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Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 robot vacuum review

9:00 am | September 16, 2024

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

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 two-minute review

Product info

This model has slightly different names and product codes in different territories:

In the US:

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with XL HEPA Self-Empty Base RV2610WA

More basic model: Shark Matrix Self-Empty Robot Vacuum RV2310AE

In the UK:

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop RV2620WDUK

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop RV2620WAUK

For this review, I tested the RV2620WAUK. There may be minor differences between different countries' models.

I’ve been testing robot vacuums for several years and, while I’ve long accepted that no robot will ever allow me to retire from manual vacuuming altogether, I’m forever hopeful one will come close! Shark has an excellent reputation in the vacuuming world, so I was cautiously optimistic when the Shark Matrix Plus Robot 2-in-1 landed on my doorstep.

Some might say the popular tech brand was late to the robot party, at least in the UK. Shark has had success with robot vacuums in the US for a while now, but only added them to its UK lineup in spring 2024. I tested the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty, which can vacuum, mop and empty its own bin. Happy days.

As you might expect from Shark, this smart little robot packs plenty of techy features. A major highlight is its 360-degree LiDAR sensors. This light detecting and ranging technology is aimed at quickly and accurately mapping your home and navigating around obstacles and I can confirm the Shark’s works very well. It also has a special air blasting feature, which I haven’t encountered before, that blows out air to push debris away from edges and corners and into the path of the suction channel. Again, I was impressed.

Although it didn’t blow my mind, the mopping results were better than I’ve experienced from a robot in the past. Rather than just dragging a vaguely damp mop pad along the floor, the Shark Matrix Plus Plus’ mop pad oscillates as it goes (100 times a minute, allegedly), to mimic a scrubbing motion. Many people will also love that the bin unit the self-emptying vacuum discharges into doesn’t need to be emptied for 60 days. Unless you have two hairy kids and two hairy dogs that is – I didn't make it past two weeks.

I tested the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 on the ground floor of my four-bed home for a month. Although it wasn’t perfect and the app wasn’t as slick as I’m used to, I really did rate this robot, especially for those who are tight on money as well as time. I'd have no qualms about giving it a place on our best robot vacuum list. Read on for the full low down on my time testing the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 robot vacuum.

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 specs

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 review: price & availability

List price: $699.99 / £449.99
Available: US and UK

The Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 sells in the US for $699.99 on Shark’s own website. At time of writing, there are seven robots in the range, with the Matrix Plus being the third most expensive, behind two PowerDetect models that come with self-refill water reservoirs in the base and cost up to $999.99. The cheapest Shark robot you can get in the US is the Shark ION, which is just $279.99 but unappealingly basic.

There are just three robot models available in the UK, and the Matrix Plus 2-in-1 I tested boasts the most diverse spec. In the world of robot vacuuming, I’d say its £449.99 price tag is more than reasonable (even allowing for exchange rates, it’s a better deal than in the US), but you can save yourself £100 if you empty the bin manually and get the entry-level model that still mops but doesn’t self-empty. Or, if you mostly have carpets so want a robot that’s more focused on vacuuming, invest £50 more and go for the top spec Shark PowerDetect.

Whichever side of the pond you are shopping for a Shark Matrix Plus, I’d say the brand has priced it very reasonably, especially when you consider most robots that include mopping capabilities, for example iRobot’s Roomba, cost $1k plus. It’s not entirely flawless, but the Matrix Plus 2-in-1 represents excellent value in terms of build quality, features and cleaning prowess.

Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 review: design

Low-key looks
Compact base station
Tricky mop insert

The Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 won’t blow your mind with its futuristic looks or striking shape, but it won’t scare the horses either. It’s black and round with a neat little base and sat under the table in our hallway just fine. It arrived nicely packaged, with a great deal of cardboard and other eco-friendly packaging and precious little plastic.

Shark Matrix Plus vacuum test — (Image credit: Future)

Underneath, the design is also fairly innocuous, but I was a tad worried by the corner brush, which has just one brush arm, instead of the usual three-to-five I am used to seeing. The roller head had rubber fins – which tend to be good on solid floors – as well as carpet-friendly brushes, but there was only one roller, and some of the better robots I have tested have two.

The base station (which measures H14 x W12 x D9 inches) only caters for dirt; there’s no water reservoir. But the bin capacity is generous and it’s easy to see when it’s getting full due to the vertical strip of transparent Perspex. It also clips in and out easily, as does the filter in the other side of the base station – a large, foam creation that needs cleaning under the tap once a month. I appreciated that the base station has a plastic disc the size of the robot, which is to protect wood floors from getting soggy when the mop attachment is in place.

On the top of the Shark Matrix Plus are just two buttons, one to power on/off and the other to start/stop, everything else is done by the app, which I will cover in depth lower down this review.

Design score: 4 out of 5

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 review: app

Good mapping skills
Scheduling and spot cleaning
No multi-maps

To get started, I just had to pop on the side brush, plug in the base (then charge the robot for six hours) and download and connect the app. Do make sure you only connect it to a 2.4 GHz wi-fi network, I wasted about half an hour trying to connect it to my 5 GHz but that was my fault for not reading the instructions. In my defense, the instructions that come with the Shark Matrix Plus are not particularly enlightening, but are enough to get you set up (if you read them properly).

Compared to other robots I have tested, the SharkClean app is pretty basic and rather annoying. Hopefully there will be upgrades as Shark gets its head around robot life. It is basic in that it doesn’t allow you to schedule specific rooms or more than one clean per day, it doesn’t let you choose how the robot cleans (perimeter-first works best for our pet-filled home), and you can’t change the power levels once it’s working.

The annoyances generally iron out, but they can be frustrating. Mainly I found it slow to connect, which is annoying when you’ve decided to pop a clean going before you jump in the car. The cleaning reports didn’t always record/save, and I found it hard to move between actions. For example, if it was returning to base, I couldn’t get the app to show me the maps so I could plan the next job. Sometimes the map disappeared completely, or the app froze, and once or twice it wouldn’t acknowledge that we had a robot in the house at all!

The other downer that didn’t bother me, but might you, is that it will only map one floor. I am happy to use my cordless vacuum upstairs (where it lives) and have never been one for carrying robots up and down levels but if you want to use the robot on multiple floors, you’ll only be able to map one of them.

It's not all bad news though. The actual map the Shark Matrix Plus created was perfect first time and was created really quickly – in less than 10 minutes. I also found it very easy to add rooms, as well as rugs (to prevent wet carpets in mopping mode) and create a schedule for each day (to coincide with the school run).

App score: 3 out of 5

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 review: performance

Good at corners and edges
Quieter than advertised
Mopping a bit basic

Using in vacuum mode

The Shark Matrix Plus comes with the regular vacuum cleaning insert installed, which has a small bin and filter inside and automatically empties its payload back at the mother base. I needn’t have worried about the measly single-arm corner brush, as it did an excellent job of getting dog dander and dust bunnies out from along the skirting boards and corners of cabinets etc.

Shallow enough to get under all our freestanding furniture, including the sofas and the kitchen kickboards, the Shark Matrix Plus also had no problem climbing onto chunky rugs or over the wooden thresholds between rooms, many of which have thwarted less agile robots.

Being largely open view with level flooring throughout the ground floor, our home is the perfect setup for robotic cleaning. But I was also hugely relieved to discover the Shark Matrix Plus could hoist itself over the legs of the lounge chairs in our kitchen, which have grounded every other robot I’ve ever hosted. This meant I’d have to lift the heavy chairs onto the sofa out of the way or go and rescue the robot and restart it mid-clean. I was delighted the Shark Matrix Plus glided over them with barely a grunt.

Another genius benefit of the Shark Matrix Plus is its ‘Matrix’ cleaning system, which essentially means it cleans back and forth and then up and down, in a grid-like pattern. The difference between that and a simple back and forth clean was significant. You can only use Matrix if you’re doing one room, presumably because it takes more time and power, but I liked to use it on the living room because that’s our only carpeted room and the results were much better.

You can also Matrix Clean a 5’ x 5’ area without the app, which is great for random spills. You need to carry the robot to the spot, then press and hold the start button for five-to-seven seconds until it says, ‘starting spot clean’.

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I used this spot cleaning function to test the Shark Matrix Plus on an area of flour and oats. As you can see from the photo gallery above, the results were average. It cleared most of the flour, except in the grooves between the wood planks, and left just a few crumbs of oats. I still had to get out my cordless to finish the job, and I only used the low power setting to get the flour out of the grooves, suggesting that my cordless is better than the Shark Matrix Plus, even on its lowest power setting. Annoyingly, there was quite a lot of flour and oats left around the base station when it returned to empty the bin, and I had to get the cordless to clear that up, too.

As I work from home, I really appreciated how quiet the Shark Matrix Plus was, my decibel meter recorded just 46 dB in the low power mode, which is the one I mostly used on our hard flooring. This is similar to the sound of bird calls or in a library and was much lower than Shark’s official rating, which presumably has to include the bin emptying sound level. Being so quiet meant I could have it running around in the background when working, except during Zoom meetings, without feeling distracted or annoyed. It is indeed much louder when emptying the bin into the base station, but it’s very short-lived.

On the point of bins, I did love having the extra capacity of the base station as my usual robot requires daily emptying. However, it fell far short of the 60-day emptying schedule advertised – I found two weeks was about the longest I could leave it.

Our carpets and rugs are all low pile (upstairs, too), so I can’t tell you how well the Shark Matrix Plus might manage on a thick pile rug, but it did well on our wool carpet in the living room and the jute rug in the kitchen. I mean, it’s hard to say how deep down the clean was, but I didn’t feel the need to get another vacuum out afterwards.

Using in mop mode

Before mopping, I first had to add rug zones to my map, so it didn’t soak the rugs or carpets. This was pretty easy to do, until it got to the exploration run, which you’re meant to do to make sure you have got the rug placements right. The Shark Matrix Plus wandered close to where I’d marked the kitchen rug, and then went a bit mad, zig-zagging all over it. I decided I didn’t have the patience to worry about it and sent it back to base.

Shark Matrix Plus testing — (Image credit: Future)

Once the module is in, the Shark Matrix Plus automatically recognizes it is mopping and – this bit is amazing – it will vacuum and mop at the same time. I’ve only tested one robot vacuum that claimed to mop and was disappointed to discover that it really couldn’t. That other model barely made my floors damp, let alone cleaning them, and because it had to go round and vacuum first, it also took a lifetime to do a terrible job.

By contrast, the Shark Matrix Plus did a much more thorough job and you could see trail marks where it had been, which showed decent coverage. The pad oscillates over the surface, which presumably picks up more dirt than just sliding along. The mop pad was reassuringly dirty when it was done, too. As most of our ground floors are real engineered wood flooring, I also appreciated that the Shark Matrix Plus didn’t flood them in water as that would almost certainly damage them. Oh, and it also managed to find, and skip past, the rugs.

In truth, the results didn’t compare with what can be achieved with an actual mop, and it didn’t get very close into the corners or skirtings, but it was good enough for a mid-week freshen up before getting the mop and bucket out on Saturday morning.

Performance score: 4 out of 5

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 review: battery life

Plenty of power
Charges quickly

The battery life ranges from about 85-110 minutes, depending on what power mode you have it on. This isn't anything to rave about, but it only needed one quick recharge when covering our ground floor in max power, which took around 131 minutes (including charging time) to do all six rooms and the hallway (which the Shark app says is 112sq m worth of cleaning). Once recharged, it would return to the spot it left off and merrily resume cleaning.

The official Shark stats say the battery takes six hours to fully recharge, but I found it only took about three so perhaps it wasn’t completely empty whenever it went back to base. Either way, I had no complaints about the battery life.

Battery score: 5 out of 5

Should you buy the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1?

Buy it if…

You hate emptying bins

As I own a robot that requires emptying every single day, I can assure you that you need a self-emptying base station.

You have hairy housemates

The roller is anti-hair-trapping and it works well. There were a few hairs around the middle after a month’s testing but nothing like what I’m used to seeing wrapped around my robot’s rollers. It also has proper HEPA dust filtration.

You want zero drama

Of all the robots I have tried, this was the least needy. It never once got stuck or lost, nor sent me a distress message to say it had ‘fallen off a cliff’ (when in reality it was just straddling the doormat).

Don’t buy it if…

Tech stresses you out

The app is glitchy and unreliable and not terribly informative, either. There may have been swearing…

You want to clean upstairs, too

The mapping currently only covers one floor level, so choose wisely.

You’re OCD about dirt

Like most (possibly all) robots, the suction power isn’t comparable to manually operated vacuum cleaners – use it for daily maintenance cleaning, then do a ‘proper’ vacuum on the weekend.

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 review: also consider

Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1

The Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 and Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 are both powerful robot vacuums with mopping capabilities, but they differ in key areas. The AI Ultra excels in smart navigation and AI-powered obstacle avoidance, while the Matrix Plus offers a better clean thanks to its multi-surface brushroll and Matrix Clean

Read our full Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 review

Narwal Freo X Ultra

The Narwal Freo X Ultra and Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 both offer advanced vacuuming and mopping, but they've very differently priced. For the extra loot, the Narwal Freo X Ultra offers self-cleaning mop pads and autonomous water management, ideal for hands-free maintenance.

Read our full Narwal Freo X Ultra review

How I tested the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1

I used this vacuum in my own home for a month
I vacuumed carpets and vacuumed and mopped hard floors
I recorded the sound levels using a Decibel Meter App

I used the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 to clean the ground floor of our four-bed, Victorian family home for a month, using it every day on all our downstairs floors, which include terracotta and porcelain tiles, engineered timber, wool carpet and three rugs. The total area is around 120sq m.

I checked out every feature on the app, and did Spot cleans, Matrix cleans and mopping runs. I liked being able to pick specific rooms, so I could just get the main kitchen and hallway done quickly, but mostly I scheduled the robot to work while I was out of the house, so I could arrive home to nice clean floors throughout.

During testing, I used the decibel meter on my iPhone to monitor noise levels and conducted a test to see how the vacuum coped with flour and oats on hard flooring.

As part of my job as a journalist specialising in kitchens and bathrooms, I’ve been reviewing vacuum cleaners for publication both online and in print for several years now. I’ve tested lots of robot vacuums, and currently own an Anker by Eufy Hybrid X8, which I like well enough, but I liked the Shark Matrix Plus more.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed September 2024

Honor Magic V3 review: raising the foldable bar

4:00 pm | September 5, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Honor Phones Phones | Tags: Europe, Google Pixel, UK, US | Comments: Off

Honor Magic V3: two-minute review

Honor already offered the world’s slimmest folding phone with its impressively sleek Honor Magic V2, but rather than resting on its laurels, the brand is back with an even skinnier book-style foldable: the Honor Magic V3.

It's hard to overstate just how slim this phone is – the rear section barely has enough room for its USB-C port. You could easily mistake the Magic V3 for a non-foldable device, and plenty of candy bar phones are actually thicker than Honor’s latest foldable (indeed, the Magic V3 is almost as thin as the iPhone 15 Pro Max).

Of course, dimensions are only one part of the puzzle, and with premium pricing, you want performance to match. On that front, Honor has stuffed the latest and greatest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor into the Magic V3, along with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and a sizable 5,150mAh battery.

The cameras look to impress, too, with large sensors, wide apertures, and high resolutions across the board. The amazing Studio Harcourt portrait effects that debuted on the Honor 200 Pro are also available on this phone. It's a serious contender for the best foldable camera phone.

Review image of the Honor Magic V3 — (Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)

Of course, in 2024, there's more competition than ever in the foldable space. Google, Samsung, OnePlus, and Vivo all offer very compelling options, but the Honor Magic V3 still has one of the most stacked spec sheets around, as well as wider availability than much of its Chinese competition.

However, it's not perfect. Despite having a large battery pack, the Magic V3's longevity failed to impress. It's serviceable, but even with all the extra milliamp hours, it doesn't seem to last any longer than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. On the flip side, it charges a lot quicker, which makes it easier to live with.

Then there's the software, which takes a very different approach to Android with many iOS-inspired choices. It definitely won't be for everyone, and multitasking could use some work, but there are a lot of cool features built-in, and I have grown quite fond of it.

On the whole, I've loved living with the Honor Magic V3. If you're keen on a big screen foldable, but find their typical size and weight off-putting, this is the device for you. It's a real feat of engineering that feels premium through and through.

Honor Magic V3 review: price and availability

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Costs £1,699
Available in the UK and Europe; no release for the US or Australia

Honor Magic V3 was originally launched in China on July 12, 2024, before being released globally at IFA 2024 on September 5. It's now available to pre-order in most regions across the world, but as usual, that list excludes the United States.

In the UK, it costs £1,699 and is available in Tundra Green, Velvet Black and Red color options. There's also a Snow (white) version with a unique textured rear panel, but that one's only available in China.

Honor Magic V3 review: specs

Here’s a look at the Honor Magic V3’s key specs:

Honor Magic V3 review: design

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The slimmest foldable so far
Velvety-feeling matte glass back
IPX8 water resistant

The most striking thing about the Honor Magic V3's design is how slim it is. The phone measures just 9.2mm thick when folded, which is almost 3mm slimmer than the Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Samsung's slimmest foldable to date. It's also one of the lightest large-format foldables around, tipping the scales at just 226g. For reference, that's a couple of grams lighter than Honor's own non-folding flagship, the Honor Magic 6 Pro.

Combine these dimensions with some smooth curved edges, and you have a device that feels impossibly thin. It's especially apparent when unfolded, as there's barely room for the USB-C port on the phone's 4.35mm frame.

Unlike some of the competition, the Magic V3's cover display has fairly typical smartphone dimensions, and this makes it feel very natural to use folded down. It's one of the only foldables that I’ve repeatedly mistaken for one of my non-folding phones; the dimensions are so similar that it's easy to get confused at a glance.

While the phone remains slim elsewhere, there's a very sizable centrally-placed camera bump on the rear. It effectively doubles the thickness of the phone in that specific area. However, it does so for good reason, as there are some serious sensors on this device.

The camera island is a circular number finished with black glass, and it has a smooth octagonal aluminum bezel around its perimeter. I'm a big fan of the positioning, as it gives me a nice shelf to rest more of my forefinger on when I'm holding the phone one-handed.

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The volume rocker and power button are placed on opposite sides of the phone when unfolded, and this means that they're staggered by a few millimeters when the phone is shut. It didn't bother me when I was using the cover display, but it takes some getting used to when it's unfolded, as most other foldables place these buttons on the same side. It's easy enough to adapt to, and if you're coming from the Honor Magic V2, you're all set, as they're in the exact same place.

The global version of the V3 comes in three color options, and I've had hands-on time with the black and green variants. Both of these versions have a similar velvety-feeling matte finish on the rear glass and dark gray metallic accents around the camera and frame. If you opt for the red model, you'll get a faux leather rear and golden accents; it's easily the flashiest of the bunch.

There's a very nice vegan leather case included in the box, and it comes in a matching hue. It's the kind of case you'd expect to pay a premium for; it feels luxurious, and it's well-designed. This case is more protective than most, too. There's a section that protects the hinge, a thick metal ring to keep the lenses safe and even an adhesive bumper to protect the front section.

The metal ring that surrounds the cameras can be folded out and doubles up as a kickstand; it's a very smart design. It's not always the most sturdy stand, depending on the angle you choose, but the subtlety makes up for it and it's certainly better than having no kickstand. I also found myself flicking it out and using it like a pop socket on occasion – I'm not sure if that's an intended use, but it works fairly well for one-handed use of the Magic V3’s main display.

Design score: 5 / 5

Honor Magic V3 review: display

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6.43-inch 120Hz OLED cover display
7.92-inch 120Hz foldable main display
5000-nit cover display, 1800-nit main display

If you're looking at foldable phones, then you obviously care about displays, and Honor aims to impress with both of the panels on the Magic V3.

On the outside, there's a 6.43-inch OLED display with a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate and an ample 1060 x 2376 resolution. It's an extremely bright display, able to output up to 5000 nits at peak, and it's protected by Honor's super tough NanoCrystal 2.0 glass tech. I've been daily driving the Honor Magic 6 Pro for a while now, which has a similar coating, and I've been impressed by the lack of scratches despite using it without a protector. Hopefully, the Magic V3 fares just as well in the long term.

Honor reckons its glass is up to 40 times more impact-resistant than the glass on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. I didn't fancy whacking it with a hammer, though, so I'll just have to take the company’s word for it.

The glass has symmetrical, subtly curved edges on three sides, and slightly less of a curve on the hinge side. The curves are small enough to avoid creating distracting reflections, but they still make gesture controls feel super smooth; it's a great middle ground.

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Opening the device up, you're greeted with a spacious 7.92-inch foldable display and one of the shallowest creases I've seen on a phone like this. It's still present, of course, but it's miles ahead of the groove that runs through the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6’s display, and the far less glossy screen protector serves to hide it even more. This protector is supposedly tougher, too – Honor says it's up to five times more scratch-resistant than previous versions.

The foldable display also boasts a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate and has a resolution of 2156 x 2344 pixels. It's not as bright as the outer display, maxing out at just 1800 nits, but I never had trouble seeing it, even outside on bright sunny days.

The only thing that I don't love about the main display on the Magic V3 is the positioning of the selfie camera cutout. It matches the outer screen and is centrally placed on the right-hand side of the display. This means that when you're watching letterboxed 16:9 content, the selfie camera will often cut into the image. I still prefer it over Samsung's distracting under-display unit, but I wish it was positioned in the corner, as on the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Both screens look excellent in use with vibrant, accurate colors and smooth motion. Watching HDR content on Netflix and YouTube really lets the panels show what they're made of, with dazzling highlights and tons of shadow detail.

If you're concerned about eye health, Honor has arguably done more in this department than any other brand. For starters, this phone has some of the highest PWM dimming rates of any foldable phone, with 3840Hz supported on the inside and 4320Hz on the outside. Then, there are all the usual low blue light and adaptive brightness features, plus a brand new feature called AI Defocus Display.

To be completely honest, this feature is a little beyond my understanding, but it uses AI to simulate a myopic defocus lens. The goal is to reduce eye strain when using the display for long periods. As someone who stares at screens all day anyway, I didn't notice a huge difference, but it's probably a good thing in the long term.

Display score: 5 / 5

Honor Magic V3 review: cameras

50MP main (f/1.6)
50MP 3.5x telephoto (f/3.0)
40MP ultra-wide with PDAF (f/2.2)

As the chunky camera bump suggests, the Honor Magic V3 has some impressive imaging hardware on the inside. There's a 50MP main snapper with a wide f/1.6 aperture and a 1/1.56-inch sensor, a 50MP 3.5x telephoto, and a 40MP ultrawide with macro capabilities.

Each screen gets its own 20MP f/2.2 punch-hole selfie camera, but since this is a foldable phone, you can easily use the rear trio for selfie snaps as well.

The Honor Magic V3 produces poppy sharp images with vibrant colors and excellent dynamic range. It finds focus quickly, and just like the Magic 6 Pro, it's great at freezing motion for action shots in the daytime. At night, the phone continues to impress with its sharp visuals and wide dynamic range, but motion blur and noise become more of an issue, particularly when using the ultra-wide.

The main camera produces the cleanest shots, especially in the dark, but I found myself using the 3.5x telephoto just as much, if not more. It's roughly equivalent to a 90mm lens on a full-frame camera, and it's a great focal length for portraiture and street photography.

You can digitally zoom all the way up to 100x in the camera app, but you shouldn't, as your images will look like an AI-generated mess if you do. Having said that, I was pleasantly surprised by the results up to around 15-20x zoom, where you can capture very usable images.

The ultra-wide isn't quite as sharp as the other lenses, but it's a useful focal length for architecture, landscapes, and group shots. I was pleased to see that it has autofocus, as well as macro shooting capabilities, which makes it all the more useful – take notes, Samsung.

The selfie cameras are decent but unremarkable. You get an identical unit on both displays and they're great for video calls and casual snaps, but if you're looking to impress, it's well worth flipping the phone around and using one of the rear lenses.

That becomes even more true when you activate the new Studio Harcourt portrait mode, which only works on the rear lenses. This is a feature that was introduced with the Honor 200 Pro recently, and the results are just as impressive here. The big difference is that it's easy to use these effects for selfies, thanks to the folding form factor.

Honor has also added a new AI eraser to the suite of editing tools, so you can easily remove unwanted items or people from your photos. It's nothing groundbreaking, but it works well.

When it comes to video, you can shoot at up to 4K 60fps on every rear camera, and up to 4K 30fps on the selfie cameras. The stabilization is solid and the microphones sound decent but the videos are a little more contrasty than I'd like as standard. Thankfully, this is easily remedied by applying one of the built-in filters, and if you switch to Pro Video mode, you can even add your own LUT.

Camera score: 4 / 5

Honor Magic V3 camera samples

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Honor Magic V3 review: performance and software

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Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset
16GB RAM and 512GB storage
Magic OS 8.0, based on Android 14

The Honor Magic V3 is powered by Qualcomm’s top-performing chip in 2024, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and it's paired with a generous 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

Unsurprisingly, this results in zippy performance in all situations and it games like a champ, too. I put a few hours into my current favorite timesink, the graphically challenging Zenless Zone Zero, and it happily ran at max settings with very few frame drops.

After a while, the phone does get pretty hot to the touch, but that’s to be expected with such a powerful chip in a slim chassis. On the plus side, it never became concerningly warm, and performance didn't seem to take too much of a hit, either.

The Magic V3 runs the same software as Honor’s other recent devices, MagicOS 8.0. It's a heavily modified version of Android 14 that takes a lot of inspiration from iOS, and it's guaranteed to divide opinion.

I’ve spent a lot of time using Honor phones lately, and though it took a while to adapt, I have grown quite fond of MagicOS. I particularly like Honor's Dynamic Island clone, Magic Capsule, as it gives you quick access to timers and playback controls no matter what you have running in the foreground.

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Another standout feature is Magic Portal, which lets you drag images and text from one app to another, as a contextually aware menu pops up at the side of the display. I mainly use it to quickly reverse image search with Google and drag addresses into Google Maps, but it can do a lot more than that, as there are now over 150 apps that support Magic Portal.

Honor is continually adding more AI-powered features to Magic OS, too. It can now reduce background noise on your voice calls in both directions, live translate text and audio using Google's Cloud AI, and soon, it'll be able to detect deepfakes in video calls to protect you from scammers.

Since this is a large-screen foldable, multitasking is quite important, and I feel like Honor could have done more with the Magic V3. You get a quick-access taskbar, and you can split the display or use floating windows, but there's not a whole lot added compared to default Android options.

Comparatively, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a much more intuitive layout, while the OnePlus Open stands out with its awesome Open Canvas mode. The Magic V3 is perfectly capable of multitasking, but it could be so much better.

Performance & software score: 4 / 5

Honor Magic V3 review: battery

5,150mAh silicon-carbon battery
66W wired charging
50W wireless charging

The Honor Magic V3 uses silicon-carbon tech to cram a sizable 5,150 mAh battery into its tiny chassis, and it also uses AI-based battery enhancements to increase efficiency. These two factors gave me high hopes about this device's stamina, but the reality was slightly more underwhelming.

The phone never failed to make it to the end of the day, but it would often cut it fine. Generally speaking, I found the battery performance to be quite similar to that of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, with its comparatively small 4,400 mAh pack. In fairness, the majority of my testing was done on pre-release firmware; there's every chance battery life could improve as updates roll out.

Where this phone does have the edge, though, is with its charging speed. The Magic V3 charges at up to 66W with a wire or 50W using Honor's Wireless SuperCharger. Yep, that's double the Galaxy Z Fold 6's wired charging speed without needing to plug in – impressive stuff.

I found I was able to go from flat to fully charged in under an hour, which makes keeping this device topped up very convenient. What's more, the 66W wall adapter comes included in the box, so you can enjoy the top speeds from day one. Nice work, Honor.

Battery score: 3 / 5

Should you buy the Honor Magic V3?

Buy it if...

You want the slimmest, lightest book-style foldable
Simply put, if you're looking for a skinny book-style foldable, they don't come slimmer than this. Plus, there's the fact that the Magic V3 is lighter than some of its non-folding competition. It's a big-screen delight without the usual drawbacks.

You don't want to compromise on cameras
Surprisingly, despite having such a slim frame, there's no compromise in the imaging department. An array of speedy cameras with relatively large sensors keeps you well-equipped for all kinds of photography.

You hate the crease
Of course, creases are inevitable with folding displays, but the Magic V3 has one of the shallowest and least noticeable creases of the current crop. It's easy to forget about, which is exactly what you want.

Don't buy it if...

You need ultra-long battery life
The Magic V3 may boast a relatively large capacity battery, but in practice, it's less impressive. It should still get you through the day, but it doesn't have the stamina of some rivals.

You want a vanilla Android experience
Magic OS 8.0 is a heavily modified Android skin that starts to resemble iOS more than stock Android. It's not a bad system, but it's certainly not for everyone.

Honor Magic V3 review: Also consider

The Honor Magic V3 is a powerful large-format foldable with speedy performance and impressive displays, but there's plenty to be said for its competition, too.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
If Honor's Magic OS 8.0 software sounds a bit too Apple-influenced for your tastes, then consider the antithesis, Google's Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which has the most Android-y Android software available. It also boasts a bigger main display and a fetching flat-sided design.

Read our Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Samsung's latest foldable goes all in on AI features, and while Honor has some tricks of its own, it can't come close to matching Samsung's comprehensive suite of tools. You'll have to be OK with a smaller cover screen and a pretty significant screen crease, though.

Read our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 review

How I tested the Honor Magic V3

Review test period: Two weeks
Testing included: everyday use including web browsing, social media, photography, video calling, gaming, streaming video, music playback
Tools used: Geekbench 6, 3DMark, GFXBench, native Android stats, included charger and Honor Wireless SuperCharge stand

I used the Honor Magic V3 as my main handset for around two weeks before reaching any conclusions. I used it exactly as I would use any other phone, taking lots of pictures, gaming, messaging, working, streaming video and navigating with Google Maps. It even accompanied me on an international flight.

I also compared my experience of playing graphically demanding games like Zenless Zone Zero, Genshin Impact, and PUBG Mobile to my experience with other Android foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Vivo X Fold 3 Pro. To confirm my findings, I ran a suite of benchmarks on the handset including 3DMark, GFXbench and Geekbench to compare stats across models.

Battery performance was assessed based on my real-world usage and charging times were measured using the included wall adapter and cable. I also tested the wireless charging using Honor’s Wireless 100W SuperCharge stand.

Eureka J20 robot vacuum two-minute review

The Eureka J20 provides the next generation of mopping technology thanks to its RollRenew mopping system. This is one of the best mopping solutions I’ve seen on any robot vacuum. It achieves superior performance by not only mounting the mop pad onto a roller but also spraying fresh water onto it as it rotates around. This helps to ensure the mop is always cleaning the floor with a clean pad. This leaves oscillating mopping solutions in its wake and seems likely to become become the go-to option for customers prepared to pay a premium for the best robot vacuum.

As well as excellent mopping capabilities, the J20 is also very capable when it comes to vacuuming. My tests with crushed digestives biscuits, flour, and oats were adequately dealt with when I increased the suction power to either Turbo or Super Strong. There were times when I needed to carry out a small follow-up sweep, but this was only on larger and more stubborn debris. All in all, the vacuuming performance of the J20 is up there with the best.

LiDAR mapping and AI obstacle detection performed incredibly well, leading to an accurate and reliable map of our house. It handled table legs and other furniture with ease, although this did add to the amount of time required to map the space. Eureka’s app is equally good, with outstanding mapping technology and customizable cleaning schedules.

Eureka J20 robot vacuum in its base station — (Image credit: Future)

The robot vacuum is only half the story, though. The J20 is backed up by an impressive base station that fulfils a range of duties, including charging, self-emptying, and refilling the vacuum water tank. It carries all of these out with very little fuss; all you have to concern yourself with is making sure the base station is filled up with water and the debris receptacle is emptied every so often. The station is a little on the large side, however, so you’ll want to make sure you have enough room for it before investing in this product.

The design of every part of the vacuum and base station is well considered and perfectly engineered. Premium materials are found throughout, helping not only to improve the user experience but also increase the longevity of the device.

There’s little not to love about the J20. This is a premium robot vacuum solution that delivers great vacuuming and mopping performance. The €1,399 price point will put a lot of people off but if you have the money to cover the investment, there aren’t many better alternatives on the market.

Eureka J20 robot vacuum review: price & availability

Launched: Summer / fall 2024
Price EU $1,399 / $1,399 (equivalent to £1,100 / AU$2,075)
Available in Europe, US and Australia launches to follow, no launch date for UK

At the time of writing the Eureka J20 is available in four European countries: Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. The €1,399 price tag puts it at the higher end of robot vacuum cleaners and TechRadar's premium price bracket, but that's reflected in the feature set. Robot vacuums do tend to attract discounts around major shopping events like the Black Friday sales, though, so there's a chance you might be able to avoid paying that full list price.

In North America the J20 will be available on eureka.com with a retail price of $1,399, although during the US launch period there will be a $300 coupon, making the final price $1,099. An Australian launch is expected but there's no word on pricing, and so far there's no mention of a UK launch from Eureka.

Value score: 4 out of 5

Eureka J20 robot vacuum specs

Eureka J20 robot vacuum review: design & features

8,000 PA vacuum
RollRenew mopping system
Bagless self-emptying base station

The Eureka J20 vacuum and base station are relatively compact, especially considering the overall functionality and number of features. That doesn’t mean it’s particularly small, though. With dimensions of 423 x 462 x 452.5mm, you’ll need a fairly good amount of space to keep it out of the way. I was fortunate to have a space in my utility room that meant it wasn’t in the way of foot traffic. If you’re tight on space and have a small hallway or kitchen, you’ll need to look for a smaller unit.

Everything was safely packaged, guaranteeing nothing was harmed in transit. After unboxing everything, I plugged the base station in, placed the robot inside, and waited for it to be fully charged. The robot connects to the charging point through two metal plates, which automatically line up without any requirement for human intervention.

In the meantime, I downloaded the Eureka app, which is essential for use as well as for maximizing all the features. Connecting the robot to the app was a breeze, and my phone was able to find it with no problems at all.

While the robot is off mapping your house, the app displays all the progress in a simple and straightforward floor map. It is only after mapping the whole space that rooms can be labelled and zones specified. All in all, the app is incredibly intuitive and easy to navigate. If you’ve never owned a robot vacuum before, then controlling it from a phone will take a bit of getting used to, but you’ll soon get the hang of it.

Controls on the Eureka J20 robot vacuum base station — (Image credit: Future)

All parts look and feel premium, helping to ensure durability when moving around the house. The reality is that at times it might have to interact with children or pets, but there are no concerns that the J20 won’t be able to withstand the test. The units are made from powder-coated dark grey plastic, helping to hide any scuffs and marks that will inevitably come their way. All parts of the robot and base station are easy to wipe clean.

The robot itself is fairly simple in design, with two buttons located on the top of the unit. One is for sending the robot back to its base station for charging, while the other starts and pauses the cleaning process. The same two buttons are also located on the base station for ease of access.

Underside of the Eureka J20 robot vacuum — (Image credit: Future)

Underneath the robot is where all the magic happens. Sensors and brushes help to keep the robot on track as well as pick up dirt. The mop assembly is the crowning feature of the vacuum. Engineering it onto a belt means the mop pad stays cleaner for longer and that fresh water is regularly applied to the surface being cleaned. This sets it apart from a lot of traditional robot vacuums that only vibrate a mop pad across the surface.

Water tank for the Eureka J20 robot vacuum — (Image credit: Future)

One of the best things about the base station design is how easy it is to remove and insert the various tanks, including the clean water and waste water tanks. These fit seamlessly into the casing and are super easy to fill up/empty.

Design score: 4 out of 5

Eureka J20 robot vacuum review: performance

Great vacuuming capabilities
Roller mop picks up spills nicely
Fantastic mapping technology

The biggest evolution for Eureka and for the industry as a whole is the proprietary RollRenew mopping system. This did a fantastic job of cleaning up spills, as long as you got the vacuum to work on them pretty quickly; if it was left for a while, the J20 found it harder to take care of them in the time it was gliding over them. More water would have helped but that’s not usually desired, especially on real-wood floors. The J20 performed better than the Eureka E10s, thanks to the roller mop functionality.

Moving onto vacuuming, my tests involved sprinkling a mix of crushed digestives and flour, as well as oats, onto my carpet and hard floor before seeing how the Eureka J20 performed on its Quiet, Standard, Turbo, and Super Strong suction strengths. The lower settings didn't pick up anywhere near enough debris to make them worthwhile, either on carpet or hard floors.

The Turbo and Super Strong settings were much more capable of picking up the flour and biscuits to a satisfactory standard, although you’ll have to be prepared to put up with nearly 70dB of noise while it’s happening.

Eureka J20 robot vacuum on a carpet — (Image credit: Future)

After testing the core elements of vacuuming and mopping, I turned my attention to the amount of noise the device was making. This is important because the quieter the vacuum, the more likely users are going to be able to utilize it at the end of each day without the fear of interrupting a quiet night in.

The audio volume of the J20 increases from 60dB on its lowest suction to 70dB on its highest. This is comparable with Eureka’s other models, such as the E10s, which had an almost identical audio range. The audio levels are not particularly comfortable, especially if you’re trying to relax at the same time. I prefer to put the robot to work either while I’m out during the day or when I’m doing other jobs.

After performing a clean, the J20 will return to its base station and empty its contents. The advertised capacity of the base station receptacle is 75 days, a length of time that is obviously dependent upon your home and how much dirt needs cleaning. In reality, it will need emptying as regularly as any standard upright vacuum would.

Eureka J20 base station opened to show the dust bag — (Image credit: Future)

Eureka has always done a fantastic job of integrating state-of-the-art mapping and navigation technology into its robot vacuums. The same is true for its J20 model. Despite taking a while to map out our home and making a number of wrong turns in the process, the resulting map was incredibly accurate. Our rooms have a lot of table legs, which I thought would confuse the robot, but instead it gradually and methodically worked its way around.

The overall performance of the J20 among the best I have ever seen. It effectively picks up dirt, mops up spills, and requires very little human intervention to finish cleaning tasks.

Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Eureka J20 robot vacuum review: app

Intuitive to use
Specific room and zone mapping
Ability to schedule cleans

Eureka has managed to create an app that is not only remarkably easy to use but also offers a lot of functionality. Having used the app with the Eureka E10s, I continued to be impressed by all that the app offers.

Downloading and installing the app was an absolute breeze. After connecting the vacuum, I proceeded to carry out an initial mapping of the space. The vacuum and app linked seamlessly to provide a usable scan of the house, including a map of scanned rooms. Each of these can be labelled for easier navigation and customization as well as the ability to set no-go or no-mop zones, perfect for carpeted floors.

Eureka E10s App — (Image credit: Future)

Eureka provides a number of different ways to get your space cleaned. The first is to select specific rooms on the map and hit the clean button. This is ideal if you know you have mess in a set number of rooms but don’t want to carry out a full clean. Alternatively, zones can be specified, which is perfect for cleaning those high-use areas.

By far the easiest and most hassle-free option is to set up scheduled cleans and let the vacuum just crack on with doing what it does best. The app lets you specify a time, a repeat schedule, and a number of cleaning cycles. Each scheduled clean can also include the rooms that you want cleaned.

I found all of these features to be incredibly easy to use but I would understand if someone less tech-savvy needed a little bit of help getting everything set up. There were also occasions when troubleshooting was required and if you weren’t able to work through these problems yourself, then I could see how it could become a little frustrating.

App score: 4.5 out of 5

Eureka J20 robot vacuum review: battery life

Battery lasts up to three hours
Takes around three to four hours to recharge

The 6,400mAh battery is advertised as lasting 180 minutes. This running time is only remotely achievable when used with the lowest level of suction power. You can expect this to reduce by as much as half when using the highest power setting.

Given the fact that this level of suction is required almost all the time, you’ll want to weigh up whether you’re happy with this battery performance. Measuring your space is a good start. I found the robot able to cover in the region of 750-850 square feet per charge.

Recharging the robot from empty takes around three to four hours, which is more than easily achieved between cleans. The robot is also intelligent enough to know when it needs a boost and will return to the base station accordingly.

Battery life score: 3.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Eureka J20 robot vacuum?

Buy it if...

You want a roller mop

The selling-point of the Eureka J20 is the mop that is mounted to a roller. This helps to ensure that fresh water is applied to each new stain, thereby improving the overall performance of the mop.

You want a self-emptying base

The J20 robot vacuum transfers all of its debris into the base station every time it returns. This reduces the number of times the main dustbin needs to be emptied.

You love great design

The J20 really looks the part. Every individual element has been expertly designed and crafted to provide a beautiful looking unit.

Don't buy it if...

You are on a budget

At €1,399, the Eureka J20 is far from affordable for most people. The benefit of paying this much money is that you’ll get to enjoy a range of premium features that are not available on cheaper alternatives.

You need a long battery life

The J20 provides a reasonable battery life but at the highest suction power, the battery does begin to struggle a little. If you have a particularly large home and want to complete it in one charge, you might run into some problems.

You want a tried and tested model

The J20 is a relatively new entry into the world of robot vacuums and despite the great features, it hasn’t built up a sufficient track record to make it one of the greats.

How I tested the Eureka J20 robot vacuum

Tested with several full cleans of my home
Used all vacuum and mopping settings
All floor types, including carpet and hardwood

My 600-foot home was perfect for testing the Eureka J20. The mix of carpets, hardwood floors, and a low-pile rug meant I could test all the features of this impressive robot vacuum. After setting it up and mapping the space, I endeavored to let the robot get on with its cleaning, independent of my involvement. There’s no use having a robot vacuum if you’re always going to have to intervene.

More specifically, I included a fine dust and larger debris test to check its vacuuming capabilities. The former was made up of crushed digestives and flour, with the latter consisting of oats. These helped me see how well the vacuum was able to handle different types of mess.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed: July 2024

Mobile Pixels Geminos T: A vertical stacking monitor solution that needs perfecting

7:00 pm | August 24, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Monitors Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: UK, US | Comments: Off

Mobile Pixels Geminos T: Two-minute review

The Mobile Pixels Geminos T delivers when it comes to productivity. Having two monitors stacked vertically allows for multiple windows to be open at the same time without the need for either a single widescreen monitor or multiple monitors laid out side by side. The Geminos T is therefore an impressively compact solution for desks that lack width. On the flip side, because the bottom display tilts forward, you really do need a deep desk to accommodate both the display and a keyboard/laptop.

The displays themselves unfortunately top out at 1080p, which is fine for most productivity tasks but nowhere near enough for creatives craving 4K resolution. Each display also has only a 60Hz refresh rate so gamers will want to stay away. Mobile Pixels has purposefully created a set of monitors that are designed for productivity and not for creativity or gaming.

The base doubles up as a hub with plenty of connectivity, including an SD/TF card slot, two USB-A ports, and a USB-C port. Being able to ditch your existing hub further tidies up your desk setup. I would have liked to have seen more USB-C ports rather than USB-A, especially with an increasing number of devices utilizing the latest technology. The hub functionality does make the base rather cumbersome and larger than most monitor stands but that's the trade-off for having a built-in hub.

Mobile Pixels Geminos T — (Image credit: Future)

The hub provides 100W USB-C pass-through charging capability, enabling users to charge a laptop in just a couple of hours. The only cables you'll need trailing out of your laptop will therefore be the two you need for connecting to the displays. As long as the top display is connected via USB-C, you can make use of the extended capabilities.

The hub also includes two speakers, which provide superior audio quality to most laptops or monitors I've ever used. The audio is loud, sharp, and surprisingly even provides enough bass for enjoying music and videos.

Touch-screen functionality left a lot to be desired. I was able to use the Windows bar to open and close apps but the rest of the display seemed to lack touch-screen capability. This could have been amazing for enhancing productivity and essentially turning the bottom display into a laptop display. Unfortunately, I couldn't benefit from this, although that should be possible.

Ergonomically, the dual-stacked display is okay but not great. The only position in which the top display is natural is if the bottom display is angled at around 45 degrees. I found having the bottom display angled so acutely a little unnatural and uncomfortable for my neck.

For the price of $699.99 / £859.97, I think I would lean towards buying two superior 24-inch monitors and a separate vertical mount system. The 1080p resolution and 60Hz refresh rate really limit the versatility of these displays, effectively restricting users to a purely productivity-focused workflow.

Mobile Pixels Geminos T: Price and availability

$1,099.99 / £859.97
Available in US and UK

The Geminos T from Mobile Pixels retails at $1,099.99 in the US and £859.97 in the UK. At the time of writing, the US version was reduced to $699.99 - a pretty hefty discount.

If I'm honest, I think the initial price will put a lot of people off, and I have to wonder how much of a market there is for a high-end productivity-focused monitor solution like this. If you want everything in one neat package, no matter the cost, then this is a great option. But if you're prepared to buy two monitors and a separate vertical mount, then you'll be sure to get displays with better specifications.

Value score: 3 / 5

Mobile Pixels Geminos T: Specs

Mobile Pixels Geminos T: Design and features

Top monitor slides up/down, bottom monitor tilts
Built-in hub
100w pass through power

When it comes to design, the Geminos T is a really intriguing product. Most people who want two displays tend to put them side by side. This requires a desk-width that accommodates it but it has generally been the go-to setup for users needing more screen real-estate. Ultra-wide monitors have also been born out of this phenomenon. Mobile Pixels is trying to shake things up, especially for those seeking greater productivity.

The Geminos T is a vertically stacked dual-screen desktop monitor connected via a linkage system, with the bottom display supporting multi-touch to provide an efficient and user-friendly way to interact with the computer. We'll come back to the touch screen later.

The top screen shifts up and down, which then forces the bottom screen to tilt. I've never experienced anything like it but I did find it difficult to find a natural position for both. When I had the bottom display perfectly positioned, the top display was too high. When I dropped the top display to make that line up with my eyes, the bottom display was angled too acutely to make it useful. They can even be completely collapsed thanks to the robust hinge system.

Adjusting the monitor positions is fairly straightforward, although you'll want to handle it with care. Mobile Pixels plasters the entire unit with stickers giving instructions and warnings, which is a little over the top. Unfortunately, the removal of these stickers left a number of residue marks on parts of the monitor and on the webcam. This could easily have been avoided by using some sort of card or alternative labeling solution.

The displays are connected via independent HDMI/USB-C ports, which makes it possible to connect two separate laptops or computers. That being said, considering the hub is only connected to the bottom display, I think this has been primarily designed for use with a single device.

Other than the displays, there is also a built-in hub located in the stand. This is a well-implemented solution for users who have multiple devices and has the added benefit of furthering productivity. Connectivity includes 2 x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 2x HDMI ports, 3.5mm headphone jack, RJ45 Ethernet, TF and SD card slots. This is a good spread of options, although I would have liked to have seen more USB-C ports to ensure the device stays current in the years to come.

Also included in the hub are a pair of very capable speakers. I was surprised by the level of volume achievable, which was significantly better than my on-board laptop speakers. Even though there are two speakers, they are very close to each other and therefore lack the ability to convert into anything resembling surround sound.

The hub continues to deliver great functionality with 100W passthrough charging through USB-C. This reduces the number of cables you need coming out of your laptop and provides a fast way of getting your devices charged up quickly. In terms of hub capabilities, the Geminos T is indeed very capable, which is probably part of the reason for the inflated price of the product.

The final design element to mention is the webcam, which is located at the top of the upper display. There is a small amount of tilt available on the webcam, making it usable at whatever height you have the top display set to. Unfortunately, due to a label being plastered over it, I was left with glue residue that couldn't be easily removed, rendering the webcam useless - a frustrating flaw with the packaging rather than the product design itself.

Design and features score: 4 / 5

Mobile Pixels Geminos T: Performance

Well-performing 1080p monitors
Poor touch screen
Great hub functionality

The Geminos T performed pretty well in almost all areas, especially if you limit your concerns to productivity applications and workflows rather than gaming and creativity.

The 1080p displays are clear, bright, and vibrant—everything you need from monitors that are not required to represent color 100% accurately. Whenever I test monitors at this resolution, I am always left wanting more, even if I'm only using a document editor or writing emails. At 1080p, everything lacks the sort of crispness that is present in 4K or even 3K displays. In my opinion, we're so used to amazing clarity on our mobile phones at this point that not seeing that same quality on our monitors can leave us feeling a little disappointed.

The 60Hz refresh rate is no major problem in general, but gamers will likely want to steer clear. I think if Mobile Pixels just increased the resolution and refresh rate a little, then they would significantly open themselves up to other markets. There is also no HDR functionality, which might be a limiting factor for some, especially anyone looking to do creative work.

The bottom display on the Geminos T is advertised as a touchscreen, although I didn't have a great time with it. I only seemed to be able to find touch sensitivity on the bottom Windows bar and not anywhere else on the screen. Considering this is one of the selling points for productive workflows, I was amazed at the problems I was facing. Note that touchscreens are only available on the Geminos T and X models.

The other disappointing part of my experience was with the webcam. After removing one of the stickers that was placed on the webcam, I was left with glue residue on the camera and I couldn't get rid of it. I was therefore unable to effectively test the quality of this part of the device.

I think the Geminos T is so close to being worthy of its high price tag. High-resolution displays, quicker refresh rates, and a better touchscreen would really help cement this stacked monitor solution as a productivity-enhancing machine.

Performance score: 3.5 / 5

Mobile Pixels Geminos T: Score card

Should I buy the Mobile Pixels Geminos T?

Buy it if...

You need a vertical mount

There aren't too many options on the market for a built-in vertical stacked monitor so the Geminos T is one of your only choices.

You want a foldable monitor solution

The Geminos T enables users to shift the top display up and down while at the same time tilting the bottom display. Both are connected so a change to one monitor affects the other. The two displays can also be completely collapsed flat.

Don't buy it if...

You need a 4K monitor

The Geminos T displays are both 1080p, which is enough for many but not for creatives working with 4K footage or gamers playing 4K games.

You're a gamer

A 60Hz refresh rate is nothing near what is required for modern gaming. The Geminos T is not designed for this market so you'll need to look elsewhere for an alternative solution.

Also consider

BenQ PD2725U

A pricey monitor with excellent color accuracy and a wide range of connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C. It has a sleek design with thin bezels and an adjustable stand.

Read our full BenQ PD2725U review

InnoCN 27M2U

A budget-friendly monitor with superb color reproduction and impressive peak brightness. The inclusion of 90W Type-C power delivery makes it useful for minimizing cables out of your laptop.

Read our full InnoCN 27M2U review

How I tested the Mobile Pixels Geminos T

The packaging for the Gigabyte Aorus FO32U2P gaming monitor — (Image credit: Future)

After setting up the Mobile Pixels Geminos T, I had it as my main monitor for a number of weeks. It's quite imposing so I had to clear my desk first. Knowing that the monitor stack is designed primarily for productivity, I made sure to utilise office applications and web browsing most of the time. I also tested it using other creative applications and watching videos.

I’ve been reviewing computers, peripherals and components for many years for multiple different publications around the world.

Majority Moto 2.0: two-minute review

The Majority Moto 2.0 is the first record player from the budget audio company: the number isn't a version number but a reference to the built-in 2.0-speaker setup. It is an entire music system in a single box: thanks to its built-in speakers and Bluetooth 5.3, you can stream audio from your phone or computer as well as play records, and even rip them to digital via your PC, thanks to its USB port.

The Majority Moto 2.0 is clearly aimed at someone who doesn't have an existing sound system of any kind and it offers a lot of features for relatively little money. There are, of course, many compromises at its £79 price compared to the best turntables, but the Moto 2.0 is better than you might expect, due in part to the inclusion of a good-quality Audio-Technica cartridge. However, we did experience some quality issues with our review unit that suggest this is a record player that'll need careful handling.

The Moto 2.0 is clearly designed to be your first turntable that covers all the bases: Bluetooth streaming to headphones or speakers and from other devices, USB output for recording, even the ability to play ancient 78s as well as the much more common 45 and 33 and 1/3 speeds.

But you shouldn't expect room-shaking volume from those integrated speakers: they don't go loud because if they did, their vibration would do a Taylor Swift to your tonearm and shake it off. The sub chassis is separate to isolate it from their vibrations and copes fine with the volume levels available, but if you've got a big space or like to listen loud you'll want to connect an amp, or wirelessly connect it to one of the best Bluetooth speakers that you place on a different surface, or to some of the best wireless headphones.

I would encourage people to step up to the similar-but-just-overall-better Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT if you can, which also offers Bluetooth and USB, and is fully automatic, but offers no built-in speakers… however, it's around twice the price of the Majority, so if you want to keep it under £100, this is still a solid choice.

Majority Moto 2.0 speaker close-up — The integrated speakers are very small and fire upwards, so don't expect room-filling audio or earth-shaking bass. (Image credit: Future)

Majority Moto 2.0 review: Price and release date

Released in February 2024
Available in UK and Europe
£79.95 / €99.95

Despite a very low price, the Moto 2.0 is packed with features including one very significant one: it comes with an Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge, which is definitely unusual at this end of the market. That cartridge alone typically retails for around £20, or one-quarter of this entire turntable's price.

For comparison, consider than Pro-Ject's super-cheap (for Pro-Ject) entry-level turntable, the E1, is around £200, and doesn't have speakers, USB, a phono stage or Bluetooth (though more expensive versions do have those things). However, it does sound a lot better as a result, as our Pro-Ject E1 review will attest.

Majority Moto 2.0 USB port close-up — In addition to playing records you can rip them to computer or play from USB. (Image credit: Future)

Majority Moto 2.0 review: Features

Bluetooth and USB
Three turntable speeds
Integrated speakers and phono stage

You can't fault the feature list here: it does basically everything a turntable can do.

It has three playing speeds, and while it's not fully automatic, it does have auto-stop. There's an integrated phono stage if you want to connect it to an amp – though as mentioned before, it has its own speakers, so you don't technically need to.

It also has Bluetooth, and this goes in both directions: you can beam your records out to Bluetooth speakers, or you can send music over to the Moto 2.0 and listen over its built-in speakers. There's no aptX or anything else higher-res, though. It also has an aux-out if you prefer the best wired headphones to wireless ones.

And with a USB port on board, you can connect it to a computer and record your vinyl to a digital file – either because you want to preserve rare tracks that aren't available elsewhere, or just to capture the song complete with crackles.

Features score: 5 / 5

Majority Moto 2.0 phono out close-up — You don't have to use the integrated speakers: there are phono outs to connect an amp or powered speakers. (Image credit: Future)

Majority Moto 2.0 review: Sound quality

Better than you might expect
Built-in speakers aren't great
Speakers aren't built for bass

There's a limit to how much air two small speakers can push, but while the Moto isn't very loud the sound is pleasant enough on well-recorded records at reasonable levels; it's bass-light but does the job provided you don't turn the volume up too much. Do that and the sound starts to get harsh, the middle frequencies taking over as the speakers struggle.

One key thing the integrated speakers don't do is deliver a sweet spot, that perfect place where the soundstage is at its most immersive. To do that you need the sound waves to be coming towards you and the speakers some distance apart; these speakers are just an album's width apart and send their soundwaves towards the ceiling.

Things improve considerably when you team up the turntable with external, forward facing speakers or a decent set of headphones, but the flaws are more apparent too: there's noticeable mechanical noise in the quieter bits. If you're listening to songs with a lot of sustained notes, such as U2's With Or Without You, you might also notice some slight speed variation. It's not apparent on faster, choppier songs, and vocal vibrato tends to hide it for singing. But it's audible on very clear, sustained tones such as Edge's trademark infinite guitar.

No matter what you listen on, the sound is slightly boxy and cluttered in the way so many budget audio products are: everything's doing its best but the overall result lacks the spaciousness, separation and sparkle that you get with better-quality gear.

A lot depends on what you're listening to: give it some yacht rock with some expensive-studio smoothness and it's really rather nice, although the lush arrangements of Fleetwood Mac's Rumours lose some of their sparkle here with an emphasis on the cookie-tin snare drums and rubber-band bass.

More electronic pop such as Sigrid's second album is fun when it's well separated but feels claustrophobic in the busier tracks: there's a lack of air and low-end separation, with harshness creeping in as you turn the volume up. That harshness is particularly apparent with heavier genres of music, especially modern rock featuring brick-wall compression designed to make everything louder than everything else.

This isn't an audiophile product. But it's a fun one, especially if you skip the built-in speakers and hook up something more substantial either by Bluetooth or via an amp: connecting the turntable to an Ultimate Ears Wonderboom added some of the bass the built-in speakers lacked, and connecting the Moto to my Onkyo amp and Bowers & Wilkins bookshelf speakers was better still. Is it up there with turntables that cost four times the price or more? Absolutely not. But with decent speakers it doesn't sound like it cost £80 either.

Sound quality score: 3 / 5

Majority Moto 2.0 close-up of the Audio-Technica cartridge — Unusually for a turntable this affordable, you get a pretty decent Audio-Technica cartridge. (Image credit: Future)

Majority Moto 2.0 review: Design

Unusual platter placement
Integrated speakers and lots of connectivity
Feels a bit fragile

The Moto 2.0 comes in a dark wood effect with black hardware, with the wooden section overhanging the front and sides of the chassis. The two built-in speakers are behind circular black grilles facing directly upwards from the top front of the turntable and the controls are on the front and sides. On top of the dampened sprung platter there's a slipmat to keep your records in place.

The Moto 2.0 is smaller than many turntables, at just 38cm wide compared to the much more common 43cm. And the platter is smaller than usual too, at 20cm/8 inches. The speaker placement means the platter is oddly positioned: instead of sitting centrally it's off-centre, nearer the back than the front. That means if you're playing 12-inch records they will extend beyond the rear border of the turntable and through a space in the back of the dust cover.

There are some issues, however. The plastics here are cheap-looking, especially at the speed switch, and the tonearm is very thin and feels eminently breakable. Between these and the upfiring speaker design that doesn't lend itself to ideal audio quality, there are definitely flaws to how this is put together.

Design score: 3 / 5

Majority Moto 2.0 review: Usability and setup

All you need to do is plug it in
Switches and controls are around the edge
Doesn't get much easier

This turntable is all about simplicity, and because everything's in one unit all you need to do is remove the protective cover from the stylus and the plastic wire from the tonearm, plug the power supply into the wall and turn it on. So for a user-friendly beginner turntable, you can't get much better than that.

The two most important controls – the on/volume and the audio source – are both on the front along with the 3.5mm headphone socket. Other connection options are easily accessed along the edges, so no usability struggles there.

Frankly, it doesn't get any easier for your first turntable than this.

Usability and setup score: 5 / 5

Majority Moto 2.0 review: Value

You get a lot for your money...
...but you're paying for features you might not use
Quality is limited, though

The sub-£100 turntable market should probably be labelled "here be monsters", but the Majority is not one of them: you'd be hard pushed to get a better value turntable at this price. It's less than half of the price we'd typically expect to pay for a decent budget turntable.

However, the trade-off for that low price is audio quality, especially if you're going to be listening via the integrated speakers: they're okay but they're not great. If you're serious about sound quality you might want to save a little longer for something like the Pro-Ject E1 if you want to go the hi-fi route, or the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT if you want to stick with something with Bluetooth and USB. Or scour the second-hand market for a bargain.

Value score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Majority Moto 2.0?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Majority Moto 2.0 review: Also consider

How I tested the Majority Moto 2.0

Tested at home for two weeks with more than a dozen new and used records
Tested solo, on headphones and through an external amp and speakers
Streamed Apple Music from iPhone

I tested the Majority Moto 2.0 at home, focusing on its vinyl performance and listening intensely to records I know inside-out across a range of genres from the most polished productions to ragged punk rock. I also streamed Apple Music from my iPhone to test its streaming prowess.

When I connected the Moto 2.0 to other equipment I used Beyedynamic wired headphones, which are known for their relatively flat performance (so reveal the sound of the underlying player well), and an Onkyo amp with the direct setting engaged to bypass the bass and treble circuits. The amp was connected to a set of Bowers & Wilkins bookshelf speakers, giving the Moto access to some pretty sweet-sounding hardware in order to show what it's capable of.

First reviewed June 2024
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JBL Go 4 review: a fun-size budget Bluetooth speaker, just don’t expect big things

7:30 pm | August 22, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers | Tags: Australia, UK, US | Comments: Off

The compact and durable JBL Go 4 makes for a good poolside companion. It’s the latest, May 2024-issue model in the Go range, and is one of the first JBL speakers to feature Auracast, along with the Clip 5 and the Xtreme 4 – both of which are happy members of our best Bluetooth speakers buying guide. It's reasonably priced at $49.95 / £39.99 / $59.95 and is available to purchase in the US, UK, and Australia from the official JBL website, and from Amazon for $49.95 / £34.99 / AU$59.95 at the time of writing.

The JBL Go 4 comes in Black, White, Red, Blue, Purple, Pink, or Squad (i.e. camo) in the US, UK, and Australia. Additional color variations are available in the US and Australia, including Sand, and Black and Orange – which also has a lot of light blue on it, as it happens. I was given a sample of the Red Go 4 to test out and one thing’s for certain: though it may be little, if you go for this or one of the other bolder colors you won’t lose sight of it easily.

The front and back of the eye-catching little speaker are covered in woven fabric, with silicone panels on the top and sides in which the various buttons and the USB-C charging port are housed, and textured silicone areas on the back and bottom that provide stability whether the speaker is placed upright or on its back. The buttons in the top and left-hand panels include a play/pause button and volume controls, and the power, Bluetooth, and Auracast buttons. I have to give JBL some bonus points for taking a sustainable approach by using recycled fabric and plastic in parts of the speaker, and for using packaging that’s largely paper-based and printed using soy ink.

The corner loop of a red JBL Go 4 pictured against a pink background. It is sitting on a dark stone surface with puddles of water around it. — (Image credit: Future)

There’s a small fabric and silicone loop fixed around the top-right corner of the speaker that did come in handy, although I needed to use a hook or separate carabiner to hang it from, which was not as helpful as the integrated carabiner on the JBL Clip 5 or the multiway strap on the Sony XB100.

At a dinky size of 3.7 x 3.0 x 1.7 inches / 94 x 78 x 42 mm and weighing just 11oz / 190g, this speaker would make a useful little music companion. Due to its IP67 rating, it’s safe to use at a pool party or at the beach – we can confirm that it continues to work after it’s submerged in water, as we gave it a good dunking in the TechRadar testing tank.

The JBL Portable app is intuitive, and its attractive design makes it satisfying to use and simple to navigate. The app can connect to any compatible JBL speaker, with each speaker displayed on the My Products page (provided they’re powered on). From this page, you can also skip over to the PartyTogether area to add other JBL speakers into the mix for amplified sound.

The side panel and control buttons of a red JBL Go 4 pictured against a pink background. It is sitting on a dark stone surface with puddles of water around it. — (Image credit: Future)

Once I selected the Go 4 from the product page, I could see the battery level and enable PlaytimeBoost, which is designed to boost the volume of the music while consuming less battery by disabling the EQ. There’s also a Product Information section, Stereo Group mode for connecting two speakers together in stereo, and the four preset equalizer profiles: JBL Signature, Chill, Energetic, and Vocal, plus the Custom EQ profile.

The stated battery life of the Go 4 is seven hours. Now, I’m used to some speakers not quite going the distance, which is often covered by caveats on the brand's website; however, this speaker went above and beyond, lasting for nearly 10 hours of continuous music playing at 50% volume on the default JBL signature EQ preset.

At one point I experienced a small issue when the Go 4 wouldn’t play music from our FiiO M11S music player or a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. Both devices could connect to the Go 4 and were shown as playing music, but no sound was coming out of the speaker. Taking a leaf out of the operations manual of IT help desks everywhere, I turned the speaker off and on again, and fortunately that fixed the issue straight away.

The back face of a red JBL Go 4 pictured against a pink background. It is sitting on a dark stone surface with puddles of water around it. — (Image credit: Future)

The overall listening experience was fine; nothing groundbreaking, but perfectly adequate for the price. When music is played using the default JBL Signature EQ profile the depth and clarity are lacking somewhat, but I was able to make improvements by implementing the other EQ presets or by employing a custom EQ. If you’re used to higher-end speakers, you may find this lower-quality sound a chore to listen to, but for those who just want something compact that they can throw in a bag when they want to enjoy tunes on the go, it’s great.

This tiny speaker can reach a good level of volume for its size. At 50% it’s loud enough to dance around your kitchen to, but if you’re doing any noisy cooking you may need to bump it up a bit. The speaker’s orientation makes a noticeable difference to the sound quality, particularly for tracks with high levels of treble or bass. Most users would naturally want to stand it on its base as advertised, but I found that the best sound was achieved with the speaker lying on its back. This is also the best position if you’re listening with others, as the sound is firing upward rather than in one direction.

The play, pause, and volume buttons on the top of a red JBL Go 4 ,pictured against a pink background. It is sitting on a dark stone surface with puddles of water around it. — (Image credit: Future)

When listening to Black Eye by Allie X, I found the bass wasn’t dynamic enough, and the beat fell flat so the track lost the powerful rhythm that’s usually present when listening through more bass-heavy alternatives such as the Tribit XSound Plus 2 speaker. The vocals also got a little lost amid the different elements as they all seemed to fight for center stage.

I tried the Vocal EQ to see if it would make an improvement, but I found it instead distorted all elements of the track, so it appears this setting wouldn’t be a great one to use when listening to music. There was a slightly noticeable increase in vocal clarity and prominence when enabled for podcasts and other vocal-focused content, however. Going back to Black Eye, the best EQ profile by far was Energetic – the vocal clarity was much improved, and the other elements sounded like they’d been pushed back in line.

The same was true when listening to St. Thomas by Sonny Rollins, and I Want You by Moloko. On the default JBL Signature EQ, everything felt flat, but the Energetic preset does exactly what it says on the label, giving everything a little boost where needed.

The USB C charging port on a red JBL Go 4 pictured against a pink background. It is sitting on a dark stone surface with puddles of water around it. — (Image credit: Future)

The JBL Signature EQ was adequate for listening to slower and more relaxing tracks, and the output was softened further after switching to the Chill EQ preset, which pulls the highs down so you aren’t hit with any harsh notes when you’re trying to unwind. This EQ delivered a pleasant listening experience when playing Where’s My Love (Alternative Version) by SYML.

Overall, if you aren’t particularly fussed about sound quality and you’re just looking for a cheap and cheerful little speaker that’s durable enough to handle a rainy day or a beach party, the JBL Go 4 is a solid choice. There are a lot of good alternatives available though, so I’d recommend checking out our selection of the best waterproof speakers and best cheap Bluetooth speaker deals to see if anything else catches your eye.

A red JBL Go 4 is being held in the air from the corner loop in front of a pink background. — (Image credit: Future)

JBL Go 4 review: Price and availability

$49.95 / £39.99 / $59.95
Available now in the US, UK, and Australia

Released in May 2024, the JBL Go 4 is the latest model in the JBL Go range, following on from the Go 3. It’s available for purchase from the official JBL website for $49.95 / £39.99 / AU$59.95, and from Amazon for $49.95 / £34.99 / AU$59.95 at the time of writing.

As mentioned, it has plenty of competition in this price range – in particular, there’s the five-star rated Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 that massively impressed our reviewer considering the $59.99 / £59.99 price tag. However, if your budget maxes out at $50 / £40 and you just want something small, durable, and a bit jazzy, then the JBL Go 4 is a good choice.

JBL Go 4 review: Specs

Should I buy the JBL Go 4?

A red JBL Go 4 pictured against a pink background. It is sitting on a dark stone surface with puddles of water around it. — (Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

JBL Go 4 review: Also consider

How I tested the JBL Go 4

I tested the speaker over several months
I listened to a variety of music genres and podcasts
I played music continuously to test the battery life

I tested the JBL Go 4 over a few months. I listened to a variety of music genres, as well as the TechRadar testing playlist, which includes tracks that feature a range of musical styles and textures, including complex and layered instrumentals, deep bass, and delicate vocals, to enable me to determine the speaker's ability to handle different frequencies.

I played our TechRadar playlist on Tidal continuously at 50% volume using the default JBL signature EQ preset to test whether the battery could last up to the claimed seven hours.

I also used it to listen to music and podcasts in the TechRadar office, our music testing room, and at home, using Spotify and Tidal from an iPhone 12 Pro and a OnePlus Pad Go.

First reviewed: August 2024
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Shark NeverChange review: a scented, but insensitive, air purifier

10:00 am |

Author: admin | Category: Air Quality Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: Australia, UK, US | Comments: Off

Product info

This air purifier has different names and product codes, depending on territory:

US: Shark NeverChange Air Purifier HP152

UK: Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier HP150UK

For this review, I tested the UK version. Please note, there may be minor differences between different countries' models.

The Shark NeverChange (or if you're in the UK, the NeverChange5) is an air purifier with a difference, thanks to the washable outer filters, which, in theory, will extend the life of the HEPA filter to five years. As well as this, it has the novelty of scented purifying thanks its Odor Neutralizing Technology, which is in essence a fragranced cartridge that fits into the top of the purifier.

I tested one out to see how it compares the rest of the best air purifiers on the market. It's quiet and easy to use, but while there were noticeable improvements to the air quality, its lack of air quality tracking and inability to detect smaller particles or volatile organic compounds meant that it wasn't efficient in clearing the air or reducing odors when left to its own devices. Read on for my full review of the Shark NeverChange below.

Shark NeverChange review: price & availability

List price: $249.99 / £249.99
Available now in the US and UK; not available in Australia

At $249.99 / £249.99, the Shark NeverChange isn’t a budget air purifier. It’s available for purchase in the US and the UK via the Shark website and Amazon; but it's not currently sold in Australia. It’s sold under two different product names – the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier HP152 in the US, and Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier HP150UK in the UK.

The Shark NeverChange air purifier doesn’t have a companion app, which is often offered by cheaper alternatives. The potential $300 / £200 saving from longer-lasting filters and the innovative odor-control cartridges could explain the higher price; but unfortunately, these don’t make up for the Shark NeverChange's somewhat lackluster performance overall.

Value for money score: 3 out of 5

Shark NeverChange review specs

Shark NeverChange review: design

Anti-Odor technology
HEPA filters last up to 5 years
No handles

There were several comments made around the office regarding the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier's looks. Some likened it to a futuristic plant pot, others a waste paper bin, and one of my teammates thought it looked more like an explosive device from a sci-fi game. The NeverChange isn’t the most unattractive appliance in the world, but Shark doesn’t appear to have been concerned about the NeverChange blending in. It has a space-age aesthetic about it, with two round LED screens – one on the top, and the other on the front – and an angular shape thanks to the extra filters that live on the sides of the purifier's body.

For this review, I tested the UK version, which is available in white. The US version is available in charcoal gray. The shoulders of the air purifier body are a bit of a dust-magnet, and the gloss-black LED screen on the top panel also attracts dust and fibers, as does the black plastic grate on which it sits.

On a positive note, the setup process was quick and simple. Before powering the air purifier on, the HEPA filter first needed to be removed from its plastic bag. The NeverChange was easy to turn over as it is lightweight, and the locking mechanism felt sturdy but was easy to undo. Once the filter had been replaced, it was just a case of plug-and-play.

The size of the Shark NeverChange is neither oversized nor subtle. It’s about the size of a large plant pot, measuring 9 x 10 x 15 inches / 237 x 266 x 385mm, and it weighs around 7lbs / 3.4kg.

The top panel of a white Shark NeverChange air purifier showing the odor-control cartridge and touch control panel. — (Image credit: Future)

Sitting on the top of the air purifier is the circular control panel, which was responsive and simple to use. From here, I could adjust the fan speed, or engage Auto mode, which is supposed to adjust the fan speed based on real-time air quality. For peace of mind, there's a child lock and a shut-off timer. The status of air purity and the life remaining on the dust filters are available via the information button.

The Anti-Odor dial and cartridge came packaged inside a cardboard box and a ring-pull tin can, which is a good solution for sealing in the fragrance while remaining recyclable. The cartridge and dial housing were easy to unpack and install. To set the intensity of the fragrance, I just needed to twist the dial counterclockwise until it was at the desired setting.

Due to its size and shape, the lack of handles on this air purifier proved frustrating. At first glance, there appear to be some on either side; but these are in fact the DebrisDefence filters. These pull out easily for cleaning, so I wouldn’t recommend using them as handles. There are holes near the base that are also tempting to use to pick the purifier up, but these are only made of thin plastic and aren’t comfortable to hold.

A white Shark NeverChange air purifier showing the odor-control cartridge and touch control panel. — (Image credit: Future)

The LED display's brightness could be altered using a button on the control panel, which I could cycle between three different intensities. The brightest setting was easy to see in both daylight and indoor lighting, but when using the NeverChange at bedtime, I found the dimmest light setting wasn’t ideal. While it worked well to dim the display, the bright blue ring indicating the air quality was over 85% wasn’t good for sleep hygiene purposes. The only other option was to have the LED displays off completely, which I doubt will be an issue for most, but isn’t ideal if you want to keep an eye on air purity readings overnight.

Design score: 4 out of 5

Shark NeverChange review: features

Long-lasting filters
Dust filter monitor incorrect
No app support

The standout feature of the Shark NeverChange is undoubtedly the potential longevity of the HEPA filter. This is achievable thanks to the additional mesh DebrisDefence filters located on either side of the HEPA filter; these are washable, so they’re essentially reusable barriers that take some of the strain off of the HEPA filter. Thanks to this feature, Shark claims it’s possible to save up to $300 / £200 in replacement filter costs over five years.

Another unique feature is the 'Odor Neutralizer Technology'. This one of this brand's USPs, and also appears in today's best Shark vacuums. Technically, it's designed to remove bad odors rather than create a fragrance per se, and it takes the form of a lightly scented puck, which is inserted into the top of the air purifier. The intensity of the fragrance / neutralization can be easily adjusted by twisting the canister using the integrated handle.

The fragrance of the odor-neutralizer canister is pleasant enough; it reminds me of a subtle masculine aftershave. It helps keep things fresh, but I think I'd prefer if Shark embraced the scent side of things a bit more, and offered some different options, such as a linen or floral scent.

The Shark NeverChange can purify up to 650sq ft / 60sq m in one hour.

A white Shark NeverChange air purifier showing one of the DebrisDefence filters being removed. — (Image credit: Future)

The ambient air is monitored by the air purifier’s Clean Sense IQ, which is supposed to automatically react to changes in the environment – an increase or decrease in dust, pollen, and smoke levels, for example. However, it cannot detect or relay humidity, temperature, carbon dioxide, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like some air purifiers can. The NeverChange filter does contain activated carbon, though, which by nature is supposed to absorb VOCs, so these should still be filtered out.

The Dust Filter Life button didn’t seem to do much. Having used the Shark NeverChange for only a short time, it would just say “check dust filters” when pressed; but the dust filters were clean. I tried pulling them out and replacing them a couple of times, but it made no difference.

It’s disappointing that there’s no app support with the Shark NeverChange. You have to be physically close enough to the unit to view the reading or change the settings, which can be inconvenient. Plus, this is unhelpful for tracking the air quality throughout the day and night. This lack of app and Bluetooth connectivity is surprising, since cheaper air purifiers such as the Levoit 300S offer near-live air quality data and remote control of the settings.

Features score: 3.5 out of 5

Shark NeverChange review: performance

Unreliable IAQ readings
Did not tackle odors
Filtered dust and aerosol during testing

It’s hard to say for certain how well an air purifier works without some scientific testing, but I tested the Shark NeverChange in different environments and considered its reactions when presented with dust and dry shampoo.

I’ll start by saying that I had a major niggle with this purifier. That niggle was that the NeverChange seemed to be overly optimistic with its readings. The air-quality readings were 100% most of the time, and when this figure did drop slightly on occasion, the different particle readings still read as 0. I struggle to believe that there are no dust particles in our busy office or in my home – and, since I live in the countryside, there will most certainly be pollen in the air, so I wasn’t impressed by this lack of particle detection.

I performed a direct comparison with the Welov P200 Pro in the TechRadar reviews office. The NeverChange maintained that all particle readings were at 0; however, the Welov P200 Pro gave a reading of 10 PM2.5 – particles such as dust or pollen, which the NeverChange is supposed to detect and respond to.

We wanted to be sure that the purifier was actually capable of detecting contaminants, to ensure that it wasn’t a faulty unit. To do this, we took it outside and placed it directly behind my car's exhaust pipe. I can confirm that it had no problem detecting the drop in air quality here, as one would hope it would! At least now I knew that it wasn’t stuck on 100%, which I’d noticed some consumers claiming in their reviews.

The main issue with the reading sitting at 100% is that when the purifier is in Auto mode, with a reading of 100% for more than five minutes, the Eco feature puts into standby. While I welcome this energy-saving feature, when the purifier seemed convinced the air quality was always 100%, it rarely did anything without manual intervention.

A white Shark NeverChange air purifier showing the HEPA filter being removed through the base. — (Image credit: Future)

When we introduced dust into the atmosphere around the Shark NeverChange, by repeatedly kicking up the corner of a rug in one of our testing rooms, it took the unit around 40 seconds to register it. The unit dropped the reading to 92%, leading the fan to increase to speed 2. Since the fan was running at a low speed, volume levels didn’t rise too much; however, it took several minutes for the air quality to return to the 96% it started on. This was slower than the Welov P200 Pro, which – although far noisier – purified the air to pre-dust levels in around a minute.

I also sprayed dry shampoo near the sensor on the back of the NeverChange to test it. This rise in airborne particulate matter was detected within seconds, dropping the air quality on the LED screen to 81% and showing the red indicator ring to communicate that the air quality was poor. The purifier automatically upped the fan speed to level 3, returning a reading of 100% within two minutes.

Experimenting further to see how the NeverChange would deal with cooking smells, I microwaved a BBQ calzone (don’t judge me) with the air purifier set to Auto mode; it made no difference to the level of odor. I then left the purifier on the highest fan setting for a few hours – again, the odor in the room remained unchanged. Apart from the strange overlapping scent of the fragrance canister from the NeverChange, which actually just made the smell more unpleasant.

A white Shark NeverChange air purifier showing the odor-control cartridge being removed. — (Image credit: Future)

I tried leaving the NeverChange on Auto when I went to bed. When the reading occasionally dropped under 100%, the unit would kick up to fan speed level 2, the noise from which made it more difficult to fall asleep. So I manually set it to fan speed 1 instead; this wasn’t the end of the world, as at least this would guarantee that the purifier wouldn’t go into Eco mode overnight. Thankfully, on the lowest fan speed, the NeverChange was pleasingly quiet and din't disturb my sleep. On waking, the air in my bedroom felt fresh, and I noticed that I had been less snuffly than usual, which made a nice change.

Using a decibel meter on my iPhone 12 Pro, I recorded the quietest fan speed at 38dB, which is comparable to light rain. Fan speed 3 was 55dB, a sound level similar to a dishwasher; the highest fan speed was 68dB, the same as the noise of traveling in a car at 60mph.

Performance score: 2.5 out of 5

Should I buy the Shark NeverChange?

Buy it if...

You don’t want to regularly change filters
The key selling point of the NeverChange is the long life of the HEPA filter, thanks to the DebrisDefence feature. So if you’re the type of person who never quite gets around to ordering a replacement, this would be a good option for you.

You want some subtle fragrance
The NeverChange has an integrated cartridge that can be easily turned to adjust the level of scent that it releases.

You want quiet purification
With the lowest fan speed being no louder than the sound of light rain, the NeverChange shouldn’t disturb your sleep. At top fan speed, it’s only about as loud as a vacuum cleaner.

Don't buy it if...

You don’t want extra parts to clean
While the dust filters help prolong the life of the HEPA filter, for the air purifier to work efficiently, they'll need to be regularly checked and cleaned.

You want to be kept informed
There are cheaper air purifiers on the market that offer app support, so it’s a shame that Shark doesn't do the same –especially considering the NeverChange's high price.

You’re on a budget
If you were hoping for a lower-cost solution, or the NeverChange is missing some of the features you’re looking for, take a look at our list of the best air purifiers for alternatives that may be better suit your needs.

Shark NeverChange review: Also consider

Levoit Core 300S
Competitors such as the lower-priced Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier come with a companion app that will inform you of a drop in air quality remotely, allowing you to change the settings or perform other functions even when you’re away from home. It’s worth noting that it only purifies about half the area of the NeverChange unit; but with a four-and-a-half-star rating, it’s a great option.

Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact
It’s more expensive, but if you have the money to spend then the four-star-rated Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact could be a satisfying alternative. With control solely via remote control, it offers an impressive 10 fan speeds, and the integrated sensors analyze the air every second using an algorithm. This higher-end aesthetic purifier doubles as a cooling fan and offers up additional info such as ambient temperature and humidity level, too.

How I tested the Shark NeverChange

I used the Shark NeverChange for one week
I tested it in multiple environments
I observed its reaction to dust and aerosols

I tested the Shark NeverChange in the TechRadar reviews office and music testing room, as well as in my bedroom and kitchen at home.

I monitored how effectively it detected and purified airborne contaminants such as dust and dry shampoo, and how well it tackled food odors when using the microwave.

I left the NeverChange running in my bedroom overnight to assess its noise levels, using a decibel meter on my phone to gauge levels, and evaluated its controls and how easy it was to change the filter.

First reviewed: August 2024
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Shark NeverChange review: a scented, but insensitive, air purifier

10:00 am |

Author: admin | Category: Air Quality Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: Australia, UK, US | Comments: Off

Product info

This air purifier has different names and product codes, depending on territory:

US: Shark NeverChange Air Purifier HP152

UK: Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier HP150UK

For this review, I tested the UK version. Please note, there may be minor differences between different countries' models.

Shark NeverChange review: price & availability

List price: $249.99 / £249.99
Available now in the US and UK; not available in Australia

Value for money score: 3 out of 5

Shark NeverChange review specs

Shark NeverChange review: design

Anti-Odor technology
HEPA filters last up to 5 years
No handles

The size of the Shark NeverChange is neither oversized nor subtle. It’s about the size of a large plant pot, measuring 9 x 10 x 15 inches / 237 x 266 x 385mm, and it weighs around 7lbs / 3.4kg.

Design score: 4 out of 5

Shark NeverChange review: features

Long-lasting filters
Dust filter monitor incorrect
No app support

The Shark NeverChange can purify up to 650sq ft / 60sq m in one hour.

Features score: 3.5 out of 5

Shark NeverChange review: performance

Unreliable IAQ readings
Did not tackle odors
Filtered dust and aerosol during testing

Performance score: 2.5 out of 5

Should I buy the Shark NeverChange?

Buy it if...

You want some subtle fragrance
The NeverChange has an integrated cartridge that can be easily turned to adjust the level of scent that it releases.

Don't buy it if...

You don’t want extra parts to clean
While the dust filters help prolong the life of the HEPA filter, for the air purifier to work efficiently, they'll need to be regularly checked and cleaned.

Shark NeverChange review: Also consider

How I tested the Shark NeverChange

I used the Shark NeverChange for one week
I tested it in multiple environments
I observed its reaction to dust and aerosols

I tested the Shark NeverChange in the TechRadar reviews office and music testing room, as well as in my bedroom and kitchen at home.

I monitored how effectively it detected and purified airborne contaminants such as dust and dry shampoo, and how well it tackled food odors when using the microwave.

First reviewed: August 2024
Read TechRadar's Reviews Guarantee

Motorola Edge 50 Pro review: Setting a new mid-range standard

11:37 am | August 19, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Motorola Phones Phones | Tags: AI, Australia, Dolby Atmos, UK | Comments: Off

Motorola Edge 50 Pro review: Two-minute review

With the resurrection of the Razr and introduction of the Edge series, Motorola has made quite the comeback. Competing with companies like Google and Samsung for the claim of best Android phone, with multiple appearances in our list of the best cheap phones and best foldable phones, Motorola has extended its purple patch with the Edge 50 Pro. While it’s difficult to call it cheap at £599.99 / AU$999, I so thoroughly enjoyed my time with this handset that I think it deserves a place in our best phones list.

Coming in a few design variants – two vegan leather Black Beauty and Luxe Lavender colors, and the sleek Moonlight Pearl – the Motorola Edge 50 Pro immediately differentiates itself from the Edge 40 Pro with those flashier options, but it's also lighter and thinner than its predecessor while remaining similarly designed. One of the key positive differences is the rear camera bump. What was previously a discolored block that jutted out of the Edge 40 Pro is now an aesthetically pleasing ridged design that matches the phone’s color.

Before I go on, I should mention that the Motorola Edge 40 Pro was the brand's flagship device in 2023. So, while it has retained its naming rule, the Edge 50 Pro now sits between the budget Edge 50 Fusion and flagship Edge 50 Ultra, which is currently only available in the UK and select locations. As of writing, the only offering in the United States is the Motorola Edge 2024, which has specs that differ slightly from the Fusion.

Motorola Edge 50 Pro's Midnight Peal backing with brick background — (Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

For a mid-range device, the Edge 50 Pro impresses – starting with its stunning curved 6.7-inch OLED screen. And while the curved edges and the accidental touches they induce won't be to everyone's liking, the 2,000-nit brightness, 1220 x 2712 resolution and Pantone-validated colors go a long way in providing an immersive experience when watching content on the go. I also love how the display flows into the aluminum frame, adding to the premium look of the device.

The camera, however, is undoubtedly its greatest asset. The Motorola Edge 50 Pro boasts a trio of rear lenses (50MP main, 13MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto), an impressive 50MP selfie camera and AI tools for autofocus and automatic tuning that make taking bad photos nigh impossible. There's also a suite of features like Long Exposure Mode and Scan that are both fun and useful, and set up to make photography or scanning documents easy for complete novices. AI features are running rampant here, not only appearing in the camera, but also creating wallpapers that offer the most stylish of users the ability to match their phone to their outfit.

The battery life and charging speed deserve to share the spotlight with the camera here. The included 125W charger will provide 70% battery in just 15 minutes, and its 4,500mAh pack will have no problems seeing you through the day – it easily survived from 5:30am through until 7:30pm during my testing, with plenty of battery still left over. And, if you're ever stuck in a situation where you need your phone to last, it will last multiple days with minimal use (it lasted five whole days with four hours of screen time).

There were a few problems that kept popping up during my time with the Edge 50 Pro, though. While it might not be an issue for everyone, I found the Pearl model – which was sent to me for this review – to be severely lacking in grip, so it might be worth going hands-on before purchasing. And, while I generally enjoyed the curved display, it made taking landscape-orientation photos especially tiresome, as my palm would often hit the 'back' button on the bottom of the screen.

Motorola Edge 50 Pro curved edge display and metal frame — (Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

There was also quite a bit of noticeable stuttering and lag when using the camera app, especially in burst mode. While the photos typically turn out great, the display couldn't keep up. So, those who want to take their photography seriously, and gamers who need lag-free high frame-rate performance might be disappointed.

The biggest thorn in the Motorola Edge 50 Pro's side, though, is that it will only receive three years of software support and four years of security updates. Despite that, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro is an exceptional device for the average user. A better processor and longer software support might make this the perfect handset, but you’d likely also be paying more, and that £600 / AU$1,000 mark is a line in the sand that many people won't want to cross.

For just under that price point, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro is a sublime mid-range phone that provides a premium experience.

Motorola Edge 50 Pro review: Price and availability

Announced April 16 in the UK and May 23 in Australia
Launch price of £599.99 / AU$999 (unavailable in the US)
Available in three colorways and one storage option

Released in select markets across April and May, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro has a distinct lack of choice when it comes to storage in the UK and Australia – with only some locations like India getting multiple options. UK buyers are stuck with the 512GB model for £599.99, while Aussies have only the 256GB model that will set them back AU$999.

If things weren’t already confusing enough, the US doesn’t get the Edge 50 Pro, but another model called the Motorola Edge 2024, which is almost exactly aligned specs-wise with the Edge 50 Fusion, but with a slightly smaller screen and lighter weight.

Motorola refers to its Edge phones as “uncompromising premium”, and while that's not quite the case with the Edge 50 Pro, which makes some concessions to keep its price down, it's a fantastic option for those looking for a high-quality handset without breaking the bank. It sits on the higher end of what we would deem as a mid-range smartphone, but it’s still well priced considering you get the full package – stunning looks, great camera, decent performance and excellent battery.

Value Score: 4.5/5

Motorola Edge 50 Pro review: Specs

Motorola Edge 50 Pro on brick background — (Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

Here's a quick summary of the key specs:

Motorola Edge 50 Pro review: Design

Motorola Edge 50 Pro Moonlight Pearl back and camera array on white desk — (Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

Stylish back panel in all three colors
Curved screen makes for wonderful viewing
Too thin and long to comfortably hold and use in one hand

Whether you opt for the more reserved yet equally stylish vegan leather colors or the piquant Moonlight Pearl, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro is very pretty. With a large 6.7-inch curved display that blends into its aluminum frame behind which its vegan leather or pearl back sits, it's made for the fashionable phone user.

My favorite design element however – and one that I think is subtly crucial to its elegance – is its rear camera bump. Opting for a ridged design while matching the color and pattern of whichever model you choose, the result is a camera array that looks as if they’re being pushed out of the back of the phone. I think its seamless appearance is much more appealing than the discolored block of the iPhone 15 or spider-like eyes of the Galaxy S24.

Motorola Edge 50 Pro side profile

(Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

A quick internet search will show that curved phone screens are generally disliked – at least by a loud minority – but I came away liking the curvy Motorola Edge 50 Pro. The screen follows the curved edges, offering a supreme viewing experience, but it’s also what makes its usability a little frustrating – an already-narrow design combined with an end-to-end curved display meant that I had to constantly remain aware of my hand placements to try and reduce accidental touches.

While I was sent the Pearl model for this review, I also got to spend some time with the leather versions and was impressed by how they felt in the hand. Despite having the same narrow design, the texture provided by the leather made them grippier to hold one-handed despite my large mitts. That said, they felt like they'd attract lint and dust, which the sleek acetate Moonlight Pearl Motorola Edge 50 Pro is totally immune to.

The Gorilla Cornish Glass 5 used on the body did put my mind at ease though, knowing it would be safe from a few scrapes – that said, I wasn’t comfortable doing a drop test to see how it would handle a 6-foot plummet to concrete. It's worth noting that there is a One-Handed Mode on the Edge 50 Pro that helps by halving the screen vertically, making it much easier to reach all areas of the (halved) screen with your thumb. It's easy to switch on and off, but the obvious drawback is the loss of half the display. A case could add grip, but not only would that add unwanted bulk and cover up the stylish back panel, but it would like also cover the curved edges of the screen.

Motorola Edge 50 Pro camera bump — (Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

I've yet to meet a phone whose camera bump I really liked. I'm well aware that one of the downsides to phones remaining thin while possessing large sensors is a camera bump, but sue me for getting annoyed when a handset rocks when I place it on a table rear side down. While it's a necessity with modern phones – and I certainly don't want them any thicker – some handsets like iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy A55 do it better than others. The Motorola Edge 50 Pro is not one of those phones, so you'll have to lie it face down, which isn't the worst thing given how charming it is.

This phone screams class and is almost as durable as it is attractive thanks to its Gorilla Glass, aluminum frame and IP68 rating. However, the narrow design and slippery rear panel on the Pearl model hampered my ability to hold it comfortably. If looking to buy a Motorola Edge 50 Pro, I'd opt for a leather model despite the Pearl’s good looks.

Design Score: 4/5

Motorola Edge 50 Pro review: Display

Motorola Edge 50 Pro display in the sun — (Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

6.7-inch OLED, 2712 x 1220 resolution
2,000 nit peak brightness
Curved edges can be annoying, but are worth the immersive viewing

The Motorola Edge 50 Pro boasts an OLED display, but instead of using the traditional glass layer, it uses a plastic substrate that makes it a touch more flexible. And this is what has allowed the phone maker to create the curved edge-to-edge viewing on the aptly named Edge 50 Pro. This design choice, as I’ve previously mentioned, make it very easy to accidentally open ads or videos while doing something else.

Despite that, I think that curved 6.7-inch pOLED display makes any video content a joy to watch, whether it’s random YouTube videos of cute kittens or the latest episode of House Of The Dragon. Moreover, Pantone-valided colors (which means what you see on screen is already color optimized and certified by the company that pioneered color matching) makes everything look true-to-life. You will, however, need to remember to change the settings to enable the Pantone colors, otherwise you'll be enjoying Motorola's own vivid colors (the default setting) – which are good in their own right.

The Edge 50 Pro's display also excels outdoors, thanks to its 2,000-nit peak brightness. Doubling that of the Samsung Galaxy A55 and equalling the output of the pricier Google Pixel 8, you'll have no issues watching, reading or taking selfies out in the sun.

Motorola Edge 50 Pro playing 4K video — (Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

It might be a victim of the phone's design, but I personally didn't like the size of the display, finding it difficult to reach and use all areas of the screen despite having large hands. While I have no issue shifting my grip to get my thumb up to the top corner, I found that the lack of grip on the Pearl model I used for this review made that a slightly nerve-wracking experience.

Nonetheless, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro display is yet another aspect of the phone that is difficult to find too much fault with. Offering as close to a cinematic experience when watching content as a handset this size can, snappy response, as well as beautifully vibrant, true-to-life colors, it provides a stellar user experience and elevates your entertainment of choice.

Display Score: 4.5/5

Motorola Edge 50 Pro review: Software

Motorola Edge 50 Pro applications — (Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

Easy and in-depth customization
AI wallpapers are fun, if gimmicky
Gestures are helpful, even if most go unused

The Motorola Edge 50 Pro might be just another phone running Android 14, but it adds enough Moto flair to differentiate itself, thanks to Hello UI.

From the second you power on the Edge 50 Pro and “hello Moto” blazes onto the screen – making full use of the phone's wonderful display I might add – this is very clearly Motorola-tweaked software.

If the first thing on your mind when setting up a new handset is "how can I make this feel like it's mine?", you’ll love the Motorola Edge 50 Pro's offering. As soon as the home screen appears for the first time, you're urged to head into the settings to begin your customizations.

The 'Personalize' tab is boldly sitting in the upper echelon of the Settings pane and, within, there's an almost never-ending pool of personalizations available. From switching up the font – which makes a massive change in and of itself – to wallpapers, icon shapes and colors, you can convert almost every facet of the device to suit you. And, if you're just looking to make a quick all-encompassing change or don’t want to fall down the proverbial customizing rabbit hole, there are five pre-made themes that will change all three facets listed above. During my initial setup, I only changed the icon shape, but the Merlot theme – which turned the control center a winey pink, squared the icons and added a pretty blue and pink wallpaper – was calling my name.

That's just the tip of the iceberg.

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Motorola Edge 50 Pro Moonlight Pearl — Motorola Edge 50 Pro settings and personalisation (Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

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If you like your wallpaper to match your daily mood, weekly vibe, outfit or your favorite movie, the folks at Motorola have you covered. Not only is there a pool of categorized images to choose from, as well as a bunch of dynamic wallpapers just a download away, but there's even AI-driven help to find the perfect wallpaper for you – and change it as you please. For example, if you think your black T-shirt would be great as a wallpaper on the Edge 50 Pro, just take a photo of it when prompted within settings, and let Moto AI do the rest.

Motorola Edge 50 Pro's software isn't just about aesthetics. Offering a super-intuitive user experience, I found the gestures very helpful, even though I didn't find a lot of use for them. I got the most out of the Shake-To-Torch gesture to turn on the flashlight – not having to open the phone and press a button was surprisingly helpful – and I also enjoyed grabbing screenshots by just tapping the screen with three fingers. With so many options, there's undoubtedly one or two that will enhance your experience.

Motorola Edge 50 Pro gestures — (Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

It's not all fun and games though – while the actual software on the device is hard to find fault with, Motorola's support of that software is lacking. With Google providing seven years of software support and Samsung matching that for its flagship S-series handsets, any less than that is a little disappointing. Motorola is only going to offer three years of software updates and four years of security support. Heck, even the Galaxy A55, Samsung's much cheaper budget offering, is receiving four years of OS updates. So while Motorola's ongoing support isn't terrible, it's certainly not great.

Software score: 4/5

Motorola Edge 50 Pro review: Cameras

Motorola Edge 50 Pro camera array — (Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

50MP main, 13MP ultrawide and 10MP telephoto
50MP front-facing selfie camera
Pantone-validated color spectrum

A smartphone’s camera is arguably one of its most important features, allowing users to quickly snap a pic for either social media, work, or just take a random shot of that morning muffin you so enjoyed. And for a phone that doesn’t cost the earth (well, almost), I think the Motorola Edge 50 Pro is arguably the best camera phone in the mid-range category.

Aided by what the brand calls Moto AI, which uses adaptive stabilization to automatically adjust for movements when filming or shooting stills, even photos you think will be blurry because your hand is shaking or the subject is moving rapidly, come out crystal clear. Whether you're taking photos of your little one playing, dogs running around the park or flowers blowing in the wind, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro's camera is up to the task even when the person controlling it isn't.

And my experience with the Edge 50 Pro just went from great to impressive the more I tried it. Whether you're using the trio of rear cameras or the 50MP front-facing selfie camera, you really have to try to take a bad photo with the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. The 50MP main camera, 13MP ultrawide and 10MP telephoto lens provide plenty of versatility and fun in a variety of scenarios, including macro close-ups and long exposures.

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Motorola Edge 50 Pro — Long exposure of traffic (Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

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The main 50MP camera is excellent, and will be what you're using most of the time. However, I got way more use out of the 10MP telephoto lens than I thought I would, with some excellent results during optimal ambient light conditions, though it does struggle a little in low-light settings. So while you'll have no problems zooming in on your child during their school play, it doesn't cut through a dimly-lit theater as well as the main camera.

The ultra-wide lens gets you a wider field of view, but that comes at the cost of clarity when compared to the main and telephoto lenses. So while it might be tempting for landscape photography, I found myself opting for the clarity of the main lens more often than not.

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Lemons using main lens

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Macro lemon

If its baseline performance wasn't enough, Motorola has packed the Edge 50 Pro's camera with both helpful and fun features. With Motion, Video, Photo, Portrait, Pro and Scan modes available even before you tap on More, there's a plethora of tools to work with. In my opinion, the Scan mode deserves a special mention.

Scanning documents is one of the great annoyances of life if you don’t own a printer/scanner. There are already some handsets that allow you to use the camera app or, in the case of iOS, the Notes app to ‘scan’ documents, this mode on the Motorola Edge 50 Pro is powered by Adobe Scan and produces some excellent results. All you have to do is point at a document and the Edge 50 Pro will do the rest.

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All the fun and artsy features like Long Exposure, Timelapse, Photo Booth, Spot Capture and Dual Capture reside under the More tab. This is also where you’ll find more professional ones like Ultra-Res, Tilt-shift, Panorama and Night Vision. You can also add any feature you regularly use to the main camera page and remove any you don't touch, giving you quick access to modes you really want. In my case, I found it much easier to use the Macro mode on this phone than any other that I’ve tested previously, thanks to a quick activation option in the settings – and the results were impressive.

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While I was utterly impressed by the photos the Edge 50 Pro took during my testing, I found the camera app itself to be rather sluggish, particularly when used over long durations. It didn't really slow down my ability to take photos or use the device, but I think it will affect the overall experience for some users.

Camera score: 5/5

Motorola Edge 50 Pro review: Performance and Audio

Motorola Edge 50 Pro Dolby Atmos — (Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset
12GB RAM
Stereo speakers, tuning by Dolby Atmos

Everyone uses their phone differently – some use it for the basic functions of calls, texts, light gaming and media streaming, while others put their handsets through more intense workouts like 4K video editing or hardcore mobile gaming.

If you belong in the latter camp – meaning you regularly play high-graphics games, watch a lot of high-resolution content on your phone or do a lot of productivity work – you might need to look elsewhere for a more powerful phone. That's not to say the Edge 50 Pro lacks in performance – it doesn’t and far from it – but anything too intense will slow things down.

For the average user, though, there’s smooth and fast gameplay on offer here, plus more than enough system memory to keep several apps running simultaneously. Despite my issues with the camera app becoming sluggish after long periods of use, I didn’t experience too much of a drop in overall performance in general usage.

But that’s what benchmarking is for – to break down and analyze how a phone performs when put through stress tests that mimic different activities, and how it compares to other devices.

In my benchmarking tests, I compared the Motorola Moto Edge 50 Pro with the cheaper Samsung Galaxy A55 and flagship Samsung Galaxy S24.

For reference, the two Geekbench tests measure the processors single-core and multi-core power. 3D Mark:Wildlife tests how your device handles extended periods of heavy use and Sling Shot tests features like instant rendering, uniform buffers, multiple render targets and transform feedback. The higher the score, the better.

The Edge 50 Pro doesn’t necessarily have great processing power, which explains the sluggishness of the camera app – outscored by the Samsung Galaxy A55 – but it showcases its mid-range excellence in its 3D Mark tests, slotting in between the budget option from Samsung and its flagship.

Another area that the Motorola Edge 50 Pro excels at is audio. With Dolby Atmos support, it enhances the cinematic experience when watching videos on the phone. The stereo (or dual) speakers are loud and clear – I could even enjoy music and podcasts while in the shower. And, while I personally don’t watch movies on my phone without headphones, you'd be very happy if you did. If you don't, pairing a set of Bluetooth headphones is utterly easy – it quickly connected to both my third-generation AirPods and my Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.

Performance and Audio score: 4/5

Motorola Edge 50 Pro review: Battery

Motorola Edge 50 Pro charging — (Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

125W fast charging
50W wireless charging
Five-minute charge gives you enough battery for the day

I've already taken you through what I think makes the Motorola Edge 50 Pro an excellent phone, but its battery might be its biggest asset. Boasting a capacity of 4,500mAh, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro will easily see you through a regular day of average use, which I define as messaging, social media, emails, browsing, video streaming and a few calls.

During my testing, I found that the Edge 50 Pro dropped to just 65% battery after 6.5 hours of screen time during the day. That was 6.5 hours of YouTube and benchmark tests, and the latter can be very power hungry.

Where the Motorola Edge 50 Pro truly excels is just how dang fast it charges. With the included 125W charger – yes, included – Motorola claims the Edge 50 Pro can charge completely in just 17 minutes. In my tests, my review sample of the Edge 50 Pro went from 20% to 100% in 19.5 minutes.

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Motorola claims you'll get 12 hours worth of battery life from just a five-minute charge with Charge Boost activated. From my experience, that claim is true – my phone jumped from 11% to 41% in the five minutes it took me to brush my teeth and comb my hair one morning. And if you were being conservative with your phone use for the day, I have no doubt that would be enough to last the entire day. Need another point of comparison on how good Motorola’s fast-charge feature is? The test unit went from dead to 28% in 30 minutes – which would see you through the day with conservative use.

Motorola Edge 50 Pro turbo-charging — (Image credit: TechRadar / Max Delaney)

The Edge 50 Pro gets quite warm when charging with the 120W charger, but that heat didn't negatively impact performance, nor did it retain the heat for long.

If you're a big proponent of wireless charging, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro has you covered there too, with up to 50W wireless charging support. To achieve that number, though, Motorola says you'll need the Motorola 50W TurboPower Wireless Charging Stand which, at the time of writing, is near impossible to find where the handset is available. I had no issues with my third-party 15W charger, though of course the speed didn't blow me away.

Battery score: 5/5

Should you buy the Motorola Edge 50 Pro?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider...

If this review of the Motorola Edge 50 Pro has left you wondering about other mid-tier alternatives, take a look at a few listed below. I’ve also compiled a specs comparison between them and the Edge 50 Pro for a clearer snapshot.

How I tested the Motorola Edge 50 Pro

Review period: four weeks
Testing included: Everyday use including web browsing, social media, photography, video calling, gaming, streaming video, music playback
Tools used: 3D Mark: 3D Mark: Original, 3D Mark: Extreme, 3D Mark: Slingshot Extreme (unlimited), Geekbench 6.2.2, Geekbench, native Android stats

The first step in reviewing the Motorola Edge 50 Pro is the same as any phone, and that means downloading and running benchmark tests. Once that was done, I used it as my daily device – taking it to work, to the gym, on dog walks and pretty much everything else that makes up my everyday life.

From scrolling mindlessly for way too long on the couch, catching its fall with my foot at the gym, listening to podcasts on the bus and being pulled in and out of my bag, I put this phone through its paces to see how it handles the trials and tribulations of life. And, from minor drops onto carpet and unfortunate meetings with the corner of my desk, as well as playing music in a steamy bathroom and getting splashed while doing the dishes, it had no issues.

The final moments with the phone were spent concentrating on battery tests – this included checking how it performed with less-than-average daily use, letting it sit in my bag and only using it for only a couple hours, seeing how quickly it charged from dead, as well as 5-,15- and 30-minute speed tests.

I have tested other budget and mid-range phones for TechRadar previously, which gives me a unique perspective on how the Motorola Edge 50 Pro compares to competitors on the market.

JBL Clip 5 review: Price & release date

List price: $79.95 / £59.99 / AU$89.95
Available now in the US, UK, and Australia

The JBL Clip 5 was released in June 2024 and is one of JBL’s first speakers to include Auracast capabilities, along with the Xtreme 4 and Go 4. It’s available directly from the JBL website in the US, UK, and Australia for $79.95 / £59.99 / AU$89.95.

JBL Clip 5 review: Specs

Should I buy the JBL Clip 5?

The JBL Clip 5 in black is pictured leaning against a sand coloured rock against a pink background, — (Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

JBL Clip 5 review: Also consider

How I tested the JBL Clip 5

I tested the speaker over several months
I listened to a variety of music genres and podcasts
I played music continuously to determine battery usage

I tested the JBL Clip 5 over a few months. I listened to a variety of music genres, as well as the TechRadar testing playlist that includes tracks ranging from complex and layered instrumentals to deep bass and delicate vocals. This enabled me to determine the speaker's ability to handle different frequencies.

I played our TechRadar playlist on Tidal continuously at 50% volume using the default JBL signature EQ preset to test whether the battery could last up to 12 hours.

I used it to listen to music and podcasts in the TechRadar office, our music testing room, and at home, using Spotify and Tidal from an iPhone 12 Pro and a OnePlus Pad Go.

First reviewed: July 2024
Read TechRadar's Reviews Guarantee

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