respectable performance and a great display.

Meanwhile, the Acer Chromebook Spin 312 is one of the best student Chromebooks in our view, thanks to its truly convertible nature and lively performance.

• Value: 5 / 5

Dell Chromebook 3120 review: Specs

These are the specs for the Dell Chromebook 3120:

Dell Chromebook 3120 specs

Base configuration (Non-touch)

Review configuration

Max configuration

Price

$179 (about £135 / AU$275)

Clamshell: $299.99 / £369.68 (about AU$460)
2-in-1: $369.99 (about £280, AU$565)

Clamshell: $329.99 (about £250, AU$400)
2-in-1: $399.99 (about £305, AU$610)

CPU

Intel N100 (4-core/4-thread, 3.4GHz)

Intel N100 (4-core/4-thread, 3.4GHz)

Intel N100 (4-core/4-thread, 3.4GHz)

Graphics

Intel UHD Graphics (Integrated)

Intel UHD Graphics (Integrated)

Intel UHD Graphics (Integrated)

RAM

4GB LPDDR5-4800

4GB LPDDR5-4800

8GB LPDDR5-4800

Screen

11.6-inch Non-touch HD LCD (1366 x 768p), Anti-Glare

11.6-inch Touch HD LCD (1366 x 768p), Anti-Glare

11.6-inch Touch HD LCD, (1366 x 768p), Anti-Glare

Storage

64GB eMMC

64GB eMMC

64GB eMMC

Ports

2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x 3.5mm combo audio

2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x 3.5mm combo audio

2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x 3.5mm combo audio

Wireless

Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1

Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1

Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1

Camera

720p

720p

720p

Battery

42WHr

42WHr

42WHr

Weight

2.82 lbs | 1.28 kg

Clamshell: 2.82 lbs | 1.28 kg
2-in-1: 3.17 lbs | 1.44 kg

Clamshell: 2.82 lbs | 1.28 kg
2-in-1: 3.17 lbs | 1.44 kg

Dimensions

11.96 x 8.19 x 0.82 ins | 303.9 x 207.9 x 20.8 mm

Clamshell: 11.96 x 8.19 x 0.82 ins | 303.9 x 207.9 x 20.8 mm
2-in-1: 11.96 x 8.19 x 0.85 ins | 303.9 x 207.9 x 21.5 mm

Clamshell: 11.96 x 8.19 x 0.82 ins | 303.9 x 207.9 x 20.8 mm
2-in-1: 11.96 x 8.19 x 0.85 ins | 303.9 x 207.9 x 21.5 mm

Dell Chromebook 3120 review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Rugged construction
• Compact form
• Large screen bezel

The Dell Chromebook 3120 has an unusual outer shell for a laptop nowadays. It has rounded edges covered in a soft-touch material, almost as if it has been fitted with a bumper case. This makes it look more like one of the best rugged laptops than a budget Chromebook, and Dell claims it’s as durable as those more durable devices. According to Dell, the Chromebook 3120 can withstand 30-inch drops onto steel and 48-inch drops onto plywood, something that'll probably matter if this is going to be used by a child.

In keeping with the durable chassis, the lid is also reassuringly solid, with no wobble to it at all. What’s more, it’s also very flexible – even the non-hybrid variant can still recline all the way back to 180 degrees, making it very amenable to various setups.

Despite all this ruggedness, the Chromebook 3120 is very compact, making it very easy to carry around. It’s heavier than you might expect, but not to an onerous extent.

Another advantage of the design of the Chromebook 3120 is the fact that it’s easy to maintain. It features a top-mounted keyboard and a captive screw in the chassis that keep its various materials together, both of which make the Chromebook 3120 readily repairable.

One of the worst aspects of its design, however, is the huge bezel around the display. No doubt this helps with durability as well as repairability (there are easily accessible screws in each corner), but it severely compromises the already small real estate.

There aren’t many ports on the Chromebook 3120, but they’re wisely chosen. There are two USB-C ports, which should help the device to stay relevant for longer, and both accept charging and external monitor connections.

What’s more, they’re located on either side to improve versatility. The only other ports on the Chromebook 3120 are a USB-A and a headset jack, both located on the left, but these are the next two interfaces I would’ve chosen to include on a Chromebook.

The keys have a slight but noticeable texture to them that feels smooth yet tactile. There are some useful shortcuts on the top row, but there aren’t as many as you’ll find on other Chromebooks – even those the same size as the Chromebook 3120.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Dell Chromebook 3120 review: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Good all-round performance
• Reflective display
• Poor touchpad

Benchmarks

These are the benchmark scores for the Dell Chromebook 3120:

TechRadar Battery Life Video Test: 10 hours and 44 minutes
Jetstream2 Benchmark: 181.945
Kraken Benchmark (lower is better): 743.3ms
Speedometer 3.0: 11.2 (±0.71)

The general performance of the Dell Chromebook 3120 is pretty good. It’s fast and snappy enough for basic tasking, from notetaking and essay writing to spreadsheet creation and browsing.

It can handle video streaming very well, too, even at 1440p. However, higher resolutions are beyond it, since you’ll have to contend with frequent and lengthy buffering times.

It’s even capable enough for some light gaming. I managed to play Asphalt Legends on medium settings smoothly, with no disruptive stutters or lag. Be warned, however, that not all Android games are compatible with the Chromebook 3120, including Alien: Isolation and Hitman: Blood Money—Reprisal.

The 1366 x 768p resolution is sharp enough for a display this small, and colors are pleasingly vibrant. Brightness is sufficient for the most part, although I wish it had more when viewing content featuring dark tones, as these can be hard to see at times.

The display also has a tendency to plunge into total blackness if the angle isn’t set just right for your particular environment. What’s more, it can be quite reflective, which further sullies the viewing experience.

(Image credit: Future)

The keys felt good to use, and their generous spacing makes them easy to navigate, even with the limited real estate. However, they lack feedback, and frequently my presses would fail to register while typing, requiring a firmer touch than with many other keyboards.

The touchpad, however, is more frustrating. It’s very small, which can make navigation and certain productivity tasks awkward, such as dragging items from one side of the screen to the other.

It also lacks refinement, with its jerky tracking spoiling my attempts at smooth, precise movements: the cursor either moved slower than expected or jumped too far ahead of where I wanted it to go. I also found that taps were very inconsistent, failing to register at least half of the time.

The touchscreen proved more responsive, but it can be quite grabby, resulting in unsmooth swipes and gestures. This isn’t the device for you if you plan on making copious amounts of drawings or handwritten notes, but the functionality is still useful for navigation purposes. It’s a shame that finger marks are quite visible, though.

• Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Dell Chromebook 3120 review: Battery life

(Image credit: Future)

The battery life of the Chromebook 3120 is very good. In our movie playback test, it lasted close to 11 hours, which is an impressive performance considering the smaller 43Whr battery, and puts it ahead of much of the competition.

It beats the Asus Chromebook CX1505, for example, which managed about 7 hours in the same test, but just fails to match the Acer Chromebook Spin 312, which managed over 11 hours.

It’s also reasonably quick to charge, taking about two hours to completely replenish.

• Battery life: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Dell Chromebook 3120?

Notes

Rating

Value

The can outlast it is well-priced given the spec and functionality.

5 / 5

Design

The tough chassis is welcome, as is the small size. Shame about the large bezel, though.

4 / 5

Performance

The Chromebook 3120 can be used for all sorts of tasks, and it deals with them all pretty well. The touchpad is poor, though.

4.5 / 5

Battery life

Battery life is above average, although there are others that slightly edge past it.

4.5 / 5

Total Score

The Chromebook 3120 does a sterling job as a student device, providing all the functionality and performance you could need for the classroom. But you’re best off using it with an external mouse.

4.5 / 5

Buy the Dell Chromebook 3120 if...

You want a durable machine
Thanks to its drop resistance and repairability credentials, the 3120 should last from term to term.

You want something easy to carry around
It might be surprisingly heavy, but it’s still very portable, largely thanks to its compact form factor.

Don't buy it if...

You want a great touchpad
The touchpad is too small and inaccurate for heavy use – get yourself one of the best mouse picks to go with it.

You want a large display
The lid housing the display is small enough, but the large bezel compromises it even further. It can also succumb to darkness and reflections under certain conditions.

Dell Chromebook 3120 review: Also consider

Here are some alternatives to the Dell Chromebook 3120 that are also fantastic for students:

Asus Chromebook CX15
It’s not as portable as the 3120, but it’s still quite thin. And its large width means you get a widescreen display, which is one of the highlights of the CX1505. It also performs rather well—and it’s cheaper than the Chromebook 3120.

Read our full Asus Chromebook CX15 review.

Acer Chromebook Spin 312
If you’re looking for one of the best 2-in-1 Chromebooks, the Spin 312 is a great choice. Its capable performance and sleek, portable design make it yet another student favorite. Plus, its display, though small, is a treat for the eyes, thanks to its sharp resolution. It’s a little reflective like the 3120, though.

Read our full Acer Chromebook Spin 312 review.

How I tested the Dell Chromebook 3120

• Tested for two days
• Used for a variety of tasks
• Chromebook reviewing experience

I tested the Dell Chromebook 3120 for two days, during which time I used it for a multitude of tasks.

I used it for productivity, general browsing, streaming video content, and gaming. I also ran our series of benchmarks for Chromebooks and tested its battery life by running a movie on a continuous loop.

I’ve been using Chromebooks and other laptops for years, and have reviewed plenty of them as well, ranging in their price points, form factors, and purposes.

• First reviewed November 2025
• Read more about how we test

Asus Chromebook CX15: Two-minute review

The Asus Chromebook CX1505 certainly has a budget price tag, but its features and spec hope to counter the charge that it’s a compromised device unfit for modern purposes.

While it might appear sleek, on closer inspection it’s not as thin or as light as its looks might lead you to believe. That ultra wide display and the long underside support bar sully its portability credentials somewhat.

Build quality isn’t the greatest, either, and isn’t up there with the best Chromebook constructions. It’s still within reasonable bounds, but there’s some flexing to the plastic chassis.

The thin bezel for the display is a welcome touch, though, helping to maximize its already generous width. The keyboard also feels built to a higher standard, which is fortunate since you’ll be making plenty of contact with it.

All the ports on the CX1505 are located on its left-hand side, which may be a little inconvenient for those wishing to connect multiple peripherals. More of a problem, however, is their paucity: there are only four, and only two of them are USB (one type-A and one type-C port).

What’s more, the Type-C must be used for charging, so it won’t be available to you all of the time. An HDMI 1.4 port and a 3.5mm combo audio jack round out the rest of the physical connectivity options, and they’re at least sensibly ordered.

The CX1505 acquits itself well in terms of performance. It can handle the productivity and entertainment tasks well enough, although 4K content streaming is just beyond its reach. It can handle some light gaming, though, albeit with relatively undemanding titles at low graphical settings.

More impressive is that large display. The width is useful for both entertainment and productivity purposes, while the Full HD resolution is still sharp enough for its size. It’s also bright and reasonably vibrant, making for pleasant viewing in all scenarios.

While the CX1505 is great for typing on, the trackpad is a let down. It’s jerky and imprecise when making small, slow movements, and its clicks feel unsatisfying.

The battery life of the CX1505 is reasonable, lasting seven hours in our movie playback test. However, many of its rivals can beat this figure – some by a considerable margin.

There was a time when a Chromebook costing this little wouldn’t have been worth your time, lacking the power and features to suit even basic usage. But the commendable – if not outstanding – performance of the CX1505, coupled with its generous and high-quality display, are certainly impressive aspects at this price, making it a contender for one of the best budget Chromebooks around right now.

Asus Chromebook CX1505 review: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

• Starts from $159.99 / £249.99 / AU$499
• Available now in multiple colorways
• Budget end of the market

The CX1505 starts from $159.99 / £249.99 / AU$499 and is available now in various colorways, including green and pink. It can be configured with 4GB or 8GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of storage. An Intel Core version is also available.

This is a great price, even in the Chromebook market. It’s considerably cheaper than the Asus Chromebook CM14, which we think is one of the best budget Chromebooks. However, the CX1505 performs better, and that wider display makes it better for productivity and entertainment – if not portability.

If you want a high-performing Chromebook, then the HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch is a better choice. This dispatches all kinds of tasks with ease, including harsher workloads such as gaming and multitasking; no wonder we think it’s the best student Chromebook. Its keyboard isn’t as good as that on the CX1505, though.

If you want to stay closer to the budget-end of the market and want something more compact but also powerful, the Dell Chromebook 3120 fits the bill very well, with more processing power and faster memory for a little bit more of an investment.

• Value: 5 / 5

Asus Chromebook CX1505 review: Specs

My Asus Chromebook CX1505 review unit had an Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage.

Asus Chromebook CX1505

Price

Starting from $159.99 / £249.99 / AU$499

CPU

Intel Celeron N4500 Processor 1.1 GHz (2 cores)

Graphics

Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics

RAM

4GB LPDDR4X

Screen

15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080, 16:9, Anti-glare display, 300nits

Storage

64GB eMMC

Ports

1x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x 3.5mm combo audio

Wireless

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) (Dual band) 2*2, Bluetooth 5.4

Camera

720p with privacy shutter

Weight

3.51lbs (1.59kg)

Dimensions

14.15 x 9.14 x 0.79in (360 x 232 x 20mm)

ASUS Chromebook CX1505 review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Sleek and vibrant looks
• Compromised portability
• Lacks ports

The CX1505 has a neat, minimalist appearance buoyed by the vibrant colorways; I found the light green finish of my review unit particularly fetching, suiting its overall design well. The rounded corners and smooth, flat planes add to its appeal.

It’s quite a thin unit, although the prominent support bar running underneath rather spoils its sleekness. It’s also heavier than you might expect; coupled with the atypical width, the portability of the CX1505 is somewhat compromised.

What’s more, build quality isn’t particularly impressive, either. The slightly textured plastics may look and feel interesting, but they’re not the sturdiest and can succumb to considerable flexing.

The hinge for the lid feels sturdy in operation, but its looseness becomes evident once set in position. This isn’t disruptive, but it is noticeable, and isn’t exactly an auspicious sign for its longevity.

On a positive note, the bezel around the display is pleasingly thin, which allows the already generous real estate to be realized to its full potential, while the keys have a subtle graining which makes them feel tactile to use. They also actuate smoothly and solidly, with very little play or uncertain feedback.

If you’re looking for a Chromebook with plenty of connectivity options, you’ll be disappointed with the CX15. Despite its large size, there are only four ports (five on the Intel Core model, thanks to its extra USB-C port), all located on the left-hand side.

There’s one USB-C port (which is used for charging as well), one USB-A port, one HDMI 1.4 port, and a combo audio jack. At least they’re sensibly ordered; I’m always happy to see the power port at the end and the audio jack at the very front.

• Design score: 3.5 / 5

ASUS Chromebook CX1505 review: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Reasonable multitasking capabilities
• More demanding tasks
• Good wide display

Benchmarks

These are the results of our benchmarking tests for the Asus Chromebook CX1505:

TechRadar Battery Life Test: 7 hours
Jetstream2 Benchmark: 121.752
Kraken Benchmark: 1254.9ms
Speedometer 3.1: 5.74 (±0.20)

The CX1505 is capable enough for everyday tasking. It can handle word processing and spreadsheet creation with ease, while streaming hi-definition content is also well within its grasp. However, expect some significant buffering if you’re watching anything above 1440p.

Even with the modest 4GB of RAM installed in my review unit, the CX1505 managed to juggle multiple browser tabs admirably. I still encountered some lag in such instances, but not to a frustrating extent. However, more demanding multitasking scenarios, such as running numerous apps simultaneously, lead to more severe slowdowns, as you might expect.

Light gaming is just about within its reach as well. Asphalt Legends ran smoothly enough when I reduced the maximum frame rate to 30fps, but I encountered frequent stuttering when ratcheting it up to 60fps, even on the default medium graphics settings. Those after some casual enjoyment are catered for, then – but those who take their gaming a little more seriously will be disappointed.

The display is pleasingly bright and vibrant. Colors are vividly reproduced rather than washed-out, as they can be on other Chromebook displays in my experience.

(Image credit: Future)

And despite its large size, the 1920 x 1080p resolution still looks sharp and clear. That wide ratio also makes various productivity tasks easier, as well as serving entertainment content well.

The keys of the CX1505 are well damped, resulting in softer presses than you might expect, but they’re still as snappy and as light as you would expect from a laptop keyboard. They’re well spaced, too, and thanks to that wide chassis, the numberpad doesn’t cramp the layout, as is the case with some other laptops and Chromebooks.

The trackpad has a solid and noticeable click, but it feels nasty and cheap, owing to the lack of dampening. Gliding isn’t the smoothest, either, with attempts to make small and precise movements resulting in lag and cursor jumps.

Taps are better, but inconsistent: being unresponsive at times, and too eager at others. The surface area of the pad is quite small, too, despite there being plenty of space for a larger module. At least it’s solidly installed, with no wobble to it.

The overall connectivity of the CX1505 is good for the most part. However, the Bluetooth radio stopped working on one occasion, severing connection with all my devices. Thankfully, fixing the issue merely required disabling and then re-enabling Bluetooth from the status area in the bottom-right corner.

• Performance score: 4 / 5

Asus Chromebook CX1505 review: Battery life

(Image credit: Future)

The CX1505 has a respectable, if not impressive, battery life. It should see you throughout the day, but it only managed seven hours in our playback test, where we ran a movie on a continuous loop.

This beats the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360, which only managed six and a half hours, but it’s bested by rivals such as the Acer Chromebook Spin 312 and the HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch, which both achieved times around the 11-hour mark. And the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook can last a hugely impressive 16-plus hours.

• Battery life: 3 / 5

Should I buy the ASUS Chromebook CX1505?

Notes

Rating

Value

There aren’t many new Chromebooks priced this low, still less those with competing specs.

5 / 5

Design

It may look sleek and minimal, but it’s surprisingly heavy, and it’s not the sturdiest, either.

3.5 / 5

Performance

Considering its middling spec, the CX1505 is impressive in action, if not spectacular.

4 / 5

Battery life

Battery life is good but not outstanding; there are plenty of Chromebooks that can outlast it.

3 / 5

Total Score

It might not be a powerhouse, but the CX1505 is capable and cheap enough to make it excellent value.

4 / 5

Buy it if...

You want a wide display
The 87% screen-to-body ratio certainly looks striking and helps with both productivity and entertainment.

You’ll be doing a lot of typing
The keyboard on the CX1505 is great, offering a satisfying feel and generous spacing, despite the inclusion of a number pad.

Don't buy it if...

You want serious performance
Some light multitasking and entertainment are possible, but demand anything more and the CX1505 will struggle.

You want something very portable
The wide and relatively hefty body of the CX1505 makes it less portable than you might imagine.

ASUS Chromebook CX1505: Also consider

If the Asus Chromebook CX1505 doesn't sound right for you, here are some alternatives:

Acer Chromebook Spin 312
The Chromebook Spin 312 is a more compact and versatile device, thanks to its small 12.2-inch screen and convertibility, allowing you to use it like a tablet. In truth, its touchscreen is best used when the unit is propped on a desk, rather than held in the hand, but it’s still one of the best 2-in-1 Chromebooks, and its amenable keyboard and keen display only add to its appeal. Battery life is pretty good, too.

Read our full Acer Chromebook Spin 312 review.

HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch
For a more capable Chromebook, look no further than the HP Chromebook Plus. It’s great for all kinds of tasks, while the display renders all sorts of content well. Its most disappointing aspect is probably its keyboard, as the number pad squeezes the other keys, which may take some getting used to. Its official pricing might look high, but we’ve seen it around for a lot less.

Read our full HP Chromebook Plus review 15.6-inch

How I tested the Asus Chromebook CX1505

• Tested for several days
• Used for various tasks
• Plentiful Chromebook experience

I tested the CX1505 for several days, during which time I used it for productivity, entertainment, and general browsing.

I used it for word processing and spreadsheet editing, as well as streaming HD and 4K content. I also played mobile games downloaded from the Play Store, and ran our series of benchmark tests for Chromebooks.

I’ve been using Chromebooks for years and have extensive experience reviewing them. I’ve also reviewed other kinds of mobile devices, including tablets and laptops designed for productivity and gaming.

• First reviewed November 2025
• Read more about how we test

Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1: Two-minute review

Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 seeks to strike the ideal balance between price and performance with the Erazer Deputy 15 P1, featuring an auspicious spec and a reasonable price tag.

It doesn’t make the best first impression, though, as it looks like a budget laptop. Its utilitarian focus leaves little room for style or elegance, and there’s little to signal its gaming prowess.

However, I was pleased to see that the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 is surprisingly free from bulk, lacking the thickness or unsightly protrusions of many others in this sector. It won’t trouble the best gaming laptop constructions, though, since the materials aren’t the most premium, and the chassis flex doesn’t inspire much confidence.

Thankfully the lid is more sturdy and also easy to use. There’s quite a large gap between it and the bottom chassis when opened, which I found helped with ventilation.

There’s a decent selection of ports on the Erazer Deputy 15 P1, too, including three USB-A and two USB-C ports. There’s also a Mini DisplayPort, an HDMI port, and an ethernet port, all of which are welcome additions.

The Erazer Deputy 15 P1 impressed me with its gaming performance, handling AAA titles at high and even max settings very well. Cyberpunk 2077 and Dying Light: The Beast ran more smoothly than I was expecting given the RTX 5060 installed in my review unit: I experienced little in the way of stutter or significant frame rate drops.

(Image credit: Future)

What’s more, the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 stayed remarkably cool throughout, with the hottest temperatures confined to the very back of the unit. There’s plenty of fan noise, though, so you’ll want to use a good pair of headphones to deal with this.

I found the image impressively sharp given the 1920 x 1080 resolution, since quality can suffer when this many pixels are stretched across a large display such as this. It’s also quite vibrant, although it’s perhaps a little more washed-out than some of its rivals. It’s quite reflective in suboptimal lighting conditions, too.

The full-size keyboard is a welcome sight, and there’s plenty of space between the keys. The floating keycaps are a nice touch as well, and they’re tactile enough for gaming purposes. They’re quite narrow, though, which I found to be problematic when typing.

The touchpad is smooth and quite small. Despite this, it can still get in the way when using the WASD keys, so you might want to disable it when gaming (easily achieved via an Fn shortcut).

The battery life of the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 is nothing spectacular, but it’s not the worst in this sector, either. It managed to last close to seven hours in our movie playback test, but fared worse in the PCMark gaming battery test, where it only just managed to eclipse 90 minutes.

In many other regards, though, the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 is a very capable 1080p gaming machine, offering a great experience for the money. There are other strong performers at this price point – and some considerably cheaper – which might have the edge in certain areas. But the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 is still a worthy choice if you’re looking for a capable gaming laptop at the budget-end of the market.

Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 review: Price & Availability

(Image credit: Future)

• Starts from £1,099.99 (about $1,500 / AU$2,200)
• Available now
• Strong similarly-priced rivals

The Erazer Deputy 15 P1 starts from £1,099.99 (about $1,500 / AU$2,200) and is available now. Various configurations are available, including models with an Intel Core 9 and an RTX 5070. RAM and storage amounts vary between 16 and 32GB and 1 and 2TB respectively.

This is similar to the Acer Nitro 16 AMD, which is one of the best budget gaming laptop picks around. You’ll have to settle for a 4000 series RTX card, but the 165Hz refresh rate helps to elevate the experience.

For something even cheaper, there’s the Nitro V 15, another 1080p machine. You can configure this laptop with an RTX 5060, although the performance isn’t as good as the Erazer Deputy 15 P1’s.

• Value: 4 / 5

Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 review: Specs

Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 base config

Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 review config

Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 max config

Price

£1,099.99

£1,349.00

£1,699

CPU

Intel i7-13620H (10 cores, 3.6GHz)

Intel Core 7 250H (14 cores, 2.5GHz)

Intel Core 9 270H (14 cores, 2.7GHz)

GPU

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 8GB

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 8GB

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070, 8GB

RAM

16GB DDR5

16GB DDR5

32GB LPDDR5X

Storage

1TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

1TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

Display

15.6-inch (1920 x 1080) IPS, 16:9, 144Hz

15.6-inch (1920 x 1080) IPS, 16:9, 144Hz

15.6-inch (1920 x 1080) IPS, 16:9, 144Hz

Ports and Connectivity

USB Type-C x 1 (with DisplayPort), USB 3.2 x 2, USB 2.0 x 1, HDMI x 1, Mini DisplayPort x 1, 3.5 mm jack x 1, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2

USB Type-C x 1 (with DisplayPort), USB 3.2 x 2, USB 2.0 x 1, HDMI x 1, Mini DisplayPort x 1, 3.5 mm jack x 1, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2

USB Type-C x 1 (with DisplayPort), USB 3.2 x 2, USB 2.0 x 1, HDMI x 1, Mini DisplayPort x 1, 3.5 mm jack x 1, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2

Battery

51.6Wh

51.6Wh

51.6Wh

Dimensions

0.9 x 14.2 x 9.7in (24 x 361 x 247mm)

0.9 x 14.2 x 9.7in (24 x 361 x 247mm)

0.9 x 14.2 x 9.7in (24 x 361 x 247mm)

Weight

5lbs / 2.25kg

5lbs / 2.25kg

5lbs / 2.25kg

Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Basic appearance
• More portable than expected
• Generous keyboard layout

It’s clear from even a cursory glance at the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 that it isn’t trying to win any style awards. Its austere looks are purely functional, with no fanfare in sight. The Medion logo on the lid is small and discreet, finished in a slightly darker shade of black than its surroundings.

There are a few unsightly juts and angles, but compared to others in this class, it’s pleasingly free from bulk. It’s reasonably thin, and although it features a rear protrusion for ventilation purposes, this isn’t as bulbous as many other examples. It’s also not as heavy as you might expect, meaning the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 is one of the more portable 15-inch gaming laptops out there.

It’s not exactly built to the highest standards, though. The materials are far from the most premium, and the chassis has a fair amount of flex to it. Thankfully, the lid is a more solid affair, while still being easy and smooth to pivot into position.

There’s a noticeable gap between the display and the bottom half of the unit, which I haven’t seen before. This seems like a good idea for cooling purposes, though, helping to prevent heat radiating onto the display itself.

The bezel around the display is thin on most sides except the bottom. This is somewhat of a shame, but it does at least help to emphasize the widescreen effect.

(Image credit: Future)

Since it’s quite a wide unit, the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 manages to fit in a full-size keyboard, complete with a number pad. The keys themselves don’t feel cramped, either, and I appreciated their floating design. They’re narrower than you’ll find on many other gaming laptop keyboards, though.

There are a generous number of ports on the Erazer Deputy 15 P1. There are three USB-A ports and two USB-C ports, spread across both sides, which improves convenience when connecting various peripherals. There’s also the obligatory headset jack.

On the rear you’ll find the power port, sandwiched between an HDMI port and an ethernet port. This location is a little impractical, since the included power adapter has an L-shaped barrel, meaning the cable will have to trail over your HDMI or ethernet cable, depending on your setup.

There’s also a Mini DisplayPort on the rear, which is a rare sight on a gaming laptop, but one I welcome all the same. One of the aforementioned USB-C ports can also handle external display connections.

• Design: 3.5 / 5

Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 review: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Great 1080p performance
• Sharp but reflective display
• Impressive cooling abilities

Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 Benchmarks

These are the various benchmark scores for the Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1:

Geekbench 6 (Multi Core): 14,639; (Single Core): 2,826
Cinebench R23 (Multi Core): 17,525; (Single Core): 2,056
Cinebench R24 (Multi Core): 1,111; (Single Core): 120
Crossmark Overall: 2,001
3DMark
Fire Strike: 26,820; Steel Nomad: 2,693; Solar Bay: 47,158; Speed Way: 2,938; Port Royal: 7,322
BlackMagicDisk Read: 3,917MB/s; Write: 2,458MB/s
25GB Copy Test: 278MB/s
Civilization VII (1080p, Medium): 190 FPS; (Max Resolution, High): 148 FPS; (Balanced Upscaling, Max Resolution, High): 121 FPS
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (1080p, Medium): 150 FPS; (Max Resolution, Highest): 140 FPS; (Balanced Upscaling, Max Resolution, Highest): 159 FPS
Total War: Warhammer III: Mirrors of Madness (1080p, Medium): 117 FPS; (Max Resolution, Ultra): 59 FPS
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Medium): 258 FPS; (Max Resolution, Ultra): 215 FPS; (Balanced Upscaling, Max Resolution, Ultra): 240 FPS
F1 2024 (1080p, Medium): 254 FPS; (Max Resolution, Max Quality, No RT): 113 FPS; (Balanced Upscaling, Max Resolution, Max Quality with RT): 87 FPS

The RTX 5060 and Core 7 250H combination in my review unit proved more than capable of keeping up with the latest AAA titles. When I played Dying Light: The Beast, I was getting fps figures in the low-to-mid 200s. This was with maximum graphics settings applied, DLSS upscaling set to Balanced, and Frame Generation turned on.

It didn’t run Cyberpunk 2077 quite so impressively, but it was still a great experience nonetheless. I was getting frame rates in the low hundreds on the maximum Ray Tracing: Overdrive preset, again with DLSS and Frame Generation turned on.

What’s more, its 1080p resolution looked sharper on the 15.6-inch display than I expected. It’s also surprisingly vibrant, although colors are still a little washed-out compared to other gaming laptops, and especially to the best gaming monitors. It’s also quite reflective in certain lighting conditions, and not even the highest brightness setting can mitigate the effect.

The cooling, on the other hand, is more impressive. During my play time, none of the touchable surfaces became anything more than lukewarm, not even the underside. The hottest part was just above the keyboard, but even this area wasn’t too hot to handle.

(Image credit: Future)

What’s more, that aforementioned gap between the lid and chassis prevented any heat leaking onto the screen. To achieve this all-round cooling, you will have to endure a fair amount of fan noise, but the best PC gaming headsets should keep this at bay.

The keyboard is great for gaming with. The keys have just the right amount of travel to make them tactile, and the WASD keys are textured and colored differently to make them easier to locate.

However, the keycaps are quite narrow, which can make them awkward to use. They’re well-spaced, which helps to prevent mispresses when gaming, but I found typing more of a challenge.

The touchpad isn’t as large as you might expect given the size of the Erazer Deputy 15 P1, but its smooth surface makes it easy to use. I still triggered it accidentally when using the WASD keys, but thankfully there’s an Fn shortcut to quickly disable it.

• Performance: 4.5 / 5

Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 review: Battery Life

(Image credit: Future)

• Average battery life
• Relatively fast charging

The battery life of the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 is fairly average for a gaming laptop. It managed to last six hours and 47 minutes when I played a movie on a continuous loop. This is about the same as the cheaper Acer Nitro V 15.

It lasted one hour and 47 minutes when I conducted PCMark’s battery benchmark for gaming scenarios, which again is similar to the score achieved by the Nitro V 15, although it’s down on the two hours and 26 minutes of the Nitro 16 AMD. It is at least quick to charge, taking about two hours to replenish from empty to full.

• Battery Life: 3.5 / 5

Should I buy the Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1?Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

I haven’t encountered similarly priced 1080p laptops that can game as well as the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 can, although some come close – and some of those are cheaper.

4 / 5

Design

It’s not the most exciting or the most premium, but it’s surprisingly compact and portable for its size.

3.5 / 5

Performance

The 1080p performance is superb for the price, while the sharpness of the display belies its 1080p resolution, although it's quite reflective.

4.5 / 5

Battery Life

Not the best, not the worst. Some cheaper gaming laptops have similar endurance levels.

3.5 / 5

Total

The Erazer Deputy 15 P1 hits all the right notes at this price point, although the reflective display and lackluster design mar it somewhat. There’s strong competition at this price point, but the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 can hold its own against them.

4 / 5

Buy the Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 if...

You want high-end performance
The Erazer Deputy 15 P1 can handle high-to-max settings on demanding titles very well, keeping cool all the while.

You want to carry it around
Despite its 15.6-inch size, the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 is surprisingly portable, thanks to its thinness and relatively light construction.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best display
Despite how sharp it looks, the display isn’t as vibrant as others, and it can be overly reflective.

You want something quiet
The price you pay for that excellent cooling is fan noise. Get yourself a good pair of headphones.

Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 review: Also Consider

Acer Nitro 16 AMD
The Nitro 16 is similarly priced to the Erazer Deputy 15 P1, but it has a slightly bigger screen and a sharper resolution. You won’t be getting the latest RTX GPUs, so performance won’t be as good, but the 165Hz refresh makes up for the shortfall somewhat in certain games.

Read our full Acer Nitro 16 AMD review.

Acer Nitro V 15 Intel
The Nitro V 15 is cheaper than the Erazer Deputy 15 P1, yet still gets RTX 5050 and 5060 cards. However, even with the latter equipped, it can’t quite match the performance of the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 in my experience, perhaps due to the inferior i7 chip in the unit I tested.

Read our full Acer Nitro V 15 Intel review.

How I tested the Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1

• Tested for several days
• Used for gaming and other tasks
• Plentiful gaming laptop experience

I tested the Erazer Deputy 15 P1 for several days, using it for gaming, working, and general entertainment.

I played AAA titles such as Cyberpunk and Dying Light: The Beast at various settings. I also ran our series of benchmark tests, designed to ... every facet of a laptop's performance.

I've tested plenty of gaming laptops before, from budget offerings to range-topping powerhouses. I've been PC gaming for over a decade and have experience with plenty of other machines and systems as well.

• First reviewed November 2025
• Read more about how we test

Lexar Play Pro microSD Express Card: review

The Lexar Play Pro microSD Express Card has been my Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express card of choice since it arrived at TechRadar Gaming HQ a few months ago.

As the very first 1TB microSD Express model to hit the market, it’s one of your few options if, like me, you need loads of storage for an absolutely mega Nintendo Switch 2 game library. Pair this fact with its solid results in benchmarks and brilliant performance in real-world use, and you have the ultimate upgrade for Nintendo’s latest console - provided you can afford it.

At $58.98 / £59.45 / AU$119.34, the 256GB version of the Lexar Play Pro Micro SD Express Card is almost bang on the price of its biggest competition, the officially licensed SanDisk microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2. Lexar also smartly offers a slightly more affordable 128GB edition, so those with very modest storage needs can save a little cash.

The star of the show is that aforementioned 1TB variant, though, which comes in at a much more premium $199.99 / £199.99 price. In my eyess this is very fair for what you get, especially when you factor in the strong 831.97MB/s read speed it achieved in my benchmarks.

(Image credit: Future)

This is very close to the 900MB/s read speed claimed by the manufacturer, with the difference easily attributable to differing testing conditions. The card fared much worse when it comes to write speed, however, reaching 310.03MB/s, which is just over half of the claimed 600MB/s.

Sure, some other cards do reach higher speeds (much higher, when it comes to write speed), like the aforementioned SanDisk microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 or competing PNY microSD Express Card, but you’d be hard-pressed to notice any tangible difference in the real world.

I experienced no issues at all with missed frames, slow-to-load assets, or noticeably elevated load times in any of the titles that I’ve played using this card, which ranged all the way from graphically demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition to less intense adventures such as Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster.

Nothing quite compares to the freedom of knowing that you won’t have to fiddle around to find space in order to install each new game that you get, and, for that, the Lexar Play Pro MicroSD Express Card comes emphatically recommended.

Lexar Play Pro microSD Express Card: Price and specs

Price

$58.98 / £59.45 / AU$119.34 (256GB)

Capacity

256GB / 512GB / 1TB

Quoted read speed

900MB/s

Quoted write speed

600MB/s

Benchmarked read speed

831.97MB/s

Benchmarked write speed

310.03MB/s

Should I buy the Lexar Play Pro microSD Express Card?Buy it if...

You need a mega storage boost
If you’re after a 1TB Nintendo Switch 2 storage expansion, your options are pretty limited. Lexar is one of the few manufacturers offering a 1TB option; it performs decently and is reasonably priced, so it should be a top choice if that’s what you're after.

You have the budget
If you’re happy to spend a fair chunk on a Nintendo Switch 2 accessory, then the 1TB Lexar Micro SD Express Card should be your pick. The hefty capacity will likely keep your storage met for years, so think of it as a long-term investment.

Don't buy it if...

You need the absolute fastest card
The only problem with the Lexar Micro SD Express Card is its underwhelming write speed in my benchmarks. It’s slower than some of the competition, though the strong read speed means that this doesn’t really impact general use.

Also consider

Want to compare the Lexar Micro SD Express Card to its biggest competition? Here are two strong alternatives to weigh up.

Lexar Play Pro microSD Express Card

SanDisk microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2

PNY microSD Express Card

Price

$58.98 / £59.45 / AU$119.34 (256GB)

$59.99 / £49.99 / AU$79.95

$59.99 / £59.99 / around AU$100 (256GB)

Capacity

256GB / 512GB / 1TB

256GB

128GB / 256GB

Quoted read speed

900MB/s

880MB/s

890MB/s

Quoted write speed

600MB/s

650MB/s

550MB/s

Benchmarked read speed

831.97MB/s

894.4MB/s

893.74MB/s

Benchmarked write speed

310.03MB/s

674.1MB/s

713.42MB/s

SanDisk microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2
This officially licensed card from SanDisk outperforms the Lexar Play Pro microSD Express Card and comes in at a similar price. You are limited to a 256GB capacity, though.

Read our full SanDisk microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 review

PNY microSD Express Card
The PNY MicroSD Express Card is thus far the fastest microSD Express card that I’ve tested. It's the option to pick if you’re after the highest speeds, but again, there’s no 1TB option.

Stay tuned for our full PNY microSD Express Card review

How I tested the Lexar Play Pro microSD Express Card

• Used for multiple months
• Tested against other microSD Express cards
• Subjected to standardized benchmark tests

As I previously mentioned, the Lexar Play Pro microSD Express Card has been my personal Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express card of choice since it arrived a few months ago. In my time with the card, I’ve used it almost daily with my own Nintendo Switch 2, constantly evaluating its performance in a wide range of games.

I also benchmarked the card against the competition in a series of standardized tests, recording and comparing the results directly. I measured the sequential read and write speed of each card using a standardized benchmark via CrystalDiskMark in its default flash memory settings.

To do this, I relied on the Lexar Play Pro MicroSD Express Card Reader, which features an active cooling fan. This was provided by Lexar alongside the Lexar Micro SD Express Card for the purpose of this review.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed November 2025

• View or buy Atem X at iQAir or via Amazon
  

IQAir Atem X: two-minute review

I've had the IQAir Atem X Air Purifier since April 2024 – and it has never once disappointed me. The real standout is the design. This sleek, stylish Swedish air purifier looks like something you'd find in New York's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). It's large, but the fact you can place it flush against the wall means it won't get in the way.

Underneath its fashionable exterior, the IQAir Atem X works harder than the most utilitarian of air purifiers. This is one of the very best air purifiers I've used, and I've tested over 50. The only model that I've been more impressed by is the Levoit EverestAir, and it's a narrow margin.

Since I have a smoking neighbor, I take air purifiers seriously, and often I've wished I had more than 3 or 4 speeds to choose from. The IQAir Atem X has 8 speeds, so I can always find the most effective speed that's not so loud enough that I need to wear ANC headphones. It also boasts much higher-than-average CADRs (clean air delivery rate), which make it suitable for use in large spaces.

The purification uses 'HyperHEPA' filters (ed's note: I'm confirming if this is true HEPA, but will assume not) and 'impactors' (equivalent to pre-filters). I have an open plan home, so there are no walls to separate the living room and kitchen, but the IQAir Atem X removes my neighbor's tobacco smoke, and my occasional kitchen odors, very efficiently. This is even more impressive considering there's no activated charcoal filter. It's really hard to believe that something so beautiful can work like a beast to remove odors so quickly.

You can control the Atem X using the touch controls that sit on the back side of the purifier but are still very easy to access, or via a useful companion app. However, there's no voice assistant support for those who prefer to go completely hands-free.

The main sticking point for many people will be the price. This is a very expensive purifier, and the replacement filters don't come cheap, either. However, if you want something functional and beautiful, and are happy to invest to get it, it's an excellent choice. So, that's the short version – keep reading for my full IQAir Atem X review.

(Image credit: Future)IQAir Atem X review: price & availability

• List price: $1,399
• Available: US online, various other countries via dealers

The IQAir Atem X is available to buy online in the US from the IQAir website or via Amazon. At list price it costs $1,3999. It's also available in various other countries, but typically via dealers.

The air purifier uses three HyperHEPA filters at a time, and the replacement pack is $199, which is among the most expensive filters I've ever encountered. Fortunately, the filter pack only needs to be replaced once a year if you're using the purifier regularly, or maybe less often if it's not being used as much.

In the air purifier market, the IQAir Atem X is considered a premium purchase. It's significantly more expensive than my favorite purifier, the Levoit EverestAir, which has a list price of $499.99 and is comparable in performance. Price-wise, the IQAir Atem X is comparable to the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde BP04, which retails for $1,199.99 at the time of publication.

The IQAir Atem X is an extremely good air purifier, and the various functions, user-friendly features, and quality build help justify the price. However, it is incredibly expensive – and especially if you factor in the ongoing cost of filters – and may not be in everyone's budget.

• Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

IQAir Atem X specs

CADR:

Dust 417; Tobacco smoke 422; Pollen 454

Size (W x H x D):

27.1 x 27.1 x 10in / 68.8 x 68.8 x 25.4cm

Control:

Touchscreen buttons, app

Filters:

Impactors (pre-filter), HyperHEPA

Modes:

1-8 fan speeds, Quiet, Balanced, Max, Smart

Contaminants detected:

PM 2.5, PM10, CO2

IQAir Atem X review: design

• Stylish, minimalist design with recessed touch controls and smart controls
• Pre-filters and 'HyperHEPA' filters, but no activated charcoal filter
• Adjustable airflow

The AQAir Atem X Air Purifier is large, but it doesn't look bulky. That's because it has a slim, minimalist design. In fact, I think this air purifier looks like a work of art; something you'd see at New York's MoMA. I love appliances that aren't easily identifiable, and the Atem X definitely falls in this category. Guests always ask what it is – especially since there are no controls on the front.

IQAir is a Swiss company, and the air purifier is actually made in Germany. The Atem X reflects Swiss design sensibilities in the clean lines and uncluttered look. For example, the power cord is retractable, so any excess can be hidden. Also, the front of the air purifier is completely free of controls – they're located in the back, and also recessed, so even from a back view, they're unobtrusive.

(Image credit: Future)

The Atem X comes with a detachable wheel base, which makes it easy to transport, but is the only part of the air purifier that looks clunky. I'll be honest with you here: the wheel base is somewhere in my garage and I couldn't locate it for the review. Because I knew I would only use the air purifier in my living room/kitchen space (it would be overkill in one of the bedrooms), I never bothered installing it.

There's a leather handle on the back of the air purifier that makes it easy to move short distances. However, it weighs 28.7 lbs / 13kg, so if you need to move it frequently or transport more than a few feet, it would probably be a good idea to attach the wheel base.

(Image credit: Future)

Around the circumference of the Atem X, three-quarters of the grilles are for air inlet, and one quarter (at the top) is for air outlet. The direction of the airflow can be changed to flow towards the left or towards the right of the top of the purifier.

As well as being aesthetically pleasing, the air purifier is also quite functional and user-friendly. The recessed controls are on the back, directly underneath the outlet grille. I never encounter a problem trying to access them – and honestly, I think that placing them on the back contributes to the beauty of the air purifier and prevents it from looking utilitarian).

They include the power button, smart mode (to switch between the manual fan speed settings and automatic fan speed control), light button (to turn the control panel lighting on or off), Wi-Fi button, filter status, and Ethernet status. There are eight options on the fan speed slider, and this is also where the air quality index color is displayed (when not changing the fan speed).

(Image credit: Future)

The air quality indicator colors are as follows: green for good, yellow for moderate, orange for unhealthy or sensitive groups, red for unhealthy, purple for very unhealthy, and flashing purple for hazardous.

The IQAir Atem X can also be controlled via a companion app. Attached to the back of the stand is an ID card that contains the QR code to scan and download the app, the Certification of Performance, and the serial number. In addition, the company recommends using the card to pry off the air purifier's front cover when it's time to replace the filters (and I can confirm the card works much better than a butter knife or flat-head screwdriver, which could damage the panel).

The filtration system includes three 'impactors' – equivalent to pre-filters – which are designed to trap large particles, lint, and fibers. Underneath the impactors are the main filters, called HyperHEPA (editor's note: I'm confirming with IQAir, but assume these are not true HEPA filters). These are designed to capture hair and dander, pollen, dust mites, airborne mold, viruses and bacteria.

(Image credit: Future)

Rather surprisingly at this price point, there's no activated charcoal filter. As a general rule, I'm inclined to dislike air purifiers that don't contain activated charcoal, because that tends to be the 'secret sauce' that removes the odors. For example, my Alen BreathSmart 75i has a big, heavy odor filter and I can actually shake it and hear the activated charcoal inside. However, this doesn't seem to impact the Atem X's ability to clear odors, as I'll get into in the Performance section.

(Image credit: Future)

Fortunately, this isn't one of those air purifiers that needs to be turned upside-down to remove the filters. However, the process is more involved than some competitors. After prying the cover off, you need to unlock the locking levers and rotate the air purifier to remove the grilles and the three filters.

The impactors are on the other side of the grilles, and they should be vacuumed with a brush attachment whenever the air filters are changed. However, I vacuum both the air filters and impactors at least monthly. Depending on how dirty the impactors get, they should be rinsed under running water and then thoroughly dried before reinserting.

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

IQAir Atem X review: performance

• App provides a lot of helpful information
• 8 speeds and three special modes provide plenty of control
• Cleans air quickly and is quiet in use

As a general rule, I'm perfectly content to control the IQAir Atem X using the onboard controls – especially since I can easily reach it while sitting at my desk. However, for testing purposes, I downloaded the app to my smartphone and spent some time controlling it from there.

The app is chock-full of helpful information. For example, it shows both the daily and the hourly weather forecast in my area, as well as the humidity level. The app also provides health recommendations based on the local air quality, such as "enjoy outdoor activities", and "open your windows to bring clean, fresh air indoors".

(Image credit: IQAir)

With the air purifier, the app measures such pollutants as PM2.5 (fine particles), PM10 (larger particles), and carbon dioxide levels, as well as humidity levels, and the temperature in the room.

Inside the app, I can turn the air purifier on and off, and adjust the fan speed, brightness levels, lock the control panel, view remaining filter life, and use smart mode. There are actually three smart modes I can select from in the app – and they're not available on the onboard controls.

(Image credit: IQAir)

Quiet mode ensures the fan speed does not exceed level 5. Balanced mode ensures the max fan speed does not go higher than level 7. During periods of high pollution, Max mode changes the fan speed accordingly, with no limit on fan speed. In Smart mode, the air purifier's fan will automatically adjust based on pollutants detected.

I love having 8 fan speeds, so I can set the purifier precisely to fit my comfort level. I tend to use level 4 or 5, as this removes polluted air quite well, while still being relatively quiet. (For example, the noise level is around 44dB on the 4th speed, compared to 65dB when it's set on 8).

(Image credit: Future)

There's a reason why I can set it at a lower rate and still clean the air. That's because the average air purifier that's considered good (not to be confused with just the average air purifier) has a CADR in the 200 range. However, the IQAir Atem X has CADRs of 417 for dust, 422 for tobacco smoke, and 454 for pollen. This means that it cleans air at a much faster rate. (It's more normal for a purifier to just have one CADR, which would usually either be an average of the rates for dust, tobacco smoke and pollen or the highest of those three.)

For example, when I walk into the living room and my neighbor has been smoking – I set the air purifier fan on 8, it removes the smoke and odors in less than 10 minutes (usually only 7 or 8 minutes). And then I set it back to 4 or 5 to maintain the clean air.

• Performance score: 5 out of 5

Should you buy the IQAir Atem X?

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

One of the two most expensive air purifiers I've ever tested, but one of the very best (and best-looking) as well.

3.5 / 5

Design

Stylish, with recessed controls on back and retractable cable. Has both touch and smart controls, and airflow is adjustable.

4.5 / 5

Performance

High CADR means it cleans air super-fast. Eight fan speeds provide precise control.

5 / 5

Buy it if...

You like customization options

Most air purifiers give you 3 to 5 speeds, but the IQAir Atem X provides 8, and you can also adjust several other settings as well.

You want to clean a large space quickly

With some of the highest CADRs on the market, the IQAir Atem X is great for use in large spaces.

You want an air purifier that looks good

Some air purifiers look like something you'd find in a hospital, and although the IQAir Atem X is white, it does not have that sterile, clinical look. The Swiss-design is actually quite beautiful.

Don't buy it if...

You want a quick and easy filter replacement process

It's not hard, but there are several steps involved in disassembling the IQAir Atem X, including prying the cover off, unlocking the locking levers, rotating the air purifier to remove the three filters, and pressing down to remove the impactors. Compare this to some air purifiers that only require pulling the magnetic cover forward, and then pulling out only one filter pack.

You're on a budget

You're getting into an arm-and-a-leg territory (possibly a kidney) to purchase the IQAir Atem X Air Purifier. There are certainly less expensive options on the market to choose from, and if you're only cleaning a small space, it's overkill.

You want to use voice assistants

Although there's an app, which is quite easy to use, if you want to be totally hands-free, you may prefer an air purifier that is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant.

How I tested the IQAir Atem X

I used the IQ Air Atem X in my condo-style apartment (open living room/kitchen, 2 bedrooms, built in 2016, HVAC) for a year and a half. During this time, I used it primarily in the living room/kitchen area, to clear cooking smells and second-hand smoke from my neighbor. I don't need that much power in my bedrooms – and I don't want to push it from room to room.

For this review, I noted how it responds to various pollutants and how quickly it removes them. Since I work from home and sit at my desk at least 8 hours a day – usually more – and my desk is close to the kitchen, I've had plenty of opportunities to test it with various cooking odors, especially when I'm writing and not paying attention to what I'm cooking. As a consumer tech journalist, I've reviewed over 50 different air purifiers, and I drew upon my experience to get a feel for how the IQAir Atem X compares to the wider market and if it is a good value for the money.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed October 2025

Acer Aspire Go 15: Two-minute review

The Acer Aspire Go 15 is an affordable Windows laptop with a spec that should prove capable enough for everyday use.

Considering its 15.6-inch form, it has a sleek and slender body. It’s also quite thin and light, which makes it easier to carry around than expected. The light silver finish and minimal aesthetic also imbue the Aspire Go 15 with some style, although there are a few unsightly angles that mar its appearance somewhat.

It isn’t built to the same high standards as the best laptops, much less many of the best Ultrabooks, either. The materials aren’t premium, and its construction isn’t as reassuringly solid as I would’ve liked. The lid isn’t the most stable, either, and its downward protrusion means it lifts up the rear of the unit when opened beyond 90 degrees, which is a design choice I’m not particularly fond of due to its impractical nature.

On a more positive note, there’s a decent selection of ports, including three for USB-A, one for HDMI cables, and one for Ethernet connections. There’s only one USB-C port, though, and no SD card reader.

(Image credit: Future)

The everyday performance of the Aspire Go 15 is very good, handling light productivity and entertainment workloads with speed. However, more intensive tasks such as gaming fare worse, given that it lacks a dedicated GPU. Light gaming is still possible, though, and both fan noise and temperatures are kept to a minimum.

One of the most disappointing aspects of the Aspire Go 15 is its display. Its grainy finish can be distracting, while colors can look a little washed out in some cases. Worse still is the restrictive viewing angle, with images and scenes becoming totally obscured when the display is set even slightly beyond optimal bounds.

The battery life of the Aspire Go 15 is quite good, though, lasting close to 12 hours during our movie playback test. However, there are quite a few rivals that can outlast it, such as the Dell 14 Plus.

Considering its price, the Aspire Go 15 represents a very good value, offering a more affordable alternative to the best Windows laptops that cost a good bit more. There are also better-performing Chromebooks for less money, such as the HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch, which also has a better display, but if you can live with its display, the Aspire Go 15 is one of the best budget laptops going and well worth adding to your shortlist.

Acer Aspire Go 15 review: Price & Availability

• Starts from $299.99 / £299.99 (about AU$450)
• Base models have weak specs
• Review model is still well-priced, though

The Aspire Go 15 starts from $299.99 / £299.99 (about AU$450) and is available now. A range of Intel and AMD CPUs are available to choose from, while RAM and storage capacities range from 8GB to 32GB and 128GB to 1TB, respectively.

This is a good starting price for a Windows laptop, but for this outlay, you’ll have to settle for a weak spec. My review model was considerably more powerful than the base model, and priced closer to some strong rivals.

However, it still undercuts other affordable Windows machines, such as the Dell 14 Plus. We found this laptop to be an excellent value, though, thanks to its fast performance and enduring battery life, while its light design even makes it a worthy alternative to some of the best MacBooks.

If you’re willing to look beyond Windows machines, the HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch is another enticing proposition. This is cheaper than the Aspire Go 15, but has a stronger performance and a superior display that doesn’t suffer from the same issues. No wonder we think it’s one of the best Chromebooks around right now.

• Value: 4.5 / 5

Acer Aspire Go 15 review: SpecsAcer Aspire Go 15 Specs

Base configuration

Review configuration

Maximum configuration (US) | (UK)

Price

$299.99 / £299.99

$549.99 / £649

$819.99 / £899.99

CPU

Intel N100 (4 cores, 3.4GHz)

AMD Ryzen 7 5825U (8 cores, 2.0GHz)

Intel Core i7-13620H | Intel Core 7 150U

GPU

Intel UHD Graphics (integrated)

AMD Radeon (integrated)

Intel UHD Graphics (integrated) | Intel Graphics (integrated)

RAM

4GB LPDDR5

16GB DDR4

16GB DDR5 | 32GB DDR4

Storage

128GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

1TB PCIe 3.0 SSD | 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD

Display

15.6-inch (1920 x 1080), 16:9, 60Hz

15.6-inch (1920 x 1080), 16:9, 60Hz

15.6-inch (1920 x 1080), 16:9, 60Hz

Ports and Connectivity

2x USB-A (3.2 Gen 1), 1x USB-C (3.2 Gen 2), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm combo audio; Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1

3x USB-A (3.2 Gen 1), 1x USB-C (3.2 Gen 2), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Ethernet, 1x 3.5mm combo audio; Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1

3x USB-A (3.2 Gen 1), 1x USB-C (3.2 Gen 2), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Ethernet, 1x 3.5mm combo audio; Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1

Battery

53Wh

53Whr

53Whr | 53Whr

Dimensions

14.3 x 9.5 x 0.8in (363 x 241 x 20mm)

14.3 x 9.5 x 0.8in (363 x 241 x 20mm)

14.3 x 9.5 x 0.8in (363 x 241 x 20mm)

Weight

3.92lbs / 1.78kg

3.92lbs / 1.78kg

3.92lbs / 1.78kg

A wide selection of spec configurations are available, with both Intel and AMD processors. There is a mix of PCIe 3.0 and 4.0 SSDs depending on the spec, so some drives will run slower than others, and that's not always immediately apparent when looking at retailer specs sheets.

It also doesn't include the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standard, but Wi-Fi 6 is fast enough for most people's needs, while the inclusion of an Ethernet port is welcome.

Overall, for their various price points, these are about the specs one should expect.

• Specs: 3.5 / 5

Acer Aspire Go 15 review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Reasonably light and thin
• Lacking solidity
• Odd lid design

The Aspire Go 15 is a basic but smart looking laptop, with extraneous details kept to a minimum. The light silver finish of my review unit helped to impart some elegance, too, although a few unsightly juts and angles spoil its otherwise smooth contours. While the Aspire Go 15 is quite wide, it’s relatively light and pleasingly thin, which makes it easier to carry around than you might imagine for a 15.6-inch laptop.

Build quality isn’t exactly the greatest, though, with cheap looking – and feeling – plastics that flex to an inauspicious degree. Thankfully, the keys feel more premium: they’re solidly fitted and have a prominent texture that’s satisfying to touch.

(Image credit: Future)

The lid is also better made than the rest of the unit, featuring a solid yet smooth hinge mechanism. I welcomed how thin it was, too, although I was less keen on its bottom protrusion. This causes the rear of the Aspire Go 15 to lift off ground when opened to angles beyond 90 degrees – a deliberate design choice but one that feels unintuitive and can result in loose fabrics and other materials underneath the chassis getting caught, which isn’t ideal.

There was a reasonable selection of ports on my Aspire Go 15 review unit. I welcomed the three USB-A ports, spread across both sides for added convenience. There was also an HDMI port and an ethernet port: increasingly rare sights on modern laptops, and again ones I was glad to see. There’s only one USB-C port, though, and no SD card reader, both of which are mild shames.

• Design: 3.5 / 5

Acer Aspire Go 15 review: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Great general computing performance
• Some light gaming is possible
• Relatively cool and quiet

Acer Aspire Go 15 benchmarks:

3DMark Fire Strike: 3,646; Steel Nomad: 205; Wild Life Extreme: 2,229; Wild Life Extreme Unlimited: 2,200;
GeekBench 6.5 Single-core: 2,000; Multi-core: 6,605
CrossMark Overall: 1,109; Productivity: 1,149; Creativity: 1,125; Responsiveness: 954;
HandBrake - 4K to 1080p average FPS: 43.24

For everyday tasks, the Aspire Go 15 is very capable. It can handle light productivity, from word processing to spreadsheet creation, without much if any slowdowns. It also had no problem streaming 4K content. I didn’t experience any midway buffering pauses or stuttering, for example.

However, the viewing experience is marred by the quality of the display. It has a noticeably grainy finish, which can be distracting at times. Colors can also look washed out.

What’s more, the display darkens considerably if the angle isn’t set just right, to the point of near-total blackness sometimes. Thankfully, once you’ve found the optimum position, there are next to no reflections visible on screen.

Since there’s no dedicated GPU installed in the Aspire Go 15, it isn’t particularly great for creative and gaming workloads. Cyberpunk 2077 is playable on the lowest preset, but naturally, you’ll have to make do with some rough visuals and uninspiring frame rates.

(Image credit: Future)

The game is even passable on Medium settings and upscaling, but you’ll have to contend with even lower frame rates and more input lag, rendering the experience less than enjoyable.

Mercifully, though, I experienced little fan noise from the Aspire Go 15 during such intensive workloads, never elevating above a faint whir. It also stayed commendably cool, with certain portions of the body reaching lukewarm temperatures only.

Another highlight of the Aspire Go 15 is its keyboard. The aforementioned keycap texture helps them feel more tactile, as does the surprising amount of dampening of the switches, despite their short travel and very low profile.

What’s more, they’re snappy and responsive, which only improves their typing prowess. And despite featuring a number pad, the layout doesn’t feel cramped. Those number pad keys are relatively small, though, but they’re still eminently usable. So overall, if you’re looking for one of the best laptops for writing, the Aspire Go 15 could well be a contender for you.

The touchpad is less pleasant to use, though. While it’s smooth enough for easy gestures and swiping, it’s not as large as those in other 15-inch laptops, which compromises its navigation abilities. Also, clicks and taps lack feedback and even rattle at points, which further hampers their functionality.

• Performance: 4 / 5

Acer Aspire Go 15 review: Battery Life

(Image credit: Future)

• Reasonable longevity
• Rivals can far outlast it, though

The battery life of the is quite impressive. It managed to last close to 12 hours when playing a movie on a continuous loop. It’s also quick to charge, taking about two hours to fully top up.

The HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch achieved a similar score. However, others in this sector can outlast it by quite some distance, including the Dell 14 Plus, which lasted over 13 hours when we ran a similar test.

• Battery Life: 3.5 / 5

Should I buy the Acer Aspire Go 15?Acer Aspire Go 15 Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

The Aspire Go 15 ranges in price from incredibly cheap to reasonably-priced for a Windows machine exhibiting this kind of performance.

4.5 / 5

Specs

While the Aspire Go 15 isn't loaded with the very latest specs, for the price, they're pretty decent.

3.5 / 5

Design

It’s surprisingly thin and light for such a large laptop, but the construction isn’t exactly the most premium.

3.5 / 5

Performance

The Aspire Go 15 is great for everyday tasks and brilliant for typing on, but the poor display and lack of graphical power are drawbacks.

4 / 5

Battery Life

Battery life is quite good, but others can outlast it by a long way, too.

3.5 / 5

Total

The Aspire Go 15 is a very competent laptop for the price. But there are better all-rounders in the Chromebook market, if you really don’t need Windows.

3.8 / 5

Buy the Acer Aspire Go 15 if...

You want basic tasks done fast
Light productivity and 4K streaming are both dispatched with surprising ease.

You’ll be doing a lot of typing
The keyboard is a dream to use: it’s super responsive and provides plenty of feedback. The full-size layout doesn’t feel cramped, either.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best display
The grainy finish, lack of brightness, washed-out tones, and exacting viewing angles all add up to a less-than-stellar visual experience.

You'll be conducting intensive workloads
Since it lacks a dedicated GPU, the Aspire Go 15 isn’t the machine for creative pros or heavy gamers.

Acer Aspire Go 15 review: Also Consider

Dell Inspiron 14 Plus
Although it’s more expensive, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus still sits in the affordable Windows laptop bracket. It boasts a Snapdragon X Plus chip (so beware, this is an ARM machine), which can handle everyday tasks with aplomb. The display isn’t as big as the Go’s, but it’s significantly sharper and less fussy, not to mention it features touchscreen functionality.

Read our full Dell Inspiron 14 Plus review.

HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch
Stepping outside of the Windows ecosystem, the HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch is one of the best Chromebooks around, thanks to its excellent performance and display. What’s more, it’s cheaper than my Aspire Go 15 review unit. It’s also one of the best student Chromebooks.

Read our full HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch review.

How I tested the Acer Aspire Go 15

• Tested for several days
• Used for a variety of tasks
• Plentiful laptop reviewing experience

I tested the Acer Aspire Go 15 for several days, using it for working, entertainment, gaming, and general browsing.

I also connected various peripherals to it, and ran our series of benchmark tests to assess its overall performance. I also tested its battery life by playing a movie on a continuous loop until it expired.

I have plenty of experience testing all kinds of laptops, from everyday workhorses to high-end specialist machines. I’ve also reviewed Chromebooks and other computing devices, such as tablets.

• First reviewed: October 2025
• Read more about how we test

No one likes to be watched, even if the watcher has no real face, eyes, hands, or body. If there's an image of a floating face that seems to be watching your every move, it's gonna get old fast – and Napster View (forget about music) and its new AI platform straddle the line between real utility and overwhelming creepiness, helping me finally answer the question of just how much AI is actually too much.

The Napster View and AI idea is novel and potentially useful: a team of virtual assistants, each with their own area of expertise, at your beck and call to solve real-time problems. They will, if you let them, look at what your desktop screen, or even, via your computer's webcam, your real world.

The secret sauce for the platform is the $99 Napster View hardware (it's currently only available in the US), which puts any one of a half-dozen experts (and their avatars) in a circular 'holographic' screen right above your desktop.

The hardware is lovely if a bit over-built. A roughly two-inch in diameter but quite thin screen is connected to a pair of folding metal blocks that balance the display on top of your MacBook display by sort of cantilevering it against the back (rubber keeps the metal from scratching your laptop). There's a USB port on the back of the top block, which receives the included USB cable. You then plug that into one of your MacBook's available USB ports.

It works with any of the best MacBooks running an M1 chip or newer, and it's your Apple silicon-based MacBook that drives the graphics; however, you can also just run the interface on your desktop. The whole reason for the $99 hardware is to get that floating interface out of the way.

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(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Setup is fairly straightforward. You have access to your 'team', which includes your Chief of Staff Kai Mercer, a financial advisor, Kevin Jones, and the wellness guide, Elena Garcia.

While these are just a collection of slightly topic-tailored LLMs, each one also features an attractive avatar who stares out at you, waiting for your first request. Eleven Labs made them so they move just enough to seem lifelike. But when they talk, it's mostly just their mouths that move in sync to voices that, ultimately, do not always seem to fit the face.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

When I first installed the screen, I couldn't get the floating window off my desktop and onto the custom hardware. Turns out I had to give the Napster for Mac app some permissions, and then the avatar, in this case Kai's, appeared on the circular screen. The 3D effect is pretty decent, and appears to use some lenticular technology to separate the avatar from the background.

Kai, like my other avatar team members, blinks and watches me. But none of the avatars listen until I hit the mic button. After that, the interface adds options for turning on my webcam so the AI can analyze what I show it, a screen-share option, and a message center.

It took a couple of tries to get the Napster View avatar to see my screen, but eventually I figured out I had to choose the option to share the entire screen.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

I switched to the financial advisor, 'Richard Warnok', and asked it to analyze some fake small-business financials I had Gemini cook up. 'Warnok' did a good job of assessing that I was overspending and needed to make some changes, but when I said I wanted to lay off staff, he couldn't help me write the email. In fact, none of the avatars would help in that regard.

I then added a one-time $250K expense for a pet tiger. Warnok spotted it, and we eventually agreed it was a bad choice. It could not help me cook up ideas to monetize it.

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(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

In my conversations with the AIs, which use a variety of models (including some from OpenAI and Google Gemini) depending on the task, it became apparent that they had no sense that I was engaging with them through a visual avatar. All told me they had no hair, no face, no arms. Even the one who had pink hair, my coding guide, insisted she had none.

I did enter a lengthy coding session with her in which she spit out what looked like usable JavaScript code, but she was not much use in helping me test it.

I didn't like that even when using the hardware screen, the software interface took up some screen real estate and blocked part of my MacBook screen.

What I liked even less was the avatars staring at me. Also, if I left the mic on, they listened to everything. That could be maddening.

Creating your own avatar

Perhaps the most fascinating part of Napster AI is the platform's ability to build a digital twin. That's right, an AI version of you that can interact with colleagues, friends, maybe fans, when you're not available.

There's quite a process here that starts with uploading a decent photo of yourself. The system will use it to build a rendered avatar, which is a nicer-looking version of you. You can even dress it up. I chose a nice blazer.

Napter AI asks for your LinkedIn profile, which is used to build a baseline career history. The most fascinating party, though, is the AI interview.

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(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

One of Eleven Labs avatars (backed by Napster AI) interviews you for about three minutes about your career, highlights, your thoughts and feelings on your chosen industry, and how you want to interact with people. It's kind of a fun process, and even though it was just an AI, I felt sort of seen.

With that done, the last step is for you to read a paragraph of permission text that helps gather your voice print and ensure that you gave Napster AI permission to create your digital twin. I was pleased to see that Napster AI retains no right to my likeness or voice.

Unfortunately, my first attempt failed for unknown reasons, and I had to do the entire process again.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

My second attempt succeeded, though I think the AI questions were somewhat less insightful. It's almost like they rushed through the interview.

In any case, my Digital Twin is live and is living somewhat creepily in the Napster View. We engaged in a conversation that was, well, weird. My voice sounds almost but not quite like me. The animation of the mouth and face is not fantastic, but it sort of works.

As with the other avatars, mine appears to be floating on the screen, and like one of those images of Jesus some people hang on their walls, the eyes appear to be following me.

You can publish your digital twin and share the link on LinkedIn and other social platforms. Those who want to chat with it, though, do need to sign into Napster AI and agree to certain conditions.

Final thoughts

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Napster View is a fascinating, if not necessarily useful, combination of hardware and AI software. Your affinity for it will largely depend on how comfortable you are with engaging with digital life forms who have ones and zeroes coursing through their virtual veins.

The hardware is well designed, and the holographic screen is effective. But I'm not comfortable with a face (even my own) staring at me all day. Plus, there's the need to verbally converse. Yes, you can wear earbuds, but you'll still be talking out loud to your computer. Your officemates or home office companions may not appreciate all the chatter.

The digital twin is impressive, and while it's not something I think I'll actively use, I am aware that this is the start of a trend. More and more people, especially those in business, will be employing digital twins to handle low-level tasks and, especially, communications.

Businesspeople using this is also a function of the price. It'll cost you as much as $49 a month to use Napster AI's digital team services (and run that digital twin). Consumers won't likely sign up for that, but small companies that want to think big and maybe be even more productive with the help of AI might be interested.

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Two-minute review

The Lomography Lomourette is a compact half-frame camera built for the fun of film photography. Lightweight, inexpensive and simple, it strips the analog shooting experience down to its creative essentials. With a fixed f/8 plastic lens, manual focus dial and two-position shutter speed lever, it’s all about finding the joy and beauty in imperfection.

In the hand, it feels every bit a toy camera. The build borders on cheap and there’s little in the way of refinement, with no aperture control or metering. What you’re getting here is a cheerful camera that embraces experimentation. The film advance wheel, for example, is independent of the shutter release, which allows for intentional or accidental double exposures.

Then you’ve got the half-frame format itself. Doubling the image count from 36 to 72, it allows you to squeeze twice the entertainment from a single roll of 35mm film, by shooting two vertical stills that sit side-by-side in the same area as a standard photo.

In use, the Lomourette can be both delightful and unpredictable. When you nail the exposure and focus distance for a given scene, it produces pleasantly grainy stills with realistic colors and surprisingly good contrast. Shot on Kodak Ultramax 400, images benefited from natural skin tones and the genuine haze of analog nostalgia, rather than a stylized recreation. The 24mm lens isn’t the sharpest, but it’s still capable of rendering impressively crisp detail and edges.

But shooting with the Lomourette also requires patience and a sense of humor. Loading film is fiddly, the focus adjustment dial is crude and the viewfinder doesn’t exactly match what the lens sees. Framing errors, light leaks and accidental overlaps are all part of the creative ride. You’re guaranteed to lose exposures along the way, usually due to under- or over-exposure. The pay-off is that the good ones capture memories with a rich, attractive look, while the happy accidents have a distinct charm of their own.

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That’s not to say there aren’t frustrations. The detachable Diana+ flash is inconsistent, sometimes refusing to fire even when the ready light glows. Exposure control is entirely manual, so you’ll need to choose film that suits your shooting conditions: ISO 200 or 400 is best for bright daylight, while the Bulb mode can be used for long exposures if you’ve got a steady hand.

Ultimately, the Lomourette isn’t for perfectionists. It’s aimed at those who value spontaneity over total control. This is a budget plaything for film newcomers, experimental shooters and anyone who wants to rediscover the joy of photography without the pressure of technical mastery. It’s a low-stakes way to play with film and embrace the magic of analog unpredictability.

If you’re after a dependable film camera that delivers consistently sharp, perfectly exposed images, you’ll want to look elsewhere. But if you like the idea of a pocketable, characterful camera that makes every frame a small surprise, the Lomography Lomourette is a refreshingly care-free reminder of what makes film photography fun.

Lomography Lourette: price and availability

The Lomography Lourette costs $69 / £65 and is available now, in multiple colorways, through the Lomography website and other retailers. The Diana+ flash is bundled with the camera, as are colored gel filters.

Lomography Lomourette: specs

Lens:

24mm plastic lens

Focus:

0.6m, 1–2m, 2–4m, ∞ (infinity)

Lens Aperture:

f/8

Shutter Speed:

1/60sec, Bulb (B)

Film Format:

half-frame (using 35mm film)

Flash:

Yes, with Diana F+ attachment

Power source:

1x AA battery

Weight:

3.9oz / 110g

Lomography Lomourette: design

Compact, bright and light, the Lomography Lomourette feels more like a toy than a serious photography tool. That’s entirely the point: this is a playful analog camera that comes in on a tight budget. Like the original Diana camera of the Sixties, the Lomourette’s body and lens are made of plastic, with no frills to sweeten the deal.

There’s some rounded detailing up top and a textured effect on the main body, but little about the Lomourette feels premium. It weighs next to nothing and there’s a sense of bargain basement about the assembly. That said, it also somehow feels robust enough to survive at the bottom of a family backpack. And if it doesn’t, the low cost means you’re unlikely to lose sleep over it.

Controls here are kept deliberately simple. There’s a shutter speed lever to toggle between normal (1/60sec) and bulb for long exposures, alongside a shutter release lever to the photographer’s right. On the front of the lens is a rotating dial which can switch focus between four subject distances: 0.6m, 1-2m, 2-4m and infinity. What you don’t get is any control over the aperture. Unlike other Lomography cameras, the lens here is fixed at f/8.

On the top plate, you’ll find a mount for the Diana+ flash attachment, as well as a film advance wheel. The latter operates independently from the shutter. That means you can fire off multiple exposures on the same frame, intentionally or otherwise. It’s a creative feature, but also one of several quirks that can trip up beginners. If you don’t want fully or partially overlayed exposures, you’ll need to make sure you’ve fully wound on between shots.

The flash itself is a detachable unit powered by a single AA battery, its two prongs slotting neatly into their dedicated holes. In keeping with the camera’s pared-back personality, the flash doesn’t feature any kind of exposure or intensity control. It’s either on or off, although you do at least get a ready indicator and the option to test-fire first.

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Everything is easy enough to find your way around with your fingers, even if the amount of play in the controls is testament to the cost cap. Bigger digits may also find it difficult to rotate the focus distance dial: rather than gripping the outer edge of the lens, you need to get your tips into the inner section and twist, which is easier said than done.

Loading film can also be tricky. Due to the small size of the teeth on the take-up spool, getting the film leader to catch can take a few tries. Likewise, the rewind lever needs to be perfectly aligned with the canister before the back panel and main body can be latched back together using the door switch. It all becomes a bit easier once you’re familiar with the process, but it’s a reminder that loving the Lomourette requires a little patience.

As you’d expect from a budget film camera, the viewfinder isn’t linked to the lens. This makes it easy to accidentally shoot with the lens cap still on. Even when it’s off, the viewfinder only gives a modest window for your eye to work with, and what it shows doesn’t perfectly reflect what’s being framed by the lens.

These are just some of the facets which increase the margin for error when using the Lomourette. They arguably add to its character: you can’t use it expecting the precision of a digital camera or the sophistication of a more advanced film compact. Instead, the Lomourette rewards a relaxed approach, where missed exposures and happy accidents are part of the creative process.

The half-frame format is a perfect fit for this fun-first ethos. It doubles your exposures from 36 to 72 on a standard roll of 35mm film, splitting each frame into two portrait shots. That makes it great for storytelling in pairs or simply getting more value from your film. It also makes the resulting images half the size, which helps to hide any shortcomings in the optical quality.

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Like many of Lomography’s cameras, the Lomourette is more about feel than fidelity. Yet despite its plastic lens, many of the stills it produces are real keepers. While its image quality was never going to rival that of a more serious film camera, I was pleasantly surprised by how much contrast and clarity it captured.

Shoot in bright daylight and you’ll find that the Lomourette often delivers an attractive balance of realism tinged with nostalgia. Shadows and highlights are rendered with more depth than expected, while colors come through with a surprisingly natural hue, particularly skin tones.

Shooting on Kodak Ultramax 400, I found that stills have the quality of real memories from the mind’s eye: not too tinted, just an honest – if slightly warm and fuzzy – record of the scene. It stops short of the rose-tinted romanticism you encounter with some of the best instant cameras, leaning instead into the honest, grainy character of film.

The Lomourette’s 24mm lens doesn’t resolve a huge amount of detail, but it’s not as soft as you might expect. Nail the focus distance and you can get clean, defined edges. I shot stills sharp enough that text on clothing or the rim of a coffee cup stood out clearly, even through the haze of film grain. Zoom in and there’s enough detail to crop a single half-frame for sharing or use as a phone wallpaper.

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That said, consistency isn’t the Lomourette’s strong suit. Exposure can vary wildly between frames, especially when lighting conditions change. Some shots are washed out, others underexposed. That’s just part of the deal. Without a light meter, it’s down to you to read the scene and shoot according to your film and the available light. ISO 200 or 400 is a good starting point. The ‘normal’ shutter speed of 1/60sec is just about fast enough for handheld shooting in daylight. Indoors, you’ll either need to use the flash or shoot a long exposure with the bulb mode.

My hit rate was probably 60%, with the rest affected by errors. Many of these were simply too dark or blown-out to be usable. But other shots with technical issues proved to be unexpectedly artistic. For example, overlapping frames produced layered compositions that felt intentional even when they weren’t, with shadows and light streaks crossing the border between stills.

Focus adjustment is fiddly but functional. The four-step dial is imprecise and tricky to twist, but it works well enough. Even when the focus isn’t perfect, gentle blurring adds to the lo-fi aesthetic. Soft fuzz provides a patina that complements the richness of the results, with slight barrel distortion adding further character. This is a camera that celebrates imperfection.

The only real frustration was the flash. When it fired, the detachable Diana+ flashgun produced a burst of light that gave life to low-light stills, particularly close-up indoor portraits. But despite testing its functionality and ensuring the ready indicator light was lit, there were several occasions where it simply didn’t fire, resulting in wasted exposures.

For such a simple camera, the Lomourette gets you thinking about film speed and shooting conditions. It would be easy to feel frustrated by the shots lost to errors. Yet playing with it isn’t meant to be about technical perfection. If you’re willing to surrender to the process and celebrate the attractive analog shots it does yield, the Lomourette is a lot of fun to shoot with.

Should I buy the Lomography Lomourette?

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)Buy it if...

You want grainy retro stills
Results from the Lomourette are packed with analog charm. Lovely rich colors, hazy focus and lashings of grain give images the attractive vintage quality many associate with film nostalgia.

You want to maximise every roll
The half-frame setup lets you squeeze 72 stills from a standard roll of 35mm film, while the option of multiple exposures means you can stack even more on top.

You want a cheap film camera
With a basic interface and bargain build, the Lomourette is an affordable film camera that’s ideal for everyday use. Stick it in a backpack and you shouldn’t be too worried about what happens to it.

Don't buy it if...

You want a premium film camera
The Lomourette comes cheap and that’s reflected in the build quality. The lightweight camera body feels plasticky in the hand, as does the shutter release lever and film advance wheel.

You need foolproof performance
Its controls are relatively simple, but it’s still quite easy to shoot with the Lomourette in the wrong shutter setting or accidentally overlay exposures. Loading film can be fiddly, too.

You want the best image quality
Distortion, grain and soft focus are all part of the appeal here. If you want to try analog photography that consistently yields pin-sharp results, the Lomourette isn’t the answer.

How I tested the Lomography Lomourette

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)

• Tested over two months
• Shot 1.5 rolls of film
• Used in different lighting

I used the Lomography Lomourette for two months to get a proper feel for its quirks and creative potential. During that time, I shot a full roll of ISO 400 and a partial roll of ISO 200 film. To mirror how most people are likely to use the Lomourette, I tried it both indoors and outdoors, in a variety of lighting and weather conditions.

I threw the Lomourette in a backpack for several family outings, to see how its build stacks up in everyday use. I also handed it to a six-year-old for a true test of how intuitive it is for anyone to pick up and shoot with.

I made sure to work my way through every one of the camera’s controls and settings. That meant loading it up with film and winding it on, then doing the reverse when the roll was finished. It also meant experimenting with the Diana+ flash attachment, using the camera’s bulb setting for long exposures and exploring its four-step focus to see how accurately the distance measurement affected subject sharpness in the resulting exposure.

After having the negatives developed and scanned, I reviewed every frame to evaluate color accuracy, exposure consistency and overall image quality. This approach – both analytical and holistic – gave me a genuine picture of how the Lomourette performs in the real world.

First reviewed October 2025

Dyson V11 vacuum cleaner: two-minute review

The Dyson V11 launched in 2019 and sits around the middle of the brand's stick vacuum lineup. It's not the most hi-tech model in the range, but when it comes to cleaning powers it's one of the best cordless vacuums I've tested.

One of my favorite features is the LCD screen, which provides a ton of useful information. It'll tell you which mode you're using and exactly how much cleaning time you have left in that mode, and it'll flag up issues like blockages and show you how to fix them.

The design looks and feels premium, but is rather top-heavy, which makes it a little awkward to use in handheld mode in particular. From a usability perspective, it would benefit from a lock for continual running, so you don't need to keep the trigger pressed at all times. It's also lacking an air intake slider on the main floorhead, which could be opened up to make the vacuum easier to push on deep-pile carpet.

Where the V11 shines is in its cleaning powers. In my group test of various cordless vacuums, it was one of the most effective at cleaning on carpet, and handled pet hair incredibly well, too. Despite being top-heavy, it maneuvers very well, and the battery life is excellent.

Price-wise, the Dyson V11 sits the in premium bracket. For some people, it'll be worth investing a bit more to unlock the special features that come with Dyson's best vacuums – I missed having automatic suction adjustment based on floor type, and a soft floorhead with a dirt-illuminating laser for hard flooring.

However, it's still an excellent vacuum when it comes to cleaning powers and battery life, and an especially strong recommendation if you spot it on sale. Read on for my full Dyson V11 review, including the results of my in-depth tests.

(Image credit: Future)Dyson V11 review: price & availability

• List price: from $629.99 / £429.99 / AU$1,199
• Availability: worldwide, including US, UK and Australia
• Launched: March 2019

The Dyson V11 launched in March 2019 and remains a key model in the brand's lineup. It's available widely around the world, including in the US, UK and Australia. At time of writing the list prices were from $629.99 in the US, £429.99 in the UK, and AU$1,199 in Australia. That puts it in the premium price bracket for vacuums.

There are various bundle options for the V11, with different tools included. There are also two different iterations of the main machine – one with 200AW of power, and another with 185AW of power. The more powerful option is usually called the V11 Advanced, but I have seen lots of inconsistency with Dyson vacuum names, so do check before you buy.

In the wider lineup of flagship Dyson vacuums, the V11 sits above the Dyson V8 (see how the two compare in my Dyson V11 vs V8 article). There's a bit of a step down in price between the two – the V8 is around $589.99 / £329.99 / AU$999, but is regularly heavily discounted.

The V11 sits below the V15 Detect, which has a list price of around $849.99 / £649.99 / AU$1,449. See how the two match up in my Dyson V11 vs V15 Detect comparison.

Is it good value for money? Kind of. It looks and feels premium, features like the LCD screen are very useful, and the cleaning is generally excellent. However, I'd expect an Auto mode for this kind of money. Dyson promo codes are rare, but Dyson deals do crop up semi-regularly, and especially around major sales events like Black Friday.

• Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Dyson V11 specs

Weight (no attachments):

4.5lbs / 2.06kg

Weight (with wand and main floorhead):

6.6lbs / 3kg

Bin size:

0.77L / 0.2 gallon

Max runtime:

60 mins

Charge time:

4hrs 30

Size (H x W x L):

49.7 x 10.5 x 9.8 in / 126.2 x 26.7 x 25cm

Filter:

Whole-machine filtration

Max suction:

185AW / 200AW

Modes:

Eco, Med, Boost

Submarine option:

No

Floorheads:

Motorbar

Dyson V11 review: design

• Useful, intuitive screen provides information
• Easily maneuverable but a little top-heavy and not that comfortable to use
• Trigger-operated, with no lock for continual running

The V11 was the first of Dyson's cordless stick vacuums to have its motor, cyclones, dust cup and wand all arranged in a straight line. This in-line configuration is designed to improve suction efficiency compared to the previous setup.

There are three power modes – Eco, Med and Boost – and you cycle between them by pressing a round button. There's a useful screen that spells out which mode you're in, as well as how long you have left on the battery in the current mode and with the current attachment. This screen will also flag any issues and help you fix them – for example, it'll tell you if there's a blockage, and where the blockage is.

Testing alongside vacuums that used various symbols, LEDs and color-coding to convey information made me all the more appreciative of the V11's straightforward setup. It's intuitive to use and easy to understand, with minimal potential for confusion.

(Image credit: Future)

To switch the V11 on and off you use a trigger. In newer models, Dyson has swapped this for a one-press button. The trigger means you don't have to have a free hand to switch the machine on and off, although it can be annoying to have to keep it compressed during longer cleaning sessions – it's frustrating that there's no lock for continual running.

Thanks to the in-line configuration, you'll now need to remove the wand to empty the bin, which is a bit of a hassle. Once removed, you push down the big red lever open the bottom hatch and to shoot out the contents of the bin. This works well, although I did on occasion have to go in with my fingers to pull out clumps of hair or dirt.

(Image credit: Future)

There's one main floorhead – the Motorbar floorhead – which is suitable for use on either hard floor or carpet. The version that came with my test model did not have a slider to adjust how much air can get in, but other V11 models we've tested in the past have included one of these. A slider can be extremely useful on deep-pile carpet, to release some of the pressure and make the vacuum easier to push around.

Newer Dyson stick vacuums (the V15, Gen5detect and V16 Piston Animal) have the ability to sense how dirty your floor is and bump up or low suction as required, but that's not included here. If you want to maximize battery life, you'll need to switch modes manually.

(Note: it looks like a previous version of the V11 did have an Auto mode. Our original V11 review mentioned sensors in the floorhead that measure brush resistance as an indicator of floor type, and the ability to increase suction for carpet and lower it for hard floors. I've also spotted some press photos that show the vacuum with 'Auto' on screen. However, my review model has no such capability, and I can't see any mention of it on the various international Dyson sites.)

(Image credit: Future)

Like pretty much every modern stick vacuum, you can reconfigure the V11 to turn it into a handheld. Exactly which detail tools are included will depend on which bundle you go for, but expect a Mini motorized tool, Combi tool and Crevice tool at a minimum. I found the tools easy to add and remove, and everything felt secure once clipped on.

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In terms of comfort, the V11 isn't the best. The main body of the vacuum is rather heavy, and the in-line configuration means this part is rather elongated. So while the overall weight is acceptable, it doesn't feel that balanced and is especially unwieldy in handheld mode. (This issue is worse in newer Dyson vacuums.) There's no padding or shaping on the handle to improve comfort or grip. However, the floorhead maneuvers well and pivots easily, and can lie nice and low to the ground for cleaning under furniture.

• Design score: 3.5 out of 5

Dyson V11 review: performance

• Excellent cleaning on carpet, but would benefit from an air intake slider
• Strong cleaning on hard floor but other models more specialized for this
• Superb at clearing of pet hair

During general use, I was very impressed with the V11's cleaning powers. I missed having an Auto mode, though – these are now fairly common amongst the vacuums I test, and it's reassuring to hear the suction amping up and down as I move around the house. I tended to default to Med mode, which probably means I was wasting battery life when cleaning my hard floors, as these don't really need much suction.

To gain a more objective view of the V11's cleaning performance, I ran a series of standardized cleaning tests. For these, I used a mix of dry rice and lentils to represent chunky debris, and dry, loose tea to represent fine particles. I also used dog hair from a friendly local dog groomer. I tested all the particle types on medium-pile carpet, deep-pile carpet, and a lino floor.

Carpet

The V11 performed extremely well on medium-pile carpet. It cleared every speck of tea in one forward pass in Med mode, earning a perfect score in this test. It handled the chunky rice and lentils almost as well – a few stragglers were left in the fibers, but the vast majority disappeared in one forward pass.

(Image credit: Future)

This vacuum is not quite as well suited to deep-pile carpet, but not because of a lack of suction. The V11 picked up both fine and chunky particles very efficiently on my deep-pile test carpet, but it was just a bit hard to push, and there's no air intake slider to lessen the strain.

Switching to Eco mode did help, and pickup was still very effective in this mode. If you have mostly medium-pile carpet or are happy to manually switch modes as you move onto deeper-pile carpet, the V11 is still a very solid choice. (For other options, head to my guide to the best vacuums for carpet.)

Hard floor

The Dyson V11 performed well in my hard floor suction tests. It cleared most chunky and fine debris with a single pass in Med mode, but did cause debris to pool when the floorhead was pulled backwards over the spillage. This is a common issue with vacuum cleaners, although Shark has come up with a solution that improves things considerably (the Shark PowerDetect Cordless features this pull-back technology).

The V11 is a solid choice for hard floors, but there are other models that are more specialized for this floor type. The best vacuums for hard floor have a separate, soft floorhead that's equipped with a laser to illuminate dirt that might otherwise be missed (examples include the V15 Detect and Dreame R20).

Pet hair

The Dyson V11 is one of the best vacuums for pet hair that I've tested. It cleared all the hair from the medium-pile carpet with a single pass in Med mode, and was very effective on deep-pile carpet too – I had to shift down to Eco mode to make the vacuum easier to push, but it cleared almost everything in one pass, leaving only a few rogue hairs.

(Image credit: Future)

My review sample didn't come with a small motorized tool, which is what you'd usually use on upholstery (there are two options in the Dyson range: the older Mini motorized tool or newer Hair screw tool). I used the Combi tool to remove pet hair from a velvet cushion, and it was incredibly effective, clearing everything in a single pass in Med mode.

The down-side of the Combi tool is that it has a relatively small suction area, so it'd take you a while to cover, for example, a whole sofa. Mini motorized tools are included with some V11 bundles, and available to purchase separately if not. However, note that I ran the same test using Dyson's Mini motorized tool with the Gen5detect, and it was decent but not as effective as the Combi tool.

• Performance score: 4 out of 5

Dyson V11 review: battery life

• 15 mins in Boost mode, 33 in Med mode, 65 mins in Eco
• 4 hours and 30 mins to recharge
• Battery removable and swappable

Officially, the Dyson V11 will last 60 minutes in Eco mode, but on test I managed 65 minutes. That's an excellent maximum runtime. As ever, more powerful modes will drain the battery much more quickly, but the V11 is much better than most on this front.

I think it's more important one to pay attention to is the runtime in 'medium' mode, because that's the one most people will be using most often. In my test, Med mode lasted 33 minutes of cleaning. As a rule of thumb, anything 30 minutes or longer is good.

In the most powerful Boost mode I managed 15 minutes of cleaning, which is very good. This mode is designed to be used only occasionally, for the toughest dirt. It's not meant for general cleaning.

The battery is removable and swappable, which is good news because this is often the first thing to fail on a cordless vacuum. Recharge is slow at 4 hours and 30 minutes.

You're unlikely to run out of juice unexpectedly because the V11 will spell out on its screen exactly how much cleaning time you have left – and it'll adjust timings depending on which tool you have attached and which mode you're in. (Interestingly, the timer doesn't just count down, but can jump about a bit.) If you press the mode button while the vacuum is plugged in, you can also see how much charge it is, as a percentage.

• Battery life score: 5 out of 5

Should you buy a Dyson V11?

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

Premium price partly justified by high-end, user-friendly design and strong cleaning. At this price, I'd expect auto adjustment, though.

3.5 / 5

Design

Very maneuverable but a little top-heavy, and lack of lock for continual running is annoying. LCD screen very useful and intuitive.

3.5 / 5

Performance

Excellent on mid-pile carpet and superb at dealing with pet hair. Good on hard floor and would benefit from an air intake slider for deep-pile carpet.

4 / 5

Battery life

Long runtimes in Eco, Med and Boost, although lacks an Auto mode to maximize battery life.

4.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You have a hairy pet

On test, the V11 proved absolutely excellent at clearing dog hair from carpet. The Combi tool also removed hair from a velvet cushion incredibly efficiently.

You have lots of mid-pile carpet

The V11 performed especially well in my cleaning tests on medium-pile carpet, clearing fine and chunky particles with ease.

You want long runtimes

Sometimes, cordless vacs will have a long runtime in their lowest suction mode, but not it'll drop dramatically for the other modes. The V11 has a generous runtime in all three modes.

Don't buy it if...

You want maximum value for money

While far from the priciest Dyson, I think the V11 is a tad overpriced. The simpler, cheaper V8 delivers better bang-for-buck. Or, arguably if you're spending this much, you'd be better splashing a bit more cash and going for a V15 with its far longer feature list.

You have mostly hard floor

While the V11 performed well in my hard floor tests, there are other models that are more specialized for this. Look for a vacuum that has an extra, soft floorhead, and laser illumination to highlight hidden dirt.

You want something that's comfy in handheld mode

The V11 is a little top-heavy and difficult to wield in handheld mode, plus you'll need to keep the trigger compressed at all times.

Dyson V11 review: alternatives to consider

Model:

V11

V8 Cyclone

Dyson V15 Detect

Weight (stated):

6.6lbs / 3kg

6 lbs / 2.7kg

4.57 lbs / 2.07kg

Bin size:

0.77L / 0.2 gallon

0.54L

0.77L / 0.2 gallon

Max runtime:

60 mins

60 mins (check)

60 mins

Charge time:

4hrs 30

4 hrs (check)

4hrs 30

Size (H x W x L):

49.7 x 10.5 x 9.8 in / 126.2 x 26.7 x 25cm

45.7 x 8.3 x 9.8in / 116 x 21 x 25cm

49.6 x 10.5 x 9.8in / 126 x 26.6 x 25cm

Filter:

Whole-machine filtration

99.99% to 0.3 micron

Whole-machine filtration

Max suction:

185AW (200AW for Absolute)

150AW

240AW

Modes:

Eco, Med, Boost

Low, Med, Max

Eco, Auto, Boost

Submarine option:

No

No

Yes

Floorheads:

Motorbar

Motorbar

Digital Motorbar, Fluffy Optic

Dyson V8 Cyclone

The V8 Cyclone is an updated version of the bestselling V8. It's simpler than the V11, with no info screen and a less premium build. However, on test it still proved excellent at cleaning, and it's much cheaper than the V11.

Read TechRadar's Dyson V8 Cyclone reviewView Deal

Dyson V15 Detect

The model that sits above the V11 is the V15 Detect. It's pricier and heavier, but adds a slew of extra features, including automatic suction adjustment and a separate, soft floorhead with a laser, designed specifically for hard flooring.

Read TechRadar's Dyson V15 Detect reviewView Deal

How I tested the Dyson V11

For two weeks, I used the Dyson V11 as my main vacuum cleaner. I used it regularly, in both handheld and floor mode, in a four-story home with a mixture of carpet, tiled and engineered wood floors. During this period I focused on usability, assessing how intuitive and comfortable it is to use. I also got a general feel for its cleaning performance on different floor types, as well as how effectively it handles hair (my own, armpit-length hair and that of my black Cocker spaniel).

To get a more objective view of this vacuum's cleaning powers, I also ran a series of tests in our testing studio. For these, I used loose dry tea to represent fine particles, and a mixture of dried rice and lentils to represent chunky debris, as well as dog hair from my local groomer. I tested the V11's pickup on medium-pile carpet, deep-pile carpet and lino. I also used the detail tool to clear hair from a velvet cushion.

These tests formed part of a wider group test, where I compared multiple cordless stick vacuums side by side. This group test included the Dyson V8 Cyclone, the Roborock H60 Ultra, the Dreame R20, the Dyson Gen5detect, Dyson V16 Piston Animal, Shark Detect Pro and Shark PowerDetect.

• Re-reviewed: October 2025
• First reviewed: 2019

Silicon Power US75 SSD review

I have the Silicon Power US75 in the labs – a Gen4 NVMe SSD that offers high-end performance for mainstream builds without trying to get too fancy. It slots into the middle of the Silicon Power range and is one of the cheaper 7GB/s-class Gen4 drives available. It’s aimed at creators and gamers who are after fast yet affordable PCIe Gen4 storage.

The 1TB US75 (as tested) is rated for 7,000 MB/s sequential reads and 6,000 MB/s sequential writes – making it a good fit for handling large media files, giving fast game access or other storage-heavy tasks.

(Image credit: Future)

The US75 is a single-sided module and uses the Maxio MAP1602 controller that offers decent efficiency.

While currently hard to find in every capacity (depending on your location), Silicon Power offers it in 500GB, 1TB, 2TB or 4TB versions. The endurance is 300 TBW for 500GB, 600 TBW for 1TB, 1,200 TBW for 2TB and 2,400 TBW for the 4TB drive. That's pretty normal endurance for this class of drive and if you need higher, look at the Silicon Power Xpower XS70, which tops out at 3,000 TBW for the 4TB model.

The US75 is backed by a 5-year warranty, which is typical for a mid-range drive, but is better than most budget offerings.

(Image credit: Future)

In CrystalDiskMark, the US75 hit 7,356 MB/s sequential reads and 6,233 MB/s writes, and the real world profile (which mimics everyday file work more closely) gave 4,412 MB/s reads and 5,806 MB/s writes.

Using the Blackmagic speed test, I got 5,847 MB/s reads and 5,626 MB/s writes. In Iometer, the drive gave 690k read IOPS and 982k write IOPS – a great result that keeps up with pricier Gen4 drives.

Even in sustained runs, the US75 stayed reasonably cool despite the lack of a heatsink, but adding one is still a good idea for hot gaming builds and must-have for PS5 upgrades. You can get the US75 in a variant with a heatsink (and it's also PS5 compatible), but while readily available in the US, it's harder to find in the UK and rarely seen in Australia.

All in all, the Silicon Power US75 gives excellent Gen4 speeds at a price that few other drives can match.

Silicon Power US75 SSD review: Price & specs

Price (1TB)

$79 / £65 / AU$119

Interface

PCIe 4.0 x4, NVMe, M.2 2280

Rated speeds (1TB)

Up to 7,000 MB/s reads, 6,000 MB/s writes

Form factor

Single sided module

Controller

Maxio MAP1602

Endurance by capacity

500GB: 300TBW; 1TB: 600TBW; 2TB: 1.2PBW; 4TB: 2.4PBW

Warranty

5 years

Compatibility

Desktop, laptop or PS5

Dimensions

80mm x 22mm x 3.6mm, 8g

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Silicon Power US75 SSD?Buy it if…

You want a fast yet affordable SSD upgrade
The US75 gives great bang for buck and compares well with similar performance drives.

You want peace of mind
The US75 comes with great endurance numbers and a long 5-year warranty, so you can depend on it for a long time.

Don't buy it if…

You want ultimate performance
The US75 is fast, but performance is capped by the Gen4 interface. For PCIe 5 speeds, consider the Silicon Power US85.

You need very large capacity
The US75 maxes out at 4TB, so if you need more storage, then consider the Silicon Power Xpower XS70, which has models up to 8TB.

Silicon Power US75 SSD review: Also consider

Orico O7000 SSD
It's another high performance but affordable SSD for those after Gen4 speeds without blowing the budget. Read our Orico O7000 SSD review for the full story.

After something different? Take a look at our guide to the best SSDs, or let me know what you would like to see reviewed next in the comments below.