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Weekly poll results: the Galaxy S26 and S26 Ultra have a fighting chance, the S26+ is dead in the water
6:01 am | March 8, 2026

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

The Galaxy S25 series outsold the S24 series, which in turn had outpaced the S23 series a year prior. In short, everything was going great for the S-series. But will this year end its winning streak? Last week’s poll certainly casts shadows of doubt over the success of the new trio. The Samsung Galaxy S26 family Let’s start with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, which is arguably the model that received the most upgrades. Most of the people who voted in the poll just don’t see it as one of the best flagships on the market. And among those interested in S Ultra phones, most find older...

God of War Sons of Sparta review: This series’ metroidvania prequel is serviceable, but shines like a red orb on PlayStation Portal
4:00 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Comments: Off

If you're a God of War fan, you've likely noticed Sony's iconic, deity-destroying action series has been dominating the spotlight as of late. Following an announcement that the franchise's original trilogy is being remade, we got a first-look at Kratos and Atreus in Prime Video's upcoming live-action TV series adaptation.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5 (on PS5 Pro and PlayStation Portal)
Available on: PS5
Release date: February 12, 2026

But before a collective "Boy!" could be bellowed in celebration of all this news, we also got word that a new series' spin-off game is rumored to be in the works. Given that you'd need a Leviathan Axe to cut through all these recent reveals and rumors, you could be excused for overlooking God of War Sons of Sparta, a brand-new prequel entry that was shadow-dropped shortly after the Greek trilogy remake reveal.

A retro-flavored 2D action-platformer starring a teenage Kratos, Sons of Sparta is a far cry from what the franchise has previously delivered. Borrowing heavily from the Metroidvania genre, the smaller-scale game has also earned the ire of some players – including series' creator David Jaffe – who've been less than impressed by this fresh direction for the franchise.

But while the game never reaches the epic highs of its predecessors, I've mostly had a good time stabbing, puzzle-solving, and exploring the would-be god-slayer's early stomping grounds, especially when braving its land of Laconia on my PlayStation Portal.

A slow start, but stellar story

A screenshot of Kratos squaring up to a cyclops in God of War Sons of Sparta

(Image credit: Sony/PlayStation/Santa Monica Studio/ShopTo )

Admittedly, Sons of Sparta doesn't make a fantastic first impression. Its action is slow to start, and its early environments sport a muted tone that can come off a bit drab on a large display, like the 65" 4K TV I started my journey on.

The game's combat and world didn't immediately grab me, but its characters and narrative did. A collaboration between Sony Santa Monica Studio, who penned the story, and Mega Cat Studios, Sons of Sparta is cleverly framed as a tale adult Kratos – voiced by the protagonist's first performer, TC Carson – tells his young daughter Calliope.

Narration from the older Kratos, as well as some fun exchanges between him and his little girl, are peppered throughout the lengthy campaign. But the bulk of the storytelling is delivered by young Kratos and his brother Deimos. The siblings, who are enduring the agoge in hopes of becoming Spartan soldiers, are richly realized with top-notch writing and quality voice acting.

In fact, it's the brothers' engaging, evolving dynamic that drew me to revisit the game on my PlayStation Portal after all but abandoning it following a short session on my PS5 Pro. And I'm so glad I returned to it, as Sons of Sparta is not only a perfect fit for the portable platform, but investing more time in it allowed me to appreciate what it had to offer after its subpar start.

Combat that ultimately clicks

A screenshot from God of War Sons of Sparta showing young Kratos holding up a head

(Image credit: Sony/PlayStation/Santa Monica Studio/ShopTo )

The game's combat, which feels a bit plodding in the opening hours, really finds its footing a few hours in. Kratos can't do a whole lot with his equipped sword and shield initially, but it's not long before your inventory is brimming with abilities, upgrades, and skills. The franchise's familiar red orbs, as well as other collected resources, can be invested in a variety of offensive and defensive skills, while a number of weapon attachments can be acquired and upgraded.

The gods also get in on the action, gifting Kratos with a number of cool tools – like a fire-spewing tree branch – that can combat baddies, assist with puzzle-solving, and open previously obstructed parts of the map.

Speaking of the game's sprawling navigational interface, viewing and using the tool on the Portal's 8-inch, rectangular display immediately struck me with a satisfying sense of nostalgia. Having spent my youth studying maps in Metroid and Castlevania entries – as well as other classic side-scrollers – on Nintendo's many handhelds and Sony's own PlayStation Portable and Vita, it was a blast witnessing Sons of Sparta's map blossom in all directions on the more diminutive screen.

Playing with PlayStation Portal Power

A screenshot from God of War Sons of Sparta showing young Kratos and Deimos kneeling before an NPC

(Image credit: Sony/PlayStation/Santa Monica Studio/ShopTo )

But playing on the Portal did more than recall my favorite map-navigating memories. The prequel's painterly, hand-drawn pixel art style really pops on the portable hardware's 1080p HD display. Where the game felt a bit small and swallowed up by my TV's 65" screen, its varied, vibrant environments arguably presented much better on the smaller LED screen.

Of course, the innate intimacy of playing on a portable platform also deserves credit for putting the game in its best light; I was able to appreciate far more detail playing Sons of Sparta a few inches from my face rather than squinting at it from across my living room.

It also doesn't hurt that the Portal's handgrips deliver the same immersion-ratcheting features as the PS5's DualSense Wireless Controller. From feeling the rhythmic cadence of Kratos readying his Solar Sling – another fun gift from the gods – to the intense, sustained pulse that builds when opening a treasure chest, the handheld's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers are easily on par with the standard DualSense controller.

And speaking again to that more intimate portable experience, seeing Sons of Sparta's action unfold directly between those rumbling, vibrating handgrips adds a level of immersion and immediacy that playing on a console just can't match.

Godlike audio

A screenshot from God of War Sons of Sparta showing young Kratos in front of a bonfire save point

(Image credit: Sony/PlayStation/Santa Monica Studio/ShopTo )

I further complemented my time behind Kratos' spear and shield by pairing Sony's PlayStation Pulse Elite headset with the Portal. As expected, this allowed me to absorb every detail of the game's dynamic soundscape, from ear-rattling boss encounters to the nuanced echo of water dripping in the game's atmospheric Grand Cistern environment.

Sons of Sparta is undoubtedly a smaller-scale entry in a series known for making big, bold, blood-soaked splashes with each release. But while the stakes of its story are lower, and it lacks some of the epic set pieces, cinema-rivaling effects, and adrenaline-pumping action of its predecessors, it still delivers a solid, albeit quite different, God of War action-adventure.

If you're expecting a 2D take on Kratos' previous god-slaying exploits, Sons of Sparta will likely disappoint. But if you're craving a fresh, canon story supported by a serviceable metroidvania structure, deep combat, and plenty of fan-pleasing call-outs to the larger franchise, this unconventional prequel's got you covered…especially when enjoyed on the PlayStation Portal.

Should you play God of War Sons of Sparta?

Play it if...

You're craving a new canon God of War story
God of War Sons of Sparta has its share of ups and downs in the gameplay department, but its prequel story and characters are consistently good. If you want to learn more about Kratos' young adult years and how they were shaped by his complex relationship with his brother Deimos, this entry is more than worth your time.

You're looking for the perfect game to play on your PlayStation Portal
From its retro art style and side-scrolling action to its platforming-fueled navigation and Castlevania-evoking map, Sons of Sparta looks and feels like the sort of game you might have sunk hours into while clutching a Nintendo handheld or Sony PSP. It's a perfect fit for the PlayStation Portal, one that arguably looks and plays better on the portable platform.

Don't play it if...

You're expecting the full God of War experience in 2D form
Sons of Sparta isn't a traditional God of War game presented as a 2D sidescroller, but rather a brand new direction for the franchise. More a metroidvania puzzle-platformer than gore-soaked action spectacle, the prequel will likely disappoint those expecting to jump in and carve through mythical creatures with Kratos' Leviathan Axe or Blades of Chaos.

Accessibility features

God of War Sons of Sparta includes an impressive suite of accessibility features, from various audio adjustments and visuals assists – including options for customizing color filters, text sizes, and blood and gore effects – to motion reduction aids and gameplay settings for decreasing difficulty.

In addition to including a number of presets for accessibility features, the game also offers plenty of individual selections for a more tailored experience.

A screenshot from God of War Sons of Sparta showing young Kratos running through a village

(Image credit: Sony/PlayStation/Santa Monica Studio/ShopTo )

How I reviewed God of War Sons of Sparta

I played a few hours of God of War Sons of Sparta on my PlayStation 5 Pro, on my 65" 4K display, before fully committing to it – and enjoying it much more – on my PlayStation Portal, streamed from the Pro.

I tested Sons of Sparta's audio with both the PlayStation Pulse Explore earbuds and PlayStation Pulse Elite headset, with the bulk of my 25-hour playtime using the latter. I paid particular attention to how the game looked and played on the portable device versus the console, and noted the various ways it incorporated the handheld's DualSense features.

First reviewed February-March 2026

The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold’s gets a 71% battery boost with Honor’s Si/C battery mod
3:11 am |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z TriFold last December with a 5,600 mAh battery, which is not only lower than that of non-folding smartphones but also lower than that of foldables, as we have seen folding smartphones with battery capacities in the 6,000 mAh range. How's that possible? The answer is Si/C batteries, which Samsung continues to avoid even in 2026. [#InlinePriceWidget,14292,1#] Honor's recently unveiled Magic V6 foldable comes with a 6,600 mAh Si/C battery, and the folks at YouTube channel Strange Parts used Honor's Si/C batteries to increase the Galaxy Z TriFold's battery...

The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold’s gets a 71% battery boost with Honor’s Si/C battery mod
3:11 am |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z TriFold last December with a 5,600 mAh battery, which is not only lower than that of non-folding smartphones but also lower than that of foldables, as we have seen folding smartphones with battery capacities in the 6,000 mAh range. How's that possible? The answer is Si/C batteries, which Samsung continues to avoid even in 2026. [#InlinePriceWidget,14292,1#] Honor's recently unveiled Magic V6 foldable comes with a 6,600 mAh Si/C battery, and the folks at YouTube channel Strange Parts used Honor's Si/C batteries to increase the Galaxy Z TriFold's battery...

I’ve been using these cheap headphones for a month, and I’d recommend them to anyone who needs an affordable pair
1:30 am |

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Headphones Wireless Headphones | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Soundpeats Cove Pro: Two-minute review

If you’re here because you’re interested in buying the best cheap headphones, let’s skip to the chase: these are now going to be the go-to pair I recommend for the foreseeable future. They’re not perfect, which is why there’s still over 1,000 words to this Soundpeats Cove Pro review, but for the money they're outstanding.

Soundpeats is constantly impressing me with its great-value audio offerings, like the indelible in-ear Soundpeats H3, or the reliable open Soundpeats Clip1, and so I’m not overly surprised that I’m giving out another glowing review to something from the company. It’s less versed in over-ears than other kinds of headphone, though, so there was always the chance of something going wrong.

The Cove Pro are fantastic headphones for people who just need any old pair of cans that’ll do the job, so you’ve got a way of listening to music when at home or on the go – they nail all of quality-of-life features you’ll want.

For example, the battery life is fantastic: 95 hours, or nearly four days straight. These aren’t going to give up the ghost during a long-haul flight, that’s for sure.

They’re also some of the most comfortable on-ears I’ve used recently, as the padding in the cups and headband is soft, and they’re not too heavy or pinchy over the crown of your noggin. What I'm saying is, you can leave them on your head for long periods of time without getting aches.

Audiophiles (or people who aren't sure of the title but are picky about their sound) might not be as impressed. The ANC is quite light-touch; the Cove Pro reduce sound more than ‘cancel’ it, and the audio isn’t as good as some other budget options I’ve tested. It’s a bit too warm and veers towards muddy, with a lower-end that isn’t as well-defined as on some alternatives. I wasn’t blown away, but bass-heads might still be happy.

Soundpeats Cove Pro review: Price and release date

The Soundpeats Cove Pro hanging up, and with the inside of each cup facing outwards.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Released in January 2025
  • Sells for $69.99 / £69.99 (around AU$140)
  • Cheap, but not cheap cheap in today's market

Soundpeats announced the Cove Pro in January 2026, following the rush of headphones that followed CES at the beginning of the year.

You can buy the Cove Pro for $69.99 / £69.99 (around AU$140), so they're fairly affordable cans – best suited for people who want decent headphones that'll last a long time, but don't need the highest quality or audio or premium features.

They’re not the very cheapest headphones that are worth considering – I recently tested the OneOdio Focus A1 Pro which sell for $34.99 / £43.99 (about AU$85), and there are a few other super-budget options worth buying like the Sony WH-CH520. But they’re still certainly a budget option compared to the big names on the block.

Soundpeats Cove Pro review: Specs

Drivers

40mm

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Battery life (ANC off)

95 hours

Weight

251g

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Frequency response

20 Hz - 40,000 Hz

Waterproofing

IPX4

Soundpeats Cove Pro review: Features

The Soundpeats Cove Pro's array of buttons.

(Image credit: Future)
  • 95-hour battery life
  • The ANC is very light-touch
  • Nice perks like Bluetooth 6.0, listening test and LDAC

Possibly the most eye-catching spec of the Soundpeats Cove Pro is the battery life: up to 95 hours of ANC-off listening. Very few headphones crack the 100-hour barrier, and anything close like this deserves props.

The endurance drops quite a bit if you turn ANC on: down to 58 hours. That's quite a sacrifice to remove some sound, though in the grand scheme of things ~60 hours is still decent.

The ANC isn't very powerful here; it'll strip out the worst of background noises rather than remove them in any meaningful way. There's also an ambient mode, but I couldn't hear a difference between this and Normal (ANC off).

The Soundpeats Cove Pro's headband.

(Image credit: Future)

The Soundpeats app is the Cove Pro’s all-but-mandatory smartphone app. It's worth downloading, even though it forces you to create an account, because it offers a few features unusual in lower-cost headphones.

The app offers an equalizer (presets or 10-band custom mode), find my headphones function, spatial audio, bass booster and even a custom listening test which builds you a bespoke EQ mix. It’s clearly in a very early state – the pictures and text refers to earbuds, and one menu was in Mandarin, but it did a decent job of tweaking my audio and wasn’t too hard to use.

Unlike many budget music-blowers, the SoundPeats supports a few higher-res Bluetooth codecs, including LDAC, SBC and AAC. It connects via Bluetooth 6.0, and in my testing it didn't stop out at all – there was one brief stutter, and that was it.

  • Features score: 4/5

Soundpeats Cove Pro review: Design

The Soundpeats Cove Pro's outer shell.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Light and comfortable to wear
  • Useful on-cup controls, but no 3.5mm
  • Bog-standard looks

When I pulled the Soundpeats Cove Pro from the box, I thought they were dead ringers for my old Sony WH-1000XM3s. Sure, there isn't a huge scope for variety in the world of headphone aesthetics, especially the budget market, but the design language is there.

These cans weigh 250g, with an IPX4 rating indicating that they’re splash-roof. The right cup has an ANC button, power button and volume rocker on it, and they're flush enough that I sometimes thought I'd missed pressing them until I got used to the feel of it. The exception is the power button, which has a little indent so you can easily differentiate it by feel.

The one thing I’d like to see is a 3.5mm port. As it stands, you can’t use an AUX cord to connect these to your music player.

I found the Cove Pro surprisingly comfortable; you can't always rely on the budget headphones for a good fit, but these felt great. The soft cups settle gently on the ears, and a large pad on the band keeps them nestled on your cranium. I could listen for long periods without any kind of strain or ache.

The headphones also feel surprisingly premium in terms of build quality. The plastic material feels a little more durable than the squeaky cheap stuff some rivals are made out of, and other traits of budget cans like rattly joins and a hollow-feeling body were all absent.

You can fold the Cove Pro in on itself to make it more portable, and they swivel and extend a fair amount to suit different sized heads.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

Soundpeats Cove Pro review: Sound quality

The Soundpeats Cove Pro on a man's head.

(Image credit: Future)
  • 40mm driver
  • Messy low-end handling
  • EQ can fix some issues

Like most budget headphones – actually, most cans at any budget – the Cove Pro have 40mm drivers. Soundpeats' website goes into detail on titanium-coated diaphragms, patterned dome drivers and magnets, all giving the impression of a thoughtful approach to audio – it’s all for naught, though, as they don’t sound any better than your average budget cans

Music is warm, sometimes too much – as I write this I’m listening to Old Ties and Companions by Watchhouse, and the timbre that should be created by the various acoustic instruments feels lacking because of the sound profile. Bass can sometimes blow out other parts of a song, especially with rock music, which can often see the bass guitar override guitars.

It’ll appeal to bass-heads for sure, and people who go to gigs so often that they don’t realize you’re not always supposed to hear and feel the bass above everything else. But I found it a bit too much – and using the Bass Reduction EQ preset sometimes wasn’t even enough.

Get through the bass, and you’ll find fairly detailed audio, though the lack of support for wired listening means these aren’t budget audiophile cans by any means. There’s a pronounced soundstage though, something you can’t always say about options at this price point, giving a little bit of extra sparkle to songs like T-Shirt Weather by Circa Waves and Such Great Heights by the Postal Service, which have bassless introductions so you can enjoy the atmosphere.

  • Sound quality: 3.5/5

Soundpeats Cove Pro review: Value

The Soundpeats Cove Pro in a man's hand.

(Image credit: Future)
  • At best, exceeds expectations for price
  • At worst, matches expectations for price

The Soundpeats Cove Pro aren't quite the cheapest headphones on the market – or that have wowed TechRadar’s team recently – but they're not far off. And they offer top value for money.

The build quality here is better than I've come to see expect from budget cans, even if the looks won't win any awards for originality. And the feature set is better than many same-price rivals, with tools that you'd normally find in cans twice as pricey.

In its weaker departments, the Cove Pro still deliver at the level you'd expect for this price; they sound no worse than the average budget headset, and deliver enough ANC to trump rivals which don't offer the feature.

  • Value: 4/5

Should I buy the Soundpeats Cove Pro?

Fairphone Fairbuds XL (2025) score card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

The battery life is great, and there are some solid features, but the ANC isn't anything to write home about.

4/5

Design

They're basic to look at, but lightweight and comfy.

4.5/5

Sound quality

They sound muddy, but there's detail and a reasonably wide soundstage.

3.5/5

Value

Set your expectations for the budget and you won't be disappointed.

4/5

Buy them if…

You need a really solid battery
If you don't get around to charging your headphones often, the 95 hours offered here will be great for you.

You don't want uncomfortable headphones
If you often find over-ear headphones a little uncomfortable, you might find these a bit more tolerable.View Deal

You don't want to spend much money
Don't use your headphones enough to justify an expensive purchase? These will be great alternatives that'll serve you find.View Deal

Don’t buy them if…

Audio quality is your most important factor
The best parts of the Cove Pro are their features and build, and budget audiophiles will find better picks below.

You need top-tier noise cancellation
If you live somewhere noisy and need to find peace, these are fine picks, but there are better buys (see below for these).

Soundpeats Cove Pro review: Also consider

Soundpeats Cove Pro

OneOdio Focus A6

Earfun Wave Life

Drivers

40mm

40mm

40mm

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Battery life (ANC on)

95 hours

75 hours

60 hours

Weight

251g

240g

264g

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Bluetooth 6.0

Bluetooth 5.4

Waterproofing

IPX4

None

None

OneOdio Focus A6
These top-rated headphones sound great, and undercut the Cove Pro. If audio quality is your main interest, these are the alternatives to consider.
Read our full OneOdio Focus A6 review

Earfun Wave Life
These picks are also more affordable than the Soundpeats, and are also very comfortable to wear (plus we liked the ANC) though the battery life isn't comparable.
Read our full Earfun Wave Life review

How I tested the Soundpeats Cove Pro

  • Tested for a month
  • Tested at home, on walks, on public transport and the gym

I used the Soundpeats Cove Pro for just over a month to write this review, immediately following a few of their big rivals.

I used the cans paired alongside my Android phone, listening on a variety of services. This included in a range of indoor and outdoor settings including, most challengingly, on a train ride home after a high-end audio show.

For TechRadar, I've already tested a wide range of budget headphones, including over-ear alternatives and other picks from Soundpeats.

  • First reviewed in March 2026
Weekly deals: iPhone 17e, new iPad Air, MacBook Neo, plus new MacBook Air and Pro
12:22 am |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

This can’t be a coincidence – Apple picked the week of the MWC to drop a number of major announcements. And since most of the developments from the MWC are unlikely to come to the US, let’s look at what Apple has to offer. The new iPhone 17e fixes several major annoyances of the 16e – it has proper MagSafe support now, you get good base storage (256GB), the improved Ceramic Shield 2 has an anti-reflective coating and the chipset was bumped up to an Apple A19. That’s a lot of power for $600! Okay, the 6.1” 60Hz display with a chunky notch isn’t ideal and neither is the single 48MP camera...

Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 review
9:47 pm | March 7, 2026

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Much like flagship smartphones, flagship wireless earbuds have reached a plateau. Refinement is the name of the game in the premium TWS market, with new models focusing on improved audio tuning, better noise cancellation and squeezing an additional hour or two of battery life. That’s the short story of the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5, which recently made their global debut. We’ve been using them for over a week ahead of their launch and found them to be a great option with superb sound, potent ANC and top-notch build quality. Read on for our detailed assessment. Table of Contents: ...

Oppo Find N6 surfaces in new colors, including orange
7:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Renders of the Oppo Find N6, that surfaced last month, showed the smartphone in three colors. Now, a new set of Find N6 renders has surfaced, giving us our best look yet at the smartphone and showing the foldable in new colors. These renders, shared by reliable leakster Evan Blass, show the Oppo Find N6 in three new colors, including orange, because of course. Oppo Find N6's leaked renders Blass didn't share any other details about the Oppo Find N6; however, Oppo previously confirmed that Find N6 would feature a Hasselblad-tuned 200MP quad-camera setup. Rumors claim the...

I haven’t sat in a plusher gaming chair than this one – but this affordable GTPlayer model has one drawback
7:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Comments: Off

One-minute review

GT player gaming chair

(Image credit: Future)

The GTPlayer LR002 is a budget-friendly gaming chair that hopes to match the comfort levels of costlier competition.

It’s less aggressive in its gamer stylings than many others in this sector. You could even call it smart, and my review unit’s light grey and blue finish helped to showcase the chair’s lighter side.

However, the fabric doesn’t look or feel especially premium, and neither do the solid materials employed throughout the LR002’s construction. It certainly won’t trouble the likes of the Secretlab et al in terms of build quality.

An area where it does compete with the best gaming chairs, though, is cushioning. Not only is the seat soft and plump, but so too are the arm rests and backrest, which makes the LR002 a comfortable chair to sink into. The lumbar and head pillows are less plush, but still provide me with sufficient support in the right areas.

Things take a turn for the worse, though, when it comes to adjustability. The LR002 lacks any form of adjustments for the arm rests, and there’s no rocking function: if you want to lean back, you can recline the backrest to your desired angle, but once there, you’re locked in.

GT player gaming chair

(Image credit: Future)

The included footrest also disappoints, owing to its poor design and construction. It consistently failed to slide out smoothly, and even when fully retracted, I found it stopped far too short to be usable, even for someone of my short stature.

Taller gamers are also likely to be disappointed with the seat height range. Although it goes lower to the ground than many (something I often welcome), I imagine those six feet and over would find its maximum elevation too low.

Assembling the LR002 was mostly a straightforward process, thanks to the relatively light seat base and backrest. However, some of the bolts proved difficult to screw in fully, while the angles of some of the holes were awkward to reach.

With its reasonable price, the LR002 makes a compelling case in the budget gaming chair segment. It’s an even more attractive proposition with the huge discounts we’ve seen GTPlayer offer. However, if you’re tall or like plenty of adjustments in your seat, the LR002 is unlikely to satisfy.

GTPlayer LR002 review: Price and availability

GT player gaming chair

(Image credit: Future)
  • $159.99 / £149.99 / AU$703
  • Available worldwide
  • Cheap for a gaming chair

The GTPlayer LR002 costs $159.99 / £149.99 / AU$703 and is available now in most territories around the world. It comes in multiple colorways, half of which are monochromatic; two shades of blue, a brown, and an orange finish comprise the rest.

This is a decent price for a gaming chair, putting the LR002 at the budget-end of the spectrum. What’s more, we’ve seen it on sale for less than half price in the UK, making it even more of a bargain. This was direct from GTPlayer's website, although the original price listed here is substantially more than that on Amazon.

It competes with the likes of the Corsair TC100 Relaxed, which commands a similar price to the LR002. We think this is one of the best cheap gaming chairs around, thanks to its comfort levels and adjustability; the LR002 can match the TC100 in the former area, but not the latter.

If you're willing to part with more cash, but still want to steer clear of the most expensive models, the Asus ROG Destrier Core is a solid bet. Not only does this gaming chair offer more adjustments than the LR002, its unique mesh backrest improves breathability and lends a certain style to the unit that sets it apart from many others in the sector.

GTPlayer LR002 review: Specs

GTPlayer LR002

Price

$159.99 / £149.99 / AU$703

Dimensions

58.9 x 28.3 x 20.5in / 149.5 x 72 x 52cm

Max user weight

299.8lbs / 136kg

Min seat height

18.7in / 47.5cm

Seat width

20in / 51cm

Warranty

1 year

GTPlayer LR002 review: Design and aesthetics

  • Soft but basic looks
  • Cheap-feeling materials
  • Lightweight design

The LR002 takes the typical gaming chair approach in terms of overall form, although it’s softer and more rounded than others. These aspects make it a more inviting chair, in my view.

I was also fond of the light grey finish of my review unit, accented by light blue strips, which helps to make the LR002 look less austere than many others in this sector. Granted, it’s not the most elegant of designs, but it’s inoffensive and understated enough to suit most settings.

The lack of premium materials is perhaps the biggest aesthetic weakness of the LR002. The fabric, while smooth to the touch, looks and feels cheap. It’s more breathable than other gaming chair upholsteries, but I still think it’s too thick to keep me cool on a hot summer day.

The plastics used in the unit’s construction also look and feel like cut-price affairs. In their defense, they’re light, which helps to keep the chair’s weight down. In fact, the LR002 is one of the lightest gaming chairs I’ve come across.

There’s a strange hollowness to the backrest; it’s only partially filled, with what feel like small polystyrene balls. It crackled and popped as I leaned into it (it has plenty of give), which wasn’t something I was expecting or particularly wanting to feel, but fortunately, the effect wasn’t disruptive enough to ruin my time in the chair. The backrest is also very thin, which contributes to the aforementioned lightness of the LR002.

GTPlayer LR002 review: Comfort and adjustability

GT player gaming chair

(Image credit: Future)
  • Cushioned on all contactable surfaces
  • Lacks fundamental adjustments
  • Very poor footrest

The soft appearance of the LR002 translates to all-round comfort. It offers more cushioning than your typical gaming chair; this is especially true of the backrest and armrests, which put it ahead of many others, even those costing much more.

The strapped lumbar cushion works well, allowing for easy height adjustments while seated, yet it remains in place once you’ve found the ideal height. It’s smaller than those included with other gaming chairs, but it was sufficient to get the support I needed.

It’s a similar story with the head pillow. It’s less plush than others, but again, it provided just enough support for my head and neck. As you might expect, given the budget nature of the LR002, it doesn’t attach magnetically, but via a humble strap.

While the arms are comfortable, thanks to their generous cushioning, they’re quite narrow, which might pose a problem for some gamers. The bigger issue, though, is their complete lack of adjustability.

This is especially frustrating given that they move when the backrest is reclined — but this is the only scenario in which they do. I was lucky that their height was ideal for my seating position, but I imagine there’ll be many gamers who won’t find them suitable.

GT player gaming chair

(Image credit: Future)

Equally disappointing is the LR002’s lack of a tilt function. If you want to lean back, the backrest can recline all the way to 140 degrees — but once it’s set, the unforgiving rigidity prevents any form of rocking. At least the recline mechanism is smooth with no discernible notchiness, and the lever is easy to operate.

A retractable footrest is installed underneath the LR002. However, this has to be one of the most poorly designed examples I’ve come across. Every time I tried to slide it out, it would get stuck partway, requiring a few jiggles to set it free.

What’s more, the cushion itself doesn’t stay upright, requiring constant leg pressure to hold it in place. Worst of all, though, is its short extension. While it managed to support my legs, the front edge of the rest dug uncomfortably into the back of my calves — and I’m only 5”7. Anyone taller than this will find it laughably impractical.

Another issue for taller gamers is the seat height. The minimum setting is quite low to the ground, which is something I often welcome, but the maximum isn’t all that high. And since there’s only one size of the LR002, this could cause a problem for the long-legged.

GTPlayer LR002 review: Assembly

GT player gaming chair

(Image credit: Future)
  • Light base and backrest
  • Clear instructions
  • Tight bolts

Assembling the LR002 was mostly an easy process, barring a few minor frustrations. It comes with a hex key that features a grip handle, which, while useful, was a little too short to get the leverage I hoped for when tightening the bolts.

What’s more, none of these bolts or their insert points were greased even slightly, which made them even more difficult to screw into place. Some also proved incredibly resistant to the point that I thought their threads must be misaligned.

Both the backrest and seat base are light relative to those of other gaming chairs. This is always a blessing, since wrangling these into place is nearly always the most laborious aspect of any build.

The instruction manual is largely clear, and aside from some aforementioned bold issues, installing the other elements is easy. This includes the under-seat bracket, which can sometimes be a fiddly process.

However, I found the spokes for the wheel base tough to fix to the central hub, since the bolt holes lie in a somewhat inaccessible position. The manual instructs hitting them with force to get them in place, and it’s not joking: I would take care not to damage your floor during this part of the process.

Should I buy the GTPlayer LR002?

Buy it if...

You want soft cushioning
It’s not just the seat base that’s padded: the arms and backrest are suitably plush, too, which isn’t a given.View Deal

You don’t want to spend the earth
The LR002 is certainly one of the more affordable gaming chairs out there. View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You’re tall
There’s only one size of the LR002, and the seat doesn’t go all that high. Also, the footrest barely extends far enough for those under six feet, let alone those over it.View Deal

You prioritize adjustability
The lack of adjustments is a real weak point of the LR002. There’s no adjustment at all for the arms, and there’s no tilt function for the seat.View Deal

GTPlayer LR002 review: Also consider...

Here are some alternatives to the GTPlayer LR002 if you need more in the way of adjustability or quality:

GTPlayer LR002

Asus ROG Destrier Core Gaming Chair

Corsair TC100 Relaxed

Price

$159.99 / £149.99 / AU$703

$629.99 / £499.99 (about AU$600)

$199 / £199 / AU$399

Dimensions

58.9 x 28.3 x 20.5in / 149.5 x 72 x 52cm

53.1 x 27.8 x 24.1in / 135 x 70.7 x 61.3cm

53.5 x 23.4 x 19.7in / 136 x 59 x 50cm

Max user weight

299.8lbs / 136kg

299.8lbs / 136kg

264lbs / 120kg

Min seat height

18.7in / 47.5cm

18.5in / 47cm

17.7in / 45cm

Seat width

20in / 51cm

20in / 51cm

21.2in / 54cm (incl. bolsters), 14.2in / 36cm (excl. bolsters)

Warranty

1 year

2 years

2 years

Corsair TC100 Relaxed
The Corsair TC100 Relaxed is one of the best budget gaming chairs around, thanks to the levels of comfort and adjustability it provides for the cost. And although the arm rests aren’t 4D, they can be adjusted for both height and width, unlike the LR002’s.

Read our full Corsair TC100 Relaxed review.View Deal

Asus ROG Destrier Core
If you want something that stands out from the crowd, the Asus ROG Destrier Core is a fine choice. Its mesh back not only looks good, but it also makes the chair very breathable. The Destrier Core also has more adjustments than the LR002, including a movable headrest, which isn’t always seen on gaming chairs.

Read our full Asus ROG Destrier Core review.View Deal

How I tested the GTPlayer LR002

GT player gaming chair

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested for several days
  • Used for gaming and working
  • Plentiful gaming chair experience

I tested the GTPlayer LR002 for several days. I sat in it when gaming, working, and general browsing on both desktop and laptop devices. I made sure to try every adjustment and function available.

I’ve been PC gaming for over a decade, and experienced many chairs in that time, from office to gaming models. This includes those from high-end brands, such as Steelcase and Secretlab. I’ve also reviewed a number of gaming chairs previously, running the gamut of price points and functionality.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed February 2026.

A smaller version of the Redmi Pad 2 is on the way
4:02 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

The Redmi Pad 2 launched in June of last year with an 11-inch screen, and now the brand is apparently working on a smaller variation of it. The Redmi Pad 2 9.7-inch is now listed in the GSMA's IMEI database, with three model numbers: 2604ERP4DG, 2604ERP4DC, and 2604ERP4DI. They reveal that the device will be launching in China, India, as well as other global markets, so this could get a pretty geographically spread out release. The original Redmi Pad 2 While there are no other details about it aside from its name, that obviously tells us it will have a 9.7" touchscreen, smaller...

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