Battlefield REDSEC arrives seven years after the battle royale genre began in earnest, boasting a free-to-play structure, a whole lot of destruction, and of course, a Battle Pass. It launched as a surprise free-to-play update to Battlefield 6, but it can also be downloaded separately.
Review info
Platform reviewed: PS5 Pro Available on: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X and Series S Release date: October 28, 2025
I imagine you now have a clear picture in your head as to what Battlefield REDSEC looks like, what mechanics it uses to push players further and further into the map, and can practically see the various icons for currencies both paid for and free.
While Battlefield REDSEC does have a few interesting design choices, I’d almost guarantee that you’ve pretty much played this one before. You'll no doubt recognize key mechanics lifted from several of the best FPS games to come out in recent years, with very little that jumps out as new.
Late for departure
(Image credit: EA)
The highlights then. Battlefield is a perfect fit for battle royale design, and its destructible environments are easily the best I've ever seen in the genre.
The class system borrows from the main game and offers genuinely enticing and decidedly distinct ways to play. There’s tanks too - yes, tanks in a battle royale game. They’re brilliant, but also balanced in a way that makes them extremely difficult to manage, especially if your enemies have brought in an Engineer.
Even the gunplay is tight and enjoyable, and really gives Warzone a run for its money. All in all, I’d recommend Battlefield REDSEC if you’re a fan of shooters, and if you want a more streamlined experience when compared to the bloated monster that main competitor Warzone has become over the years.
The main issue with REDSEC is timing. Had it launched 3 years ago, I reckon it would’ve been a rather exciting proposition.
Instead, it joins Apex Legends, Warzone, Fortnite, and other battle royale games, all jostling for your attention. It’s not just those games either, as 2025 has been a veritable goldmine of innovative multiplayer experiences like Peak, R.E.P.O, and most recently: Arc Raiders. With the arrival of the latter in particular, I’ve found it very difficult to justify sinking hour after hour in Battlefield REDSEC when there’s another game that I’d desperately rather be playing.
Military medley
In my mind, PUBG: Battlegrounds kicked off the ongoing fascination with closing circles and last survivor-victories all the way back in 2018. Battlefield REDSEC then, has quite a bit to borrow from, and borrow it does, rather masterfully in fact. There’s the map design of Warzone, the squad-formation drop-ins from Apex, and the Battle Pass structure perfected by Fortnite. All of this is spliced together into quite a neat package, making Battlefield REDSEC a sort of best-of compilation of games you’ve probably played over the last seven years.
There’s very little fat to trim here, and if you’re looking for a battle royale game that feels the way you remember Warzone feeling in 2020, you’ve found it. Inventories are clean and simple, armor plates aren’t stored in some extra menu or bag that you have to manage on the fly, and matches are all action, all the time.
(Image credit: EA)
Burn this city
My favorite quirk of Battlefield REDSEC is the closing circle of flame. Rather than slowly doing damage over time, the flames will instantly kill you if it catches you, and you’ll even take burn damage just by being anywhere near the closing wall.
This does two things: it prevents players from using the closing circle as a hiding spot, while encouraging players to move inwards at all times. That first effect is a very welcome one indeed, and anyone who’s played Warzone over the years can attest to how frustrating it is to get to the final circle and learn that the opposing team is using gas masks and health stims to stay alive in the gas.
Best bit
(Image credit: EA)
Don’t sleep on Gauntlet mode, which pits teams against each other in a variety of different mini-modes set on the battle royale map. For those that don’t want to invest in Battlefield 6, it’s a great sampler of what to expect from the more structured gameplay sessions of the base game. It’s the perfect way to learn the gunplay, as well.
The second effect can be felt dramatically throughout matches, as you and your team frequently have to change position and make quick decisions before the flames get too close. Given the rapidity with which the deadly flaming circle contracts, vehicles become vital means for repositioning.
Gatling gun-mounted buggies feel weighty and fun to drive, while helicopters are hilariously complicated beasts that require careful practice, and a whole lot of bravery to pilot. Add in the tanks and you’ve got a winning formula, as you send vehicles careening through buildings, charging across debris-ridden plains, and soaring across a sky filled to the brim with missiles.
“Iconic DNA”
EA has been hammering on about Battlefield’s “Iconic DNA” in the marketing for REDSEC. Presumably, this refers to the destructability and class-based warfare that I’ve certainly enjoyed while playing the main game’s multiplayer modes. In REDSEC, however, I’m left wanting a bit more of a signature style, something to differentiate it from the countless others vying for my attention.
Part of this identity crisis stems back to the overall design mentality of this new era of Battlefield. After the floundering performance of Battlefield 2042, EA has stripped everything back to the bone, choosing to appease Battlefield 3 and 4 purists rather than risk anything remotely new.
This has been an overcorrection, and while I do enjoy both Battlefield 6 and REDSEC, there’s very little that’s truly memorable about either. This all translates over to REDSEC’s Battle Pass, which is woefully dull, filled with generic military skins and green-brown color swaps of boilerplate character designs.
I’m genuinely left wondering why anybody would spend real money on any of it, and while I understand the need for EA to avoid the wacky and often-maligned cosmetics of Call of Duty, there’s got to be a middle ground.
(Image credit: EA)
On a mission
There’s a mission system in Battlefield REDSEC which gives players varied objectives to complete in addition to the main goal of looting and shooting. These range from bomb defusals to tasks that have you aligning satellite beacons. They’re almost always worth doing, and often serve as sneaky ways to bring rival teams closer together. It’s all little more than Contracts in Warzone, or missions in Fortnite, but I do like the implementation better in Battlefield REDSEC.
Similarly, the way loot is labelled and upgraded is sleek and intuitive. Orange crates give you loot that’s specific to your class, while weapon kits can be used to upgrade an aspect of your held weapon.
Custom weapon caches drop from the skies periodically, leading to yet more opportunities for skirmishes between squads. Battlefield REDSEC really excels in pacing, and I’ve found the majority of matches to be action-packed and just bit-sized enough to encourage me to jump back in.
(Image credit: EA)
In terms of incentives, however, REDSEC is once again held back by the trappings of the battle royale genre. There’s really no reward for winning, par for the course at this point, but other games like Fortnite have managed to use victory crowns and exclusive Gliders as a reason for players to want to win again and again. There’s an XP bonus that ties nicely into the shared progression of guns across REDSEC and Battlefield 6, but given the lacklustre nature of the Battle Pass rewards, I find very little reason to keep playing night after night.
By positioning Battlefield REDSREC as a separate, free to play, title, EA has at least made the barrier to entry fairly low. I’d recommend it for those that love battle royale games, as it’s solid enough, and often fun enough, to warrant getting a full squad together to give it a go.
Unfortunately, there’s only Duos and Quads right now, so be aware that you will need to play with randoms often, and there’s really no way to play solo, which is disappointing. For those that’ve gotten their fill from years of Warzone, Fortnite and Apex Legends, however, there’s very little that differentiates REDSEC from titles you’ve already played. Perhaps the genre has started to run its course
Should I play Battlefield REDSEC?
(Image credit: EA)
Play it if...
You live and breathe battle royale games While Battlefield REDSEC doesn’t bring anything new to the genre per se, it is a great culmination of elements borrowed from some of the best that we’ve seen so far. The destructible environments are well worth checking out, at a minimum.
You have a full squad REDSEC only offers Duos and Quads, and partnering with randoms is a mixed bag at present. The Ping system isn’t perfect, and it can be difficult to coordinate without a mic. Get a full team of pals together to really experience the best of what a Battlefield-branded battle royale has to offer.
You’re enjoying Battlefield 6 There’s shared progression between Battlefield 6 and REDSEC, and the battle royale mode is likely already installed on your hardware. There’s challenges to complete in REDSEC, and the classes line up nicely with those in the main game. You can bring in your custom weapons as well, granted you find a cache that spits them out.
Don't play it if...
You’re looking for something new I think it’s fair to say that the battle royale genre has lost much of its appeal over the last couple of years. REDSEC is very much by the numbers, and you won’t really find anything in here that you didn’t get in Warzone over five years ago.
You want to progress and unlock new rewards The battle pass and rewards system is pretty lacking in REDSEC at the moment. If you don’t really want to dig into its various loadout options and grind out attachments, there’s very little to incentivize you to play regularly.View Deal
Accessibility features
Battlefield REDSEC has some decent accessibility settings like Menu Narration, customizable color elements for the HUD, and Tinnitus-related audio sliders. There’s also color profiles for Deuteranopia, Tritanopia, and Protanopia color blindness options. Custom color blind settings can be applied too.
Subtitles can be increased in size, and tweaked to alter outline, background opacity, text opacity, and more. Camera effects like motion blur and HUD motion have sliders, and you can dial down camera shake and turn off camera sprint camera bobbing.
How I reviewed Battlefield REDSEC
I’ve played around 15 hours of Battlefield REDSEC, predominantly in Quads mode. I’ve also spent around an hour of that time in Gauntlet mode. All of this was on PS5 Pro in Auto (Performance) mode, using a DualSense Edge wireless controller with back buttons assigned to jump and interact.
While playing Battlefield REDSEC, I used an LG Ultragear 27GR93U 4K monitor, as well as a Steel Series Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 headset. For one play session, I also tested the game on PlayStation Portal, and found Gauntlet mode to work well, and it looked great on the handheld screen.
Nikon's Z-mount mirrorless cameras system has come of age – seven years since its first Z-mount cameras, we now have its first second-generation lens, the Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II, which is designed to replace the original Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S.
I have a particular personal interest in this new lens, because I've relied on the original for personal and professional work for several years, and I'm still completely happy with it today.
So the question I had going into this review was not whether this lens would be any good – I knew it was going to be a five-star performer. Rather, it's whether it gives users of the original like me enough of a reason to upgrade, and whether it's worth the extra outlay.
I'll cut to the chase and say I don't think it is... depending on the price difference. I've reviewed enough second-generation Sony lenses where I've seen genuine improvement – new lenses that are optically sharper, plus much smaller and lighter. Nikon's new 24-70mm boasts similar improvements, but for me Nikon hasn't quite gone far enough with the upgrades, given the big difference in price at launch and the already excellent quality of the original.
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Still, the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is a five-star lens by every metric. Its optical and build quality are top drawer, with edge-to-edge pin sharpness at any focal length, impressive control over lens distortion, and smooth rendering of bokeh.
Build quality impresses, too. Its weather-resistant design betters the original in one key way – zoom is internal, which is one less potential weak spot for dust and water to enter the lens internals.
The original lens is in fact slightly smaller in length, but it extends past the new lens as you zoom up to 70mm. For me, the internal zoom, snappier autofocus, lighter weight and moderately sharper detail are the biggest upgrades, but not enough of a reason to spend so much extra now, rather than waiting for potential price cuts or until the original is phased out.
Price considerations aside, you'll struggle to find a better-quality professional lens, with a versatile 24-70mm zoom and consistent f/2.8 aperture across that range – this is a five-star performer all the way, and key new addition to the Nikon Z lens range.
Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II: price and availability
Priced at $2,799 / £2,599 / AU$4,599
Lens hood included
Announced in August 2025
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Nikon's Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II lens was announced in August 2025, costing $2,799 / £2,599 / AU$4,599, lens hood included. At the time of writing the lens has already got its first price cuts in the US and UK where it's now $2,599 / £2,299.
At the time of the mark II's launch, the original 24-70mm lens was already on sale for $2,099 / £1,999, while you can also buy that lens secondhand from trustworthy retailers for much, much less, with prices depending on the condition.
Personally, I'd buy the original secondhand in excellent condition for around 30% less than the mark II new at its current sale price. However, if money is no object for you, then the new lens is of course the better choice of the two.
Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II specs
Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II specs
Type:
Standard zoom
Mount:
Z-mount
Sensor:
Full-frame
Focal length:
24-70mm
Max aperture:
f/2.8
Minimum focus:
0.79ft / 0.24 m at 24mm, 1.09ft / 0.33 m at 70mm with a 0.32x max magnification
Filter size:
77mm
Dimensions:
3.4in x 5.6 inches / 84mm x 142mm
Weight:
1.49lbs / 675g
Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II: Design
Lightest lens of its kind, just 675g
Weather-resistant design, internal zoom
Multiple control rings, including a clicked / de-clicked
The 24-70mm f/2.8 is a classic standard zoom and essential offering in a professional mirrorless camera system, historically sitting in the middle of a trio of professional f/2.8 zooms – the other two usually being a 14-24mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8.
When I bought my first mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z6 II, I chose the original Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S as my first lens. Such is its quality and versatility that it ended up being the only lens I owned for years, until I splurged on a fast-aperture telephoto prime.
I didn't think the original 24-70mm needed updating – it's such a good lens already. However, the mark II is the first second-generation Z-mount lens, and it does indeed upgrade the original in several ways.
In terms of design, the Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is the lightest of its kind, just 675g – that's approximately 16% lighter than the 805g original. I used both lenses together and I can't say I noticed the difference particularly, even over a long day of event photography. However, that is a decent drop in weight.
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(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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The new lens's diameter is slimmer than before, too, with a 77mm filter thread to the original's 82mm. However, the new lens is longer than the original – that is when both lenses are set to the 24mm focal length.
Zoom each lens to 70mm, and that's where the difference kicks in – the new lens has an internal zoom, meaning its dimensions are unchanged as you move through the zoom range (see above), whereas the original lens extends past its successor as you zoom in.
For me, the internal zoom is the single biggest upgrade in the new lens, not only for better balance, but improved ruggedness – it's one less potential point of weakness in terms of dust and dirt ingress. Also, being shorter at 70mm, it's less likely to knock against your surroundings, which is helpful for hectic environments like weddings and events. You can see how the two lenses differ in length below.
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We lose the basic top LED, which on the original could display key lens settings, including focus distance. In practice, it's not a feature that I particularly missed. Instead, we gain a control ring which can be set to clicked or de-clicked – I suspect most users will set this ring to control aperture. There's three rings in all; zoom, focus and that custom ring.
There's a reassuring quality to the lens, despite its lightweight design – each ring, button and switch handles well. And it balances perfectly with the Nikon Z6 III, which is the camera I was testing the lens with. By extension, it'll be a decent fit with the Z8 and Z9 cameras, too.
A lens hood is supplied with the lens, and it features a hatch. The idea is that when the hatch is open, it's much easier to make on the go adjustments to a filter, say a variable ND for video recording.
On that note, there is a general sense that the mark II version of the lens is better designed for video work. Autofocus is speedier – more on that shortly – focus breathing is suppressed, and there's that de-clicked aperture control ring for smooth adjustments while recording.
Close focusing is also improved – the minimum focus distance depends on the focal length, but the maximum magnification is 0.32x – that's an improvement from the original's 0.22x, and suitable for close up details such as wedding rings, without being a proper macro lens.
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Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II: Performance
Incredibly sharp edge to edge
Smooth bokeh and impressive control of all lens distortions
Versatile maximum f/2.8 aperture and snappy autofocus
I've taken a wide range of photos in various scenarios with the lens attached to a Nikon Z6 III (with all in-camera lens corrections turned off), using the various aperture settings and focal lengths. Put simply, the Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is optically flawless, save for a light fall-off at f/2.8 (vignetting, which I rather like).
Detail is pin-sharp from center to edges. For reference, I compared like-for-like images shot with the original, and the new lens has the edge (I'm also working on a versus piece between the two lenses where I will share comparison images, coming soon). You'll need to zoom in to 100% to appreciate the difference, but it is there. I wouldn't feel the need to apply any sharpness corrections when editing the images, whereas with the original I tend to apply a little.
Bokeh quality is similar between both lenses. Sure, you'll want a f/1.4 prime or faster for bigger bokeh, but bokeh rendering at f/2.8 is pleasantly smooth and free of any distortion.
What's all the more impressive is that optical quality is better despite what is a simpler optical design – the new lens has 14 elements in 10 groups, compared to the original's 17 elements in 15 groups (this also partly explains the lighter weight of the new lens).
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You'll get lovely crsip sunstars when stopping lens aperture down to, say, f/16 (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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At f/2.8, I'm not seeing chromatic aberration distortion (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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At f/2.8, there is light fall-off (vignetting) (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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In the same scene but at f/8, light fall off is all but gone (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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Bokeh is smooth (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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Detail is crisp, autofocus reliable (with the Z6 III's subject detection AF) (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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Finally, some flare! Not that I'd take a poor quality picture like this for real – I was just trying to eke out flare (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Photos I took in woodland with strong backlighting at f/2.8 are free from chromatic aberration – a distortion I'd expect to see in such a scenario with lesser-quality lenses. In the same scenario with the lens aperture stopped down to f/16, the lens rendered a crisp sunstar (you can see those two photos in the gallery, above).
Only when I pointed the camera straight towards the sun for a backlit selfie could I get any kind of lens flare – that's not a lens drawback, just an impossible situation I presented the lens with, and better lighting required!
Focus breathing is really well controlled, while autofocus performance is superb too. There's no sense of laboring – the lens snappily latches onto subjects, especially when paired with the Z6 III and making use of that camera's subject-detection tracking autofocus skills.
Combine that optical quality, decent close-focusing skills and speedy autofocus, and the Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is an impressive performer on all fronts.
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I could rely on the camera and lens combination for sharp focus even in low light (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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Detail is incredibly sharp across this scene (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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Should you buy the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II?
Buy it if...
You want a versatile professional zoom lens
The 24-70mm zoom range and maximum f/2.8 aperture cover off a huge range of scenarios.
You shoot events and weddings
That maximum f/2.8 aperture, fast autofocus skills and robust build are a dream combo for the rigors of event and wedding photography.
Don't buy it if...
You own the original 24-70mm f/2.8
Yes, there are a few improvements, but I don't think this new mark II version merits the financial hit of an upgrade at full price; it'll be a different story when its price drops.
You don't mind a secondhand saving
The original 24-70mm f/2.8 can be purchased secondhand for around 30% less than its successor's list price – that feels like the better deal.
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
How I tested the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II
I tested it for one month
I paired it with the Nikon Z6 III and Nikon ZR cameras
I used it for photography and video, both indoors and out
Nikon loaned me the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II lens for a month, and during this time I've used it for event, portraiture and landscape photography, and as an everyday lens. I've also shot video with it.
I've made direct comparisons with my own 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens to see to what degree Nikon has improved on the original.
I've made sure to take images using various aperture settings and focal lengths, with all in-camera lens corrections switched off, and compared those images to check for any lens distortions and assess bokeh quality.
The EcoFlow Rapid Pro X is a high-capacity, fast-charging power bank that oozes quality while being user-friendly.
EcoFlow Rapid Pro X - Specification
Battery capacity: 99.5Wh
Number of charge cycles: Over 300 before 20% drop
Number of USB sockets: 3 Type C
Number of power inputs: 2
Fastest charge time: 1 hour
Additional features: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Weight: 700g
A large color screen constantly shows the remaining power, and three touch buttons make navigating the menu easy. The Pro X also provides haptic feedback in the form of vibrations when accessing menus.
The station can power only Type-C devices and delivers a combined 270W in a compact footprint, the size of a soda can. The Rapid Pro X supports the newer 140W Power-Distribution profile and fully charges in less than an hour to its 100Wh capacity. EcoFlow offers a desktop charger that adds five additional USB ports and fast charging, making it an ideal companion to the Pro X.
The Pro X alone will cost $299 and is currently discounted for $260. Accessories include the desktop 300W charger, which retails at $150, and a 140W GaN Rapid Pro AC adapter for $80.
(Image credit: Future)
EcoFlow Rapid Pro X: Design
The EcoFlow Pro X battery ships in a compact box, with only a charging cable and a user guide. The unit weighs 700g and measures 5.7cm x 8.4cm x 15.2cm, making it convenient to throw in a backpack. The plastic case with its rounded edges fits easily in the palm. Electrical connections are on the top and bottom, and the plastic shell can be replaced if the case is scratched or broken.
The front panel sports a large 5” color display with the menu accessible using three touch buttons on the right side. Two buttons control the up and down menu, while a third validates the selection. The unit vibrates when touched, and the backlight turns off after 60 minutes of inactivity.
The Pro X hosts three Type-C connectors on the top. The leftmost blue-keyed connector, known as C1, supports up to 140W of power for downstream devices. The remaining two connectors, C2 and C3, can each output 65W, and along with C1, make the Pro X a 270W unit.
The built-in 100Wh Lithium Polymer battery charges via either the high-powered C1 connector or the docking connector at the bottom. Type-C charging is convenient for on-the-go use and requires only a standard power adapter.
With an input power of up to 140W, the charging time is about 40 minutes. The faster method is through the docking station, which can transfer at up to 240W, resulting in a complete charge in under 30 minutes.
(Image credit: Future)
EcoFlow Rapid Pro X: In Use
The EcoFlow Pro X setup is straightforward thanks to a well-designed user interface. We recommend first charging the Pro X, then connecting it to the mobile app, available on both Apple and Android platforms.
A firmware update may be available and pushed to the device. The local clock auto-adjusts once connected to the app. The unit features a timer that can be set to time out in five-minute increments.
The rate at which the Pro X charges through its base station is not constant. The unit will first charge at full power, providing 240W through the bottom pins, but will gradually decrease to settle on 60W at around 40% battery charge. On the other hand, charging through the 140W GaN EcoFlow adapter provides a constant flow and is generally quicker.
The mobile app displays the current charging rate for the internal battery and the output power rate for each connected device. Since all outputs are always enabled, the Pro X will self-discharge over a couple of days, even when no device is connected.
This is likely due to having an active Wi-Fi connection. The unit will also dissipate heat on its own. We recommend turning it off through the menu when unused for an extended period.
In addition to not fully utilizing the 320W capacity when paired with the Rapid Pro desktop charger, the Pro X’s battery provides only 300 charge cycles before experiencing a 20% capacity drop.
(Image credit: Future)
EcoFlow Rapid Pro X: Competition
The EcoFlow Pro X's main competitor is the Anker Prime power bank, which has a similar form factor and power capacity.
The Pro X has a slightly higher output power capacity, at 300W, compared to the Prime's 250W. The three Type-C sockets are also more helpful than the two Type-C and one Type-A available in the Prime.
(Image credit: Future)
EcoFlow Rapid Pro X: Final Verdict
The EcoFlow Pro X is an excellent portable power source to quickly charge multiple Type-C devices. Its main selling points are a refined UI, a bright display, and WiFi connectivity.
The unit seamlessly integrates into the EcoFlow ecosystem, with the mobile app functioning smoothly. Thanks to the new 140W Type-C power profile, it will charge devices faster than a conventional adapter.
Its main drawbacks are an ability to self-discharge when left unconnected and a quick charge that settles to a lower input power over time.
We liked the ease of replacing part of the enclosure and the hassle-free docking when paired with the Rapid Pro desktop charger.
Get the Rapid Pro X if ... you already have other EcoFlow devices and need portable power.
We’re big fans of Thrustmaster’s eSwap products at TechRadar Gaming but the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. isn’t exactly the big leap forward the brand’s controller lineup needs. As for changes, the clue’s in the name. The H.E. packs in a pair of Thrustmaster’s H.E.A.R.T. Hall effect thumbsticks, which is nice, and means you won’t need to buy them separately. It's one of the best Xbox controllers, but slightly better.
If you’re buying an eSwap controller for the first time, then the H.E. is definitely the one to get. By default, it is the best eSwap gamepad to date by packing those Hall effect sticks in with the already excellent eSwap X2. And yes, you can still expect brilliant build quality and Thrustmaster’s commitment to accessibility and customizability through its swappable stick and D-pad modules.
But don’t expect any changes beyond that, which also means issues that we had with the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 are still present here. It’s a bulky controller that, while ideal for big-handed players, can be a bit unwieldy for anyone else. I also found the D-pad to be a little uncomfortable over long play sessions.
Finally, I’m still baffled by the lack of a wireless connectivity option, given the relatively high price of the controller. This is a competitive-facing controller, and naturally wired connections offer little to no input latency. However, as we see in rival controllers like the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, wireless polling rates are improving, further reducing input lag over 2.4GHz wireless connections on PC. It’s something I’d like to see Thrustmaster at least consider if and when it gets around to making the eSwap X3.
(Image credit: Future)
Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.: price and availability
List price: $169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)
Cheaper than the eSwap X2 in the UK
Price remains identical to the eSwap X2 in the US
The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. launched on October 1, 2025, and is available to buy from Thrustmaster’s website and other stocking retailers for $169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260). In terms of price, it’s on par with the original Thrustmaster eSwap X2 in the US. In the UK, the eSwap X2 H.E. is £10 cheaper than the first eSwap X2, coming in at £149.99 as opposed to the prior model’s £169.99. Bonus.
Looking at the wider controller market, when it comes to pads compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC, the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. finds itself among a busy crowd. While cheaper than the excellent Razer Wolverine V3 Pro ($199.99 / £199.99), it finds company with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 ($179.99 / £159.99).
And frankly, I’d recommend the eSwap X2 H.E. over that official Xbox pad in a heartbeat, due to the former’s Hall effect sticks and generally superior build quality.
Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Specs
Price
$169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)
Weight
10.6oz / 0.3kg
Dimensions
6.3 x 4.7 x 2.4in / 160 x 120 x 60mm
Compatibility
Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
Connection type
Wired (USB-C)
Battery life
N/A
(Image credit: Future)
Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: design and features
The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. remains largely identical to the original eSwap X2 in design. It’s the exact same shape and has all the same features. That includes swappable thumbstick and D-pad modules, trigger locks, and four remappable buttons on the rear of the pad.
You also have a row of on-board function buttons at the bottom of the controller, and these are for headset volume and mic muting, as well as swapping between custom button profiles. You can hit a ‘map’ button to customize the rear remappable buttons, too, if you don’t like the fact that they’re assigned to the four face buttons by default.
The controller does feel quite bulky in the hands, and the thumbsticks rest higher than what you’ll find on the average pad. As such, it really benefits players with larger hands, or those looking for an especially sturdy grip. It’s not quite to my personal preference, but I absolutely can see it being many players’ go-to pad for specifically this reason.
Much like the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded, the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. supports swappable stick and d-pad modules. These are magnetic, and pop out either by pulling them (don’t worry, you’re not at risk of breaking these as they’re especially sturdy and there’s no physical connection), or the included screwdriver which slots into the D-pad. This makes it easy to adopt a symmetrical stick layout if you prefer, or to swap out with other Thrustmaster modules that are sold separately.
As was the case with the eSwap X2, you can expect build quality to be solid here. After all, it is for all intents and purposes also an eSwap X2, just with the addition of those Hall effect sticks included in the box. So no movement or changes on that front.
(Image credit: Future)
Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Performance
The inclusion of Thrustmaster H.E.A.R.T. thumbsticks really is the selling point here. These resist stick drift and are a massive improvement over the eSwap X2’s default sticks. They feel super smooth, too, reminding me greatly of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller’s sublime stick feel.
Like the original X2, the face buttons here are impressively responsive and tactile, offering a mouse click-esque press. You’ll feel the difference immediately if you’re used to the softer, spongier button presses of cheaper pads like the Xbox Wireless Controller. The immediacy of presses here are super satisfying, and that also goes for the clicky bumpers and D-pad.
Speaking of, the D-pad here actually isn’t among my favorites. While I appreciate its responsiveness, the raised, bumpy design is something I found to be quite uncomfortable to use over longer stretches of time. It’s far from horrible, but for platformers, arcade-style games, and the best fighting games, it’s not a great fit.
One other thing to note is that the H.E. is still a strictly wired controller. To an extent, this is to be expected, as what we have here is essentially a slight revision of the eSwap X2. The ‘definitive’ version, quite possibly. I’d definitely like to see Thrustmaster offer a wireless solution for its next big gamepad release, though, as I strongly feel the option should be there when your controller is north of the $120 / £120 mark.
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.?
Buy it if...
You’re new to the eSwap line If you’re looking to buy an eSwap controller for the first time, then the H.E. really is the only choice you need to make. Depending on where you live, it’s the same price or slightly cheaper than the standard eSwap X2, and offers Hall effect sticks in the box.
You want a chunky, sizable controller There aren’t many controllers that seem designed primarily for larger hands. This may not have been the intended design goal with the eSwap X2 H.E., but its chunky build and high quality make it extra comfortable if your hands are on the larger size.
Don't buy it if...
You own an eSwap X2 Quite simply, if you already have a Thrustmaster eSwap X2 controller, there’s no reason to buy this latest revision. Instead, you should consider picking up the H.E.A.R.T. modules from Thrustmaster’s website.
Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Also consider
Not too keen on the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.? Here are a couple more controllers worth considering if you’re planning to upgrade from the stock Xbox Wireless Controller, or otherwise.
Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.
Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded
Nacon Revolution X Unlimited
Price
$169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)
$209.99 / £179.99 (around AU$322)
$199.99 / £179.99 (around AU$300)
Weight
10.6oz / 300g
9.3oz / 265g
11.53oz / 327g
Dimensions
6.3 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 160 x 105 x 60mm
6.3 x 4.2 x 2.6in / 160 x 106 x 66mm
7.5 x 7.4 x 3.5in / 190 x 189 x 89mm
Compatibility
Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC (PlayStation version sold separately)
Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
Connection type
Wired (USB-C)
Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)
Wireless (2.4Ghz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
Battery life
N/A
Around 20 hours
Around 10 hours
Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is more expensive, but offers wireless connectivity and a similar module-swapping tech to the eSwap X2 H.E. You’re even getting a ‘fightpad’ module in the box that works excellently with fighting games or your favorite arcade classics.
Nacon Revolution X Unlimited Certainly a strange one at first glance with its built-in LCD display. But this ends up being the Revolution X Unlimited’s best feature, offering plenty of convenient options and features right on the deck without needing to open any external software. A real winner and one of my favorites.
Compared to the previous eSwap X2, and the Victrix BFG Pro Reloaded among others
I tested the eSwap X2 H.E. for about a week for this review. I was already familiar with the original eSwap X2 via its excellent Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree special edition, and I found the H.E. to be completely identical in design and performance, with the addition of those included Hall effect sticks.
I compared my time with the eSwap X2 H.E. primarily with that of the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded. Victrix’s pad is the most similar to Thrustmaster’s with its swappable modules. While I do prefer the Pro BFG Reloaded overall, that mainly comes down to personal preference given its aptitude for fighting games and a comfier build for my smaller hands. Still, the eSwap X2 H.E. is more affordable, which is a strong reason to consider it here.
We’re big fans of Thrustmaster’s eSwap products at TechRadar Gaming but the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. isn’t exactly the big leap forward the brand’s controller lineup needs. As for changes, the clue’s in the name. The H.E. packs in a pair of Thrustmaster’s H.E.A.R.T. Hall effect thumbsticks, which is nice, and means you won’t need to buy them separately. It's one of the best Xbox controllers, but slightly better.
If you’re buying an eSwap controller for the first time, then the H.E. is definitely the one to get. By default, it is the best eSwap gamepad to date by packing those Hall effect sticks in with the already excellent eSwap X2. And yes, you can still expect brilliant build quality and Thrustmaster’s commitment to accessibility and customizability through its swappable stick and D-pad modules.
But don’t expect any changes beyond that, which also means issues that we had with the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 are still present here. It’s a bulky controller that, while ideal for big-handed players, can be a bit unwieldy for anyone else. I also found the D-pad to be a little uncomfortable over long play sessions.
Finally, I’m still baffled by the lack of a wireless connectivity option, given the relatively high price of the controller. This is a competitive-facing controller, and naturally wired connections offer little to no input latency. However, as we see in rival controllers like the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, wireless polling rates are improving, further reducing input lag over 2.4GHz wireless connections on PC. It’s something I’d like to see Thrustmaster at least consider if and when it gets around to making the eSwap X3.
(Image credit: Future)
Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.: price and availability
List price: $169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)
Cheaper than the eSwap X2 in the UK
Price remains identical to the eSwap X2 in the US
The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. launched on October 1, 2025, and is available to buy from Thrustmaster’s website and other stocking retailers for $169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260). In terms of price, it’s on par with the original Thrustmaster eSwap X2 in the US. In the UK, the eSwap X2 H.E. is £10 cheaper than the first eSwap X2, coming in at £149.99 as opposed to the prior model’s £169.99. Bonus.
Looking at the wider controller market, when it comes to pads compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC, the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. finds itself among a busy crowd. While cheaper than the excellent Razer Wolverine V3 Pro ($199.99 / £199.99), it finds company with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 ($179.99 / £159.99).
And frankly, I’d recommend the eSwap X2 H.E. over that official Xbox pad in a heartbeat, due to the former’s Hall effect sticks and generally superior build quality.
Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Specs
Price
$169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)
Weight
10.6oz / 0.3kg
Dimensions
6.3 x 4.7 x 2.4in / 160 x 120 x 60mm
Compatibility
Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
Connection type
Wired (USB-C)
Battery life
N/A
(Image credit: Future)
Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: design and features
The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. remains largely identical to the original eSwap X2 in design. It’s the exact same shape and has all the same features. That includes swappable thumbstick and D-pad modules, trigger locks, and four remappable buttons on the rear of the pad.
You also have a row of on-board function buttons at the bottom of the controller, and these are for headset volume and mic muting, as well as swapping between custom button profiles. You can hit a ‘map’ button to customize the rear remappable buttons, too, if you don’t like the fact that they’re assigned to the four face buttons by default.
The controller does feel quite bulky in the hands, and the thumbsticks rest higher than what you’ll find on the average pad. As such, it really benefits players with larger hands, or those looking for an especially sturdy grip. It’s not quite to my personal preference, but I absolutely can see it being many players’ go-to pad for specifically this reason.
Much like the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded, the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. supports swappable stick and d-pad modules. These are magnetic, and pop out either by pulling them (don’t worry, you’re not at risk of breaking these as they’re especially sturdy and there’s no physical connection), or the included screwdriver which slots into the D-pad. This makes it easy to adopt a symmetrical stick layout if you prefer, or to swap out with other Thrustmaster modules that are sold separately.
As was the case with the eSwap X2, you can expect build quality to be solid here. After all, it is for all intents and purposes also an eSwap X2, just with the addition of those Hall effect sticks included in the box. So no movement or changes on that front.
(Image credit: Future)
Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Performance
The inclusion of Thrustmaster H.E.A.R.T. thumbsticks really is the selling point here. These resist stick drift and are a massive improvement over the eSwap X2’s default sticks. They feel super smooth, too, reminding me greatly of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller’s sublime stick feel.
Like the original X2, the face buttons here are impressively responsive and tactile, offering a mouse click-esque press. You’ll feel the difference immediately if you’re used to the softer, spongier button presses of cheaper pads like the Xbox Wireless Controller. The immediacy of presses here are super satisfying, and that also goes for the clicky bumpers and D-pad.
Speaking of, the D-pad here actually isn’t among my favorites. While I appreciate its responsiveness, the raised, bumpy design is something I found to be quite uncomfortable to use over longer stretches of time. It’s far from horrible, but for platformers, arcade-style games, and the best fighting games, it’s not a great fit.
One other thing to note is that the H.E. is still a strictly wired controller. To an extent, this is to be expected, as what we have here is essentially a slight revision of the eSwap X2. The ‘definitive’ version, quite possibly. I’d definitely like to see Thrustmaster offer a wireless solution for its next big gamepad release, though, as I strongly feel the option should be there when your controller is north of the $120 / £120 mark.
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.?
Buy it if...
You’re new to the eSwap line If you’re looking to buy an eSwap controller for the first time, then the H.E. really is the only choice you need to make. Depending on where you live, it’s the same price or slightly cheaper than the standard eSwap X2, and offers Hall effect sticks in the box.
You want a chunky, sizable controller There aren’t many controllers that seem designed primarily for larger hands. This may not have been the intended design goal with the eSwap X2 H.E., but its chunky build and high quality make it extra comfortable if your hands are on the larger size.
Don't buy it if...
You own an eSwap X2 Quite simply, if you already have a Thrustmaster eSwap X2 controller, there’s no reason to buy this latest revision. Instead, you should consider picking up the H.E.A.R.T. modules from Thrustmaster’s website.
Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Also consider
Not too keen on the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.? Here are a couple more controllers worth considering if you’re planning to upgrade from the stock Xbox Wireless Controller, or otherwise.
Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.
Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded
Nacon Revolution X Unlimited
Price
$169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)
$209.99 / £179.99 (around AU$322)
$199.99 / £179.99 (around AU$300)
Weight
10.6oz / 300g
9.3oz / 265g
11.53oz / 327g
Dimensions
6.3 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 160 x 105 x 60mm
6.3 x 4.2 x 2.6in / 160 x 106 x 66mm
7.5 x 7.4 x 3.5in / 190 x 189 x 89mm
Compatibility
Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC (PlayStation version sold separately)
Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
Connection type
Wired (USB-C)
Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)
Wireless (2.4Ghz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
Battery life
N/A
Around 20 hours
Around 10 hours
Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is more expensive, but offers wireless connectivity and a similar module-swapping tech to the eSwap X2 H.E. You’re even getting a ‘fightpad’ module in the box that works excellently with fighting games or your favorite arcade classics.
Nacon Revolution X Unlimited Certainly a strange one at first glance with its built-in LCD display. But this ends up being the Revolution X Unlimited’s best feature, offering plenty of convenient options and features right on the deck without needing to open any external software. A real winner and one of my favorites.
Compared to the previous eSwap X2, and the Victrix BFG Pro Reloaded among others
I tested the eSwap X2 H.E. for about a week for this review. I was already familiar with the original eSwap X2 via its excellent Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree special edition, and I found the H.E. to be completely identical in design and performance, with the addition of those included Hall effect sticks.
I compared my time with the eSwap X2 H.E. primarily with that of the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded. Victrix’s pad is the most similar to Thrustmaster’s with its swappable modules. While I do prefer the Pro BFG Reloaded overall, that mainly comes down to personal preference given its aptitude for fighting games and a comfier build for my smaller hands. Still, the eSwap X2 H.E. is more affordable, which is a strong reason to consider it here.
Compact cameras are suddenly trending, including simple pocket-sized point and shoot cameras, and Kodak is riding the wave with the PixPro C1. It’s pretty, it’s cheap and it looks like the perfect antidote to complex mirrorless cameras or expensive smartphones. But can a camera this cheap be any good?
Sadly, it doesn’t take long to answer that question. The PixPro C1 is pretty plasticky, as you would expect at this price, but it looks the part and it has a flip-up selfie screen and a basic but effective set of controls that makes it easy to use. It’s what’s inside that’s the problem.
The C1 uses a very small 13MP 1/1.3-inch sensor of unknown vintage that exhibits all the characteristics of old point and shoot cameras that we’ve conveniently forgotten, with image quality that’s OK in good light but rapidly disintegrates if you need to use a higher ISO in low light or if you use the digital zoom.
The PixPro C1 looks smart, but inside is a tiny 13MP sensor and a digital, not optical zoom. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)
Yes, it’s a digital zoom not an optical one. The tiny sensor’s image quality is already stretched to the limit in perfect conditions, so the digital zoom just magnifies its limitations. At the maximum 4x zoom setting you get photos that might look OK on a phone screen, but not so much on a tablet and definitely not in a print. You really are better off sticking to the native focal length, and at 26mm equivalent, this is pretty wide, much like the main camera on a phone.
This camera’s other major issue is its slow response. The single (center) point autofocus can take half a second or a second to lock on, and when you press the shutter release there’s a further delay of a second while the screen goes black… and then you get the shutter sound. It’s very difficult to time your exposures with moving subjects, and the Kodak’s slim, slippery shape makes it difficult to keep it steady – there’s no image stabilization.
So from the outside the Kodak PixPro C1 is quite smart, but inside it uses tech that could have come straight from an old phone or a very cheap point and shoot compact from ten years ago. It’s very disappointing.
Kodak PixPro C1: price
Priced at $99 / £79 / AU$154
USB cable and wrist strap included
Available now
The Kodak PixPro C1 sells for around $99 / £79 (about AU$154). That doesn’t sound much for a fully-functioning pocket-sized digital camera, but it’s quite a lot to spend on something that you end up not using because your smartphone is so much better. That price doesn’t include a memory card, though our sample included a microSD card and card reader, so bundles may vary.
Kodak PixPro C1: specs
Kodak PixPro C1 specs
Type:
Pocket sized compact camera
Sensor:
13MP 1/1.3-in CMOS
Lens:
3.57mm (26mm equivalent) f/2, up to 4x digital zoom
Focus range:
0.6m-infinity, 0.08m macro
ISO:
100-1600
Video
1920x1080 up to 60fps
Storage:
microSD, up to 32GB
EVF:
No
Stabilization:
No
Flash/light:
Built in
Screen:
180-degree tilting, 2.8-in, 230k-dot
Battery:
Built in, non-removable, 200 shots approx.
Size:
103 x 60 x 20.3mm, 115g
Kodak PixPro C1: design
Slim, light, smart styling
Plasticky feel but solid enough at the price
Memory card slot exposed in the base – no door
Phone-style LED ‘flash’
The Kodak's rear screen flips upwards to face the front, so it's ideal for selfies. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)
The menu system has only a few basic options, but that's ideal for a beginner audience. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)
The battery is good for around 200 shots. It's non-removable, so you charge it via the USB-C port on the side. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)
The PixPro C1 takes micro SD cards up to 32GB. Unusually, they just slot into the base, with no door or cover. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)
We forget how small point and shoot cameras used to be! The Kodak PixPro C1 will easily slip into a shirt pocket or a trouser pocket, and because it weighs just 115g, you’ll hardly know it’s there. It’s available in a black or tan or brown finish – mine came in brown, and it does look pretty classy.
It does feel plasticky when you pick it up, however, especially round the back where the screen and the controls are. The top edge of the screen has a hinge so that you can flip it up to face forward for selfies, and to the right you’ve got a four-way controller, menu, playback, mode and record buttons, plus a rocker for the zoom.
You can shoot in full auto mode, switch to program mode for a little more control, or use a small selection of ‘scene’ modes. The menu button displays options for picture styles, metering pattern, resolution (just in case you want less than 13 megapixels!), white balance and continuous versus single shot mode. The menus are basic but clear.
There is a built in flash – well, sort of, as it’s actually a phone-style LED, but that’s fine. Underneath, in the base of the camera, you’ll find the memory card slot, which takes microSD cards. There’s no door or cover of any sort – the card just pushes into the slot, where it’s flush with the base so you can still stand the camera on a flat surface.
It’s all very basic but effective, and exactly what you would expect from a cheap camera. It’s not too daunting for beginners, either.
Kodak PixPro C1: performance
Sluggish shutter action
Poor image quality at higher ISOs
Digital zoom not worth using
Autofocus struggles/fails in low light
The Kodak PixPro C1 delivers decent enough image quality in good light, but not really on a par with a modern smartphone. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)
The metering system did a good job with the tricky lighting in this shot. The brightest parts of the sky might be a little blown out, but you can see all the detail in the foreground. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)
The sensor can go up to ISO 1600, but by this point any fine detail in the image has been swallowed up by heavy noise reduction. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)
Physically, the PixPro C1 is pretty decent at this price. It’s the performance that’s disappointing. You could argue that you shouldn’t expect much for this money, but there comes a point where a product just isn’t good enough to use, regardless of how cheap it is, and the PixPro C1 sails pretty close to the wind here.
Before you even get to look at its images, its operation feels very vague and sluggish. The AF is not particularly quick, but the worst part is the shutter action, which takes about a second to complete and only makes a shutter sound at the end. This is not a camera for fast action or grabbed shots. Not only that, the rear screen gets quite hard to see in bright light.
It's best to use the PixPro at its native 26mm equivalent zoom setting, which is pretty wide and a bit like the main camera on a smartphone. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)
With smaller subjects like this, you can switch to the macro mode to get a whole lot closer. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)
As for the pictures… well, it depends on what you are expecting. The resolution, dynamic range and noise are just what you would expect from a small sensor of the old days, and not a patch on what a modern smartphone camera array would produce. In good outdoor light where you don’t need a higher ISO and there’s little risk of camera shake, the images are OK. But in poor light at higher ISOs the detail smudges and object edges become hyper-processed and things aren’t good at all.
Just so that you can get an idea of what the digital zoom does, here is a shot taken without the zoom. Sorry about the weather, by the way. I live in the seaside tow Weston-super-Mare in the UK. This is what it looks like between October and March... (Image credit: Rod Lawton)
Here is the same subject captured with the 4x digital zoom. Click the gadget, bottom left of the photo, to see the full size version if you dare. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)
If you do use the zoom, you quickly realize that the 13MP sensor really can’t stand a lot of cropping. Or any cropping, to be honest.
I did try the ‘flash’ indoors. There’s nothing wrong with the illumination it provides, but it only comes on when the camera has focused, and in my tests the autofocus struggled if it was too dark, and without sharp focus the flash wasn’t much help.
The inbuilt lamp does a good job of illuminating indoor scenes. Unfortunately, it was too dark for the AF system to focus, so the shot isn't sharp. (Image credit: Rod Lawton)
Should you buy the Kodak PixPro C1?
(Image credit: Rod Lawton)
Buy it if...
You just need a cheap camera
The PixPro C1 makes a certain amount of sense as a basic camera you don’t need to worry about for school trips, as a gift, or as a ‘just in case’ camera to keep in your vehicle’s glovebox or your coat pocket
You want a lightweight pocket camera
The Kodak is lighter than a smartphone, probably won’t fall out of your pocket as easily and has a simple clarity of purpose that a lot of people like in their gadgets
You want to relive those retro point-and-shoot years
This is a big thing at the moment, as modern photographers yearn for the simplicity of the old days and the flawed but characterful look of old digital cameras. If character is the word
Don't buy it if...
You’re expecting modern digital quality
The PixPro C1 uses very old, very basic sensor technology that would have earned it a bit of a roasting even ten years ago
You want a cheap and effective ‘street snapper’
The Kodak’s responses are way too slow for any kind of ‘snap reaction’ photography. It’s actually quite difficult to time your shots, and you have to hope your subjects will wait
You need the versatility of a zoom
I’ve seen the PixPro C1 advertised (mistakenly) in some places as having a 4x ‘optical’ zoom. It doesn’t. It’s digital, and the sensor really doesn’t have the resolution or quality to make the digital zoom feature useful.
Also consider
Akaso Brave Lite
Yes, the Akaso Brave Lite is an action, camera, but hear me out. It’s small, it’s rugged, it takes 20MP stills and shoots 4K video. An action camera is like a point and shoot but with added versatility. The Brave Lite doesn’t even cost a whole lot more than the PixPro C1.
Think the Kodak PixPro C1 is cheap? How about the cheaper-still CampSnap camera? It's essentially a digital reimagining of the single-use disposable film cameras, with a memory card already inside that can hold up to 2,000 pictures.
The Fujifilm X Half is perfect if you’re serious about re-living those retro shooting vibes and you don’t want to take a big drop in image quality and responsiveness. Yes, it costs a LOT more than the PixPro C1, but it will take far better pictures and probably give you a lot more pleasure.
I tried it with a variety of subjects and lighting conditions
I also assessed its responsiveness and ease of use
I’ve had the Kodak PixPro C1 for a couple of weeks, which has given me the chance to try it out in all kinds of situations where a camera like this might be used, including outdoor shots, close-ups, indoor scenes and pet pictures. I wanted to give it every chance to show what it could do and how it would react to typical point and shoot situations.
Obviously I wasn’t expecting top image quality, just pictures that were good enough for the purpose. I did feel the Kodak needed to prove it was better than a smartphone or at least as good. Most poeple already have a smartphone with a decent camera, so the Kodak did need to bring something else to the table.
It’s not just the image quality that’s important, but overall handling, usability and responsiveness, and that’s how I approached the PixPro C1.
It’s almost hard to believe that the original release of Virtua Fighter 5 is 20 years old. Sega’s 3D fighter has had almost as much staying power as Street Fighter 2, with a dedicated fan base that’s continued to keep the torch lit for two decades now.
Review info
Platform reviewed: PS5, PC Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC (Nintendo Switch 2 coming soon) Release date: October 30, 2025
It’s a title that has received not one, but two revisions in 2025 alone, as part of a series revival that will culminate in a brand new entry expected to arrive sometime over the next couple of years. Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage is the latest rendition, bringing the Steam release of R.E.V.O. earlier this year to modern platforms, including PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and soon on Nintendo Switch 2.
While mostly a straight port of said PC version (which has also received a free update adding in the new content), World Stage does bring new elements worth checking out. The titular World Stage mode is a substantial piece of single-player content, and it’s joined by a new playable character (who is unfortunately paid downloadable content), full crossplay between consoles and PC, and the reintroduction of customization items from earlier versions of Virtua Fighter 5.
(Image credit: Sega)
It’s an impressive package for the low price of $19.99 / £15.99 / AU$27.95, and an easy sell for folks looking for a new 3D fighter to get into; perhaps even those who’re burned out on Tekken 8’s controversial Season 2 changes.
Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage isn’t brimming with content necessarily, but I have been enjoying World Stage mode in short bursts. And ultimately, in terms of play, VF5 simply remains one of the best fighting games out there, with bogglingly complex and technical gameplay that stretches far beyond what its three-button system might initially imply.
Virtua insanity
(Image credit: Sega)
So first, a quick introduction for those who might be largely unfamiliar with Virtua Fighter 5. It - along with the series in general - is a 3D fighter with just three main buttons: punch, kick, and guard. It sounds simple, but the game’s overt complexity comes from its characters’ incredibly diverse move sets, and what it does with various combinations of those buttons.
Each of the game’s 20 playable characters are masters of a specific martial art and largely plays wholly differently from one another. Jeffry, for example, hits like a truck with his Pankration style, while Pai’s Ensei-Ken is faster and more elegant.
Then you have more specialist characters. Vanessa is essentially two characters in one, able to switch between stances for two completely different move sets. Aoi’s Aiki Ju-Jutsu is more of a defensive style, prioritizing parries and reversals for big damage cashouts. And if you’re looking for something flashier, Wolf and El Blaze fill out the pro wrestling and Lucha Libre styles, respectively. Then there’s Taka Arashi, a sumo wrestler whose large size makes him entirely unique in both offense and defense.
Virtua Fighter 5 is much more grounded than other 3D fighters like Tekken or Dead or Alive, with relatively few fantastical aspects. A decidedly more ‘realistic’ fighting game experience, matches can be over in a matter of seconds thanks to small health bars, quick round times, and blisteringly fast-paced gameplay. Button mashing and input mistakes are heavily punished, as is forgetting to guard, given that’s an action assigned to its own button here.
Around the world (stage)
(Image credit: Sega)
Let’s talk about the new, then. Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage’s biggest addition is the titular World Stage mode. This is an entirely single-player piece of content that aims to emulate Virtua Fighter 4’s excellent Quest mode. In World Stage, you travel to various venues from a menu where you’re pitted against random AI opponents. Each new venue scales upwards in difficulty, with some opponents even being based on real-world players’ signature playstyles.
Best bit
(Image credit: Sega)
Virtua Fighter 5 is a three-button fighting game that does a lot with a little. The complexity can be utterly mind-boggling for newcomers, but within lies one of the most satisfying learning experiences you can have with any fighter on the market.
It starts off simple enough for beginners to enjoy, and keeps the training wheels on while encouraging them to try out a bunch of characters. You’re even incentivized to do so, as there are hundreds of challenges that each unlock a piece of clothing or an accessory for you to customize characters with. It’s a snappy, fast-paced mode that queues up fights one after another in rapid succession, and it’s really enjoyable in short bursts.
Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage also adds ‘Costume E’ - a fifth outfit for each playable character, and the bulk of World Stage mode’s unlocks are related to these outfits. Sadly, customization still feels lacking overall, with most options being simple recolors, and there aren’t all that many different styles per character. You can’t mix and match pieces of clothing between characters (you can only do so with certain accessories) either, and there are no custom color options for clothing or hairstyles.
That’s a real shame, especially because older versions of VF5 had even more customization options that are still absent in World Stage. It’s a step in the right direction with the addition of Costume E, for sure, but I’d like to see future patches potentially adding more. Of course, it’s not the end of the world; VF5 remains an unbelievably fun and rewarding fighting game to just play, and nowhere is that more apparent than in its online suite.
Hop on VF
(Image credit: Sega)
Online play in Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage is stronger than it’s ever been, thanks to its release on modern platforms with full crossplay support. That means PlayStation and Xbox players (and soon to be Switch 2) can play against each other as well as with those on Steam.
Rollback netcode is also great here, allowing for smoother connections between players online. Though I’d still recommend investing in an Ethernet cable if you haven’t already, Wi-Fi and fighting games just don’t mix well, no matter how good the netcode here is, due to the inherent instability of wireless connections, and especially when fighting players who live overseas.
The suite of online options is pretty standard, but not really missing anything major except for unranked quickplay. You have ranked matches, as well as room matches, for when you want to set up a lobby with multiple players. There are also tournaments that happen periodically that you can sign up for.
I’ve been playing on PC on and off since the release of Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. back in January. Now that I’ve tested the game on PS5 via the World Stage revision, I’m happy to say that online connectivity holds up just as well on that console as it does on PC.
The only real issue I’ve run into is occasionally slow matchmaking times. The playerbase here isn’t as lively as it is for, say, Street Fighter 6or Tekken 8, so it’s not uncommon to be waiting upwards of a minute to get into a match. But now that the game is available across all platforms, I hope this issue diminishes as more people discover the game.
Should you play Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage?
(Image credit: Sega)
Play it if...
You’re burned out on Tekken 8 As 3D fighters go, VF5 is refreshing in its grounded design. It could not be further from Tekken’s fantastical elements or its agonizingly long combo strings. Overall, it’s a brilliant palette cleanser and significantly less stressful right now than the state Bandai Namco’s fighter finds itself in.
You want to be a part of a close-knit fighting game community I can say with confidence that the Virtua Fighter community is an incredibly nice and welcoming one. The official Discord server is full of folks willing to help out beginners, offer tips, and generally make the intimidating task of learning VF5 that much more manageable.
You like single-player content in fighting games World Stage does have a standard arcade mode, but the addition of the titular World Stage mode adds tens of hours of play time for casual players who like ticking off challenges and collecting customization goodies in an offline environment.
Don't play it if...
You were hoping for the next big 3D fighter As I’ve already said, World Stage is not a blockbuster, full-priced premium release. While a brand new Virtua Fighter is in development at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios, World Stage is more of an affordable appetizer to tide folks over until the next big game.
Accessibility
There aren’t any dedicated accessibility settings in Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage; nothing in the way of things like colorblind modes or visual or audio cues like we see in other modern fighting games like Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6.
How I reviewed Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage
I’ve played Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage for a combined 25 hours across PC and PS5. Some of that playtime also came from R.E.V.O.’s initial release back in January. For World Stage specifically, I played a whole bunch of the new World Stage mode and tried out the new crossplay features, which open the game up to console players.
The Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 is a sleek and smart fan heater with the bladeless and aesthetically pleasing design we expect to see from the brand.
Availability in other regions
At the time of publishing, the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 has only been released in the UK, and we’ve had no response regarding when it will be released elsewhere as yet.
With a premium list price of £399.99, the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 can be found at Dyson and a few other retailers. Sadly, it’s only available in the UK at the time of publishing, but I’ll provide an update if it ever makes its way off the island.
The HF1 offers ten fan speeds, three oscillation options of up to 70 degrees, a heater that can kick out up to 90ºF / 32ºC, and, most excitingly, some desirable smart features.
During testing, I found the HF1 to be very efficient in both Cool and Hot modes. The lowest setting delivered a delicately cooling breeze to me as I sat on my couch six feet away.
There are plenty of ways to control the HF1, with a few onboard controls, a remote, and the MyDyson app, which gave me access to the whole suite of settings and features.
I could perform most actions with the remote, but its communication with the HF1 was a bit patchy at times. The MyDyson app made controlling the HF1 delightfully easy and offered me a wider range of timer options, as well as scheduling, historical ambient temperature data, and, pleasingly, the option to turn on heat mode remotely so I could return to a warm living room.
(Image credit: Future)
The fan’s volume was perfectly acceptable and on par with most of the similar fans I’ve tested. Sleeping with the HF1 a few feet from the bed was a smooth ride, for the most part. However, when it came to using Hot mode, I found that it would go through a period of being particularly noisy for a few moments as it got up to temperature, which it would do whenever the ambient temperature dropped below the target I’d set.
This wasn’t so bad in the daytime, but as one of its selling points is that you can use it in your bedroom overnight to keep the temperature at a desirable level, it’s worth bearing in mind if you’re a light sleeper.
(Image credit: Future)
If you have children or inquisitive pets, it’s also worth noting that the metallic edging at the front of the air purifier can get very hot very quickly, and that the child lock only applies to the onboard controls. So if you have a rampaging toddler or a clumsy cat, this could potentially prove inconvenient.
Overall, though, the Hot+Cool HF1 is a satisfyingly efficient fan heater. While it has a high price tag, it’s worth it for the performance and convenience, especially with those clever smart features.
If you’d like to explore more options, our guide to the best fans has our top recommendations.
Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 review: price & availability
List price: £399.99
Launch date: October 2025 (UK)
Availability: UK only at time of publishing
The HF1 is a premium option packed with some fantastic features, but as is often the case with Dyson, it has a premium price tag to match, costing £399.99.
The Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 is currently only available in the UK, and can be purchased from Dyson, Currys, and a few other retailers.
There’s a price difference of £150 between the HF1 and the Dyson Cool CF1, which is actually pretty reasonable considering the addition of Hot mode and the fantastic smart features.
Overall, with its good performance and a number of convenient features, the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 won't disappoint if you have the money to spare. However, it’s worth considering the drawbacks I’ve covered in my review to ensure they won’t pose an inconvenience before you stretch your budget.
Value for money score: 4 / 5
Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 review: specs
Type
Fan heater
Speeds
10
Oscillation
15, 40, 70 degrees
Dimensions
8 x 8 x 23 inches / 20.4 x 20.4 x 58.5cm
Weight
5.12 1bs / 2.6kg
Control
Onboard buttons, remote, app
Timer
Yes
Additional modes
Sleep mode
Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 review: design and features
Small and lightweight design, which can be tilted
The HF1 has 10 fan speeds and outputs temperatures up to 90ºF / 32ºC
MyDyson app offers extra settings and features, including a pre-heat function
Setting up the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 was a quick and simple process of attaching the plastic base plate and connecting the HF1 to the MyDyson app.
The Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 is conveniently sized, with a max diameter of 8 inches / 20.4cm once the base is attached; however, at 23 inches / 58.5cm, it might feel a smidge tall for desktop use.
Though it feels a little wrong, as I’m used to using larger-scale formats like the Dyson HP10, it worked perfectly well on the floor. Whether you place it on a tabletop or the floor, the vertical angle of the airflow can be adjusted slightly by shifting the fan’s body backwards or forward to tilt it.
(Image credit: Future)
Predictably, the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 fan features a bladeless design, making it easier to clean and a safer option to bladed fans for those who happen to have curious offspring or pets.
In addition to its 10 fan speeds, the HF1 can oscillate 15, 40, or 70 degrees. Both of these functions can be adjusted via the onboard controls, with a power button/dial combo that can be turned to increase or decrease the fan speed, a button to cycle through oscillation angles, and another button that enables Hot mode.
Hot mode offers a temperature range of up to 90ºF / 32ºC, and the combination of the ceramic heater plates and Air Multiplier technology can apparently increase whole-room temperature by one degree in as little as one hundred seconds.
(Image credit: Future)
Like the Dyson Cool CF1, the Hot+Cool HF1 also comes with the standard Dyson-style magnetic remote control, which can be stored on top of the loop amplifier. It features power, oscillation, fan speed, and temperature control buttons, as well as ones to enable sleep mode, set the timer, and engage the child lock.
One advantage the HF1 has over the Cool CF1 is its app integration, which gives access to an advanced range of settings, historical temperature readings, outdoor air quality data, and easy remote control, whether you’re out and about or sitting on the couch. Plus, there’s the option to connect the HF1 to your smart home system, so it can be controlled without lifting a finger.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the HF1's smart capabilities is the ability to preheat a room to your desired temperature, ready for when you return home.
Design score: 4 / 5
Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 review: performance
Good performance for its size in both Cool and Hot modes
Very easy to control, thanks to the MyDyson app
Quiet overall, but noisy while getting up to temperature in Hot mode
The Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 was simple and straightforward to use, especially when using the app. I often used the remote, too, but there was a bit of a lag whenever I made an adjustment, and the HF1 didn’t register the command at all at times.
When testing from my couch, which was around 6ft / 1.8m away from where I’d placed the HF1, the breeze from speed one wasn’t really detectable when the fan was static, which isn’t really a surprise considering its size. However, when I set it to oscillate at 40 degrees, it was enough to give a gentle and surprisingly effective cooling breeze.
As you’d imagine, the breeze felt a little more prominent with each setting increase, until speed five, when the airflow felt noticeably amplified, and I could hear a quiet windrush past my ears.
(Image credit: Future)
The airflow was satisfyingly strong at top speed 10, though it was a little noisy at 45dB from 6 feet away, which was loud enough for me to need to turn the volume up on my TV.
When I measured the sound output of the HF1 in Cool mode from the usual 2ft distance, I found that it produced a similar volume to the Dyson Cool CF1 and the Levoit Circulair. However, its readings of 29dB at speed one, 36dB at speed five, and 50dB at speed ten, conveyed that the HF1 is a whole 10dB louder at its top speed than the Meacofan Sefte 8in.
These aren’t bad volumes, though, with the HF1 operating as quietly as a whisper, to as loud as moderate rainfall when in Cool mode. Some may find the oscillation sound mildly distracting because, as I discovered when reviewing the Cool CF1, it’s reminiscent of the droning of a document scanner. The oscillation itself is only around 28dB, however, and the whirring was subtle enough that I could fall asleep to it.
(Image credit: Future)
As it’s getting mighty chilly in the UK as I write this, I’ve been very grateful to have the opportunity to test out Hot mode.
I could easily find out the current room temperature by looking at the fan’s display or checking the app, and the temperature was very straightforward to adjust a degree at a time using the buttons or the slider in the app.
It’s important to note that, while Dyson states that the HF1 is safe for family and pets as there are no exposed heater elements, it would appear this doesn’t eliminate the chance of scalding, as I found that the metallic edging around the air outlets became too hot to touch within just a couple of minutes in Hot mode at 73ºF / 23ºC.
Hot mode starts off noticeably louder than Cool mode. The HF1 is fairly quiet for the first few moments, then quickly ramps up before settling down to a consistent volume. For example, when using Hot mode at fan speed five, the volume quickly rose to 42dB, then settled down to 37dB.
(Image credit: Future)
True to Dyson’s claim, the HF1 did increase the temperature by a degree in less than two minutes, though I’m not sure how accurate the temperature reading is when it comes to the ambient temperature across a large room.
As the ambient temperature is monitored for Hot mode, I would have liked to see Dyson use it for an auto function for Cool mode so that it could adjust the fan speed based on how hot the room is, as I loved this feature in the Meacofan Sefte 8in.
Another change I’d love to see is the extension of the child lock beyond the onboard controls, so the remote cannot be used either. Having access to the app should mean this wouldn't cause inconvenience for adults, but even if not, Dyson could take a leaf out of other brands’ books and assign a combination of buttons to unlock the remote.
(Image credit: Future)
When I set the HF1 to sleep mode at bedtime, it turned off the display and reduced the fan speed to four, which has a volume of 29dB, though I could still adjust the speed if required.
Due to the weather in the UK right now, I mostly used the hot mode overnight. Aware that a key feature of the HF1 is that it will start up whenever the temperature drops, and having witnessed how noisy Hot mode can get, I set it to fan speed one to minimize disturbances.
(Image credit: Future)
I can recall it waking me up at one point in the early hours of the morning, but it wasn’t loud enough to shock me awake, and I fell back to sleep once it had settled down. It should hopefully be bearable enough for most people, but I definitely wouldn’t recommend it if you’re a particularly light sleeper.
While the hot mode might be good for speedy heating, it would be great if the sleep mode could increase the heat gradually, so there wouldn't be such a sudden volume increase. It’s also worth noting that the display doesn’t appear to turn off when in sleep mode if you’re using the heat function.
Overall, though, I quite like the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1. I appreciate how no fan speed felt redundant from six feet away, and that it was light enough to relocate without much effort. So, while the HF1 may not be the right fan heater for you if you’re a light sleeper who intends to use Hot mode overnight, for everyone else its smart features, effortless remote control, energy-saving Hot mode, and satisfying airflow make it a great choice.
Performance score: 4 / 5
Should I buy the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1?
Section
Notes
Score
Value for money
The HF1 is a premium-priced fan heater, but it’s worth it for the convenient smart features and well-performing functions.
4/5
Design
This bladeless fan heater is satisfyingly compact and easy to control, thanks mainly to the MyDyson app, which houses a host of settings and smart features.
4/5
Performance
The HF1 performed well during testing, delivering surprisingly strong airflow for its size. The smart features proved convenient, especially the pre-heating function. However, the heater’s louder volumes and the hot surface of the air outlet might be a cause for concern for some.
4/5
Buy it if...
You want to preheat a room ready for when you arrive home Having the opportunity to set off Hot mode remotely is fantastic, as it ensures a toasty welcome once you’re in and ready to slump down on the couch.
You love smart appliances With smart home integration, remote app control, and temperature data, the HF1 is a great choice for anyone who wants to get the most out of their devices.
Don't buy it if...
You’re a light sleeper While I appreciated not waking up to a freezing cold room, I was woken by the noise of the fan starting up to maintain the target temperature.
You’re on a budget While the HF1 is well-performing and convenient, its price tag is undeniably high. Therefore, it would be cheaper to buy a separate fan and heater from a more affordable brand.
Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 review: Also consider
Dyson Hot+Cool HF1
Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat
Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10
Type
Fan heater
Fan heater
Purifying fan heater
Price
£399.99
$399.99 / £349.99
$529.99 / £549.99
Speed settings
10
10
10
Oscillation
Up to 70 degrees
Up to 180 degrees
Up to 350 degrees
Timer
Up to 9 hours
Up to 8 hours
Up to 8 hours
Controls
Onboard buttons, remote, app
Touchscreen buttons, remote
Onboard buttons, remote
Companion app
Yes
No
No
Additional modes
Sleep mode
Natural Breeze, Sleep, BreezeBoost, Thermo IQ, Focus, and Comfort mode
Auto purifying, Sleep mode
Dimensions
8 x 8 x 23 inches / 20.4 x 20.4 x 58.5cm
13.8 x 11.8 x 45.9 in / 35.1 x 30 x 116.6cm
9.8 x 9.8 x 30.2 inches / 25 x 25 x 77cm
Weight
5.12 lbs / 2.6kg
19.8 lbs / 9kg
11.7 lbs / 5.3kg
Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat If you want something a little more powerful that can distribute the airflow over a larger space, it’s worth looking at this Shark fan heater. The fan’s arms can be positioned horizontally, vertically, and diagonally, and the vents can be adjusted so that they slant up, down, or straight forward, offering plenty of opportunity to perfect the airflow direction. It also has a broader range of oscillation than the HF1, as it can oscillate up to 180 degrees. If you’d like to learn more, check out our full Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat review.
Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 The HP10 is practically a larger version of the HF1 without the smart features and temperature sensor, but it has the added benefit of air purifying, which makes it a good choice if you’re trying to save space. It’s also a great choice if you’re concerned about the hot edging of the HF1, as I didn’t find the all-plastic casing of the loop amplifier to get anywhere near as toasty. It operates quietly for its size, and I’ve become particularly fond of its heat functions over the last few months. If you’re in the market for an air purifier alongside your fan heater, take a look at my full Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 review.
How I tested the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1
I used the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 in multiple locations
I explored the features and settings in the MyDyson app
I evaluated the strength of the airflow and the sound levels
I unboxed the Dyson Hot+Cool HF1, attached its base, and set it up on the MyDyson app. I tested it out on different surface heights, on the floor, and next to my bed. I did most of my testing with the HF1 where I usually place my table fans, about six feet away from my couch and near my bed at nighttime.
I adjusted the settings using the onboard controls, the remote control, and the MyDyson app. In the app, I went through the setup process before exploring the different settings and sections.
I used all the fan speeds in Hot and Cool mode, and measured the sound output. I used it in Hot mode on my bedroom windowsill when I went to bed at night, using the timer so that I didn’t get too toasty after I fell asleep.
I think I finally understand why Apple's Vision Pro costs so darn much. The Samsung Galaxy XR delivers moments of beauty and inspiration, but it's also stuffed full of disappointment, from the sound of fans on your face to imprecision of gestures to a total lack of 'wow' apps and experiences.
Yes, Gemini is in there, and I spent a lot of time with it riding side-saddle during my testing; but I soon grew tired of hearing it say, "Let me check that for you." Instead of a smart companion, it often felt like a slightly inexperienced assistant who covers that lack of expertise with long pauses, as if it's doing a Google search before responding.
It's not just in the operation that there are shortcomings. The headset feels lighter and overall more comfortable than the Vision Pro, but also manages to feel less premium. If anything, the design looks and feels mixed-reality headset retro, like something Microsoft and its partners might have introduced five years ago.
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
The lack of a way to integrate my Windows desktop workflow was also frustrating (the headset currently only works with Samsung Galaxy Books) and forced me to be more intentional in my use. I could be inside Android XR or I could be productive on my laptop, but never both.
There is some elegance in the overall Android XR platform, but I also felt like it wasn't nearly as cohesive as, say, visionOS.
Among the positives are the video viewing experience and Dolby audio. It all looked and sounded great, and I could see watching a movie on that big virtual screen.
The immersive environments are impressive, but no more so than Apple's. Overall, I wondered, "Where are the dinosaurs? Where's the virtual butterfly landing on my fingertip? Where's the magic?"
So, yes, the Samsung Galaxy XR is way cheaper than the Vision Pro, but it has not arrived fully realized, or with any of the excitement I expect from a next-gen spatial computer.
Samsung Galaxy XR: Price and availability
Half the price of the Vision Pro
Still expensive compared to VR headsets
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy XR mixed reality headset on October 21 in the US and South Korea. It's priced at $1,799 (availability and pricing for other regions is TBC, but that price converts to about £1,340 or AU$2,770).
For those who wear prescription glasses, Kodak lens inserts start at $99. Samsung is also selling optional controllers for $249, and an optional carrying case for $249.
Value score: 4.5
Samsung Galaxy XR: What's in the box
The Samsung Galaxy XR mixed reality headset
Extra forehead spanner
Battery with an attached cable
USB-C charging cable and adapter
Rubber light seals
Rubber and felt cover
A polishing cloth
Samsung Galaxy XR: Specs
Samsung Galaxy XR
Apple Vision Pro M5
Meta Quest 3
Meta Quest Pro
Dimensions
170mm wide x 280mm long
Est: 152 x 101 x 101mm / 6 x 4 x 4 inches
184 x 160 x 98mm / 7.2 x 6.3 x 3.9 inches
265 x 127 x 196mm / 10.4 x 5 x 7.7 inches
Weight
545g
From 1.3lbs / 600g
1.14lbs / 515g
1.6lbs / 722g
Display
micro-OLED
Dual micro-OLED
Two LCD displays
Two LCD displays
Display resolution
3552 x 3840 dual (27M pixels)
4K per eye (23 million pixels)
2064 x 2208 pixels per eye
1920 x 1080 per eye
FOV
109-degree
Est 100-degree
110-degree horizontal, 96-degree vertical
120-degree
Refresh rate
60Hz, 72Hz, 90Hz
90Hz, 96Hz, 120Hz
72Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz
90Hz
Chipset
Qualcomm Snapdragon® XR2+ Gen 2 Platform
Apple silicon M2, R1
Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+
RAM
16GB
16GB
8GB
12GB
Storage
256GB
256GB, 512GB, 1TB
128GB or 512GB
256GB
Battery life
2 hours
3 hours (rated for video)
2 hours 12 minutes
2 hours
Samsung Galaxy XR: Design and display
Decent if slightly retro design
A lot of plastic, and doesn't exude a premium feel
Comparatively lightweight, and better balanced than the Vision Pro
External battery pack and cable
There's naturally going to be a trade-off between weight and premium materials with a device such as this. With the Vision Pro, Apple took the 'no expense spared' approach, and the result is a beautiful set of goggles that balance glass, magnesium, aluminum, and more – mostly on your face. With the Galaxy XR, Samsung focused, I think, on comfort. That means while we have some glass, all those cameras, and components, we also have a minimal amount of metal, some soft fabric, and a whole lot of plastic.
It looks like a mashup of the Vision Pro and classic VR headsets of a bygone era. The thick stalks jutting out of either side and connecting to the thick, flexible plastic adjustable band remind me of the Microsoft HoloLens, although that headset was far less comfortable, to be fair.
Inside the headset is a removable forehead rest, which comes in two parts: you can use them together for more support (but your eyes are further away from the lenses) or remove the spanner and use just the main cushion part, which has the same magnetic back, which keeps your eyes closer to the lenses. In either case, the Galaxy XR is smart enough to know if your gaze is too far away, and will recommend the right forehead rest.
Opposite that is a brace that cradles the back of your head. There's just one large aluminum knob on the back that you tighten – pulling the flexible stems into the body – for adjustment.
On the left stem is the proprietary power port where you connect the external battery pack. On the right stem is a thin touch-sensitive control bar (which you can double-tap to enter and exit an immersive environment). Each stem features microphone holes so that the headset – or more specifically Gemini – can listen for your prompts.
The stem also features the rather loud and robust speakers, and a sensor on the left side so that the Galaxy XR knows instantly when you're putting it on.
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(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
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The face area is dark glass through which you can faintly make out six camera lenses (there's no Vision Pro-style external display). The frame is aluminum, with cutouts along the bottom for two more lenses near the nose bridge, speakers, vents, and more microphones. The top features a pair of wide vents and two buttons. On the left is a button you can use to summon the main menu or Gemini, and on the other is a volume rocker.
The Galaxy XR also ships with a rubber cover to protect the glass, and a pair of light shields that magnetically snap into the headset, cutting off much of the light leaking in from below, and are useful for when you want to enjoy a fully immersive experience like a movie or game. They're not as effective as the Vision Pro's more cohesive light seal, but they may be more comfortable.
Even though the Galaxy XR is only 65g lighter than the Vision Pro, it feels significantly lighter on my head. This is due, in part, to how Samsung has balanced the weight across the entire body of the device, and also to those aforementioned materials, and the lack of an external display.
I'd say Samsung and its partners (Qualcomm and Google) made all the right choices when it comes to comfort. Don't misunderstand me though – I've come to accept that even with this level of comfort, there's nothing natural about wearing a headset for any significant length of time. The Galaxy XR can still get uncomfortable after a while (say 45 minutes), and my wife called me "space man" every time she caught me wearing it.
In general, the Samsung Galaxy XR is not as elegant as the Vision Pro, but it's otherwise fit for purpose.
Inside the headset are the two round lenses behind which sit a pair of micro-OLED displays together supporting 27 million pixels (the Vision Pro, by contrast, supports 23 million pixels). It's a stereo display system that supports up to a 90Hz refresh rate (below the Vision Pro M5's 120Hz) and a 109-degree field of view (better than the Vision Pro's 100 degrees).
Samsung failed to provide my lens inserts in time for this review, so I arrived at a somewhat novel solution to continue my tests: I used the lens inserts from the Vision Pro M5 I just finished testing. They're not a perfect fit, in that the shape of the lenses in the Vision Pro is more aviator style, and the insets for the XR appear to be circular. Even so, this effectively corrected my vision and made everything crystal clear. I did try to use my glasses, but my thick frames blocked some of the imagery.
After almost a week of testing, the Kodak lens inserts arrived, but they did not change my experience in any noticeable way.
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Design and Display score 4
Samsung Galaxy XR: Set-up
Like the Vision Pro, the Samsung Galaxy XR is an intelligent wearable that works with you to calibrate your experience. As soon as I put on the headset, and after I struggled a bit to find the best and most comfortable fit, it started to adjust the lenses for my pupilary distance (I could actually hear the motors moving things around).
If you have the optional lens inserts, the system automatically recognizes them as soon as you put them in, then it asks you to scan a QR code that came with the lens inserts (ostensibly containing the prescription info) so that adjustments can be made accordingly.
Early on, the system walks you through its control metaphors, and lets you use your hands to virtually squish floating blobs. But this is really just the beginning.
There are a couple of ways to control the Galaxy XR, with just your hands or with your gaze and hands. For the former, you reach out and touch virtual elements, pushing buttons and squeezing objects. For the latter, you look at the object and, while keeping your hands in your lap, pinch, pull, or subtly move.
If you choose gaze-based control, the Galaxy XR system walks you through a visual calibration process that's quite similar to what I experienced with the Vision Pro, having me look at a series of floating dots and pinch my fingers as my eyes rested on each one.
You can secure the Galaxy XR through a password, PIN, or iris recognition. I chose the eye scanning, after which the XR had me stare at a pair of overlapping green and blue dots.
Samsung calls the Galaxy XR an "AI" device, so it's no surprise that Gemini is part of the setup process. There are three ways to summon Gemini: through the on-board app, by long-pressing the button on he right side, or via voice, which requires you to begin a conversation with "Hey Google" (no, not "Hey, Gemini").
You can also press the button to pause Gemini's listening mode.
Samsung Galaxy XR: Software and experience
Generally intuitive
Occasional lack of gesture and gaze precision can prove frustrating
Gemini integration doesn't feel fully realized
It sometimes feels more like a Samsung phone than a next-gen spatial experience
Almost total lack of 'wow' software
The Samsung Galaxy XR home screen is familiar as a competitor to the Vision Pro. It's not as pretty, but the configuration of round icons is similar. It's also, though, clearly a Samsung Android device, with apps for Samsung's Internet, Notes, Gallery (please, why not just Google Photos?), and other recognizable phone-like elements.
Above the app grid is a home button, a capsule containing Google and Gemini logos, and another capsule with open apps, alerts, and quick settings (there's also a full settings app icon in the main menu).
Above that are the time, date, Gemini's current mode ('Listening' or 'Paused'), Wi-Fi status, and percentage of battery life remaining.
(Image credit: Future)
Samsung and its partners designed the Galaxy XR to be an intuitive system, where a look and a subtle gesture will get the job done.
As I looked around, I noticed various interface elements highlighted with gray boxes around them. I think I prefer the Vision Pro's more starkly animated selection metaphor.
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You can grab entire screens and move them around; you just have to look at a corner, and a wide swath of area will start to glow around the window. Grab that, and you can move the window around in 3D space. Alternatively, you can look at a corner and grab a glowing white circle near it to stretch and shrink the window.
That's how it should work anyway. In practice, I sometimes struggled mightily to properly grab these screen elements.
More problematically, the system seems to have trouble settling on an object. I had to be quite precise with my gaze and pinch gestures. Sometimes, I would try to help by reaching out and moving my hand, which triggered the system's glowing white dot mouse selector. Other times, when I intended to access an interface element, I accidentally grabbed the window and threw it behind me.
There were far too many instances where I was muttering to myself, "No, that, not that… wait, that's wrong."
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Gemini is an intrinsic part of the Galaxy XR experience. When you enable Gemini Live, you can let it see what you see and then interrogate it about whatever's in front of you. That sounds amazing, but since most of us will not be walking around outside our home or offices when wearing the Galaxy XR, it'll mostly be telling you about a world you already know.
It may, though, come in handy for tasks like putting together a new bike, if you're comfortable wearing a $1,799 headset while performing that task.
Gemini can be a help for navigating the system, opening apps, and even finding the right content. I asked Gemini to open YouTube and find me some DIY content, and it quickly complied.
(Image credit: Future)
When I played an XR-designed game called 'Inside Job,' I asked Gemini to describe what was on screen. It accurately described the simulated workplace scene, but was less helpful when it came to gameplay and strategy.
(Image credit: Future)
Gemini Live can't generate images, but when I opened the Gemini app and asked for a picture of a donkey driving a car, it quickly complied and generated the image. I then used gestures to copy the image, open Gmail, paste the image, and mail it to myself.
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If you leave Gemini on all the time you can just keep a running conversation going, but it can get kind of annoying to have Gemini constantly interjecting, and I did not enjoy the fact that almost every time I asked it to do something, it would repeat the phrase, "Let me check that for you." Fortunately, you can pause Gemini with a press of one of the top buttons.
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Google Circle to Search is also present, but enabling it takes some practice. First, you have to look at your palm. Then you pinch your thumb and index finger until the Google 'G' logo appears. Then you turn your hand back toward the virtual screen and circle what you want to search on. After that, Google runs a quick search, and a floating results box appears next to the circled item. In my case, I circled a chair laden with bed sheets, and Google accurately identified the exact chair. Aside from the convoluted process, it's a pretty impressive feature.
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Like the Vision Pro, this is a wearable computer, rich with pre-installed apps and connected to a world of app options in the Google Play Store. Not all are designed for the XR experience, so I did my best to find ones that at least understood the platform and its control metaphors. Apps like YouTube and Gmail work smoothly, but third-party apps like, for instance, Spatial TV can be disappointing, especially when they do not follow interface control metaphors.
On YouTube, I watched a Red Bull-produced 3D video called World’s Fastest Drone Camera vs F1 car. While the screen didn't fill my view, I found I could use the quick settings to turn on Virtual Environments and then settle in to watch a video in a daytime or nighttime mountain landscape.
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The video was fun and compelling, but I never felt like I got as up-close to the action as I do when viewing some of Apple's Immersive content. I think more people have to shoot content specifically for the Galaxy XR and take better advantage of all those millions of pixels.
I also watched a 3D trailer for Avatar: The Way of Water that looked excellent.
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
You have the option to create a 3D, cartoonish avatar of yourself for interactive play and activities. These are not very compelling, and I await the life-like avatars Samsung showed off during the Samsung Galaxy XR launch event.
The headset is also a great way to view photos and to convert them into spatial (stereo) experiences. While I wish the spatial conversion icon in the Google Photos App was more than a graphic (a 'Make 3D' label would be nice), the effect works well on virtually any photo – and the effect is even better when you go 'Immersive' and remove the photo borders.
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One of the best experiences is Google Maps, an app nearly perfectly built for voice, gaze, and gesture control. I loved asking Gemini to whisk me off to a faraway place in Maps, then I used my eyes and hands to fly around. I could drop down to street level, and use gaze and gestures to virtually walk around a city. I could even go inside some businesses.
After some back and forth with Samsung I did figure out how to connect the Galaxy XR to a Samsung Galaxy Book. You start by selecting PC Link in the XR's quick settings, then you go into the display settings on the laptop and choose to connect to it as a wireless display. The virtual screen that appears is sharp, and can be as big as you want it, but it's not curved like the Vision Pro's virtual MacBook display. Plus, since the pass-through isn't as clear (I need to see the laptop's real keyboard after all), I can't imagine myself working for any length of time in this setup.
Throughout my time using the Samsung Galaxy XR I could hear the fan running. It's not that anyone else could hear it, but since it was on my face and close to my ears, well, I could hear it almost anytime I wore the headset. On the one hand, I know this means that a powerful chip is running inside. On the other hand, isn't there a more elegant and less noisy way to dissipate system heat?
Perhaps if I hadn't spent the last two years using the original Vision Pro, and hadn't just reviewed the M5 model, I might feel differently; this would all feel new to me, after all. But you can't turn back the clock, and the Samsung Galaxy XR has arrived after the first and best spatial computer. Its interface metaphors are well known, and virtually perfect. Samsung's interface and level of control feel, at times, like a cheap imitation – it is indeed a lot cheaper, and does feel at least somewhat influenced by the Vision Pro.
Overall, the experience does show promise, but it needs more bespoke apps, fewer duplicate Samsung apps (Bixby? Really?), even deeper integration of Gemini, better hand and eye tracking, and maybe an interface upgrade.
Software and Experience score: 3.5
Samsung Galaxy XR: Battery and performance
The external battery is a bit heavy and will need a pocket
Long-lasting
The cable is long enough
The proprietary attachment system is dependable
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
When it comes to powering its spatial computer, Samsung made the same decision as Apple: keep the weight of the battery off the head. So even though the Samsung Galaxy XR looks a little bit like a HoloLens, there's no weighty battery on the back of your head.
Instead, you get a roughly half-pound battery pack attached to a roughly 3.5-foot woven cable that ends in a proprietary adapter. There's a little button on the top that you use to release it from the headset. The battery pack also includes a USB-C-in charge port for recharging the brick.
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As for longevity, the pack is pretty impressive. It got me through a full day of intermittent use, although it's rated for about two hours of continuous use, which is slightly less than the Vision Pro's battery pack.
You might attribute the battery life to, in part, a rather efficient and AR/VR/AI-ready bit of silicon, the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 Platform (backed by 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage), which, while obviously generating some serious heat (see my comments re the fan noise above), seems to be rather efficient. As for the overall power, I don't have benchmarks, but as I noted, AI image creation was pretty fast, and all other operations were smooth, including web browsing, video watching, and game-play.
Battery and Performance score: 4.5
Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy XR?
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Value
Far cheaper than the competition and generally good value for the price
4
Battery and Performance
Backed by 16GB of RAM, the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 Platform provides plenty of power for smooth performance throughout, but obviously needs a fan to keep it cool. Battery life is impressive
4.5/5
Design and Display
It's a decent if slightly retro design with good-enough materials, but Samsung gets major points for the device's light weight and balance. The displays are sharp, and provide more pixels than a Vision Pro
4/5
Software and Experience
Samsung needs to take a long hard look at the gaze and eye tracking, which were not nearly precise enough for my tastes. The interface is good but also a little reductive. I would not have kept so many Samsung-specific apps in there, and Samsung needs more eye-popping XR-specific experiences.
Gemini integration is good but feels like it could go further
3.5/5
Buy it if...
You want a spatial computer that doesn't rely on Apple
The Vision Pro has owned this space for two years, but the exorbitant price and overbearing weight made it a non-starter for many. Maybe a cheaper, lighter, Android-friendly headset is more your style.
You love Gemini and want the immersive experience
The Samsung Galaxy XR headset brings the generative platform to mixed reality. This is your chance to get in on the ground floor of a very new experience.
You want to see what Samsung, Qualcomm, and Google can accomplish These three tech amigos put their heads together to make this one-of-a-kind multi-modal AI headset.
Don’t buy it if…
You don't want to spend more than $1,000 for a mixed-reality experience The Samsung Galaxy XR is far cheaper than the Vision Pro, but it's still $1,799, and that's without the $249 case.
You use a Mac or Intel-PC For now, there's no way to integrate a virtual desktop experience unless you own a Samsung Galaxy Book.
Also consider
Apple Vision Pro M5 Expensive? Yes. Heavy? It can be, but the new band helps. Plus, there's still no better mixed-reality, spatial computing experience on the market. This is the apex predator of the category, with the best interface, best looks, and best experiences on the market. What it doesn't have is any truly decent AI. For that, the Galaxy XR is really your only choice.View Deal
PlayStation VR 2 TechRadar Gaming called the PSVR 2 headset "an experience that’ll be well worth your hard-earned cash." If you have a PS5 already and want a VR headset, this is the headset to check out.
Meta Quest Pro An excellent VR headset with great passthrough, mixed reality, and some hand-tracking that's also a fraction of the Vision Pro's price, and is supported by a well-baked ecosystem and a rich collection of apps.
Meta Quest 3 We call this the "best VR headset for most people", and considering the far more affordable price and vast number of apps built specifically for the platform, this might be, even with its less-impressive visual quality, a more attainable and reasonable option than the Vision Pro.
Nreal Air AR Glasses The Nreal Air AR Glasses are nothing like the Vision Pro (or any other VR headset, for that matter), but they're nevertheless an intriguing AR gadget that effectively offers you your own private theater viewing of whatever is happening on your connected device's screen. It's pretty neat, and potentially a great pick for commuters.
How we test
For my Samsung Galaxy XR review, I spent a week wearing the headset. I watched movies, played games, drew, and used Gemini
I think I finally understand why Apple's Vision Pro costs so darn much. The Samsung Galaxy XR delivers moments of beauty and inspiration, but it's also stuffed full of disappointment, from the sound of fans on your face to imprecision of gestures to a total lack of 'wow' apps and experiences.
Yes, Gemini is in there, and I spent a lot of time with it riding side-saddle during my testing; but I soon grew tired of hearing it say, "Let me check that for you." Instead of a smart companion, it often felt like a slightly inexperienced assistant who covers that lack of expertise with long pauses, as if it's doing a Google search before responding.
It's not just in the operation that there are shortcomings. The headset feels lighter and overall more comfortable than the Vision Pro, but also manages to feel less premium. If anything, the design looks and feels mixed-reality headset retro, like something Microsoft and its partners might have introduced five years ago.
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The lack of a way to integrate my Windows desktop workflow was also frustrating (the headset currently only works with Samsung Galaxy Books) and forced me to be more intentional in my use. I could be inside Android XR or I could be productive on my laptop, but never both.
There is some elegance in the overall Android XR platform, but I also felt like it wasn't nearly as cohesive as, say, visionOS.
Among the positives are the video viewing experience and Dolby audio. It all looked and sounded great, and I could see watching a movie on that big virtual screen.
The immersive environments are impressive, but no more so than Apple's. Overall, I wondered, "Where are the dinosaurs? Where's the virtual butterfly landing on my fingertip? Where's the magic?"
So, yes, the Samsung Galaxy XR is way cheaper than the Vision Pro, but it has not arrived fully realized, or with any of the excitement I expect from a next-gen spatial computer.
Samsung Galaxy XR: Price and availability
Half the price of the Vision Pro
Still expensive compared to VR headsets
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy XR mixed reality headset on October 21 in the US and South Korea. It's priced at $1,799 (availability and pricing for other regions is TBC, but that price converts to about £1,340 or AU$2,770).
For those who wear prescription glasses, Kodak lens inserts start at $99. Samsung is also selling optional controllers for $249, and an optional carrying case for $249.
Value score: 4.5
Samsung Galaxy XR: What's in the box
The Samsung Galaxy XR mixed reality headset
Extra forehead spanner
Battery with an attached cable
USB-C charging cable and adapter
Rubber light seals
Rubber and felt cover
A polishing cloth
Samsung Galaxy XR: Specs
Samsung Galaxy XR
Apple Vision Pro M5
Meta Quest 3
Meta Quest Pro
Dimensions
170mm wide x 280mm long
Est: 152 x 101 x 101mm / 6 x 4 x 4 inches
184 x 160 x 98mm / 7.2 x 6.3 x 3.9 inches
265 x 127 x 196mm / 10.4 x 5 x 7.7 inches
Weight
545g
From 1.3lbs / 600g
1.14lbs / 515g
1.6lbs / 722g
Display
micro-OLED
Dual micro-OLED
Two LCD displays
Two LCD displays
Display resolution
3552 x 3840 dual (27M pixels)
4K per eye (23 million pixels)
2064 x 2208 pixels per eye
1920 x 1080 per eye
FOV
109-degree
Est 100-degree
110-degree horizontal, 96-degree vertical
120-degree
Refresh rate
60Hz, 72Hz, 90Hz
90Hz, 96Hz, 120Hz
72Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz
90Hz
Chipset
Qualcomm Snapdragon® XR2+ Gen 2 Platform
Apple silicon M2, R1
Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+
RAM
16GB
16GB
8GB
12GB
Storage
256GB
256GB, 512GB, 1TB
128GB or 512GB
256GB
Battery life
2 hours
3 hours (rated for video)
2 hours 12 minutes
2 hours
Samsung Galaxy XR: Design and display
Decent if slightly retro design
A lot of plastic, and doesn't exude a premium feel
Comparatively lightweight, and better balanced than the Vision Pro
External battery pack and cable
There's naturally going to be a trade-off between weight and premium materials with a device such as this. With the Vision Pro, Apple took the 'no expense spared' approach, and the result is a beautiful set of goggles that balance glass, magnesium, aluminum, and more – mostly on your face. With the Galaxy XR, Samsung focused, I think, on comfort. That means while we have some glass, all those cameras, and components, we also have a minimal amount of metal, some soft fabric, and a whole lot of plastic.
It looks like a mashup of the Vision Pro and classic VR headsets of a bygone era. The thick stalks jutting out of either side and connecting to the thick, flexible plastic adjustable band remind me of the Microsoft HoloLens, although that headset was far less comfortable, to be fair.
Inside the headset is a removable forehead rest, which comes in two parts: you can use them together for more support (but your eyes are further away from the lenses) or remove the spanner and use just the main cushion part, which has the same magnetic back, which keeps your eyes closer to the lenses. In either case, the Galaxy XR is smart enough to know if your gaze is too far away, and will recommend the right forehead rest.
Opposite that is a brace that cradles the back of your head. There's just one large aluminum knob on the back that you tighten – pulling the flexible stems into the body – for adjustment.
On the left stem is the proprietary power port where you connect the external battery pack. On the right stem is a thin touch-sensitive control bar (which you can double-tap to enter and exit an immersive environment). Each stem features microphone holes so that the headset – or more specifically Gemini – can listen for your prompts.
The stem also features the rather loud and robust speakers, and a sensor on the left side so that the Galaxy XR knows instantly when you're putting it on.
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The face area is dark glass through which you can faintly make out six camera lenses (there's no Vision Pro-style external display). The frame is aluminum, with cutouts along the bottom for two more lenses near the nose bridge, speakers, vents, and more microphones. The top features a pair of wide vents and two buttons. On the left is a button you can use to summon the main menu or Gemini, and on the other is a volume rocker.
The Galaxy XR also ships with a rubber cover to protect the glass, and a pair of light shields that magnetically snap into the headset, cutting off much of the light leaking in from below, and are useful for when you want to enjoy a fully immersive experience like a movie or game. They're not as effective as the Vision Pro's more cohesive light seal, but they may be more comfortable.
Even though the Galaxy XR is only 65g lighter than the Vision Pro, it feels significantly lighter on my head. This is due, in part, to how Samsung has balanced the weight across the entire body of the device, and also to those aforementioned materials, and the lack of an external display.
I'd say Samsung and its partners (Qualcomm and Google) made all the right choices when it comes to comfort. Don't misunderstand me though – I've come to accept that even with this level of comfort, there's nothing natural about wearing a headset for any significant length of time. The Galaxy XR can still get uncomfortable after a while (say 45 minutes), and my wife called me "space man" every time she caught me wearing it.
In general, the Samsung Galaxy XR is not as elegant as the Vision Pro, but it's otherwise fit for purpose.
Inside the headset are the two round lenses behind which sit a pair of micro-OLED displays together supporting 27 million pixels (the Vision Pro, by contrast, supports 23 million pixels). It's a stereo display system that supports up to a 90Hz refresh rate (below the Vision Pro M5's 120Hz) and a 109-degree field of view (better than the Vision Pro's 100 degrees).
Samsung failed to provide my lens inserts in time for this review, so I arrived at a somewhat novel solution to continue my tests: I used the lens inserts from the Vision Pro M5 I just finished testing. They're not a perfect fit, in that the shape of the lenses in the Vision Pro is more aviator style, and the insets for the XR appear to be circular. Even so, this effectively corrected my vision and made everything crystal clear. I did try to use my glasses, but my thick frames blocked some of the imagery.
After almost a week of testing, the Kodak lens inserts arrived, but they did not change my experience in any noticeable way.
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Design and Display score 4
Samsung Galaxy XR: Set-up
Like the Vision Pro, the Samsung Galaxy XR is an intelligent wearable that works with you to calibrate your experience. As soon as I put on the headset, and after I struggled a bit to find the best and most comfortable fit, it started to adjust the lenses for my pupilary distance (I could actually hear the motors moving things around).
If you have the optional lens inserts, the system automatically recognizes them as soon as you put them in, then it asks you to scan a QR code that came with the lens inserts (ostensibly containing the prescription info) so that adjustments can be made accordingly.
Early on, the system walks you through its control metaphors, and lets you use your hands to virtually squish floating blobs. But this is really just the beginning.
There are a couple of ways to control the Galaxy XR, with just your hands or with your gaze and hands. For the former, you reach out and touch virtual elements, pushing buttons and squeezing objects. For the latter, you look at the object and, while keeping your hands in your lap, pinch, pull, or subtly move.
If you choose gaze-based control, the Galaxy XR system walks you through a visual calibration process that's quite similar to what I experienced with the Vision Pro, having me look at a series of floating dots and pinch my fingers as my eyes rested on each one.
You can secure the Galaxy XR through a password, PIN, or iris recognition. I chose the eye scanning, after which the XR had me stare at a pair of overlapping green and blue dots.
Samsung calls the Galaxy XR an "AI" device, so it's no surprise that Gemini is part of the setup process. There are three ways to summon Gemini: through the on-board app, by long-pressing the button on he right side, or via voice, which requires you to begin a conversation with "Hey Google" (no, not "Hey, Gemini").
You can also press the button to pause Gemini's listening mode.
Samsung Galaxy XR: Software and experience
Generally intuitive
Occasional lack of gesture and gaze precision can prove frustrating
Gemini integration doesn't feel fully realized
It sometimes feels more like a Samsung phone than a next-gen spatial experience
Almost total lack of 'wow' software
The Samsung Galaxy XR home screen is familiar as a competitor to the Vision Pro. It's not as pretty, but the configuration of round icons is similar. It's also, though, clearly a Samsung Android device, with apps for Samsung's Internet, Notes, Gallery (please, why not just Google Photos?), and other recognizable phone-like elements.
Above the app grid is a home button, a capsule containing Google and Gemini logos, and another capsule with open apps, alerts, and quick settings (there's also a full settings app icon in the main menu).
Above that are the time, date, Gemini's current mode ('Listening' or 'Paused'), Wi-Fi status, and percentage of battery life remaining.
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Samsung and its partners designed the Galaxy XR to be an intuitive system, where a look and a subtle gesture will get the job done.
As I looked around, I noticed various interface elements highlighted with gray boxes around them. I think I prefer the Vision Pro's more starkly animated selection metaphor.
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You can grab entire screens and move them around; you just have to look at a corner, and a wide swath of area will start to glow around the window. Grab that, and you can move the window around in 3D space. Alternatively, you can look at a corner and grab a glowing white circle near it to stretch and shrink the window.
That's how it should work anyway. In practice, I sometimes struggled mightily to properly grab these screen elements.
More problematically, the system seems to have trouble settling on an object. I had to be quite precise with my gaze and pinch gestures. Sometimes, I would try to help by reaching out and moving my hand, which triggered the system's glowing white dot mouse selector. Other times, when I intended to access an interface element, I accidentally grabbed the window and threw it behind me.
There were far too many instances where I was muttering to myself, "No, that, not that… wait, that's wrong."
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Gemini is an intrinsic part of the Galaxy XR experience. When you enable Gemini Live, you can let it see what you see and then interrogate it about whatever's in front of you. That sounds amazing, but since most of us will not be walking around outside our home or offices when wearing the Galaxy XR, it'll mostly be telling you about a world you already know.
It may, though, come in handy for tasks like putting together a new bike, if you're comfortable wearing a $1,799 headset while performing that task.
Gemini can be a help for navigating the system, opening apps, and even finding the right content. I asked Gemini to open YouTube and find me some DIY content, and it quickly complied.
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When I played an XR-designed game called 'Inside Job,' I asked Gemini to describe what was on screen. It accurately described the simulated workplace scene, but was less helpful when it came to gameplay and strategy.
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Gemini Live can't generate images, but when I opened the Gemini app and asked for a picture of a donkey driving a car, it quickly complied and generated the image. I then used gestures to copy the image, open Gmail, paste the image, and mail it to myself.
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If you leave Gemini on all the time you can just keep a running conversation going, but it can get kind of annoying to have Gemini constantly interjecting, and I did not enjoy the fact that almost every time I asked it to do something, it would repeat the phrase, "Let me check that for you." Fortunately, you can pause Gemini with a press of one of the top buttons.
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Google Circle to Search is also present, but enabling it takes some practice. First, you have to look at your palm. Then you pinch your thumb and index finger until the Google 'G' logo appears. Then you turn your hand back toward the virtual screen and circle what you want to search on. After that, Google runs a quick search, and a floating results box appears next to the circled item. In my case, I circled a chair laden with bed sheets, and Google accurately identified the exact chair. Aside from the convoluted process, it's a pretty impressive feature.
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Like the Vision Pro, this is a wearable computer, rich with pre-installed apps and connected to a world of app options in the Google Play Store. Not all are designed for the XR experience, so I did my best to find ones that at least understood the platform and its control metaphors. Apps like YouTube and Gmail work smoothly, but third-party apps like, for instance, Spatial TV can be disappointing, especially when they do not follow interface control metaphors.
On YouTube, I watched a Red Bull-produced 3D video called World’s Fastest Drone Camera vs F1 car. While the screen didn't fill my view, I found I could use the quick settings to turn on Virtual Environments and then settle in to watch a video in a daytime or nighttime mountain landscape.
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The video was fun and compelling, but I never felt like I got as up-close to the action as I do when viewing some of Apple's Immersive content. I think more people have to shoot content specifically for the Galaxy XR and take better advantage of all those millions of pixels.
I also watched a 3D trailer for Avatar: The Way of Water that looked excellent.
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You have the option to create a 3D, cartoonish avatar of yourself for interactive play and activities. These are not very compelling, and I await the life-like avatars Samsung showed off during the Samsung Galaxy XR launch event.
The headset is also a great way to view photos and to convert them into spatial (stereo) experiences. While I wish the spatial conversion icon in the Google Photos App was more than a graphic (a 'Make 3D' label would be nice), the effect works well on virtually any photo – and the effect is even better when you go 'Immersive' and remove the photo borders.
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(Image credit: Future)
One of the best experiences is Google Maps, an app nearly perfectly built for voice, gaze, and gesture control. I loved asking Gemini to whisk me off to a faraway place in Maps, then I used my eyes and hands to fly around. I could drop down to street level, and use gaze and gestures to virtually walk around a city. I could even go inside some businesses.
After some back and forth with Samsung I did figure out how to connect the Galaxy XR to a Samsung Galaxy Book. You start by selecting PC Link in the XR's quick settings, then you go into the display settings on the laptop and choose to connect to it as a wireless display. The virtual screen that appears is sharp, and can be as big as you want it, but it's not curved like the Vision Pro's virtual MacBook display. Plus, since the pass-through isn't as clear (I need to see the laptop's real keyboard after all), I can't imagine myself working for any length of time in this setup.
Throughout my time using the Samsung Galaxy XR I could hear the fan running. It's not that anyone else could hear it, but since it was on my face and close to my ears, well, I could hear it almost anytime I wore the headset. On the one hand, I know this means that a powerful chip is running inside. On the other hand, isn't there a more elegant and less noisy way to dissipate system heat?
Perhaps if I hadn't spent the last two years using the original Vision Pro, and hadn't just reviewed the M5 model, I might feel differently; this would all feel new to me, after all. But you can't turn back the clock, and the Samsung Galaxy XR has arrived after the first and best spatial computer. Its interface metaphors are well known, and virtually perfect. Samsung's interface and level of control feel, at times, like a cheap imitation – it is indeed a lot cheaper, and does feel at least somewhat influenced by the Vision Pro.
Overall, the experience does show promise, but it needs more bespoke apps, fewer duplicate Samsung apps (Bixby? Really?), even deeper integration of Gemini, better hand and eye tracking, and maybe an interface upgrade.
Software and Experience score: 3.5
Samsung Galaxy XR: Battery and performance
The external battery is a bit heavy and will need a pocket
Long-lasting
The cable is long enough
The proprietary attachment system is dependable
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
When it comes to powering its spatial computer, Samsung made the same decision as Apple: keep the weight of the battery off the head. So even though the Samsung Galaxy XR looks a little bit like a HoloLens, there's no weighty battery on the back of your head.
Instead, you get a roughly half-pound battery pack attached to a roughly 3.5-foot woven cable that ends in a proprietary adapter. There's a little button on the top that you use to release it from the headset. The battery pack also includes a USB-C-in charge port for recharging the brick.
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
As for longevity, the pack is pretty impressive. It got me through a full day of intermittent use, although it's rated for about two hours of continuous use, which is slightly less than the Vision Pro's battery pack.
You might attribute the battery life to, in part, a rather efficient and AR/VR/AI-ready bit of silicon, the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 Platform (backed by 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage), which, while obviously generating some serious heat (see my comments re the fan noise above), seems to be rather efficient. As for the overall power, I don't have benchmarks, but as I noted, AI image creation was pretty fast, and all other operations were smooth, including web browsing, video watching, and game-play.
Battery and Performance score: 4.5
Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy XR?
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Value
Far cheaper than the competition and generally good value for the price
4
Battery and Performance
Backed by 16GB of RAM, the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 Platform provides plenty of power for smooth performance throughout, but obviously needs a fan to keep it cool. Battery life is impressive
4.5/5
Design and Display
It's a decent if slightly retro design with good-enough materials, but Samsung gets major points for the device's light weight and balance. The displays are sharp, and provide more pixels than a Vision Pro
4/5
Software and Experience
Samsung needs to take a long hard look at the gaze and eye tracking, which were not nearly precise enough for my tastes. The interface is good but also a little reductive. I would not have kept so many Samsung-specific apps in there, and Samsung needs more eye-popping XR-specific experiences.
Gemini integration is good but feels like it could go further
3.5/5
Buy it if...
You want a spatial computer that doesn't rely on Apple
The Vision Pro has owned this space for two years, but the exorbitant price and overbearing weight made it a non-starter for many. Maybe a cheaper, lighter, Android-friendly headset is more your style.
You love Gemini and want the immersive experience
The Samsung Galaxy XR headset brings the generative platform to mixed reality. This is your chance to get in on the ground floor of a very new experience.
You want to see what Samsung, Qualcomm, and Google can accomplish These three tech amigos put their heads together to make this one-of-a-kind multi-modal AI headset.
Don’t buy it if…
You don't want to spend more than $1,000 for a mixed-reality experience The Samsung Galaxy XR is far cheaper than the Vision Pro, but it's still $1,799, and that's without the $249 case.
You use a Mac or Intel-PC For now, there's no way to integrate a virtual desktop experience unless you own a Samsung Galaxy Book.
Also consider
Apple Vision Pro M5 Expensive? Yes. Heavy? It can be, but the new band helps. Plus, there's still no better mixed-reality, spatial computing experience on the market. This is the apex predator of the category, with the best interface, best looks, and best experiences on the market. What it doesn't have is any truly decent AI. For that, the Galaxy XR is really your only choice.View Deal
PlayStation VR 2 TechRadar Gaming called the PSVR 2 headset "an experience that’ll be well worth your hard-earned cash." If you have a PS5 already and want a VR headset, this is the headset to check out.
Meta Quest Pro An excellent VR headset with great passthrough, mixed reality, and some hand-tracking that's also a fraction of the Vision Pro's price, and is supported by a well-baked ecosystem and a rich collection of apps.
Meta Quest 3 We call this the "best VR headset for most people", and considering the far more affordable price and vast number of apps built specifically for the platform, this might be, even with its less-impressive visual quality, a more attainable and reasonable option than the Vision Pro.
Nreal Air AR Glasses The Nreal Air AR Glasses are nothing like the Vision Pro (or any other VR headset, for that matter), but they're nevertheless an intriguing AR gadget that effectively offers you your own private theater viewing of whatever is happening on your connected device's screen. It's pretty neat, and potentially a great pick for commuters.
How we test
For my Samsung Galaxy XR review, I spent a week wearing the headset. I watched movies, played games, drew, and used Gemini
