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LincPlus LincStation E1: 30-second review

In this review, I’ve taken a look at a Pre-Launch model of the LincStation E1, and the hardware impresses right away, especially given the price. Inside is a 2+2 storage layout, dual-band Wi-Fi, and 4K HDMI output, and the feature set and newly developed LincOS are aimed at the entry-level.

The LincStation E1 hardware features a compact chassis, which, despite being entry-level, is exceptionally well finished and designed. The drive installation is quick, with a combination of two SATA bays and two M.2 NVMe slots accessed through a plate on the bottom of the drive.

In the early stages of the review, it was obvious that LincOS was in the early stages of development with limited features; however, with the latest update, the true potential of the NAS started to develop with an uplift in local performance and the ability to start setting up the personal cloud storage, although it still failed at the login.

The initial setup can be done completely using the mobile app, or on the PC, you can use the desktop client. On a Mac, however, the web interface is currently limited. Again, a firmware update during the review period resolved the most significant remote access issues, which is reassuring, but if accessing through the mobile or desktop App locally and then switching to remote, the software is still glitchy.

For a Windows-first-time NAS user who wants private local cloud storage, file backup, and remote access, it might not be the absolute best NAS device I've tested, but I found the E1 is a great choice given its price, especially once the software issues have been resolved. For Mac users who need frequent remote access, I would wait until the LincOS issues have been resolved.

LincPlus LincStation E1: Price and availability

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

• How much does it cost? TBA
• When is it out? Pre-Order
• Where can you get it? Directly from Kickstarter

At present, the LincStation E1 is part of a Kickstarter campaign. If you're interested in taking a closer look and getting involved, head over to the Kickstarter page.

However, I am seeing it on Amazon.com for $219, with a very long shipping time.

Although you can't buy it, you can check out all the details at the official LincPlus site here.

• Value: 4/5

LincPlus LincStation E1: Specs

CPU: Rockchip RK3568, quad-core Cortex-A55, up to 2.0GHz
RAM: 4GB DDR4
Internal flash: 64GB eMMC ROM
SATA bays: 2 × 3.5-inch/2.5-inch SATA
NVMe slots: 2 × M.2 NVMe
Network: 1 × Gigabit Ethernet (GbE); dual-band Wi-Fi
Video output: 1 × HDMI
USB: Included
Fan: Single fan; Silent / Auto / Full Speed modes
OS: LincOS
Dimensions: 218.5 × 88 × 140mm
Weight: 907g

LincPlus LincStation E1: Design

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The first impression of the LincStation E1 is instantly better than many other entry-level NAS systems; it feels solid and well-built, even before the drives are installed.

When it comes to size, the compact chassis measures in at 218.5 × 88 × 140mm and weighs just 907g empty; this weight will obviously increase depending on the drive you install. This size and weight make it nice and compact, so it will easily sit on a shelf or behind a monitor without taking up too much space. During this test, it sat on the office sideboard next to the printers.

Getting started, the first step is installing the drives, which is easy enough; LincStation has provided clear instructions. The two SATA bays use tool-free trays, so essentially you just slide the drive in, then click the tray back into place, with the process taking less than a minute per drive.

The two M.2 NVMe slots are accessed via a small hatch on the base, which requires a screwdriver but is still quick to use. Slot the M.2 drive in, screw down the retaining bolt, close the hatch, and the storage configuration is done. Boot it up and run the initial setup from there; thankfully, it's all guided.

On the front of the box is a small array of status LEDs; while these are minimal, they’re enough to indicate the drives' health and when they’re being accessed. These LEDs flicker to indicate drive and network activity, and the power button shifts from orange to white when the system is running.

This is an entry-level machine, so there’s no detailed status feedback beyond that, no per-drive health indicators or detailed network throughput LEDs; essentially, anything beyond basic activity, you need to access the software interface.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Inside, a single cooling fan keeps everything cool in three selectable modes. These modes are selected through the software and offer Silent, Auto, and Full Speed. By default, the E1 is set to Silent, and throughout most of the test, the Auto mode was used without issue.

In Silent mode, the unit sits quietly, with occasional noise from the discs as they spin up. The only time you hear the NAS is when it’s under load, and the fan kicks in. Again, it is quiet and not really distracting, unlike other drives of this type.

Networking and connectivity are a little disappointing, with a single Gigabit Ethernet port. While this specification is standard for this level of NAS, I would have expected a more up-to-date 2.5GbE, especially given the inclusion of the two M.2 NVMe drives, which can be installed and will far exceed 1Gbps.

The built-in dual-band Wi-Fi is the more interesting addition and must be enabled in the settings before use, as I found it was switched off by default. This allows the E1 to be positioned anywhere in a home or studio without needing a cable run to the router, which will be a real benefit for many new to NAS.

• Design: 4 / 5

LincPlus LincStation E1: Features

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The LincStation E1 is a NAS designed for those looking to take their first steps with Network Attached Storage, and, from that angle, the potential of this small box and all its features make it a very interesting option.

It’s worth highlighting now that the feature set is entry-level, with the box and OS designed to do all the heavy lifting, so all you, as the user, have to do after the initial setup is use it to back up, store, and access your files. There’s a little more to it, with the usual range of Apps that can run directly, so it can be used as a media server. What really differentiates this from others, aside from the 2+2 storage option, is that it can be set up to provide remote access.

This means that once you’ve configured and set things up, you can use it as your very own cloud storage, and you can grant others access, or at least that’s the idea.

This whole NAS utilises LincOS, LincPlus's proprietary operating system, and I couldn’t help but notice how early this seems in the development cycle, with some features inaccessible and others simply not working, though firmware updates progressively offered more access and stability.

Initial setup on macOS was not possible via a desktop client; however, using the iOS setup for the LincStation was possible with my device, which handled the first connection and basic configuration. Once the drive is on the network, browser-based access is available, but the web interface in its current state is limited in the features; again, updates unlocked more as the review progressed.

The full LincOS experience, including reliable remote access, cloud-sharing configuration, and the complete administrative feature set, seemed to require a Windows machine, so I opted for the New Asus PX13 2026.

On this Windows 11 machine, accessing the NAS through the client app, once the drive was configured and set up as a RAID 0 pool, the system was easy to use, and file management and sharing features worked flawlessly across the local network. The interface e has more than a few quirks, with the Apps acting more like filters, but still, it shows potential. On macOS, the experience is more restricted, and on iOS, the remote access features in particular proved temperamental throughout the test.

Remote access via LincAccess is positioned as not requiring manual port forwarding, and in principle, this works. In practice, the test unit did not have reliable remote access until a firmware update was applied mid-review. After that update, remote access worked on Windows and, to a lesser degree, on Android. While iOS worked, the connection wasn’t reliable for remote browsing. The main issue was Password rejection: the correct credentials were rejected for no apparent reason.

Remote access is probably the key feature, but at present, unless you’re Windows-based, the reliability just isn’t there through the software.

Looking at the local options and the Smart Album, which automatically sorts uploaded files by type, photos, videos, documents, music and gives those files to you in browsable categories on the left sidebar of the interface. This actually works well and is one of the more finished-feeling features of LincOS.

As I’ve seen on other NAS systems, there will be AI-powered photo tagging with face and scene recognition, but again, these are listed as a planned feature, but, at present, aren’t featured. What does work, however, is that uploaded images are recognised as image files and sorted accordingly. This is about as basic as you get, but at present, there’s no deeper AI categorisation.

The 4K HDMI output is a nice addition, and to be honest, it is common on NAS devices at this level, which don’t generally include it. Connecting the E1 directly to a 4K monitor via HDMI enables playback of video files stored on the NAS without needing a streaming device or a PC.

If you’re thinking of running a video or music stream in the office, this is a perfect NAS for a media and file server. What I liked about the connection design is that it works alongside Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling the E1 to be positioned behind a monitor and connected to both the display and the network without a cable running to a network hub.

The local account system works well, and you can set up different users if you work in a small office. This means their data is on the drive, but can only be accessed by them.

Essentially, all data stays on the device and the local network, but if you need to share files locally, it’s easy enough to invite others. What marks this NAS out is that you can also set up remote access, a feature you only usually see on more expensive systems. The trade-off is that setting up remote access requires more manual involvement than plug-and-play cloud NAS alternatives, and in the current state of LincOS, that process is hit-or-miss.

• Features: 3 / 5 (*As reviewed - may change once features are available)

LincPlus LincStation E1: Performance

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Getting started with the LincStation E1 is, as I said earlier in the review, straightforward, and anyone new to NAS shouldn’t find anything from the hardware and storage installation to the setup with the App exceptionally easy.

The only real issue comes later with connecting to the local cloud from a remote location, but as I discovered through the review, LincOS is evolving, and while many features have been unlocked, the OS feels far from a final release.

However, while the OS feels like an early beta, with many features as yet unreleased, it does show potential, and when used as a basic NAS on a local network for storing and retrieving files, backing up documents and image libraries, and making shared folders accessible across connected machines and mobile devices, the performance was pretty decent.

If this is your first NAS, the ease of use will definitely appeal, and in any home office or small studio, the E1 essentially does what it is designed to do: it stores your files, keeps them accessible, and requires little to no additional input.

If you’re already using a NAS, the hardware design and potential features will also make this appealing, especially the headline personal cloud option. That may warrant an additional mention in an update to this review, as this still doesn’t appear to be working even with the latest update.

Another point for anyone who already owns a NAS is that it only features a 1 Gby network connection, so while you can add ultrafast storage, with that connection type, the access speeds will be limited.

In real-world testing with this stick, I saw about 80-115 MB/s for reads over a wired network, and image and video file transfers were noticeably slower than on my 2.5 GB-equipped NAS.

Again, the fact that there are two M.2 NVMe slots is great and shows an embrace of the latest storage technology; however, any benefit beyond size is offset by the connection speed.

During the test, I used two Lexar PCIe 3.0 M.2 drives, configured as fast storage tiers alongside the SATA drives. Again, while the internal speed is there, the network limits its use.

Another feature I particularly liked was the Wireless connection, which is switched off by default. Switching it on is done through the App, and once activated, you can disconnect the NAS from the wired network, freeing you to place it anywhere you want rather than needing to find a spot near the router or hub.

Wifi performance is lower than wired and with slower transfer rates; however, if you’re working on a small scale, just having that can be easily achieved by all machines in the house or building, is incredibly useful.

While network-attached storage potential is the main focus, another feature that will appeal is 4K video playback via the HDMI output. This works for most standard video file formats through the onboard My Videos App. Unlike other NAS systems, there’s no way to install media servers such as PLEX through the interface.

Inside the NAS is an RK3568 ARM processor, which is essentially entry-level and ideal for file storage and handling small network tasks.

In the test, the processor's power was insufficient for video decoding or other demanding processes, such as running a web server.

However, there are some good built-in feature apps, such as Smart Album photo, that help you filter through your images. Again, this takes time to run through the indexing process, so it's fine for small businesses, but at a scale, you may get tired of the wait.

With several thousand images, the initial indexing process is slow enough that I would suggest starting it and returning later rather than expecting quick results. The system remains usable during indexing, but responsiveness in the LincOS interface can become a little slow.

LincOS system during normal use is fast enough on Windows and other platforms, and typing in the IP on the LAN will enable you to access the Web UI, which again offers plenty of options, but as yet, many just don’t feel complete and act as filters to stored content rather than an app in the traditional sense.

At present, the hardware for this product is solid and perfectly pitched at the entry level; however, the LincOS, while it shows potential, isn’t ready and most disappointing is the lead feature, the personal cloud, just doesn’t work.

• Performance: 3 / 5

LincPlus LincStation E1: Final verdict

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The LincStation E1, as an entry-level NAS, works well, and if that were all it were, it would be a great investment for any home or small office new to NAS systems. The fact that it has a 2+2 storage layout, SATA and SSD, dual-band Wi-Fi, 4K HDMI output, and a really compact design, paired with decent build quality, initially shows lots of promise for a box at this price.

Even with the somewhat still-in-development OS, the box works well locally, enabling you to store and access files across a local network, and the built-in apps offer a little more so that you can quickly find and view your content.

However, while this box has so much potential, the OS isn’t finished, and the main feature that would make this a five-star product just didn’t work, though a firmware update will inevitably fix it soon. The private cloud storage and file backup on a box at this price is exciting and will make this a very useful product. But at present, while the box is designed to do that, that feature is unreliable and just doesn’t work.

Then you have the UI, which is slightly different across systems, but again, that consistency seems to improve with each update. So hopefully by the time this NAS finally hits the shelves, it will reach the full potential that it promises.

At the moment, given the price, it’s a decent enough local-area NAS, and once remote access works reliably, it will be fantastic.

The wired network connection is a performance limiter, but again, this is designed to be entry-level, easy to use, and affordable.

Should I buy the LincPlus LincStation E1?

Value

Decent and well-balanced hardware at an entry-level price, but the software still needs development.

4/5

Design

Compact, well-designed box with a better finish than the price suggests.

4/5

Features

Decent hardware feature, aside from the slower choice for the ethernet port, and let down by an unfinished OS. This result will change once all is accessable

3/5

Performance

Fine for basic NAS tasks, network speed limits the full potential of the NVMe storage, and remote connection just doesn’t work at present

3/5

Overall

Interesting hardware in need of software development; worth watching closely

3/5

Buy it if...

You’re new to NAS

If the E1 is your first NAS and your primary machine is Windows, LincOS delivers decent performance for file backup, shared storage, and, in the future, basic private cloud access.

You want private cloud storage.

Not available yet, but when it is, this will make it one of the cheapest solutions for privately sharing files, without paying subscriptions.

Don't buy it if...

You primarily use a Mac or iOS.

Mac support is limited in the current LincOS release, remote access from iOS is unavailable, and full feature access requires a Windows machine.

You need polished, stable software.

LincOS is a first-generation platform with glitches. If you want something out of the box and ready to go, this will offer the basics, but you’ll need to wait for that stability.

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HoverAir Aqua: One-minute review

The HoverAir Aqua is a drone unlike anything else on the market right now, and for once that's not marketing hyperbole. Manufacturer Zero Zero Robotics has built the world's first truly waterproof self-flying camera — one that can take off from and land on the surface of the water and follow you through waves and spray that would destroy most consumer drones. If you're a solo watersports enthusiast who's ever wished you could capture good quality aerial footage of yourself without hiring a drone operator, the Aqua is literally the only game in town.

That monopoly on novelty is both the Aqua's greatest strength, but also the lens through which you need to evaluate it. Because while the concept itself is undeniably thrilling, my real-world testing revealed a product that feels very much like a v1.0: innovative and impressive in the right conditions, but rough around the edges in ways that its steep asking price makes harder to forgive.

The Aqua is the first waterproof consumer camera drone, and an impressive feat of design. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Perhaps the most important thing to understand before buying is how the Aqua's tracking works. Unlike DJI drones that use computer vision to lock onto and frame a subject, the Aqua tracks the Lighthouse, a wearable device you strap to your arm. While this is an eminently sensible solution for an environment where reflections, spray and constantly moving surfaces would confound visual tracking, it has real consequences for your footage: in Orbit mode, for instance, I found my head was consistently cropped out of frame, because the drone is circling the Lighthouse, not me.

There are other niggles too. My review sample suffered from persistent Lighthouse connection drops — reconnecting almost immediately each time, but loudly announcing every single event via an intrusive, irritating voice alert. And one of my best video clips was ruined by a water droplet on the supposedly hydrophobic lens, which feels like a major concern for a drone built around water compatibility.

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

It's also worth noting that the Aqua's maintenance demands are higher than any non-aquatic drone I've tested: after saltwater sessions, you'll be rinsing, patting dry and checking battery compartments as soon as you get home.

That being said, take it out on a calm sea on a bright morning with your paddleboard, and it does something no other drone can do. For the right user — the solo surfer, kayaker or SUP rider who wants hands-free aerial footage without risking a wrecked drone — the Aqua is really the only viable option on the market.

HoverAir Aqua: Price and release date

• Launched globally on May 28 2026 — except in US
• Priced from $1,299 / £1,129 / AU$1,999
• Fly More Combo available online only

The HoverAir Aqua has had a long road to market, being initially teased in August 2025 ahead of a successful Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign. Nearly a year on, it's now available globally — except in the United States, where it's apparently falling foul of the same regulatory issues that have kept DJI's recent launches off the shelves. So while I've been given US pricing, it's not yet available in buy in the States.

Three bundles are available at launch. The Standard Combo ($1,299 / £1,129 / AU$1,999) covers the basics: the Aqua itself with one battery, a USB-C cable, the Lighthouse wearable with armband, a repair kit, and a single waterproof battery bag. The Basic Combo ($1,399 / £1,219 / AU$2,199) adds a second waterproof bag, an extra smart battery, and a charging hub. Step up to the Fly More Combo ($1,499 / £1,299 / AU$2,986, online only) and you get two additional smart batteries, three waterproof battery bags, a maintenance kit, and the charging hub — the most complete package for anyone planning longer sessions on the water.

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Given that the Aqua's 23-minute battery life is on the shorter side for a drone at this price point, those extra batteries in the higher-tier bundles are well worth considering. A single charge isn't going to last a through even a modest paddle session, so building a battery collection from day one makes sense.

At $1,299 / £1,129 / AU$1,999 for the entry-level bundle, the Aqua is a significant investment. It's substantially more expensive than the HoverAir X1 Pro and well above most entry-level drones from DJI. Zero Zero Robotics is clearly pitching this as a premium, specialized product for water sports enthusiasts rather than a mass-market flyer, and the pricing reflects that.

• Price score: 3.5/5

HoverAir Aqua: SpecsHoverAir Aqua specs

Camera:

12MP 1/1.28-inch CMOS sensor

Video resolution:

4K, 2.7K (vertical only), 1080p

Frame rates:

100, 60, 50, 48, 30, 25, 24fps

Flight modes:

15+ specialized modes

Beacon range:

Up to 1km

Wind resistance:

Level 7 (up to 33 knots / 38mph)

Waterproof rating:

IP67

Storage:

128GB internal (no microSD slot)

Battery:

2013mAh, up to 23 minutes flight time

Charger type:

USB-C / charging hub

Weight:

249g / 8.8oz (approx.)

Dimensions:

202 x 206 x 64mm

HoverAir Aqua: Design and build quality

• Non-foldable quadcopter body weighing 249g
• Striking hot orange finish
• No carrying case included in any bundle

The Aqua cuts a distinctive figure on the beach. Where most consumer drones play it safe with black, grey or white, HoverAir has gone for a vivid hot orange color finish. The color makes the drone easy to spot both in the air and on the water, as well as conjuring up images of life jackets and buoys. It feels entirely appropriate for a water-focused drone.

While folding drones dominate the market, the Aqua is a rigid, non-foldable quadcopter — a deliberate decision by HoverAir to preserve structural integrity and waterproofing. At 202 x 206 x 64mm and 249g, it's lightweight and compact but certainly not pocketable; the non-folding body means it takes up noticeably more bag space than a DJI Lito or Mini would.

Which brings me to the Aqua's most glaring accessory omission: there's no carrying case or pouch included with any of the three bundles. The higher-tier combos include waterproof bags for the batteries, but nothing to protect the drone itself. That leaves the lens and propellers exposed to whatever else is rattling around in your backpack. For a drone pitched at outdoor adventurers, I felt this was a pretty major oversight.

The drone works best when paired with the Lighthouse beacon unit, which can attach to the user's arm.Future | Sam KieldsenThe Lighthouse has some basic controls on board, but generally acts as a beacon for the drone to autonomously follow.Future | Sam KieldsenDrones and water don't usually mix, but the Aqua is happiest when floating.Future | Sam KieldsenAt under 250g with a 0 class rating, it can be flown close to people and buildings too.Future | Sam Kieldsen

With minimal clearance between the propellers and the underside of the body, the Aqua needs either a flat, hard surface or a dedicated landing pad for land-based launches — I'd strongly recommend picking one up if you ever plan to use it away from the water. You can hand-launch and catch it in the air instead, which is what I did throughout testing, but that's not something I would necessarily recommend to anyone new to drones.

On the front of the drone sits a 1.6-inch AMOLED screen, which lets you switch flight modes and review settings without reaching for your phone. In bright sunlight it's big and bright enough to be legible, and when you're balanced on a paddleboard in the middle of the sea, not having to fumble with a smartphone is a welcome convenience. The Lighthouse wearable is similarly straightforward: a chunky, rubberized device designed to be worn and forgotten while you focus on whatever you're riding.

As mentioned above, the Aqua's maintenance demands are quite extensive. After flying in salt water, the drone needs a thorough rinse in fresh water and a careful pat-down with a clean cloth before its next flight. The battery compartment features a color-coded indicator strip that flags the presence of any moisture before you insert a battery, which is a clever touch, but you'll also need to remember to fully dry your hands before swapping cells on the water. So, owning the Aqua comes with an ongoing upkeep commitment that goes well beyond what you'd expect from a conventional drone.

• Design score: 4/5

HoverAir Aqua: Features and flight performance

• Up to 23 minutes of battery life
• Tracks using Lighthouse unit rather than camera
• No object avoidance tech

The most important thing to understand about how the Aqua flies is also the thing that most sets it apart from conventional follow-me drones. Rather than using computer vision to identify and frame a human subject — the approach DJI takes with its excellent ActiveTrack tech — the Aqua locks onto the Lighthouse wearable.

In a watery environment, where reflective surfaces, spray and constant movement would make visual tracking unreliable, this makes sound engineering sense. In practice, however, it produces some frustrating results. During an Orbit flight — where the drone circles you at a set distance — my head was consistently cropped out of frame, because the drone is orbiting the Lighthouse on my arm rather than centering me as a subject. Anyone who cares about precise, well-composed shots should know that the Aqua will keep you in the frame most of the time, but it won't always frame you the way a human operator would.

So planning your shots is key – and because you can adjust tracking distance and height, you should be able to get the angles and framing you're looking for. It might just take a couple of attempts.

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

That said, the SUP mode I tested (designed specifically for stand-up paddleboarding) performed very well. With a calm sea, minimal wind and good visibility during a rare UK May heatwave, the Aqua tracked my position reliably and kept pace with me comfortably. The drone can theoretically fly as close as 50cm above the waves, and in calm water it did so confidently.

I'd be keen to test it in choppier conditions, where the claimed Level 7 wind resistance and wave-skimming abilities might face a stiffer challenge, but those aren't the conditions I had available. For now, consider the flight performance assessment here a fair-weather one.

One highlight that absolutely does deliver as promised is the turtle flip: should the Aqua end up upside down on the water, it can right itself and take off again without any intervention. I tested this, and it works exactly as advertised. A small thing perhaps, but a reassuring one.

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Less reassuring was the persistent connection instability between the drone and the Lighthouse. On every single flight I conducted, the two devices repeatedly lost and immediately re-established their link. Each dropout triggers an audible robotic voice announcement — both for the disconnect and the reconnect — which quickly becomes maddening. Whether this is a hardware defect specific to my review sample or a wider software issue remains to be seen, but it's something HoverAir will need to address urgently. A drone that narrates its own technical difficulties every few minutes is not a relaxing filming companion.

The Aqua offers three control methods beyond the automated flight modes. The Lighthouse itself handles single-button launches and returns; the HoverAir app provides touchscreen manual control, though with a short effective range and imprecise joystick inputs that make smooth maneuvers difficult; and HOVERAir's Beacon twin-stick controller offers what could well be the most satisfying manual flying experience of the three — but without one, I wasn't able to test it during this review.

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Battery life came in slightly under the claimed 23 minutes during real-world use, which is par for the course with drone manufacturers' quoted figures. The more meaningful battery consideration is simply having enough of them: 23 minutes goes quickly when you're mid-session, and the Fly More Combo's three-battery setup feels sensible.

It's also worth noting that, like all HoverAir drones, the Aqua uses ShadowTrack positioning rather than active obstacle avoidance — meaning it won't autonomously fly around objects in its path. On open water that's rarely going to be an issue, but it's worth bearing in mind if you plan to fly it on narrower waterways or on land. Thankfully, the sturdiness of the design and the protected propellers means that minor, lowish speed collisions with trees or fences shouldn't result in a wrecked drone.

• Flight performance score: 4/5

HoverAir Aqua: Image and video quality

• 1/1.28-inch CMOS sensor offering 4K up to 100fps
• H-Log (10-bit) support for post-production grading
• Hydrophobic lens

The camera features a hydrophobic, self-heating anti-fog lens and single-axis gimbal. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Let's start with the elephant (or should that be whale?) in the room. The Aqua's lens is treated with a hydrophobic coating designed to repel water droplets, which seems to me a vital feature for a drone that launches directly off the surface of the sea. During my testing, a single water droplet on said lens ruined several minutes of otherwise usable footage. For a drone whose entire identity is built around being in and around water, a wet lens is inevitable. This issue alone has the potential to leave users seriously frustrated — even if, as with me, it only happens the one time.

When the lens is clear, the results are encouraging. With a maximum bitrate of 160Mbps (double that of the DJI Neo 2) the Aqua produces clean, detailed 4K footage in good lighting conditions. There are two main shooting options to choose between: the default color profile delivers vibrant, punchy footage at up to 60fps, and is perfectly usable straight out of the drone; the flat H-Log profile, which tops out at 30fps, gives you more latitude in post-production. I graded some H-Log footage and was able to dial back the slightly over-saturated tendencies of the default color science to arrive at something more true-to-life and cinematic. For anyone planning to edit their water sports footage seriously, shooting H-Log is probably the way to go.

The hardware has its limits, though. The 1/1.28-inch sensor, f/2.55 aperture and single-axis mechanical gimbal mean the Aqua can't compete with the best camera drones on pure image quality — the DJI Air 3S, for instance, produces far superior footage, and costs less.

But that comparison only tells part of the story: the Air 3S would not survive the conditions the Aqua was built for. Judged purely as a water-capable camera, the Aqua has no rivals. Judged as a camera drone in general, it sits firmly in the average tier for its price bracket. The 2x digital zoom is soft, as it tends to be on small sensors, and low-light performance isn't a strong suit given the narrow aperture.

Stills come in at 12MPwith HDR support, plus the ability to shoot in RAW DNG, and are competent if unspectacular — serviceable for social media use, but not the Aqua's primary selling point.

• Image and video quality score: 4/5

HoverAir Aqua: Testing scorecardDJI Lito X1

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Price

Expensive for its tracking and camera performance.

3.5/5

Design

A robust aquatic design let down by the lack of an included carrying case.

4/5

Features and flight

The Lighthouse tracking system is an ingenious solution to the challenges of flying over water.

4/5

Image and video quality

Solid 4K footage with useful H-Log support, but a water droplet on the supposedly hydrophobic lens ruined one of my best clips.

4/5

Should I buy the HoverAir Aqua?Buy it if...

You're a solo watersports enthusiast
If you surf, SUP, kayak, wakeboard or foil and you've ever wanted aerial footage of yourself without a dedicated camera operator, the Aqua is the only drone that can safely go where you go.

You already own a conventional drone
The Aqua makes the most sense as a specialist companion to a regular land-based flyer rather than as your only drone. Pair it with a DJI Lito X1 or Mini 5 Pro and you have a capable all-conditions setup.

Don't buy it if...

You want a general-purpose drone
On land, the Aqua is a below-average performer for its price. The DJI Lito X1 delivers better image quality for a fraction of the cost, and handles everyday aerial photography and videography far more capably.

Precise framing matters to you
The Aqua tracks the Lighthouse wearable, not you as a subject. If you need a drone that keeps you centered in the frame the way a human camera operator would, the Aqua isn't the best choice.

HoverAir Aqua: also consider

DJI Air 3S

If your priority is camera performance rather than water compatibility, the Air 3S is where to look. It costs a similar amount to the Aqua's Standard Combo yet delivers near-professional image and video quality that the Aqua simply can't match. For anyone who primarily shoots over land, the Air 3S is the stronger all-round investment. Just don't expect it to survive a touchdown on the surface of the sea.

Read our in-depth DJI Air 3S review

DJI Neo 2

The Neo 2 is the closest thing in concept to the Aqua among conventional drones — a compact, lightweight selfie-style flyer that tracks and films you autonomously without needing a controller. It's considerably smaller and lighter than the Aqua, and a fraction of the price, making it the obvious starting point for anyone drawn to hands-free aerial filming. Just don't take it into the water...

Read our in-depth DJI Neo 2 review

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)How I tested the HoverAir Aqua

• Tested during SUP session and from dry land
• I tested various control methods and flight modes
• I captured both videos and photos

I was provided with a review sample of the Aqua well ahead of its global launch, which gave me time to test it over several sessions on the UK coast, mainly in hot, sunny conditions that were ideal for getting out on the water, if not entirely representative of the rougher seas and stronger winds that the Aqua may face in the hands of real-world buyers.

My primary test was a SUP session at the beach, during which I flew the Aqua using the SUP automated flight mode and assessed its tracking performance, framing and reliability in a real watersports context. I also flew it over dry land to evaluate its capabilities as a general-purpose drone. I tested the app-based manual controls, though I wasn't able to assess the Beacon twin-stick controller during the review period.

On the camera side, I captured footage using both the default color profile and the flat H-Log setting, grading the latter in post-production using DaVinci Resolve. I also ran through the Aqua's post-flight maintenance routine — including a fresh water rinse and dry-down after saltwater use — to evaluate the ownership demands of an aquatic drone.

• First reviewed: May 2026
• Read more about how we test

Xiaomi 17T Pro: Two-minute review

It has only been about seven months since the Xiaomi 15T Pro launched, and already, its successor has landed. The 15T Pro was my favorite better-than-mid-range-but-not-quite-flagship phone of 2025, so I had high hopes for this newer model.

On the surface, though, it would seem that not much has changed. The Xiaomi 17T Pro has a very familiar look, and it shares a lot of specifications with last year's model, too.

So, what's new? The 17T Pro boasts a significantly larger battery (it's now 7,000mAh, up from 5,500mAh on the 15T Pro), and it charges more quickly (it can be juiced up at 100W with a wire and 50W wirelessly). It also has a newer and faster processor inside, and comes in some lovely new colors.

Otherwise, it's a very familiar phone, with the same screen specs, the same camera hardware, and similar software features to its predecessor. That's not a bad thing; it just means the Xiaomi 17T Pro is not particularly exciting, especially if you already invested in the 15T Pro.

(Image credit: Future)

Despite the lack of hardware changes, the camera system still stands out as one of the most accomplished in this price bracket. The Leica-backed color science is as impressive as ever, and there are more pro-level features than you'll find in similarly-priced phones, like the ability to shoot in 4K 60fps with Log.

Just like last year, though, the ultra-wide camera fails to impress. It has a much lower resolution than the other cameras, and it lacks autofocus, which limits its usefulness.

As for the performance, I have no complaints. This 17T Pro has a proper flagship-grade chip inside, and it's excellent for productivity and gaming alike. The experience is enhanced by some strong haptic motors, a lovely screen, and very decent speakers.

The battery tends to last me just under a day and a half on a charge. It's very easy to live with, but with such a high-capacity cell inside, I was expecting more. Perhaps we'll see improvements as updates roll out. On the plus side, it charges very quickly, either wired or wirelessly.

The Xiaomi 17T Pro is very easy to recommend overall. It might not be a revolutionary update, and 15T Pro owners shouldn't rush out to buy one, but this phone still stands out as one of the best in its price range (which, following a price increase, is now firmly at the top of the mid-range spectrum). The cameras are among the best you'll find on any non-flagship phone, the performance is hard to fault, and it looks and feels premium throughout.

Xiaomi 17T Pro: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

• 256GB model costs £799
• 512GB and 1TB versions also available
• Not available in the US or Australia

The Xiaomi 17T Pro starts at £799 in the UK. That's for the model with 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, though 512GB and 1TB variants are also available, costing £849 and £999, respectively. The phone isn't available in the US or Australia at the time of writing.

Frustratingly, those prices represent substantial increases on the Xiaomi 15T Pro, which started at £649 only six months ago. Increases seem to be plaguing all phone manufacturers at the moment — the similarly-specced Honor 600 Pro costs an eye-watering £899.99, which also marks a £200 increase over its predecessor — and a £799 price tag puts the Xiaomi 17T Pro at the sharp end of the mid-range spectrum (it's probably better described as an entry-level flagship).

Thankfully, Xiaomi's T-series phones often come with enticing bundle deals or early discounts, so we're expecting to see the same here, but details haven't surfaced yet.

The 17T Pro also stands out among its similarly priced rivals through its super-sized battery and 5X telephoto camera, which neither the Honor 600 Pro nor Vivo X300 FE match.

• Value score: 4 / 5

Xiaomi 17T Pro: Specs

Here’s a look at the Xiaomi 17T Pro’s key specs:

Xiaomi 17T Pro

Dimensions:

162.2 x 77.5 x 8.25mm

Weight:

219g

OS:

Hyper OS 3, based on Android 16

Display:

6.9-inch OLED, 144Hz

Resolution:

1280 x 2772 pixels

Chipset:

MediaTek Dimensity 9500

RAM:

12GB

Storage:

256GB / 512GB / 1TB

Battery:

7,000mAh

Rear cameras:

50MP (f/1.7) main, 12MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide, 50MP 5x telephoto (f/3)

Front camera:

32MP (f/2.2)

Xiaomi 17T Pro review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Aluminum frame and glass-fibre rear
• Black, Violet, Deep Blue options
• IP68 dust and water-resistant

The Xiaomi 17T Pro looks almost identical to last year's 15T Pro. The only notable change with the design is that the bevelled edge around the camera module has been removed. The camera bump appears smaller on the newer model, but in reality, the thickness is about the same.

That said, we do get some new colors to choose from. The 17T Pro is available in Black, Violet, or Deep Blue, and I have the latter in for testing. The colors are a bit livelier this time around, and I'm all for it. The blue model reminds me of the Galaxy Z Fold 7; it's a very similar shade. I loved it on that phone, and I love it here, too.

It's a pretty large phone, around the same size as an iPhone 17 Pro Max, and it feels very premium. The sides are made from aluminum, and the rear looks and feels like glass, but it's actually a reinforced plastic and glass-fibre panel.

The rear doesn't smudge easily, so it's easy to keep it looking nice, and you also get a matte black TPU case included in the box.

It has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, matching last year's model, so you needn't worry about using it in the rain or at the beach. The screen is covered with Corning Gorilla Glass, which should do a decent job of warding off scratches, and there's a basic plastic screen protector installed as standard.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Xiaomi 17T Pro review: Display

(Image credit: Future)

• 6.9-inch 144Hz OLED display
• 3,840Hz PWM dimming
• 3,500 nits peak brightness

The Xiaomi 17T Pro has a large, fully flat screen with slim symmetrical bezels on all sides. The specs match the previous model, but the 15T Pro already had a great screen, so that's not a bad thing.

It has a blisteringly fast 144Hz refresh rate, but applications that will actually utilize such speeds are few and far between. Still, it's super smooth, and it'll dynamically switch down to 60 or 30Hz to conserve battery life.

The phone also supports DC dimming. This means you shouldn't see any flicker, even while using low brightness levels. I'm not sensitive to flicker, so I'd be lying if I said I could tell the difference, but it's supposed to be easier on your eyes.

It's also a very bright panel, and I never had trouble seeing it outdoors, even in direct sunlight. Xiaomi says it can output 3,500 nits at peak, but these measurements should always be taken with a grain of salt.

Regardless, the 17T Pro's display is more than bright enough for most people's needs. And perhaps more importantly, it can dim as low as 1 nit, perfect for late-night scrolling sessions

Otherwise, the screen delivers exactly what you'd expect from a high-end OLED panel. The black levels are impeccable, the colors are vivid, and HDR content looks superb on this screen.

• Display score: 5 / 5

Xiaomi 17T Pro review: Cameras

(Image credit: Future)

• 50MP main (f/1.7)
• 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2)
• 50MP 5x telephoto (f/3)
• 32MP selfie camera (f/2.45)

Last year, I felt that the Xiaomi 15T Pro had the most impressive cameras in the upper mid-range/sub-flagship category. The new model comes with the exact same set of snappers, so while I would have loved to see some hardware innovation, these lenses were already ahead of the pack.

The main camera has a sizable 1/1.3-inch sensor, roughly matching the main sensor of the iPhone 17 Pro. You also get an impressive 5x telephoto with OIS and the ability to focus from just 30cm away.

What's less impressive is the ultra-wide camera. It only has a 12MP resolution, a relatively tiny 1/3.06-inch sensor, and it's fixed focus, so you can't use it for close-ups.

The ultra-wide gave me some uninspiring results, and it's pretty useless in low-light conditions, but if you stick to the main and telephoto cameras, you can expect some great shots.

(Image credit: Future)

The 17T Pro benefits from Xiaomi's partnership with Leica, just like its flagship phones. This means you get the same excellent picture profiles and lens simulations as the much more costly Xiaomi 17 Ultra.

There's also a new addition to the roster called Leica Live Moment, which is similar to Apple's Live Photos feature, but comes complete with the Leica color science you know and love.

The feature works across all of the rear lenses, and it works in Portrait mode, too. Just like Apple's version, it captures a second or so of video before you press the shutter, and you can extract different frames to use as your photo, or share it as a short looping video. The main difference is that you can use all of the excellent Leica-backed picture styles and some unique watermarks to make your live photos stand out from the crowd.

Around the front, you'll find a 32MP punch-hole selfie camera. Again, this shares the same specs as the previous generation. It provides decent results, but unlike Xiaomi's mainline flagships, this selfie camera doesn't have autofocus — so group shots won't always look as sharp as they could.

(Image credit: Future)

Overall, it's a pretty versatile setup, and the standout is the telephoto. The reach of the 5x lens sets it apart from the competition and provides some lovely compression when used for close-ups. I'd recommend turning off automatic lens switching in the settings if you want to do so, as it has a tendency to jump to the main camera sooner than it needs to.

Xiaomi's default image tuning has very appealing color reproduction, and the slightly higher level of contrast makes images pop. If you're not feeling the default flavor, though, that's no issue, as there are loads of styles to choose from, and they can all be customized in Pro mode.

The Xiaomi 17T Pro is equally impressive for video shooting. It supports Xiaomi's excellent Log profile at up to 4K 60fps, and you can even shoot 4K 120fps on the main lens, albeit without much stabilization.

• Cameras score: 4 / 5

Xiaomi 17 review: Camera samplesFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureXiaomi 17T Pro review: PerformanceFutureFuture

• MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset
• 12GB RAM
• 512GB / 1TB storage

The Xiaomi 17T Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 SoC, the same flagship chipset that we've seen in phones like the Oppo Find X9 Pro and Vivo X300 Pro. It comes with 12GB of RAM and either 512GB or 1TB of storage. I have the 512GB version.

Having used the Oppo Find X9 Pro as my main phone for several months, I'm already very familiar with the capabilities of this chip. It's super powerful, and while Qualcomm's latest might have the edge in certain games, the Dimensity 9500 is never going to hold you back.

The phone feels speedy, no matter what you ask of it. I've been sinking some hours into Neverness to Everness, the latest graphically demanding gatcha game that makes even the most expensive phones on the market sweat. While it struggled at the highest settings, the Xiaomi 17T Pro had no trouble running it at 60fps on the 'balanced' preset, which still looks stunning.

The frame of the phone gets pretty toasty after a while, but that's just the cooling system doing its job, and I didn't notice much of a performance hit. If you use the included case, it'll keep your fingers comfortable, and of course, it's even better with a clamp-on controller like the GameSir X5 Lite.

It's also worth mentioning the haptics, as they also enhance the gaming experience. The vibration motors in this phone are stronger than most and are able to provide very precise feedback, which is great for typing.

The speakers are also very impressive. They can get pretty loud, produce detailed highs, and have better bass response than most phone speakers in this price range.

• Performance score: 5 / 5

Xiaomi 17T Pro review: SoftwareFutureFutureFuture

• Hyper OS 3, based on Android 16
• iOS-inspired design
• 5 years of updates, 6 years of security patches

The Xiaomi 17T Pro runs Hyper OS 3, Xiaomi's custom software built on top of Android 16. I haven't noticed any major changes with this release; it's essentially the same experience that I had with Xiaomi's recent flagships and the latest Poco devices.

The difference here, compared to Xiaomi's pricier phones, is that there's a bit of bloatware to clean up when you first set it up. It's nothing major — just a handful of random preinstalled apps — but having to remove them detracts from an otherwise premium experience.

Aside from that, I have no real complaints about the software experience. Hyper OS 3 has been consistently smooth and responsive, and it's easy to customize the look if you don't like the default vibes.

As we've seen with most Chinese Android skins lately, there's some Apple influence to the styling. Xiaomi has its own version of Dynamic Island, and some of the lock screen options look quite iPhone-like, with oversized clocks and depth effects. Most importantly, though, they look good and work well.

Xiaomi is promising five generations of updates and six years of security patches for European customers. It's a decent showing, if slightly behind the commitments offered by Samsung and Google. This means the 17T Pro should get the latest version of Android until at least 2031.

• Software score: 4 / 5

Xiaomi 17T Pro review: Battery

(Image credit: Future)

• 6,330mAh silicon-carbon battery
• 100W wired charging
• 50W wireless charging

The Xiaomi 17T Pro has the largest battery of any Xiaomi phone to date, besting the brand's mainline flagships with a whopping 7,000 mAh capacity.

With such a large cell on board, I had high hopes for the battery life, but the reality was a little underwhelming. Don't get me wrong, the battery life is very good — it always gets me through the day, and usually through a second morning. But I was expecting a little more.

To be fair, though, I received the phone well before the launch, and it was running pre-release software. There's every chance the battery life will improve further as the software becomes more optimized.

In any case, charging the 17T Pro is barely a hassle. It supports up to 100W speeds with a wire, and the powerful wall adapter comes included in the box. I found it was enough to take the phone from fully dead to well over 50% charged in half an hour, which is impressive considering the capacious battery pack.

The wireless charging speeds are impressive, too. The Xiaomi 17T Pro can be juiced up at up to 50W with Xiaomi's official wireless charger, but don't expect those speeds with any old charging pad; everything I had to hand topped out at a measly 15W.

• Battery score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Xiaomi 17T Pro?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

The 17T Pro is not an outright bargain, and it costs substantially more than its predecessor. But it's in line with the competition, and boasts more impressive overall specifications.

4 / 5

Design

The Xiaomi 17T Pro looks and feels premium, and it comes in some very fetching colours — but it's basically the same as the old one.

4 / 5

Display

The display is large, crisp, and bright with plenty of eye-care features.

5 / 5

Cameras

The main and telephoto cameras are excellent, but the ultra-wide could be improved.

4 / 5

Performance

The Xiaomi 17T Pro will handle just about anything you can throw at it. The haptics and speakers are very good, too.

5 / 5

Software

Xiaomi's Hyper OS is feature-packed and smooth, but a bit of bloatware sours an otherwise premium experience.

4 / 5

Battery

The 17T Pro packs a massive 7,000mAh battery that charges very quickly. I expected it to last longer, though, so perhaps more software optimization is required.

4 / 5

Buy it if...

You want an excellent camera phone at an affordable price

The Xiaomi 17T Pro has a lot of the same camera features as the brand's more expensive flagship phones, but it won't hurt your wallet quite so much.

You're looking for speedy performance and solid battery life

With a full-fledged flagship SoC and a mammoth 7,000mAh battery on board, the Xiaomi 17T Pro offers a great experience for gaming and productivity.

Don't buy it if...

You already have the Xiaomi 15T Pro

There aren't too many changes from last year's model, so if you already have that phone, this won't feel like much of an upgrade.

You love ultra-wide photos

While the cameras on the Xiaomi 17T Pro are impressive overall, the ultra-wide is much weaker than the other lenses, especially at night.

Xiaomi 17T Pro review: Also consider

The Xiaomi 17T Pro is a great sub-flagship option, but it's important to look at the competition, too. Here are a couple of competitors that are worth checking out.

Honor 600 Pro

Honor's recently released 600 Pro is a similarly priced phone with a focus on cameras and gaming performance. It offers autofocus on the ultra-wide camera, but the Xiaomi has better video capabilities and a nicer telephoto camera.

Read our full Honor 600 Pro review

Vivo X300 FE

Vivo's latest sub-flagship is another strong contender. It also has excellent cameras, but it's not quite as powerful, and the ultra-wide camera is even worse. Limited global availability may limit its appeal, too (note that we haven't yet reviewed this device).

Xiaomi 17T Pro

Honor 600 Pro

Vivo X300 FE

Price:

TBA

£899

€999

Display:

6.83-inch OLED

6.57-inch OLED

6.3-inch OLED

Cameras:

50MP main; 12MP ultra-wide; 50MP telephoto

200MP main; 12MP ultra-wide; 50MP telephoto

50MP main; 8MP ultra-wide; 50MP telephoto

Processor:

MediaTek Dimensity 9500

Snapdragon 8 Elite

Snapdragon 8 Gen 5

Battery:

7,000mAh

6,400mAh

6,500mAh

How I tested the Xiaomi 17

• Review test period: One week
• Testing included: Everyday use, including web browsing, social media, photography, video calling, gaming, streaming video, music playback
• Tools used: Geekbench 6, 3DMark, native Android stats

I popped my SIM into the Xiaomi 17T Pro and used it as my main phone for just over a week. I used it as I would use any other phone, taking lots of photos and videos, gaming, messaging, working, streaming video, and navigating with Google Maps.

I also compared the experience of playing graphically demanding games like Neverness to Everness to my experience on other Android flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Oppo Find X9 Ultra. I ran plenty of benchmarks on the phone, including 3DMark and Geekbench, to confirm my performance findings.

I assessed the battery performance based on my real-world usage, and charging times were measured using the included wall adapter and USB-C cable.

First tested May 2026

The Xiaomi 17T Pro isn't a game-changing update, but it's still one of the best phones in its class.