From February 2017 to September 2025 is a fair while for an audio product to stay on the market – so it just goes to show how right Ruark got the predecessor to its new Ruark MR1 Mk3 and what a tough act it has to follow.
Happily, it’s more than up to the task. Slightly larger than the product it replaces and significantly better specified (the MR1 Mk3 can handle everything from aptX HD Bluetooth and vinyl records to 24bit/192kHz hi-res digital audio), this new Ruark is the perfect desktop system. It’s also got great credentials when it comes to TV audio (it’s so much better looking than your average soundbar and can connect via digital optical), and will happily support a fairly extensive system in a small- to medium-sized room.
The Ruark MR1 Mk3 sounds far larger than it looks, and has impressive low-frequency presence that’s complemented by great detail retrieval and an undeniable facility for entertainment. The Ruark can do ‘analysis’ for you as well as any desktop system around, but it doesn’t lose sight of the fact that music is to be enjoyed every bit as much as it is to be admired. Soundstaging is good, dynamic headroom is appreciable, and the frequency response from top to bottom is smoothly even. The MR1 Mk3 sounds admirably consistent no matter which of its inputs you’re using, too.
In short, the Ruark MR1 Mk3 has been worth the wait, and sits firmly in the best stereo speakers on the market. Which is not the same as saying I’d be happy to wait until 2033 or something for the Mk4…
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Ruark MR1 Mk3 review: Price and release date
Released June 2025
$579 / £399 / AU$899
The Ruark MR1 Mk3 is on sale now, and in the United States it's yours for $579. It goes for £399 in the United Kingdom and AU$899 in Australia.
To be fair to Ruark, that compares quite favourably to the $499 / £349 / AU$749 the MR1 Mk2 launched at back in early 2107, and it means the MR1 Mk3 is, all things considered, even more competitively priced than the model it replaces.
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Ruark MR1 Mk3 review: Features
25 watts per channel of Class D power
Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD
Moving magnet phono stage
Ruark has ditched the Class A/B amplification of the MR1 Mk3's predecessor in favour of a Class D alternative derived from its very well-received R410 integrated music system. Power is up from 20 watts per channel to 25, and the driver array (a 20mm silk dome tweeter and 85mm ‘NS+’ treated natural fibre mid/bass driver in each speaker, bolstered by downward-facing bass reflex ports) is good for a claimed frequency response of 50Hz to 22khz.
Input options have undergone an upgrade, too. The MR1 Mk3 uses Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless connectivity, and is compatible with the aptX HD codec. There’s a 3.5mm socket that’s a hybrid optical/analogue input – in digital mode it’s capable of dealing with file resolutions of up to 24bit/192kHz. A USB-C input can handle anything up to 24bit/96kHz. And there’s a moving magnet phono stage behind a pair of stereo RCA sockets, so a record player can easily be integrated into the Ruark system. A pre-out for a subwoofer completes a very agreeable line-up.
Features score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Ruark MR1 Mk3 review: Sound quality
Impressive low-frequency presence
Detailed and dynamic
Great sonic consistency across every input
There’s a definite sensation of ‘the Ruark sound’ to the MR1 Mk3, which is great but hardly unexpected. What’s equally impressive, and perhaps less predictable, is just how consistent the Mk3 sounds no matter which of its inputs you’re using.
Obviously there’s an appreciable difference between the sound of Sad and Lonely by Secret Machines being streamed as a 320kbps file via Bluetooth to the same song delivered via the integrated phono stage. But the fundamental Ruark character never wavers: in every circumstance, the sound is bold and punchy, spacious and properly defined, and is loaded with detail both broad and fine. Everyone hopes their tunes will sound ‘musical’ and ‘entertaining’, but the MR1 Mk3 understands and delivers on this better than any price-comparable alternative.
There’s a touch of warmth to the system’s tonality, but this just allows the weighty and nicely varied low frequencies to swing even more naturalistically. Bass sounds are properly controlled, which means rhythmic expression is sure footed – the Ruark is capable of quite startling extension and low-end attack. The midrange is open and revealing, with plenty of detail concerning tone and timbre, especially of voices, revealed. At the top end, the Ruark gives substance to treble sounds just as readily as it gives shine – and here, just as with the rest of the frequency range, detail levels are impressively high.
There’s more than enough dynamic headroom available for the MR1 Mk3 to make the fluctuations in volume and intensity during a listen to Music Has the Right to Children by Boards of Canada obvious. And there’s just as much attention paid to the dynamic variations apparent in a voice or solo instrument, too.
Thanks to the downward-facing reflex ports, the Mk3 always has a fixed boundary the perfect distance away - so it’s not quite as uptight about positioning as some alternative designs. And when you get the positioning just right, stereo focus is enjoyable and the soundstage the system creates is large and confidently defined. There’s plenty of space between individual elements of a recording, but at the same time the Ruark is able to make sure they all relate to each other and all contribute to the singularity of ‘performance’.
Sound quality score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Ruark MR1 Mk3 review: Design
185 x 135 x 155mm (HxWxD)
Choice of two finishes
2.2kg
Ruark is no stranger to a tidy and attractive bit of cabinet work, and for the MR1 Mk3 it’s done that thing it does, just on a slightly larger scale.
Each Mk3 cabinet is 185 x 135 x 155mm (HxWxD), which is up from the Mk2’s 175 x 130 x 140mm in every direction. It also means internal volume is increased to a useful two liters while the system is still a realistic desktop proposition.
The standard of build and finish is impeccable. Each cabinet is handcrafted, and is almost as appealing on a tactile level as it is on a visual. My review sample is in a real walnut veneer, but a charcoal lacquer alternative is available – both are supplied with fixed slate-grey cloth grilles.
Design score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Ruark MR1 Mk3 review: Usability and setup
Operation via remote control or RotoDial
3m braided connecting cable
Independent gain control for some inputs
There’s not a lot to get your head around when it comes to setting up the MR1 Mk3. The primary speaker – the one with all the inputs and amplification on board – needs to be plugged into the mains. It then needs to be connected to the secondary speaker using the 3m length of braided cable supplied in the box. And that’s about your lot: make any physical connections you might require, and you’re in business.
Control is available via a small and unremarkable remote control – it covers power on/off, volume up/down, and input selection. These functions are duplicated by the classic Ruark RotoDial that’s integrated into the top of the primary speaker and is just as pleasant to use here as it is in any of the company’s other products. And it makes the primary speaker, in fact, 202mm high.
Usability and setup score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Ruark MR1 Mk3 review: Value
It’s difficult in the extreme to suggest the Ruark MR1 Mk3 doesn’t represent very decent value for money.
It’s compact enough to be a desktop system, it’s got sufficient sonic scale and presence to work as an alternative to a soundbar via its digital optical or Bluetooth inputs, and it’s ideal as a system for a smaller room. The standard of build and finish is hard to criticize. It looks, as well as sounds, good.
What more, really, are you expecting?
Value score: 5/5
Ruark MR1 Mk3 review: Should you buy it?
Buy it if...
You want a system that looks discreet but doesn’t sound it ‘Bigger than before’ doesn’t mean ‘big’, but the MR1 Mk3 sounds it nevertheless.
You don’t believe in soundbars Connected to a TV via Bluetooth or digital optical, the Ruark will wipe the floor with the sound your television makes.
You want a hi-res desktop Got a computer with a top-tier music streaming app installed or hi-res digital audio files in its memory? A connection to the MR1 Mk3’s USB-C socket is all you need…
Don't buy it if...
You want Airplay, Chromecast and stuff like that There’s no Wi-Fi here – Bluetooth is as much wireless connectivity as you get.
Ruark MR1 Mk3 review: Also consider
Some Bluetooth speakers can form stereo pairs, so something like a couple of JBL Charge 6 could do a job on your desktop, and you’d have a pair of portable speakers for when you’re out and about. The battery-only power scenario might not work for you, though, and there’s only USB-C as an input beyond Bluetooth.
Maybe the Q Acoustics M20 would be a better bet? It’s certainly a great-sounding system, and has sufficient physical, as well as wireless, inputs to be a complete system. It’s large when compared to the Ruark, though – certainly too big for anything but the very largest desktop – and is a little less impressive when it comes to the standard of finish too.
Ruark MR1 Mk3 review: How I tested
Connected to various devices
Using every available input
Lots of music and TV over a fair amount of time
I mostly listened to the MR1 Mk3 on my desktop, where I used an iPhone 14 Pro and a FiiO M15S as wireless sources along with an Apple MacBook Pro connected via USB-C.
I also used it on the end of my main system, where I was able to test out its phono stage using my Clearaudio Concept turntable. And I connected it to my Philips OLED using the TV’s optical output, where it functioned as a replacement for my Bose Smart Ultra soundbar.
I listened to plenty of music and quite a bit of TV content, and made sure to check out the Ruark’s hi-res audio credentials as well as its ability to amplify a turntable and handle a wireless stream.
The Urevo SpaceWalk is an ideal home walking pad for people looking to get extra steps in during rainy days or for remote workers trying to bring an element of movement to their working day. It has a generously-sized tread belt with ample shock absorption, measuring 100cm x 38cm, which is similar to other market leaders.
The speed range is 0.5 to 6km per hour, which can be adjusted by either a remote control or by the Urevo app on your phone. The app itself contains a whole host of functionality, recording activity data, offering challenges to participate in and ‘World Tour’ videos to accompany your walks.
The walking pad is exceptionally quick to set up – very much a plug-and-play piece of apparatus with a reasonable 1.8m cable length which, given that the equipment is likely to be under a desk near a plug, will be suitable for most users. The walking pad has an LED display that shows the speed, distance, time, steps and calories, all that most users will need for walks. Estimating steps on the display is a useful inclusion and, I found, to be very accurate.
The walking pad weighs 18kg, making it quite a bit lighter than others I’ve tested, ideal for moving from room to room and up and down stairs, which I have done while switching between using it under my work desk and in front of the TV. The noise levels are very low considering its 2.25HP motor, and I had no complaints from my co-workers on Teams whilst I was using the device.
The main drawback of the device is its limited top speed, at only 6km per users are limited to not much more than a light jog – it’s sadly unsuitable for runners. It's at a slightly higher price point than the usual super-budget Amazon options, so users may want a device like the Mobvoi Home Treadmill SE that provides a dual purpose, but still a great buy.
Category
Comment
Score
Price
More expensive that other walking pads on the market, but likely worth it for most.
3/5
Design
Very easy to move from room to room. No handles or safety bar but this feels appropriate for the products’ top speed.
4/5
Features
Variety of speeds is good, more controllability on the app than the remote, app provided good activity tracking over time.
5/5
Performance
Buttons responsive, felt stable and provided a smooth walking experience.
5/5
Should I buy?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy if if...
You are looking for a walking pad you won’t want to run on
No need for a running machine? No problem
You need a lightweight option
The Spacewalk E4W can be moved from room to room.
You need something quiet
Your colleagues won’t hear it: I took Teams calls while using it without issue.
Don't buy it if...
You're looking for the cheapest walking pad
There are slightly cheaper options out there if your budget is tight.
You are looking for a dual-use walking pad
There's no running mode or incline, like most walkingpads, so fit users are unlikely to break much of a sweat.
I tested the walking pad for two weeks, mostly walking on it for an hour every day. I typically used it at a pace of 3km per hour but jogged up to 6km per hour speed. I tried using it with and without shoes, but preferred wearing trainers because the surface got hot. I also tested both the remote control and the app-controlled functionality.
Fairphone has always delivered on its key promise of making the most eco-friendly smartphone it can, and over subsequent generations it’s also come on leaps and bounds at making a handset that’s has green credentials yet is also a solid Android phone. We’ve always given respectable reviews to handsets from the Dutch phone maker but that’s mostly for the eco-credos, and the quality of the devices has often left something to be desired.
That gets less true with each generation though and the Fairphone 6 shows another step towards the company understanding its true potential. Case in point, while this is still a chunky Android that has one foot in the rugged phone camp, it has a few features which make it stand out in the crowded smartphone market.
The successor to 2023’s Fairphone 5, the continuing key selling point for the new handset is it's a green phone (literally, depending on which model you buy, but I’m talking about its environmental credentials). The phone incredibly easy to repair yourself, so you don’t need to toss it away should something break. It’s made with loads of recycled materials, from production processes that support fair working conditions. There’s no e-waste in the box and even the making of the phone was done with renewable energy.
While many phone brands might mutter out a line or two about how one component of its phone was made from recycled wool during an announcement, Fairphone makes its environmental mission part of the sales pitch. And with more people each year letting their carbon footprint (or desired lack thereof) inform their purchasing decisions, it remains the best part of buying a Fairphone.
But there’s more; Fairphones have often been pretty hardy but the sixth-gen model literally has military-grade certification to ensure it’s protected. I like a phone that can look after itself and you don’t need to worry with the Fairphone 6; I didn’t even put it in a case.
Like past models it’s very easy to replace damaged parts yourself using a little Fairphone-branded screwdriver, but a new change for this generation is the same process can be used to add accessories to the device (albeit ones bought separately). I found it really easy and even fun unscrewing the back panel to add a finger loop, or card holder, or lanyard, and this also encouraged me to poke around inside the device and demystify the scary-sounding self-repair process.
My biggest surprise with the Fairphone 6 was its presence of a 3D time-of-flight sensor on the back, in lieu of a third sensor. These were popular on phones a few years ago but largely as a way of bulking up a specs list, and rarely did they actually contribute much. But on the Fairphone 6, the impact is noticeable as portrait photos have incredibly accurate background blur, getting blurrier with greater distance from the subject. That’s not something you see often on smartphones and it made the Fairphone one of my favorite phones for pictures of myself (if taken on the rear camera, of course).
That’s not to say that the Fairphone is one of the best camera phones, as pictures tended to be a little dull, lacking in vibrancy and color, and the macro mode worked poorly.
Beyond the areas I’ve discussed, it’s overall a pretty average mid-range phone: its chipset, screen quality, battery capacity and charging speed are all at or slightly below what you’d expect for the price. But the software is stock Android, which provides a nice clean interface and the addition of a handy slider adds some quick functionality when you need it.
Fairphone 6 review: price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
Announced in June 2025, released shortly after
Costs £499 (roughly $680, AU$990) but only on sale in Europe
Pricier version available without Android OS
After being announced in June 2025, the Fairphone 6 was put on sale across July and August, only in Europe. That’s right, Fairphone doesn’t range the phone in the US or Australia… mostly.
The handset costs £499 (roughly $680, AU$990) so it’s a mid-ranged mobile in price. The accessories Fairphone sells and you can see in review images, like the lanyard or finger grip, all cost about £25 (about $34, AU$49). For context the Fairphone 5 was quite a bit pricier at £649 (roughly $800 / AU$1,250), and the price cut is welcome.
There’s another version of the smartphones that's ‘deGoogled’ and comes with the open-source /e/OS instead of Android as the default operating system. This costs $899 / £549 (at least AU$1,000 but there’s quite a gulf between those two prices). As you can see it is on sale in the US, although at a rather high price compared to the UK and also the European pricing.
I didn’t test this version of the phone so it hasn’t been factored into this review, but specs-wise it’s the same as the Android version of the phone.
Fairphone 6 review: specs
Here's the spec sheet in full for the Fairphone 6:
Fairphone 6 specs
Dimensions:
156.5 x 73.3 x 9.6mm
Weight:
193g
Screen:
6.31-inch 20:9 FHD (1116 x 2484) 120Hz OLED
Chipset:
Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
RAM:
8GB
Storage:
256GB
OS:
Android 15
Primary camera:
50MP, f/1.6
Ultra-wide camera:
13MP f/2.2 116-degree
Front camera:
32MP, f/2.0
Audio:
Stereo speakers
Battery:
4,415mAh
Charging:
30W wired
Colors:
Green, white, black
Fairphone 6 review: design
(Image credit: Future)
New slider for quick functions
IP55 and MIL-STD-810H adds protection
Easily repairable or modifable
As with past models, the Fairphone 6 is a pretty blocky handset, but it makes sense for reasons we’ll get to in a bit. It comes in white, green or black; my review unit was white but the accessories were green, hence the color clash, and I found the white model picked up marks and stains pretty easily.
The phone measures 156.5 x 73.3 x 9.6mm and weighs 193g, so it’s a little smaller than many other contemporary Androids but is pretty thick.
The bottom edge of the phone has the USB-C port but there’s no audio jack. On the left side there’s the volume rocker, which I struggled to readily reach, and replacing it on the right edge of the phone, just above the power button, is a slider.
The function of this slider can be picked from the Settings menu; you can use it to turn on Do Not Disturb, Flight Mode, Torch, Dark Mode, Battery Saver or to turn on Fairphone Moments, a stripped-back menu with quick links to the phone’s most useful functions (maps, messages etc). I personally switched it to torch, because I love it when a phone has a quick way to turn on the flashlight.
Housed in the power button is the phone’s fingerprint sensor, as the Fairphone 6 doesn’t have an under-display scanner. In testing, I found this reliable and quick to use.
The Fairphone 6 is one of the few phones that I don’t feel you need to buy a case for, as by default it feels like it’s clad in an armor of hard plastic. But there’s more; not only does it have IP55 certification against dust ingress and water, it has the military-grade MIL-STD-810H protection too. This means it’s passed tests designed by the US Department of Defense to check that it’s reliable in military situations, so it can withstand altitude, extreme temperatures, humidity, intense shocks and so on. You (hopefully) won’t need any of these protections, but it’s a useful little piece of mind so that you know the Fairphone is hardy.
The unique selling point of the Fairphone 6 is that it’s fully repairable; not by an expert or specialist but by you. If a part of your ecp-friendly phone is damaged you can easily buy a new one on Fairphone’s website and replace it with a screwdriver (the company’s video tutorials might help), saving you buying a whole new device if one component is damaged. This is that eco ethos in action.
It's also the case with accessories, as you can remove the phone’s back panel and replace it with a card holder, a finger loop or similar. The ability to be easily modded like this is perhaps the Fairphone 6’s most distinct upgrade over its predecessor and, frankly, is pretty fun to do too (Fairphone sent me each of the accessories along with the phone, though they’re not included in-box).
Design score: 4 / 5
Fairphone 6 review: display
(Image credit: Future)
6.31-inchd display feels small compared to contemporaries
New refresh rate at 120Hz beats predecessor
Sometimes struggles in sunlight
Compared to the behemoth screens of some flagship Android phones, the Fairphone 6 might feel a bit small (or ‘compact’, which is the diplomatic word choice). The display measures 6.31 inches across, so it matches the iPhone 17 in this regard.
The resolution is 1116 x 2484, just a hair above FHD+, and it has a 120Hz refresh rate in a notable upgrade over the last-gen Fairphone. The max brightness is 1,400 nits which is fine, but not as bright as many rivals, and I wouldn’t have minded a bit of extra shine for use on sunny days.
Most of the time, though, the Fairphone 6 display works well, especially since it totes the same number of pixels as a much bigger display but crammed down into a smaller screen to increase the pixels-per-inch count.
Display score: 3.5 / 5
Fairphone 6 review: software
(Image credit: Future)
Comes with stock Android 15
7 years of updates
Fairphone app gives extra insight into phone
Fairphone is one of the few remaining companies to use ‘true’ stock Android – not an Android fork, and not stock Android buried under so many customizations that it feels like a fork anyway.
In the case of the Fairphone 6 that means you’re looking at Android 15, and all the features that come with it: live location sharing, dodgy text warnings, screen time tracking and so on. The handset is due to get upgrades for the next seven years, which would take you up to Android 22 in the year 2033 (if that’s what Google decides to call it).
If you like a clean interface with no added bells and whistles, you’ll like the Fairphone 6’s software. You start free from bloatware and can build up your app library just how you like it.
Fairphone does have one addition: its own app is included on the device at start, and while you can remove it, there are some useful features. Firstly, it lets you find information about the device at a tap, instead of buried away in the Settings menu (although mine told me I had 0GB RAM and 0GB storage, perhaps an issue with a review unit. It lets you buy spare parts and accessories quickly too, providing video tutorials on how to add or replace parts.
But the most important is a phone health option, so you can see how much memory and storage you’ve used up, and also what the phone's temperature is, giving you a little insight into its operations. The benefit of this is for the device’s longevity, so you can keep it ticking longer.
Software score: 4 / 5
Fairphone 6 review: cameras
(Image credit: Future)
50MP main and 13MP ultra-wide cameras, 32MP up front
Pictures lack contrast and color, but are detailed
Rear portraits look really good
Judging by a look at the specs list, Fairphone 6 isn’t being dragged into the camera- sensor pixel wars, dropping many from the past model. Its main camera is a 50MP f/1.6 snapper and it’s joined by a 13MP f/2.2 ultra-wide as well as a 3D time-of-flight sensor. Those specs are absolutely fine for a low-cost phone (except the TOF sensor, a relic of yesteryear, which nine times out of ten doesn’t contribute anything) but nothing to write home about.
Photos taken on the phone are… fine. Forgive the boring descriptor but it’s the most apt one. Snaps have lots of image quality but not much in the way of dynamic range, with a single cloud in the sky dooming the photo with a noticeable lack of color or vibrancy.
In well-lit scenarios things fared a little better, but only a little; the greens of a natural landscape blur into one and a little extra contrast would go a long way. Still, they’re fine-looking for sharing around, especially if you don’t mind going into the edit menu and sprucing them up a little.
Fairphone’s mobiles have rarely had much in the way of photo post-processing optimization, at least compared to competitors, and that’s the case again. It won’t impress anybody but this is a phone for saving the planet, not for capturing sparkly pictures flaunting all the air miles you’ve burned by going to a remote beach for your holiday.
(Image credit: Future)
On the front there’s a 32MP f/2.0 camera for snapping selfies and I generally found it pretty fit for purpose, if still indicative of the rear cameras’ issues; snaps could be a little washed-out and colorless.
For a brief whip around the other specs: you can record video at 4K at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps, and down to 120fps at 1080p in slow-motion mode. Most of the other modes are ones you expect: Pro, panorama, time-lapse and night mode.
There are two modes I’ll flag. First is portrait, with the Fairphone 6 surprisingly touting one of the best iterations of this mode I’ve seen. While snaps weren’t exactly vibrant, the bokeh background blur was accurate and varied in intensity depending on the distance to the phone, which is something I rarely see; that could be the TOF sensor in effect.
The other mode is macro, which really didn’t work too well. Like on most phones without a dedicated macro lens it uses the ultra-wide one, resulting in a pixel-heavy pic, missing the depth of field that such pictures should have. In testing I always turned off macro mode and relied on the main camera for such shots instead.
Camera score: 3.5 / 5
Fairphone 6 camera samples
Image 1 of 11
A standard picture taken on the Fairphone, in fairly well-lit conditions. (Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 11
An ultra-wide photo taken in overcast conditions, to contrast the following two snaps. (Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 11
A standard photo taken in overcast conditions, to contrast the preceding and following snaps. (Image credit: Future)
Image 4 of 11
A 2x zoom snap taken in overcast conditions, to contrast the two previous snaps (the phone uses digital zoom). (Image credit: Future)
Image 5 of 11
A canape board taken at 1x zoom in artificial lighting at close range. (Image credit: Future)
Image 6 of 11
A portrait snap of a man to show the bokeh effects (white bars added manually before adding this picture to the web). (Image credit: Future)
Image 7 of 11
A macro picture of some flowers... or an attempt to photograph them. (Image credit: Future)
Image 8 of 11
The flowers from the previous photo, but using the main camera, to show how improved it is. (Image credit: Future)
Image 9 of 11
Another standard picture of a closer object. (Image credit: Future)
Image 10 of 11
Another standard photo of a further subject. (Image credit: Future)
Image 11 of 11
A final standard photo showing a woodland scene with mixed lighting. (Image credit: Future)
Fairphone 6: performance and audio
Mid-range Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset
Single 8GB/256GB model
Bluetooth 5.4 or USB-C port for audio, no jack
As is the way with Fairphone’s mobiles, the Gen 6 doesn’t have a top-end chip, but it has enough power that you won’t find it too slow for everyday use. The chipset here is the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, which we’ve also seen in the likes of the Nothing Phone 3(a) Pro and Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus.
This is a mid-range piece of kit, capable of handling gaming in a mostly fine fashion, though maybe not at the top graphics options if you don’t want stutters, and all everyday tasks.
When I put the phone through a Geekbench 6 benchmark test, it returned a multi-core average score of 3,430, which reflects the chipset; Snapdragon 600s often sit at around 2,000 points while 800s I’ve tested recently have gone to the mid 4,000s.
Paired with the chipset is 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, and there’s only one configuration available. While 8GB RAM is nothing to write home about, a spec that flags this as a mobile not designed for power-users, the storage is a solid amount that compensates for the lack of a microSD card slot.
It’s 2025 so of course there’s no 3.5mm audio jack for audio, Fairphone ditched that years ago when everyone else did. Instead you can listen to music using the Bluetooth 5.4 support or using a USB-C adaptor. The stereo speakers aren’t exactly impressive but that’s normal for a smartphone.
Performance score: 3.5 / 5
Fairphone 6 review: battery life
Relatively slender 4,415mAh battery
Slow 30W charging
(Image credit: Future)
The Fairphone 6 has a 4,415mAh battery, one which the company estimates will keep you going for “almost two days” from 100% power. I wouldn’t go that far, and I’d put the lasting power at about a day, or a little bit longer if you’re not an intensive user.
That’s a fine battery life for a smartphone, even if 4,415mAh may seem anemic given that most contemporaries have pushed it to 6,000mAh. Fairphone’s own optimizations and software and spec choices often counter smaller-capacity batteries.
Of course, if your battery starts to diminish or go wrong, it’s one of the many parts of the phone you can swap out very easily.
Charging is done at 30W, which is again a little lower than rivals, and you’ll have to wait for well over an hour to get from empty to full. There’s no kind of reverse or wireless powering.
Battery score: 3.5 / 5
Fairphone 6 review: value
(Image credit: Future)
What price would you put on a phone that looks after the planet?
Rhetoric aside, the Fairphone 6 isn't priced particularly competitively when you look at the specs, but what sets its apart is its lasting power.
Not only does its IP and military certification ensure it'll survive damage much better than other handsets on the market, but the fact you can replace ailing parts ensures that the mobile's lifespan will far outstrip anything else you might be considering.
After all, the average phone lasts for under three years, especially cheaper models. The Fairphone 6 will last you longer than multiple other models if you let it.
Value score: 4.5 / 5
Should you buy the Fairphone 6?
(Image credit: Future)
Fairphone 6 score card
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Value
The potential lasting power of this phone means its price seems like a bargain, when looking at the bigger picture.
4.5 / 5
Design
It's no looker, but it's well protected, easily modifiable and has a handy new slider.
4 / 5
Display
If you want a phone with a smaller screen, the Fairphone will fit you perfectly.
3.5 / 5
Software
The software is nice and clean, as Google intended, but without the extra features Android forks bring.
3.5 / 5
Camera
Other than the impressive portrait capabilities, the Fairphone 6 cameras are bang average.
3.5 / 5
Performance
The Snapdragon chip here is fine for everyday use for most people, but gamers will pine for more.
3.5 / 5
Battery
The battery is small and the charging slow, but optimizations ensure the actual battery life is okay.
3.5 / 5
Buy it if...
You care about the planet There's no use beating about the bush. If you want a smartphone that reflects your own climate principles, the Fairphone is the one and only to buy.
You want something a bit smaller Compared to most modern-day beasts, the Fairphone 6 is the rare smaller Android phone (smaller, but not small).
You take lots of Portrait pictures I've mentioned this numerous times through the review, but once more: the ToF sensor really adds something to Portrait-mode pics.
Don't buy it if...
You want a powerful phone The Snapdragon 700-family chipset is fine, but it's not going to provide the fierce power than an 800-series chip would.
You're not going to mod or repair your phone Repairing or modding the Fairphone is easy, but if you feel worried about using a screwdriver to tweak your smartphone, you might not appreciate the benefits of the Fairphone 6's DIY repair potential. .
Fairphone 6 review: Also consider
If you don't think this mobile is right for you, let's look at some similar-priced handsets. Just note, other than the first, these won't retain the Fairphone's green principles.
Fairphone 5 The previous-generation mobile is weaker in a few areas and doesn't come with the neat accessory integration, but being older, you can pick it up for a reduced price.
Nothing Phone 3a Pro This slightly-cheaper rival looks even more alien than the Fairphone. Its specs are a little bit better across the board and it's much bigger.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus This slightly-cheaper Android turns the specs up to 11, with a much higher-res rear camera, drastically-charger fasting and a bigger screen. However, as our reviewer points out, its software isn't great to use.
I tested the Fairphone 6 for just over two weeks to write this review, using it as my normal mobile in this time. As stated, I was sent the white version of the mobile along with all the extra accessories.
The testing process included a mix of experience and 'lab'-style, so I'd use the handset as my normal phone for some of the time but also conducted a battery of benchmarking tests as well. I also took the phone with me on holiday, hence the camera samples.
I didn't test the military-standard protection of the phone, due to not having a nearby warzone or extreme climate in which to do so. I'll have to take Fairphone's word for that.
As well as this mobile, I've tested the last few Fairphone mobiles, alongside plenty of other devices since I started reviewing for TechRadar in early 2019.
When Final Fantasy Tactics was released in 1997, it was lauded as a masterful tactical role-playing game (RPG), mixing impressive visual effects with depth-filled combat and a stellar narrative. But now, this beloved title has been reborn, affording longtime fans as well as new players the chance to experience it all. Enter Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles – Square Enix’s remaster of a true classic.
Review info
Platform reviewed: PS5 Available on: PS5, Nintendo Switch (physical and digital);Nintendo Switch 2, PS4, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC (digital only) Release date: September 30, 2025
This expanded remaster brings plenty of shiny new stuff to the table. It’s fully voice-acted, has considerably upgraded visuals, and a fair few quality-of-life updates. All of these are available in the ‘Enhanced’ edition of the game, but you can also play through the original if you’d prefer, which uses the translation from War of the Lions – an updated version of the game which launched on the PlayStation Portable (PSP) back in 2007.
Anyway, I’ve played through the entirety of the Enhanced version of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, and I’ve got plenty of thoughts – most of which are positive, fans will be delighted to hear! Let’s take a closer look at this remaster, then, and find out if it can do justice to a real fan favorite.
An adventure like no other
(Image credit: SQUARE ENIX)
If you’re new to Final Fantasy Tactics, I’ll give you a quick rundown of the game’s premise. Ramza Beoulve is a highborn young man, who is thrust into a deeply political, brutal conflict – one that centers around two nobles vying for the throne of Ivalice.
Ramza – alongside his allies – will play a gigantic part in the war’s trajectory…though his actions will later be obscured in the history books. It is up to you, the player, to uncover the truth behind this conflict – and the importance of Ramza’s role within it.
You’ll control young Ramza and his allies across various battlefields, which use a tile configuration – something that fans of the Fire Emblem series, for example, will be well familiar with. You’ll have to level up your characters, recruit increasingly powerful units, and make use of the renowned job system – one of the best parts of the game, hands down.
You can switch between a number of jobs – spell casters like Black and White Mages, sword users like Squires and Knights, and a whole lot more. A key difference in the Enhanced version is that there’s a fully-fledged Job Tree, which makes it easy to understand how to unlock each class, and lets you track your progress in doing so.
Best bit
(Image credit: SQUARE ENIX)
I had a huge amount of fun creating an army-crushing squad in The Ivalice Chronicles. Creating a monk, who could heal and hit-hard, while also using the Ninja’s dual wield skill for 2x the power, made for a truly devastating combination.
As had previously been the case, you earn job points in battle to increase a unit’s proficiency in a particular class, through which you can earn new abilities and passive skills. Mixing and matching skills from different jobs is great fun – and optimizing your skillset will be crucial if you want to make it through the main story, which is by no means a breeze…more on that later.
Some jobs do take ages to unlock – but it doesn’t always feel worth your time, given that some of the classes further along the tree have skills that seem a little situational. Still, you don’t have to make use of these jobs. One of my main units, for reference, was a monk – a melee fighter class you unlock pretty early. I just ensured that he had secondary skills from the Ninja class to keep him primed for late-game combat.
If your beloved monk unit dies in battle, for example, it may well be gone forever…devastating, I know. When a character faints, a display with three hearts will appear above it, and one heart will deplete for each turn a character remains unconscious. If you don’t revive it or complete the battle objective within this time, it will be gone forever.
New auto-save slots have made it easier to go back to before your unit dies – which is a very welcome inclusion. I used this a fair amount in my playthrough. After all, do you really want to spend hours on end re-training a new unit? Personally, I don’t have time for all that!
There’s one more thing I’d like to note about perma-death. In Fire Emblem titles, your units typically have a unique appearance and personality – something that can leave you feeling attached to them, and this causes deaths to feel that little bit more gutting.
In Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, though, a lot of characters have identical appearances and no personality beyond their brief vocal soundbites. This meant I wasn’t particularly attached or interested in my standard units – I often replaced them with special ones that play a more direct role in the plot, have unique costumes, and join your party as you progress through the story. By the way, Cloud from Final Fantasy VII (one of my favorite games, and one of the best RPGs of all time) is one of these…how cool is that?!
Not for the faint of heart
(Image credit: SQUARE ENIX)
Speaking of special units, some of these are going to be extremely helpful – and sometimes almost feel necessary – to get through story battles. There’s one in particular who will join you late on, who is seriously powerful. I won’t spoil who it is for newcomers, but without them, I’d have been toast on a number of occasions.
Yes, I’ll be honest, I found The Ivalice Chronicles to be hard. At times, very hard. I’m an RPGs guy, and have finished some pretty punishing titles – yes, even Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne. But the thing that caught me off guard in this game was its severe difficulty spikes.
Some of these, especially early on, forced me to better my understanding of the title’s impressively deep battle mechanics – stuff like zodiac compatibility, faith, and bravery elements require close attention.
Difficulty spikes later on, though, could feel pretty frustrating. I went from reconsidering my team’s build and strategy early on to reconsidering whether my sanity was still intact by the end. These spikes can make progression feel a little uneven, it has to be said, although there are ways to push through the most challenging encounters.
For instance, you can hop into random battles on the world map to grind up your levels and earn job points to get better healing skills, spells, and combat abilities. And these are entirely at your own pace – don’t fancy a random encounter? Just press flee and you can skip it. Need some EXP? Run around for a bit and prepare for battle. I love that you’re not forced into fights – something that can make some RPGs feel repetitive and relentless.
In addition, you can complete errands, which give you gil (the game’s currency) to spend on better armor, weapons, headgear, and accessories. They can also give you experience points and job points. These are entirely optional and are a useful way to earn experience for any backup units you want to use in the event of a character dying, for example.
Anyway, after you’ve been struggling in a fight and you’ve taken some time to train up, you’ll likely find a route to victory. And when you do, you’re going to feel very satisfied – I know I did. The endgame especially was pretty rough for me, but I got there in the end. It's worth noting that I played the whole game on Knight difficulty – the sort of ‘normal’ level. However, the Enhanced version adds an easy mode, Squire, and a hard mode, Tactician – that one’s for the show-offs.
A message more potent than ever, for a new generation
(Image credit: SQUARE ENIX)
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles has a stellar narrative – one that plays to themes that are arguably even more timely now than they were almost 30 years ago.
The conflict I mentioned earlier takes place after a separate 50-year-long war, which has left much of the kingdom in economic turmoil. Distrust in the ruling class is at an all-time high, with the masses left to struggle in a ruined kingdom while nobles indulge in luxury. The world was, and remains, incredibly designed, with a new ‘state of the realm’ page that clarifies story details and can refresh your memory of character names, among other things.
State of the realm is one of many additions – most of which make for a much more refined experience. Personally, I love the revamped graphics – the game remains true to its roots, visually speaking. Battle animations are incredibly fluid, backdrops are beautifully composed, and colors really pop, injecting a ton of character into this complex world. The incredible score also adds so much texture to the world, and even random encounter tracks, like Apoplexy and Desert Land, had my head bopping mid-battle.
Functionally speaking, one of the best new features is fast-forward, which makes the pace of battle so much more palatable. A lot of movement and combat does feel pretty sluggish, so being able to speed through your enemy’s actions is most welcome. This also helps if you’re sitting through dialogue you’re already familiar with, and I made extensive use of it.
I already mentioned stuff like difficulty options, the job tree, and auto-save – and these all feel like considered, user-friendly inclusions – but despite that, there was some stuff I wasn’t loving about the Enhanced version.
(Image credit: SQUARE ENIX)
This might be controversial, but I think the voice acting is, at best, just OK. Some characters are well represented. Ben Starr – who was phenomenal as Verso in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – does a good job with the cunning and crafty Dycedarg. The personalities of other characters, including Agrias, Cidolfus, and Ramza himself, are also communicated well – but the same can’t be said for others.
Some performances feel a little restrained, non-special characters occasionally have inconsistent accents or tones of voice, and some non-player characters (NPCs) have voices that don’t match their sprites whatsoever. I mean, am I really meant to believe this teenage-looking soldier sounds like a 50-year-old geezer from the east end of London?
Furthermore, I was frustrated by the game’s camera on numerous occasions. Sometimes, it would pan to a bizarre angle that prevented me from seeing the on-screen action. A new overhead tactical view did remedy this at times, but I would’ve liked some further improvements here. Otherwise, performance is fantastic on the PS5 version, no notes.
There's one more thing that didn’t bother me too much, but will be a concern for others. Content from War of the Lions is largely missing in this remaster. That means that its side content and drawn cutscenes have been mostly left out – something that will upset fans of the well-regarded PSP version, I’m sure.
Still, though, I have to say that I had a great time with Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. Yes, I have some minor gripes – severe difficulty spikes, a sometimes flawed camera, and imperfect voice acting, above all. But those things are certainly not enough to get in the way of an unforgettable adventure, packed with satisfyingly deep combat, a timely, well-written story, and a great score. The quality of life upgrades and enhanced visuals make this the ultimate way for new players to explore Ivalice, and if you’re a fan of tactical RPGs, this remains easy to recommend.
Should you play Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles?
(Image credit: SQUARE ENIX)
Play it if...
You want to revisit a 90s classic If you’re a new player, or you were a fan of the original Final Fantasy Tactics, this expanded remaster is the perfect way to play it. With fast-forward, a tactical view, and graphical refinements, it’s a far more fluid and fast-paced adventure than ever before.
You want to sink your teeth into some deep lore Ivalice is a kingdom that has long been marred by war and political disorder. Seeing how this climate influences the ideology of various actors from a range of factions is engrossing. The plot itself is densely layered, and the new ‘state of the realm’ menu provides an impressive level of context and information around Ivalice’s characters and conflicts.
Don't play it if...
You’re expecting an action RPG Final Fantasy experience If you’re expecting the action-focused combat of more recent Final Fantasy titles – or even the active time battle system from others, The Ivalice Chronicles may catch you off guard. It’s a tactical RPG which shares a lot of similarities with games like Fire Emblem, so if you’re not into strategic tile-based titles, you may want to give this a miss.
You’re not digging the pixel style The Ivalice Chronicles uses an Enhanced version of the pixel style used for the original PS1 title. But if you’re not really a fan of that, and want a full-blown 3D adventure more akin to Final Fantasy XVI, then again, you may be better off skipping this one.
Accessibility features
There are a few useful accessibility settings in Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. For instance, there’s a sound visualization option, which displays in-game sounds on the edges of the screen, as well as the choice to show speaker names during spoken exchanges.
There are also sound effect subtitles, volume sliders, multiple text languages (Japanese, English, German, and French), and both English and Japanese voice language options. Unfortunately, there is no colorblind mode or similar.
How I reviewed Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles:
(Image credit: SQUARE ENIX)
OK, so I spent more than 50 hours playing Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, battling through the entire main story, a healthy portion of side content, errands, and random encounters. I played the Enhanced version of the game in order to assess the remaster’s quality of life upgrades, graphical improvements, and voice acting.
I played the PS5 edition of the game, with my console connected up to the Sky Glass Gen 2television and the Samsung HW-Q800D soundbar. When I was out and about, I’d also occasionally dip into the game via remote play on my Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, but this was pretty rare.
Personally, I’ve reviewed a variety of games here at TechRadar, including recent releases like Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army and Drag x Drive. I've also played a number of tactical RPGs, such as Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade, and a range of Final Fantasy titles.
Spoilers follow for all four episodes of Marvel Zombies.
Marvel Studios has a patchy record when it comes to its animated projects. Sure, there have been hits like X-Men 97, but other productions – in the main – like Eyes of Wakanda and What If...? have flattered to deceive.
It's the latter that Marvel's latest animated show, Marvel Zombies, takes its cue from. A continuation of the story told in What If...? season 1 episode 5, titled 'What If... Zombies!?', the comic giant's first adult animated TV series is undeniably its most mature offering to date.
But, for all of its delightfully gory action and focus on the next generation of Marvel superheroes, it's weighed down by the same storytelling issues that have plagued many of the studio's other recent animated works.
The new avengers
Marvel Zombies opens five years after What If...? season 1 episode 5's cliffhanger ending (Image credit: Marvel Television/Disney Plus)
A four-part miniseries, Marvel Zombies is set five years after the initial zombie outbreak. A cataclysmic event caused by a virus that Dr Hank Pym brought back from a trip to the Quantum Realm in 'What If... Zombies!?', the planet Earth of this universe, one that sits adjacent to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has become a dystopia overrun by the undead.
Pockets of humanity remain, though, including a desperate groups of superpowered individuals who cling to survival against the odds. But, when a trio of heroes – Kamala Khan/Ms Marvel, Riri Williams/Ironheart, and Kate Bishop/Hawkeye – discover a key that could end the zombie scourge, the group embark on a dangerous, globetrotting journey to save their world.
It's highly satisfying to see the next generation of Earth's Mightiest Heroes take center stage
Marvel Zombies opening with the aforementioned triumvirate is intentional. Khan is arguably the protagonist of this story, with the optimistic and empathetic New Jersey-hailing hero being the center point that the plot is built around, as she reluctantly and then boldly leads the charge to end the zombie plague.
In Williams, Bishop and Khan, though, Marvel Zombies immediately sets out its stall to primarily focus on the new wave of superpowered beings who have begun to populate the MCU post-Avengers: Endgame.
Zombies doesn't solely rely on that intrepid trio, either. From Shang-Chi and members of the Thunderbolts* to Moon Knight and Blade – the latter pair are admittedly spliced together to form a new yet incredibly cool individual called Blade Knight – it's highly satisfying to see the next generation of Earth's Mightiest Heroes take center stage.
Marvel Zombies puts the next generation of Earth's Mightiest Heroes at the center of its narrative (Image credit: Marvel Animation/Disney+)
That said, it's somewhat bittersweet that animated projects, such as What If...? and its zombie-based spin-off, mark the first time we've seen some of these popular heroes since their live-action MCU debuts – or, in Blade's case, who's only 'appeared' via an off-screen cameo in Eternals, at all.
An indictment of Marvel's scattergun approach post-Endgame that's seen the comic titan throw stuff at the wall and see what sticks with audiences, it's a great shame that many of Marvel Zombies' leading lights are only now getting another chance to shine, albeit via an animated Disney+ production.
It's surreal that Marvel Zombies is the first time Blade has actually appeared in a Marvel Studios project (Image credit: Marvel Animation/Disney+)
Irksome though that is, I will admit it was really fun to see interactions between characters who are yet to cross paths in the MCU.
While all-too-brief to be emotionally impactful, the Khan-Bishop-Williams dynamic is incredibly likable, as is the broader team-up between Khan, Red Guardian, Yelena Belova, Blade Knight, Shang-Chi and the latter's bestie Katy that becomes the core collective for much of Marvel Zombies' run. I regularly revelled in seeing these individuals bounce off each other and re-demonstrate that whip-smart humor that Marvel projects are renowned for.
For all of the fun-filled rapport on display, though, Marvel Zombies was a bit too quippy and corny for my tastes on occasion. I wasn't expecting the Marvel Phase 6 TV series to be a wholly miserably affair. Nonetheless, seeing Red Guardian and Zombie Captain America duke it out in what I can only describe as a slapstick showdown, or listening to eye-roll inducing jokes from FBI agent Jimmy Woo, just didn't fit the mood or tone of the post-apocalyptic horror reality that Marvel Zombies takes place in.
The walking dead
Marvel Zombies pays tribute to some great horror-fuelled episodes of television (Image credit: Marvel Animation/Disney+)
Speaking of the hair-raising universe that Marvel Zombies exists in, Marvel doesn't hold back in making its first TV-MA project as gruesome as possible.
Marvel Zombies' first trailer teased its brutality and, while I had hoped for a bit more in the way of ultra-violence, it goes harder than any other Marvel Studios movie or TV show to date. I cannot stress this enough, but it's absolutely not family-friendly, nor is it for those who are squeamish or of the faint of heart.
Some of Marvel Zombies' best set-pieces and scenes add real cinematic flair to proceedings
If you can stomach its hyper-violent tendencies, though, Marvel Zombies will reward horror fans through its clear homages to some fan-favorite genre fare. Indeed, whether it's the dread-inducing 'Hardhome' episode of Game of Thrones, or scenes that reminded me of similar sequences in World War Z and Train to Busan, some of Marvel Zombies' best set-pieces and scenes add real cinematic flair to proceedings that occasionally conceal the mid-tier art style it retains from What If...?.
Parts of Marvel Zombies' story, as well as its action sequences, leave a lot to be desired (Image credit: Marvel Animation/Disney+)
However, all the horror genre references in the world, nor positive things I've said about Marvel Zombies, can disguise my frustration with its wider narrative, though.
I'll preface my criticism by saying there's the skeleton of an engrossing story here. Indeed, its plot makes some interesting revisions to the world-building aspect of the MCU. The recycling of certain MCU technology to try and thwart the threat posed by the undead is put to good use, too.
Add in the previously discussed new-look Avengers team, the camaraderie that exists between them, and the prospect that none of them are immune from becoming the zombie horde's next victim, and I actually appreciate some of the creative and narrative swings that Marvel Zombies takes.
Spider-Man's appearance in Marvel Zombies is the main reason why it was turned into a TV show (Image credit: Marvel Animation/Disney+)
Nevertheless, Marvel Zombies is hamstrung by irritating storytelling components.
Whether it's the rudimentary MacGuffin positioned as the answer to our heroes' prayers, the decision not to pick up the story immediately after the cliffhanger ending in 'What If... Zombies!?' or a spate of character deaths that are significantly lacking in the gut-punching and/or tear-jerking department, at times Marvel Zombies can feel as emotionless as the reanimated corpses that inhabit its world. That's before we even get onto my biggest gripe about a major narrative inconsistency that occurs in its final episode, which not only changes a key moment near the end of 'What If... Zombies!?', but is practically waved away without explanation.
Marvel Zombies is hamstrung by irritating storytelling components
Part of Marvel Zombies' plot-based problems might be the fact it's a glorified TV show. Originally, it was designed to be a two-hour movie but, due to the complexities of the rights surrounding Spider-Man – don't worry, the lead of 'What If... Zombies!?' plays a part of proceedings, albeit in a reduced role – that prohibits Marvel from using him in a feature film capacity without Sony's consent, Marvel Zombies was turned into a limited series.
As a Spidey fanboy, I'll always take any webslinger-based storytelling and action where I can. However, there's no denying that his ongoing inclusion in this What If...? spin-off upsets Zombies' narrative rhythm.
My verdict
I really wanted to like Marvel Zombies more than I did. That doesn't mean it's another average or poor offering from Marvel – indeed, there's frightful fun to be had with its gratuitous violence, unexpected team-ups and universe-altering stakes. Based on its ending, there's clearly an appetite to continue its story, too.
Nonetheless, if X-Men 97 is the high bar with which we judge projects developed by Marvel Animation, Zombies is something of a let down. That might be overly critical of me to say, especially when I also consider Zombies to be a better and more enjoyable Marvel TV Original than What If...? and Eyes of Wakanda.
Given my high expectations and excitement for Marvel's first adult animated show, though, I can't mask my disappointment for Marvel Zombies as an overall package. If its creative team gets another bite at the cherry with another season, I'd love nothing more for them to cure Zombies' narrative ailments. For now, though, Marvel Zombies is another project from the comic giant that'll shuffle onto Disney+ and likely be forgotten about within a week or two.
The Laifen Wave SE is the second electric toothbrush from the Chinese manufacturer. This Special Edition variant is a follow-up to the original Wave which looks – and is in most ways – very similar.
The standout difference in the SE over the Wave is that this offers what the company calls a more "cozy" brushing experience. How? It vibrates less. Yup, while the original Wave pushed out a brain buzzing 66,000 vibrations per minute, this variant is a far more gentle 26,000. There are also a few more color variants available in the SE, too.
So while this might make the best electric toothbrush list alongside sonic and traditionally oscillating models, this brush both oscillates and vibrates, carving its own niche in electric toothbrush options.
One other big shift in the SE is that this model has been certified by the American Dental Association. That makes this the first dual-action toothbrush to achieve this accolade, helping this unique offering stand out even more.
The battery life is another area this manages to perform very well in thanks to a 50-hour top-end, possibly due to its lower power. The brush can be charged to full in only three hours using a standard USB-C port, meaning you may only need to take one cable when travelling.
Most Laifen replacement heads will work with the SE, and you get two with the unit including travel cases for each. But you can also use Philips SonicCare heads, which is great if you need to pick one up in a physical shop, where you likely won't find Laifen anytime soon.
Laifen Wave SE review: Price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
Priced at $90 in the US
£90 in the UK
AU$200 in Australia
The Laifen Wave SE follows up the original, which arrived earlier in 2025, and is priced at $89.99 in the US, £89.99 in the UK and AU$199.99 in Australia.
That price gets you the brush unit, two replacement heads with their own travel cases, and a USB-A to USB-C charger cable. You also get an impressive two-year warranty and a 30-days "no hassle" guarantee.
Usefully, depending on your region, you can buy via Amazon for a quick and secure delivery – which can be free for Prime members.
You can buy a set of three replacement heads in various designs and levels of stiffness, including Super Clean, Gum Care, or Ultra-Whitening. In all cases, the price is the same at US$15.99 / £15.99 / AU$14.99 for a set.
Value score: 4.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Laifen Wave SE review: Specifications
Component
Value
Battery life
50 days
Sonic vibrations
26,000 per minute
Charger
USB-C
Timer
Yes, two minute with 30-second haptics
Noise
55 dB
Charge time
3 hours
Laifen Wave SE review: Design
(Image credit: Future)
Two colors
IP68 waterproof
Cushioned heads
At first glance you'd struggle to spot the difference between the Laifen Wave SE and the original model. That's because they're almost identical, only this version comes in two new colors: the Matte Yellow you see in these photos, plus a Meadow Green option.
In both cases, the outer is a soft matte PU coating that gives it a gentle feel but also adds plenty of grip, even when wet. At the top is a soft-to-touch power button topped by three LED lights to show which of the three settings you are using.
At the base is a cover which can be lifted to access the USB-C charging port. When closed, this creates a flat base so the brush can be stood up effectively. Up top is a metallic connector allowing you to swap heads with an easy slide on-and -off action. This is thanks to what the company calls an "advanced copper-free tufting process" which apparently prevents rust while keeping the heads in place.
The heads themselves are coated in soft food-grade TPE. The bristles themselves are ultra-fine to ensure they give the most accurate clean. Everything is IP68 waterproof which should mean you can give this a rinse under the tap without any worries.
Design score: 4 / 5
Laifen Wave SE review: Features
(Image credit: Future)
50-day battery life
Fast 3-hour charging
USB-C port
Despite this offering both 60-degree oscillation movement and sonic vibrations at 26,000 per minute, this manages to deliver an impressive 50-day battery life, providing it's kept on the softer setting. Then, when it comes to charging, the brush reaches back up to full in less than three hours. Crucially, the USB-C connection means you can use any old charging cable – a great feature when traveling, as you could use your phone charger if needed.
The oscillations themselves are a big part of the appeal: oscillating brushes are slightly higher by dentists, as you can see in our rotating vs sonic toothbrush examination. The oscillation mimics the kind of up and down action your dentist may have told you to do.
The app offers setting variations so you can find the ideal brush setup for you, including adjusting the level of vibration intensity, oscillation range and oscillation speed. These are presets available, so you can set up three separate presets on the brush and jump between them depending on what you want that day.
Brush heads are available from Laifen, but if you're stuck out you can always pick up a Philips Sonicare head from a shop and that will also fit on the brush. It's nice to see it's not entirely proprietary.
(Image credit: Future)
Features score: 4 / 5
Laifen Wave SE review: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
Powerful top-end
Long battery life
Highly adjustable
This brush offers a quiet setting at just 55db and an impressive 50-day battery life. But that's on the gentle mode, which I found it to be far too weak. With the settings pumped up, I noticed the battery life did drop, and that noise jumped quite a bit louder. However, neither was to the point of being a problem and this will still get you more than a month of use – and the noise isn't annoyingly loud – it brings the toothbrush more in line with its high-power contemporaries. What you have here, essentially, is a toothbrush with a low-power option.
The power button won't allow you activate with a long hold or double-tap to change mode. So while you can have three preset modes, you'll need to dig out the app to change them, which is frustrating, and it reset after charging. I had to dig out the app to get back to how I like it. Not ideal.
The brush handle did a great job of absorbing vibrations while the head still delivered a powerful brush to your teeth. It strikes that perfect balance of being comfortable in the hand while giving your teeth a good, deep clean. Changing heads was easy, charging was fast and simple, cleaning was a doddle and the brush packed a soft, grippy outer that makes using this a pleasure.
Performance score: 4/5
Laifen Wave SE: Scorecard
(Image credit: Future)
Category
Comment
Score
Value
A decent price for what you get
4.5/5
Design
Clean, easy to hold and effective
4/5
Features
That oscillation angle and battery performance
4/5
Performance
Great cleaning, top battery and excellent comfort. Some minor frustrations.
4/5
Laifen Wave SE: Should I buy?
Buy it if...
You want soft cleaning
The actions are dual so you will get a good clean, but you can reduce the power for a gentle clean to protect your gums if you need.
You don't want to think about charging
The 50-day battery life combined with three-hour charge time make the thought of battery life one you needn't often concern yourself with.
You want oscillating power
This brush oscillates for improved cleaning, at the price of a decent sonic brush.
Don't buy it if...
You don't like oscillating heads
To be clear this moves a lot, up and down, so expect action even if on the gentle setting.
You don't want to buy heads online
At time of publishing you can only get replacement heads online for delivery, so if you like the option of picking yours up in-store, this might not suit you. There's always the Sonicare options though.
Also consider
Component
Oral-B iO Series 6
Colgate Hum Smart Rhythm
Battery life
20+ days
90 days
Movement
8,800 oscillations+ 20,000 pulsations per minute
30,000 vibrations per minutes
Charge time
12 hours
AAA batteries
Modes
Five
Two
Oral-B iO Series 6
An affordable way to get all the power of the iO Series with its pulsations and oscillations combination, to get the ultimate clean as well as that display for helpful feedback and mode selection.
For a well-price sonic toothbrush, that offers replacement batteries as an option, this is a powerful pick with 30,000 vibrations per minute and two modes for decent brushing control.
I used the Laifen Wave SE multiple weeks in order to test the effectiveness of the brush itself, along with battery performance. I used this for travel, overnight, and in various bathrooms with multiple chargers.
My brushing was twice daily with its two-minute timer and haptic half-minute guidance vibrations used to get a full and fair brush. I was also testing other brushes from Oral-B, which allowed me to see the difference between features like extra modes, oscillations versus sonics, battery life, apps and more.
The GoPro Max 2 is GoPro's long-awaited return to the 360 camera arena, and it arrives with the rugged build quality and intuitive design philosophy that has made the brand synonymous with action cameras for over a decade.
It's a compact, square-bodied camera that takes clear design inspiration from its predecessor while incorporating lessons learned from rivals like the Insta360 X5 and DJI Osmo 360. The Max 2 is built tough – waterproof to 5m without additional housing and ready to handle the kind of punishment that extreme sports can dish out. What sets it apart from the competition is GoPro's decision to make the lenses fully user-replaceable without tools, a smart move given how vulnerable 360 camera lenses are to damage.
At $499.99 / £449.99 / AU$849.95, the Max 2 is priced between the DJI Osmo 360 and the premium Insta360 X5, offering a middle-ground option that should appeal to GoPro loyalists and newcomers alike.
The standout feature here is what GoPro calls “true 8K” recording; the Max 2 delivers genuine 8K capture with at least 3840 active pixels on each axis, and the results are undeniably sharp and vibrant in good lighting conditions.
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Design-wise, there's plenty to appreciate too: a bright 1.82-inch touchscreen, GoPro's famously simple two-button control scheme, built-in GPS, and compatibility with three separate mounting systems: the classic GoPro fingers, standard tripod threads, and the newer magnetic latch system. The camera feels reassuringly solid and well-balanced, whether in your hand or mounted on some other part of your body.
Video tops out at 8K 30fps in 360 mode, with 5.6K 60fps and 4K 100fps options for slow-motion work. The Max 2 also captures 29MP 360-degree stills and supports 10-bit color recording plus GP-Log flat profile for post-production color grading.
Performance is strong in daylight, delivering the punchy, colorful footage GoPro is known for, with minimal distortion, effective automatic stitching and selfie stick removal. However, the camera struggles more noticeably in low-light conditions compared to rivals that offer dedicated night modes, and thermal management can be an issue during extended recording sessions.
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
The Max 2 pairs with GoPro's established Quik mobile app for quick editing and sharing, plus the updated GoPro Player desktop software for more comprehensive post-production work. Both offer solid 360 video editing tools, though at present neither quite matches the sophistication of Insta360's software suite.
Ultimately, while the Max 2 doesn't revolutionize the 360 camera market, it delivers exactly what I’d expect from GoPro. This is a well-built, user-friendly camera that produces excellent results in the right conditions, and it’s backed up by an ecosystem of accessories and editing tools that make the whole experience relatively painless. GoPro is well truly back in the 360 camera game.
Look out for my in-depth GoPro Max 2 vs Insta360 X5 comparison, based on real tests, coming soon
GoPro Max 2 specs
DJI Osmo 360 specs
Type:
360 camera
Waterproof depth:
5m / 16ft
Screen:
1.82-inch touchscreen
Storage:
microSD
Connectivity:
USB-C, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth
Dimensions:
64 x 69.7 x 48.7mm / 2.4 x 1.4 x 3.2 inches
Weight:
195g / 6.88oz
The Max 2 mounted on GoPro's selfie stick (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
GoPro Max 2: Price and availability
Launched worldwide on 23 September 2025
Pre-orders shipping 30 September 2025
Priced at $499.99 / £449.99 / AU$849.95
GoPro officially launched the Max 2 on September 23 2025, and it’s available to pre-order right away, with orders shipping from September 30.
It’s priced at $499.99 / £449.99 / AU$849.95 in a bundle that includes the camera and a single battery. At the time of writing I’ve not been informed of any bundles including accessories such as selfie sticks, microSD cards or extra batteries, but this section will be updated if that becomes the case.
This list price, which sits between the pricier Insta360 X5 and more affordable DJI Osmo 360, feels just about right to me. The Max 2 is a quality product and while being any cheaper would be a surprise, it’s clearly priced to compete with its closest rivals.
The GoPro Max 2 in the midst of its two main rivals, the DJI Osmo 360 and Insta360 X5 (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Price score: 4/5
GoPro Max 2: Design
Waterproof to 5m / 16ft plus replaceable lenses
Mountable via tripod, magnetic latch or mounting fingers
1.82-inch rear touchscreen
The GoPro Max 2 looks similar to the original Max, favoring a squat, square design over the narrower candybar shape used by some 360 cameras. Constructed from tough plastic, it’s pretty discreet and unassuming, with the bright blue flashes of the GoPro logo and “Max 2” the only deviation from all-business dark grey. It’s slightly smaller than its closest recent rivals, the Insta360 X5 and DJI Osmo 360, but not to what I’d consider a significant degree.
As you’d expect from a GoPro camera, the Max 2 feels rugged and ready for adventure. While there’s no specific IP rating, GoPro says it’s waterproof to a depth of 5m and able to operate in cold temperatures. While the waterproof depth isn’t quite as impressive as on some rival cameras, GoPro told me a dive housing accessory offering more robust underwater protection is currently in development.
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Crucially, GoPro has also made its lenses fully user-replaceable – and without the need for a tool, either, in a move that beats even the Insta360 X5’s lens replacement system. With 360 cameras’ lenses protruding so far out of the body, they’re highly vulnerable to damage, so making them simple (and relatively cheap) to swap out if something goes wrong is a great move from GoPro.
That being said, I did notice some condensation inside the lens when I went from indoors to outdoors, and it affected image quality (you can see it in the cycling sections of the videos embedded below). This could be fixed by removing the lens and wiping it with a microfiber cloth, then replacing it, but I found it an annoying issue to deal with. It’s not something I’ve encountered on other 360 cameras, and I suspect it might be due to the removeable lens design.
The pop-out mounting fingers make attaching the Max 2 to hundreds of existing mounts very simple (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
The Max 2 is small and lightweight enough for easy mounting on everything from helmets to bikes to selfie sticks, and GoPro has thoughtfully made it compatible with three mounting options. You have classic GoPro mounting fingers, a rock-solid way to fix the camera to a huge range of first- and third-party mounts, as well a standard tripod thread and the newer GoPro magnetic latch mount.
Controls are beautifully simple. There are two large rubber buttons – one for power and switching shooting modes, another for image capture – and a bright and sharp 1.82-inch touchscreen for everything else. The Max 2’s UI is extremely simple and easy to get to grips with, even for someone (like me) who doesn’t shoot on GoPro cameras particularly often, and I doubt anyone even slightly familiar with action camera menu screens will struggle to master it quickly.
Design score: 5/5
GoPro Max 2: Performance and features
Editing via Quik and GoPro Player apps
Built-in GPS
1,960mAh battery offers around an hour of 8K 30fps capture
With no built-in storage, footage and photos captured on the Max 2 are stored on microSD card, and can be quickly transferred wirelessly to a mobile device running the Quik app for editing and sharing.
I think Quik’s 360 video editor is pretty good, and I was able to swiftly reframe clips using manual keyframes or AI-assisted object tracking, plus tweak the image settings to achieve the look I wanted. Finished videos and photos can be saved to a phone’s camera roll, directly shared to social media or exported to other devices.
It’s also possible to edit on desktop, of course, and the updated GoPro Player app supports keyframe reframing but not, interestingly, AI-assisted tracking or image tweaking. GoPro says it’s getting a new denoise setting too, but this was greyed out and unavailable when I tested the app due to my M2-powered MacBook Air being not quite up to the task.
GoPro has informed me that both Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve will be getting plug-ins allowing users to directly import the Max 2’s 360 files. Premiere support is due to be live by the end of 2025, with Resolve to follow later on.
One thing the Max 2 has that its DJI and Insta360 rivals don’t is built-in GPS, enabling users to embed location data in their footage and photos. Most other cameras either require an optional module or tethering to a smartphone for geotagging, so the Max 2, like the original Max, offers an edge there.
The battery, microSD slot and USB-C port are all located inside a single well-sealed compartment (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Despite the large vent on one side, the Max 2 does get warm during use. When I left it recording video, it turned itself off to avoid overheating with both 8K 30fps and 5.6K 30fps recording. With the 8K footage, it recorded just under 30 minutes of footage before shutting down; it lasted almost 58 minutes when recording 5.6K footage. This was indoors at room temperature, and I did find that setting it up outdoors on a chilly autumn day allowed it to record for longer, as would actual outdoor pursuits scenarios.
GoPro doesn’t specify battery life from the 1,960mAh battery, but I managed to get just over an hour of 8K 30fps footage recorded when leaving the camera running outdoors. I think this performance is quite good given the bit rate and resolution of the videos being recorded, but those planning a long day of 360 shooting might want to invest in one or two extra batteries.
The camera features six built-in microphones – more than either of its main rivals (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
The Max 2, like the original Max, features six separate built-in mics, but here they offer directional audio capture. Neither the DJI Osmo 360 or Insta360 X5 offer six mics, but despite this I wouldn't necessarily say the Max 2 outright beats its rivals here: audio sounds absolutely fine in good conditions, but when the wind picks up the built-in wind reduction tech can't do much to suppress the noise.
GoPro says the Max 2 can be used with Apple AirPods and other Bluetooth earbuds for wireless mic input, and this may help avoid the wind issue, but bringing out a dedicated DJI Mic-style wireless mic may be the best solution the company could offer further down the line.
GoPro has been keen to point out that the Max 2 is the only 360 camera that records what it calls “true 8K” resolution 360 video. The company claims rivals like Insta360 and DJI are essentially fudging the numbers in order to claim 8K capture – either by counting unused or overlapped pixels, or by upscaling output to 8K from lower resolution sources – whereas the Max 2’s 360 output is truly 8K with at least 3840 active pixels on each axis for both sensors.
Video can be shot at up to 10-bit quality and in either a standard color profile or the flat GP-Log mode for post-shoot grading, and the maximum video bit rate is 120Mbps, or 300Mbps for users of GoPro Labs. For the purposes of this review, I stuck with 120Mbps. I did try out GP-Log, but GoPro has yet to release a LUT at the time of writing and I found grading the footage more of a slog than I'd like. Once the LUT is out things should get a lot easier there.
Video quality is generally very strong, whether recording in 8K (which is capped at 30fps) or 5.6K (which can go up to 60fps, offering users the potential to use 2x slow-motion; a 4K 100fps option is also available for those who want even more slow-motion potential). GoPro has established itself as delivering colors that look good straight out of the camera, as well as minimal distortion and flare.
Mostly that’s the case here, although I found that some of my 360 videos looked a touch overexposed and washed out in bright skies – likely as a result of having to set exposure for a full 360º view rather than in a single direction. User intervention, by setting the exposure manually, could improve things here, but in general the results are strong.
Still photos are similarly good-looking, and while I tweaked the below example slightly using the Quik app, it’s basically fresh out of the camera.
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
At night, the Max 2 isn’t as impressive. Both the DJI Osmo 360 and Insta360 X5 have dedicated low light modes for 360 video, but with the Max 2 you’re left with the standard mode, and it’s noisy and smeary after dark. It’s possible that using GP-Log and some clever settings before editing in post could yield better results; I didn’t have time to delve into this, so I can’t say for sure – but what I can say is that both the Osmo 360 and X5 make capturing usable low light footage very easy, while the Max 2 doesn’t.
So, if low light footage is a priority for you, the Max 2 may not be the ideal 360 camera. If, however, you're capturing footage in daylight and want the very cleanest, sharpest 8K around, I think it's the best at doing it.
The camera includes a wide range of capture modes besides standard 360 videos and photos: time lapse modes, dedicated single-lens shooting modes and more. I've included a quick clip I captured using the Night Lapse mode in the sample video above.
Image quality score: 5/5
GoPro Max 2: testing scorecard
GoPro Max 2
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Price
Cheaper than the Insta360 X5, slightly pricier than the DJI Osmo 360.
4/5
Design
Great mounting options, rugged build and easily replaced lenses. Just watch for the condensation.
5/5
Performance
Good apps and battery life, but can overheat.
4/5
Image quality
Beats the X5 and Osmo 360 in broad daylight, but can't match either in challenging after-dark conditions.
5/5
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Should I buy the GoPro Max 2?
Buy it if...
You're invested in the GoPro ecosystem Got boxes of GoPro mounts and a subscription? The Max 2 slots right into the GoPro range, so if you're already a fan you'll be at home immediately.
You're a risk-taker The Max 2 is small and rugged, making it ideal for extreme sports. Its lenses are also very easy to replace in the field – no tool required.
You like things simple The Max 2's minimal controls, simple app and great out-of-the-camera image quality make it one of the easiest 360 cameras to use.
Don't buy it if...
You shoot after dark or indoors While it shines in broad daylight, the low light performance of the Max 2 just can't match that of its DJI and Insta360 rivals.
You want built-in storage A small thing, but the Osmo 360's built-in storage means you don't need to fumble for microSD cards – with the Max 2, you do.
Also consider
Insta360 X5
The X5’s rugged build, replaceable lenses, low-light performance, ease of use and battery life have made it our top pick ahead of the Max 2's arrival. Its weight and profile aren't as wearable as the Max 2, however, and I think the Max 2's daylight image quality is slightly better.
A cheap and cheerful alternative to the GoPro Max 2, Akaso's first 360 camera is surprisingly capable. Like the Max 2, it's designed with outdoor daytime use in mind, but its overall image quality level is several notches below.
Tested camera running v01.09.71 firmware for four days
Camera mounted on invisible selfie stick, helmet, bike and chest harness
Recorded videos day and night on foot and cycling
GoPro sent me a review sample of the Max 2 a week ahead of the launch date, and it was updated to run v01.09.71 firmware. This meant full launch features, as far as I'm aware, enabling me to test all the shooting modes and image quality – which I did by taking the camera out in the field mounted to various things (bike, head, helmet, chest, selfie stick).
I tested it in various lighting and weather conditions, editing the resulting videos and photos using both GoPro apps: the Quik mobile app and the GoPro Player desktop app (the latter on my M2 MacBook Air, which sadly wasn't powerful enough to make use of the app's Denoise feature).
The DJI Osmo Nano is the latest in the brand's line of action cameras. Rather than building on a predecessor it's a whole new concept in its own right, although it shares the same-sized 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor as the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, which landed at the end of 2024.
The range of best action cameras is more diverse today than it was even just a few years ago. The one-block shops of design like the GoPro Hero 13 Black are still popular, for sensible reasons like ruggedness and extended battery times, but modular designs like the Osmo Nano and the new Insta360 Go Ultra are becoming more common.
Why? We don't just want to hold our action cams or use a fiddly mount to attach them to our bike handlebars anymore. The content creation universe is continuing to grow, and so is the number and variety of places where we need our cameras to go.
In a nutshell, the Osmo Nano is a light, wearable action camera. You can wear it around your neck, on your head, on a hat or helmet, plonk it on your car, bike, or even attach it to your dog. It's remarkably small, and at 52g it's a gram lighter than its main competitor, the Insta360 Go Ultra, released a month before it.
The product is modular in design and built as a two-piece system, with a tiny, standalone camera unit that pairs with the Multifunctional Vision Dock underneath. The dock acts as a remote, screen, and charging station, with a small but bright 1.9-inch display to help you compose shots and adjust settings.
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
These two parts join together via two clips and a strong magnetic system, and it's this magnet that also allows the camera to snap onto DJI's various accessories, for a wide range of hands-free, wearable mounting options.
Although the camera is a fully IPX8-rated unit that's waterproof down to 10m, the dock is only IPX4-rated for splash resistance, which limits its use in heavy rain or near a body of water – a totally rugged design this is not.
Inside the camera is a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, which captures a dynamic range of up to 13.5 stops according to DJI. I haven't done any calculations with my test images on this, but I did find great levels of detail and color in bright sky highlights as well as darker, shadowy areas like tunnels. I was genuinely impressed by the level of detail and tone the camera could capture, particularly for a sensor this small (in full-frame terms).
For me, DJI has always been a brand for what I'd call 'serious' creators, and that's something I'm pleased to see the brand has leaned into with the Osmo Nano. There aren't any 'fun' filters or gimmicks in the menus. Instead, the settings are pared back to sensible and helpful options; voice controls and gestures to start recording all work very well to make hands-free shooting that much easier.
A big draw for professionals is the color performance. I was surprised to discover that the Osmo Nano can record in 10-bit color with D-Log M and HLG profiles – a pro-level feature that gives you more leeway for color grading in post-production, if you want to edit manually rather than relying on the automatic outputs from the DJI Mimo app. In 10-bit, I found videos were punchy but still well-balanced.
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
Performance-wise, the Osmo Nano delivers exceptionally well in some areas but underwhelms in others. The promise of rapid file transfer holds up, with the 128GB version clocking transfer speeds of up to 600MB/s over a USB 3.1 connection. This is a huge time-saver.
Battery life, however, is a clear limitation. While DJI claims up to 90 minutes from the camera and 200 minutes with the dock, I found that shooting at 4K/60fps got me closer to just 60 minutes of continuous recording. On the upside, the dock's ability to fast-charge the camera to 80% in about 20 minutes means you can be back to shooting in no time.
The RockSteady 3.0 and HorizonBalancing stabilization features work well for walking or light activity, and even when I tried recording star jumps and high-intensity workouts, the footage was stable in sports mode. Audio quality is good all-round too, and two built-in microphones capture immersive stereo sound, with decent but not brilliant wind reduction. Another plus for more advanced creators is the ability to pair the Nano with two mics separately, and you won't need receivers if they're from DJI.
While the image quality is good for a camera this small, it’s still bound by the limitations of its form factor. The fixed 143-degree ultra-wide field of view is great for first-person shots, but obviously lacks the versatility of a more zoomed-in lens. And while DJI's SuperNight mode for low-light shooting is better than ever, it's limited to 30fps and 8-bit color.
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
The Osmo Nano is pricing is really aggressive, coming in much cheaper than the Insta360 Go Ultra and the GoPro Hero 13 Black – and that's with built-in storage too, meaning you can start shooting straight out of the box.
It's not necessarily the most charming camera I've tested, but it's thoroughly dependable and sensible, and for that reason I found it growing on me, while the low price sweetens the deal. The DJI Mimo app is less intuitive than Insta360's, and AI edits are a little less exciting, but it's smart and stable, and puts a clear live feed with access to settings at your fingertips on your smartphone.
DJI isn't marketing the Osmo Nano for family users, and it lacks some of the fun features of the Insta360 lineup, plus Toddler Titan mode for capturing kids. While charging is fairly speedy it doesn't charge as quickly as its main competitor, the Insta360 Go Ultra, either, but the camera does last longer.
If you need a fully rugged and all-in-one device for more extreme sports or environments, the GoPro Hero 13 Black or the DJI Action 5 Pro might be a better choice. But this is a well-thought-out, truly wearable action camera for creators who want to experiment with unique perspectives, and need a B-camera for places their main camera can't go, for a B-cam price.
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
DJI Osmo Nano: specs
DJI Osmo Nano specs
Sensor
1/1.3-inch CMOS
Max Resolution
35MP (6880 x 5160) photos 4K, 60fps footage
Weight
Camera: 2.54oz / 53g Vision dock: 3.8oz / 72g
Dimensions
Camera: 57 x 29 x 28mm Vision Dock: 59 x 42 x 22mm
ISO Range
100–25600
Lens
FOV: 143 degrees Aperture: f/2.8 Focus: 0.35m to ∞
Operating Time
Camera: 90 mins* Camera + Multifunctional Vision Dock: 200 mins*
Connectivity
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C 3.1
Storage
64GB/128GB built-in microSD card, up to 1TB
Waterproofing
Camera: 33ft (10m) Vision Dock: IPX4-Rated
DJI Osmo Nano: Price and availability
Launched worldwide on September 23 2025, except US
Osmo Nano Standard Combo (64GB) costs £239 / AU$529
Osmo Nano Standard Combo (128GB) costs £259 / AU$589
The DJI Osmo Nano was announced on August 23, 2025, and is now shipping from DJI’s online store and authorized retailers, including Amazon. It won't be available officially in the United States at launch. A DJI Spokesperson told TechRadar that "DJI remains dedicated to the US market and is optimizing our strategy to best serve our customers amidst evolving local conditions."
There are two standard combos to choose between, broken down by the internal storage capacity: the Osmo Nano Standard Combo at 64GB (£239 / AU$529) or 128GB (£259 / AU$589).
Each combo comes with the same content, including the Osmo Nano Camera, Multifunctional Vision Dock, Magnetic Hat Clip, Magnetic Lanyard, a protective case, USB-C cable (USB 3.1), and a Dual-Direction Magnetic Ball-Joint Adapter Mount. The protective case is more just a plastic sheath rather than substantial padded protection.
That price puts it way below the Insta360 Go Ultra Standard Combo ($449.99 / £369 / AU$759), which is more impressive given that you get built-in storage too. It's also less than the GoPro Hero 13 Black (now available for around $359.99 / £315).
Price score 5/5
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(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
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DJI Osmo Nano: Design
Standalone camera is waterproof, dock is splashproof
Magnetic base connects easily to mounts
The camera weighs 1.83oz / 52g
The DJI Osmo Nano camera is oblong-shaped, about half as wide as it is long. It sits comfortably between your thumb and forefinger in either portrait or landscape mode, but I didn't find it as pocketable as the Insta360 Go Ultra because of its extra depth.
Without the dock, the Osmo is a light, wearable action camera at just 52g. Adding the dock, by way of two secure mounting clips and a magnetic, adds another 72g and turns the camera into a more complete action companion. It's small, but I found the combo top-heavy on uneven surfaces, making low-level shots without a mount more difficult.
There's just one built-in OLED HD touchscreen on the dock, rather than a screen at the front and back, or a flippable design like the Insta360 Go Ultra. This means you have to detach and remount the camera every time you want to go from shooting your environment to talking to the camera (if you want to see yourself, that is). Unlike the Go Ultra, which simply plops back into place with strong magnets, flipping the Osmo Nano around is a bit fiddly.
The design is gray and plastic, which is familiar territory for both DJI and action cams in general. The body is subtly textured though, meaning it's easy to grab onto with cold, wet or sweaty hands. Ruggedness is key for an action camera, but only the wearable part of the Osmo Nano is waterproof. The camera is IPX8-rated for submersion up to 10 metres underwater.
The dock is only splash, rain and likely sweat resistant, and I wouldn't fancy its chances in a heavy rain shower. This is a shame, because it limits potential usage and introduces a little caution to creativity when shooting. It's also a far cry from DJI's Action 5 Pro, which is verified down to 20m / 65ft.
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
While the dock isn't waterproof, you can use the whole product in temperatures of -20C to 45C (-4F to 113F), so you're good for everything from winter sports to desert treks. A lens cover screws over the main lens, so if you damage or scratch it a replacement costs a fraction of buying a whole new unit.
The Osmo Nano has just two physical controls: there's a big red record button on the top of the camera and another on one side of the dock. These also act as power switches, and they require some force to push down so that you're not likely to press them accidentally. That's it, other than a small flap that opens up on the other side of the dock to reveal the USB 3.1 port for charging and transferring files, plus the microSD slot, which takes up to a 1TB card.
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I didn't find the DJI Osmo Nano as enjoyable or easy to navigate as other action cameras I've tested. You swipe up to access video settings, down for the main menu, and left to change the shooting mode. To toggle Pro Mode on or off, you tap the slider icon on the right side of the screen.
It's not rocket science, but at 1.96 inches the small screen means you need to be extra precise with your touch gestures to bring up menus and dial in settings. My partner – who has bigger hands and fingers than I – sometimes had to tap the screen a few times to activate settings.
The menus are mainly black and white with yellow accents, and I found this less eye-catching than the GoPro or Insta360 ecosystems, although that may be more a matter of personal preference. Some settings are also overlaid on the live picture and can be difficult to read. The camera doesn't have the same detailed tutorials and guides that you get when you start using the Insta360 Go Ultra, although I'm sure DJI fans will have no trouble finding their way around.
Design score: 4/5
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DJI Osmo Nano: Performance and features
Quick-edit videos on the DJI Osmo Mimo app
Standalone camera charges 80% in about 20 mins
In-built storage and takes microSD cards up to 2TB
The performance of the Osmo Nano is hard to pin down. In some areas I felt it delivered exceptionally well, but in others it was a bit underwhelming. The rapid file transfer ended up being surprisingly helpful, and in my tests with the 128GB version DJI's claim of up to 600 MB/s transfer speed over USB 3.1 holds up, and I found it a huge time-saver compared to sending lots of files wirelessly.
The camera's battery life is a limitation, though, particularly when shooting at higher resolutions like 4K/60fps. I got closer to 60 minutes of continuous recording here – rather than the 90 minutes that DJI claims at 1080p/24fps – which isn't bad for its size, but lags behind the multi-hour endurance of larger cameras like the Osmo Action 5 Pro. The dock can top up the battery on the go, and I was also impressed by its ability to charge to 80% in just 20 minutes, especially if you're as bad as I am at remembering to charge your gear before a shoot.
You then get up to 200 minutes of 1080p/24fps video from the dock, but in reality, I found this closer to two hours once the screen and Wi-Fi are on and you've powered the camera up and down a few times.
If you tend to record short clips throughout a longer day, it's nothing to worry about. If you're the type of shooter to record continuously, you may lament the fact that there aren't replaceable batteries to swap out when you run out of juice. I left the camera running for my battery tests during a particularly warm day, and although it felt hot to the touch during, it never overheated to the point of turning off.
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
The Osmo Nano is equipped with DJI's RockSteady 3.0 stabilization and HorizonBalancing. It handles a fair amount of shake, but it's not on the same level as a dedicated gimbal like the Osmo Pocket series. In footage of fast-paced, high-impact activities like running on trails you'll still see some micro-jitters, but for walking shots it's pretty impressive.
Using different mounts will dictate how stable your results are. Using the pendant seemed to cause me more wobbles than handholding the camera, for example, but the head mount gave me super-smooth footage when running. It's worth noting that there are different levels of stabilization, with daily, sport, or anti-motion blur options. You can also turn off image stabilization to save battery, or if you're using a secondary DJI product to keep things stable.
The DJI Osmo Nano performs really well in remote shooting scenarios without a phone. The voice commands, like 'start recording', work almost instantaneously in a quiet environment, but require you to shout when it's loud (not a great look in a city center). I found that gestures worked well too, and I liked being able to pat the camera when it was powered off to start recording, or nod my head when it was mounted on my head. Much more subtle.
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
The Osmo Nano has two built-in microphones for stereo sound, and I found the audio straight out of the camera surprisingly immersive. It picks up sound from a variety of directions when you're shooting in a public place, but still hones in on your voice when you're speaking to the camera clearly.
Like all action cameras, the audio quality sounds muffled underwater, but the clarity returns more quickly than others I've tested when you pull the camera back out into fresh air. There are lower and stronger wind reduction modes, and both did a decent job of reducing disturbance when I captured some clips on a blustery countryside walk, without removing the noise entirely (see the clips below). My voice was clear and free from distortion, but it's not the perfect solution for clean audio; for that, you'll need a separate mic.
A major draw is the ability to connect the Osmo Nano directly to DJI's wireless microphones without needing a separate receiver. I haven't been able to try this yet, but I can see it being convenient for creators who want to capture high-quality audio, especially those already with DJI mics.
Performance score: 4/5
DJI Osmo Nano: Image quality
1/1.3-inch sensor
Video up to 4K/120fps and 35MP photos
10-bit D-Log M and HLG color profile options
The Osmo Nano has a 1/1.3-inch sensor, the same size as you'll find in the Osmo Action 5 Pro and just a fraction smaller than the one in the Insta360 Go Ultra. Video headlines include 4K at 60fps in 16:9 format, and 4K 120fps slow-mo footage, which expands to 1080p 240fps.
The specs are one thing, but the proof is in the pudding; or in this case, in the videos and shots you get from the camera. Overall, I think the image quality is good for an action camera of this size. As ever, it won’t completely replace a full-sized or full-frame camera, but that's not the expectation here. The fixed 143-degree ultra-wide field of view is perfect for first-person POV shots, and I could fit a whole wedding group in the frame (I don't have permission to include the sample shot in the review, sadly), but it's not easy to zoom in on the scene should you want to get closer in.
I tested the Osmo Nano in all weather and lighting scenarios. DJI touts the wide dynamic range of the Osmo Nano, but in direct sunshine I noticed some banding where the highlights had been clipped. You can see this in the video above, which was a test of the one-tap editing feature in the DJI Mimo app.
4K resolution is sharp and punchy, and even in 8-bit color mode the camera seems to capture vibrant blue skies and leafy greens, and handles quick changes in light (coming out of a dark tunnel, from indoors to outdoors) well; however, while I like a bit of lens flare, this is one area that could be handled better. It tended to keep my face exposed when I was talking to the camera, but this wasn't set up anywhere in the camera. If I were to generalize, I'd say footage comes out darker than Insta360's Go Ultra, possibly for greater leeway when editing, where the Insta option is designed for near-automatic use.
DJI's SuperNight mode does a decent job of reducing noise in low light, but it only works at up to 30fps and with 8-bit color, which might limit its utility for serious cinematographers. It’s the best night image quality in a wearable camera I’ve seen, but it’s still bound by the laws of physics – a smaller lens and sensor will always have certain limitations compared to a larger, more dedicated camera. There's some AI-smoothing being applied to reduce noise in low-light footage, but this is less obvious to the untrained eye, and less muddy than some night modes I've seen on earlier action cameras.
DJI's automatic horizon leveling (which can be calibrated) is pretty flawless, and the RockSteady image stabilization is most impressive in sports mode. To really test it out, I wore the camera on DJI's headband mount and recorded the first five minutes of a high-intensity workout. Throughout a gruelling round of burpies, star jumps and squats, the footage was stable and smooth (almost unnaturally so). Trail runs, dog walks, and cycle clips were all just as usable, but the handheld results are slightly more jittery than using a dedicated mount.
Photos from the camera have a medium-range megapixel count (the maximum resolution is 35MP and you can shoot in a 16:9 or 4:3 ratio), and as to their quality, I said the same thing about Insta360 Go Ultra's photo results: they're good enough to insert into videos, but I probably wouldn't use them for standalone social posts or prints as a creator. Consider them as an additive rather than a standalone feature, and you won't be disappointed.
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(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
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(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
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(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
Impressively, the Osmo Nano gives you the option of recording footage with a flat color profile (DJI's D-Log M setting), designed to preserve the maximum color and brightness info in the video file, especially in lights and darks.
While the footage out of the camera is desaturated in this mode, I found you had far more wiggle room to adjust the colors, contrast, and saturation to achieve a specific, cinematic look without losing any of the detail captured in the original scene. This is also going to benefit creators shooting a project with the Osmo Nano alongside other cameras who want their edited work to look consistent.
Image quality score: 4/5
DJI Osmo Nano: testing scorecard
DJI Osmo Nano
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Price
Much cheaper than the Insta360 Go Ultra, and that includes helpful built-in storage.
5/5
Design
Unexciting but functional, and it's a shame the dock is only splash-proof. The lens replacement adds ruggedness.
4/5
Performance & features
Fewer filters and modes than the Insta360 Go Ultra, but you get the option of manual controls. The DJI Osmo app makes quick, clever edits.
4/5
Image quality
In daylight, colors are vivid and dynamic range is good. Stabilization is excellent, and low light footage is fine. Slow-mo could be crisper.
4/5
Should I buy the DJI Osmo Nano?
Buy it if...
You want a camera that 'disappears' The Osmo Nano is small enough to be worn on a pendant, hat, or headband, thanks to its small size and weight. The magnetic mount allows for quirky mounting solutions like lamp posts, cars, and even washing machines.
You already own DJI products To boost the sound quality, you can connect the Nano directly to two DJI microphone transmitters without needing a receiver. If you've already got a DJI mic, gimbal or camera, sticking with the brand also means greater familiarity with the app.
Don't buy it if...
You like a roomy LCD screen At less than two inches, I found the Osmo Nano's LCD touchscreen a little small for composing shots and reviewing footage. You can use your phone for a larger live view, but this isn't always convenient.
You want a fully waterproof solution The Nano's Vision Dock is only splashproof, and this made me uncomfortable while shooting in the rain or near water. If you're a real action lover, I'd recommend a camera with a more rugged build.
Also consider
Insta360 Go Ultra
The Insta360 Go Ultra has a similar form factor, with a separate camera and action pod. The flip-up screen is more vlog-friendly and bigger at 2.5 inches, while the camera weighs the same as the Osmo Nano but is more square and shallow (which I found easier to mount). Pricing and image quality are similar, but it's a slightly more fun action camera that's great for the whole family.
The GoPro Hero 13 Black is still the flagship of action cams and one I'd recommend for serious filmmakers. It's chunkier than the Osmo, but it also has magnetic mounting. GoPro also has the widest range of mount accessories to open up creative shooting opportunities, and it's possible to squeeze 1.5 hours of 5.3K video from the battery, for recording with fewer interruptions.
I wore it on walks and runs, and mounted it for drives
I recorded videos at all settings and in all modes
DJI sent me a full-production Osmo Nano for review around two weeks before its release date, and I used it at least once a day – often much more – during this period. I always like a camera to become a natural part of my workflow, rather than carrying out one intense period of testing, so that I uncover the nuances for a more informed and helpful review.
I tried all the camera's modes, used it with and without the dock, and mounted it on the magnetic pendant and headband. I mainly used the DJI Mimo app to edit footage right from my iPhone 15 Pro.
Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: two-minute review
Founded around 15 years ago, Shenzen-based Baseus Security is one of a number of Chinese brands whose products are now available across the world. Under review here is a new model, the Baseus Security S2 - an outdoor camera with a twist (quite literally). It’s the follow up model to the 2024 Baseus S1 Pro which was billed as the world’s first 4K security camera with a sun-powered tracking system.
Like its predecessor, the S2 also features an innovative twisting solar panel above the main camera unit to maximize power from the sun. However, the big difference is that the video resolution of this latest model has been improved from 2K to 4K. Rather than 8GB of local storage, the S2 upgrade also features a MicroSD card slot capable of storing up to 256GB local storage.
(Image credit: Chris Price)
That’s particularly useful in avoiding costly monthly cloud storage fees and reducing a potential cybersecurity risk (hackers have been known to access video footage from security cameras stored in the cloud). Unfortunately, however, the memory card isn’t provided as standard so you will have to buy it separately.
Designed to be installed on the outside of a property with an unhindered view of the sky, the S2 comes with a reasonably sturdy mount complete with wall plugs and screws. Once installed, a process that takes around 20-30 mins, it’s simply a case of downloading the iOS/Android app and adding the camera via the QR code on the side of the device.
Whereas some outdoor models are dual-band Wi-Fi compatible (some will even work on 4G/5G cellular networks), the S2 is only compatible with the 2.4GHz, not the 5GHz, band. That said, we didn’t have any issues connecting the camera at the end of the garden to the broadband repeater at the back of the house. With an IP67 waterproof rating, the Baseus Security S2 can, claims the manufacturer, be used in temperatures from -20 degrees centigrade to 50 degrees centigrade – though it never got above 25 degrees centigrade during my testing.
(Image credit: Chris Price)
Once the app is installed, it’s simply a case of tailoring the camera’s settings to suit your setup. This includes naming the camera depending on where it’s located (eg backyard) and checking to see if it captures all the areas you need it to.
The field of view of the Baseus camera is 145° which should be wide enough for most applications. You can set up privacy zones to exclude certain areas (handy to prevent accidentally capturing your neighbour’s property) as well as activity zones to detect motion in certain parts of the frame.
(Image credit: Chris Price)
Whereas many outdoor security cameras are overly sensitive capturing footage of passing cars, even swaying tree branches, this doesn’t seem to be an issue with the Baseus Security S2. Although it is possible to adjust sensitivity between 1 and 5 we found on the standard 3 setting the camera it didn’t trigger any false positives. Baseus claims the inclusion of radar detection in addition to standard PIR (passive infra-red) detection, reduces false alerts by 99% so you only get relevant notifications.
Best of all are the facial recognition settings which enable you to add the images and names of family members or house mates on the app. It will then detect when it sees these faces on the camera and send you an alert telling you who it has spotted. It’s a feature that is now available on other outdoor security cameras but you usually have to pay a monthly subscription fee for it. With the Baseus, you can even set up motion alerts if the camera spots a vehicle or a pet. Alternatively, these can be excluded if you want to reduce the number of notifications you receive.
Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: price and availability
How much does it cost? Baseus Security S2 £199, $US129, $AU129
When is it available? Available since July 2025
Where is it available? UK/US/AUS
Generally, outdoor security cameras and video doorbells are fairly cheap to buy. That’s because manufacturers can subsidize the price of them with monthly subscriptions, costing anywhere between £2.50 and £15 a month.
Not so the Baseus Security S2 outdoor camera. Rather than being stored in the cloud for a monthly fee, your footage is stored locally on a MicroSD card. And while you will have to buy a MicroSD card if haven’t got one already (I paid £10.99 for a 128GB Samsung EVO Select with SD adaptor), this is still a far cheaper option than being locked into an expensive subscription.
(Image credit: Chris Price)
What’s more, the camera offers smart detection/facial recognition features as standard which are normally only available to premium users paying a subscription fee. Plus of course another bonus is the inclusion of solar panel.
That said, the Baseus Security S2 certainly isn’t the cheapest model on the block, particularly in the UK where prices are significantly more expensive than in the US and Australia. It’s also a lot more expensive than its predecessor, the Security S1, which you can currently get for £59 from Amazon. Like the S2, the S1 also features a rotating solar panel. However, the key differences are that it is only offers 2K resolution and 8GB of built-in storage rather than up to 256GB via a MicroSD card.
Value score: 4/5
Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: design
Simple installation
Flexible battery/solar power options
Sleek design
Looking more like a Bluetooth speaker than a conventional security camera, the all-white Baseus Security S2 is long tubular design with an innovative rotating solar panel mounted on top. Screws and wall plugs are provided for mounting the bracket on the wall and the camera can be angled easily to obtain the optimum view.
I had worried that the long and narrow design might make the camera a little unstable when mounted on my wooden summer house, but actually this wasn’t a problem at all. Set up didn’t take too long either (less than half an hour), though obviously if you are mounting on a brick wall you will need to use a drill and wall plugs for installation, which will take longer.
(Image credit: Chris Price)
Underneath the device is a USB-C socket for charging the camera up via the mains (a 7800mAh rechargeable battery is built in), as well as a slot for a MicroSD card. Up to 256GB is supported but we used a 128GB card for recording. There’s also a sync button for use during set up and a modest-sized speaker underneath.
On the front of the camera there are PIR and radar sensors for detecting movement more accurately, a small microphone for two-way audio and a powerful spotlight capable of illuminating the night at distances of up to 12 meters.
(Image credit: Chris Price)
Next to the circular radar sensor is a similar shaped camera lens, giving the impression of two eyes on a face! Capable of recording in 4K and providing a 145° Horizontal field, the camera displays a flashing blue light on the front of the camera when recording footage. Finally, there’s the solar panel on top of the camera which auto tracks the sun moving 40° to the left or the right from the horizontal position depending on the sun’s location.
Design score: 4.5/5
Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: performance
Excellent 4K image quality
Stable video connection
Smart detection is still work in progress
Never having tested a Baseus security camera before I didn’t really know what to expect. However, I was more than pleasantly surprised. There are really two main issues with outdoor security cameras.
Firstly, images can sometimes be a little unstable because of the longer distances between the router and the camera. Secondly, when you do eventually get a stable image, the onboard sensors are usually so sensitive that they end up recording far too much, draining the battery and creating lots of false alerts.
(Image credit: Chris Price)
Not so the Baseus. On both counts, performance was flawless. Despite it only being compatible with 2.4GHz and not the 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency I didn’t have any signal problems at all.
What’s more, it also triggered fewer false alerts than other cameras I’ve tested, in part because of the combination of PIR (passive infra-red) and radar technologies to detect movement. Images are superbly detailed during the day and the spotlight is excellent for illuminating the garden at night to ensure high quality footage in the dark.
(Image credit: Chris Price)
That’s not to say everything was perfect. When testing the camera’s two-way audio talking to my wife in the garden, I didn’t think the speaker was the best. Also it’s fair to say that the smart detection/facial recognition system (billed as being in beta) is still a work in progress.
During testing I added images from my phone’s camera roll of family members and friends to see if it recognzsed them when it saw them on camera. Sometimes it did, especially when standing right next to the camera, but often it didn’t. One on occasion it even mistook me for my dog which was a little odd (we don’t look much alike).
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(Image credit: Chris Price)
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Undoubtedly, what’s really good about the Baseus device is the rotating solar panel. While living in the UK and testing at the beginning of Autumn/Fall wasn’t ideal for testing, we had enough sun to get a pretty good idea of the panel’s performance. After a week of rainy days, power had dropped to 85% but just four days of sunshine was enough to bring it back up to 96%.
Considering I installed the camera practically under the eaves of a summer house and it only received around three hours of direct sunlight a day it really wasn’t bad at all. Usefully, a solar panel image appears on the display to show you when the camera is being powered by the sun and with the detection statistics option in the app you can see how much solar is contributing to the device’s overall power – a nice touch.
Performance score: 4.5/5
Should you buy the Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K?
Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K score card
Attribute
Notes
Score
Value
In the UK, the camera isn’t particularly cheap (although it works out cheaper in the US and Australia). However, the main bonus is you don’t have to pay an expensive monthly subscription so it does work out better in the long run.
4/5
Design
A white tubular design, the Baseus Security S2 is a pretty classy looking security camera. Best of is the solar panel above that rotates towards the sun to maximize power.
4.5/5
Performance
Picture quality is excellent and thanks to the inclusion of radar there are far fewer false alerts than with many cameras. However, facial recognition technology is still a work in progress.
4.5/5
Overall
An excellent outdoor security camera with an innovative rotating solar panel. Though it’s a little more expensive than some models, the lack of a monthly subscription fee means in the long term it’s much better value.
4.5/5
Buy it if
You want to maximize power from the sun
A large rotating solar panel means that this outdoor camera is able to maximize power from the sun so you shouldn’t need to charge it very often especially if you live in sunny climes.
You want high quality images
Boasting 4K resolution, the Baseus device provides some of the sharpest images I’ve ever seen from an outdoor camera. Connectivity is very good too.
Don't buy it if
You want to locate it in a shaded area
Of course you can still power the security camera from the mains via the USB-C socket if you are located in the shade. But where this device really comes into its own is with the solar panel.
You just want a cheap solution
Costing nearly £200 in the UK, there are simply much cheaper options out there. However, always bear in mind that you may need to pay a monthly subscription fee with some devices.
Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: also consider
Camera
Baseus Security S2 4K
Reolink Altas PT Ultra
Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera
Ring Outdoor Cam Plus
Subscription price
None
From £3.49 a month
None
From £4.99 a month
Viewing angle
145 degrees horizontal
355-degree pan / 90-degree tilt camera view
360-degree view
140 degrees horizontal
Network connection
Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)
Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz)
Wi-Fi/4G
Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz)
Audio
Two-way audio
Two-way audio
Two-way audio
Two-way audio
Video
4K video resolution
4K video resolution
4K video resolution
2,560 x 1,440 (2K)
Power
Battery, solar
Battery, solar
Battery, solar
Mains, battery, solar
Hardware price
£199 (with built-in solar panel)
£229 (with solar panel)
£189 (with solar panel)
£69 (£99 with solar panel )
Reolink Altas PT Ultra
A very advanced home and business security solution boasting a large rechargeable battery and solar panel. Can record footage 12 hours a day for over a week with colour night vision facility.
An extremely innovative battery and solar-powered camera, the Eufy can be used with the supplied 4G Sim card to capture recordings - ideal for those who live in areas with poor Wi-Fi/broadband.
How I tested the Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K:
I used the camera outdoors
I installed it myself
I tested the facial recognition technology with family and friends
To test any outdoor security camera you really need to use it regularly over a period of time to get used to its quirks and idiosyncrasies. I decided to use this camera for a period of two weeks in the back garden. It was placed on my summer house at a height of about 2.5 metres and connected to a wireless repeater in my kitchen around 13 metres away.
During this period, we experienced a range of weather conditions to challenge the IP-67 rating of the camera. This included heavy rain and cloud followed by a period of around 4 to 5 days of sunshine. It was during this sunny period that the solar power really came into its own, charging the battery back to nearly 100% despite regular daily alerts via the app.
The Levoit LVAC-300 is a simple, cordless stick vacuum designed to deliver effective cleaning for an affordable price. I tested it out for three weeks and while its cleaning powers aren't up there with the best cordless vacuums on the market, it's still a solid performer for the price. California-based (Chinese-owned) Levoit may be best known for its purifiers and fans, but this cordless proves it knows what it's doing on floors, too.
In my tests, the LVAC-300 was strong on hard floors and low-pile rugs, quieter than expected, and was especially good at cleaning the edges of rooms. It's also lightweight and easy to maneuver – in fact, it can even stand upright on its own. There are are few compromises, however. It's not great at cleaning thicker rugs, the floorhead gets in a tangle when faced with long hair, and the filter clogs quickly too.
It won't be the best vacuum cleaner for everyone, but the LVAC-300 is perfect for frugal shoppers who have mostly hard floors are aren’t easily wooed by fancy frills or cutting-edge tech. That's the short version; read on for my full Levoit LVAC-300 review.
The black, bronze and silver livery is easy on the eye, if not swoon-worthy (Image credit: Future)
In the US, the Levoit LVAC-300 hit shelves in Spring 2025, following an official debut at CES in Las Vegas. It has a list price of $349.99, but the good news is you’ll almost never pay that. Levoit’s own site, Amazon and Best Buy regularly kick it down to around $269.99, and I even spotted it for $249 in a recent Prime Day sale.
The LVAC-300 went on sale in the UK a few months later, with an RRP of £249.99. Again, it’s worth digging around – you can find it closer to £199 if you know where to look (spoiler, head to Amazon). Discounts aren’t quite as plentiful as in the States, but it’s worth keeping an eye out around major shopping events.
Either way, you're getting a bit of a steal for a cordless that promises 60 minutes’ runtime, comes with a motorized floor head, mini brush, crevice tool and wall mount in the box. Filters and spare batteries are extra, but that’s standard practice, even when you shell out twice as much. At this price point it sits in the lower-mid range; not a bargain basement buy, but without the wallet-burning tag of a Dyson.
All told, the LVAC-300 seems fairly priced for what you’re getting. It’s not going to out-muscle a top-end Shark or Dyson (especially on thick carpet), but for everyday cleaning it’s quietly capable. It feels well pitched for anyone wanting a competent cordless without the bling of flashier brands.
Value for money score: 4 out of 5
Levoit LVAC-300 cordless specs
Weight:
6.6 lbs / 3kg
Dimensions (H x W x D):
43.3 x 9.8 x 7.7in / 110 x 24.9 x 19.6cm
Floorhead width:
10in / 25.4cm
Filter:
HEPA
Bin capacity:
0.8 quarts / 0.75L
Battery:
21.6V 3.0Ah
Max runtime:
60 minutes
Charge time:
3.5-4 hours
Levoit LVAC-300 cordless review: design
Light and easy to swing about, though the grip position is odd at first
Aesthetics not exactly premium, but inoffensive
Small info screen, and buttons to scroll between the 3 power modes
Unboxing the Levoit LVAC-300 cordless was a total delight. It arrived in the tiniest box imaginable – I genuinely thought half the vacuum was missing. Turns out Levoit has cleverly shoehorned it in to save on packaging waste. Slot the pieces together, give it three hours to charge, and you’re good to go. Easy.
The Levoit LVAC-300 cordless is also refreshingly lightweight. The handle is angled slightly oddly, which threw the ergonomics off for me, but I got used to it quickly enough. Looks-wise, I’d describe this as 'utility chic'. I’ve certainly tested uglier vacuums, but this one won’t be winning any design awards. The plastics felt a smidge cheap, especially when swapping out tools, and the buttons have all the glamour of an office photocopier (showing my age there).
Carbon footprint-friendly compact packaging (mug for scale!) (Image credit: Future)
And then there’s the quirky design choice of perching the bin above the main wand – rather than tucking it neatly underneath in the more familiar style. It looked a bit back-to-front to my eye – although, to be fair, this is the configuration used in the best Dyson vacuums these days. On the plus side, you do get an unfiltered view of the dust, hair and fluff collecting, which is always satisfying, not to mention useful for avoiding overfilling.
Because the bin is on the top size, it can get very low to the floor (Image credit: Future)
The control panel is pretty basic. A little lozenge-shaped screen, a chunky on/off button right under your thumb, and two smaller buttons to scroll between Eco, Mid and Turbo modes. The screen also shows battery life, mode, and warnings for blockages – though you’ll need good eyesight to notice them. That’s it. No apps, no smart integrations – refreshingly simple.
The 2-in-1 nozzle is a nifty bit of multitasking design (Image credit: Future)
The LVAC-300 only ships with two extra tools: a 2-in-1 crevice nozzle with a slide-down brush and a mini motorized brush. That doesn’t sound like much, but in practice, between them, these tools handled everything I threw at them.
Some vacuums ship with a wide variety of random detail tools, but I think that's unnecessary – they'll generally end up cluttering my utility cupboard, never to be used. The main floorhead here is the real workhorse anyway, with a powered multi-surface brush, rubber fins and an anti-tangle roller designed to shrug off hair-wrap.
Design score: 3.5 out of 5
Levoit LVAC-300 cordless review: performance
Maneuvers like a dream – light, nimble and even stands up on its own
Filters clogged quickly and occasionally dirt made it past them
Cleaning power is solid, but it's not great with hair and larger debris
Using the Levoit LVAC-300 cordless day-to-day was a breeze. It’s light enough that my RSI-riddled wrist didn’t complain (even on the staircase), and it corners beautifully, picking up right to the edges. I loved that it stands upright on its own and reclines with a little nudge of your foot, which meant I could steer it one-handed while my other hand shoved chairs and pets out of the way.
The freestanding design is far easier than resting on the floor while you move obstacles. (Image credit: Future)
Because the bin sits above the hose, you can also get it completely flat to the floor and reach right under sofas. On the downside, it defaults to Eco mode every time you turn it on, which drove me a bit bonkers. I always had to ramp it up manually, and I really missed my Miele DuoFlex’s Auto mode, which adapts to different floor types so I can vacuum while listening to my audiobook rather than paying attention to the task in hand.
It also clattered noisily over my reclaimed terracotta tiles, though suction didn’t seem affected. Noise-wise, I measured it between 61-68 decibels, which is actually quieter than most cordless vacs I’ve tested. Eco is almost gentle on the ears, and even Turbo never reached eardrum-spitting territory.
The 0.75L bin is relatively generous for this type of vacuum (Image credit: Future)
Emptying the bin was blissfully mess-free. No dust clouds, no digging about with a wooden spoon handle or kebab stick. Plus, every component is washable, which makes maintenance straightforward.
The only downer is that the filters clogged quickly during testing. They’re simple enough to rinse under the tap, but with no spares included, the vacuum had to sit idle while they dried. Worryingly, some dirt and dog hair somehow managed to get past the two filters and were gathered around the motor entrance. At this point I did need my trusty kebab stick to clear it away.
(And don’t get me started on the sticky residue left behind when I tried to peel the maintenance instruction sticker off the bin canister. Very upsetting.)
The double filters should have stopped this debris getting through (Image credit: Future)
Hair proved quite the challenge for this cordless, despite promises of a no-wrap roller. I dumped an entire brush’s worth of my daughters’ long locks onto the floor (yuck) and set the LVAC-300 loose. It managed a fair amount, but the roller inevitably clumped up. In good news, the Levoit’s brush bar pops out in seconds, so a quick snip with the scissors and I was back in business.
I wasn't impressed by the no-wrap roller (Image credit: Future)
Suction tests
Now for the fun bit: the tests. I started with fine dust; a teabag’s worth scattered across my wooden engineered flooring. On eco, the LVAC-300 gobbled it up in a single pass, even from the grooves between planks. On carpet, Eco barely made a dent, so I cranked it to Turbo. Better, but a faint smudge of tea leaves still lingered, like my husband’s five o’clock shadow – and I am afraid I had to reach for my Miele to get the carpet fully clean again.
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(Image credit: Future)
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Next came 30g of oats to represent bigger debris. On hard floors, the LVAC-300 struggled at first because the floorhead acted more like a snowplough than a vacuum, pushing the oats into little drifts. Lifting the head slightly and hovering over the oats worked, but it’s not ideal. Turbo helped, but I still had to chase some strays.
Again, this isn’t unique – even Dyson vacuums sometimes bulldoze big debris across tile – but the best Shark vacuums tend to have edge here, with heads that are better designed to funnel large bits straight into the suction path. Switch to carpet, however, and the LVAC-300 was surprisingly effective, scooping up oats cleanly even on Eco.
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(Image credit: Future)
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(Image credit: Future)
The edge cleaning test was genuinely impressive. I lined a corner with tea leaves, expecting to need the crevice tool, but the LVAC-300 slurped up every last bit in Eco mode. Honestly, it matched my Miele here, which is high praise – so many cordless models leave frustrating crumbs in the corners. I also tried it over the sheepskin rug in our spare bedroom and it did an admirable job of fluffing up the fleece without the rollerbrush getting blocked and stopping rotating, which made a refreshing change.
The edge cleaning test was a complete success (Image credit: Future)
In summary, the LVAC-300 did what it promised and offered reasonable suction, easy handling and quieter operation than many. It doesn’t quite topple the big names in every test, but it put up a very respectable fight at a far friendlier price. Fine dust removal on carpet could have been better, but for everyday cleaning it got the job done with minimal fuss and zero arm ache.
Performance score: 3.5 out of 5
Levoit LVAC-300 cordless review: battery
41 minutes in Eco, 22 minutes in Mid, 14 minutes in Turbo
Just under 4 hours to recharge, with flexible charging options
Easily enough juice for a decent clean on one charge
Levoit reckons you’ll get 60 minutes out of the LVAC-300 in Eco mode, but that figure is with the nozzle attachment, not the powered floorhead, which is a little misleading. I have never spent an hour vacuuming with a nozzle in my life.
The fine print in the User Manual promises 40 minutes with the floorhead attached, which was pretty accurate. My stopwatch recorded 41 minutes in Eco mode with the floor head, which was good enough for me. I’d actually run out of things to vacuum and left it buzzing on the floor just to see it die.
Turbo gave me 14 minutes, which doesn’t sound like much but was plenty to whip round the ground floor and staircase of my four-bed family home. For a cordless at any price point, that’s seriously respectable.
Recharging takes around four hours, which is par for the course. I like that you can either click it onto the dock or pop the battery out and plug it in elsewhere, so you’re not at the mercy of having a wall socket in the perfect spot.
Despite the 60 minute 'fake news' on Levoit's marketing, the battery life impressed me. I got through a full clean on a single charge without breaking a sweat, and that’s really all most people will need. However, there are models – even in this budget-friendly bracket – that offer longer runtimes if you need them.
Battery life score: 3.5 out of 5
Should you buy the Levoit LVAC-300 cordless?
Attribute
Notes
Rating
Value
Strong mid-range pricing with regular discounts. Offers features you’d usually pay more for, though can’t quite match pricier rivals on power.
4/5
Design
Lightweight and easy to maneuver, though the styling is a bit basic. Simple controls and easy setup win it back points.
3.5/5
Performance
Excellent on hard floors and edges, but struggles with fine dirt on carpet, and long hair in general. Overall solid cleaning results.
3.5/5
Battery
40 minutes in Eco with the main floorhead is decent but other models give you longer. A solid 16 mins in Turbo mode.
3.5/5
Buy it if...
You have mostly hard floors
The LVAC-300 performed very well on hard floors, and is especially impressive at clearing dirt from the edges of rooms. It's also lightweight and very easy to wrangle.
You're on a budget
At list price the LVAC is mid-range, but big discounts are rare and can deliver very strong value for money.
You appreciate a simple life
If the thought of downloading an app to run a vacuum makes you want to lie down in a dark room, take note. Big on/off button, three modes, no Wi-Fi pairing fails. Even your nan could suss it out.
Don't buy it if...
You have lots of carpet
This vacuum struggled a little with cleaning carpets. Turbo helps, but it’s still not great at dragging dust out of thicker pile, no matter how much time you spend dragging it back and forth.
You're obsessed with high-end tech
If you want a vacuum that looks like it belongs in an Apple Store, step away. The LVAC-300 is more functional than fantasy.
You live with Rapunzel
Although it had no problem with pet hair, long human hair wrapped around the roller like a clingy baby koala that isn’t ready to leave its mum.
How I tested the Levoit LVAC-300 cordless
I lived with the Levoit LVAC-300 as my main vacuum for nearly three weeks, putting it through its paces in our four-bed home, which is home to our family of four, plus two dogs and a budgie. That meant daily whizzes around the kitchen and hallway (the main crumb/fluff zones), plus regular runs up the stairs, rugs and on the wool bedroom carpets to see how it coped. I timed battery life in each mode with my Garmin watch and used a decibel app on my phone to check out noise levels.
I also made sure to test all the attachments: the mini motorized brush was drafted in for sofas and pet beds, while the crevice tool was sent hunting for dust bunnies under radiators and cobwebs along the curtain rails. The main floorhead got the biggest workout, smashing through a mix of pet hair, school-run debris and general family chaos. I played around with setup, docking and charging too, trying both the wall mount (admittedly not screwed to the wall but I recreated the effect just fine propped against the wall) and popping the battery out to plug it in elsewhere.
In short, I didn’t just whizz it round the house for 10 minutes before hitting the keyboard, both set tests and real-life use was long and thorough, and I really got to know this impressive little vacuum during the process.
