I write this review a few days after the Spain and Portugal electricity blackouts, this showed how reliant our societies are on electric power. The blackouts, perhaps the worst in recent memory in some places lasted up to 23 hours. One of the biggest sale items at the time being portable power banks as people were desperate to keep small electronic devices powered.
However, even these small power banks only have around 10,000mAh and can only power devices that often use a form of USB charging. This leaves anything running on 240v mains electricity often without power such as fridges and freezers.
Having reviewed the best portable power stations from varying brands across the years, the noted mainstays of the industry was a copy and paste with few tweaks here and features there. Nearly all of them were of a large boxlike design often with a status screen, varying power in and outputs and maybe an app. Portable only in the sense that you could pick it up and cart it off elsewhere, but some of them were bulky and pushing north of 20kgs in weight.
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 is almost no different except in this package you get not just the portable power station, but also a portable solar panel as a combo, however both are available for purchase separately as the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station and Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel.
We start on the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station part of the combo.
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Jackery Explorer 2000 v2: Portable Power Station
Packaging
Starting with the Explorer 2000 Power Station, I opened the cardboard box to be presented with an orange box and helpful pull-out handles, removing this gave us a nice orange box, the sort you would see on shop shelves to market the product to you.
The back of the box shows that this power station has a capacity of 2042Wh or 45.6Ah from its Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) cells, its in and output rates and some basic specifications.
Opening this orange box gives us the accessories tray consisting of only the AC power cable and manual. I do want to point out I was very impressed with the orange box packaging using only sturdy corrugated cardboard with a felt liner, no plastics in this box whatsoever.
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The power station
Once the power station was removed from the box, I noted its dimensions being on average about the same size here and there as other power stations I had reviewed in the past.
A quick visual inspection, I noted that all the output ports are at the front, the sides have ventilation slots with the AC and DC input ports on the right side. The back was plain save, for an information label and the bottom had large, wide sturdy rubberized feet.
One notable feature was the large carry handle on the top, possibly one of the best ones I had seen on any portable power stations as these are heavy with the Jackery weighing in at 17.5kgs (38.6lbs). The handle can be stowed away when not in use.
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We will start discussing the output ports, all of which can be found on the front of the Jackery. The on/off switch can be found to the left of the screen which after a short press powers the unit on.
On the other side of the screen is a “Light” button which illuminates the small light, the white round disc, to the light button’s right. This light can be used as an emergency light source, it can be cycled from steady on dim, bright and SOS mode.
Below the lights are the AC power sockets, in this model the UK type G socket. Other models featured in the past had three or four but this only has two. The inverter Jackery has provided is capable of providing a pure sine wave to closely mimic that of the grids alternating current. It has a maximum wattage output of 2200W but can support a brief surge peak of 4400W should it be necessary. The sockets can be turned on or off using the small button labelled “AC” to the right.
To the left of the sockets are a column of three USB power outputs, two USB-C and one USB-A. The top USB-C has a max draw of 30W, the middle USB-C 100W and the lower USB-A only 18W draw.
Above the USB outputs is the 12V DC output capable of a 10A draw. The USB and 12V DC outputs can be switched on and off by the small button to the right of the USB outputs.
Curiously, all the outputs have no covers such as the rubberized ones we often see on other power stations. This means that the Explorer 2000 has no IP rating. An odd choice for a product marketed for on-the-go power to be charged by solar so long as its dry.
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In the upper center is a small status screen that shows all the useful information that you will need at glance.
In the center is the remaining battery percentage surrounded by a battery power indicator, to the left in the input wattage and time to full charge and to the right is the output, also in wattage and remaining time until the battery is fully discharged.
(Image credit: Future)
To the top left is the status symbols for WiFi, Bluetooth and different modes, to the top right is the AC power indicator for 110 or 240v and 50 or 60Hz AC. Bottom left is the method of charge symbols for mains, car or solar charging and lastly to the bottom right are the various fault symbols.
To the side of the Explorer 2000 are the input sockets of which there are only three and none of the have covers or any ingress protection. That said, I was glad to see that the mains input was via the standard IEC14 socket. The other two were the DC inputs which worried me as I had not seen these kinds of DC inputs on previous power stations from other brands.
(Image credit: Future)
Using the product
I used the Explorer 2000 on a few tasks through the house, this included running a Ninja Double Stack air fryer which drew a max of 1600W cooking for about 25 minutes, the Explorer 2000 had no problem powering this going from 100% to 80%.
I then used it for my steam generator iron which drew a max 2100W, again the Explorer 2000 had no issues powering this along but I did hear the fan (for the first) kicking in. That said the fan is incredibly quiet, barely audible even, more so outside. My quick 45-minute ironing session took the battery from 80% down to 40%.
The handle made transporting the battery around the home easier than some of the others I have used in the past making it not feel too heavy.
(Image credit: Future)
Jackery Explorer 2000 v2: The SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel
Now moving onto the Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel
Packaging
The Solar panels were shipped in a rather flat looking box covered in a glossy sleeve, removing this we came to the brown box containing the panels.
The panels were wrapped in bubble wrap and pulling it out was fairly easy as the handles are at the very top.
The only items in the box are the panels, cable and manual. I started with the cable as this is the main interface between the panels and the Explorer 2000.
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To say I am a little disappointed with the cable wouldn’t be a stretch. Solar panels such as those large ones mounted on homes and even smaller flexible ones from other brands often use the industry standard MC4 connectors.
Not so here, the SolarSaga’s output is via a proprietary socket and plug and on the other end is another non industry standard socket and plug, the cable has two adapters so that you can use either the DC 8020 or DC 7909 plugs. The industry standard is often the XT60 plug seen on so many other power stations.
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This means that you cannot use these panels on other power station brands or charge the Explorer 2000 with an aftermarket set of panels without the use of adapters. Furthermore, if you lose or damage the SolarSaga cable, you’re stuck. The UK, US and other international Jackery websites do not list the cable for separate purchase, so ensure that you look after it.
The only plus of the cable is that on the end towards the battery is a small box containing a USB-A and USB-C charging ports.
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The panels themselves are non-ridged panels with a max peak output of 200W over 4 panels (50W per panel) with a Open Circuit voltage peak of 25V. The panels are kept together with a series of press studs on the corners and the legs are kept in place by Velcro pads. Once side of the panels has the main circuit bar were the cable plugs into.
Once fully unfurled and opened up the panels take a surprising amount of room, fully extended measures 235cm or 92.5inches. I found these panels a little fiddly to get up and running as the legs are only on the end panels leaving the two in the middle to sag a little
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To assist with aligning the panels with the sun, Jackery have thoughtfully included a Sun angle indicator on one of the ends of the panels, all you have to do is align the panels until shadow dot is in the middle of the white circle.
Once all connected you simply leave, it, occasionally moving the panels as the day goes by to ensure that they are at the optimum angle and face to the sun. During the day I monitored the input from the panels into battery and saw an average of 165W during the day with peaks hitting 180W. Solar panels rarely, if ever, hit their advertised peak output so the amounts I saw were about right.
On a recent, sunny day I set the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 up, between 1015Hrs and 1815Hrs, some 8 hours’ worth of charging, occasionally turning and re-angling the panels, the Explorer 2000 v2 went from 29% to 70%. It wasn’t a perfect test by any means, as during the latter part of the day the shade from my garden fences cast shade on the panels.
During the solar charge test, the Explorer 2000 stated an estimate 9 to 10 hours of solar charging needed to reach 100%. Of note there are two DC sockets and the SolarSaga 200 only used one of them, the manual does state that two SolarSaga 200s can be paired to double the charge rate thereby halving the time to charge fully.
(Image credit: Future)
Once I set up the Jackery Explorer 2000, I delved into, you guessed it, the app. A quick app download, registration and I was in. Adding the battery to the app was a simple and quick affair.
On the home screen you are greeted by your Jackery products, on this occasion the Explorer 2000 and state of charge.
Tapping on the battery led me to the main status screen of the battery showing is state of charge, inputs, outputs, WiFi signal strength, temperature and some basic controls.
Tapping on the cog on the top right led to more in depth controls and settings and through this the product specifications.
(Image credit: Future)
Using the app, I did find it somewhat laggy. I would click on say the USB icon to switch on USB charging and it would take about 5 seconds before the icon lit up and my phone acknowledging charge. Sometimes I found I had to click back to leave the battery status page and then click back into the battery to see that it had done what I asked of it.
Jackery Explorer 2000 v2: Final Verdict
Another solid product by Jackery and if recent events are anything to go by, maybe having one of these at home isn’t a bad idea after all. An old saying comes to mind “I’d rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it”.
High output and high storage mean that this is excellent for most home uses in an emergency or using off peak charging to use during the day.
The only cons are that the SolarSaga cable is proprietary and not available anywhere else and a somewhat at time slaggy app.
Not all robot vacuums live up to the promise of effortless cleaning – but the Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni gets pretty close.
As a premium all-in-one device that vacuums, mops and even cleans itself, the X5 Pro Omni is designed to keep your home clean day to day without any help. Unlike standalone robot vacuums that need more frequent attention, the X5 Pro Omni's base station handles (almost) everything – from emptying the dustbin to scrubbing and drying the mop pads. You will have to, of course, refill the clean water as necessary and clean out the dirty-water tank.
For this review, I tested the X5 Pro Omni in a 3-bedroom home for an extended period of six months, and it did a great job overall, despite dealing with two messy adults and an even messier Great Dane.
Setting up the X5 Pro Omni is quick and easy, and mapping is fast and pretty accurate, though I had to make minor room division adjustments after the first scan. The robovac navigates well around larger objects, but does sometimes suck up objects like cables or shoelaces, or other small items the sensors miss, meaning it’s best used in spaces that are relatively clear.
Performance is excellent across all floor types, including hard floors, carpets, and rugs. Higher suction modes work best to get dirt out of carpets or pick up heavier debris, while standard mode is fine for everyday cleaning on hard floors. Battery life is impressive and the bot has no trouble doing a full clean without needing to return to the dock and charge.
(Image credit: Future)
The X5 Pro Omni base station is one of its biggest strengths, and unlike competitors like the Dreame X40 Ultra, it reliably clears the robot’s dustbin completely, even with pet hair and heavier debris.
The mop washing system is equally effective, using 70°C hot water and scrubbing to keep the pads fresh, followed by hot-air drying to prevent odors. I also found that the 4L clean- and dirty-water tanks were large enough to only need emptying and refilling once a month.
The Ecovacs app offers fairly deep customization, and tracks details like where the robot has traveled, the amount of area cleaned and the total number of sessions, but doesn’t log obstacles detected like the Roborock app is capable of doing.
Unfortunately the app can be clunky to use at times, like having to navigate into advanced robot settings just to set a scheduled clean or different cleaning modes being triggered than what is selected.
The app prompts you to handle any long-term maintenance issues, replacement parts are easy to find, and consumables last more than a reasonable length of time. In my use, the dust bag typically lasted around 60 days (in my case, mostly being filled with dog fur) and the robovac filter needed cleaning at the same time.
The main brush, side brush and mop pads show the expected wear, and have plenty of life left in them after six months of constant use. Replacement-part costs are in line with other premium robot vacuums, but I found significant price variation across different markets.
While not perfect, the X5 Pro Omni is an excellent choice for those who want a robovac that takes care of itself, with great vacuuming and mopping performance, infrequent maintenance, and a powerful auto-emptying base station.
However, if your home has lots of cables or small clutter, or if you want a robovac with smarter object detection or a nicer app, you might need to look elsewhere.
(Image credit: Future)
Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni review: Price and availability
How much does it cost? Starting from $1,299 / £1,399 / AU$2,399
When is it available? Available to buy now
Where can you get it? You can get it in the US, UK, and Australia
Launched in late 2024, the Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni is available in most major markets, including the US, UK, and Australia. You can purchase it directly from the official Ecovacs website, Amazon and leading retailers.
At full price, the X5 Pro Omni costs $1,299 / £1,399 / AU$2,399. However, Ecovacs frequently offers discounts of around 20%, bringing the price down to a much more appealing amount. And, if you happen to shop on Amazon, you could potentially find even bigger price drops during major sales.
Of course, actually using the X5 Pro Omni will incur ongoing costs, particularly for consumables like dust bags, filters, mop pads and brushes. Based on replacing consumables as per the recommendations from Ecovacs, I estimate my annual maintenance costs at around $466 / £424 / AU$606.
Some parts, like the Anti-Tangle Main Brush, are significantly more expensive in the UK and Australia than in the US. Third-party alternatives are available but, as expected, Ecovacs recommends using official parts for optimal performance. That said, the most common cost will the dust bag.
Want to know more about consumable pricing, and how parts like the brushes hold up long term? Read through the rest of the review below, or jump to Consumables and Maintenance.
The Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni consumables kit (available to purchase separately) helps reduce running costs (Image credit: Future)
Premium robovacs from competing brands tend to be priced a bit higher than the X5 Pro Omni. For example, the Dreame X40 Ultra, which features detachable mop pads and 12,000Pa suction, is listed at $1,899 / £1,299 / AU$2,799. The less fully featured Dreame L40 Ultra costs $1,499.99 / £999 but isn’t available in Australia.
Similarly, the Eufy Omni S1 Pro, which has a slimmer design but a lower 8,000Pa suction, is priced at $1,499 / £1,499 / AU$2,699, while the Roborock Qrevo Edge comes in at $1,600 / AU$2,799 (currently unavailable in the UK).
Ecovacs also has the more affordable but still premium Deebot T30 Omni, which launched at £799 / AU$1,749 (but isn’t available in the US) and is often discounted to £699 / AU$1,199.
There are cheaper robot vacuums available, but the X5 Pro Omni balances premium features, powerful suction and fairly advanced automation at a price that makes it an appealing robot vacuum, especially when on sale.
Value score: 4 / 5
Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni: Specifications
Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni review: Design and features
Squared-off front, no LiDAR turret
Base station with auto-empty, mop washing and hot-air drying
Side-extendable mop pad
Where most robot vacuums are round, the Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni features a squared-off front (D-shaped) that's a little reminiscent of the Deebot X2 Omni. Ecovacs says this design helps the bot get the side brush into corners and improve edge cleaning. The shape also means it doesn’t use an extendable side brush.
Unlike many competing models, it doesn’t have a top-mounted LiDAR turret, making it shorter and better suited to cleaning under furniture.
The bot has a floating main brush that adjusts to different floor types, and a spinning side brush helps with cleaning along edges. It also features a 15mm (0.6in) mop lift, allowing it to vacuum carpets without transferring any dampness from the mop pads, and the right mop pad extends by 4cm (1.6 inch), improving coverage along walls and corners.
For navigation, the X5 Pro Omni uses dToF (Direct Time-of-Flight) laser mapping, combined with AIVI 3D 2.0 object recognition, an RGB camera, TrueDetect 3D sensors and anti-drop sensors. In other words, it uses fancy robot vision for navigation and obstacle avoidance, and has extra cliff sensors to avoid accidentally driving down the stairs. It can also use some of these sensors to spot stains that need another mopping pass to be fully cleaned up.
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The bot includes Ecovacs' Yiko 2.0 AI voice assistant, which lets you control a range of functionality, like adjusting cleaning tasks without pulling out the app.
The X5 Pro Omni can climb obstacles up to 22mm (0.87 inch), which means it can handle some thresholds and small lips in areas with slightly different floor heights. It also offers ZeroTangle tech, where the main roller brush features comb teeth for hair removal to avoid tangles.
The physical size and weight of the X5 Pro Omni are fairly typical, and the robot itself measures 31.3 x 34.6 x 9.5cm (12.3 x 13.6 x 3.7 inch) and weighs 4.3kg (9.5lbs), while the base station (or dock) is 39.4 x 44.3 x 52.75cm (15.5 x 17.4 x 20.8 inch), with a total weight of 11kg (24.3lbs). The dock needs 50cm (19.7 inches) of clearance on both sides and 150cm (59 inches) in front for proper operation.
The dock handles dustbin emptying, mop washing with hot water, and drying with hot air. It stores dust in a 3L (101oz) bag, which is accessed through a front-opening panel for easy replacement. The clean- and dirty-water tanks each hold 4L (135oz) and are located under a top lid, making them simple to refill and empty. The mop washing tray is removable and any buildup is easily cleaned, although the Roborock Qrevo Edge one-ups the X5 Pro Omni by also featuring a self-cleaning cycle for the tray as well.
Design and features score: 4 / 5
Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni review: Performance
Handles all floor types well
Struggles to get deep into corners
Mop pads lift high enough for carpets but not thick rugs
Overall, the Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni kept my floors clean just as well as I can with a stick vacuum and mop, and rarely required any help or intervention beyond normal maintenance. Once I had cleaning schedules set up, it handled most vacuuming and mopping automatically, and I only needed to step in for occasional spot cleaning or to pick up debris that was too large or in a corner it could not reach.
The bot works at a similar pace to other robot vacuums, taking around 1.5 minutes per square meter to vacuum and 2 minutes per square meter to mop, but since it can do both tasks at the same time, a full clean doesn’t take as long as it might seem.
According to Ecovacs, the 6,400 mAh battery provides up to 224 minutes of runtime, which is enough to clean up to 400m² (4,305ft²) per charge in optimal conditions. Ecovacs doesn’t break down battery life by suction level, but runtime will vary depending on settings and home layout.
Overall performance score: 4 / 5
Mapping and obstacle avoidance
The Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni created a detailed and mostly accurate map on its first run. It didn’t require any manual adjustments to the map itself, but I did need to tweak the room divisions in the app. Mapping is fast and easy to run a second time, which I had to do after the robot got lost and mistakenly added extra rooms that didn’t exist.
Obstacle avoidance is decent but not flawless. The X5 Pro Omni generally avoids larger objects, but isn’t great at recognizing cables, shoelaces or small items like pieces of paper towel. It will avoid some small obstacles, but anything lying flat on the floor is at risk of being sucked up or dragged along. It also tends to catch and tangle cables, so keeping the floor clear makes a big difference in how well it completes a cleaning run.
While it doesn’t have dedicated pet recognition, it does a good job of avoiding spills and larger debris. The app lets you set up no-go zones, though these aren’t pet-specific. Unlike the competition like the Dreame X40 Ultra, the X5 Pro Omni does not capture images of obstacles, so there’s no way to review what it avoided after a clean.
The Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni uses a wide range of sensors for mapping and navigation. Note how they get dusty over time – following the sensor cleaning reminders from the app is important. (Image credit: Future)
During testing, it rarely got stuck as long as the floor was relatively clear. When it did, it was usually due to cables, a thick rug or getting wedged behind a laundry basket or on a dog toy. It detects when it’s stuck and stops safely, rather than pushing forward and causing damage. If that happens, it has to be manually picked up and placed back on the dock, as pressing the power button doesn’t wake it. If told to return home via the app, it sometimes gets lost along the way and needs to be rescued by hand. On the plus side, these issues came up relatively rarely during use.
To test its ability to handle small steps, I made a simulated step between rooms using a section of plywood at the maximum 22mm height, and while it sometimes took two or three attempts, the bot made it across every clean.
The app includes a remote control mode that streams video from the onboard camera, and allows manual steering of the bot, which I found useful to check on my dog when not home. The video feature didn’t work the first time I tried, but functioned fine every other time I used it. Steering the bot feels slightly laggy but still usable, making it more suited for basic navigation adjustments rather than precision movement. The built-in two-way communication feature works for real-time voice interaction, though there’s no dedicated pet-tracking mode.
Despite the quirks covered above, overall the X5 Pro Omni handles navigation fairly well and happily adapts to changing environments. It moves effectively around furniture, shoes and baskets that shift between cleaning sessions, making it a solid choice for homes where the position of larger items may change frequently.
Mapping and obstacle avoidance score: 3.5 / 5
Vacuuming
I tested the Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni on wooden floors, tiles and rugs to see how well it handled different surfaces. Along with daily cleaning, I ran a series of controlled tests using flour, sand, rice, oats, dry dog food and dry leaves, scattering them in a corner on hard floors and then on a short-pile rug.
Performance across different surfaces was excellent overall. For most debris, the X5 Pro Omni was able to pick up nearly everything in a single pass, but two passes were best for thorough cleaning. Larger or heavier debris required additional cleaning cycles, and the side brush sometimes flicked smaller particles away before the main brush could capture them. The one downside was the robot vacuum consistently failed to get all the way into corners, or fully clean along edges.
The vacuum’s suction power can be set to Max, Strong, Standard or Quiet modes. Standard mode worked well for daily cleaning of pet fur, dust and light debris, but heavier dirt and sand needed Max suction to be fully removed. Carpets and rugs benefited from higher suction levels as Standard mode sometimes left behind some debris.
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Vacuuming test with oats (Image credit: Future)
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Some oats left after a single pass (Image credit: Future)
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The robovac dustbin needs manual cleaning once a month or so (Image credit: Future)
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The robovac dustbin filter can be replaced or cleaned when clogged (Image credit: Future)
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The filter responds well to vacuuming with a stick vac (Image credit: Future)
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After an extended test with no cleaning, hair builds up on the side brush, but it does not reduce performance (Image credit: Future)
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Hair builds up on the main brush over time, but vacuuming performnce remains decent (Image credit: Future)
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Removing the trapped hair is very easy and takes less than one minute (Image credit: Future)
My home has two people who shed a lot of long hair and, in my testing, hair buildup was manageable, but it still accumulated in the side brush and main brush over time, despite the anti-tangle feature. Both the side and main brush collected a noticeable amount of hair after just a week of use, but it doesn’t end up embedded and removal is easy. The wheels and mop pads remained tangle-free, making overall upkeep straightforward, and even leaving it a month between cleaning caused no problems.
I measured the noise levels of the X5 Pro Omni with a decibel meter at a range of 1m, with multiple passes and the results averaged. Using Quiet mode, it produces 41dB, which is low enough to be unobtrusive, and the wheel-drive system is actually slightly louder than the vacuum motor.
Standard mode is only slightly louder at 42dB, making it suitable for cleaning while watching TV or having a conversation. Strong mode increases the noise level to 44dB, which is still reasonable but more intrusive. At Max suction, it reaches 52dB, which is significantly louder and comparable to a stick vacuum at moderate power.
While vacuuming, noise levels remain fairly steady, but auto-emptying at the base station is much louder, peaking at 63dB. Mopping is quieter at 40dB, and general driving noise sits at 41dB, meaning the robot isn’t exactly stealthy when moving between cleaning zones. Mop washing reaches 37dB, so while not silent, it’s quiet enough not to be disruptive.
If wanting to run the vacuum at night while sleeping, Quiet mode is an option, provided you have a closed door between you and the robovac and aren’t a light sleeper. The dock should be placed away from sleeping areas, as the auto-emptying noise is quite loud and could be disruptive if triggered at night. To avoid this you can set Do Not Disturb times, where the dock will not activate the auto-empty functionality, but this does limit vacuuming performance for larger homes as the small onboard dustbin in the bot fills up.
Vacuuming score: 4 / 5
Mopping
For mopping, the X5 Pro Omni uses water with the Ecovacs cleaning solution optionally added to the clean-water tank. I tested with plain water and adding a cleaning solution, but didn’t find the latter made a noticeable difference unless having the bot do a deeper scrub.
During my testing, I scheduled mopping once a week but found that adding extra runs during wet weather helped keep the front and back door areas free of muddy footprints.
The X5 Pro Omni does a good job on open spaces, but it doesn’t reach under furniture edges as well as a handheld mop. The right-side mop pad does extend slightly, helping it clean closer to edges, but some tight spots remain out of reach.
For tougher messes, I tested the X5 Pro Omni by spilling sauce, 'stepping' in it and letting it dry a little on my wooden floors. In most cases, one pass was enough to fully clean up the mess, but two passes were needed for the dried stains. Turning up the water-flow setting was helpful in making sure the mop pads were wet enough to tackle stubborn spots. The automatic re-mop feature worked reasonably well on tiles, but the bot struggled to tell the difference between a speck of dried sauce and darker patches of wood.
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A slightly dried sauce stain (Image credit: Future)
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The robovac moves in... (Image credit: Future)
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Mop pads deploy... (Image credit: Future)
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It swings back for a second pass (Image credit: Future)
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The sauce is entirely cleaned up (Image credit: Future)
The mop pads are washed and dried by the base station after each cleaning run, with drying time adjustable between 2, 3 or 4 hours. You can also set it to wash the mops after each room, or at 10, 15 or 20-minute intervals. The base station washes the mop pads with hot water, scrubbing them against a textured cleaning tray to remove dirt and debris. While I found that this process was very effective, the mop pads still benefit from being machine-washed periodically to give a deeper refresh. It’s also recommended to inspect the pads regularly for wear and replace them as needed.
The X5 Pro Omni isn’t designed to handle large liquid spills, as its mop pads are meant for scrubbing rather than sponging up a lot of moisture. I found that if the robot is picked up after or during mopping (for example, to extract a cable or shoelace), it may dribble water, so don’t do that over anything you need to keep dry.
One somewhat frustrating quirk is that vacuum-and-mop mode is the default setting, and it can’t be changed to vacuum-only by default. Worse, if a mop and vacuum cycle is accidentally triggered, even if canceled immediately, the robovac will still run a mop wash cycle that can’t be stopped.
Battery capacity alone isn’t the only metric though. For example, in my testing the X5 Pro Omni can do a full double-pass vacuum of a three-bedroom house (around 50 square meters of actual floor cleaning) and only drop to 73% battery capacity.
Doing a full vacuum and mop at the same time drops it to 65%, and doing a vacuum then mop takes it to 60%. This means you can expect up to around 140 square meters of vacuuming at maximum suction, and over 100 square meters of vacuuming and mopping. With the suction power set to Standard, the total amount of floor area that can be vacuumed almost doubles.
My results here also support the claim from Ecovacs that the X5 Pro Omni can handle up to 244 minutes of cleaning on a charge.
As a comparison, the Roborock Saros 10 needs to stop and charge after three rooms when set to the maximum suction. Part of the difference is that the Saros 10 has a higher maximum suction power of 22,000Pa, vs 12,800Pa for the X5 Pro Omni, and higher suction does mean higher battery consumption.
One annoyance is that the X5 Pro Omni does not give the exact battery percentage when cleaning, as the Ecovacs app just displays 100 in the battery indicator. It’s not until the vacuum returns to the dock and you start another clean immediately that it updates the remaining capacity. Other times, the indicator works as expected.
The X5 Pro Omni will return to the dock to top up the battery as needed when cleaning. While a full charge can take over 4 hours, getting back to 50% only takes about 30 minutes.
Battery life score: 4.5 / 5
Dock performance
The Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni comes with a 3L (101 oz) dust bag, rated for up to 60 days of use. How long it actually lasts depends on your home’s size and how much debris is collected, but in my case, the manufacturer’s estimate was fairly accurate. The robovac’s 250ml (8.45 oz) dustbin is emptied automatically when full, or you can set it to Extra mode for more frequent emptying – useful for homes with pets or a lot of dust buildup.
Unlike the underwhelming auto-empty suction from the Dreame X40 Ultra's dock, the X5 Pro Omni’s base station has a well-thought out airflow design and reliably empties the dustbin. During testing, I didn’t experience any clogging issues within the dock itself, but blockages inside the robot's dustbin occasionally prevented proper emptying which, in turn, affect vacuuming up more dirt until manually cleared.
The robovac is supposed to detect when the dock fails to empty the bin, but I found these warnings to be inconsistent. There were times when the bin was clogged but the app never alerted me, so I had to manually check the dustbin after cleaning to ensure everything was working properly.
Increasing the emptying frequency can help avoid any potential issues, but in my use, clogging wasn’t a frequent issue unless I had accidentally left larger debris that the bit could suck up.
In testing, the mop washing and drying system worked well to keep the pads clean and stop any odors forming between uses. The dock heats water to 70°C (158°F) and pumps it through a wash system to rinse the mop pads, scrubbing them against a textured cleaning surface to remove dirt and grime. After washing, the dirty water is stored in a container in the top of the base station, and it dries the mop pads with hot air, with drying times adjustable to two, three or four hours. The scrubbing system is highly effective, and the mop pads always came out looking fresh after cleaning cycles and there was never an issue with smell.
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(Image credit: Future)
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The dust bag is easy to replace via the front of the base station (Image credit: Future)
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The clean and dirty water tanks live under the top lid (Image credit: Future)
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(Image credit: Future)
Emptying the dirty mop water is as simple as opening the top of the dock, lifting the container out by the handle and emptying it in a sink. I only did this once a month and the dirty water did tend to smell when being tipped out, but the container was easy to rinse out and didn’t retain any odor. The clean-water container uses the same design and can be topped up at a sink, then put back into the dock.
The dock's noise levels vary depending on the task. Measured from 1 meter away (3.3 feet) mop washing is noticeable at 37dB but not disruptive, though the pumps are briefly quite noisy (46 dB) when running. The drying fan produces a low hum for a few hours but isn’t intrusive. Auto-emptying is the loudest part of the process at 63dB and although it only lasts 10 seconds, it’s still very disruptive if the station is located in a main living area or if done at night.
For households with pets or heavy dirt buildup, the dock performs well and reliably empties debris, though owners should occasionally check for clogs in the bot’s dustbin since warnings aren’t always accurate. Smaller objects left on the floor can cause issues, but aside from that, the X5 Pro Omni’s base station is a very reliable and hands-free system.
Dock performance score: 4.5 / 5
Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni review: App control
Reliable scheduled cleaning
Quick access to cleaning reports and history
Certain settings are hidden in sub-menus
The Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni can be controlled using the physical buttons on top of the robot, but the app is critical for unlocking its full potential. It provides access to the home map, lets you adjust cleaning settings and offers deep customization of scheduled cleans.
The app includes a cleaning history and reporting section, which provides a visual map of where the bot traveled during each clean. It also records the time of each session, the area cleaned and the total duration. Over time, this builds into a comprehensive cleaning log, showing the total square footage cleaned across all sessions, the number of cleans completed and total runtime. However, one notable omission is that the app does not log obstacles detected during a cleaning session, which means there's no easy way to see what might have blocked the robot mid-clean.
Most frequently used settings are easy to access, but some features are buried in sub-menus. For example, scheduling cleans is hidden under Advanced settings, and certain options are locked while the robot is in operation – like when manually triggering a dustbin empty, other settings can’t be adjusted until the process is finished.
Scheduled cleaning is very reliable, and in my testing, the X5 Pro Omni only failed to start once without explanation. If a scheduled clean is missed, the robovac resumes correctly at the next scheduled time. However, one frustrating issue is that if you set a clean for later in the day, the app doesn’t indicate that it’s actually scheduling it for the next day – only showing this after the schedule has been set.
Perhaps my least favorite bug is when doing spot cleans. If I sent the bot to vacuum up a mess, then later wanted to do another one-off clean, the app would show the previous vacuum-only mode was still selected – but when hitting start, it would actually trigger a vacuum and mop, not vacuum-only. Even if you canceled it immediately, it would spend a few minutes running a mop wash cycle before you could get it to do the actual vacuum.
The app also sometimes didn't properly register where the bot was or what it was doing. This was frustrating, because if you tried to trigger a clean, it would say the bot needed to return to the dock first – even though it showed the bot already in the dock on the app. Force quitting and restarting the app would fix the issue, but it was an annoying extra step.
To rule out an issue with my phone (a Pixel 9 Pro XL), I also tried the app on other mobiles and saw similar problems. Apple users may have a different experience – my colleague didn’t run into the same issues when using the app on an iPhone during her Ecovacs T30 Omni review, for example.
The app looks good, but can be frustrating at times (Image credit: Future)
Another small but unnecessary annoyance is that even when Do Not Disturb times are set (muting the robovac), it mostly works, but still loudly makes some announcements. For example, if the bot gets stuck during the day, and you arrive home late and need to manually place it back in the base station during the Do Not Disturb time, it loudly proclaims “start charging”. Another issue is that after turning down the voice volume to a quiet level, the "task stopped" announcement is still made at the loudest setting.
During testing I found the Wi-Fi connectivity to be stable, but it’s worth noting the robovac only supports 2.4GHz networks. I had some quirks when using it with a mesh network, but the issues were hard to pin down to a specific cause. That said, setting up a dedicated 2.4GHz-only network for the robovac helped make it more reliable.
During testing, I went on holiday, leaving a family member to house and dog sit. The robovac initially worked fine, but eventually stopped performing scheduled cleans. Despite easy remote access via the app, I couldn’t identify the problem and had to manually trigger cleans each day remotely.
After returning, I discovered the Do Not Disturb times had mysteriously reversed from 8pm–8am to 8am–8pm, preventing morning cleans. The app does give error notifications (but does not save them to the log), but I was unaware due to a daylight-saving bug that meant the scheduled clean was being triggered an hour earlier than I expected.
In terms of usability, the app provides a similar level of control to other brands, though some robovacs with more features offer slightly more customization. However, occasional lag and loading issues make the experience feel less polished than it should be. The voice and volume inconsistencies are also quite jarring, and take a little of the premium shine off the experience.
I also wish it had an easy delayed start option – like a quick way to select a one-time clean at a set time later in the day – especially because setting same-day scheduled cleans is not possible.
Still, despite these frustrations, the app is mostly reliable and offers a good balance of customization and control, and hopefully Ecovacs will continue to work on improving the experience over time.
App control score: 2.5 / 5
Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni review: Consumables and maintenance
The Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni comes with one dust bag, two side brushes, and a set of washable mop pads in the box – but no cleaning fluid is included. While this is enough to get started, you’ll need to order replacement dust bags within 60 days, and other consumables including filters, mop pads and side brushes will need replacing on a set schedule.
Under normal use, the dust bag should be replaced every 60 days, side brushes and filters every few months and mop pads periodically based on wear.
Consumables can be purchased through the Ecovacs website and third-party retailers like Amazon, though availability varies slightly between regions. For example, the quarterly maintenance kit is not available in the US, while six-pack dust bag sets are only sold in the US and not in the UK or Australia.
The app tracks the lifespan of consumables by usage percentages and notifies users when replacements are recommended. These estimates tend to be on the conservative side and, in my testing, parts like the main brush and mop pads lasted longer than suggested, though this will of course depend on your usage.
Routine maintenance is straightforward, with the main brush and robovac dustbin checked weekly, side brushes and sensors every two weeks, and filters and mop pads cleaned or replaced monthly. Hair buildup occurs over time, but manual removal is simple, and no issues were noted with hard-to-reach areas during testing.
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Despite the anti-tangle features, hair builds up on the main brush over time (Image credit: Future)
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The side brush collects hair, but is easily removed and cleaned (Image credit: Future)
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The front wheel is well designed and does not trap hair (Image credit: Future)
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The main drive wheels do a great job of avoiding any tangles (Image credit: Future)
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Removing hair from the main brush is easy – just cut along one side and it slides free (Image credit: Future)
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The mop wash station is self cleaning, but does build up debris over time (Image credit: Future)
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The mop wash parts can be removed for a deeper clean in the sink every few months (Image credit: Future)
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The dust bag seals when removed, which avoids any mess (Image credit: Future)
Based on my usage in a small 3-bedroom home, I estimate consumables will cost up to $465.79 / £423.85 / AU$606.30 per year. For larger homes, costs will scale accordingly. Some notable price differences exist between regions – for example, the anti-tangle main brush is 88.9% more expensive in the UK and 54.9% more expensive in Australia compared to the US. However, Australia tends to have lower prices overall for consumables, while the UK has some of the highest accessory costs.
Third-party consumables are available, though Ecovacs advises using official parts for optimal performance. I did not test any non-official replacements.
With regular maintenance and timely consumable replacements, I found the X5 Pro Omni quite easy to keep in top condition and ongoing costs are similar to other premium robovacs. Be aware, though, there can be significant regional price variations.
Consumables and maintenance score: 3.5 / 5
Should I Buy the Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni?
Buy it if…
You want a powerful auto-emptying system
The X5 Pro Omni’s self-cleaning dock has strong suction and reliably empties the robot’s dustbin, and never clogged during testing.
You want a hands-free mopping system
With built-in water tanks, automatic mop washing and hot air drying, the X5 Pro Omni keeps its mop pads clean with minimal effort on your part.
You want the latest features in a robot vacuum
The X5 Pro Omni offers powerful suction, smart mapping and an advanced all-in-one dock, making it one of the more feature-packed robot vacuums in its class.
Don’t buy it if…
You have a lot of small objects on the floor
While the X5 Pro Omni can avoid most large obstacles, it struggles with cables, shoelaces or flat items like paper towels, and may get stuck if the floor isn’t kept clear.
You only have carpet
The X5 Pro Omni has a strong vacuuming system and mop lift, but if your home is fully carpeted, a vacuum-only robovac will save you money without sacrificing cleaning performance.
You want a polished app experience
While the level of customization and control is decent, the app feels clunky and unpolished at times, and I ran into many small but frustrating issues during my testing.
Also consider
Not sold on the Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni? Below are a few alternatives that are worth considering.
Dreame L10s Ultra This slightly older model doesn’t have quite as many features as the X5 Pro Omni and isn’t as powerful, but it’s still a great option and can often be found for less than half the price. Read our full Dreame L10s Ultra review
Eufy Omni S1 Pro One of the few robovacs that can compete directly with the X5 Pro Omni, the Eufy Omni S1 Pro is a feature-packed alternative with an innovative rolling cylinder mopping system. Read our full Eufy Omni S1 Pro review
Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo While not quite as good at dodging cables as the Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni, the Deebot T30S Combo stands out with a stick vacuum that slots into the side of the its dock, keeping it ready to go for any extra cleanup. Read our full Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo review
How I tested the Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni
I used the X5 Pro Omni as my main vacuum cleaner for six months
My testing space included hard floors and carpet
I performed specific grain-size and wet-spill tests
I used the Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni daily for six months in a home with a dog and two adults, and with polished wooden floors, tiles, carpet and medium-pile rugs. The weather during the test period included both wet and dry conditions. I started with an initial deep clean, followed by ongoing daily vacuuming, with mopping once or twice a week – plus extra spot cleans as needed. I tested both the automatic mode and manually customized cleans using schedules and shortcuts.
I documented cleaning performance over the testing period and conducted a range of specific tests with different debris sizes to further gauge vacuuming ability. I also tested dry and wet spills to evaluate the mopping prowess. Additionally, I strategically placed debris – including fur, leaves and hair – in problem areas like corners to assess the robovac’s effectiveness in daily use.
During my testing period, I changed the base station vacuum bag 4 times, manually cleaned the mop cleaning system in the base station, and performed the full range of maintenance checks as prompted by the app.
Brompton is only one year away from celebrating 50 years of its inception. That is a whole lot of bike development experience, but Brompton’s entry into the electric bike market happened a lot more recently, in 2018. Despite that, they’re already making some of the best electric bikes around and certainly some of the best folding e-bikes on the market.
The Brompton formula has remained largely unchanged despite the release of electric versions of the C Line and P Line, but the all-new G Line is a radical departure. The frame shape and classic 3-point folding mechanism that the company is known for remain the same, but it boasts chunkier tyres and wider handlebars for rougher paths.
Having used it as my main commuter bike for over two months, I’m still torn as to how I feel about it. On the one hand, the engineering and quality to deliver a great riding experience are there, but I just don’t know what to make of the off-road enhancements. While it’ll handle gravel, cobbles, and single tracks better than other Bromptons, is anyone really going to be riding this on proper dirt tracks and difficult terrain?
I suppose only time will be able to answer that question, but from my point of view, it’s definitely the most comfortable and reliable Brompton e-bike I’ve ever used. The wider handlebars make for more predictable handling, while chunkier tyres make light work of potholes and uneven roads. I won’t be taking it off-roading, but I certainly wouldn’t trade it in for a C or P Line.
Brompton Electric G Line: Price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
$3,300 USD / £3,499 UK / $7,250 AUD
Expensive for a folding bike
Premium build quality for the price
The cost of the Brompton Electric G-Line puts it firmly between the price points of the C Line at the lower end and the P Line at the higher end. The price is hard to stomach, but for the money, you are guaranteed excellent-grade materials and superb build quality. Put simply, they are built to last and well worth the money.
Value score: 3.5/5
Brompton Electric G Line: Design
(Image credit: Future)
Chunky tires
Wide handlebars
Four-speed setup
Brompton's iconic three-point fold continues to function well despite the larger wheels, increased tire size, and widened handlebars. As a result, it can be packed into the back of a car or popped on a train, albeit not as easily as the smaller Brompton models. You also get an adjustable seat height and a long handlebar stem, and there's a 250W motor that drives the e-bike forward. In many ways, the G Line is like every other Brompton.
But also, in many ways, it's very different. Most noticeable of all are the 20-inch wheels. They're not too big to affect the smooth folding mechanism, but they are large enough to stand out. The chunky Schwalbe G-One All Round 54-406s not only look fantastic thanks to a tan wall finish but are also puncture-resistant. I haven’t had a puncture in over 600 miles and don’t expect to have one anytime soon.
Then there are the wide handlebars that have been custom-designed for the G Line. Alongside the tires, this might just be my favorite thing about the e-bike. Having ridden a number of Brompton bikes, I can honestly say that the G Line is by far the most stable, due in part to the widened handlebars.
The G-Line is also equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, a first for Brompton. In my opinion, the decision to go hydraulic is long overdue. I found the brakes to be reliable in all weathers and had no need to carry out any adjustments or maintenance on them. Whether Brompton will go down that route for future product releases, only time will tell.
Finally, the G-Line is a four-speed setup, which historically has been the go-to number for Brompton. Having taken the bike across a variety of terrains, including up some pretty serious hills, I would have preferred a few extra gears. Two at either end would be ideal, taking the total up to eight. As with Brompton’s other ranges, I imagine it will introduce a model with more gears at a later date.
Design Score: 4/5
Brompton Electric G Line: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
Certainly not a replacement for a dedicated gravel bike
Larger size and extra weight affect portability
Greater stability on predictable surfaces
I've thought long and hard about how to assess the performance of this new Brompton e-bike. I've flip-flopped between treating it as any other folding e-bike and assessing it on its off-road merits, and I'm not sure I've really landed yet. This indecision is probably largely due to the fact that in attempting to create a gravel bike, of sorts, they've actually compromised some of its portable qualities.
Let me be clear. This is no replacement for a dedicated gravel bike. At a push, you might utilize it as a commuter bike from Monday to Friday and on some minimally demanding wooded routes on the weekend. But that's as far as the G-Line will take you.
The off-road limitations center around the lack of stability, especially when riding out of the saddle. The wider handlebars and larger tires help out a little bit, but nowhere near enough to really push the bike to the limit. I also didn't trust it enough to deliver under more extreme conditions, such as through thicker mud. As I've said, simple trails with limited obstacles are fine, but serious off-road enthusiasts will be left wanting.
Everything was much rosier on my daily commutes. In fact, it was actually the highest-performing Brompton e-bike that I've ever ridden. I loved the stable handling and confidence to go up and down kerbs. The additional weight provided a feeling of security, although it's definitely less nippy than the C-Line or P-Line models.
But at the end of any commute comes the need to fold it up and transport it into either the office, onto a train, or into the back of the car. This is where I had a few problems. At over 16 kg, it’s significantly heavier than other Bromptons. I’m fairly fit and healthy, but I still had to be careful how I was lifting it. The folded size is also a lot less compact, so if you’re hoping to store it in tight spaces, then I’d recommend checking the dimensions.
Overall, I enjoyed my time with the G-Line, but only while I stayed away from gravel tracks. Buy it if you want a more stable Brompton ride and are prepared to handle the extra weight.
Performance score: 3.5/5
Brompton Electric G Line: Battery life
(Image credit: Future)
20-40 miles per full battery
Four-hour recharge
Battery makes weight front-loaded
The range of this e-bike is very similar to all the other Bromptons I've tested. This is no surprise given the similar battery capacity. If we're going to drill down into the number, then in reality, the G Line actually fares slightly worse, probably due to the extra tire friction. As a result, I only ever managed to achieve a maximum of 40 miles per charge, with 20 miles being more common. I do love full pedal assist, after all.
This range might be too limiting for some, but if you know you'll regularly be in reach of a charger, then it won't cause too much of a problem. With a daily commute of 14 miles, I found myself having to recharge the battery most days. An empty-to-full recharge takes around four hours and is ideal for a daytime recharge between the two legs of a commute.
The battery sits at the front of the e-bike, which helps balance the steering a little, but is far from ideal when considering the overall balance. This is especially the case if you try lifting the bike.
On a previous Brompton e-bike, I did experience battery cutouts when going over big bumps, but I had no such problem with this G Line. I was glad of this, especially given that the bike is designed for off-roading. The battery is quick and easy to remove and install, although I'd still like a secure solution for locking the battery into place.
Battery life score: 3.5/5
Brompton Electric G Line: Scorecard
Buy it if...
You want a foldable off-road e-bike
With chunkier tires and more stability, the Brompton G Line is a great option.
You need an all-purpose solution
The G-Line is able to bridge the gap between city riding and off-roading. Despite not being the best on dirt tracks, it is one of the best all-rounders I’ve seen.
Don't buy it if...
You’re on a budget
The G Line Brompton is far from cheap and to be avoided if you want something more affordable.
You’re a Brompton purist
With chunkier tires and wider handlebars, the Electric G Line is definitely a deviation away from the original Brompton.
Also consider
(Image credit: Future)
ENGWE MapFour N1 Air
The lightest 100 km range carbon e-bike around. A perfect e-bike solution for commuters. Read our full review.
Tenways CGO600 Pro
The magnetic torque sensor and carbon belt drive deliver smooth and seamless performance. Read our full review.
How I tested the Brompton Electric G Line
Having tested a number of 'standard' Brompton e-bikes, I was pumped to get my hands on the first of this new line of bikes. Having unpacked and unfolded it, I made the e-bike my main form of transport for well over a month. Living in the countryside provided ample opportunity to take it off-road, while my daily commute enabled me to test it in more predictable environments. As part of the review, I clocked up several hundred miles.
The Mini PC has undergone some transformation since Intel ended its NUC and left the field open for PC makers to define the market for these small machines.
While some brands are still making traditional NUC-inspired designs, Maxtang, with the SXRL-20, has taken its small computer concept in an entirely different direction.
Conceived explicitly for digital signage use, it can drive up to four displays and achieve this with a passively cooled solution for prolonged running. It’s all-metal construction and wall-mounting accessories deliver a robust and made-for-purpose solution that uses an Intel Core i5-class processor to run Windows 11.
This is the same silicon that has been used in NAS boxes. It provides sufficient CPU and GPU power to drive the displays and sufficient storage options to handle a lot of playback media.
With LAN, WIFi, and even LTE connectivity, this system can be easily and remotely accessed to update the content when required.
At a modest price, the only aspect that potential customers need to be aware of is that there isn’t much performance headroom in the SXRL-20 to repurpose it for other duties. This hardware was assembled for a specific job, and not to become a desktop PC if the requirements change. Because of that, this hardware is a little too niche to make it into our best mini PC round-up.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Maxtang SXRL-20: Price and availability
How much does it cost? From $429
When is it out? Available now
Where can you get it? Currently, this machine can be obtained directly from Maxtang and through Amazon
According to the Maxtang specifications, the company intends to make six different versions of this hardware using i3, i5 and i7 class processors.
Maxtang sells the machine directly on a quotation basis, which I’d assume could adjust the unit cost based on volume.
The review machine using the i5-1235u with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD is $479, and the i7-1255u variant with the same amount of memory and storage is $599, available from Amazon.com.
The cheapest option is a $429 machine with just 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, using the i5 processor. That platform can also be had with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage for $579.
Interestingly, the i7 model is offered with no memory or storage for $469, which might be helpful if you have plenty of DDR4 SODIMM modules and NVMe drives spare.
Europeans can source this hardware from AliExpress with the i5 and i3 models listed, but there are no i7 options. The Core i5-1235U variant with 16GB of RAM and 512GB is £498.45 for UK customers.
As alternatives, there are plenty of Mini PC designs that support dual monitor outputs and up to four using USB-C or Thunderbolt ports, although docks or adapters would be needed to connect them to a typical HDMI TV input.
The problem with the majority of these options is that the machines are actively cooled and need ventilation to remain operational. They also don’t support operational hours in the BIOS.
For the quality of construction and passive cooling model, the price of the SXRL-20 seems reasonable, with the i5 models offering the best value.
Value: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Maxtang SXRL-20: Specs
Maxtang SXRL-20: Design
All-metal passively cooled
Designed to be mounted
Easy internal access
Most mini PC designs follow the old Intel NUC concept of a small box that mounts a 15cm square motherboard with components neatly stacked to keep everything compact. The SXRL-20 is not like that at all.
It has more of a set-top box feel, or even an automotive component aesthetic, with its flattened metal exterior and integrated heatsink fins.
Along with the PC, Maxtang provides two mounting plates made to connect to the underside, lifting the machine a short distance from the mounting surface. That’s ideal for an information booth or digital signage scenario.
Because this hardware won’t typically be sitting on a desk or used directly, with the exception of the wifi antenna BNCs, all the ports are on one edge.
These include four HDMI outs, dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, plus a selection of USB and a COM port. That last feature could be critical, as from this COM port you could easily hang the relay electronics to fire up lights and other hardware via the PC.
There is an option, not in our review hardware, to also have a side-mounted HDMI-in port, which might be helpful if you wish to record the reaction to promotional material or for security purposes.
The machine is powered by a small 90w laptop PSU, which is more than enough to drive this platform and whatever USB peripherals are connected to it.
In this writer’s experience, getting into mini computers can be more challenging than it should be, but this design is as straightforward as it gets. Simply removing six screws from the underside releases that side of the machine providing full access to the internal system, no spudgers required.
Inside is a large mainboard that fills 70% of the internal volume, with spaces for various upgrades and enhancements. There are two SODIMM slots occupied in the review machine with 8GB of Kingston-branded DDR4 modules for 16GB in total. It’s possible to replace these with 32GB modules for a maximum of 64GB.
The M.2 SSD was also a Kingston product, a 512GB SATA SSD, and that slot can take SATA or NVMe drives, but a second M.2 2280 slot is exclusively NVMe.
I’m not sure why Maxtang used an M.2 SATA drive since Kingston doesn’t list these devices for retail; they must be exclusively for OEM customers and industrial use.
The logic behind using it may be to reduce the chance of overheating since this enclosure is entirely passively cooled.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
The WiFi is provided by a now-discontinued Intel AX200NGW controller in a M.2 2230 slot, but alongside that slot is an M.2 2242 slot that could take a second controller. There is also a SIM card slot that I assume requires an LTE modem that uses the spare M.2 2242, and there are four punch-outs on the rear for antennas to be mounted.
With LTE in this unit, reconfiguring it remotely or having it pick up new material to display on an overnight basis would be a breeze.
Overall, this design has two clearly defined objectives: to run without cooling for long periods, and to be easily adaptable should the mission require changes.
It succeeds in both these things, although it’s not something that you would want to repurpose as an Office PC, in case you wondered. While it runs Windows 11, the performance compared to a machine designed for that role is lacklustre for a few reasons I’ll cover in the performance section.
Design: 4.5 / 5
Maxtang SXRL-20: Features
Intel i5-1235U
Iris Xe GPU
DDR4 memory
Intel went through a slightly odd phase in which successive generations of its chip designs appeared to make limited headway and, in some respects, went backwards.
One of the most impacted series was the Alder Lake 12th generation, which Intel made for both desktop and mobile platforms. In this context, the chip used in this machine is an Alder Lake-U design that combines Golden Clove P-cores and Gracemont E-cores.
When Intel launched Raptor Lake chips for the 13th generation, these were superseded. With the advent of the Core Ultra series 1 and 2, Alder Lake is four generations behind the current product set.
This particular chip is interesting because it’s found favour in several non-mobile devices, particularly the Ugreen DXP4800 Plus and DXP480T NAS boxes.
Even by Intel’s curious standards, the Intel i5-1235U is an odd processor, but it’s found a number of niches where performance isn’t as important as flexibility.
One advantage it has over the UHD Graphics that the N100 is saddled with is the Iris Xe GPU, although this is hardly something for gaming.
One impressive thing about the Maxtang SXRL-20 is that it has four HDMI outputs, which flies in the face of the Iris Xe specifications. According to Intel, the Iris Xe supports a maximum of three displays, so what Maxtang did to get the fourth one is a mystery. Perhaps it’s an undocumented option, or they mapped one output over two HDMI ports, but it is possible with this machine.
However, depending on what you intend to do with those outputs, there are practical limitations based on the memory that the Iris Xe can map from main memory and the modes it supports. Trying to generate smoothly moving 3D images over all four displays is unrealistic, unless the resolution of each is dramatically reduced.
In theory, the Iris Xe can generate an 8K HDR image over HDMI 2.0, but that’s via a single monitor. If that’s segmented to four displays, then 1080p HDR is possible, and video playback at that level is achievable.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
My issue with this is that it’s hard to see where the limits of this GPU and CPU combination are without actually trying to execute a specific file or scenario. What doesn’t help is that the Maxtang SXRL-20 uses DDR4, reducing the memory bandwidth for both the CPU and the GPU. It’s worth noting that the Intel i5-1235U can use DDR5 modules, but Maxtang chose not to provide that performance headroom for this hardware.
Clearly, those who designed the SXRL-20 had an objective in mind that it should be able to drive four monitors with four video streams smoothly at the target resolution, and it was deemed that DDR5 wasn’t necessary to deliver that.
The problem is that the use case defined by Maxtang might not be the same as one envisaged by a potential customer.
Overall, the hardware in the SXRL-20 is fit for purpose, but only within some narrow constraints.
Features: 4 / 5
Maxtang SXRL-20: Performance
Because of this unusual configuration, I’ve not pitched the Maxtang against another Intel system. It’s a little quicker than the typical N100-based machines, but significantly slower than even a Core-i3 N300 machine, like the Zotac P1430AJ Pico.
The issues here are that this CPU only has one performance core, and all the rest are efficiency. Only the P-core has hyperthreading, giving a total of twelve threads of processing.
Intel revised this design with slightly higher clock speeds for the i5-1335U, and Maxtang has that as an option for this series, but with the same underlying core and cache architecture, it won’t be much better.
What’s important to consider is that this system was specified for a job, displaying promotional graphics and videos, and it has sufficient power to do that without breaking any benchmark records.
By desktop PC standards, the performance of the SATA SSD is slow compared to NVMe drives, but again, not so glacial that it would interfere with the machine’s running.
This wasn’t meant to be used as a desktop PC; therefore, judging it by those standards isn’t helpful. It’s an appliance PC made to run throughout the day and not overheat, which seems well suited to do.
Performance: 3.5 / 5
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Maxtang SXRL-20: Final verdict
(Image credit: Maxtang)
The Maxtang SXRL-20 is an interesting system that has more in common with a NAS than a desktop PC. However, given that the objective of delivering digital signage has different priorities, those behind its design approached its construction and specifications from a unique perspective. This hardware was made for a purpose, and it fulfils that brief well.
My only concern is that while the machine is appropriate, I’m unconvinced that using Windows 11 on a customer-facing system is such a great idea.
Given how Microsoft has an unfortunate track record of screwing up its own operating system, and how an ill-considered update might stop this system working, or end up with messages on the screen is a concern. While I’m sure it is possible to lock down a Windows machine to avoid these pitfalls, we’ve all seen Digital Signage with Microsoft enhancements that those running the system wouldn’t care for.
It’s worth noting that on the promotional material for this product, the Ubuntu logo makes an appearance along with the Linux one, so I’m not the only person thinking about this possibility seriously.
Should you buy a Maxtang SXRL-20?
Buy it if...
You like computers to be quiet The design of this mini PC makes the entire case a radiator, avoiding fans entirely.
You want four monitors connected With HDMI 2.0, it is possible to connect four screens to this system. But, be realistic about what you intend to show on those screens simultaneously. As the Iris Xe (80eu) isn't a discrete GPU.
Don't buy it if...
You want 4K on lots of screens The Iris Xe GPU used in this system can drive four displays, but 4K video on four outputs might be beyond it. For those scenarios, you might need a discrete video card on a machine that won't be passively cooled.
You want max power Unlike a lot of mini PCs I've reviewed, this machine isn't built for absolute performance - it's best for businesses with digital displays. View Deal
Have you played the MotoGPseries lately? Challenging, isn’t it? Nobody’s gone this deep into sim territory in bike racers as Milestone’s recent releases, and while direction has served a hardcore nucleus of players willing to master the extremely nuanced inputs required to stop the bike without being launched into orbit, MotoGP 23 and 24 were a tough sell to newcomers and racing fans looking for something they could pick up and play.
Review info
Platform reviewed: PC Available on: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch Release Date: April 30, 2025
Enter MotoGP 25 and its bushel of new features, including a new arcade handling mode that finds a pleasing halfway point between the ultra-demanding, ultra-gratifying sim handling of recent iterations and a more approachable take.
The bike still feels potent, twitchy and dangerous – it’s just that you can absolutely launch it down the inside of your opponents now and brake well into the apex, without tucking the front and pressing the rewind button for the 70th time this lap.
Easy rider
(Image credit: Plaion)
As someone who (semi) mastered the sim handling in MotoGP 24, I was surprised how much of a draw the arcade handling is.
Far from feeling watered down, or like the bike’s riding itself, like the feeling you get when you use the neural aids, this mode just feels like you’ve got an incredible set of tires on. You can turn in more sharply than other riders, get on the power earlier, brake that little bit later. And that means I don’t have to do every practice session before a grand prix in order to find the pace. I can just launch into the race.
However, I do miss a few elements of the ‘pro’ mode, like bike setup and tire choice options. I can see why Milestone would remove these on paper, since having more variables to fiddle with might seem overwhelming to a newcomer. But it’d be nice to be able to turn them back on again if you want them.
There’s another drawback to arcade mode: the AI opponents are way too easy. I wouldn’t dream of racing against 120% AI in the last game, but this time in arcade mode I whizz past them like a rocket-propelled Valentino Rossi weaving past little kids on scooters. I’m not sure if it’s a feature or a bug, but I want more challenge.
Best bit
(Image credit: Plaion)
Working your way up from the junior categories is a joy in this game that even EA F1 doesn’t have a direct answer to. Moto 3 and Moto 2 bikes each handle according to their own physics, but the sense of accomplishment you get from doing well enough in those categories to get a MotoGP contract is a real high.
Over to pro handling, then. It’s definitely received some tweaks since the last game, and in general the bike seems more compliant, particularly under braking. I found I could get away with braking harder for longer into corners without washing out, and the ride height device seems to activate and deactivate in a smoother way in and out of corners, making it slightly easier to maintain a flow and carry more corner speed.
It’s still incredibly demanding, and ultimately incredibly gratifying. And it’s still probably too much to ask of most players, which is why it’s a really big deal that the arcade handling option feels so good. A minor point, though: tire choices still feel a bit arbitrary. I picked a soft front and rear in every dry race of my four-season career in Moto 3, Moto 2 and MotoGP categories, and never had a reason to do otherwise.
Flat track friends
(Image credit: Plaion)
Whichever mode you choose, the new additions to career mode prove a compelling draw. Top of the billing here are the training events, in which a rider from the roster of real competitors invites you to race minibikes, flat track or motard between race calendar rounds.
The gameplay benefits are twofold: you raise your rider fitness level to increase performance (though I’ve still no idea how this actually manifests and whether it just makes your lap times quicker) and boosts your relationships with the riders you train with. So if you want to land a factory Ducati ride one day, accepting all of Marc Marquez’s invites to go racing between rounds is a good way to improve your chances.
It’s also a thoughtful way of reflecting the real sport. Riders increasingly train together in cliques in modern MotoGP, so there’s an extra degree of immersion to getting out there onto the new tracks (four layouts over two locations) and cutting some sick lines with your paddock pals.
All three disciplines handle convincingly and are bolstered by bespoke new animations, and outside of career mode you can set up events using these bikes in the Race Off mode as solo or PvP events. Personally I didn’t feel especially compelled to master any of them. As a career mode mainliner, these training events were a means to an end, but a welcome addition.
What’s another year
(Image credit: Plaion)
In terms of presentation, the game’s shifted over to Unreal Engine 5 and upgraded its audio by capturing sound directly from the 2024 bikes as they were raced on the track. I don’t notice a huge jump forwards visually that one might associate with an engine upgrade, but MotoGP was already a looker in the first place.
I do notice some newfound fidelity in the sound though, both in differentiating between manufacturer engine noises, and some additional pops and rumbles.
Further down the order, there’s a revamped bike development system which allows you to dictate exactly what area of the bike your team focuses on, and that’s been tied more closely to the career mode objectives that set rivalries with different opponents. For example, when given the choice of trying to beat one of three different riders as your next objective, one might boost your reputation, another might boost your bike development, and another will raise your relationship with a specific rider.
Time to pose the question that every annualised release must ultimately face: does it do enough to extract another full-price purchase from your wallet? To my mind as a series veteran who puts 100+ hours into every game, every year… Just barely, yes.
And I’m surprised to find that it’s the arcade handling, as much as anything else, that leads me to that decision. Not only do I find it a refreshing change for myself, it’s also an easier sell to my friends. The online community has always been smaller in this game than in contemporaries like EA’s F1 series or Assetto Corsa Competizione, so getting into an online race whenever I like isn’t a given. Opening the gates to a broader audience can’t be a bad thing.
However, I still feel the absence of historical bikes and riders, as we saw four games ago now in that superlative ‘Nine’ mode, and I still feel short-changed by the same old gloves, boots and leathers, with very limited colour customisation. There are more options in this game, but I want to be able to apply custom designs to them like I can with helmets, not just change their colour.
A close win is still a win. MotoGP 25 is headed in the right direction, and it can’t be easy to add the volume of content it’s added in less than twelve months. Maybe I’ll skip a year soon, but for now, I’m back in the title hunt.
Should I play MotoGP 25?
(Image credit: Plaion)
Play it if…
You follow the real sport There are so many authentic touches here, from the broadcast sound effects when a rider crashes to the inclusion of Moto 2 and Moto 3 categories
You’ve been put off by the handling before~ Pro mode still exists and is still a handful, but the new arcade physics is a much more accessible option
You’re already tired of watching Marquez win every race There’s only one thing for it. Save us all from another 2019 and start winning some races.
Don’t play it if…
You want Crazy Taxi levels of arcade handling At its heart this is still a sim, so be prepared to have to spend some time mastering the handlingView Deal
You’re fatigued by spending too many hours in MotoGP 24 If you burned out on the last game, there’s probably not enough to revive your interest. Skip a year then check back in. View Deal
Accessibility
There’s a decent range of options in the game for adjusting subtitles to maximise visibility, and 10 different languages available.
A colour blindness filter has been added, with the additional option of adjusting the filter intensity. On the audio side there’s a tinnitus reduction filter with individual frequency adjustment.
How I reviewed MotoGP 25
I played 30 hours of MotoGP 25 on PC, using an Xbox Elite controller. That time’s been split evenly between arcade and pro modes, using manual gearing and all assists disabled in either mode.
Career mode has accounted for most of those hours, where I worked up from Moto 3 to the big bikes, like I do every year. I’ve also tried ranked and unranked online PvP, and individual Race Off events.
Hitman World of Assassination on the PSVR 2 is, simply put, a must-play game for anyone with the latest PlayStation VR headset.
Being so intrinsically tied to the flat game – this title exists solely as a DLC expansion for the PS5 version of Hitman – there was a risk this game would feel overwhelmingly familiar. Stale, even.
Review info
Platform reviewed: PSVR 2 (PS5) Available on: PSVR 2 (PS5, PS5 Pro) Release date: March 27, 2025
Moreover, given the series’ rocky relationship with virtual reality up until this point, Hitman on the PSVR 2 could have quite easily blown past ‘boring’ and landed itself squarely in ‘bad game’ territory.
Much like a well-executed assassination, however, Hitman on the PSVR 2 finds its mark with the perfect balance of faithful recreation and fresh mechanics courtesy of its enhanced VR perspective.
In doing so, Hitman proves itself as not only one of the best PSVR 2 games but one of the best VR games in general, with this (currently) PlayStation exclusive taking a chunk out of the Meta Quest 3’s seemingly impenetrable armor.
It also serves as a blueprint for other PS5 titles to follow should they wish to port themselves to PSVR 2 – a guide I seriously hope they follow, as with more experiences like this in its repertoire, PlayStation's second attempt at VR would struggle not to be a smash hit.
Sometimes the direct approach is best (Image credit: Future / IO Interactive)
Ready for more, 47?
Anyone who has dipped their toes into the World of Assassination since its 2016 debut knows the drill. Across 22 bespoke sandboxes bursting with creative killing methods – a puzzle game disguised as a shooter – the player, as Agent 47, must find and execute his targets (ideally without being noticed).
It’s much the same in this VR reimagining of the series, but with renewed player agency that comes with VR’s inherently more interactive nature.
An immediately noticeable change is the game’s first-person perspective. It’s one thing to watch Agent 47 push through the crowded streets of Marrakesh, it’s another to be weaving your way through the packed market for yourself.
Everything is more involved. You have to physically swing, throw, or pull the trigger of your weapon of choice to take out non-player characters (NPCs) – both targets and potential foils to your murderous schemes alike – and you even have to physically swipe keycards or pick locks to explore restricted areas of the map.
True to Hitman's creative nature, VR doesn’t just serve as a way to embody the Agent 47 you see in the flat game. It also opens up new options for your strategies.
My favorite is the ability to dual-wield. This mechanic opens the door to more violent dual-firearm approaches which see you go on a bloodthirsty rampage as you gun down everyone in your way, but also as the simple (yet effective) dual-soda can approach that allows you to incapacitate two guards by throwing your both cans (or your preferred blunt object) in different directions at the same time.
Speaking of throwing, I appreciate that the game gives you two options. The basic chuck where you simply hurl the item, or a more targeted throw which you can activate using the controllers, which helps ensure you hit your intended target rather than an unintended bystander.
Perfectly executed
To this end, Hitman isn’t afraid to adopt VR in its own way.
There’s realistic weapon reloading and other object interactions, which are staples of the genre, but also reticle targeting for your throws and the use of the third-person perspective during climbing and when 47 is blending in to lend the player a hand when needed.
While some may find leaving first-person a little immersion-breaking breaking I always found it useful. When blending in, or clambering up drain pipes or across ledges, you need to be able to take in your surroundings to know when to emerge – otherwise you could get rumbled immediately.
Best Bit
(Image credit: IO Interactive)
Re-exploring missions once you have a wider arsenal and understanding of the level is supremely satisfying. You feel like a true master assassin as you perfectly execute your exit with the 5-star Silent Assassin rating.
I felt the more informative third-person perspective matched how Agent 47 would be paying closer attention to the world around him in these moments, working as both a narrative and mechanical tool.
One area I wish more assistance had been given to the player, however, was when attempting to use the sniper rifle.
In my hours of playing, I never once felt I mastered this weapon. In fact, I felt I got worse over time.
I never mastered the sniper rifle (Image credit: Future / IO Interactive)
During my final mission before writing this review, I missed a dozen or so shots from the top of Sapienza’s church’s bell tower, resulting in zero kills, two panicked targets, and a small army of angry guards storming my position.
There are ways to slow time while using the sniper rifle, which help a little, but I found my scope simply swayed too much to be effective, even when I tried my darndest to stay still. I’ll endeavor to improve what is very possibly a skill issue, but some assistive mechanics would have certainly helped me with sniping, and I imagine several over players would appreciate them too.
A view to a kill
Beyond its gameplay successes, Hitman also looks pretty and runs very well on the PS5 system.
Even locations packed with NPCs like Miami and Paris ran smoothly while still looking just as crisp as the flat version. At times, the visuals were such a delight that it was easy to forget about my mission as I just got lost in the environments.
The tradeoff is that, unlike some VR titles, the objects littering the various maps are mostly set dressing. If an item is one you could pick up in the base game, it’s the same in VR, but other objects like kitchen frying pans, radios, and other decorations are cemented in place.
While this can initially be disappointing, IO Interactive's approach is understandable considering the technical nightmare this would cause for both the development team and the PS5 hardware. And frankly, Hitman’s sandboxes are full enough already.
Strangely, Hitman’s final success is that it isn’t exclusively a VR game.
Even VR veterans need to take a break to handle motion sickness or general fatigue from waving their arms around for a couple of hours, and with many titles, that means putting the game you’re enraptured by down until you’re ready to put the headset back on.
The level locations in Hitman are so varied (Image credit: Future / IO Interactive)
With Hitman on the PSVR 2, because it exists as an expansion of the base flat game, you can simply swap to the non-VR version and boot up a new mission while relaxing on your couch.
All of your unlocks and the knowledge you’ve gained about a target carry over between versions, and I generally appreciated the freedom I had to experience this game how I wanted across different sessions. I could play it in VR, I could play it on my TV, or I could swap between the two on a whim.
IO Interactive has done a superb job translating the Hitman experience to VR with this PSVR 2 port. It simultaneously feels fresh yet familiar with a resulting package that I’m sure will be enjoyed by complete newcomers and Hitman aficionados alike.
If you’re looking for an excuse to replay the Hitman World of Assassination trilogy, this is it, and if you own a PSVR 2 headset and haven’t yet picked up this game, what are you doing still reading this review?
Should you play Hitman on PSVR 2?
Play it if…
You have a PSVR 2 headset The PSVR 2 system has a few excellent games available to play on it, and this is easily one of its best.
You need an excuse to replay Hitman Whether you're new to Hitman or looking for an excuse to replay it this PSVR 2 version is an excellent choice as the first-person perspective and new mechanics make everything feel fresh again.
Don't play it if...
You want a complete VR sandbox Hitman provides you with a lot of freedom but not every object is interactable, and some actions will shift you to a third-person view rather than keeping you immersed.
You're a complete VR newbie Himanon the PSVR 2 system has some comfort controls, but its large maps and smooth motion won't be easy for complete newcomers to stomach.
Accessibility
Hitman has a handful of accessibility settings to make the game more approachable. Chiefly, it has three optional difficulties you can swap between to make the gameplay experience more or less forgiving.
When it comes to VR-specific settings, the whole game can be played sitting down or standing, though you will need some range of upper body movement to use weapons and reload.
There are also comfort controls like vignetting, snap/smooth turning, and other adjustments, which can make the game more comfortable for newcomers. Overall, I found the experience not too nauseating (I could easily play for an hour or two at a time without trouble), though it does seem like a VR game best suited to people with a little VR experience who will be used to smooth control stick movement while wearing a headset.
I played the game for around 30 hours, splitting my time fairly equally between the VR and non-VR versions of the title (which I would sometimes play in cinematic mode while using the headset if I wanted to continue a save state I had created in the flat game).
During the VR playthrough, I made sure to visit each location to explore, try a range of mission story assassinations, and see how the game runs, as well as testing a wide range of weapons to understand how intuitive item interactions felt. I never once noticed any hiccups, and never wanted to put my headset down as I enjoyed being immersed in this title immensely.
The TCL QM7K is an impressive TV. Even though it’s a bit more expensive than the TCL QM6K I recently reviewed, it fixes the main issues I had with that model. Specifically, the audio quality is much improved. It also offers quite a bit more brightness, which particularly benefits high dynamic range content, and there are more local dimming zones in its mini-LED backlight.
The question of whether the TCL QM7K is the best TV for you will depend on if you’re comfortable paying the extra cash for the improvements it brings. TCL’s Halo Control tech does a great job of keeping backlight blooming effects – an issue even with the best mini-LED TVs – at bay, and the TV’s fast, 144Hz refresh rate (with the potential to effectively double that rate) is a great feature, though both are also available on the cheaper QM6K. In fact, everything outside of the better audio and brightness is basically the same on the QM6K.
The improvements the QM7K brings are ultimately worth the $500 price difference (that amount will vary a bit between screen sizes). But for me, the cheaper QM6K’s lower screen brightness wasn’t a dealbreaker, and adding one of the best soundbars will bring an audio quality improvement to just about any TV.
Still, the TCL QM7K is a high-quality TV with a great-looking picture that’s easy to use. It’s also packed with features, whether you want to watch a movie or boot up your PlayStation 5.
TCL QM7K review: Price and release date
The TCL QM7K's impressive color gamut coverage means colors look rich and vivid (Image credit: Future)
Release date: March 2025
55-inch: $1,299.99
65-inch: $1,499.99
75-inch: $1,999.99
85-inch: $2,499.99
98-inch: $4,999.99
115-inch: $19,999.99
The TCL QM7K is a step up from the brand’s newly released QM6K series TVs. Some of the sizes, specifically the 98-inch and 115-inch, are not yet available. TCL QM7K series TVs are only sold in the US.
The QM7K’s step up in price over the QM6K series reflects features such as the higher number of local dimming zones (a maximum of 2800 versus 500), improved brightness, and Bang & Olufsen-tuned built-in speakers.
TCL QM7K review: Specs
TCL QM7K review: Benchmark results
TCL QM7K review: Features
The QM7K's connections include two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz support (Image credit: Future)
Dolby Vision IQ effectively adjusts the picture for bright rooms
Picture presets include IMAX Enhanced and Filmmaker Mode
Hands-free voice control
While I’ll go into a little more detail regarding Halo Control in the next section, it’s worth mentioning that TCL’s proprietary technology for precise dimming is featured on the QM7K series, and it’s probably the most important one for this TV. I’ll go into the QM7K’s impressive HDR performance there as well.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg here. Dolby Vision IQ is one of my favorite features for this TV (also available on the cheaper QM6K). My viewing room gets a lot of ambient light from windows, and watching TV during the day can sometimes be an exercise in frustration. But the Dolby Vision IQ feature minimizes the effects of ambient light by adjusting the TV’s brightness accordingly, so you can see the picture regardless of whether the sun is shining or not.
There’s also Dolby Vision (the non-IQ version of the feature), which functions similarly with Dolby Vision content, automatically adjusting contrast to give the best results based on the image being shown, whether it’s sports or a brooding Batman movie.
If you don’t want the TV to intelligently (the word you’ll see in the menu for these features) adjust the screen, there are plenty of picture modes available. There are the basic ones like Movie and Sports, but there’s also an Imax Enhanced mode and a Filmmaker Mode meant to provide the most accurate picture when watching movies.
Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that there’s also hands-free voice control using far-field mics if you don’t feel like reaching for the remote.
Features Score: 4.5/5
TCL QM7K review: Picture quality
The QM7K's Halo Control technology is great at eliminating blooming effects in high-contrast pictures (Image credit: Future)
Impressive HDR brightness
Halo Tech minimizes blooming
Some minor vignetting
The TCL QM7K boasts some solid benchmarks. To start with, its brightness is one of the biggest upgrades over its little brother, the TCL QM6K. In Filmmaker Mode, peak HDR brightness on a 10% white window pattern was measured at 1,733 nits, and 100% fullscreen brightness at 536 nits.
Those same brightness measurements made in the TV’s Standard picture mode were even higher at 2,350 and 640 nits, respectively.
Color gamut coverage is good as well, but not quite the smae upgrade as the brightness. We benchmarked it at 96.9% for UHDA-P3 and 79.2% for BT.2020, both better than the QM6K and Hisense U7N. It’s also worth mentioning that the QM7K’s color accuracy averaged out to a very respectable 1.4.
The Halo Control Technology that the TCL QM7K shares with the QM6K is a huge help in minimizing bloom, an artifact of mini-LED and LED-backlit TVs, where you see a halo effect in dark parts of the screen positioned next to bright sections. The QM7K series has up to 2,800 dimming zones compared to 500 on the QM6K series, and regardless of what I watched, high-contrast images had crisp definition.
Cinematic fare like Hero, The Batman (2022), or really any movie with great cinematography came to life on the QM7K, its brightness, comprehensive HDR support, color gamut coverage, not to mention precise dimming control contributing to detailed yet vibrant images.
The only real issue I encountered was that I experienced some very slight vignetting in the corners of the screen, though it was more minimal than what I saw when I reviewed the TCL QM6K. And despite the QM7K’s high brightness, I still experienced screen glare when watching during the daytime with sunlight coming through the windows.
Picture quality score: 4.5/5
TCL QM7K review: Sound quality
The TCL QM7K's stripped-down remote control annoyingly lacks a play/pause button (Image credit: Future)
Audio by Bang & Olufsen
Limited bass
Soundstage is good if a bit narrow
Having just reviewed the TCL QM6K, the QM7K’s sound quality is another big upgrade. The 40W system is described by TCL as “Audio by Bang & Olufsen,” and since Bang & Olufsen makes solid-sounding products, that usually bodes well.
The QM7K supports Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, and is also IMAX Enhanced. There are several sound modes, including Bang & Olufsen’s proprietary Beosonic EQ profile that allows for some fine-tuning. When this is selected, a dial appears on the screen with a particular sound profile at the top, bottom, and sides: bright, energetic, warm, and relaxed (clockwise from the top). You can also navigate a cursor anywhere within the dial to create some combination of these sound profiles.
When I reviewed the QM6K, I found there to be a strange dip in the frequency response that gave the sound a slightly artificial quality. Luckily, the QM7K doesn’t have that. The mids are nice and full so that vocals have the kind of richness one would expect when listening to music or watching a movie, and the high-end has both clarity and detail. The bass is fairly limited, but that’s to be expected with any system that doesn’t have larger speakers, such as a TV.
In The Batman (2022), a scene where Selina Kyle is breaking into a safe near the beginning of the movie illustrates a lot of what’s going on with the QM7K’s sound. The sounds of her drill and the turning of the safe’s dial were heard clearly and sounded crisp. And the sound of her hand-to-hand combat with Batman had plenty of impact, as did the dialogue. The TV’s full mid-range also benefited music listening.
The QM7K’s soundstage is good, with elements in soundtracks that are supposed to be on the left or right (or moving from one side to the other) spatially well-defined but still fairly narrow, as it is physically limited by the placement of the speakers.
In the end, the QM7K’s audio quality is very good – it’s just not the full movie experience you would get if it were paired with a good soundbar.
Sound quality score: 4/5
TCL QM7K review: Design
The QM6K's support feet (Image credit: Future)
Pedestal stand can be adjusted for height
Ports include two HDMI 2.1 with 144Hz support
No dedicated play/pause button on remote
The TCL QM7K looks like most contemporary TVs, so you’re probably not going to make a buying decision based on how it looks. The bezel around the screen is fairly thin, making this a svelte-looking TV from the front, and a slight angle allows the dual ports housing the speakers some clearance if you were to wall mount it.
A pedestal stand keeps the TV stable, and it can also be connected at a range of heights so you can raise it a little higher if you want to keep the bottom of the screen from being blocked by a soundbar.
The back of the stand also has a cover that easily slides up and off, revealing some rudimentary cable management, which allows for a cleaner look, especially with the included cable clips. There’s not a ton of space here, however, so if you have a ton of devices plugged into the TV, you might not be able to route all the cables through the back of the stand.
Speaking of plugging devices in, all the ports except for the power are located on the right side of the TV and are angled so that any cables sit flush against it. This is a simple touch that helps keep things looking tidy, especially if you plan on a wall-mount installation. Also worth noting is that the different HDMI ports have their maximum resolution and refresh rate listed next to them – important for gamers!
The remote for the TCL QM7K has all the usual controls, from the directional wheel and center button used to select things to the ones that take you directly to apps like Netflix and Prime Video. There’s also a dedicated button for the TV’s voice assistant. Sadly, there’s no dedicated play/pause button, which means you have to press the directional wheel to bring up the interface and then press the center button again to actually pause playback.
Design score: 4.5/5
TCL QM7K review: Smart TV and menus
The QM7K's Google TV smart interface (Image credit: Future)
Home page displays a good range of content
Google account login required to fully unlock features
Hands-free voice control
The TCL QM7K uses Google TV as its smart TV interface. This has a large, cycling tile that takes up much of the screen with featured content, followed by various rows of tiles with suggested content from various services, a list of apps, and more. It’s a nice layout, only hampered by the fact that not all content seems to be indexed on the home page. (I would love to see suggestions from my Criterion Channel or Mubi app pop up next to YouTube and Max ones.)
As with most smart TV interfaces, there’s plenty of live and free ad-supported content available without needing an additional subscription. This isn’t up to the quality level of what you get from something like Netflix, but it’s not all Sharknado knock-offs. I came across Nip/Tuck, Mr. Bean, and The Illusionist after just a quick scroll. Of course, there’s plenty of Ed Wood-level content available as well.
To get the most out of the interface, you need to first log in to your Google account to set it up. If you’re worried about privacy, this is a requirement that might seem as invasive as it is necessary. It didn’t help that a portion of the featured tiles were ads as opposed to just highlighted content that I already have access to, including an ad with a QR code for ordering pizza on the front page.
As far as the menu diving for TV functionality goes, it’s straightforward and baked into the Google operating system, so you can get to the settings either via the remote or navigating through the home page. It’s also very easy to get deep into fine-tuning the screen, sound, and more to your liking without getting lost.
Smart TV & menus score: 4/5
TCL QM7K review: Gaming
The TCL QM7K's Game Master onscreen menu (Image credit: Future)
4K 144Hz support plus VRR game accelerator
Smooth and clear action
Dedicated Game Master settings menu
Pricier TVs like this one need to appeal to gamers, and TCL has succeeded on that front. Two of the HDMI inputs support 4K 144Hz, so you get smooth gameplay even when the game is going at a breakneck speed, as I did when running away from or through crowds of zombies in Dead Island 2. It can boost up to a 288Hz variable refresh rate (240Hz on the 55-inch model) at 1080p resolution.
If needed, there's a game-centric settings interface called the “Game Master” menu that you can easily pull up to display a refresh rate in the corner, add an aiming crosshair, turn on the VRR, and boost HDR content where applicable.
All in all, using the TCL QM7K is a treat for gaming. The picture quality is sharp and vibrant, especially when you can turn on HDR, and the action is as smooth as one could hope. Input lag is 13.1ms, which is higher than what you get with TVs from Samsung and LG, but it still feels immediate and responsive when gaming.
Gaming score: 4.5/5
TCL QM7K review: Value
The QM7K's included accessories (Image credit: Future)
Not cheap, but still a good value proposition
Cheaper than other “mid-range” TVs
Better brightness than other TVs in its price range
The TCL QM7K TV is not the same fantastic value proposition as the TCL QM6K, but it’s still a very good value.
A good point of comparison would be the Hisense U7N, a competent TV that punches above its weight. The QM7K is better than the Hisense U7N all around, with better brightness and significantly better audio quality. However, the QM7K is also more expensive.
Value score: 4.5/5
Should I buy the TCL QM7K?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
You want a picture with great contrast Thanks to Halo Control tech, there’s very little blooming. Plus, the TV’s high brightness makes full use of HDR.
You want good sound Audio is one of the main upgrades that this TV gets over its little brother and other mid-range TVs. It’s not quite the same as a good soundbar, but it's good enough that you may not need to get one.
You’re a gamer There are plenty of gaming-centric features on hand, including 4K 144Hz support on two HDMI 2.1 ports, along with 288Hz at 1080p.
Don't buy it if…
You have a limited budget You can spend quite a bit more on a TV, but the TCL QM7K is still not a cheap model. If you’re on a tight budget, you should also look at the less expensive step-down QM6K series.
You don’t want a Google TV If you don’t like connecting your Google account to a TV for privacy reasons, look elsewhere, because that step is needed to make the most of the Google TV smart interface.
Also consider...
TCL QM6K The TCL QM6K is a wonderful TV, but it’s not as bright as the QM7K, and it also has worse audio. It’s about $500 cheaper on average, however, making it is a good option for those with less cash to spend.
Hisense U7N The Hisense U7N does have some issues with backlight blooming and also suffers from poor audio quality. But it has good color gamut coverage and brightness for the price, not to mention similar features such as Dolby Vision IQ and Google TV.
TCL QM851G The TCL QM851G is a 2024 model that was still available for a substantial discount at the time this review posted. This model has even higher brightness than the QM7K, plus a similar set of smart TV and gaming features.
Benchmark measurements conducted by Future US testing lab
I used the TCL QM7K TV regularly for several weeks, testing it with movies, shows, sports events, and games. I tested the various features, such as Dolby Vision IQ, to see if they work as advertised. I also spent time listening to the TV’s audio and watching reference clips to evaluate the picture quality.
After spending some time with this TV, it’s clear that it’s aimed at those looking for a premium experience but at a lower price than a comparable Samsung or LG TV.
I’ve tested plenty of tech gear over the years from laptops to keyboards and speakers, and have been able to apply my expertise toward giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.
Boy, have I enjoyed my experience with the Viaim RecDot earbuds. Beginning with the AI recording and transcription functionality and ending with the sound quality, there’s very little not to love about Viaim’s latest offering.
The positives begin with the ability to record and transcribe calls, audio/video clips and meetings. This covers all situations and scenarios that you could ever find yourself wanting this type of functionality. I tried all of these features and thankfully found them to be reliable and accurate; otherwise, I would have been left seriously frustrated. My only gripe was that if a speaker (as in, the person speaking) paused for too long, Viaim would insert a full stop. Not very helpful, but perhaps a nice reminder that AI doesn't have consciousness, creativity or actual emotion.
Transcription is extended further by translation tools, the creation of to-do lists and summaries, and sharing audio or transcriptions to other devices. It really is a one-stop shop for managing your professional life. I found that these buds fit seamlessly into all aspects of my life, but especially at work.
I’ve already mentioned how impressed I was with the sound quality, but my brief comment deserves expansion. Having listened to music and carried out calls with friends and colleagues, I think Viaim has hit the mark across the board for detail across the frequencies. Remarkably, I found that I could just as easily discern a caller’s words while in a busy location as I could enjoy soulful tunes having sunk into my favorite chair for the night.
In short, far from being AI earbuds with average sound quality that you have to put up with, these are buds that are as good as much of the competition out there at the moment. The fact that they also transcribe recordings like a pro is ever more impressive.
(Image credit: Future)
From a design point of view, the RecDot are slightly chunkier than I would have liked, although they look pretty good for it. They’re not the snuggest fit and therefore aren’t really suitable for intense exercise, but they’re fine for when you’re sat at a computer, commuting or in a meeting.
Each bud comes with a long stem which houses a sensor for picking up presses and swipes. I would love to have had a recognition tone or perhaps haptic feedback integration, as it can at times be difficult to tell if your touches have been picked up. The buds sit cosily in the charging case, which offers a total of 36 hours of life, with each bud able to hold a maximum of 9 hours of power. All of this is more than enough to keep you going even through the busiest of days.
At $249.99 / £185 / AU$375, they’re not the cheapest buds around, but I wouldn’t compare them like-for-like against any other alternative on the market right now. These are excellent-sounding buds that deliver game-changing transcription. If you’re looking to save time in (and after) work meetings, there’s no easier way than with Viaim’s RecDot.
Any flies in the ointment? One or two; the case lid feels a tad flimsy and the ANC is fine rather than fantastic. OK, so they're unlikely to ever make it into our guide to the best noise cancelling earbuds, but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they popped up in our broader best earbuds guide. I also think that if ever we created a ‘best earbuds for AI’ category (can't be long, surely?) the RecDot would be a front-runner.
Viaim RecDot Earbuds review: Price & release date
Released January 2025
Priced $249.99 / £185 / AU$375
As Viaim’s flagship product, the RecDot earbuds attract a premium price tag. Early AI adopters might be able to stomach the price, but if you only have a passing interest in how AI can streamline your workflows, you might not be convinced.
It’s difficult to bring a direct price comparison given there are so few AI earbuds on the market that can do everything these earbuds can. One example would be the Aidio X1 AI Earbuds for $149, but we’ve not yet tested those – oh, and Samsung's Galaxy Buds can do the real-time translation trick (and have been able to for a little while now) provided you've got a Samsung phone.
A helpful comparison is always Apple's AirPods Pro 2, which usually cost under $199 / £199 / AU$349. Let's not mince words – the design correlation between Apple's buds and Viaim's newer effort is striking. If you go for the RecDot earbuds, you’ll be sacrificing ANC quality, but for the extra money, you’ll get an abundance of useful hearing health features that are well worth the money (especially if you own an iPhone).
(Image credit: Future)
Viaim RecDot Earbuds review: Specifications
(Image credit: Future)
Viaim RecDot Earbuds review: Features
Excellent AI recording
Live transcription
Smart ANC leaves a little to be desired
When you buy a pair of the best wireless earbuds, you’ll be looking for great audio, excellent ANC and a snug fit. What most people are not looking for is an extensive set of recording and transcription services. But just because you might not have been looking for them, doesn’t mean you don’t need 'em.
With that introduction out of the way, are you ready for some seriously good features? Let’s begin with recording. There are three primary ways your set of RecDot Earbuds can do this, including call recording, audio/video recording, or live recording. The first will transcribe in real-time during a system or VoIP call. The second transcribes speeches in an audio or video clip, again in real time. The last transcribes live when you are in face-to-face dialog or in a small meeting room.
No matter how you access these recordings and transcriptions, you’ll find them to be reliable, comprehensive and useful for everyday purposes. I used it to make written notes from my own voice, to access a transcription of a conversation with a friend, and in a meeting with colleagues.
The Viaim software was able to pick up what was being said with very few issues or errors. The only snafu I experienced was that if I or someone else spoke too slowly or paused, Viaim would think it needed to begin a new sentence even if that wasn’t the speaker’s intention. So, you'll need to sub-edit your notes afterwards, but I find that's true of all note-taking software. I’d definitely like to see some post-AI tools that can sweep through the text and bring corrections, but it's still a neat perk.
(Image credit: Future)
What is maybe even more impressive than real-time transcription is that Viaim is able to distinguish between different speakers and mark them accordingly. I found this feature to be surprisingly reliable, making it a good fit for creating extensive meeting notes about who said what.
Transcriptions can also be simultaneously translated into up to 14 languages. With support for English, Chinese, French, German, and others, Viaim has covered a very high percentage of the world’s languages. I wasn’t involved in any bilingual meetings during my time of testing, but I can imagine how helpful this would be to non-native speakers.
The final AI feature to mention is the meeting assistant, which extracts concise summaries and actionable to-do items from lengthy recordings. If my mind hadn’t already been blown, then it most certainly was when I tested this feature. I couldn’t believe how accurately it was able to determine who needed to do what. It also did it remarkably quickly. My experience of this particular feature rings true through all the AI tools: impressive, reliable, and accurate.
Let’s finish by talking ANC. The 'Smart ANC' in the RecDot claims to reduce ambient noise by up to 48 dB, which would make it more than capable of drowning out most ambient noise. They don’t nix noise to the level of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, but they’re still capable enough for general everyday use. Given that they’ll be used primarily in office settings, you’re unlikely to need the highest-performing ANC buds – although for long-haul flights their minor shortcomings when it comes to jet engine noise cancellation could be more noticeable.
Features score: 4.5/5
The actual RecDot! (Image credit: Future)
RecDot Earbuds review: Sound quality
Vibrant, detailed, and crisp
Only one profile works for those with broad music tastes
ANC can be hit and miss, but auto option is best
I began by firing up Azizam by Ed Sheeran. The RecDot are able to deliver high levels of vibrancy with the strong dance beat punching through, without fighting against the vocals. While I was in an Ed Sheeran mood, I jumped into Galway Girl and sat back to enjoy the surprisingly wide soundstage. I would have taken a little more detail across the listening experience, but in general, it was all very pleasant.
Transitioning to a more sombre mood, I hit play on The Curse by Agnes Obel. Obel’s voice rises above the beautifully defined plucking of strings, delivering a near-perfect blend of instruments and notes. Alongside numerous other tracks, I was keen to play something layered, complex and gentle. I turned to the theme from Jurassic Park, by John Williams. Given this track's multiple instruments, I was pleased to hear the distinction between the flutes, piano and in fact all other sections of the orchestra. Well done, Viaim.
Most of my testing was carried out using the 'balanced' sound setting, although I did have a play around with other options, including pop, bass boost, and electronic. These other profiles were fantastic for specific tracks, but given my broad music tastes, I found them unreliable across multiple genres. I would therefore recommend sticking with the default unless you have reason to change it.
It was a similar story when it came to ANC. There’s the option to set it to low, middle, or high, but I found these weren’t reliable enough across a wide range of environments. I opted instead for the auto option and let the RecDot do the work. It’s fair to say that this did affect the sound, negatively at times, but it was better than choosing one of the three predefined options.
All that being said, I wouldn’t buy these buds purely for their sound quality. As good as they are, audiophile purists will want a dedicated pair of earbuds or headphones – probably with wires to their source device. The RecDot are for audio lovers who want more from their buds, namely a meeting companion that gets the job done.
Sound quality score: 4/5
(Image credit: Future)
RecDot Earbuds review: Design
Accessible recording controls
Well-designed case that’s easy to use
Plenty of eartip options
The RecDot earbuds look pretty similar to almost all other long-stemmed earbuds, although they feel a little bulkier in the hand than something like the AirPods Pro. The additional size is no doubt due to the extra recording features that make the RecDot stand out from the competition.
The sensor strip is located on the stem and provides all on-board controls. The sensor supports five types of interaction with a simple slide increasing and decreasing the volume. I don’t mind sensors instead of buttons, but only if they work well. I found the RecDot earbuds a little fiddly to operate, especially the triple press to go to the previous track. Part of this will be personal preference, but I feel there’s some fine-tuning required.
The also buds ship in black, although I was sent the silver colorway. Both look smart, but I think the black offers a slightly more premium appearance. To help with fitting, Viaim supplies five different sizes of dustproof eartips. They’re a little bit fiddly to swap out, although I’ve never experienced a problem-free eartip change on any earbuds I’ve used to date. Finding the correct size of eartip took a little time, but I was glad to have an abundance to choose from.
With an IP55 rating, the RecDot earbuds are resistant to dust and water. That means you’ll be fine if sweat and rain are your only concerns, but if you’re looking to do anything more adventurous, then they’ll come up lacking. Given their recording and translation talents, these aren’t designed for extreme sports anyway.
Before moving onto the case, the only other thing to mention is that the 11mm dynamic drivers are coated in titanium, which provides the highest possible strength-to-weight ratio. This makes sure they are as light and strong as possible.
No pair of wireless earbuds would be complete without a charging case. Aside from the slightly flimsy sliding top, I only have positive things to say about it. The buds magnetically slot in with a seriously satisfying click, with zero chance of them falling out despite serious shaking. And yes, I did try!
The case supports USB-C charging, which delivers a total of 36 hours of battery life. Each charge will only give the buds a maximum of 9 hours, although this is more than enough for a full day of listening to your favorite music – and quite competitive.
The final element of the charging case is the physical record button. Offering one-click recording during meetings, all you have to do is place an earbud in the charging case, hit record, and wait for either the left or right indicator to flash. I love this feature and have used it regularly. My only bugbear is that I think this record button should double up as a ‘now recording’ light. In my opinion this would be far more satisfying and demonstrative than a dim blinking indicator on a bud.
Design score: 4/5
(Image credit: Future)
RecDot Earbuds review: Value
AI features to die for
Admirable sound considering the extra perks
Competitive battery life
At $249.99 / £185 the Viaim RedCot are far from cheap. You’re paying a premium price for a fully featured set of innovative earbuds. Whether they’re worth the money will hang solely on whether you will utilize their AI features. If you’re only concerned about design and sound then I’d perhaps nudge you towards the much more affordable AirPods 4 with ANC instead.
The AI recording tools are far above the biggest strength of Viaim’s latest buds. Record calls on your phone or at on-site meetings and view translations in realtime. With a capture distance of up to 7 metres you’ll be covered no matter where you’re sitting. I appreciate that you could download software to do this but to have all this tech alongside very capable sound performers makes the recording and listening workflow beautifully seamless.
Value score: 4/5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the RecDot Earbuds review:
Buy them if...
You want on-board recording capabilities Not only do the RecDot buds sound fantastic, but they also record audio and transcribe it.
You need a meeting assistant Extract concise summaries and create actionable to-do lists from lengthy recordings.
You want a great all-rounder With fantastic sound, decent ANC, good battery life and AI smarts, these are the buds that do it all.
Don't buy them if...
You’re on a budget At $249.99 / £185, there are much more affordable alternatives.
You must have tight fitting earbuds They fit fairly well, but I wouldn’t call them a super secure or sports-optimised fit.
Sound is your only priority The Viaim RecDot do sound good, but there are superior alternatives on the market if detailed, nuanced, neutral audio is your chief concern.
(Image credit: Future)
RecDot Earbuds review: Also consider
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Prefer device-agnostic head-tracked spatial audio plus some of the best ANC in the business? These September 2023-issue earbuds from Bose are a great shout – and the in-ear security is nearly as good as the Powerbeats Pro 2. You'll have to forego a bit of stamina (it's only 6 hours here) and transcription/translation, but the noise-cancellation is superior. Read more in our Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review
Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 The ANC-off and transparency profiles are much more enjoyable here – as is the sound quality generally. You also get a similar battery life and the option of Matt Berry on voice prompts (his "Waiting to pair!" is a delight). The overall aesthetic isn't as striking though, and they aren't as secure in your ears – also you can forget about meeting transcription… Read our full Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 review
(Image credit: Future)
How I tested the RecDot Earbuds
Tested for three weeks at work, home, while exercising
Listened to Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer on a MacBook Pro, and iPhone
I began by getting them fitted correctly. This was helped by the numerous ear tips provided and the in-app test that covered both sound quality and noise reduction. With that out of the way and my app fully configured, I was ready to test them out in earnest.
Given their AI recording smarts, I was keen to focus my attention on that in the first instance. This mean utilizing them in meetings, conversations, and when I'm on my own. I tested all the different workflows for recording and transcription alongside all the finer elements of functionality. The only part I wasn’t able to test accurately was the translation feature.
Once I was happy with that, I turned my attention to sound quality and ANC. With Ed Sheeran, Agnes Obel and John Williams all lined up alongside TechRadar's trusted track list, I sat back and let my ears do the work.
If you had to pick a single feature that's most commonly missing from premium monitors aimed at creative professionals, it's high refresh rate support. Not any more, thanks to the new BenQ PD3226G.
This 32-inch display ticks all the usual premium boxes, including elevated image fidelity from a 4K IPS panel, outstanding connectivity and a broad range of pro-friendly features that creators will appreciate, such as wide color support and Pantone validation. To that it adds 144Hz refresh where 60Hz used to be the norm.
You could argue that high refresh rates are irrelevant to many professional workflows. Largely, that's true. But it is essential for maximising responsiveness for use with some digital art tools, such as drawing tablets. Moreover, high refresh certainly has a major impact when it comes to smooth rendering and an all-round sense of computing slickness. It makes daily computing feel so much snappier. BenQ also throws in a few unusual extras, including a very nifty IR remote control puck, that serve to sweeten the overall appeal of this gorgeous monitor and ensure that it ranks among the best business monitors. The main snag, however, is the price. At just under $1,300 or £1,100, this is a very expensive display, especially in the context of the entry-level DisplayHDR 400 certification it offers.
BenQ PD3226G: Design & features
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Minimalist, slim-bezel design
Comprehensive connectivity
Wireless IR remote
Specs
Panel size: 32-inch
Panel type: IPS
Resolution: 3,840 by 2,160
Brightness: 400 cd/m2
Contrast: 1,200:1
Pixel response: 1ms GtG
Refresh rate: 144Hz
Colour coverage: 95% DCI-P3
HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 400
Vesa: 100mm x 100mm (bracket included)
Inputs: DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0 x1, Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C in with 90W PD
Other: Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C out USB-C hub, USB-C x2 in, USB-A x3, 3.5mm audio
BenQ's latest 32-inch 4K panel for creatives sticks with the company's typically slick and minimalist design vibe, including slim bezels on three sides of its IPS panel. The lower chin bezel is a little chunky. But overall, it's a well-built display and sits securely on a metal stand that offers a full array of adjustability, ensuring strong ergonomics.
Speaking of which, the main array of ports sit flush on the rear of the chassis, as opposed to being situated underneath and pointing downwards, making power, peripheral and display inputs super-simple to get at and plug in. You also get additional ports, including a USB-C data port, plus a USB-A hub and 3.5mm audio jack, situated on the bottom surface of the lower bezel.
While we're on the subject of connectivity, that's definitely a significant highlight of the BenQ PD3226G. For starters, there's Thunderbolt 4 support that offers sideways compatibility with USB-C for single-cable connectivity to a wide range of devices, most obviously laptops. That means you can both drive the display and charge your device with one cable, with power delivery up to 90W.
The Thunderbolt 4 aspect also means you can daisy chain a second monitor from the BenQ PD3226G, though support for that does depend on your computing device. By way of example, Apple's entry-level M1 and M2 chips as found in previous generation Apple Silicon MacBook Air models, only support a single external display and so can't exploit the PD3226G's daisy chaining ability.
To all that you can add KVM switch functionality and therefore support for connecting two computers to this display and sharing a single keyboard and mouse. Rounding out the main physical features is BenQ's third-gen control puck. This time around, it's wireless via IR and powered by a pair of triple-A batteries.
That's a real benefit compared to previous wired iterations of the control puck and helps keep desk clutter to a minimum. The puck itself is extremely slick and sports a tactile metal dial plus shortcut buttons. The dial can be set to control brightness, volume or contrast, while a range of other functions and presets can be accessed in a flash via the shortcut buttons. It's a very nice little extra.
BenQ PD3226G: Performance
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Good factory calibration
Excellent all-round image quality
Only entry-level HDR support
Much of the BenQ PD3226G's specifications and therefore performance are pretty familiar. The 32-inch IPS panel delivers excellent all-round image quality, including 95% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space and factory calibration with Delta Es well below two.
Generally, it's a very sweet IPS panel that offers all the usual advantages of the 4K resolution, including plenty of desktop working space and decent pixel density for precise fonts and sharp image quality. It's not a true pro-grade panel for video production, for instance. But it is very well calibrated from the factory and makes for a super nice all-round monitor for creative workflows.
Where it separates itself from many similar displays aimed at creative pros, however, involves refresh rate. Instead of the usual 60Hz, you get 144Hz over both HDMI and DisplayPort, the latter including DisplayPort alt mode over the Thunderbolt 4 interface.
Now, 144Hz isn't directly relevant for most creative workflows. It's not required for image editing, nor the vast, vast majority of video editing. But for certain digital artwork tasks, notably those involving drawing tablets, high refresh really helps with visual responsiveness and accuracy.
It's also just a very nice thing to have, day-to-day. Once you're used to the slickness of 144Hz when scrolling web pages or just moving application windows around, you won't want to go back to 60Hz.
BenQ has also fitted the PD3226G out with lots of well-calibrated color space presets, including the core triumvirate of DCI-P3, sRGB and M-Book mode. The latter is a mode that's designed to match the factory calibration of Apple's MacBook laptops, though it's unclear how that differs from the standard P3 gamut that MacBooks run by default and is also offered separately by this BenQ.
As if that's not enough, this monitor is also Pantone Validated and Claman verified. So, it can be calibrated to an even higher precision for those workflows that demand it. Where it isn't so impressive is with HDR content.
You do get HDR400 support, but that's the most basic of HDR capability. There's no local dimming and the brightness peaks at a modest 400 nits. In other words, it's not a true HDR display and if you're looking for a screen to use in really bright ambient conditions, the PD3226G isn't the best choice.
BenQ PD3226G: Final verdict
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Do not dismiss the new BenQ PD3226G as a routine update to the brand's already very appealing range of displays for creative pros. This one is a little different.
For starters, it gets an upgrade to 144Hz refresh. Admittedly, that's not of direct benefit for most creative workflows. But it's a genuine upgrade for all-round responsiveness and day-to-day usability. Once you're used to high refresh, you won't want to go back to 60Hz. It's also a clear advantage for certain digital art workflows, notable in concert with drawing devices like tablets.
BenQ has also upgraded its control puck with this generation from wired to IR wireless. It sounds like a small change, but it makes for a much more usable and ergonomic remote control. Once again, if you've gotten used to BenQ's IR remote, it's a chore to return to fiddly little buttons under the screen bezel.
On top of all that, BenQ has included plenty of features that creative pros will love, including a wide range of color space presets and excellent factory calibration. This is a really nice IPS 4K display with lovely image quality.
Connectivity is another very strong point thanks to Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, plus daisy chain and KVM switch functionality. Really the only obvious weak point of the BenQ PD3226G involves HDR support. The DisplayHDR400 certification is very much entry level and means you're not getting a true HDR experience.
That latter point would be fine save for the notably premium price point. This is an extremely expensive display given that it's ultimately limited to SDR visuals. Of course, if HDR doesn't factor in any of your workflows, that won't be a deal breaker. But at this price point, local dimming and a bit more backlight punch probably wouldn't go amiss. That aside, BenQ is onto a winner with the new PD3226G.
With the CMF Phone 2 Pro, Nothing has delivered a truly remarkable bargain phone, treating you, the user with endearing respect, rather than sticking you with a watered-down version of the device you really want.
This phone has one of the most distinct and recognizable designs I’ve seen, but that design is also practical and extensible. I can’t imagine buying a CMF Phone 2 Pro without thinking of all the accessories I might make for it.
For less than $300 / £300 / AU$525 you can have a phone that isn’t just good, but special. The modular design, though a bit less adaptable than the first-generation CMF Phone, means you can make this phone your own in ways that Samsung Galaxy and iPhone owners can only dream of doing.
Even if you don’t want to create your own cases or accessories, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is still one of the best smartphones you can buy at this price. Its performance is solid – better than other bargain competitors, at least – and battery life is excellent.
It may not be quite as durable as a Samsung Galaxy A26 or Motorola Moto G Power 2025, but it’s more resilient than I expected. It has an IP54 rating against rain and splashing water, and Nothing also says the phone will survive in 25cm of water for 20 minutes, so you don't have to panic if it gets wet.
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
The CMF Phone 2 Pro certainly gives you one of the most distinctive versions of Android that you’ll find on a phone today, using the NothingOS interface as found on the Nothing Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro. NothingOS is all about a minimalist, almost monochromatic aesthetic, so you get black-and-white icons on the home screen with no labels, and a set of matching widgets to complete the look.
Of course there are some AI features as well, and I honestly ignored them because they revolve around taking screenshots. I’m just not a screenshot type of user, but Nothing isn’t alone in this – the latest Google Pixel 9 also relies on screenshot-based AI tools. You can also use Google Gemini, but don’t expect the robust set of AI features that you might find on more expensive Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones.
With such a low price tag there are bound to be compromises. The cameras are not good, even compared to those on the cheapest Pixel, the Pixel 9a, although that phone costs almost twice as much as the CMF Phone 2 Pro. Performance also lags, and I experienced stuttering in the interface, and occasional delays as the system worked to catch up with whatever task I wanted to perform.
I used the CMF Phone 2 Pro as my primary phone for work, and I really enjoyed it. I like the style of NothingOS; it’s refreshing, with fewer distractions than my Galaxy phone. I committed to using the bright orange lanyard screwed into the back of the phone for my entire review period, and I now understand the appeal of being able to sling the phone over my shoulder and having it readily at hand.
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
The worst thing about the CMF Phone 2 Pro is how hard it might be to buy one – and then to buy all the accessories you want. In the US, you can only get the model with 256GB of storage as part of Nothing’s so-called 'Beta' program. I used the Phone 2 Pro on AT&T near New York City, and after an initial warning message from AT&T that my phone wouldn’t work properly, it worked just fine.
The phone is easier to buy in the UK, Australia, and the rest of the world, with an even cheaper 128GB version available. Still, comparable phones from Samsung and Motorola are available at your local carrier store, and you can surely get one for free if you sign a contract. The CMF Phone 2 Pro may be cheap, but you probably won’t find one for free.
Only a few accessories will be available for US buyers, and those won’t include the back cover that lets you use attachable macro and fisheye camera lenses, or the magnetic wallet stand. I’m not a fan of snap-on lenses for smartphones, so that’s no big loss, but I wish more of the unique accessories were available here. Since they’re not, I’ll just have to head to my library’s 3D printer and make my own.
CMF Phone 2 Pro review: Price and availability
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
$279 / £249 / AU$509 for 256GB and 8GB of RAM
£219 / AU$449 for a 128GB model, not available in the US
The CMF Phone 2 Pro by Nothing is available directly from Nothing in two storage options: 128GB and 256GB. The smaller-capacity model is not being sold in the US, however, and neither is the light green color – the color of my review sample – but you can still get the phone in white, black, or a very bright orange.
The Light Green is available in the UK, but not Australia, and all the other colors are available globally. That’s too bad, I like this light green very much, and it looks cool with the bright orange lanyard attached.
Don’t get too attached to the lanyard if you're in the US, though, because the accessories are only available in the UK and Europe, and Nothing says quantities may be limited.
The 128GB model has an incredibly low price for a phone this good, and if you use cloud storage services there isn’t a pressing need to buy the larger capacity.
Even so, the 256GB model is also an incredible bargain. For around the same price – $300 / £299 / AU$499 – you'll get a Samsung Galaxy A26 or Motorola Moto G Power with 128GB of storage. Both of those phones are a bit more durable, though, with true IP67 and IP68 ratings for water resistance, respectively. Otherwise, there are no significant benefits in terms of specs and hardware, and the CMF Phone 2 Pro has a slight edge in performance.
Value score: 5/5
CMF Phone 2 Pro review: Specs
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The CMF Phone 2 Pro has a MediaTek 7300 Pro 5G chipset inside, which is a bit faster than the Exynos 1380 you’ll find in a Galaxy A26 or the MediaTek 6300 in the Moto G Power 2025. The phone ships with 8GB of RAM, which is adequate for a bargain phone, and there's a microSD card slot behind the SIM tray if you need more storage space.
The camera specs are impressive for a phone in this price range, even if, as mentioned, the images aren’t noteworthy. The main camera uses a 0.63-inch sensor, which is much larger than the sensors you’ll find in competing Samsung and Motorola phones. There's a real 2x optical zoom, in addition to a third lens for ultra-wide shots and macro photos.
As with most phones at this price there’s no wireless charging, but you do get slightly faster charging speeds if you buy a 33W charger.
CMF Phone 2 Pro review: Design
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Exposed screws and removable bits
More durable than before, even water resistant
The CMF Phone 2 Pro design is a whole choice. Like its big-sibling Nothing Phones, the CMF Phone stands out; it looks, er, nothing like other phones you’ve seen. The back of the phone is punctuated by exposed screws, a removable circular plate, and cameras that look like internal components laid bare.
I like it. It doesn’t feel haphazard – it’s clear that there's thought and design behind the asymmetry. You can't remove the whole back cover of the CMF Phone 2 Pro, as you could with the original CMF Phone, but there is still the small circular screw that you can remove to screw in accessories like the lanyard (or just the lanyard holder, which can also be a loop for dangling charms).
The CMF Phone 2 Pro only comes with an IP54 rating, which means it's protected against dust, but when it comes to water it can only handle rain or splashing, not a full dunk.
However, Nothing has tested the phone itself, and claims it can be submerged in 25cm of water for 20 minutes – so I wouldn’t wash this phone in the sink, but I also wouldn’t worry if you drop it into the toilet by accident.
That’s a huge improvement over last year’s CMF Phone, likely thanks to that new back panel that doesn’t come off as easily. Still, the Samsung Galaxy A26 is IP67 rated for longer dips underwater, and the Moto G Power 2025 is fully military MIL-STD 810H rated, so it can take a serious beating.
My phone came in a lovely light green color that is becoming popular this year – the Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in the same hue as a Samsung online-exclusive color. Unfortunately, you can’t buy this color in the US; you can only get the black, white, or orange versions. I haven’t seen the orange in person, but if it’s as bright as the matching lanyard I got, be aware that it could stop traffic.
Design score: 4/5
CMF Phone 2 Pro review: Display
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Brighter than competitors at this price
Colorful and durable with Panda Glass
The CMF Phone 2 Pro has a very nice display for a phone at this price. It was brighter and more colorful in our labs tests than the Samsung Galaxy A26, a solid win for Nothing since Samsung is usually known for its superlative displays.
Does it get to 3,000 nits at peak brightness? Not that we could see, but it was bright enough in my review time for me to take photos in outdoor light, and to use the phone in a variety of lighting conditions. My content always looked great on the display, whether I was watching movies or perusing my photo albums.
This is one area where spending more will get you better technology, however. The Pixel 9a costs a bit more, but it has a much brighter display that's easier to see in bright, outdoor light. Even paying just a bit more for the Nothing Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro will get you brighter displays than what you'll see on the CMF Phone.
If I were going to pay to upgrade any feature, it would be this, because more expensive phones have displays that are brighter and easier to use in bright sunlight. I’d also like a stronger glass panel, though the CMF Phone 2 Pro is no slouch here.
The CMF Phone 2 Pro has a screen that's durable and should stand up to mild abuse. The phone uses Panda Glass from Chinese glass maker Tengshu, and it offers many of the same physical qualities as Corning’s Gorilla Glass. I didn’t see any scuffs or scratches after an intense week using the phone as my primary device.
Display score: 3/5
CMF Phone 2 Pro review: Software
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
NothingOS on top of Android 15 for a signature style
For folks who want fewer distractions, not more features
If you want a smartphone with helpful display-edge software panels, tons of features, and customizations galore, buy a Samsung with One UI. If you want to minimize distractions with a signature look and feel that's different from any other smartphone, you should check out NothingOS on the CMF Phone 2 Pro (and other Nothing phones).
That doesn’t mean Nothing gives you nothing on top of Android 15. In fact, Nothing offers a plethora of cool widgets to enhance your home screen, all in Nothing’s signature monochromatic style.
At startup, you can choose between a Nothing interface and a standard Android home screen. Go with Nothing and you’ll see fewer colors, fewer labels on app icons and settings, and presumably fewer distractions. I actually like the NothingOS design, especially with its home screen widgets and monochromatic wallpapers, so I stuck with it for my review period.
There is some AI on board, but frankly I never used it. Just like with the latest Nothing Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro, you get a so-called Essentials key, which is a glorified screenshot button. Press the button to take a screenshot that saves to Nothing’s Essential Space. Hold the button to take a screenshot and add a voice memo.
Essential Space is an AI tool that scans whatever you save so it can offer answers later. Unfortunately, I don’t screenshot very much. I don’t save every bit of useful information as a screenshot. I don’t screenshot my emails, text messages, or calendar invitations, since those already live in their own app.
So I didn’t get much value out of Essential Space. If you screenshot everything, or if you’re willing to change your behavior, you may find this more useful. I, on the other hand, did not feel the CMF Phone 2 Pro was missing anything when I skipped these AI features.
Software score: 3/5
CMF Phone 2 Pro review: Cameras
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Lots of megapixels and big sensors don’t equal great photos
If photos matter, you’ll need to spend more (or get a camera)
The CMF Phone 2 Pro's cameras offer plentiful examples of pretty much every way smartphone cameras can go wrong. There’s a lack of detail in most shots, and evidence of strong digital sharpening that makes photos look more like still frames from a low-quality video camera. Backgrounds are frequently over-sharpened, leaving dark edges around objects. In even my most simple shots it can be so hard to tell what I was photographing.
Don’t take photos of anything red, because the cheap sensors on this phone can’t handle the hue, and flowers become a garbled mess, even in bright, outdoor light that should have made for the best results. I was equally unimpressed with the zoom lens, which took photos of birds that were so muddy I couldn’t tell if the water fowl were covered in feathers or plastic.
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
The wide-angle lens produces a lot of barrel distortion, so buildings will look rounded and weird. I saw plenty of chromatic aberration along high-contrast edges, and the camera falls apart when asked to shoot in low-light near darkness.
It’s hard to find a good camera on a phone this cheap, but the Samsung Galaxy A26 will certainly produce better results in most situations. If photos truly matter, though, you’ll need to step up at least to a Pixel 9a, or perhaps look for a cheap digital camera to carry alongside your phone. I carried an older point-and-shoot camera during my review time, and I barely thought about the CMF Phone 2 Pro for my photography needs.
Camera score: 2/5
CMF Phone 2 Pro review: Camera samples
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CMF Phone 2 Pro review: Performance
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Budget-level performance means delays
Still very usable, and lags weren't noticeable in lighter usage
The CMF Phone 2 Pro uses a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro 5G chipset, which is a slight step up from the Dimensity 7300 5G in last year’s CMF Phone. In Future Labs tests, the CMF Phone 2 Pro edged out the competition, including Samsung Exynos 1380-equipped Galaxy A26 and Motorola’s Dimensity 6300-driven Moto G Power 2025. In pure benchmark terms, this phone performs about as well as the Galaxy A36, a more expensive phone with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 inside.
In the real world, performance could be very laggy as I navigated the interface and performed advanced tasks. If I tried to select more than a dozen or so apps to download all at once, the phone came to a halt and stopped registering my taps. When I tried to add six-dozen photos to a single photo album, the phone flatly refused to move so many images at once. I got an error message that I could never defeat.
For most of my daily tasks, however, I didn’t notice any slowdown. Network speeds were fine on AT&T’s network near New York City, and web pages loaded slowly but steadily. All of my messages came through, and I was able to hold video chat meetings.
This isn’t a powerhouse phone, but it gets the job done, even for professional work. The phone handled TechRadar's AirTable content management system with no trouble, and it loaded up the over-complicated AirTable app to show me behind-the-scenes planning.
Any step up in price will get you a phone with more power, but I would pay more for better cameras and a better display before I worried about much faster CPU performance. As long as you’re not a hardcore gamer you might just need a little more patience, so maybe just stare at the cool design while you wait for your phone to catch up.
Performance score: 2/5
CMF Phone 2 Pro review: Battery
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Excellent battery life, among top performers overall
Charging could be faster; no charger included
The CMF Phone 2 Pro delivered excellent battery life, both in the real world and in our Future Labs testing. During my review time the phone always lasted through a full day of use, although it probably helped that I didn’t play many games and didn’t use the cameras very much. In any case, I could forget to charge this phone overnight and still have enough juice to get me through to lunchtime the next day.
In our Future Labs battery rundown test the CMF Phone 2 Pro was a top performer, managing to last just over 16 hours. In the same test, the Samsung Galaxy A26 lated around 10 hours, and the Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e (the cheapest iPhone right now) both lasted just over 12 hours.
Much of this longevity is down to how you’ll use the phone. With a slower processor on board, you’ll use less battery power; the Moto G Power 2025 is even slower, and that phone lasted slightly longer in our lab tests. You also won’t use the cameras on the CMF Phone 2 Pro as often as you might with one of the best camera phones.
That said, bargain phones offer great battery life, just like cheaper cars usually get better gas mileage. It’s a benefit of saving money, and I’m happy to take it.
For juicing up, the CMF Phone 2 Pro can charge up to 33W, but there’s no charger in the box (except in India). There's also no wireless charging, but that feature is a rarity at this price point.
Battery score: 3/5
Should you buy the CMF Phone 2 Pro?
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Buy it if...
You have a 3D printer and want to make phone accessories The CMF Phone 2 Pro offers creative types unique options to make accessories that enhance the phone’s capabilities more than any other device.
You want more than just a cheap version of another phone The CMF Phone 2 Pro is unique. It doesn’t try to look like a more expensive model, and it stands out with its own design that’s like nothing else.
You want a distinctive look that minimizes distractions With NothingOS you can dial down the colors and distractions from all the apps on your phone that suck you in like candy.
Don't buy it if...
You need great cameras, or even very good cameras It’s got megapixels, but that doesn’t equate to great photos, and the pics I got from the CMF Phone 2 Pro were disappointing in every way.
You want to play a lot of games with serious graphics This phone performs better than most other phones you’ll find at this price, but you’ll notice lag on normal apps, and intense games are out of the question.
You plan on beating this phone up The CMF Phone 2 Pro is more durable than the last CMF phone, but if you’re going to beat up on a phone, get something more durable.
CMF Phone 2 Pro review: Also consider
Samsung Galaxy A26 The Samsung Galaxy A26 has Samsung’s OneUI software with more AI features, as well as a water-resistant build that can take a serious dunk.
Motorola Moto G Power 2025 The Moto G Power 2025 isn’t the most powerful (ironic), but it is the most durable phone you’ll find at this price, and it comes in some great Pantone-approved colors
How I tested the CMF Phone 2 Pro
I used the CMF Phone 2 Pro for almost two weeks. I tested the phone on AT&T’s network in the greater New York area, throughout the city and suburbs. I used the CMF Phone 2 Pro as my primary work phone with all of my work accounts and apps, and as my personal phone for photos and gaming.
I tested the CMF Phone 2 Pro with a Pixel Watch 3 and CMF Buds Plus. I connected the phone to my car and tested Android Auto. I connected an Xbox wireless controller for gaming, and connected to a Bluetooth speaker for audio.
I tested the CMF Phone 2 Pro camera against the Nothing Phone 3a, among numerous other phones, in Future Labs.
Future Labs tests phones using a mix of third-party benchmark software and proprietary, real-world tests. We use Geekbench, CrossMark, JetStream, WebXPRT and Mobile XPRT, and 3DMark for performance testing. We test a phone's performance on tasks using Adobe Premiere Rush. We also measure display color output and brightness.
For battery testing, we have proprietary rundown tests that are the same for every phone, and which measure how long it takes for the battery to run down.
