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I used the Gamakay TK75HE V2 for gaming and typing, and its analog switches are precise and satisfying – but I wish its software was easier to use

8:00 pm | May 12, 2025

Gamakay TK75HE V2: two-minute review

The Gamakay TK75HE V2 is a wired keyboard with Hall effect analog switches that provide snappy and precise inputs, and feature multiple actuation adjustments to tailor key response to your exact preferences.

It sports a minimal aesthetic, which, combined with its compact form, makes it conducive to use in any setting. This aspect is somewhat hampered, however, by the short USB cable, which might fail to reach your PC depending on your setup.

Still, the overall build quality of the TK75HE V2 is impressive, on a level-pegging with some of the best gaming keyboards. The plastic chassis is light yet reassuringly solid, and, although it’s thick at the rear, this tapers off towards the front. The PBT keycaps feel as premium as you could wish for, too.

The two-stage folding feet provide plenty of tilt for getting an ergonomic typing position, although I still found the TK75HE V2 uncomfortable to type with for extended periods, owing to the lack of wrist support needed to offset its elevated height.

A screen is integrated in the bottom right corner of the TK75HE V2, although this is very limited in scope, with actuation adjustments, for instance, missing from its menu. For settings such as these, you’ll need to use the Gamakay Driver.

This PC app allows you make all the usual keyboard customizations, with various rebind options available, alongside macro creation and RGB adjustments. Tweaks for the analog switches are plentiful and accompanied by a handy visualizer to see key response in real time.

However, this visualizer lacks some useful feedback indicators, and has a tendency to lag significantly when making multiple inputs rapidly. What’s more, the app window can’t be resized, and a few explanations lack clarity, while others were cut off from the GUI, which was frustrating.

Thankfully, the tool is usable enough, and the analog adjustments it can make provide a meaningful difference to performance. To game with, the TK75HE V2 is certainly responsive, although I can’t say its 8K polling rate makes much difference in this regard, relative to lower-polling keyboards.

Key presses with the linear Mercury switches installed on my TK75HE V2 were less damped than I was expecting – certainly less so than the ultra-soft tactile Pegasus switches I tried in the mechanical TK75 V2, for instance – but I still found them satisfying to use, whether I was gaming or typing.

The latter was also helped by the shallow, short-traveling Cherry profile keycaps, which makes the TK75HE V2 suited to productivity tasks. However, it really needs a wrist rest to make long sessions comfortable.

The TK75HE V2 has a low price for an analog keyboard, undercutting many of its big name rivals by a huge margin, such as the SteelSeries Apex Pro. However, that keyboard has some of the best analog switches I’ve tried, and offers exceptional gaming performance overall.

But the TK75HE V2 isn’t that far behind in this regard, which makes it a great entry point for those looking to get their fingers on some analog switches. The mechanical TK75 V2 is slightly cheaper but not by much, although this would be a better alternative for those who prefer soft and silent key presses.

Close-up of volume wheel on Gamakay TK75HE V2 on desk with pink wall in background — (Image credit: Future)

Gamakay TK75HE V2 review: price and availability

$109.99 / £85 / AU$176
Available now in two colorways
Cheaper than many analog boards

The TK75HE V2 costs $109.99 / £85 / AU$176 and is available now in two colorways: black and white. It can be configured with two stock switch types: Phoenix, which is silent; or Mercury, which is linear. Additionally, it comes with a USB cable and a keycap puller for hot-swapping purposes.

The TK75HE V2 is more expensive than its mechanical counterpart, the TK75 V2, which has an exquisite typing feel with much more dampening, although this could be due to the tactile Pegasus switches I experienced in that board. However, since it doesn’t use analog switches, there aren’t any actuation adjustments.

If you’re looking for pure analog performance, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL is hard to beat. It’s one of the best keyboards with analog switches in my view, offering incredible precision and responsiveness, but it’s considerably more expensive than the TK75HE V2.

Value score: 5 / 5

Gamakay TK75HE V2 review: specs

Layout	75%
Switch	Analog (Hall-effect magnetic)
Programmable keys	Yes
Dimensions	12.8 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches / 325 x 136 x 28mm
RGB or backlighting	Yes (customizable)

Close-up of right side of Gamakay TK75HE V2 on desk with pink wall in background — (Image credit: Future)

Gamakay TK75HE V2 review: design and features

Minimal looks
Premium feel
Versatile but unrefined software

The TK75HE V2 has a rather understated appearance, although this is buoyed somewhat by the bright RGB lighting, which is even more pronounced in the white variant. But overall its minimal aesthetic should fit in well with most setups.

Build quality is also admirable, with the plastic chassis feeling durable yet pleasingly light at the same time. It has a thick depth at the back, but this narrows out at the front, which helps to keep things compact.

This narrowing also improves usability, since the TK75HE V2 doesn’t come with a wrist rest. It does come with a USB cable, but this is disappointingly short and may prove unfeasible for certain setups.

The PBT keycaps feel premium to the touch, with a very subtle texture that doesn’t encroach on their smoothness. It’s slightly inconvenient, however, that the FN shortcuts aren’t labelled on the keys themselves, so you’ll have to refer to the included manual to see what they are.

The volume wheel is well notched to allow for smooth yet controlled jogging, although its click function is a little too stiff for my liking – but this is a minor grievance.

A small screen is also nestled in the bottom right corner, controllable via the volume knob, although I found little use for it since its functionality is quite limited. You can view the runtime and date, as well as CPU usage and temperature – although these latter two failed to take readings, and there’s nothing in the manual to explain how to set this up.

Close-up of exposed switch on Gamakay TK75HE V2 with RGB lighting on — (Image credit: Future)

Rounding out the interface’s capabilities are RGB lighting adjustments and Mac and Windows modes. You can also display your own drawings, but for this you’ll need to download the Gamakay Driver PC app.

This app also contains many other typical gaming keyboard customizations. There are various rebinding options with multiple layers available, although sadly system shortcuts and commands seem to be absent: you can only remap keys to other keys, key combinations with modifiers, or macros you’ve created.

There are also numerous adjustments for the analog switches, though, including independent actuation point sliders for presses and releases. There are also various modes to toggle and configure, such as multi-input, continuous trigger, and others.

Overall, the Gamakay Driver provides an impressive selection of customizations, although some analog-based functions are missing, such as controller emulation. What’s more, the software isn’t without its faults.

Firstly, the app window can’t be resized, which, in my experience at least, can result in cut-offs. There were also certain sections where text explanations weren’t fully rendered.

What’s more, certain explanations were hard to understand, and some occasional odd word choices didn’t help matters either: for example, a button used to select multiple keys for customizing simultaneously is labelled “drag”.

Design & features score: 3.5 / 5

Gamakay TK75HE V2 review: performance

Satisfying feedback
Not as damped as other keyboards
Controlled analog switches

The TK75HE V2 is very capable when it comes to gaming. Its keys are very responsive, although I can’t say the 8K polling rate provided a noticeable improvement in this regard over other boards.

The unit I had came preinstalled with Gamakay’s Mercury switches, which are said to have a linear profile. Their impact might deter some gamers, as they lack the dampening of some of the best mechanical keyboards: they’re more clicky and louder, but there’s still enough cushioning to make them satisfying to use.

What’s more, they feel a little heavier than other analog switches I’ve tried, which works in their favor as their resistance is progressive, feeling lighter at the top but getting heavier as they near the end of their travel.

This makes for controlled presses, and is especially useful when trying to hit certain actuation points. It also means that quickfire presses are easy to execute, which is especially useful when using the Rapid Tap feature – one of the key selling points of analog switches.

The mild indentation of the Cherry profile keys was something I welcomed too, as they allow for a secure positioning while still being amenable to gliding over the board.

Close-up of USB-C port and feet on Gamakay TK75HE V2 on desk with pink wall in background — (Image credit: Future)

This aspect also makes the bottom row readily accessible, as does the subtle concaving of the layout in general. The space bar is pleasingly low too, as it meant I could hit it with the tip of my thumb rather than the edge.

However, one small gripe I have is with the feet, which aren’t stable enough to handle even small shuffles back and forth. This may prove frustrating to those who frequently adjust the position of their keyboard.

Typing performance is also good, with those Mercury switches providing plenty of feedback and bounce, while being controlled at the same time. This allowed for fast and accurate typing – although the drawback is the relatively loud noise they generate.

I found the layout a little cramped at first, but I got used to it quickly. The angle provided by the feet does improve the ergonomics, but I still experienced some discomfort after only a short period; the TK75HE V2 is another keyboard that requires additional wrist support and yet sadly doesn't come with any.

Performance score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Gamakay TK75HE V2?

Gamakay TK75HE V2 Scorecard
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Value	You’ll struggle to find many analog keyboards cheaper than this, and its performance and build are impressive for price.	5 / 5
Design and features	The TK75HE V2 is minimal and inoffensive. It’s also well built, although the software, while versatile, isn’t as refined as others.	3.5 / 5
Performance	The analog switches are certainly responsive, and it’s great for both gaming and typing – although wrist support is sorely needed.	4 / 5
Overall	The TK75HE V2 is an impressive keyboard considering its relatively low price tag. The software provides useful customizations, although it’s not the best engineered. If you’re looking for a budget analog keyboard, this should certainly be a contender.	4 / 5

Buy it if…

You want to hot-swap
You can choose which switches come equipped in your TK75HE V2, but if you ever fancy a change, you can swap them out at any time.

You want analog switches at a good price
There aren’t too many analog boards around at this price, and it doesn’t exactly feel as if you’re skimping on quality.

Don’t buy it if…

You want the best software
The Gamakay Driver has plenty to offer, but it’s not always the easiest to work with, thanks to some interface issues.

You want the best comfort
The feet offer a meaningful break angle that makes typing more comfortable, but the TK75HE V2 really needs a wrist rest if you plan on using it for productivity.

Gamakay TK75HE V2 review: also consider

	Gamakay TK75HE V2	SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3	Gamakay TK75 V2
Layout	75%	TKL	75%
Switch	Analog (Hall-effect magnetic)	Analog (Hall-effect magnetic)	Mechanical
Programmable keys	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dimensions	12.8 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches / 325 x 136 x 28mm	14.5 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches (approx.) / 368.3 x 139.7 x 38.1mm	12.8 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches / 325 x 136 x 28mm
RGB or backlighting	Yes (customizable)	Yes (customizable)	Yes (customizable)

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
The Apex Pro is certainly more expensive than the TK75HE V2, but its analog switches are a dream to use, and its adjustments and accompanying software are great as well. A wireless variant is also available, which is naturally even more expensive, but not by a huge margin. Read our full SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 review.

Gamakay TK75 V2
If you don’t need analog switches, then Gamakay makes for a great alternative. The tactile Pegasus mechanical switches I experienced in this board had much greater dampening and felt fantastic for both gaming or typing. It’s cheaper than the TK75HE V2 too, although not by much, but that’s fine since both are well-priced considering what they offer. Read our full Gamakay TK75 V2 review.

How I tested the Gamakay TK75HE V2

Tested for a few days
Used for gaming and working
Plentiful keyboard experience

I tested the TK75HE V2 for a few days, during which time I used it for gaming and working on both Windows 10 and 11 machines.

I played Counter-Strike 2, which is a great test for any peripheral due the premium it places on fast and accurate inputs. It’s especially useful when testing analog switches, since counter-strafing can put Rapid Trigger features through their paces.

I have been PC gaming for over a decade, and during that time I have used a great deal of keyboards. I have also reviewed numerous examples, including those with analog switches and other Gamakay models.

First reviewed: May 2025
Read more about how we test

I tested out the Maxtang SXRL-20 mini PC and with this sort of performance, it’s basically as niche as they come

9:47 am | May 11, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets | Tags: PC | Comments: Off

Maxtang SXRL-20: 30-second review

The Mini PC has undergone some transformation since Intel ended its NUC and left the field open for PC makers to define the market for these small machines.

While some brands are still making traditional NUC-inspired designs, Maxtang, with the SXRL-20, has taken its small computer concept in an entirely different direction.

Conceived explicitly for digital signage use, it can drive up to four displays and achieve this with a passively cooled solution for prolonged running. It’s all-metal construction and wall-mounting accessories deliver a robust and made-for-purpose solution that uses an Intel Core i5-class processor to run Windows 11.

This is the same silicon that has been used in NAS boxes. It provides sufficient CPU and GPU power to drive the displays and sufficient storage options to handle a lot of playback media.

With LAN, WIFi, and even LTE connectivity, this system can be easily and remotely accessed to update the content when required.

At a modest price, the only aspect that potential customers need to be aware of is that there isn’t much performance headroom in the SXRL-20 to repurpose it for other duties. This hardware was assembled for a specific job, and not to become a desktop PC if the requirements change. Because of that, this hardware is a little too niche to make it into our best mini PC round-up.

Maxtang SXRL-20: Price and availability

How much does it cost? From $429
When is it out? Available now
Where can you get it? Currently, this machine can be obtained directly from Maxtang and through Amazon

According to the Maxtang specifications, the company intends to make six different versions of this hardware using i3, i5 and i7 class processors.

Maxtang sells the machine directly on a quotation basis, which I’d assume could adjust the unit cost based on volume.

The review machine using the i5-1235u with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD is $479, and the i7-1255u variant with the same amount of memory and storage is $599, available from Amazon.com.

The cheapest option is a $429 machine with just 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, using the i5 processor. That platform can also be had with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage for $579.

Interestingly, the i7 model is offered with no memory or storage for $469, which might be helpful if you have plenty of DDR4 SODIMM modules and NVMe drives spare.

Europeans can source this hardware from AliExpress with the i5 and i3 models listed, but there are no i7 options. The Core i5-1235U variant with 16GB of RAM and 512GB is £498.45 for UK customers.

As alternatives, there are plenty of Mini PC designs that support dual monitor outputs and up to four using USB-C or Thunderbolt ports, although docks or adapters would be needed to connect them to a typical HDMI TV input.

The problem with the majority of these options is that the machines are actively cooled and need ventilation to remain operational. They also don’t support operational hours in the BIOS.

For the quality of construction and passive cooling model, the price of the SXRL-20 seems reasonable, with the i5 models offering the best value.

Value: 4 / 5

Maxtang SXRL-20: Specs

Maxtang SXRL-20: Design

All-metal passively cooled
Designed to be mounted
Easy internal access

Most mini PC designs follow the old Intel NUC concept of a small box that mounts a 15cm square motherboard with components neatly stacked to keep everything compact. The SXRL-20 is not like that at all.

It has more of a set-top box feel, or even an automotive component aesthetic, with its flattened metal exterior and integrated heatsink fins.

Along with the PC, Maxtang provides two mounting plates made to connect to the underside, lifting the machine a short distance from the mounting surface. That’s ideal for an information booth or digital signage scenario.

Because this hardware won’t typically be sitting on a desk or used directly, with the exception of the wifi antenna BNCs, all the ports are on one edge.

These include four HDMI outs, dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, plus a selection of USB and a COM port. That last feature could be critical, as from this COM port you could easily hang the relay electronics to fire up lights and other hardware via the PC.

There is an option, not in our review hardware, to also have a side-mounted HDMI-in port, which might be helpful if you wish to record the reaction to promotional material or for security purposes.

The machine is powered by a small 90w laptop PSU, which is more than enough to drive this platform and whatever USB peripherals are connected to it.

In this writer’s experience, getting into mini computers can be more challenging than it should be, but this design is as straightforward as it gets. Simply removing six screws from the underside releases that side of the machine providing full access to the internal system, no spudgers required.

Inside is a large mainboard that fills 70% of the internal volume, with spaces for various upgrades and enhancements. There are two SODIMM slots occupied in the review machine with 8GB of Kingston-branded DDR4 modules for 16GB in total. It’s possible to replace these with 32GB modules for a maximum of 64GB.

The M.2 SSD was also a Kingston product, a 512GB SATA SSD, and that slot can take SATA or NVMe drives, but a second M.2 2280 slot is exclusively NVMe.

I’m not sure why Maxtang used an M.2 SATA drive since Kingston doesn’t list these devices for retail; they must be exclusively for OEM customers and industrial use.

The logic behind using it may be to reduce the chance of overheating since this enclosure is entirely passively cooled.

The WiFi is provided by a now-discontinued Intel AX200NGW controller in a M.2 2230 slot, but alongside that slot is an M.2 2242 slot that could take a second controller. There is also a SIM card slot that I assume requires an LTE modem that uses the spare M.2 2242, and there are four punch-outs on the rear for antennas to be mounted.

With LTE in this unit, reconfiguring it remotely or having it pick up new material to display on an overnight basis would be a breeze.

Overall, this design has two clearly defined objectives: to run without cooling for long periods, and to be easily adaptable should the mission require changes.

It succeeds in both these things, although it’s not something that you would want to repurpose as an Office PC, in case you wondered. While it runs Windows 11, the performance compared to a machine designed for that role is lacklustre for a few reasons I’ll cover in the performance section.

Design: 4.5 / 5

Maxtang SXRL-20: Features

Intel i5-1235U
Iris Xe GPU
DDR4 memory

Intel went through a slightly odd phase in which successive generations of its chip designs appeared to make limited headway and, in some respects, went backwards.

One of the most impacted series was the Alder Lake 12th generation, which Intel made for both desktop and mobile platforms. In this context, the chip used in this machine is an Alder Lake-U design that combines Golden Clove P-cores and Gracemont E-cores.

When Intel launched Raptor Lake chips for the 13th generation, these were superseded. With the advent of the Core Ultra series 1 and 2, Alder Lake is four generations behind the current product set.

This particular chip is interesting because it’s found favour in several non-mobile devices, particularly the Ugreen DXP4800 Plus and DXP480T NAS boxes.

Even by Intel’s curious standards, the Intel i5-1235U is an odd processor, but it’s found a number of niches where performance isn’t as important as flexibility.

One advantage it has over the UHD Graphics that the N100 is saddled with is the Iris Xe GPU, although this is hardly something for gaming.

One impressive thing about the Maxtang SXRL-20 is that it has four HDMI outputs, which flies in the face of the Iris Xe specifications. According to Intel, the Iris Xe supports a maximum of three displays, so what Maxtang did to get the fourth one is a mystery. Perhaps it’s an undocumented option, or they mapped one output over two HDMI ports, but it is possible with this machine.

However, depending on what you intend to do with those outputs, there are practical limitations based on the memory that the Iris Xe can map from main memory and the modes it supports. Trying to generate smoothly moving 3D images over all four displays is unrealistic, unless the resolution of each is dramatically reduced.

In theory, the Iris Xe can generate an 8K HDR image over HDMI 2.0, but that’s via a single monitor. If that’s segmented to four displays, then 1080p HDR is possible, and video playback at that level is achievable.

My issue with this is that it’s hard to see where the limits of this GPU and CPU combination are without actually trying to execute a specific file or scenario. What doesn’t help is that the Maxtang SXRL-20 uses DDR4, reducing the memory bandwidth for both the CPU and the GPU. It’s worth noting that the Intel i5-1235U can use DDR5 modules, but Maxtang chose not to provide that performance headroom for this hardware.

Clearly, those who designed the SXRL-20 had an objective in mind that it should be able to drive four monitors with four video streams smoothly at the target resolution, and it was deemed that DDR5 wasn’t necessary to deliver that.

The problem is that the use case defined by Maxtang might not be the same as one envisaged by a potential customer.

Overall, the hardware in the SXRL-20 is fit for purpose, but only within some narrow constraints.

Features: 4 / 5

Maxtang SXRL-20: Performance

Because of this unusual configuration, I’ve not pitched the Maxtang against another Intel system. It’s a little quicker than the typical N100-based machines, but significantly slower than even a Core-i3 N300 machine, like the Zotac P1430AJ Pico.

The issues here are that this CPU only has one performance core, and all the rest are efficiency. Only the P-core has hyperthreading, giving a total of twelve threads of processing.

Intel revised this design with slightly higher clock speeds for the i5-1335U, and Maxtang has that as an option for this series, but with the same underlying core and cache architecture, it won’t be much better.

What’s important to consider is that this system was specified for a job, displaying promotional graphics and videos, and it has sufficient power to do that without breaking any benchmark records.

By desktop PC standards, the performance of the SATA SSD is slow compared to NVMe drives, but again, not so glacial that it would interfere with the machine’s running.

This wasn’t meant to be used as a desktop PC; therefore, judging it by those standards isn’t helpful. It’s an appliance PC made to run throughout the day and not overheat, which seems well suited to do.

Performance: 3.5 / 5

Maxtang SXRL-20: Final verdict

The Maxtang SXRL-20 is an interesting system that has more in common with a NAS than a desktop PC. However, given that the objective of delivering digital signage has different priorities, those behind its design approached its construction and specifications from a unique perspective. This hardware was made for a purpose, and it fulfils that brief well.

My only concern is that while the machine is appropriate, I’m unconvinced that using Windows 11 on a customer-facing system is such a great idea.

Given how Microsoft has an unfortunate track record of screwing up its own operating system, and how an ill-considered update might stop this system working, or end up with messages on the screen is a concern. While I’m sure it is possible to lock down a Windows machine to avoid these pitfalls, we’ve all seen Digital Signage with Microsoft enhancements that those running the system wouldn’t care for.

It’s worth noting that on the promotional material for this product, the Ubuntu logo makes an appearance along with the Linux one, so I’m not the only person thinking about this possibility seriously.

Should you buy a Maxtang SXRL-20?

Buy it if...

You like computers to be quiet
The design of this mini PC makes the entire case a radiator, avoiding fans entirely.

You want four monitors connected
With HDMI 2.0, it is possible to connect four screens to this system. But, be realistic about what you intend to show on those screens simultaneously. As the Iris Xe (80eu) isn't a discrete GPU.

Don't buy it if...

You want 4K on lots of screens
The Iris Xe GPU used in this system can drive four displays, but 4K video on four outputs might be beyond it. For those scenarios, you might need a discrete video card on a machine that won't be passively cooled.

You want max power
Unlike a lot of mini PCs I've reviewed, this machine isn't built for absolute performance - it's best for businesses with digital displays. View Deal

For more display essentials, we've rounded up the best digital signage software.

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 is too close to the RX 9070 XT to really stand out, but it’s a better value given the market

11:09 am | May 1, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Computing Components Gadgets | Tags: AI, CPU, GPU, RX | Comments: Off

AMD Radeon RX 9070: Two-minute review

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 is a card that just might be saved by the economic chaos engulfing the GPU market right now.

With 'normal' price inflation pretty much rampant with every current-gen GPU, the price proposition for the RX 9070 might actually make it an appealing pick for gamers who're experiencing sticker shock when looking for the best graphics card for their next GPU upgrade.

That doesn't mean, unfortunately, that the AMD RX 9070 is going to be one of the best cheap graphics cards going, even by comparison with everything else that's launched since the end of 2024. With an MSRP of $549 / £529.99 / AU$1,229, the RX 9070 is still an expensive card, even if it's theoretically in line with your typical 'midrange' offering.

And, with the lack of an AMD reference card that might have helped anchor the RX 9070's price at Team Red's MSRP, you're going to pretty much be at the mercy of third-party manufacturers and retailers who can charge whatever they want for this card.

Comparatively speaking, though, even with price inflation, this is going to be one of the cheaper midrange GPUs of this generation, so if you're looking at a bunch of different GPUs, without question this one is likely to be the cheapest graphics card made by either AMD or Nvidia right now (yes, that's even counting the RTX 5060 Ti, which is already selling for well above 150% of MSRP in many places).

The radeon logo on the AMD Radeon RX 9070

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Does that make this card worth the purchase? Well, that's going to depend on what you're being asked to pay for it. While it's possible to find RX 9070 cards at MSRP, they are rare, and so you're going to have to make a back-of-the-envelope calculation to see if this card is going to offer you the best value in your particular circumstance.

I'm fairly confident, however, that it will. Had I the time to review this card when it first launched in March, I might have scored it lower based on its performance and price proximity to the beefier AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT.

Looking at both of those cards based on their MSRPs, there's no question that the RX 9070 XT is the much better graphics card, so I'd have recommended you spend the extra cash to get that card instead of this one.

Unfortunately, contrary to my hopes, the RX 9070 XT has been scalped almost as badly as the best Nvidia graphics cards of this generation, so that relatively small price difference on paper can be quite large in practice.

Given that reality, for most gamers, the RX 9070 is the best 1440p graphics card going, and can even get you some solid 4K gaming performance for a lot less than you're likely to find the RX 9070 XT or competing Nvidia card, even from the last generation.

If you're looking at this card and the market has returned to sanity and MSRP pricing, then definitely consider going for the RX 9070 XT instead of this card. But barring that happy contingency, given where everything is right now with the GPU market, the RX 9070 is the best AMD graphics card for 1440p gaming, and offers some of the best bang for your (inflationary) buck as you're likely to find today.

AMD Radeon RX 9070: Price & availability

An AMD Radeon RX 9070 sitting on its retail packaging with its fans visible — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

How much is it? MSRP is $549 / £529.99 / AU$1,229, but retail price will likely be higher
When can you get it? The RX 9070 is available now
Where is it available? The RX 9070 is available in the US, UK, and Australia

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 is available now in the US, UK, and Australia for an MSRP of $549 / £529.99 / AU$1,229, respectively, but the price you'll pay for this card from third-party partners and retailers will likely be higher.

Giving credit where it's due, the RX 9070 is the exact same MSRP as the AMD Radeon RX 7900 GRE, which you can argue the RX 9070 is replacing. It's also coming in at the same price as the RTX 5070's MSRP, and as I'll get into in a bit, for gaming performance, the RX 9070 offers a better value at MSRP.

Given how the RTX 5070 can rarely be found at MSRP, the RX 9070 is in an even stronger position compared to its competition.

Value: 4 / 5

AMD Radeon RX 9070: Specs

The power connector ports on an AMD Radeon RX 9070 — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

PCIe 5.0
16GB VRAM

Specs & features: 4 / 5

AMD Radeon RX 9070: Design & features

No AMD reference card
Will be good for SFF cases

In terms of design, the RX 9070 doesn't have a reference card, so the card I reviewed is the Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 9070.

This card, in particular, is fairly straightforward with few frills, but for those who don't want a whole lot of RGB lighting in their PC, this is more of a positive than a negative. RGB fans, however, will have to look at other AMD partner cards for their fix.

The card is a noticeably shorter dual-fan design compared to the longer triple-fan RX 9070 XT cards. That makes the RX 9070 a great option for small form factor PC cases.

Design: 3.5 / 5

AMD Radeon RX 9070: Performance

About 13% slower than RX 9070 XT
Outstanding 1440p gaming performance
Decent 4K performance

A note on my data

The charts shown below offer the most recent data I have for the cards tested for this review. They may change over time as more card results are added and cards are retested. The 'average of all cards tested' includes cards not shown in these charts for readability purposes.

When it comes down to performance, the RX 9070 is a very strong graphics card that is somewhat overshadowed by its beefier 9070 XT sibling, but goes toe-to-toe against the RTX 5070 where it counts for most users, which is gaming.

On the synthetic side, the RTX 9070 puts up some incredibly solid numbers, especially in pure rasterization workloads like 3DMark Steel Nomad, beating out the RTX 5070 by 13%. In ray tracing heavy workloads like 3DMark Speed Way, meanwhile, the RX 9070 manages to comes within 95% of the RTX 5070's performance.

As expected though, the RX 9070's creative performance isn't able to keep up with Nvidia's competing RTX 5070, especially in 3D modeling workloads like Blender. If you're looking for a cheap creative workstation GPU, you're going to want to go for the RTX 5070, no question.

But that's not really what this card is about. AMD cards are gaming cards through and through, and as you can see above, at 1440p, the RX 9070 goes blow for blow with Nvidia's midrange card so that the overall average FPS at 1440p is 114 against Nvidia's 115 FPS average (72 FPS to 76 FPS average minimums/1%, respectively).

Likewise, at 4K, the two cards are effectively tied, with the RX 9070 holding a slight 2 FPS edge over the RTX 5070, on average (50 FPS to 51 FPS minimum/1%, respectively).

Putting it all together, one thing in the Nvidia RTX 5070's favor is that it is able to tie things up with the RX 9070 at about 26 fewer watts under load (284W maximum power draw to the RTX 5070's 258W).

That's not the biggest difference, but even 26W extra power can mean the difference between needing to replace your PSU or sticking with the one you have.

Under normal conditions, I'd argue that this would swing things in favor of Nvidia's GPU, but the GPU market is hardly normal right now, and so what you really need to look at is how much you're being asked to pay for either of these cards. Chances are, you're going to be able to find an RX 9070 for a good bit cheaper than the RTX 5070, and so its value to you in the end is likely going to be higher.

Performance: 4.5 / 5

Should you buy the AMD Radeon RX 9070?

A masculine hand holding an AMD Radeon RX 9070 — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Buy the AMD Radeon RX 9070 if...

You want a fantastic 1440p graphics card
The RX 9070 absolutely chews through 1440p gaming with frame rates that can fully saturate most 1440p gaming monitors' refresh rates.

You don't want to spend a fortune on a midrange GPU
While the RX 9070 isn't cheap, necessarily, it's among the cheapest midrange cards you can get, even after factoring in scalping and price inflation.

Don't buy it if...

You want great creative performance
While the RX 9070 is a fantastic gaming graphics card, its creative performance (especially for 3D modeling work) lags behind Nvidia midrange cards.

Also consider

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT
The RX 9070 XT is an absolute barnburner of a gaming GPU, offering excellent 4K performance and even better 1440p performance, especially if you can get it close to MSRP.

Read the full AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT review

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070
The RTX 5070 essentially ties the RX 9070 in gaming performance in 1440p and 4K gaming, but has better power efficiency and creative performance.

Read the full Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 review

How I tested the AMD Radeon RX 9070

I spent about two weeks with the RX 9070
I used my complete GPU testing suite to analyze the card's performance
I tested the card in everyday, gaming, creative, and AI workload usage

Test System Specs

Here are the specs on the system I used for testing:

Motherboard: ASRock Z790i Lightning WiFi
CPU: Intel Core i9-14900K
CPU Cooler: Gigabyte Auros Waterforce II 360 ICE
RAM: Corsair Dominator DDR5-6600 (2 x 16GB)
SSD: Samsung 9100 Pro 4TB SSD
PSU: Thermaltake Toughpower PF3 1050W Platinum
Case: Praxis Wetbench

I spent about two weeks with the AMD RX 9070, using it as my primary workstation GPU for creative work and gaming after hours.

I used my updated benchmarking process, which includes using built-in benchmarks on the latest PC games like Black Myth: Wukong, Cyberpunk 2077, and Civilization VII. I also used industry-standard benchmark tools like 3DMark for synthetic testing, while using tools like PugetBench for Creators and Blender Benchmark for creative workload testing.

I've reviewed more than three dozen graphics cards for TechRadar over the past three years, which has included hundreds of hours of dedicated GPU testing, so you can trust that I'm giving you the fullest picture of a graphics card's performance in my reviews.

Originally reviewed May 2025

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 is too close to the RX 9070 XT to really stand out, but it’s a better value given the market

11:09 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Computing Components Gadgets | Tags: AI, CPU, GPU, RX | Comments: Off

AMD Radeon RX 9070: Two-minute review

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 is a card that just might be saved by the economic chaos engulfing the GPU market right now.

The radeon logo on the AMD Radeon RX 9070

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

AMD Radeon RX 9070: Price & availability

How much is it? MSRP is $549 / £529.99 / AU$1,229, but retail price will likely be higher
When can you get it? The RX 9070 is available now
Where is it available? The RX 9070 is available in the US, UK, and Australia

Given how the RTX 5070 can rarely be found at MSRP, the RX 9070 is in an even stronger position compared to its competition.

Value: 4 / 5

AMD Radeon RX 9070: Specs

PCIe 5.0
16GB VRAM

Specs & features: 4 / 5

AMD Radeon RX 9070: Design & features

No AMD reference card
Will be good for SFF cases

In terms of design, the RX 9070 doesn't have a reference card, so the card I reviewed is the Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 9070.

The card is a noticeably shorter dual-fan design compared to the longer triple-fan RX 9070 XT cards. That makes the RX 9070 a great option for small form factor PC cases.

Design: 3.5 / 5

AMD Radeon RX 9070: Performance

About 13% slower than RX 9070 XT
Outstanding 1440p gaming performance
Decent 4K performance

A note on my data

Likewise, at 4K, the two cards are effectively tied, with the RX 9070 holding a slight 2 FPS edge over the RTX 5070, on average (50 FPS to 51 FPS minimum/1%, respectively).

That's not the biggest difference, but even 26W extra power can mean the difference between needing to replace your PSU or sticking with the one you have.

Performance: 4.5 / 5

Should you buy the AMD Radeon RX 9070?

Buy the AMD Radeon RX 9070 if...

You want a fantastic 1440p graphics card
The RX 9070 absolutely chews through 1440p gaming with frame rates that can fully saturate most 1440p gaming monitors' refresh rates.

Don't buy it if...

You want great creative performance
While the RX 9070 is a fantastic gaming graphics card, its creative performance (especially for 3D modeling work) lags behind Nvidia midrange cards.

Also consider

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT
The RX 9070 XT is an absolute barnburner of a gaming GPU, offering excellent 4K performance and even better 1440p performance, especially if you can get it close to MSRP.

Read the full AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT review

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070
The RTX 5070 essentially ties the RX 9070 in gaming performance in 1440p and 4K gaming, but has better power efficiency and creative performance.

Read the full Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 review

How I tested the AMD Radeon RX 9070

I spent about two weeks with the RX 9070
I used my complete GPU testing suite to analyze the card's performance
I tested the card in everyday, gaming, creative, and AI workload usage

Test System Specs

Here are the specs on the system I used for testing:

I spent about two weeks with the AMD RX 9070, using it as my primary workstation GPU for creative work and gaming after hours.

Originally reviewed May 2025

I tested the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF for two weeks and couldn’t get enough of its otherworldly performance

6:25 pm | April 30, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Monitors Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: HDR, OLED | Comments: Off

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF: Two-minute review

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF gaming monitor resting on a desk with Marvel Rivals open — (Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)

Samsung’s Odyssey line of OLED gaming monitors provides some of the best displays in gaming, from the 32-inch G8 to the ultrawide monster that is the G9. For the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF, the South Korean electronics manufacturer delivers on its first 27-inch 4K OLED display by doing exactly what it does best when it comes to both image quality and sheer performance.

This begins with the overwhelmingly gorgeous display that offers an industry-leading 166 pixels per inch. On top of that, there’s HDR10+, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 and a panel with glare-free technology. This monitor can handle any tasks users will throw at it. From visually arresting single-player games to creative content making and everything else in between, the Odyssey OLED G81SF is something beautiful to look at. Having 1 billion max color support and 99% DCI coverage also makes this a fine choice for creatives as well.

Performance holds up just as impressively as image quality. The blistering 240Hz refresh rate delivers buttery smooth gameplay that’s ideal for competitive players, while the ultra-low 0.03ms response time ensures every action feels instantaneous. With support for FreeSync Premium Pro, the Odyssey OLED G81SF doesn’t just look incredible - it plays flawlessly too.

Together, these features set a new benchmark for what a high-end gaming monitor should be. Potential buyers with a suitable rig to play games like Marvel Rivals or Call of Duty Warzone at 4K/240 frames-per-second are going to find much to appreciate.

One of the main concerns for OLED gaming monitor owners is proper upkeep to preserve display longevity. That often means enduring long pixel refresh cycles or dealing with noisy fans meant to protect image quality. Thankfully, the Odyssey OLED G81SF takes a smarter approach with its Safeguard+ Dynamic Cooling System, which uses Pulsating Heat Pipe, which is said to cool five times faster than graphite.

Thermal Modulation also helps prevent overheating too. During my extended time with the monitor, I was impressed by how quiet it stayed and how I never had to interrupt gameplay for maintenance. When it comes to hassle-free upkeep, this is easily one of the best OLED gaming displays available.

Samsung’s cooling technology is packed into a fairly thin metal monitor that’s also good to look at when not in use. Bezels are small around the display while the back is fairly impressive. There are a nice amount of ports despite the lack of a USB-C port. That Odyssey’s classic light ring featuring CoreSync and CoreLighting+ in the back still looks nice. It’s also easy to set up.

All of that comes at a sizable $1,299 (£1,149 and AU $1,799) price point. That's a fairly steep cost of entry compared to similar gaming monitors in its class. Though there are some features like crosshair overlays, don’t expect more standard extras like KVM capability or speakers. Interestingly enough, unlike other displays in Samsung’s Odyssey line, it lacks Samsung Smart TV.

Despite those issues, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF stands out as one of the most impressive 27-inch gaming monitors to be released this year. It delivers a stunning visual experience with ultra-crisp 4K resolution, incredible color accuracy, and fluid motion that enhances everything from fast paced shooters to creative workflows. Add in near-silent operation, efficient thermal management, and a sleek design and it’s clear Samsung is looking to take the crown for this gaming monitor segment. Whether you're a competitive gamer or a visual creator, this monitor exceeds expectations in the ways that matter most.

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF: Price and availability

How much does it cost? $1,299 (£1,149 and AU $1,799)
When is it available? April 28th
Where can you get it? US, UK, and Australia

The Samsung Odyssey will be available April 28th for $1,299 (£1,149 and AU $1,799) in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. Available through Samsung’s online store or other retailers like Newegg, this gaming monitor is definitely the upper crest of purchases when it comes to 27-inch 4K OLED displays. If a competitive advantage is of the upmost importance to you, then the high price makes this the best money can buy in its class. Anyone expecting a more robust feature set (more on that later), may leave disappointed.

Gamers who want a competitive edge while also dabbling in streaming may want to check out the MSI MPG 271QRX if they don’t mind having a 1440p resolution. Meanwhile, the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM 4K is nearly the same price as the Odyssey G81SF but offers KVM capabilities besides FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility. Though on the surface, it may sound better than Samsung’s offering, it lacks the forward design and level of maintenance options.

Value: 4 / 5

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF: Specs

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF: Design

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF stand and LED ring on back side — (Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)

Overall design is rightfully in line with Samsung’s Odyssey line of gaming monitors
Easy to set-up and adjustability is high
Lacks USB-C

Those familiar with Samsung’s Odyssey series of gaming monitors will immediately recognize the premium build quality and sleek design language the OLED G81SF gives. Crafted with a sturdy metal finish from the base to the neck and display, it delivers a clean, modern aesthetic.

The panel itself is impressively thin, with minimal bezels that enhance its futuristic look. At the back, Samsung’s signature RGB ring—powered by CoreSync and CoreLighting+ which adds a dynamic visual flair that fits perfectly with its top-tier price tag.

Assembly is quick and straightforward, with just a few screws to connect the base, neck, and display. Once set up, the monitor offers smooth height, swivel, and tilt adjustments to help you dial in the perfect viewing angle.

Port selection on the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF — (Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)

Power is delivered through a jack that connects an adapter while sitting next to two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, one USB-B for upstreaming, two USB-A and one 3.5mm headphone jack. That’s good enough for multi-console gamers who want to play full screen or utlize the display’s picture-in-picture capabilities.

Unfortunately, there's no USB-C port, which is fairly disappointing considering it’s a fairly standard connection now. A thumbstick sits along those ports for various controls for in-display gaming and features. During our time, the thumbstick felt great and the UI felt pretty snappy as well.

Design: 4.5 / 5

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81S: Features

Samsung Odyssey G81SF on-screen display options — (Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)

Safeguard+ Dynamic Cooling System is a wonderful way of maintaining pixel quality without being intrusive
Light gaming related features including a crosshair overlay
Nothing much feature-wise outside of that

OLED gaming monitors often require periodic pixel refreshes to prevent burn-in, which can interrupt gameplay. The Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF sidesteps that issue with its advanced Safeguard+ Dynamic Cooling System. At the core is a pulsating heat pipe that actively releases coolant, offering more effective thermal management than traditional graphite sheets. This keeps internal temperatures in check while extending the life of the display.

Complementing the hardware is an intelligent Thermal Modulation System powered by algorithms that fine-tune brightness and heat levels in real-time. Features like Logo & Taskbar Detection also help minimize static image retention by subtly adjusting luminance in frequently displayed areas—all working together to maintain screen health without disrupting your experience. During my time with the Odyssey OLED G81S, I didn’t face one prompt to turn off my monitor - not once - during two weeks of usage.

There are some in-display options including the ability to choose a nice variety of crosshair overlays which are definitely helpful when playing shooters. Another highlight is the ability to do picture-in-picture with various other video inputs. Of course, users can change color options and the likes as well. Outside of that, don’t expect much in the feature set. Considering the price of the monitor, one would think KVM capabilities would be included but unfortunately, no. Then there’s the lack of other features like Samsung SmartTV which has been featured on other Odyssey monitors before. Just understand that the Odyssey OLED G81SF sticks to three important things; image quality, performance and maintaining both of them.

Features: 3.5 / 5

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81S: Performance

Image quality is exceptional in SDR and HDR
Magnificent performance with 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time

Just by image quality and performance alone, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF is one of the best gaming monitors available at the moment, at least where 27-inch 4K options are concerned.

It starts by having the highest pixel density available in a display with 166 PPI. This goes an incredibly long way by making sure every detail is noticed when gaming, making graphics or video or typing documents. Colors are bold and gorgeous thanks to having one billion max color support at 1,000,000:1 contrast outside of 99% DCI coverage. There are various sliders for brightness, contrast, colors and the likes for those who want to fine tune their experience. Further than that, there are some pre-sets as well.

This means that it doesn’t matter if users are playing Assassin’s Creed: Shadows or creating social media graphics in Adobe Photoshop, color accuracy is tremendous. HDR+10 capabilities makes image quality even better with more defined lights and shadows. Thanks to VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400, blacks are deep and rich as well. Pulling that all together is an anti-reflection film that goes a long way in making sure images look great regardless of lighting conditions.

This is a gaming monitor for competitive gamers who want a premium experience and the performance is top notch too. 240Hz and 0.03ms response time mean that gameplay is smoother than velvet. Fans of Marvel Rivals, Call of Duty and Fortnite are going to have a nice experience on the Odyssey OLED G81SF. To make sure screen tears aren’t an issue, the display has variable refresh rate and supports AMD FreeSync Premium. Gameplay is superb in motion which is enhanced by the overall image quality.

Performance 5 / 5

Should I buy the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81S?

Buy it if…

You require a 27-inch OLED gaming monitor with top-tier image quality and performance

This 27-inch OLED gaming display has some of the best image quality available thanks to features like 166 ppi, VESA Display HDR True Black 400 and anti-glare technology. Meanwhile, the 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time will provide a competitive edge.

You need some solid OLED display maintenance

Samsung’s OLED Safeguard+ technology has various ways to maintain monitor lifespan from its pulsating heat pipes, thermal modulation system and auto display adjustments among others.

You want a sleek yet functional design

This display is thin, has the same cool lighting that Samsung’s Odyssey series is known for and is pretty easy to set up.

Don’t buy it if…

You don’t want to pay over $1,000 for a 27-inch OLED Monitor

There are ways to get a quality 27-inch 4K OLED monitor without spending over a grand.

You’re more into streaming

Though this display has picture-in-picture mode for other outputs, lacking KVM at this price will be disappointing for streamers looking to use one monitor for two devices.

You require a more robust feature set

Outside of lacking KVM, there aren’t many extras like speakers, game assists beyond several aim overlay options and no USB-C port.

Also Consider

MSI MPG 271QRX

If comparable performance and feature set is important alongside a cheaper price, then the MSI MPG 271QRX does well with its 1440p native resolution alongside 360Hz refresh rate.

Read our full MSI MPG 271QRX review

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM 4K

Anyone looking for a 27-inch 4K OLED that’s a bit more feature-rich should keep the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM, including KVM capabilities.

Read our full Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM 4K review

How I tested the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81S

Tested over two weeks
Games played included Marvel Rivals, Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Street Fighter 6
Creative software used includes Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro

Over the course of two weeks with the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF, I put the monitor through a wide range of real-world use cases—from immersive gaming sessions to demanding creative workflows and everyday productivity.

To assess its performance with visually intense AAA titles, I started with Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Cyberpunk 2077, which helped me evaluate the display’s color accuracy, contrast, and overall image quality. I then shifted to faster-paced, competitive titles like Marvel Rivals, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Fortnite to test responsiveness and input latency.

During work hours, I leaned on the G81 for creative tasks like designing graphics and editing video content using Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro. In between, I relied on it for general computing—browsing with Chrome, managing tasks in Asana, and streaming music via Tidal—giving me a full picture of the monitor’s versatility in day-to-day scenarios.

First reviewed April 2025

I tested the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF for two weeks and couldn’t get enough of its otherworldly performance

6:25 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Monitors Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: HDR, OLED | Comments: Off

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF: Two-minute review

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF: Price and availability

How much does it cost? $1,299 (£1,149 and AU $1,799)
When is it available? April 28th
Where can you get it? US, UK, and Australia

Value: 4 / 5

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF: Specs

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF: Design

Overall design is rightfully in line with Samsung’s Odyssey line of gaming monitors
Easy to set-up and adjustability is high
Lacks USB-C

Design: 4.5 / 5

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81S: Features

Safeguard+ Dynamic Cooling System is a wonderful way of maintaining pixel quality without being intrusive
Light gaming related features including a crosshair overlay
Nothing much feature-wise outside of that

Features: 3.5 / 5

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81S: Performance

Image quality is exceptional in SDR and HDR
Magnificent performance with 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time

Just by image quality and performance alone, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF is one of the best gaming monitors available at the moment, at least where 27-inch 4K options are concerned.

Performance 5 / 5

Should I buy the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81S?

Buy it if…

You require a 27-inch OLED gaming monitor with top-tier image quality and performance

You need some solid OLED display maintenance

Samsung’s OLED Safeguard+ technology has various ways to maintain monitor lifespan from its pulsating heat pipes, thermal modulation system and auto display adjustments among others.

You want a sleek yet functional design

This display is thin, has the same cool lighting that Samsung’s Odyssey series is known for and is pretty easy to set up.

Don’t buy it if…

You don’t want to pay over $1,000 for a 27-inch OLED Monitor

There are ways to get a quality 27-inch 4K OLED monitor without spending over a grand.

You’re more into streaming

Though this display has picture-in-picture mode for other outputs, lacking KVM at this price will be disappointing for streamers looking to use one monitor for two devices.

You require a more robust feature set

Outside of lacking KVM, there aren’t many extras like speakers, game assists beyond several aim overlay options and no USB-C port.

Also Consider

MSI MPG 271QRX

If comparable performance and feature set is important alongside a cheaper price, then the MSI MPG 271QRX does well with its 1440p native resolution alongside 360Hz refresh rate.

Read our full MSI MPG 271QRX review

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM 4K

Anyone looking for a 27-inch 4K OLED that’s a bit more feature-rich should keep the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM, including KVM capabilities.

Read our full Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM 4K review

How I tested the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81S

Tested over two weeks
Games played included Marvel Rivals, Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Street Fighter 6
Creative software used includes Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro

First reviewed April 2025

The Obsbot Meet SE might be the best budget webcam I’ve ever seen – and it’s also simply adorable

12:05 pm | April 23, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Peripherals & Accessories Webcams | Comments: Off

Obsbot Meet SE webcam: Two-minute review

The webcam market has long been dominated by a few familiar names, with the Logitech C920 reigning supreme for years. However, the recent arrival of the Obsbot Meet SE signals a shift in the landscape. This compact powerhouse, priced at an incredibly competitive $69, delivers a level of performance and features that surpasses many of its rivals, including the venerable C920.

The Obsbot Meet SE webcam. — (Image credit: Future)

The Obsbot Meet SE represents a significant leap forward in webcam technology. Its most striking feature is the exceptional image quality for the price. Colors appear remarkably accurate and vibrant, showcasing a great level of detail thanks to a 1.8 f-stop: the wider aperture allows for greater light capture, and Dual Native ISO with two separate ISO settings means the Meet SE can effectively minimize image noise and preserve detail in a wider range of lighting scenarios. This all results in brighter and more detailed images, even in challenging lighting conditions; particularly beneficial for streamers and content creators on a budget who may not have access to professional studio lighting.

Being able to fit all of this into such a small package is down to the stacked CMOS sensor. The stacked design allows for faster data processing and improved low-light performance, resulting in sharper images with reduced noise. Here's a side-by-side comparison of the Osbot Meet SE up against the Logitech C920, one of the best cheap webcams, and you can immediately see the difference in sharpness, quality, detail, and colour balance.

The built-in microphones do the job, but I personally wouldn't rely on them too much. They're fine in a quiet room, but in a busy office they picked up a little too much background noise for my liking.

Beyond its impressive image quality, the Meet SE boasts a suite of features that set it apart from the competition. Setup is incredibly straightforward. Simply plug the camera in, and it's ready to use. The intuitive proprietary software provides easy access to adjust settings like exposure, contrast, and sharpness, allowing users to fine-tune the image to their preferences. To make the most of these, you’ll need to download the Obsbot app - an annoyance, I know, but I really would recommend it to make the most of this little powerhouse.

In terms of the listed performance quality and features, you can capture smooth, fluid motion with 1080p at 100 frames per second or 720p at 150 frames per second. I personally found that 1080p at 60 fps is the sweet spot for this camera. The AI auto-framing feature ensures that you always remain in focus. I didn't think I moved around that much while on camera, but it's actually rather helpful.

Elsewhere, the gesture control feature that has become standard on Obsbot's cameras is here too, enabling hands-free operation - but I’d personally turn it off immediately, as anytime I waved my hands around on a call to illustrate what I was saying, the camera would start doing something I didn't want it to do. I understand the idea and how it could be useful for some users, but for me, it was just a frustration.

You can also seamlessly switch to vertical orientation either in the Obsbot app or by manually rotating the camera on the magnetic stand if you want to film yourself vertically. The final feature to discuss here is the 4X digital zoom, though I didn't really end up using this much; if I needed to show something, I would simply hold it up the camera, and the autofocus worked so well that zooming in felt unnecessary. Still, it's nice to have if you need it.

The Obsbot Meet SE impresses not only with its performance but also with its sleek and compact design. The first thing that surprised me when I got it out of the box was how small it was. To give you an idea of just how small it is, here is a picture of it with an SD card for comparison.

This size and its rectangular shape with rounded edges give it a really nice, cute design aesthetic, made even more evident with colors like the Aurora Green option. Obsbot also offers the Space Grey or Cloud White options for those of us who prefer a darker or cleaner look to our setup; the perfect way to have a solution for every buyer.

Its minimalist aesthetic is a welcome departure from the bulkier, more angular look of most of the best webcams. The inclusion of a magnetic mount adds a touch of convenience, allowing for easy placement and removal on various surfaces. However, this also means it can be knocked easily and isn’t as sturdy as a permanent mount. The mount itself can also be a bit fiddly to set up and feel a bit insecure, but it works fine once it's in place.

Obsbot Meet SE webcam: Price & availability

How much does it cost? $69 / £65 / AU$119
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? The US, UK, and Australia

Priced at $69 / £65 / AU$119, the Obsbot Meet SE offers exceptional value for the price. It significantly outperforms the similarly priced Logitech C920 in terms of image quality, features, and overall performance while remaining competitively priced.

There are some other great webcams out there around this price, but for my money, what helps to make the Obsbot Meet SE stand out is that it also looks great and comes in three color choices. This makes it an excellent choice for content creators and anyone seeking to enhance their video conferencing experience without breaking the bank while getting a nice-looking webcam at the same time.

Obsbot Meet SE webcam: Specs

Should you buy the Obsbot Meet SE webcam?

Buy it if...

You want a great cheap webcam
Despite its relatively low price, the Obsbot Meet SE has a lovely compact design and also delivers strong 1080p performance with a rich feature set.

You need a webcam to match your setup
With black, white, and pastel green colorways, the Meet SE is one of the very few good webcams on the market that offers a range of color customization options.

Don't buy it if...

You want 4K video
The Meet SE is a fantastic webcam, but if you're a serious content creator who wants to record in 4K, you're going to need to pony up a bit more cash.

Obsbot Meet SE webcam: Also consider

Logitech C920
The quintessential 1080p webcam. Logitech's C920 has been a reliable and sensibly priced choice of webcam for years, making it a good pick if you'd like to save some cash and don't need the fancy AI features found on the Obsbot Meet SE.

Read our full Logitech C920 review

Obsbot Tiny 2
If you're looking for a more premium webcam than the Meet SE, the Tiny 2 from Obsbot delivers 4K video along with AI-powered tracking via its mechanical gimbal mount. For those who want a high-end video experience, this is a great pick (though it's naturally more expensive than the Tiny SE).

Read our full Obsbot Tiny 2 review

How I tested the Obsbot Meet SE webcam

Tested the webcam in video calls
Spent a while experimenting with the gesture command feature
Compared image quality to other webcams

I used the Obsbot Meet SE for video calls and general image quality testing, as well as trying it out with various lighting levels to see how well it performed. I also tried out the gesture controls, and did some side-by-side comparisons with other webcams that offer the same resolution.

Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed: Two-minute review

The Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is a wireless gaming mouse in Razer’s asymmetrical range with pro-level play in mind. It adopts a small and sleek form, with an offset shape that slopes away to the right, giving it a more ergonomic feel. It’s relatively small too, especially across its width, although it’s the same length as a typical full-size pointer.

At a mere 55g, the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is very light – but it’s far from flimsy: Razer’s typically high standards are adhered to, and it feels robust.

The chassis material feels premium too, and although it’s not textured, the finish offers just enough grip on its own without requiring grip tape – which is convenient since none is included.

The buttons and scroll wheel also feel solid yet are as easy to operate as any of the best gaming mice, providing satisfying feedback. The texturing on the latter is a particular highlight, with its dotted design appealing to me more than the linear grooves you typically find on many other gaming mice.

Underneath the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed are two large PTFE skates (no spares are included), which cover a large surface area and offer very smooth glides. They aren’t thick enough to use on hard surfaces – but stick to using it on pads and you’ll be rewarded with effortless movements.

Underneath of Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, with 2.4GHz USB dongle and keyboard in background — (Image credit: Future)

The USB-C cable included with the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is of a similarly high quality, although it isn’t braided like those included with some elite gaming mice. It’s also not long enough to be practical for wired play; and even if your setup allows for it, it’s not light enough to prevent drag, although admittedly the effect isn’t as severe as with other non-braided cables.

The DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed can be customized using Razer Synapse, the brand’s peripheral software. Here you’ll find many of the usual tweaks, with plenty of rebinding options for nearly every button, including the power and DPI selector underneath.

The left click isn’t rebindable unless you activate Razer’s Hypershift function, which allows you to designate one button as a modifier to give you access to a second layer of bindings.

Synapse also has some unique features for the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, such as Dynamic Sensitivity, which lets you customize the curve for cursor acceleration based on the speed of your flicks. There’s also a setting for rotating the mouse’s angle to match the natural way you hold it, in order to help straighten horizontal movements.

Both of these will be useful to certain gamers I’m sure, but it’s a shame other advanced tweaks for the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed are missing, such as a slam click filter, lift-off distance adjustments, and an angle-snapping toggle.

Regardless of these omissions, however, the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is still a joy to play with. It feels sharp and responsive, which combined with its smooth-as-silk gliding ability, allow for accurate aiming and frantic swipes equally.

Close-up of mouse buttons on Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed — (Image credit: Future)

I found the ergonomic shape comfortable as well, which I was pleasantly surprised by – I haven’t always gelled with mice of this ilk in the past, but the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed proved a natural fit for my hand and fingers.

What’s more, the mouse buttons were light enough for rapid clicks, yet stable enough to prevent misclicks. The side buttons were easy to access and actuate, while the scroll wheel felt easy yet secure to operate; I could middle click confidently without worrying about accidental flicks.

However, I did have an issue with the middle click, which felt a little awkward to press, failing to provide as much feedback as I would’ve liked. This resulted in inconsistent actuation, especially in the heat of the moment.

Thankfully, connectivity was consistent, and true to the HyperSpeed name, I experienced no issues with lag. It’s a shame, however, that there’s no Bluetooth option in addition to the 2.4GHz USB dongle, which would’ve improved its versatility for multi-device setups.

Razer claims the battery of the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed can last up to 100 hours when set to the maximum 1K polling rate (although 8K is possible with the optional HyperPolling dongle). Based on my tests, I can well believe this figure, as after several days, the battery dipped by only a few percentage points.

There’s no question the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is an expensive gaming mouse, but its build quality and gaming prowess are excellent, and while the shape might not suit everyone, others will find it comfortable. A Pro version is available, which has a few upgraded specs, but the same basic form. Naturally, it’s more expensive.

If you want an even lighter gaming mouse, the Asus TUF Gaming M4 Air is about the best in this regard. It’s a great performer and considerably cheaper than the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed – although it lacks wireless connectivity.

Close-up of side buttons on Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed — (Image credit: Future)

Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed review: Price & availability

$99.99 / £99.99 / AU$179.95
Available now in black only
Competitively priced

The Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed costs $99.99 / £99.99 / AU$179.95 and is available now in one colorway: black. It comes with a 2.4GHz HyperSpeed USB dongle and a USB-C-to-A cable. Razer’s HyperPolling dongle can be purchased separately to boost the maximum polling rate all the way up to 8K.

For a wireless gaming mouse, the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed veers towards the top-end of the market, but considering the quality on offer, it remains competitive. A Pro version is also available, which we rate as the best wireless gaming mouse overall, thanks to its performance and ergonomics – the latter of which it shares with the V3 HyperSpeed. It’s more expensive, though, and slightly heavier.

If you’re looking for an even lighter pointer than the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, the Asus TUF Gaming M4 Air is a great alternative, as it tips the scales at a mere 50g. It’s also much cheaper than, but lacks wireless connectivity. Still, you can’t do much better than the M4 Air if you want powerhouse performance in a featherweight package.

Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed review: Specs

Should I buy the Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed?

Buy it if...

You want something light
At 55g, the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is certainly light, yet still retains a full-size length. It’s a little narrower than other gaming mice, though.

You want a semi-ergonomic shape
The rightwards slope of the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is reminiscent of ergonomic mice, so some gamers might find it more comfortable to use.

Don't buy it if...

You want pro-level tweaking
Although Synapse is a capable piece of software, more advanced tweaks are missing for the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, such as a slam click filter and LoD adjustments.

You’re left-handed
The DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is asymmetrical and only suitable for right-handers, so lefties will have to look elsewhere.

Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed review: Also consider

Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro
The Pro version of the HyperSpeed has an upgraded sensor capable of a 30K DPI – 4K more than the HyperSpeed can manage. It also has faster IPS speeds and acceleration, although it’s almost 10g heavier and more expensive. Still, it’s simply the best wireless gaming mouse we’ve experienced. Read our Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro review.

Asus TUF Gaming M4 Air
The TUF Gaming M4 Air only weighs 50g, so if lightness is a priority for you, there aren’t many better. What’s more, we found its form very comfortable and its switches nice and responsive, if a little on the heavy side. We also rate it as the best mouse for CS:GO and CS2 in the lightweight category. What’s more, it’s considerably cheaper than the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, although it’s wired-only. Read our Asus TUF Gaming M4 Air review.

How I tested the Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed

Tested for several days
Played games and browsed
Plentiful PC gaming experience

I tested the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed for several days, during which time I used it for gaming and general browsing.

I played Counter-Strike 2, which is a stern test for any mouse, given it requires incredibly fast movements yet pinpoint accuracy when aiming.

I have been PC gaming for over a decade, and during that time I have experienced a great deal of mice ranging in price, size, and features. I have reviewed numerous models as well, including other Razer products.

Read more about how we test
First reviewed: April 2025

I spent a few weeks testing the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus – if you’re looking for an affordable MacBook Air alternative, this is it

11:00 pm | April 15, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Laptops Windows Laptops | Tags: Dell Inspiron | Comments: Off

Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441: Two-minute review

Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 from the front — (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

The best way to think of the Dell Inspron 14 Plus 7441 is as a Windows version of a MacBook Air. Not as superpowered as a Dell XPS (or a MacBook Pro), but snappy performance, a thin and light chassis, and long battery life are all features you can expect here.

For the right person, namely someone who wished there was a Windows MacBook Air, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 might be the best laptop for them. Its performance, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU, is snappy while being power efficient. The battery life is very, very impressive, even if it doesn’t reach its advertised heights. And as one of the many laptops built in the mold of the clamshell MacBook, it’s thin, light, and encased in an all-aluminum chassis.

It’s also at a similar price point, though it doesn’t get much more expensive at its maxed out configuration. Of course, since it is a tinier bit cheaper, there are elements that feel a little lower quality than I would expect. Namely, the keyboard, touchpad, and audio quality are a bit underwhelming considering the price. They’re all fine, but feel like they belong on a computer a couple hundred dollars cheaper.

Still, the pros vastly outweigh the cons. The quality of the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441’s performance and battery life bode well for future Qualcomm-equipped laptops, and offer a solid alternative to the MacBook Air and other $1,000 Ultrabooks.

Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441: Price and availability

Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 closed — (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

How much does it cost? Starting at $949.99 (about £760 / AU$1,470)
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

Since it’s a solid mid-range option utilizing Snapdragon ARM CPUs, it’s no surprise that the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 is available just about everywhere. While it leans more mid-range than a premium Ultrabook, its starting price of $949.99 (about £760 / AU$1,470) feels a little high. I would expect it to be closer to around an $800 / £600 price point.

At the very least, going up in price is not hugely significant. Going from a 256GB to 512GB SSD adds just about $50 to the price. It should be noted that this configuration with the slightly larger drive is the base configuration in the UK and Australia with a price point of $999.99 / £749.99 / AU$1,597.20. Going up to the max configuration with the slightly more powerful Snapdragon X Plus X1E-80-100 CPU and 1 TB SSD goes for $1,099.99 / £899.99 / AU$1,897.50.

For around the same price, you can get the base configuration of the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, which has better battery life and at least equal performance. However, upgrading the RAM or SSD adds quite a bit to its cost – the configuration with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD is pricier at $1,299 / £1,299 / AU$2,099.

If you want more performance in a similarly slim form factor and are okay sacrificing battery life, the slightly older version of the Acer Swift X14 starts at the same price point (the new 2024 version got a bit of a price bump).

Value: 4 / 5

Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441: Specs

When it comes to different configurations, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 only allows a small amount of customization. Not including software upgrades (Windows 11 Home vs Windows 11 Pro primarily), you can choose between just two CPUs: the 10-core 3.4GHz Snapdragon X Plus X1P-64-100 and the 12-core 3.4GHz Snapdragon X Plus X1E-80-100 that can be boosted to 4.0 GHz. There are also three SSD options: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The faster CPU and the 1TB SSD are tied together, so if you upgrade one, you have to upgrade the other.

It’s also worth noting that there’s an additional M.2 slot if you want to expand the memory at a later date.

The display that comes with the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 is a 14-inch 1600p screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio and 400 nits of brightness. It’s also a touch screen. Only the one screen is available - no luck if you were hoping to upgrade a mid-tier performance laptop to have an OLED screen.

Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441: Design

Utilitarian Ultrabook form factor
Light and thin
Keyboard and touchpad are nothing special

The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 follows in Dell’s Inspiron line insofar that it’s a bit utilitarian in its design. Well, that’s certainly the case here. It fits that Ultrabook mold of trying to compete with Apple’s more entry level laptops, with a focus on non-power users who want a competent, portable, and attractive device. So, then this laptop is thin, light, and comes in an attractive if discreet silver aluminum chassis.

I’ll cover its competence in the next section, but it’s certainly thin at just over a half-inch thick and light at a little over three pounds. You don’t have to worry about portability with this version of the Dell Inspiron. And the aluminum chassis feels sturdy as well if you tend to throw your laptops in a backpack with a case.

Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 touchscreen — (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

As far as the display goes, it’s a sharp 1600p touchscreen with up to 400 nits of brightness. While HDR is not on hand, the color accuracy is good enough for photo editing with a 97.6% sRGB, though its DCI-P3 color coverage is 69% so video editing, especially with HDR is not a good idea here.

The keyboard is responsive and attractive with its white backlighting, but is a little stiff to touch. I do wish the individual keys had a little more of a concave shape to them as well. Essentially, it’s good enough, but a little below what I would expect for a laptop like this.

The touchpad is likewise good enough. It’s not the smoothest feeling I've used, but it does the job and is as responsive as it should be.

Lastly, the port selection is about par for this form factor. There are two USB-C 4 ports (one of which is taken up by the charger when plugged in), one regular USB port, an audio jack, and a microSD reader. The last one is something you won’t find on a MacBook Air, by the way.

Image 1 of 3

Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 keyboard and touchpad — (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

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Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 right ports — (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

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Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 left ports — (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

Design: 4.5 / 5

Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441: Performance

Speedy performance for day-to-day tasks
Has Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for speedy connectivity
Audio and webcam are adequate

The Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-64-100 and integrated Adreno Graphics are plenty powerful for everyday users. It’s not powerful enough for any real gaming as is to be expected and video editing is going to be an exercise in patience. But, if you need enough power to have 15 tabs open without suffering a slowdown even while streaming, then this laptop can do it.

I was even able to do some light gaming, so if you like to blow off some steam with less demanding titles like Counter-Strike, you shouldn’t have any issues. For most people, the performance on tap is enough.

Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441: Benchmarks

3DMark: Fire Strike: 5965; Time Spy: 1903; Wild Life: 16797

GeekBench 6.3 2436 (single-core); 13281 (multi-core)Handbrake 1.8.1: 7:02

CrossMark: Overall: 1234 Productivity: 1145 Creativity: 1383 Responsiveness: 1098

PC Mark 10 Battery Test (Office): 9:55

PC Mark 10 Battery Test (Video): 18:19:44

It’s also pretty quick when it comes to connectivity as it comes with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. That also helps with having those 15-20 tabs open, not to mention that connecting devices should be speedy as well.

The audio and webcam are similar to the keyboard and touchpad in that they’re serviceable, but just that. Again, I would expect slightly better. Starting with the audio, it gets plenty loud, but also gets a bit boomy as the volume goes up.

The webcam is sharp enough at 1080p. The 30 fps it’s capable of is okay, but isn’t the smoothest. Plus, there’s some graininess to it as well. At least, there’s a physical privacy shutter.

Performance: 4 / 5

Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441: Battery life

Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 angled — (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

Lasts over 18 hours on a single charge
Takes awhile to charge back up

The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441’s battery life both fails to meet its advertised benchmark, though it's still utterly impressive. When a laptop is supposed to last 21 hours and gets pretty close, it’s quite the feat.

In test, this laptop made it to almost 18 hours and 20 minutes on a single charge. During use, that means I’ve been able to cart this laptop around and use it when needed for three days without plugging it in and still have 50% battery life.

Since the battery life is so long, it does take some time to get back to full. It took me about 35 minutes to back up to 99%. While that’s not bad at all, you’ll want to give it some time to juice back if you get it down to nothing.

Another bright spot with the battery life is the fact that, like MacBooks and unlike many other Windows laptops, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 doesn’t use a whole lot of battery when inactive, but not off. There have been plenty of laptops that I’ve used where the battery life would still drain from when the lid is closed to when the laptop is woken back up.

Battery life: 5 / 5

Should I buy the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441?

Buy it if…

You want a very, very long battery life

Partially because of the efficiency of the Qualcomm CPU, the battery life on this laptop is ridiculously long. Even if it doesn’t quite hit the advertised 21 hours, almost 18 and a half hours is very impressive.

You wish you could get a MacBook Air with Windows

If you ever wanted the appointments of a MacBook Air, specifically long battery life and quick performance in a slim package, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 does a very good job of filling that niche.

You want to try an ARM-equipped laptop

If you want something outside of the usual Intel or AMD offerings, the Qualcomm CPU on here provides very good day-to-day performance.

Don't buy it if...

You want premium throughout

There are a few areas, notably the keyboard, touchpad, audio, and webcam, that don’t feel as premium as the rest of the laptop (or its price tag). If you want something without any cut corners, spend a little more on a Dell XPS.

You want the most value possible

The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 is a lot of things, but a value proposition it’s not. The price isn’t bad, but it feels just slightly overpriced, not to mention that it’s more for those that want a competent laptop, not a cheap one.

Also Consider

If our Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 review has you considering other options, here are two laptops to consider...

Acer Swift X14

For around the same price, the Acer Swift X14 offers an interesting alternative. Instead of a more power-efficient and snappier ARM CPU, it comes with a solid one from Intel. But, you also get discrete graphics that can handle gaming and more demanding editing while still retaining the slim form factor. The Acer does have a much shorter battery life.

Read our full Acer Swift X14 review

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3)

The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) offers excellent performance with a long battery life thanks to Apple’s own M3 system-on-a-chip, is incredibly lightweight, not to mention attractive, and provides an intuitive user experience. Of course, its base configuration comes with just 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, upgrading either adds quite a bit to the price tag.

Read our full Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) review

How I tested the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441

Tested for a couple weeks
Used it for work, gaming, and streaming
Tested the hybrid features

I used the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 for a couple weeks, doing some light gaming, watching some online content, and working on it. I also used it on the go and tested its various features like the webcam and audio.

The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 takes advantage of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon ARM CPUs to offer snappy and efficient performance in an Ultrabook form factor. It’s slightly pricey for what it is, but is ideal for those that want something utilitarian, yet attractive and powerful enough for extended day-to-day work on the go.

I’ve spent the last few years reviewing tech gear for gaming and otherwise, where I’ve gotten a feel for what to look for and how to put a piece of kit through its paces to see whether it’s worth the recommendation.

I tested the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition for a week – it’s got the price and performance, but the design needs a few tweaks

4:59 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets | Tags: Google Chrome, Macbook Air | Comments: Off

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition: Two-minute review

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition laptop open to show 180 degree hinge — (Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)

Lenovo’s Yoga series has long stood out in the ultra-portable laptop space, thanks to its sleek design and lightweight build—and the new Slim 7i Aura Edition continues that tradition. Weighing just 3.33 lbs (1.53kg) and measuring under an inch thick when closed, it’s designed for those who value portability without sacrificing style.

Under the hood, the Slim 7i Aura Edition features an Intel Ultra 7 256V processor, Intel Arc 140V GPU with 8GB of VRAM, 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a 1TB SSD. While this setup isn’t geared for heavy-duty tasks like high-end gaming or intensive creative work, it’s more than capable for everyday use. Whether you’re writing papers, doing light photo or video editing, streaming content, playing some less visually intensive games or multitasking across browser tabs, it gets the job done smoothly.

One of the standout features is the vibrant 2K IPS touchscreen, which offers a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. While the hardware won’t always take full advantage of that refresh rate in more demanding scenarios, it still delivers a fluid and visually engaging experience. Adding to the entertainment value are the quad 2W speakers with Dolby Atmos support, providing surprisingly rich and immersive sound. Topping those impressive specs is a 4-cell 70Wh battery that lasts a pretty long time and doesn’t take long to charge.

There are some design features that may turn away potential buyers. Despite the serviceable portability, other aspects of the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition don't work well. This starts with the design that’s lacking in several places from the protruding webcam lip to missing some ports alongside a power button placement that is just weird.

Speaking of the webcam, it’s not the best compared to other laptops and isn’t really good in most lighting conditions outside of broad daylight. There aren’t even any sort of AI tools or anything to make image quality better either which is disappointing. Then there’s the reality that the laptop doesn’t have a fingerprint reader for log-in which means that the only biometric measure is the camera which can be inconsistent.

Priced between $1,049 and $1,399, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition is an attractive buy if users can get past some caveats. This laptop should definitely work for students or casual users in need of a stylish, capable machine with just enough power for office work, light creative work and entertainment.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition: Price and availability

How much does it cost? The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition starts at $1,049 and can reach as high as $1,399
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? It is available now in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia

Available now, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition can be purchased in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. Though the ultra-portable laptop can be bought through Lenovo’s online store, there are other ways to get it depending on the territory you live in.

When it comes to cost, be prepared to pay somewhere between $1,049 and $1,399 within the United States on the Lenovo online store. Our review configuration featuring the specs mentioned above comes out to $1,049.

Right now, the users who want an option with less RAM at 16GB, base-level Intel integrated graphics and 512GB SSD storage are going to pay around $1,280 at the moment. Potential buyers looking for 32GB of RAM to review configuration are currently going to pay $1,399. Regardless of the choices, this is definitely an affordable lightweight laptop for general computing tasks.

There are a few options for the UK buyers through Lenovo’s online retailer. Both feature 32GB of RAM, integrated Intel graphics, 1TB SSD and 14.5-inch 3000 X 1872 OLED display with touch capabilities. Setting them apart starts with the £1,300 configuration that has an Intel Core Ultra 7 255 Processor with Windows 11 Home 64. Meanwhile, at £1,690, purchasers can get an Intel Core Ultra 7 285H Processor and Windows 11 Pro 64.

Citizens of Australia on the Lenovo store have one option available at the moment. At $2,999, potential buyers can get an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, Arc 140 V, 32GB RAM 1TB SSD and the lovely 15.3-inch 2.8K IPS display with touch capabilities.

Value: 4.5 / 5

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition: Specs

Here are the specs for the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition at a glance.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition: Design

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition laptop powered on and open, resting on a small black table — (Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)

Light, thin and made up of premium feeling aluminum
Lacks SD Card and only has one USB-A
Webcam lip and power button placement buttons problematic

The Luna Grey colorway of the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition sets the right tones against the Lenovo logo top panel when closed. It’s a great way to appreciate all of the rounded lines that accentuate the sleekness and light weight. Made up of a mix of raw and recycled aluminum, the laptop has a special coating that prevents smudging and fingerprints. That includes the chassis, keyboard and touchpad as well. From the looks alongside feel, the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition comes off as a premium product that has a bit of environmental consciousness to it.

There aren’t a lot of ports on the laptop but enough for someone who relies on simpler computing tasks for sure. On the right side includes a single USB-A and USB-C sitting above the power button and webcam shutter switch. The opposite side will provide users a HDMI port, USB-C port and 3.5 combo audio/microphone headphone jack.

Compared to others within its tier of ultra portable laptops, the lack of additional USB-A ports or even a SD Card slot could bring issues for the creative sect of users that Lenovo is trying to court with this laptop. Even the power button placement comes with its own set of problems as picking up the laptop in the wrong way can put the laptop to sleep. Adding to that is the lack of a fingerprint scanner which makes the webcam the only biometric option for unlocking the laptop.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition webcam — (Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)

Before opening the display, half of the laptop protrudes out a bit thanks to the webcam which looks a bit awkward. Once opened, the top half reveals the lovely 2880x1800 IPS touch screen surrounded by bezels that can be laid flat at a 90 degree angle. The bottom half features a nice feeling keyboard that’s pretty quiet alongside a pretty smooth touchpad. Between the keyboard are two speakers with the remaining ones on the bottom panel.

Overall, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition strikes a balance between elegant design and functional performance, though a few layout quirks and limited port options may leave many users wanting more.

Design: 3.5 / 5

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition: Performance

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura keyboard — (Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)

General computing tasks run briskly
The 15-inch 2K IPS touch screen is wonderful in motion
Intel Arc 140V GPU doesn’t help much when it comes to gaming and heavy creative work

During my week and some change with the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition, most of my time was split between using Google Chrome and Adobe Suite. This was the best way to get an understanding of how general computing tasks work on the laptop.

The Intel Ultra 7 256V and 16GB LPDD5X RAM do a great job of ensuring applications run smoothly and open quickly regardless of how many Google Chrome tabs I had open. Despite having five browser windows open with dozens of tabs open, there wasn’t a hint of slowdown. Meanwhile, fan noise remained quiet and the bottom became slightly warm on the lap.

Keeping expectations in check, creative tasks worked pretty fine as well. Using Photoshop, editing 1080p images wasn't a problem regardless of how many layers were in a file. Rendering times were a bit on the slow side for the same resolution when attempting to add video content to the Photoshop file with a two minute video taking around three or so minutes to do so.

The time on encoding on Premiere Pro was a lot quicker though at around 30 seconds for a minute of HD video. Attempting to go higher in the resolution does lead to a less performance especially when rendering which can stretch pretty long.

Intel may be the king of CPUs but the same can’t be said in terms of their more recent ambitions into discrete GPUs. The included Intel Arc 140V GPU has 8GB of VRAM but it seems to help more in creative tasks than gaming.

On desktops, the GPU has compatibility issues compared to rivals Nvidia and AMD so expect similar situations here. During our benchmark test for games this was more than obvious as Borderlands 3 could only hit 25 frames per second at 1080p resolution while Shadows of The Tomb Raider couldn’t even run at all at the same resolution. This means that more CPU intensive games that require a lot of visual processing like Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm and Total War: Warhammer III fared fairly better.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition: Benchmarks

Here's how the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

25GB File Copy: 1,613.44 Transfer Rate (in MBps)

Blackmagic Disk Speed Test: Write - 3297.3, Read - 3825.2

Geekbench 6.3: Single-Core - 2531, Multicore - 10711

HandBrake: 6:23

CrossMark: Overall - 1652

PugetBench for Adobe CC: Photoshop - 5935, Premiere Pro - 3276

3DMark: Fire Strike - 8214, Time Spy - 3982

Borderlands 3: 1080p 25.20fps, 2880x1800 13.30

Sid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm: 1080p 52.284fps, 2880x1800 37.345

Web Surfing (Battery Informant): 14:10:07

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition: Battery life

4-cell (70Wh) battery

If drained, can get 3 hours of battery life with a 15-minute charge

A shame considering that more casual or serious PC gamers won’t be able to make the most of the beautiful 15-inch 2K IPS touch screen that also has a 120Hz refresh rate. Delta E<1 helps maintain color accuracy while also supporting 100% P3 and 100% sRGB color gamuts.

During general computing tasks, text is crisp and easily readable while images are bold and lush. The 500 nits of brightness are used to great effect as well alongside watching video content means lush colors and blacks are deep regardless of settings. For more sensitive eyes, the display is also TÜV Low Blue Light and Eyesafe certified.

The same can be said for the 4 2W speakers that come with Dolby Atmos compatibility. From watching or creating videos to listening to music on Tidal, audio quality is fine regardless of loudness levels which can get pretty high. Bass can get really deep without any distortion and mid-tones are identifiable which is surprising considering how small they are.

Performance: 4 / 5

Battery life on the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition is on par with some of the best ultra light laptops in its class thanks to the 4-cell 70Wh battery. During our Web Surfing Battery Informant test, I was able to get 14 hours and some change out of the device. This allowed me to make it throughout an entire day through a single charge of moderate usage.

I realized this while working my hybrid Digital Editor position as I worked in an office three times a week. During those times on a full charge, the end of the day would leave me at around half of battery life.

Charging is through one of the USB-C ports and the adapter supports Rapid Charge Express which gives around three hours of runtime with just a 15-minute charge. I was able to get around full in close to an hour.

Battery life: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition?

Buy it if...

You want an affordable, lightweight laptop with reputable performance for everyday computing and light creative tasks

Weighing in the ballpark of three pounds while being less than an inch thick when closed makes this a great laptop to throw in an average-sized backpack despite having some good components that make running various general computing and easier creative tasks a breeze.

You need a beautiful screen and audio experience

The lovely 15-inch 2880x1800 IPS touch screen is elevated with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Add four 2W speakers into the mix and this laptop provides a serious audio/visual experience.

Don't buy it if...

You require a long-lasting battery

We squeezed around 14 hours of juice during benchmark testing but daily use gave us somewhere between 8 to 10 hours on one charge. That doesn’t even count the quick charging capabilities as well.

Don't buy it if...

You need an industry leading design that matches functionality

The overall shape and size is wonderfully portable but there are some flaws in the design. This includes a webcam lip that pokes out when closed, lack of SD card slot, only one USB-A port and the sensitive power placement on the right side is problematic.

You want something that provides better gaming and creative performance

A shame that users won’t be able to make the most out of the 120Hz display, considering the specs don’t allow for much high end gaming or hyper intensive creative work.

You require a good webcam

The FHD webcam doesn’t work well in low light and there isn’t any type of software to improve functionality in that sense.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition: Also consider

If our Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition review has you considering other options, here are two laptops to consider...

Macbook Air 15-inch (M4)

Creatives looking for a lightweight and affordable laptop may find the Macbook Air 15-inch a great option if fine with losing an inch in display real estate and lack of Wi-Fi 7.

Read the full review here

MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo B1MG

Though the MSI Prestige may be a bit more expensive, it performs nearly similarly while having a better webcam, power button layout and SD Card slot.

How I tested the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition

Tested this laptop over the span of a week and some days
Used for Google Chrome, Tidal and Adobe Creative Suite

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition was tested over a one-week period. General computing tasks were conducted using Google Chrome, including the use of Google Docs and YouTube. Creative software such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Photoshop was used to assess performance in content creation. Instagram was used to evaluate webcam and microphone functionality.

The 15-inch IPS touchscreen display was assessed by streaming multiple 4K YouTube videos to examine visual output and speaker function. Additional audio performance was tested using music playback on Tidal.