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I’ve used the Galaxy S25 for a week and it’s the fastest small phone I’ve tested, but I’d trade some speed for newer cameras

9:00 pm | January 22, 2025

Samsung Galaxy S25 review: Two-minute review

Samsung Galaxy S25 held in hand at an angle to reflect the Samsung logo

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is polished, powerful, and predictable. Everything about the Galaxy S family has gotten a bit better over the years – the sleek design that is totally not an iPhone lookalike; the One UI 7 interface that looks much nicer even as it grows more complex; the bright and colorful display that draws you into every web page and photo. It’s all great, but it’s not very exciting.

The Galaxy S25’s performance is top-notch: this is the fastest phone you can buy at the time of its release, other than the more expensive Galaxy S25 Ultra. Unlike Apple, which hobbles its base model iPhone 16 with a slower processor, Samsung has ensured that the Galaxy S25 starts on the same platform as its larger brethren, with an identical Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset inside. There’s nothing this phone can’t handle.

That might be an empty compliment, because the Galaxy S25 just doesn’t do very much more than you’d expect a flagship phone in 2025 to do… not yet. At launch, Samsung bragged on and on about Galaxy AI, and all the ways this phone would get to know you. Maybe it will, someday, but none of that is here just yet.

Samsung Galaxy S25 from angle in hand showing bottom part of screen and USB-C port with SIM tray — (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

In fact, throughout the phone, the AI takes steps backwards. The Now Brief feature that Samsung wants us to use multiple times a day? It offers the weather, and news stories I really don’t want to read – at least Google Discover knows the stories I like. Even the health advice wasn’t helpful – get more sleep? Thanks, I’ll get right on that.

I used to be able to use AI to turn on the flashlight or activate my personal hotspot. Now I have to wrestle between competing AIs. Samsung said users won’t need to know whether they’re using Bixby or Google’s Gemini, so seamless will the combined AI experience be. In my time with the phone, however, that was not at all true. Many of the features I used to enjoy with Bixby are now hidden, because Gemini takes over the side button when you set up the phone, and Gemini cannot do half of what Bixby can do.

Bixby continues to improve, and it comes closer to fulfilling its promise of a voice interface. I can now ask Bixby to “help me charge my Galaxy Buds using my phone” and it will open the correct Settings menu for wireless power sharing. Sadly, Bixby itself is hard to find, relegated to the Search bar in the Settings app.

I can always put Bixby back on the side button, but then I’d lose Google Gemini features, such as they are. It’s easier now to talk to Gemini, and Google’s Search is more ready than ever to identify whatever you see or hear, whether that’s live in person or on the phone screen. Beyond that, it can, um… I’m not sure, exactly.

Samsung told me that Galaxy AI would do things like turn off the TV when I fall asleep, or identify the best thermostat setting to help me fall asleep. Yes, Samsung appears to be obsessed with sleep across its Galaxy range.

So where, exactly, is the AI? I’m using a Galaxy S25, and a Galaxy Watch Ultra, and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. I’m watching my Samsung Smart TV, and controlling everything, including my lights and thermostat, through Smart Things. So, where is it? Where are the suggestions? Where is the intelligence?

If Samsung is being cautious and not overextending Galaxy AI for now, then I appreciate the sensitivity and I will be patient. I don’t need AI-generated fake news headlines, or inaccurate summaries of my messages. When Samsung’s Galaxy AI summarized my phone calls or my Notes, it was very accurate, with no glaring errors. There’s no AI help for Notifications yet, sadly.

Samsung Galaxy S25 showing the Now Brief screen, with a finger covering some corporate information — (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

I will continue to feed my Galaxy S25 my personal data to keep in the Samsung Knox-secured Personal Data Engine, and hopefully its Galaxy AI will chew that up and spit out features that are tailored to my personality and habits. I can be patient, because, AI features aside, the Galaxy S25 is a satisfying phone.

The cameras on the Galaxy S25 are great, even if they didn’t get an exciting upgrade with more megapixels or longer zoom. Samsung’s One UI 7 software is the most heavily customizable version of Android you’ll find – you can change everything down to the number of rounded corners on your squircle-shaped widgets, or you can leave everything unchanged, and enjoy the colorful, smooth feel of One UI 7.

Here’s the thing. The Galaxy S25 is a great phone, but there are competitors that are finally catching up to Samsung. You can get a OnePlus 13 for the same price (with OnePlus’s trade-in offer), and that phone has better battery life and nicer cameras. The Google Pixel 9 Pro just got a fabulous new look; it’s more expensive, but I’ve seen that price drop to the Galaxy S25’s level for Black Friday, and its price will surely drop again.

If you need a phone, the Galaxy S25 is an excellent choice that will keep you satisfied for years. If you’re looking to upgrade from a Galaxy S24, you may want to wait a bit longer, because the Galaxy S25 offers only subtle improvements, and I’m hoping that Samsung freshens up the Galaxy S lineup with something more exciting next year.

Samsung Galaxy S25 review: Price and availability

Samsung Galaxy S25 in blue, silver, light blue, and mint green — (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Available for $799 / £799 / AU $1,399 with 128GB of storage (256GB in Australia)
All the colors are kinda blue, including Icyblue, Navy, and Mint (and Silver)

The Samsung Galaxy S25 starts at $799 / £799 / AU$1,399, which is not only the same price as the Apple iPhone 16 and Google Pixel 9 (the Pixel 9 is very slightly cheaper in Australia), but also the same price as last year’s Galaxy S24 at launch. It’s a big deal that Samsung didn’t raise the price, because I’ve heard strong rumors that the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset inside is more expensive than previous Snapdragon platforms. It’s worth the premium.

The Galaxy S25 starts with a paltry 128GB of storage in the US and UK, but Australia skips that low-end model and starts at 256GB. Also, for some reason US customers can’t buy a Galaxy S25 with 512GB of storage, although it’s not really an issue, as 256GB is probably the sweet spot. Every Galaxy S25 comes with 12GB of RAM inside.

You can find the Galaxy S25 in a few shades of blue and also silver, and Samsung is keeping a few colors exclusive to its own online web store, like a snazzy pinkish Coralred color. My review sample is Silver Shadow, and it’s a nicer-than-average shade of light grey, with real depth to the finish on the back glass.

An important note here is that Samsung fans often say nobody pays full price for a Samsung phone. You can look for sales throughout the year, especially in the form of a trade-in discount if you give Samsung your old phone. The Galaxy S25 is worth the list price, but keep an eye out for deals, and we will do the same.

Value score: 4 / 5

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Samsung Galaxy S25 review: Specs

Samsung Galaxy S25 on a stand showing the lock screen — (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The standout spec in the Samsung Galaxy S25 is the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset. It seems that Qualcomm has overclocked the two primary Oryon cores by 0.15GHz – and if that doesn’t sound like much, know that those cores run at a mind-melting 4.47GHz at peak, and it's hard to imagine squeezing any more speed out of these chips.

That gives Samsung the benchmark crown for many of our Future Labs benchmark tests, whether you’re comparing the Galaxy S25 to the iPhone 16 Pro or any other Android phone. The Galaxy S25 isn’t the spec champ in most other ways, but it has enough power for bragging rights.

You can find phones with screens that refresh faster than 120Hz, like the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro. You can get a phone like the OnePlus 13 with 16GB of RAM, not to mention much faster charging speeds; Samsung is still stuck in the slow lane when it comes to charging.

Finally, the camera specs haven’t improved, and that’s disappointing. It doesn’t seem like any of the three main camera sensors have gotten larger, which is the most clear sign that image quality will improve. Samsung’s camera software, with its AI help and Snapdragon image processing pipeline, is better than ever, but I’d still like to see Samsung focus its camera sights on a phone that isn’t its Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy S25 review: Design

Samsung Galaxy S25 from the back showing the cameras and Samsung logo

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Smaller than an iPhone 16, with a larger display
Still looks like last year’s Galaxy S (and the year before’s, and…)

The Galaxy S25 has a 6.2-inch display, but the phone is smaller in every way, and even lighter, than the Apple iPhone 16 with its 6.1-inch display. The greatest trick Samsung ever pulled was fitting a larger display into a smaller phone – but we saw that trick in 2023 with the Galaxy S23, and it’s still the same trick.

Sadly, Samsung hasn’t changed the Galaxy S design significantly since the Galaxy S23, when it introduced the porthole-style cameras. The new phones look so much like the older models, even the dimensions are unchanged. The Galaxy S25 matches the Galaxy S23 in height, width, and depth to within a millimeter.

Why does that matter? Because I expect a phone design should improve or the phone should drop in price, and the Galaxy S hasn’t improved. Why are we paying the same amount for a phone that hasn’t changed since 2023? Except for the main processor and RAM, these phones are identical.

It’s a good design, it gets the job done, which is getting out of the way of Samsung’s fantastic phone display. The bezel is even smaller this year, though we’re talking fractions of millimeters, not a noticeable improvement. There is still a bezel; it’s just very small.

Frankly, if you’d never seen a smartphone before, you’d have a hard time telling a Samsung Galaxy S from an iPhone. The two have come full circle to resemble each other again. The camera lenses are arranged differently, but otherwise, these phones are glass slabs with rounded corners. The only real difference is where Samsung and Apple stick the buttons.

Design score: 4 / 5

Samsung Galaxy S25 review: Display

Samsung Galaxy S25 showing my thumb on the screen and the fingerprint reader fails to match — (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Excellent, bright AMOLED screen with full-color always-on display
Fingerprint scanner is still glitchy

The Galaxy S25 has a fantastic display. It’s bright, colorful, and extra smooth when you’re scrolling through your apps or web pages. There’s very little distance between the glass and the screen, so it feels like elements are floating just beneath the surface.

Samsung displays also excel in bright light, and the Galaxy S25 was easy to use for taking photos on a bright, sunny day with heaps of dazzling, white snow on the ground. The extra brightness really kicks in when the sun is out, and it makes a big difference.

The S25 doesn’t get the ProScaler technology that’s designed to make videos look better, with a higher resolution, but I didn’t see much difference between videos on this phone and the Galaxy S25 Plus, which, along with the S25 Ultra, has the Samsung TV tech. In terms of color, smoothness and brightness, the two are identical.

I think the fingerprint scanner under the display needs improvement. After using the OnePlus 13 for a few months I’ve been spoiled by the reliability of that phone’s scanner. The Galaxy S25 often made me re-present my fingerprint two or three times, and then resort to using my password because it couldn’t recognize my finger.

Display score: 4 / 5

Samsung Galaxy S25 review: Software

Samsung Galaxy S25 showing the Now Brief screen saying it will be a Windy morning — (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

One UI 7 is the best-looking One UI in a long time
Still far too complicated, though Bixby helps

I expected to write a few hundred words about Galaxy AI on the Galaxy S25, but, um, where is it? The usual stuff is here, including the photo-editing tools, and the writing assistance, and the transcription for phone calls and voice memos. The phone does a nice job of making suggestions for apps, settings, and even widgets, when you open the widgets menu. It takes a light touch, offering suggestions but not being too pushy.

I was expecting more pushy. I was hoping for more pushy. Samsung sent me a Galaxy Watch Ultra to go along with the Galaxy S25, and I’ve been feeding my phone, via its Personal Data Engine, all of my health data for days. The most I’ve gotten is a critique on my sleep habits. I was expecting much more.

At Galaxy Unpacked, Samsung said the Galaxy S25 would use the Galaxy Watch to learn when I fall asleep, and then check Smart Things to understand how the temperature and lighting in my home affected my sleep patterns. I have all of those things set up, including my lights, thermostat, and Samsung TV on Smart Things. And… nothing happens.

I’ve asked Samsung, and they’ll get back to me with more instructions on how to set this all up, but that’s my big problem with Galaxy AI so far. It doesn’t happen, and I might need to do more to set it up.

Take Google Gemini, which now lives on the Side Button of my Galaxy S25. So long, Bixby, right? Nope, Bixby is still there, but you have to find it. If you use the Search feature in the Settings menu, you’re using Bixby. You could have kept Bixby on the side button, but the setup process pushes you to use Gemini instead.

Samsung Galaxy S25 showing the side bar with AI Assist tool — (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

That’s too bad, because Bixby is better for the Galaxy S25. Bixby can do things, and I don’t just mean setting timers and checking the weather. Bixby understands the Settings menu better than the Samsung Help Hotline. You can ask Bixby a question using natural language and it will find the settings you need. Say “Bixby, I want to use my phone to charge my Galaxy Buds” and Bixby opens up the Battery menu to Wireless Power Sharing.

You can say “turn on the flashlight” and Bixby can do that, but Gemini can’t. I wish that Bixby were in charge of the phone, including Gemini. Gemini can have a conversation, but Bixby can get things done. Let Bixby talk to Gemini for me.

Samsung said this wouldn’t be confusing, and that users wouldn’t need to know whether they were using Bixby or Gemini or some future AI feature. That’s not exactly true. If you ask the wrong AI to do something, it will act confused and ignore you. That doesn’t make me want to keep using the AI.

Elsewhere, I hate to say that Samsung is falling back into its old ways of software bloat with the Galaxy S25. The amount of extra, unnecessary software is mind-boggling. From Samsung, you get the Samsung Members app (which should just be a website), Shop Samsung to buy Samsung gear, and the Galaxy Store for apps, almost all of which are available on Google’s Play Store as well.

Samsung Galaxy S25 showing the folder of Samsung apps preinstalled on the devices — (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

You also get the Samsung Smart Things app, even if you don’t have any Smart Things equipment, and the Galaxy Wearable app, even if you don’t have any Galaxy wearables. But wait, there’s more. There’s Samsung News, Samsung Global Goals (?!), and an app just for Tips about your phone.

Then there are two photo gallery apps, one from Google and one from Samsung. Also two Calendar apps, two web browser apps, oh, and Microsoft gets to stick four apps on your phone as well, just for good measure. Hope you enjoy LinkedIn.

All told, there are 46 apps already installed on your phone before you turn it on for the first time; the final one of these, YouTube, dangles alone an unsightly second page for apps. It’s too much. It’s time for the junk to disappear; it’s time for the duplicate apps to end.

I will freely admit that Samsung Internet Browser is faster than Google Chrome, but it doesn’t benefit users to have two web browsers on a brand-new phone, it just confuses me.

Software score: 3 / 5

Samsung Galaxy S25 review: Cameras

Samsung Galaxy S25 showing camera app taking a photo of the Galaxy S25 Plus — (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Reliable cameras with great camera modes
Not the best quality, but still impressive

The Galaxy S25 has an impressive array of cameras that take excellent photos, especially if you love to share your photos for some dramatic effect. The cameras tend to saturate colors deeply and give images a warmer tone, which makes subjects like food, sunrises, and faces look more dramatic and inviting. It’s not exactly accurate, but who cares!

These aren’t the best cameras around, not even in this price range. The OnePlus 13 really impressed me with its image quality, and side-by-side shots taken against the Galaxy S25 show the Galaxy can’t match OnePlus for dynamic range, low-light exposure, and accurate color.

I still like the Galaxy Camera app for its versatility. You get the normal shooting modes for slow motion or portrait shots, in addition to a dedicated Night mode. There’s also a great Food mode that is my go-to for showing off anything I cook.

In classic Samsung fashion, there’s a Pro mode, or you can download an extra app for Expert Raw mode, which gives you even more advanced features like simulated aperture and astrophotography.

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Samsung Galaxy S25 showing a photo of me in front of a helicopter with some random people in the background — A photo of me in front of a helicopter with some random people in the background (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

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Samsung Galaxy S25 showing photo edited using AI — Photo edited using AI (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

I’m not the biggest fan of AI photo editing, but occasionally even I would like to remove a random passerby from my tourist photos. The Galaxy S25 is so good at this that it can even remove a person’s shadow with accuracy. If someone is standing on a wood floor, the generative AI will perfectly match the wood planks when it makes the shadow disappear.

Camera score: 4 / 5

Samsung Galaxy S25 review: Camera samples

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Samsung Galaxy S25 image samples from the different cameras — (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

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Samsung Galaxy S25 review: Performance

Samsung Galaxy S25 showing the Galaxy Store for apps — (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Snapdragon delivers on its performance promise
Too bad there aren’t more cool features to take advantage of it

What do you do with the fastest smartphone in the world? That’s the question Samsung needs to answer, because while the Galaxy S25 wins on many performance and benchmark tests, it’s not clear what the phone can do with all of that power.

To be fair, Samsung lets you choose to limit Galaxy AI so that all computations are handled on the device, and not in the cloud. It’s unclear if that saves a lot of energy, but it certainly shows Samsung’s confidence in the power of the Galaxy S25. OnePlus is still offloading almost all of its AI tasks to cloud computers, even though its OnePlus 13 has the same Snapdragon 8 Elite processor as the Galaxy S25.

Well, not exactly the same processor, as Qualcomm overclocks the chipset just a smidgen so that Samsung can add a ‘for Galaxy’ label. That makes it the de facto performance winner, though again I wish Samsung were putting all of that power to better use.

Don’t get me wrong, everything is very smooth. The interface is buttery slick, and all of my games and apps ran at top performance on the S25. I have no complaints - I was just hoping for a bit more. While One UI 7 looks nicer than ever, I was hoping for maybe something a bit flashier to take advantage of that powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite.

Samsung Galaxy S25 in hand from side showing volume and side buttons — (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Where’s my rippling screen when I tickle Bixby, the way my iPhone ripples when Siri wakes up? How about cool animations, or even a fancy screensaver? There’s a generative AI wallpaper that will change the weather in any photo to match your local weather, but it just adds snowflakes on top; it doesn’t let snow accumulate, which would have been cool.

It’s too bad that all of that Snapdragon power is going to AI features, because I would have liked to have seen some real advances in the interface this generation to match the leap in performance. Samsung has a winner – the Galaxy S25 is unequivocally faster than the iPhone 16. Now, let’s see what it can do with all that power, besides standing atop the winner’s podium.

Performance score: 5 / 5

Samsung Galaxy S25 review: Battery

Samsung Galaxy S25 from the bottom showing USB-C port — (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Best battery life of any phone this size
The Galaxy S25 Plus and Ultra have faster charging

The Samsung Galaxy S25 has excellent battery life, better than competing phones of this size. In my testing, the Galaxy S25 lasted a full day every single day I used it, even if I took a lot of photos or played graphically intense games with a Bluetooth joystick connected.

Our Future Labs tests say the same. The Galaxy S25 lasted longer than the similarly-sized iPhone 16 and Google Pixel 9. The iPhone 16 lasted less than 12 and a half hours in our battery rundown test, while the Galaxy S25 made it to nearly 16 hours.

You can find better battery life on a phone, but you’d have to buy a much bigger phone. For phones this size, the Galaxy S25 has the best battery life I’ve seen, likely thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which has gone hand in hand with impressive battery longevity in every phone I’ve tried, like the OnePlus 13 and the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro.

For charging, the Galaxy S25 is capable, but its speed is average. It charges at 25W, the same as the iPhone. It charged to 50% in 30 minutes, and was fully charged within an hour, but I’ve seen much faster charging on phones like the OnePlus 13.

The Galaxy S25 has wireless charging as well as reverse wireless charging, so you can power up your Galaxy Buds 3 Pro case by laying it atop your phone battery – and Bixby can help you find the feature if you get stuck.

Battery score: 4 / 5

Buy it if...

You need a really good new phone
If you’re looking for a phone this size, or this price, the Galaxy S25 should be one of the top options on your list. It’s a great all-around pick with few faults.

You can get one for free, or almost free
Samsung phones tend to come with great deals from your carrier, if you’re willing to sign a long-term contract. Not every phone this good is so easy to buy.

You want a great phone to mix work and personal use
The Galaxy S25 is great for work, thanks to DeX desktop software and strong multi-tasking, but it’s also great at keeping work separate from your fun time.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best cameras and can spend a bit more
You may not find better cameras at this price, but for just a bit more (or if they’re on sale), the OnePlus 13 and Pixel 9 Pro have the Galaxy beat.

You wish it were a whole lot thinner
The Galaxy S25 Edge is coming, and it will probably cost more than the Galaxy S25, but who knows? If it’s thin and similarly priced, it could be worth the wait.

You want a whole lotta AI, for whatever reason
I don’t judge – if you want an overwhelming amount of AI controlling your phone, you might try an iPhone or Pixel instead.

Samsung Galaxy S25 review: Also consider

Apple iPhone 16
The iPhone 16 doesn’t have the same great battery life, and its cameras lack zoom, but it has iOS and all of the powerful Apple Intelligence features you won’t find on other phones.

Read our full Apple iPhone 16 review

Google Pixel 9 Pro
Sometimes the Pixel 9 Pro goes on sale and drops to the same price as the Galaxy S25 – keep your eyes peeled for Pro cameras, and a bargain.

Read our full Google Pixel 9 Pro review

How I tested the Samsung Galaxy S25

I tested the phone for more than one week
I took dozens of photos
I played games and watched movies
I checked email and worked in Slack
I used AI features extensively
Benchmark testing is for comparison, not scoring purposes

I tested the Samsung Galaxy S25 extensively, alongside the Galaxy S25 Plus, for almost two weeks, using the same work and personal apps and accounts on each.

I used the Galaxy S25 for taking photos, communicating with work colleagues using messages and Slack, and conducting video conference calls. I played games, and edited photos from my Google Photos library.

I connected the Galaxy S25 to a Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, supplied by Samsung. I wore the Galaxy Watch to bed, and let the Galaxy S25 monitor me as I slept. I connected an Xbox wireless controller to play games. I connected the Galaxy S25 to my car for Android Auto and multimedia. I connected the phone to my Steelseries USB-C keyboard, my MX Master mouse, and my Dell monitor for DeX capabilities.

I used Smart Things on the Galaxy S25 to control my home thermostat, lights, security, and television. I used Gemini as my primary side button AI, but also used Bixby extensively.

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Coros Pace Pro watch review: Bright display and bursting battery performer

10:00 am | January 7, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: AMOLED | Comments: Off

Coros Pace Pro: One minute review

The Coros Pace Pro is a higher-priced model for the brand as the company sets its sights on the Garmin, Suunto, and Polar competition. As such you have a watch that's crammed with all the best features you'd expect from a premium all-sports smartwatch.

So why pay for this over a similarly priced Garmin Forerunner 265? Well, the AMOLED screen on this is the same one found in the Apple Watch with a whopping 1500-nits of brightness, making it a stunner you can read in all light conditions. It does this while remaining battery efficient too for a top class 38 hours with all sensors up and running, or a good 20 days of standby time – with a zippy two-hour recharge time.

It is a lot lighter than a lot of the competition too, as light as 37g with the right strap, yet is still made from robust casing materials and features a useful rotating crown button. The display covering does let it down though, as it's made from mineral glass rather than the hardier Gorilla Glass you'll find from the competition.

GPS and HR accuracy aren't perfect but will be more than good enough to serve most needs, and it's the best on a Coros device yet. If you want even more accuracy you'll need to pay more for the top-end kit or factor in buying a chest or arm strap HR monitor too.

Coros Pace Pro: Specs

Coros Pace Pro showing heart rate — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

Coros Pace Pro: Price and Availability

Coros Pace Pro crown button — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

$349 / £349 / AU$599
Cheaper than some premium smartwatches
Relatively affordable despite AMOLED

The Coros Pace Pro steps out from the usual business model for this company - of undercutting the competition - instead standing more alongside. As such it is more expensive than many models that have gone before.

The Coros Pace Pro is available to buy now starting at $349 / £349 / AU$599.

For all the specs this offers - including AMOLED display, multi-band GPS, mapping and navigation, and music onboard - this is a really well-priced option. The mineral glass screen is not as impressive as the competition and means it will be more prone to damage.

The watch comes in Black, Grey, or Blue options. There are silicone or nylon band options, which vary the weight from 49g for silicon to just 37g for nylon. The silicon comes as standard but these bands are in the optional extras section, charged at $29 on top of the standard price if you want a second type.

All decent, but when you consider you can buy a Garmin Forerunner 265 for the same price, which is a far more established and reliable brand, this price doesn't seem quite so impressive.

Value score: 4/5

Coros Pace Pro: Design

Coros Pace Pro display maps — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

Useful rotating crown
Bright AMOLED display
Super lightweight

Right from the outset the Coros Pace Pro feels so light compared to the competition, which is great news for runners and longer-distance triathletes. I did think it felt a bit less premium as a result, but once I got used to it I realized it's built to a very high-quality finish just with lightness in mind rather than flashy materials.

The watch features a stunning 1.3-inch AMOLED, with a whopping 1500-nits brightness. This is actually the same screen technology used in the recent Apple Watch models – meaning a very bright and color-rich display no matter the conditions. Even reading it underwater feels better than any of the competition.

Unfortunately, the use of mineral glass, instead of the sapphire crystal that Garmin uses, can mean more damage is likely from this less resilient material. Not that I got any damage while testing this, even with heavy gym use.

The watch is a touchscreen, which works fantastically well in a super responsive way, but there is also a rotating crown option. This doubles as one of the two buttons on the watch. Press and hold to unlock then push again to access the various sports which you can scroll through using the rotation. This is so effortless and effective that I found myself using that instead of the touchscreen mostly – keeping the screen lovely and smudge-free.

The second button can be touched to cycle through on-screen metrics, like steps, heart rate, sunset and sunrise, and more. Or press and hold that to access the system settings, alarms, maps, music, and more.

Coros Pace Pro strap in grey — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

The menus in general deserve a mention as part of the design section as they're clearly well thought out with a minimalism that makes use intuitive and – crucially – fast. You can go from locked to run tracking in as little as four button touches. That crown comes into use again when training as a quick roll can often be easier than using the touchscreen, thanks to that very tactile analog feel.

Round the back, you've got a new optical heart rate sensor with green lights, which also come with the more advanced red light for the detection of SpO2 data and even ECG recordings. Despite the case size moving up to 46mm from the Pace 3's 42mm, this is still compact enough to be worn comfortably on most wrists.

The charger is similar to Garmin's, but is bespoke. It uses a cable that plugs into USB-C so can work with many outlets and charger blocks too. All that and it charges back to full in just two hours.

Design score: 4/5

Coros Pace Pro: Features

Lots of sensors
Always-on display
Offline TOPO maps

Coros Pace Pro training load — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

The Coros Pace Pro is packed full of smart sensors meaning you can enjoy a broad range of tracking. That includes – deep breath – Optical Heart Rate Sensor, Barometric Altimeter, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Electronic Compass, Pulse Oximeter (SpO2) and ECG.

That all means this will offer tracking while exercising, sleeping, walking, and on-demand for things like SpO2 measurement. But it also means everything can be combined to offer smarter overall measurements and more effective feedback on things like training readiness or recovery needs.

That super bright display is also worth mentioning here as it's very clear even in direct sunlight, but won't cost you too much battery – with a decent 38 hours with all systems tracking. There is the option to go for always-on, or intermittent, with the former costing you about 6 days on that 20-day standby battery life. In always-on, you'll see the clock dimmed and it will brighten when you lift to look, as opposed to only doing that to turn on with the intermittent option. I found it super responsive either way.

Coros Pace Pro heart rate display — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

The inclusion of offline TOPO maps elevates this model forward over its predecessor. It means you can have maps and routes, although it doesn't offer auto re-routing when on the move, unfortunately. Much like the maps, which can be a faff to get routes loaded onto the watch, music is also a drag-and-drop affair as there's no offline Spotify support – although the 32GB storage is plenty.

Run-specific features are fantastic, with this clearly aimed at the racers or those who want to get to that level. You have a workout builder to plan training with dedicated plans, training status so you know if it's time to rest or get out there, a virtual pacer, and a race predictor. All really useful features that can be viewed both in the app and on the watch itself.

The watch does offer notifications for text and WhatsApp messages which come through right away and with that big screen, messages are clear and easy to read. Unfortunately, there isn't yet support for emojis, which might have been a nice touch given the AMOLED display.

Features score: 3.5/5

Coros Pace Pro: Performance

Coros Pace Pro tracking — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

Decent battery life
Fantastic display
Good GPS but average HR

To start on a really positive point, the display is stunning not only to view but also to control. Thanks to a new processor in this model that doubles the speed, the sensitivity and responsiveness are super-premium meaning accessing all the menus is a pleasure. The large and clear display is good for going through your data, including graphs, without the need to reach for the phone and app as it's so fast, responsive, and clear. That applies to mid-training too where even movements don't seem to put off that tactile responsiveness.

Tracking is good but not amazing when you consider how many GPS systems are at play here. GPS acquisition is fast and a helpful bar system shows you signal strength too. While tracking is very accurate over longer distances (5K+), you may find that shorter than that and with hills in the mix can leave you a little less clear. And cycling performance was a little off too, even over longer distances. We're talking meters here, nothing huge, but still not quite as accurate as the smarter algorithms that the competition uses to work out your movements. To be clear, it performs well compared to most watches – and is the best Coros yet – just not quite as well as the latest top-end premium offerings from more established brands.

Heart rate tracking is the other area that wasn't perfect. While some longer runs and gym sessions were well-recorded – compared to a leading brand chest strap there were some inaccuracies. For higher heart rate bursts or longer rides, the accuracy wasn't as good as it perhaps could have been. That said, I've found similar issues with higher-priced competitors so it's not a deal breaker – I'm just being super clear. Coros does offer an armband heart rate monitor which may help improve this output if high-intensity work is what you need to track very accurately – or you're working in zone training.

Coros Pace Pro app — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

Battery life is excellent with the 20-day standby time easily being reached or surpassed in my testing. Even training, with all sensors on and music playing over a Bluetooth headset, was still as good as predicted at 38 hours, if not better. I did use the watch with the display off when not in use though, so if you want the always-on display option expect the standby figure to drop by a few days. The USB charger and two-hour charge time combination do make battery something you won't really need to worry about often – which is the goal right?

Get into the app and you're met with clear, bright, and helpful displays that give you data in various forms without getting too complex as some of the competition does. I found it refreshing to have everything I needed there, with breakdowns available front and center, but without feeling like I had to dig around menus or be overwhelmed with too much information in my face. A difficult combination to achieve which Coros seems to have managed in record time.

I did have a few connectivity issues where the WiFi wouldn't work on the watch until I tried to sync a few times. Usefully you can also sync over Bluetooth, which takes longer but gets the job done. Hopefully, the WiFi issue will be fixed with updates although I've had two while testing this and it's still not working perfectly.

The silicon strap is super comfortable, very accurate to fit many wrist sizes, and it doesn't move about at all. That secure fit does mean it's a bit fiddly to get back on each time, so if you remove your watch regularly this might be worth keeping in mind if you're considering buying a different strap.

Performance score: 3.5/5

Coros Pace Pro: Scorecard

Coros Pace Pro: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You want a superb display

That 1500-nits of brightness on the rich AMOLED display is stunning and the responsiveness of the touchscreen is second-to-none.

You want better battery life

The battery life is long enough that you don't need to charge often, and can use it regularly.

You want comfort

This is super lightweight and a perfect fit with that strap making it ideal for longer distance training and sleep tracking comfort.

Don't buy it if...

You want durability

The mineral glass display cover isn't the strongest so you'll have to be careful not to damage it.

You want music streaming

Yes, this has onboard music but not streaming support for the likes of Spotify making loading up a bit more effort.

You want adaptive navigation

You have maps here, and navigation, but it won't adapt on the fly so it's not ideal for all uses.

Also consider

Apple Watch Ultra 2

A fully fledged high-performance premium smartwatch.

Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 2 review

Garmin Instinct Crossover

A dedicated sports watch tool, like a smart Casio G-Shock.

Read our full Garmin Instinct Crossover review

Huawei Watch D2 review: Blood pressure monitoring at its best

7:09 pm | October 21, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: AMOLED, Apple Watch Series, China, UK | Comments: Off

Huawei Watch D2 review: One-minute review

If we had a 'best for blood pressure' category in our best smartwatches buying guide then the Watch D2 would be instantly catapulted into this position. It supersedes the Watch D that was released in 2022, and is looking set to reignite a watch series that was otherwise going to be consigned into the depths of smartwatch history.

Blood pressure monitoring in a smartwatch is an incredible achievement, a reality made possible through an airbag strip located behind the main watch strap. At first, I thought the strip would get in the way and be too uncomfortable to wear on a daily basis, but I was wrong. It sits neatly as part of the strip and (if anything) provides an extra layer of comfort.

Blood pressure readings appeared reliable and accurate, although the watch did struggle relatively regularly to get a reading at all. It required a certain level of accurate positioning on the wrist. I appreciate it's a medical piece of equipment, but I'd like to see increased predictability in the Watch D3.

As good as the Watch D2 is for blood pressure monitoring, it is equally let down by its lack of advanced smartwatch features. At a cost of £350 (around $400 / AU$700), I'm disappointed not to see the ability to make contactless payments, listen to music through Spotify or Amazon Music, or even listen to audio messages on WhatsApp.

I know a lot of the cost can be attributed to the advanced blood pressure capabilities, but I think that has limited this watch to a rather niche group of people and their needs. Wide market appeal might therefore be lacking.

The watch is certified by both the EU's Medical Device Regulation body and China's National Medical Products Administration. This opens up an almost global market, but the distinct lack of release in the US might further hamper appeal.

Having worn this watch for a number of weeks, I'm left with an overall positive feeling. It looks great, performs well, and provides an adequate extension to my smartphone. There's still room for improvement, which I'm sure will come in future releases but for now the D2 represents an important step in smartwatch development.

Huawei Watch D2 review: Specifications

Huawei Watch D2 review: Price and availability

£349.99 in the UK
Not available in the US / AU
Also available in China

The Huawei Watch D2 is available in the UK at a price of £349.99. Blood pressure monitoring is certified by the EU's Medical Device Regulation body. The device is also available in China but that's as far as Huawei's market's stretch.

Huawei continues to be banned in the US, which seriously limits the company's markets. Otherwise, the watch isn't cheap and is missing a few key smartwatch features at this price point, although the revolutionary blood pressure monitor makes up for it.

Value score: 4/5

Huawei Watch D2 review: Design

Good-looking design
1.82 inch AMOLED
Thick watch

Upon taking the Watch D2 out of the box my first impressions of the design were pretty positive. The 1.82-inch AMOLED display takes centre stage, providing a substantially sized screen for showcasing watch faces, health data, and notifications.

The colour display has a resolution of 480 × 408 pixels with a PPI of 347. Text and graphics look absolutely fantastic with a high level of clarity, definition, and vibrancy. There were no signs of pixelation or definition problems.

The display is encased by a black or gold case, which frames the watch nicely. Considering how impressive the display is, it would benefit from a much thinner bezel, especially at the top and bottom of the display. The watch itself is sized at 48 × 38 mm. The aluminium alloy case continues back to the rear of the watch where a black plastic panel takes over. The thickness is 13.3 mm, although this is at the thinnest location and excludes the sensor area.

This is one of my biggest gripes with the watch design: like its predecessor, it's just far too thick. The sooner Huawei is able to recess that sensor further into the watch the more comfortably it will sit on the wrist.

To the side of the watch is a rotating crown and a function/ECG button. These perform well and enhance the overall operation of the watch. I did find myself using the touchscreen more than the buttons but they're there if you want them.

The watch is built with premium materials, giving significant strength to the quality and level of durability. I had no concerns that I was going to damage the watch or that any individual parts weren't going to stand the test of time.

There are two watch strap options, including 'Black Fluoroelastomer' and 'White Composite Leather'. I was testing the former. The material looks great and, more importantly, feels nice on the wrist. The locking mechanism provides a quick and easy way to take the watch on and off.

The blood pressure monitor airbag strip is directly connected to the watch strap itself. I couldn't initially see how this was going to be comfortable but, in reality, it provided an extra level of cushioning.

The watch ships with a wireless USB-A charger, which is better than most that I have tested. The watch magnetically connects to the charger and doesn't require the watch to be in any particular orientation.

Design score: 4.5/5

Huawei Watch D2 review: Features

Blood pressure monitoring
Extensive tracking capabilities
Lacks advanced key smartwatch features

The single biggest standout feature of the Huawei Watch D2 is the Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM). ABPM is delivered through a 26.5 mm ultra-narrow mechanical airbag that is attached to the inside of the watch strap. It inflates quickly and easily, providing everything required to take this vital health metric. The idea behind the feature is to provide blood pressure monitoring at will without a large cuff. So, whether you're working, exercising, relaxing, or sleeping, it's now easier than ever to perform ABPM tests.

The Watch D2 lets users run a 24-hour auto-monitoring plan. This is helpful for noticing trends across a whole day, including when you're sleeping. Do be prepared to be woken up through the night though unless you have a special skill of sleeping through the air-bag inflation.

Another relevant feature is the ECG analysis. Huawei have improved their technology from the Watch D, now providing more accurate and responsive results. If you're interested in this level of detail, then you can get the data required to help you identify the potential presence of common heart conditions.

Additionally, Huawei have included a sleep mode that includes heart rate, SpO₂, respiratory rate, and abnormal breathing tracking. As you wake in the morning, you can see detailed results through the Huawei Health App. It also includes white noise, natural soundscapes, and relaxing music to help you get to sleep.

The Watch D2 also includes a range of smartwatch features, including notifications, making and receiving calls, and listening to offline music. Unfortunately there are quite significant limitations, including the inability to make contactless payments, listen to WhatsApp audio messages, or listen to music through Spotify or other music providers. It's all got to be done through your phone.

Features score: 4.5/5

Huawei Watch D2 review: Performance

Accurate blood pressure monitoring
Good exercise tracking
Responsive display

ABPM is a rare commodity in a smartwatch, so I was keen to test the accuracy and reliability of the feature. Having set the watch up and got the watch and my arm in position, I proceeded to set the watch off on its monitoring. With the air-bag inflating, I was keen to see what the results would be.

I ran the same tests numerous times and gained very similar results, which showed a pleasing level of consistency. I'm aware of what my normal blood pressure levels are and the watch delivered results within that spectrum.

I did have some problems with reliability and at times, I couldn't get the watch to take the measurement at all. This will have mostly been down to my incorrect positioning of the watch but despite that, I would like to have seen more consistent monitoring capabilities.

Other health tracking metrics are measured with ease, as they don't require quite the same level of mechanics or precision on positioning. Its sleep tracking accurately detected all my wakings as well as times that I was in deep or light sleep.

I then took the watch out and about while I walked, ran, played football, and cycled. The D2 picked up GPS without any problems at all and accurately detected where I was located. All of this was displayed on maps and I experienced no problems with the watch getting this wrong. Metrics were all recorded and tracked without problem and the Huawei Health app proved a faithful companion for digging deeper into those.

Battery life is advertised as six days with normal usage. I experienced a range of different lengths with a greater range when I was only doing exercise tracking and basic smartwatch features as well as a shortened range when using it more intensely.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Should I buy the Huawei Watch D2?

Buy it if...

You want regular blood pressure monitoring
Being able to perform ABPM at will is one of the best features of the Watch D2. It's fast, effective, and a big leap in smartwatch technology.

You want a top-quality display

The 1.82-inch AMOLED display looks fantastic thanks to the 480 × 408 pixels resolution with 347 PPI.

You want great battery life

The Watch D2 has an impressive battery life especially considering what monitoring and tracking it is performing. Battery life does reduce significantly if regular ABPM is performed.

Don't buy it if...

You want advanced smartwatch features

There is a distinct lack of contactless payments and the ability to listen to music on streaming services.

Huawei Watch D2 review: Also consider

Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 is the best smartwatch for most iPhone users. It offers a Double-Tap gesture, all-day battery life, and excellent health features. Read our full Apple Watch Series 9 review.

Suunto Race S
One of the best watches for runners or athletes in general. Fantastic tracking features and a long battery life provide users with everything required to get exercising. Read our full Suunto Race S review

Huawei Watch D2: How I tested

I've enjoyed wearing the Huawei Watch D2 for several weeks and have tested as many of its features as I possibly could. I focused on blood pressure monitoring, ECG analysis, and exercise tracking. I tracked walking, running, football, and cycling to give a good spread of activities.

I paired the watch with the Huawei Health app to get the complete health tracking experience offered by Huawei.

Redmi Watch 5 Lite arrives with an AMOLED screen, Bluetooth calling, and GPS

12:08 pm | September 25, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: AMOLED, GPS | Comments: Off

Xiaomi's Redmi launched the Redmi Watch 5 Active last month, and today, the brand introduced the Redmi Watch 5 Lite. The Redmi Watch 5 Lite looks similar to the Watch 5 Active but packs an always-on AMOLED display instead of LCD. It measures 1.96" diagonally and is brighter with 600 nits peak brightness. Its resolution is also higher (502x410 pixels) and supports 200+ cloud watch faces, of which 50+ are customizable, and 30+ are always-on (AOD). The Redmi Watch 5 Lite runs HyperOS and is compatible with smartphones running Android 6 or iOS 12 and above. It also comes with Alexa and...

Garmin Fenix 8 review: Rugged, expensive perfection

1:17 pm | September 24, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: AMOLED, Garmin Fenix, LED | Comments: Off

Garmin Fenix 8: One-minute review

The Garmin Fenix 8 was perhaps the most anticipated watch from Garmin in a very long time, and the reveal didn’t disappoint. The Garmin Fenix 7 series has been consistently rated among the best Garmin watches ever, and the Garmin Fenix 8 is packing most of Garmin’s best hardware features that were introduced in the years since the Fenix 7 was released.

Features like an AMOLED display, a microphone and speaker for calls, and an LED torch for attracting attention or running safely at night (and, er, for seeing in the dark) have been folded into the Fenix 8.

It now has new waterproofing and an Apple Watch Ultra-style dive watch capability, cribbed from the Garmin Descent series. The watch can act as a working dive computer for scuba activities down to 40 meters, although in our exclusive chat with Garmin product lead Jon Hosler he revealed that the watch can actually go beyond that depth.

New, improved GPS means new software features: with a “dynamic routing” ability automatically generates back-to-start directions during running and cycling workouts, and if you’re running on a pre-prescribed route your Fenix 8 will intelligently compensate if you stray from the path. Purchasers get to choose between three different sizes, with an additional choice of a solar-powered memory-in-pixel display (a duller, more power-efficient smartwatch screen) or a brighter, more smartwatch-y AMOLED one.

Unsurprisingly, it’s a fantastic watch. It’s built like a tank without being too obnoxious, although it doesn’t deviate much from older Garmins (in fact, it looks almost the same as my Garmin Epix Pro at first glance). You know what you’re getting, and if you like Garmin’s existing stable of adventure watches, this is the best one yet.

However, that performance excellence comes with an eye-watering price tag, which is almost too much in comparison to its contemporaries. Almost, but not quite: I considered knocking off half a star, but this may well be the best-performing Garmin watch I’ve ever tried

Garmin Fenix 8: Specifications

Garmin Fenix 8: Price and availability

Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED watch on wrist — (Image credit: Future / Matt Evans)

Starts at $799.99 / £689.99 / AU$1,349 for cheaper 47mm Fenix E
Prices for 43mm Fenix 8 start at $999 / £949 / AU$1,699
Reaches up to $1,199 / £1,119 / $2,199

The Garmin Fenix 8 starts at $799.99 / £689.99 / AU$1,349 for the cheapest model, a 47mm model christened the Garmin Fenix E. The Fenix E is a version of the AMOLED display Fenix 8 with no solar charging option, 16 days of battery life, no torch, no advanced leak-proof buttons for dive watch activities (although it’ll still stand up to water exposure, with 10ATM waterproofing) and a stainless steel case, with no titanium option. In essence, it’s an AMOLED Fenix 7.

The full-price Fenix 8 starts at $999 / £949 / AU$1,699 for the 43mm AMOLED watch, which is a significant jump from the E, rising to the considerable sum of $1,199 / £1,119 / $2,199 for the 51mm solar-powered version. What you get for this is a big increase in battery life of up to 28 days, the advanced waterproofing leak-proof buttons, dive watch functionality, the torch, a more advanced heart rate sensor, and the option of an AMOLED screen or a memory-in-pixel, solar-charging screen.

The full-price Fenix 8 is incredibly expensive. Its performance is phenomenal, and the engineering behind it is equal to many an analog timepiece; but such a price is very hard to justify for all but the wealthiest sportspeople.

Value score: 4/5

Garmin Fenix 8: Design

AMOLED or MIP screen
New leak-proofing
Sapphire glass/titanium options

Structurally, the Garmin Fenix 8 looks almost identical to the Fenix and Epix watches that came before it. The Epix line was a version of the Fenix with that gorgeous, smartwatch-like AMOLED screen, but Epix doesn’t exist anymore – Garmin has axed the name and folded it in with the main Fenix line. The Fenix 8 inherits that AMOLED screen as an option, while the memory-in-pixel (MIP) screen is Garmin’s traditional duller, battery-efficient screen with Power Glass solar technology, which extends the watch’s battery life if you spend around three hours or more outdoors.

The screen is made of Corning Gorilla Glass as standard, but an upgrade to the harder category of Sapphire glass is available. Likewise, the Fenix 8’s case is a mix of tough polymer and stainless steel, but you can upgrade the metal components to titanium for an additional cost. These upgrades are on top of the already-steep price, but the base model should be more than sufficient for all but the most adventurous outdoorspeople. The thick, wipe-clean silicone Garmin band will be familiar to most, but it can be swapped with a trail-specific fabric loop like the Enduro.

Garmin’s standard combination of a five-button setup – Up, Down and Options buttons on one side, and a Start/Stop and a Back button on the other – and touchscreens work well as they have always done, while a new raised section on the right-hand side makes it look a little like an Apple Watch Ultra in practice.

Garmin’s widget-based screen layout is fast and intuitive to use. It’s easy to navigate through the watch’s options and add new apps, such as Spotify for offline music playback without a phone. You can add widgets through your phone’s Wi-Fi connection, making it easy to customize at home before you step out the door.

Garmin Connect, the watch’s companion app, is stellar, and as comprehensive as ever. It’s very granular, showing you lots of data points and workout-creation options – almost too granular for beginners. Then again, beginners are unlikely to be spending this much on a sports watch, and it’s all well-organized. There’s not much that’s new to speak about, but it remains best-in-class.

Design score: 5/5

Garmin Fenix 8: Features

New GPS functionalities
Dive mode
LED torch

Let’s start off with the new stuff. Dynamic routing offers a small quality-of-life improvement to GPS-tracked running, walking or cycling workouts, as you now have the option to enable Back to Start before you even head out the door. Simply set a distance goal for your run, then enable Back to Start and the Fenix 8 will generate an out-and-back route once you’ve hit around 40% of your distance goal. There’s no need to follow a pre-prescribed route until then, which is great. Dynamic routing also allows you to deviate from a route you’ve already created, rerouting you automatically while keeping your target goal in mind. Very handy.

I’ve not had the opportunity to test the new Dive Mode yet, unfortunately: after this review has been published I’ll be handing the device off to a writer who’s also a recreational diver for a more thorough breakdown of that particular mode. But like Garmin’s Descent series, you get a fully-functioning dive computer with gauge, nitrox, air and apnoea modes for recreational scuba diving and free-diving activities. It’s enough for casual adventure enthusiasts who may scuba or snorkel once or twice a year, and who spend the rest of their time running, cycling, or swimming.

The LED torch is the same torch as on the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro models, and works just as well. I’ve already used it to find my way twice in the dark at full power (admittedly, only to the bathroom) and I stick the red mode on at night to alert cars that I’m jogging on the sidewalk in the dark. It’s surprisingly powerful, creating a moving spotlight of red that illuminates the ground in front of me as I run.

Otherwise, a lot of the new advancements – such as more accurate GPS, topographical maps, the new heart rate monitor which promises to be more accurate, improved battery life, and leakproof buttons to enable all the dive stuff – is under the hood. At its heart, the Garmin Fenix 8 is an iterative update of an older, already-fantastic watch, and the smartwatch category as a whole hasn’t moved on very far since then, which means the Garmin Fenix 8 is still best in show.

Heart rate alerts, sleep tracking, nap tracking, stress tracking, respiration tracking and other holistic tools sit alongside Training Readiness, Endurance and Hill scores to make this an incredibly comprehensive health and fitness watch. Garmin Messenger allows you to directly communicate between devices using Garmin’s satellite network. There’s a smorgasbord of available widgets and functionalities which you can use to customize your watch, from shortcuts to services like Garmin Coach to a Tides widget for open-water swimmers and surfers. You can download music, sync to Strava, and receive (but not make) calls on-wrist. It’s practically perfect, with every performance tool you’ll ever need.

Features score: 5/5

Garmin Fenix 8: Performance

Accurate GPS
Long battery life
Advanced heart rate sensor

As I’m an existing Garmin user, the watch was easy to set up and use with my pre-existing Garmin account, syncing to Strava and Spotify immediately. We won’t labor the point here: the watch is good, and it works. Tested against an Apple Watch Ultra 2, it recorded a very similar performance and distance while on a 5K, and I found the differences in heart rate readings to be minimal, allowing for variations in algorithms and a different wrist. You can read more about how the Apple Watch Ultra fares against premium Garmins in my account of wearing the Watch Ultra and the Garmin Epix Pro during a marathon.

The Fenix 8’s display was bright enough for me to see clearly, and after a full charge, I almost drained it completely after 13 days of regular GPS workouts: a combination of running, strength training, and stand-up paddleboarding (and yes, there’s a specialist GPS-based profile for that, which even counts the strokes you make as you glide across the water).

I have yet to test its new cycling features, but I did test dynamic routing during a running workout, deliberately going off-piste (to borrow a skiing term) to check out its capabilities, and it performed fine. I departed from the route I had created with Garmin Connect, and it successfully rerouted me by the closest available detour within about two minutes. I also popped in my distance requirements and enabled the out-and-back routing on a 5K run, and it successfully kicked in just after the 40% mark.

Otherwise, the Fenix 8 tracked my sleep with good accuracy, successfully logging periods when I woke up during the night, and delivering a Training Readiness score during the day which tracked well with my previous few days’ energy levels, from an anecdotal perspective. The torch was nice and bright (as is the lovely screen), and I haven’t even scratched the surface in terms of all the features available to me during a training block.

Performance score: 5/5

Garmin Fenix 8: Scorecard

Garmin Fenix 8 watch on wrist of tattooed male — (Image credit: Garmin)

Garmin Fenix 8: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You love the outdoors

Garmin Fenix 8 has all the survival tools you’ll ever need, from GPS to a barometer and compass.

You’re a triathlete

Runners, cyclists, and swimmers will really get the most out of this watch.

You’re multidisciplined

Paddleboarding? Golf? Surfing? Skiing? Detailed, comprehensive and unique workout profiles exist for them all.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget

Even the cheaper Fenix E is not a watch for users without deep pockets.

Also consider...

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Nowhere near the same battery life, but perhaps the best alternative from a smartwatch standpoint.

Read our full review

Coros Pace 3

Our best value running watch, a cheap-and-cheerful adventurer's companion.

Read our full review

How I tested

I wore the Garmin Fenix 8 for three weeks, draining the battery down, sleeping with the watch, and testing it over several different kinds of workouts including running, strength training and stand-up paddleboarding. I compared it to an Apple Watch Ultra 2 (my litmus test for GPS and HR accuracy) during a 5K run, and spent time with the watch examining the settings and functionalities, both on-device and in Garmin Connect.

First reviewed: September 2024

OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite review: a by-the-numbers cheap Android phone

6:00 pm | August 11, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets OnePlus Phones Phones | Tags: AMOLED, Australia, RAM, US | Comments: Off

OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite two-minute review

OnePlus’ family of Nord CE phones remains its most forgettable, a fact demonstrated by the fact that I had nearly finished this OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite review before I realized that the TechRadar writer who tested its predecessor was in fact me. Way to make a lasting impression...

A much more affordable alternative to the various other OnePlus phones, including t=recent models from the OnePlus Nord line, the CE 4 Lite makes a few choice tweaks to its predecessor, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite, but does little more to actually impress. If you’re looking at it in a line-up of similarly-priced rivals, it’s not going to stand out much.

Let’s start by looking at improvements: the Nord CE 4 Lite has a smaller screen than its predecessor but it ditches the LCD in favor of AMOLED, making a marked improvement; it’s also quite a bit brighter, though that’s not saying much.

Another apparently loss is of a 108MP camera, though frankly the 50MP snapper that’s replacing it is miles better. It still falls just shy of ‘good’, with pictures that lack some color, but it’s still progress.

I’m also going to call out Aqua Touch, a feature OnePlus has been introducing to some of its new phones, which makes it much easier to use the phone screen when you’re hands are wet. It’s a small addition but it can have dramatic quality-of-life benefits to bathtime testers.

The Nord CE 4 Lite’s charging speed and battery size both trump the CE 3 Lite — and a few choice budget rivals, I should add — as an established OnePlus trait I’m quite fond of.

A few more minor improvements like the presence of an under-display fingerprint scanner, newer software, an IP rating (only IP54, mind you) and more storage space all mark minor but welcome improvements.

Not everything is changed here, though. The Nord CE 4 Lite retains its predecessor’s sluggish chipset, as well as its selfie camera, screen resolution and plasticky design.

These improvements do bring the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite more in line with what you’d expect from the price — that’s why this mobile gets a higher score than the 3 Lite. But ‘good enough’ isn’t enough to win the new smartphone a glowing recommendation.

OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite review: price and availability

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite against a green curtain. — (Image credit: Future)

Announced in June 2024
Single model for £299 (roughly $380, AU$580)
No availability in Australia or US at time of writing

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite was announced in mid-June 2024, and put on sale shortly afterward, although it was quickly overshadowed by the more premium OnePlus Nord 4, announced a month later.

Only limited availability has been announced for the Nord CE 4 Lite at the time of writing, but that fits OnePlus’ modus operandi: its Nord phones often vary by region. The CE 4 Lite has been confirmed in the UK, and could also come to Australia in the future given that the CE 3 Lite is on sale there, but it’s very unlikely it'll reach the US for the reasons stated above.

In the UK, you can pick up the phone in its sole configuration for £299 — that roughly translates to $380 or AU$580, for context. That’s the exact same price the CE 3 Lite released for, putting the mobile in the cheap phone market segment.

OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite review: specs

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite is an archetypal low-cost phone, and its specs match:

OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite review: design

Standard-looking Android in silver or blue
Plastic body and IP54 for protection
Has a 3.5mm headphone jack

It's hard to get away from the idea that the OnePlus Nord CE 4's design. That’s not a criticism per se, but the phone won’t win any design awards.

Measuring in at 162.9 x 75.6 x 8.1mm, it’s big just like most other low-cost Android phones. It weighs 191g so it’s not too heavy; its plastic frame and back are likely to thank for this — this material doesn’t always feel particularly premium, but it offers better protection than glass.

Talking of protection, the phone has an IP54 rating, meaning it’s protected against soft particle ingress but only against splashes of water, not more, so don’t try for any underwater photography.

The size of the phone means that the volume rocker on the right edge is pretty much out of reach unless you employ two hands. I found the power button, just below it, is within reach though. On its bottom edge, there's a USB-C port and 3.5mm headphone jack, but no alert slider here like on certain other OnePlus mobiles.

On the back of the phone, there are two vertical circular blocks that hold the camera lenses. Due to a reflective panel around them these actually look a lot bigger than they actually are; they don’t stick out too far and only open the phone up to minor wobbles when it was placed flat on a surface.

You can pick the phone up in two different color options, at least in the UK: blue and silver. As you can tell from the review photos, I used the latter, but there’s no difference beyond the hue.

What you might not gleam from that list of specs is that, despite its by-the-numbers build, the Nord CE 4 Lite feels pretty minimal in its design. You’ve got everything you need and nothing that you don’t. And your hand isn’t distracted by random bumps, levers and dials like on many other Android phones I’ve tested.

Design score: 3 / 5

OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite review: display

6.67-inch, 1080 x 2400 resolution
AMOLED marks improvement over predecessor
Aqua Touch for wet hand use

OnePlus has opted for a 6.67-inch AMOLED display on the Nord CE 4 Lite, which is the exact same size that the vast majority of Android rivals have, though AMOLED marks an upgrade over the 3 Lite's flat-looking LCD.

That’s also true of the 1080x2400 resolution and a refresh rate of 120Hz. The CE 4 Lite reaches the bar of what you’d expect at this price but doesn’t exceed it in any way. This is reflected in the experience of using the display: everything is clear and smooth, but opting for a pricier phone will get you brighter colors and a higher max brightness.

There is one stand-out display feature, but it won’t impact your viewing ability: this is Aqua Touch, a feature OnePlus has begun installing on its phones. This handy tech ensures your touch is registered accurately when you have moist or wet hands, making your phone much easier to use in the rain or in the shower.

Display score: 3.5 / 5

OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite review: software

Android 14 with OxygenOS 14.1
Two software updates promised
Good-looking user interface, but with bloatware

When you boot it up, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite comes with OxygenOS 14.1 pre-loaded — this is a fork of Android 14, with OnePlus making tweaks to Google’s stock operating system. The company has promised two years of updates (so, to Android 16) and three of security updates. That’s not a huge amount but it’s certainly better than nothing.

OxygenOS continues to be a popular user interface amongst phone fans, and I think I get it: it has a distinct look, with a unique font and style that makes it distinct but ensures icons and buttons are easily understandable.

Loads of cool features are included like Zen Space, which lets you lock your phone to concentrate, and a hearty offering of customization offers.

Also on the table are a boat-load of pre-installed apps, which is a little less impressive. It’s the usual offenders like LinkedIn, Netflix, Facebook, Amazon Shopping and AliExpress, as well as a few games. There’s nothing especially heinous, considering how many cheap phones come stuffed with annoying extras you need to download, but fans can and should complain about this.

Software score: 3.5 / 5

OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite review: cameras

50MP main and 2MP depth cameras, with 16MP on front
Pictures a clear but a little dull
Standard arsenal of extra modes

To put it politely, cameras clearly aren’t a focus for the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite — it has the mandatory amount (and one straggler) of snappers.

The main camera comprises a 50-megapixel, f/1.8 sensor; if you’ve been considering many options in the budget phone market you’ve probably seen this same tech on… well, most phones these days. The main camera is joined by a 2MP, f/2.4 companion that, from my testing, doesn’t seem to do a whole lot — autofocus seemed just as quick and just as accurate when I covered up this part with some sticky tape.

Photos taken on the phone are fine: they’re light and detailed enough for you to see your subject without any rogue errors or massive problems. However, the photos aren’t exactly colorful, as you can see from the camera samples section, and I found that there were contrast issues in some shots.

Sometimes in phones, AI-powered scene optimization can save the day, but I didn’t notice much of that to speak of in the Nord CE 4 Lite. As I said, photos are fit for everyday use but they’ll never elicit a ‘wow’.

OnePlus has granted CE 4 Lite users access to a magic eraser feature, which isn't all that commonplace in phones at this price point. It works reasonably well, as long as you bear in mind the phone's processing power (which is limited) and only give the AI easy tasks.

The lack of an ultra-wide camera means you get what you’re given when you point the phone at a subject, and can’t digitally step back to view more of a scene. I’d say the same about the lack of a telephoto camera for zoom, but was pleasantly surprised with digital zoom; the fact you can only go up to 10x this way means you’re getting a fair amount of detail at maximum range.

On the front of the phone is a 16MP, f/2.4 camera, and most of what I said about the rear camera applies here too. Pictures are clear but lack vibrancy, and I also found that even the briefest amount of sun would blow out selfies.

There’s the bare minimum of extra modes here: photographers get portrait, pro, night and panorama options while videographers get dual-view, time-lapse and slow-mo. In normal video mode, you can go up to 1080p and 30 frames per second.

OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite camera samples

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Camera score: 2.5 / 5

OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite: performance and audio

Snapdragon 695 doesn't provide much power
8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage
Stereo speakers plus 3.5mm headphone jack

One of my biggest gripes with the Nord CE 3 Lite’s predecessor was its weak processor, and the company’s response was evidently to use the exact same piece of kit in this new phone.

That’s the Snapdragon 695 chip, a stalwart of budget mobiles for any years now. In the Geekbench 6 benchmark test it returned a multi-core score of 1,968, which isn’t exactly blazing fast.

When playing top-end titles I occasionally noticed the odd lag or stutter, and during intense action I found that inputs could sometimes be a little delayed. However, in the interests of fairness I should say that my issues didn’t feel as dramatic as with the CE 3 Lite, despite them using the same processor.

Like its older sibling, the Nord CE 4 Lite has 8GB of RAM. But it’s seen a storage size increase up to 256GB, so you can fit a lot more on the phone – bear in mind that this is all for the same price as last year’s model. That’s a nice upgrade.

In terms of audio, the Nord has a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you can plug in wired headphones. Its Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity isn’t quite on par with the 5.2 to 5.4 standards you see on most smartphones these days, but the differences will be negligible beyond the distance you can listen at from your phone.

The stereo speakers are as tinny as you’d expect on your smartphone, but are fine for listening to voice notes, social media videos and the like.

Performance score: 3 / 5

OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite review: battery life

Long-lasting 5,110mAh battery
Lasts over a day of use
Nice fast 80W charging

If there’s one trait that you can rely on with all budget phones, it’s their battery life — space saved on fancy internals can instead be used on a larger battery, and the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite is no exception.

The phone packs a 5,110mAh battery, marking it as one of the new wave of budget phones that jumps up from the previous standard 5,000mAh battery.

Having this much juice ensures that the Nord easily lasts through a day of use, whether you’re just checking the weather or are laid up with a cold playing Call of Duty: Mobile all day.

In my most intensive testing days, the Nord had at least a quarter of its charge upon a second day of use, and that number was higher when I hadn’t been using the phone much the prior day. I don’t imagine you’d be able to see the phone through two days of use without charging it under any circumstances, but its lasting power was still admirable.

Equally laudable is its charging speed: 80 watts of power delivery ensure that the phone will go from empty to full in just over half an hour. You’ll need a compatible charger of course, and in the box you’ll only get a USB-A to USB-C cable.

The handset offers reverse wireless charging, so you can plug a cable into the phone and use it to charge another device. This will require a cord that’s USB-C to whatever you need, whether it’s another USB-C device, micro USB or Lightning.

Battery score: 4 / 5

OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite review: value

You’re basically getting what you pay for with the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite, just like with its predecessor and basically the entirety of the Nord line.

So you won’t pick up the CE 4 Lite and feel cheated: its screen, speed, battery life and camera prowess all roughly fit what you should be expecting given its price tag.

However if you have a budget that’ll stretch a little higher, know that you will be able to buy a better phone without having to shell out that much more cash.

Value score: 3.5 / 5

Should you buy the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite?

Buy it if...

You need a long battery life
Don't get many opportunities to charge your phone? The Nord CE 4 Lite's power might make it a reliable pick.

You want OxygenOS on a budget
If you've heard tell of OxygenOS and want to try it, the CE 4 Lite is one of the cheapest OnePlus phones out there right now.

You text with wet hands
I may sound like I'm being sarcastic, but I'm not: Aqua Touch is really useful in day-to-day use. You can use the Nord in the rain or in the bath.

Don't buy it if...

You like taking photos
Budding phone photographers will only be disappointed by the Nord CE 4 Lite's disappointing camera hardware and feature set.

You're a mobile gamer
You're not going to get blazing power for games on the Nord. In the competitive budget mobile world, it's one of the weaker cheap phones out there.

OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite review: Also consider

While largely positive, this OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite review should make it clear that the phone has issues. So here are some other options you may want to consider:

How I tested the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite

Review test period = 2.5 weeks
Testing included = Everyday usage, including web browsing, social media, photography, video calling, gaming, streaming video, music playback
Tools used = Geekbench 6, Geekbench ML, GFXBench, native Android stats

I tested the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite for about three weeks, and the testing was done alongside the contemporary Nord 4.

The testing process involves both real-word use (taking photos, making calls, playing games, streaming Netflix) and some lab tests (benchmarking, battery tests and software checks) to give a well-rounded view of the device.

I've been reviewing smartphones for TechRadar since early 2019, and in that time have used plenty of mobiles from OnePlus, as well as other devices in the price segment. As stated in the intro, I tested the Nord CE 3 Lite.

Oppo Reno 12 Pro two-minute review

With its latest mid-range Android phone, Oppo seems to be going after Google’s latest affordable camera phone the Pixel 8a with a similar range of smart AI photography features. And it’s a great attempt, with some solid magic eraser action and a few other cool tools, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

The Oppo Reno 12 Pro is the latest entry in Oppo’s middle tier of smartphones, the Reno range, which sits below the top-end Find mobiles and above the A line. The Reno family offer mobiles at middling prices with some impressive features but with corners cut, and generally only the even-numbered options launch in the West.

I tested the Oppo Reno 10 when that came out just under a year prior to the 12 series, and the newest member of the line comes on leaps and bounds thanks to its improved camera sensors (and faster charging). It’s a shame that Oppo has ditched the curved-edge look of the Reno 10 series though, which makes the phones much more comfortable to hold.

Sitting just above the Oppo Reno 12, the Pro distinguishes itself from its sibling and from many other mid-rangers in one key way: it has a telephoto camera lens for zoom photography.

This camera hardware brings huge benefits to the photography potential of the Reno; you can take better portrait, macro and long-distance pictures than on any similar-priced rival thanks to the presence of a zoom camera.

If you want a great camera phone that doesn’t cost as much as the iPhone 15 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S24 or OnePlus 12, the Reno 12 Pro will be a blessing. Even the Pixel 8a doesn't have a telephoto lens.

The signature selling points here, though, are the AI photography features. While top-end mobiles have had these for a while, it’s taking time for them to trickle down to mid-rangers in any serious way, but the Reno performs admirably in this department. It’s great at removing background people from your photos, whether it’s vanishing a lone wanderer or bigger crowds, and replacing them with a background so realistic you’ll forget which image is real.

It’s slower to use than the Pixel alternative, but that’s not the end of the world. And I’d say this is one of the best Pixel 8a rivals for people who don’t want a Google phone or want a zoom camera on their mobile.

The Oppo charges quickly, lasts for ages, and feels pretty snappy for gaming. Its display is big and attractive, while being fairly easy to use one-handed. Best of all, you’re getting all these features at a really competitive price.

It’s not the perfect phone though, showing some signs of its mid-range positioning. I was frustrated by how many pre-installed apps (bloatware) clutter up the phone when you first turn it on, making your first 15 minutes a game of ‘weird-knock-off-app-whack-a-mole’ as you try to delete them all. The design also feels a little cheap, even though it emulates the two-texture Pixel back on certain color options.

Even with those issues I can recommend the Reno 12 Pro as one of the best mobiles at its price, especially if you’re looking for an affordable camera phone that won’t break the bank. And with the possibility of software updates bringing improvements to the AI, the handset could prove to be a real rival of the Pixel 8a in the future.

Oppo Reno 12 Pro review: price and availability

The Oppo Reno 12 Pro on a gray and white background. — (Image credit: Future)

Released in UK and AU in June 2024
Costs £499 / AU$999 (roughly $640) for sole variant
Different versions of mobile in different regions

The Oppo Reno 12 Pro has seen a few different releases in different parts of the world, and of slightly different phones too. The western version of the mobile, which I tested, was announced in mid-June 2024.

You can buy the phone for £499 / AU$999 (roughly $640) cementing this firmly in the mid-range phone bracket. Oppo generally doesn’t sell its smartphones in the US and evidently, that’s unchanged with the Reno.

There’s only one version of the phone available in the UK, with 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, though a reduced-storage model is available in other regions. Oppo’s website also sells one color, even though it offers a different one on Amazon.

At that price, you can see why I compared this mobile to the Google Pixel 8a – that costs $499 / £499 / AU$849, so it’s a really close rival. Other mobiles at this rough price point include the iPhone SE, Samsung Galaxy A55 and Xiaomi 13T.

Oppo Reno 12 Pro review: specs

The Oppo Reno 12 Pro has roughly mid-range specs, and here's what we're playing with:

Oppo Reno 12 Pro review: design

Big but thin and light
Plastic body feels cheap
Three color options but depends on region

If you were to pick up the Oppo Reno 12 Pro without knowing what it was, you might confuse it with a Moto or Nokia phone — it gives off budget ‘vibes’. This is mostly down to the plastic frame and back of the body, the latter of which has a two-texture partition that closely resembles a Google Pixel a phone of yore.

Measuring 161.5 x 74.8 x 7.4mm it’s wider than a Pixel, though it’s nice and thin so it won’t weigh you down like a really big phone will. On that topic it weighs 180g which isn’t much for its size – the first time I picked it up I was surprised as I expected it to be heavier.

No 3.5mm headphone jack in sight — there’s a USB-C port for all your connectivity needs instead. The power button and volume rocker are both on the right edge of the device, well within reach for people with average-sized hands.

On the back of the phone, the camera bump protrudes slightly from the panel; it doesn’t stick out so far that I’ll get caught on the side of your pocket as you slip it in.

The screen houses an under-display fingerprint scanner and it worked reliably, although if I’d last used the phone on an app that requires a horizontal orientation (for example, a game), the scanner would appear at 90 degrees to where it should, oddly.

The phone is available Space Brown (black), Sunset Gold (rose) or Nebula Silver (pinkish silver) hues, though depending on your region not all options may be available. I tested the former which is why I know it’s black and not brown.

An IP65 rating ensures that the phone is protected from dust and fine particles, as well as water splashes like rain or an accidental hit from the garden hose. It won’t stand up to immersion in water though, so don’t drop it in, say, a bath.

Design score: 3 / 5

Oppo Reno 12 Pro review: display

6.7-inches with 1080 x 2412 resolution
AMOLED display shows punchy colors
120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling

The Oppo Reno 12 Pro screen clocks in at 6.7 inches diagonally, so it’s a nice big phone — a hand-stretcher for sure, but big too for your Netflix or gaming needs.

The resolution is 1080 x 2412, or FHD+, the same as you’ll see in almost every phone save for the cheapest or priciest rivals. It’s the resolution that most apps output at, so you don’t really need more pixels anyway.

The display refresh rate hits 120Hz, which again is pretty standard for most smartphone in this day and age. It ensures that motion feels nice and smooth when you’re scrolling around the menu, and on supported apps it has the same effect.

A few extra specs make sure that the screen displays vibrant colors: it uses AMOLED tech and supports HDR10+, with a color gamut spanning a billion colors and a fairly high max brightness of 1,200 nits.

Display score: 4 / 5

Oppo Reno 12 Pro review: software

Android 14 with Oppo's ColorOS laid over the top
No confirmed number of software updates
A huge number of pre-installed apps

And here I was thinking the bloatware infestation on Chinese Android phones was going away: when you boot up the Oppo Reno 12 Pro it’s chock-full of pre-installed apps. There are big names like Netflix, Facebook and TikTok, games I’d never heard of in a folder titled ’Must Play’, countless Oppo-made apps that don’t have an obvious function and even apps titled in Chinese characters that I just don’t understand.

It’s hard to feel like a phone is ‘yours’ when, upon first booting it up, you’re met with an array quite like this.

It’s a shame, too, because under the layers of tacky bloatware ColorOS (Oppo’s own Android fork) is decent. With the Reno 12 Pro you’re getting ColorOS 13.1 by default, laid over Android 14, though Oppo has been quiet about how many Android updates the phone will get.

There’s a wide range of customization options for things like font, always-on display, the layout of the quick settings menu (the swipe-down one) and the edge lighting when you get a notification.

This quick settings menu has a pretty easy-to-understand layout, more so than on most Android forks, so you can easily toggle whatever function you want quickly. The phone also has an app drawer so by default, your phone’s main menu pages look relatively clean.

Software score: 2.5 / 5

Oppo Reno 12 Pro review: cameras

50MP main, 50MP telephoto and 8MP ultra-wide cameras
50MP selfie camera rounds out the suite
Magic eraser AI tool is useful for spritzing up pictures

Oppo named one of its first Reno phones the ‘Reno 10x Zoom’ before promptly dropping telephoto cameras from the series; well zooming is back and better than ever in the Reno 12 Pro.

I’m getting ahead of myself; the main snapper is a 50MP f/1.8 unit with a few bells and whistles like PDAF (for quick focusing) and OIS (which compensates for your shaky hands).

Pictures taken on the main camera are nice and bold and bright. Maybe they lose a little more detail in darker areas than I’d like but the vibrancy of colors more than makes up for it. Focusing was a little more scattershot than I’m used to with PDAF though and I found myself jumping into the Pro app once or twice just to have better control over it. Overall, though, this is a nice camera that returns pleasing social media-ready pics.

Its 50MP companion is the f/2.0 telephoto lens, which supports 2x optical zoom — that’s not quite the 5x of the optical zoom but it’s still a breath of fresh air given how few mid-range mobiles include zoom cameras at all.

When analysing my camera samples to write this section, I kept needing to refer to the metadata to remember which were the zoomed-in snaps – this is to say that they look great, missing on loads of the tell-tale signs of other phone camera zooms like grain, washed-out colors, a lack of dynamic range or a different color profile than the comparable 1x image.

While 2x zoom is the optical limit you can go up to 5x hybrid or 20x digital zoom, and pictures taken on the latter actually look decent. You could easily use some of the 20x snaps I took on social media – I know because I did.

The third rear camera drops the resolution considerably. It’s an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera with a 112-degree field of view — as you can imagine pictures are a little lower-res than on the main camera, so you’re missing some quality, and they are a little less vibrant too. This lens can be used sparingly and situationally and ignored most of the rest of the time.

We jump back up to 50MP for the f/2.0 front camera, so you can expect high-res selfies.

Selfies look bright and detailed, with fairly realistic-looking color replication. Jump into Portrait mode and there’s mostly (though not always totally) accurate bokeh background blur (sometimes I lost some hairs). However the default beautification is very zealous about smoothing over your skin so I’d recommend playing around with it a bit.

Oppo has been putting the Reno 12 Pro’s AI photo features at the forefront of its marketing, in a clear attempt to rival the offerings Google includes with its Pixel phones. According to the marketing, it has tools to remove unwanted background elements of photos, save aspects of a snap as stickers, open closed eyes in selfies, add clarity and upscaling to objects or completely change a selfie into a different art style or location.

I say ‘according to the marketing’ because the current version of the software as of my testing of the mobile (July 2024) only has the first two… at least, as far as I could find. Maybe they’re hidden deep in menus but I did a lot of searching to find them.

The smart features present are pretty smart, though, as long as you’ll forgive them being a little slow to use in certain circumstances. Magic eraser is easy to use and you can select individual objects to delete or a ‘mass erasure’ option that identifies all humans in the background. It’s really accurate too.

Equally accurate is the replication part, so when you remove a person from your picture, the phone is great at identifying what should be there and filling in the blanks. Even if a person straddles different backgrounds, there’s no problem.

Beyond the smart features, you’re getting the same features that most modern mobiles have: Pro, Portrait, Night, Full-Res, Slow-Mo, Time-Lapse round out what you’re used to.

In terms of video, you can record up to 4K at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps on the front or rear cameras; don’t expect 8K recording here.

Oppo Reno 12 Pro camera samples

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A selfie with the Oppo Reno 12 Pro — A selfie taken on the Oppo Reno 12 Pro with standard mode (Image credit: Future)

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A selfie in portrait mode with the Oppo Reno 12 Pro — A selfie taken on the Oppo Reno 12 Pro with Portrait mode (Image credit: Future)

Camera score: 4 / 5

Oppo Reno 12 Pro: performance and audio

Dimensity 7300 Energy provides middling power
12GB RAM and an impressive 512GB storage
Stereo speakers plus Bluetooth 5.4

The power in the Oppo Reno 12 Pro comes from the MediaTek chipset it uses, called the Dimensity 7300 Energy, which as the name suggests focuses on energy efficiency. Alongside the non-Pro model, this is the first phone to use the chipset.

In the Geekbench 6 benchmark tests, the Reno returned an average multi-core score of 2,005, which is the kind of lower mid-range score that you’d expect to be associated with a phone at this price point – it’s not exactly blazing power but it’s enough for normal tasks.

That score is reflected in the gaming power of the phone – it could handle most normal titles like Call of Duty: Mobile and PUBG Mobile quite well, but there were the occasional bouts of lagging or slow loading that gives away that this isn’t a top-power phone.

The mobile comes with 12GB RAM which handles your everyday tasks, and I never found the phone slow when using social media apps, playing around with the camera app or scrolling through menus. That’s paired with 512GB storage, which is a huge amount for a phone at this price point. There’s no expandable storage but with 512GB space at your fingertips, you might not need it.

On the audio front, there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, so you’ll have to use the USB-C port and an adaptor for wired audio. Wirelessly, you can use the Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity to pair headphones or earbuds, and there are also stereo speakers on the top and bottom of the mobile. These are positioned well enough that I didn’t find myself covering them when holding the device landscape.

Performance score: 3.5 / 5

Oppo Reno 12 Pro review: battery life

Long-lasting 5,000mAh battery
Phone lasts at least a day and a half
80W wired charging is pretty fast

On paper, the Oppo Reno 12 Pro’s 5,000mAh is big but also pretty standard for phones at this price; it’s rare to see mid-range mobiles with any other size of battery.

However in the field (ie, in testing), I was pretty surprised by the Reno’s lasting power. I’m used to phones like this having battery life’s of roughly a day and half, but the Reno comes closer than most at turning that ‘half’ into something like ‘two thirds’ through normal use.

In more handy terms, it meant that I could indulge in long gaming sessions without having to worry about the battery running too low for me to use the handset for the rest of the day.

Charging is fast too, at 80W, which will top you up in no time. Oppo says that it’ll power the phone to full in just under 50 minutes, but I had enough charge to last me a full day of use in about half an hour of charging.

The Reno 12 Pro also offers reverse wired charging, so you can plug a cable into the phone’s USB-C port and then into another gadget to power it up. It’s not fast, but it’s a useful way to keep your smartwatch or headphones powered on the go.

Battery score: 4 / 5

Oppo Reno 12 Pro review: value

The Oppo Reno 12 Pro has a few rough edges, but they’re all in the areas where it tries to outstep its bounds. Looking at what you’re getting for the price, the Reno offers great value for money.

For a distinctly price you’re getting a display, camera array, battery and charging department and design that feels better than you’d expect at the cost.

None of the Reno 12 Pro’s weaker areas are any worse than you’d expect for the price either; bloatware is annoying but the Oppo is far from the only mobile to have it, and while the design is uninspired, you have to pay twice as much for a really good-looking mobile.

Value score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Oppo Reno 12 Pro?

Buy it if...

You want an affordable camera phone
A zoom camera? AI smart features? Vibrant scene optimization? The Oppo has it all, making it one of the best cheap camera phones I've tested.

You need a long-lasting battery
The Oppo Reno 12 Pro lasts longer than most other 5,000mAh battery phones I've tested, probably thanks to the efficient chipset, which is a blessing for people who aren't always near a charger.

You need lots of storage
With a default storage space of 512GB, the Oppo Reno 12 Pro ensures you won't need to buy an SD card for extra space.

Don't buy it if...

You need blazing-fast processing speeds
The Dimensity 7300 Energy is fine for most tasks, but passionate gamers or people who need blazing-fast power will find it's not enough.

Bloatware annoys you
Even compared to other low-budget Android mobiles, the Oppo Reno 12 Pro has loads of pre-installed apps that you'll need to delete.

Oppo Reno 12 Pro review: Also consider

If you're split on whether or not to buy the Oppo Reno 12 Pro, here are some other mobiles you might want to consider.

How I tested the Oppo Reno 12 Pro

Review test period = 2 week
Testing included = Everyday usage, including web browsing, social media, photography, video calling, gaming, streaming video, music playback
Tools used = Geekbench 6, Geekbench ML, GFXBench, native Android stats

The testing period for the Oppo Reno 12 Pro was two weeks, which began with product testing (hence there not being many of my apps).

Over the testing period I used the Reno like my normal phone: taking pictures, streaming music and videos, contacting people on social media, and playing lots of games. The testing period fell across a holiday so I got to take the phone out and about on a few trips.

I've been reviewing smartphones for TechRadar for over five years now, including using the original series of Reno mobiles and plenty more since then, as well as rivals across the mobile market.

One-minute review

The Polar Grit X2 Pro is the brand’s attempt to introduce an outdoor sports watch that can compete with both long-term rivals and those brands that are new to the space.

The Grit X Pro was launched two and half years ago, and while it offered improvements on Polar’s first Grit watch, it was still lacking some big features to compete with the best running watches out there.

That changes with the Grit X2 Pro. By adding features such as free topographic maps, dual-frequency GPS, new biometric sensor technology and an AMOLED color screen, Polar is hoping to level the playing field somewhat and better compete with top-end rivals.

What we get with the Grit X2 Pro is an outdoor watch that definitely feels more in line with models such as the Garmin Epix Pro, the Suunto Vertical and the Apple Watch Ultra 2; but in many respects, it isn't a better watch than any of these.

Polar has definitely made moves in the right direction in terms of mapping and navigation to make the device a great outdoor companion, while adding a color screen and innovations such as dual-frequency GPS also heighten its appeal. Crucially, the software that wraps this all up has also improved.

The Grit X2 Pro is absolutely better than the Grit X, and also steps up on the Grit X Pro; but its price, along with the rival watches and features available around the same price, means it doesn’t quite stand head and shoulders above other outdoor watches right now.

Polar Grit X2 Pro: Specifications

Polar Grit X2 Pro watch worn on the wrist with clock face and step count — (Image credit: Future)

Polar Grit X2 Pro: Price and release date

The Polar Grit X2 Pro launched in March 2024 and is available to buy directly from Polar. It’s also available from watch-specific outlets such as First Class Watches. Priced at $749.95 / £649.99 / AU$1,099.99, it’s significantly more expensive than the Grit X Pro at launch.

Compare that to rival outdoor watches – the obvious comparison here is the Garmin Epix Pro (47mm edition), which comes in at $899.99 / £829.99 / AU$$1,529. There’s the Suunto Vertical (from £545), too, although unlike the Grit X2 Pro and the Epix Pro, it doesn’t include an AMOLED display. Also in this company is the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Value score: 4 / 5

Polar Grit X2 Pro: Design and screen

Attractive, rugged design with nicely textured buttons
Bright and vibrant AMOLED screen
Built with military-grade durability

Polar Grit X2 Pro watch on a log showing clock face and step count — (Image credit: Future)

You certainly can’t accuse Polar of trying to model the Grit X2 Pro on other outdoor watches; you won’t mistake it for an Apple Watch Ultra 2, Garmin Epix Pro or a Suunto Vertical, that’s for sure.

While the look is in keeping with its predecessor, the case size has grown from the 47mm of the Grit X Pro to the 48.6mm-sized case here. It’s slightly thicker (13.4mm compared to 13mm) and heavier (57g up from 47g), too. The Grist X2 Pro definitely has the stature and feel of a watch such as the Garmin Epix Pro. It isn’t the smallest watch that you wouldn’t think twice about wearing to bed, but neither is as hulking as the Coros Vertix 2S, for example.

The rear of the case is made from bio-based plastic, while you have a choice of either a stainless steel or titanium front case, with the latter pushing up the price. Both include the 5-button array of nicely textured buttons that are easily located and responsive when your hands are sweaty or you’re wearing gloves.

Polar Grit X2 Pro watch on the wrist showing bezel thickness — (Image credit: Future)

These are joined by a new 1.39-inch, 454 x 45 resolution AMOLED touchscreen, which delivers a step up on the Grit X Pro display for both screen estate and screen colour. The display is protected by Sapphire glass and is one you can keep on at all times, which you may well wish to do since the raise to wake support isn’t always reliable. There’s a new flashlight mode, but it’s of the kind that illuminates the screen as opposed to a unit that’s built into the watch case. A high-quality AMOLED, it displays a decent top brightness, accurate colours and offers excellent visibility both outdoors and indoors.

Holding that screen to your wrist is a very comfortable silicone strap with a stainless steel buckle; the strap is designed to help improve the reliability of optical heart rate tracking. You do have the option of a leather band, too, although you’ll have to pay extra for that luxury.

In terms of durability, the Grit X2 Pro retains the same MIL-STD-810H military standard of durability as the Grit X Pro, and arrives with the same waterproofing rating. This means it will happily handle being submerged in up to 100 meters of water, and the watch does offer both pool and open water swimming modes.

Design score: 4.5 / 5

Polar Grit X2 Pro: Features

Dual-frequency GPS
Free offline maps
Elixir sensor brings ECG measurements

Polar Grit X2 Pro watch on the wrist showing offline maps — (Image credit: Future)

The addition of a few significant features see the Grit X2 Pro take a sizeable leap ahead of the Grit X Pro. The first is the addition of the free, topographic maps, with Europe and US maps already preloaded onto the watch. The Grit X Pro only offered the ability to view simpler breadcrumb trails via third-party app Komoot, so this is a massive change on the mapping support front.

This brings improvements on the navigation front, too, with support added for importing routes from Strava (if you have a premium subscription) – although this has also been rolled out to the Grit X Pro.

On the tracking front, much of what we’ve already seen introduced on Polar’s Vantage V3 watch has been added on the Grit X2 Pro. There’s new swimming metrics, the ability to view your vertical and 3D speed, and Polar’s new Work-rest-guide for indoor training, to prompt you when to rest and resume sets during workouts.

Polar Grit X2 Pro watch showing nightly skin temperature reading — (Image credit: Future)

However, the big one here for outdoor lovers is the dual-frequency GPS mode, which seeks to improve outdoor tracking accuracy when in deeply wooded areas, during adverse weather conditions, and when in the vicinity of tall buildings. While not new to outdoor and sports watches in general, it means the Grit X2 Pro joins the Vantage V3 and the Ignite 3 in benefiting from the latest positioning technology innovation.

Another promised advancement concerns the change in the sensor technology Polar includes in the Grit X2 Pro. Polar’s new Elixir sensor setup is designed to sit closer and more comfortably on your wrist. It packs in Polar’s latest generation optical heart rate sensor technology, along with the ability to track SpO2 levels and skin temperature at night. It also adds ECG measurements – although, unlike Apple or Samsung’s inclusion of an ECG sensor on their smartwatches, it isn’t designed for medical use. Instead, it’s there to help make the most of Polar’s fitness tests, which previously required an external heart rate monitor.

Polar also wants the Grit X2 Pro to be a better smartwatch, so the notification and music control features included on the Grit X Pro remain, with the added colour touchscreen now making what was pretty basic smartwatch support more engaging to use.

Features score: 4 / 5

Polar Grit X2 Pro watch elixir sensor — (Image credit: Future)

Polar Grit X2 Pro: Performance

Polar Grit X2 Pro watch showing hiking mode — (Image credit: Future)

Getting the watch setup with Polar’s Flow companion smartphone app can typically be a little hit and miss in terms of pairing watch to app, though thankfully it was straightforward here. Like the Vantage V3, the Grit X2 Pro does have a tendency to disconnect itself from the paired smartphone, which can at times be irritating if you’re relying on the notifications feature, for example.

When it’s time to get tracking, there are more than 150 sports profiles from which to choose, and you can control which ones show up on the watch from the Flow app. Polar has essentially taken what it offered on the Vantage V3 and presented them here in a more rugged frame.

Most notable over the Grit X Pro is the dual-frequency mode offered here, which in testing proved a strong example of how such a feature can boost outdoor tracking accuracy in problematic areas. It was certainly a cut above the Grit X Pro, holding up well in testing against watches offering similar support such as the Garmin Epix Pro and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The Grit X2 Pro isn’t the very best in class for this type of support, and does still have a habit of smoothing out corners like the Vantage V3, but overall it performed very well in our tests.

The Grit X2 Pro makes improvements to mapping and navigation support, too, which brings Polar’s outdoor watch much closer to Garmin, and now Suunto, in this regard. Having a splash of colour on-screen also makes using those features more pleasing.

Polar Grit X2 Pro watch navigation feature — (Image credit: Future)

Maps are easy to read, nicely detailed, and you can use both the touchscreen and physical buttons to interact with them. There’s support for turn-by-turn guidance – although, like the Vantage V3, it’s accessible only through third-party app Komoot; this isn’t the case for using Garmin and Suunto’s outdoor watches. Is it the best mapping and navigation support available on an outdoor watch? No. Is it a huge step in the right direction for Polar? Absolutely.

In terms of the other components that make up Polar’s sports tracking, such as its FitSpark suggested workouts, and its Training Load and Recovery Pro insights, features are certainly easier to engage with and metrics to absorb than elsewhere. The presentation of some training insights could perhaps benefit from being more simplified, because there are absolutely some useful insights here.

Sleep tracking is a standout feature for Polar’s watches, and that doesn’t change with the Grit X2 Pro. Nightly recharge measurements and being able to view your general energy boost from sleep are useful added sleep insights, that’s crucially underpinned by sleep tracking that beats what you’ll get from Garmin and Polar for accuracy.

Polar Grit X2 Pro watch showing cardio load status — (Image credit: Future)

Polar’s heritage is built on heart rate, yet the heart rate tracking performance on the Grit X2 Pro appears to fall in line with our experience of the Vantage V3. That new Elixir sensor array didn’t show any notable signs of improvement from Polar’s previous Precision Prime sensor sensor technology. It’s generally fine for steady-paced workouts, but even on easier runs, the maximum and average heart rate readings seemed a little off at times against both Polar and Garmin heart rate monitor chest straps at times.

Thankfully, Polar has addressed some issues regarding how smooth its software runs on its watches. It has boosted CPU speeds (from 120MHz to 275MHz) and ramped up the memory, all while keeping storage at the 32GB of the Grit X Pro. As a result, swiping through screens is a smoother experience, and performance doesn’t labor in the same way it did on previous Grit watches.

In terms of battery life, the Grit X2 Pro will get you through a week with features such as dual-frequency GPS mode and sleep tracking engaged. Polar quotes up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and 43 hours of GPS battery life. Those are the same numbers attached to the Vantage V3. If you decide to use those features regularly and turn the screen to always-on, battery life will drop to a maximum of five days. As such, if you can live without a 24/7 screen, the Grit X2 Pro will last noticeably longer between charges.

There’s a slight change with the charging setup here, too: the proprietary cable remaining the same as Polar switches from a USB-A to a USB-C connection when you want to power up that watch again.

Performance score: 4 / 5

Polar Grit X2 Pro watch showing 'fueling' feature — (Image credit: Future)

Polar Grit X 2 Pro: Scorecard

Should I buy the Polar Grit X2 Pro?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

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First reviewed: June 2024

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