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Special education laws and the U.S. Department of Education have evolved together over nearly five decades. Now, the Trump administration seems to want to separate the two.

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President Trump said that he is standing up for skilled workers and farmers by slapping tariffs on imports but farmers aren't happy.

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Cooper Flagg and Paige Bueckers, the presumptive top picks in this year's NBA and WNBA drafts, are on deck this weekend with hopes of a national title. But the star power doesn't stop with them.

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Microsoft is celebrating a very special birthday, and you're all invited. The Microsoft 50th Anniversary Copilot Event takes place tomorrow, and will see the Seattle tech giant unveil its latest AI developments – and, presumably, look back at its vast history.

In the lead-up to the event at 9:30 AM PT / 12:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM BST on April 4, we'll discuss all of our favorite Microsoft moments from the last 50 years and predict what Copilot upgrades we can expect to see.

Whether you're a fan of Windows, Xbox, Copilot, or even the Zune (remember that?), you won't want to miss this birthday bash.

Plus, we'll have reporters on the ground in Seattle ready to cover all the breaking news as it happens, so stay tuned to TechRadar and bookmark this live blog to keep up with everything Microsoft 50th Anniversary and Copilot.

Good morning! John-Anthony Disotto, TechRadar's Senior AI Writer here, ready to kickstart our coverage of the Microsoft 50th Anniversary Copilot event!

Stay tuned – because we've got a while until the event starts tomorrow (April 4), so we'll have plenty time to talk about the best (and worst) Microsoft moments from the last half century.

And of course, we'll also be speculating as to what we expect to see from Copilot, and bringing you any last-minute rumors on that front.

Let's go over the basics first:

The Microsoft 50th Anniversary Copilot Event will be live-streamed on the company's website on April 4 at 9:30 AM PT / 12:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM BST.

We expect to see announcements related to Microsoft AI, but details are pretty scarce at the moment.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

In the lead up to the event, we've asked the TechRadar team to discuss their favorite Microsoft memories from over the years.

Whether that's the launch of Windows 95, Microsoft's venture into games consoles in the early 2000s, or Windows Phone, we've got so much to reminisce about.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Let's kickstart this time capsule 50 years ago, back in 1975.

It's generally considered that Microsoft was founded on April 4, 1975, but Bill Gates and Paul Allen's journey started in January of that year when the duo spotted the MITS Altair 8800 on the cover of Popular Electronics.

With their creative juices flowing, the duo launched BASIC in February 1975 as the first computer programming language for a PC and sold it to MITS (Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems) of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The pair then moved to Boston where Microsoft was co-founded as BASIC. By July 1975, BASIC v2 had officially shipped, and the journey had begun.

Microsoft's first logo

(Image credit: Microsoft)

In November 1967, Micro-Soft was registered as a trade name and we got our first glimpse at a Microsoft logo.

It's definitely not as iconic as the colorful Windows logo we've all grown to know and love, but back in the 60s logos were more about practicality than style.

Let's start bringing in some of TechRadar's staff to discuss their favorite Microsoft memories, starting with TechRadar Pro's Managing Editor, Desire Athow.

His favorite Microsoft product of all time is Windows 95, and for many that might be the very first experience you ever had with a computer.

My favorite Microsoft product: Windows 95

Desire said, "Launched almost 30 years ago, Windows 95 remains my favorite Microsoft product of all time. Those of a certain vintage will remember the days of MS-DOS and the joys of text-based operating systems.

The transition from c:\ to GUI (graphics user interface) was a true paradigm shift, opening the world of computing to a much, much wider audience and cementing its status back then as the OS powering the personal computer revolution.

The cursor changed everything, but it's something else, an afterthought, that truly changed the world: Internet Explorer."

"Back in the day, we had bootlegged pirated copies of Microsoft Windows 95 Beta (AKA Chicago), and I vividly remember the hours I spent trying to install it from a CDROM.

Ironically, 30 years later, AI has brought back that same feeling. Gemini, the AI I used the most, is in dark mode by default and text mostly, not unlike the OS of yesteryear. P.S.: if you want to relive Windows 95 in all its glory, have a gander at this site that puts Windows 95 in your browser."

I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Microsoft (kind of)

Microsoft's impact can't be overestimated, it has truly defined the tech industry, and in turn everyone at TechRadar's careers, in some shape or another.

Computing Managing Editor, Matt Hanson owes a lot of his career to Microsoft, He said "In a way, I owe a lot of my career as a tech journalist to Microsoft, and if it wasn’t for the company - and a rather unpopular version of Windows - I wouldn’t be here typing away about PCs.

Not because I wouldn’t exist at all - thankfully Microsoft had nothing to do with my actual creation, that would be one heck of a family tree to get my head around, but because the very first publication I worked for at Future Publishing was Windows Vista: The Official Magazine."

(Image credit: Future)

Hanson adds, "This was back in 2008, and Microsoft had licensed Future to create a magazine to show off its new operating system and help users get the most out of their PCs.

While it was the official magazine, Microsoft was thankfully quite hands-off for the most part, and the magazine was far more than just an advert for Windows Vista. Magazines were still selling well and we had a big team, and we did some really fun features such as renting out cars and using various map websites and SatNavs (remember them?) to see who could get to a random place as fast as possible.

It was genuinely fun, and here I am almost 20 years later still at Future and still writing about PCs.

The only issue was that Windows Vista was a bit, well… crap. I moved publications after a few years, writing for esteemed organs such as PC Plus, PC Format and Linux Format, to name a few. I was also involved in the launch of Windows 8: The Official Magazine, which again was a fun publication, though it had to deal with the fact that Microsoft had somehow made an operating system worse than Windows Vista.

But I’ll always have a soft spot for those less popular versions, as they helped get me to where I am today."

What about the future?

(Image credit: AdriaVidal via Shutterstock)

While it's lovely to talk about the past, what about the future?

The event tomorrow is focused around Copilot, but what could we see Microsoft unveil when it comes to AI?

This week, the company has rolled out Copilot Search in Bing, and it's available for free. Could that be at the core of the event? I'm not convinced

(Image credit: Microsoft (Screenshot by John Loeffler))

I don't think Copilot gets the love it deserves, and my colleague Eric thinks the same.

Earlier this week he wrote about the Copilot app and why you should give it a try.

Read his piece, "I tried Microsoft Copilot's iOS app, and here are 3 reasons why you should too" and maybe you'll be convinced to give Microsoft AI a go.

The good ol' days

(Image credit: Future)

Let's jump to another TechRadar team member's favorite Microsoft memory. This time in the company's gaming division.

Axel Metz, TR's Phones Editor, says "I'm jumping in to nostalgia dump about my beloved Xbox 360.

This picture, taken in November 2013, is the first in my iPhone’s camera roll and shows my modest collection of Xbox games just moments before they were moved onto another shelf to make way for my shiny new PS4 collection.

I happily played those PS4 games for most of the next decade, but my fondest gaming memories relate to my Xbox 360 and the hundreds of hours I spent playing the likes of Halo: Reach, Assassins Creed: Brotherhood, Skate 3, Batman: Arkham City, Red Dead Redemption, Far Cry 3, Just Cause 2, FIFA 13… the list goes on.

The 360 console design was perfect; the controller was perfect; the dashboard was perfect; party chat was perfect – looking back, I can’t believe just how badly Microsoft dropped the ball with the Xbox One (even I, an Xbox lover, was forced to defect to PlayStation), but lest we forget just how much its game-changing 2005 console meant (and still means) to millions of people.

I remember those Xbox 360 days too Axel... What a time to be alive, coming home from school and jumping on Xbox live to play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

I have especially fond memories of the 360 era of video games because of my prowess at wrestling games. My claim to fame is my worldwide ranking in WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw 2007 where I was 11th in the world for steel cage matches.

Nowadays I'm lucky if I can win a game in any online lobby, kid these days are just built different!

(Image credit: Getty Images)

TechRadar's very own Editor At Large, Lance Ulanoff, is in Seattle for the Microsoft event, and he's written an excellent piece on how Gates and co have helped define the tech industry.

Lance has been covering Microsoft since the 1980s, so he's got a wealth of experience and knowledge to share on the evolution of the company throughout the decades.

In his latest article, "I've been covering Microsoft, DOS, and Windows since the 1980s, and Microsoft turning 50 is more important than you think", Lance discusses the company's impact on the industry and the ups and downs of the tech giant over the years.

Here's one of my favorite quotes from the piece:

"I booted up the computer and started playing around in what was then Windows 2.0. It had mouse support and windows, but seemed rigid, and as soon as I discovered there was no font support – a key component for digital publishing. I was out.

What I didn't realize at the time was how our destinies – Microsoft's and mine – would soon be intertwined."

This is an awesome article, go and give it a read!

Hello, I'm a PC

(Image credit: Apple)

Graham Barlow, TechRadar's AI Editor has chimed in with his thoughts on Microsoft's 50th anniversary.

"With Microsoft hitting its 50th anniversary I’m reminded of the old rivalry between PC and Mac.

Back in the early 2000s, I was the editor of MacFormat, the UK’s no.1 Apple magazine, and Microsoft was our sworn enemy. It was just a few years later (2008) that Apple created the “I’m a Mac, and I’m a PC” advertising campaign featuring John Hodgman and Justin Long.

I used to love those adverts and I remember recreating the look and feel of them with the editor of PC Answers at the time, Simon Pickstock, for a magazine feature. We had some fun with that. Of course, I played the Justin Long character and Simon played the John Hodgman character. I made fun of Windows’ inability to survive for five minutes on the Internet without getting some sort of malware infestation and he laughed at the Mac’s inability to get a DIY memory upgrade.

The two iconic characters exemplified everything about Mac and PC owners of the time, and in a way, it’s still true today. Windows and Microsoft have never been ‘cool’ like the Mac has, but it’s a testament to Windows’ enduring popularity that it’s still here today, and still the only real choice for a PC operating system. (Yes, I’ve heard of Linux, thank you).

Of course, the joke was on me when a few years later I was asked to also run Windows Help & Advice magazine in addition to my duties on MacFormat, in a way that made it pretty clear that “no” was not going to be an option. Windows Help & Advice didn’t survive COVID-19 sadly, but at least that meant I got a break from running “How to reinstall Windows” cover features every other month (yes, they were that popular).

Interestingly, MacFormat is still going strong, and it’s one of the few technology magazines that continues to still exist in print.

While the Windows magazine readers may have all migrated online and now exist in the cloud somewhere, it turns out that they were the ones who were more interested in living in a digital world than the Mac owners. Back in 2008, who would have thought that?"

I'm loving all these Microsoft memories, and it's great to learn more about my colleagues' careers. Keep em' coming folks!

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Back to the Copilot event. It's hard to know exactly what Microsoft has up its sleeve for tomorrow's livestream, but you'd hope it's something important considering it's linked to the company's golden anniversary.

Eric Hal Schwartz wrote about the 4 things he wants to see announced at the Copilot event, and I'm in agreement with some of his ideas.

My favorite concept in his list is the return of Clippy, Microsoft's most famous mascot. Could you imagine a Copilot-powered Clippy in Windows 11? Sign me up!

Now, let's go back down memory lane, as Marcus Mears II – TechRadar's Computing Reviews and Buying Guides Editor – looks back on the Xbox 360.

The One Thing No Xbox Owner Wanted to See

It's not too often we get omens in the world of tech and gaming (well, not counting HP). But there's one symbol synonymous with the Xbox 360 - and its creator, Microsoft - that certainly fits the bill. The infamous "Red Ring of Death" would rear its ugly head to tell you "this Xbox's time is up. Repair or replace, but go no further!"

A number of flashing red lights would appear around your 360's power button, alerting you of one or more critical hardware errors going on under the hood. But did you know that depending on how many lights were shown, and in what positions they populated, your Xbox was giving different and specific cries for help?

If you saw one red light in the bottom right of the ring, you were looking at some form of acute hardware failure, and typically it was followed up with an error code on your display. If two red lights appeared, your Xbox was overheating and needed some time to cool off.

Three red lights was the unfortunate star of the show, the Red Ring of Death, and it meant your Xbox 360 had critical hardware errors preventing it from running normally. Your display wouldn't show an error code, and you were left clutching your console in your hands, thinking back on all the good times you had together (or more likely using some choice words while trying to get it to work again).

After several years of Microsoft-fueled fun, my own 360 went the way of the Red Ring. Getting rid of your favorite tech is never fun, but thinking back on it certainly can be. 50 years in the game is a long time, and there's bound to be ups as well as downs. Leave it to Microsoft to make the downsides an iconic walk down memory lane.

RayNeo Air 3s glasses: One minute review

I’ve been reviewing AR smart glasses for a few years, and while they’ve been some of my favorite gadgets to test in that time I haven’t found a pair that offered a value proposition which I felt made them something I could recommend to the masses. That is, until I tested the RayNeo Air 3s glasses which are a shoo-in for inclusion on our best smart glasses list.

Costing just $269 these AR specs punch well above their pay grade with generally solid visuals, good audio quality, and a very comfy design.

The Full-HD image created by its dual-micro-OLED setup boasts generally strong color accuracy and contrast, though there are times when the image can appear washed out, and because the mirrored outer lens doesn’t block out all external light brighter environments can disrupt the glasses’ image to the point that it’s tough to make out what you’re watching.

As for the audio, you can hear a stark difference between the sound of these glasses and models that have come before. RayNeo’s Air 3s glasses take things up a level to the point that headphones feel like they aren’t a necessity if you want decent midtones, highs, and bass. Though, while Whisper Mode 2.0 generally keeps what you’re listening to private at louder volumes it does fail so if you like to be drowned in sound you’ll still need some cans.

(Image credit: RayNeo)

Design-wise these specs are comfy, look fairly stylish, and come with a hard carry case that’s perfect for transporting these specs in your bag so you can always have them with you when you travel – based on my experience taking them on trips in testing I can confirm that they're the best travel companion you could have.

While you can spend more to find better AR smart glasses – such as the Xreal one glasses I reviewed last month – RayNeo has seriously knocked it out of the park with RayNeo Air 3s glasses when you factor in how affordable they are. If you’ve been keen to get a pair, and don’t want to break the bank, there’s never been a better time to finally experience what these kinds of AR specs can do.

RayNeo Air 3s glasses: Price and availability

The RayNeo Air 3s glasses are available to buy in the US for $269 from RayNeo’s online store. This puts them at the budget end of the scale, but that doesn’t mean RayNeo’s latest specs don’t pack a punch with solid visuals and sound. If you’re after excellent value for your money in the AR glasses world, this is it.

• Value score: 5/5

RayNeo Air 3s glasses: Design

• Wired USB-C connection
• 76g, comfy to use for long sessions
• No shades or electrochomic dimming for a black backdrop

The RayNeo Air 3s specs follow the tried and tested design approach of pretty much all smart glasses of their ilk. But that I mean they look – at a glance – just like a pair of sunglasses, with RayNeo’s frame being complete with mirrored lenses.

Take a closer look and you’ll spy a USB-C port on the tip of their right arm – which you plug a cable into to pair them with a compatible device like a phone, PC of games console (which either support DisplayPort via USB-C or by using an adapter like an HDMI-to-USB-C cable) – as well as buttons and large reflective prisms behind the lenses.

(Image credit: Future)

The buttons control screen brightness, volume, and access an image settings menu depending which you press, and the prisms allow the wearer to spy a pair of micro-OLED panels which deliver an impressive full-HD image (more on that in a moment).

These glasses are also outfitted with a quad-speaker setup (two on each arm) which RayNeo says only takes up the space of two single speakers while enhancing audio performance (again, more on that below).

All of this is crammed into a lightweight 76g package that thanks to two nose pad options, and three adjustable lens viewing angles can sit comfortably on your face for hours on end.

And to carry around the glasses and their USB-C cable you’ll get a handy hard carry case.

Overall the design is great but the one big flaw is the lack of aliens cover or electrochromic dimming. That’s because while the mirrored lens setup does cut out a fair amount of light they don’t create a black backdrop which can ruin the contrast and color vividness of what you’re watching – especially in brighter environments.

• Design score: 4/5

RayNeo Air 3s glasses: Performance

• Full-HD, 650 nit image
• Good audio quality
• Pairs with a good amount of USB-C devices

The RayNeo Air 3s glasses offer a good performance that’s unfortunately let down by the lack of black backdrop (as I mentioned in the design section).

The full-HD image they produce generally boasts bright colors and good contrast – even in darker scenes where poor contrast can mean you miss out on the action. Though they aren’t perfect.

For one, there is blurring at the edges without the screen adjustments to solve it like some of their competition.

What’s more, there were times when scenes looked washed out with muted colors that broke me out of my immersion. And thanks to the always translucent background it can be hard to use the glasses in brighter environments as light from the real world will dilute the OLED screen’s image, ruining the picture.

(Image credit: Future)

Audio wise things sound strong. The audio quality has taken a serious step up with RayNeo’s new quad speaker setup. The specs boast a “200%” superior audio compared to the previous generation’s Air 2S glasses with crisper highs, more detailed mids, and deeper bass.

In my tests I’d say they certainly live up to what they promise, with impressive sound that is only bested by the Xreal One glasses when it comes to smart glasses I’ve tested. This means that while headphones can still improve your experience they don’t feel like a necessity – something I can't say for many smart glasses.

Whisper Mode 2.0, a feature which promises less sound leakage, also seems to perform well as at moderate volumes you can’t easily make out what the glasses are playing unless you’re wearing them or sat very close by. Though at higher volumes whisper mode does fail to keep your audio private, so keep that in mind.

Some drawbacks are to be expected at this price, but what you do get from the RayNeo Air 3s glasses is very good when you consider how much they cost compared to their competition – so yes, they could do better, but they’re still doing very well.

• Performance: 4/5

Should you buy the RayNeo Air 3s glasses? Buy it if…

You’re on a budget but want AR specs
If you’re after cheap AR specs that are still worth your time and money, these are what you’ve been waiting for.View Deal

You travel a lot
These sorts of AR glasses are perfect for travellers as they allow you to carry around a pocket-sized movie theatre with you wherever you go.View Deal

You like privacy
These smart specs allow you to watch content on your phone or work on your laptop without showing everyone around you what’s on the screen.View Deal

(Image credit: Future) Don’t buy it if…

You want the best performance
The RayNeo Air 3s glasses are good but there are glasses with better performance out there.View Deal

You want a standalone device
These AR glasses, like their rivals, need to connect to an external device to function.View Deal

You want 4K
The full-HD quality is fine, but if you’re looking for 4K visuals you’ll need to keep waiting until a pair of AR smart glasses comes along with that resolution.View Deal

Also consider

Xreal One
The Xreal One AR smart glasses cost more at $499 / £449 but do deliver better audio and a better picture, though I’m not sure the improvement is worth the added cost frankly.
Read our Xreal One review

Ray-Ban meta smart glasses
These glasses don’t come with AR functions, instead they boast an AI and a camera. If you’re after smart glasses you can wear all the time and have a jack-of-all-trades approach these specs could be a better fit for you.
Read our Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses review

Meta Quest 3
While not a direct competitor to AR smart glasses like this pair from RayNeo, the Quest 3 is an XR product you should consider if you want to experience what VR and MR have to offer as it’s frankly fantastic.
Read our Meta Quest 3 review

How I tested the RayNeo Air 3s glasses

I spent a few weeks testing the RayNeo Air 3s glasses ahead of their release trying them in a variety of use cases. I took them with me on my commutes to work and a recent press trip I took to Copenhagen so I could try them out on a flight. I used them at home at my desk to work, and while relaxing on my couch to play games on my PS5 with an HDMI adapter.

I made sure to test them in long sessions to check on the comfort quality over an extended period of time (sessions lasting at least two hours) and used them with and without headphones to test their audio quality.

Read more about how we test.

• First reviewed April 2025

Sigma BF: two-minute review

I knew that the Sigma BF would frustrate me at times, but what I wasn't prepared for was how much I would enjoy making pictures with the camera.

This unique and boldly minimalist camera, which has been likened to Apple's products, oozes character, and despite its many design and performance concessions I've come to love it.

Yes, the 24.6MP full-frame Sigma BF's minimalist design polarizes opinion – for some it's an object of desire, for others it's a firm no. However, even hardened fans of the camera, who now include me, will admit there's maybe one concession too many.

Rated using a conventional scoring system, the Sigma BF comes up short because its limitations are many. It doesn't have a viewfinder; its touchscreen is fixed; memory is internal only (a 230GB SSD and no card slot); the 24MP full-frame sensor isn't stabilized; its ergonomics could be better; battery life is modest; and key connections ports for video, such as mic in and a headphone jack, are absent.

That said, cameras can't be reviewed purely by ticking boxes. They're creative tools, and if you find one that gets you, and brings out the creator in you, then what it scores in a review is less relevant.

Isn't she lovely? (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

A similarly-priced, conventional mirrorless camera like the Nikon Z6 III gives you all the tools you need, wrapped in a sensible design with superb ergonomics, and it 'scores' better. However, if you want a bit of excitement, and a stunning and unique camera that can delight, frustrate, then delight again from one beat to the next, the BF is the ticket.

For seasoned photographers, there’s a re-learning process with the Sigma BF in terms of navigating its nondescript controls and minimalist menus. You need to spend some time getting to know the BF. Familiarize yourself with its quirks and its joys, and most other cameras feel somehow dull and characterless by comparison.

It's also a sensational pairing with Sigma's Contemporary I-series lenses – I had a new silver version of the 35mm F2 DG lens to match the silver BF. Sigma, if you're reading this: producing a pancake lens next, that pairs with the BF's compact body, should be a top priority.

Sigma says the BF stands for 'Beautiful Foolishness', I've read other reviewers liken it to a 'Best Friend'. For me, it’s Brilliantly Flawed and I'm a Big Fan.

Whatever its technical compromises, the Sigma BF is a design masterstroke. It's a beautifully imperfect thing that deserves its place in your hand. Relationship status? Seeing someone.

Sigma BF: price and release date

• The Sigma BF body-only costs $1,999 / £1,969 / AU$3,995
• It's available for pre-order in silver or black versions
• Sigma has also launched silver versions of multiple I-series lenses

Sigma lenses are typically around half the price of proprietary brand equivalents, but what of the brand's cameras? Well, the BF costs $1,999 / £1,969 / AU$3,995 body-only, which on the one hand is pretty steep for a 24MP full-frame camera with no viewfinder.

However, this is no ordinary camera. When you consider the BF's build quality – the chassis is machined from a single ingot of aluminum, and the camera has premium touch-sensitive controls – then suddenly it feels more reasonable.

Pre-orders are open now, and the BF is available in silver or black versions – interest in the silver version has been particularly high. However, reportedly Sigma can only make nine Sigma BF units per day, and so the lead times for orders could dwarf even those for 2024's most sought-after camera, the Fujifilm X100VI.

• Price score: 4/5

Sigma BF: specs Sigma BF: design and handling

• Chassis machined from a single ingot of aluminum
• Nondescript controls, some of which are touch-sensitive, plus simple menus
• Internal SSD memory only, no card slot
• No mic or headphone port, just a USB-C port

A camera that's machined from a single ingot of aluminum in a process that takes seven hours, with production limited to nine units per day, should be special. The BF is just that.

It's true that the Sigma BF's minimalist design won't be for everyone. It's distinctly Apple-like in terms of its design, at a time when retro cameras like the Fujifilm X100VI are trending. Personally, I've found the BF to be one of the most fascinating cameras in recent memory.

Its premium quality is obvious, right down to the smallest details – even the the metal body cap, which I dedicated an entire article to. The camera is weather-proof and feels rock-solid – I'd fear more for any surface it came into contact with, even though of course I wouldn't want to thrash such a lovely camera around.

With its clean lines and stripped-back control layout come various design concessions, particularly if you've been spoilt by other mirrorless cameras that place plentiful controls at your fingertips.

There's no grip to speak of, just a textured front half; a design choice that feels more aesthetic than anything else, and which complements the matte finish beautifully.

As such, the BF is best used with small lenses, especially Sigma's I-series of Contemporary primes. Sigma was on the ball in launching silver versions of some I-series lenses to match the new silver BF – I had the new silver 35mm F2 DG for this review.

These I-series lenses are pretty small, none more so than the 45mm F2.8. That said, there's no true pancake lens for Sigma's L-mount, and I'd like to see one to full complement the BF's ergonomics.

Image 1 of 5

The BF employs a back illuminated 24.6MP full-frame sensor (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 2 of 5

Its textured front half provides a little grip, but is more for the looks (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 3 of 5

Half textured, half matt finish – the striking BF from the front (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 4 of 5

Notches on the body cap complement the camera's front (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 5 of 5

Even the camera's body cap is beautiful (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Each button and control is beautifully dampened, and – get this – two of the buttons are touch-sensitive: the menu button and the playback button. If you half-press the playback button, your latest image pops up on screen until you let go. Fully press the button in and you enter playback mode. Quality.

Markings on the buttons are suitably nondescript, so it'll take you a while to workout what each one does. Also, once you're in a menu, it's not all that obvious how to make exposure changes – a prize goes to whoever works out how to select or deselect the auto option in exposure settings the fastest.

Finding commonly used settings is no problem, though. There are three simple menus to navigate: the main one with your most-used settings, and two sub-menus. This simple setup feels very Hasselblad X2D 100C.

In that top menu, you can scroll through the options using the control wheel, with the latest setting being displayed on a charming, tiny LCD. Via this, quick changes to settings like color profiles are possible.

Image 1 of 10

In bright sunlight, at various angles, there can be blinding glare from the silver version of the Sigma BF. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 2 of 10

Clean lines, just a single USB-C slot (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 3 of 10

A large 3.2-inch touchscreen dominates the camera's rear (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 4 of 10

There's a loop just on one side of the BF, suitable to attach a wrist strap (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 5 of 10

Minimalism at its best – the top of the camera features a large shutter button only (and built-in stereo mics). (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 6 of 10

The premium matt finish feels lovely (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 7 of 10

There's that shutter button, and below it a thumb grip (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 8 of 10

Watch out when in the sun - the silver version reflects sunlight, with particularly strong glare (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 9 of 10

There's a recess in the BF's corner where the camera rests in your palm. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 10 of 10

Each control is beautifully dampened, while some are touch senstive. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Arguably Sigma's most controversial design choice was to limit storage to an internal SSD only. That's fine, so long as the SSD is reliable – and we've no reason to believe it won't be – but if there's an issue with it the camera becomes useless without a costly repair (assuming that is indeed possible).

I love cameras that include built-in memory as a fail-safe, but that's when it's in addition to removable media such as an SD card. Internal memory only will be a dealbreaker for some people.

To upload photos from the BF you'll need to connect it via the USB-C port, which is also used to charge the camera. I found the upload process super straightforward, and speedy to a MacBook Pro.

The exterior is suitably stripped-back too, meaning there's no mic input, headphone jack, HDMI or even loops on both sides for a shoulder strap, just on one side for a wrist strap.

I don't mind all of the above. What I did miss the most is having a viewfinder or a tilt / vari-angle screen. In bright sunlight I naturally found myself bringing the camera up to my eye as if a viewfinder was there to compose the shot, while at awkward low angles I wished for a tilt screen.

Both or either of those display features would make the BF more practical, but I understand why they're absent – how could Sigma otherwise make such a beautifully minimalist camera?

• Design score: 4.5/5

Sigma BF: features and performance

• 8fps with continuous AF, recorded onto rapid internal SSD
• Below-average 260-shot battery life
• No IBIS, just electronic stabilization for video

If you want an all-singing all-dancing mirrorless camera, the Sigma BF is not for you. Sure, its startup time is rapid, but it lacks many of the powerful features that we've come to take for granted in cameras at this price point and above.

Take the 24.6MP sensor – it's not stabilized. That's not a dealbreaker for what will surely be an everyday camera for photographers, and used with fast-aperture prime lenses, but I'd love to see it – after all, in-body image stabilization is part of an internal component, and so including it wouldn't impact the BF's minimalist design.

For video, there's the option for electronic stabilization, which imposes a 1.25x crop to the image area, meaning it's not available for the 6K option.

The burst shooting with continuous AF drive mode maxes out at 8fps, so it's not the quickest. However, sequences can run for longer than you'll likely ever need: up to 350 raw images or 1,000 JPEGs. Buffering time for those sequences, before the camera is ready once more to perform fully, is shorter than on most rivals too.

As mentioned, there's no card slot, and images are saved to an internal 230GB SSD. You can upload photos via the multi-purpose USB-C 3.2 port, which is rated up to 10Gbps and can also be used for any one of the following functions at a time: external video output, charging and power delivery, cable release, external mic, and headphone output.

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The 24.6MP full-frame back illuminated sensor; there's no stabilization (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 2 of 5

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The BF's underside, including a lock for the pop-out battery (Image credit: Tim Coleman)Image 4 of 5

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Built-in stereo mics (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Sigma has created a new BP-81 battery for the BF – it's a tiny 3,300mAh unit that's rated for a meagre 260 shots, although I don't mind the lower-than-average shot life when you consider how compact the BF is.

Autofocus is a hybrid phase-detection and contrast-detection system, with subject tracking for humans and animals. It's proven pretty reliable overall during my testing, especially for close-up portraits, but I've certainly used more sophisticated systems from the likes of Sony, Canon and Nikon.

Part of the issue with autofocus is relying on a fixed touchscreen that's not always the easiest to see, depending on the shooting conditions. You hope focus is spot on, but it isn't always.

Another element that limits autofocus performance is that the focus options you have to choose from are relatively basic – this is a minimalist camera in just about every way. I'd also say, based on my experience of both cameras, that the Nikon Z6 III is much better at picking up subjects that only take up a small portion of the frame.

As for video, the BF features built-in stereo mics, but no dedicated mic input, just mic connection via the multi-purpose USB-C; and the stereo mics are particularly susceptible to wind distortion. In short, many of the features that video users rely on are absent – the BF is more a photographer's camera that happens to shoot lovely-quality 6K video.

• Features and performance score: 3.5/5

Sigma BF: image and video quality

• 24.6MP photos in detail-rich 14-bit raw universal DNG format
• 6K video from the full width of the sensor, no EIS available at this resolution
• 13 color profiles for photos, L-log for video

Despite its rather conventional-sounding 24MP full-frame sensor, the Sigma BF is capable of producing highly-detailed images with gorgeous color.

Special mention must go to the superb 35mm F2 DG lens I was testing the camera with – detail is pin-sharp from center to edges, with a lovely focus fall-off when you're shooting at the maximum f/2 aperture.

There are plenty of other superb L-mount lenses to pair with the BF, and Sigma lenses are reasonably priced too. That said, I do think that Sigma needs to prioritize producing a pancake lens that truly complements the BF's compact body, especially while sales for the camera are likely to be strong. A tiny 35mm f/2.8 should be doable.

The photos in the gallery directly below are a selection of the kind of everyday images that the Sigma BF is so adept at capturing.

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As with Leica, I always appreciate that a Sigma camera's raw files are the universal DNG format, meaning that just about any editor happily accepts the files; and they're detail-rich 14-bit files, no less.

Shoot in raw and JPEG simultaneously, and the standard color settings and full image area is kept for raw files, but your active color mode is applied to JPEGs. There are 13 modes to choose from for photos, and there are a few crackers amongst them.

The Calm color profile is Sigma's version of natural / muted, while Rich is a vibrant profile. I'm a fan of the BF's natural '709 Look' for photos, even though it's based on the Rec.709 profile traditionally used for video, plus the punchy and trendy Teal and Orange. It's easy to scroll through these options quickly to make your selection.

Here's the entire list of color modes: Standard, Rich, Calm, Powder Blue, Warm Gold, Teal and Orange, FOV Classic Blue, FOV Classic Yellow, Forest Green, Sunset Red, Cinema, 709 Look and Monochrome.

Street photography is a forte of the Sigma BF, as you can see from the collection of images below.

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Would I prefer the BF had a 61MP sensor, like the one in Sigma's own fp L? Sure. And a stabilized sensor too. Those extra pixels would give greater scope for cropping into images taken with a lens like the 35mm F2 I had for this test, for the times you can't get close enough, while in-body image stabilization makes handheld shooting easier in various conditions.

All the photos you can see below were taken with the BF's autofocus with subject tracking active, and the close-up portraits are reliably pin-sharp on the eyes. My hit ratio in low light was less reliable, but impressive nonetheless.

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Video specs are decent, with 6K 30fps video in Sigma's L-log profile looking particularly lovely after grading, though you'll miss out on electronic stabilization in 6K, which rules out handheld footage on the move – the sample video below includes shaky unstabilized clips as I walk through London, plus a selection of the color profiles so you can appreciate the different styles.

However, it's the distinct lack of supporting features for video that plants the BF firmly in the photography camp, rather than it being a hybrid model.

• Image and video quality score: 4.5/5

Sigma BF: testing scorecard Should I buy the Sigma BF? Buy it if...

You love minimalist tech
I thought the Hasselblad X2D 100C was peak minimalism, but the Sigma BF is another level – there isn't even a memory card slot!

You want a camera that stands out from the crowd
The camera market is flooded with conventional DSLR-style mirrorless cameras; the Sigma BF couldn't be more different.

You want a small everyday camera
Considering its full-frame sensor, the BF is compact, and pairs nicely with Sigma's dinky Contemporary I-series lenses.

Don't buy it if...

You value function over form
Design is the BF's selling point... if you want something different. However, other cameras at this price point will offer more control and more features.

You shoot video a lot
The BF can record lovely-looking 6K video with Sigma's L-log color profile, but it lacks most supporting features needed for video, such as in-body image stabilization, and mic in and headphone out ports.

You need removable storage
The BF doesn't have a memory card slot, just an internal SSD, so if something goes wrong with the internal memory it's game over. We wouldn't expect any issues, but it's something to worry about.

Sigma BF: also consider Sigma fp

The BF follows two other Sigma full-frame cameras with similarly compact form; the fp (24MP) and the fp L (61MP). The fp L is more readily available and has the pricier, higher-resolution sensor yet costs the same as the BF, while the fp costs around 20% less, but is harder to find new. The BF wins for design, while the fp models arguably have better features and more conventional controls, even if the BF has improved in certain areas, such as autofocus performance. All three cameras use the same L-mount.

Read our in-depth Sigma FP review

Nikon Zf

Full-frame 24MP cameras at the BF's price point are plentiful. Most have a conventional design, such as the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Nikon Z6 III. However, there are other cameras that pack a similar punch but whose design and user experience are key, such as the Nikon Zf. Unlike the modern, minimalist Sigma BF, the Nikon Zf is a retro model with exposure dials and faux leather finish.

Read our in-depth Nikon Zf

How I tested the Sigma BF

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

• Sigma loaned me the silver version of the BF for one week
• I tested it with the Sigma 35mm F2 DG Contemporary lens
• I mostly used it for everyday and street photography, taking between 500-1,000 photos and videos, and I also tested its video features

I tried to use the Sigma BF as much as possible during a oneweek loan period, taking it with me everywhere, including on city commutes and walks. As you can see from the photos, I had the silver BF, which was the version I was hoping for, together with a new silver version Sigma 35mm F2 DG Contemporary lens.

I've used the BF in bright sunlight and on cloudy days, as well as at night. I've made photos using the various color profiles and autofocus modes, as well as videos at the various resolutions.

First reviewed April 2025

• View or buy at Dreame UK / Amazon / Very

Dreame H15 Pro Wet and Dry vacuum review: two-minute review

Officially unveiled at CES 2025, the Dreame H15 Pro Wet and Dry vacuum boldly promises “a completely clean, untangled and spotless home with zero effort". While the claim might seem audacious, on test I found it almost completely held true. This is one of the very best wet and dry vacuums on the market.

The Dreame H15 Pro boasts several notable upgrades over its predecessor, the H14 Pro. Suction power has increased to 21,000 Pa (up from 18,000 Pa), the battery life is 20 minutes longer (an impressive 60mins) and the roller drying heat has been dialed up from 60C to 90C, which is great for swerving mold and nasty odors.

While it no longer includes the H14 Pro's LED-illuminated brush head or automatic detergent dispenser, these omissions are hardly deal-breakers. Not least because the H15 Pro has one unique feature that no other cordless wet and dry vaccum is currently offering – a retractable squeegee. This is a squeegee style strip at the front of the roller mop that automatically drops down to sweep excess water and debris back towards the roller mop and into the machine. It then automatically retracts to prevent streaks. The aim is to get closer to the walls, and it works extremely well.

Although heavy to lift, the auto-traction (powered) wheels mean its pretty easy to push around in use, and it also boasts excellent limbo-skills – it can slink under the lowest furniture, thanks to a lie-flat design.

There are four power modes, including a low-effort automated mode, and one you can customize via the Dreamehome app, and a vacuum-only mode. On test, was outstanding for cleaning spillages on hard floors, and great for deep-cleaning carpet with water too. Like almost all wet-dry vacuums, it's not effective on uneven flooring, and approach with extreme caution on delicate floors too – in Turbo mode it marked my engineered timber flooring with its over-zealous cleaning (sob).

Price-wise, it's one of the more expensive wet-and-dry vacuums on the market, but if you have a lot of (tough) hard floors and are looking for a low-effort, ultra-effective cleaner, it's worth the investment. Read on for my full Dreame H15 Pro Wet and Dry vacuum review.

Dreame H15 Pro Wet and Dry vacuum review: price & availability

• List price: £599
• Launch date: January 2025
• Availability: UK

The Dreame H15 Pro officially launched in January 2025, and at time of writing it's currently only available in the UK. I've asked about US launch plans and will update this review when I hear back.

With a list price of £599 (equivalent to around $775 / AU$1,230), the H15 Pro is one of the priciest wet and dry vacuums on the market. It's available to buy direct from Dreame, and at various third party retailers like Amazon and Very.

Its price reflects the advanced technology on offer – think AI-driven robotic arm, retractable squeegee and hot water bath brush washing. You might also be able to avoid paying full price – I've already spotted a £100 off discount on the Dreame UK website. With its recent market debut, it's likely that additional deals and promotions will emerge over time, potentially making for a more palatable price-tag moving forwards.

In terms of the wider market, one of the biggest competitors is Tineco, whose priciest wet-dry vacuum is $699.99 / £599 (head to our Tineco Floor One S7 Pro review to find out more about that one). Alternatively there's the well-established Shark HydroVac, which is our favorite budget option with a list price of $199 / £199.

Ultimately, if you’re after the latest cleaning technology and are willing to invest in a high-performance device, the H15 Pro is well worth a gander. For those on a tighter budget, however, it might be wise to wait for further discounts or consider less tech-packed alternatives.

• Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Dreame H15 Pro Wet and Dry specs Dreame H15 Pro Wet and Dry vacuum review: design

• 180-degree lie-flat design and self-cleaning base
• Range of cleaning modes, including automated and vacuum-only
• Large, intuitive display panel, and optional audio commentary

The Dreame H15 Pro arrived in a large cardboard box – quite heavy but manageable for one able adult – and, once removed, was easy to put together. I just had to slot the handle into the main unit and plug the floor/cleaning base into the wall. Besides the main unit and charging base, it arrived with a bottle of detergent, a replacement filter, spare roller and cleaning brush.

The overall design isn't quite as slick-looking as I expected (Image credit: Future)

My initial impression of the design was a little underwhelming. The black and grey color scheme, accented with chrome trim, isn’t ugly, but it doesn’t quite convey the high-tech aesthetic I expected from a product boasting cutting-edge innovation. The floorhead feels large and boxy, while the main unit lacks the refined, streamlined look of competitors like Dyson.

The LED display is bright and intuitive (Image credit: Future)

Things improved once I’d charged the battery to full juice and turned it on. The bright, LED display panel is generous and intuitive, making it easy to keep an eye on battery life, cleaning modes and error codes (such as empty water and blocked tube). During self-cleaning cycles, the display counts down progress.

There’s also a running audio commentary of every move you make, including turning on, drying, set cleaning mode etc, with a rather irritating robotic accent. You can’t change it, but I did turn the volume down in the app, and you can turn it off altogether if preferred.

Fine-tuning cleaning in the Dreamehome App [click to open large version] (Image credit: Future)

Speaking of which, connecting to said app (Dreamehome) was relatively painless, I just needed to make sure I used our 2.4 GHz connection. The App platform is well designed and set out, though not terribly exciting in terms of functions – but this is not a robot so I guess there’s only so much you can set it up to do. (But if you really want zero effort and a multitude of control options, check out the best robot vacuums with mopping capabilities – Narwal’s Freo Z Ultra is my current favorite.)

I did tweak a few settings, such as personalizing a custom mode (with the most water and power of course) and changed the drying process to high speed, which takes it from 30mins to 5mins, because I’m impatient like that! But if you can’t be bothered with another app in your life, I don’t think you’d be missing too much by not connecting it.

The vacuum can lie flat to the floor to shimmy under furniture (Image credit: Future)

The main design highlight in terms of user ease is the 180-degree, lie-flat design, which as the name suggests, means the whole thing can limbo right down to the ground to scoot under any furniture or gap measuring a minimum of 5.5in (14cm). This was handy for getting under my kitchen sofa and wall-hung toilets, but the floorhead was too bulky to slink under my kitchen island unit.

It's a bit of a leaning tower when docked (Image credit: Future)

The charging base is quite large and not in any way beautiful – I’d need it to live in the utility room or other out of the way spot if it was a permanent resident in my home. I also didn’t like how the vacuum pitches forward when docked, like a drunkard, rather than sitting up straight.

Looks aside, the charging base does way more than just top up the battery – it’s a full-on cleaning station. When docked, it acts like a bath for the roller mop, using 240ml of 100C water to clean away dirt and bacteria, before drying with hot air. The idea is you’ll never have a smelly old water situation and the next time you reach for the cleaner, it’ll be ready with a clean mop, and it works really well.

The charging base also works as a water bath to clean the roller mop (Image credit: Future)

Overall, the design is average, and the build quality could be better, but the functionality is superior, so I guess it depends on your priorities in life. Personally, I like everything in my home to look beautiful – shallow, I know – but the fact that the Dreame H15 Pro is exceptionally good (more on that next) and not offensive to look at, means I’d happily make an exception here.

• Design score: 3.5 out of 5

Dreame H15 Pro Wet and Dry vacuum review: performance

• Excellent cleaning (including edges) on almost all hard floor types
• Struggles with uneven floors, and so-so suction on carpet
• Beware: Turbo mode can damage delicate floors

I do have a robot mop that I love for day-to-day use but if I want my floors really clean, I’ve always found it hard to beat a good old-fashioned mop and bucket. While I am still not ready to ditch that completely, I’ll admit that on performance, the Dreame H15 Pro exceeded my expectations.

Right from the start, I was impressed by its decent suction power, and once I’d tweaked the water output to max on the app, the mopping performance matched it. With multiple cleaning programs at my fingertips (a button in the handle), I could easily switch between a deep clean Turbo mode for tougher stains to Smart mode for general use.

This latter mode automatically adjusts cleaning according to the surface/dirt levels and seemed to work well. Movement is self-propelled backwards and forwards, which makes light work of pushing it around the floors, and the head pivots smoothly, too.

There are no edge gaps! (Image credit: Future)

Edge cleaning is often a challenge for vacuum/mop devices, but the Dreame H15 Pro truly excels in this area thanks to its innovative squeegee feature and adaptive cleaning technology. I particularly enjoyed watching the squeegee in action – it automatically lowered as you pull back, and rose moving forwards, dragging dirt away from the edges and corners as it went. During my testing, I placed flour right up to the skirting board, and the H15 Pro managed to pick up every last bit with impressive precision.

Roller mark damage on wood flooring (Image credit: Future)

One of the first things I discovered, to my absolute horror, was that the Turbo mode marked my engineered timber flooring (sob), creating random ridges where the mop roller was presumably spinning too fast in one spot. Once I’d realized, or rather my husband pointed them out (he was not impressed), I went into the App and changed the custom mode to the gentlest power (soft) and the lower of the two water settings, and made sure I kept it moving at all times while the roller was rolling.

This did prevent any additional damage but made me quite nervous to use it on our wood flooring, especially since it was one of the main expenses of our renovation. If you have any kind of real timber flooring, I’d recommend you avoid the Turbo mode like the plague.

On terracotta, it's a fail (Image credit: Future)

Beside the wood flooring, I also have vinyl laminate floors, porcelain tiles, reclaimed terracotta tiles and carpets through my home. I’d say the best results were on the vinyl and porcelain – truly excellent and easily as good, if not better, than using a manual mop. (The wood floor cleaning results were also good to be fair, but the fact they got badly marked wasn’t ideal – here's more on how to clean wooden floors.)

Our terracotta floors have such deep grout lines and so much rugged texture, the Dreame H15 Pro only really licked the surface, even in Turbo mode, so I still had to reach for my faithful mop and bucket. That's not surprising – figuring out how to deal with not-flat floors is a challenge that wet-dry vacuum makers have yet to overcome.

This particular floor cleaner can also be used on carpet. I gave the beige colored 100% wool carpet in my living room a quick mop in Turbo mode and was astonished by the dirt that came out – very satisfying. The stains stayed put sadly, and probably need specialist cleaning.

It can also used in Suction Only mode for carpets, but I'd say it was only so-so in this setting. I’d occasionally use it on the living room carpet if I was already busy mopping everywhere else, but if I really needed to get deep into the pile and dig out all the dog hairs, I had to bring out my normal cordless vacuum.

Mine is a Miele and super sucky, but TechRadar's best cordless vacuum guide has more recommendations if you need them. There’s also the issue of no detail tools for upholstery, cobwebs, skirting boards and so on. In short, I don’t think you could use this as your only vacuum cleaner.

Cleaning tests

During my standard vacuuming tests – using flour to simulate fine debris and oats for larger particles – the performance truly surpassed my expectations. For the flour test on engineered wood flooring, I used Smart mode so the machine could choose the setting that would offer the best results. And it clearly knows its onions because it only took one pass to completely clear away the flour, including those hard-to-reach grooves between the planks. The efficiency was nothing short of impressive.

(Image credit: Future)

Next came the oats test, again on engineered wood, and this time the Smart mode wasn’t quite cutting it – the oats were being pushed around rather than suctioned up – so I switched to Turbo mode, and they were eradicated in just a few more passes.

In Auto mode, the H15 cleared all this flour in a single pass – impressive (Image credit: Future)

Next, I spilled the beans, literally, on the porcelain tiles in our cloakroom (I wasn’t risking staining our wood flooring I’m afraid; divorce is too expensive these days!). In Smart mode, the Dreame H15 Pro gobbled them up in two sweeps: mind = blown.

I also tried a puddle of blackcurrant squash on the porcelain and the same results, gone in two passes. Over the weeks of reviewing, I reached for the Dreame H15 Pro whenever there was a liquid spill (usually around the dishwasher and dog bowls), and it never once failed me.

Maintenance

Filling and emptying the unit was hassle-free thanks to a smart design that separates the wet and dry compartments. The latter did get pretty grim because the contents were all mushy and wet but that’s where the brush accessories comes in handy.

You do have to put the detergent in the water reservoir each time, but the bottle comes with a handy dosing cap and it really wasn’t difficult. I found I could mop my entire ground floor (five rooms plus hallway) before needing to refill the reservoir, usually before it could clean the mop roller. The App and audio alert tells you when to refill and empty the waste-water unit. Both clip in and out easily.

Cleaning the waste tanks is a little gross, but straightforward (Image credit: Future)

After each mopping session, the self-cleaning base kicked in. It was rather noisy – my decibel meter App recorded cleaning at 74 dBA, which is pretty intrusive given that I’d located the base in my open-plan kitchen/living space. To cut down on disruption, I mostly used the rapid 5 minute program. I also turned off automatic cleaning, preferring to do it myself as and when I felt it was required, because it seemed a bit excessive to go through a clean cycle if I’d just mopped up one small spill.

Another bonus of this model is the hair-evading mop roller, which has some kind of hidden cutting tool that ensures hair doesn’t tangle around it. I can confirm it works perfectly.

• Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Dreame H15 Pro Wet and Dry review: battery life

I found the battery life on the Dreame H15 Pro to be more than adequate for our four-bedroom home – admittedly I didn’t use it as much on the carpeted bedrooms or living room but I could cover the rest of the house, including the two upstairs bathrooms and play room, without running out of power if I stuck to Smart mode. The battery lasts an impressive 60 mins and the LED panel kept me updated on the current charge, so I could tell if I’d need to recharge but I never did. I did notice the power draining more quickly in Turbo mode, but that’s to be expected.

• Battery score: 5 out of 5

Should you buy the Dreame H15 Pro Wet and Dry vacuum? Buy it if…

You have plenty of vinyl, stone or porcelain tiles

On scratch-resistant hard flooring this machine is an absolutely beast – taking no prisoners when it comes to stains, spills and general dirt.

You have lots of leggy furniture

Getting down and dirty under furniture is a specialty of this machine – those dust bunnies will be history.

You want a low-effort option

With its effective auto mode, anti-hair wrap features and automatic mop cleaning, this is an impressively effort-free solution.

Don't buy it if…

It will be the only vacuum you own

While it can be used to vacuum carpets, it's not as impressive in its vacuum-only mode, and the lack of detail tools means it's limited in what it can clean. It's fine for the occasional dust-bust, but it won't replace a dedicated vacuum.

You have lots of stairs

I am reasonably strong, but the unit is bottom-heavy, especially when the water tank is full. I think my elderly mother-in-law would struggle to lift it in and out of the charging base or up any steps/stairs.

You like a quiet life

The sound levels aren’t great – around 70dBA in Turbo Mode and higher when self-cleaning/drying the mop roller. I found the 30 min self-cleaning program especially annoying on the noise front too (I'm pleased there's a 5 minute option).

How I tested the Dreame H15 Pro Wet and Dry cordless

I put the Dreame H15 Pro Wet and Dry vacuum through its paces for four weeks this spring in our Victorian, four-bed detached family home, which hosts two messy children and two even messier and especially hairy spaniels. With an open-plan downstairs and a mix of flooring – porcelain, terracotta, luxury vinyl, engineered oak, wool carpets, and plenty of flat-weave rugs – I had the perfect testing ground. I used it as my main vacuum (except on the staircase – too heavy!) and tried every cleaning mode. I even ran some messy tests with flour, oats, and baked beans, measured noise levels with my iPhone, studied edge-closeness and tracked battery life and charging times.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed March 2025

The surprise announcement by the unelected government said the halt in fighting would run until April 22 to show compassion for people affected by last week's quake.

(Image credit: AP)

Samsung Galaxy A56 review: Two-minute review

Mid-range and budget smartphones are growing in popularity as flagship devices increasingly come with heftier price tags. That doesn’t mean the best cheap phones are slower, less durable versions of their high-end counterparts – in fact, they offer unique value to budget-conscious buyers. In this category, the Samsung Galaxy A5X series is perhaps the best example, and the A56 carries on the tradition.

Having launched alongside the A36 and A26, the Galaxy A56 is the most premium of the trio, boasting more RAM and better cameras. That doesn’t mean it’s expensive – far from it as it’s priced at just $499 / £499 / AU$699. The three siblings, however, share key features, like a 120Hz refresh rate, a 5,000mAh battery and an IP67 water- and dust-resistance rating.

The Samsung Galaxy A56 is the ideal smartphone for the average user, offering seriously fantastic showings across its cameras, display, design and battery.

The Galaxy A56 exudes class with its metal and glass design, feeling just as premium in hand and on the eyes, with a finish reminiscent of high-end devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 or the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but at a fraction of the cost.

I received the Awesome Olive model for this review – though I must admit, I had my eyes on the pink variant. Regardless of color choice, the A56’s build quality is undeniable. Improving upon the already impressive Galaxy A55 in every way, Samsung's mid-range marvel is bigger, thinner and lighter.

Featuring a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel, its display delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth visuals thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate. As someone who values high-quality screens for watching content, I was genuinely impressed.

Every inch of the Galaxy A56 looks and feels premium (Image credit: Future)

This quality continues in its battery life. It sports the same 5,000mAh battery as its predecessor, but that's still an impressive capacity in a budget phone – and my experience backs up Samsung's claim of up to 29 hours of video playback. The Samsung Galaxy A56 has also seen an upgrade from 25W to 45W charging, making top-ups faster and more convenient for most users, with a charging speed now equal to that of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Both serious and casual photographers will be happy too, as the Galaxy A56 rivals the Motorola Edge 50 Pro for the title of best budget camera phone, though it's still far away from competing with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The setup includes a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 5MP macro camera and a 12MP front-facing shooter. Whether you're capturing night shots, macro details or everyday moments, the A56 delivers sharp, well-balanced images with a variety of useful features.

Speaking of useful features, Samsung's famous Galaxy AI isn't present in its budget line of phones. However, the sprinkling of AI features Samsung does provide – like AI photo editing, note-taking, Google Gemini functionality and more – add a tasteful amount of flair without overwhelming users who may not want AI integration.

I played Fortnite on the Galaxy A56 and it struggled (Image credit: Future)

Ironically, the one area in which the A56 isn't up to scratch – even compared to similarly priced phones – is its power. Don't get me wrong: it's still perfectly suited to the average user who wants to call, text, video chat, scroll socials, watch the best streaming services and play games like Clash Royale, but I think it could do with a touch more grunt under the hood. It's simply not the phone to buy if you need power from your handset. When playing Fortnite, for example, gameplay was seriously choppy even at low graphics settings and the minimum 20FPS.

That’s not a deal breaker, though. At its price point, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is a fantastic choice for the cost-conscious user who wants a well-balanced phone that looks and feels premium.

Samsung Galaxy A56 review: price and availability

• Launch price: $499 / £499 / AU$699
• Released March 19 in the UK and March 27 in Australia
• Landing in the US later in 2025

The Samsung Galaxy A56 is one of the best budget phones on the market in terms of value, offering a seriously good experience for a truly wallet-friendly $499 /£499 / AU$699 price, with other phones either performing better at higher price points, or offering lesser experiences at a similar price.

Unlike the Samsung Galaxy A55, which never made it to the US market, Samsung officially confirmed on March 1 that the A56 would debut in the US "later this year", while the A36 and A26 became available on March 28 and 26 respectively.

Australians enjoy the same price on the Samsung Galaxy A56 as they did with its predecessor. However, potential owners in the UK will have to fork out an extra £60 compared to last year, with the A55 releasing for only £439.

The Samsung Galaxy A56 is only available in the 8GB RAM, 256GB storage configuration in the UK, and comes in Awesome Olive, Awesome Graphite, Awesome Lightgrey and Awesome Pink.

Importantly, while Australians only get two color options – olive and graphite – they also get two storage options, with a 128GB model priced at AU$699, and the 256GB model costing AU$799. There is also a 12GB RAM model available in select regions.

The only other comparable phone in terms of price versus performance is the near-flagship Google Pixel 9a, releasing soon at $499 / £499 / AU$849. We haven't reviewed the Pixel 9a yet, but if it continues the success of its predecessor, it makes the A56 harder to recommend in the US and UK given they are the same price.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Samsung Galaxy A56 review: specs Samsung Galaxy A56 review: design

• 120Hz refresh rate
• 1,900-nit peak outdoors
• 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display

Watching a nature documentary on the Galaxy A56 is a lovely experience (Image credit: Future)

I already loved the 6.6-inch display on the A55 – it struck a perfect balance between being comfortable to hold and offering an upgraded viewing experience over my 6.1-inch iPhone 15.

Samsung has taken that a step further with the A56, making it even more comfortable in hand while increasing the screen size to 6.7 inches for an even better entertainment experience. Whether I was watching videos, reading, gaming or video calling, the 1080 x 2340 Super AMOLED display provided one of the best viewing experiences I’ve had on a budget smartphone.

Peak brightness is fine on the Galaxy A56 home screen, but it could be better (Image credit: Future)

The only noticeable cost-cutting comes in the display’s peak brightness. While I never struggled to see the screen, its 1,200-nit brightness is lower than I’d like to see in 2025 – though it does bump up to 1,900 in direct sunlight. While this improves on the Galaxy A55’s 1,000-nit peak, it falls short of competitors like the Google Pixel 9a (2,700 nits) and the Poco F6 Pro (4,000 nits).

In every other aspect, though, the A56’s display feels truly premium. It’s even protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Invictus, adding durability against scratches and drops. While I didn’t test a full 2m drop onto concrete, a few accidental drops left it completely unscathed.

• Display score: 4.5/5

Samsung Galaxy A56 review: design

• Thinner and lighter than the Galaxy A55
• Gorilla Glass Invictus
• IP67 water and dustproof rating

The Samsung Galaxy A56 in the Olive looks quite good even though it's my least favorite color (Image credit: Future)

I loved the Samsung Galaxy A55, particularly its design – a blend of metal and glass that gave it a supremely premium feel at a truly budget price. The A56 improves on that in every way – refining an already impressive formula. I received the Awesome Olive colorway, which was probably my least favorite of the four options, yet I was still thoroughly impressed by how good it looks.

The A56 features a slightly larger 6.7-inch display (up from 6.6 inches) and is about a millimeter taller and wider to accommodate the bigger screen. Bigger may not always be better, but Samsung has offset the increased size with a 1.2mm reduction in thickness and a significant 15g drop in weight – making an exceptional design near perfect.

Or perhaps just perfect. Not only does the metal frame enhance the phone’s premium feel and sturdy build, but Samsung has also added subtle ridges to the frame – something I don’t recall seeing or feeling on the A55 when I reviewed it. The ridges didn’t necessarily improve the grip for me, but they served as a satisfying fidget point when I ran my fingers across them.

The slightly ridged chassis edges don't necessarily improve grip, but I don't mind it at all (Image credit: Future)

That’s about all the superlatives I can give the A56’s design. It’s everything you want a phone to look and feel like, regardless of its price. It’s also protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, offering excellent resistance against scratches and drops.

As with avoiding the 2m drop test, I didn’t throw the IP67-rated Galaxy A56 in the bath; however, my colleagues and I have spent plenty of time with Gorilla Glass to know how good the durability can be – and I had absolutely no issue the few times I did get the phone wet while doing the dishes and walking in the rain.

Big, beautiful, lightweight, and impressively durable, the A56 is an exceptionally designed piece of technology. The fact that it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg makes it all the more impressive.

• Design score: 5/5

Samsung Galaxy A56 review: software

• No full Galaxy AI suite, but some “Awesome Intelligence” features are available
• Six years of software and security support
• Plenty of UI customizations with new Now Bar feature

The software package on Samsung's cheaper phones are as good as that on the flagships (Image credit: Future)

From a software perspective, the Samsung Galaxy A56 might be the most impressive budget-focused phone I’ve personally used. And that’s despite my colleagues praising the Google Pixel 8a for bringing Google’s AI tools to a wider audience. That’s not to say the A56 misses out entirely on AI features – it has a smattering of useful ones that won’t overwhelm the average user – but if AI is your top priority, you’ll need to shell out for the Samsung Galaxy S25 or wait for the Pixel 9a.

The AI-powered tools in the A56 aren’t being called Galaxy AI, instead appearing under the branding “Awesome Intelligence”, although similarities abound.

Samsung lays these features out neatly within the Settings menu and includes tools that let you remove objects from photos, capture the perfect group photo and receive AI-powered suggestions for improving images during editing.

Image 1 of 3

A screenshot of the Galaxy A56's AI remastering tool (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3

Removing objects with the object eraser – see the next image for results (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3

Same image with several objects in the background removed with AI (Image credit: Future)

That's far from it, though. Within the camera app, you can create Custom Filters based on mood and style, quickly edit videos with Auto Trim or even translate real-world text when in foreign lands with Bixby Vision. AI Select provides suggested actions when you highlight something on-screen, Read Aloud will read articles or passages aloud for you, and you even get Google's Circle to Search tool.

That’s about it for AI, but there's plenty more to love about the Galaxy A56's software. For starters, you get an exceptionally clean user experience with minimal pre-installed bloatware.

Customization options are also extensive. On the wallpaper front, there are featured selections, interesting graphic designs and a variety of colors with different personalization options within. You can also set a dynamic lock screen that changes wallpapers every time you unlock the device, with five categories to choose from.

And that’s just the beginning. Once you settle on a wallpaper color, you can customize the system-wide color palette to match – or opt for basic colors instead. If that’s not enough, you can buy a full theme from the Galaxy Themes store to overhaul your device's entire aesthetic.

Image 1 of 2

Wallpaper customization options galore! (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

If you don't like the themes on offer, you can spend a little extra cash on purchasing a new one direct from the phone (Image credit: Future)

You can choose between a traditional home screen or one with a separate app drawer, adjust icon sizes, and independently tweak the grid layout for the home screen, app drawer and folders.

One of my favorite additions, though, is the Now Bar. Originally a flagship feature in One UI 7, I was surprised (and delighted) to see it make its way to Samsung’s budget line.

It may seem like a small addition, but it can be an incredibly useful tool. Acting much like Apple’s Dynamic Island, the Now Bar sits at the bottom of the lock screen, working as a media manager that displays your current song or countdown timer, or displaying live notifications for specific apps like Maps, Samsung Health, Clock, Voice Recorder, Samsung Notes and Emergency Sharing.

Image 1 of 2

The new Now Bar feature is nice to have on a budget phone (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

Just tap it from the lock screen to open further actions (Image credit: Future)

With flagship-level features and a remarkably clean UI, the Samsung Galaxy A56 delivers an outstanding user experience for a budget phone. It also strikes a perfect balance with AI – offering just enough functionality to be useful for those who want it, while remaining unobtrusive for those who don’t.

And, more than just the cherry on top, especially for penny-pinching buyers, is the fact that the Galaxy A56 will see six years of security support and software updates – letting you enjoy its value for years to come.

• Software score: 4.5/5

Samsung Galaxy A56 review: cameras

• Rear camera trio with 50MP main
• 12MP front camera
• Helpful AI tools like Best Face

Unless you have a specific need – like top-tier gaming performance or a battery that can handle marathon sessions – a smartphone’s camera is arguably one of its most important features. From a parent wanting to capture family moments, a hobbyist hiker aiming for the perfect summit selfie, to a serious photographer looking for a reliable backup, any phone worth considering needs to nail its camera. And the Samsung Galaxy A56 does just that.

Simply put, the Galaxy A56 takes some seriously good photos – at any distance.

Its rear camera array includes a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro lens. While a higher megapixel count is great, it’s the phone’s image processing that determines the results.

The Galaxy A55 struggled with this: while it produced crisp, well-defined shots, many mid-range and budget phones tend to over-process images, making colors look too saturated and unnatural. The A56 avoids both extremes. While photos come out slightly cooler than I’d prefer, they’re impressively natural, detailed and well balanced.

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Skyscraper with the 50MP main camera (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 9

Capturing the beautiful blue sky (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 9

A kookaburra sitting with the 12MP ultra-wide (Image credit: Future)Image 4 of 9

The same kookaburra, captured with 10x zoom (Image credit: Future)Image 5 of 9

(Image credit: Future)Image 6 of 9

(Image credit: Future)Image 7 of 9

(Image credit: Future)Image 8 of 9

Sunny mornings with 1x zoom (Image credit: Future)Image 9 of 9

Same trees in 2x zoom (Image credit: Future)

The camera app includes several modes: Fun (which applies Snapchat-like filters), Portrait, Photo, and Video. It also allows easy toggling between the 12MP and 50MP lenses, quick filter application, aspect-ratio adjustments, and motion-photo settings.

For video, you can enable Super Steady mode to counteract shaky hands or turn it off to adjust frame rates: Space-saving HD at 30fps, Full HD at up to 60p, and Ultra HD at 30fps. Auto Framing keeps subjects centered automatically.

That’s not all – Samsung delivers a feature-rich camera experience on a budget here. Tapping ‘More’ unlocks additional modes, including Pro, Pro Video, Night, Food, Panorama, Macro, Slow Motion, Hyperlapse, Dual Rec, and Single Take.

When it comes to macro and night photography, the A56 is one of the more impressive budget phones I’ve used. Macro shots are often incredibly difficult to get right, especially if your subject isn't still, but I had no issue with the A56. And while taking photos in the middle of the night might not be common practice, the A56 performed impressively in low-light environments – taking clear snaps even with almost zero light present.

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The Galaxy A56's macro lens gets good results even when the subject is swaying in the wind or slowly crawling (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 4

Bluey and Bingo captured in night mode (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 4

The same photo with night mode turned off (Image credit: Future)Image 4 of 4

The same photo with the (weak) light turned on (Image credit: Future)

The Samsung Galaxy A56 isn’t the best camera phone I’ve ever used, nor is it necessarily the camera phone I've used in this price range – that battle is fought between the Pixel 8a and Motorola Edge 50 Pro – but it continues the A56’s overarching theme: consistent, excellent performance across the board.

• Camera score: 4/5

Samsung Galaxy A56 review: performance

• Performs well under long periods of stress
• Not built for gaming

While Fortnite looks good on the Galaxy A56, the phone struggles with high-intensity tasks (Image credit: Future)

The Samsung Galaxy A56's weakest feature is without a doubt its performance. That’s not to say it’s bad – as I’ve previously mentioned, it’s more than enough for the average user. But to keep prices down, concessions have to be made. For some cheap phones, it's a lower-quality display or increased fragility. In the case of the Galaxy A56 and its Exynos 1580 chipset, it was how it performed under heavier loads – like mobile gaming.

In our Geekbench benchmark tests – which measure the phone's CPU performance in everyday tasks and GPU performance in real-world applications, the A56 performed well – beating the gaming-powered Poco F6 Pro, and only falling a few hundred points short of the Pixel 9.

However, in our two 3DMark benchmarks – Wild Life and Wild Life Extreme – that test the overall graphics performance and how the phone deals with both high performance in short bursts, it didn't look so good.

Its numbers aren't necessarily bad. In fact, it showed a massive improvement over the A55 in both. However, its single and multi-core scores of 1,330 and 3,759 weren't too far ahead of the Motorola Edge 50 Pro (1,132 / 3,076) – which isn't known for its gaming power. The A56 was also thoroughly beaten by the Poco F6 Pro (1,375 / 4733), and both phones can easily be found for around the same price or less.

In terms of sustained performance though, the A56 was impressive. In the Wild Life Extreme Stress Test – a 20-minute benchmark that assesses stability under heavy loads – it scored a top loop of 4,907, a low of 4,649, an impressive 94.9% stability and remained cool temperature-wise. For reference, I've seen the S25 Ultra score higher peaks, but also show less stability in this test, dropping to a loop score of less than 3,000.

As good as some of those numbers look on paper, it was a different experience during real-world use, with the A56 struggling when I played games like Fortnite Mobile – it failed to maintain even 20FPS, frequently stuttering on the lowest graphics settings. For comparison, the similarly priced Poco F6 Pro easily sustains 60FPS at high settings for hours.

11FPS while playing Fortnite on the Galaxy A56 was the best I could do (Image credit: Future)

That said, these results still mark a significant improvement over the A55, a phone I loved when I tested it last year. The benchmark numbers may not impress, but they don’t take away from the A56’s status as an excellent budget phone for the average user, and I can attest that it holds up really well for the daily duties you’d want from a smartphone.

• Performance score: 3.5/5

Samsung Galaxy A56 review: battery

• 5,000 mAh battery that easily sees you through the day
• 45W wired charging

It's not groundbreaking, but the battery life is quite impressive (Image credit: Future)

Keeping in line with its display, design, performance and cameras, the battery of the Samsung Galaxy A56 is perfectly suited to the average user.

My daily testing routine started at 5:30am, with an hour-long podcast while I walked the dog, followed by a quick music-fuelled workout accompanied by music before getting ready for work. Then there was about an hour of scrolling and listening during my commute, before I arrived at the office, where I’d use it for background music via a set of Bluetooth headphones.

Naturally, I needed a phone that could keep up, and the A56’s 5,000mAh battery delivered. Samsung claims the device offers up to 29 hours of video playback, so I put it to the test. Watching a YouTube video at 50% brightness, I picked up the phone 18 hours later to find it still had 39% battery remaining.

As another test, I played The Dark Knight Rises twice back-to-back (totaling 5 hours, 30 minutes) at 50% brightness, and the phone lost just 27% battery. Though these tests were conducted in different environments and with varying starting percentages, the results reinforced one thing: the A56 can go the distance.

For everyday use – texting, calling, video chatting, scrolling social media, checking emails and some light gaming – the A56 is more than up to the task, easily lasting a full day.

As for charging, you won’t get ultra-fast speeds like 120W or even 67W, but the A56 does offer 45W fast charging – an upgrade from the middling 25W speed of the Galaxy A55. That puts the new budget phone on par with itsGalaxy S25 Ultra cousin.

Using a 67W wall charger, the A56 gained:

• 8% in 5 minutes
• Just under 30% in 15 minutes
• A little over 55% in 30 minutes
• A full charge in around 85 minutes

A 5,000mAh battery is far from an astounding inclusion in a specs list in 2025, but it’s still a notable positive. Paired with moderately fast charging, the A56’s battery – like the rest of the phone – is great.

And while 120W or even 67W charging is a helpful addition when you have it, it's far from necessary – and 55% battery in a quick 30-minute charge is plenty if you forget to plug it in overnight on the rare occasion.

• Battery score: 4/5

Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy A56? Buy it if...

You want a large display without spending top dollar

The Samsung Galaxy A56's 6.7-inch display is an expansive screen that improves upon its predecessor, rivals the S25 series, and produces a vibrant and immersive experience.

You want a jack-of-all-trades handset
The A56 excels as an all-around performer, balancing design, display, camera and battery life in a way that caters to a wide range of needs. It handles daily tasks like texting, social media and video calls seamlessly, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, versatile phone.

You're shopping for value on a budget
If you’re after a phone that offers impressive features without breaking the bank, the A56 is a standout option. With a solid camera, long-lasting battery and smooth performance, it provides excellent value for those seeking a capable device without spending a fortune.

Don't buy it if...

You're a serious mobile gamer
While the A56 can handle light gaming, it’s not built for heavy gaming sessions or more intense games. If you're looking for a phone that can deliver high frame rates and smooth performance in graphically intense games, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

You want the best AI tools
The A56 offers basic AI features, but if you’re after the cutting-edge AI tools, you’ll need to shell out more for the likes of the Galaxy S25 or the Pixel 9 flagships.

Samsung Galaxy A56 review: also consider

Google Pixel 9a
We loved the Google Pixel 8a, and we're expecting five big upgrades from the Pixel 9a – namely a wealth of AI features alongside possibly the best camera on the market at its price and a 5,100mAh battery. Easily the biggest competitor to the Galaxy A56, if you want AI and cameras, it might be the better choice.

Xiaomi Poco F6 Pro
If you have more of a mobile gaming focus, but still want a phone that offers solid all-round performance and 120W charging, consider the Poco F6 Pro. Its bloatware will be confronting for first-time users, but once you get past that, it's a very good smartphone at this price range.
Read our full Poco F6 Pro review

Apple iPhone 16e
Android devices offer a greater amount of value compared to iPhones, with even older Apple devices still asking for a considerable price. However, the iPhone 16e offers Apple Intelligence, smooth performance and seamless Apple integration at a much more affordable price than the mainline iPhone 16 family.
Read our full Apple iPhone 16e review

How I tested the Samsung Galaxy A56

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

The Samsung Galaxy A56 was my sole mobile device for the three weeks I spent with it, and I frankly wish I didn't have to return it after my testing period. As my regular daily device, I used it to listen to podcasts, check social media, watch YouTube and text, with some light reading thrown in. Oh, and a whole heap of dog photos.

Of course, I also put the Galaxy A56 through its paces with Geekbench 6 and 3DMark benchmark tests to see how the phone would handle activities that I may not use in my regular daily use, but someone else might. I did these tests several times, in different environments and different battery stages to ensure accurate results.

Why you can trust TechRadar

☑️ 100s of smartphones reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
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☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech

This leads me to my gaming tests. It's always nice when you can make playing games part of your job, but I'm far from a mobile gamer. I love Marvel Snap, enjoy a few rounds of Clash Royale and dabble in some Wordle and Connections every now and then, but that's it. As part of my testing, I did play – or attempt to play – more serious mobile games like Fortnite on my Galaxy A56 to see how it would handle the life of a mobile gamer.

Given my experience testing other budget phones, including the Samsung Galaxy A55, I was equipped with the knowledge to make good comparisons with the A56.

Read more about how we test

[First reviewed April 2025]

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for April 3.

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With announcements flooding in on all sides from Nintendo Direct, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and miss some important details.

One of which isn't all Mario Sunshine and daisies: unfortunately, you won't be able to play all of your Switch 1 games on the Switch 2.

This is due to how Nintendo built the Switch 2 as, interestingly, it "doesn't contain any Switch hardware."

That doesn't mean you won't be able to move any of your favorite titles over to the new system, but it does mean you won't see the same kind of compatibility you saw between the DS and 3DS.

Here's what you need to know.

The Switch 2 focuses on "enhancing its performance as hardware"

Dohta (left) and Kawamoto (right) discuss the launch of the upcoming Switch 2 (Image credit: Nintendo)

Now, the incompatibility between some Switch games and the new Nintendo Switch 2 does come with a reasonable explanation.

In Vol. 16 of Nintendo's Ask the Developer conference, Kouichi Kawamoto (Producer, Entertainment Planning & Development Department), Takuhiro Dohta (Senior Director, Entertainment Planning & Development Department), and Tetsuya Sasaki (General Manager, Technology Development Division) accepted questions on the development of Nintendo's new handheld console.

When asked if the team had "already decide[d] on this functionality when [they] were first planning the development of a new dedicated game system," the team highlighted that compatibility was indeed a consideration. Even so, it wasn't as simple as porting Wii games to the Wii U.

The foremost focus with the Switch 2 was instead "on enhancing its performance as hardware, namely, expanding its capacity. So, compatibility was a lower priority."

This meant creating a revamped system with no original Switch hardware under the hood. Sasaki comments, "It's tricky to explain... Maybe the easiest way to understand it is that the methods used to achieve compatibility between Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS, and between Switch and Switch 2, are completely different."

Kawamoto adds to that: "Simply put, those systems were compatible because Nintendo 3DS contained Nintendo DS hardware, and Wii U contained Wii hardware. However, Switch 2 doesn't contain any Switch hardware."

If you're brave enough to check whether your favorite game made the journey, Nintendo published and continues to update a comprehensive list of Switch games that are not compatible with the Switch 2.

It's not all gloom and doom, though

That's not to say the Switch 2 won't run any games from the OG Switch. Most of your favorites run just fine thanks to what Dohta explains is "something that’s somewhere in between a software emulator and hardware compatibility."

It's also important to note that almost all first-party Nintendo titles are available on the new Switch 2 (save for Fitness Boxing).

Sasaki continues, "There are some games that ran well due to the Switch system's hardware configuration. Switch 2, on the other hand, has increased processing capabilities and an expanded memory capacity, which could theoretically cause some of those games to stop working. We weren't so confident at first, but as we tested games one by one, we found out that some issues could be solved by making improvements. This process helped us build confidence that, while we might not be able to solve everything, we can work it out for many games."

In fact, thanks to the Switch 2's new and improved hardware, some of your go-to games may even run better. The team mentioned seeing shorter load times and more stable gameplay in some instances.

You'll also see the arrival of some new features like GameChat, which lets you voice chat and screen share with up to 12 players at a time. This could be a home run for party games, ultimately enhancing the experience of hanging out with your Switch- 2-wielding friends.

Overall, it's worth checking the list of games that will run on the Switch 2 to make sure your favorites aren't on the red light list. The good news is that the majority of Switch titles will run on the Switch 2, which launches June 5 and will be available for preorder starting April 9.

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Onyx Boox Palma 2: Two-minute review

I might wish for more ereaders like the Onxy Boox Palma 2, but I also recognize that its form factor is exactly what makes it so unique – just like its predecessor. And if it had competition, I suppose I'd be hard pressed to appreciate it as much I do.

The 2:1 aspect ratio on this 6-inch ereader makes it resemble a smartphone, complete with speakers, a mic, side buttons and rear camera, and that's also what makes it so pocket friendly. It replaces the older Boox Palma as my favorite compact ereader as I have a sneaking suspicion the previous model could be discontinued in the near future.

Physically, the two generations are near identical and, while I don’t mind that, I’d have loved to see a slightly more premium-looking chassis to match the price tag.

There’s only one physical difference between the original Boox Palma and the Palma 2 – the power button. It’s oh-so-marginally longer and flatter to accommodate a built-in fingerprint scanner. While I appreciate the addition, I don’t see the need for it on an ereader that can be set up with a passcode if security is top of mind, but it also doesn’t function as expected. It’s more miss than hit as you have to place your finger just so for it to be effective.

I might find the fingerprint scanner superfluous, but learning that the Palma 2 got a new chipset to boost performance had me chomping at the bit to try it out. Strangely, the upgraded processor hasn’t made much of a difference in real-world use. That’s not to say the performance is bad, it's just not any better (or worse) than what I experienced with the previous generation.

The Onyx Boox Palma 2 comes with a refreshed user interface, including redesigned app icons (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

What’s really a standout for me with the Palma 2 is its new user interface. Onyx has redesigned the app icons and NeoReader (native library app) settings, giving it a cleaner, more modern appeal. Even the settings list looks fresh thanks to less weight (thickness) to the text and the boxes. The whole setup is still more complicated than it needs to be – which is an issue I have with all Boox tablets – but it looks much nicer which, in turn, makes it easier to find the adjustments you need while reading.

Onyx has also upgraded the OS to Android 13, which is good news for getting security updates for a little while yet.

My biggest disappointment with the Palma 2 is that Onyx has stuck with using the same E Ink Carta 1200 display it did for previous model, and that stings when you consider how expensive the Palma 2 is over other 6-inch ereaders that sport the latest in E Ink screen technology.

I still think there’s a missed opportunity here to add more functionality to the Palma 2 – writing capabilities would have made it a lot more appealing, something I noted about the older Palma too. Being able to slip it into my pocket to jot notes at media events and meetings would have made the Palma 2 an integral part of my daily life, not just being a portable ereader.

Despite my complaints, I still can’t help but like the Palma 2, just for being the most compact and unique ereader I’ve tested.

A palm-friendly size makes the Boox Palma 2 an enticing ereader option (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar) Onyx Boox Palma 2 review: Price & availability

• Announced Q3 of 2024
• List price: $299.99 / €299.99 (about £250) / AU$499
• Available now directly from the Boox Shop and select authorized retailers

The Palma 2 shares the same launch price as its predecessor and will set you back $299.99 / €299.99 (about £250) / AU$499 at full price. It’s possible to see discounts on the US and European Boox Shop online storefronts during major sales, but Australian retailers stocking Boox tablets don’t usually have offers to make these expensive ereaders more accessible.

Given its plastic build and features, it would be difficult for me to recommend the Palma 2 at its full price, but I can also see its form factor alone being a good justification to spend the extra cash. Also the versatility of running Android – getting you access to the Play Store to download third-party apps and games – might just convince some users to make the switch.

That said, the older Palma is now cheaper – listed for as low as $199.99/ €229.99 (around £190) / AU$399 on the Boox Shop and third-party resellers at the time of writing – and might be the better buy as there’s really no difference in performance between the two. The drop in price might also indicate that the original Palma might be discontinued once current stock has gone.

If the choice of ereader isn’t really about the form factor – which is the Palma 2’s biggest selling point – you can save cash by opting for a simpler 6-inch ereader like the 2024 Amazon Kindle or the Kobo Clara BW. The former will cost you $129.99 / £104.99 / AU$199 without ads, while the latter has a list price of $129.99 / £119.99 / AU$239.95 – both considerably cheaper than either of the Palmas.

However, you have very limited storage on the Kindle and Kobo alternatives, while there’s 128GB of internal storage on the Palma 2, which is expandable via microSD.

• Value score: 3 / 5

The new page-styling setup in the native library app is cleaner and more modern (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar) Onyx Boox Palma 2 review: Specs Onyx Boox Palma 2 review: Design & display

• Available in black and white colorways
• Looks like a smartphone, but not designed to be one
• Rear 16MP camera is fun to have but not great to scan documents

As I’ve already mentioned, the Palma 2 is physically identical to the older model with one very minor difference that’s easy to miss even if you’re familiar with the previous generation. That’s the slightly longer power button to accommodate a fingerprint scanner. And to make sure you can place your finger properly on it, it's also the only flat button on the device.

Strangely, though, Onyx thinks its Palma 2 really is a phone because when you go to Settings to save a fingerprint for the first time, it tells you that the sensor is at the back of the device (go figure!). This might confuse some first-time users, but if you know where the sensor is, you’ll know where to place your finger.

The power button on the Boox Palma 2 is the only physical control that's got a flat surface (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Everything else from a design perspective is the same – dimensions, weight, physical buttons, speaker, microphone, microSD card tray and rear camera. I won’t go into too much detail for these – you can take a look at my Onyx Boox Palma review for an in-depth look – but I am disappointed that the Palma 2 still sports the same cheap-looking plastic body, and the device is anything but cheap. At least the white model has silver buttons for a touch of pizzazz, but the black model has no such feature to break the plasticky monotony.

What makes it look cheaper still is the white model – the one reviewed here – can quickly pick up stains and scratches, or get discolored with use. So it’s a good thing that it ships with a case in the box, which I would recommend you use. After being in my work backpack for just one commute to the office, my white Palma 2 ended up with a small pink stain near its USB-C port and a scratch on the rear, neither of which I can clean or fix.

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A customizable button and a microSD card tray are extras many other ereaders don't offer (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 2

The USB-C port has OTG support but hasn't worked for me (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

The display, as I’ve previously said, is the E Ink Carta 1200 display, which is now previous-generation technology. While it’s fantastic to read on, with plenty of contrast to render text in sharp relief, the responsiveness of the display isn’t as good as what I’ve experienced with ereaders featuring the Carta 1300 screen.

The 2:1 aspect ratio is still a novelty when it comes to e-paper devices which, when combined with the 6.13-inch display, is such a wonderful size for a compact and portable ereader. If you’re someone who typically reads on your phone when you’re commuting, you might want to consider the Palma 2 just for the reduced eye strain thanks to the e-paper screen.

I would, however, advise against being too close to water with the Palma 2 in hand as the plastic body is only splashproof – there's no waterproofing certification that Onyx has revealed, which was the same with the previous model too.

• Design & display score: 3.5 / 5

The Boox Palma (left) and the Boox Palma 2 (right) offer the same reading experience (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar) Onyx Boox Palma 2 review: User experience

• OS updated to Android 13 from Android 11
• More modern interface makes for a cleaner user experience
• Native apps are great, so you don’t necessarily need third-party options

Just because it looks like a phone, doesn’t mean it should work like one – the Palma 2’s functionality is limited by its screen tech and yet it can do a fair few things most other mainstream ereaders can’t.

For example, it can run a plethora of third-party apps thanks to running on a trimmed-down version of Android 13 (an upgrade from the older Palma’s Android 11), including music streaming platforms and mobile games. That said, you will have to contend with a rather slow refresh rate compared to the standard smartphone, but I will admit that even some graphics-heavy mobile games aren’t too bad on the Palma 2.

If you want to stick to reading applications, both the Kindle and Kobo apps work quite well on the Palma 2. That said, the native library application – NeoReader – is very good and the refreshed interface makes it a lot nicer to adjust fonts and page styling now.

Even the little niggle I’ve had with the Fonts folder not set up correctly within Storage in previous Boox devices has been sorted, which makes me happy.

Even the ebook titles have less text weight than before, making the library app look clean and nice (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

I'm still disappointed with the inability to plug the Palma 2 (or any other Boox device for that matter) into an iMac or MacBook to transfer ebooks and other files via a wired connection. This method of sideloading files works fine if you have a Windows machine, so I really don’t see why connectivity with an Apple computer should be exempt.

I’m also unable to take advantage of the OTG support on the USB-C port to transfer files directly from an external hard drive. While the Palma 2 can read my 2TB Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD, it refuses to let me move ebooks back and forth. It’s the same with my older 1TB Samsung T5 Portable SSD as well.

Thankfully, BooxDrop is an easy enough tool to use – if you have your files saved on any PC – Windows or Mac – you can use the web platform to transfer files via the cloud.

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The older page-styling setup (left) was cluttered, but the Palma 2 (right) is easier to use (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 4

New icons and less weight to the design gives the user interface of the Palma 2 (right) an airier look compared to the older model (left) (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 3 of 4

The default sleep screen is different between the two generations, but these can be changed in Settings (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 4 of 4

The rear camera is identical – the Palma 2 is the one on top (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

The one other issue I faced with using the Palma 2 is the responsiveness of the screen. While page turns are fine, using the on-screen keyboard isn’t as smooth as I expected it to be. I had to occasionally tap on a letter or number a couple of times before it registered. It wasn’t a consistent issue, and another colleague said he had no such problems when he tried it out for a short period of time, so I’ll put this down to being an isolated problem (or blame it on my sausage fingers).

Using the fingerprint scanner is a lot more frustrating though. While easy to set up, I found you have to place your finger just right for it to work every time, something I don’t think any of us can do unless we’re concentrating. Using the fingerprint scanner to wake the device up or make purchases would have been a lot faster than a passcode, but if it doesn't work each time, what's the point?

The rest of the user experience is quite good, particularly if you're judging it as an ereader. While the built-in speaker is perfectly fine for listening to audiobooks, I’d advise against using it for music – the sound quality isn’t good and you’ll be better served pairing a set of Bluetooth headphones or a speaker with the Palma 2.

• User experience score: 4 / 5

Taking pics with the Boox Palma 2's camera can be fun, but don't expect much (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar) Onyx Boox Palma 2 review: Performance

• Updated processor, but no difference in performance in real-world use
• Handles graphics quite well for an e-paper device
• Scanning and OCR performance could be better

The older Palma already had a decent processor in the form of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, but Onyx has stepped it up by using a Snapdragon 690 chip in the Palma 2. On paper, the latter is the more powerful chipset and running Geekbench 6 benchmarking proves it to be so.

In real-world use, though, that doesn't translate as well as I had expected. There's no improvement in page turns, for example, and neither is there any discernible difference in app performance and multitasking, although individual apps open a smidge quicker. As I've already said, that's not a deal breaker as the performance of the older model was just fine and the Palma 2 barely beats it by the skin of its teeth (figuratively speaking).

With integrated graphics and 6GB of RAM, the Palma 2 handles mobile games – albeit in black and white – just as well as its predecessor. Games like Alphabear 2 and Two Dots work smoothly, but more graphics-heavy games like Monument Valley 2 and Sky: Children of the Light aren’t too bad either. I can only imagine how much the experience would improve if the next Palma came with a color screen!

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It's an Android device, so running a benchmark app is easy enough (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 2

Readability is fantastic, but overall performance hasn't seemed to improve much (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

One of the biggest issues I’ve had with other Boox tablets while reading is ghosting, wherein a light overlay of the previous page can be seen. Thankfully this isn’t a problem on the Palma 2, and I didn’t even have to adjust refresh rates.

The performance of the rear camera hasn’t improved at all. It’s the same 16MP lens from the original Palma and it’s not intended for taking photos, although I will admit it was fun doing so for a short while. While you see the frame in grayscale, you can export the images in color, just not in very good quality.

The camera is meant for scanning documents but, again, the quality isn’t great and I think your smartphone will do a better job if it has scan functionality.

If you do use the rear camera to scan a document, the native DocScan app has an OCR (optical character recognition) feature to convert the words on the scan into text. There's a marked difference in performance here with the text converting well, compared to the "gibberish" I experienced with the previous Palma.

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Scan quality is quite dismal with the Boox Palma 2... (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 3

..but the photos aren't half bad – just don't expect phone-quality pics (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 3 of 3

OCR text conversion on the DocScan app is now much better than before (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

I can’t fault its battery life, though. It’s still the same 3,950mAh pack from the previous Palma and, if you read for an hour a day, you’ll easily get around 6-7 weeks out of a single charge. Battery life, however, is dependent on a lot of other factors, including the apps you use, the screen brightness and the refresh rate. Even with more extensive use, you can eke out four weeks before plugging it into the mains.

Charging speed will also depend on whether you use a wall adaptor or your PC/laptop to charge the Palma 2. The former will be the faster top up, and it took about 2.5 hours to go from about 20% to full the two times I had to give it a charge during my testing period using an USB-A to C cable plugged into a port of a 65W adaptor. The only time I had it plugged into a dock for my laptop, it took an hour for the battery level to go from 25% to 38%.

• Performance score: 4 / 5

The only difference between the two Palmas is the power button, which is slightly longer and flat on the new model (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar) Should I buy the Onyx Boox Palma 2? Buy it if...

You want a unique device

There’s no other ereader quite like the Palma devices, which makes them quite the novelty. And I can tell you that the novelty doesn’t wear off quickly either. It’s not the 6.13-inch display that makes it so, but the 2:1 aspect ratio that no other ereader brand has on offer at the time of writing.

You want a very compact ereader

Like its predecessor, the Palma 2 is the most compact ereader on the market. It’s phone-like size means it can be carried around in your pocket or slipped into any bag. It’s also very lightweight, making it perfect for travel.

You want to ease eye strain because you mostly read on your phone

The LCD and OLED displays on smartphones emit more blue light than e-paper displays, making the latter easy on the eyes. So if you find yourself tiring after reading a page or two on your phone, consider getting a similarly sized ereader.

Don't buy it if...

You want a cheaper 6-inch ereader

The Palma 2 can be versatile, thanks to access to the Google Play Store. But if you only want to use it for reading, you’ll save a lot of cash by opting for a 6-inch Kindle or Kobo alternative.

You want more bang for buck

A device like the Palma 2 needs to justify its price tag better, and one way to do that is to offer more functionality – aka adding writing capabilities. That would make it really easy to recommend the Palma 2 at its price point.

You need a bigger screen

If you typically use larger font sizes, you might get frustrated by the small screen of the Palma 2. A larger e-paper screen – perhaps 7 or 8 inches – would be ideal in those cases.

Also consider

As with the original Palma, there's not a lot that can be directly compared to the Palma 2 and I'm hesitant to offer up the older model as an alternative in case it gets discontinued.

That said, there are other 6-inch ereaders that are lightweight and portable, but not necessarily pocketable. I've picked three that I think would cover a few bases, including budget and usability. I've also listed some of their basic specs as a comparison with the Palma 2.

Amazon Kindle (2024)

Also using the older E Ink Carta 1200 screen, but getting software upgrades that make it a slightly more responsive/faster ereader than the 2022 edition, the latest Amazon Kindle is also an affordable option. It misses out on any kind of waterproofing, but it's great for a basic ereader.
Find out more in my in-depth Amazon Kindle (2024) review

Kobo Clara BW

It's my pick for the best budget ereader on account of getting a waterproof body, adjustable light temperature and baked-in OverDrive support to borrow library books in select countries. It also features the latest E Ink Carta 1300 screen and is repairable.
Read more in my full Kobo Clara BW review

Onyx Boox Poke 5

If you want an ereader that runs Android, the Boox Poke 5 is the better option than the newer Onyx Boox Go 6 as it's got a few less bugs than the latter. Giving you a similar reading experience to the Palma 2, just in a different form factor, it's also a lot cheaper.
Learn more in my Onyx Boox Poke 5 review

How I tested the Onyx Boox Palma 2

• Used as daily reading device for nearly 6 weeks
• Sideloaded all content via BooxDrop, including ebooks and music
• Downloaded Android apps for benchmarking, reading and streaming music

The Boox Palma 2 is a unique device, thanks to its form factor (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

As with every Boox device I test, I began by following the on-screen setup instructions to connect to Wi-Fi, then customized some of the settings for refresh rate, power-saving and system navigation. There's a lot of customization options on a Boox tablet, far more than on a Kindle or Kobo, so it's always best to get familiar with them before you start using a Boox ereader.

Next, I used BooxDrop to access files (ebooks and music) from my Onyx cloud storage account that I've had from previous Boox reviews. I also connected to Google Drive to test other means of cloud transfer.

I downloaded a few apps from the Play Store, including benchmarking, Kindle and Kobo (the last two were deleted after a short testing period of a couple off days).

For the majority of the six-week testing period, I used the Palma 2 mainly as an ereader for an average of three hours a day. I occasionally used the native browser to surf the internet, and even used the native music player to play some sideloaded MP3 files. All other music listening was down via Spotify.

To compare the two generations of Palmas side by side, I scanned a document to test the rear camera, took some sample photos with both models and ran Geekbench 6 on them to determine chipset performance. I also used CPU X, an Android app, to find out what exact chipset is being used as Onxy doesn't reveal this spec.

Having tested nearly 30 ereaders in the past few years, I've got the experience to determine whether a digital reader is a worthwhile investment.

Read more about how we test

[First reviewed April 2025]

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