Organizer
Gadget news
OnePlus 13R review: a triple threat of battery, performance, and brilliance
4:24 pm | January 10, 2025
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets OnePlus Phones Phones | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

OnePlus 13R review: Two-minute review

The OnePlus 13R builds on the winning formula of its predecessor, the OnePlus 12R, by delivering prolonged battery life, a dazzling display, and plenty of power in a slick, premium package.

Its price is not as competitively low as the brand’s earliest ‘flagship killers’, but if you’re after a flagship phone without the quite frankly eye-watering price tags that come with them, the OnePlus 13R delivers plenty while only compromising in a few small areas.

This is only the second time an R-Series handset has launched internationally; the initial ‘R’ branded devices (of series 9, 10, and 11) did not reach European or North American shores.

The OnePlus 13R is a less tricked-out – and thus more affordable – version of the flagship OnePlus 13 which launched alongside it. Think of this phone like Samsung’s ‘FE’ variants of its high-end S series and Google’s ‘A’ line of its Pixel phones.

OnePlus 13R front screen

(Image credit: Future)

The 6.78-inch display is colorful and sufficiently bright, making it easy to use even in direct sunlight. The screen is flat, and flush with the phone’s aluminium frame, which results in a pleasing viewing experience.

Meanwhile, the sizable 6,000mAh battery lasted me two days on a single charge, and even power users will get more than a day’s use from the OnePlus 13R before needing to reach for the charging cable. But reach for the cable you will, as there’s no wireless charging.

There’s plenty of power under the hood, with the previous flagship generation Snapdragon chipset at its heart, ably assisted by 12GB of RAM. It means the 13R can handle pretty much anything you throw at it.

While the trio of cameras on the rear may not have the very latest features of the current-gen flagships, it’s a great point-and-shoot camera that holds its own in most scenarios.

Holding the 13R may be a little tricky for those with smaller hands though, as this is a large phone. And you’ll want to be careful around water, as this handset isn’t protected against submersion. It’s merely splash-proof, which does mean it’ll be okay in the rain.

The OnePlus 13R is an accomplished smartphone that borrows many of the features from the brand's previous flagship phone, while being kept just out of reach of some of the very latest tech which has been reserved for its non-R, numerical twin.

OnePlus 13R review: price and availability

OnePlus 13R review images

(Image credit: Future)
  • OnePlus 13R price is $599 / £679
  • Available with 12GB RAM + 256GB ROM in North America and Europe
  • India also has the option of a 16GB + 512GB variant

When it comes to buying the OnePlus 13R, things are kept simple with just one storage configuration of 256GB ROM + 12GB RAM available in North America and Europe.

For those in India, there’s a beefier 512GB + 16GB additional configuration, which may have some in Western markets looking enviably over to Asia.

The OnePlus 13R price is $599 / £679, matching the launch price of its predecessor (the OnePlus 12R) in the US, but coming in at £30 more expensive in the UK.

With the same launch price in the US as last year’s 256GB OnePlus 12R, the 13R is well positioned in the market, offering a big screen, big battery, and plenty of performance at a price point that undercuts Apple. Meanwhile, for UK buyers the £30 price increase is a little frustrating, but OnePlus has improved on its predecessor and the 13R still offers a solid all-round experience.

This price point sits the OnePlus 13R towards the top end of the ‘affordable flagship’ market, and unlike the OnePlus 12R, the US only gets the 256GB ROM + 12GB RAM. There’s no cheaper variant with 8GB/128GB of RAM and storage this time round.

That means it’s more expensive than the smaller, more palm-friendly Pixel 8a – Google’s own take on an affordable flagship – yet similarly priced to the AI-loaded Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and alternative Nothing Phone (2), although the latter is now a year and a half old at the time of writing.

One of the big draws of the OnePlus 13R will be its supreme battery life, but if battery life is the most important focus in a big-screened phone for you, then you may want to look at the Honor Magic 7 Lite. It’s a chunk cheaper and boasts an even bigger battery (6,600mAh), although it has less power and storage and isn’t available in North America.

  • Value score: 4 / 5

OnePlus 13R review: specs

The OnePlus 13R comes with a trio of headline specs. There’s the big, bright, and bold 6.78-inch display boasting a maximum brightness of 4,500 nits, the huge 6,000mAh battery that can keep you going for two days, and slick performance thanks to the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset as the brand’s previous generation flagship, the OnePlus 12.

There’s also a trio of cameras around the back, fast 80W wired charging, and 256GB of storage which will keep all but the most prolific power users happy.

OnePlus 13R review: design

Image 1 of 2

OnePlus 13R review images

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 2

OnePlus 13R review images

(Image credit: Future)
  • Wonderfully premium aluminum and glass frame
  • A little large for small hands, and can’t be submerged in water

The OnePlus 13R is a slick piece of hardware, with a sleek aluminum frame wrapping around the circumference of the handset, which is sandwiched on either side by glass.

The flat sides are reminiscent of Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro series, as well as the Oppo Find X8 range – the latter of which shares various design cues with the OnePlus 13 series, as the two brands are part of the same overarching company.

To complete the premium package the screen and rear of the phone are covered in Gorilla Glass 7i, the first OnePlus phone to harness this new glass type, which maker Corning claims is “specifically engineered to address the need for improved drop protection and scratch resistance.”

This means the 13R should be able to resist the odd drop and knock, but during my review time with the phone, I didn’t really put this to the test.

While the aesthetics may not be entirely unique, the OnePlus 13R has a premium look and feel; it’s built solidly and outperforms its price tag.

Those with smaller hands will find the size of the device overbearing – especially for one-handed use – while I’d have liked the power and volume buttons on the right of the 13R placed lower down.

Image 1 of 2

OnePlus 13R review images

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 2

OnePlus 13R review images

(Image credit: Future)

The volume rocker especially was a stretch for my thumb, resulting in awkward shuffles in the hand to turn the volume up. If OnePlus placed these a few millimeters lower the buttons would fall naturally under the thumb, making for easier manipulation.

OnePlus’ now iconic alert slider is present on the OnePlus 13R, providing an easy way to toggle between silent, vibrate, and ring modes – although it suffers the same placement affliction as the volume and power – it’s placed just a little too high up on the left of the phone for my taste.

While this was a novel addition in the early days of OnePlus, its inclusion now feels a little superfluous as user habits have evolved over the years resulting in fewer people switching regularly between ring states. Former OnePlus co-founder, Carl Pei, even tweeted to say “most people never use it” in regards to the alert slider.

The USB-C port sits centrally on the bottom edge of the phone, flanked by the SIM tray (which supports two cards) and the speaker. On the back, the smooth, minimalist finish of my Nebular Noir-colored device is interrupted only by the enormous circular camera housing.

It’s aligned to one side of the handset – providing a small point of differentiation to the centrally placed camera bump on the Find X8 devices – which does displace the weight slightly, but isn’t an issue during daily use. OnePlus has managed to keep the weight of the 13R to a reasonable 206g, which allows it to sit comfortably in the hand.

One disappointing feature is the handset’s IP65 water resistance rating. It’s an improvement over the IP64 rating of its predecessor and protects against jets of water, but an IP68 rating (water resistance for submersion) is not uncommon in this price bracket.

  • Design score: 4 / 5

OnePlus 13R review: display

OnePlus 13R review images

(Image credit: Future)
  • The 6.78-inch display is big, bright and colorful
  • A peak brightness of 4,500 nits makes it great for use in the sun

OnePlus makes a big deal about the display on this phone, and the good news is it lives up to the billing. It’s big, bright and colorful.

At 6.78 inches, it’s a sizable offering, much larger than the 6.1-inch screen on the Pixel 8a, a hair bigger than the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE (at 6.7 inches), while it’s the same size as the Honor Magic 7 Lite – another big-battery competitor.

There’s plenty of real estate for apps, and the slender uniform bezels all the way around give it a premium appeal. The only interruption on the screen is the circular cutout at the top of the display for the 16MP front-facing camera.

The 1264 x 2780 (1.5K) resolution – which gives you a pixel density of 450 ppi – is par for the course. OnePlus says the 13R can deliver a maximum brightness of 4,500 nits, but you won’t actually see that level of brightness in real-world use.

In my time with the phone, the OnePlus 13R’s screen performed very well in bright light, whether indoors or outdoors. If you’re fortunate enough to find yourself in a particularly sunny climate, you can be confident you’ll be able to see what’s on-screen in direct sunlight.

OnePlus 13R review images

(Image credit: Future)

And when the weather turns and rain starts to fall, the OnePlus 13R continues to perform thanks to Aqua Touch 2.0. Taking the phone into the rain, the screen continued to respond well when my use was uninterrupted by the conditions – rain can cause issues on other phones, where the screen is confused by water droplets leading to unregistered taps or erroneous inputs.

Another nice inclusion for the OnePlus 13R is Glove Mode, allowing you to interact with the screen while wearing woolen or sheepskin gloves (up to 0.5cm thick). This mode isn’t on by default, you need to dive into the accessibility menus in the Settings apps (you can search “glove” in Settings to find the mode quicker) to enable it.

Once enabled, I was impressed by just how responsive the screen was when wearing a pair of woolen gloves. With the mode switched off, there was zero response from the screen when wearing gloves, so the difference is stark.

Interactions do require a little more force to be applied compared to non-glove use, but that’s not a surprise. OnePlus does note that glove mode does not support gameplay, so if you’re planning to have a round of PUBG while vacationing in Lapland, Finland, you may want to wait until you’re inside and gloveless before parachuting into battle. Opening and closing apps, moving around the interface, scrolling social, and tapping out messages are all easily done, however.

  • Display score: 4.5 / 5

OnePlus 13R review: software

OnePlus 13R review images

(Image credit: Future)
  • OxygenOS 15.0 offers plenty of customization options
  • OnePlus guarantees four years of OS updates, but rivals offer more

The OnePlus 13R is an Android 15 smartphone, with the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system underpinning the software you see on the screen.

It’s not pure Android, as OnePlus has applied its OxygenOS 15.0 interface on top, providing the handset with a familiar look and feel for users of the brand’s previous generation of devices.

What this gives you is a slightly different look and feel to the stock Android platform (found on Pixel handsets). My OnePlus 13R also arrived pre-loaded with additional apps on top of the default system offerings.

These included Netflix, Amazon Music, Booking.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, Lyft, and AliExpress. You may find some of these pre-installed apps useful, but if you don’t the good news is they can be uninstalled entirely from the phone – leaving you with more of the apps you want.

I have seen phone manufacturers pre-install many more apps than on the OnePlus 13R, and also forbid users from uninstalling them, so what OnePlus has done isn’t cause for concern.

OnePlus says it has reduced the overall size of OxygenOS 15 by 40%, meaning it takes up less of the 256GB of internal storage space, leaving you more room for apps, games, photos, videos, and more.

OnePlus’ overlay also provides a wide range of customization features, allowing you to make the OnePlus 13R personal to you. From a range of home screen widgets and the ability to tweak the size, shape, and design of app icons, to different options from the drag-down motion to access the notifications bar and quick settings – there’s plenty to explore.

The Open Canvas feature from the OnePlus Open and OnePlus Pad 2 is present here, so I could have two apps side-by-side on screen. A horizontal bar divides the screen, and I could drag it up and down to resize the two apps.

There’s also the option to open an app in a floating window, and I could move around the rest of the phone’s interface while keeping the selected app open in a small area of the screen. Useful if you’re watching a video or part of a busy group chat and want to look up information in other apps.

I could even drag and ‘pin’ up to two of these floating windows to the edge of the screen, minimizing them to a transparent app logo tucked off the side of the display. A quick tap on the logo opened it back up as a floating window.

These multitasking features work well on the OnePlus 13R, and while it’s a little fiddly to enable split screen or floating window (and to pin these), it’s impressive when you get multiple apps all working at once – especially if you have two apps on split screen and then a third in a floating window.

The OnePlus 13R comes future-proofed too, with OnePlus committing to four years of software updates and six years of security updates for the device. While this is a good offering, it’s not industry-leading. Apple has offered five years of updates for some time, while Google and Samsung offer seven years of software and security updates on their latest devices.

And this wouldn’t be a 2025 smartphone without a mention of AI. In the Photos app (the OnePlus version, not Google’s Photos app) you’ll find the AI Editor option with four tools for you to use. More on these in the camera section.

Google’s Gemini AI assistant also comes pre-loaded on the OnePlus 13R, giving you access to features such as Circle to Search and Magic Compose (for help writing text messages).

  • Software score: 4 / 5

OnePlus 13R review: cameras

OnePlus 13R review images

(Image credit: Future)
  • A capable all-round camera delivers great images in most conditions
  • Plenty of modes and settings for avid photographers

The OnePlus 13R packs a trio of cameras in the sizable, circular camera housing, headlined by a 50MP Sony LYT-700 main sensor alongside a 50MP telephoto sensor, providing support for the 2x zoom. The sensor array is completed by an 8MP ultra-wide sensor with a 112-degree field of view. There’s also an LED flash to help illuminate dark scenes.

On the front, you get a 16MP selfie camera, but there’s no wide-angle lens to expand the view to fit more faces. You’ll either have to press cheeks together or live with the fact some people may not make it in the frame.

The OnePlus 13R camera app loads swiftly and comes packed with features, with quick access icons for Google Lens, exposure, retouch (beautification mode), and filters ensuring you’re Instagram-ready in no time.

You can move between different camera modes by swiping horizontally above the shutter button – with smartphone staples ‘Video’ and ‘Portrait’ quickly accessible on either side of the default ‘Photo’ mode.

For those who like to fine-tune their shooting experience, ‘Pro’ mode gives granular controls for ISO, Shutter speed, exposure, focus, and white balance – plus there’s the option to shoot in RAW rather than JPG for greater editing flexibility in programs such as Photoshop.

Dive into the ‘More’ section and you’ll find further modes to choose from including night, panorama, slo-mo video, and time-lapse.

In short, the OnePlus 13R camera app gives you plenty of choice and customization options, but the good news is it takes good photos in the default setting – for those who don’t want to have to mess with settings.

In most conditions, the 13R is a very capable smartphone camera. It’s not at the same level as the best camera phones on the market, but that’s to be expected given it sits a tier below the true premium flagship offerings.

  • Camera score: 4 / 5

OnePlus 13R review: camera samples

Image 1 of 10

OnePlus 13R cameras samples

Portrait mode does an excellent job of keeping the cat in focus while blurring the sofa behind (Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 10

OnePlus 13R cameras samples

Macro mode is automatically enabled when you get close to your subject (Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 10

OnePlus 13R cameras samples

In bright daylight, the OnePlus 13R is a great point-and-shoot camera (Image credit: Future)
Image 4 of 10

OnePlus 13R cameras samples

The default 1x zoom (Image credit: Future)
Image 5 of 10

OnePlus 13R cameras samples

Tap to the 2x optical zoom and you’ll get closer to your subject while maintaining image quality (Image credit: Future)
Image 6 of 10

OnePlus 13R cameras samples

The 13R can zoom all the way to 20x digitally (Image credit: Future)
Image 7 of 10

OnePlus 13R cameras samples

At night, the OnePlus 13R captures detailed shots (Image credit: Future)
Image 8 of 10

OnePlus 13R cameras samples

And does impressively well close-up in lowlight (default shooting mode) (Image credit: Future)
Image 9 of 10

OnePlus 13R cameras samples

The selfie camera produces bright, clear shots – although they can be a little overexposed (Image credit: Future)
Image 10 of 10

OnePlus 13R cameras samples

Switch to Portrait mode when using the selfie camera and you get a more natural result and decent blurring around the subject (Image credit: Future)

As with its predecessor, the advice for those who want to take their smartphone photography seriously on the OnePlus 13R is to stick to the main 50MP camera. It benefits from both EIS (electronic image stabilization) and OIS (optical image stabilization) to improve results.

You can use the phone as a reliable point-and-shoot to capture outdoor and indoor shots, both during the day and at night. The OnePlus 13R camera particularly impressed me during a nighttime walk through a light trail, with the default settings handling the variable lighting conditions very well.

I was able to take a series of striking low-light images with minimum effort as I walked through the trail, and this is exactly what I want from a smartphone camera. Something that can quickly and easily generate great results for social and group chats.

The OnePlus 13R also offers solid editing tools, allowing you to tinker with pictures way after you’ve taken them. As mentioned earlier in this review, OnePlus has included a number of AI-powered editing tools in its own gallery (the 13R has two photo galleries, the default OnePlus app, and the Google Photos app – the latter of which has its own editing tools as well).

AI Unblur, as the name suggests, can take your blurry photographs and reduce the lack of focus. It can be applied to any image, not just ones taken on the 13R, although I found the difference made – while an improvement – was minimal.

What I found more useful was AI Detail Boost. This enhances busy images to provide better clarity and contrast throughout your shots – again, working on any image.

Then there’s AI Eraser and AI Reflection Eraser. The former you’ll likely be familiar with as it’s a tool most smartphones offer, allowing you to remove people/animals/objects from your shots. It works well here, although it can struggle with busier scenes and complex backgrounds.

Reflection Eraser takes things a step further by, yup you’ve guessed it, attempting to remove reflections on windows, glass, or screens. I tried this on a number of images, with varying success. Generally, improvements were made, but I didn’t manage to completely remove reflections in any of the images I tested it on.

In all, the AI tools are a nice addition to the OnePlus 13R, but they don’t deliver an experience that stands out over similar tools available on other phones.

OnePlus 13R review: performance

OnePlus 13R review images

(Image credit: Future)
  • Powerful chipset provides flagship-grade performance
  • Hyperboost performance settings are great for mobile gamers

The OnePlus 13R comes packed with power, ensuring it keeps up with pretty much anything you can toss its way.

While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset isn’t the latest top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite offering from Qualcomm, it’s the same flagship chipset that featured in the OnePlus 12. What this means is the 13R still packs a punch, backed up by a capable 12GB of RAM.

The interface flows well, and the performance along with the 120Hz displays makes for slick, smooth scrolling on social media. Apps load quickly, although for more demanding titles the OnePlus 13R doesn’t feel quite as fast under the finger as the true flagships on the market.

That’s not really an issue, and considering the price point of this phone I was more than happy with the performance I was getting, whether that was browsing social, streaming video, checking emails, doing work (including writing parts of this very review) or taking a well-earned gaming break.

I ran a number of benchmark tests from 3DMark, Geekbench, CrossMark, JetStream, and WebXPRT 4 to really push the capabilities of the OnePlus 13R. It performed admirably with flagship-level (or close to flagship) results, reinforcing the fact there’s plenty of power available in this phone.

Fire up a game and you’ll notice the handset’s Hyperboost performance settings are automatically engaged, giving you live data on the phone’s condition during your gaming session.

From the drop-down panel, you can easily keep an eye on your fps (frames per second), latency, and how hot the OnePlus 13R is getting thanks to a temperature sensor embedded under the display.

There are three modes to choose from, with ‘Balanced’ being the default setting. You can alternatively switch to ‘Low power’ which will help extend your gaming session when the battery is running low by reducing screen refresh and lowering touch response.

OnePlus 13R review images

(Image credit: Future)

Then there’s ‘Pro Gamer’ which channels all power to your game resulting in increased temperature and battery drain. A pop-up even warns you to consider only using this mode during ambient temperatures.

There are even more tools to play around with in the Hyperboost menu, including tweaking the GPU settings, toggling key features on and off, and screen recording controls to capture epic battles. In short, if you’re big into mobile gaming, the OnePlus 13R has plenty to offer.

The OnePlus 13R comfortably handled Genshin Impact at 60fps and its highest graphics setting (at 30fps). Load screens took a beat longer to process compared to the high-end flagship phones, but it didn’t detract from gameplay. While the handset did get warm it never reached an uncomfortable temperature.

Something else that impressed me during testing was the performance of the biometric scanners. Located under the display close to the bottom of the screen, the fingerprint scanner is well placed for your thumb to land on it every time when unlocking.

It performs well too, with great responsiveness and no read failures experienced during my time with the phone.

You can also choose to enable face unlock. It’s quick to register your face, and in daylight, the OnePlus 13R is able to instantly recognize you and unlock, even from awkward angles such as sneakily looking at your phone from under a desk.

  • Performance score: 4 / 5

OnePlus 13R review: battery

OnePlus 13R review images

(Image credit: Future)
  • TA huge 6,000mAh battery delivers two-day use on a single charge
  • 80W charging sees 1%-100% in 52 minutes, but no wireless charging

One of the biggest selling points for the OnePlus 13R is its huge 6,000mAh battery, providing the handset with excellent longevity and giving you the peace of mind of truly all-day battery life without the need to even consider reaching for a charger.

During our heavy-usage days, we found we’d still be getting into bed at the end of the day with the battery at least 20%, and on days where we curbed our gaming and video watching, we could easily unplug at 7am and then plug in at 11pm with 50% still left in the tank.

With slightly more thoughtful use (i.e. no gaming and videos and limited social media) the OnePlus 13R is capable of delivering two days of battery life from a single charge without the need to switch to a battery-saving mode.

The SUPERVOOC charging speed has been reduced from 100W on the OnePlus 12R to 80W on the new OnePlus 13R, as the firm looks to preserve the overall life of the mammoth power pack inside.

OnePlus 13R review images

(Image credit: Future)

The 80W charging still delivers a good amount of juice in a short amount of time, and with the right fast-charging plug adapter (you only get a USB-C cable in the box in the UK) the OnePlus 13R can go from 1% to 100% in as little as 52 minutes.

Using a fast 60W charging block, the OnePlus 13R replenished from 15% to 31% in 15 minutes, and the battery got back to 48% after 30 minutes (increasing 33 percentage points in half an hour). Respectable top-up times, especially if you need to swiftly add charge before stepping out of the house.

These charging times will improve if you have an 80W charging block to take advantage of the maximum supported charging speed.

The only blemish in the OnePlus 13R’s battery story is the fact it doesn’t have wireless charging. This feature has been reserved for its pricier sibling – the OnePlus 13, so you’ll need a cable to top up the 13R.

  • Battery score: 4.5 /5

Should you buy the OnePlus 13R?

Buy it if...

You want a brilliant balance of battery power and performance
With a 6,000mAh battery and punchy Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the OnePlus 13R delivers excellent battery life along with flagship-level performance (even though the chipset is a year old).

You’re after a big screen that won’t break the bank
Forget the Pro Max and Ultra devices, the OnePlus 13R delivers a big screen experience at a lower price point, and it does it really well. The 6.78-inch display is brilliantly bright and colorful, making whatever you do on it look great.

You want a slick mobile gaming machine
Add together the battery life, performance, and display, and the OnePlus 13R has all the hallmarks of a fantastic gaming device. The Hyperboost performance settings are the icing on the cake.

Don't buy it if...

You’re looking for the best update longevity
OnePlus has made positive strides by announcing its OnePlus 13 series handsets will receive four years of OS updates and six years of security updates, but it still lags behind the competition. Apple, Google, and Samsung all offer more years of OS updates.

You want the biggest battery for your buck
If battery life is your core focus for buying a new phone, the OnePlus 13R and its 6,000mAh power pack certainly makes a good case, but the Honor Magic 7 Lite has a bigger battery (6,600mAh) at a lower price – although it’s not as powerful, and not available in North America.

You’re after proper water resistance
The OnePlus 13R carries an IP65 dust and water resistance rating, which translates to the phone being able to cope with droplets and jets of water (such as rain), but isn’t protected if you were to accidentally drop it in the bath/sink/swimming pool.

OnePlus 13R review: also consider

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
The Galaxy S24 FE isn’t the cheapest of the rivals, but it comes stuffed to the brim with Galaxy AI features, excellent battery life, and decent performance.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review

Google Pixel 8a
This Galaxy is about to be replaced, but it still hits hard with amazing cameras, the water-resistant S Pen camera remote, and tons of other features.

Read our full Google Pixel 8a review

How I tested the OnePlus 13R

I used the OnePlus 13R as my daily device for more than two weeks, testing it in a wide range of daily scenarios.

From night-time photography walks around illuminated festive trails and trips to live sporting events, to hours spent playing games (including Pokemon Go, Clash Royale, and Genshin Impact) and streaming videos (via Netflix, DAZN, YouTube, and Disney+), the 13R experienced high-usage and demanding applications to push the screen, chipset and battery to their limits. I braved the storms, taking the phone outside during heavy downpours to test the screen resistance, while also chasing the sun to put the 4,500 nits display through its paces.

Why you can trust TechRadar

☑️ 100s of smartphones reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech

There were quieter days too, where I was checking emails, scrolling social media, and listening to music without the demands of gaming or video, to get a true feeling of how the battery and interface work. I even wrote some of this very review on the OnePlus 13R, to see how it coped as a work device – as life isn’t all pleasure. At least, not for me.

Alongside daily use, I ran numerous benchmarking tests from the likes of Geekbench, CrossMark, 3DMark, and more, to find out if the OnePlus 13R lived up to its performance billing – which it certainly did.

First reviewed January 2025

New Redmi Note 14 Pro and Pro+ arrive in Europe with 200MP cameras and curved displays
2:00 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: | Comments: Off

Xiaomi introduced the Redmi Note 14 series in China in late September, then brought (mostly) the same models to India in December. Now the company is launching a completely different set of Redmi Note 14 phones that will be available in the European market. There are five new models this time, not just three, here we will cover the Pros. You can read up on the vanilla models in another article. The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, which promises a small performance boost over the Dimensity 7200 Ultra that the 13 Pro+ used. The phone will be available in several...

Honor Magic7 Pro and Magic7 Lite prices for Europe leak along with Lite’s specs
3:43 pm | December 19, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: | Comments: Off

The Honor Magic7 Pro got unveiled at the end of October in China and now it seems almost ready to make it to Europe alongside the still-unofficial Magic7 Lite. Today a new leak brings us pricing information for both in the EU, as well as specs. So let's dive right in. The Magic7 Pro will go for €1,225.90 according to the retailer listing you can see below. For this amount of cash you're getting 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, and the phone will apparently be offered in black and gray. The Magic7 Lite, on the other hand, will cost €376.89 with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage and it...

Firsty review
4:11 pm | December 16, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Firsty is a new player in the eSIM market. A Dutch startup launched in 2024, Firsty offers a very innovative freemium model — a basic free plan with speed-capped data, followed by paid plans with full-speed access starting at €1.98 or $2.10/day.

Despite being a newcomer, Firsty is quickly gaining popularity among budget-conscious travelers and those seeking a backup data option. The service now covers over 160+ countries worldwide, offering both a free basic plan and premium paid options

After testing Firsty across several scenarios, we're impressed with its unique ad-supported free tier, which provides usable, if slow, data for essential tasks. Paid plans offer reliable full-speed connectivity at competitive prices.

Firsty: Pricing and plans

Firsty pricing

(Image credit: Firsty)

Firsty offers two main plans: Firsty Free and Firsty Fast. Firsty Free provides a basic, ad-supported data connection at no cost, allowing users to access essential services like messaging and email at extremely slow speeds. Firsty Fast, the premium paid tier, offers 2GB of high-speed data per day starting at €1.98 or $2.10 per day.

Firsty's freemium model and global plans set it apart from most eSIM providers, which require switching plans and subscriptions whenever you move from one location to another. While not the cheapest eSIM option on the market, Firsty's always-on connectivity and singular pricing make it a good option for most travelers looking for flexibility.

Firsty: Features

Firsty is a unique eSIM provider that stands out from the competition mainly thanks to its freemium model and transparently-priced global plan. Here are some key features:

Freemium Model

One of Firsty's most distinctive features is its freemium model. With Firsty Free, users can enjoy a basic, ad-supported data connection at no cost, allowing them to stay connected for essential tasks like messaging and email. This sets Firsty apart as one of the few providers offering a truly free tier.

Seamless Global Connectivity

Firsty’s global plan provides seamless connectivity across borders. Users can automatically connect to the best available network without the need to manually switch SIMs or purchase local eSIM plans. This makes staying connected while traveling a breeze, eliminating the hassle of traditional roaming.

Affordable High-Speed Data

For users who need faster speeds, Firsty Fast offers high-speed data at competitive prices. Plans start at just €1.98 per day for 2GB of data, with transparent tracking and fair top-up options. This allows travelers to enjoy streaming, video calls, and other data-intensive tasks without breaking the bank.

Firsty: Installation and activation

Firsty activation steps

(Image credit: Firsty)

Firsty makes it incredibly easy to get started with their eSIM service. The onboarding process is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, guiding you through each step with clear instructions.

Simply download the Firsty app, select your plan, and scan the provided QR code to install the eSIM profile on your compatible device.

The app walks you through the necessary settings to activate your eSIM, such as labeling it and setting it as your preferred line for data. Firsty provides ample resources to assist new users, including detailed FAQs, step-by-step guides, and responsive customer support.

One key aspect new users should be aware of is the importance of having a strong internet connection, preferably Wi-Fi when installing and activating the eSIM. Additionally, it's crucial to turn off data switching after activation to prevent unintended usage of your home carrier's data.

Firsty: Coverage and speed

As of 2024, Firsty currently offers eSIM services in over 160 countries, including the US, Europe, and Asia. It leverages partnerships with local telecom operators to ensure reliable connections and competitive data speeds in most regions. Firsty is available in:

  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Germany
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy

While Firsty's coverage is not as extensive as some of its more established competitors like Airalo, the company is rapidly growing its network. Speed tests indicate that Firsty's paid "Fast" plans deliver good performance, with download speeds around 200+ Mbps and upload speeds around 25-30 Mbps, depending on the local network conditions. However, the free ad-supported tier is notably slow at around 0.05 Mbps download and 0.10+ Mbps upload, sufficient only for basic messaging and email.

Compared to other eSIM providers, Firsty stands out for its unique freemium model, offering a basic always-free plan alongside competitively priced paid options. While its coverage and top speeds may not match the most comprehensive providers, Firsty's flexibility and affordability make it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Firsty: Support

Firsty support

(Image credit: Firsty)

Firsty offers multiple support channels to assist users, including email support via support@firsty.app, an online help center with FAQs, and troubleshooting guides. The app also provides in-app instructions to guide users through setup and usage.

Customer reviews suggest that Firsty's support team is responsive and helpful. One user on the App Store mentioned that the support team was "dedicated" and "available 24/7 to assist." A reviewer on Trustpilot was impressed with the service, finding it "very useful as a backup" and "very easy" to use.

However, some users on Reddit reported mixed experiences, with a few encountering issues during installation and configuration. It's important to ensure you have a strong internet connection, preferably Wi-Fi, when setting up the eSIM to avoid issues.

Firsty: Final verdict

Firsty is different from other eSIM providers. There’s no marketplace to purchase region-specific plans depending on your travel destination, nor is there a need to activate and reactivate as you move.

Instead, there are only two plans, a free one and a paid one. While the free plan offers enough functionality to perform basic tasks, the paid plan is competitively priced and follows the same pricing model irrespective of your location.

We found Firsty to be a reliable eSIM provider with good speeds and reliable coverage, despite its offbeat approach to pricing eSIMs. While its uniform global plan may be expensive for certain areas, you may well find it to be cost-effective depending on the regions you are targeting for your international trip.

Firsty: FAQs

What is Firsty?

Firsty is a mobile app that provides seamless global connectivity for travelers using eSIM technology. It offers two main products:

Firsty Free: Provides a basic speed connection for free, allowing you to email, message, and use essential apps. You get 60 minutes of free data, after which you need to watch a 30-second ad to reconnect.

Firsty Fast: The premium paid tier offers high-speed data up to 2GB per day, perfect for streaming and video calls. Prices start at around €1.98/day in Europe.

How does Firsty eSIM work?

Firsty utilizes eSIM (embedded SIM) technology to provide connectivity. An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone, enabling you to download Firsty and instantly connect to mobile networks without needing a physical SIM.

How much is the Firsty app?

Firsty’s app itself is completely free to download and use. There are no costs to install the eSIM profile.

On the free tier, you can use unlimited data at a restricted speed for essential tasks. After 60 minutes, you watch a short ad to reconnect for another hour.

If you upgrade to Firsty Fast for high-speed data, prices start at €1.98 per day for 2GB in Europe. You only pay for the days of high-speed access you need, with no monthly fees or subscription.

GigSky eSIM
4:32 pm | December 9, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Imagine you have just landed in a foreign place, ready to explore, and then the reality hits - you have no internet connection. Here’s where GigSky enters the scene. This little eSIM solution, intended to work across the globe, promises to keep you connected nearly everywhere without any of the SIM-swapping hassles, roaming charges, and spotty Wi-Fi.

With the instant connectivity and ‘data-only’ model of its international eSIM, supported by 400 partners in the world, GigSky might be just what the data-hungry digital nomad crowd needs. But is it too good to be true and how does it really hold up against competition?

GigSky: Pricing and plans

GigSky’s pricing varies depending on the region (and situation, like if you are on a cruise ship or plane) and the amount of data you need. The paid plans range from 512MB to unlimited data, starting from $2.99 for 7 days and 1GB of data in Bulgaria, for instance, to up to $139.99 for larger plans that cover longer durations, more exotic regions, cruises, and/or more GBs.

For those who intend to visit more than one country in a particular region, GigSky has regional solutions too. Let’s say you are planning to visit Africa - you can choose among plans ranging from 1GB for 7 days at $8.99 to 10GB for 30 days, while world travelers can opt for the 5GB World Plan with a duration of 30 days and costing $69.99.

If you are on a cruise through the Americas and the Caribbean, it is possible to get just 512MB of data during one day, albeit at a slightly higher price than the other pricing plans - $19.99. Having the same amount of data for the same duration at a world cruise would set you back by $26.99.

There is also a free 100MB travel data plan, regardless of the region, and no credit card is needed. This is an extremely limited amount of data but does come in handy if you need urgent online access or just want to get a taste of what GigSky brings to the table.

It is also important to note that there are no hidden fees or subscriptions, which feel like a breath of fresh air. You only pay for what you need - a win for budget-conscious travelers. But if you are the kind that plays online games, shares large files, or streams an entire Netflix series on the go, be prepared - heavy streaming can chew through data faster than you can say ‘bonjour.’

You should also keep in mind that, due to implementing fair usage policies, GigSky eSIM slows down the traffic in its unlimited plans after you have gone through the first 2.5GB in a day - resuming normal speed on the next day, starting from the time the plan is activated.

Even at these reduced speeds, the company guarantees you will be able to perform less data-intensive tasks, like sending and receiving emails and making VOIP voice calls.

GigSky: Features

GigSky features

(Image credit: GigSky)

What makes GigSky stand out is its seamless installation. As there is no physical SIM to fumble with, you can be in any of the supported destinations and rely on this handy eSIM that is a breeze to download and install (just make sure to do so before you enter the target country).

Not only that, but it works in 200 countries and regions in the world, more than 200 cruise ships, and over 20 airlines, alongside a wide array of cruise ships and airlines, giving you a virtual backstage pass to the digital world almost anywhere. So whether you are in Paris checking Google Maps for the best croissant spot or on a beach in Bali scrolling through Instagram, GigSky can cover you.

The best part? GigSky eSIM works with most recent smartphones and some tablets, so there is no need to lug around any extra hardware. Simply purchase a data package for the region you are headed to, install the eSIM profile, and you are ready to go. Just make sure your device is unlocked for international carriers beforehand, or you might get an unpleasant surprise at the airport.

GigSky: Installation

GigSky

(Image credit: GigSky)

Installing GigSky eSIM is as simple as it gets, especially since there is no physical card involved (great news if your nails have seen better days or you can’t find that tiny needle).

After downloading the app, the platform guides you through each step, starting with creating your account, choosing your destination (or situation - like a cruise or flying) and package, hooking up the eSIM, activating it, and getting online as soon as you arrive.

A word to the wise - install your eSIM before you head out or while you still have Wi-Fi access in your country/point of departure. It is just one of those things that can save you a heap of trouble if the airport Wi-Fi suddenly decides to go on strike.

Furthermore, GigSky is compatible with lots of devices, including iPhone XR and newer, a long list of Android systems, all cellular-enabled iPad Pro 12.9-inch and newer, as well as others, including Microsoft Surface Pro X, Fairphone 4, Honor Magic 4 Pro, and many more.

That is, as long as your device is not locked for international use by your current carrier (as might be the case with financed phones on a prepaid contract).

GigSky: Support

GigSky

(Image credit: GigSky)

In terms of customer support, GigSky offers its own through email and its apps, with a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section that is actually quite helpful and detailed. There is also a Help Center with categories that include troubleshooting, getting started manuals, and announcements.

Responses tend to be fairly quick and knowledgeable, and it is a 24/7/365 service - available whenever you need it. The apps are very intuitive as well, guiding you through the process and ensuring a smooth experience. You can use them to top up, change plans, or just get in touch if you hit a road bump.

Gigsky: Final verdict

So, should you give GigSky’s eSIM a whirl? If you are a frequent traveler who values convenience and does not mind paying a bit more for the simplicity of staying connected, it is a solid option. That said, this is not the cheapest data source, particularly for those who plan to burn through data fast.

But for the average traveler who wants to avoid the hassle of changing SIMs in every new country and does not mind the ‘data-only’ model, GigSky eSIM is a nifty travel companion that will get you (and keep you) connected in just a few taps. Just make sure to first look up the experiences of other users visiting the same place.

All things considered, if the idea of exploring the globe with easy connectivity and no extra plastic to worry about appeals to you, GigSky might just become your new best friend - only don’t expect it to cover all your communication needs.

Gigsky: FAQs

Can I install GigSky eSIM using QR code?

Yes. Just like with other eSIMs, you can install a GigSky eSIM on your device using a standard QR code activation method. To do this, you will need to visit the Gigsky website or app and purchase a plan. After this, you will receive a QR activation code in your email. Scan the code on the device you want to install the eSIM on and follow the prompts.

Do I get 5G connectivity with GigSky?

Yes, GigSky currently offers 5G connectivity where available, since some places may be at 4G or 3G speeds. So if your device is compatible with 5G, you are good to go. Keep in mind, though, that 5G connections consume a lot of data, so you may run out of your data limits quickly.

Does GigSky eSIM cover phone calls or SMS?

No, GigSky eSIM is a data-only service, which means it does not come with a telephone number, so regular phone calls and SMS are not supported. That said, texting and VOIP apps like FaceTime, WhatsApp, Skype, Messenger, iMessage, and the like can be used.

How many plans does GigSky offer?

All new customers receive a free 100MB eSIM just by signing up on the GigSky app. Beyond that, you only pay for the data plan you need and scale it up based on duration and data volume. There are multiple one-time plans with various data limits for different regions or cruises, as well as unlimited data options.

Asus ROG Phone 9 price in Europe appears ahead of launch
5:13 pm | November 13, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: | Comments: Off

Asus is launching the ROG Phone 9 series on November 19 and we expect a vanilla and a Pro varian. Today, we learned more details about the price of the ROG Phone 9, thanks to an early listing by the ComputerSalg online store in Denmark. The phone will be available in a Storm White version with 12 GB RAM and 512 GB storage and will cost DKK 9,838, which is around €1,320. Asus ROG Phone 9 price in Denmark The listing did not tell us anything else about the product, sadly. The Phone 8 arrived in January 2024 with a $1,099 starting price that and was €1,099 in Europe. If the 12/512 GB...

Xperia 1 VI now available in a new color across Europe
6:01 pm | October 14, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: | Comments: Off

Remember that striking red color for the Xperia 1 VI that leaked just before its launch? Well, after keeping it exclusive for Japan for five months, Sony is now offering the Xperia 1 VI in that specific color across European markets. The new Scarlet color features a strikingly saturated red hue with the same matte texture over the glass back and aluminum frame. The Scarlet Xperia 1 VI is priced at €1,499/£1,399 and will be exclusively available in the 12/512GB storage trim from the official Sony Store. First deliveries are scheduled for tomorrow, October 15 in the UK and October 17 in...

Xiaomi Buds 5 review: great-sounding cheap earbuds but sadly, there are issues
4:30 pm | October 2, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Xiaomi Buds 5: Two-minute review

Like most Chinese tech companies, Xiaomi's product portfolio runs the gamut from smartphones and fitness trackers to tablets, air fryers, electric scooters and massage guns, and while you may know the company for a few of those gadgets, headphones may not be one of them. And it's true that the company has yet to feature in our roundup of the best earbuds we've tested, although we keep checking with reviews just like these. 

So while the likes of the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra smartphones may be stealing headlines and winning hearts (we gave both 4.5/5), the Xiaomi Buds 5 have more of an uphill battle in order to win listeners over. And as you'll soon find out, the buds' favorite direction is actually 'down'.

The Xiaomi Buds 5 are new headphones that are some of Xiaomi's higher-end audio offerings, but still certainly fall into the 'best cheap headphones' category, bumping up against many options from rival audio brands as well as from market stalwarts.

There's a lot to like with the Xiaomi Buds 5, but enough to dislike that you may not want to put up with the good parts.

My main issue, which plagued testing from the day I started until the day I finished, was the fit of these earbuds. Without any silicone tip, or much of an arch in the design to hook them into your ear, the Buds 5 just refuse to stay in place. They'll start to slip if you so much as walk, and a head shake or jump will see them tumble from place. I found myself repeatedly pushing them back into my ear if I had to go on walks with them in.

I thought the issue was down to my ear shape but (after heavy sanitization) I made a few other people test them out too. They all commented, unprovoked, that the buds felt very loose. A decent fit in a design that doesn't use ear tips to achieve a seal something Apple's worked on extensively for its AirPods 4 rollout, and Xiaomi could learn a little for the Cupertino giant here. 

So you're only going to be able to enjoy your music if you're sitting still, or doing gentle activities like chopping veg for dinner or vacuuming your apartment. But then you're going to have to contend with an app that I found to be quite buggy.

Many times during testing, I'd pop the buds in my ears only to find that some key features weren't working. I found that the buds needed to be manually reconnected in the app for these features to work, with ANC and my custom equalizer only enabled after this. I can't imagine that this is an intentional feature, so I can only presume that it's a bug (hopefully, one that an update will fix).

These are two major issues but there are a few things that I'd consider significant 'cons' on better earbuds: the noise cancellation, battery life and call quality are all middling to poor.

So with that all in mind, why have I given the Xiaomi Buds 5 a fairly reasonable score? Well, it's largely down to the sound quality: they have a really distinctive and appealing audio balance that leans heavily on bass without losing trebles and mids. It's zealous, it's punchy and it's oh-so likeable! Music is high-quality, thanks to support for a few big codecs, and Harman Kardon tuning helps you appreciate your songs in a roaring and bordering on warm balance. That's if you can enjoy your music before the buds fall from your ears!

A few more features win the Xiaomi Buds 5 points too, including an audio-recording feature that you can enable straight from your ears, really convenient gesture controls, and a svelte and lightweight carry case. Honestly, the poor app and irritating fit let these otherwise promising earbuds down. 

Xiaomi Buds 5 review: Price and release date

The Xiaomi Buds 5 on a bookshelf.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Unveiled in September 2024
  • Sells for £69.99 (roughly $90, AU$140)
  • On sale in Europe for now

The Xiaomi Buds 5 were announced in late September 2024, alongside the Mi Smart Band 9 and a range of smart-home products.

You can pick up the buds for £69.99 (roughly $90, AU$140) which makes these contenders for our round-up of the best cheap earbuds. Based on precedent, Xiaomi could release a pricier Pro version down the line, and its full audio range extends from pricier open-ear sports buds to some staggeringly cheap buds under its Redmi sub-brand.

At that price you’d be comparing these to a few rivals from other mobile brands including the CMF Buds Pro 2 and OnePlus Buds Nord 3 Pro, as well as the fantastic Sony WF-C510 and Earfun Air Pro 4.

There's no news on a release outside Europe just yet and Xiaomi doesn't release much of its tech in the US, but in Australia we could well see it go on sale based on precedent.

Xiaomi Buds 5 review: Specs

Xiaomi Buds 5 review: Features

The Xiaomi Buds 5 on a bookshelf.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Middling battery life and ANC performance
  • Offers novel audio recording feature
  • App has some bugs

The Buds 5 do offer active noise cancellation, but it’s nothing to write home about. There are two modes: Balanced and Deep, with an adaptive mode that’ll toggle between the two depending on your environment, but neither are particularly hardcore. They’ll take the edge off of annoying background noises but not muffle them in any significant way, and the lack of passive noise isolation from the buds’ design doesn’t help either.

The battery life of the buds isn’t fantastic, clocking in at 6.5 hours with ANC turned off according to Xiaomi. The company doesn’t provide a figure for listening time with it turned on, but I got the buds to last a touch over 5 hours with ANC deployed. The case will keeping ticking for a lot longer though, with 39 hours of playback when ANC is off according to Xiaomi. Based on my aforementioned figures, I’d estimate that you’d get 30 hours with ANC on.

For the rest of the features we need to jump into the app, but there’s a problem here. The Xiaomi Earbuds app had a big issue which affected the use of many of the Buds 5 features, and I can’t tell if it’s an intentional one or a bug.

Every time I put the earbuds in my ears, the app wouldn’t automatically realize that they were connected – I’d have to load it up and press ‘connect’. Before I did this, features including ANC control and the ability to tweak settings wouldn’t work, and it was an irritating extra step every time I wanted to listen to music. Other options don't do it; I can't imagine why it would be desirable. 

The Xiaomi Buds 5 on a bookshelf.

(Image credit: Future)

Some of the features offered by the buds are standard ones that we’ve come to expect in wireless earbuds (not that all rivals offer them, so their presence in the Xiaomi Buds are welcome). These include changing the gesture controls, toggling wear detection, setting up dual-device connectivity, checking the buds’ battery life, changing ANC modes and finding the buds if you’ve misplaced them.

The Xiaomi Earbuds app offers an equalizer, albeit one hidden away in the Audio Effects menu, as well as a few simple presets like Enhance Voice or Decrease Bass. I found myself using the Harman AudioEFX preset mostly, which I’ll explore in more detail later on.

You can also use Audio Effects to turn on ‘Dimensional Audio’, which is presumably Xiaomi’s answer to Spatial Audio, a feature that plenty of earbuds offer in order to make music sound like it’s surrounding you. However, this feature in the Buds 5 transports you to one space in particular: the cellar underneath a nightclub bar. It seems to simply slather on oceans of artificial reverb, as though you’re hearing tunes through several layers of brick, making music sound awful. Avoid!

One novel feature the Xiaomi Buds 5 offer is an audio-recording feature. While most earbuds will do this, as they’ll replace the audio input of your phone while connected, Xiaomi bakes this feature into the app, and also lets you enable it as a gesture control for the buds. 

It’s not a feature that everyone will find hugely useful, but I can see some finding it handy in certain situations. I found it convenient as a way to leave myself voice memos without having to find a pen and paper or my smartphone, and I see it being handy for anyone who likes hands-free note-taking like this. Just bear in mind the laws where you live regarding recording people without their consent, something the app does remind you about.

  • Features score: 3.5/5

Xiaomi Buds 5 review: Design

The Xiaomi Buds 5 on a bookshelf.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Earbuds keep slipping out
  • Touch controls on the bud
  • Lightweight carry case

Unlike many of its rivals and contemporaries, Xiaomi hasn’t put a silicon tip of the Buds 5. It didn’t for its predecessors, saving that for the Pro equivalents. It’s a shame because my biggest gripe with the earbuds is that they had trouble staying in my ears, a problem eartips would likely fix. 

This problem didn’t occur if I was seated or keeping my head relatively static, but when walking (or doing any other kind of movement) the Buds 5 would quickly start to slip – I’d have to constantly be re-adjusting the fit and pushing the buds back into my ears. 

Not only was this indescribably irritating, but buds that are half out the ear aren’t delivering on their full sonic potential, and also fall foul of sensitive wear detection too. This issue ruled me out form using the buds in the gym, and I stopped using them when cooking too as I didn’t want to push them back into my ears with messy hands – or have them fall into the pot. 

The Xiaomi Buds 5 on a bookshelf.

(Image credit: Future)

Each bud has a small button on the stem that you can squeeze for various controls: single, double, triple and long presses for different functions. It takes quite a hearty press to trigger the function but a light ‘click’ lets you know that your action was successful.

The buds are relatively light, weighing 4.2g each. They have an IP54 protection which means they’re safe from splashes of water and ingress of dust, but immersion in water will wreck them.

The Buds 5 come in a shiny plastic chrome-looking case, which I think is pretty neat-looking even though the reflections make taking review pictures an absolute nightmare!

Opening this clam-shell case reveals the entirety of the buds, unlike many other cases which hide the stems in the body – because of this I found it really easy to remove the buds when I wasn’t paying attention, as the process was less fiddly than almost all rivals on the market.

The case weighs 36.6g and comes with a USB-C port for charging, and not a lot else. You can pick up the buds in silver, white and black, and your choice affects the case and the buds.

  • Design score: 3.5/5

Xiaomi Buds 5 review: Sound quality

The Xiaomi Buds 5 on a bookshelf.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Great audio for price
  • Tuning from Harman Kardon
  • Support for good list of codices

The Xiaomi Buds 5 have 11mm drivers and tick quite a few audiophile boxes. These include support for a range of codecs including AAC, SBC, LC3, aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive, connectivity using Bluetooth 5.4, and support for Bluetooth Low Energy. They also have an audio balance tuned by Harman Kardon, continuing a partnership between Xiaomi and the audio specialists which has also extended to its smartphones and speakers.

When I first started listening to the Xiaomi Buds 5, I was surprised just how much bass they offered for in-ear buds, and of all the buds I’ve tested recently they’re second only to Nothing’s recent audio offerings in terms of sheer thump-power (that’s the technical term). 

In the default audio balance, the Harman AudioEFX, here’s a distinctive focus on lower-focus instruments and pitches, making for a balance so warm that you’d think Xiaomi had used some tech from one of its kitchen gadgets. I can see some people loving the mix, and others really not getting on with it, but the other presets can balance the sound a little better.

Whether you like the balance or don’t, it’s hard to deny that the quality is great for the price; I don’t notice significant peaking or distortion, and the treble and mid were still palpable in the mix even if they weren’t the priority. Music had a level of energy that I’ve longed for in other similarly-priced rivals that I’ve tested.

Marring the otherwise-great audio quality is the bud fit issue that I mentioned before – music sounds great when the buds are sitting comfortably in your ears, but as soon as they begin to slip out you’ll be losing that music magic.

As mentioned earlier there’s an equalizer mode and I see most people relying on the presets due to the way they’re laid out in the app. These largely deliver on the promise in the title: increased bass, focus on voice and so on, with the default mode delivering the most nuanced mix.

  • Sound quality: 4/5

Xiaomi Buds 5 review: Value

The Xiaomi Buds 5 on a bookshelf.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Better audio than you'd expect for the price
  • Perhaps hold out for a Pro model

When I first started testing the Xiaomi Buds 5 I didn’t know the exact price they’d launch for, and the cost that I guessed they’d retail for ended up being a slight amount more than the actual price. That is to say, I thought the earbuds would cost more than they do.

That’s mainly down to the audio chops: between the sound quality, specs list and Harman Kardon tuning, Xiaomi seems to have hit exactly what it aimed at, whether or not it’ll be to everyone’s specific tastes. You’re also getting all the features you’d expect for earbuds at this price and they mostly seem to work well.

The one thing I should flag though is the prospect of Pro buds: in the past Xiaomi’s Pro options have had silicon tips, unlike the standard models, and these would fit my ear fit issues. I can’t wholeheartedly recommend the Buds 5 if a reasonably-priced Buds 5 Pro could be around the corner.

  • Value: 3.5/5

Should I buy the Xiaomi Buds 5?

Buy them if…

Don’t buy them if…

Xiaomi Buds 5 review: Also consider

How I tested the Xiaomi Buds 5

The Xiaomi Buds 5 on a bookshelf.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested for two weeks
  • Tested at home, in the office and on trips

The Xiaomi Buds 5 enjoyed a testing period of two weeks, though I used the buds for longer than that while I was writing the review itself. They were mainly connected to my Android phone though I paired them to a few other devices, including an iPad and Windows laptop.

Testing was mostly done at home or in my office but I also used the earbuds on a few walks and on public transport. I mostly listened to music using Spotify but also listened to spoken word, played games and watched TV shows on Netflix.

I've tested tech for TechRadar for over 5 years now and that includes countless Xiaomi devices and rival budget earbuds. I tested all of the Buds 5's close contemporary rivals.

  • First reviewed in September 2024
Samsung pushes One UI 6.1.1 to Galaxy S23, Z Fold5, Flip5 in Europe, India, and more
6:41 pm | September 16, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Samsung launched One UI 6.1.1 alongside the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 last month and it later seeded it to the Galaxy S24 series. Today the rollout reaches last year's foldables Z Fold5 and Z Flip5 are also getting a new interface that brings more Galaxy AI features. The Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+ and Galaxy S23 Ultra are also getting the new software update, starting today, as confirmations came from Europe, India, and other markets. The package requires a download of about 2.6 GB. One UI 6.1 on a Samsung Galaxy S23 phones The most important new features are from the Galaxy AI...

One UI 6.1.1 update for Galaxy S24 family is now out in the US, Europe, and India
7:30 pm | September 9, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Samsung started rolling out the update to One UI 6.1.1 last week, when it went out to the Galaxy S24 series, the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Flip5 in Korea. Today, the rollout has expanded significantly. Reports are coming in left and right saying that the Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra are receiving the update in the US, UK, continental Europe, as well as India. One UI 6.1.1 update in Europe The update brings with it more Galaxy AI features. Sketch to image lets you turn a simple drawing into "a captivating work of art", and you can also generate a whole new look for your portraits....

« Previous Page — Next Page »