Platform reviewed: PS5 Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC Release date: September 19, 2024
If I had a nickel for every time a soulslike was inspired by Italian source material, I’d have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it’s happened twice. This second time around it’s Enotria: The Last Song, following on from 2023’s excellent Lies of P.
Enotria is more inspired by Italian folklore rather than a single piece of media, however, and it forms the backdrop of a visually striking world with loads to love about its setting and worldbuilding. To many, this alone is worth playing Enotria for - just to see how gorgeous and creative its environments get.
It’s a game that’s otherwise sadly let down by a convoluted mess of gameplay systems - from swathes of equipment and ability categories to the use of Italian nomenclature for items and status effects. It can be quite to wrap your head around, and that’s before getting to some rather weightless-feeling combat and lackluster boss encounters. However, I still think Enotria is worth a playthrough for its stunning environmental design and occasionally clever level layouts.
Life of the party
(Image credit: Jyamma Games)
In a world inhabited by puppet-like humanoids, you are the Maskless One, a being that can assume various forms (and thus playstyles) by wearing a variety of masks you find throughout the game. Said masks change the Maskless One’s appearance and provide unique bonuses. One mask, for example, might boost heavy attack damage, while another can increase the number of replenishable healing items you can carry.
Masks form the base of your loadouts, of which you can set up to three. Within a single loadout, you can equip up to two weapons, four active skills (known here as ‘Lines’), six passive abilities which can be unlocked via a skill tree, a parry stone that grants unique effects upon successfully guarding, as well as an ‘Aspect’ which can boost or take away from the game’s five governing stats.
Best bit
(Image credit: Jyamma Games)
Enotria’s art direction is simply sublime. The gorgeously detailed environments are vividly colored, often sun-drenched, creating quite a pleasant atmosphere that isn’t common in the soulslike subgenre.
It’s all rather a lot to take on board, and Enotria doesn’t do a particularly good job of explaining it all - even in its early tutorial segments. As a result, you can spend a lot of time wondering just how each individual piece of your loadout will actually benefit you. This is exacerbated by the game’s tricky terminology.
Elemental damage effects, item names, and even the speed at which a weapon is swung are all written in Italian. I can’t complain about this too much, as it fits with the game’s overall setting and themes, but it does have an impact on readability. By the end of the game, I still had to glance at tutorial notes to remember what effects like ‘Fatuo’ or ‘Gratia’ did to enemies. Maybe I should’ve just booted up Duolingo...
Thankfully, the four main status effects - Dizzy, Wicked, Radiant, and Sick - are easier to understand. But beyond that, they’re much different and more interesting than your usual poisons, paralysis, and so on, in that they all carry a beneficial effect in addition to a negative one.
Dizzy, for example, reduces your overall defense, but also buffs your damage and stamina regeneration rate. Radiant is super cool, causing you to regain health points (HP), but being attacked will trigger an explosion that will deal massive damage to you. I absolutely love this and shows that Enotria does think outside the box in many of its gameplay aspects; I just wish it was all explained a little better in-game.
All the world's a stage
(Image credit: Jyamma Games)
One thing that doesn’t need explaining is Enotria’s stunning world design. Its sun-drenched environments pop with vivid color, something I’m really not used to seeing in the best soulslike games which are usually suitably dour in tone. Definitely play Enotria on an HDR-capable display if you can; the game is certainly suited for it.
I was also really impressed with Enotria’s level design overall. While not quite reaching FromSoftware levels of intricate, Enotria presents plenty of winding streets, alleyways, nooks, and crannies that encourage the player to go off and explore, all while keeping the critical path easy to follow. It strikes a great balance between linearity and optional exploration.
The game does sadly fall quite short in the combat department. While serviceable for a soulslike, weapon strikes often feel lacking in impact, leading the whole affair to feel fairly listless. It’s not awful by any means, but not as engaging as some of its contemporaries including Lies of P and of course Elden Ring.
The game is also fairly easy overall; upgrade materials are plentiful, as is experience (EXP) needed to level up. In fact, I’d hit level 60 just a handful of hours into my first playthrough. It’s a relatively short game, too, especially for a soulslike. You can handily clear the game within 20 hours, which enables Enotria to execute very good pacing, and the game does not outstay its welcome.
Sadly, boss fights are also quite a let down with many encounters following the Dark Souls 2 formula of ‘big dude in armor’. There are some standouts with really striking designs - like Zanni The First Mask with his twisted, monstrous form - but even they fall short in the difficulty department. Going up against a towering major boss, only to clear it in less than a couple of minutes on my first attempt was a common occurrence, which certainly felt anticlimactic.
Accessibility
There aren’t a ton of accessibility options in Enotria: The Last Song. However, what’s here is welcome. There are colorblind modes for deuteranopia, tritanopia, and protanopia and you can even adjust their strength on a scale of zero to 10. There is also subtitle support for 13 languages (as well as an Italian dub for voiced audio, which is a nice touch).
Should I play Enotria: The Last Song
Play it if...
You want a distinct soulslike experience Cool status effects, impressive loadout customization, and excellent level design all make Enotria worth playing through at least once.
You love original and offbeat art direction There isn’t a single game that looks like Enotria, and it accomplishes its setting, tone, and art direction all phenomenally well.
Don't play it if...
You’re after a meaty and challenging experience The relatively short runtime and often listless, easy combat are arguably the weakest parts of Enotria. The boss fights in particular, are a sharp letdown.
How I reviewed Enotria: The Last Song
My playthrough of Enotria: The Last Song lasted about 14 hours and I experienced most of the game’s boss fights and locations with plenty of exploration and item hunting mixed in. I also endeavored to try out a bunch of different loadouts via the Mask system.
I played Enotria on PS5 with a DualSense Edge controller on an LG CX OLED TV, almost exclusively in its 60fps performance mode which I found to hold up extremely well with little if any frame drops at all. The 30fps graphics mode is similarly stable and provides an impressive bump in detail, though I found the game to be more enjoyable and fluid at the higher framerate option.
We’ve seen multiple versions of the Theragun Pro, and every time the upgrades have been incremental but very welcome.
This is the crown jewel in Theragun’s lineup, after all, and it’s powerful and practical; however, it might be too pricey for some. Still, if you can afford the cost of entry, there are few better options when it comes to the best massage guns on the market.
While it lacks some of the massage-adjacent features of the smaller Sense, it’s a dream to use for just, well, self-massage. It’s got a sizeable battery, and a spare included (that’s a combined five hours between them which means none of those frustrating moments where you get back from a run and need to plug it in for a while), while also packing a rotating arm which you won’t find on the company’s other offerings (at least not anymore).
There’s an OLED screen, as has become standard, with guided massage routines, and the hefty 60lbs / 27kg force rating means it can hit as hard as you need it to.
In fact, other than the price, my only real complaint is that it’s a rather sizeable massage gun, which likely rules it out for travel.
Theragun Pro: Specifications
Theragun Pro: Price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
Available now
Priced at $599 / £499/AUD$799
The latest version of the Theragun Pro is expensive, at $599, but it’s regularly discounted closer to $500/£499/AUD$799. Just be sure you’re picking up the latest version if you want that quieter motor.
The Theragun Pro looks how you’d expect a modern Theragun model to look, with that distinctive circle and a comfortable handle.
There’s only one colorway, with the black body surrounding a metallic blue trim, but it looks good, and I prefer it to the white version of the Sense. As mentioned above, though, it’s chunky – I’ve got large hands so I was fine, but my partner found it a little trickier to get her hands around it when administering a back massage.
Thankfully, it’s not uncomfortable, just a little unwieldy. It’s nice and easy to switch between attachments (more on those shortly), while there’s an OLED display that offers the option to jump right into a guided massage routine or just get started quickly – ideal for a post-gym blast.
Design score: 5/5
Theragun Pro: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
Powerful motor
Power adapter included
Six attachments
With 60lbs / 27kg of force, the Theragun hits as hard as you can take, and I particularly appreciated the QX150 motor, paired with the extendable arm, for hitting those hard-to-reach spots while still offering consistent output.
There are six attachments in the box, as has become Theragun’s standard, meaning you can expect Standard Ball, Dampener, Thumb, Wedge, SuperSoft, and Micropoint options. They come in their own case, too, while the unit itself has a case. Speaking of accessories, I’m really pleased the power adapter, missing from the Theragun Sense, is included here.
I’ve been using the guided massage functionality to work over multiple muscle groups after the gym or a 5K run, and I’ve found that it’s reduced a lot of the tightness in my hamstrings and calves, helping me feel like I can get out again sooner.
There are four routines included, with an OLED screen making it easy to switch between them; Sleep (for bedtime routines), Warm-up and Recovery (which are obvious), and one for a quick blast of massage via Theragun Break.
The motor is quieter than the previous generation, which makes it more conducive to using later at night, while the customizable speed range means you can go as fast or as slow as you want - or can handle.
Performance score: 5/5
Theragun Pro: Scorecard
Theragun Pro: Should I buy it?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
You’re looking to recover more quickly
I’ve seen a definite uptick in my recovery times, meaning I’m able to exercise more regularly.
The Oura Ring Generation 4 is better than the Samsung Galaxy Ring – provided, that is, you subscribe to the $5.99-a-month Oura Ring membership program. It’s more comfortable thanks to the lack of nodules, it’s got theoretically better heart rate, blood oxygen and skin temperature recognition thanks to the way its sensors are designed, an AI ‘Oura Advisor’ service, sophisticated women’s health tracking insights, ‘stress’ and ‘resilience’ metrics along with all the features available on the app to previous-gen Oura Ring users.
It’s a wonderfully-designed Ring, supremely comfortable to wear at night thanks to the lack of protruding inner nodes, easy on the eye, and available in six metallic finishes, all externals comprised of tough titanium. The redesigned app is great, providing detail and context missing in other smart rings with the use of timelines and easy-to-add ‘tags’. Battery life is good, with the Oura Ring matching expectations and lasting around six days as advertised with multiple workouts.
Automatic workout tracking also works terrifically, and is now able to be used for more than walking and running. The ring is able to correctly identify up to 40 different workout profiles, and I really enjoyed this aspect: it correctly identified running and yoga after I listed them as two of my most common workout types. I tried one of the guided meditations from the app’s Explore content section and felt as though it was comparable to other mindfulness services, like the Calm app. It really does feel like a futuristic wearable in every respect, from its design to its performance.
However, it’s also pricier than its contemporaries. The Samsung Galaxy Ring and Ultrahuman Ring Air are expensive wearables, but once you buy them, that’s it. The Oura Ring is also a premium device, starting at $349 / £349 (Australia pricing is TBC) with the added subscription acting as a paywall to access almost all features other than your Readiness, Activity and Sleep scores. I can understand a premium device demanding a premium price (I recently gave the pricey Garmin Fenix 8 a coveted five-star rating) but the ongoing nature of the subscription means the Oura Ring does lose half a point in the value stakes.
Garmin also continues to add new features to its devices via software on a regular basis, just like Oura. Unfortunately, Oura makes you pay for these, and only gives you a one-month free trial; comparable services, like Fitbit Premium, often give you six months free as an incentive to sign up. That said, it’s a really excellent service, and I can’t recommend it enough – if you can afford it. If you’re on a budget, though, rival smart rings offer almost as much versatility in a better-value package.
Oura Ring 4: Price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
$349 / £349, with Australia prices TBC
$5.99 subscription (priced in USD across all regions)
Some colors incur an additional cost
As previously stated, the Oura Ring 4 starts at $349 / £349, with Australia pricing TBC as it’s currently unavailable in that region. Some designs and colorways cost more, with Rose Gold being the most expensive at $499 / £499.
The Oura Ring Membership, which is required if you want to unlock the ring’s full potential, costs $5.99; you get one month free when you purchase the ring. As mentioned above, If you’re going to buy the ring, you really have to subscribe to see its full potential.
The Oura Ring’s closest rival, the Samsung Galaxy Ring, costs $399 / £399 (around AU$750). That’s $50 / £50 than the base-model Oura Ring, but with no subscription attached, and other smart rings tend to hover around this price or cheaper. I don’t think the subscription is poorly priced, but as with a Whoop or a Fitbit, it smarts to pay a premium for the device, only to then have to keep paying in order to access your own data.
Value score: 3/5
Oura Ring 4: Design
(Image credit: Future)
Simple and elegant
More comfortable than the Generation 3
Redesigned app
The Oura Ring 4 is beautifully designed, and makes several leaps forward ahead of its competitors. All colorways are made of titanium now, with options of Black, Silver, Brushed Silver, Gold, Stealth (gray) and Rose Gold available. A notch on the underside of the ring shows which orientation it should be worn in.
It doesn’t have the concave design of the Samsung Galaxy Ring to protect its surface: its body is more of a traditional ‘straight’ wedding ring design. It’s tough, and should withstand a bit of beating up, but if you care about the look of your ring you will want to go careful. After a week of wear I can see some very light scratching on the surface of my Brushed Silver model, and I’m certainly too nervous to wear it to the gym without gloves.
However, the important changes here are on the underside of the ring. Gone are those skin-contact nodes, and in their place are flat sensors. These sensors are, Oura says, better at detecting signals than those on the previous models, and the ring can now be twisted 30 degrees in any direction and still take an accurate sensor reading thanks to the option of new pathways for the LED’s signals to travel. The other upside of the ring’s lack of three-dimensional nodes is that it’s more comfortable than ever to wear, especially for sleeping. It’s quite thick for a ring (but not for a smart ring, I suppose) but unlike even the best smartwatch it can be worn either to bed or during the day, and in either case you could genuinely forget you’re wearing it.
The Ring now has more sizing variety than ever, ranging from sizes 4 to 15. The larger sizes offer slightly longer battery life, up to eight days in comparison to the old Oura Ring’s maximum of seven. Of course, it also means those with slender fingers and thicker fingers can get an Oura Ring too.
The app has also seen a comprehensive redesign. Following the lead of Fitbit Premium, all content is organized across three tabs (Today, Vitals and My Health), with additional granular features available via a drop-down menu at the top-left of the screen. It’s simple and intuitive to navigate, showing your scores at the top of the page and providing options to break each one down into more detail if you want to. It’s really intuitive to use, and a logical progression from the old app.
Design score: 5/5
Oura Ring 4: Features
(Image credit: Future)
Sleep, Activity and Readiness scores
Underpinned by other metrics such as Resilience
AI health tool
There’s a whole bunch to talk about here. The Oura Ring 4 goes some way towards making itself a real fitness tracker, rather than a passive health monitor, by automatically detecting up to 40 kinds of workouts. It still doesn’t have onboard GPS (understandably, as it’s tiny) but it can crib from your phone’s GPS if you enable location settings.
The three main scores are Sleep, Activity, and Readiness, and each one can be broken down into an inordinate amount of granular detail. Activity, for example, can be broken down into separate factors such as ‘move every hour’, ‘meet daily calorie goals’, ‘training frequency’ and so on. The Timeline, a feature unique to Oura as far as I know, allows you to add context to binary data by adding tags at certain points like ‘alcohol’ or ‘yoga’ or ‘grief’. If a tag doesn’t suit your needs, you can save your own note, which creates a comprehensive health journal, and a better reason to scroll back through the app.
You can identify trends using specific information, such as deep-sleep states or heart-rate variability over a year. Other interesting metrics include Resilience, which details how well you respond to sources of stress, and Cardiovascular Age, to identify how healthy your heart might be. If you’re 32 and you have the heart of a 25-year-old, it’s likely that you’re doing pretty well. If you have a 45-year-old heart? You might want to do a bit more cardio.
Elsewhere, the app packs an AI health tool called Oura Advisor under the beta-testing program, Oura Labs. Asking this AI questions like “How can I improve my running speed?” offers good (if generic) advice, and responds to follow-up questions. Women’s Health tracking is reportedly detailed and accurate (although, of course, I haven’t tested this particular feature myself). All this builds on an absolute ton of app-based features that were already available in previous versions, ready for health nerds to dive into. Full marks.
Features score: 5/5
Oura Ring 4: Performance
(Image credit: Future/Matt Evans)
Battery performs as described
Metrics are interesting and easy to navigate
Automatic workout tracking is responsive
I really enjoyed using the Oura Ring 4. I drained its battery down, which for my Size 10 ring took five and a half days of constant use, including several workouts. It was comfortable to wear, and I only took it off a handful of times, such as when doing the washing up. The Ring picked up two separate runs automatically, and offered comparable stats to my smartwatch, minus the more specific stride and cadence information I get from Coros.
Sleep tracking was highly accurate: Oura boasts some of the best sleep tracking in the business, said to be comparable to a professional polysomnography machine, and it didn’t disappoint. It clocked a night of ‘fair’ sleep when my wife and I stayed with a friend, including the correct periods of wakefulness and an accurate wake-up time, rising to ‘good’ when I was back in my own bed the following evening. I added a ‘stay elsewhere’ tag to that night on my Timeline, and I can reuse that tag whenever I sleep in a bed that’s not my own from now on.
(Image credit: Future)
The metrics I received were interesting and easy to navigate (however, they are orientated for long-term use, so Oura is still calculating things like my Cardiovascular Age as it requires around two weeks of use to do so), and the in-app meditation content was more or less comparable to alternatives such as Calm. I completed several different sessions, and enjoyed the experience both times.
Performance score: 5/5
Oura Ring 4: Scorecard
Oura Ring 4: Should I buy?
(Image credit: Oura)
Buy it if...
You’re excited about wellness
Data nerds are going to love the depth they can go into with this tiny device.
You want to track sleep
Oura’s sleep-data harvesting is pretty much the gold standard.
You hate smartwatches
This is the device to replace your smartwatch while you wear a snappy analog number.
Don't buy it if...
You’re on a budget
Oura’s ongoing subscription is essential, making its already-premium price a bit of a slap in the face.
You need GPS
Need dedicated GPS data for outdoor sports? Save your cash and get a good running watch.
You like staying connected
Want a wearable for maps, checking Whatsapp messages, and taking calls? Smart rings aren’t for you.
Also consider
How I tested
I wore the Oura Ring for a week, draining the battery down completely and sleeping with it every night. I went on several runs, comparing its health stats to those from a Coros smartwatch, and tried some of its in-app meditation content. I tested Oura’s Health Advisor service, the Timeline functionality, and dove into the app as much as possible.
While massage guns are more popular than ever, they can do so much more. That seems to be the thinking behind the Theragun Sense, a relatively compact massage gun that acts as a masseuse.
Expect guided massage routines, a whisper-quiet profile, and even breathing exercises, making it a fantastic all-rounder.
There are more powerful massage guns around for deeper, sports massages, but the size and additional features on offer make the Theragun Sense a great option - especially for $300 or less. Even better, you’ll find four massage attachments and a carry case inside the box, so you have everything you need right from the jump.
Theragun Sense: Specifications
Theragun Sense: Price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
Available now
Priced at $299.99/£275/AU$449
The Theragun Sense launched late last year, and you can find it at a discount already. Amazon offers it for under $230/£250/AU$400 fairly regularly, but even at full price, it’s definitely competitive with other massage guns we’ve tested.
Value score: 5/5
Theragun Sense: Design
(Image credit: Future)
Relatively compact
Subtle biometric sensor
Black and white color options
If you’ve seen a Theragun massage gun, you’ll likely know what to expect here, with a comfortable, firm build that weighs less than you might expect.
The company’s “patented ergonomic grip” is present and accounted for, but unlike other models, you won’t be able to extend the end to be straighter (that’s a Theragun Pro feature).
The upshot of that is that the Sense is much smaller and lighter than many comparable models, Theragun or otherwise, with a weight of just 1.6 lbs/0.7kg. That’s particularly key here because of the breathing exercise we’ll come to later but also means you can enjoy an impressive massage without needing to switch arms quite as regularly.
The Theragun Sense comes in Black and White colorways, but both have a rose gold trim to them. That’s unlikely to bother many users, but it’s interesting that both share the same secondary color.
Attachments are easy to swap out, you’ll just need to pull on them until they come loose, but they do slot back in with a satisfying ‘click’.
The big draw here is the display, which sits atop four directional buttons and a central confirmation one. Not only are the menus easy to navigate (with a Quick Start option a single button press away), but they also give step-by-step massage guidance to help you move between important muscle groups.
You can also use the included companion app on your phone, too, if you’d prefer, and that ties into the biometric sensor under the handle - but more on that shortly.
Charging is done via USB-C, with the port at the front of the unit. There’s a cable included, but no power adapter, sadly.
Design score: 5/5
Theragun Sense: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
Comes with multiple attachments
Nifty carry case
Breathing exercises are nice
The Theragun Sense offers what I would call a great ‘casual’ massage for newcomers. That may explain the cheaper price point compared to the Theragun Pro, but it’s also packing its own internal tutorial via the display to help you know when to switch between locations on the body.
That makes it ideal for partners and housemates, too, letting you ask them to hit the more unwieldy spots on the lower back, for example. It hits hard enough, but you’ll want something like the Bob and Brad D6 Pro for a harder massage.
There are four attachments included (Dampener, Standard Ball, Thumb, and Micro-point), as well as five speeds - all of which are impressively quiet.
If you use the biometric sensor with your finger, you can enjoy moment-to-moment heart rate, and that ties into the Therabody companion app for iOS and Android.
One of my favorite features, and one I admittedly didn’t know I needed, was the option to use the Sense for breathing exercises. Users sit with the device against their chest, and while it certainly feels unnatural at first, I found myself enjoying the process after a couple of attempts.
With some massage guns coming with dense instruction manuals, I was impressed at the potential of the companion app for helping educate users on when to massage effectively.
Performance score: 5/5
Theragun Sense: Scorecard
Theragun Sense: Should I buy it?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
You’re not just interested in post-workout massages
The Theragun Sense is great for self-massage, but the breathing exercise functionality adds an extra dimension.
The Victrola Stream Sapphire is another first from Victrola, bringing Sonos compatibility and lossless Wi-Fi vinyl streaming together in one hefty unit. Very few of the best turntables on the market boast anything like the feature-set this deck aims to deliver. An Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, supported gamely by a nice carbon-fibre tonearm, produces exactly the fidelity you’d hope, and with minimal tracking errors out of the box. Its wireless fidelity is impressive, too, though an Ethernet connection or a supercharged Wi-Fi plan will be necessary to unimpededly avail of it.
The Victrola Stream Sapphire's convenience, particularly in tech-forward households, is plain to see. What isn’t, however, is quite how this convenience commands a four-figure price point. For one, the Sapphire shares a great deal in common with its less expensive range-mates, and even lacks some of their better features. Meanwhile, a noisily starting platter, flabby tonearm lift and sharp front plate indicate quality control issues.
The Victrola Stream Sapphire is, quite frankly, a bit of a disappointment. It has the bones of a good record player, and some compelling tech-y foresight with its multifarious connectivity, but it doesn’t do altogether much to convince you of its retail price, even with its most compelling elements in mind. If you’ve the cash, and a hankering for unparalleled convenience in wirelessly casting vinyl around your tech-futurist home, this was made for you – and you alone.
Victrola Stream Sapphire review: Price and release date
(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)
$1299.99 / £1499.99 / approx. AU$2890
Launched on October 1, 2024
The Victrola Stream Sapphire is the latest in Victrola’s 'Stream' range of turntables and, unsurprisingly, bears a great deal in common with the Stream Carbon – the brand’s (and, indeed, world’s) first Sonos-compatible record player.
The Stream Sapphire, however, is a first of all its own – combining as it does Sonos compatibility with Wi-Fi-borne UPnP audio streaming, to create a truly connectible wireless record player. This peerless connectivity comes at a price, though, with the Sapphire commanding a not-insignificant $1,299.99 / £1,499.99 / approx. AU$2,890.
Victrola Stream Sapphire review: Specs
Victrola Stream Sapphire review: Features
(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)
Sonos and Lossless UPnP Wi-Fi streaming
Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge
Upgraded motor
The Victrola Stream Sapphire is a plussed-up version of the brand's Stream Carbon. It retains its chassis’ form and its carbon-fibre tonearm construction, but also features some key upgrades – including a quieter motor, a heavier plinth (with a real walnut veneer) and an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge. The biggest difference, though, is in its wirelessness.
The Stream Sapphire shares the rare wireless Sonos connectivity of Victrola’s Stream series, but also boasts UPnP compliance – this means that your turntable can stream lossless audio to any Wi-Fi-enabled speaker or audio device in your home tech ecosystem.
This is a phenomenal prospect for the tech-futurist homesteader, where seamless, wireless and simultaneous playback in every room is made not just possible but easy – to say nothing of the ease with which you can target specific zones for listening in. And all this, of course, in glorious 24-bit/48kHz. This wireless connectivity is obviously killer, but it’s not going to be ubiquitously useful as a feature; this premium turntable targets a narrow slice of a wide commercial market, and stakes a great deal of its retail price on its appeal to that slice.
As such, the turntable forgoes some basic features that the average user might look for, such as a bypass switch for the phono preamp, or even an on-off switch for the auto-stop function (both ofwhich, incidentally, you will find on the much cheaper, Bluetooth-enabled Victrola Stream Onyx). Even though the Stream Sapphire has some wow-worthy connectivity options, it falls short in some basic ways – ways in which considerably cheaper players are excelling.
Features score: 3/5
Victrola Stream Sapphire review: Sound quality
(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)
Undeniably excellent dynamics
Rich, complete sound representation
Stable playback
Victrola’s less expensive Stream turntables, which share some similarities, have previously caught flak for occasional instability in-play. Thankfully, the Stream Sapphire’s motor is indeed improved, providing a good deal more torque and doing away with much of the imprecision that plagued its range-mates. There was initially a bit of a disconcerting squeak when starting and stopping records, though this did seem to abate with time.
Via RCA, the Stream Sapphire sounds excellent. The Ortofon 2M Blue does a great deal of the heavy lifting, with an incredible full range of frequency responsiveness that, at some points, seems to test the readiness of the Sapphire’s built-in preamp. Indeed, it’s a rare turntable that lays bare the shortcomings of my own austere living room hi-fi.
The preamp is good, though, and handles the wide dynamic range of Pile’s All Fiction incredibly well. Nothing’s squashed or sausaged, and every leap or fall is felt in near-exactly the way you’d like to feel it in the room, with the band. This dynamic acuity serves everything incredibly well, from sharp and explosive drums in Loops and Poisons to a compelling sparseness in quieter moments (Blood, Lowered Rainbow).
Plaid’s Peel Session 2, meanwhile, is a textural delight across the board, from plinky synth-pings to smooth, fulsome sine-wave basslines. It’s refreshing to listen to records and not be immediately hit by some shortfall in EQ. To clumsily borrow a phrase from the Super Smash Bros. lexicon: everyone is here!
Stealing Sheep’s Big Wows gamely combines the glisten and glitter of the 1980s shimmer-synth arpeggiation with the raw and robust attack of live instrumentation, all of which play ball even through my admittedly undersized bookshelf speakers. Instrument placement in the stereo field is fantastic, as are the vocals, which are otherwise handled unsurprisingly well. Pile’s Rick Maguire sears in over his maximalist arrangements and Stealing Sheep’s three-piece harmonies couch themselves ideally within their synthy beds.
It's not all praise. I need to pull the Stream Sapphire up on some slight overcorrection in places. Plaid’s wubbie low-end can sometimes overwhelm, and sometimes airier treble moments can build up to excess. The 2M Blue cartridge is also quite sensitive to surface dust, so you can expect poorly cleaned records to be a bit poppier (in the literal sense) than usual. But these are trifles against the greater successes of the unit, which is generally a stable and hugely responsive thing.
Wirelessly, the Stream Sapphire sounds as good as its specs promise – when it works. The Sonos connection is prone to ‘skipping’, i.e. losing connectivity, even when latency and performance settings are set with performance over fidelity in mind. Incidentally, selecting ‘Prioritize Connection’ in the Victrola Streaming App’s Streaming Mode menu results in some of the most 'YouTube 2007' sound transmission you’ve ever heard (worse, arguably, than the skipping).
Reliability aside, there’s a lot to like when the Sonos streaming works at its best – Queens of the Stone Age’s Songs for the Deaf is big, rich and fully present, making the most of the Sonos One’s unduly massive bass responsiveness. This turntable will undoubtedly represent a great deal of worth for those with an extensive intra-home Sonos setup, but perhaps only with a great internet connection as well.
Sound quality score: 4/5
Victrola Stream Sapphire review: Design
(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)
Some neat digital functionality
Inconsistent setup experience
Missed lessons from prior models
It’s hard to talk about the Stream Sapphire’s design without harping on for some time about less tangible aspects of its design – namely, the various digital fenagling associated with getting it to do the Streaming bit of being a Stream turntable.
Using the Victrola Stream app appears simple enough; the app has a handy step-by-step instructional on physically putting your turntable together, which will be a cause of relief for a fair few less confident setter-uppers. But here's where the wheels come off a bit. If this writer has to engage with a button labeled ‘Wi-Fi Setup’ again in their natural life, there will be a reckoning.
Even after successful Wi-Fi Setup (cue Sideshow Bob-esque ‘uunnnrhrnrnrhrnrhr…’), you can look forward to around half an hour of vainly swapping between apps to have one technology see the other – an effort not helped by the sometimes-confusing deployment of the illuminated knob on the Sapphire, which does nothing unless actively connecting or attempting to connect. This lack of feedback is a patience killer.
This fenagling is eventually (and thankfully) rewarded, and from here you can start to appreciate the Victrola app’s nicer touches – such as its in-app ‘Simultaneous Mode’ for playing wired and wirelessly. Thanks to this, your wireless speakers can work in concert with your wired hi-fi, without any real (further) headache. There’s even a slider for ‘knob illumination’, from which you may derive as much mirth as you’d like.
While the Stream Sapphire has its fair share of ‘new bits’, UPnP connectivity and improved motor inclusive, it still has more in common with its predecessors than it has to distinguish it. This turntable had an opportunity to repeat and improve upon the Stream range’s design and, while it’s succeeded in some places, it has fallen unfortunately flat in others.
The Stream Sapphire has especially earned this writer’s ire for using the same practically useless dust cover design as its Stream and Hi-Res siblings: a single folded (and slightly reinforced) sheet of plastic that sits on the platter and over the tonearm, and which can only be used between records. When you’re spending this much on a turntable, you’re invariably coming across the kind of audiophiles that have Big Opinions™ about playing records under closed dust covers – but one senses that this isn’t what governed Victrola’s thinking here.
The turntable also features the same tonearm assembly as its siblings. This tonearm assembly is fine, great even, but not for a four-figure turntable where you’d expect to be able to adjust VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle). VTA isn’t the be-all-end-all that some would claim, but it should be something you’re empowered to adjust yourself.
In short, the Stream Sapphire has some nifty tricks, and a nifty walnut veneer to encase them in, but while much of its charm might have worked with its cheaper models, this model falls disappointingly short.
Design score: 2.5/5
Victrola Stream Sapphire review: Value
(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)
Great sound, but not for its price
Quality control issues raise questions
Fewer QoL features than cheaper Victrola units
The Stream Sapphire sounds inarguably good, thanks to both the quality of the cartridge and the unusual quality of wireless connectivity on offer. It’s a rare thing on this digital front, too, combining Sonos and UPnP capability in a convenient manner never before seen in a turntable. But do these grand designs translate to cold, hard value? In this writer’s opinion: no.
More specifically, these features don’t feel nearly enough to justify the Stream Sapphire’s price – not when other, essential expectations from this price bracket aren’t being met. Though its sound reproduction is excellent, conventional wired turntables less than half the price are as good if not better – as such, the price tag is only justifiable by its digital, wireless performance, which is inconsistent in its own way.
Furthermore, you’d expect a higher level of quality control for the price you pay, rather than encountering issues with the turntable's most essential mechanical aspects. For my review unit, the tonearm lift system felt broken, its lever loosely flabbing about either extremity of its reach and only catching the lift in a seemingly incidental manner. The aluminium front panel was also burred enough in some places to catch my fingers.
Further still, you’d expect a great deal more in difference between this unit and its half-priced Sonos-streaming predecessor, or even its near-$1000 / £1000 cheaper little sibling in the Bluetooth-friendly Hi-Res Onyx. The similarities between this and its budget counterparts are many, and there are even some features conspicuously missing.
In all, the Victrola Stream Sapphire is an incomparable, even untouchable device, but merely for having no direct competitors whatsoever. It’ll appeal to those who can afford to spend four figures on tech convenience, and few else – which is a good thing, as myriad better deals can be had for a fraction of the price.
Value score: 2.5/5
Should you buy the Victrola Stream Sapphire?
Buy it if...
You’ve invested in some hot UPnP speakers There are some incredible Wi-Fi-compliant speakers on the market from such vaunted brands as KEF and Devialet. If you’ve spent the money on these, the convenience of the Stream Sapphire may be worth the cost to you.
Your house is Sonos’d up to the nines If you’ve spent thousands on a fully integrated, through-home Sonos setup, and want the best Sonos-capable wireless turntable money can buy, this is absolutely the product for you.
You value convenience more than money Setting up a cohesive at-home digital audio-streaming network isn’t easy. If you’ve the cash to buy something like this, and hate the idea of building your own hi-fi master-stack from scratch, then the Stream Sapphire is pretty much designed with you in mind.
Don't buy it if...
You want the best analog fidelity This is, of course, angled at those wanting a primo vinyl-streaming experience – but if you want your records to sound their absolute best in the analogue sense, there are better-specced turntables with your name on.
You’re happy to DIY your hi-fi The built-in Sonos and UPnP connectivity is novel, but not inherently as valuable as the Stream Sapphire’s asking price. You could buy a better-sounding, more reliable turntable, a DLNA-compliant media hub, and a full complement of compatible wireless home assistant speakers, all for a good deal less than this turntable alone.
Victrola Stream Sapphire: Also consider
Victrola Stream Carbon Victrola’s Stream Carbon is the Stream Sapphire’s vastly cheaper ancestor, and the first to market in the Stream range. This turntable provides the very same Sonos compatibility – and strikingly similar specs otherwise – for significantly less. Read our Victrola Stream Carbon review here.
Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 Cambridge Audio is one of the definitive hi-fi brands, and its Alva TT V2 is a definitive turntable in its own right. A direct-drive motor, a high-fidelity moving coil cartridge, and aptX HD Bluetooth connectivity place the Alva TT V2 in the upper echelons of possible fidelity. See our full Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 review
How I tested the Victrola Stream Sapphire
(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)
Tested for 3 weeks
Used in living room hi-fi setup as primary turntable
Predominantly tested through Cambridge AV amplifier and Celestion speakers
Wireless testing conducted with Sonos One
The Victrola Stream Sapphire became my primary living room turntable for three weeks. The RCA outputs fed my dependable Cambridge Audio Azur 540R amplifier and Celestion F1 bookshelf speakers. For wireless connectivity, I must give thanks to dear friend Joe Lynch for the lending of his Sonos One-centered sound system (and our shared perspiration in connecting to it). I used personal favourite records with which I am intimately familiar, and with which I was able to get a feel for the Stream Sapphire’s character both wired and wirelessly.
The XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad could be the perfect product for you, especially if you’re a creative looking for a highly competent but not so highly priced slate.
The XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad at its core is a fairly typical Android tablet – you get front and rear cameras, all the usual apps and a bunch of connectivity options. However, you’re also getting a slate that’s optimized for digital art, with a textured X-Paper display, included stylus and pre-installed drawing software. And the actual drawing experience is high quality here – you get a faithful recreation of the pen-to-paper feel, decent responsiveness and solid color accuracy.
Lag can rear its head from time to time and processing power isn’t top quality, meaning you’re not exactly getting top-tier performance, but for the price you pay, that’s not too bad a sacrifice. After all, this slate has a pretty modest list price of $499.99 / £539.99 / AU$799.99, especially given the fact that a stylus, interchangeable nibs and a case are all included in that – value-wise, that places it among some of the best drawing tablets.
(Image credit: Future)
But that’s not all, you’re also getting solid battery life here – around 13 hours at medium-brightness – and plenty of storage, which can be upgraded with a microSD card. Combine that with a slim, relatively lightweight design and anti-glare screen tech and you’re looking at an ideal pad to take with you on the go.
It might not best some of the latest Apple iPads in areas like style or processing power – and the included stylus here might not have incredible levels of technical or aesthetic finesse, but if value is the key to your heart, the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad is still well worth considering.
(Image credit: Future)
XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad review: Price and release date
$499.99 / £539.99 / AU$799.99
Launched in January 2024
The XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad released in January 2024 – at the time being described by its creator as “the industry's first professional and mobile standalone drawing tablet”.
It launched with a list price of $499.99 / £539.99 / AU$799.99, but I’ve already spotted it going for considerably cheaper. On the official XP-Pen site, I’ve seen the Magic Drawing Pad go for as little as $429.99. It’s also regularly available for £449.99 on Amazon UK. That price includes the X3 Pro Pencil, protective case, charging cable and drawing glove. This is a good value pad, especially given the fact it performs most of the functions you’d get from the best Android tablets. Given the inclusion of a stylus and case, the list price is even cheaper than what you’d expect from a more affordable mid-range tablet, like the Apple iPad 10.9 (more on this in the ‘Also Consider’ section).
XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad review: Specs
XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad review: Design
Slim, relatively lightweight design
Satisfying 12-inch X-Paper display
Included case doesn’t quite hit the spot
(Image credit: Future)
Something that’s instantly likable about the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad is its slim, attractive design. This slate is only 6.9mm thick and weighs 599g / 1.3lbs, meaning that it's pleasingly light, but not quite featherweight – finding a sweet spot between high portability and build quality. You get a nice-sized display here too. At 12.2 inches, you’ll have plenty of room to play with, but the pad still won’t be overly large for the average desk or workspace.
Another aspect of the display that I found pleasing was the textured X-Paper surface, which did a solid job of emulating the typical pen-to-paper experience (more on this later). This TFT-LCD display is ideal – both in look and feel – for sketches and also cuts out both glare and blue light emissions. This makes it a suitable choice no matter the environment you’re drawing in, whether indoors in low light or outside in the shimmering sun. My only slight complaint here is that the auto-adjusting brightness sometimes gave me a darker display than I would want – though this was nothing a swift manual adjustment couldn’t fix.
This slate, as you’d hope, is fairly minimalistic when it comes to physical features. There are two microphones and four speakers, as well as rear and front cameras – all of which is great if you want the typical tablet experience. But other than that there’s just a USB-C charging port, power, and volume buttons. It might be better if the power and volume buttons were on the same side – just for ease-of-use – but they work well regardless.
As well as the Magic Drawing Pad itself, you get the X3 Pro Pencil and interchangeable nibs (see Stylus section for more), a drawing glove, charging cable and adapter, and a protective case. I have medium-large-sized hands and personally found the drawing glove fit nicely, but I think it would suit most regardless. It’s a handy addition for those – like me – who sometimes find themselves accidentally scribbling/issuing commands with their palm or pinky finger.
The case, meanwhile, wasn’t my favorite. The outer blue color is nice enough, but the opaque reverse side just shows a ton of fingerprints after handheld use. Additionally, the pen holder is on the back of the case, which is practical when carrying the tablet around, but not so good for when you need to put the pen down for a minute during use. Finally, there’s no way to prop the tablet up with this case, so you’ll have to keep it flat unless you have a suitable stand already. This is, of course, quite a minor issue and there are other cases – including some with stands – available if you’re not satisfied with this one.
Design score: 4/5
XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad review: Performance
Pretty authentic pen-to-paper drawing experience
Responsive and accurate in-use
Comes with standard tablet features despite specialist profile
(Image credit: Future)
Luckily, this slate isn’t just a good looker, though. Yep, it performs very nicely, especially given its pretty modest price tag.
What I really enjoyed with the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad was how it recreated the pen-to-paper experience very faithfully. Whether I was drawing a picture or writing out words, scribbling on the matte screen typically felt very silky. The only time it didn’t was if I applied a high amount of pressure onto the slate’s surface with the stylus. When doing this, I’d feel a bit of resistance from the surface – just as if it was some textured paper – but this was extremely satisfying and only made the drawing experience feel more authentic. Further, I never felt frustrated by accidental smudging and it was a rarity for me to catch commands unintentionally. Combine that with the excellent-feeling screen and you get a super-smooth drawing experience.
When I tried drawing on both ibisPaint X and an Adobe creative platform, there wasn’t any noticeable jitter, which was especially helpful when drawing straight lines. Lag, meanwhile, wasn’t totally absent. This was pretty limited for the most part, but when I zoomed in and sketched some pictures of a fruit bowl I realized a slight delay in the contact-to-drawing conversion process. Lag wasn’t bad enough to trouble me at any stage particularly, however, so take this more as a nitpick than a denunciation of the Magic Drawing Pad’s quality.
The wider user-experience flows nicely too, even if the slate’s processing capabilities aren’t next-level. I did find, on occasion, that there was a bit of delay when scrolling through menus, especially with multiple tabs open, though this was nothing too grating. The Magic Drawing Pad did great with all the typical tablet stuff and whether I was browsing the net, checking emails, or even watching YouTube videos, it got the job done. It was, admittedly, a little odd watching video content on this slate – I’m not sure its display type and brightness capabilities are so well-suited for such activity – but if you want it, it's there and it works without issue. What was slightly less odd was the inclusion of front and rear cameras. Now, neither of these offer top-drawer quality, but they’re useful if you want to snap a photo for stenciling or reference.
On top of that, this pad does a very nice job of replicating colors, making for high-quality end-products if you’re sketching something from scratch. You get 109% sRGB coverage here, meaning colors are reproduced faithfully and accurately. Pair this with a very respectable 2160 x 1440 resolution and you get a vibrant, eye-catching slate that’s well-suited for either casual or professional use.
If you are using this thing professionally, you may be worried about storage space – but that’s not likely to be an issue here. The Magic Drawing Pad is packed with 256GB of internal storage, but you can add an additional 512GB with a microSD card – that should do it. You’ll also be able to draw for hours on end thanks to this slate’s 8,000mAh battery. This should give you approximately 13 hours worth of battery life, though this number will be a bit smaller if you’re using the slate at high brightness levels during outdoor use, for instance.
Performance score: 4/5
XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad review: Stylus
16k pressure levels
No need to pair or charge
Comfortable feel and slim-look
(Image credit: Future)
The XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad comes with an X3 Pro Pencil, which is a straightforward, yet sleek-looking instrument. It uses electro-magnetic resonance tech, as well as a dedicated X3 Pro chip to enable a more stable, accurate and natural-feeling drawing experience.
Something I loved about this pen straight off the bat was its simplicity. You don’t have to mess around with pairing or charging it. That’s especially great if you’re out and about and don’t want to run out of juice half way through a drawing. It’s also very comfortable to use, with a slim feel and medium length. If you’re not totally happy with the nib-size of the pen, though, you’re in luck. This slate comes with a collection of interchangeable nibs so you can find the right thickness or sharpness no matter what masterpiece you’re crafting.
But how does it fare on a more technical level? Not too badly. The X3 Pro Pencil isn’t particularly flashy. There’s no tilt functionality, which professional users may find a little bit disappointing, and there’s no customizable options for grip thickness or similar. However, it does still have a shortcut button that I found particularly useful for undoing drawing errors quickly – though you can set this button to perform a number of other functions too. On top of that, the pressure level is excellent and up to industry standard. XP-Pen claims that this stylus is the “world’s first” with 16k pressure levels, though going so far beyond the 8,000 mark – which will be plenty for many artists – may feel a little gimmicky to some.
Stylus score: 4/5
Should I buy the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
You’re a pro looking for an affordable slate XP-Pen is marketing this tablet as a professional-standard standalone option for creatives and, ultimately, it lives up to the claim. You’re not getting the perfect package – for instance, the included stylus skips on tilt capabilities and processing power isn’t top-tier, but you still get vibrant colors and a pleasing pen-to-paper feel.
You want standard tablet functionality What makes this a great-value product is the inclusion of typical tablet functionality alongside specialized drawing features. You don’t need to connect the Magic Drawing Pad to your laptop or PC – it has the Android 12 OS built-in, making it perfect for on-the-go use. It also comes equipped with front and rear cameras, Google Play store and all the usual apps, making it an excellent multi-purpose pick.
Don't buy it if...
You want top-level processing power If you want the best performance on the market, the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad may not be for you. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t have too many issues with this slate, but there were a couple of instances with noticeable lag when drawing or scrolling through apps with multiple tabs open.
You want ultimate customizability The included X3 Pro Pencil does have interchangeable nibs and a multi-function shortcut key, but that’s as far as it goes customization-wise. On top of that, there aren’t any color options for the slate or pen.View Deal
XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad: Also consider
Apple iPad 10.9 (256GB) In reality, the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad is something of a departure from typical drawing pads and closer to an all-purpose tablet. As a result, it only seems right to recommend one of the best tablets, the Apple iPad 10.9. This is a pleasingly affordable tablet with a beautiful display and design, not to mention it comes in a range of enticing color options. The catch? You’re gonna have to pay extra for an Apple Pencil for drawing as well as cellular connectivity if you need internet connection when out and about. Read our full Apple iPad 10.9 review.
Wacom Movink OK, so the Wacom Movink might not be a fully standalone drawing tablet, but if you’re looking for a high-quality slate to compose and edit digital art, it's still an exceptional option. Sure it’ll set you back a bit more than the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad, but with a gorgeous OLED display, impressive portability and the highly customizable Wacom Pro Pen 3, you’re still highly likely to be satisfied with the Wacom Movink. Read our full Wacom Movink review.
XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad review: How I tested
Tested over the course of one week
Used in the office and outside in sunlight
Trialed multiple drawing/editing platforms
(Image credit: Future)
I got to spend one week with the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad, during which I exhausted all of its core functions, from using drawing tools to taking photos and watching YouTube videos.
When drawing or editing pictures, I made sure to trial multiple platforms. I predominantly used the pre-installed ibisPaint X, but I also tapped into Adobe creative cloud software. I used the included X3 Pro Pencil throughout the entire testing process.
In order to test anti-glare tech and get a feel for its portability, I took the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad out and about and drew on it in natural daylight. I also get to spend plenty of time with the slate in the office, in both artificial and low-light settings.
The Hexgears Immersion A3 is a low-profile gaming keyboard with a few neat tricks up its sleeve. It will probably appeal to a fairly niche audience, but if you’re one of those people, it could be just what you’re looking for.
What do I mean by that? Well, this is a keyboard with hot-swappable switches, low-profile keycaps, and a dedicated mini display for changing the RGB backlighting. Those aren’t things everyone will care for, but they’re certainly nice to have if you’re a keyboard enthusiast. Its typing feel is comfortable and it’s solid when it comes to anti-ghosting and input lag, with no problematic keys or combinations that I could detect.
While those are all encouraging signs, the Hexgears Immersion A3 falls short in other areas. Its White Rain linear switches are an acquired taste – not as fast as standard linear switches, but not as comfortable for typing as their clickier siblings. They’re the sort of thing you really need to try to understand if you like them – and that’s not easy for everyone to do.
Still, the Immersion A3 is priced pretty fairly and is by no means a bad keyboard. It grew on me over my time using it, and you might find it’s got the right combination of features for your needs. But it lacks that certain must-have element that makes it a true necessity – there are no special features for gaming, for example – so it isn’t quite able to elevate itself into our picks for the best keyboard around.
Hexgears Immersion A3: Price & availability
How much does it cost? $129.99 / £99.99 (around AU$195)
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia
The Hexgears Immersion A3 costs $129.99 (about £100 or $195 AUD). That’s reasonable (but perhaps a smidge high) considering you get hot-swappable mechanical switches, a really solid build and a built-in mini display.
It can be bought from the Hexgears website and third-party retailers like Amazon.
Hexgears Immersion A3: Design
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The most important thing when considering any keyboard is its typing feel, so we’ll start there. The unit I was sent to review came with a set of White Rain switches, which are silent linears made by Kailh. I’m not usually a fan of linears – being someone who writes all day, every day, I prefer clicky switches in my keyboards – and my first impression with the White Rain switches was not good at all. They felt heavy and spongey, much more so than regular linear switches, which means they lose a lot of the speed you expect from this type of switch. Compared to something like the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro and its absolutely rapid linear switches, for example, the difference is night and day.
But the longer I used Hexgears’ White Rain switches, the more they grew on me. Sure, they still don’t compare to the comfort and accuracy of a good set of clicky switches. But they have a few things going for them that make them better for typing than a lot of linear alternatives.
For one thing, they are very quiet, which is ideal for use in the office. For another, their sponginess means they are very soft when pressed. I often find linear switches’ lack of tactility leaves me bottoming out the keys, leading to sore fingers after a few hours. That was never an issue with Hexgears’ Immersion A3.
As well as that, the keyboard’s switches are hot-swappable, so you can replace them if you don’t like them. The Kailh switches used by Hexgears come with two connection pins, so bear that in mind that if you want to change them.
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Hexgears has opted for low-profile keycaps made of polycarbonate plastic. They attract smudges like there’s no tomorrow, but they feel smooth and comfortable in use. Unfortunately, the shine-through RGB backlighting is weak due to the lights’ north-facing arrangement, which makes them hard to see when you glance down at the keys.
I also found the low-profile keycaps to be less than ideal for gaming: in the heat of the moment, their smooth, compact design was harder to quickly operate by touch than chunkier traditional keycaps.
Visually, the Immersion A3 looks lovely. Its chassis comprises a brushed metal top plate and sturdy plastic undersides, giving the whole thing a rock-solid feel. On the back are some flip-out feet, but they definitely don’t tilt the keyboard as high as I’d like. Still, its tenkeyless layout is minimal without being overly sparse and comes with a few extra buttons at the top for Bluetooth connectivity and operating the mini display (more on that later). There aren’t any dedicated media buttons, but they’re instead integrated into the function row of keys.
The Immersion A3 comes with an interactive mini display in the top-right corner. This is used to adjust the lighting, show the time or even display an animated GIF, which you can load up using the HexDrive app. You control the display using a dimpled flipper and four buttons to the left of the screen. This is a bit of a sub-optimal arrangement – not only does this extra row of buttons make the keyboard noticeably taller, but a press on the flipper doesn’t actually register until the very bottom of its range of movement, so you sometimes find yourself pressing it without anything happening. It also feels like Hexgears could have perhaps incorporated the buttons into the display or the function row in a more space-saving way.
Hexgears Immersion A3: Performance
The Immersion A3’s typing feel is comfortable and it’s solid when it comes to anti-ghosting and input lag, with no problematic keys or combinations that I could detect. Switching between devices and connectivity methods is fast and responsive. Hexgears says you’ll get 50 hours of life out of its battery and I had no issues here either.
On the software side is the HexDrive app. This lets you create macros, adjust the RGB lighting, save profiles and more. It’s a pretty basic app and its design is very barebones, but it’s useable, if a little confusing at times. There’s no macOS version, though, so you’ll have to go without if you’re not of the Windows persuasion.
Speaking of macOS, the Immersion A3 works with Apple’s computers, and you can switch the layout from Windows to macOS by pressing and holding the Function and Tab keys together. That means you can ensure keys like Option and Command work as expected.
Other than Windows and macOS, the keyboard also works with iOS, iPadOS and Android over Bluetooth. You can connect to a computer using Bluetooth, the included 2.4GHz wireless receiver, or the USB-C to USB-A cable that’s included in the box. If you use Bluetooth, you can switch between three different connected devices, which is a nice touch.
Should you buy the Hexgears Immersion A3?
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Buy the Hexgears Immersion A3 if…
You like its looks
The brushed metal top plate is classy and striking, and coupled with the low-profile keycaps, it gives a pleasing visual effect.View Deal
You want the flexibility of hot-swappable switches
The keyboard’s Kailh switches can be swapped for other options, giving you more choice in how your board feels. View Deal
You want a ‘softer’ linear switch
The White Rain switches in my review unit are slower but softer than traditional linears, which might be to your liking.View Deal
Don’t buy it if…
You’ll be doing lots of fast-paced gaming
The low-profile keycaps and heavier linear switches aren’t the best fit for shooters and other intense games, and the keyboard lacks special features like rapid trigger mode that you find on some rival devices.View Deal
You rely on stronger backlighting
This keyboard’s north-facing RGB lights mean the backlighting isn’t as bright as it could be, which makes it a little harder to read the keys when required.View Deal
You want to use it with a Mac
Hexgears’ app doesn’t work in macOS and the keyboard doesn’t switch its layout between Windows and Mac, meaning some buttons aren’t where you expect them to be when using Apple’s computers.View Deal
Hexgears Immersion A3: Also consider
Corsair K100 Air Wireless
The Corsair K100 Air Wireless is a low-profile gaming keyboard that’s absolutely jam-packed with features. At $279, it’s a lot more expensive than Hexgears’ offering, though.
I tested the Hexgears Immersion A3 by using it day-to-day to write articles, browse the web and play games. I connected it to a Windows PC and to a Mac and tried the features of its HexDrive companion app on Windows.
The Kindle e-reader was the original ‘Amazon device,’ and the heart of its e-reading lineup has long been the Paperwhite. So much so that Panos Panay, Amazon’s head of devices, described it as the “most loved Kindle” and the one that, as he admitted, owners with the current or previous-gen models are hesitant to upgrade.
That reluctance notwithstanding, Amazon has set out to make the best Paperwhite yet, with the all-new Kindle Paperwhite and more premium Kindle Paperwhite Signature. There are a lot of similarities between the two – both are thinner, lighter, and faster than the previous Paperwhite, with a better, larger 7-inch display that’s designed to be easily readable in any conditions.
It’s still only black-and-white, though – you’ll need to opt for the new Kindle Colorsoft if you want a color display for comics and the like – and is only for reading – get a Kindle Scribe, or maybe a Remarkable, if you want to write.
(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)
The new Paperwhite's colors are fantastic, and Raspberry is certainly my favorite. While I haven’t read a book on it yet, I got to spend some time with the Signature Edition at Amazon’s hands-on launch event. So, let’s talk through the new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition.
Pricing and Availability
If you’re a Kindle lover, here’s some good news – the new Paperwhite and Paperwhite Signature Edition are shipping now. The Kindle Paperwhite costs $159.99 / £159.99 (we’re waiting for Australian pricing to be confirmed) and comes in a matte, soft-touch Raspberry, Jade (a green), or Black.
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition costs a bit more at $199.99 / £199.99 (again, we’re waiting for Australian pricing to be confirmed) and comes in metallic variants of those same three colors – aptly named Metallic Raspberry, Metallic Jade, and Metallic Black, which have some extra sparkle thanks to aluminum flakes being sprinkled in. That extra spend also doubles the storage to 32GB, and adds wireless charging capabilities and an auto-adjusting light sensor.
Both are shipping now, and Amazon has also debuted a bunch of new cases, including color-matched ones.
Kindle Paperwhite (2024): One Minute Review
(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)
As soon as I lifted up the new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition – technically now the 12th generation – it was clear that Amazon has focused on refining an already successful model. It’s the most popular e-reader in the Kindle lineup, and the one we’ve recommended for most people, at least with the last generation.
It’s still very comfortable to hold with just a hand, and while the back is more reflective on the Signature Edition, it’s still easy to get a grip. Amazon says the Paperwhite weighs in at just 211 grams, which is a good bit under half a pound at just 0.47lbs or 7.5oz. I found it easy to navigate the interface with just one hand, though I think most folks will use both. You’ll still turn pages, scroll through your library, and adjust settings like font size, brightness, or warmth, by touching the screen.
The thinness here shouldn’t be underestimated either – it’s super portable, and at just 7.8-millimeters thick, which is a small but considerable decrease from the 8.1mm of the previous Paperwhite. Just take a look at the photos; it’s thin, and it has a good center of gravity for easily holding it. It’s also still waterproof, so you can safely read in the bathtub or by the pool, and with an anti-reflective coating over the display, it’s easy to see the screen even in bright sunlight.
(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)
The display here is a bit bigger than on the last-gen Paperwhite, and feels more front and center thanks to thinner bezels all around. It measures 7 inches diagonally, up from 6.8 inches on the previous version, and has 300 pixels per inch (ppi) resolution. Amazon says it also boasts a higher contrast rate, making it easier to read displayed text in any lighting.
I found that the text looked plenty inky, and it was easy to make out what was on the page… err, screen. The same goes for scrolling through Manga or a Comic on the Paperwhite; this is still very much a screen that’s easy on the eyes, and it’s even easier if you have the Signature Edition, thanks to its light sensor, it will automatically adjust the brightness and temperature throughout the day for better clarity.
What might be most impressive, though, is the speed, and how close to instant the new Paperwhite feels. Thanks to a new custom processor under the hood and a new Oxide back panel, the Paperwhite can refresh and update the E Ink display in record time. It’s 25% faster – at least what Amazon promises for both models – and it really shows when scrolling through a library or zooming through pages.
The Kindle Paperwhite simply flies. Unless you’re a speed reader, being able to quickly flip pages may not help, but it should make the Kindle Paperwhite feel more like a real book, or faster, since it can update what’s being displayed even quicker. This could make a really big impact, especially if you’re upgrading from an older model.
(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)
You’ll also have plenty of room to store your books and other documents, with 32GB of storage on the Paperwhite Signature Edition or 16GB on the standard model. Remember, you can offload books to the cloud as well, should you run out of space.
The only physical button for the Kindle Paperwhite still lives on the bottom, slightly off-center to the right, next to the USB-C port. You’ll use this to jump into the Kindle’s interface from the lock screen’s E Ink lock screen or to put the Paperwhite to sleep. The USB-C port may not see much action either, as Amazon promises up to 12 weeks of use on a full charge, and judging by my experience with previous models, it may last even longer, depending on use. This is also an improvement of the previous generation, which topped out at 10 weeks. You can also charge your Kindle wirelessly if you get the Signature Edition, which is convenient as you can simply lay it on a charging pad to ensure it’s always topped off.
All-in-all, with a larger display to let you see more of whatever you might be reading (it’s likely a reread of Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen for me, or diving into The World’s Worst Assistant by Sona Movsesian), an even lighter design that does indeed suggest ‘paper’, faster performance, and even better battery life, there’s a lot to like here.
And at $159.99 / £159.99, or $199.99 / £159.99 with the bells and whistles of the Signature Edition, it’s a bit more than the previous generation, which was $149.99 for the standard and $189.99 for the Signature Edition. We’ll need to spend a bit more time with it, and do some serious reading, but from our early impressions, fans of previous Paperwhites will be happy with the latest one, and those looking for a Kindle that can go anywhere will be equally pleased.
I was initially a little surprised that Amazon is calling the 2024 Kindle the “11th generation”, which was what the 2022 model was designated as. Delving deeper into the specs of the new entry-level Kindle – a lot of which Amazon hasn't actually revealed – and after spending some time with it, I can see why it's more a 2022 Kindle version 2.0.
I love the new Matcha Green color, though. It looks so much brighter than last year’s Denim Blue, but after years of seeing only black ereaders, any deviation from that is a breath of fresh air. I wish the rear plastic panel had some texture. It’s so smooth that I feel insecure when using it on public transport – a case to add some grip is definitely called for.
While Amazon isn't revealing what screen technology has been used here, a side-by-side comparison with the new 2024 Kindle Paperwhite and the Kobo Clara BW tells me it's still using the E Ink Carta 1200 display from the previous 2022 Kindle. That's not a bad thing, but it means you can get more contrast – and thus darker and sharper text – on other models that use the E Ink Carta 1300 screen. And the Kobo Clara BW, which does, isn't much more expensive than the 2024 Kindle.
The only thing different about the screen is the maximum brightness it's capable of and that’s likely not because of upgraded technology, but rather the addition of an extra LED. This improvement, to me, isn’t particularly a big deal as it will be the rare reader who needs the display set to maximum brightness. I, personally, found it hurt my eyes at full bore if there wasn't much ambient light around.
Like the previous model, there’s still no waterproofing and there’s still just 16GB of storage on board. While that’s plenty for hundreds of ebooks and some audiobooks, only 11.5GB of that is available for use as, I think, Amazon has done something with the operating system that's using approximately 2GB more than on the 2022 edition.
I can’t tell what the changes with the OS are exactly, as the interface is still quintessentially Kindle with no new features, but it's possible that these are performance changes. In testing, I found the 2024 Kindle to be a touch faster and more responsive than the previous generation, with no ghosting whatsoever. That said, it could also be because Amazon may be using a new processor, but that's another spec the company isn't revealing.
All said and done, the 2024 Kindle, to me, is just matcha ado about nothing (sorry, I just had to let that one out) as it truly is just version 2.0 of the previous model and I'm struggling to justify the price increase over the 2022 Kindle.
(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)
Amazon Kindle (2024) review: Price & availability
Priced higher than the 2022 Kindle
Listed at $109.99 / £94.99 with ads, or $129.99 / £104.99 / AU$199 without ads
Available now directly from Amazon and some third-party stores
The 2024 Kindle might come in a lovely new color but it’s essentially still the same 11th generation model that was released in 2022, which is why I’m disappointed that Amazon saw fit to increase the price of its entry-level Kindle.
The 2024 release now costs $109.99 / £94.99 with ads or $129.99 / £104.99 / AU$199 without (note that, in Australia, only the ad-free version is available). In comparison, the 2022 edition cost $119.99 / £94.99 / AU$179 for the non-ads model before it was discontinued.
Another point of comparison could be the Kobo Clara BW, which is the same size, offers the same amount of onboard storage, but has an updated screen and IPX8 waterproofing too. It will set you back $129.99 / £119.99 / AU$239.95. That’s the same price as the 2024 Kindle in the US, but more expensive in the UK and Australia, although I'd argue that it easily justifies the higher cost.
The good news is that Amazon will always discount its Kindles during major sales in your location, which is when I think it might be worth considering the 2024 Kindle over the Kobo Clara BW.
There are two colors of the 2024 Kindle to choose from – a lovely Matcha Green and the usual Black – and both cost the same. I would recommend getting a case for the Kindle as it’s not very grippy, so be prepared to spend a little bit more – you can always pick up a third-party option which would be cheaper than buying an Amazon-made one.
• Value score: 3.5 / 5
(Image credit: TechRadar / Sharmishta Sarkar)
Amazon Kindle (2024) review: specs
Amazon hasn’t disclosed a bunch of the usual specs for the 2024 Kindle, like which specific E Ink screen is being used here, the processor under the hood or the battery capacity. I’ve listed the official specs that Amazon has chosen to release, but have also added my thoughts in parentheses where necessary.
Amazon Kindle (2024) review: Design & display
Match Green in a lovely, bright color
6-inch display makes for a very compact and lightweight ereader
Lacks any kind of grip
I suppose it’s fair to say that ereader design, particularly the entry-level ones, are getting very dated, but Amazon has countered that by offering a brand-new color for the 2024 release of the basic Kindle. The Matcha Green is a breath of fresh air – it looks bright and beautiful, more so than the Denim Blue from 2022, and makes quite the statement. There is the usual black version too if you prefer, but why would you when you can have something different for the same price? Another reason to opt for the green model is that oily fingerprints and smudges aren’t as visible as they would be on a darker version.
Other than that, not much else has changed physically on the Kindle, including the rear plastic panel that is smooth and makes me feel rather insecure when I’m using it during my daily commute. A case could solve the lack of grip easily enough, but that’s an additional cost you will need to bear.
(Image credit: TechRadar / Sharmishta Sarkar)
As lovely as the 2024 Kindle looks (in green, specifically), I’m a little concerned about its longevity based on what I’m seeing on the 2022 edition. Two years on, the older model’s plastic chassis is cracking, with hairline breaks clearly visible along both curved edges.This is despite the fact that the 2022 Kindle has always been in a case since it was sent to me for testing and I can’t remember ever dropping it. I’m not saying this will happen to the 2024 version, but it would be remiss of me to not mention it.
I will admit that I’m not a huge fan of a 6-inch ereader – I find the screen too small, personally and prefer a 7-inch display – but there’s no denying that, at just 158g, the Kindle is very compact and portable. It would easily slip into a large pocket of a jacket or any bag for that matter, but you might want to keep it away from water. The entry-level Kindle still lacks waterproofing, which is a shame as Kobo’s counterpart is IPX8 rated and won’t cost you too much more. In fact, the Kobo might offer more value for money considering it also boasts the latest E Ink monochrome screen (Carta 1300) that the new Kindle seemingly misses out on.
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Cracks on the side of the 2022 Kindle (Image credit: TechRadar / Sharmishta Sarkar)
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Cracks on the side of the 2022 Kindle (Image credit: TechRadar / Sharmishta Sarkar)
While Amazon is tight-lipped about which screen is being used on the 2024 Kindle, I compared it to its Kobo competition and the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite – there’s a visible difference in contrast that makes text appear darker, sharper and clearer. That’s not to say reading on the entry-level Kindle is bad, far from it. The 6-inch screen still gives you a lovely 300ppi resolution and text looks great… it’s just that there’s something ever so slightly better out there for about the same cost.
Amazon claims that there’s 25% more screen brightness on the 2024 Kindle, and that’s definitely true, although I suspect it’s not because of a screen upgrade, but rather the addition of an extra LED. Again, the number of LEDs being used for a Kindle’s frontlight is something I can’t remember Amazon having ever revealed, so I can’t give you an exact number, but it’s an improvement I don’t think was necessary. I doubt there are too many users who will want to set their ereaders at maximum brightness. I usually have my Kindles set at brightness level 5, which is perfect for nighttime reading without straining the eyes, and you usually don’t even need a screen light in bright sunshine. I did try the maximum brightness setting on the device (which is level 24) and found it hurts my eyes on a cloudy day. It’s not too bad in bright sunshine when everything else around you is well-lit too, but it’s physically painful for me in a dimly lit room. That said, I’m sure there will be the rare reader who appreciates the extra brightness.
Another thing to note about the Kindle’s frontlight is that there are no amber LEDs here, so you won’t be able to adjust the light temperature to warmer tones for evening or nighttime reading (something you can do on the Kobo Clara BW). However, there is a dark mode that you can use to further reduce the effects of white light on your eyes.
• Design & display score: 4 / 5
(Image credit: TechRadar / Sharmishta Sarkar)
Amazon Kindle (2024) review: User interface
Easy-to-use interface
Can feel cluttered to some users new to the Amazon ecosystem
Native EPUB support, but still requires extra steps to load files
I’ve been a very strong proponent for simple ereader interfaces – after all, these are devices designed for the main purpose of reading, so anyone should be able to use them. Amazon nails this for the most part, with the Kindle OS quite easy to navigate and find what you need.
In fact, the entire setup process is simple – you just need to follow the on-screen instructions and choose the right options. In my case, I just had to sign in with my Amazon account (which is a paid Prime subscription) and my existing library – which at this point is still in the cloud – is displayed. Any of the books I want from there, I just have to tap and they download to the device.
(Image credit: TechRadar / Sharmishta Sarkar)
While I love the Library tab of the Kindle, I’m not a huge fan of the Home screen – I find it excessively cluttered with too many recommendation options. It feels like I’m being forced into entering the Kindle Store every time I go to the Home screen. In comparison, Kobo’s Home screen is a little less recommendation heavy and, in my opinion, looks a little cleaner.
I wish there was a way to make the Library tab the default Home screen (something you will find on some Onyx Boox ereaders running an Android OS), but there’s no option for that in the Settings. However, if you set the Kindle to sleep mode with the Library pane open, that’s what will show when you wake it up again. Or, if you have a book open, it will wake up to the page you left off at, so you really don’t need to interact with the Home screen unless you need to access the Kindle Store to find your next read.
Settings are accessed by swiping downward from the top of the screen, where the screen brightness slider and dark mode button also sit. What I really appreciate about the Settings options is that it’s not overkill like I’ve seen on Boox devices – a handful of useful options that are easy to understand is exactly how it should be. I love the fact that I can remove practically all page furniture from a book, leaving me a clean display with just the text or comic frame I’m reading.
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(Image credit: TechRadar / Sharmishta Sarkar)
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(Image credit: TechRadar / Sharmishta Sarkar)
Speaking of comics, all Kindles have a frame view that is fantastic, even on a small ereader like the entry-level Kindle. Open the comic or graphic novel of your choice, double tap on the page and each frame will open separately so you can read the speech bubbles comfortably. Without this feature, speech bubbles would be nigh impossible to read on a full-page view as they’d be too small on a 6-inch screen.
Gone are the days of Amazon's dislike of the EPUB file, the most common ebook format there is. With MOBI nearly dead now, there is native EPUB support on the Kindles, but you still have to jump through hoops to sideload them. You can either send them via email using the Kindle address you get set up with when you first start using the ereader, or you can use the Send To Kindle desktop app. Both have file size caveats, though, but you can also always use software like Caliber to convert EPUBs to AZW/AZW3 formats, which are Amazon’s proprietary files.
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(Image credit: TechRadar / Sharmishta Sarkar)
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(Image credit: TechRadar / Sharmishta Sarkar)
You can listen to Audible audiobooks if you have a subscription, but you will need to pair a set of Bluetooth headphones to the Kindle first. The pairing, I found, needs a few tries, but once connected, you can listen to the stories rather than read. With Whispersync turned on in Device Options, you can stop reading at a page and, if you also have the audiobook version, the narration will start on that page. It will even sync to your Echo device if you have one.
While you can connect to a Goodreads account if you use it, there are no other third-party options available for either cloud sync or borrowing library books, While readers in the US can use a Kindle to borrow from a local public library, it’s a limited feature that’s not available elsewhere, which makes a Kobo a compelling alternative if you don’t want to spend money on book purchases or subscriptions.
• User interface score: 4 / 5
Amazon Kindle (2024) review: Performance
Slightly faster page turns and overall performance
Lacks contrast compared to the competition
Decent battery life, depending on brightness setting
Performance measurement for an ereader is simple, really – you determine how well the tap (or swipe) to turn functionality works and if there’s any ghosting (or overlay of previous page) on the screen, something that’s been very common with ereaders for years.
On both counts, the 2024 Kindle excels. In fact, I think the overall performance is a wee bit faster on the new model over its predecessor. While I’d love to say that’s because of a new processor, I don’t have that knowledge, but it could be software tweaks that have improved performance. Again, this is just a theory I have based on how large that OS is on the 2024 Kindle, so don’t quote me on that.
Whatever the reason, page turns are snappy and not once did I have any overlay while reading or typing via the on-screen keyboard. The latter also feels quite responsive – entering my WI-Fi password at setup and typing out my Amazon credentials happened with barely any lag. So while I might say that this doesn’t feel like an ‘upgrade’, I appreciate whatever Amazon has done to improve performance over what was already a pretty good budget ereader.
I also appreciate that downloading books from the Kindle Store is also very speedy compared to what I’ve experienced when sourcing titles from the Kobo Store on a Kobo ereader.
Kindle 2024 (left) vs Kindle Paperwhite 2024 (right) – the latter displays the exact same page in slightly darker text (Image credit: TechRadar / Sharmishta Sarkar)
Battery life remains the same as before, with Amazon saying you’ll get up to 6 weeks of use on a single charge, although I think it’s more like 4 weeks. That, though, will depend on how bright you like your screen set at.
On my Kindle, I had the brightness set to 5 at all times and page refresh set to each page turn and saw an average drop of 2% per hour of reading. That increases to about a 3% to 4% drop each hour with Kindle Store browsing thrown in as well. With the brightness level set at 24, which is maximum, I found battery levels drop by an average of 7% per hour. So, depending on brightness settings and how long you read per day, I’d say you’ll get a top of 4 weeks between charges and that’s still pretty good.
Using a 65W wall charger and a good quality USB-A to C cable, the 2024 Kindle took 1 hour 52 minutes to go from 9% to full, which is average for an ereader. I haven’t had the opportunity to try charging it via a USB-C to C cable yet, but that might speed things up a touch, as long as you’re still plugged into the wall socket and not using your computer or dock.
• Performance score: 4.5 / 5
Should I buy the Amazon Kindle (2024)?
Buy it if...
You’re using a really old Kindle and need an upgrade
Anyone still holding on to an older entry-level Kindle or even still using the Voyage should definitely upgrade if you are keen. The performance alone will be worth your while.
You want your first ever Kindle
If you’re considering joining the digital reading bandwagon or want to move away from reading on your phone or tablet, the 2024 Kindle would make an excellent entry point.
You want a lightweight, portable ereader only for reading
If you don’t need all the bells and whistles of more premium ereaders (like writing features) and are perfectly comfortable with a 6-inch screen, this is arguably the lightest ereader in this size class.
Don't buy it if...
You’re already using the 2022 Kindle
With not a whole lot that’s new on the 2024 release, it’s hard to recommend it over its predecessor. If you already have the 2022 edition, you won’t miss out on much.
Value for money is important to you
Again, without a major update on the device, it’s hard to recommend over the competition that offers you more – better screen, waterproofing – for about the same amount of money.
Longevity is important to you
While it’s quite likely that the 2024 Kindle will go the distance (ereaders can be used for 6 to 10 years), I found the plastic body of the 2022 model cracking within two years of release, something that might afflict the successor too.
Also consider
Kobo Clara BW
In direct competition with the 2024 Kindle, the Kobo Clara BW is arguably the better entry-level ereader. It uses the latest monochrome E Ink Carta 1300 screen that increases both contrast and responsiveness over the Carta 1200 (which the Kindle uses), and it’s waterproof. It also has amber LEDs, so you can set it to automatically adjust light temperature for reading after sunset. Read our in-depth Kobo Clara BW review and find out why it scored out Best In Class badge.
Kobo Clara Colour
Another 6-inch entry-level ereader, but this time with a color display. If you’re someone who reads comics, graphic novels or books with pictures in them, it really enhances your reading experience if you see them in color. It will, however, cost you a little more than a black-and-white model. Read our full Kobo Clara Colour review for more details
How I tested the Amazon Kindle (2024)
Used as main reading device for one week
Viewed both graphic novels and regular books
Checked performance at various settings
(Image credit: TechRadar / Sharmishta Sarkar)
I didn’t have the 2024 Kindle with me for too long before first publication, but I made sure I spent as much time as I could reading on it. Over the course of 7 days, I read an average 4 hours per day on it, reading history and fantasy novels, as well as my favourite The Sandman graphic novel.
These were already available in my Kindle library, so I only needed to sign into my Amazon account, then sync to the device via the cloud. I didn’t sideload any new titles to the 2024 Kindle though.
While I don’t have a Kindle Unlimited or Audible account, I used the free trial of the former to find some titles to read, but mostly used my Prime Reading subscription to borrow some books. I found one audiobook available on Kindle Unlimited to try pairing a set of wireless earphones to test audiobook functionality, although I’m not much of a listener.
I also repeatedly changed light settings to see how the battery held up, and did direct screen comparisons with the Kobo Clara BW and the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite.
If the main thing holding you back from buying the 2-in-1 Amazon Kindle Scribe was that it wouldn't let you scribble on books or in the margins, I have some good news for you.
Amazon's latest Kindle adds markup capabilities (of a sort) and throws in a subtle yet spiffy redesign for the big-screen eReader and notetaker and its stylus companion. There's even a small yet important helping of generative AI.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Pricing and availability
Amazon unveiled the 2024 Kindle Scribe on October 16 along with a new Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, and its first color E Ink device, the Kindle Colorsoft. The Kindle Scribe lists for $399.99 and will ship in December.
The look of it
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Amazon Kindle Scribe has never been your typical Kindle e-reader. At 10.2 inches, the screen is more than three inches larger than the biggest Kindle screen (currently the new 7-inch Paperwhite). In addition to touch, it supports high-precision pen input thanks to a Wacom Digitizer panel below the surface.
The new Amazon Kindle Scribe 2024 edition doesn't change any of that. Size, weight, and specs are the same as last time, but the reader does look different all the same. The metal body is now a brighter green and, in an unheard-of move, Amazon surrounded the display with a wide white border.
As Amazon's Kindle VP Kevin Keith told me, it is much harder to hide things like components and sensors behind a thick white bezel. Still, I get the intention; that white border is intended to make the thin and light e-reader look even more like a giant white piece of paper. It's a pretty good effect.
The Pen probably got a bigger redesign, with refined looks and now an elastomer eraser nub on the back end that feels like a real eraser when used on the Scribe's screen.
Display: 10.2
Storage: 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB
Dimensions: 196 x 230 x 5.8mm
Weight: 433g (Pen: 17g)
Am expansive display
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
The E Ink display remains a wonder. It has just enough roughness to feel like paper and that's especially effective when you put the new stylus to work on it. There's just enough friction to feel like you're dragging a real pen across paper.
When you combine it with the 300 ppi resolution and near-zero latency, it's easy to forget that you're writing and drawing on a digital panel and not real, if slightly gray, paper. These capabilities are largely unchanged from the original Scribe, though the redesigned pen does feel better in the hand, and the eraser is now fun to use. Though I was surprised that when I erased digital ink, the little rubber nub seemed to leave some actual elastomer crumbs on the display – this may be taking verisimilitude a tad too far.
While my hands-on time was brief, it was enough that I could try out writing, reading, and drawing on the large display. It's all quite satisfying, but it's also not necessarily what defines this new Amazon Kindle Scribe.
Intoducing Active Canvas
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
The new Kindle introduces Active Canvas, which finally adds some in-book notetaking to the Scribe experience. It was not live yet on most of the demo units I tried, but I got a few solid demonstrations and think that this will please those who thought the original Scribe was lacking this key feature.
Active Canvas is simple. If you want to annotate a book, you can just start writing right on top of the section in the book. As you write, the text under where you're writing fades away, and then a box appears, and the book text automatically flows around it. You select a check to set the box, which you can then resize, but more importantly, that annotation remains anchored to the text in the book. I watched as an Amazon rep resized the font, and the annotation held fast.
Amazon is also adding expanded margins for annotations that will similarly anchor to positions in the book. That feature, which I did see working in demos, will ship sometime after Amazon ships the Scribe.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
A dose of AI
The Amazon Kindle Scribe wouldn't be a new product in 2024 if it didn't get a little dollop of AI. In this case, it's a two-pronged attack: Refinement and Summarization.
Again, I could not try these features out for myself, but I did watch closely as another Amazon rep demonstrated them.
Refinement seems tailor-made for me and my very messy handwriting.
The Scribe has extensive note-taking features, but I find it fairly useless if all my notes are not organized or clarified in some fashion. The Refinement feature is a good first step. It uses a cloud-based generative AI to read and clean up my notes.
The process, which starts with you selecting a little quasar-like icon in the upper right corner of the screen, takes 15-to-20 seconds and sends the encrypted data to Amazon's Bedrock Gen AI server. The system returns an incredibly cleaned-up version of your notes. They look handwritten, but that's because they're now in Amazon's custom handwriting font, which can be easily resized.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
This process certainly makes the notes more glanceable, but I think it's the Summarization feature that will change things the most for avid Kindle Scribe notetakers.
It goes through the same process of selecting the AI icon, but you then have to choose if the system is to summarize the current page or all your pages in that note file. I, naturally, would always choose the latter.
What's returned looks like a brief, handwritten, and concise summarization of what can be quite lengthy and messy notes. Unlike your own handwritten notes, it's the kind of thing that you might be comfortable sharing with coworkers.
Amazon uses a variety of LLMs (large language models) to figure out all handwritten notes. When I asked Amazon Kindle VP Kevin Keith which LLMs it was employing he demurred, telling me instead, "We continually look for the best models, and that's what's great about Bedrock. You can change out different models."
There was, by the way, no mention of Alexa AI or Alexa AI integration in these new Scribe tools, which is a shame but perhaps we'll see it in future Scribe and its Gen AI updates.
The pens' the thing
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(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
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Because Amazon Kindle Scribe uses Wacom digitizing technology, the Scribe Pencil needs no power source. So, while you can magnetically attach it to the side of the e-reader, it doesn't need that connection to juice up. The pen could be unattached for months and still work.
That's pretty impressive when you consider all this pen can do. It's got a high degree of pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, and a newly redesigned eraser. In my experience, the latency was essentially zero. It kept up with fast and slow strokes.
It's fun to use, and that big canvas cries out for an illustration. It's also nice that the pen ships with the Kindle Scribe.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Battery life
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Amazon Kindle Scribe is rated for 12 weeks of battery life, but that's if you keep the WiFi off. Your battery life will also vary based on how often you use the lights to illuminate the reflective screen in the dark and how much you annotate your books. Still, battery life will invariably be "weeks" and not "days" or "hours" with a Kindle.
Unlike some of the smaller Kindles like the new Paperwhite and Colorsoft, the Scribe is not water resistant, so just keep that in mind if you take it to the pool or beach.
