The Samsung Galaxy S25 series was announced and went on pre-order last week, but since then Amazon has sweetened the pot. Well, technically, the phones are already available, so this isn’t a pre-order deal, but it is a great one.
The Samsung Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra all have a free storage upgrade – that means 256GB for the vanilla model and 512GB for the other two. On top of that, there is a £100 discount at checkout and, if that wasn’t enough, there is a £100 credit too.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
free...
If you’re looking to juice up multiple power-hungry devices at once, the UGreen Nexode Pro 160W 4-Port charger could be the perfect solution for you. This quad-port charger packs in ThermalGuard temperature control, multiple USB types (3x USB-C and 1x USB-A) and 160W of power, to ensure your phones, laptops, tablets and more can get back up and running in a flash.
You get access to super-speedy charging here, no matter how many devices you have plugged in. If you’re only charging one at a time in USB-C Port 1, you can access lightning quick charging speeds of up to 140W, that’s great for demanding devices like the newest MacBook or handsets like the Xiaomi 14T Pro. Even with three or four ports in use, the top USB-C ones can supply up to 65W each – not bad at all!
And when I tested out performance for myself, I found that the UGreen Nexode Pro 160W 4-Port charger could easily compete with some of the best Android phone chargers and best iPhone chargers. I tried charging up the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE in USB-C port 1, alongside the Soundcore Space One Pro headphones, LG Tone Free T90S earbuds and FiiO M11S hi-res music player. To my delight, this UGreen charger brought my phone back to life in under 80 minutes – exactly what I’d expect from a fast-charging wall plug like this.
Now, if you’ve seen my reviews of the other Nexode Pro chargers, you’ll probably know what I’m going to say about this one’s appearance. Once again, the prongs look shoehorned on with the UK model – I was wondering if there would be a way for me to detach the adapter, but it seems to just be attached in a not-so-elegant manner.
In addition, this is by some distance the chunkiest charger in the Nexode Pro family. That’s to be expected given it has the largest power output and four ports, but still, it may not fit into smaller spaces. Is it as big and bruising as some of the MacBook Pro chargers, for instance? No. But it's still quite a large plug.
This charger is perhaps not the cheapest out there, carrying a list price of $119.99 / £99.99 (about AU$190). Of course, you’re getting a lot of power, quad-port charging and modern GaN technology for a safe, heat-protected charging experience. But still, it’s a lot to pay for a charger with no display or charming design quirks.
All in all, the UGreen Nexode Pro 160W 4-Port charger is an excellent performer with lots of power to play with, but some may find it a little on the pricey side. It may not be the most stunning looker, either, but it does offer solid build quality, four-port charging and effective temperature control, making it worth considering – if you have the cash.
(Image credit: Future)
UGreen Nexode Pro 160W 4-Port charger review: Price & specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the UGreen Nexode Pro 160W 4-Port charger?
Buy it if…
You want top-of-the-range charging performance This charger has an almighty maximum power output of 160W, which is more than enough to revive all of your devices in a pinch. The top USB-C port is also capable of blindingly fast 140W charging – pretty cool.
You need a travel-friendly multi-port charger This may not be the smallest charger around, but it’s certainly compact enough to take on flights or train journeys. On top of that, you get four charging ports, meaning you could get your headphones, phone, laptop and smart watch back to life simultaneously, for instance.
Don't buy it if…
You’re working with a tight space But if you’re working with a really tight space, such as a socket placed behind your desk or couch, this UGreen charger might not be the ideal option. It’s considerably larger than the other models in the Nexode Pro family, so perhaps consider a slimmer option if you’re limited on room.
You’re working with a moderate budget And it might go without saying, but this is not a charger for those of you on a tight budget. At $119.99 / £99.99 (about AU$190) it’s a more premium option, but rest-assured, there are plenty of cheaper options available to you. It won’t pack in quite as much power, but the UGreen Uno Charger 100W has four ports and a fun display which I couldn’t get enough of – and it’s much cheaper than this Pro option.
UGreen Nexode Pro 160W 4-Port charger: Also consider
Anker Prime Charger (200W, 6 ports, GaN) OK, this one’s something a bit different, but it's well-worth considering if you need to charge lots of devices simultaneously. The Anker Prime Charger (200W, 6 ports, GaN) is a desk charger that can bring up to six devices back to life simultaneously. It’s equipped with 200W worth of power to ensure speedy charging and has a mixture of USB-C and USB-A ports too. Sure, it’s even less compact than this UGreen charger, but it's also cheaper, with a list price of $84.99 / £79.99 / AU$149.95, so if you just need a charger for desktop use, this is a better option in my view. Read our full Anker Prime Charger (200W, 6 Ports, GaN) review.
The iPhone SE 4 is coming in April and we're starting to see more of it in the wild. The phone was seen next to an iPhone 16 and the SE 4's single rear camera seems to stick out more than the 16's. A video also surfaced, showing us the phone from all angles. Expect a SE 4 with an A18 chip, 8GB of RAM, and Apple Intelligence.
The Nothing Phone (3a) will arrive on March 4. Per rumors, it has a 6.8-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen with 120 Hz refresh rate, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 SoC at the helm, and a triple rear camera setup with a first for Nothing: a 50 MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom. It...
The UGREEN Nexode 12,000mAh 100W Power Bank is designed for charging all manner of devices, from smartphones to laptops, thanks to its powerful 100W output. Despite its capabilities, it’s surprisingly light; I’ve tested other, less capable power banks that weigh more. It’s also quite narrow, but very thick too, meaning it won’t be one to carry around in your pocket. This is justifiable, though, given it’s designed for charging big ticket items.
The UGREEN Nexode 12,000mAh 100W Power Bank looks smart with its dark grey finish, the signature colorway of Ugreen’s Nexode series. Unfortunately, this premium look belies its actual build quality: the chassis is a little too flimsy for my liking, even audibly creaking when I pressed its sides. Suffice to say it wouldn’t be my first choice of power bank for taking on more rugged excursions.
One of the standout features of the UGREEN Nexode 12,000mAh 100W Power Bank is its display. This provides useful information in a large format, making it clear to see. The percentage figures adopt a dot-matrix format, which may divide some users, but I didn’t have an issue with this. However, clarity is somewhat compromised by its matt finish, which is rather hazy in certain viewing angles and lighting conditions.
It has one USB-C port and one USB-A port, which is a little disappointing for a power bank with this much power on offer; there are many, less powerful power banks on the market with greater port selections.
The UGREEN Nexode 12,000mAh 100W Power Bank managed to charge a Lenovo IdeaPad 4G 14 inch laptop from 50% to 100% in about 90 minutes, which is a decent performance. It also stayed cool throughout, which again is also impressive. However, it depleted the bank’s battery from 100% to 12% in the process, which disappointingly means you’ll only get a single charge out of it for large devices.
Thankfully, the UGREEN Nexode 12,000mAh 100W Power Bank only takes about the same amount of time to fully replenish, thanks to its 65W input via the same USB-C port.
The USB-A port provides 22.5W of power, and charging from this and the USB-C port at the same time is possible, although this drops the output of both to just 10W. The UGREEN Nexode 12,000mAh 100W Power Bank also features trickle charging, used for devices with low current draws, such as wireless earbuds and smartwatches. This can be easily toggled by holding the power button.
With a price of $49.99 / £49.99 (about AU$80), the UGREEN Nexode 12,000mAh 100W Power Bank sits admirably close in the market to less powerful rivals. Its 100W power output is useful if you need to charge larger items – but you’ll only be able to charge them once. It really needs a capacity higher than 12,000mAh to make it practical for charging large devices on the go, and more ports wouldn’t go amiss either.
(Image credit: Future)
UGREEN Nexode 12000mAh 100W Power Bank review: price & specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the UGREEN Nexode 12000mAh 100W Power Bank?
Buy it if…
You want to charge big devices Laptop charging is possible with the Nexode, and it can top them up with relative speed.
You want something simple Simply plug in your device and away you go. The readout is simple to understand, and activating trickle charging is easy as well.
Don't buy it if…
You want the best build quality Although it’s pleasingly light, it isn’t as solidly built as some of its rivals, such as those from Anker.
You want to charge multiple times Yes, you can charge power-hungry devices with that high output, but the relatively low capacity means you’ll only be able to do so once.
UGREEN Nexode 12000mAh 100W Power Bank review: also consider
Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W) If it’s power you need, then this Anker Prime model is for you. We think it’s the best power bank for power users, thanks to its massive 250W output and 27,650mAh capacity. However, it’s large and heavy compared to other power banks, and expensive too, so this is only for those who’ll need days of charging available to them.
The PS5 Slim picks up where the original launch model of the PS5 left off and offers a brilliant current-generation gaming experience. Adding a couple of quality-of-life improvements to the original and shrinking the footprint right down, while maintaining the excellent performance and experiences you would expect from a PS5, means this is still one of the very best gaming consoles to buy.
The PS5 Slim launched at the same price that the original launch model PS5 had. This differs from the last generation when the PS4 Slim arrived with a slightly lower price tag, which was very welcome at the time. While that’s disappointing, the PS5 Slim is now the dominant variant of the console - coming in both disc and digital editions too -and discounts and deals are now frequent. As such, while we heartily recommend it at its list price, it can offer exceptional value for money.
The biggest changes with the PS5 Slim are indeed as its name would imply: its small footprint and form factor mean the PS5 Slim is around 30% smaller, which is welcome given the original’s heft. It’s of the same design language, but not exactly the same either. While the form of the PS5 Slim still features the fanned, larger end, the console’s shell is now split by a gap (‘filled in’ by the black plastic of the console’s main body underneath), making for four separate plates.
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
One small difference is the front ports both being USB-C on the Slim too, trading the launch model’s USB-A port for the second USB-C one. And apart from a slightly larger hard drive - the PS5 Slim sports a 1TB SSD as opposed to the original’s 825GB - it has the identical PS5 specs within it that offer that wonderful performance we’re used to from Sony’s current console. You’ve also got a host of customization options with the PS5 Slim, thanks to Sony releasing a wide number of different console covers that can be easily slotted on.
It is that performance, combined with the new design, that makes the PS5 Slim so easy to recommend. PS5 games run like a dream and with a library that’s bigger than ever, now offers more adventures than before. Sony’s first-party titles in particular are dreamy from a performance standpoint - whether you prefer resolution and detail or frame rate speed and smoothness. PlayStation 4 games also still run like a dream which means your backlog can be taken onto PS5 Slim with ease. The DualSense Wireless controller is still the same original one which is great for the haptic features that help make the PS5 stand out, but its battery life is still underwhelming.
The PS5 Slim doesn’t reinvent the PS5 by any means - that evolution is handled by the new PS5 Pro - but its new design makes it an exceptionally sleek version of Sony’s current-gen machine. With the same great performance, quality hardware and specs, and a larger-than-ever library, it’s an easy console to recommend.
Same price as the original PS5; regular offers are often available
The PS5 Slim is now the default PlayStation 5 model and is widely available in every region, replacing the launch model almost entirely. It took over the same price point and is thus a straight swap.
However, since the PS5 launched, several regions have been hit by PS5 price rises (sometimes multiple price rises) and the PS5 Slim represents the newer, adjusted price points in those countries, not the original one. The US price has remained the same, however. Offsetting this somewhat, now we’re into the console’s fifth year, is that deals and discounts on the PS5 Slim are becoming more frequent, with genuinely good bundles and offers being put on by Sony itself, as well as various retailers.
In the market, it’s priced almost identically to the Xbox Series X console, which has also seen some regional price rises. The PS5 Slim Digital Edition also now has direct competition from an Xbox Series X Digital Edition console but undercuts its Microsoft counterpart in price considerably.
Within the PlayStation 5 ecosystem itself, we now have the PS5 Pro to factor into the equation. Coming in at a mighty $699.99 / £699.99 the Pro is considerably more expensive than the Slim, and its performance and benefits are a little more niche, and for an enthusiast audience. As a result, the PS5 Slim offers good value in relation to its more powerful brethren, given the experiences it offers are still excellent.
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
PS5 Slim review: Specs
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
PS5 Slim review: Design & features
Slick and chic design, more compact than that of the original
Detachable disc drive, and excellent controller
Wide choice of replaceable console covers for personalization
The main selling point of the PS5 Slim is indeed in its design, aesthetic, and form factor. Sony has a history of making refined, smaller, and slimmer versions of all its home consoles. so the PS5 getting the trimming-the-fat treatment was expected - and it delivers too, coming in at around 30% smaller than the launch model PS5.
There’s a similar design language here, however, with a flare remaining at one end (for the fans) and the sweeping curves of the PS5 hardware family remain across the Slim, making for a slick-looking form. The console’s covers are now in four parts, not two, with a gap between the plates forming a striking ‘black’ line across both the console’s top and bottom.
These, like the original, can be removed and swapped for others that Sony has made (or other third-party ones, if you fancy), meaning there are plenty of customization options to personalize your PS5 Slim. The disc drive is detachable by default too, so if you buy a digital variant and later decide to add a disc drive then that’s some extra flexibility right there.
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
While the vertical stand for the PS5 Slim is a nicer-looking, slicker metal ring, compared to the original’s bulky black plastic model, it doesn’t come with the console by default which is a mark against the console’s value. If you do buy the stand, the result is a console that looks sharper when standing upright compared to its predecessor. If you stick with horizontal orientation, you can rely on the two small cheapish-lookin plastic feet that are provided.
In terms of features present on the Slim, it is exactly the same, spec-wise, as the original model apart from two minor quality-of-life amendments; one internal, one external. The internal change is that of a boost to storage, with the PS5 Slim being equipped with a 1TB SSD compared to the launch model’s custom 825GB drive.
PS4 games run like a dream on the PS5 Slim too, and the same backward compatibility level with the previous gen’s discs and digital titles remains a simple part of the day-to-day PS5 experience. I’ve been revisiting Doom (2016) recently, for example, and the extra boost to loading times in particular makes it a joy to play. The PS5 Game Boost mode will also improve performance across the board (in principle) for PS5 games, and makes some games run smoother, with faster frame rates, or in higher resolution - or a combination of all of those.
You can even experience older games on your PS5 with the updated and modern arrangement of Sony’s PS Plus subscription. The top premium level can give you access to PS3 game streaming from the cloud, as well as some select PS1 and PS2 games to download. While perhaps not quite as generous or deep as Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass, a PS Plus subscription does make the experience of having a PS5 Slim even better and feels essential.
On that note of streaming and downloading games, it is worth noting that in all my testing, on Wi-Fi and Ethernet, I still never get close to my actual download speed on the PS5. This is something I have experienced on every PS5 I have owned sadly, and not a problem on Xbox Series X.
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
On a practical performance level, using the PS5 Slim is a joy too. It’s incredibly simple to set up, and transfer files from one to another if need be, and removing the console covers to access the M.2 PS5 SSD slot or change them entirely is very easy, and quite satisfying. The extra USB-C port and slightly larger SSD means that day-to-day usage is improved too, and benefits the whole experience.
The DualSense, while exactly the same as it was in 2020 - there’s no V2 like there was with the PS4’s DualShock 4 controller, sadly - remains absolutely excellent. While a generally top gamepad, the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers continue to feel brilliant. The PS5 Slim is compatible with all PS5 (and almost all PS4) accessories too, so if you own any from a previous machine from this or last generation then these will be able to be used on a PS5 Slim.
This is made extra simple because the UI and operating system layout are identical to the launch PS5 - and PS5 Pro. Navigating the PS5 Slim, from games to screenshots, and from streaming apps to save files and deeper settings is simple and intuitive. There are also now more customization options on offer with the UI being honed and enhanced since the launch model’s initial release.
Thus, the PS5 Slim is an easy recommendation. It’d be an easy recommendation if the launch model of the PS5 existed still, but now that it has taken over the position of the ‘standard’ console from its predecessor - and improved on it slightly - it’s the easiest current-gen console recommendation I can make right now.
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
Should I buy the PS5 Slim?
Buy it if...
You want the best value PlayStation console available With the PS5 Pro now out in the wild, but the PS5 Slim offering an exceptional gaming experience still, this is the model to get if you want great bang for your buck and aren’t chasing the most powerful console going.
You’re looking for a customizable PS5 console With it being the standard model, there are now multiple options for console cover colors that also match with an expanded set of DualSense controllers giving you more control over your setup’s aesthetic than ever before.
You’re looking for a top console packed with great experiences The PS5 game library is larger than ever in 2025 and is filled with awesome, memorable, and expansive experiences and the PS5 Slim is easily the best way to enjoy these - and best value way when regular discounts and deals come around too.
You want the best current controller The PS5’s DualSense controller is one of the most interesting and best-ever pads made for a console, and you’ll get the absolute most and best out of it on PS5. The haptic feedback in particular is a dream, while the adaptive triggers also offer further immersion.
Don't buy it if...
You need the most powerful PlayStation console going right now If you do want the most performant console from Sony right now, then you’re better off considering the PS5 Pro with its beefier specs and a more capable feature set, and quality of life improvements offering the best PlayStation experience money can buy right now.
You are happy with your launch model PS5 If you’re content with your launch model PlayStation 5 then there’s almost literally no reason to change to the Slim, with the two models being almost identical apart from a port, and a bit of internal storage.
Also consider...
If you’re still undecided about committing to the PS5 Slim, then here are two fine alternatives to consider for console gaming in 2025.
PS5 Pro Sony’s mid-generation upgrade to the PS5 Slim is a great alternative to the Slim for those looking for more power and to be on the cutting edge of PlayStation tech. If you’re looking to get the absolute maximum out of your PlayStation games, and have the most performant console giving the most complete PlayStation experience then the Pro could be for you.
Xbox Series X Microsoft’s most powerful current-generation console is a great machine in 2025 and is perfect for anyone looking to combine a fine library of Xbox games with Xbox Game Pass. If you’re on the lookout for the best Xbox experience on the market right now, complete with its excellent asymmetrical controller, then this is the console to go for.
Tested over the course of months, replacing my original PS5
Compared to PS5 Pro and launch PS5
Used it multiple days a week for months playing a variety of games, transferring data, and with a range of accessories
I’ve tested and lived with the PS5 Slim for several months now with it being my office PS5, and regular ‘normal’ PS5 console (alongside my main PS5 Pro machine). As a result, it’s been used for testing hardware, and games, and has been used for regular gaming of PS5 and PS4 titles in my own time when not using my PS5 Pro.
I have been able to compare it to my PS5 Pro, as well as the original PS5 model I have owned from physical footprint and design to performance and everyday use. I have engaged with the console on multiple levels; using the SSD bay, using it in both horizontal and vertical positions, and also changing the console covers from white to Volcanic Red.
If you’re in the market for a new pair of wireless earbuds and your budget is under €100, then the Redmi Buds 6 Pro are a worthy pick. At €70, these offer triple drivers, hi-res streaming with LDAC support and active noise cancellation (ANC) rated at 55dB. You’re also getting spatial audio support, dual device pairing, and Xiaomi claims you can expect up to 36 hours of battery life from the buds and their case.
Redmi Buds 6 Pro €70 at Amazon DE
Design
Our review unit comes in Glacier White, which gets a glossy finish. Xiaomi is also offering the Buds 6 Pro in Space...
Pre-orders for the Galaxy S25 series started last week and are still underway – open sales officially start on February 7. We already looked at early offers, but now Amazon has tweaked its deals, so let’s have another look.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is available with a free storage upgrade (to 512GB) and it includes $80 store credit. The 1TB variant is available in the US too, you can get it from Samsung.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
coming February 7
512GB: free storage upgrade & $80 credit1TB:...
Pre-orders for the Galaxy S25 series started last week and are still underway – open sales officially start on February 7. We already looked at early offers, but now Amazon has tweaked its deals, so let’s have another look.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is available with a free storage upgrade (to 512GB) and it includes $80 store credit. The 1TB variant is available in the US too, you can get it from Samsung.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
coming February 7
512GB: free storage upgrade & $80 credit1TB:...
The S Pen was first introduced in 2011 with the original Galaxy Note – this original design was a passive device that relied on a Wacom layer in the Note device itself to track its position and, later on, things like pressure too.
Then in 2018 the Galaxy Note9 added a battery and Bluetooth connectivity to the S Pen, allowing it to trigger actions remotely. In the camera, for example, a single press would take a photo, a double press would switch between cameras. You could also advance photos in the Gallery app, go to the next slide in PowerPoint, control music players and so on, all with...
The pre-order window for the new Samsung Galaxy S25 flagship trio is closing and the first units are on their way to their new owners – if they haven’t arrived already. But will Samsung start 2025 with strong sales like it did 2024?
The results from last week’s poll show cause for concern – the new models are perceived as only minor upgrades over previous generations of S-phones, so many are considering not upgrading this year or seeking out an older model. There is some good news too, though not what we expected.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra outsold the S23 Ultra and was the most popular model...
