This article is part of TechRadar's AI Week 2025. Covering the basics of artificial intelligence, we'll show you how to get the most from the likes of ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude, alongside in-depth features, news, and the main talking points in the world of AI.
The Caira snaps onto your iPhone using MagSafe, turns your phone into the control hub, and sets out to merge mirrorless camera-quality with smartphone ease.
The hardware is the real deal: a Micro Four Thirds mount and (Sony) sensor, a CNC’d aluminium chassis. It accepts proper lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, Sigma, and Leica - so this isn’t a toy pretending to be a camera. Its in a similar mold to the open source Alice Camera – a previous project from the makers of Caira.
Inside, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chip and Google’s Edge TPU AI processor run three flagship tricks: voice control, smart styles and generative editing.
With voice control you can say “take a photo” and Caira actually does. Smart Styles are six tasteful AI-trained color profiles that make your footage look deliberate. Generative Editing – the headline feature – uses natural language prompts to restyle photos instantly, no laptop required.
(Image credit: Rashid Ahmad)
Yes, the real party trick is Google’s ‘Nano Banana’ generative AI – which sounds like a smoothie but is actually a powerful on-device editor. You can tell the camera to “turn this daylight shot into night” or “make my blazer burgundy,” and it’ll do it in seconds. It’s astonishing. It’s the first time I’ve seen Lightroom sulk because it’s now redundant.
The result is a camera designed to skip the “import - edit - export - scream” routine. Some will say that skipping that part also skips the soul of photography. I’m not one of them. I’m in favor of anything that lets you spend more time shooting and less time staring at a progress bar – I’ll leave the hand-wringing to other creators.
But before you start packing your MacBook away forever, that magical AI is only available if you pay $7 a month for the ‘Caira Pro’ plan (about £6 / AU$11). Because nothing screams modern camera like a monthly sub.
However, for every tinfoil hat wearing critic out there screaming for the days of old and terrified of AI, go back to shooting on film and paying $35 a month for every roll you develop. My Lightroom subscription costs a lot more than Caira Pro, and I will use it a lot less.
Caira camera: price and availability
Priced at $995 (£760 / AU$1,500 approx)
Available to early crowdfunding backers for $695 (£529 / AU$1,070 approx)
First deliveries expected from January 2026
(Image credit: Rashid Ahmad)
Caira is available through Camera Intelligence's Kickstarter campaign, which runs from November 4 to November 30. As always, back crowdfunding campaigns at your own risk!
The campaign lists the camera (body only) price for $995 (around £760 / AU$1,500), while optimistic Super Early Bird backers can bag one for $695 (about £529 / AU$1,070).
According to its makers, the Caira delivery window is January to February 2026, (assuming no global crises intervene).
To get the most out of Caira's AI skills, you'll want the Caira pro subscription, which costs $7 per month. Backers get six months free, nine if funding hits its goals.
Caira camera specs
Caira camera specs
Sensor:
11MP Micro Four Thirds, quad-bayer HDR and dual ISO
Mount:
Micro Four Thirds
Processor:
Qualcomm Snapdragon with 8 - core CPU, GPU, DSP
AI Chip:
Google Edge TPU
Video:
4K 30fps & 1080p 60fps
Battery:
5,000 mAh
Storage:
Internal 64GB + SSD External storage via USB-C, straight onto Apple photos
Connectivity:
iPhone MagSafe connector, WiFi
Dimensions:
112.5mm (W) x 85mm (H) x 21.5mm (D). Handle depth is 42.5mm
Weight:
10.2oz / 290g (w/out lens)
Caira camera: Design
No screen – you MagSafe your iPhone instead
Premium CNC-milled aluminum body
64GB internal memory
Caira alongside the Alice Camera, designed by the same makers (Image credit: Rashid Ahmad)
Imagine if Leica built a GoPro after a long lunch - that’s the Caira. There's Sigma BF vibes, too. A sleek, screen-less slab of CNC-milled metal that looks premium and feels it too.
The design strips away almost all buttons, because the company says creators are “overwhelmed by controls.” Fair. Now you’ll be overwhelmed by menus instead.
The MFT mount opens a vast lens ecosystem, from affordable pancakes to glass that costs more than your phone. And the 5,000 mAh battery means you can actually use it all day.
Best of all, there are no memory cards. You shoot, and the files appear in your iPhone’s Photos app almost instantly. It’s dangerously convenient.
Cair camera: Performance
11MP Four Thirds sensor with dual base ISO
Basic video specs – 4K video up to 30fps
Really effective Nano Banana voice control and generative edits
The Caira behaves like two products; a legitimate camera, and an unashamed AI experiment.
The camera hardware delivers – the 11MP Sony sensor combined with proper MFT glass (I used several of my Lumix lenses, including the 12-60mm f/2.8-4 lens) is an obvious leap from a smartphone, particularly in low light. Depth, sharpness, and texture all feel natural. The AI-tuned colour profile leans a little toward “Instagram - ready,” but never offensively so.
Caira's Smart Styles are surprisingly tasteful presets, that make you look more competent than you are. You can get a feel in the examples in the gallery below.
Image 1 of 3
An original photo taken with Caira (Image credit: Future / Rashid Ahmad)
Image 2 of 3
Turn the dress black (Image credit: Future / Rashid Ahmad)
Image 3 of 3
About 20 seconds later, the new image appears. (Image credit: Future / Rashid Ahmad)
The Caira's show piece is its AI features. Voice Control is genuinely handy when both hands are busy, or sticky with espresso, but Generative Editing is the main event.
Prompts like “make it nighttime” or “change his navy blazer to burgundy” return results in seconds – clean, convincing, a bit spooky.
Generative Editing is the feature that flattens the learning curve and streamlines the creative workflow. It’s powerful, fast, and feels like magic.
To its credit, the company has guardrails in place: no altering skin tone or facial features. I tried. It refused, nicely.
The Caira is a bold step. It’s a bet that the next generation of creators values AI-powered speed and flexibility as much as – or perhaps more than – traditional photographic purity. And based on what I’ve seen, it’s a bet they just might win.
Image 1 of 2
The original photo, using one of the more vibrant color profiles Caira has (Image credit: Future / Rashid Ahmad)
Image 2 of 2
Now with the generative prompt 'turn the dress black', which returned results way quicker than an outfit change. (Image credit: Future / Rashid Ahmad)
The Caira feels like a product born out of collective exhaustion. Someone, somewhere, finally admitted that no one actually enjoys editing - they just enjoy pretending they do. It’s bold, a little absurd, and far more capable than it has any right to be.
It won’t replace your main camera, and it won’t replace your phone either - but it might just replace your willpower to open Lightroom ever again.
It’s the perfect tool for those of us who still like the idea of photography - the ritual, the gear, the illusion of artistry - but who secretly just want the photo to look brilliant the moment we take it.
And truthfully? That’s probably the entire modern photographer.
Should you buy the Caira camera?
Buy it if...
You want a seamless shoot and edit experience, through your smartphone
Other cameras add way too many steps to the shoot - upload - edit - share process. Caira simplifies the whole process.
You want powerful edits in seconds, without the need for expensive editing software
Caira churns out the sorts of edits that used to take way more time with pricey software, and it does so directly on your phone.
Don't buy it if...
You want high-resolution photos
Just 11MP is pretty low by today's standards.
You're unsure about crowdfunding campaigns
To be fair, Caira's makers delivered with a previous project, the Alice Camera, but back at your own risk (or wait).
Caira accepts Micro Four Thirds lenses, like these two Lumix ones (Image credit: Rashid Ahmad)
How I tested the Caira camera
I tested Caira for two weeks
I paired it with Lumix lenses, including the 12–60mm f/2.8-4 lens
I connected my iPhone and made use of the various Nano Banana features
Camera Intelligence sent me one of just 50 pre-production units for a two week trial. I used it mostly to photograph things that didn’t deserve this much computing power.
It locks to the iPhone via MagSafe and connects over Wi-Fi through the Caira iOS app. Setup takes seconds, and then you’re in. I paired it with a Lumix 12–60mm f/2.8-4 – a brilliant lens that I immediately wasted on photographing coffee cups, pool balls, and other cameras.
If you’d told me a year ago that a bizarre GameCube spinoff would receive a sequel on Nintendo’s follow-up to the Switch, I’m not sure I’d believe you. That’s right, Kirby Air Riders – a racing game developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Kirby creator Masahiro Sakurai's Sora Ltd. – is finally here on Nintendo Switch 2, a whole 22 years after its predecessor entered the fray.
Review info
Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2 Available on: Nintendo Switch 2 Release date: November 20, 2025
Although Kirby Air Riders feels like a surprise release so early in the Nintendo Switch 2’s life, I’m actually delighted to see it glide onto the console. It's essentially a fusion of Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros, combining intense races with chaotic combat. But can it live up to the quality we’ve come to expect from those two legendary series?
Well, I’ve played solo, raced online, and even battled it out in local multiplayer. I’ve also spent hours on the game’s single-player campaign, customizing my machines and unlocking new characters. So, can this oddball racer outpace some of the best Nintendo Switch 2 games? I’ve got a lot of thoughts – largely positive ones, thankfully. But I won’t make you wait any longer…here are my final thoughts on the whirlwind gaming experience that is Kirby Air Riders.
Smash on wheels
(Image credit: Nintendo)
From the very second I fired up Kirby Air Riders on my Nintendo Switch 2, I could only think of one thing: Super Smash Bros.
Sure, Masahiro Sakurai is the creator of Kirby, but he also birthed this legendary fighting game series, which has its influence deeply infused into Kirby Air Riders’ DNA. Every single aspect – from the music, through to the menus and the unhinged gameplay – has Sakurai’s fingerprints all over it. But that’s not a bad thing.
Best bit
(Image credit: Nintendo)
I adored defeating enemies until I had enough juice to unleash Bandana Waddle Dee’s mighty spike attack special. Slashing my rival riders left, right, and center felt supremely satisfying. Sorry King Dedede, the crown is mine.
For anyone who played Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the UI will feel like an old friend. The look of different options, sound design when making selections, and simple layout of menus is almost identical to what you’d find in that game. It's easy to use, fun to interact with, and a visual treat.
It's a similar story on the music front, too. The jazzy, catchy menu theme feels very Smash-like, and the broad, varied selection of tracks, which includes everything from grandiose orchestral arrangements through to funk-infused head boppers, is seriously intoxicating.
Even if you jump into a race in the Air Ride mode, you may feel as if the game’s aesthetic feels noticeably close to Sakurai’s previous work. The character models and quirky animations, zany design of the machines – which are the vehicles you use to race on – and vibrant, color-filled environments hammer home that this game is essentially Smash on wheels. And I love that.
Keeping it simple?
(Image credit: Nintendo)
Now let’s get into the meat of things and talk about gameplay. On the face of it, Kirby Air Riders is outrageously simple – especially compared to some of the best racing games. Your machine will automatically accelerate, and all you have to do is steer and hold down the B button to drift and obtain power-ups, like Fighter or Cutter abilities. Sure, the Y button allows each rider to occasionally use a special move, and you can waggle the left stick to do a spin attack, but that covers the vast majority of things.
Although the controls are incredibly easy to learn – especially thanks to a concise Lessons mode – it genuinely takes time to master them and understand how to get the upper hand over tricky opponents.
Drifting will considerably slow you, and requires more precision than you’d need in Mario Kart World. And in the main racing mode – Air Ride – you’ll need to tail opponents to get a boost before attacking. Speaking of, you’ll need to hold B to use a lot of power-ups, which will, in turn, slow you down. Sometimes, trading off speed can feel very rewarding, whereas other times, you’ll wish you left King Dedede alone (for once) and just kept powering ahead. Poor penguin. The need to consider trade-offs during high-speed races adds a nice dollop of challenge, and feels intelligently thought out – I applaud how the developers fostered a balanced approach in this regard.
On top of this, you’ll need to ensure that your character and machine loadout are suited to your playstyle. Personally, I liked having a solid amount of control on tight corners, and also enjoyed using a vehicle with enough lift to soar across corners. I didn’t want to be too light, though, so I found myself combining Bandana Waddle Dee (who should have been in Smash Ultimate) with the Vampire Star.
On the subject of characters, it did surprise me how varied and large the roster was, considering the limitations of a Kirby-only cast. There’s a fun set of riders from right across the series’ rich history as well as color variants, which I had a wonderful time sifting through. The number of machines is admirable, too, so there’s plenty of experimentation available to the player.
One area that I felt could be improved, though, was the course selection. The tracks themselves are solid. Some, like Waveflow Waters and Crystalline Fissure, felt like real visual spectacles and had me entranced in the on-screen action. However, I did wish that there were a few more alternate routes to explore, and the fact that there are just 18 courses – nine of which are retro inclusions – may end up feeling repetitive in the long run.
(Image credit: Nintendo)
Let the chaos commence
I’ve mainly spoken about Air Ride so far, which I’ve had great fun with overall. Timing the perfect drift, battering my opponents, and gliding past them on the finish line is very rewarding, and I can see myself coming back for a number of races against friends in the coming weeks and months.
But what made a lot of people fall in love with 2003’s Kirby Air Ride was the City Trial mode. Here, you have to collect a range of items to boost your machine – think speed, defense, and HP increases – before clashing against rivals in a brief minigame.
City Trial is back, and this time it's even crazier. I found myself constantly switching machines, mashing up CPUs, and even fighting event bosses to get some juicy power-ups. I have to admit, this mode is good fun, especially when playing multiplayer. I trialled this mode against other gaming journalists at Nintendo’s UK HQ, and it really did bring out my competitive streak – the scrappy, intense nature of the mode is certainly enticing.
Still, I just couldn’t shake the feeling that City Trial is kinda lop-sided. I would spend five minutes powering up my machine, raring to crush my adversaries. But then, in a matter of seconds, the showdown minigame would be over. One example is a target game, where you glide into a numbered panel to score points. You get two attempts at scoring points, and then it's game over. This felt highly anticlimactic, and a significant portion of the minigames finished up too swiftly for my liking.
It should also be noted that I often found my character to be totally out of control after the first few minutes of powering up. This was pretty funny for the most part, and I did have a giggle while careening into my foes with next to no control. Having said that, this could leave me feeling a little City Trial’d out after a couple of rounds – the chaos is exciting, but perhaps meant to be enjoyed in bursts.
Luckily, there were a few other modes to try out when I was done with City Trials and Air Ride. There’s Top Ride, which is a birds-eye view racing mode that uses smaller, more basic courses. The more limited nature of Top Ride meant that I wasn’t returning to it much, but the concept is executed well.
Perhaps more interestingly, there’s a solo campaign with an actual story, called Road Trip – it's almost reminiscent of the Subspace Emissary from Super Smash Bros. Brawl. In Road Trip, you’ll continuously float down a road and get to pick from a variety of mini games to boost your level and progress the narrative. Typically, you can select one of three minigames, which keeps things decently varied.
Every now and then, you’ll engage in boss fights and get to view cutscenes about a lifeform named Zorah, which crash-lands onto the planet Popstar. The story didn’t really grip me or make me want to ride solo for hours on end, but it's a decent lil’ extra to break things up a bit. I’ll mainly stick to playing the Air Ride of City Trial modes online – either ranked or in quick play – if I don’t have friends around to play with, though.
(Image credit: Nintendo)
Coming to the finish line
Even though I wasn’t completely bowled over by Road Trip, I still found plenty of value in playing on my own. That’s largely thanks to a checklist system, which runs across the Air Ride, Top Ride, City Trial, and Road Trip modes. As you achieve different objectives, you’ll unlock new characters, machines, and customizable pieces.
And this leads me to something that I really loved about my time with Kirby Air Riders – the sheer amount of personalization on offer. You can customize machines with stickers, attachments, and patterns, personalize your license, which other players can view online, and even tailor controls to your own liking.
The possibilities feel endless, and the volume of unlockables made me really want to complete challenges on the checklist. That feeling I got when completing a technically difficult objective was exhilarating and was a particular highlight of my Air Riders experience.
So, in the end, I really did find a lot of things to love about Kirby Air Riders. Sure, it may not have the variety of Mario Kart or be quite as addictive as Super Smash Bros., but it merges its sources of inspiration pretty effectively. Visually, this game is great – colors really pop and frame rate is pretty consistent despite some insane on-screen action. It matches that with a bombastic soundtrack and playful cast of characters, which adds a whole lot of personality to the Air Riders experience.
Yes, the short minigames in City Trial could feel a touch anticlimactic, but the mode did still offer some truly chaotic laugh-out-loud moments. Meanwhile, the standard Air Ride mode was a blast to play online, and gradually mastering the game’s simple yet surprisingly deep mechanics was a real joy. All in all, Smash on wheels may not be perfect, but it certainly supplies the frenetic fun it promises.
Should you play Kirby Air Riders?
(Image credit: Nintendo)
Play it if...
You’re a fan of Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. If you enjoy these two chaotic Nintendo series, then I’m almost certain you’ll have some fun with Kirby Air Riders. Sure, it's a racer, but you’ll have to beat up your opponents in both the Air Ride and City Trial modes to get the edge. This title also has a fantastic, head-bopping soundtrack and exciting visual presentation, so you’re sure to find something to love here.
You’re the competitive type There are so many ways to compete against friends, family, and strangers in Kirby Air Riders. There’s split-screen multiplayer for local matches, or online play – both ranked and casual – that you can get stuck in. Whether you want to get one over on your buddy or boost your ‘Global Win Power’ via ranked mode, there’s something for you.
Don't play it if...
You want an engaging single player mode Although I had fun riding solo by completing checklist items and unlocking new content, I didn’t find the Road Trip mode to be massively engaging. The narrative is pretty simple, which is fine for a game like this, just make sure you temper your expectations if you’re seeking an engrossing solo adventure.
You’re expecting a Mario Kart-sized tracklist or character roster There are 18 courses and around 20 characters to choose from in Kirby Air Riders. While I appreciate the limitations of an all-Kirby cast, I would’ve liked to have seen more maps to race on – especially as Mario Kart World has 32 different tracks. Maybe we’ll get more in the future, though.
Accessibility features
Kudos to everyone involved with accessibility on the Kirby Air Riders development team, because there really are a lot of options to discover here. There are visual options like the ability to adjust brightness or text size, apply different color filters, and adjust HUD.
But there’s also an extensive camera customization menu, which enables you to adapt the field of vision, camera distance, sensitivity, and more. You can even adjust the severity of visual effects or remap controls to your liking, making for a brilliantly customizable user experience.
How I reviewed Kirby Air Riders
(Image credit: Nintendo)
I spent more than 15 hours playing Kirby Air Riders solo and online via Nintendo Switch 2, during which time I exhausted every mode available. In order to play local multiplayer, I took a trip to Nintendo’s UK HQ, where I got a preview of the game and was able to duke it out against fellow gaming journalists and content creators.
Predominantly, I played Kirby Air Riders with my Nintendo Switch 2 docked, connected up to my Sky Glass Gen 2 television and Marshall Heston 120 soundbar. I also played in handheld mode, though, and while doing so, I listened to in-game audio with my Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones.
More generally, I’ve been a Nintendo Switch 2 owner from launch and have been playing Nintendo games for the best part of two decades. Here at TechRadar, I’ve also reviewed a range of Nintendo Switch 2 titles, like the bizarre mouse control bonanza Drag x Drive, and the unforgettable adventure that is Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake.
ByteSIM is an eSIM provider that provides internet connectivity for travelers. Its services work across all continents, from the U.S.A. to Switzerland, New Zealand, Thailand, Egypt, China, and more.
Founded in 2021 and based in Hong Kong, ByteSIM has quickly grown into one of the most popular eSIM providers worldwide.
But what makes it a popular option? What are its pros and cons, and is it the best choice for you? This review will answer these questions. Read on to learn what ByteSIM offers and whether it’s ideal for you.
ByteSIM: Plans and pricing
ByteSIM offers flexible pricing based on your selected data volume and plan duration. Pricing also varies across countries, with some countries being noticeably costlier than others.
Prices start from $2.90 for 500 MB for 1 day. For $21, you can get 500 MB per day for 30 days, totaling 15 GB. 1 GB daily for 30 days costs $28, 2 GB daily costs $50, 3 GB daily costs $67, and 10 GB daily costs $100 for the same 30 days.
Instead of paying for a specific amount of data per day, you can choose a total data package upfront from 3 GB to 50 GB. For reference, a 3 GB 15-day plan costs $6 and a 50 GB 30-day plan costs $50.
ByteSIM also offers unlimited data (with a fair usage policy) for prices ranging from $12 for 3 days to $63 for 30 days.
Its pricing structure seems convoluted, but it is actually easy to understand. ByteSIM lets you choose the amount of data (500 MB to 50 GB, or unlimited) and the number of days it is valid for. Prices vary widely according to your choice.
Overall, ByteSIM’s prices are friendly on high-data packages (10 GB upwards) but aren’t the best on the smaller sub-10 GB plans.
Region
Data Amount
Validity
Price
United States
Unlimited
30 days
$69.90
UK
Unlimited
30 days
$43.90
Europe
Unlimited
30 days
$74.90
Japan
Unlimited
30 days
$74.90
Turkey
Unlimited
30 days
$65
ByteSIM: Features
ByteSIM’s standout features include:
Unlimited data
An unlimited data plan is included among ByteSIM’s offerings. However, as with telecom networks, unlimited data doesn’t literally mean what it says.
Instead, there’s a fair usage policy limiting how much data you can consume before the browsing speed gets throttled. This data cap varies depending on the underlying network.
ByteSIM works with different telecom networks in each country, but you can always verify the data cap before buying your plan.
Regional plans
(Image credit: ByteSIM)
Like many eSIM providers, ByteSIM offers regional plans that unlock network connectivity across multiple countries with a single eSIM.
For example, the Asia plan provides coverage in 21 countries, including Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and Taiwan.
If you plan to visit multiple Asian countries, you should choose the Asia plan, as it’s more affordable compared to paying for a new plan in each country you visit.
Unlimited hotspot
With your ByteSIM data allowance, you can use your smartphone as a hotspot without limits. For example, you can share data with friends during your trip or connect your PC to the internet from your smartphone.
Many eSIM providers restrict how much data you can use in hotspot mode, but ByteSIM has no restrictions.
ByteSIM: Installation
Installing your ByteSIM eSIM starts with heading to www.ByteSIM.com or downloading the ByteSIM app from the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
On the app or website, you can view all plans offered by ByteSIM, choose your desired plan and duration, and see the corresponding price. Enter your personal details, including your email address, and pay for your plan.
ByteSIM will confirm the payment and send a unique QR code to your email address. Scan the QR code to initiate eSIM activation —the on-screen instructions will guide you.
With ByteSIM's step-by-step instructions, the installation process doesn’t take long to complete. If you need help, you can consult ByteSIM’s FAQs page and blog or contact the support team.
ByteSIM’s mobile app isn’t compulsory for installing your eSIM, but it makes the process smoother. After activating your eSIM, you can monitor data usage from this app or top up data if needed.
ByteSIM: Coverage and speed
ByteSIM offers eSIM coverage in 200+ regions, or virtually all countries where it’s possible. Whether traveling across Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, South America, or Oceania, you’ll find a suitable eSIM package on ByteSIM.
This widespread coverage is one of the main reasons for ByteSIM’s popularity, particularly its regional plans that offer data coverage across multiple countries via a single eSIM.
You can access 5G connectivity with ByteSIM if it's available in your location. As a ByteSIM user, you’re dependent on local telecoms infrastructure in the country you visit, meaning speeds can vary.
In urban areas, 5G connectivity is more accessible but can be unavailable in rural areas. If 5G is unavailable, you’ll be switched, 4G or LTE.
Some countries have more robust 5G infrastructure than others, with examples including South Korea, the U.S., China, Switzerland, and Denmark. If visiting these countries, you’re more likely to enjoy 5G connectivity with ByteSIM.
ByteSIM: Support
(Image credit: ByteSIM)
For direct help, you can contact ByteSIM’s support team via email and WhatsApp. You can also dial the telephone support line during working hours, Monday to Friday.
Before seeking direct support, you can first check ByteSIM’s official FAQs page. This page has answers to routine issues users face, from device compatibility to installing eSIMs and troubleshooting slow connections.
Along with the FAQs page, ByteSIM’s official blog contains guides on selecting and installing its eSIMs.
Both the FAQs page and blog sections provide ample self-help resources. ByteSIM provides decent support resources on par with most eSIM providers I’ve tested.
ByteSIM: Final verdict
ByteSIM is a major contender in the eSIM market. It offers flexible eSIM plans for short or long foreign trips and provides reliable internet connectivity.
It’s not the most affordable option, nor does it have the best customer support, but it provides sufficient network coverage in virtually every region. We recommend ByteSIM for your foreign trips, although there are other eSIM options that you can take a look at.
ByteSIM: FAQs
Does ByteSIM offer 5G connectivity?
Yes, ByteSIM provides 5G connectivity for eSIM users, but availability depends on the local telecoms network in the country you visit.
Can I top up my ByteSIM eSIM?
Yes, you can recharge your data plans from the ByteSIM app.
Can I use my phone as a hotspot with ByteSIM?
ByteSIM lets you run your phone as a hotspot with no restrictions.
Playing the co-op campaign of first-person shooter Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 feels like diving into season 13, episode 21 of a low-budget network TV show with no prior context.
Review info
Platform reviewed: PC Available on: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC Release date: November 14, 2025
Set ten years after the events of 2012’s Black Ops 2, it opens with returning hero David Mason heading to the coastal city-state of Avalon with his squad to track down the source of a sinister broadcast purportedly from deceased terrorist Raul Menendez.
Your first mission involves infiltrating the high-tech headquarters of The Guild, a futuristic tech company that’s the apparent source of the video, and right from the get-go, it’s obvious that corners have been cut.
Cutscenes seem a little cheaper than usual, with awkward animations and juvenile, stilted dialogue that’s nowhere near the cinematic espionage excellence of last year’s Black Ops 6.
Back to the future
(Image credit: Activision)
The pacing is also far too abrupt, front-loaded with big exposition dumps that propel the plot forward at a frankly overwhelming clip.
Early on, the team is exposed to a hallucinogenic red gas, with most sequences taking place inside a dream-like haze. There are some striking visuals, like a fractured memory of Menendez’s Nicaraguan compound or an impossibly twisted L.A. Highway, though they mostly boil down to mowing down waves of reskinned enemies from the Zombies mode and then taking on overly tanky boss fights.
Each mission is structured like a raid from an MMO (massively multiplayer online game), a la Destiny 2; the antithesis of the highly scripted, set-piece driven action that has made previous campaigns so great. In the real world, a handful of missions take place in Avalon with a semi-open-world structure reminiscent of the widely disliked open combat missions of 2023’s Modern Warfare 3.
(Image credit: Activision)
The map, originally designed for Warzone, is far too large, so you end up having to trudge your way between different objectives.
A few special abilities, like a super jump or a grapple hook that allow you to quickly gain momentum and deploy a wingsuit, provide a welcome, faster method of traversal, but are ultimately a solution to a problem that a Call of Duty campaign should have never suffered from in the first place.
It’s also hard to shake the fact that most of Avalon doesn't really fit in with the rest of the 2035 setting. This is most apparent when you reach an area that first appeared in Black Ops 6 as the Skyline multiplayer map. The rooftop apartment is entirely unchanged from its depiction in that game, which was set more than four decades prior in 1991.
The only real setting that seems suitably futuristic is a segment in the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, in which you play as an entirely different team of characters for no apparent reason, jumping between rooftops using your wall-jump - a new move for Black Ops 7. It’s a clear highlight despite the jarring new faces, and it’s sad that there aren't more moments with tightly designed parkour like this throughout.
Warzone woes
(Image credit: Activision)
As with the setting of Avalon, a significant number of mechanics in the co-op campaign feel ripped right out of Warzone.
There are weapon boxes littered around the world so that you can gear up, replenishable armour plates protect you from hits, and weapons have different rarity levels that you can upgrade as you go at designated stations. The user interface is indistinguishable too; there are no checkpoints to save your progress within missions, and you can’t even pause the game if you want to take a break.
Despite all of this, I certainly didn’t hate playing through the campaign. It’s nowhere near as boring as the sloppy story in the aforementioned Modern Warfare 3, namely as a result of its co-op. With a friend or three in tow, it all becomes absolutely hilarious.
(Image credit: Activision)
The writing is rough across the board, so ripe for moments of inadvertent comedy like a ludicrous dream sequence in which you fight a giant version of Harper - one of the playable characters and returning face from Black Ops 2 - or when the main baddie is defeated by an anti-tank missile to the face, only to reappear completely fine mere seconds later.
After you finish the campaign, you’re unleashed into the extraction-shooter-like Endgame, and it’s surprisingly quite a lot of fun.
Dropping into a gas-filled Avalon with countless other players, it has you completing mini-challenges to level up your ‘Combat Rating’ and unlock special perks that do everything from massively boost your firing speed to causing a burst of electricity that stuns enemies every time you reload. You’re working on a strict time limit, and if you’re killed before you can reach an extraction point, you lose all of your progress, so it’s inherently very high stakes and reminiscent of a roguelike in the best of ways.
The map is split into multiple difficulty areas, and progressing through each one is very satisfying. It all culminates in a very challenging boss fight that requires you to team up with other players on the server, an enjoyable moment of collaboration that’s a great little send-off.
In addition to quickly levelling up your weapons and gear for use in other modes, beating the boss with multiple characters rewards you with some great-looking skins, giving you a genuine reason to come back and replay it.
The format is also clearly ripe for expansion, and I’m intrigued to see what kind of additions will come to the Endgame throughout the year.
Place, Japan
(Image credit: Activision)
On the multiplayer front, Black Ops 7 fares much better. Building on the incredibly strong foundations laid with Black Ops 6, this is comfortably one of the most engaging multiplayer offerings yet. The maps, a bit of a weak point last year, are all absolutely fantastic, and there are loads of them to master. The ones set in Japan in particular look simply stunning, with gorgeous details and impressive lighting that conveys a brilliant atmosphere.
Best bit
(Image credit: Activision)
Black Ops 7 offers a new multiplayer Skirmish mode that features 40 players on massive maps. It’s a pleasant change of pace compared to the usual small-scale environments in the Black Ops series and channels some of what makes Battlefield 6 great.
Small maps like Blackheart, Homestead, and Cortex flow wonderfully and don’t suffer from awkward spawn locations. The work especially well with the hectic new Overload game mode, which has two teams clashing for possession of a bomb-like device that needs to be placed in specific locations to score.
The map themes themselves are brilliantly varied, too, with some evocative concepts that I wish had been explored in the campaign. Scar, for example, is set in a distant Alaskan village that’s being torn apart by attacking robots, while Colossus has you exploring the rusted wreckage of the once beautiful resort that was memorably destroyed in Black Ops 2.
The wall jump adds another dimension to traversal, augmenting the existing Omnimovement system (which allows you to sprint in any direction) by giving more skilled players the opportunity to hop above the heads of enemies on vertical routes that require multiple tricky jumps to cross.
(Image credit: Activision)
Gear Overclocking from Advanced Warfare is back, too, meaning that your most used equipment can be upgraded with new abilities to increase its effectiveness. This pairs nicely with Weapon Prestige, where you can reset your weapon level in exchange for special attachments and exclusive camos, and ensures that, unlike past releases, you’re not going to run out of levels to grind any time soon.
The guns themselves are all very satisfying to use and well-balanced. Assault rifles and SMGs are definitely the most versatile and popular options, though sniper rifles and marksman rifles are still very viable given their incredible damage output, and shotguns such as the fully automatic Akita absolutely dominate at close range.
With a deluge of new maps set to arrive in Season One and the imminent addition of the classic Nuketown, this is shaping up to be one of the greatest years of multiplayer Call of Duty yet.
Arcade action
(Image credit: Activision)
Like multiplayer, Zombies builds on everything that worked in its Black Ops 6 iteration.
There’s one Round-Based map at launch, and it’s absolutely massive, featuring an upgradeable truck to help you get around. There are heavy references to the legendary TranZit map from Black Ops 2, including some returning areas that have been lovingly recreated and incorporated seamlessly.
It continues the long-running and nigh-impenetrable storyline that’s been going all the way since World at War, with a brand new main quest that requires multiple hidden steps to complete. Long-time Zombies fans will absolutely love it, but if chasing esoteric easter eggs isn’t your speed, there’s a more basic Survival mode that’s perfect for unwinding with friends as you mow down waves of the undead.
This is in addition to Dead Ops Arcade 4, a light-hearted top-down challenge mode that has you running through small combat arenas with retro twin-stick controls, trying to last for as long as possible. This isn’t the deepest mode by any means, but it’s an enjoyable diversion and well worth trying for a handful of runs.
With all of this said, it should be obvious whether Black Ops 7 is for you.
If you’re primarily invested in the multiplayer or Zombies, then you’re going to have a fantastic time - the maps are great and it’s hard to overstate just how refined and polished the minute-to-minute action here feels. The co-op campaign is a very different story, though, and a big miss despite the strong Endgame.
Should I play Call of Duty: Black Ops 7?
(Image credit: Activision)
Play it if…
You’re after some fantastic multiplayer The multiplayer is fantastic in Black Ops 7. It’s fast-paced, and new mechanics like wall jumping work well. The lineup of maps is also great this year.
You’re a big Zombies fan The first Zombies map is a hit too. Its huge scale is impressive, and die-hard fans will love working their way through the challenging main quest. For everyone else, the Survival mode and Dead Ops Arcade 4 are a blast.
You live for a good grind In addition to the usual overall Prestige grind, Black Ops 7 has Gear Overclocking with new upgrades to unlock and Weapon Prestige, ensuring that you won’t run out of things to level any time soon.
Don’t play it if…
You’re expecting a proper Black Ops 2 follow up The campaign here can be funny, but it's ultimately a mess and not the sequel that Black Ops 2 deserved. If you really care about that game’s story, then you should give this sequel a miss.
Accessibility features
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has a good number of accessibility features.
The UI features a number of reliability options, including the ability to increase subtitle size, adjust background color, adjust the size of text in menus, and fully customize the colors of important information. The multiplayer HUD can also be edited to your liking and made significantly larger if required.
There are multiple control layouts to choose from, with presets for simplified controls on controller and settings to reduce the need for lots of motion. On both console and PC, you can choose to play the game with either a controller or keyboard and mouse.
How I reviewed Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
I played more than 30 hours of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 for this review, including roughly 12 hours in both the campaign and Endgame in solo and co-op and the rest of that time in the other modes.
I played on PC using a 5070 Ti-powered model from retailer Scan. It features a compact Corsair 2000d RGB Airflow case, Asus ROG Strix B860-I Gaming Wifi motherboard, Intel Core Ultra 7 265K CPU, a 2TB WD Black SN770 SSD, 32GB of DDR5 Corsair Vengeance RAM, and an Nvidia 5070 Ti manufactured by Asus.
This setup allowed me to play the game smoothly on custom graphics settings at 1080p with everything set to either Ultra or High. For peripherals, I relied on a Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro mouse and Cherry XTRFY K5V2 keyboard in addition to an Astro A20 X PC gaming headset for audio.
In addition to playing a lot after its public launch, my time with the game included roughly a day of early access. I evaluated the game against previous Call of Duty releases, namely Black Ops 6 and other recent entries like Modern Warfare 3, Modern Warfare 2, and Black Ops Cold War.
At the end of my Wicked: For Goodscreening, when the lights came up, there was hardly any mascara left on everyones' eyelashes. The second half of director Jon M. Chu's Oztastic vision is an emotional rollercoaster in entirely new ways, and for me, it's completely defied expectations (see what I did there?).
The second half of the movie-musical was always going to be the more difficult half to adapt. All of the joyous narrative and dance numbers have been and gone in Wicked, with the storyline turning much darker as Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) is officially dubbed The Wicked Witch of the West.
If you've seen the stage show, you'll know what I mean... but if you've read the book, the original Wicked story was even more macabre. With each adaptation, the Wicked ending has become more palatable and optimistic, and Chu's take on Elphaba and Glinda's (Ariana Grande) farewell is the most light-hearted yet (thanks to a few new changes).
For Wicked: For Good, this means packing an emotional punch so strong that you forget green witches and flying monkeys aren't actually real life. Erivo and Grande are completely invested in delivering the best ending to the tale they love so much, and that only adds to the overall polish of the movie's epic scale.
There is no way I thought the second half would be as good as the first, and now I completely stand corrected. It's Erivo's musical performances that take things to the next level the most, and it's clear we're watching a once-in-a-generation star do what she does best
Wicked: For Good packs the emotional punch the first movie skimmed over
As we pick up the story in the second half, Madame Morrible's (Michelle Yeoh) PR campaign on creating The Wicked Witch of the West has worked wonders, and the whole of Oz is in fear. Elphaba continues to battle for animals and Ozians to live in peace while being persecuted at every turn.
Meanwhile, Glinda and Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) are each secretly trying to help, despite putting on a front of being happy and in love. And the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum)? Well, he's just kicking about, harboring a bunch of talking animal prisoners in the tower.
It should go without saying, but you'll really need to watch Wicked first here – there's no recapping events, and the movie is really relying on your existing knowledge as the pace picks up. What is particularly worth pointing out is that the joy has gone from this part of the story, as Oz and Elphaba's life turns to chaos.
Emotionally, things don't let up much. Elphaba can't catch a break, the animals are terrified, Fiyero can't be with the woman he loves, Glinda realizes Fiyero never loved her and Boq (Ethan Slater) is trapped in Munchkinland by Nessarose (Marissa Bode) as she morphs into the Wicked Witch of the East.
While this might feel hard-going, it's actually the perfect accompanying film for Wicked's first half. Even a fictional land like Oz can't live in ignorant bliss forever, and if we want our big happy ever after, there has to be a huge emotional payoff.
Luckily for us, Erivo and Grande are the perfect pair to steer this ship.
Cynthia Erivo's performance of 'No Good Deed' is one for the ages
Ariana Grande (Glinda) and Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) in Wicked: For Good. (Image credit: Universal Pictures)
It was clear in the first movie that Grande and Erivo were made for each other as far as performance partnerships go, but I'm going to argue a potential hot take: Wicked: For Good is Erivo's film, not Grande's.
Obviously, this part of the story is much more focused on Elphaba anyway, but Erivo is running away with a performance that literally defies gravity. The pièce de résistance is her earth-shattering rendition of 'No Good Deed', which not only had the audience in fits of applause, but made me feel as though I was levitating while watching. I couldn't move or focus on anything aside from her astounding voice and emotional range.
That's not to say Grande has blended into the background, though. The pair's harmonies feel bound together by fate, and this makes their duet of 'For Good' the film's big tear-jerking moment as Glinda and Elphaba must say goodbye. We all saw this coming (even though it hurts every time), but don't worry too much – some small changes have been made for the better (e.g. Peter Dinklage's Doctor Dillamond has a much better fate).
While Yeoh and Goldblum are hitting the same show-stopping strides that we'd expect them to, Chu's direction won't be for everyone. Subjectively, I think he's remained incredibly consistent and portrayed Oz in exactly the way that we need to see it. On a broad visual scale, Wicked: For Good continues to be epic cinema with the most detailed scenes and sets, and even if you turned the sound off, you'd walk away from it totally satisfied.
The we've got the events of The Wizard of Oz running in tandem with Elphaba's own journey. Not only do I love how this reframes the original 1939 movie, but Chu has played it shrewd with how much he's chosen to hold back.
Dorothy is kept vague, while the Scarecrow and Tin Man are the most fleshed out for reasons that become clear throughout the movie (no spoilers here, don't worry). Colman Domingo voices our cowardly lion, but you'd never know it – not least because he has about two lines in the entire film. Clearly, these are not our stars of the show.
A week after watching it, I'm as enchanted as entranced by Wicked: For Good as I was while sitting wide-eyed in front of the screen. It's undoubtedly the most unmissable movie of 2025, and behind Avatar: Fire and Ash, it's easily the biggest spectacle of the year too.
The two-part franchise is ending on the biggest high possible, and I'm going to miss indulging in the sweetness and whimsy of the world Chu and his cast have made. Sure, there are minor pacing issues if you're really looking for them, and you're definitely not getting away without shedding a tear.
But, as the title suggests, you will truly be changed for good.
Stream Wicked now on Amazon Prime Video in the US and UK while you wait (and on Netflix in Australia). Not signed up? Use the deal below:
If you’re new to Amazon Prime, or you click the above link and see the option to 'Start your free 30-day trial', then you'll be able to become a temporary Amazon Prime member, which gives you access to Prime Video. Just be aware that the Prime Video free trial will mean you have to put up with ads. View Deal
At the end of my Wicked: For Goodscreening, when the lights came up, there was hardly any mascara left on everyones' eyelashes. The second half of director Jon M. Chu's Oztastic vision is an emotional rollercoaster in entirely new ways, and for me, it's completely defied expectations (see what I did there?).
The second half of the movie-musical was always going to be the more difficult half to adapt. All of the joyous narrative and dance numbers have been and gone in Wicked, with the storyline turning much darker as Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) is officially dubbed The Wicked Witch of the West.
If you've seen the stage show, you'll know what I mean... but if you've read the book, the original Wicked story was even more macabre. With each adaptation, the Wicked ending has become more palatable and optimistic, and Chu's take on Elphaba and Glinda's (Ariana Grande) farewell is the most light-hearted yet (thanks to a few new changes).
For Wicked: For Good, this means packing an emotional punch so strong that you forget green witches and flying monkeys aren't actually real life. Erivo and Grande are completely invested in delivering the best ending to the tale they love so much, and that only adds to the overall polish of the movie's epic scale.
There is no way I thought the second half would be as good as the first, and now I completely stand corrected. It's Erivo's musical performances that take things to the next level the most, and it's clear we're watching a once-in-a-generation star do what she does best
Wicked: For Good packs the emotional punch the first movie skimmed over
As we pick up the story in the second half, Madame Morrible's (Michelle Yeoh) PR campaign on creating The Wicked Witch of the West has worked wonders, and the whole of Oz is in fear. Elphaba continues to battle for animals and Ozians to live in peace while being persecuted at every turn.
Meanwhile, Glinda and Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) are each secretly trying to help, despite putting on a front of being happy and in love. And the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum)? Well, he's just kicking about, harboring a bunch of talking animal prisoners in the tower.
It should go without saying, but you'll really need to watch Wicked first here – there's no recapping events, and the movie is really relying on your existing knowledge as the pace picks up. What is particularly worth pointing out is that the joy has gone from this part of the story, as Oz and Elphaba's life turns to chaos.
Emotionally, things don't let up much. Elphaba can't catch a break, the animals are terrified, Fiyero can't be with the woman he loves, Glinda realizes Fiyero never loved her and Boq (Ethan Slater) is trapped in Munchkinland by Nessarose (Marissa Bode) as she morphs into the Wicked Witch of the East.
While this might feel hard-going, it's actually the perfect accompanying film for Wicked's first half. Even a fictional land like Oz can't live in ignorant bliss forever, and if we want our big happy ever after, there has to be a huge emotional payoff.
Luckily for us, Erivo and Grande are the perfect pair to steer this ship.
Cynthia Erivo's performance of 'No Good Deed' is one for the ages
Ariana Grande (Glinda) and Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) in Wicked: For Good. (Image credit: Universal Pictures)
It was clear in the first movie that Grande and Erivo were made for each other as far as performance partnerships go, but I'm going to argue a potential hot take: Wicked: For Good is Erivo's film, not Grande's.
Obviously, this part of the story is much more focused on Elphaba anyway, but Erivo is running away with a performance that literally defies gravity. The pièce de résistance is her earth-shattering rendition of 'No Good Deed', which not only had the audience in fits of applause, but made me feel as though I was levitating while watching. I couldn't move or focus on anything aside from her astounding voice and emotional range.
That's not to say Grande has blended into the background, though. The pair's harmonies feel bound together by fate, and this makes their duet of 'For Good' the film's big tear-jerking moment as Glinda and Elphaba must say goodbye. We all saw this coming (even though it hurts every time), but don't worry too much – some small changes have been made for the better (e.g. Peter Dinklage's Doctor Dillamond has a much better fate).
While Yeoh and Goldblum are hitting the same show-stopping strides that we'd expect them to, Chu's direction won't be for everyone. Subjectively, I think he's remained incredibly consistent and portrayed Oz in exactly the way that we need to see it. On a broad visual scale, Wicked: For Good continues to be epic cinema with the most detailed scenes and sets, and even if you turned the sound off, you'd walk away from it totally satisfied.
The we've got the events of The Wizard of Oz running in tandem with Elphaba's own journey. Not only do I love how this reframes the original 1939 movie, but Chu has played it shrewd with how much he's chosen to hold back.
Dorothy is kept vague, while the Scarecrow and Tin Man are the most fleshed out for reasons that become clear throughout the movie (no spoilers here, don't worry). Colman Domingo voices our cowardly lion, but you'd never know it – not least because he has about two lines in the entire film. Clearly, these are not our stars of the show.
A week after watching it, I'm as enchanted as entranced by Wicked: For Good as I was while sitting wide-eyed in front of the screen. It's undoubtedly the most unmissable movie of 2025, and behind Avatar: Fire and Ash, it's easily the biggest spectacle of the year too.
The two-part franchise is ending on the biggest high possible, and I'm going to miss indulging in the sweetness and whimsy of the world Chu and his cast have made. Sure, there are minor pacing issues if you're really looking for them, and you're definitely not getting away without shedding a tear.
But, as the title suggests, you will truly be changed for good.
Stream Wicked now on Amazon Prime Video in the US and UK while you wait (and on Netflix in Australia). Not signed up? Use the deal below:
If you’re new to Amazon Prime, or you click the above link and see the option to 'Start your free 30-day trial', then you'll be able to become a temporary Amazon Prime member, which gives you access to Prime Video. Just be aware that the Prime Video free trial will mean you have to put up with ads. View Deal
Roamless provides internet connectivity for travelers with various eSIM packages. It works in over 200 regions, from the U.S. to Turkey, Greece, Brazil, Australia, China, and Indonesia.
Notably, you can use a single Roamless eSIM to obtain internet connectivity in multiple countries.
Formally launched in 2024, Roamless is one of the newest eSIM providers on the block.
But is it a suitable alternative to long-established eSIM providers? What sets it apart from the competition? This guide will answer these questions and help you decide whether Roamless is an ideal choice.
Roamless: Plans and pricing
Roamless has two pricing models: RoamlessFlex and RoamlessFix.
The former is a pay-as-you-go option, where you buy credits and use them on the go. If your credits run out, you can buy more to retain internet access.
Prices vary by country, but $2.45 per GB is the average for RoamlessFlex plans.
(Image credit: Roamless)
On the other hand, RoamlessFix offers fixed data plans, where you buy a specific amount of data that expires in 90 days.
Standard prices are $4 for 1 GB, $7 for 2 GB, $8.45 for 3 GB, $11 for 5 GB, $19 for 10 GB, and $30 for 20 GB, but they may vary by country.
(Image credit: Roamless)
For plans of 5 GB or more, the pay-as-you-go option is more expensive than a fixed plan. The tradeoff is the flexibility of not having to pay for a specific data volume, only to end up not using everything.
Pay-as-you-go is preferable if you’re a casual internet user who doesn’t consume much data.
For plans of 5 GB or less, the pay-as-you-go option is cost-effective. Notably, Roamless offers free 500 MB data to users who activate a new eSIM plan.
Region
Data Amount
Validity
Price
North America
20GB
30 days
$69.95
Europe
20GB
30 days
$47.95
Middle East
20GB
30 days
$69.95
Latin America
20GB
30 days
$69.95
Asia/Oceania
20GB
30 days
$47.95
Roamless: Features
Global eSIM
A key feature setting Roamless apart from competitors is its Global eSIM. Rather than having different eSIMs for each country, Roamless offers a global eSIM that you only need to activate once.
After activating your eSIM, you can travel to different countries and get internet access with it– you’ll still have to pay for data packages in each country.
The Global eSIM means you don’t have to go through the hassle of installing a new eSIM each time you travel. You’ll do it once, then roam the globe freely with your eSIM.
Flexible data plans
You can choose flexible Roamless data plans based on usage patterns. For example, if you’re planning a long trip, a RoamlessFlex pay-as-you-go option might suit you best, as you’ll pay per GB consumed with no expiry date.
For short trips, you can choose a fixed plan with a 30-day expiry and enough data to last your trip.
The downside is that Roamless doesn’t offer unlimited data plans like some competitors do. Its plans are flexible, but you’re restricted to a specific data volume.
On the bright side, you’ll get reliable 4G/5G internet connectivity and can use your phone as a hotspot without limits, as long as you have sufficient data credits.
International calls
Most eSIM providers don’t offer local phone numbers for calls or SMS, and Roamless doesn’t either. However, Roamless offers something close to this feature.
In the mobile app, you can make calls to international phone numbers at rates starting at $0.01 per minute.
Technically, you’re not assigned an international phone number. Rather, you’ll use Roamless’ phone numbers to make outbound calls, but can’t receive incoming calls. It’s a workaround that suited me fine.
(Image credit: Roamless)
Roamless: Installation
Activating your Roamless eSIM is a straightforward process that I had no issues following.
It starts with downloading the Roamless app from the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS). After downloading the app, I created an account and logged in immediately. Then, I chose a data plan, paid for it, and clicked the Install eSIM button.
Users have two options: 1-click activation or manual QR code activation. I chose 1-click activation, then followed a few on-screen instructions to activate the eSIM.
You can choose manual activation if you plan to install the eSIM on a different device than the one used to buy the data plan– Roamless will send a QR code to scan on that device for activation.
Roamless: Coverage and speed
Roamless offers eSIM plans in 200+ regions across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East.
Stretching from the U.S. to Algeria, the Bahamas, Belgium, Ghana, Brazil, and Oman, Roamless offers internet coverage wherever you travel.
With your Roamless eSIM, you can get both 4G/LTE and 5G connectivity (where available). Roamless depends on local telecom carriers in each country, so 5G accessibility varies.
The general trend is that populated cities have reliable 5G connectivity while less populated areas have spotty 5G connectivity, or if at all. Some countries also stand out for more robust 5G infrastructure than others– examples are Sweden, South Korea, Denmark, and Singapore.
5G connections may get spotty, but you can expect reliable 4G/LTE connectivity at all times with Roamless.
In my experience, Roamless works with two or more domestic mobile networks in many countries, so there’s always a backup if one network experiences hiccups.
Roamless: Support
(Image credit: Roamless)
To access support resources, you can check Roamless’ official Help Center for dozens of user guides and explainers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).
If you’re a new user seeking how to navigate Roamless, this Help Center is the first place to consult. It’s also valuable if you’re looking to resolve problems like lagging connectivity and activation failures.
If the self-help support resources aren’t adequate to resolve your problems, you can seek direct help via email. Just send an email stating your problem and expect a response within a few hours.
There’s no live chat or telephone support, which is a drawback because many rivals offer these support channels.
Roamless: Final verdict
Roamless stands out from competitors with its Global eSIM, pay-as-you-go plan, and user-friendly app that makes eSIM activation smooth.
It provides reliable connectivity for frequent travelers, regardless of region. Though it has a few downsides, Roamless is one of the best eSIM providers you can choose.
Roamless: FAQs
Does Roamless offer unlimited data plans?
No, Roamless offers pay-as-you-go or fixed data plans, but has no unlimited plan.
Can I get 5G connectivity with Roamless?
Yes, Roamless provides 5G connectivity through its eSIMs, but availability depends on the domestic telecoms networks in the country you visit.
Does Roamless offer a phone number?
No, Roamless doesn’t offer a phone number with its eSIMs. However, it provides a workaround: you can make international calls with Roamless’s phone number, but you can’t receive incoming calls.
When you think of action cameras, GoPro will likely spring to mind before DJI. While it wasn’t a complete surprise that the latter company, best known for its drones, made the move into the action cam market, it's had to do a lot of work over the past few years to catch up, and offer something that stands out from the competition.
The GoPro Hero 13 Black is arguably the action camera all others will currently be judged against, so DJI’s latest model in the Osmo series, the Osmo Action 6, has a lot to prove. That said, the quality of its predecessors, most notably the Osmo Action 5 Pro, has been hard to ignore, and based on my experience with that camera I had great expectations going into this review.
Fresh from reviewing the entry-level GoPro Lit Hero and Insta360 X4 Air, I was immediately impressed by the Osmo Action 6’s user-friendliness; the menus are easy to navigate, and the screens are a breeze to work with. Images and video also look amazing on these high-quality monitors, so reviewing the fruits of my shooting sessions was a pleasure.
Image quality is superb, benefiting from a larger 1/1.1-inch sensor, which produces excellent detail and color rendition in good lighting and stand-out noise performance as ambient light levels fall. I’d happily use the Osmo Action 6 as my main carry-everywhere camera, or as a backup to a mirrorless system for capturing unique perspectives from places those larger cameras simply can’t go.
The DJI Osmo Action 6 is a similar size to earlier models, despite featuring a larger sensor inside (Image credit: Future/Peter Fenech)
I thoroughly enjoyed using the additional accessories, such as the Macro Lens, ND Filter Set, and FOV Boost Lens, which make the whole system feel pro-grade and versatile. If you're a fan of the GoPro mods, you’ll be happy to see DJI making efforts to expand the modular compatibility of its action cameras. Once you add in the streamlined compatibility with the wireless DJI microphones, I see the Osmo Action 6 as an indicator of great things to come.
DJI Osmo Action 6 specs
DJI Osmo Action 6 Specs:
Type:
Action camera
Sensor:
1/1.1-inch CMOS
LCDs:
OLED, Front: 1.46-inch/ Rear: 2.5-inch
Memory:
50GB internal/ MicroSD
Lens:
155-degree FOV, f/2 - f/4
Video:
Up to 4K/120p, FHD/240p
Photo:
38MP
Dimensions:
72.8 x 47.2 x 33.1mm
Weight:
5.3oz / 149g
(Image credit: Future/Peter Fenech)
DJI Osmo Action 6: Price and availability
Released November 18; not available in US at launch
Osmo Action 6 Standard Combo costs £329 / AU$669
Osmo Action 6 Adventure Combo costs for £415 / AU$839
DJI's Osmo Action 6 is available now, priced at £329 / AU$669 for the Standard Combo, while the prices rises to £415 / AU$839 for the Adventure Combo which adds two batteries, an extra quick-release mount and locking screw, battery case and 1.5m extension rod to the standard bundle.
Like recent DJI products, it's not available in the US at launch. A DJI spokesperson gave us the following statement:
"The DJI Osmo Action 6 will not be officially available in the US market through official websites following the global launch on 18th November. DJI remains committed to the U.S. market and is optimizing our strategy to best serve our customers amidst evolving local conditions."
Price score: 4.5/5
DJI Osmo Action 6: Design
Larger 2.5-inch rear LCD
IP68-rated weather and waterproofing
Waterproof to 20m
If you’ve used the Osmo Action 6’s predecessors, such as the DJI Osmo Action 3DJI Osmo Action 4, or DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, there aren’t any drastic surprises in store for you design-wise. The body is a little bit larger, most notably in its width, measuring 72.8 x 47.2 x 33.1mm to the Osmo Action 5 Pro’s 70.5 x 44.2 x 32.8mm. It might be noticeable if you hold both cameras side-by-side, but in real-world terms it won’t make a huge difference to the handling experience.
The Osmo Action 6 remains super portable and lightweight, despite the inclusion of a larger sensor, which is impressive. As you’d expect from an action camera, it can be fitted into a coat pocket for easy transport or use on the move. However, fresh from testing the tiny GoPro Lit Hero, the Osmo Action 6 did feel quite chunky by comparison. This is a much higher-end product, however, featuring a larger CMOS unit, a lens aperture that's both adjustable and brighter, and a front LCD, all of which are missing from the entry-level GoPro.
I was immediately drawn to the 2.5-inch main LCD screen, which feels much bigger in use than the rival GoPro Hero 13 Black’s 2.27-inch monitor. Although this is still too small to get a truely precise idea of sharpness, it’s much nicer to look at than the screens on earlier models, and matches those on cameras like theInsta360 Ace Pro 2, which we ranked as the best premium action camera.
The Osmo Action 6 features a new variable-aperture lens for low light shooting, an industry first (Image credit: Future/Peter Fenech)
The screen itself was highly responsive in my tests, and I found it easy to access settings and navigate menus, even when the camera was wet or covered in a dusting of ground coffee (see the sample video below for context). I reckon I’d find it more practical to work with the Osmo Action 6 in cold weather than the native-portrait-orientation Insta360 X5 or Insta360 X4 Air.
Both the front and rear LCDs are crisp and easy to read in brighter light too. While smaller and lower-resolution, the front screen (1.46-inch, 342 x 342 pixels) is still useful, and doesn’t feel like an extra gimmicky feature that DJI threw in but which is ultimately pointless. I remember feeling that the front LCD on the GoPro Hero 9 Black was so laggy that there were times it was barely worth being there, for example.
The large shutter release is easy to locate without looking, speeding up operation. Also, I like DJI’s choice to place the microSD card slot in the battery bay, rather than alongside the USB-C port, something which proved fiddly and frustrating on the GoPro Lit Hero. I always appreciate integrated storage in a camera too, of which the Osmo Action 6 provides plenty at 50GB.
Design score:4.5/5
DJI Osmo Action 6: Performance
Impressive four-hour battery life
Effective RockSteady 3 and 3+ stabilization with reduced cropping
Excellent connectivity with external DJI mics
DJI claims a battery life of 240 minutes for the Osmo Action 6, similar to the Action 5 Pro. Shooting inside and out, I found that a single charge lasted about four hours using a mix of 1080p and 4K resolutions, across the various modes. This is impressive, although as the temperature dropped, so too did the battery life, so if you plan to work away from a power source for any length of time I’d still advise taking a few extra batteries.
The RockSteady image stabilization system also has an impact on battery longevity, although in my tests, this wasn’t anything major. The system itself is effective. While not a replacement for a gimbal, I found I could create commendable tracking shots free from micro vibrations. The same was true with POV walking shots.
The Osmo Action 6 continued to perform well after being submerged in water, with the screen remaining responsive. Once it was removed from the water the lens quickly repelled remaining droplets, as did the body, making the camera easy to dry off.
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(Image credit: Future/Peter Fenech)
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(Image credit: Future/Peter Fenech)
The camera features voice control, which is either ideal or an irritation depending on the environment. When it worked, being able to give the Osmo Action 6 a voice command such as “start recording” helped free up my hands, while reducing the amount of footage I had to trim as I positioned the camera for my shots. On several occasions, it didn’t respond, or I didn’t realise it hadn’t stopped recording after a command at the end of the shot. If the microphone is obscured in any way, it produces mixed results.
Speaking of sound, I was surprised by the quality of the internal microphone. While an external mic like the DJI Mic Mini gives you more versatility, as well as depth of audio, the built-in mic didn’t have the thin sound common to similar mics on other small cameras.
If you own the Mic Mini or DJI Mic 2, connecting them to the Osmo Action 6 couldn’t be easier. Simply pressing and holding the link button on the mics themselves until the indicator light flashes blue is all it takes to get audio recording off-camera, giving video that extra professional edge.
Performance score: 4.5/5
DJI Osmo Action 6: Image quality
Larger sensor enables better low-light performance than Osmo Action 5 Pro
Along with smartphones, I think that action cameras best demonstrate how far sensor and processor technology have come over the past decade or so. By mirrorless camera standards, the 1/1.1-type sensor housed in the Osmo Action 6 is small, at around 14mm on the diagonal, yet in my testing it produced better results than a high-end compact camera from circa 2014.
The Osmo Action 6 sees a big jump in sensor size from the 1/1.3-type CMOS of the Action 5 Pro, but uses a similar resolution of 38MP for still images.. This allows for greater pixel pitch (the distance from the center of one pixel to its neighbors), which benefits light-gathering capacity; the pixel size is 2.4 micrometers. An image measuring 7168 x 5376 is still quite a lot of pixels for this sensor format, but while I wasn’t amazed by the camera’s low-light performance, nor did I find it especially problematic.
Detail in stills becomes a little smudged from around ISO 800 and above, shooting in gloomy indoor lighting, but outdoors, or in direct artificial light, noise levels are kept at respectable levels for an action camera. Colors are also still quite punchy.
Video footage, meanwhile, is excellent in moderate low light. There is noise visible, but the grain size looks very fine, meaning it’s easier to ignore in areas of the image containing flat tones. I thought in-camera processing coped well, minimizing noise without obliterating texture.
The auto White Balance system is fairly accurate, even when faced with strong fall colors (Image credit: Future)
I did notice that some quite excessive sharpening is applied in some circumstances, no doubt to counteract any noise-reduction related degradation. It isn’t a deal-breaker, but you might want to turn down the default sharpening (known as Texture in the Image Adjustment menu) for a more organic look.
The SuperNight mode is designed to produce a brighter image in low-light conditions by increasing the exposure digitally, then applying AI noise-reduction processes to minimize grain. This produces footage with significantly less texture, so I wouldn’t recommend it if your video is likely to be viewed on a larger screen, where this effect will be far more noticeable. In everyday shooting scenarios, or for social media, however, it captures brighter shadows, so it's useful for shooting around cities. There's a lot less distracting noise, too.
I enjoyed using the Slow Motion mode as a means of capturing share-ready footage in-camera; however, for professional uses, I’d recommend switching to a higher frame rate, shooting your footage, and manually applying the Slow Mo effect in editing.
I really appreciated the Color Recovery feature when shooting in D-Log M, which allows you to preview how the footage would look with a profile applied. This doesn’t bake in any edit settings, but merely gives you an idea of the final image after grading.
All of the shooting conditions mentioned above would be challenging for any camera, and once you take the DJI Osmo Action 6 out into bright daylight, the quality is superb. Combined with the flexibility of the Log mode, it’s possible to capture excellent levels of detail and natural colors.
GoPro Hero 13 Black users might bemoan the ‘limited’ 4K resolution here, in favor of the 5.3K available on that model, but 4K is fine in all but the most specific of situations. I still shoot in Full HD as standard when creating content for social platforms, unless I know that for some reason I’ll need to crop or recompose my frame in DaVinci Resolve. The workflow is faster, and viewers are unlikely to perceive a difference in Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts, for instance.
Image quality score: 4.5/5
DJI Osmo Action 6: testing scorecard
Insta360 X4 Air
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Price
Considering it's technically an upgrade to the X4, the X4 Air is significantly cheaper, which is welcome. There is the matter of the DJI Osmo 360, though.
4.5/5
Design
Everything is logically placed and the controls are easy to access. It's a proven design that continues to work well for DJI.
4.5/5
Performance
The LCDs are responsive and attractive, while the RockSteady stabilization system is highly effective.
4.5/5
Image quality
Yes, there may be no 8K, but 4K and FHD footage is sharp, clean, and punchy. The larger sensor is doing its job, and the Osmo Action 6 is a great competitor to the GoPro Hero 13 Black.
4.5/5
Should I buy the DJI Osmo Action 6?
Buy it if...
You aren't married to GoPro
While it makes sense to stick to GoPro if you already own plenty of mods, the Osmo Action 6 represents the direction DJI is heading with its action cameras, and there's plenty to like. View Deal
You want high-end imagery
There are a lot of features and functions to play with, so a pro user will find something for every shooting occasion. Make the most of the low-light performance and slo-mo functions for advanced projects.View Deal
Don't buy it if...
You want a simple camera
The camera is designed for experienced videographers, so all of those features and functions might prove to be intimidating if you haven't used them before. There might be too much here if you want a point-and-shoot model.View Deal
You have lots of GoPro accessories
DJI is hoping to build its own follower base, so it you already own and frequently use GoPro mods, across an advanced system, you might not want to start from scratch with an incompatible camera. There are currently fewer accessories in the DJI ecosystem too, which is worth bearing in mind if you need something specific.View Deal
Also consider
Insta360 X5
The top-of-the-range model in the Insta360 family, the X5 is larger but more powerful. It enables recording up to 5.7K at 60fps, and features dual 1/1.28-inch sensors with larger pixels and greater light-gathering capacity. It also features the newer PureVideo mode that's missing on the X4 and X4 Air, providing superior performance under poor lighting. The build quality and control layout are familiar, but with the added benefit of a larger LCD. If you want to shoot 360-degree video as well as shooting in extreme conditions, this is the best option.
While it may have only been an iterative upgrade to its predecessor, the Hero 13 Black is built on an expansive system of accessories. You'll find a mod for every occasion, plus there's a higher-resolution 5.3K video option, while the Osmo Action 6 is limited to 4K. This is the enthusiast's go-to action camera.
I tested a full production model running release firmware over several days
I mounted the camera on the bundled 1.5-meter extension Rod or Dual-Direction Battery Handle
I recorded videos in varying lighting conditions, both indoors and outside
To ensure I was able to get a true sense of the Osmo Action 6's capabilities, I shot in a range of lighting conditions. My indoor tests involved a vlog-style shoot, testing the sensor's high-ISO performance and the camera's temperature and water resistance (I placed the camera in a freezer and poured cold water over it for a unique POV). I then took the camera out into the countryside, where I filmed close to and underwater. These shoots also gave me the opportunity to use the optional macro lens and FOV Boost lens. All audio was captured using the in-camera mic. Footage was edited in DaVinci Resolve 20.
The second coming of Marvel Jesus is upon us, thanks to the arrival of Marvel’s Deadpool VR on the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S exclusively.
REVIEW INFO
Platform reviewed: Meta Quest 3 Available on: Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 3S Release date: November 18, 2025
While it doesn't live up to the lofty highs of Batman: Arkham Shadow, there’s a delightful action-packed story – complete with Deadpool’s zany humor – to experience here. One that’s sure to delight major fans of the Merc with a Mouth.
From the get-go, Deadpool VR showcases that it’s at its best when you’re moving at a million miles per hour – kicking things off with one of the most exhilarating action spectacles I've experienced in VR games and of my entire VR career.
At the same time, interspacing incredible set pieces and enjoyable sandbox slaughterfests – which reward you for vanquishing foes in creative ways that abuse Deadpool's varied weapons arsenal – are moments that drag the experience to a halt.
A different lead would use these moments to provide depth to his motivations, and introduce story beats that emotionally connect the player to the character – Deadpool, however, takes the chance to vomit quips.
In fact, much like the comic book and movie adaptations of Deadpool, Neil Patrick Harris’ rendition never stops joking.
To that end, if you thought the Deadpool movies were the comedy equivalent of word salad, you will hate Deadpool VR. Meanwhile, those of you who love Deadpool’s referential, weird, and/or self-deprecating humor will find a laugh a minute – though I can’t promise every gag will be a comedy gem. With a script jam-packed with jokes, plenty are stinkers.
Now in Mojo-vision
While on a mission for S.H.I.E.L.D. Deadpool is hired (read: kidnapped) by Mojo – the ruler of the content-obsessed Mojoworld. He’s after his next streaming hit and wants the merc to help him recruit (again, read: kidnap) stars for his show.
This sends everyone’s favorite anti-hero on a world-hopping quest across the Marvel universe in order to track down and capture iconic foes.
Aiding him are Major Domo and Spiral, who offer Deadpool new weapons and ‘guy in the chair’ assistance as he carries out his missions.
As Deadpool completes missions, he’ll earn mojobucks, a currency he can trade for new looks and weapons, and as I’ve mentioned previously, you earn more bucks based on how well you perform in Deadpool VR’s combat segments.
In this sandbox-lite experience, you’re armed with swords, firearms, a grapple gun, grenades, and, at times, your own arms, as well as a slew of other weapons that drop from enemies in order to deliver a beatdown to your enemies.
Glad I wore my red suit (Image credit: Meta / Marvel)
Not only can creatively combining weapons lead to a better score, but I’ve also found it really makes you feel like you’re in the shoes of the hyperactive superhero – especially when you simply huck a katana across the battlefield to skewer an enemy to the wall.
Just don’t expect this to feel like a hyper-realistic sandbox like some other titles out there. Deadpool VR leans into chaotic violence that appeals to my sense of fun, but not everyone’s – a sentiment that I feel captures the spirit of Deadpool VR perfectly.
Best bit
(Image credit: Meta)
The opening to Deadpool VR might be the best opening to an action VR game ever. While some excellent moments follow, the intro really sets the tone for what's to come.
Weirdly, the main time the action feels at its most anticlimactic is during boss battles. Simply because being a level’s toughest foe translates to being a bullet sponge, with the drawn-out fights being interspaced with quick-time events, which, while a flashy flurry of blows, can make levels feel like they end with a whimper rather than a bang.
Though if you are convinced to replay a level, you’ll be rewarded with not only the chance to test out new devastating weapons on your enemies, Deadpool VR also lets you explore secret bonus rooms – provided you wear the correct costume for the occasion. That said, even the mainline Deadpool can uncover a few surprises if he chooses.
Need a hand? Have mine (Image credit: Marvel)
Quintessentially Deadpool
Much like how Batman: Arkham Shadow is the quintessential way for fans of the caped crusader to experience a Batman story, Marvel’s Deadpool VR is the new best way to become the Merc with a Mouth.
If you love Deadpool, this is the game you’ve been waiting to play, and it’s well worth grabbing a Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S so you can experience this title for yourself.
However, this game won’t turn haters into True Believers. The non-stop gags, which are the only source of amusement when the game’s exposition drags on, is quintessentially Deadpool, but if you found it grating when it was Ryan Reynolds was delivering the lines on the big screen you won’t find it any funnier when it’s Neil Patrick Harris talking in your head – take it from my fiancée who can’t stand the Merc with a Mouth.
If, like me, you adore Marvel’s stories, especially Deadpool's brand of quirky, then Marvel’s Deadpool VR is the game you’ve been waiting for.
Should you play Marvel's Deadpool VR
Play it if...
The Deadpool movies aren’t long enough If you’ve left the movie theatre wishing the Deadpool movies had a 10-hour-or-so-long director’s cut, this is the game for you.
You enjoy chaotic action Deadpool VR offers some of the best action set pieces I’ve experienced in VR, and some delightful combat that, while messy at times, is a lot of fun.
You have a Quest 3 or Quest 3S This exclusive is a fantastic game for the right kind of player, and a great experience on the VR headsets it’s exclusive to.
Don't play it if...
You hate Deadpool If you hated the Deadpool movies, this game is basically the same humor and violence in a VR package. Read: It’s not for you.
You demand superb performance During some segments, I did notice a few performance drops – like when I was spamming an attack that has you throwing explosive playing cards like Gambit.
Acessibility features
Marvel's Deadpool VR can be played seated or standing up, but requires you to have a full range of upper body movement so you can swing your katana, throw grenades, and fire guns at your foes.
It also boasts a solid suite of comfort controls. I'm playing on medium levels (smooth motion, snap turning) and have yet to experience motion sickness, but there are options to turn on tools like teleportation movement if you're prone to feeling ill in VR.
How I tested Marvel's Deadpool VR
I played Marvel's Deadpool VR on my Meta Quest 3, which I've upgraded using a battery strap. I made sure to try the game from both a seated and standing position, and also to try its different accessibility comfort features to experience how effective they are.
The Edge series from Motorola has been one of the most consistently interesting lines of Android phones for cost-conscious buyers; they’re not always the best smartphones around, but they look classy and get you unrivaled value for money in the Android world. But I’m not so sure about the Motorola Edge 70, which has fallen in with the wrong crowd by trying to follow the new thin-phone ‘trend’.
Super-thin smartphones are starting to feel like a new bandwagon that tech companies are leaping on, apparently after having noticed the huge lack of interest buyers had in the last bandwagon: AI. This bandwagon’s turning out no better: we didn’t love the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, and the iPhone Air was lambasted online, and so the Motorola Edge 70 has a lot to prove.
Before testing the Edge 70, I thought Moto would be preaching to the choir; I gave the Edge 60 a glowing review (I think it's my favorite phone of the year), and was fond of the Edge 60 Pro too. Perhaps it should have been telling that the previous generation of Edge mobiles came out only six months prior, because this new Edge is nothing to write home about.
Yes, it’s thin, and yes, it’s light, but it’s still just as wide and tall as your average Android smartphone, so these two tweaked specs don’t exactly amount to a revolutionary redesign.
Beyond its chassis, this is another solid mid-range Android phone. There’s a decent processor and enough RAM to blast through games, a good-looking screen, a classy color scheme, and a competent camera array (albeit with a few downgrades from the Edge 60 Pro in certain areas).
However, the huge price jump up from the Edge 60 – and the solid increase on the Edge 60 Pro too – throws my ‘mid-range’ argument into disarray; this is an expensive mobile which doesn’t go nearly far enough in justifying that price.
Bear in mind the number of downgrades from the still-very-fresh Edge 60 line: the new Edge 70 loses a camera from the 60 and 60 Pro, and also misses out on the fast charging and strong performance of the latter. And remember: the 60 Pro is a cheaper phone.
That’s doubly painful when you consider how much bloatware there is on this newer device; it's a symptom of a cheap phone that feels out of place when you’re buying a phone that’s only a little less pricey than the Samsung Galaxy S25 or iPhone 17.
Generally speaking, the Edge 70 runs smoothly, and there are a few things to like. I like how the Water Touch feature makes the phone easy to use when your hands are wet, the screen looks good, and the amount of on-board storage and RAM is great. And there's no denying that the Edge 70 is cheaper than its thin-phone rivals, even if that's simply because they're even more ludicrously priced.
A slightly-thinner-than-average body doesn’t make the price make sense, though, especially when the Motorola Edge 60 is basically half the price. Even though it’s a solid phone all around, the cost makes it hard to recommend the Edge 70 over its six-month senior.
Motorola Edge 70 review: price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
Released in November 2025
£699.98 (roughly $920, AU$1,400)
No US release expected; AU possibly
Motorola announced the Edge 70 on November 5, 2025, and put it on sale shortly afterwards.
You can buy the Motorola Edge 70 for £699.98 (roughly $920, AU$1,400). The phone won’t be released in the US, as Moto has a different Edge strategy there, but I’m expecting it to come out in Australia at some point in the near future based on precedent.
That’s a massive price increase from the £379 (roughly $520, AU$700) asking price of the Edge 60, but also more than the £599 (around $800, AU$1,250) of the Edge 60 Pro.
The Edge is, at least, cheaper than its rivals: the Galaxy Edge (Samsung’s phone, not the Star Wars theme park) begins at $1,099 / £1,099 / AU$1,849, while the iPhone Air goes for $999 / £999 / AU$1,799. Yikes.
Motorola Edge 70 review: specs
Motorola Edge 70 specs
Dimensions:
159.9 x 74 x 5.9 mm
Weight:
159g
Screen:
6.7-inch FHD (1220 x 2712) 120Hz P-OLED
Chipset:
Snapdragon 7 Gen 4
RAM:
12GB
Storage:
512GB
OS:
Android 16
Primary camera:
50MP, f/1.8
Ultra-wide camera:
50MP f/2.0 120-degree
Front camera:
50MP, f/2.0
Audio:
Dolby Atmos stereo speakers
Battery:
4,800mAh
Charging:
68W wired, 15W wireless
Colors:
Gadget Grey, Lily Pad, Bronze Green
Motorola Edge 70 review: design
(Image credit: Future)
Thin (5.9mm) and light (159g)
Comes in three Pantone colors
Military-grade protections
I spent the introduction to this review comparing the Moto Edge 70 to its thin-phone contemporaries; it’s 5.9mm thick, and you can feel how svelte it is just by picking it up. It's so thin, in fact, that I felt duty-bound to protect it with the rigid plastic in-box case, thereby mitigating the benefits of a slender mobile in the first place.
The rest of the dimensions are more in line with your standard smartphone: it's 74mm wide and 159.4mm long. Mind you, in weighing 159g, it feels lighter in the hand than the average mobile.
Color company Pantone continues its quest to paint all the Edge phones in various distinct hues; this time around, we’ve got Gadget Grey (a mostly-boring grey but with some blue highlights), Lily Pad (olive green with some orange highlights), and the one I used, Bronze Green (dark green with lighter-green highlights – there’s no bronze to speak of).
As always, the use of some interesting colors immediately makes this Moto one of my favorite-looking phones of the year, and the textured back just adds something to the panache. I do wish that Motorola had given the Edge 70 a curved-edge screen like in some of the past generations, but presumably, this wouldn’t work with the thin body. The lack of it means that, visually speaking, the Edge 70 is ‘one of’ my favorites, but the Edge 60 family pips it to the post.
Let’s talk about ports and buttons. There’s a USB-C port on the bottom edge (no 3.5mm jack for audio), a power button and volume rocker on the right edge, and, right out of reach on the left, the AI button.
The Edge 70 is IP68/69 protected against dust and water submersion, and is also compliant with the military MIL-STD-810H standard, which means it’s tough against the knocks and bumps that a military-grade piece of kit would need to be.
If you decide to use the in-box case to protect the phone, you're not making a bad decision because it's nice and solid (not a cheapie silicon thing that many phone makers put in the box). But it's also incredibly hard to get onto the phone, and nearly as hard to remove, so you're going to need some good luck and brute strength. If you're buying this phone for your grandma, you should stick around to help her get the thing on!
Design score: 4 / 5
Motorola Edge 70 review: display
(Image credit: Future)
6.7 inches, 2712 x 1220 resolution
120Hz refresh rate, 20:9 aspect ratio
Water Touch adds some extra usability
The Motorola Edge 70 has a 6.7-inch screen, which is roughly the average size for an Android smartphone. The resolution (2712 x 1200) is also what you’d expect from such a mobile.
A few other specs and features help the phone’s display stand out, though. It has a nice high max brightness of 4,500 nits, a 120Hz refresh rate, support for HDR 10+, and some optimizations from Pantone.
A feature I really appreciate is Water Touch, which basically just means the screen will pick up your touches better if you’ve got wet hands or if the display has droplets on it. No longer does bathtime prohibit the use of screens.
Breaking up the display at the top is a punch-hole cut-out for the front camera, but it’s so small and unobtrusive that you’ll easily forget it was there.
Display score: 4 / 5
Motorola Edge 70 review: software
Here are the apps pre-installed on the Edge 70 (although I can excuse Ecosia, since that's the one I picked as my browser on load-up). (Image credit: Future)
Android 16 with four guaranteed updates
Bloatware (pre-installed apps) abounds
Moto's AI app has yet to prove itself
While Motorola phones have long used stock Android as their operating system, the company has slowly been tweaking the formula in myriad ways over successive generations of Edge. So, while the Edge 70 technically has stock Android 16, it’s not exactly the same as the stock Android software you’d see on Pixel phones – mostly for the worse.
The worst is that, at least on first start-up, Motorola has opted to copy some cheap Chinese phone makers in plastering its devices with bloatware. When you first boot up the Edge 70, it’s already full of apps like Amazon Music, TikTok, and Booking.com, and while you can delete them all, it doesn’t help but make it feel like your own mobile is one walking billboard.
Most of these apps are innocuous, at least, but some raise eyebrows. Perplexity is one – an AI search engine with myriad active lawsuits and accusations against it – and controversy-laden e-retailer Temu is another. It bears repeating that this phone isn’t that different in price from the iPhone 17 – seeing pre-installed apps at all, especially ones of this caliber, leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
Motorola’s also pushing harder into its own AI tools than most other companies, mostly with its Moto AI, an assistant that’s slowly gaining skills and tools with each new Moto phone I test.
However, its feature list is still quite eclectic (note-taking, playlist generation, and file organization seem to be its main tools, according to Moto’s website), and none of them really solve problems I’d otherwise have on my smartphone. I used Moto AI when I was testing the Edge 70, but I no doubt would have ignored it if I were using the phone normally.
Not all the changes to stock Android are terrible, and I’ve long liked Motorola’s customization and navigation features. And if you ignore the AI and delete the bloatware, the phone runs decently well. It’s set to get four years of security updates (presumably up to Android 20), and five years of security updates.
Software score: 3 / 5
Motorola Edge 70 review: cameras
(Image credit: Future)
50MP main and 50MP ultra-wide cameras
50MP front-facing
Some odd over-brightening issues
Motorola’s marketing materials make a point of how the Edge 70 has three 50MP cameras; this is technically true, but don’t imagine for a moment that the Edge 70 has three rear cameras like the Edge 60 members did. Instead, it only has two, with that third high-res snapper being the one on the front, and I’m disappointed that Moto opted to drop the telephoto lens that made the last generation surprisingly solid camera phones.
On the back, then, we’ve got a 50MP main snapper with OIS and a 50MP ultra-wide with a 120-degree field of view. Nope, no telephoto lens.
I've previously been quite negative about the cameras on Motorola phones, as the optimization software doesn't match that on rival mobiles, making pictures look a little dull. Usually, the low price of the phone justifies these shortcomings, but that's obviously not the case here. Thankfully, I wasn't too put out by the snaps either.
With sufficient lighting, pictures have a fair amount of color and detail, and autofocus was fairly quick to find objects. Manual focus was a bit of an issue, though; usually, I find tapping on an object in the viewfinder does the job, but when I tried it in the Edge 70's camera app, it also changed the brightness of the shot... quite dramatically.
Look at the two snaps of cookies in the camera sample section; the first one is default, the second is when I pressed on the snack. I like a bright picture as much as the next guy, but it's a little too much in that particular case.
(Image credit: Future)
I took quite a few low-light photos with the camera; it's that period of the year where we have about three minutes of sunlight, after all. The camera held up well, presumably thanks to a solid sensor that takes in lots of light.
Around the front, the selfie camera uses pixel binning to ensure snaps have enough light; you can see the results on a pretty gray day below.
Taking a stroll through the rest of the phone app, you'll find most of the standard options you've come to expect on a smartphone: night vision, panorama, portrait photography, slow-mo and time-lapse videography, and so on.
You can record video at 4K at 30fps or FHD at 60fps, and slow-mo switches between 120fps at FHD or 240fps at HD.
Camera score: 3.5 / 5
Motorola Edge 70 camera samples
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Motorola Edge 70 review: performance and audio
(Image credit: Future)
Mid-range Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset
12GB RAM and 512GB Storage
Dolby Atmos-tuned stereo speakers
Looking under the hood, the Motorola Edge 70 has a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset, which is a mid-range piece of kit we’ve seen in a handful of Androids, including the Realme 15 Pro and Vivo V60. While seeing ‘mid-range’ may cause you to be wary, let me win you back over: there’s 12GB RAM and a hearty 512GB storage. Now those are specs I like to see!
I took the Edge for a whirl (well, many whirls over two weeks) playing Call of Duty: Mobile and Northgard, and was impressed by how close the performance was to that of phones with top-end chipsets or more RAM. Playing hectic online games, I never felt like I was lagging or dropping behind in a way that affected my performance, and the phone seemed fine to render loads of assets or enemies at once.
When I put the Edge 70 through the Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark test, it returned an average score of 4,115 (though, notably, with a bigger variation in results than I normally see with this test). That reflects the mid-range status of the mobile, with Snapdragon 8 Gen chipsets scoring in the 5,000-6,000 range (or even higher), though it is a little way behind the Edge 60 Pro, which used a top-end chipset from a different company.
Honestly, though, when you get to a certain point, these numbers are just numbers. I never felt that the Edge 70 lacked performance when I was gaming, and that’s what matters.
Audio-wise, the Edge 70 has dual stereo speakers, which were tuned with some Dolby Atmos magic. Otherwise, for listening to music, you can use the Bluetooth 5.4 to connect wirelessly, or via a wired connection if you can find an adaptor to plug your cans into the USB-C port (there’s no headphone jack).
Performance score: 4 / 5
Motorola Edge 70 review: battery life
(Image credit: Future)
4,800mAh battery
68W wired charging
15W wireless powering
Despite being a thin smartphone, the Edge 70 has a battery that’s roughly average in capacity: 4,800mAh, which a few years ago we’d have called positively huge.
I’m not going to pretend it grants the Edge a miraculously long battery life, as it’s powering a pretty big display, but it ensures the handset will easily last a full day of use. During my testing, the Edge 70 reliably waltzed through half of day two before needing to be powered up.
Charging is done at 68W, which is the same as most past Moto Edge phones, and 15W wireless charging has been thrown in for good measure. You’re getting from empty to full in about 40 minutes if you charge with a compatible cable.
Battery score: 3.5 / 5
Motorola Edge 70 review: value
(Image credit: Future)
Thin phones are, unfortunately, exceedingly expensive devices. When you consider that, in the Edge 70, you’re getting one for substantially less than the iPhone Air, perhaps you can convince yourself that you’re getting a good deal.
But if you look at the Motorola Edge 70 as the sum of its parts, it’s hard to deny that it doesn’t offer great value for money. Its specs are mostly all mid-ranged, with much cheaper alternatives from various rivals beating it six ways from Sunday.
So, if you absolutely need a smartphone that’s a few millimeters thinner than your current one, no matter the price, at least this is getting you better value than the iPhone or Samsung. But if you’re happy to consider all your options, no matter their thickness, skipping the Edge 70 is a no-brainer.
Value score: 3 / 5
Should you buy the Motorola Edge 70?
Motorola Edge 70 score card
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Value
From another brand, a phone with the same specs would have a price tag that's half of the Edge 70's.
3 / 5
Design
Pantone wins again, but the slender body helps too.
4 / 5
Display
It's just as good-looking as the last time we saw this screen on a Moto phone.
4 / 5
Software
The bloatware's getting worse, and Moto's more preoccupied with its AI tool than fixing it.
3 / 5
Camera
The cameras are fine for the price, though I miss the better hardware of the Edge 60.
3.5 / 5
Performance
You get a solid set of power specs for the price.
4 / 5
Battery
Any kind of reliable battery is a miracle in a thin phone like this.
3.5 / 5
Buy it if...
You must have a thin phone If you're looking at the iPhone Air or Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge with envy, then the Moto Edge 70 is your way to get a thin phone without breaking the bank.
You need lots of storage With 512GB of on-board storage, you're never going to need to choose which photos you need to delete to get more space, or pick and choose the apps that take up that space.
You like the look Honestly, all of Moto's Edge phones have a little extra pizzazz thanks to Pantone's decorations; they're a splash of color in a monochromatic market.
Don't buy it if...
You don't care about your phone's thickness All thin phones are expensive... but if thinness isn't an important thing for you, your money will go a lot further with a different device.
You're on a budget Many people associate Motorola with cheap phones, because it makes some of the best. But the Edge 70 is certainly a premium model.
You're not an AI fan Moto's been very gung-ho about its own AI tools, but the Edge 70's bloatware includes lots more, like Copilot and Perplexity. If you're on the righteous anti-AI train, this isn't the right phone for you.View Deal
Motorola Edge 70 review: Also consider
Let's take a proper look at those phones I've been comparing the Motorola Edge 70 to:
Apple iPhone Air Apple's thin phone is 0.3mm more slender than the Edge 70, but a little heavier. It's the one to buy if you want an Apple phone, although it's not the strongest specs-wise.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge This is a powerful phone with top specs across the board, and it's also thinner than the Moto, though not as light. It's super slow to charge, though.
Motorola Edge 60 It's cheaper and it's weaker, but otherwise this slightly older phone matches or exceeds the specs of its newer relative. So, it's certainly well worth keeping on the wishlist.
I used the Motorola Edge 70 for two weeks in order to write this review. That's the usual TechRadar test period, and a figure I use as an absolute minimum in order to ensure I've given every gadget a fair shake.
In that time, I used the Edge 70 as my normal smartphone for tasks like social media, photography, and gaming. Outside of full testing, I also took it for a few camera tests to collect more samples for the gallery. Alongside experiential use, I used a few lab tests to gauge certain metrics of the phone.
I've been reviewing mobiles at TechRadar for over six years now. I tested both members of the Edge 60 family, and have used most previous Moto Edge devices, as well as countless other handsets made by the company (and, of course, non-Moto phones too!).
