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I’ve used the Bosch ErgoMaster Series 6 for two weeks, and it’s already replaced my blender, food processor, and whisk

4:00 pm | August 31, 2025

Bosch ErgoMaster Series 6: one-minute review

The Bosch ErgoMaster Series 6 (sometimes known as the Serie 6) is an ergonomically designed stick blender, particularly well suited for users with limited hand mobility as a result of its curved body that sits comfortably in the hand, and trigger-style control.

The ErgoMaster has a 1,000W motor, and comes with a blending foot, a mini-chopper with two blades (one for general use, one for ice), a balloon whisk, and a 600ml mixing vessel. Attaching and removing accessories is easy, requiring no awkward twisting motions, and many of the components are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

During my tests, the main blender foot produced silky-smooth sauce and soup in just a couple of minutes, while the mini-chopper attachment processed herbs, onions, garlic, cheese, and nuts quickly and evenly. The ErgoMaster's instruction manual offers advice on quantities, how to prepare ingredients, and the length of time for which you should blend.

The balloon whisk worked especially well, whipping egg whites to stiff peaks even faster than my hand mixer (ideal for meringue and light sponge cakes).

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Person's hand operating Bosch ErgoMaster Series 6 blender — You can use the trigger control with your whole hand, which is much more comfortable than holding a small button with one finger (Image credit: Future)

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Bosch ErgoMaster Serie 6 blender body — The blender has a premium construction with a stainless steel body (Image credit: Future)

The only attachment that didn't meet my expectations was the mini-chopper's ice blade, which took a lot longer than anticipated, and produced ice that was quite unevenly crushed.

The ErgoMaster has a premium build, sporting a stainless steel body and soft-touch handle for comfort, but I found that the metal heated up noticeably when I'd been using the blender for several minutes (when blending soup and sauces, for example). Fortunately, the grip itself never became hot, but it did take the appliance some time to cool down after use.

Overall, the ErgoMaster Series 6 is a super-versatile multifunction blender that's particularly beneficial for those with hand mobility issues, although if you want to process ice regularly, you'd benefit from picking up a personal smoothie-maker as well.

Bosch ErgoMaster Series 6: price and availability

List price £99.99 (about $140 / AU$210)
Often available for less during sales events
Not widely sold outside Europe

The Bosch ErgoMaster Series 6 stick blender was released in 2023, and has a list price of £99.99 (about $140 / AU$210), although it’s often available for a discount, particularly during sales events such as Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday.

It’s available direct from Bosch, and from third-party retailers such as John Lewis and Amazon. You’ll find today’s best prices below. Note that the ErgoMaster Series 6 isn’t sold widely outside Europe.

Its price is pretty much standard for a high-end hand blender, and similar to the Ninja 2-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender and Mixer, for example. If you want something a little less expensive, the ErgoMaster Series 4 sports a plastic body rather than stainless steel, and is priced at £84.99 (about $110 / AU$180).

Value score: 4,5/5

Bosch ErgoMaster Series 6: design

Comfortable to hold and easy to operate
Particularly good for people with restricted mobility or hand strength
Includes well-made mini-chopper and balloon whisk attachments

The Bosch ErgoMaster Series 6 is a solidly made stick blender that, as the name implies, is particularly comfortable to hold and use. The body of the blender, containing the motor, has a curved shape that sits better in the hand than a straight-sided cylinder, and rather than a button, the blender is activated by gently squeezing a large trigger-style control.

It’s a thoughtful design, and would be particularly good for anyone who doesn’t have full strength in their fingers, since the trigger doesn’t require much pressure and its operated using your whole hand, rather than just a single digit. The more firmly you hold the trigger, the faster the blender will mix.

The blender's body is stainless steel, while the hand grip is made from a soft-touch plastic. The trigger button is ridged to prevent slipping.

Onions chopped using Bosch ErgoMaster Series 6 blender — The mini-chopper attachment is great for preparing onions and garlic (Image credit: Future)

The ErgoMaster Series 6 comes with a set of attachments for different ingredients: the standard blender for soups and sauces; a mini-chopper with two blades (one for ingredients such as cheese, nuts, and vegetables, and one for ice), and a whisk. To remove an attachment, hold down two large buttons on the handle (one on either side) and pull gently. To attach one, simply push it gently into place. There’s no need for awkward twisting movements that you might find uncomfortable if you have limited mobility in your hands.

You also get a tall mixing vessel with a capacity of two and a half cups, or 600ml, which is useful for blending or whisking wet ingredients such as cream or eggs. It’s a useful addition, and its shape makes it possible to whisk relatively small quantities that might be tricky to whip in a bowl without spillage.

The only downside is that this vessel isn’t totally cylindrical, which means it can be difficult to remove thick ingredients with a spatula. Ingredients tend to become stuck on the flat sides where the volume measurements are embossed. The tall vessel also has no pouring spout.

Meringue prepared using Bosch ErgoMaster Series 6 blender — The balloon whisk attachment is excellent, although it can be tricky to scrape all your cream or meringue out of the mixing vessel when you're done (Image credit: Future)

Not all of the blender's components are dishwasher-safe, but the metal blending attachment, the whisk, the large vessel, the bowl of the mini-chopper, and the chopper’s two blades all are, which makes maintenance easy.

The blender is accompanied by a manual with diagrams explaining how to prepare different ingredients, and how long it will take to blend or chop a particular quantity. For example, a smoothie made using a 40:60 ratio of fruit to liquid should take 60-90 seconds to blend at full power in the tall mixing vessel.

Design score: 5/5

Bosch ErgoMaster Series 6: performance

I started testing by preparing some ingredients for a pizza sauce (you can find the sauce recipe on Good Food) using the mini-chopper attachment and the cutting blade, and following the preparation instructions in the manual.

Herbs don’t need any special preparation, so I added my basil to the bowl and gave it a few pulses of around one second each. After around six pulses, the leaves were chopped into small, even fragments ideal for cooking (the manual suggests it could take up to 10 pulses).

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Basil chopped using Bosch ErgoMaster Series 6 blender — Fresh herbs were quickly and evenly chopped (Image credit: Future)

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Bosch ErgoMaster Serie 3 blender chopping basil — Fresh herbs were quickly and evenly chopped (Image credit: Future)

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Basil leaves inside Bosch ErgoMaster Serie 3 blender mini chopper attachment — Herbs like basil don't require any special preparation before chopping (Image credit: Future)

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The chopper also worked very well for preparing onion (roughly chopped into wedges first) and garlic (peeled, but added whole). I was impressed by how evenly and quickly the ErgoMaster prepared all of these ingredients. If you have a condition such as arthritis, for example, you might find fine knifework difficult and usually opt for pre-chopped ingredients. With this blender, you’ll be able to buy cheaper whole produce and prepare it easily yourself.

Once my pizza sauce had cooked down, I used the main blender foot to whizz it all to a smooth consistency. Exactly how long this takes will depend on the quantity and consistency of the ingredients, and the desired texture. I wanted my sauce as smooth as possible, and found that blending took about three minutes.

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Pizza sauce made using Bosch ErgoMaster Series 6 blender — Blending a large batch of pizza sauce to a smooth texture took about three minutes (Image credit: Future)

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Blending pizza sauce with Bosch ErgoMaster Serie 3 blender — Blending a large batch of pizza sauce to a smooth texture took about three minutes (Image credit: Future)

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Pizza sauce ready to be blended using Bosch ErgoMaster Serie 3 blender — Blending a large batch of pizza sauce to a smooth texture took about three minutes (Image credit: Future)

It wasn’t much faster than using my jug blender (which would be my usual choice; it too has a 1,000W motor, the same as the ErgoMaster), but then you don't have to pour hot liquids, and there’s much less washing up afterwards. The only requirements are that you take the pan off the heat and ensure the end of the blending foot is submerged before you start the motor – and don’t immerse it beyond the "maximum" level.

I was surprised by just how quiet the blender foot was in use. It registered under 40dB, which is around the same as the hum of my fridge. It was louder when mixing harder ingredients, but still far less noisy than a jug blender.

I also used the ErgoMaster to prepare a roasted red pepper and sweet potato soup (the soup recipe is also from Good Food). Although the ingredients were tougher, the overall volume was lower, and the blending process took about the same time.

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Vegetable soup prepared using Bosch ErgoMaster Series 6 blender — The blender also made light work of a roasted vegetable soup (Image credit: Future)

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Vegetable soup ingredients ready for blending with Bosch ErgoMaster Serie 3 blender — The blender also made light work of a roasted vegetable soup (Image credit: Future)

While blending the soup and sauce, I noticed that the body of the blender was heating up. The handle itself never became hot, but the metal part below was distinctly warm after the motor had been running for a few minutes, and it took quite a long time to cool back down afterwards.

The mini-chopper made light work of cheese, breaking it down into crumbs ideal for melting. It’s necessary to cut it into 1cm cubes first, but this is certainly easier on the hands than using a box grater, particularly for hard cheese such as parmesan. I used 100g of mature cheddar, and it was finely chopped in 20 seconds.

Our standard battery of blender tests here at TechRadar also includes nuts. I used 150g of shelled, toasted hazelnuts, which I was preparing to use in dukkah. The smaller the nuts, the longer you need to pulse the blender, and it took the maximum recommended 30 seconds to break them down; but there was none of the dust that’s usually created when I chop nuts using my Kenwood food processor. Another win for the ErgoMaster.

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Cheese chopped using Bosch ErgoMaster Series 6 blender — It's necessary to cut cheese into 1cm cubes before chopping (Image credit: Future)

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Cubed cheese ready for chopping with Bosch ErgoMaster Serie 3 blender — It's necessary to cut cheese into 1cm cubes before chopping (Image credit: Future)

The only ingredient that the ErgoMaster really struggled with was ice. As per the instruction manual, I used the chopper’s ice attachment with 100g of ice, and pulsed for five seconds. When I released the trigger, the ice was barely touched. Chopping it to a usable texture took closer to a minute, and even then it was rather rough. If you want to chop ice regularly (particularly in large volumes), you’d be better served by a smoothie maker.

By contrast, the whisk attachment is superb, and performed even better than my Dualit hand mixer. I used the tall mixing vessel with the whisk, and it whipped two eggs to stiff peaks in 30 seconds. I used these to make a half-quantity of meringue (see the Lightest Ever Meringues recipe on Good Food) and they were ready to be baked within two minutes.

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Ice chopped using Bosch ErgoMaster Series 6 blender — Chopping ice took a lot longer than suggested in the manual, and the results were uneven (Image credit: Future)

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Glass of apple juice with ice chopped using Bosch ErgoMaster Serie 3 blender — Chopping ice took a lot longer than suggested in the manual, and the results were uneven (Image credit: Future)

Overall, the Bosch ErgoMaster Series 6 is a great stick blender, particularly for those with mobility issues in their hands, and an excellent chopper and whisk. It’s a piece of cake to use, and could happily replace several small appliances in the typical kitchen. Just avoid ice, and you won’t be disappointed.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Bosch ErgoMaster Series 6 ?

Bosch Serie 6 ErgoMaster score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	A premium blender with a price tag to match, but can often be found discounted. Not widely available outside Europe, though.	4.5/5
Design	Ergonomic, with comfortable grip and trigger operation. Excellent accessories, most of which are dishwasher-safe.	5/5
Performance	Purees, whisks, and chops almost all ingredients effortlessly. Just don't bother with ice.	4.5/5

Buy it if

You have limited hand strength or mobility

This is a thoughtfully designed stick blender that's comfortable to hold, and doesn't require any awkward pressing or twisting motions to operate or swap accessories.

You want fewer appliances in your kitchen

This multifunction device can easily replace both a blender and electric whisk, and may make your food processor redundant, too, if you only tend to chop small quantities of ingredients at a time.

Don't buy it if

You want to make slushies

Ice is the ErgoMaster's one weakness. If you're a fan of slushies, opt for a personal smoothie-maker instead.

You're on a tight budget

There are good-quality stick blenders available for less, including the ErgoMaster Series 4 , which is essentially the same but has a plastic chassis rather than stainless steel.

How I tested the Bosch Serie 6 ErgoMaster

I used the Bosch ErgoMaster Series 6 in my kitchen for two weeks, during which time I prepared a selection of my favorite recipes that I'd normally prep using a jug blender to compare the results for speed, texture, and noise.

As with all our stick and jug blender reviews, I also tested the ErgoMaster's performance with onions, cheese, nuts, and ice to see how quickly and evenly it could process these common ingredients. For more details, see how TechRadar tests, rates, and reviews products.

First reviewed August 2025.

I tested this robot mower on the biggest lawn I could find – and it was fast, accurate and a dream to control

1:51 pm | August 30, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Smart Home | Tags: AU, UK, US | Comments: Off

Segway Navimow X3 Series: two-minute review

The Segway Navimow X3 Series robot lawn mowers are built specifically for sizeable lawns. And when I say sizeable, I mean sizeable – the range covers lawns from 0.5 acres / 1,500 square meters right up to a massive 2.5 acres / 10,000 square meters. To make them suitable for such vast spaces, these bots are designed to operate quickly, efficiently and accurately, with batteries capacious enough to allow for long mowing periods, without having to make the arduous journey back to the dock to recharge.

To see if this lawnbot could deliver on these promises, I sought out the largest yard I knew of. The lawn at my sister's home, measures around 1,000 square meters / 0.25 acre (although Segway sent me the X350, which is designed for even larger areas still). The first thing I was struck by is the speed of the mower. It rolls along at quite the pace, navigating with confidence, even when traversing under trees.

The lawnbot itself is really quite large (and the same size as the other X3 Series models), but if you have a lawn big enough to need one, that's not going to matter so much. It feels solid and high quality, with a friendly orange and grey color scheme and slightly retro-feeling dot-matrix screen to provide key information.

Segway Navimow X350 on reviewer's lawn — (Image credit: Future)

A big reason as to why the experience of using the Segway Navimow X3 Series is so enjoyable is down to the design of the companion app. It's intuitive to use, walking you clearly through all the steps required to complete each process, and providing background information – rather than leaving you to figure things out by yourself. There are plenty of setting options to explore, and planning a schedule is straightforward.

In terms of performance, I had no issues. Throughout the test period, the bot behaved exactly as I'd hoped, mowing neatly and within boundaries, taking a logical route and never missing any spots. It also reliably avoided medium (soccer ball-sized) obstacles, although it did mow over a satsuma-sized ball (understandable, given it was sitting below camera height). Since this bot is two-wheel drive rather than four-wheel, it might struggle with especially rough terrain; but for the average yard, it will be absolutely fine.

Overall, a very strong recommendation for those looking for an efficient, fuss-free mower to take care of larger lawns. That's the short version; read on for my full Segway Navimow X3 Series review.

Segway Navimow X3 review: price & availability

List price: from $2,299 / £2,199
Available: US, UK, AU
Launched: Spring 2025

The Segway Navimow X3 Series was unveiled in spring 2025, and is available to buy in various countries including the US, UK and Australia. You can only purchase direct from Segway Navimow in the US, and in general these lawnbots aren't stocked widely online (you won't be adding one to your Amazon Prime order). Instead, you might need to check the Segway Navimow site for distributors local to you.

When it comes to pricing, brace yourself: the Segway Navimow X3 Series doesn't come cheap. The cheapest in the lineup costs $2,299 / £2,199 at list price, and the priciest is $4,999 / £4,299. That's a significant investment, and if you don't have a large yard – or a yearning for ultra-speedy mowing – there are plenty more affordable alternatives. However, for those in need of large-scale mowing, the Navimow's pricing isn't too far away from what you'd pay elsewhere on the market.

Let's say you want something for a 1-acre / 3,000m² lawn. The Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD 3000 costs $2,499 / £2,549 at list price, and the Navimow X330 is $2,799 / £2,599. The LUBA 2 has slightly more advanced features all round, including all-wheel drive and two cutting decks, which makes it a better-value buy at full price. Nevertheless, both are excellent, advanced, high-quality lawnbots.

Overall, my experience with the Navimow X3 series was extremely positive, and it felt well built and thoughtfully designed, so I think for large lawns it's worth the investment.

Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Segway Navimow X3 specs

	Segway Navimow X350 (reviewed)	Segway Navimow X315 (cheapest)
Recommended lawn size:	1.5 acres / 5,000m²	0.5 acre / 1,500㎡
Cutting width:	9.3in / 23.7cm	9.3in / 23.7cm
Cutting height:	0.8-2.8in / 2-7cm	0.8-2.8in / 2-7cm
Drivetrain:	2-wheel drive	2-wheel drive
Incline ability:	50% / 27 degrees	50% / 27 degrees
Waterproof:	IP66	IP66
Lawnbot size (L x W x H):	27.5 x 21.7 x 12.1in / 69.8 x 55 x 30.7cm	27.5 x 21.7 x 12.1in / 69.8 x 55 x 30.7cm
Lawnbot weight:	43.7 lbs / 19.8kg	43.2 lbs / 19.6kg
Charge time:	80 mins	60 mins
Mowing time per charge:	200 mins	120 mins
Cutting blades:	6	6

Segway Navimow X3 review: design

Available in versions with different batteries for different lawn sizes
On-bot info via a screen, and cameras on three sides for obstacle avoidance
Comes with RTK receiver (option to add a second) and charge station

The Segway Navimow X3 Series is a big bot for big lawns. There are a few options in the lineup, all of which are identical in design and specs, except the ones at the top end of the range have a bigger battery and as such are suitable for larger areas. These are the options:

Model	Recommended mowing area	Runtime per charge	Charge time
X315	0.5 acre / 1,500m²	120 mins	60 mins
X330	1 acre / 3,000m²	160 mins	65 mins
X350 (tested)	1.5 acres / 5,000m²	200 mins	80 mins
X390	2.5 acres 10,000m²	240 mins	100 mins

Moving on to the lawnbot itself, and the brand has opted for a friendly look, with a dark gray and bright orange color scheme, and a dot matrix screen to provide key information in real time. On test I found this limited in its practical usefulness, although it is quite fun. There are physical buttons for Go, On/OK and Return to charge, plus a big emergency stop button. However, for the most part you'll be controlling the bot via the companion app, which I'll cover in detail in a separate App section below (there's also support for voice control via Alexa or Google Home, if you prefer).

Segway Navimow X350 robot lawn mower on tester's lawn — (Image credit: Future)

The Navimow X350 is rather large, and for the times you might need to manually maneuver it, Segway has added a big handle around the rear of the bot. Unfortunately, there's no grip area at the front – so unless you stick your hand in the charge slot, which goes against an important lesson I learned as a toddler, you'll need to make do with crouching and dragging rather than picking it up.

It's fairly common for modern lawnbots to come equipped with a camera for object identification and avoidance, but the X3 Series has not one, but three: one at the front and one on either side, delivering a 300-degree field of view. Alongside one of the side-mounted cameras you'll find an Expansion Bay section, where you can attach add-ons. There's an edge trimmer attachment that already exists in a few countries (I didn't test this), and open API access means if you have the skills, you can create your own additions.

Also hidden somewhere on the top is a compartment for a tracker, should you wish to add one for added security reasons (there's also an out-of-bounds alarm, lift alerts and GPS tracking to guard against theft).

Segway Navimow X350 robot lawn mower photographed side on in tester's yard — (Image credit: Future)

There are two main wheels, plus two smaller wheels at the front. Since this bot is a two-wheel drive machine, it isn't designed for very uneven terrain, although it can still handle slopes up to 50%, and will be more than up to handling the average yard (or football field).

Flip it over and you'll find the cutting deck, which consists of six blades mounted on a rotating disc, which can be raised or lowered automatically via the app (it can cut at heights of 0.8-2.8in / 2-7cm). The whole thing is designed to avoid the mechanism becoming clogged up with cuttings. Like most lawnbots, there's no grass collection here – instead you're meant to use it regularly enough that the tiny cuttings end up mulching back into the lawn. The Navimow delivers a generous cutting width of 9.3in / 23.7cm.

Additional components

The X3 Series is at least partially reliant on satellites for navigation, so in the box you also get an RTK receiver to improve the accuracy of the satellite information. You'll need to find a good spot for this – ideally it needs to sit somewhere high up, with a wide, uninterrupted view of the sky. Since I was only borrowing this machine, I just stuck it on the provided lawn-mount spike, and it worked remarkably well even in this sub-optimal position, as you'll learn in the Performance section. You can purchase a secondary antenna to act as backup if you have an especially large lawn.

You're also provided with a charge station, where your lawnbot will return to juice up. This needs to sit on flat ground, with access to a power source.

The lawnbot is IP66 rated, which means it's resistant to both water (everything apart from complete submersion) and dust. Even so, I tend to think a plastic garage roof is a good idea for a little extra protection from the elements in the long term.

Segway Navimow X350 robot lawn mower on its charge station — (Image credit: Future)

Features

Let's look quickly at what's going on under the hood. Like most modern lawnbots, the X3 Series doesn't require boundary wires, but instead uses a combination of RTK satellite navigation, cameras and sensors to find its way around (here's more on how lawnbots navigate, if you're interested).

To ensure the bot always knows where it is, even when being used on a palatial lawn, Segway has introduced a number of navigation upgrades. The RTK system has been improved and can apparently deliver 40% better observation, to keep it moving in potential blind spots such as narrow pathways or under rooftops.

Inside, two complementary wayfinding systems work together to help the bot find its way about: VSLAM, which relies on recognizable visual cues; and VIO, which is great for new, featureless areas. All of that, added to the wide field of view provided by the three onboard cameras, should mean this bot is an absolute pro when it comes to navigation.

Design score: 5 out of 5

Segway Navimow X3 review: performance

Neat, thorough and very speedy mowing
Confident, accurate navigation, even under trees
Strong obstacle avoidance, although can't spot very small items

Let's start with setup, which I found fairly painless. There's a bit of self-assembly required of the base station and RTK receiver, but if you hook up the app first then it walks you through the process quite clearly (there's also a paper instruction booklet, if you prefer). The app also guides you through the mapping process.

My test lawn has unclear boundaries and tree coverage, so I opted to create a map manually, by remote-controlling around the perimeter of the area I wanted mowing and then editing the results in-app. I found the process straightforward. If you have a very simple lawn, you'd use AI Assist Mapping, where the bot will automatically map the area for you.

The first thing I was struck by when I started mowing was how speedy the Navimow proved. I was promised efficiency, and the Segway Navimow has delivered. The X3 rolls confidently along at an impressive pace compared to other bots I've tested.

I mostly used the Standard speed for my tests, but bumped it up to Efficient at one point but couldn't really notice a difference. The app states that it's 0.2m/s faster in this mode, which would be noticeable over time if you were mowing an especially large lawn.

I was also very impressed by navigation. My test lawn has a number of large trees, which I thought might cause the X3 to get lost – especially given the RTK receiver was just stuck in the ground, rather than elevated above the trees and buildings, as it really should be. However, all the test-runs were free of issues. The bot made its way around confidently, covering the full lawn in a logical pattern. It also accurately avoided a no-mow zone I'd set up in the center of the lawn, on a patch of ground that had recently been re-sown with grass seed. I guess whatever Segway Navimow has done to "improve the RTK performance by 40%" has worked.

Ball with cuts from being mowed over by Segway Navimow X350 — (Image credit: Future)

I also ran a couple of specific object avoidance tests by placing large (a toddler's ride-on car), medium (soccer ball) and small (a tangerine-sized ball) obstacles in the X3's path. It had no issues spotting the car or football, duly skirting around each one, even when I kicked the football about to try to confuse it, but the smallest ball met a grizzly end beneath the X3's blades.

We've yet to test a lawnbot at TechRadar that can spot small obstacles such as this, so it isn't a particular failing on Segway Navimow's part. However, it's worth noting if you have, for example, a dog that likes to poo in your yard, and you don't want to spend an afternoon cleaning it out of wheel crevices.

Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Segway Navimow X3 review: app

Lots of useful explanations and info, with diagrams
Plenty of fine-adjustment options
Well laid out and easy to navigate

From the off, I was super-impressed with the Segway Navimow app. It provides plenty of information and clear explanations – often with diagrams – to walk you through everything from setup to how to map. Other lawnbot apps I've tested use opaque language and leave you to mostly figure things out for yourself, which can be especially confusing if it's your first robot lawn mower.

Screenshots from Segway Navimow app — (Image credit: Segway Navimow / Future)

Here, however, everything is logically laid out and easy to navigate. There are also plenty of options to fine-tune your mowing. There's a straightforward schedule-maker, where you can select days, times and zones for cutting. You can also choose between three mowing speeds (Quiet, Standard and Efficient) and grass length (20-70mm, in increments of 5mm).

There's a section for Map management, where you can split, add or remove sections, or add no-go zones (or, as Segway Navimow whimsically calls them, "BioLife Islands"). It will let you select where you want to start on the map, with the bot cleverly driving itself over to your chosen spot, and then the app will guide you to drive the new boundary line using remote control. I found this process straightforward and logical – again, not always a given.

Segway Navimow also offers a range of "Advanced" features, too. There's an "Animal friendly" mode that will see the bot stop if it spots an animal and take a new route so as not to disturb it, rather than just skirting around it. You can also toggle on "Traction control" for particularly muddy or challenging terrain.

App score: 5 out of 5

Should you buy the Segway Navimow X3 Series?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	Very much a premium lawnbot, but performance and features help justify the investment.	4 / 5
Design	Rather large, well-built lawnbot with RTK station and charge dock. Two-wheel drive and cameras to the front and both sides, plus a dot matrix screen on the bot itself.	5 / 5
Performance	Neat, fast, efficient mowing. Confident navigation even in challenging conditions, and solid obstacle avoidance (bar very small objects).	4.5 / 5
App	Extremely usable and well designed, with plenty of useful, clear information.	5 / 5

Buy it if...

You have a massive lawn

The Navimow X3 series is designed specifically to cover large areas quickly, efficiently and without getting lost.

You need something easy to use

The Segway Navimow app guides you through the setup and mapping processes and provides you with useful background information – perfect if this is your first lawnbot.

Your grass grows quickly and needs to look neat

This is a very efficient mower, so it will come into its own when faced with a fast-growing lawn.

Don't buy it if...

You have a small / medium-sized yard

This bot is for big lawns – if you're mowing an area less than 0.5 acre / 1,500m² (or even around that size), there are plenty of cheaper, smaller options that will suit the job better.

Your lawn is very uneven

For challenging terrain, you might need an all-wheel drive model such as the Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD (the Segway Navimow is two-wheel drive).

Segway Navimow X3 review: alternatives to consider

	Segway Navimow X330	Mammotion Luba 2 3000	Mammotion Yuka Mini S (US) / Yuka Mini 600 (UK)
Recommended lawn size:	1 acre / 3,000m²	1 acre / 3,000m²	0.15 acres / 600㎡
Cutting width:	9.3in / 23.7cm	15.7in / 40cm	7.5in / 19cm
Cutting height:	0.8-2.8in / 2-7cm	1-2.7in / 2.5-7cm	0.8-2.4in / 2-6cm
Drivetrain:	Two-wheel drive	All-wheel drive	Two-wheel drive
Incline ability:	50% / 27 degrees	80% / 38 degrees	50% / 27 degrees
Waterproof:	IP66	IPX6	IPX6
Lawnbot size (L x W x H):	27.5 x 21.7 x 12.1in / 69.8 x 55 x 30.7cm	27.2 x 20.2 x 27.3in / 69 x 51.3 x 27.3cm	20.7 x 16.3 x 11.1in / 52.5 x 41.3 x 28.1cm
Lawnbot weight:	43.7 lbs / 19.8kg	41 lbs / 18.6kg	23.4 lbs / 10.6kg
Charge time:	65 mins	120 mins	90 mins
Mowing time per charge:	160 mins	190 mins	55 mins
Cutting blades:	6	12	5

Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD
Another hi-tech, premium bot for large yards, the LUBA 2 has the edge if you need something for especially challenging terrain. It boasts all-wheel drive, two cutting decks working in tandem, and the ability to handle steeper inclines.

Read our full Mammotion Luba 2 AWD review View Deal

Mammotion Yuka Mini
If you have a much smaller yard, check out this more compact option. The app is nowhere near as intuitive as Segway Navimow's, nor are there as many features or fine-tuning options, but it's still a very capable mower and comes in at a far lower price.

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I tested the X350 model of the Segway Navimow X3 Series. I used it for several weeks in the garden of my sister's home. The test lawn measures around 1,000 square meters, and has unclear borders and several large trees. I set up the bot myself from scratch, following the instructions in the app, including constructing the charge station and RTK receiver. I mapped the lawn into different mowing zones and added no-mow areas. I assessed the lawnbot based on the neatness and speed of mowing, accuracy of navigation, and general ease of use. I also explored the different options in the app to see the extent to which I could fine-tune settings, and ran object avoidance tests using different-sized obstacles. I then compared all of my findings to other lawnbots I've used, while also weighing everything up against the price to gauge whether the bot offers good value for money.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2025

I tested Beyerdynamic’s wired earbuds for vocalists/guitarists and the midrange clarity is palpable – I wish I’d had the money during my career

12:30 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Comments: Off

Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE: Two-minute review

Here's a thing very few of the best wired earbuds offer, at least in the mass-produced consumer space: specialized tuning for each member of your band – yes, even the bass player. But that's what Beyerdynamic did at the very start of the year, releasing not one but four sets of IEMs tuned just slightly differently, in a bid to give each of your musician friends what they need.

The set I have under review here is the DT 72 IE, "for guitarists and singers". These IEMs boast a "subtly tuned bass" so as not to overwhelm during performance. The optimized frequency response here is also listed as between 200-500 Hz to compensate for the occlusion effect. This is a known issue wherein the perception one's own voice is too loud, hollow, or even boomy due to the ear canal's obstruction (with said IEMs, funnily enough) and the trapping of sonic vibrations within.

What of the rest of the range? DT 70 IE is billed as the set "for mixing and critical listening". DT 71 IE is "for drummers and bassists" with a sound signature that Beyerdynamic says "enhances low frequencies while ensuring detailed reproduction of cymbals, percussion and bass guitar overtones". DT 73 IE is the pair for the orchestral musician, pianist or keyboard player, with extra care taken on treble overtones (there's a subtle boost from 5kHz upwards).

I think it's fair to say that given the asking fee of whichever set you pick (which is $499, or anywhere from £431 to £479 in the UK, so around AU$900) these are IEMs for the successful musician – something emphasized by acclaimed jazz pianist, gospel artist and producer Cory Henry and Gina Miles (winner of The Voice Season 23) who both agreed to help showcase the new products in January of this year.

Beyerdynamic's DT 72 IE earbuds for vocals and guitar on brown background, showcasing the accessories — (Image credit: Future)

Am I qualified to give these singer-specific buds a thorough appraisal? I'd say so. It's been a while, granted, but I've performed in several big musicals, films, and a fair few gigs over the years, often with a trusty pair of cheap and cheerful Shure SE215 in (or hanging out of) my ears. Hey, I sang solo and covered leads, y'know…

The Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE are not like my old Shure workhorses, though, reader. This is what I would have bought myself if I'd been making something other than a lowly performer's wage, and/or had the promise of work engagements lasting for more than six months at a time. The latter is something not even the best of us regularly gets… and I was far from the best.

But let's put the delicate topics of coin and talent to one side. The DT 72 IE are very well made. The case is fabric but pocketable and holds its shape – the 1.4m cable will not tangle, is near-silent and comes with a 3.5mm termination and 6.35 mm adapter. The headshells are beautifully small. Your accessories are also resoundingly high-end: alongside the five pairs of silicone ear tips, you also get three in Comply memory foam (which I'll always go for, if they're offered). You even get a spare set of earwax guards and detailed instructions on how to switch them out, if and when the need arises.

You'll need to shape the ear hooks yourself, but once you take a moment to get it right, I found them very comfortable and also hardly noticeable (from a visual perspective) once in my ear. So far, so successful.

What about for sound? I fired up my FiiO M23 and a few of my old audition standards. Now, I had no access to the pro mixer, mic or gain stages I used to enjoy, back in the day – so full disclosure: I couldn't set any of that up. What follows is my analysis of the DT 72 IE as listening devices to analyze my own recorded vocals and also to record a quick demo – en route to a last-minute audition, say.

And, good grief, did I hear extra detail and even a bit of vib to be proud of in my own rendition of The Show Must Go On from 2018, sung as an aerialist/singer in a German Queen tribute show called We Are the Champions. All true, I promise.

It's as if guitar riffs and my voice has been plucked from the soundstage and held above the mix in a surgical layering system, like items to be admired (or admonished) aside from all else. It's exactly what your lead vocalist of axe man needs, to hone their craft and I wish I'd had them when performing every day. If I'd had the DT 72 IE, I might've realized I was just a touch flat when trying to reach "for waiting up there is the Heaviside layer" on that cruise ship gig…

Any drawbacks to the DT 72 IE sonically? This is an analytical listen, rather than an exciting one. From a listener's perspective, things can feel just a little flat on occasion. This is because the bass injection has been pulled back and so, dynamically, tracks can feel just a touch uneventful. Beyerdynamic has expressed as much and offers another model for critical listening and/or mixing, but it's still worth stating for those who want something to lay down tracks with and to listen purely for the pleasure of doing so.

Personally, I love them. If your favorite aspect of recorded music is the lead singer and/or the guitar solos, you may have found the set of IEMs for you. No, they're not neutral – that's the whole point.

Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE review: Price and release date

Released on January 23, 2025
Priced $499 / from £431 (around AU$900)

It's important to state that the Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE are not unique – IEMs pitched squarely at vocalists exist (from companies such as Moondrop, 64 Audio and even Sennheiser) and the 64 Audio U12t, for example, costs four times as much as the Beyer product you're reading about.

The Sennheiser IE 100 Pro, however, (a popular choice among the musicians I know) cost around a fifth of the DT 72 IE's asking fee. So it really is a mixed bag…

Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE review: Specs

Drivers	Dynamic (closed)
Weight	3g per earpiece (without ear tip)
Frequency range	5Hz - 40kHz
Waterproof rating	None
Other features	No in-line mic, plenty of accessories

Should you buy the Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE review?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	What these earbuds are designed for has been beautifully achieved – no more, no less	5/5
Sound quality	If picking out the vocal or guitar is what you need, they deliver. If you want to listen casually, too, they may not be for you – but that's hardly fair	4.5/5
Design	Beautifully svelte earpieces and cable, only let down by the need to bend (and re-bend) the ear hooks yourself	4.5/5
Value	To call them 'mid-range' feels unfathomable, but the prices you can pay in this niche sector of the market are variable, to say the least	4/5

Buy them if...

You're a pro singer or guitarist – and you're good
Done OK for gigs recently and want to level up your art? I think these are a great professional product.

You have a smaller ear
I may well put these into our best earbuds for small ears guide, because they slip so happily into my smaller tragus and present no issues to my bijou ear canal.

Don't buy them if...

You want an all-round listen
These are not that product, despite their considerably gifted performance when it comes to vocals and midrange instruments.

Gigs haven't been plentiful lately
These are either a treat for the end of a lucrative run of shows or something for the muso not short of work in general. Those of us who don't know where (or from whom) the next paycheck is coming may sadly have to look elsewhere.

Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE review: Also consider

This particular product is a tad niche for TechRadar (we're not a dedicated musician or performer site, as you'll know) but personal experience has taught me that Shure's 215 SE are often the entry-level option here, as are the Sennheiser IE 100 Pro – both of which are a lot cheaper than the model listed above.

Are they as good? No, that wouldn't be fair given the dearth in price – and that's the point I want make here: if you have the money, the Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE are very, very good for singers and guitarists.

Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE review: How I tested

Tested across two weeks
Used at home, listening to my vocal recordings and regular testing tracks
Predominantly tested using my iPhone (and hi-res Flac files on my laptop)

I had to go back to 2018 (the last time I sang professionally, and the year before I became a full-time audio journalist) in the name of testing the Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE.

I revisited a time when money was tight but professional fulfilment was plentiful. I had work! Lots of it – and I also had a post-grad degree to pay for. I listened to both my own vocals (even the ones recorded quickly as voice memos on my iPhone, to learn a tricksy harmony line in rehearsal) and then to everything from Melissa Etheridge to Ginuwine – both of whom I love for what they've given to music.

And know this: the Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE were never uncomfortable and always enlightening during my testing.

Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE: Two-minute review

Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE review: Price and release date

Released on January 23, 2025
Priced $499 / from £431 (around AU$900)

The Sennheiser IE 100 Pro, however, (a popular choice among the musicians I know) cost around a fifth of the DT 72 IE's asking fee. So it really is a mixed bag…

Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE review: Specs

Drivers	Dynamic (closed)
Weight	3g per earpiece (without ear tip)
Frequency range	5Hz - 40kHz
Waterproof rating	None
Other features	No in-line mic, plenty of accessories

Should you buy the Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE review?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	What these earbuds are designed for has been beautifully achieved – no more, no less	5/5
Sound quality	If picking out the vocal or guitar is what you need, they deliver. If you want to listen casually, too, they may not be for you – but that's hardly fair	4.5/5
Design	Beautifully svelte earpieces and cable, only let down by the need to bend (and re-bend) the ear hooks yourself	4.5/5
Value	To call them 'mid-range' feels unfathomable, but the prices you can pay in this niche sector of the market are variable, to say the least	4/5

Buy them if...

You're a pro singer or guitarist – and you're good
Done OK for gigs recently and want to level up your art? I think these are a great professional product.

You have a smaller ear
I may well put these into our best earbuds for small ears guide, because they slip so happily into my smaller tragus and present no issues to my bijou ear canal.

Don't buy them if...

You want an all-round listen
These are not that product, despite their considerably gifted performance when it comes to vocals and midrange instruments.

Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE review: Also consider

Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE review: How I tested

Tested across two weeks
Used at home, listening to my vocal recordings and regular testing tracks
Predominantly tested using my iPhone (and hi-res Flac files on my laptop)

I had to go back to 2018 (the last time I sang professionally, and the year before I became a full-time audio journalist) in the name of testing the Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE.

And know this: the Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE were never uncomfortable and always enlightening during my testing.

Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE: Two-minute review

Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE review: Price and release date

Released on January 23, 2025
Priced $499 / from £431 (around AU$900)

The Sennheiser IE 100 Pro, however, (a popular choice among the musicians I know) cost around a fifth of the DT 72 IE's asking fee. So it really is a mixed bag…

Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE review: Specs

Drivers	Dynamic (closed)
Weight	3g per earpiece (without ear tip)
Frequency range	5Hz - 40kHz
Waterproof rating	None
Other features	No in-line mic, plenty of accessories

Should you buy the Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE review?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	What these earbuds are designed for has been beautifully achieved – no more, no less	5/5
Sound quality	If picking out the vocal or guitar is what you need, they deliver. If you want to listen casually, too, they may not be for you – but that's hardly fair	4.5/5
Design	Beautifully svelte earpieces and cable, only let down by the need to bend (and re-bend) the ear hooks yourself	4.5/5
Value	To call them 'mid-range' feels unfathomable, but the prices you can pay in this niche sector of the market are variable, to say the least	4/5

Buy them if...

You're a pro singer or guitarist – and you're good
Done OK for gigs recently and want to level up your art? I think these are a great professional product.

You have a smaller ear
I may well put these into our best earbuds for small ears guide, because they slip so happily into my smaller tragus and present no issues to my bijou ear canal.

Don't buy them if...

You want an all-round listen
These are not that product, despite their considerably gifted performance when it comes to vocals and midrange instruments.

Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE review: Also consider

Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE review: How I tested

Tested across two weeks
Used at home, listening to my vocal recordings and regular testing tracks
Predominantly tested using my iPhone (and hi-res Flac files on my laptop)

I had to go back to 2018 (the last time I sang professionally, and the year before I became a full-time audio journalist) in the name of testing the Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE.

And know this: the Beyerdynamic DT 72 IE were never uncomfortable and always enlightening during my testing.

Oukitel WP210: 30-second review

Having seen a few rugged phones, they typically fall into one of two categories: either being excessively bulky to achieve extended battery life, or lightweight with less longevity and features.

Curiously, the Oukitel WP210 strikes a sweet spot between these two positions, making it appealing to a few distinct user groups who might be drawn to its blend of ruggedness, performance, and sleek design.

At a weight of 311g and with a relatively slim 13.7mm profile, sized like a standard phone, this is a design that manages to hide its rugged credentials effectively. Yet it still manages to deliver its IP68 / IP69K / MIL-STD-810H ratings, enabling it to handle harsh environments and even submersion.

From an aesthetics angle, this is a rugged phone that isn’t trying to be a Sci-Fi prop or project a military resilience; its carbon-fibre accents, matte polycarbonate shell, and metal frame give it a modern industrial look.

Available in red, black and grey, for a rugged phone, this design is classy while being understated, which is something many business customers will like. It’s styled to appeal to both outdoor adventurers and business professionals - rugged, but not overbuilt.

It features a high-end MediaTek SoC, making apps and the interface slick and responsive. It comes with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, but alas, no Micro SD card expansion beyond that capacity. The 6.7-inch OLED display delivers intense colours and brightness, while the rear camera cluster features the 108MP Samsung S5KHM6, capturing high-quality images and videos.

Having high-end features such as these comes at a cost, but in this design, the asking price from Oukitel is only $399.99 for US customers, which seems like a bargain.

While it might not be the best rugged phone I've tested, it's certainly one of the best value devices in its category.

Oukitel WP210: price and availability

How much does it cost? $400/£311
When is it out? Available globally
Where can you get it? Direct from the maker or via an online retailer

Oukitel sells the WP210 directly, though not in all regions. Currently, US customers can get it directly for $399.99.

However, it isn’t shown on the UK, French or German sites. I'm also seeing it on Amazon.com for $499.99 and Amazon.co.uk for £351.49. Worldwide, it's available via Aliexpress, too.

The obvious competitors for the WP210 are the Ulefone Armour 30 Pro and its bigger brother, the WP300.

The Oukitel WP300 has a higher battery capacity, but less RAM, a less powerful SoC, and a lower-quality camera. And, it costs almost the same price. The selling point of the WP300 is its detachable second screen, which doubles as a watch.

The Ulefone Armor 30 Pro features a heavier design at 509g, offering more battery capacity and 16GB RAM, but it comes with a less powerful SoC and a lower-quality camera. If you need longer running, it's an alternative, but it doesn’t offer the same performance levels as the WP210.

Value score: 4/5

Oukitel WP210: Specs

Item	Spec
CPU:	MediaTek Dimensity 8200 (Octa-core, up to 3.1GHz)
GPU:	Mali-G610 MC6
NPU:	MediaTek NPU 580
RAM:	12GB
Storage:	512GB
Screen:	6.7-inch AMOLED,120Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution:	1080×2412 pixels
SIM:	2x Nano SIM (no TF)
Weight:	311g
Dimensions:	163.6 × 77.85 × 13.7 mm
Rugged Spec:	IP68 IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min), MIL-STD-810H Certification
Rear cameras:	108MP Samsung S5KHM6 + 2MP GalaxyCore GC02M1 macro + 0.3MP depth
Front camera:	32MP Sony IMX615
Networking:	WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3
OS:	Android 15
Battery:	8800 mAh battery (Max 45W charge wired, 10W reverse)
Colours:	Red, Black, Grey

Oukitel WP210: design

Solid construction
No headphone jack
Lacks TF card expansion

What’s great about this phone design is how relatively normal it feels to use. It’s a classic modern Android phone-sized device, slightly thicker than a standard smartphone.

The metal banding about the outside feels solid and secure, and Oukitel provide it out of the box with a solid plastic bumper already mounted.

From a button perspective, there is nothing to see here. It’s the standard layout, featuring a power and audio rocker on one side and a user-customizable button on the other. In this respect, it’s a design that most people could simply pick up and use, rather than needing to adapt.

One nice feature on a phone this affordable is that the fingerprint reader is embedded under the screen, rather than being located on the power button. This makes the phone much easier to use for left-handed users.

There are a few oddities which aren’t normal, and one of these is that there is no headphone jack, sadly.

However, there is an IR blaster on the top edge, the usefulness of which is undermined by the fact that no corresponding app is provided for its use. I suspect this should have been in the Oukitel Toolbox, but it might work with third-party tools.

Unusually, the SIM tray is next to the USB-C port on the bottom edge, and not the left side. It can accept two Nano SIMs, but it does not have a MicroSD card slot in the tray.

That’s the single biggest disappointment for those who use extra storage, even if Oukitel did give the phone 512GB of space to cushion that blow.

Overall, the WP210 appears designed not to push anything too radical on the customers, and except for the missing MicroSD functionality, it hits all the key areas that most people are looking for in a rugged phone.

Design score: 4/5

Oukitel WP210: hardware

MediaTek Dimensity 7050
16000 mAh battery

The MediaTek Dimensity 8200 is a powerful mid-range system-on-chip (SoC) designed to deliver impressive performance and efficiency for smartphones. It features an octa-core CPU, combining high-performance Cortex-A78 cores with energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores, along with a Mali-G610 MP6 GPU for enhanced graphics capabilities.

When compared to other mid-range SoCs, such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, the Dimensity 8200 holds its ground with competitive benchmark scores and efficient power consumption. While the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 may have a slight edge in memory bandwidth and higher clock speeds, the Dimensity 8200 offers a balanced performance that caters to both everyday tasks and demanding applications .

Overall, the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 is a solid choice for those seeking a capable and efficient SoC in the mid-range smartphone market, and I’ve seen it previously in the Oukitel WP200 Pro, which, on specification, bears an uncanny resemblance to the WP210.

The WP210 appears to be an externally redesigned WP200 Pro, which, from an economic perspective, makes perfect sense. But the WP200 Pro cost $200 more when it was launched.

Another common feature of the WP200 Pro is the 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, which is rated at 500 nits and features a 120Hz refresh rate.

This display technology offers vibrant colours, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, enhancing the visual experience for users. Additionally, the screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 5, ensuring durability against scratches and impacts. The high refresh rate provides smooth scrolling and fluid animations, making it ideal for both everyday use and gaming. Overall, the OLED display on the WP210 combines durability with impressive visual quality, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a rugged yet visually appealing smartphone.

The last feature I wish to talk about is the battery, which, by rugged phone standards, is on the modest end of the spectrum. 8800mAh is still about twice what a typical phone has, and as we’ll see later in the benchmarks, it provides decent longevity.

The charging capability is 45W using the included charger of that exact specification, and charging takes about 2.5 hours. It can reverse charge at up to 10W, although in the Oukitel marketing material, it's shown doing this using an addon that then wirelessly charges a tablet. Given that the tablet would undoubtedly have a USB-C port, that would be an idiotic thing to do, as it would further reduce the efficiency of the power transfer.

There isn’t any wireless charging in the phone, even if it looks like the designer made the underside of the phone intentionally flat for that purpose.

To summarise, the SoC is punchy, the screen is lovely, the battery is big enough for the job, and it charges reasonably quickly.

Hardware score: 4/5

Oukitel WP210: cameras

108MP, 2MP and 0.3MP sensors on the rear
32MP on the front
Four cameras in total

The Oukitel WP210 has four cameras:

Rear camera: 108MP Samsung S5KHM6SX , 2MP GalaxyCore GC02M1 macro, 0.3MP Galaxy Core GC032A
Front camera: 32MP Sony IMX615

This is the identical camera configuration as the WP200 Pro, with the main sensor being the 108MP Samsung S5KHM6SX. This 1/1.67-inch format, 108 MP stacked imager boasts a 0.64 µm pixel pitch, ISOCELL 2.0 technology, and Nonacell Bayer RGB colour filters, according to Samsung.

With a whopping 108 megapixels, this sensor is capable of producing incredibly detailed images or can effectively pixel bin to achieve vibrant colours and HDR contrast. The results, especially in outdoor lighting, can be impressive; however, there are times when the focus system appears to target the wrong object in the shot.

One downside is the absence of optical zoom; instead, the digital zoom transitions can feel quite jarring. The rear camera also lacks wide or telephoto sensors, relying on a somewhat lacklustre 2 MP macro sensor and a 0.3 MP sensor for depth effects. Therefore, the main sensor shoulders the majority of the photographic responsibilities. On a positive note, Oukitel has included a comprehensive camera application that features a full PRO mode for manual controls, alongside options for timelapse, slow-motion, night views, and panoramas.

What I would avoid is a feature that the user-defined button offers, which is to switch into underwater mode. While this phone is rated for full submersion for a limited time period, it's only to a depth of 1.5M, and that could be difficult to control in the ocean or even a pool.

Under the right conditions, images taken are decent, though they might not stand out as extraordinary. But given the price point of this device, the main sensor is a practical choice that is better than some phones that use 50MP sensors.

On the front, the choice of a 32 MP Sony sensor for selfies might seem excessive, especially since it only records at 1080p. It raises questions about the need for such high resolution for 1080p video, but this sensor does manage to capture good-quality images for those who enjoy digital self-portraits.

It's worth noting that this phone lacks Widevine L1 video encryption, offering only L3. This limitation means that when streaming from primary services like Netflix or Disney+, you'll only have access to 480p resolution, even with a fast 5G connection.

In short, the cameras are probably better than one might have anticipated, but they lack the optical focus and stabilisations that premium phones offer these days.

Oukitel WP210 Camera samples

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Oukitel WP210 Photo Examples — (Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

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Camera score: 4/5

Oukitel WP210: performance

Decent SoC
GPU is game-friendly
Big battery

Phone		Oukitel WP210	Ulefone Armor 30 Pro
SoC		Dimensity 8200	Dimensity 7300X
GPU		Mali-G610 MC6	Mali-G615 MC2
Mem		MediaTek NPU 580	MediaTek NPU 655
NPU		12GB/512GB	16GB/512GB
Weight		311g	509g
Battery		8800	12800
Geekbench	Single	1246	1030
	Multi	3968	3269
	OpenCL	4310	2509
	Vulkan	4736	2502
GFX	Aztec Open Normal	73	36
	Aztec Vulkan Norm.	57	42
	Car Chase	60	36
	Manhattan 3.1	114	61
PCMark	3.0 Score	13970	11282
	Battery	22h 44m	26h 38m
Charge in 30 mins	%	26	42
Passmark	Score	16455	14377
	CPU	8490	7142
3DMark	Slingshot OGL	Maxed Out	7238
	Slingshot Ex. OGL	Maxed Out	5446
	Slingshot Ex. Vulkan	Maxed Out	3814
	Wildlife	6023	3284
	Nomad Lite	625	360

I chose the Ulefone Armor 30 Pro as the phone to compare with the WP210, because it's roughly the same price, has a similar profile and also has plenty of RAM and storage.

However, what the 30 Pro lacks is the Dimensity 8200. It uses the Dimensity 7300X instead, and the difference is striking in terms of performance. In many graphical tests, the WP210 is twice the speed of the Armor 30 Pro, and even in pure computing benchmarks, it has about a 20% edge.

Where the Armor 30 Pro is advantaged is with its battery capacity, which is 45% bigger.

However, the flip side of that win, and its increased longevity, is that it takes twice as long to charge the battery, and the battery life wasn’t 45% longer. When you also consider the weight difference, the WP210 is a much better option unless total running time is your only criterion.

Overall, the WP210 delivers the same excellent user experience as its WP200 Pro brother, with the exception that it has more storage and RAM. But the price difference between them makes the WP210 a better value, as it does in comparison to the Ulefone Armor 30 Pro.

Performance score: 4/5

Oukitel WP210: Final verdict

There is plenty to like in the WP210, as it manages to magically provide a decent battery life and a punch processor without being the size and weight of a house brick.

Those aspects, along with the OLED screen and 108MP camera, should bring the WP210 plenty of attention, and the mid-range pricing should seal the deal.

I don’t understand why Oukitel left the SD card option from the card slot, or why this is a dramatically more powerful phone than the WP300, but these are mysteries that only the designers at Oukitel could answer.

Overall, for those who want a well-built mid-range rugged phone, you could do substantially worse than the WP210, which surprised this reviewer at numerous points.

It’s also an excellent choice for anyone who fancied the WP200 Pro but didn’t like the price, as it is roughly the same phone with less storage and RAM for a significant cost reduction.

If there is a question mark over this device, it’s the level of support that Oukitel is likely to provide throughout the product's life. My review phone came with Android 15 installed and a June security update, but it’s worth flagging the trade-off between upfront cost and lifecycle reliability. Only time will tell, but Oukitel is not known for timely Android version upgrades or regular security patches, and its customer service is also not a strong point.

These points are equally applicable to the majority of Chinese rugged phone makers; however, it's worth noting that two to three years is the typical life cycle of these products, and beyond that point, they are often no longer supported.

Should I buy a Oukitel WP210?

Oukitel WP210 Score Card
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Value	Affordable for a phone with these specs	4/5
Design	Not much heavier than an ordinary phone, but rugged and well-featured	4/5
Hardware	Gorgeous OLED screen, 512GB of storage, but no TF expansion	4/5
Camera	Excellent main sensor, slightly undermined by a lack of anti-shake on video capture	4/5
Performance	GGreat performance and decent battery life	4/5
Overall	A practical and effective design that many will love	4/5

Buy it if...

You need an outdoor phone
The WP210 is a robust design that can withstand being dropped 1.5M and exposure to water. This makes it ideal for outdoor occupations, adventure vacations and those who are inherently clumsy.

You carry lots of data or apps
With 512GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, this phone is ideal for those who like to carry data and install numerous apps. However, there is no TF card expansion beyond that capacity.

Don't buy it if...

You want more than 512GB storage
Without a TF card (Micro SD card) expansion, you can’t expand the internal capacity of this phone beyond its default 512GB. You could connect an external SSD, if it takes less than the 10W of power output of the USB-C port, but that’s less than an ideal option.

You want WiFi 7
The MediaTek Dimensity 8200 used in the WP210 supports 5G comms and WiFi 6, but it doesn’t connect using multiple bands over WiFi 7. That would require the Dimensity 9200, a chip that isn’t in this phone.

Also Consider

Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro
Another practical, rugged design with an inbuilt camping light, night vision camera and about 25% more battery capacity than the A56. It’s also dramatically cheaper, but conversely, the cameras aren’t as good, and the SoC isn’t as powerful. For those needing a cheap, tough phone, the Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro might be a good choice.

Read our full Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro review

Oukitel WP300
Another dial display phone, but with this one, the small second screen is detachable and becomes a smartwatch. It costs more than the WP210, but it has a bigger battery that gives it extended running time.

Read our full Oukitel WP300 review

For more ruggedized devices, we've reviewed the best rugged tablets, the best rugged laptops, and the best rugged hard drives

I reviewed the Oukitel WP210 and it appears to defy the mythology that lightweight rugged phones are usually compromised

9:47 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Phone & Communications Pro | Tags: GPU | Comments: Off

Oukitel WP210: 30-second review

Having seen a few rugged phones, they typically fall into one of two categories: either being excessively bulky to achieve extended battery life, or lightweight with less longevity and features.

Having high-end features such as these comes at a cost, but in this design, the asking price from Oukitel is only $399.99 for US customers, which seems like a bargain.

While it might not be the best rugged phone I've tested, it's certainly one of the best value devices in its category.

Oukitel WP210: price and availability

How much does it cost? $400/£311
When is it out? Available globally
Where can you get it? Direct from the maker or via an online retailer

Oukitel sells the WP210 directly, though not in all regions. Currently, US customers can get it directly for $399.99.

However, it isn’t shown on the UK, French or German sites. I'm also seeing it on Amazon.com for $499.99 and Amazon.co.uk for £351.49. Worldwide, it's available via Aliexpress, too.

The obvious competitors for the WP210 are the Ulefone Armour 30 Pro and its bigger brother, the WP300.

Value score: 4/5

Oukitel WP210: Specs

Item	Spec
CPU:	MediaTek Dimensity 8200 (Octa-core, up to 3.1GHz)
GPU:	Mali-G610 MC6
NPU:	MediaTek NPU 580
RAM:	12GB
Storage:	512GB
Screen:	6.7-inch AMOLED,120Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution:	1080×2412 pixels
SIM:	2x Nano SIM (no TF)
Weight:	311g
Dimensions:	163.6 × 77.85 × 13.7 mm
Rugged Spec:	IP68 IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min), MIL-STD-810H Certification
Rear cameras:	108MP Samsung S5KHM6 + 2MP GalaxyCore GC02M1 macro + 0.3MP depth
Front camera:	32MP Sony IMX615
Networking:	WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3
OS:	Android 15
Battery:	8800 mAh battery (Max 45W charge wired, 10W reverse)
Colours:	Red, Black, Grey

Oukitel WP210: design

Solid construction
No headphone jack
Lacks TF card expansion

What’s great about this phone design is how relatively normal it feels to use. It’s a classic modern Android phone-sized device, slightly thicker than a standard smartphone.

The metal banding about the outside feels solid and secure, and Oukitel provide it out of the box with a solid plastic bumper already mounted.

There are a few oddities which aren’t normal, and one of these is that there is no headphone jack, sadly.

Unusually, the SIM tray is next to the USB-C port on the bottom edge, and not the left side. It can accept two Nano SIMs, but it does not have a MicroSD card slot in the tray.

That’s the single biggest disappointment for those who use extra storage, even if Oukitel did give the phone 512GB of space to cushion that blow.

Design score: 4/5

Oukitel WP210: hardware

MediaTek Dimensity 7050
16000 mAh battery

The WP210 appears to be an externally redesigned WP200 Pro, which, from an economic perspective, makes perfect sense. But the WP200 Pro cost $200 more when it was launched.

Another common feature of the WP200 Pro is the 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, which is rated at 500 nits and features a 120Hz refresh rate.

There isn’t any wireless charging in the phone, even if it looks like the designer made the underside of the phone intentionally flat for that purpose.

To summarise, the SoC is punchy, the screen is lovely, the battery is big enough for the job, and it charges reasonably quickly.

Hardware score: 4/5

Oukitel WP210: cameras

108MP, 2MP and 0.3MP sensors on the rear
32MP on the front
Four cameras in total

The Oukitel WP210 has four cameras:

Rear camera: 108MP Samsung S5KHM6SX , 2MP GalaxyCore GC02M1 macro, 0.3MP Galaxy Core GC032A
Front camera: 32MP Sony IMX615

In short, the cameras are probably better than one might have anticipated, but they lack the optical focus and stabilisations that premium phones offer these days.

Oukitel WP210 Camera samples

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Camera score: 4/5

Oukitel WP210: performance

Decent SoC
GPU is game-friendly
Big battery

Phone		Oukitel WP210	Ulefone Armor 30 Pro
SoC		Dimensity 8200	Dimensity 7300X
GPU		Mali-G610 MC6	Mali-G615 MC2
Mem		MediaTek NPU 580	MediaTek NPU 655
NPU		12GB/512GB	16GB/512GB
Weight		311g	509g
Battery		8800	12800
Geekbench	Single	1246	1030
	Multi	3968	3269
	OpenCL	4310	2509
	Vulkan	4736	2502
GFX	Aztec Open Normal	73	36
	Aztec Vulkan Norm.	57	42
	Car Chase	60	36
	Manhattan 3.1	114	61
PCMark	3.0 Score	13970	11282
	Battery	22h 44m	26h 38m
Charge in 30 mins	%	26	42
Passmark	Score	16455	14377
	CPU	8490	7142
3DMark	Slingshot OGL	Maxed Out	7238
	Slingshot Ex. OGL	Maxed Out	5446
	Slingshot Ex. Vulkan	Maxed Out	3814
	Wildlife	6023	3284
	Nomad Lite	625	360

I chose the Ulefone Armor 30 Pro as the phone to compare with the WP210, because it's roughly the same price, has a similar profile and also has plenty of RAM and storage.

Where the Armor 30 Pro is advantaged is with its battery capacity, which is 45% bigger.

Performance score: 4/5

Oukitel WP210: Final verdict

There is plenty to like in the WP210, as it manages to magically provide a decent battery life and a punch processor without being the size and weight of a house brick.

Those aspects, along with the OLED screen and 108MP camera, should bring the WP210 plenty of attention, and the mid-range pricing should seal the deal.

Overall, for those who want a well-built mid-range rugged phone, you could do substantially worse than the WP210, which surprised this reviewer at numerous points.

It’s also an excellent choice for anyone who fancied the WP200 Pro but didn’t like the price, as it is roughly the same phone with less storage and RAM for a significant cost reduction.

Should I buy a Oukitel WP210?

Oukitel WP210 Score Card
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Value	Affordable for a phone with these specs	4/5
Design	Not much heavier than an ordinary phone, but rugged and well-featured	4/5
Hardware	Gorgeous OLED screen, 512GB of storage, but no TF expansion	4/5
Camera	Excellent main sensor, slightly undermined by a lack of anti-shake on video capture	4/5
Performance	GGreat performance and decent battery life	4/5
Overall	A practical and effective design that many will love	4/5

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also Consider

Read our full Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro review

Read our full Oukitel WP300 review

For more ruggedized devices, we've reviewed the best rugged tablets, the best rugged laptops, and the best rugged hard drives

After reviewing countless ultrabooks, the elegance of the Honor MagicBook Art 14 2025 truly stands out

11:01 pm | August 29, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: CPU, Indiana Jones, OS, RAM | Comments: Off

Honor MagicBook Art 14 2025: 30-second review

The Honor MagicBook Art 14 2025 is a direct update to last year's impressive MagicBook Art 14 2024, and as you would expect, it boosts almost every aspect of the specifications and performance.

The new model is just as slim and light; however, the performance takes a huge leap forward. When it comes to the performance, it's worth noting that the "Art" is more in the name rather than indicating a creative focus for its use.

The ultrabook's slimline profile and weight are key features, which meant that throughout the review period I was able to take it comfortably with me without it adding too much weight or bulk; an additional kilo really doesn't feel like a great deal in a backpack.

There's also the build quality to consider, which once again feels good and robust. The main chassis is made from aerospace-engineered magnesium alloy, while the keyboard utilises titanium. The ceramic-style surface also gives the machine one of the best aesthetic finishes I have seen, especially with the way it reflects the light.

Away from the build and style of the machine, the performance is equally impressive. Although the "Art" label is once again a little confusing, this really refers to the art of the machine rather than it being aimed at the creative market, such as the ASUS ProArt series.

This laptop is aimed at those looking for a high-end office, lifestyle or general machine that looks great and has a decent amount of power to match.

Through the benchmark and real-world tests, the high-level performance became apparent, and there was no doubt about just how good the new Intel Core Ultra CPUs are. Microsoft Office apps ran quickly, with the high-resolution display affording greater screen real estate for spreadsheets and Word documents. Likewise, utilising cloud-based office applications proved strong with a stable internet connection.

Used for general office work, the machine is exemplary, keeping up with demands placed on it as well as enabling superb audio for media playback. The integrated Arc graphics handled all day-to-day tasks with ease, although it did start to struggle under more intensive tasks such as video production and gaming.

However, as an office-focused machine that's slimline, lightweight and looks great, there is little to fault in one of the best ultrabooks (and best-looking) on the market.

HONOR MagicBook Art 14 2025: Price & availability

How much does it cost? $950 / £950
When is it out? Available soon
Where can you get it? Widely available

The Honor MagicBook Art 14 2025 will be available soon with several different iterations. No US pricing is available yet, but in the UK, it's retailing for £1499.99.

You can check it out on Honor's official site by clicking here.

Value: 4 / 5

Honor MagicBook Art 14 2025: Design

Specifications

CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 225H / Ultra 7 255H
Graphics: Intel Arc Graphics 140T (integrated)
RAM: 32 GB LPDDR5x
Storage: 1 TB or 2 TB SSD
Left Ports: Webcam dock, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, Thunderbolt 4
Right Ports: USB‑A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, 3.5 mm audio
Connectivity: Wi‑Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Audio: 6-speaker setup, DTS spatial audio
Camera: 1080p removable magnetic webcam
Size: 316.8 × 223.6 × 11.3 mm
Weight: 1.03 kg
OS installed: Windows 11 Home
Accessories: USB-C charger, cable, webcam, documentation

The quality of the build, style, design and materials really do stand out. Like the previous version that offered an attractive matte green surface, my review sample of the Art 2025 features a white ceramic finish that accents colours in different environments. It's instantly striking, sometimes looking like a flat colour and other times as though there's a gradient.

The size and weight of ultrabooks are always important factors, and here the machine measures 316.77 x 223.63mm x 11.5mm and weighs approximately 1.03kg, much the same as the previous version. Once again, the chassis is made from aerospace-grade magnesium alloy with a triangular topology that helps provide the strength of the design. Titanium alloy is used for the keyboard, and there's an aluminium alloy fan inside, helping to keep the components cool while also keeping the weight down.

Around the edges of the machine, there's a small but good selection of ports including USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, USB4/Thunderbolt 4, USB-A 3.0, HDMI 2.1 and 3.5mm audio jack.

The screen is one of the big features of this machine. At 14.6 inches with a resolution of 3120x2080, it's also a touchscreen and offers a massive 1600 nits of brightness, making it a great solution for use at a café or other outdoor venue.

While the laptop isn't designed for creative use, it still offers decent colour accuracy with 100% DCI-P3, 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio and 60/120Hz refresh rate.

Another feature I liked in the previous model that once again appears here is the removable webcam. This inserts into the side of the laptop and can be removed and popped on top as required. This means there's no break in the screen or thick bezel to house the camera, it's a great solution and one that obviously increases security as well.

On biometrics, the laptop features a dedicated fingerprint recognition key in the top right of the keyboard, enabling fast access when needed.

Design: 5 / 5

Honor MagicBook Art 14 2025: Features

Delving into the features of this ultrabook, there's a little bit more to this machine than most. Firstly, there's the ultra-slim design that houses the Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 255H and integrated Intel Arc 140T GPU. The machine is available in a series of configurations depending on your needs, with the review sample featuring a 1TB SSD and 32GB of LPDDR5x 8400MT/s.

One of the fetaures that I liked when I reviewed the precious version was the small detachable magnetic webcam. While the quality is relatively low at 2.1MP and a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080, this is more than enough for most conference calls. What I do like is that it can also be placed to face forward or backwards.

The screen is superb and fully touchscreen, and the hinge has been designed to enable easy one-hand opening and offers a good range of movement, although it won't lie fully flat.

In use, complementing the screen are the six small DTS audio speakers that give good depth of sound in line with other premium laptops.

Despite the sleek design, the keyboard and touchpad are full-sized, with only the up and down cursor key half sized. The touchpad is also large and responsive, with several preset gestures for volume, brightness, screenshots and more.

Alongside the impressive array of features, there's enough processing potential to take the workflow beyond spreadsheets. As this machine offers the latest AI-enabled CPU, it can handle more than most machines of this size. HONOR has ensured the internal cooling can cope and it stays impressively quite at just 3dB.

Overall, when it comes to features, from aesthetics, build materials to ports and connectivity, this is a machine clearly focused on those looking for a premium work laptop with plenty of power.

Features: 5 / 5

Honor MagicBook Art 14 2025: Performance

CrystalDiskMark Read: 7114.89MB/s
CrystalDiskMark Write: 6352.79MB/s
Geekbench CPU Multi: 2659
Geekbench CPU Single: 13615
Geekbench GPU: 32073
PCMark Overall: 5752
Cinebench CPU Multi: 14375
Cinebench CPU Single: 1970
Fire Strike Overall: 8436
Fire Strike Graphics: 9128
Fire Strike Physics: 27605
Fire Strike Combined: 3233
Time Spy Overall: 4323
Time Spy Graphics: 3933
Time Spy CPU: 9884
Wild Life Overall: 25169
Steel Nomad Overall: 839
Windows Experience Overall: 8.4

From the outset, the MagicBook Art 14 2025 impressed, especially with Windows 11 Home edition installed as standard. Opening apps and general use felt fast and responsive, and the quality of the screen and touchscreen responsiveness stood out.

One aspect that impressed me was the power of the small speakers, that despite the slim chassis, they delivered a decent depth of sound.

Opening large spreadsheets, I found that the increased resolution enabled easier viewing of more content than expected from a laptop this size. The screen throughout is a strong feature, with the 1600 nits maximum brightness allowing it to be seen in most situations, even outside a café. However, as is common with office-focused machines, the reflective surface did reduce visibility in bright environments.

For office and Windows-based tasks, including web browsing and multimedia playback, this machine performs as well as any I've used. This was reflected in a Windows Experience score of 8.4, one of the highest I've recorded.

RAM and storage are well balanced, and during testing, the machine easily handled switching between multiple apps. When using CapCut to edit a quick video, the speed of the SSD really stood out. While it doesn't quite reach PCIe 5.0 speeds, with read speeds of 7114MB/s and write speeds of 6352.79MB/s, it is still one of the fastest laptop SSDs I've used, this also means it boots up exceptionally fast.

As I started to push the system further, the CPU performance boost became clear. The Cinebench Multi result of 14375 showed that CapCut, Lightroom and Photoshop were all handled easily. Even with multiple layers and high-resolution images from the Canon EOS R5 C, performance remained good. However, storage became an issue, and I needed an external SSD. Fortunately, the Thunderbolt 4 port enables ultrafast SSDs, such as the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5, to be connected.

Impressed by the image enhancement, I moved on to video editing. iPhone 15 Pro 4K footage was handled well in CapCut, allowing fast social media edits with some complexity. However, switching to Log3 footage from a Sony A7 IV pushed the machine to its limits, and performance began to falter.

Having reached the limits for work, I tested a few games. I was initially surprised that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle loaded, but while initially playable, there were plenty of dropped frames and frequent crashes. Other newer titles also struggled, though I did manage a round of DiRT Rally.

When pushed, the fans do kick in, but they remain well-balanced and quiet.

The final note is on the 60W battery, which provided around 4 to 6 hours during multimedia, office and light creative work. For pure office use, I'd expect closer to the quoted 10 hours. Gaming would naturally yield much less.

Performance: 4.5 / 5

HONOR MagicBook Art 14 2025: Final verdict

The Honor MagicBook Art 14 2025 is an impressive ultrabook that will suit anyone looking for a powerful, premium machine for office and general use.

The aesthetics are stunning, and I think that this is one of the best-looking ultrabooks available, with a slimline design and lightweight build that means it will easily slip into a backpack or laptop bag without adding much bulk.

In the office or on the move, there are plenty of connectivity options, and while there's no network port, Wi-Fi speed and signal strength proved impressive during testing.

In use, the screen really impressed with its large, bright, crisp display and touchscreen functionality. I just wish it would fold flat or, better yet, fold over to be used as a straight tablet.

The power for most tasks is impressive. As long as you don't plan on playing the latest games or editing high-bitrate, high-resolution video, it can handle most creative applications. When it comes to Windows and Microsoft Office, this laptop handles everything with ease with the best Windows Experience score I've seen which was ultimately reflected in the real world use.

If you're after a premium ultrabook, the MagicBook Art 14 2025 is a great option.

Should I buy a HONOR MagicBook Art 14 2025?

Value	A premium laptop with a price and build quality to match	4
Design	The materials ensure that the laptop remains lightweight and strong, with one of the nicest finishes I've seen	5
Features	A strong set of features for a powerful laptop for general use, while remaining compact	5
Performance	Keeping in mind this is a high-performance office machine, it supplies power where needed	4.5
Overalls	Outstanding machine for office and general use with a great look and premium feel	4.5

Buy it if...

You need a work-focused machine.

Everything from the premium build to the hardware configuration has been optimised for business use and portability.

You need something small and ultra-light

The fact that this laptop is so thin and light makes it ultra-portable, yet it still offers good levels of connectivity.

Don't buy it if...

You're a creative

While this machine packs plenty of power, it shouldn't be seen as a creative option, as that integrated GPU and the storage will struggle.

You want to play games.

Again, while the Intel Arc graphics are exceptionally good for all-around use, they lack the power required for modern gaming.

For more professional picks, we've reviewed the best business computers and best business laptops around.

MSI Datamag 20Gbps portable SSD review

11:47 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: SSD, USB | Comments: Off

MSI Datamag: 30-second review

The MSI Datamag is a rare portable SSD that combines real-world speed with a genuinely useful design twist. The 20Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface keeps transfers moving fast and in testing the drive very comfortably met and exceeded its rated read and write speeds.

It’s quick to launch projects, back up big shoots and handle transfer tasks without fuss and is a notable step above 10Gbps rivals that top out under 1,000MB/s.

The standout feature is the magnetic mount. Snap it to an iPhone or any MagSafe-compatible case or use the included stick-on rings to park it on laptops, rigs or consoles. Cable management is easy thanks to the included short and long USB-C leads plus a USB-C to USB-A adapter for older gear.

The compact square shell uses aluminum as a heat spreader and the finned edges help the drive stay cool in sustained work. In extended stress runs I saw consistent throughput and no throttling.

Two quick caveats: you need a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port for full speed and there’s no stated IP rating, so treat it as a tough metal portable drive rather than a truly ruggedized model.

MSI Datamag portable SSD with USB-C cable and USB-C to USB-A adapter — The MSI Datamag uses a metal shell and connects via USB-C, though includes an adapter to USB-A (Image credit: Future)

Price and availability vary by region but it generally compares well for the performance on offer – especially considering the five-year warranty that adds some extra peace of mind.

If you want a compact fast drive that mounts neatly on a phone or workstation without extra fuss, the Datamag is an easy pick for everyday use. You can pay more for flagship USB4 drives that are a shade quicker or spend less on 10Gbps options but few match the overall blend of speed, thermals and magnetic attachment convenience.

MSI Datamag: Pricing and availability

How much does it cost? 2TB: $160 / £160 / AU$269
When is it out? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in most major markets including the US, UK and Australia

The MSI Datamag 20Gbps isn’t always stocked at all retailers, so start with your local MSI website and its Where to Buy page or check your country’s authorized retail partners for current options.

It’s generally easier to find in Australia and the UK while US availability varies by capacity and retailer.

In the MagSafe-friendly portable SSD niche there are only a few direct rivals and among 20Gbps-class drives the Datamag is competitive, but some almost as fast models do undercut it on price.

Value: 4 / 5

MSI Datamag portable SSD close up from front and above showing USB-C port — The MSI Datamag uses a tough aluminum shell (Image credit: Future)

MSI Datamag: Specs

Model No.	S78-440Q870-P83
Controller	Phison PS2251-U18
Capacities	1TB / 2TB / 4TB
Capacity tested	2TB
Tested sequential performance (Read/Write)	1642 / 1514 MB/s
Connection	USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) on USB-C
IP Rating	None
Dimensions	66 x 66 x 13 mm (W x H x D)
Weight	81g
Power source	USB-bus power
Warranty	5-year limited warranty

MSI Datamag: Design

MagSafe compatible
USB-C with USB-A adapter
Aluminum heatsink

The Datamag looks and feels purpose-built rather than being just another generic plastic-wrapped portable SSD. MSI uses a compact square footprint with trimmed corners and a radial brushed top that keeps fingerprints in check and gives the logo a low-key finish.

The aluminum enclosure doubles as a heat spreader and the ribbed edge detailing is more than cosmetic, helping the drive shed heat during long writes. It’s a tidy pocketable shape that doesn’t snag cables in a bag and the single USB-C port sits flush so it’s easy to pack.

The headline design trick is the magnetic mounting system. On an iPhone or any MagSafe compatabile phone (and that now includes the Pixel 10 thanks to Pixelsnap) it snaps on securely and for non-magnetic surfaces MSI includes two stick-on metal rings in black and white. That makes the Datamag handy on varied rigs, claptops, consoles and other devices since you can park it exactly where you want it and keep the cable strain-free.

MSI also bundles both long and short USB-C cables plus a USB-C to USB-A adapter, so you can go access it on older devices, or just have a bit of versatility when you run out of ports. The lanyard loop in the corner is a small but smart touch for tethering for extra security.

At 66 x 66 x 13mm (2.60 x 2.60 x 0.51 inches) and 81g (0.179lb), the Datamag carries a reassuring heft without feeling bulky. The square puck format spreads weight across a phone well, so it stays put during handheld shooting and the rounded edges keep it comfortable against a palm.

There’s no stated IP rating, so treat it as a solid metal portable rather than a true rugged drive. Overall the design is simple, durable and very practical.

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MSI Datamag portable SSD and magnetic rings — The MSI Datamag comes with two stick-on magnetic rings for attaching it to any surface. (Image credit: Future)

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MSI Datamag portable SSD from underneath showing magnetic ring — The MSI Datamag is MagSafe compatible so can be attached to device like iPhones (Image credit: Future)

Design: 4 / 5

MSI Datamag: Performance

Great performance
No throttling

Rated sequential read	1600 MB/s
Rated sequential write	1500 MB/s
ATTO peak read	1660 MB/s
ATTO peak write	1860 MB/s
Sustained read in Windows	1642 MB/s
Sustained write in Windows	1514 MB/s
Thermal throttling in 30-minute read/write test	None

Aside from magnetic wizardry, performance is the Datamag’s calling card and the 20Gbps USB interface and Phison PS2251-U18 controller deliver impressive throughput.

In the ATTO benchmark I saw peaks of 1,660MB/s reads and 1,860MB/s writes, while sustained transfers in Windows managed 1,642MB/s read and 1,514MB/s write. That’s comfortably above the rated 1,600 / 1,500MB/s and well ahead of 10Gbps rivals like the SanDisk Extreme and Samsung T7 that top out near 1,000MB/s. In comparison, higher-tier 20Gbps options such as the SanDisk Extreme Pro can read a touch faster at around 1,900MB/s and of course USB4 drives are even faster.

The aluminum body with finned edges helped keep temps in check and I saw no throttling in a 30-minute mixed read and write run. For large media copies, camera offloads and scratch disk use the Datamag feels snappy and dependable under load.

Performance: 4.5 / 5

MSI Datamag: Final verdict

MSI’s Datamag is a portable SSD that feels ready for real-world workloads. It’s fast in everyday tasks, doesn’t slow down on long transfers and stays cool thanks to the metal shell.

The square pocketable design is easy to carry every day and the magnetic mount and included rings make it quick to attach to a phone or other equipment.

Pricing is decent for the class and the five-year warranty is a great bonus. If you want speed with a smart attachment system, the Datamag delivers dependable 20Gbps performance in a compact easy-to-mount package.

Should I buy the MSI Datamag?

Value	Well priced considering the features	4.5 / 5
Design	Sturdy metal build with magnetic attachment	4 / 5
Performance	Excellent read / write speeds with no throttling	4.5 / 5
Overall	A very unique and handy drive with performance to match	4.5 / 5

MSI Datamag portable SSD close up showing heatsink style fins — The MSI Datamag has chunky fins in the aluminum shell to aid cooling (Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You’ll use the magnetic mount
There are cheaper options if MagSafe compatibility isn’t a key need in your usage.

Your device has a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port
To get the full speed of the Datamag you need a modern device with a fast 20Gbps USB port.

Don't buy it if...

You need absolute top-end speeds
The MSI Datamag is fast but there are even quicker drives if you need bleeding-edge performance.

You want a soft-touch drive
The Datamag has a tough aluminum shell and can scratch other gear if left loose in the same bag.

Also consider

Corsair EX400U
A faster alternative from Corsair, the EX400U is an excellent choice for those wanting USB4 performance plus MagSafe compatibility.

Read our full Corsair EX400U review

Ugreen 40Gbps M.2 Enclosure
This flexible option means you can drop in your own M.2 NVMe drive (2230, 2242 or 2280) and convert it into a fast USB4 external drive.

Read our full Ugreen 40Gbps M.2 Enclosure review

For more options, we've tested out the fastest external SSDs you can get right now.

I gamed for days on the Acer Nitro V 15 Intel, and its 1080p performance is great for the price – as long as you can stand the heat

5:24 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Gaming Computers Gaming Laptops | Tags: Battery Life | Comments: Off

Acer Nitro V 15 Intel: Two-minute review

The Acer Nitro V 15 Intel is yet another gaming laptop from the esteemed brand that promises high-end performance for a relatively modest outlay.

It has a fairly muted design for the most part, although the variegated lines and Nitro symbol on the lid hint at its potential. It’s quite bulky and reasonably heavy, but still manages to be more portable than some of its rivals. This is also helped by the omission of a rear ventilation bulge common on many gaming laptops.

It’s not as well built as the best gaming laptops, though. It employs less-than premium materials in places, and the flex of the chassis doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. In the main, though, it’s perfectly acceptable, and the important aspects, such as the keys and the lid hinge, are of a higher standard.

Most of the usual ports are present and correct on the Nitro V 15 Intel, although they’re loaded on the left-hand side; all you get on the right is the headset jack and one USB-A port. I would’ve liked to have seen a few more here for versatility’s sake, but this is a minor gripe.

The performance of the Nitro V 15 Intel isn’t exactly off the charts, but it’s more than sufficient for solid 1080p gaming. You’ll get around 60fps or above with high – if not the highest – settings in many AAA titles.

Acer Nitro V 15 open on desk with wooden panels, plant, and pink wall in background — (Image credit: Future)

The display impressed me with its vibrant color rendering colors and deep black tones. Reflections can get in the way somewhat, but its maximum brightness level is just about enough to mitigate the worst of them. It’s a small shame, however, that the lid doesn’t open all that wide.

There’s also a fair amount of fan noise, even when gaming with modest settings, although it’s still within tolerable bounds for the most part. Plenty of heat is also generated, which can be a little disruptive as it makes its way to the space bar and radiates from the right vent. It can also climb up to the display, which is less than ideal.

With its relatively low starting price, the Nitro V 15 Intel makes for a tempting proposition. However, there are some other great budget picks at this end of the market, including its bigger sibling, the Nitro 16. And if you don’t need the latest tech, the MSI Katana 15 (2023) is another admirable 1080p performer. But the Nitro V 15 Intel can stand proud alongside these as another reasonably priced gaming laptop worth the money.

Acer Nitro V 15 Intel review: Price & Availability

Starts from $899.99 / £849.99 (about AU$1370)
Available now
Budget end of the market

The Nitro V 15 Intel starts from $899.99 / £849.99 (about AU$1370) and is available now. It can be configured with an RTX 5050 or 5060, an Intel Core i5 or i7 of the 13th generation, and 512GB or 1TB of storage.

This is a good value for a gaming laptop with an RTX 5000 series GPU. It does face some stern competition at this price point, however – chiefly from its larger counterpart, the Nitro 16, which we think is the best budget gaming laptop around right now, and has the advantage of having a larger display (albeit only slightly).

If you don’t need the absolute latest components, then the MSI Katana 15 (2023) is another strong alternative with a reasonable price. It does have a few flaws, such as a poor trackpad and middling battery life, but there are worse areas to have made sacrifices.

Value: 4 / 5

Acer Nitro V 15 Intel review: Specs

Acer Nitro V 15 Intel Specs
	Acer Nitro V 15 Intel Base Config	Acer Nitro V 15 Intel Review Config
Price	$899.99 / £849.99 (about AU$1370)	$1,199.99 / £999.99 (about AU$1830)
CPU	Intel Core i5-13420H (8 cores) 2.10GHz	Intel Core i7-13620H (10 cores) 2.40GHz
GPU	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 8GB	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 8GB
RAM	16GB DDR4 SDRAM	16GB DDR4 SDRAM
Storage	512GB PCI Express NVMe 4.0 M.2 SSD	1TB PCI Express NVMe 4.0 M.2 SSD
Display	15.6-inch Active Matrix TFT LCD (1920 x 1080), 16:9, IPS, 165Hz	15.6-inch Active Matrix TFT LCD (1920 x 1080), 16:9, IPS, 165Hz
Ports and Connectivity	3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (Thunderbolt 4), 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1x RJ-45, 1x 3,5mm Audio, WI	3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (Thunderbolt 4), 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1x RJ-45, 1x 3,5mm Audio, WI
Battery	76Wh	76Wh
Dimensions	14.3 x 9.4 x 0.9in / 362 x 240 x 24mm	14.3 x 9.4 x 0.9in / 362 x 240 x 24mm
Weight	4.65lbs / 2.11kg	4.65lbs / 2.11kg

Acer Nitro V 15 Intel review: Design

Rear of Acer Nitro V 15 open on desk with wooden panels, plant, and pink wall in background — (Image credit: Future)

Minimal design
Reasonably thick and heavy
Well-made keyboard

The Nitro V 15 Intel adopts a fairly minimal aesthetic for a gaming laptop. About the only indication of its leanings is the multicolored linear pattern on the lid, which adds a small amount of interest to its appearance.

It’s a somewhat bulky, blocky unit and it weighs a considerable amount, although there are certainly thicker and heavier examples in this class. It also lacks the rear bulge for cooling purposes common on many gaming laptops, which improves its portability.

The materials employed throughout the unit don’t strike me as being among the most premium, feeling a little cheap compared to those of the competition. There’s also some flex to the enclosure for the keyboard and trackpad, but thankfully not to a disconcerting extent.

Thankfully, the lid hinge seems built to a higher standard, opening with ease and offering sufficient stability. It doesn’t open very wide, though, since the bottom of the lid hits the underlying surface if you take it even slightly past 90 degrees.

The keys are also a highlight in terms of build quality. They’re smooth to the touch and comfortably proportioned, as well as being generously spaced apart. And despite the inclusion of a number pad, the overall layout doesn’t feel cramped.

One strange omission, though, is the lack of an FN lock shortcut. Instead, you have to toggle this setting in the BIOS, which is very inconvenient – especially given there are no dedicated media control keys (they’re bound to the F row).

There are four rubber feet underneath the Nitro V 15 Intel that provide adequate grip and support, and raise the chassis from the surface by a small amount – but perhaps not enough for optimal airflow.

You’ll find most ports on the left-hand side of the Nitro V 15 Intel. The power port is furthest, followed by the ethernet and HDMI ports, and then two USB-A ports and one USB-C.

On the right there’s only a USB-A port and the headset jack. I would’ve preferred a better balance between the two sides – perhaps more USB-A ports on the right for connecting various peripherals, but this is a small gripe.

The power brick that comes with the Nitro V 15 Intel is pleasingly small, while the cable that runs from it to the laptop is relatively long, which makes it better suited to a wider variety of setups.

Design: 3.5 / 5

Acer Nitro V 15 Intel review: Performance

Fingers on keyboard of Acer Nitro V 15 — (Image credit: Future)

Runs AAA titles at very high settings
Maximum settings not attainable
Vivid and bright display

With the RTX 5060 equipped in my review unit, the Nitro V 15 Intel performed quite well, if not blisteringly so. When I played Cyberpunk 2077 on the Ray Tracing: Low preset (which the game chose by default), I was getting somewhere in the region of 60-70fps. I’m sure many gamers are happy to play at these rates (myself included), but those looking for figures in the hundreds will be disappointed.

The display does a commendable job of rendering colors vibrantly and providing plenty of contrast, with blacks being particularly impressive. It’s also devoid of the washed-out tones that can plague other LCD displays. It can be overly reflective at times, but thankfully there’s enough brightness to combat the worst offenders.

A fair amount of fan noise accompanied most of my playing time with the Nitro V 15 Intel, but this was nothing a good pair of headphones or the best PC gaming headsets couldn’t mask. As expected, heat was also generated, which can make its way to the keyboard, even after a short time playing. I found it particularly concentrated around the space bar, which can exceed temperatures I find totally comfortable handling.

Right side ports of Acer Nitro V 15, open on desk with wooden panels and pink wall in background — (Image credit: Future)

Also, since there’s no protrusion behind the lid, vents are placed in front of the display. And since the display housing reaches all the way down, level with the bottom of the chassis, the expelled hot air radiates onto the display, which isn’t exactly the best place for it.

As for the keys, their lack of dampening and surprising resistance can make them somewhat uncomfortable to game with, as I would sometimes experience fatigue when using the WASD keys for long periods. However, their clicky feel and short actuation point makes them snappy and responsive, which in turn makes them ideal for typing as well as gaming (their aforementioned size and spacing also help in this regard).

The trackpad, however, frequently got in my way while typing, registering swipes accidentally even when I made marginal contact with the palm of my thumb.

Performance: 4 / 5

Acer Nitro V 15 Intel review: Battery Life

Left side ports of Acer Nitro V 15, open on desk with wooden panels, plant, and pink wall in background — (Image credit: Future)

Middling longevity
Quick to charge

The Nitro V 15 Intel has a reasonable, if not spectacular, battery life. It managed to last six and a half hours during our movie playback test, and one hour and 37 minutes in the PCMark battery test for gaming scenarios, neither of which are class-leading scores.

Having said that, there are certainly gaming laptops with worse batteries, and thankfully the Nitro V 15 Intel is very quick to charge, taking about an hour and twenty minutes to totally replenish.

Battery Life: 3.5 / 5

Should I buy the Acer Nitro V 15 Intel?

Acer Nitro V 15 Intel Scorecard
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Value	It’s well-priced for an RTX 5000 series laptop, and it hasn’t skimped on the important aspects of a gaming laptop.	4 / 5
Design	It might not have the most premium construction, but it suffices, and quality is high in the areas that matter most.	3.5 / 5
Performance	You’ll get decent 1080p gaming at high settings, but maximum ones are beyond it. There’s a fair amount of heat generated, too.	4 / 5
Battery Life	Nothing special, but not the worst either. At least it’s quick to charge.	3.5 / 5
Total	The Nitro V 15 Intel does well in the most important areas considering its low price tag, and it can hold its own against other budget offerings in the gaming laptop space.	4 / 5

Buy the Acer Nitro V 15 Intel if...

You want solid 1080p gaming
AAA titles run smoothly on the Nitro V 15 Intel, and you won’t have to dip that far below maximum settings. The display is also impressive.

You want to save money
The Nitro V 15 Intel is very well-priced considering its spec and performance, and the compromises made are sensible – for the most part.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best battery life
The 76Wh battery can’t endure to the extent of some of its rivals, so those without a power outlet nearby might be disappointed.

You want the best gaming keyboard
Although the keys are great for typing, their short travel yet surprising resistance can make gaming a little fatiguing.

Acer Nitro V 15 Intel review: Also Consider

Acer Nitro 16
Our pick for the best gaming laptop for those on a budget, the bigger sibling to the Nitro V 15 Intel is an equally enticing proposition. It’s similarly capable and features the same 165Hz refresh rate, but you do have to sacrifice some portability for that larger screen.

Read our full Acer Nitro 16 review.

MSI Katana 15 (2023)
If you’re willing to go for an older model, the MSI Katana 15 (2023) is a fine choice. Again, the 1080p performance here is admirable, and its low cost makes it the ideal gateway model. Of course, you won’t get top-tier performance, and it’s hardly the most portable of units, but these are drawbacks to expect given the price.

Read our full MSI Katana 15 (2023) review.

How I tested the Acer Nitro V 15 Intel

Tested for a few days
Used for gaming, work, and browsing
Plentiful gaming experience

I tested the Nitro V 15 Intel for a few days, during which time I used it for gaming, working, and general browsing.

I played AAA titles and ran our series of benchmarks that test gaming and productivity performance, storage speeds, and battery life.

I’ve been PC gaming for over a decade, and have experienced various machines and components during that time. I’ve also reviewed a number of laptops previously, including other Acer and gaming-oriented models.

First reviewed: August 2025
Read more about how we test

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