The basic notion of a 4K gaming monitor based on Samsung's QD-OLED panel tech isn't new. But for 2025, it's been shrunk down from 32 inches to 27 inches. We give you the new Alienware 27 AW2725Q QD-OLED.
The new 27-inch version of Samsung's QD-OLED panel delivers the latest five-layer tandem OLED structure. However, apart from high pixel density, the rest of the specs look very familiar, including the 250-nit full-screen brightness, 0.03ms response and 240Hz refresh rate.
This monitor also debuts Alienware's new design language. Dubbed "AW30" and supposedly inspired by extraterrestrial phenomena and the Aurora Borealis, the reality is a lot of dark blue plastic, soft, curved shapes, plus the signature RGB-lit alien head logo.
However, if this isn't physically the most exciting looking monitor known to mankind, the new high-DPI OLED panel promises to be spectacular. Time to find out what it's actually like and where it ranks among the best gaming monitors in 2025.
Where can you get it? Available in the US with UK and Australia following in April
At $899, the Alienware 27 AW2725Q is currently $200 cheaper than Alienware's own 32-inch 4K OLED, the AW3225QF. That means there's some savings to be had from the smaller form factor.
However, that's only true within the Alienware ecosystem, as there are 32-inch 4K QD-OLED monitors using exactly the same panel as the 32-inch AW3225QF for pretty much exactly the same price as this 27-inch model.
Moreover, this remains an extremely expensive display for a mere 27-inch monitor. If pixel density is an absolute top priority, then it might just make sense. Otherwise, a 32-inch QD-OLED for similar money is surely more appealing. And if you really don't care about pixel density, 34-inch and even 49-inch ultrawides can again be had for a similar sticker price.
Alienware 27 AW2725Q QD-OLED: Design
(Image credit: Future)
Aside from debuting Samsung's 27-inch 4K QD-OLED tech, the Alienware 27 AW2725Q is also rolling out Alienware's new AW30 design language. Alienware says it is "crafted to evoke a sense of mystery and transcendence." Frankly, that's a tiny bit hyperbolic.
Not that the Alienware 27 AW2725Q is a bad looking display. But the new AW30 design language isn't a comprehensive success. In this iteration, AW30 translates into mostly dark blue plastic that's infused with just a hint of metallic fleck. The shapes and design flourishes are soft and organic with a slightly dated 90s vibe.
(Image credit: Future)
Indeed, the signature RGB-lit alien head logo on the rear is the only obvious carry over from the previous Alienware aesthetic which, in all candour, we prefer. Overall, the look and feel isn't especially impactful or premium.
That said, it is well enough built and the AW2725Q boasts a fully adjustable stand and good ergonomics. What's more, for the most part those design considerations only apply to the rear of this monitor, which you generally aren't looking at. Up front, the slim bezels on three sides of the QD-OLED panel and glossy panel coating ensure it looks bang up to date.
Alienware 27 AW2725Q QD-OLED: Features
(Image credit: Future)
The star of the show is the new 27-inch 4K Samsung QD-OLED panel. It boasts Samsung's latest five-layer tandem OLED structure. In larger panel formats, it helps to increase brightness, but the very small pixels of this high-density display mean that brightness is essentially the same as previous QD-OLEDs.
Specs like the 240Hz refresh and 0.03ms response are likewise dead ringers for existing 32-inch 4K QD-OLED monitors. So, the main attraction here on paper is the 166DPI pixel density, which is far higher than the 109DPI of, say, a 27-inch 1440p monitor.
(Image credit: Future)
Elsewhere, this isn't the most highly specified monitor when it comes to connectivity. You do get both two HDMI 2.1 ports, plus DisplayPort 1.4, all of which will do the full 240Hz refresh rate. But there's no USB-C input and thus no facility for docking a laptop with this monitor and keeping it charged.
Still, there is a USB hub which you can hook up to your PC, which offers three USB-A and one USB-C downstream ports. For the record, the Alienware 27 AW2725Q is also covered by Dell's Three-year Advanced Exchange Service warranty which includes cover for OLED burn-in.
Rounding things out as you'd expect from this class of gaming display, there's support for Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, plus Alienware Command Center, which is a Windows app that allows you to control some functionality from within Windows.
Alienware 27 AW2725Q QD-OLED: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
When this new class of 27-inch K QD-OLED was announced, it was pretty exciting, what with it using Samsung's latest five-layer tandem OLED tech. In practice, that aspect arguably underwhelms.
Not that the OLEDness here is anything less that you'd expect. Rather, it looks just like what you'd expect in terms of full screen brightness and peak HDR sizzle. This screen isn't a step on in that regard.
So, full screen brightness is adequate rather than excellent. That said, HDR performance in darker game scenes is just fantastic. There's a nighttime scene in Cyberpunk 2077 located on a gantry by a rocket that is the perfect illustration.
You get great detail in the shadows right next to the fluorescent light fittings that pop out with such intensity and precision. The glossy screen coating only enhances that sense of epic contrast. No LCD-based display comes even close, not even those with full-array local dimming.
(Image credit: Future)
Outdoor game scenes are less impressive, albeit still pretty good. Then there's the lightning fast pixel response. In fact, response is essentially a solved problem with these OLED monitors. The 240Hz refresh rate makes for very fluid visuals, too, plus excellent input latency. Of course, you'll need one heck of a graphics card to drive modern games at 4K, even with upscaling. But if you've got one, you'll love this monitor.
But what of the other key benefit, that high pixel density? On the Windows desktop, fonts look super crisp and sharp, despite the OLED panel's non-standard triangular pixel substructure. But in game? Honestly, there's not much subjective benefit compared to a 32-inch 4K OLED. And of course this screen is smaller and less immersive. If space is at a premium, then this 27-inch form factor is a clear benefit over a 32-inch option. Otherwise, we'd go 32-inch for the larger, more cinematic experience.
On a pair of final related notes, another area where this new-gen QD-OLED panel is essentially the same as previous generations is the purplish tinge to the panel itself in really bright ambient light. It slightly detracts from the sense of contrast and, again only slightly, undermines black levels. It's not a deal breaker, but is worth being aware of.
The other related issue is the color balance marginally tilted towards warmth. Again, it's not a major issue and for most people you'd barely notice it first and then quickly adjust to it if you have. But those who knowingly and clearly prefer a monitor with a truly neutral color temperature, it might be problematic.
Alienware 27 AW2725Q QD-OLED: Specs
Should I buy the Alienware 27 AW2725Q QD-OLED?
Buy it if...
You want a high-DPI OLED experience
At last, OLED panel tech is available with really good pixel density thanks to this new class of 27-inch 4K QD-OLED monitors.View Deal
You love HDR sizzle
When it comes to HDR visuals, no LCD monitor comes close to the high-contrast experience on offer from an OLED monitor with a glossy panel coating.View Deal
Don't buy it if...
You want stellar value
$899 for a 27-inch monitor is masses, even for one this good. That's especially true when a 32-inch 4K OLED can be had for the same price.View Deal
You like large, cinematic visuals
Here in 2025, a 27-inch monitor isn't exactly massive. For a really immersive experience, a 32-inch 4K model would be better, as would 34-inch or 49-inch Ultrawides.View Deal
Also Consider
Alienware AW3225QF
This 32-inch 4K QD-OLED is a little more expensive. But then it's larger and more immersive. Uniquely among the 4K 32-inch OLEDs on the market, this monitor is curved.
Hard to believe, but this massive 49-inch QD-OLED monitor isn't all that much more expensive. The pixel density is much lower, but the immersion levels are off the map.
I ran the Alienware 27 AW2725Q QD-OLED as my primary display for a week. I used it for absolutely everything including getting stuff done for work, watching YouTube and movies and, of course, games.
I've reviewed just about every OLED gaming monitor out there, and certainly every panel type, so this new class of 27-inch 4K QD-OLED is particularly interesting. Assessing things like full screen brightness is critical, as is getting to grips with the high-DPI experience.
I was also keen to double check that this new OLED was up to scratch for metrics like pixel response and latency while delivering that signature OLED HDR experience. Checking out Alienware's new design language was intriguing, too.
If you had a checklist of everything you wanted from a DAB radio, the Groov-e Boston would mark off almost every point. It lacks good looks and its sound quality could be better but for only £39.99 – it's currently only available in the UK, but that would make it approximately $52 or AU$82 where available in the US and Australia – it’s hard to criticize it too much.
Also, I can see it fitting in nicely in any room of your home, or you can always take it with you to a holiday let, a caravan: you get the idea. It’s lightweight for the size so it’s easy to move around.
A wooden frame isn’t the priciest or most exclusive look but it does make the Groov-e Boston appear a little classier than if it stuck with the speaker grilles' metal styling, or went for plastic casework. This isn’t the radio to show off to friends and family (that’s the Roberts Revival Petite 2) but it has, nevertheless an old-school charm about it.
Audio quality could be better but for a basic DAB radio, the Groov-e Boston is fine. Don’t count on using the Bluetooth connectivity too often to listen to your own music, though, unless you’re really stuck for options.
So, the Groov-e Boston isn’t one of the best Bluetooth speakers but who really cares about that? You’re buying something like this to compete with the best DAB radios. The Groov-e Boston may not have stolen my heart, but my head (and bank balance) do certainly love the price tag.
Groov-e Boston review: Price and release date
(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)
Released February 2023
Cost £39.99 (currently only available in the UK)
The Groov-e Boston was released in the UK in February 2023. Availability hasn’t stretched elsewhere – though if you happen to find it in the US or Australia it'll set you back approximately $52 or AU$82 – but if you’re in the UK, this is a cheap DAB radio while still being from a reputable brand.
It’s far cheaper than my beloved aforementioned Roberts Revival Petite 2, as well as the bulky Pure Woodland. There are some obscure brands with DAB radios around the same price point but none from a reputable brand to compete with the budget delights of Groov-e.
Groov-e Boston review: Specs
Groov-e Boston review: Features
(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)
DAB & FM radio
Bluetooth streaming
Built-in alarm clock
Pretty much all the features you could need from the Groov-e Boston are here. It has DAB and FM radio connectivity along with Bluetooth 5.0 for pairing with your phone or other devices. All are easily tapped around thanks to the clearly laid out buttons. It takes seconds to get started with the Groov-e Boston and it never really gets any more complicated.
You can set up 40 presets if you really plan on browsing that many stations regularly and the Groov-e Boston also has an alarm clock function. The latter is a little awkward to set up, though, compared with the simplicity of everything else.
I’d consider the Groov-e Boston primarily as a radio to use at home but it does take batteries if you want to use it out and about. You need four size C batteries to stick in the back – though probably not something you’ll ever actually do, the option is there.
Features score: 4 / 5
Groov-e Boston review: Sound quality
(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)
A little tinny
Best for spoken word over music
Some distortion at high volumes
The Groov-e Boston’s sound quality instantly reminds me of almost every car garage I’ve ever been to. That may be too a specific an anecdote but what I’m getting at is the Groov-e Boston is pretty basic-sounding, with that low-level quality you’d get from a small radio trying to expand to much larger surroundings. The Groov-e Boston transfers that tinny sound to a smaller room.
Mileage will vary depending on the strength of the DAB signal, of course. I found it sometimes improved but there was never any punch such as when listening to Beyonce’s Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) while browsing through some music stations. Spoken word is far better with some time spent with rant-filled LBC sounding reasonably strong, if still a little tinny for want of a better word.
There’s a reasonable stereo effect here but little heft. Crank up the volume and the Groov-e Boston ends up sounding more distorted but it works well enough in a small environment.
Sound quality: 3 / 5
Groov-e Boston review: Design
(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)
Useful carry handle
Lightweight
Retro stylings
Reminiscent of electronics' stylings a few decades old, the Groov-e Boston is functional if not exactly the device you’ll be posting across all your favorite social media platforms. It has a great metal carrying handle so you can move it from room to room without any bother, while the antenna pulls out easily enough.
In the center is a simple LED display showing the time, date, and whatever you’re listening to. Underneath that are your control buttons which are well laid out and explained, as well as a volume knob, which feels so much more satisfying repeated button bashing. The buttons on this radio are a tad on the noisy-clunky side but at least there’s never any doubt you’re tapping them. As is increasingly the way, there are no tactile bobbles to help those with sight impairments figure things out but the buttons are spaced out well so you can’t mistap anything.
On the back is simply the place for the batteries. No additional ports or anything like that. Also, if you’re keen to pick the right colorway for your decor, this isn’t the device for you. The Groov-e Boston is solely available in its part-gray/metal, part-wooden build.
Design score: 3 / 5
Groov-e Boston review: Value
Very affordable
Reputable name for the price
Fine for short- or long-term plans
Check out any retailer and you’ll be lucky to find a DAB radio for this price that is also from a brand you’ve heard of. The competition is simply more expensive. The likes of the Sony XDR-P1 are in the same ballpark, but still pricier and also nowhere near as pleasant to place on your shelf.
You’ll be unlikely to find much for cheaper but if you want style or better features, you may wish to look elsewhere.
Value score: 5 / 5
Should you buy the Groov-e Boston?
Buy it if...
You’re on a budget The Groov-e Boston packs a lot in for the price, even if it isn’t perfect.
You want something that fits everywhere The Groov-e Boston will look fine in your kitchen as well as your living room, and you can even take it out with you.
You want something lightweight Ideal for those who need to pack light or can’t carry anything too heavy, the Groov-e Boston won’t overwhelm you.
Don't buy it if...
You want great sound quality The Groov-e Boston works well with the spoken word but I was no fan when listening to music. Bear that in mind.
You want something stylish The functional look will suit some but you won’t be showing off the Groov-e Boston to friends.
You need something more robust The Groov-e Boston isn’t the weakest radio around but I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking it to the beach or off the beaten path.
Groov-e Boston review: Also consider
Roberts Revival Petite 2
Costing much more but looking gorgeous, the Roberts is just as portable while being something you’ll be proud of owning. Don't blame me when you decide to spend more.
Listened to DAB radio, FM radio, and music via iPhone 14 Pro and Bluetooth
Over 10 years' experience testing audio equipment
I’ve spent a lot of time with a lot of different DAB radios over the years. I opened up the box and got started with the Groov-e Boston the moment it arrived. It spent much of its time between my home office, bedroom, and living room. The carrying handle came in useful there. I mostly used it connected to mains power.
I listened to a lot of talk radio (LBC and BBC Radio 5 Live) to keep up with current affairs, while switching over to Heart 90s and 00s along with a local music station to calm my nerves after too much news.
When using the Bluetooth functionality, I connected my iPhone 14 Pro, and listened to Spotify and Apple Music.
The MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) is the latest edition of Apple’s large-screen thin and light laptop, launched alongside the smaller MacBook Air 13-inch (M4). Many of us have been waiting for Apple’s most popular laptops to get the powerful M4 chip since it debuted last year with the iPad Pro.
Since then, we’ve had M4 versions of the MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac mini, which has left MacBook Air fans (and there are a lot of them, with the MacBook Air being the most popular Mac product) waiting for their turn.
It’s perhaps understandable that some people might feel like the M4 MacBook Airs are an afterthought, with Apple taking so long to bring its latest chip to its most affordable laptops, but it seems Apple has settled into this release schedule. After all, the M3 MacBook Air (in both 13-inch and 15-inch configurations) launched pretty much exactly a year ago, in March 2024.
It seems Apple doesn’t want to get into another controversy by releasing a new MacBook model less than a year after the previous one. It did that with the MacBook Pro M3, which launched around nine months after the MacBook Pro M2, and it got a lot of flak for that.
By spacing the launches out for a year, it’s less likely to annoy people who have bought the previous model, and I get the feeling that Apple’s made the calculation that because the MacBook Air is aimed at a more casual, mainstream audience, there’s less clamor to get the latest and greatest hardware.
To be fair, that’s probably the right call, and no one who has an M3 MacBook Air should feel the need to upgrade to the M4 model. We go into more depth about what the M4 brings to the MacBook Air in our MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) review, but this release is more of a refinement than a complete reimagining.
(Image credit: Future)
When a laptop is as good as the MacBook Air (in either size), then that’s no bad thing at all, and if you’re looking for a new laptop, especially coming from a much older MacBook or Windows laptop, then there’s a very good chance that you’ll absolutely love the MacBook Air 15-inch (M4).
With a starting price of $1,199 / £1,199 / AU$2,099, Apple gave us all a pleasant surprise, as like the 13-inch model, the MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) has actually had a price cut, as the base model of the 15-inch MacBook Air with M3 started at $1,299 / £1,399 / AU$2,199.
A better model for less money is fantastic to see, especially these days where things seem to be getting ever more expensive, and I’ve got to give Apple credit for this. One of the best things about the MacBook Air is its affordability compared to laptops of a similar spec, and it’s great to see that Apple understands this.
This lower price does come at some cost, however, as unlike with previous generations, Apple is no longer officially selling any of the older MacBook Airs. When the MacBook Air M2 came out, for example, Apple reduced the price of the M1 model and sold it as a more affordable option, and the same thing happened with the M3 model (the M2 model got a price cut).
Instead, Apple is only selling the M4 models of the new MacBook Airs, so if you want to buy direct from the company, there’s no cheaper option available. However, third party retailers will continue to sell older MacBook Airs as they clear their inventory, and we’ve already seen some impressive MacBook Air deals since the announcement of the M4 model.
The base model of the 15-inch MacBook Air comes with the M4 chip with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB of unified memory and 256GB of SSD storage – similar to the base model of the new 13-inch MacBook Air, except the cheapest configuration of the smaller MacBook comes with an 8-core CPU.
Otherwise, in many ways the M4 MacBook Air 15-inch is the same as the 13-inch model, but with a larger screen, and therefore larger overall size. Even the sharpness of the two screens are essentially the same, due to the larger 15.3-inch screen coming with a higher resolution of 2880 x 1864 which works out at 224 pixels per inch, compared to the 13.6-inch screen’s 2560 x 1664 resolution, which also offers 224 pixels per inch.
(Image credit: Future)
This means the screens offer the same level of sharpness, and with the other similarities of the hardware, it really boils down to which screen size you’d prefer. The 15-inch MacBook Air offers a larger screen that some people will find more comfortable to work on, while the 13-inch model’s smaller size will appeal more to people who want a laptop they can rely on while traveling.
One big difference between the 13-inch and 15-inch M4 MacBook Airs is that the larger MacBook comes with six built-in speakers with force-cancelling woofers, while the smaller laptop makes do with four speakers, and no force-cancelling.
So, the 15-inch MacBook Air with M4 offers a much richer and more immersive sound experience, while the woofers offer deeper bass without shaking or vibrating the MacBook. The sound is certainly impressive considering the thin and light design of the 15-inch MacBook Air – it’s certainly one of the best sounding laptops you can buy, and if audio quality is of the utmost importance to you, then you will likely be better off buying the 15-inch model rather than the 13-inch.
There have also been some slight design tweaks since the last generation of MacBook Airs. The MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) (as with the 13-inch model) now comes with a 12MP Center Stage webcam. When broadcasting, you can move around and the Center Stage camera will keep you in frame (within reason – you can’t move too far). It does a decent job, and the video quality is clean and crisp.
The new webcam also supports Desk View, which cleverly keeps you in shot, while also showing your desk in another shot. This can be useful if you’re demonstrating something to an audience, and previously you’d need two cameras to achieve the same effect – one to shoot you from the front, the second angled to shoot your hands.
While not everyone is going to make use of this feature, it’s pretty clever, and works well. The new webcam also uses the M4 chip to offer machine learning-enhanced video effects such as Studio Light, which adjusts the lighting, brightness and contrast of your footage to give you a more professional look. It’s similar to the Windows Studio Effects tool found in Windows 11 laptops which come with AI-capable processors.
The new M4-powered MacBook Airs also come with a new color choice: Sky Blue. Don’t go thinking this is a vibrant, iMac-like hue, however. It’s a more subtle, metallic color with a hint of blue, and while understated, I do like it (Apple was kind enough to send me a review unit in the new color). The MagSafe charge cable comes in a color that matches the color of the MacBook Air, which is a nice touch.
Overall, the new MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) is an excellent thin and light laptop, and one of the best 15-inch laptops you can currently buy. However, if you have an M3, or even M2, version, there’s not much different that will make you feel the need to upgrade. That’s no particular slight on the M4 chip, but rather a testament to how good the M2 and M3 remain.
(Image credit: Future)
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) review: Price and availability
In a very welcome move, Apple has released the new MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) at a lower price than the M3 model launched at, beginning at $1,199 / £1,199 / AU$2,099, which gives you an M4 chip with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB of unified memory and 256GB of SSD storage.
If you’re a student, then you can get a further price cut which makes the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) much better value, and even without that discount, you’ll be hard pushed to find a 15-inch laptop that offers the same level of performance, design and build quality for a similar price. A recent model of the Dell XPS 15, for example, launched at $1,499 / £1,499 / AU$2,498.
In fact, the only competition the 15-inch MacBook Air with M4 has is… the 13-inch model, which offers similar levels of performance, but with a smaller screen and fewer built-in speakers, and starts at $999 / £999 / AU$1,699. As impressed as I am with the price of the 15-inch MacBook Air, I’m not sure the larger screen, better sound and two extra CPU cores justify the extra $200 / £200 / AU$400.
Unlike with previous generations, where Apple continued selling an earlier model as a more affordable option, it’s no longer selling M2 or M3 MacBook Airs, and while third party retailers will continue selling those models whilst stock lasts, the M4 models are now the only option available to buy direct from Apple, which means you have less choice if you want to get a cheaper MacBook.
The good news is that since the launch of the M4 MacBook Airs, we’ve seen some fantastic deals on the older models already.
Price: 4.5 / 5
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) review: Specs
Here are the specs for the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) at a glance.
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) review: Design
New Sky Blue color
Upgraded webcam
Otherwise same design
Since getting a major design overhaul with the M2 model back in 2022, Apple has pretty much stuck to the same design for its MacBook Air releases, with the 15-inch model essentially looking identical to the 13-inch model – just larger.
This is pretty much true with the MacBook Air 15-inch (M4), which largely keeps the look of the M3 model, but with a few welcome tweaks. The lack of a major new look isn’t too much of an issue, as the design remains stylish and modern.
With dimensions of 0.45 x 13.40 x 9.35 inches (1.15 x 34.04 x 23.76cm) and a weight of 3.3lbs (1.51kg), it remains an impressively slim and light 15-inch laptop, though the smaller dimensions of the 13-inch MacBook Air mean that’s the laptop I’d recommend to people who want the most portable machine.
While some rival laptop makers are putting out stylish and incredibly light laptops, especially LG with its ‘gram’ lineup of laptops, the 15-inch MacBook Air is unmistakably a premium Apple product with a stylish design and solid build quality.
(Image credit: Future)
On the left-hand side are two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a MagSafe 3 charging port (which contains magnets which makes plugging and unplugging the power connector convenient – and protects the MacBook from damage should the cable be yanked out by accident), and on the right-hand side is a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The Thunderbolt 4 ports offer speeds of up to 40Gb/s, and while it would have been nice to have faster Thunderbolt 5 ports, for most people this will be plenty fast enough for transferring large files to and from an external hard drive.
It’s not the best selection of ports, and we’ve seen rival thin and light laptops feature a greater array of ports, such as HDMI, without sacrificing their svelte looks, but at least the inclusion of the MagSafe 3 port means you don’t have to give up one of the Thunderbolt 4 ports when charging (though you can still use a USB-C charger to top up the MacBook Air 15-inch (M4)’s battery if you leave your MagSafe charger at home.
(Image credit: Future)
There have been a few changes to the design, however. For a start, the webcam is now a 12MP Center Stage camera which also offers the Desk View feature, which effectively splits your footage into two – a front-on portrait shot, and a wide angled view of your hands and desk. The image quality is excellent (boosted by the M4 chip), though the divisive ‘notch’ that surrounds the webcam and dips down into the screen remains.
This has been a part of the MacBook Air’s design for three years now, so most people who had a problem with this have likely made peace with its inclusion, and I’ve never had an issue with it, but it’s worth pointing out, especially as there are rival Windows 11 laptops that include just as good a webcam into thin bezels without needing a notch.
(Image credit: Future)
Another very minor design change is with the keyboard. It remains backlit, with a Touch ID button for quickly logging into macOS or confirming Apple Pay payments using a fingerprint, and is comfortable to use (and no longer plagued by stuck keys, which older MacBooks sometimes suffered from). What’s changed, however, is the mute icon on the F10 key, which has changed from a symbol of a speaker to a symbol of a speaker with a line through it.
This might seem like a minor change, but it’s actually one I welcome, as it means the symbol now matches the icon that appears on screen when you mute the sound of the laptop. It also matches what most other devices use as a mute symbol, and also means the mute button and the volume down button (which also has a speaker icon) are less easily confused, as they now look more distinct.
The biggest design change, however, is the new Sky Blue color. Apple sent me the MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) in this color, and you’ll be able to see what it looks like in the photos that accompany this review. It’s a subtle, metallic color that means it doesn’t look out of place next to the existing Midnight, Starlight and Silver colors, and while it’s not as vibrant as the iMac colors, it does mean it looks professional, while offering a hint of personality. It’s always nice to see the braided MagSafe cable that’s included in the package match the color of the MacBook Air you choose as well.
Overall, the design of the MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) remains stylish, thin and portable. If you’re looking for a 15-inch laptop with a premium look, then you’ll be very happy with the design of this machine.
Design: 4 / 5
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) review: Performance
Very good performance
M4 remains impressive
Big leap over Intel Macs
While the design of the MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) feels like an iterative update over the previous model, the hardware and performance of the new MacBook Air… also feels like a limited leap rather than a generational one.
In some ways this is to be expected due to Apple’s yearly release schedule for its M-class chips. There’s only so many improvements and refinements you can make, and unlike with an iPhone, you’re unlikely to want to upgrade your laptop every year or so.
What this means is that if you already own an M3-powered MacBook Air, the performance upgrade you’re going to get by moving to the M4 isn’t going to be huge.
This is why in most of Apple’s marketing and documentation for the new MacBook Air 15-inch (M4), the company highlights the performance gains over the 13-inch MacBook Air with an Intel Core i7 processor from around 2020.
According to Apple, the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) offers around 20 times the performance of the Intel MacBook Air in certain tasks. Meanwhile, the difference between the M3 and M4 MacBook Air, according to Apple’s own figures, is much more modest (I’m talking single digit increases).
Having used both the M2 and M3 MacBook Airs extensively, as well as my time testing the M4 MacBook Air, I have to say that there was little noticeable performance difference. Pretty much every app, and the macOS operating system itself, ran smoothly, and almost every major application now supports the Arm-based M4 chip natively, which meant I didn’t need to rely on the Rosetta 2 tool which allows apps designed for Intel Macs to run (which comes with a slight hit to performance).
(Image credit: Future)
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) benchmarks
Here's how the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) performed in our suite of industry-standard benchmarks and game tests.
Geekbench 6.4: Single - 3,799 Multi - 14,921 Blackmagic Disk Speed Test: Read: 3,012.5MB/s Write: 3,335.1MB/s Cinebench: Single-core - 172 Multi-core - 904 GPU - 3,860 Battery life test: 15 hours 14 minutes
More intensive tasks, such as editing 4K raw footage in Premiere Pro, saw a bigger improvement, but, again, not enough to warrant upgrading from the M3. Most people looking to buy a MacBook Air won’t be performing heavy duty tasks with it, but for day-to-day use, the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) is truly excellent. The efficiency of the M4 chip means that it is also once again fanless, so the MacBook Air remains silent throughout use – a lovely change from many Windows 11 laptops that like to whirr up their fans seemingly at the drop of a hat.
The screen remains excellent, with bright, vivid colors, though an increasing number of competitors, such as the Asus Vivobook S 15 Copilot+ threaten to beat Apple here with support for OLED screen technology which makes a huge difference to image quality. We’re also seeing an increasing number of 4K laptops that offer sharper resolutions as well.
That’s not to say that the MacBook Air 15-inch (M4)’s screen is bad – far from it – but rivals are catching up fast at this price point. A new feature with the M4 chip is that the MacBook Air can now support two external displays at once, while also powering its built-in screen as well – a welcome tweak that people who like to use multiple monitors at once will be very pleased with.
Where the MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) remains a leader in its class is with the audio. Watching shows and movies in Apple TV+ looked good, but sounded even better thanks to the six-speaker sound system offers a depth and clarity that other thin and light laptops can’t match. In movies especially, the six speakers offer a wide soundstage, with sound effects coming from either side of the screen. Apple also talks up the spatial audio abilities of the MacBook Air 15-inch (M4)’s speakers, and while it doesn’t compare to my physical Dolby Atmos home theatre setup, there are still moments of impressive immersion as the sound envelops you. Considering the slimline design of the 15-inch MacBook Air, this is very impressive.
(Image credit: Future)
What does disappoint, slightly, is that Apple has stuck with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless networking and peripheral connections, two last-gen technologies that lack some of the features and performance that Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 offer.
Overall, the performance of the MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) is superb for the price, and if you’re coming from an Intel-based MacBook, or even a traditional Windows 11 laptop, then you’re going to be very impressed with what the new MacBook Air offers.
However, if you already have an M2 or M3 MacBook Air, I don’t think there’s enough of a performance leap to justify upgrading just yet – and I’d recommend holding out for the (almost) inevitable M5-powered MacBook Air which could land sometime next year.
Performance: 4 / 5
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) review: Battery life
Apple promises 18 hours
We found it lasted over 15 hours
Slightly longer battery life than the 13-inch model
Ever since Apple switched from Intel hardware to its own Arm-based M-series chips, I’ve been incredibly impressed with the power efficiency of the MacBook Air. Even when performing complex tasks, the performance of the new MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) didn’t drop when on battery power (some laptops will throttle performance to prolong battery life), and in our battery life benchmark tests, it easily cleared 15 hours of continuous use.
This means you can confidently use the MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) for several work days without worrying about plugging it in – something I did myself while testing.
Because of the bigger body, Apple has added a larger battery to the 15-inch MacBook Air compared to the 13-inch model, and this resulted in a slightly longer battery life for the 15-inch MacBook Air, though the extra energy needed to power the larger screen means there’s not a huge amount in it.
Battery: 4.5 / 5
Should you buy the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4)?
Buy it if...
You want a 15-inch laptop Apple has done it again, and the new MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) is the best 15-inch laptop you can buy.
You want a laptop that lasts several work days The battery life of this laptop is excellent, and you should be able to use it over several work days on a single charge.
You have an Intel-based MacBook If you have an old Intel-based MacBook, then the new M4 MacBook Air will offer a tremendous upgrade.
Don't buy it if...
You have an M2 or M3 MacBook While the M4 chip is a great performer, you don't need to upgrade if you have an M2 or M3 MacBook, as the leap isn't quite worth it.
You prefer Windows 11 As you'd expect, the MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) runs macOS, Apple's own operating system. If you want to stick with Windows 11, look elsewhere.
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4): Also consider
Mac mini (M4) Like the sound of the M4 chip, but want something cheaper? The Mac mini from late 2024 is a great, affordable choice that comes with the same M4 hardware that the 15-inch MacBook Air has. It's a desktop PC, however, so it's not as portable.
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) The 13-inch MacBook Air has also got an M4 makeover, and offers very similar performance but in a smaller form factor, making it a great choice if you want a more easily portable laptop to travel with.
I've used the MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) over the past week as my main work laptop, writing most of this review on it, as well as browsing the web, attending meetings via video call and running our suite of benchmarks. I also played around with video and photo editing during my time with the laptop. I've been reviewing MacBooks for TechRadar for well over a decade, and have extensively used and tested all models of Apple's M-series chips.
The Amazfit Helio Ring is the first smart ring from Chinese tech company Amazfit, best known for its budget-friendly fitness trackers, like the Amazfit Active 2 and its new open-ear earbuds, the Amazfit Up. Staying true to its brand, the Helio Ring undercuts the competition on price, offering a more affordable alternative to rivals like Oura with no added subscription fee.
The design is sleek and minimalist, with a titanium outer shell, and the ring is very comfortable to wear all day and night – possibly the most comfortable smart ring I’ve tested. The downside? It comes in just one finish and only three size options at the time of writing, which significantly limits your choice compared to competitors.
Functionally, the Helio Ring is built for sleep and wellness tracking. It offers in-depth sleep insights, heart rate monitoring, and energy tracking. There’s no auto-detection for workouts and there are only four workout modes to pick from. But, if one of those is your exercise of choice, you do get comprehensive data after each workout – and heart rate tracking as you exercise is accurate, too.
Having said that, if you’re looking for a fully-fledged fitness tracker, this isn’t it. Most smart rings out there can’t compete with fitness watches in those stakes – but that’s never been the point of them. Amazfit does say that the ring would work very well if you pair it with one of its smartwatches, and this will be too much hassle and expense for some, but if you’re already in the Amazfit ecosystem, it’ll make a lot of sense.
Overall, the Amazfit Helio Ring is a solid choice for sleep tracking and general wellness monitoring. While it lacks some of the refinement of its more premium rivals, especially in terms of battery life and app experience, it’s a welcome new option in the smart ring space. It'll especially appeal to those already in the Amazfit ecosystem – or anyone looking for a more affordable yet equally capable alternative to some of the best smart rings on the market.
Amazfit Helio Ring review: Price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
Launch price of $299.99 / £269 / AU$399
Official price now of $199.99 / £169 / AU$269
No subscription required
The Amazfit Helio Ring originally retailed at $299.99 / £269 / AU$399 in 2024. But now you’ll find it for $199.99 / £169 / AU$269 on the Amazfit website and some regions also stock it on Amazon. For example, you’ll find it on Amazon in the UK right now for a slightly cheaper £149.
How does that stack up against the competition? The Oura Ring 4 starts at $349 / £349 for some designs and colors, but others cost much more. For example, the rose gold version is $499 / £499. Not only is the latest Oura Ring significantly more expensive than the Helio Ring, you’ll also need an Oura Ring Membership to unlock its potential, which is $5.99 / £5.99 a month.
For comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Ring is our top smart ring pick at the moment and that currently costs the most at $399 / £399 / AU$749, but that doesn’t need an additional subscription.
When the Amazfit Helio Ring first launched, some features required an additional payment. Fortunately, Amazfit appears to have removed that model, making the device even more appealing. With no subscription fees, it stands out from Oura.
Whether the Amazfit Helio Ring offers good value depends entirely on what you need from a wearable. At a lower price point than the Oura Ring, and with no must-buy subscription, it’s a solid choice for those focused on sleep and recovery tracking.
If sleep tracking is your top priority, the Helio Ring offers strong value. However, if you’re looking for comprehensive workout tracking, a smartwatch or fitness tracker is likely a better buy. Smart rings, this one included, aren’t designed to replace a sports watch, and the Helio Ring’s limited workout modes prove that. But for those seeking a sleek, comfortable sleep and wellness tracker at a lower cost than the best in the game, it’s a strong contender.
Value score: 4/5
Amazfit Helio Ring review: Specifications
Amazfit Helio Ring review: Design
(Image credit: Future)
My favorite smart ring in terms of design
Only three sizes
Only one finish (but I love it)
The Amazfit Helio Ring is one of my favorite smart rings in terms of design. It’s sleek, lightweight, and comfortable. It has a titanium alloy exterior, giving it a more high-end feel than its price suggests. While the inner side (where the sensors sit) is plastic and comfortable. It’s impressively slim at just 2.6mm and light at 3.65g. This is very similar to the Oura Ring, which is 2.88mm thick and weighs from 3.3g to 5.2g depending on the size. In short, there’s not much in it, so don’t assume affordability means bulkier or heavier.
However, where it does fall short is the Helio Ring comes in only one finish, a brushed silver with tiny dots on the front, which I personally love. The popular matte black options from other brands tend to scratch easily, and gold versions can be too flashy and shiny for me to wear everyday. Of course, this is all down to personal preference, and if you want something that looks different, Oura andSamsung offer more color choices.
Fit-wise, there are just three sizes available (8, 10, and 12), which is far more limited than other smart rings that offer a wider range of sizes. Oura offers 12 different sizes. If one of these fits you, great – but if not, you’re out of luck.
Another big plus is durability. Some smart rings I’ve tested got scuffs within hours, especially those with matte finishes, but the Helio Ring has held up well with only minor scratches after several weeks.
The Amazfit Helio Ring is rated at 10 ATM water resistance, meaning it can handle surface swimming and snorkeling, but not scuba diving. In practical terms, it’s safe for most daily water exposure, including showers, workouts, and casual swims.
A small vertical line on the exterior of the ring marks the sensor placement, which should face the inside of your finger for the best tracking. Unlike some other smart rings, Amazfit makes this clear, which is a nice usability touch.
This is one of the best-designed smart rings I’ve tested. It’s slim and lightweight, subtly stylish, and surprisingly scratch-resistant. The limited sizes and finishes might be a drawback for some, but if the fit works for you, it's a great-looking, comfortable option.
Design score: 4 / 5
Amazfit Helio Ring review: Features
(Image credit: Future)
Excels at sleep and general wellbeing tracking
Limited workout tracking
App is simple but works well
For a more affordable smart ring, the Amazfit Helio Ring packs in plenty of features. Sleep tracking is where this ring shines. You get everything you’d expect, sleep stages, duration, and detailed metrics presented in easy-to-read charts.
But it also monitors breathing, skin temperature, heart rate variability, and resting heart rate while you sleep. All this data is used to generate a morning readiness score, telling you how well you’ve recovered, how much energy you have, and what kind of activity you’re primed for.
There’s also an EDA sensor (electrodermal activity), which, combined with heart rate data, aims to track stress and emotional responses throughout the day.
Unlike fitness watches, smart rings aren’t designed for workouts, and the Helio Ring is no exception. It only offers four workout modes, which is a bit disappointing. But if you mostly run or walk, you’ll still get solid data like workout time, speed, heart rate, VO2 max, calories burned, and GPS-tracked routes.
Amazfit suggests pairing the ring with an Amazfit smartwatch – the idea being that the watch handles workouts, while the ring tracks sleep and recovery. Both sync seamlessly in the Zepp app, making it a well-rounded system if you’re in the Amazfit ecosystem.
There are a couple of other features here worth mentioning, like PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence). This is your unique cardiovascular fitness score based on heart rate and daily activity. At first, it felt like just another number, but PAI actually provides a useful gauge of overall fitness. As someone shifting from a weightlifting and yoga focus to more cardio, I found it surprisingly helpful.
You can also track your menstrual cycle from within the Zepp app, which works similarly to period apps like Flo or Clue, predicting cycles and sending reminders. I didn’t test this, but it’s a solid addition if you want all of your health and fitness data in one place.
With all this data, a good app is crucial. The Zepp app has improved recently and while it’s not as sleek as Oura’s, it’s clean, intuitive, and lets you find key insights quickly. Personally, I prefer a simple interface over something overly designed anyway.
At launch, some features within the app required a Zepp Aura subscription, this is Amazfit’s extra sleep and recovery assistant, this included deeper sleep insights, relaxation tracking, and personalized sleep music. But they’re now all free to Helio Ring users.
Features score: 4 / 5
Amazfit Helio Ring review: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
Solid at sleep tracking
Really comfortable to wear
Won’t replace your fitness tracker
Amazfit claims the Helio Ring lasts up to four days, but in real-world use, I got closer to three-and-a-half days with all health tracking features turned on. That’s noticeably less than the six days you’ll get from the Oura Ring and the seven days from the Samsung Galaxy Ring. Charging is quick, taking about an hour and a half via a USB-C wireless charging plinth.
In terms of comfort, this is one of the most wearable smart rings I’ve tested. The lightweight, slim design makes it easy to forget you’re even wearing it. The size 8 fit perfectly on my index finger, making it feel seamless throughout the day and night. However, with only three sizes available (8, 10, and 12), finding the right fit might be tricky for some. Hopefully, future versions will offer more size options.
Sleep tracking is where the Helio Ring really stands out. It provides a detailed breakdown of sleep stages alongside heart rate and breathing monitoring. The data syncs quickly to the Zepp app, where you can view trends and graphs over time. Compared to other wearables, the sleep tracking felt mostly accurate, though it occasionally overestimated my sleep by a few minutes. One feature I particularly liked was nap tracking, which tends to be hit-or-miss with other devices, but as long as I napped for more than 20 minutes the Helio Ring picked it up accurately.
One of its standout features is how sleep data influences readiness, exertion, and recovery scores, giving you real insights into how well your body has recovered overnight. You can even toggle off certain metrics, like hypopnea (airway obstruction) detection for sleep apnea risk if they’re not relevant to you, which helps conserve battery life.
For me, the recovery tracking was especially useful. Not just physically as I recover from a back injury, but also mentally, after dealing with seasonal depression earlier in the year. If you’re in a similar situation – trying to rebuild fitness or improve sleep – this kind of data can be genuinely helpful. On the other hand, if you’re already in peak shape, I’m not sure these insights would add much value.
When it comes to workout tracking, there are some limitations. Unlike smartwatches or fitness trackers, it doesn’t auto-detect workouts and only supports manual tracking for running, walking, cycling, and treadmill sessions. This was frustrating, as my fitness routine includes a lot of yoga and strength training, neither of which are supported. However, for the workouts it does track, the data is solid. When I took the Helio Ring for a run, I could see everything I needed in the Zepp app, including workout time, average speed, heart rate, VO2 max, calories burned, and GPS-tracked routes.
So while it’s not a dedicated fitness tracker, it does a decent job for running and walking. For more complete sports tracking, pairing it with an Amazfit smartwatch is the best way to get a broader picture of both fitness and recovery.
Performance: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Scorecard
Should I buy the Amazfit Helio Ring?
Buy it if…
You already have a watch in the Amazfit ecosystem The ideal setup is a smartwatch for fitness and daytime tracking and a smart ring for sleep and recovery at night.
Sleep tracking is your top priority The Helio Ring excels at sleep monitoring, using data like heart rate, temperature, and breathing patterns to inform your Readiness and Exertion scores.
You find other wearables uncomfortable This is one of the most comfortable smart rings I’ve tested. If you’ve struggled with wristbands or smartwatches for sleep tracking, this could be the perfect solution.
Don’t buy it if…
You’re willing to pay more for a premium experience If budget isn’t a concern, the Oura Ring offers a more refined experience, plus better battery and size and finish options – just expect to pay extra, both upfront and for the subscription.
You need a strong workout tracker If all you need is tracking for walking and running, you do get good data. But for anything beyond that, there are limited workout modes.
The sizes don’t work for you The Helio Ring only comes in three sizes (8, 10, and 12). If your index finger (the most comfortable placement) doesn’t match one of these, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Amazfit Up: Also consider
Oura Ring 4 If you’re looking for a more refined experience with a wider range of colors and sizes, as well as a better battery the latest Oura Ring is a great choice. Just be prepared to pay more upfront – and for the ongoing subscription to unlock full features Read our full Oura Ring 4 review
Ultrahuman Ring Air Pricier than both the Oura and Helio Rings at the time of writing, but it comes without a subscription. If you want more finish and size options with no additional monthly costs and a solid battery, this is a strong alternative. Read our full Ultrahuman Ring Air review
How I tested the Amazfit Helio Ring
(Image credit: Future)
Worn 24/7
Tested for several weeks
Lots of expertise testing smart rings to compare
I tested the Amazfit Helio Ring for three weeks, pairing it with an iPhone 14 Pro. Aside from taking it off for charging and showers (it’s waterproof, but I was cautious about soap and shampoo), I wore it 24/7 – through outdoor runs, gym sessions, long workdays in coffee shops, evenings at home, and, of course, while sleeping. It’s been put through its paces in a wide range of real-world environments.
As someone who has reviewed numerous wearables over the years, I’ve tested a variety of smart rings – including models from Ultrahuman, Motiv, Ringconn, Evie, multiple generations of the Oura Ring, and more. The smart ring market is only just breaking into the mainstream, but having worn so many, I have a solid sense of what to expect, how they should feel, and what makes a great user experience.
I love the idea of hiding a speaker in plain sight – in fact, I refuse to have bookshelf speakers because I really don’t like how they look on my, well, bookshelf and, despite offering great sound, I’m not too enthused by the design of the best wireless speakers either. Call me fussy, but when Samsung launched the Music Frame, it looked like something that would fit right into my home – playing my tunes and potentially showcasing my photography as well.
I’m impressed by how well built the Samsung Music Frame is, but weighing in at close to five kilos, I’m hesitant to wall mount it. Moreover, as a renter in Sydney, Australia, I’m not allowed to bore a hole in my wall, so I can’t really comment on how well it would perform with sound waves bouncing off a hard surface directly behind it. That said, Samsung thoughtfully provides a dampener in the box precisely for this purpose. It still looks lovely on its stand.
Changing the artwork is easy, but you have to have photos or images that would look good within a 8x8 inch square space – as a nature photographer who typically shoots in a 4:3 aspect ratio, it was hard to find one of my own prints to fit within the Music Frame.
To match its lovely design, Samsung has managed to make a speaker that fills a large room with sound. The Music Frame can get quite loud, much louder than the Ikea Symfonisk Picture Frame Wi-Fi speaker, with strong, expansive sound. And there are plenty of wireless streaming options to choose from, so it doesn’t have to be part of Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem to work as a standalone speaker, but the app is necessary for the initial setup.
What it lacks is detailed and dynamic sound. While it’s just bassy enough for the average listener who isn’t too fussed about the soundstage to enjoy some tunes or pair with a Samsung The Frame TV, it will be a disappointment to anyone who cares about sound quality and wants to use it as a standalone speaker.
Also taking into consideration that the front panel isn’t a digital screen that would display, say, album art or double as a digital photo frame, I am struggling to justify its price.
There's no denying that the Samsung Music Frame has 'presence' (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Samsung Music Frame review: price & release date
Made its debut at CES 2024; launched in April 2024
List price: $399.99 / £399 / AU$699
The Samsung Music Frame isn’t brand new – it made its public debut at CES in January 2024, then was released to select markets in April that year. It became a bit more widely available later in 2024 and can be picked up for $399.99 / £399 / AU$699 at full price.
Samsung was offering a discount in some countries when the Music Frame launched and, since then, we have seen offers that make the speaker a little more affordable. For example, I’ve seen the price drop to as low as $150 in the US and AU$499 in Australia.
While you can display printed photos within the Music Frame, compatible acrylic panels can be ordered from select third parties for an additional cost, plus shipping, but note that you may need to keep the rear studs safe or source more to reattach the new artwork panel back into the Frame.
Samsung Music Frame review: specs
Samsung Music Frame review: features
SmartThings app required for setup
Dolby Atmos support with two-channel output
Built-in Q-Symphony support
The Music Frame’s feature set is quite impressive on paper, perhaps exactly what you want from a “lifestyle” product (as Samsung calls it) to widen its appeal. From plenty of wireless streaming options – including AirPlay 2 and Google Cast – to built-in voice assistant support for Alexa but, strangely, not Samsung’s own assistant Bixby, there's a lot going on here.
You can’t get things started without Samsung’s SmartThings app, though, and that requires you to create a Samsung account or use an existing one. Setup from there on in is very simple and I had no issues when using a Samsung phone or an iPhone – just following the onscreen steps will take you about 30 seconds to get going.
You’re also going to need the app to get the best sound setup too. You can play around with the seven-band equalizer in the Standard mode within the app, but if you opt for the Music or Adaptive Sound mode, you only get bass and treble controls.
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You need the SmartThings app for initial setup, whether on Andriod or iOS... (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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..then choose the best options and settings for your use case (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
That done, you have the choice to pair the speaker with your phone or tablet via Bluetooth 5.2 or cast via the built-in Chromecast. iPhone or iPad users will immediately see AirPlay as an option when they open the Apple Music app, but you also get Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect support, all of which are better than using Bluetooth connectivity due to a slight lag that’s evident when using the SmartThings app as they pass control of streaming to the speaker itself rather than using the phone. Despite this tiny lag, I never experienced any connection dropout during my weeks-long testing, which probably says something about how well Samsung has executed the connectivity options.
There’s Dolby Atmos support too, although it comes with a major caveat: it’s received only via Wi-Fi – there’s no HDMI ARC/eARC port here and the optical input isn’t Atmos compatible – and works with only select Samsung TVs with a two-channel output. That means you can’t use this as a soundbar alternative, but you can set it up as an additional speaker for Samsung The Frame TV or the Samsung QN95D, even as a pair if you have the cash to spare for a second Music Frame.
Samsung's Adaptive Sound feature didn't work when there were power-tool noises just outside the window (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Tap-to-Play is also available but, again, it only works with compatible Samsung phones. I had the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 during my testing, which is supposed to be compatible, but no amount of tapping anywhere on the Music Frame triggered the functionality. Another feature Samsung promises is on board is its AI-powered Adaptive Sound technology, which adjusts clarity and volume in real time to any changes in ambient sound and, once again, I didn’t notice any changes when a landscaper outside my window was using a power tool.
What I did enjoy, however, is playing music through both my Ikea Symfonisk Picture Frame and the Music Frame for bigger stereo sound. Thanks, AirPlay!
• Features score: 4 / 5
Samsung Music Frame review: sound quality
Loud, room-filling sound
Decently bassy, but lacks the meatiness offered by other brands
Sound lacks detail and nuance
To match the impressive connectivity and streaming options, the Music Frame has a heck of a lot of power, although Samsung doesn’t reveal how much. However, the six drivers with built-in amplification in the Music Frame belt out a lot of volume. The first tune I played on the speaker immediately after setting it up – Gimme All Your Love by Alabama Shakes via Google Cast from the aforementioned Galaxy Z Flip 5 – it was LOUD with the volume set at level 17, enough to make me want to turn it down a notch. The louder it got, though, the muddier the audio sounded.
It looks like there are just two speakers in the rear of the Music Frame, but there are, in fact, six (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Several music streaming apps, like Apple Music and Tidal, don’t have built-in volume controls and I found that, when using the Samsung phone’s controls, each incremental increase or decrease made a significant difference. It was a different experience when using an iPhone 13 Pro’s volume control (streaming via AirPlay 2), where the changes were smoother and more appealing.
Pro Tip
I got the best sound using the Music mode within the SmartThings app, along with the SpaceFit Sound feature turned on.
Out of the box, the Music Frame offers decent bass but, compared to the 2024 Beats Pill Bluetooth speaker and the Ikea Symfonisk Picture Frame, it can sound airy (or tinny if you prefer) with the high-mid frequencies being the focus. You can adjust this via the bass control or the equalizer in the SmartThings app, but I struggled to find my sweet spot.
The Music mode on the SmartThings app adds warmth to the music, while SpaceFit Sound uses the speaker’s built-in mic to analyze the room and adjust the sound accordingly. It will work wonders for the average listener by improving the vocals on a track, but it might still disappoint if you really care about good overall audio as it lacks detail. For example, Ellie King’s Ain’t Gonna Drown sounds good but not great as it doesn’t deliver the dynamic contrasts in her vocals. JJ Cale’s Magnolia sounds flat, lacking the wistfulness and melancholy I normally associate with it.
I accidentally also found out that there’s some muffling due to the front artwork panel. This happened when I was listening to KD Lang’s After The Gold Rush, and decided on a whim I would try to swap out the artwork while still playing. The track lacked depth but, once the front panel came off, it sounded better.
I like the look of the Samsung Music Frame (right), but prefer the audio quality of the Ikea Symfonisk Picture Frame (left) (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Listening to Dolby Atmos tracks like M.I.A’s Marigold and Freddie Hubbard’s Weaver of Dreams is immersive, but I’ve experienced better from the Sonos Era 300, although Sonos is known for putting details front and center. This is exacerbated by the fact that, when playing a Dolby Atmos track, its volume level dips significantly – I had to bump up the volume by five levels to get the same effect when listening to other tracks. The best way to enjoy Dolby Atmos here would be to make it part of an existing setup, combining it with a soundbar.
As much as I appreciate its room-filling performance, I expected better overall sound quality from a premium wireless speaker that costs more than several of its competitors.
• Sound quality score: 3 / 5
The stand for the Samsung Music Frame is demure and not an eyesore (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Samsung Music Frame review: design
Beautiful design with thin bezels and hidden controls
Removable frame panel to change artwork, but cost of customization can add up
Can be wall mounted, but the cable might be an eyesore
I might have been disappointed by the sound from the Music Frame, but I really love the design. It’s not as square as it appears, measuring 35cm along the base and stands 36cm high. It’s about 14cm thick and has a heft to it, tipping the scales at over 9lbs / 4.5kg. I’d be hesitant to wall-mount it as Samsung provides just the one screw for it to hang off, but its corners are sharp too. If it gets nudged off its perch for any reason – even if it’s on its stand – it can cause injury to toddlers and pets.
I love that stand, though – it’s easy to slip on but not remove (which is probably a good thing), and it doesn’t stand out, if you get my drift. So all your attention is on the actual Music Frame.
The thin black bezels surrounding the matte acrylic panel makes for a great aesthetic, but if you don’t like the dark border, Samsung will sell you white snap-on panels for an additional cost – although this is only available in select markets.
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Removing the art panel isn't difficult... (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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..and it doesn't take much effort to change the print inside, if you have one that will fit (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Removing the top panel to change the artwork isn’t difficult, but it requires a little elbow grease and best done by placing the speaker flat on its back. People with slim fingers will find it easy to get a grip on an edge, but I wish Samsung had included a pry tool to help those of us with sausage fingers. The panel is held in place by ball studs that fit into sockets on the black frame, and a removable plastic sheet on its rear allows you to change the artwork. While the panel measures 13x13 inches, only the central 8x8 inch cutout will showcase the artwork. Samsung says you can use 8x10 or 8x8 inch prints, but I suspect that using a print smaller than the actual size of the panel will give it room to slide around inside and look misaligned.
The Music Frame comes with a generic image pre-installed, but you’ll find an extra one in the box. I had hoped to use a print of one of my own photos, but none that I had handy would fit the frame. Samsung has partnered with some third parties to make custom acrylic panels that you can order and get shipped to you but, again, this customization will cost extra and you’ll need to bear the shipping cost too.
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You can barely see the indicator lights as they're practically hidden in the gap between the art panel and the frame (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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You can use a SmartThings Dongle (middle port) here, but it needs to be purchased separately (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Image 3 of 3
The visible part of the power cable is a light one, but it does have an adapter and a thicker cable (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
I asked Samsung why the front panel wasn’t a digital screen to use as a photo frame or at least display album art of the track being played, and I was told the cost would increase. I’m not entirely sold on this argument, but if we can have smart displays like the Amazon Echo Show 15, it’s doable and would likely broaden the appeal of the Music Frame. The Frame TV already has the ability to display digital wallpapers and I wish Samsung had figured out how to carry that over to the speaker too.
It’s important to note that the Music Frame will need to remain plugged into the mains to work, so you get a thin, kinda translucent cable in the box that will go into a small power brick connected to a thick black power cord. While I’m really not a fan of power bricks, I appreciate that the thin cable isn’t as noticeable as the one of the Ikea Symfonisk Picture Frame, and the heavy cable and adapter can be tucked away.
The physical controls, in the form of four buttons are hidden away on a rear edge, which makes them hard to see. They’re also extremely sensitive and even the lightest touch can change the volume, switch the mic on or off, or switch sources (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, optical). Plus, every time you press one, indicator lights that are also tucked away between panel and the frame light up. There is no play/pause option here, so you are left with using the app’s controls for that.
The back of the unit looks like it only has two speakers, but there are six hiding underneath, playing through two channels. Plus there are three ports: the optical input, a USB port for the SmartThings dongle to connect to an existing smart home setup, and the power input.
• Design score: 4.5 / 5
The Samsung Music Frame looks lovely no matter where you place it (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Samsung Music Frame review: value
Retails for a price higher than several premium big-brand wireless speakers
You’d expect excellent performance at this price point
Falls short against the competition in both price and performance
With a retail price of $399.99 / £399 / AU$699, the Samsung Music Frame doesn’t come cheap. When discounted, though, it might be worth considering, provided the offer available at the time of purchase undercuts the competition significantly.
That said, if you’re an audiophile or, at the very least, a discerning listener, you might well be disappointed by the lack of detail from the Music Frame. In comparison, the Ikea Symfonisk Picture Frame Wi-Fi Speaker with Sonos sound is only $199 / £179 / AU$249 and, while not as loud as its Samsung counterpart, offers a more balanced and dynamic soundstage that’s also bassier.
Even some of the other best wireless speakers that the Music Frame is contending with are cheaper at full price. In our Sonos Era 100 review, for example, we said you’d get sound quality with “lots of clarity and punch” for a list price of $249 / £249 / AU$399.
Perhaps if Samsung had added a digital screen with a SmartThings interface or even just made it into a digital photo frame, it might have been easier to justify the price. If the sound quality and functionality were to be improved, I think the second-generation Music Frame could likely give the likes of Sonos a run for its money.
• Value score: 2.5 / 5
Should you buy the Samsung Music Frame?
Buy it if...
You want a wireless speaker for a small space
The Music Frame is a 2-in-1 device – you don’t need an additional picture frame for your memories, and you get a speaker too.
You own a Samsung The Frame TV
Setting it up as an additional speaker for a compatible Samsung TV will make the most of the Music Frame, offering you a more engaging home cinema experience.
Don't buy it if...
You’re an audio purist
If you’re after a speaker with excellent audio, you’ll need to forgo the good looks for a speaker that was made for a more dynamic soundstage.
You’re on a tight budget
It might be hard to recommend the Music Frame at its current retail price, but if you want a good speaker sans the frame, there are plenty of options that cost less.
Samsung Music Frame review: also consider
If you’re looking for alternatives to the Samsung Music Frame, the most similar ‘lifestyle’ or ‘arty’ product would be the Ikea Symfonisk Picture Frame Wi-Fi Speaker, which is still available at most Ikea stores around the world. However, if you’re after better wireless speakers, consider the two options listed below.
JBL Authentics 200 If it’s detailed sound you’re after, the JBL Authentics range is where you should be focusing. While there’s an expensive model that would be out of reach for most people, the Authentics 200 balances price, features and sound performance marvelously well. While it costs less than the Music Frame, it does have a rather retro boxy look that may not be to everyone’s liking.
Sonos Era 100 For a smaller speaker that won’t look too out of place in most homes, consider the Sonos Era 100. It packs quite the mighty punch, though, with detailed sound and boosted bass, not to mention a plethora of sources available too. And it will cost you a lot less than the Samsung Music Frame too.
Listened to it nearly every day for six weeks in different rooms
Used AirPlay 2 on an Apple iPhone 13 Pro and cast using the SmartThings app on a Samsung Galaxy Flip 5
Predominantly streamed from Apple Music, but also tried Spotify and Tidal
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
I’ve had the Samsung Music Frame in my apartment for about six weeks at the time of publication and, in that time, tested the speaker in various rooms, including an open-plan living and dining area. During this time, the Music Frame became my primary speaker, replacing the Ikea Symfonisk Picture Frame Wi-Fi Speaker. I also had the opportunity to compare the audio with two Bluetooth speakers – the 2024 Beats Pill and the JBL Charge 4.
While I predominantly listen to the blues, I played a wide variety of genres through the Music Frame, mostly via the Apple Music app on an iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5. I also briefly streamed via the Spotify and Tidal Android apps.
I tweaked the settings in the SmartThings app – both on iOS and Android – across various genres to see how the audio changed, and even tried various bass and treble adjustments.
While I tried out as many of the features as possible, I didn’t use the built-in Alexa support very much, and there were a few other things I wasn’t able to test due to the lack of additional hardware, namely the SmartThings Dongle and a compatible Samsung TV. And due to restrictions placed on wall-mounting it in my home, I wasn’t able to test how the Music Frame sounds when hung up against a wall. I did, however, prop it up against a wall (without its stand) to emulate wall-mounting as best as possible.
It’s hard not to view the Honor Pad V9 through the lens of its potential as a rival to the new base-model iPad (2025) – it came out just days before (for roughly the same price), has comparable specs, and half of the best Android tablets on the market are trying to take on Apple’s market-dominating juggernauts, anyway.
The more I used the Honor Pad for this review, the more I recognized its strengths – it takes the basic iPad principle, strips away the unnecessary extras, and adds in some useful productivity tools.
Take, for example, performance: instead of burdening its tablet with more processing power than you’d ever practically be able to use, Honor has given the Pad V9 a more restrained mid-range processor. But it’s compensated with twice the storage of the basic iPad, and more RAM. From my testing, using the device felt as smooth and snappy as anyone would need it to.
Software is another important thing to note. In the tablet space, Android used to struggle compared to iOS, but a lot has changed in the last few years, with plenty of similar productivity and multi-screen features between the two operating systems. What's more, instead of burdening the slate with a million first-party apps that you may or may not ever use, Honor has only added a few useful apps to the default Pad V9 package. Some of these proved pivotal to my experience, too.
Specifically, there's a suite of pre-installed Microsoft Office-like apps that each offer some useful functions, like the ability to convert your docs into PDFs (or other file formats), compile documents from various apps, and also mark up PDFs. Where was this technology when I was doing my degree?
The Pad V9 is a dab hand at entertainment, too: it has eight speakers, unlike the iPad’s two, and I found it great for streaming music or creating a surround-sound effect when streaming movies and TV shows. The display, while only using LCD tech, supports a 144Hz refresh rate and 2.8K resolution, which should sate spec-heads.
Most of my gripes with the Honor Pad V9 are pretty minor, and ones you can level at the vast majority of Android tablets: there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, you can’t expand the storage, and there are some irritating software quirks – I’m talking specifically about the weird design of the quick settings menu, which is unduly cramped.
Like its Apple rival, I can see the Pad V9 being useful to students, or people who need a lightweight business companion and think a laptop is too bulky. It’s not as fully featured as it needs to be to be classed as a creativity powerhouse, and it’s a bit too advanced for those who want a simple on-the-go movie tool. That said, a few extras over the new base-model iPad mean it manages to beat Apple’s tablet at its own game (on paper, at least – we're currently in the process of reviewing the latter).
Honor Pad V9 review: price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
Costs £399.99, but only on sale in limited regions
Bundled with some accessories, depending on region
You can pick up the Honor Pad V9 for £399.99 (roughly $515, AU$820) in the UK. At the time of writing, it’s only on sale in a handful of European countries, as well as in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, though Honor does sell some tech in the US and Australia.
The device you get varies by country. In the UK, there’s only one variant on sale, which has 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, and you get a flip cover and stylus included in the box. Other countries have different combinations of storage, memory, and bundled accessories. So, in the interests of fairness, I’ve treated the tablet as independent of its accessories when weighing up its value.
At the time of writing, Honor's website (in the UK, at least) doesn't actually list any accessories to buy individually. So make sure you don't lose or break the ones you get in the box, because replacements may be hard to find.
The price roughly puts the slate in the mid-range of Android tablets, a fact reflected in its positioning in Honor’s line-up: it beats the Honor Pad 9 and Honor Pad X9, but doesn’t match the Honor MagicPad 2. For context, Apple’s new base-model iPad starts at $349 / £329/AU$599 for 128GB storage.
Its price marks the Honor Pad V9 as pretty good value for money when you consider its specs and features. It doesn’t quite veer right into ‘drop what you're doing and buy it now!’ territory, but if you find a deal that reduces its price tag by a healthy margin, I'd say it's a must-buy.
The Honor Pad V9 was announced at the global tech expo MWC 2025 in February 2025, and went on sale shortly afterwards.
Value: 4 / 5
Honor Pad V9 review: specs
Here are the Honor Pad V9's specs at a glance:
Honor Pad V9 review: design
(Image credit: Future)
Lightweight and easy to carry or hold
USB-C port but no 3.5mm jack
Camera bump creates some wobble
Honor hasn't shaken up the tablet world with the V9's design, but it echoes the premium cleanliness of iPads (and most other Android tablets on the market right now).
The dimensions of the Honor Pad V9 are 259.1 x 176.1 x 6.1mm – yes, it’s nice and thin, so it won’t take up much space in a backpack. It weighs 475g, so it’s pretty light, and I found it easy to hold for long periods of time (at least, the length of time it takes to watch a movie in bed).
You can pick up the tablet in gray or white, and as you can see in the images included throughout this review, my sample was a gray model.
(Image credit: Future)
When holding the tablet in landscape, the power button is on the left edge while the volume rocker is on the top-left corner. There’s a USB-C port on the right edge but no headphone jack to speak of. Holding the slate in this orientation means that the front-facing camera is in the top bar of the bezel, which I find to be the best positioning for video calls.
On the back are two circular mounds. One, which barely sticks up from the surface of the slate, houses the flash, while the second holds the camera lens. It doesn’t stick too far up, but it does mean the slate has a little wobble when put flat on a table.
As far as I can tell, the Honor Pad V9 doesn’t have an IP rating against dust or water ingress, so keep it protected.
You can get some extra use out of the Pad V9 with some accessories; the slate supports a keyboard folio and a stylus, the latter of which comes with its own features. As mentioned, though, I didn’t receive either, so didn’t test them, and can only see them on sale in some regions. In other regions, they come bundled with the tablet in various combinations – it’s a bit confusing, in all honesty. If you can’t pick up the keyboard or stylus in your region, it’s very possible that third-party equivalents will go on sale before too long.
Design: 4 / 5
Honor Pad V9 review: display
(Image credit: Future)
Large 11.5-inch display
1840 x 2800 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate
Range of eye comfort overlays
The Honor Pad V9 is pretty big, as mid-range Android tablets go – don’t go taking that ‘9’ in the title to be its screen size. Instead, the display measures 11.5 inches diagonally.
The display has a 2800 x 1840 pixel count, which is billed by Honor as a 2.8K resolution, and it supports a refresh rate of up to 144Hz (though you'll struggle to find an app or game that supports such a high figure). I couldn’t find a figure on the max brightness but suffice it to say, it’s really bright.
The screen uses LCD tech so it’s not got the same contrast or sharpness that your phone (or a more premium tablet) may have, but this kind of display is easier to see in direct sunlight if you’re working, say, in a well-lit cafe or coffee shop. And Honor is clearly pulling out all the stops to ensure it’s still valid as a streaming device.
(Image credit: Future)
The brand touts that the screen supports DCI-P3 color gamut and 10-bit color (basically, it can show a wide range of colors, making videos look realistic) and it’s also certified by IMAX Enhanced. This basically means that it reaches a set of standards in the visual and audio departments to accurately play IMAX content – this is mostly available on Disney Plus, according to IMAX’s website, though Bravia Core, iQIYI, and Rakuten TV also have some such content.
Like most rivals, Honor offers a few screen modes to benefit eye comfort or battery life. These include eBook mode (which makes the display grayscale), eye comfort (which reduces the prevalence of blue colors), and Dark mode (you've probably used this before, and it's a decent battery-saving option).
Display: 4.5 / 5
Honor Pad V9 review: software
(Image credit: Future)
Android 15 with MagicOS 9.0 laid over the top
Range of useful pre-baked working apps
A few user interface quirks to be ironed out
The default software for the Honor Pad V9 is MagicOS 9.0 – that’s Honor’s own skin, which is based on Android 15, and while it’s largely a graphical overhaul of Android, it brings a few useful extras.
One of these is Honor Docs, a pre-installed suite of document processing apps that look near-identical to the Microsoft Office equivalents (and may actually be them). There are extra tools, too, like the ability to convert various documents to PDF and the aggregation of documents across your tablet into one place, no matter their file format.
If you’re buying the Pad V9 for productivity reasons, I can see these tools being a core part of your user experience, and it was pretty handy to have them pre-installed on the tablet. They'll be especially useful for students, or people who already own Honor tech, as docs will be shared between devices.
(Image credit: Future)
Android software used to be poorly implemented on tablets, but in 2025, that’s not the case, with useful features that make the most of the large display size. It's still not perfect, though.
Case in point, the quick-settings menu on the Pad V9, which is summoned when you swipe down from the top-right edge of the screen, is unnecessarily cramped and clustered. It makes it rather hard to use, and I don’t see a reason why it has to be shoved so far to the side. Hopefully, an update can fix this. You can see it in the image above, and I don't understand why it can't be a bit wider to use more of the empty screen space.
All tech companies tout ‘AI features’ nowadays, and Honor has a few too, like the ability to create meeting minutes from your notes, summarize documents, or automatically add typesetting. They’re pretty light-touch, but that’s how I like it, and Honor hasn’t staked the entire use case of its tablet on a few AI features.
Software: 4 / 5
Honor Pad V9 review: performance and cameras
(Image credit: Future)
MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Elite offers middling processing power
8GB RAM and 256GB storage (depending on region)
Impressive octo-speaker offering
Powering the Honor Pad V9 is a MediaTek chipset called the Dimensity 8350 Elite. Despite the name, this is a mid-range chipset that we’ve seen in a few Oppo phones and tablets before.
Multi-core benchmark results attest to this: over multiple tests, I got an average score of 4409, while the best chipsets on phones and tablets right now reach up to 6000. That goes to show that this is a tablet designed more for streaming and working than intensive processing.
Most games I tested on the tablet ran just fine, but noticeably not as snappily or quick as tablets or phones running top chipsets. When graphical options were available, I didn’t push to the top graphics due to fear of how the slate would respond, and the same was true of framerate. So, the Pad V9 will be fine for gamers, but there are better options out there.
(Image credit: Future)
The slate has various memory configurations depending on where you live. In the UK, it’s on sale in a sole 256GB storage and 8GB RAM model, but the version I tested had 12GB RAM, and certain regions have models ranging from 128GB to 512GB storage. There’s no memory card slot, so you’ll have to stick to the storage of whichever variant you pick up.
I mentioned earlier that the tablet is IMAX Enhanced; that extends to the speakers too, with a whopping eight of them around the slate (on other tablets, you’re lucky to get four). They make movies and TV shows sound a little bit better, with audio spread out to the left and right as well as up and down (depending on the video you watch). However, the max volume isn’t exactly deafening – streaming a movie in bed was fine, but when I tried to put on some Netflix while I was cooking, I sometimes struggled to hear what was being said over the various cooking noises.
On the camera front, you’re looking at a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front-facer. They’re fit for scanning documents, conducting video calls, and facial recognition, but you’re not exactly going to take artistic snaps with sensors like these. There was noticeable noise in darker areas of pictures (even fairly well-lit ones), and I couldn’t see a difference in images taken in portrait mode versus the standard mode.
Performance: 3.5 / 5
Honor Pad V9 review: battery
(Image credit: Future)
10,100mAh battery will see you through multiple days of use
33W charging is slow for a battery of this size
The Honor Pad V9 packs a 10,100mAh battery, which is a sliver bigger than the ones seen on some comparably priced rivals.
Practically, this gets you about two days of heavy use before the tablet needs to be charged. In my testing period, which saw me replicate my usual tablet use (some word processing here, a movie night there, and a fair amount of music streaming), I reached about five days of charge before the slate needed powering up.
If there’s a slight disappointment with the Pad V9's battery, it’s the charging speed, which caps at 35W – on the global release of the slate, at least, though the Chinese version gets 66W. You’re looking at a charging time of several hours to fill that big battery, so remember to plug it in early if it needs a charge!
I found it easiest to charge the tablet up in dribs and drabs, so I could ensure it always had some charge, but never needed to part with it for an entire working day.
Battery: 4/5
Should you buy the Honor Pad V9?
Buy it if…
You're a student If I'd bought the Honor Pad V9 when I was a student, I'd have saved hours of wrangling various apps and trying to use various features that the tablet can handle out the gate.View Deal
You like streaming movies and TV Its display is good, but its speakers are great: the Honor Pad V9 is dependable for streaming entertainment.View Deal
You want an iPad, but running Android Are you an Android fan who wants an iPad-like tablet? The Honor Pad V9 is one of your best picks, and it roughly matches its Apple rivals in price.View Deal
Don’t buy it if…
You need lots of storage space While the Honor's 256GB built-in memory is extensive, that's all you'll get without relying on cloud space or external hard drives.View Deal
You like wired audio There's no 3.5mm headphone jack on this tablet, so audiophiles will have to rely on USB-C converters, which can be annoying if you also want to charge the slate.View Deal
Also consider
Not convinced by the Honor Pad V9? Here are a few other options to consider:
iPad 11 (2025) The natural rival, Apple's newest iPad will win fans simply by being an iOS device. But it's more expensive (when considering like-for-like storage), doesn't offer the same speaker quality, and will make you pay more for accessories. We've currently got the device in for review, so we'll have a full verdict on its quality soon.
Oppo Pad 3 Pro For only a little bit more, you can get Oppo's new tablet, which boasts a more powerful chipset, a higher-res display, and faster charging.
I tested the Honor Pad V9 by using it in lieu of my normal tablet (an iPad Pro from years ago) for several weeks, for all the tasks I normally use my iPad for.
This included typing up and editing documents, watching movies, playing games, and checking out the news. The model I tested had 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, and I used it without first-party accessories.
I've been reviewing products for TechRadar since early 2019, covering everything from tablets and smartphones to headphones, fitness trackers, and electric scooters.
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The new Sennheiser HD 505is a refresh of one of the cornerstones of its model ranges: entry-level, open-backed, hard-wired over-ear headphones. This new design uses a variation on a proven transducer, and makes pragmatic choices where materials are concerned to produce a headphone that’s light, comfortable and built to last.
The Sennheiser HD 505 are fine-sounding headphones in many ways, too. The open-backed element of the design of these headphones allows them to sound open and expansive, and they’re organized and authoritative too.
Their tonal balance is just somehow correct, their frequency response is judicious and they have the sort of dynamic headroom that allows the changes in volume or intensity in your favorite recordings to be completely apparent.
They’re far from the last word in bass heft or punch, though – so despite the amount of low-frequency detail they reveal and the naturalistic way they have with rhythms and tempos, there’s no doubt some listeners will want more, bass-wise, than the HD 505 are prepared to give.
Those listeners are invited to check out other options among the best wired headphones – and notably the company’s own HD 600, which have been around long enough to be available at regular discounts that bring them very close to the price of the HD 505.
The rest of us, though, can just go ahead and marvel at how open, revealing and, yes, entertaining the HD 505 sound.
(Image credit: Future)
Sennheiser HD 505 review: Price and release date
Release date: February 10th 2025
Price: $249 / £229 / AU$449
Obviously the HD 505 have had no time to become any more affordable, so they find themselves competing with the likes of Beyerdynamic (with its DT 900 Pro X) and Grado (with its SR325x). They also, rather unfortunately, find themselves competing with their HD 600 siblings, which have had plenty of time to come down from their £399 launch price to something much closer to HD 505 money…
Sennheiser HD 505 review: Specs
(Image credit: Future)
Sennheiser HD 505 review: Features
38mm dynamic drivers
1.8m cable with 3.5mm/6.3mm termination
120Ω nominal impedance
Given that this is a fairly affordable pair of wired over-ear headphones, you shouldn’t really expect a whole host of features – and, sure enough, the HD 505 focus on the essentials. That doesn’t mean that those features aren’t entirely fit for purpose, though.
Sennheiser has drawn on the relatively long-serving 500-series transducer in an effort to maintain sonic transparency, but added a little low-end heft and substance. And the result, so it says, is that the 38mm dynamic driver design is now good for a frequency response of 12Hz - 39kHz – which in layman’s terms is ‘extremely deep’ to ‘very high indeed’.
A nominal impedance of 120Ω isn’t the most promising number you ever heard, but nevertheless the HD 505 won’t be difficult for all but the most weedy smartphone or laptop to drive.
And really, there’s only the cable left to discuss where ‘features’ are concerned. The left earcup is hard-wired with a 2.5mm jack that connects via a ‘twist and lock’ method that ensure it won't be yanked out.
At the other end of the 1.8m cable there’s a 3.5mm termination with a screw-on 6.3mm adapter supplied. It would have been nice to see a balanced cable as an option too, but I guess you can’t have everything…
Features score: 4.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Sennheiser HD 505 review: Sound quality
Detailed, dynamic and direct sound
Spacious, organized presentation
Will not satisfy bass-fanciers
The pluses, it’s fair to say, comfortably outweigh the minuses where the sound of the HD 505 is concerned. So while the deficiencies are not insignificant, it seems only polite with all the many things these Sennheiser cans get right.
Thanks in no small part to their open-backed configuration, the HD 505 are an expansive, wide-open listen – and they can control a soundstage just as confidently as they lay it out in the first place. Even in a recording with lots going on (Fela Kuti’s Colonial Mentality, for instance), the soundstage is properly defined and easy to follow.
Every element of the recording has a pocket of space to itself in which it can spread out and express itself, and the spaces in between are given the weighting and emphasis they deserve too.
They’re a fairly dynamic listen, too, able to put a lot of distance between the most contemplative and the most intense passages of a recording without sounding in any way stressed. They’re just as skilful when it comes to handling the dynamic aspects of harmonic variation, too – the moments of unaccompanied bass guitar during the Fela Kuti tune have their fluctuations described in eloquent fashion.
Tonality is pleasantly neutral, which allows the sound of a recording to take precedence over the sound of the headphones. Detail levels are high at every point of the frequency range – the top end is bright but substantial, and enjoys just as much variation as the swift, properly controlled bottom end.
In between, voices are given the space and the positivity to reveal the minutiae of their character and technique – a listen to Doechii’s Alligator Bites Never Heal lets you know the HD 505 are very adept indeed when it comes to allowing vocalists to properly express themselves.
The frequency range is handled with confidence, too – nothing is underrepresented, nothing is overstated, and the sweep from bottom to top and back again is smooth. But it’s at the bottom of the frequency range that the Sennheiser reveal themselves to be slightly less than the finished article.
The control of bass sounds is straight-edged and direct, so the headphones have no problem describing rhythms in a natural and unforced manner. Detail levels here, and tonal variation, are just as satisfying as they are elsewhere in the frequency range.
But there’s a definite lack of substance and weight to the bottom end, a bony and flimsy quality that is going to disappoint listeners who are used to (and probably expect) something approaching ‘punch’ from their new headphones. Certainly the Doechii album is done no favours whatsoever by this flyweight attitude.
Sound quality score: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Sennheiser HD 505 review: Design
Covered memory foam at the contact points
Steel mesh earcup coverings
Concealed headband adjustment mechanism
There’s nothing especially luxurious about the Sennheiser HD 505 – they’re mostly made of plastic – but they’re built and finished to the sort of high standard the brand established ages ago.
Without the cable, they weigh just 237g, and allied to some nicely judged clamping force they prove a comfortable proposition even for longer listens. The amount of memory foam that makes up the inside of the headband (where it’s covered in synthetic leather) and the earpads (which are covered with synthetic velour) doesn’t do any harm in this respect, either.
The headband adjustment mechanism is concealed inside the headband itself, and operates with a sort of clicky positivity. The rear of the earcups is covered with a quantity of metal mesh, and carries some understated branding – but as design flourishes go, that’s going to have to do.
The details in the majority of the world are in a nice copper color – in China, there's a model with gold-colored details that certainly provides more bling.
Design score: 4.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Sennheiser HD 505 review: Value
Informative, entertaining but slightly lightweight sound
Properly built and finished, although far from tactile
Light and comfortable
In truth, the HD 505 aren’t much to look at, and they’re not exactly tactile either. This doesn’t mean that they’re not properly built, you understand, or that they won’t last for the long haul – and there’s always the cachet of that brand name to add to your the pride of ownership.
Add in the trim weight of the headphones and, even more so, the deftly accomplished sound they make, and there’s unarguable value for your money on offer here.
However, as I mentioned further up, you can get the Sennheiser HD 600, which are the 'step-up' versions of these headphones, for very close to the same price as these in the real world. So it's hard to say the HD 505 are the bargain of the century when the HD 600 might actually qualify for that moniker.
Value score: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Sennheiser HD 505?
Buy them if…
You admire an open, rapid and informative sound If this sort of money buys a more spacious sound, allied to such impressive detail levels and outright drive in a pair of headphones, I’ve yet to hear them.View Deal
You want a comfortable listen A light (but appropriate) amount of clamping force, a relatively light weight, and well-padded headband and earcups all mean that the HD 505 are good for longer listening sessions.View Deal
Don't buy them if…
You like a bit of bass To be fair, the HD 505 create varied, textured bass and properly control it in every circumstance. What they don’t do is punch with any sort of conviction.View Deal
You’re blessed with larger-than-average ears A circumaural ear coupling is all well and good, but the HD 505 is on the tight side if you’ve even biggish ears…View Deal
You're in a shared space Just because the HD 505 aren’t the leakiest open-backed headphone around, that doesn’t mean they should be worn in the office.View Deal
Sennheiser HD 505 review: Also consider
Sennheiser HD 600 You should keep an eye out for one of those occasions when the Sennheiser HD 600 dip down very close to HD 505 money – because it happens more often than you might think. They're excellent headphones for that price.View Deal
Grado SR325X The Grado SR325X are a bit of an acquired taste where looks are concerned, but there’s no denying they’ve got it where it counts – and in a pretty big way. They're the same price as the Sennheiser HD 505, but have more of an on-ear fit, so if that's your preference, they're a great choice.View Deal
Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X Notably cheaper than the HD 505 – if a rather more judicious, pseudo-studio emphasis sounds like your sort of thing, the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X will work very nicely.View Deal
How I tested Sennheiser HD 505
Connected to a FiiO M15S, to an Apple MacBook Pro and to a Naim Uniti Star
With a lot of different types of music, from a number of different formats
Alone, of course, because to do otherwise would be rude
‘Quiet time’ is necessary to listen to the Sennheiser HD 505, if for no other reason than they let a distracting amount of sound leak out of the back of their earcups, as all open-back cans do.
So I sat at my desk with them attached to my laptop and to my digital audio player (via its unbalanced output, tragically) and sat rather more comfortably with the headphones attached to a network streamer that also preamplified a turntable and a CD player.
So lots of different formats were available, as were lots of different types of music – and a week of this (on and off) was long enough to learn all there is to know about these headphones.
Every lens comes with some kind of compromise, but Sony’s done well to disguise it on the FE 16mm F1.8 G. Yes, it lacks the versatility of a wide-angle zoom like the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II. But if you’re in the market for a super wide-angle prime with plenty of creative potential, it’s a real box-ticker.
You’ve got the 16mm focal length favored by architecture and landscape fans, plus a fast f/1.8 aperture to satisfy night-sky enthusiasts. You’ve got speedy autofocus and a good set of manual controls. Then you’ve got the dimensions: Sony has cleverly packaged the FE 16mm F1.8 G to make it a lens that’s easy to travel with. All at a price that’s firmly in the reasonable bracket.
Sony might be marketing its 16mm prime at your traditional wide-angle users, but that list makes it a compelling proposition for anyone keen to experiment with a wider field of view. So where’s the catch?
In the minor category, there are a couple of marks against the FE 16mm F1.8 G. To achieve its low weight and matching price, Sony has used a fair amount of plastic in the build. And while it’s a moisture-resistant lens, it doesn’t have full weather seals. But this isn’t a G Master lens. For the money, neither one of those factors should be a dealbreaker.
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What could be is the barrel distortion. While prime optics mean the FE 16mm F1.8 G can shoot sharp in the center at its widest aperture, detail drops off to softness in the corners. This is because of how much correction is taking place at the very edges of the frame. Shoot in RAW and you’ll need to compensate quite heavily, costing you sharpness in the stretched pixels.
While this reliance on lens corrections might not sit well with purists, Sony is not alone in leaving software to address optical imperfections. Nor is it an issue which only affects prime glass. It’s a growing trend among wide-angle lenses as a whole, as we found in our review of the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM. Sony’s own FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is guilty of it, too.
In reality, if you’re willing to live with some corner softness, the FE 16mm F1.8 G is an excellent super wide-angle prime for the price. Shooting at f/1.8 not only lets you make the most of the available light, but also allows you to play with defocused backgrounds when your subject is close to the lens.
It’s true that videographers and travel photographers will probably be better served by a 16-35mm zoom, even if that means accepting a slower maximum aperture. The Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has the versatility to cover both wide angles and tighter 35mm street shots with edge-to-edge detail. For those who want get creative at 16mm, though, the FE 16mm F1.8 G isn’t far off the sweet spot.
Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G specs
Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G: Design
Compact and lightweight for a wide-angle prime
Protected against dust and moisture
Tactile focus and aperture control rings
It’s not a pancake prime, but Sony’s done some very clever packaging to keep the FE 16mm F1.8 G compact. By super wide-angle standards, this is about as small as they come with an f/1.8 aperture. It weighs in at a very manageable 10.7oz / 304g and measures just 73.8 x 75 mm (or roughly 3 inches on each axis). That makes it almost 10mm shorter than the Sony FE 20mm F1.8G.
Its lean build is achieved in part by use of plastic in the construction. The result is a barrel that doesn’t feel especially premium, but Sony hasn’t done a cheap job either. There’s no sense that corners have been cut here: the body is creak-free and the controls are nicely tactile. While you don’t get the weather seals of the G Master series, resistance against dust and moisture also adds to the sense of robustness.
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The overall impression is one of functionality. That extends to the controls, most of which are thoughtfully placed within a finger’s reach. This is an easy lens to feel your way around one-handed. A few touches help to elevate the user experience above that of a basic prime, too: you’ve got a switch which gives you the option of clicked or smooth aperture ring rotation, for example, plus a programmable function button.
Some users might like a little more weight to the manual focus ring, but the resistance of the aperture ring feels perfectly judged. Together with switches for focus mode and Iris Lock, the FE 16mm F1.8 G is a lovely lens to use. It paired neatly with a Sony A7C II body in testing for a convenient wide-angle shooting setup.
Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G: Performance
Fixed ultra-wide 16mm focal length
Fast f/1.8 maximum aperture
Rapid autofocus with two linear motors
Frame up with the FE 16mm F1.8 G and you’ll instantly see just how wide a 16mm focal length really is. Whether you’re shooting buildings, interiors or landscapes, this is a lens designed to give you dramatic perspectives. And thanks to its wide maximum aperture, you can shoot those perspectives in a range of scenarios.
At f/1.8, this is pretty fast glass. Fast enough to capture sharp results in low lighting, whether that’s an evening street scene or a starry sky. Sony reckons the FE 16mm F1.8 G is a good option for astrophotography. Paired with a full-frame Sony E-mount camera, the 16mm’s light-gathering abilities certainly mean you can make the most of any available lumens.
The wide aperture also means you can play with a very shallow depth of field. The effect is strongest when shooting close-ups: with the right composition, you can draw a near subject into clear focus against a striking defocused background. This impression is enhanced by the fact that the wide field of view includes more of the backdrop than a standard macro lens.
Bokeh could be smoother and we did encounter some false color in blurred backgrounds. All the same, its close-focusing abilities add an additional string to the bow of Sony’s super wide-angle prime. It’s not a macro lens, but with a minimum focus distance of just 0.15m, the FE 16mm F1.8 G lets you get very close.
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It helps that the autofocus system is rapid in all conditions. Driven by dual linear motors, focusing response is pretty much instant. That’s just as true up close and in low light as it is when shooting big subjects in broad daylight. Paired with a Sony A7C II, the lens demonstrated a commendable hit rate, giving no reason to doubt that it would find its target.
All of that translates to video, too. It’s easy to see why Sony touts the FE 16mm F1.8 G as a lens with vlogging potential. Its ultra-wide focal length and close-focusing abilities are both well-suited to self-shot videography, allowing users to comfortably record themselves at arm’s length. The proportions of the lens itself also make it easy to wield when paired with a vlogging-first camera like the Sony ZV-E1.
Focus breathing is kept to a minimum: shift focus while recording and the field of view stays consistent enough for most eyes. If you have a compatible Sony body, you can use the breathing compensation function to eradicate it entirely by applying a slight crop. Shooting video with a 16:9 aspect ratio also crops out any softness in the corners from the application of distortion correction (see below).
Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G: sample images
Images shot with the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G are broadly superb. As with most prime lenses, there’s a sweet spot in the aperture range that nets you edge-to-edge sharpness with no vignetting. That’s exactly what you’ll find at f/4.
Wide open at f/1.8, the story is a little bit different. There’s some minor vignetting evident in RAW stills, which can be addressed in post or reduced significantly by stopping down to f/2.8. That’s unless you want the effect to complement the wide-angle look, leading the eye to the center of the frame.
More problematic is barrel distortion. This isn’t a surprise for such a wide-angle prime, but the result is a loss of detail where correction stretches pixels in the corners. Whether this is applied in-camera to JPEG stills or in the edit for RAW files, the result is the same: softness at the far reaches of the frame.
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How much this loss of corner clarity is an issue will often come down to the composition. Naturally, the results of distortion correction are less noticeable when the area is defocused. In any case, you still get excellent center sharpness at f/1.8 and resolution remains decent across the frame up to f/11. Venture beyond that and you’ll find that sharpness drops off significantly, particularly as you approach f/22.
In stills captured facing into the sun, the FE 16mm F1.8 G displays a strong ability to deal with backlighting. There can be some washout at the widest apertures, but contrast is retained at f/4. The lens also keeps flaring under tight control and renders soft but attractive sunstars at narrower apertures.
Should you buy the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G?
Buy it if...
You want to shoot wide angles in different lights
Thanks to its fast maximum aperture, Sony’s super-wide prime has the light-gathering abilities to shoot sharp in dim conditions. It can handle the bright stuff too, with attractive sunstars and decent flaring control.
You want a wide-angle that’s easy to wield
Courtesy of a polycarbonate construction, the 16mm weighs in at a relatively light 304g. It’s also compact for a super wide-angle prime, making it a tidy choice for shooting both travel stills and video.
You want to experiment with soft backgrounds
Blurred backgrounds aren’t a speciality for wide-angle lenses, but its wide aperture and short minimum focus distance mean the FE 16mm F1.8 G can produce strikingly soft backdrops when shooting close to a subject.
Don't buy it if...
You need total sharpness across the frame
Center sharpness is good on the whole and strong at the center of the frame, but drops off heavily in the corners when shooting at wide apertures, resulting in softness and a loss of detail.
You want perfection out of the camera
Substantial barrel distortion is the trade-off for a compact design. In-camera correction takes care of this for JPEGs, but it needs to be fixed in post for RAW files, along with noticeable vignetting.
You want the versatility of a zoom
Prime optics might be brighter, but a fixed focal length is less versatile. Many users will find the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II zoom lens a more flexible choice for travel and video.
How I tested the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G
Tested comprehensively for a week
Paired with a Sony A7C II body
Used in a range of conditions
Sony was only able to loan the FE 16mm F1.8 G to me for a seven-day period, during which time I shot with it extensively. Thankfully the weather was good during my time with it, so I was able to fully assess how it handles different lighting conditions, from bright backlighting to dimmer evening scenes.
As a 16mm would traditionally be considered a lens for shooting landscapes and architecture, I did both of those. But because Sony’s super wide-angle prime also boasts the defocusing potential of a fast maximum aperture, I also made sure to shoot up close with a range of subjects.
I used the lens with a Sony A7C II body. By shooting with it heavily over the course of a week, I was able to get a good understanding of the build quality and usability of the lens, particularly the feel of its focus and aperture rings.
Full spoilers follow for The Wheel of Time season 2. Mild spoilers also follow for season 3's first three episodes.
I have a complicated relationship with The Wheel of Time's(TWoT) TV adaptation. The first season of Amazon's live-action series was terrific – indeed, I said it was everyone's next fantasy show obsession ahead of its April 2021 launch.
The Wheel of Time's second season was less impressive. Yes, it belatedly found its feet as it raced towards its thrilling finale, but it wasn't the epic second chapter I expected it to be. The so-called 'sophomore slump' was most certainly in effect.
So, thank goodness that, based on its three-episode premiere, The Wheel of Time season 3 is a magical return to form for a show whose future rests on its ability to prove that The Rings of Power isn't the only terrific high fantasy program in Amazon's TV arsenal.
Aes Sedai: civil war
Season 3 kicks off with an almighty and brutal scrap in The White Tower's central chamber (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios)
One month has passed since Rand al'Thor (Josha Stradowski) was officially declared the Dragon Reborn in Falme. However, despite the defeat of Ishamael and his Seanchan allies, the Shadow looms larger than ever over The Wheel of Time's world.
To prepare for the forthcoming Last Battle, Rand, Moiraine (Rosamund Pike), and company need to divide and conquer once more. Cue our heroes splitting up to not only tackle the threat that the Dark One and his subordinates pose, but also acquire the knowledge, skills, and weapons to defeat them once and for all.
The Aes Sedai battle is an astoundingly cold-blooded and brave entry point to this season
Before those events are set in motion, there's the small matter of a civil war erupting among the Aes Sedai. Trouble has been brewing at the all-female magic wielders' stronghold in Tar Valon since the show began. And, like the merciless Thanedd Coup event in The Witcher season 3 on Netflix, episode 1 of TWoT's third entry is the stage for tensions boiling over.
The extended opening sequence of season 3's first episode is as incendiary as it is brutal (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios)
Season 3, then, wastes no time throwing us into the thick of the action. Political infighting (there's still plenty of this once the dust settles on this bout, FYI) between The White Tower's various factions makes way for bloody, One Power-based warfare as those loyal to the Aes Sedai's leader Siuan Sanche (Sophie Okenedo), aka 'Mother', fight literal fire with fire against Liandrin (Kate Fleetwood) and her Black Ajah compatriots – i.e., the Aes Sedai who've now sided with the Dark One.
A microcosm of the wider war that'll eventually envelop TWoT's universe, it's an shockingly cold-blooded and brave reintroduction to one of the best Prime Video shows around. Nonetheless, I welcome any and all courageously creative entry points to new movies and shows or, the latter's case, new seasons, so consider me highly satisfied by this venture.
A dune prophecy
Rand (middle right) and Moiraine (second right) travel to the Aiel Waste in season 3 (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios)
But the Prime Video show's primary heroes aren't side-lined for long. As the dust settles on the conflict within The White Tower's walls and before they part ways to cover as much ground as possible, Rand and company actually spent a significant – well, significant by TWoT's standards – amount of time together in episode 1.
It's a pleasing albeit temporary respite from the dangerous adventures they've embarked on and will soon undertake again. Not only that, it also serves as a reminder of the tight bonds – especially between The Two Rivers quintet of Rand, Egwene (Madeleine Madden), Perrin (Marcus Rutherford), Nynaeve (Zoe Robins), and Matt (Donal Finn) – that they forged before the show began and have been seriously tested since.
Season 3 sacrifices the frustratingly slow and meandering start of its forebear in favor of faster-paced storytelling
The lull between last season's finale and the beginning of season 3's questing doesn't disrupt the pacing, though.
Episode 1's explosive opening, plus the plot exposition dumps we thankfully receive through character conversations, which fill in the narrative gaps between seasons, season 3 hits the ground running. Sure, it might feel like we've skipped an episode, but I'm relieved that TWoT's latest chapter sacrifices the frustratingly slow and meandering start of its forebear in favor of faster-paced storytelling with perpetual forward momentum.
Matt, Nynaeve, Min (all pictured), and Elayne travel to Tanchico in the series' third entry (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios)
That much is clear in how quickly Rand, Moiraine, Egwene, Lan (Daniel Henney), and Aviendha (Ayoola Smart) journey to and arrive at the Aiel Waste. A vast and mysterious desert region that's steeped in history and home to the Aiel people (they call it the Three-Fold Land, FYI), its introduction in episode 2 is testament to propel the story into darker, narratively absorbing, and enigmatic territory.
Three episodes in, I'd argue this storyline is the most interesting so far in season 3. That might be down to the unmistakable parallels between this particular plot, and Frank Herbert's Dune book series and its live-action movie franchise – the pair of which I adore. After all, TWoT and Dune tell the tale of a prophesized messiah who reluctantly embraces their so-called destiny by traveling to an unknown land and unites its quarrelling factions. Stark comparisons between Rand and Paul Atreides notwithstanding, the Aiel Waste storyline is also full of compelling melodrama and fantastical revelations that'll please new and old fans alike.
The dark arts
Lanfear's return – and the arrival of more Forsaken – means nowhere is safe for our heroes (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios)
That doesn't mean season 3 prioritizes one storyline over its brethren. Rand's arc is particularly important – you know, what with him being the Dragon Reborn and all – but, aware of its overreliance and favoring of some plots over others last season, TWoT's latest installment takes a proactive approach to managing the time it spends between its multiple narratives.
Whether it's Perrin's cathartic albeit life-threatening return to The Two Rivers, Nynaeve and Elayne's (Ceara Coveney) appointment as Siuan's 'hounds' to track down the Black Ajah and The One Power-infused relics they stole from The White Tower, or Matt battling his inner demons, season 3 skilfully maneuvers between its various storylines with confidence. That was something its forebear lacked, so I'm glad this season doesn't suffer from the same issue.
Season 3 skilfully maneuvers between its various storylines with confidence
That said, I was vexed by season 3's penchant for dragging out problems that have affected certain characters since season 1's second half. Sure, only a month has elapsed in-universe, so it's understandable that traumatic events that impacted some heroes, such as Egwene's post-traumatic stress disorder from her Seanchan imprisonment and torture, and Matt's ongoing mental health issues, in season 2 would continue to afflict them.
However, plot threads like Nynaeve's ongoing struggles to channel the One Power are growing tiresome. True, this is dictated by the storylines and character arcs that comprise season 3, but it's frustrating that plot elements like this, which began in TWoT's first season, haven't been resolved yet, nor allow for much character evolution for individuals who sorely need it.
Season 3 makes more changes from the novels, such as a budding romance between Elayne and Aviendha, that might annoy some fans (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios)
TWoT devotees are sure to be disgruntled by further deviations from what's depicted in Robert Jordan's beloved book series namesake as well.
Again, such diversions are determined by the story that showrunner Rafe Judkins wishes to tell. That'll be of scant consolation to fans of Jordan's literary works, though, who may bristle at changes like Matt not being part of Rand's Aiel Waste-bound party. However, some tweaks to the source materials, such as the budding romance between Elayne and Aviendha – an evolution of the close friendship they share in the novels – feels less intrusive.
The natural expansion of TWoT's world and the character that inhabit it in season 3 is handled with purposeful precision, too. The introduction of new locations like Tanchico, Rhuidean, and Andor upscale the size and scope of Amazon's adaptation. Meanwhile, the live-action debut of Andor's royal family – aka Elayne's relatives – and more of Lanfear's (Natasha O'Keeffe) fellow Forsaken, plus devoting of more screentime to characters with bit-part roles in season 2 like Aviendha and Siuan, raise the stakes and suggest I should be worried for more characters than just Rand and Moiraine this season.
My verdict
With The Wheel of Time season 3, Prime Video not only conjures up the show's best season yet, but also finally cements its position as one of the greatest Amazon TV Originals.
Like many of the characters that inhabit its world, it's a coming-of-age success story that proves TWoT has the style and substance – and, whisper it quietly, longevity – to go toe-to-toe with Amazon's Lord of the Rings prequel series.
It remains to be seen if a wider audience will be receptive to the Prime Video series' bleakest and most daunting season yet. After all, TWoT's future hinges on how its third chapter performs on one of the world's best streaming services. Based on the spellbinding effect that its three-episode premiere had on me, though, I'm confident it'll perform well enough to keep its storytelling wheel spinning for some time yet.
The Wheel of Time season 3 launches exclusively on Prime Video with a three-episode premiere on Thursday, March 13. New episodes air weekly.
How do you make the best MacBook, and arguably one of the best laptops on the market, better? You could redesign it, but that’s a move fraught with potential downsides; if the current design is popular, you risk disenfranchising fans. In that case, making small changes, especially under-the-hood ones, is probably the smart move, and it’s clearly Apple’s strategy.
The MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) is virtually indistinguishable from the M3 model. Apple has left the exquisite keyboard and responsive trackpad untouched, and the same goes for the brilliant Liquid Retina display. The 2.7lbs. weight is unchanged, and even the two Thunderbolt 4 ports are essentially the same. Visually, the only thing that's new is a new color option, and the Sky Blue finish is a subtle hue that can, depending on the light, look almost gray, but a second glance always reveals that pleasing almost pastel-like azure. It’s a color that should sell out fast.
The other two significant changes are to the hardware. Replacing the FaceTime camera is the new 12MP Center Stage Camera. It’s an ultra-wide lens in a screen notch that can keep you in the frame during video calls, and it’s a nice-to-have though not earth-shattering update.
There’s also the M4 chip, which adds cores and performance over the M3 Apple silicon it replaces. Like the M3, this is a fast, efficient, 3-nanometer chip with plenty of headroom for AAA gaming, video editing, music creation and, of course, Apple Intelligence.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
From one perspective, the biggest upgrade might be in the value space. Apple doubled the base memory from 8GB of unified memory to 16GB while reducing the price to $999 / £999 / AU$1,699. That’s a shocking, and very welcome, turn of events. The best MacBook is now back to its pre–MacBook Air M3 price, and better value because of it.
It really is hard to find any fault with the MacBook Air 13-inch (M4). It’s lightweight, attractive, powerful, easy to use, and up for anything. I gamed, streamed video, browsed the web, answered email, texted friends, conducted FaceTime calls, edited video, practiced guitar, and wrote this review on it. I’m not concerned about the lack of design changes, and I like the new color, the Center Stage Camera, and especially the price. I would not be surprised to see the MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) rise to the very top of our best laptops list.
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) review: Price and availability
Starts at $999 / £999 / AU$1,699
Lower launch price than the discontinued M3 model
M2 and M3 models no longer on the Apple Store, but M2 MacBooks can be found at third-party retailers
Rarely do I get to write about a price drop for a new product that arrives with feature enhancements. Usually, we get the same or sometimes a little less for the money. That is not the case with the MacBook Air 13-inch M4.
Even though Apple hasn't radically refreshed its best MacBook, the updates in performance, memory, and video conferencing, plus a new color, hit all the right notes – and when paired with a now $100 (in the US) lower price, they have me singing a happy tune.
Funnily enough, the first 3lb MacBook Air – the one that slid out of a manilla envelope in 2008 – cost $1,799. It would take a few years for it to hit that $999 sweet spot, which it maintained until recently.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Sometimes that $999 got you a lower-end Intel Core I, but in the age of Apple silicon we’re getting great performance and efficiency at an excellent price.
The MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) comes in three base configurations. If you upgrade to the $1,199 / £1,199 model the GPU gets a bump from eight to 10 cores, and the storage doubles to 512GB. Go for the $1,499 / £1,499 / AU$2,399 top-tier model and the base unified memory is increased from 16GB to 24GB, and you can get up to 2TB of storage. Whichever option you go for, you can upgrade the RAM to 32GB.
It’s available in the new Sky Blue (like my 256GB review unit), Midnight, Starlight, and Silver. Apple has discontinued Space Gray (for now).
Apple unveiled the MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) on March 5, 2025, and the laptop starts shipping on March 12.
Price score: 4.5/5
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) review: Specs
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) comes in three pre-configured options.
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) review: Design
No major redesign
Sky Blue is subtle but attractive
Excellent construction, materials, keyboard, and trackpad
There are still some who mourn the passing of the original MacBook Air’s wedge design, the one that started at a more than half inch (1.61 cm) at one end and ended at 0.16 inches (4.064mm) at the other. That design remains so popular that the M1 model featuring it is still a top seller at Walmart.
I’ve moved on. The MacBook Air M4 is just 2.7lbs / 1.24kg, and at 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches / 30.41 x 21.5 x 1.13cm, is thinner than the OG MacBook Air was at its thickest point. This is a laptop that's built for your backpack and, yes, it’s light enough that you might forget it’s there.
Everything about the MacBook Air M4 feels premium. The 100% recycled aluminum enclosure is light but solid and has all the exacting tolerances Apple is known for. It’s a finely machined, eye-catching piece of hardware, and few laptops can match its elegance.
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The backlit keyboard is an absolute pleasure to type on, and has remarkable travel and response for such a thin design. It includes all your function keys and a multipurpose power / sleep / Touch ID button that’s useful for unlocking the MacBook Air and logging into various apps and services with your registered fingertips.
I do prefer the Microsoft Surface Laptop’s Windows Hello feature, which lets you log on using your face in much the way you do with Face ID on any of the best iPhones, although I don’t have to touch anything because I set the MacBook Air to unlock automatically with my Apple Watch.
While Apple hasn't redesigned the keyboard, there is one small change that you might not notice at first glance: the mute key now features a speaker icon with a line through it, which matches what you see on-screen when you press the key. It's a small but clarifying change.
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There’s ample room to rest your palms, and the glass-covered multi-touch trackpad is huge and responsive.
Ports and other elements are unchanged from the last two MacBook Air generations. There are two Thunderbolt 4 ports on the left side with up to 40GBps of throughput and which are capable of driving two external screens, even with the MacBook Air lid open. Next to those is the MagSafe charging port, and on the right side is the 3.5mm headphone jack.
The four-speaker stereo sound system is hidden in the hinge below the display. It can fill a room with bright, crisp audio, although it mostly lacks bass (the 15-inch model offers a 6-speaker sound system with force-cancelling sound woofers).
Design score: 4.5/5
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) review: Display and Center Stage
With one exception, the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air’s display is identical to the last generation. It’s still a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina panel with 2560 x 1664 resolution and 500 nits of sustained brightness, which in my experience is viewable in direct sunlight, and support for one billion colors. It’s a fantastic display for everything from gaming to streaming to content creation.
There is a notch at the top for the camera, but most apps do not wrap around that cutout, and it’s not distracting on the desktop.
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The notch also contains the new 12MP Center Stage Camera. The idea here is that the lens is an ultra-wide camera, but for the purposes of video conferencing it crops to an undistorted rectangle. Then, as you move around, the frame moves around to keep you in the frame. If you like to get up and walk around, or people walk in and out of the video conversation, this can be tremendously useful, and it worked well for me as long as I didn't stray too far out of frame. If you need the camera to stay still (as I do when I use the 1080p camera to go on TV), you can easily turn Center Stage off.
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Compared to Microsoft’s excellent Surface Laptop 7, the screen is missing one feature: touch. I used Surface laptops for years, and I did enjoy being able to touch and even draw on the display with a dedicated Bluetooth pen. Apple has steadfastly resisted introducing touch on its MacBook line – and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs didn’t think it made sense. If you require that kind of multipurpose device, you may want to consider the M4 iPad Pro 13-inch plus a Magic Keyboard.
Display score: 4.5/5
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) review: macOS and Apple Intelligence
macOS Sequoia is a rich, deep, and well-organized platform
Everything is well integrated into Apple's wider ecosystem
Apple Intelligence can be useful, but it's not yet compelling
With macOS Sequoia, Apple has built one of the most consistent and stable desktop platforms on the planet. It virtually never crashes, and it’s full of useful features.
The latest version is mostly a refinement of the platform, but if it’s been a while since you’ve upgraded you will notice feature enhancement like better widgets and window-management tools, the excellent new Passwords app, and audio transcription on Notes.
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What’s more, macOS makes excellent use of the M4’s power.
At one point I ran Garage Band, and I was pleased to discover that not only could I use the MacBook Air to tune my guitar, but it could also tell me if I was playing my chords correctly. I also used Pixelmator Pro image and video editor (now owned by Apple) to effortlessly apply complex masks.
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Of course, the big news on the software side is Apple Intelligence, Apple’s own brand of AI, which is supported by the M4’s 16-core neural engine.
It enables features like Image Playground, which lets you imagine wild scenes that can include representations of you and others from your Photos library. It’s good fun, but I still struggle to see the utility, and I wonder when Apple will offer a more open-range image-generation platform, one that enables me to describe a complex scene in a prompt and get a result. Most Windows laptops running Copilot can do this.
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Writing Tools, which is available in Apple's native text composition apps like Notes and Mail, is useful, especially if you struggle to write clear, cogent sentences. It's of limited utility to me.
Similarly, Siri got a few nice upgrades, like the ability to respond to text prompts and better handle broken speech patterns, but it's still unable to carry on longer conversations or learn anything about you, and you still can't use it to comprehensively control your MacBook. What’s worse is that promised updates to Siri that would have made it a more able competitor to ChatGPT and Gemini have failed to materialize. At least Siri can now tap into ChatGPT (if you allow it) for more complex queries.
Safari is an excellent browser, but I still find myself using Chrome.
Software score: 4/5
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) review: Performance
M4 has more CPU cores than the M3 that preceded it
Ample power
Decent but not massive performance upgrade
Excellent platform and increasing Apple Intelligence capabilities
Benchmarks
Here’s how the MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) performed in our suite of benchmark tests:
Geekbench 6.2.2 Single-Core: 3679; Multi-Core: 14430 Geekbench Metal score (8-core GPU): 48515 Cinebench 2024 Single-core: 165; Multi-core: 652 Battery life (web surfing): 14 hours 51 minutes, and 59 seconds
For comparison, here’s how the MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) performed in our suite of benchmark tests:
Ever since Apple switched from Intel to Apple silicon we’ve seen significant gains in performance and efficiency. The power of these lightweight laptops and the M-class chips can appear limitless, and all-day battery life is now usually a given.
Of course, the world has not stood still. Some Windows laptops are now arriving with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, and these ultraportables often nearly match Apple silicon for performance and battery life.
The M4 10-core CPU and 8-Core GPU backed by 16GB of unified memory inside my test system generally outperformed the X Elite on single-core scores but are now matched for multi-core performance.
These are just numbers of course, and I prefer to rely on real-world performance. In my tests, the MacBook Air 13 and its M4 chip handled everything I threw at it. It can be difficult to stress out the system – I played the AAA game Lies of Pi at maximum settings and it was smooth as butter, thanks no doubt in part to the new Game Mode that optimizes performance for gaming.
I highly recommend getting a controller (I use one designed for the Xbox), but regardless, the new MacBook Air offers a great gaming experience with thrilling, smooth graphics, and excellent sound.
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I often ran the game alongside multiple background apps, including Final Cut Pro. I had no trouble editing four 4K 30fps streams at once, but when I loaded up four 4K 120fps clips, I did notice some stuttering on video playback, although as this is not a considerably more expensive MacBook Pro, that doesn’t concern me.
I noticed in my benchmarking that the Metal Score on the MacBook Air M3 was slightly higher than that of the M4 system, but that’s because I had a 10-core GPU on the older MacBook and just an eight-core GPU on the new M4 system. You can, as I noted earlier in the price section, pay a bit more for the two extra cores. It’s worth noting, though, that the differences in performance between the M3 10 Core and M4 8-Core GPU were minimal.
The system supports WiFi 6e and Bluetooth 5.3, which is good, if not entirely forward-leaning – I'd like to see WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
Performance score: 4.5/5
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) review: Battery life
14 hours battery life (web activities)
Effectively lasts all day (mixed use)
Charges to 50% in 90 minutes; 100% in three hours
Apple is promising up to 18 hours of battery life from the MacBook Air 13-inch (M4), which is mostly a test of how long the laptop can play 1080p video for; for comparison, Microsoft promises 20 hours from its Surface Laptop 7 for a similar task. The MacBook Air 13 M4’s real-world battery life numbers will vary significantly when performing a mix of sometimes CPU-intensive tasks.
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In my tests, which included playing games (which made the base of the laptop quite warm), editing video, opening multiple browser windows and streaming video, battery life came in around eight hours. That’s quite good for a hard day of work, and especially for such a thin and light laptop. In our Future Labs test, which is primarily web browsing, the MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) managed 14 hours, 51 minutes, which is about 30 minutes longer than the M3 but for slightly different tasks.
Overall, you're getting good, all-day battery life, but your experience will vary based on the tasks you perform.
After I drained the laptop to zero, I recharged it with the included 30W charger (the more expensive 24GB model comes with a 35W charger) and (matching Sky Blue) woven MagSafe charger to 50% in 90 minutes, and 100% in three-and-a-half hours.
Battery score: 5/5
Should you buy the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4)?
Buy it if...
You want the best ultraportable experience The MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) might look the same as last year's model, but it's a definite upgrade – and that price makes it a winner.
You like your laptops thin and light At 0.44 inches / 1.13cm thick and just 2.7lbs /1.24kg, the new 13-inch Air is a perfect backpack companion.
You need a good blend of power and efficiency The MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) packs more than enough power for most users and you can bank on all-day battery life.
Don't buy it if...
You want a touchscreen Apple may never introduce a touchscreen MacBook. For that, look to the Surface Laptop, or an iPad Pro paired with a Magic Keyboard.
You want more AI Apple Intelligence is showing promise, but it still pales in comparison to what you'll find on some Windows Laptops with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite.
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) review: Also consider
If our Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) review has you considering other options, here are two laptops to consider...
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) The MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) is virtually the same as the 13-inch model in every aspect except size (and screen size), but the base model does start with two extra GPU cores. It also gets a price reduction compared to the M3 model, so if screen real estate matters to you, this is the MacBook Air to go for.
Dell XPS 13 Plus Its thin and light design, stunning OLED screen, great sound quality, and comfortable keyboard make this a premium Windows 11 laptop that in many ways rivals the MacBook Air. However, it’s prone to overheating, and the touch bar is divisive.
I used the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) for five days
I worked, played, listened, edited, and wrote this review on it
I usually ran multiple apps at once
After receiving my MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) review unit I immediately unboxed it and began testing, and it did not leave my side for much of the next five days.
I ran benchmarks, installed multiple apps, and then began using it to edit images and video, play AAA games, listen to music, stream movies and shows, answer email, browse the web, and generate words and images with Apple Intelligence.
I've been reviewing technology for over 30 years, and I've tested everything from DOS-based word processors to Apple's Vision Pro. I've reviewed laptops of all stripes, including traditional clamshells and convertibles. I regularly work on macOS but also use the Windows platform almost every day – I like to keep my hands in all the ecosystems.
