Organizer
Gadget news
I tested this digital audio player and its sound dominates almost any rival, but there’s a catch
11:00 am | September 6, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Portable Media Players | Comments: Off

Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000: Two-minute review

The Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 is the brand’s newest flagship digital audio player, and it is priced accordingly. If you measure the worth of a product by how relatively heavy and remarkably shiny it is, though, you won’t be able to argue with the $3,999 asking price.

The SP4000 goes a distance towards justifying its cost in the way it’s specified to perform, too. Numerous technological highlights abound, none of them in any way ‘affordable’, and between the sheer heft of the physical item and the lengthy list of technologies Astell & Kern has brought to bear, the SP4000 seems about as purposeful as these things ever get.

And in action, it is an uncomplicated pleasure to listen to, fully befitting a place in the best MP3 players around. In every meaningful way, the SP4000 is an extremely accomplished device, able to combine brute muscularity with deft insight, rhythmic positivity with outright scale. No matter what you choose to listen to, the Astell & Kern seems to enjoy it just as much as you do – and it’s not about to sit in judgement on your choice of headphones either.

Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 review: Price and release date

Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 portable music player on a white surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
  • Priced at $3,999 / £3,799 / AU$6,599

The Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 is on sale now, and in the United States it sells for $3,999. In the United Kingdom the asking price is £3,799, and in Australia you’ll have to part with AU$6,599.

Not cheap, is it? Anyone who takes an interest in this sort of thing will know Astell & Kern has no problem in pitching its products as uber-high-end propositions, but no matter how many times I see one of its products priced this way, it remains difficult not to do a double-take…

Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 review: Features

Top panel, showing 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone ports, of the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 portable music player on a white surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
  • 4 x AKM4191 and 4 x AKM4499EX DACs in 1:1 architecture
  • 4 x opamps per analogue output
  • Snapdragon 6125 octa-core processor

Something would seem amiss, wouldn’t it, if a digital audio player costing very nearly four thousand of your US dollars wasn’t groaning under the weight of its specification? Well, when you consider the extensive nature of the SP4000, it’s a wonder it’s not even bigger and even heavier than it actually is.

It follows that I should try to be reasonably brief, otherwise we’ll be here all day.

At its most fundamental, the SP4000 is built around ‘octa’ audio architecture. The digital-to-analogue signal processing is in a 1:1 structure, with one AKM4191 digital processor paired with one AKM4499EX DAC. This allows digital signals to be delivered to a single DAC, four times over – this is a true quad-DAC design, with the aim of allowing precise signal transfer with a vanishingly low signal-to-noise ratio. The ability to deal with PCM resolutions of up to 32bit/768kHz and DSD512 means any realistic digital audio file is catered for.

There are eight opamps deployed, four attending to the unbalanced 3.5mm analogue output and four dealing with the 4.4mm balanced equivalent. The intention is to increase dynamic range and enhance detail retrieval – Astell & Kern calls this arrangement ‘high driving mode’ and suggests it provides powerful and stable signal output.

A newly developed LDO (‘low drop-out’) regulator in the power supply stabilizes battery voltage in an effort to suppress noise. Proprietary ESA (‘enhanced signal alignment’) technology is designed to improve the alignment of frequency signals (sometimes opaquely referred to as ‘timing’) to minimize distortion and enhance clarity. The PCB is a high-end ‘Any Layer HDI’ design that allows for extremely complex circuitry to be laid out in a very small space, minimizing signal loss.

Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 digital media player, showing potential DAC filter options, on a white surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

What else? The audio block sits behind a 99.9% pure copper shielding can, offering significant shielding from electromagnetic interference. The audio block itself is Astell & Kern’s ‘Teraton X’ design, which incorporates HEXA-Audio circuitry along with power-efficient amplification and considerable power noise cancellation, to deliver what the company suggests is the ‘ultimate sound solution’.

The entire show is run by a Snapdragon 6125 Octa-core processor that features a high-performance CPU and 8GB of DDR4. CPU, memory and wireless comms circuitry are configured as a single module, and with the digital circuit components arranged in the same area it’s effectively a system on a chip.

I could go on. There are six digital filters available to allow the user to, in a small way, design their own sound. The ‘crossfeed’ feature allows a little of the left-channel mix into the right channel (and vice versa) and, in conjunction with some adjustment options, tries to replicate the effect of listening to speakers when listening to headphones. The second generation of Astell & Kern’s DAR (‘digital audio remaster’) technology, dubbed ‘Advanced DAR’, uses a ‘virtual sound extender’ as part of a two-stage upsampling process that can convert PCM signals of up to 48kHz to 385kHz or to DSD128, and signals of greater than 96kHz to DSD256, for playback.

Surely, though, the broad point is made by now. Astell & Kern didn’t leave space for the kitchen sink, but it has thrown pretty much everything else at the A&ultima SP4000.

Features score: 5 / 5

Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 review: Sound quality

Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 digital audio player, showing VU meters, on a white surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
  • Epic levels of insight and detail
  • Rhythmic and dynamic positivity
  • Sounds simultaneously open and unified

Yes, you can fiddle around the edges of the way the A&ultima SP4000 sounds – investigate filters, fool around with EQs, you name it – but what you can’t do is alter its overarching sonic character. Which is just as well, because this Astell & Kern digital audio player is a staggeringly direct, informative and, ultimately, complete listen. Few are the sources of audio information, of any type and at any price, that can match its powers of communication – and I have heard plenty.

No matter if you’re listening to a 16bit/44.1kHz FLAC file of Ride’s Leave Them All Behind, a 24bit/48kHz FLAC file of James Holden’s Common Land or a DSD64 file of The Band’s I Shall Be Released: it’s all the same to the SP4000. In every circumstance it’s a profoundly detailed, rhythmically positive, articulate and energetic listen. There really isn’t an aspect of music-making at which it doesn’t prove itself masterful.

And it’s not as if I can offer a “yes, but…” or two in the name of balance. The longer I listen to the SP4000, the more beguiled I become.

Tonal balance? It’s basically impeccable. Frequency response? Smooth and even from way down at the low frequencies to the vertiginous top end. The Astell & Kern sounds naturalistic and unforced, and it’s completely even-handed in the way it presents the frequency range. And at every point, it’s absolutely alive with detail both broad and fine. The minutiae of tone, timbre and texture are made absolutely apparent, and the player loads all of this information onto the listener without being in any way showy or uptight about it. This fanatical attention to detail is simply a way of ensuring you get as complete a rendition of your digital audio files as possible.

The presentation is spacious and well-defined at the same time, and no matter if it’s a large ensemble all packing the stage or just one voice with a single guitar as accompaniment, the SP4000 lays it all out in confident and coherent fashion.

It deals with rhythm and tempo with similar authority, keeping momentum levels high and observing the attack and decay of bass sounds (in particular) with obvious care. It can ease back if necessary, though - nothing gets hurried along, but rather is allowed to proceed at its own chosen speed. Dynamic headroom is, to all intents and purposes, limitless. From the smallest, quietest event in a recording to the last almighty crescendo, the SP4000 is on top of things - the distance between these two states is prodigious. And the smaller, but no less crucial, dynamics of harmonic variation, the attention to the over- and undertones that surround the fundamental when listening to a solo instrument, are given very judicious weighting. Context is everything, and the SP4000 seems to almost instinctively understand it.

And the Astell & Kern even has the decency not to be sniffy either about the music you listen to or the headphones via which you access it. Obviously it does better work (or, rather, its potential is best exploited) by hi-res files and high-end headphones - but if you want to connect your bog-standard true wireless in-ear via Bluetooth and listen to Spotify’s free tier the SP4000 won’t judge you. Not too badly, anyway.

Sound quality score: 5 / 5

Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 review: Design

Turn knob of the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 digital audio player on a white surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
  • Polished 904L stainless steel and PVD-coated ceramic
  • 150 x 85 x 20mm
  • 615g

Ordinarily, a digital audio player is designed to be reasonably compact, and light enough to be slipped into a pocket. Of course, Astell & Kern sets out for its digital audio players to be anything but ordinary.

So the SP4000 is a fairly large (150 x 85 x 20mm) device that weighs a considerable 615g. Too big and heavy, in other words, to be comfortably carried in any pocket smaller and less robust than that of a military greatcoat. This is its naked weight, too. If you add one of the included screen protectors (which is, admittedly, going to make negligible difference to the weight) and slip the player into its supplied Perlinger leather* protective case, it becomes heavier still. At least that case prevents the player’s sharp, pointy corners from digging into hands or pocket linings, mind you.

(*I’m not a vegetarian. I know people who are, though, and some of them are just as interested in high-quality audio as I am. So once again I find myself wondering why companies like Astell & Kern imagine real leather – in this instance, leather made from "the soft, delicate hide of calves under one year old" – to be the untouchable height of luxury. Surely it’s possible to offer a protective case for the SP4000 that looks and feels upmarket but that isn’t going to alienate who knows how many prospective customers? Or is that just me?)

The four sides of the SP4000 are built of 904L stainless steel (the same stuff the likes of Rolex uses, on the basis that it will accept an extremely high polish), and feature some of the angularity and asymmetry that Astell & Kern established as part of its design vocabulary a good while ago. The front is of toughened glass, 152mm on the diagonal, and is almost entirely touchscreen. The rear panel, meanwhile, is finished in PVD-coated ceramic.

It really goes without saying that the standard of build and finish on display here is flawless. With the design of the SP4000, Astell & Kern has set out to deliver a product that blurs the line between ‘electrical hardware’ and ‘luxury accessory’. Or, as the company’s website rather feverishly has it, "a work of art where technology, design, intuition and performance converge". You may feel that Astell & Kern has done exactly what it set out to do, you may find the design rather self-consciously opulent. Taste is a very personal thing, after all.

It’s worth noting the grandeur of SP4000 ownership starts well before you peel the protective covering off the player itself. It arrives in a branded box that’s a similar size to that which contained a pair of size 10 Tricker’s boots I bought the other day. Inside there is another, branded, clasp-fastening box covered in what I strongly suspect is a further quantity of leather.

Inside that you’ll find the SP4000, along with compartments that contain that Perlinger leather cover, a case with a flap covering into which the player (in its cover) can be slipped (more leather, I presume), various guides and warranty documents, a congratulatory note from the company, and a reasonably heavyweight, branded USB-C to USB-C cable. I am pretty sure this all comes under the heading of ‘the experience’.

Design score: 4 / 5

Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 review: Usability and setup

Turning knob, glowing purple, of the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 digital audio player

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
  • 2160 x 1080 touchscreen
  • Supports Full Android OS
  • Qualcomm QC3.0 fast charging

The SP4000 represents the first time an Astell & Kern product has supported full Android OS. The convenience and all-around common sense of the operating system is intended to help the SP4000 be as flexible and convenient as possible, while some of the Snapdragon 6125 octa-core processor’s responsibilities center around rapidity of the OS response and the smooth, comfortable user interface motion.

Happily, it all works very well. The big 2K (2160 x 1080) touchscreen is responsive and swift, smooth-scrolling and consistent. The operating system will be mercifully familiar to anyone whose smartphone isn’t an iOS device, and it’s just as wide-ranging and usable here as it is in its most successful smartphone applications.

Setting up the SP4000 is no kind of hardship. It’s simply a question of connecting it to your local network (its dual-band Wi-Fi is tenacious when it comes to making and maintaining a connection to your router or tethering to your smartphone if you’re out and about), and from there it’s simple to load the apps you require. The ‘AK File Drop’ function makes transferring files from a PC, smartphone or FTP program on a common network faster and easier than before, too.

The Astell & Kern also supports Qualcomm QC 3.0 fast charging, which means it can be charged more rapidly (and more efficiently) than previous flagship A&ultima models. Mind you, ‘fast’ and ‘rapid’ are definitely relative terms in this instance. From ‘flat’ to ‘full’ takes around five hours, which is about half the time it takes for the SP4000 to flatten its battery if you’re listening to ordinary files at ordinary volume levels.

There are a few physical controls arranged around the edges of the SP4000. As you look at its touchscreen, there’s an elaborate volume control/power on/off on the top-right edge – it’s pleasantly shaped and knurled, and a light behind it glows in one of a variety of different colors to indicate the resolution of the audio file it’s currently playing.

On the opposite side there are three buttons that deal with skip backwards/rewind (accessible via ‘press’ or ‘press and hold’ respectively), skip forwards/fast-forward (same) and play/pause. There’s a ‘button lock’ switch on the top edge, to the right of the 3.5mm hybrid optical/unbalanced analogue and 4.4mm balanced analogue outputs, and on the bottom edge you’ll find a USB-C socket and a microSD card slot, which will accept cards of up to 1.5TB.

Usability and setup score: 4.5 / 5

Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 review: Value

Top panel of the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 digital audio player on white surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

First things first: you don’t contemplate ownership of the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 because you’re in any way concerned about value for money. Is it the best-sounding DAP out there? Sure. Is it twice as good as alternatives from the likes of FiiO or Astell & Kern itself that cost comfortably less than $2k? Not a chance.

No, the value in the SP4000 comes from its status as the shiny flagship of the Astell & Kern range. It comes from the knowledge that no one you bump into when in the First Class Lounge has a more expensive DAP than you. It comes from the ability to add ‘DAP’ to the list of ‘madly luxurious accessories I own’.

Should I buy the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000?

Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 digital audio player on a white surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Buy it if... 

You want more from your digital audio player than just digital audio
In the same way as there’s more to a Montblanc fountain pen than just the ability to function as a pen…

You admire extremely thorough specification
Astell & Kern has left no stone unturned here.

You take good care of your belongings
That super-shiny stainless steel is quite fingerprint-hungry…

Don't buy it if... 

You pay the slightest attention to value for money
It’s it’s true value you’re after, virtually any other Astell & Kern DAP will suit you better than the SP4000.

You’re vegetarian or vegan
Astell & Kern considers leather to be shorthand for ‘sophisticated’.

You don’t own any expensive, high-performance headphones
You’d better be budgeting for some, that’s all I can say.

Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 review: Also consider

FiiO M23
The FiiO represents remarkable value at $699 for a DAP with such balanced, eloquent and entertaining sound. And think of what you could do with all the money you’ll have saved...
Read our full FiiO M23 review

Astell & Kern Kann Ultra
Don’t bother looking for like-for-like alternatives to the A&ultima SP4000 – there aren’t any. But there are some extremely capable digital audio players available for a fraction of SP4000 money, many of them well worth considering. The Astell & Kern Kann Ultra, for instance, is a great-sounding and well-specified device that’s yours for $1,759.

How I tested the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000

  • Tested for over a week
  • Tested with streamed and downloaded content
  • Tested with wired and wireless headphones

I slotted a microSD card filled with hi-res content (up to 24bit/192kHz and DSD64, anyway) into the SP4000, and I downloaded the Tidal and Presto music streaming apps while I was at it.

I used Sennheiser IE900 IEMs connected via the 4.4mm balanced output, Austrian Audio The Composer over-ears via the 3.5mm unbalanced alternative, and tried out the Technics EAH-AZ100 true wireless in-ears and Bowers & Wilkins Px8 wireless over-ears too.

I listened to lots of different types of music, via lots of different file types and sizes – and I did so indoors and (with some trepidation, I don’t mind telling you) outdoors too.

  • First reviewed in September 2025
I reviewed this 25-inch portable monitor – I just wish it lived up to its huge potential
9:47 am |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets | Tags: , | Comments: Off

KTC MegPad A25Q5 monitor: 30-second review

From the outset, the potential of the KTC MegPad A25Q5 is obvious, essentially offering a completely portable touchscreen monitor with the Android 14 operating system that gives you full access to the Play Store and all of the apps that come with it.

Starting out, everything looked positive with a solid build and great design, so I started by looking at some of the usual Android apps that I use when testing other Android devices. The integration proved to be good, especially if you want to watch streaming video from YouTube or your favourite streaming service.

However, while it's great seeing the Android 14 at such a scale, some apps seemed soft in clarity, as if the scale of the display was slightly beyond the limits of the screen size, as there was sometimes a lack of crispness of icons and text in some but not all apps.

The more I started to delve into video and games, the more I started to see the limitations of this monitor that's pushing physical size with the display resolution. It still looks good, but sit too close and you'll notice that the colour lacks tonal graduation and details are smoothed in much of the video content. The HD resolution just starts to make everything look a little bit soft, especially when I'm so used to high-resolution monitors 4K and above.

The ability to plug into a laptop is handy with that 25-inch screen. However, once again, because the pixel depth is reduced, the clarity of the text on screen, whilst perfectly readable, just isn't as crisp and smooth as I've come to expect with the latest laptops, phones and tablets, even at the entry level. And once again, there's the fine detail, and the colour that once again lacks. So if you are thinking of this as a portable monitor for creative or even office use, then it is going to be a little bit limiting.

I really did like the fact that it has an internal battery and gives you a relatively decent amount of usage time, but once again, if you're thinking about using this portable monitor out on site, then that battery life at 5 hours will be a limit. Whilst it's fine for the odd meeting or lengthy presentation, anything ongoing just isn't possible.

The other aspect to consider is if you think this monitor could be useful for gaming, but again, with a 1080p resolution and maximum refresh rate of only 60Hz, games lack the impact of other smaller portable monitors, and that refresh rate does make some games look a little bit jerky, and then there's the actual power of the processor and CPU to contend with.

So, whilst the design and build quality of this monitor is good and I love the concept, it lacks the quality of hardware to enable it to reach its potential.

KTC MegPad A25Q5 monitor: Price & availability

  • How much does it cost? $399
  • When is it out? Now
  • Where can you get it? Widely available

At present, the KTC MegPad A25Q5 is available directly from the KTC US website and is priced at US$399, with the usual regular price of US$599.

In the US, I'm also seeing it on Amazon.com for $390 and on Newegg, where it's priced at $346.

  • Value: 4 / 5

KTC MegPad A25Q5

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

KTC MegPad A25Q5 monitor: Design

KTC MegPad A25Q5

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Specifications

CPU: Qualcomm SM6115 (Snapdragon 662-class)
Graphics: Adreno 610 (integrated)
RAM: 8GB LPDDR4
Storage: 128GB internal (expandable)
Left Ports: USB-C, DC in
Onboard controls: Power button, volume rocker
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2
Audio: Dual stereo speakers, 3.5mm jack
Camera: 720p front camera with privacy slider
Size: 568 × 332 × 39 mm
OS Installed: Android 14
Accessories: Remote control, charger,

The aesthetic design of the KTC MegPad A25Q5 is striking, with its matte cream finish giving it a stylish and friendly aesthetic. The body is nicely curved with a textured back and fabric carry handle with a robust fold-out stand that enables you to position the monitor in both landscape and portrait orientation.

When it comes to the size, it measures in at 22.37 in x 13.09 in (568.3 mm x 332.5 mm) with the thickness just 1.54 in (39 mm). Overall, the build quality of the monitor is exceptionally high, not quite premium, but not far off.

Taking a look around the body of the monitor, there are only two ports: the first is for the power, and the second is for the USB-C connection that enables you to plug into a laptop or tablet so that the machine can be used as an external display. Alternatively, you can plug in an external storage device. Otherwise, the only other physical feature is the small webcam with a privacy slider that enables you to slide a physical cover over the camera.

The display itself has a gloss finish that handles reflections well, with bezels that are relatively thick at roughly 10 mm, although, as they're flat to the display, these days, you would expect a slightly thinner design.

The diagonal of the display is essentially 25 inches, which does give you a good viewing area, especially for a portable monitor. And as well as being an IPS, it also offers 10-point touch functionality, which, for the Android operating system,. However, if you're connecting to a laptop with touchscreen functionality, that touchscreen functionality isn't carried across to the monitor for Windows 11 or macOS.

Alongside the monitor comes a very handy remote control that enables you to sit back and actually interact with the monitor without needing to get up and touch the screen. The layout of the remote is intuitive, with physical buttons that make it easy to navigate around the Android screen interface and also adjust volume and the monitor settings, and has a nifty pointer option, which is more intuitive to use when using streaming and TV apps.

As a portable monitor, there is quite a lot on offer here. The fact that it can be used as a touchscreen Android tablet at scale for streaming and watching back web content, and also used as an external monitor for your laptop or tablet, and will playback media from external storage devices does give it plenty of potential, especially with a design and build quality that means it's durable enough to easily be carried around, making it a seemingly ideal solution for many creative and business users.

  • Design: 4 / 5

KTC MegPad A25Q5 monitor: Features

KTC MegPad A25Q5

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The feature list here is impressive, with the standout feature being the pure portability, thanks to the built-in internal battery that supplies it with a good few hours of use. Unlike other portable monitors, there's also an integrated Android device with full Android 14 OS, including the Play Store, readily accessible once powered up.

The monitor has also been exceptionally well conceived, so it's simple plug and play, so when you plug your laptop or another tablet device into the monitor through the USB-C connection on the side, the monitor instantly recognises that it is being required as an external display and automatically swaps its usage type from tablet to external display.

Going into some of the features and settings within the Android operating system enables you to adjust a lot of the visual settings, including the brightness and screen colour temperature. Through this test, I found that the default screen brightness of 55% was actually a really good balance for everyday use.

Internally powering the Android 14 operating system is 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which is relatively good for storing apps on the system. While the internal storage isn't huge, there is the option to connect other external storage devices through the side USB-C port, and this supports the ExFat file format, which is quite generic and widely used.

As I mentioned in the build section, there is an 8 million pixel webcam, which is good enough for 720p quality, not as high as you'd find on many premium mobile phones, but decent enough for a bit of web conferencing. One of the things I liked about the webcam is that it has a privacy shutter, so you can be absolutely 100% sure that when the shutter is slid across the lens, you won't be broadcasting.

If you're looking for a portable monitor for use as part of a display, then the touchscreen functionality is obviously quite handy, especially for presentations or interactive displays where you want people to interact with the monitor itself, as long as what you're using is Android-based.

There's also a physical remote control, so if you are using it for media or kiosk use, then you can interact with it using the remote from a distance. Whilst the remote is simple, it does give you lots of control over all of the options and settings, including playing back media.

Again, when it comes to the features, it is a shame that there is no HDMI, DP input, or Bluetooth; there's just that one USB-C port. However, through the test, I did find that the Wi-Fi connection was extremely robust.

  • Features: 4 / 5

KTC MegPad A25Q5 monitor: Performance

KTC MegPad A25Q5

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Display quality:

GAMUT: 4.5
Tone response: 3.5
White point: 2.5
Contrast: 2.0
Luminance uniformity: 3.5
Colour uniformity: 4.5
Colour accuracy: 3.5
Overall rating: 3.5

Hardware performance:

Disk Speed Test Read 822 MB/s
Disk Speed Test Write 185 MB/s
Geekbench Single 319
Geekbench Multi 948
Geekbench GPU 297
3DMark Wildlife: 504
3DMark Slingshot: 1732

The KTC MegPad A25Q5 has, from the outset, so much potential. The design is elegant, it feels really robust, and with that carry handle on top, it is ultra-portable. So, if you need to carry it around the office or you're at a show and need to use this as a kiosk display, then its portability is a real bonus.

Personally, I also really like the simplicity of the design. The front of the screen is just nice and clean, and although it does have that rather thick bezel going all the way around, it isn't overly distracting.

While the number of input/output ports is relatively meagre, just the power and USB Type-C, they do offer enough to make this an extremely flexible portable monitor in use. With the ability to use it as a large-screen Android tablet, an external monitor for your laptop, or if you plug in external storage, it can be used as a playback device, obviously using the Android 14 operating system.

I started the test by taking a look at the Android functionality. And whilst at 25 inches the screen does push the Android operating system user interface, it still looks nice and clean and is very easy to navigate. In use, with that 8GB of RAM and decent volume of storage, the operating system does seem to run exceptionally smoothly. Loading up web streaming services from Netflix to YouTube, the streaming quality of video does seem exceptionally good. And whilst the screen is limited to 60Hz, for most TV and movies, the smoothness of motion is perfectly adequate.

However, I will say that with the resolution limited to just 1080p, you can really see that downscaling, detail and tonal graduation compared with a laptop or even many other higher resolution portable monitors.

I will say, however, that the two built-in speakers do provide a good depth of audio, which gives a far better audio experience than many other monitors, portable or otherwise.

Flicking through a few of the other Android apps, and for the most part, there is just enough processing power supplied by this Android operating system to plough through most tasks without too much issue.

Applications such as CapCut enable some video editing, although you do need to keep it light, and delving into a few Android games, while nice to see them on the larger screen, the system did struggle. But there again, the resolution is a little bit of an issue, as is the rather low refresh rate for gaming.

Where it did excel was with Google Docs and the Google Suite. That larger screen gave a much larger interface to type up and read documents, and whether it was typing on a document or scrolling through spreadsheets, the large font and space just make things nice and fluid.

Starting to push the processing again, and I loaded Lightroom to edit some photos again, which showed that there was a real issue with the lack of resolution for apps when displayed at this size. Essentially, it felt like the colour depth and the gradient handling just weren't up to scratch, and any issues just seemed to be amplified with this huge screen; however, the actual use and processing were absolutely fine.

As I started to run through the benchmarking tests, they reinforced that this is a mid-level Android device, perfectly good for basic use, browsing the internet, and streaming content. However, at all times, the lower resolution at 1080p on a 25-inch display just highlights those visual issues of lack of colour depth and detail.

Whilst you can weigh up the balance of cost, as this portable monitor does only cost $399, you can excuse some of that visual quality. And if you're looking for a portable display that can be used in meetings or in show kiosks, then it is actually a good option.

Through my test, running a series of benchmarking, streaming, and productivity tests on the monitor, I was able to get 5 hours of use. For me, I feel that's relatively decent. But if you want a monitor that lasts the distance, say half a day to a full day, then you will need to look at some sort of external power source for the monitor.

  • Performance: 2 / 5

KTC MegPad A25Q5

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

KTC MegPad A25Q5 monitor: Final verdict

KTC MegPad A25Q5

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The KTC MegPad A25Q5 has so much potential. It looks great and, on paper, everything about it seems to point at a product that will meet many different criteria, from a sleek portable monitor that you can use at home or in the office to stream back content, do video calls, watch TV and play games. And, of course, you can do all of this.

It also offers a full Android 14 touchscreen tablet experience, so you can utilise all the usual Android apps, and you have full access to the Google Play Store, which does give it plenty more potential.

So, when it comes to a functional smart display, the KTC A25Q5 could have been exceptional. However, it's limited by the quality of the actual display, with all of the innovation seemingly put into its workflow and functionality rather than its main focus, display quality.

From the outset, the quality of the display just seems to lack clarity. The Android 14 operating system, whilst working perfectly and generally giving a smooth experience (aside from gaming, where it's a little bit limited), just looks a little bit soft on this 25-inch screen. And the reason for that is not the size of the screen, but the resolution, which limits its pixel density.

As I started to run through the performance tests with Geekbench and 3DMark, it highlighted the limited processing power of the monitor. Then, as I delved into the more important feature, the qualities of the display, using Datacolor Spyder X2, it really started to highlight the limitations.

Across the board, the results in the Spyder X2 were average, again reinforcing the lack of detail and clarity that I was seeing, either using Android or a direct connection into a laptop, for both Mac and PC. So, whilst this portable monitor has huge potential, it really is limited by that display.

The battery was a highlight and I wasn't expecting much, however, it did seem to last the distance with a decent 5 hours of use. All things considered, especially the price that this monitor offers, is pure flexibility.

The fact that it could be used as a large-scale Android tablet so that you can watch back media at okay quality, that you can plug it into your laptop to give a bigger display when giving a presentation, and the ability to plug in external media so that you can play back content on the larger display using the Android operating system, still makes it extremely useful, just not the high quality that I would've expected.

Essentially, the concept for this monitor is absolutely spot on, and it's very easy to see how useful and how much potential this monitor has. It's just so unfortunate that the quality of the display underdelivers and lacks the sharpness and polish that I wanted.

Should I buy a KTC MegPad A25Q5 monitor?

Value

Great value for money considering that you get a large-scale Android tablet, external display and media playback monitor in one

4

Design

The build quality, design and aesthetics all look great, and with a simple carry handle, it just finishes off the design nicely

4

Features

Checking through the features, and on the surface at least it certainly has potential

4

Performance

While the MegPad shows potential, the lack of processing power and low resolution let it down

2

Overall

The concept is valid and the design aesthetically pleasing, but it is let down by the real-world performance

3

Buy it if...

You want a large Android display

Having the Android OS on such a large scale is definitely handy, and native apps run smoothly with good integration into Google's ecosystem.

You want a meeting screen with Android support

Running meetings through the tablet offers a large display with a relatively decent webcam for PC-free conferencing.

Don't buy it if...

You need to watch movies.

For both movies and gaming, the power of the hardware is slightly lacking, and the depth and low resolution really highlight the image issues.

You need to edit creative media.

Again, while the large screen lends itself to use for creative media, the lack of power and low resolution cancel this out as a viable option.

For more top computers, we've tested the best business computers, best business laptops, and the best business tablets.

I reviewed this UGreen charger and it’s phenomenally convenient thanks to this one ingenious feature
12:00 am |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Phone Accessories Phones | Comments: Off

UGreen Nexode 65W Charger with Retractable USB-C Cable review

Want a convenient all-in-one charger for your phone, laptop, tablet, and more? Then the UGreen Nexode 65W Charger with Retractable USB-C Cable might be exactly what you’re looking for! Yes, the model names are almost always this long.

This charging block comes with an integrated USB-C cable, meaning you don’t have to purchase one separately or worry about your charging wire falling out. It can be pulled out gradually to a range of lengths up to 2.3ft (0.69m), and snugly tucked away by gently pulling the cable and returning it to its magnetic cradle. On top of that, the integrated cable is nice and flexible, meaning it can flex to your environment without too much trouble.

And, if that wasn’t enough, there are two additional USB slots on the unit, enabling you to charge three devices simultaneously. One is a USB-C slot and must be used on its own to get the full 65W (the retractable cable is only capable of 60W in single-port mode), and the other is USB-A if you want to make use of an old wire.

All of this flexibility and versatility is great, but how about performance? Well, I charged my Samsung Galaxy S24 FE – which has a 4,700mAh battery – using the retractable cable. I also juiced up my Sony WH-1000XM6 via the USB-C port and LG Tone Free T90S with the USB-A alternative. And even with all ports in use, my phone went from 1% to 100% in well under 80 minutes – which is very speedy indeed.

With that said, there are a couple of performance quirks that are worth pointing too. I already mentioned that the retractable cable can’t hit the max 65W power output, but it also omits support for Samsung Super Charge 2.0 45W. That is, however, admittedly only relevant to a small crop of Samsung devices at the moment.

In addition, multi-port power disruption may not suit all users. If you charge three devices simultaneously, you get 45W from the retractable cable, but just 7.5W out of the other two. I was also perplexed by the fact that when dual-charging with the USB-C and USB-A port only, you’re still capped at 7.5W per port, even without using the integrated wire.

But, regardless, if you just need to charge your phone and say, a pair of earbuds and headphones, the triple-port distribution should still be good enough overall.

Elsewhere, the charger is well built. It’s durable, compact given its 65W maximum power output, and has an attractive silvery finish. The UK model doesn't have foldable prongs, which is a shame, but this isn’t the case over in the US.

The charger also harnesses GaN technology to offer a strong suite of protection against issues like overheating, short-circuiting, overvoltage, and more. I never felt this model get too hot during the testing process, and I didn’t experience any performance dips whatsoever.

So it’s safe to say that I’m a fan of this UGreen charger. I love the convenience of the built-in cable, it can charge my phone in a pinch, and it’s pleasingly compact for when I’m on the go. It's also pretty cost efficient with a list price of $49.99 / £39.99 – though I’ve already seen it on sale for less than $35 / £28, so keep your eyes peeled for a sweet deal.

UGreen Nexode 65W Charger with Retractable USB-C Cable with cable retracted in a spiral shape

(Image credit: Future)

UGreen Nexode 65W Charger with Retractable USB-C Cable review: price & specs

Price

$49.99 / £39.99

Total power output

65W

Number of ports

2 (excluding 1x inbuilt retractable USB-C cable)

Port type(s)

1x USB-C; 1x USB-A

Dimensions

2.1 x 2 x 2 inches / 53 x 50.9 x 50.4mm (without prongs)

UGreen Nexode 65W Charger with Retractable USB-C Cable upside down on table against pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the UGreen Nexode 65W Charger with Retractable USB-C Cable?

Buy it if…

You want an ultra-convenient phone charger
The inbuilt retractable cable is really useful if you want a secure, hassle-free charging hub. The inclusion of separate USB-C and USB-A ports is also a nice touch if you’re out and about and realize your wireless earbuds or headphones have died, and you need some extra playtime.

You don’t have any USB-C cables lying around
Still stuck with the old USB-A cables? Reluctant to spend your money on… you know, just a wire that juices up your phone? I get it. Thankfully, this model has its own retractable cable built in, so you won’t have to worry about any of that.

Don't buy it if…

You need to charge multiple power-hungry devices at once
If you’re making use of tri-port charging on this model, the separate USB ports can only supply up to 7.5W each. Now, that’s not a lot of power if you want to charge more demanding devices like a second phone or tablet, for example. A model like the UGreen Uno Charger 100W could be better, as it offers 45W in port 1 and 30W in port 2, even when quad charging! Pretty impressive, no?

You need a top-performing laptop charger
Now don’t get me wrong, 65W is a solid amount of power and will be enough to fast-charge a large portion of modern phones. But if you’re looking to charge a newer laptop at peak capacity, this model might be a tad underpowered. Instead, you can check out a model like the Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger (3 Ports).

UGreen Nexode 65W Charger with Retractable USB-C Cable review: also consider

UGreen Nexode Pro 65W Ultra-Slim 3-Port charger
Yep, it's UGreen again, and this model is super unique. The Nexode Pro 65W Ultra-Slim has the same power, and (essentially) number of ports as this retractable cable-equipped alternative. However, it has an unbelievably thin form, meaning it can be placed in tight spaces with ease – very useful if your power plug is close to a desk or bed, for example. It also has interchangeable adapters for US, UK, and EU power sockets. Talk about a handy travel companion! Read our full UGreen Nexode Pro 65W Ultra-Slim 3-Port charger review.

Site123 website builder review
6:04 pm | September 5, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Website Building | Comments: Off

Site123 ranks on our list of the best free website builders and for good reason. The platform is as easy as - well, 123 - making it ideal for those that want to get online quickly such as small businesses or affiliate marketers that want to start driving traffic right away.

However, those looking for more advanced tools may find the platform a little limiting. In this review, we get hands on with Site123, helping you gather all the insight and information you need to decide whether it is the best website builder for you.

Categories

As you start exploring, you’re asked to define the main function of your site… (Image credit: Site123)

Click on the service’s welcome page’s ‘Start here’ to grab yourself 250MB of storage, 250MB of bandwidth a month and your first design decision: what type of website do you want to create? You have to choose from one of sixteen options, from Business, to Online Store, Blog, Music, and Creativity, amongst others.

Customize the Template

Many options are available to customise the various sections (Image credit: Site123)

Interface

Once your site is created, you’ll be graced with a large preview of the template Site123 has designed for you. As you’d expect, it’s fully customisable, and you can even delete those pages and start afresh.

Click on some placeholder text to change it. The selection box has a couple of white squares which are used to resize your text, Some basic formatting tools appear above, while more detailed options are presented to the left of the screen. You could for instance select to animate your selection, browse through a list of various styles, or choose from one of hundreds of available fonts.

That part is easy. Others can be frustrating. Click on the ‘gear’ icon for instance. This reveals the various Background Settings of your selected page. You’ll be graced with 25 tiny preview thumbnails of the same image altered in some minor way. It’s impossible to see clearly what each of them offers, and it’s really best to click on them in turn, to see what they look like as they’re implemented in the main preview section of the interface.

Add New Pages

Add as many pages as you like.... (Image credit: Site123)

Building pages

Expanding your site is a simple matter of clicking on the Pages menu and choosing to add additional ones. You’ll find a long list of categories, with various templates within each. These include Music, Testimonials, Articles, Events and Blog. Click on the style you’re interested in, and it’ll be automatically added at the bottom of your site.

One thing to bear in mind though: pages aren’t technically pages; they’re more like sections, each added under the other. This means your site is actually one giant scrolling page, and the more sections you add to it, the longer it becomes.

You’re also not limited to a single type of the above pages: you could have multiple blogs, galleries and e-commerce pages within the same website should you so choose. As long as you give them different names, it won’t get too confusing in the navigation menu.

Reorder Pages

And reorder them with ease (Image credit: Site123)

That menu, locked at the top of the page, just takes you straight to these various sections, but you can also scroll up or down to get to where you want to go. Reordering sections is a simple matter of dragging their handle from the sidebar and repositioning them elsewhere.

However the more you populate your site, the more confusing it can get, especially as you add more posts to your blogs or additional photos in your galleries. Although the customisation invites complexity and numerous sections, we wouldn’t recommend you go too crazy, and limit your design to just a handful of them.

Site123 features

Looking at the blog options, the design will feel familiar to anyone who’s used a word processor. Click on the blog section’s ‘Edit’ button to see all posts already created. You’ll see that a few are already there - examples to show you how the blog looks like and works. Click on them to edit them, or just get rid and start anew. You can add images and videos, include tags and a featured image. It’s all pretty easy and straightforward, enabling you to get started in no time at all.

Ecommerce

The ecommerce features are easy to use, customize and make your own (Image credit: Site123)

What stands out the most about Site123 is its ecommerce abilities. While there’s plenty of web builders out there with the ability to create your own store (like Jimdo, Fasthosts, and SimpleSite), not many web hosts have ecommerce options that are so flexible and easy to customise. 

You can add new items, create new categories, highlight the fact some products are new or for sale, etc. The free version of the service only allows your customers to pay by bank transfer, cash on delivery, check, money order, in person, or by phone. The more vital features for an online business, like PayPal, AmazonPay, or Stripe, amongst others, can only be accessed if you upgrade to the ‘Premium’ plan.

Site 123 gives you a free ‘temporary subdomain’ to publish your site to, but it’s as far from memorable as you can get - just a series of random letter and numbers, followed by ‘.site123.me'. If you want a more catchy URL, or if you already have one and would like to link your site to it, you have to pay for the privilege.

Plans and pricing

Site123 pricing and plans

Plan

Price

Free

$0/month

Premium

$12.80/month

Site123 has two main web hosting plans on their website. They also offer a 14 day money-back guarantee, so you can easily test Site123 to see if it’s right for you. Here’s a quick overview of both of them:  

As its name implies, ’Free' comes with no charge. This option grants you 250MB of storage, 250MB of bandwidth, and one subdomain. Best if all, there’s no credit card required to sign up for it. This plan works best for those just starting on their online journey. 

‘Premium’ is $12.80 per month. It includes your own domain name (for the first year), 10GB of storage space, 5GB of bandwidth, grants you more advanced ecommerce capabilities, and removes ‘Site123’ branding. This plan is great for small business, entrepreneurs, and freelancers who want more storage space and enjoy having their own domain. 

Site123 review: Final verdict

Overall, Site123 is easy to use. Although somewhat limited, your customisation options are clear and easy to implement. The main preview of your website as you create it and experiment works great, but the layout options don’t favour a complex site with too many sections. If your needs are simple, and want something that looks good with little effort, Site123 is worth checking out. 

The Iniu P50-E1 power bank has earned pride of place in my everyday carry – here’s why I love this speedy portable charger
7:45 am |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Phone Accessories Phones | Comments: Off

Iniu P50-E1 power bank review

I rely on a power bank daily, and while there are plenty of compact models available, very few can keep up with the high-speed charging modern phones and portable gaming devices demand.

And that’s where the Iniu P50-E1 comes in. At 83 x 52 x 26mm (3.27 × 2.05 × 1.02 in), it’s very compact, and the 160-gram (0.353 lb) weight won't bog you down. It has a 10,000mAh capacity (36Wh) – enough for one or two phone charges (depending on the phone), or it can give a 50Wh Steam Deck an extra 55% or so charge.

Iniu P50-E1 45W power bank compared to Pixel 10 Pro XL

This shows the size of the Iniu P50-E1 compared to the Pixel 10 Pro XL (Image credit: Future / Lindsay Handmer)

The P50 stands out from other compact power banks thanks to the 45W output that supports PPS (Programmable Power Supply, the standard used by many phones for rapid charging) from 5V to 11V and up to 4.8A. It’s aimed at those who want super-fast phone charging, and it can hit the speedy 45W charge rates that models like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra support. It can also quick-charge handheld gaming machines, though not at the full 65W some can handle.

That said, because the P50 has a maximum output of 15V, some devices that need higher voltages won’t charge at full speed. For example, the P50 only reaches around 27W on the Pixel 10 Pro XL, versus the possible 39W on a charger that supports higher PPS voltages.

But perhaps most importantly, does the P50 actually do what it says on the box? Many power banks make bold claims, but in real-world testing they don't live up to the hype. I do comprehensive testing to verify charge voltages, confirm protocol support and log capacity tests.

For high-speed phone charging, the P50 outputs 32Wh of the 36Wh available. This means 13.5% is lost during conversion, which is a better-than-average result. I will note, however, that while it will happily run full pelt for more than enough time to max out a phone's charge rate, on a laptop, it slows from 45W down to 30W after 10 minutes to help avoid overheating the power bank. Charging at the max output until empty gives 29Wh, which is also a better-than-average result.

A close comparison is the excellent 10,000mAh 4Smarts power bank. The latter measures 77 x 56 x 26 mm (3.03 × 2.20 × 1.02 in), weighs 200g (0.441 lb), and also has a 45W output. It produces 27Wh at max wattage and 30Wh at 20W – not quite as good as the P50. Compared to the Iniu, the 4Smarts also gets warmer under load, lacks a USB-A port, and ultimately costs more, making the P50 a clear winner on value and features.

Iniu P50-E1 45W power bank front angle with cable plugged in

The Iniu P50-E1 has dual USB-C input / outputs, plus a handy USB-A port (Image credit: Future / Lindsay Handmer)

The P50 comes with a short cable integrated into a lanyard. It’s actually quite a neat solution – robust yet easy to remove. I spent considerable time swirling the P50 by the lanyard on a finger, and it didn't go flying off, so I rate it as fidget-worthy.

The unit also has a basic digital capacity display, which is fairly accurate and makes it easy to see how much power remains at a glance. It also has a little lightning bolt to show when the power bank is fast charging. You don’t get any other indicators, though, like charge current or power.

The soft-touch plastic feels nice in the hand, but it is easy to scratch – especially the glossy section over the screen. In comparison, I have an Iniu B6 that has been rattling around in my bag for over 2 years now that uses the same construction. It has plenty of little marks, but it’s only cosmetic and the construction is very strong. So I am confident the P50 will also hold up long term.

Overall, the Iniu P50-E1 is a very compact, lightweight power bank that offers very fast phone charging and can top up many laptops in a pinch.

Image 1 of 5

Iniu P50-E1 45W power bank from front

The P50 can charge 3 devices at once, but not as fast as if only charging one. (Image credit: Future / Lindsay Handmer)
Image 2 of 5

Iniu P50-E1 45W power bank from above

The power bank has a handy display that shows the remaining capacity. (Image credit: Future / Lindsay Handmer)
Image 3 of 5

Iniu P50-E1 45W power bank side view from above

While not super thin, the P50 is very easily slipped into a pocket. (Image credit: Future / Lindsay Handmer)
Image 4 of 5

Iniu P50-E1 45W power bank showing lanyard cable

The Iniu P50-E1 includes a short USB-C cable that works as a carry lanyard. (Image credit: Future / Lindsay Handmer)
Image 5 of 5

Iniu P50-E1 45W power bank charge cable and holder

The USB-C cable has a plastic clip that holds it securely in plus, yet is easy to release. (Image credit: Future / Lindsay Handmer)

Iniu P50-E1: Price & specs

You can buy the P50 directly from Iniu, Amazon, or various other marketplaces like eBay, though it isn't typically found in brick-and-mortar stores.

List price is $32.99 / £32.99 / AU$56.46, but it's often sold at much less during sale events, so it's well worth waiting for a discount if you don't need it right away.

The power bank has a class-leading 3-year warranty, giving extra peace of mind if you do happen to run into an issue.

Spec

Value

Price

$32.99 / £32.99 / AU$56.46

Capacity

10,000mAh / 36Wh / 3.6V

Single Port Output

45W

Number of Ports

3

USB-C

2x in/out

USB-A

1x

Dimensions

83 x 52 x 26mm (3.27 × 2.05 × 1.02 in)

Weight (measured)

160g (0.353 lb)

Phone Charges

1 to 2 times

Iniu P50-E1: Test results

The P50-E1 gives excellent results for such a compact power bank. Iniu has matched the cells well to the output and used an efficient voltage converter, so overall the power bank gives above-average results.

Test

Usable Capacity

Efficiency

Score

45W phone charging

32.1 Wh

89.2%

4 / 5

45W sustained

28.9 Wh

80.3%

3.5 / 5

20W

32.5 Wh

90.3%

4.5 / 5

10W

33.9 Wh

94.2%

4.5 / 5

Laptop charging

31.3 Wh

86.9%

4 / 5

One thing to note: if you are using multiple ports at once, they are limited to a max of 7.5W each and 15W total. This means if you want to quickly top up a device, make sure it’s the only one plugged into the P50.

The included short USB-C lanyard cable is e-marked for 5A (USB 2.0 data speeds) so it can happily handle the P50-E1’s full 45W output. Keep in mind that if using another cable, make sure it is 5A-rated, as a typical 3A cable won’t always allow you to unlock the P50’s full potential.

When pushed hard with a sustained maximum output until empty (when charging a laptop), the P50 reached a warm but not problematic 45°C (113°F), while phone charging only saw it reach 33°C (91°F).

My advice: feel free to charge your phone with the P50 tucked in a bag, but give it some open air when charging a laptop to help with heat.

Image 1 of 3

Iniu P50-E1 45W power bank specs on rear

The Iniu P50-E1 outputs typical charge voltages but is limited to 15V (Image credit: Future / Lindsay Handmer)
Image 2 of 3

Iniu P50-E1 45W power bank PD3.0 45W shown by ChargerLab POWER-Z KM003C

The Iniu P50-E1 supports PD3.0 spec charging at up to 45W. (Image credit: Future / Lindsay Handmer)
Image 3 of 3

Iniu P50-E1 45W power bank eMarker readout using ChargerLab POWER-Z KM003C

The included Iniu P50-E1 lanyard cable has an eMarker so supports up to 20V 5A. (Image credit: Future / Lindsay Handmer)

Rated Output Capacity

6200mAh / 5V / 31.5Wh

PPS support

5V - 11V 4.8A

Included cable

5A

IN1 (USB-C)

5V⎓3A; 9V⎓2.22A; 12V⎓1.67A

IN2 (USB-C)

5V⎓3A; 9V⎓2.22A; 12V⎓1.67A

OUT1 (USB-C)

5V⎓3A; 9V⎓3A; 12V⎓3A; 15V⎓3A

OUT2 (USB-C)

5V⎓3A; 9V⎓3A; 12V⎓3A; 15V⎓3A

OUT3 (USB-A)

5V⎓3A; 9V⎓2A; 12V⎓1.5A

Should I buy the Iniu P50-E1?

Buy it if…

You need fast phone charging
The 45W output on the P50 is ideal for quick top-ups.

You want a very compact power bank
The Iniu P50 has one of the best capacity-to-weight ratios going.

Don't buy it if…

Your phone or laptop requires 20V charging
The P50 caps out at 15V, which isn’t enough to get full fast charging on some phones or laptops.

You need to fully charge a laptop
The 36Wh capacity here is not enough to do more than partially top up a laptop.

Also consider

The Iniu P50 is a great fast-charging 10,000 mAh (36Wh) power bank, but below are a few other options if you are looking for something different. For even more recommendations, check out our guide to the best power banks. Or, if you are planning a holiday soon, get a full rundown on the airline rules when traveling with power banks.

Iniu B6 power bank
Need something a little cheaper? With 20W fast-charge capability and a 10,000mAh (37Wh) capacity, the Iniu B6 is the perfect low-cost power bank to slip into your bag when on the go.

Read our full Iniu B6 power bank review

ZMI No.20
This power bank uses premium components, has a large 25,000mAh (90Wh) capacity and is able to fast-charge anything from a phone to a laptop at up to 100W.

Read our full ZMI No.20 review

What's your favorite power bank for everyday carry? Or is there a specific model you think I should test?

Let me know in the comments below.

How I test power banks

I get hands-on with every power bank I test and conduct extensive evaluations in both lab and real-world scenarios. Using tools like the ChargerLab POWER-Z KM003C, I measure charge voltage, check protocol support, and log capacity tests.

Each power bank is also tested with everyday devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops, and is connected to a programmable load tester for multiple charge cycles. I carry a selection daily in both pockets and bags to assess their durability and ability to withstand everyday use.

All measurements and weights are personally verified, ensuring accuracy beyond the manufacturer’s listings. It’s worth noting that many power bank reviews don’t do this sort of testing, so they should be taken with a grain of salt.

Want to know more? Read about how we test.

I spent time with the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE and it absolutely crushes the iPhone 16e in every way that matters
11:40 pm | September 4, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Phones Samsung Galaxy Phones Samsung Phones | Comments: Off

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE hands-on: Price and availability

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE in hand with long green leaves behind

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

To understand the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, you need to know two things. First, it’s a phone for Samsung fans, even if Samsung no longer says FE stands for Fan Edition. Second, it costs only $50 / £50 (AU $TBD) more than the Apple iPhone 16e, but it gives you so much more that it might be a much better value. There are still questions to be answered (Exynos, really?), but the Galaxy S25 FE makes a lot of sense.

I spent an afternoon with the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE – and the new Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra and Tab S11 tablets – and got a feel for what Samsung is cooking with this new bargain model. Actually, it’s only a bargain if you were wishing for a Galaxy S25. It still costs $649 / £649 (Australia price TBD), and Samsung also sells less expensive Galaxy A-series models like the Galaxy A56.

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE hands-on: Galaxy S features

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE in hand with long green leaves behind

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Why pine over a Galaxy S25 when the Galaxy A56 is within reach? First of all, the Galaxy S phones have more advanced software. They will usually get OneUI and Android updates first, and they pack more features, especially Samsung DeX, one of my favorite tricks that Samsung phones can pull.

Enter the Galaxy S25 FE! Like the Galaxy S25, it runs the latest software, and it will even be the debut device for Samsung’s new OneUI 8 version of Android 16. If you’re a Samsung fan, you can check out the latest interface design first on the S25 FE.

Image 1 of 5

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE in hand with long green leaves behind

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Image 2 of 5

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE in hand with long green leaves behind

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Image 3 of 5

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE in hand with long green leaves behind

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Image 4 of 5

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE in hand with long green leaves behind

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Image 5 of 5

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE in hand with long green leaves behind

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Like the Galaxy S24 FE, the S25 FE can also run DeX. That means you can connect the phone to a USB-C hub with a monitor, keyboard and mouse attached and it will turn into a sort of desktop environment, with multiple windows and a real taskbar like you’d expect from a Google Chromebook.

Of course, I didn’t have a monitor and keyboard on hand during my time with the new phones; I mostly got to check out the latest OneUI 8 and the overall design. The Galaxy S25 FE is really more like a Galaxy S25 Plus. The screen is the same size, and this year so is the battery within: a 4,900 mAh cell that should provide excellent longevity. I’ll know more once I’ve reviewed the phone and Future Labs has tested it.

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE hands-on: Design

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE in hand with long green leaves behind

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Galaxy S25 FE and S25 Plus aren’t exactly the same. The FE is slightly chunkier in every direction, but not so much bigger that it’s cumbersome. It’s only a tenth of a millimeter thicker, according to Samsung. My calipers aren’t so precise.

The colors are… boring. Very, very boring. There is blue, black, blue, and white. Seriously, there are two blue colors: Icyblue and Navy blue. I remember when the FE phones used to be more colorful, but this year’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 FE is glossy black and white, and the flat S25 FE only adds dark and light shades of blue. Sigh.

Image 1 of 4

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE in hand with long green leaves behind

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Image 2 of 4

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE in hand with long green leaves behind

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Image 3 of 4

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE in hand with long green leaves behind

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Image 4 of 4

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE in hand with long green leaves behind

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Galaxy S25 FE is a nice step down for folks who want to save money on a real Galaxy S device, and it’s also an incredible competitor stacked up against Apple’s latest bargain model, the iPhone 16e. If the iPhone 16e seemed a bit dowdy before, the Galaxy S25 FE puts to rest any question that the iPhone isn’t a serious device.

For just a bit more money, the Galaxy S25 FE gives you a much bigger display – 6.7-inches versus 6.1-inches. The Galaxy display has a higher peak brightness, and it can refresh up to 120Hz. Of course, there’s also a much larger battery inside.

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE hands-on: Cameras and specs

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE in hand with long green leaves behind

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Galaxy S25 FE gives you three cameras instead of the questionable single-camera setup on the iPhone 16e, and that includes a real telephoto zoom lens with 3X optical zoom. More importantly, the main 50MP camera uses a sensor that is much larger than the paltry sensor on the iPhone 16e’s 48MP camera.

The Galaxy S25 FE charges as fast as the Galaxy S25 Plus – up to 45W wired if you have the right charger. That’s much faster than the iPhone 16e. Usually, an iPhone has an advantage with magnetic wireless charging, but Apple oddly omitted the magnets from the bargain iPhone, so it doesn’t have the MagSafe leg up on Android phones.

The biggest letdown on the Galaxy S25 FE is the processor. It uses a Samsung Exynos 2400 chipset, which isn’t even the latest Exynos processor. I asked Samsung reps why it doesn’t use the Exynos 2500, but they didn’t have a substantive answer.

There’s a big difference between the Exynos 2400 in the Galaxy S25 FE and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset in the Galaxy S25. Even the newer Exynos 2500 doesn’t come close to measuring up. The Snapdragon 8 Elite is more than 50% faster than the Exynos 2400, based on single core test results in Future Labs benchmark testing.

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: The Exynos question

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE in hand with long green leaves behind

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

In battery testing, a phone like the Galaxy S25 Edge with the Snapdragon inside lasted much longer than a phone like the Galaxy Z Flip 7 with an Exynos 2500 inside, even though the S25 Edge has a smaller battery.

The difference between the Apple A18 chipset in the iPhone 16e and the Exynos 2400 in the Galaxy S25 FE is even more stark. In our benchmark tests, the iPhone completely blows away the Exynos in every test – including single- and multi-core processing, graphics, and real-world tasks.

Does that mean the iPhone 16e will be better for gaming and other processor-intensive tasks than the Galaxy S25 FE? Maybe, but I’ll need to spend more time with the phone to compare it against the iPhone’s performance head-to-head. I’m sure Samsung’s phone will be able to run the latest games, but I may need to dial down graphics settings to achieve the highest frame rate and take advantage of the 120Hz display.

I’ll know more soon once I’ve had more time with this phone, but it still feels like Samsung is making the Galaxy S25 FE for its biggest fans. The phone gets the latest OneUI interface and all of Samsung’s best software features. It has a big display and more cameras than the competition. It’s even more colorful – though that’s not a big win when the competition is literally black and white.

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE in hand with long green leaves behind

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

You might also like...

I tested the Rove R2-4K Dual Pro Dash Cam bundle, and it’s great value if you need two in-car cameras
1:44 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Dash Cams Gadgets Vehicle Tech | Comments: Off

Rove R2-4K Dual Pro dash cam: two-minute review

Dash cams are becoming increasingly advanced, but their core job is still to capture video. The Rove R2-4K Dual Pro Dash Cam will certainly do that, and is supposedly the company’s most advanced dual-camera model to date, although the conventional design doesn’t suggest that at all – it looks like a no-frills dash cam bundle.

The package consists of a front-facing 4K camera, supplemented by a rear-facing 2K camera. These boast Sony Starvis 2 IMX678 and IMX675 sensors respectively, both of which are common among many of the best dash cams you can buy.

Rove sells the Rove R2-4K Dual Pro Dash Cam in a bundle that comes complete with a 128GB Rove Pro microSD card, and a CPL filter for improving the video quality further.

It’s presented in a box that, like other Rove models, has some of the busiest artwork you’ll ever see on a product. There is much to flag, however, with a bumper crop of features and functions that make the Rove R2-4K Dual Pro Dash Cam appealing for anyone who prefers a model with a more conventional suction-fit design.

While the looks are pretty conventional, inside the camera has lots of decent tech that makes it a solid windshield-mounted workhorse. There’s built-in GPS for recording vital data such as speed, time and date stamps, 5GHz and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for quick and easy transfer of files up to 30Mbps on the former setting, plus a supercapacitor power supply that offers more efficient operation.

The bundle also features everything you'd expect from a premium dash cam, with 150-degree and 140-degree field-of-view lenses, loop recording, high dynamic range capability, Sony’s Starvis 2 Night Vision, motion detection, and 24-hour parking surveillance. The latter does require an additional hardwire kit to work, however.

Along with features including voice commands, and easy compatibility with both iPhone and Android handsets via the Rove app, you also get free over-the-air updates on tap that should keep the dash cams up to date for a good while. It’s worth noting, especially considering that this model shoots 4K, which produces larger files, that the download speed is Rove’s fastest – 30Mbps is a definite improvement compared to the Dual non-Pro model that offers 20Mbps, although I’ve tried the Rove R3, and found it to offer similar transfer rates to this model.

On top of the solid specification, the other main area of appeal is this dash cam's ease of installation. The front camera comes with a suction-mount bracket, which means it can be easily attached to a windshield and detached whenever needed. The rear-facing camera is a more permanent fixture, with a self-adhesive pad fixing it to the rear window.

Rove R2-4K Dual Pro Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

Another bonus is just how quickly the Rove R2-4K Dual Pro can be configured, with USB-C cabling connecting the two units together. Both cameras can be run off a standard in-vehicle 12V power source, or be hard-wired as mentioned above.

Inside the box you'll find everything needed to get up and running, save for the optional hardwire kit. The package includes the two cameras, a long USB-C power cable, 128GB microSD card, CPL filter, windshield suction mount, 3M sticky mounting pads, lens cleaning cloth and an assortment of cables and clips, along with a trim tool for fixing everything firmly into place.

Rove R2-4K Dual Pro dash cam: price and availability

The Rove R2-4K Dual Pro Dash Cam is available now from the Rove website priced at $349.99 (about £260) for a bundle that includes a microSD card and CPL filter. This is a lot more than the $199.99 (approx £150) non-Pro Dual model that's available via the Rove website, or from Amazon.

It is also, in essence, very similar to the previously released Rove R2-4K Dash Cam without the rear-facing camera unit. That model is still available from the Rove website for $159.99 (about £120) and comes with the same set of features, less the 2K rear unit, which is pretty good value if you only need a single-camera option.

Rove R2-4K Dual Pro dash cam: specs

Rove R2-4K Dual Pro dash cam specs

Video

Front 4K 3840 x 2160p 30fps; Rear 2K 2560 x 1440p 30fps

Field of view (FOV)

Front 150 degrees / Rear 140 degrees

Storage

MicroSD up to 1TB, Cloud

GPS

Yes

Parking mode

Yes, with constant power cable, not included

App support

Rove app

Dimensions

1.65 x 3.66 x 2.52 inches / 4.91 x 9.29 x 6.4cm

Weight

5.8oz / 164g

Battery

Yes

Rove R2-4K Dual Pro dash cam: Design

The Rove R2-4K Dual Pro Dash Cam isn’t any different to countless other rival models, with a conventional design that offers little in the way of surprises. It’s therefore a good option for anyone wanting to move up from a model with a lowlier specification. The front-facing camera unit is boxy but compact, with dimensions of 1.65 x 3.66 x 2.52 inches / 4.91 x 9.29 x 6.4cm with a weight of 5.8oz / 164 grams and a protruding lens that points towards the windshield. Around at the back, there’s an integral 3-inch IPS colour screen with a row of control buttons underneath. The design is simplistic, but it works to good effect.

Rove R2-4K Dual Pro Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

One of the biggest benefits for me is the design of the mount for the Rove R2-4K Dual Pro. Granted, it all looks a little bit clunky due to the extra angled brackets, but the suction cup is a real boon. There’s a circular screw on the back of this that let me stick it to my windshield and remove it just as easily, which I think is super convenient. I frequently move cameras from car to car, and, in this respect, a suction cup mount is the way to go. The rear camera is neat too, with a self-adhesive sticky pad that fixes it to the glass. Meanwhile, the lens can be moved in situ, so it’ll suit a rear screen with any kind of angle.

Rove R2-4K Dual Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Rove R2-4K Dual Pro dash cam: Performance

The Rove R2-4K Dual Pro cameras offer fairly standard views of the road ahead and behind, with 150-degree field of view from the front and 140-degree field of view from the rear camera. These work using a standard loop recording process, via H.265 and H.264 video codec, storing video files to the removable microSD card or to any cloud storage setup if preferred using the Wi-Fi connectivity and Rove’s supporting app. I was more than happy with the setup and installation procedure, with the standard formatting of the included 128GB microSD card needed prior to use.

Rove R2-4K Dual Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Everything about this bundle is straightforward and that included the installation thanks to the suction cup mount for the front camera. The rear camera required a little more fiddling about, mainly to get the wiring to the front camera tidied away. Once in situ though, the pair performed admirably. I always appreciate a rear screen a dash cam, especially for getting an idea of the view from the lens. The buttons along the bottom were also handy for tweaks and fine-tuning. However, the Rove app that I’ve used before really does offer increased ease of use.

Rove R2-4K Dual Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Up front, the 4K 2160p video is crisp and clear, helped by a 6-layer optical lens, the Sony Starvis 2 chip and 8-megapixel CMOS sensor. The 2K 1440p recording delivered from the 6-layer lens, Sony chip and 5-megapixel CMOS sensor is obviously lesser quality, but it delivers perfectly serviceable footage. Audio levels are good too, offering some context to any incident if it’s ever needed.

Naturally, this model generates larger amounts of content due to the 4K specification, which is where the faster data transfer rate proved really handy. I thought the way the app managed control of files when I wanted to keep anything was as easy as any rival setup I’ve tried. Overall, Rove has everything sorted with this model, though many of its lesser products deliver much the same for a bit less cash.

Should you buy the Rove R2-4K Dual Pro dash cam?

Rove R2-4K Dual Pro Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You need high quality video 
This Rove model offers 4K footage from the front and 2K from the rear, which does add value.

A rear screen is preferred 
While this model is best managed using the Rove app, it benefits from control buttons and a screen at the rear.

You need all those dash cam trimmings
The Rove R2-4K Dual Pro packs a lot of features, including all-important parking monitoring albeit via a hardwire kit.

Don't buy it if...

You’re only after basic functionality 
Rove has lots of other models that do much the same job, so this is a premium price to pay for twin cameras.

You’re after a permanent mount camera 
A big plus of the Rove R2-4K Dual Pro is its suction-cup fitment but choose a self-adhesive pad mount if more permanent fixture is preferred.

Large files are too much faff 
The 4K functionality delivers bigger files, but if you’re after minimal file management then choose a lower specification rival.

How I tested the Rove R2-4K Dual Pro Dash Cam

  • I installed the dash cam into a test car for an initial period of two weeks
  • I used it for a wide variety of journeys during the day and at night
  • I connected it to my phone and downloaded recordings for comparison

Rove sent me the Rove R2-4K Dual Pro bundle box, which contained the twin cameras, plus it had the benefit of an included 128GB microSD card and CPL filter. They also supplied the optional hardwire kit.

The twin cameras were installed in a test vehicle that I was road testing at the time, which allowed me to try out all the features and functions. This didn’t include the hardwiring option, however, as the car had to be handed back.

Fitment required that all the supplied cables had to be plumbed in around the car, being pushed back behind trim panels where needed using the supplied plastic tool. This allowed me to check that everything would reach, especially where power to the rear camera was concerned.

  • First reviewed August 2025
Suri 2.0 Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush review: Upgraded to clean your teeth – and the planet – even better
2:00 am |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: | Comments: Off

Suri 2.0 Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush: One minute review

The Suri 2.0 Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush continues the environmentally-friendly mission of its predecessor, while upgrading everything that could help offer a better brushing experience. The end result is an upgraded model worthy of inclusion in our list of the best electric toothbrusheswith its balance of performance, portability and sustainability.

Suri's mission statement is all about creating a toothbrush that lasts, stopping landfills piling up with disposable plastic brushes. As such, it uses recycled materials in construction, the heads are plant-based and can be recycled – for free by Suri in some countries – and it's made to last.

The sonic brush has a redesigned and strong motor that offers a powerful-yet-gentle 33,000 movements per minute sonic vibration. The pressure sensor detects a user is brushing too hard and lowers the force of the pressure and vibrates subtly so you know to ease off, keeping your gums and teeth safe while also gently training you to brush better.

The case has had a battery added to it, which can charge the brush and also power the UV cleaning light that kills 99.99% of bacteria within one minute. It's a superb feature that helps it compete even against the tech-crammed top-tier toothbrushes like the Oral-B iO Series 10 and the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000.

Once again, this comes with the sticky-backed magnet that lets you mount your brush neatly anywhere in your bathroom.

Suri 2.0 Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush review: Price and availability

Suri 2.0

(Image credit: Future)
  • Priced at $135 in the US
  • £105 in the UK
  • Australia price yet to be announced

The Suri 2.0 Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush has a launch price in the UK of £105. That puts it only a bit higher than its predecessor which was £95 with the full kit.

The US price at launch is $135. Considering the original model was $116 at launch, with the UV case, this price isn't a big jump up and represents a great value for money amount.

The Australian pricing, at time of publishing, has yet to be announced, but we estimate it'll be around AU$200 based on the prices above.

The company says the brush is made to be easily repaired, so you shouldn't need another for a very long time. Plus, if you do change up, Suri will recycle it all for free.

The heads are sustainable but are still going to wear down, so you'll need to factor in replacement costs. A pack of three new heads will cost you $18.45 / £14.40 / AU$28. That includes fast and free shipping as part of the charge.

  • Value score: 4.5 / 5

Suri 2.0

(Image credit: Future)

Suri 2.0 Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush review: Specifications

Component

Value

Battery life

40+ days

Sonic vibrations

33,000 per minute

Charging stand

USB

Timer

Yes, two minute with 30-second haptics

Noise

50 dB

Charge time

4 hours

Suri 2.0 Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush review: Design

Suri 2.0

(Image credit: Future)
  • Upgraded motor
  • Aluminium body
  • Plant-based heads

The design of the Suri 2.0 closely adheres to the sustainable ethos of the company, with plant-based heads, a build comprised of recycled materials and a seeming focus on minimal environmental impact in both short and long term.

You still have that slim aluminium build that feels both comfortable and premium, with durability to last long-term. The base is flat allowing it to stand easily, and offers wireless charging either with the included mount charger, or via the case.

The sticky-backed magnetic mount charger allows the brush to 'float' wherever you choose to stick it, whether that's neatly next to your bathroom mirror or inside a drawer. Short of going on the ceiling, there are very few limitations here. I didn't try it on the ceiling, but the mount was so strong I dare say that would probably work too.

The brush uses brush heads made from cornstarch and castor oil instead of synthetic plastic. These are shaped into a wave-shaped bristle pattern to take care of interdental cleaning, and you also get a return envelope so you can send them back, free of charge in some countries, for recycling.

The new case is a great evolution as it still features a UV-C light to clean the head, but now also packs in a battery so charging can be done anywhere – more on that below.

  • Design score: 5 / 5

Suri 2.0 Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush review: Features

Suri 2.0

(Image credit: Future)
  • 40-day battery
  • Case based charging
  • UV-C cleaning light

I would describe the 2.0 as a frontrunner when it comes to battery life, even when compared to its more expensive competition. This fast charges in hours and then keeps going for well over a month, in my experience. The company says it's good for 40 days, but I found that my review unit could exceed this, even when brushing twice daily.

The charging case works with a UV light to clean the brush head, tackling 99.99% of harmful bacteria in a single minute. This is a reassuring feature, especially when travelling. On other brushes a quick rinse under the tap is all I could hope for, whereas with the included UV cleaner, I know my brush head is truly clean and safe.

Suri 2.0

(Image credit: Future)

The case now charges your brush, which was a much-requested feature on the last model that required you to plug the charger in. The charger case offers a good two months of use between charges, even with the UV light being used.

The brush head has a wave design for the best possible cleaning, while the back of the head has a rubberized pattern used for the now-standard tongue cleaning with just the right amount of abrasion.

There are still only two brush modes: Clean or Polish. While that is minimal, it offers strong or sensitive which (in my opinion) is enough. You have a standard two-minute timer with 30-second interval alerts via a gentle haptic vibration, all helping get the ideal clean to achieve a plaque-free finish.

  • Features score: 4.5 / 5

Suri 2.0 Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush review: Performance

Suri 2.0

(Image credit: Future)
  • 33,000 sonic vibrations per minute
  • Superb long battery life
  • Simple but effective cleaning

When I saw the motor on this was upgraded, I was surprised it still offers the same 33,000 sonic vibrations of the original model. I assumed a better motor meant 'faster'. Yet when I used it, I immediately felt the difference from the original Suri; it felt more deliberate in its delivery of that power, while remaining as sensitive and gentle as the experience I had with the first brush. This is likely thanks to the new pressure sensor that during testing, meant a deeper cleaning experience I couldn't get from the first Suri.

It stays quieter than the first brush at just 50dB compared to 54dB. The case is USB-C friendly so you'll likely be able to use your phone charger during traveling, making this brush very travel-friendly.

Then there's that UV cleaning light, operated via a single button press. In reality you can't see any difference so there is an element of trust in the process. The 2.0 also comes with a cover for the brush heads, which is ideal if you're traveling with a spare. You can also long press the main button to activate a lock or travel mode, so it won't start vibrating in your bag and causing trouble with security.

Suri includes the recycling packaging to send heads back to the company easily. This makes it a more realistic process for most people, as does designing the brush to be easily repaired. This is potentially the last brush you'll ever need to buy, especially as its repairable.

  • Performance score: 4.5/5

Suri 2.0 Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush: Scorecard

Suri 2.0

(Image credit: Future)

Category

Comment

Score

Value

A decent price for what you get

4.5/5

Design

Clean, easy to hold and effective

5/5

Features

That light cleaning and battery performance

4.5/5

Performance

Great cleaning, top battery and super sustainability

4.5/5

Suri 2.0 Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You want to stay sustainable

With plant-based materials, a repairable design and included return envelopes for recycling, this is as close to perfectly green as a brush can get right now.

You don't want to think about charging

The 40+ day battery life combined with a few hours charge time banishes battery anxiety.

You want sonic powers

This brush delivers a powerful 33,000 sonic vibrations per minutes for a more effective deep clean of plaque and mouth muck.

Don't buy it if...

You like oscillating heads

To be clear, this is a sonic head, meaning the brush itself won't oscillate as some options do. So if you want that extra movement automated this might not be for you.

You don't want to buy heads online

At time of publishing you can only get replacement heads online for delivery, so if you like the option of picking yours up in-store, this might not suit you.

Also consider

Component

Oral-B iO Series 6

Colgate Hum Smart Rhythm

Battery life

20+ days

90 days

Movement

8,800 oscillations+ 20,000 pulsations per minute

30,000 vibrations per minutes

Charge time

12 hours

AAA batteries

Modes

Five

Two

Oral-B iO Series 6

An affordable way to get all the power of the iO Series with its pulsations and oscillations combination, to get the ultimate clean as well as that display for helpful feedback and mode selection.

Read our full Oral-B iO Series 6 review

Colgate Hum Smart Rhythmic

For a well-price sonic toothbrush, that offers replacement batteries as an option, this is a powerful pick with 30,000 vibrations per minute and two modes for decent brushing control.

Read our full Colgate Hum Smart Rhythmic review

How I tested

I used the Suri 2.0 Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush for weeks in order to test the effectiveness of the brush itself as well as that battery performance. I also visited the dentist during this time and was complemented on my cleaning efforts - reflecting well on this brush's performance.

I used the case for travel, over-night, as well as making use of the UV-C light cleaning feature. I mounted the magnetic holder to test its usefulness and was left surprised at how helpful this small addition was.

My brushing was twice daily with that two-minute timer and haptic half-minute guidance vibrations used to get a full and fair brush.

I was also testing other brushes from Oral-B and more which allowed me to see the difference between features like extra modes, oscillations versus sonics, battery life, screes, apps and more.

I time-travelled to save the world in Cronos: The New Dawn and it felt like going back two decades to play Dead Space again
5:00 pm | September 3, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , | Comments: Off

A few hours into Cronos: The New Dawn, I saw it. A corpse slumped against the wall, a message scrawled in blood above him: “Don’t let them merge”. If it wasn’t already clear that the latest survival horror game from Bloober Team was drawing from some of the genre's greats, that warning, a nod to “cut off their limbs” seen in equally foreboding lines of jagged crimson in Dead Space, hammered the point home as subtly as a boot stomp to the skull.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, Nintendo Switch 2, Mac
Release date: September 5, 2025

A feeling of déjà vu was a running theme in my time playing through Cronos. Here’s the main character, gun hoisted high in Leon S. Kennedy’s iconic pose from Resident Evil 4. Here are my limited crafting resources straight out of The Last of Us, ones I must choose to make either ammo or health items. Here are my gravity boots, pinched from Isaac Clarke’s locker on the USG Ishimura.

It’s perfectly fine to be influenced by other works, especially when they are as iconic and genre-defining as the ones I’ve listed above. But when it just feels like you’re retreading the same path with less confidence and not bringing enough new ideas, what’s really the point of it all?

Following in their footsteps

The main character from Cronos looking at a message written in blood on the wall

(Image credit: Bloober Team)

Now, that opening may read like I came away massively disappointed by Cronos: The New Dawn. In some aspects, I certainly did. It is painfully derivative in many areas, to the point where it made me question if anything has changed in sci-fi survival horror games in the last 20 years.

But, unsurprisingly, given its influences, it’s also a game that plays well. Combat is tense, shooting is solid, resource management is challenging, exploration is unsettling, and the environments drip with atmosphere. And there are kernels of ideas that, if only they were more fully realised or executed better, could have elevated the game beyond a decent – if standard – survival horror.

Let’s start with the premise: you play as the Traveler, an undefined being encased in a cross between a spacesuit and a diving suit. The game starts as you're activated by a mysterious organisation known as The Collective and told to travel through time to extract important survivors after an apocalyptic infection dubbed the ‘Change’ turns most people on Earth into grotesque and amalgamated monstrosities.

The nexus point of the disaster is Poland in the 1980s, which at least makes for a unique setting that’s far from the spaceships and abandoned mining planets we usually find ourselves stomping around. There’s an inventiveness to the world design, too, which not only sees the infestation overrun dilapidated buildings, roads, and subways with a gloopy and pulsating biomass, but also fractures entire structures to create floating, twisted, and mind-bending new forms.

Add to that violent sandstorms and heavy snowfall, and safe to say, it’s not a pleasant stroll. I had to seriously pluck up some courage to carefully inch forward in many locations, especially towards the latter half of the game, when everything is so consumed by the effects of the infection and dotted with poisonous pustules that you feel suffocated by it – even if this trap is overplayed a dozen too many times.

Skin-crawling

An enemy approaches in the distance in Cronos The New Dawn

(Image credit: Bloober Team)

Visually, it is disgusting (in all the right ways), but huge credit has to go to the audio. It masterfully ramps up that oppressive and stomach-churning atmosphere with all sorts of sloshing and wheezing and bubbling that gives a terrifying sense of life to the coagulated mass that surrounds you. One of the best gaming headsets is recommended.

If Cronos was all just trudging through fleshy corridors, then Bloober Team would have smashed it. Unfortunately, other parts of the game don’t excel in the same way and are merely fine or disappointing in comparison.

Combat is one. The gimmick here is that dead enemies remain on the ground and can be assimilated by other creatures to become larger and stronger foes – hence the bloody message of “don’t let them merge”. Fortunately, you come equipped with a torch. Nope, it’s not a bright light, but a burst of flames that can incinerate corpses and stop this merging from taking place.

Best bit

An out of order elevator in Cronos The New Dawn

(Image credit: Future)

Cronos: The New Dawn finds its identity more as the game progresses and the section in the Unity Hospital is when the game hits its stride. It’s one of the scariest and creepiest places to explore, as you descend further into the bowels of the building, where the infection has taken even greater hold and you uncover some horrifying secrets about the impact of the Change.

That leads to the main flow of combat. Take down targets with your weapons, then prevent any survivors from merging by setting the bodies ablaze. It’s a setup that can create some tense encounters – ones where you’re busy dealing with one target, only to hear the awful sounds of two bodies smushing together in the distance (shoutout to the audio design again), and knowing there’ll be an even greater threat if you don’t introduce them to the cleansing flames immediately.

The problem is that I could count on one hand the number of times I felt seriously threatened by the risk of enemies merging. Too many encounters had too few enemies, were in too small spaces, or were littered with too many (respawning) explosive barrels, that I could comfortably handle the situation. It was only towards the end of the game when I felt overwhelmed in some encounters, needing to more strategically pick my targets, hurriedly craft ammo on the fly, and regularly reposition to burn dead enemies so they couldn’t merge.

Burn, baby, burn

A hidden cat in Cronos The New Dawn

(Image credit: Bloober Team)

It isn’t a disaster, just a shame that Cronos doesn’t really make the most of its main idea. Instead, the overwhelming feeling I had was that I was just playing Dead Space again, swapping between the limited ammo in my pistol, shotgun, and rifle to blast away everything. Outside of rare encounters, the mechanics of merging and burning feel like massively underused and unimpactful parts of the game.

It’s a common feeling. Take your main objective of ‘rescuing’ the specific survivors. I use quotation marks there because the actual process of saving them is kept ominously vague, and is instead best described as extracting and absorbing their soul to gain the knowledge needed to save humanity.

It’s here when I thought Cronos might step up from its clear inspirations with some fresh ideas. Not only is there a morbid mirroring at play (wait, are we the baddies?), but those other lives bouncing around inside your head lead to all sorts of different visions and hallucinations, depending on the characters you choose to save.

In its cleverest moments, who’s knocking about in your noggin can influence the environment or completely change how you perceive things in the world to create some genuinely spooky moments. Once again, though, outside of less than a handful of instances, this idea isn’t explored any further when it’s rife for some really interesting, exciting, and unique possibilities.

It frustrates and disappoints me more than anything. I really want to be clear that Cronos: The New Dawn isn’t a bad game: it plays fine, looks good enough, and runs well. Although I’d stick to performance mode on consoles if you can to get a smooth 60fps, as the quality mode feels far too jittery.

I just can’t help but feel that with the way it relies so heavily on what worked in classic survival horror games from yesteryear, I may have travelled back two decades myself to play it.

Should I play Cronos: The New Dawn?

A time anomaly in a building in Cronos The New Dawn

(Image credit: Bloober Team)

Play it if…

You’re looking for your next survival horror fix
Survival horror fans who are craving a new game will find enough to enjoy here, even if it’s mostly just playing the hits.

You want a different setting and an intriguing story
Signalis this ain’t, but the setting, story, and commentary in Cronos does tickle the brain in new ways, even if some aspects are too enigmatic

Don’t play it if…

You want an action game
This isn’t the bombastic and set-piece rollercoaster of a modern Resident Evil. Cronos is tense, slow, full of dread, and light on ammunition.

You have any aversion to body horror
Cronos relies heavily on body horror for its story, enemy design, and environments, so if you find this overly unsettling, then it’s best to avoid.

Accessibility

Cronos offers a range of standard accessibility options, including three color blind modes for green, red, and blue color blindness, as well as the option to add clear interaction indicators and subtitles in multiple languages that can be fully customised in terms of size and color.

The game has one Normal difficulty setting, with a Hard mode unlocked after you finish the game once. To customise the difficulty, though, you can adjust settings to get a more generous aim assist and alter whether you hold or tap for quick time events.

A center dot can be added to help alleviate motion sickness, while the game also provides options to reduce or turn off camera shake and sway.

How I reviewed Cronos: The New Dawn

I played Cronos: The New Dawn for around 16 hours on a PlayStation 5 Pro on a Samsung S90C OLED TV using a DualSense Wireless Controller. I mainly played in Performance mode, but I also tried Quality mode for a brief time and found the graphical improvements minimal compared to the benefits of a smoother frame rate.

I swapped between playing audio through a Samsung HW-Q930C soundbar and a SteelSeries Arctic Nova 7, and I definitely suggest headphones for the best experience.

I completed the main game and spent a lot of time exploring the environment to uncover as much of the story and as many hidden extras as I could find.

Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots is one of the series’ better entries, even if its characters are a tad annoying
5:00 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Comments: Off

Everybody's Golf Hot Shots is the latest entry in the beloved casual sports franchise. Developer Hyde (Digimon Survive) is taking over from stalwart Clap Hanz here, but it nonetheless retains the series' captivating charm.

Review information

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release date: September 5, 2025

If you've felt let down by the recent run of Mario Golf entries and aren't keen on more sim-like titles such as PGA Tour 2K25, then Everybody's Golf Hot Shots occupies a satisfying middle ground. It's a more fulfilling and content-rich outing than, say, Mario Golf: Super Rush, but also has plenty of shotcraft depth. Wrapped in a pleasingly colorful art style, it's almost a best of both worlds situation.

Right out of the box, Everybody's Golf Hot Shots packs tens - if not hundreds - of hours of content. There's a boatload of characters to unlock, courses to play on, and a variety of balls, clubs, costumes, and caddies to gradually add to your roster. Throw in some party-esque modes like Wacky Golf, and you have a game that's suitable for both solo and social play. And yes, both offline and online multiplayer are supported here.

That's not to say there aren't a few bogeys to contend with, however, particularly when it comes to progression. There are around 30 characters to play as in Hot Shots, with just two playable at the start. You'll have to unlock the rest, and while that's no bad thing in isolation, you'll also need to level up each character individually to gain access to their skills, costumes, and ancillary items. When you're only getting one or two levels per 9 or 18-hole run, you'll realize that progression feels like it's stuck in the rough.

Characters, despite having plenty of charming and high-quality animations associated with them, can also be very annoying. Voice lines are at a premium here, so you'll be hearing the same four to five quips on every single hole. At least you can turn voices off in the options menu.

Tee time

Everybody's Golf Hot Shots

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

There are two big single-player modes in Everybody's Golf Hot Shots. Challenge Mode is broken down into ascending ranks, with each offering 9-18 hole events under a variety of conditions. These can include differing times of day and specific rule sets.

These special rules can be quite fun, and range from casual-friendly modifiers like 'tornado' cups, which magnetize the ball towards it, to rather devilish ones like increasing stroke penalties for hitting hazards like the rough or bunkers. But my favorite has to be the 'impossible pin' rule, which ups the challenge by placing the pin in deliberately awkward spots on the green.

Completing these events increases your rank gauge, and when it's full, you can progress to the next tier and face off against an unlockable golfer.

Challenge Mode should be your first port of call, as it will aid in unlocking scenarios for the other main single-player mode: World Tour. This is a more story-focused mode, presenting simple cutscenes and challenges for the game's cast of golfers. This is also where you'll be able to unlock them as permanent additions to the roster - and thankfully, you typically only have to clear a golfer's first challenge to get them.

You've also got traditional and highly customizable match and stroke play modes, where you get full freedom in choosing course, time of day, weather conditions, and those aforementioned special rules. Then, there's solo play if you just fancy practicing your drive alone.

Wacky Golf is another great, party-centric addition that throws traditional golf rules out of the window. During Wacky Golf, you'll witness things like clubs swapping between opponents, randomized rule sets, and full-on explosives that'll send your ball unpredictably flying. It's great fun, and a suitably Mario Party-esque take on the standard golf formula.

Call me Albert Ross

Everybody's Golf Hot Shots

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

Of course, heaps of content would mean nothing if the act of golfing wasn't fun to engage with. And thankfully, Everybody's Golf Hot Shots offers some of the series' most satisfying play. The three-button-press system returns here, and is very casual-friendly. Simply hit the button once to begin charging shot power, again to lock that power in, and then one more time to hit the ball.

Best bit

Everybody's Golf Hot Shots

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

Everybody's Golf Hot Shots really nails the feeling of a perfect drive. Animation and sound design come together to create the perfect feedback here, meaning your best shots always feel incredibly satisfying. The same goes for chip-ins and hole-in-ones, which the game celebrates appropriately with awesome replays.

There are nuances within, though. You'll need to time the hit carefully in order to ensure the ball doesn't veer off course in the air. On top of that, you'll have wind to contend with, and you can add top, back, and side spin to further influence the ball's travel and carry. The ball's lie (or how sloped the surface it's resting on is) will also impact its trajectory, so accounting for this is crucial, especially on the trickier courses.

Putting can also be tricky, albeit in a satisfyingly challenging way. You do get some friendly assistance here via a grid on the green that highlights whether your shot will be uphill, downhill, or flat, as well as if it'll veer off to the left or right. Once again, accounting for this can be all the difference between birdie, par, or the dreaded bogey.

You will find that most of the game's initial characters feel quite weak in terms of their drive distance and stats like impact and spin effectiveness. This is by design, and you may even struggle to get birdies on a par 4 hole. But in theory, I like the style of progression here. These 'weaker' characters are a bit easier to handle, more predictable, thus allowing the player to get a better grasp on golfing as a whole.

You can also permanently improve a golfer's stats by purchasing food items from the main menu's shop. Food, as well as club and ball selection, will influence your stats and means that you can eventually make a beast out of your favorite golfer and caddy pairing.

Stuck in the sand

Everybody's Golf Hot Shots

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

I say 'in theory' earlier in regards to progression because while I like the general structure, improving any given character's capabilities is a frustratingly glacial process. Characters and caddies will have their loyalty levels improve as you complete courses and challenges with them. However, you'll mostly be getting just one or two levels at a time. And with full courses taking anywhere from 15-30 minutes to complete, the pace of improvement slows to a crawl.

It sucks because said progression is the most efficient way of unlocking new items in the shop, including costumes, clubs, balls, perk-like stickers for your caddy, and so on. You'll need to be in it for the long haul and have some patience with Everybody's Golf Hot Shots, then. Thankfully, the core game always feels excellent to play, but it's an experience best played in short bursts, in my experience.

Although the experience is somewhat tarnished by grating voice lines, and game performance isn't always up to par. For example, hitting a perfect shot can awkwardly freeze the game for a moment before connecting with the ball. Furthermore, the frame rate can dip to as low as 30fps while you watch the ball travel to its destination.

These small blemishes aside, as well as a rather big bugbear in the slow progression, Everybody's Golf Hot Shots is an easy game to love. While the usual series developer isn't behind this one, Hyde seems to fully understand its loveable fundamentals and has created a fulfilling and long-lasting golfing experience, so long as you're the patient type.

Should you play Everybody's Golf Hot Shots?

Play it if...

You want the best casual golf game in years
Handily putting Mario Golf in its place and giving sim-heavy titles something to think about, Everybody's Golf Hot Shots marries a charming visual style with in-depth golfing gameplay.

You want a metric ton of content
There are plenty of courses, characters, costumes, and more to unlock in Everybody's Golf Hot Shots. It's a game that could potentially last you years if you're after an all-in-one golf game.

Don't buy it if...

You prefer much faster progression
If you can't get used to the slow rate at which you unlock things in Hot Shots, then this may be one to miss. Especially as you'll spend your first 10-20 hours with incredibly basic characters and gear.

Accessibility

Everybody's Golf Hot Shots is light in the accessibility department, but there are some handy options to make note of. The 'gimme putt' setting will automatically putt the ball past bogey if it's close enough to the hole. Plus, there are various styles of shot gauge if you're having trouble with the default three-point button system.

How I reviewed Everybody's Golf Hot Shots

I played Everybody's Golf Hot Shots for 12 hours for this review. I played on PlayStation 5, primarily using the DualSense Wireless Controller. During play, I mainly tackled Challenge Mode and World Tour to rank up and unlock various things such as characters, courses, and costumes.

I also spent some time in standard stroke and match play, as well as Wacky Golf, to get a general feel of all modes and the game's performance across its many courses.

First reviewed August 2025

« Previous Page — Next Page »