The Huawei Mate 60 is in production, and we've already seen one leaked image suggesting a dual-color design of the back panel. More photos surfaced today from what appears to be an assembling plant, where we saw more color options, confirming the new design and the circular camera island.
Huawei Mate 60 units
One Huawei Mate 60 smartphone appears in Purple, with the top part of the glass being frosted, while the bottom is clear, making it appear like there are two hues of the same color, depending on the angle the light hits the surface.
The ivory-white option has an entirely...
Samsung Galaxy A54 extended its streak on top of our trending chart for yet another week, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra made it one two in week 34. Xiaomi's Redmi Note 12 Pro completes the rostrum this time around.
The vanilla Redmi Note 12 stays fourth, ahead of the Infinix GT 10 Pro and the entry-level Redmi 12.
Apple's iPhone 14 Pro Max is up to seventh, while the Galaxy A34 makes it three Samsung phones in the top 10.
The Korean maker is far from done, though, the upcoming Galaxy S23 FE already making its presence felt in ninth place and the Galaxy A14 rounding up this installment...
In my experience, the best gaming keyboards tend to come in two flavors: a simple, modest keeb or a complicated, feature-packed device. The Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate absolutely fits in the latter.
There's nothing subtle about this keyboard. It's a device that demands your attention, serving as the centerpiece of a PC setup second only to the rig or maybe the monitor. You can't ignore it even if you wanted to. It's a big boy too, measuring 435mm x 165mm x 38mm (about 17 x 6.5 x . 1.5 inches). It takes up a lot of space and unapologetic about it.
One aspect of its heft because it is a full-sized keyboard, so it was always going to take up a lot of room. The other half is what's there apart from the keys. On the left you have media control buttons for consuming content. On the top right, you have a fully animated LED graphic; hence the word "Animate" in its name. Of course, the Flare II sports RGB lighting ready to bathe your room with a rainbow array.
Clearly this keyboard is talking the talk. All eyes on the Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate. But the question can it walk the walk? Can this gaming keyboard perform at a high level? As a matter of fact, it can. Under the hood of my review unit, the Flare II came with ROG NX Red switches, delivering lighting fast performance performance and a smooth, linear feel. The lightest touch of your finger sends out an input.
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(Image credit: Future)
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Typing on the Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate was a nice experience overall. It is a full-sized keyboard, which is my preferred layout. It offers the perfect amount of room for my hands.
As I said earlier, my review unit came with ROG NX Red switches. These have an actuation of 2mm and a total travel distance of 4mm. A light tap is all you need for the keyboard to register an input. You don't have to mash buttons, and as a masher myself, I enjoy not having to do that. I expect and appreciate consistency with my keyboards. The NX Reds deliver great consistency. Plus, the Strix Flare II has anti-ghosting software ensuring the appropriate presses are sent and no phantom presses occur.
To give you some concrete examples, I won several games of Valorant, which I chalk up to this keeb. The response time is down to a millisecond, allowing me to juke my opponents before they knew what hit them. Thanks to their speed, I managed to break my bad habit of mashing buttons whenever I play Final Fantasy XIV. I was able to put my complete trust in these keys knowing my action or skill would come as intended.
I do have to say, had I been given the choice, I would actually go for the ROG NX Brown switches. Those are also an option. I prefer Brown-capped mechanical switches since those tend to be tactile – easier on my hands and, speaking as someone who does a lot of writing, can be a life saver. Neither the Reds or Brown offer that clicky feedback that many people like. If you're in that group, I recommend the ROG NX Blues.
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Performance is where the Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate really shines because it's the only aspect of this device that's straightforward.
I found the keyboard to very cumbersome to use. Each of its features seem like a good or interesting idea on paper. However, in practice, it becomes a total mess. Features either dampen your overall user experience or just aren't fully fleshed out.
One problem with the Strix Flare II is the top portion. The media controls are great –you have a dial for the volume, a switch to skipping or going back to certain songs, and a Pause/Play button on the side.
My issue are with the two other buttons present: a Win Lock button to disable your Windows key and a brightness button. The Win Lock can save you from accidentally bringing up the Start menu when you meant to hit the spacebar while the brightness button is for lowering and increasing the brightness level of your RGB lights. These are good to have, yes. I just wish they were implemented better. They add unnecessary bulk in my opinion, and I would've preferred if they were secondary actions of certain Function keys.
Another issue here are the LED lights. You can change the animation using the Armory Crate desktop app. Choices include the ROG eye logo, a lightbulb, and some hearts. This is cool for like 15 minutes, but the novelty wears off when you realize they do much else other than add bulk. I might've changed my tune if you could add your own animations, but you can't.
(Image credit: Future)
But what really gets me is the two-meter-long woven cable. It ends in a pair of USB-A plugs: one to power the keyboard, the other to enable USB passthrough for peripherals. The passthrough port, located at the top of the Asus Strix Flare II, is a good idea as it allows the keyboard to make up some of the space it takes up – assuming you have all the drivers. I connected my ROG Chakram X mouse after installing the latest patch, and it was great. It even works with my PlayStation 5 controller. Awesome.
But you're stuck with a six-and-a-half foot long nylon rope on your desk. You can't use Bluetooth because it doesn't support it. Nor does it support 2.5GHz wireless. And you can't remove it either because the cable is embedded into the back of the keen. You're stuck with this monster. It adds so much to desk clutter.
Yeah, you can rearrange your setup so that the Flare II's cable is not in the way, but do you really want to move furniture or would you rather play video games?
Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate: Specs
Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate: price and availability
How much does it cost? Available on Amazon for $174.99 / £199.99
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US and UK
First time buyers will probably be put off by that price tag. At nearly $200, it's pretty expensive. It's actually one of the more expensive options out there. I do want to mention the $179 option for the Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate sporting the ROG NX Red linear switches. You can also buy the model with ROG NX Brown tactile switches on Amazon for $220. Asus claims there's a RX Blue switch option for people who want a more clicky feel, but at the time of this writing, we can't find it online.
Would I buy this keyboard? If it was deeply discounted, sure. I just think there are better options out there like the Razer Huntsman v2 Analog. It's a full-sized keyboard too, but a lot less bulky. For something smaller, I recommend the Cherry MX 8.2 TKL keyboard. I like that one way more.
SHOULD I BUY THE Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate?
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate: Also consider
How I tested the Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate
Tested the keyboard over a week and a half
Did my work on the Flare II
Played games during down time
My testing period lasted over a week and a half, almost two. I spent it mostly doing work, including this very review, and my own personal writing. Throughout all the hours I spent typing away, I didn't suffer any hand fatigue or anything. But as I said stated earlier, I would go for the Brown switches. I stay proactive by trying to mitigate or eliminate any potential risks to my health as much as I can.
Gaming is where the Strix Flare II really shines. As mentioned earlier, I played Valorant, Final Fantasy XIV, plus the Resident Evil 4 remake. All wonderful experiences. I didn't experience any issues or annoying moments while gaming that wasn't a result of the enormous woven cable. Performance is top notch here.
Dell’s XPS line has had years to cement itself as perhaps one of the best consumer laptop series out there, delivering seriously high-quality devices that have frequently graced our rankings of the best ultrabooks and even just the best laptops in general.
Last year brought forth a new member of the XPS family: the XPS 13 Plus (2022), which sought to offer something a bit new - a more premium version of the Dell XPS 13, coming with more powerful internal components and more of a focus on design aesthetics.
(Image credit: Future)
This year’s new XPS 13 Plus is Dell’s second attempt to nail this more expensive compact laptop, and while it does manage to beat the original model in some areas, it’s still hamstrung by some of the same issues that caused us to knock a star and a half off our original review of the 2022 model.
In other words: this is still one of the nicest-looking laptops I’ve ever seen (and the standard XPS 13 is no slouch when it comes to looks!), but the sacrifices made for style aren’t always worth it. For starters, the ‘invisible’ touchpad is sure to prove annoying for some people and downright ruinous for vision-impaired users, and the lack of physical port variety will no doubt be a sticking point for certain would-be buyers.
Luckily, this new Plus gets a big leg up over its predecessor thanks to improved specs, most prominently the 13th-generation Intel Core processor inside. I’ll dig into the nitty-gritty details later in this review, but the short version is that we’ve got some pretty solid performance here - though don’t expect it to go up against the best gaming laptops, since this XPS lacks a dedicated graphics card.
(Image credit: Future)
There’s plenty else to like here, from the absolutely gorgeous 3.5K OLED touch display to the impressively low overall weight. There’s no denying that this is a premium laptop - though starting at $1,249.00 / £1,198.99 / AU$2,398, the base model actually isn’t ludicrously expensive, even if it feels like a much pricier laptop.
At worst, this is a slightly more powerful version of the XPS 13 Plus that underwhelmed us last year. At best, it’s an aesthetically delightful ultrabook that offers reliable performance in an impressively thin and light chassis - though certain features (or lack thereof) might end up being a turn-off for some potential users.
For what it’s worth, I love the XPS 13 Plus - but I’ve had to be judicious in my scorings, because as much as I personally like it, it feels strangely like an imperfect reflection of the wider XPS range. I’d call it the ugly duckling of the flock, but ironically it’s probably the best-looking XPS laptop you can buy right now, with the Platinum colorway really highlighting its good looks. How does it fall short of true greatness? Read on to find out.
Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023): Price & availability
How much does it cost? $1,249.00 / £1,198.99 / AU$2,398
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia
The 2023 Dell XPS 13 Plus costs more than its default-model sibling, though not egregiously so. As I mentioned above, pricing starts at $1,249.00 / £1,198.99 / AU$2,398 - that’s quite a bit more than the base model of the standard XPS 13, though that laptop comes with massively less powerful internal specs. The pricing on this model roughly mirrors the 2022 XPS 13 Plus, which is nice to see considering the bump in performance.
At the time of writing, the 2023 model of the Dell XPS 13 Plus is available in the US, UK, Europe, and Australia. It looks like Brits and Aussies have the short end of the stick when it comes to pricing on the higher-end versions, but I won’t mark Dell down for that as it’s typically the case with laptops right now. Still, the midrange base pricing for such a premium-feeling laptop is definitely to my liking.
Price score: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023): Specs
Our review model is a relatively high-end configuration costing $1,499.00 / £1,719.38 / AU$3,281.30, with the optional 3.5K OLED screen and an Intel Core i7-1360P processor, which is the only CPU available in most territories. Oddly, I did notice that in the UK the cheapest configuration instead sports an i5-1340P, which isn’t available in the US.
The XPS 13 Plus is fully configurable on Dell’s website, letting you pick how much RAM and storage you want (up to a hefty 32GB of DDR5 and a 2TB SSD) as well as a choice of three different displays: a standard FHD+ 60Hz touch panel, the 3.5K OLED screen in the model we’re reviewing, and finally an even better UHD+ OLED panel with slightly better brightness than the 3.5K version. The most expensive configuration will run you $1,749.00 / £2,119.38 / AU$3,880.80.
Specs score: 4 / 5
Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023): Design
Same incredible aesthetics as the 2023 model…
…and the same dearth of ports
Display is amazing, webcam is lackluster
Seriously, Dell? A 720p webcam on a thousand-dollar-plus ultrabook? Whatever you guys are smoking, I don’t want any; any modern laptop that sits within the same price range as the XPS 13 Plus absolutely should have a 1080p webcam.
Maybe I’m in the minority of ‘people who care about webcam resolutions’, but the difference is noticeable in video calls and frankly a 1080p camera isn’t exactly an ultra-premium feature; I’ve seen them on cheaper laptops than this. It does at least have IR functionality for supporting face logins with Windows Hello, which is a good inclusion.
Setting my webcam beef aside, this truly is one sleek-looking laptop. The keyboard is entirely flush with the internal deck of the chassis, with no rounding at the edges of the keys, which creates a futuristic effect and also makes typing quite comfortable. The keys are backlit by uniform white LEDs, and the function keys are - just as we saw in the 2022 original - replaced by a nifty touch bar with illuminated icons that change when you hold down the function key.
(Image credit: Future)
The overall design is near-identical to the 2022 model, in fact - and for the most part, that’s not a bad thing. It’s minimalist in the best possible way, with tiny bezels around the touchscreen and a clean brushed silver exterior. The power button (which doubles as a fingerprint scanner) nestles in the corner of the keyboard.
The touchpad is effectively invisible, occupying the center of the flat palm rest panel beneath the keyboard but with no indication of where it starts and ends. I understand the look that Dell was going for here, but even the slightest ridge in the plastic would have prevented this from becoming an immediate accessibility issue for certain users, like those with sight-related disabilities (a problem likely shared by the non-tactile function key touch bar). I personally found the touchpad very responsive, however, with a subtle but noticeable click to it.
(Image credit: Future)
One design decision that should’ve been left in 2022 is the port selection: literally just two USB-C ports. That’s all you get; and the XPS 13 Plus charges via USB-C too, so you’re down to just a single port when plugged in. While I primarily blame the MacBook Air for this irritating trend among premium notebooks in recent years, it’s depressing to see Dell following in Apple’s footsteps.
Mercifully, there is a pair of USB-C adapters (one for USB-A and one for a headphone jack) included in the box, and the two ports do support Thunderbolt 4 so you’ll get excellent transfer speeds, but I fail to see how it was impossible to include at least a native 3.5mm jack in the chassis here. Not everyone owns AirPods, Dell.
Lastly, I have to talk about the display. This 3.5K panel (which uses an esoteric resolution of 3456 x 2160) isn’t even the highest-spec screen you can get on the XPS 13 Plus, and yet it’s still a genuinely beautiful display. Colors pop, blacks are dark and deep, and the maximum brightness is sufficient for it to be used in brightly lit environments without any issues. It’s definitely the laptop’s standout feature.
Design score: 4 / 5
Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023): Performance
Core i7-1360P offers a decent boost on the previous model’s performance
General speed and responsiveness is good
Capable of some light gaming
Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023): Laptop benchmarks
Here's how the Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023) performed in our suite of benchmark tests:
Naturally, my frame of reference for this review’s performance testing process was the set of results recorded in our review of last year’s XPS 13 Plus - and while we’ve switched up our selection of benchmarks since then, the points of comparison I could make were… confusing.
In synthetic graphical tests, the integrated inside this review unit performed near-identically to the previous model. Meanwhile, our practical gaming test saw a fairly significant improvement - to the point where I also downloaded Valorant and found that it ran well enough to play, so a spot of casual gaming in less resource-intensive titles is definitely an option here.
(Image credit: Future)
Both synthetic and real-world CPU benchmarks, however, showed a more marked increase in performance of roughly 20-30% across both single-core and multi-core workloads. The i7-1360P is a solid mobile processor which I found delivered very consistent performance even when I put it to the test by opening two dozen Chrome tabs and trying to watch a YouTube video.
As I learned from that process, however, the speakers on this laptop are fairly underwhelming. They’re not exactly dreadful, and most compact notebooks like this share a similar weakness, but there’s a noticeable lack of bass and high notes sound a little scratchy at maximum volume.
(Image credit: Future)
Data transfers are relatively snappy thanks to the NVMe SSD, and overall system responsiveness is good. As per the Intel Evo branding, the boot and wake times are near-instantaneous, which is great. I also found that it didn’t get too warm (nor the fans too noisy) even after a good hour of benchmarking - a relief, given that we noted some thermal issues in our review of the 2022 model.
Though it’s far from a cheap laptop, I was very satisfied with the price-to-performance ratio of the XPS 13 Plus. The only area it’s really likely to struggle in is running 3D rendering or scientific modeling software, due to the lack of GPU. For virtually everything else, though - office work, web browsing, low-intensity gaming, and even a bit of Netflix in bed - this ultrabook performs much better than its originator.
Performance score:4 / 5
Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023): Battery
Battery life is decidedly underwhelming
Less than seven hours of medium intensity use
Charges fast
This is the one area where the XPS 13 Plus falls short of its predecessor. In our standard internet use battery test with Wi-Fi on, the laptop lasted for 6 hours and 20 minutes on a full charge.
For reference, that’s less than virtually every other flagship laptop brand in this weight class right now. It’s less than half the latest 13-inch MacBook Air, and even less than the previous M1 MacBook Air. In an actual day using the XPS 13 to do my everyday work for TechRadar, it did manage to last longer, going comfortably from 9AM to 6PM with a break for lunch - though I did dip below 20% and caused an alarmed Windows 11 to switch on Battery Saver.
It’s not quite good enough considering the competition, and I noted that the battery drained faster the more you tried to do. This just isn’t a laptop you can leave in your bag overnight without charging it and expect to take to work the next day. At least it charges pretty fast thanks to Thunderbolt 4 power delivery.
Battery score: 2.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Should you buy the Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023)?
Buy it if...
You value aesthetics
If you’re buying a laptop for style points, this is one of the best-looking out there, especially among Windows laptops.
You want a great screen
This OLED display is truly fantastic, making the XPS 13 Plus a great choice among compact laptops for anyone who wants to watch a lot of videos.
Don't buy it if...
You want long battery life
If you’re the sort of person who routinely forgets to get their laptop out of their bag and charge it at the end of a long commute, do not buy a Dell XPS 13 Plus. You have been warned.
Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023): Also consider
If the Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023) has you considering other options, here are two more laptops to consider...
How I tested the Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023)
Used at home and at the office
Tested productivity work, web browsing, gaming
Charged overnight before using it all day on battery power
I had less time than I'd typically like to test out the Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023), so I aimed to be as efficient as possible. First, I tested its performance by running general productivity tasks and running our benchmarking software selection in the TechRadar office. Then I took it home, charged it overnight, and used it to replace my desktop PC as I worked from home.
Naturally, my job involves a lot of typing - perfect for getting acquainted with this laptop's lovely keyboard. But my everyday work doesn't involve doing much exciting with my device of choice, so I was sure to dedicate some time in the evening to playing some games on the XPS 13 Plus and finally watching an episode of The Witcher on it before bed.
We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.
The chipset that may power part of the Galaxy S24 lineup next year surfaced. It's the Exynos 2400 and it has a 10-core processor with a Cortex-X4 core running at 3.1GHz, two Cortex-A720 at up to 2.9GHz, another three Cortex-A720 running up to 2.6GHz, and four Cortex-A520 at up to 1.8GHz. It will also feature an upgraded Xclipse 940 GPU boasting twice as many graphics compute units with AMD's RDNA 2 tech.
In other Galaxy S24 Ultra news, it will be able to reach a peak brightness of over 2,200 nits - up from the 1,750 nits of the current Ultra.
Finally, rumor has it the Galaxy S24 Ultra...
The chipset that may power part of the Galaxy S24 lineup next year surfaced. It's the Exynos 2400 and it has a 10-core processor with a Cortex-X4 core running at 3.1GHz, two Cortex-A720 at up to 2.9GHz, another three Cortex-A720 running up to 2.6GHz, and four Cortex-A520 at up to 1.8GHz. It will also feature an upgraded Xclipse 940 GPU boasting twice as many graphics compute units with AMD's RDNA 2 tech.
In other Galaxy S24 Ultra news, it will be able to reach a peak brightness of over 2,200 nits - up from the 1,750 nits of the current Ultra.
Finally, rumor has it the Galaxy S24 Ultra...
The first day of school is almost here, so now may be a good time to pick up a new phone – or perhaps a new tablet will be more useful. We’ll also look at some accessories too.
USA
UK
Germany
India
USA
Google is charging $444 for the Pixel 7a. At this price you may as well get the Pixel 7 at $450. This offer also comes with a small discount on Pixel Buds too ($60 off for the Pro and $40 off the Buds A-Series).
Google Pixel 7
8/128GB
$150 off
Read our review
...
Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid mattress two-minute review
The Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid is the brand's newest premium mattress, with a retail price of $1,995 for a queen (though recent sales have already cut up to $700 off). It features a dual layer of coils, including a set of 1-inch nanocoils for targeted support and relief, along with specialty cooling foam infused with diamond particles.
To determine if this newcomer has earned a spot in in our best mattress guide, I tested a twin Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid for three weeks. I not only slept on this hybrid mattress every night to evaluate its overall comfort and temperature regulation, but I also conducted a series of tests to gauge its edge support and motion isolation. Design and ease of setup factored into my final score as well, and I enlisted a panel of five volunteers to share their impressions.
(Image credit: Alison Barretta)
The six of us couldn't fully get on board with Tuft & Needle's classification of the Mint Hybrid as medium-plush – we found it medium-firm – but we whole-heartedly agreed that it's an excellent mattress for side sleepers with joint pain. On the other hand, some of us wanted more mid-section support for back and stomach sleeping. As someone who's prone to sleeping on her front, I actually developed a sore back due to my hips sinking too low in that position.
The 'Mint' in the name indicates that this is a cooling mattress, My fellow testers and I found it effective at keeping us comfortably cool as we embarked on another hot summer. Two layers of coils certainly aided airflow, and the gel and graphite-infused foam likely did its part to keep us cool, too – but the standout feature here is a layer of Micro Diamond foam, which did a sufficient job of drawing heat away from our bodies. Better yet, the top cover is removable and machine-washable, which is a boon if you're all in on maintaining proper sleep hygiene.
On the flip side, the T&N Mint Hybrid fell short when it came to edge support and motion isolation. Most of us felt unsteady sitting on the edge of the bed, despite the presence of firmer coils along the perimeter. Meanwhile, my drop tests showed noticeable movement. I reckon that this could be due to the size of my mattress (twin). Customer reviews tend to sing this bed's praises for motion isolation, but they've confirmed that they're sleeping on at least a queen.
Shipping is included, but you'll want to ask someone to help you set it up as this is a heavy mattress. (White glove delivery is not available.) You'll have 100 nights to try it out, risk-free, with a full refund if you're unsatisfied. (T&N will also work with you to donate your mattress to charity.) A 10-year warranty applies if you keep it.
Keep reading to discover how the Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid performed according to TechRadar's mattress testing methodology, along with cost and value considerations, ease of setup, and top competitors.
T&N Mint Hybrid mattress review: price
T&N's most expensive mattress – a queen retails for $1,995
However, it's already been on sale for up to $700 off
Also available from Amazon, Target, and other retailers
The Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid was released in March 2023 as a successor to the Legacy Hybrid, which is currently being phased out of the T&N lineup. This premium mattress has an MSRP of $1,995 for a queen, and it's up to $500 more than the all-foam Tuft & Needle Mint mattress.
Here is the official pricing for the Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid:
Twin: $1,395
Twin XL: $1,595
Full: $1,795
Queen: $1,995
King: $2,595
California King: $2,595
Unlike its rivals, Tuft & Needle doesn't host evergreen mattress sales. However, we've already witnessed as much as $700 off the Mint Hybrid during major holidays – for example, the price of a queen plummeted to $1,456 during Tuft & Needle's Memorial Day sale, and that's the price you'll pay in the Labor Day mattress sales, too. Black Friday mattress sales often usher in the largest savings of the year from Tuft & Needle, so you may see a return to that all-time low (or better) come November.
You do have options beyond buying from Tuft & Needle. Major retailers like Amazon and Target also sell the Mint Hybrid, so you might be able to land a surprise discount or a faster delivery time. Just remember that purchasing directly from Tuft & Needle guarantees the best aftercare.
The Mint Hybrid comes with a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty, both of which are at the industry average. Shipping is free, but there's no option for white-glove delivery. (Heads up: you'll want to ask a friend or family member to help you haul this heavy mattress.)
Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid mattress review: specs
T&N Mint Hybrid mattress review: materials & design
A 12-inch hybrid with two layers of springs
Diamond-infused memory foam helps wick away heat
Cover is machine-washable but lacks handles for easy moving
The Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid is a 12-inch mattress made in the USA using CertiPUR-US certified foams, ensuring they're free of toxic chemicals and high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, having been tested for over 10,000 emissions and substances that could be harmful to your health.
This hybrid mattress consists of six layers, two of which are made of coils. There's a set of 6-inch individually-wrapped springs designed to limit motion transfer, along with a set of 1-inch nanocoils for targeted support and pressure relief. The edges are reinforced with firmer springs along the outer perimeter.
Nestled between the coil layers is a 1-inch layer of T&N Adaptive Foam for enhanced pressure relief and a softer feel. Above the nanocoils is another 2-inch layer of this adaptive foam infused with graphite and gel for cooling and contouring. On top of that is a 1-inch layer of diamond-infused memory foam, which the brand says helps draw heat away from the body. Diamond-infused bedding isn't common, but this use case makes sense given how well diamonds conduct heat.
(Image credit: Alison Barretta)
There's also a non-skid bottom cover and a removable, machine-washable top cover, which makes for easy cleaning. Still, you'll want to include a mattress protector to save it from spills, stains, and allergens – especially since I found the cover's zipper somewhat difficult to put back into place after I unzipped it.
Design-wise, the Mint Hybrid has a sleek, modern appearance with mint-colored accents juxtaposed against darker colors. Moving the mattress, however, might pose a challenge. This heavy mattress lacks handles, which could make handling it a much more arduous task than it needs to be.
Design score: 4.5 out of 5
T&N Mint Hybrid mattress review: comfort
Rated medium-plush; we think it's medium-firm
Excellent pressure relief for side sleepers
Some may find it lacks support in the midsection
For three weeks, I slept on a twin Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid mattress. Of course, I can only speak for myself as a 5-foot-4, 145lb side/stomach sleeper with back issues. Thus, I asked five individuals of various ages, body types, preferences, and concerns to sleep on it for at least 15 minutes, then share their thoughts. This allowed me to spot any trends within a slightly larger sample size.
Collectively, we rate the Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid Mattress medium-firm, or a 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. However, the breakdown reflects quite a wide range of individual assessments. Two sleepers found it medium-firm (6.5-7), two others felt it was firmer than that (9), and the remaining two agreed with Tuft & Needle's medium-plush (4-5) designation.
Notably, these assessments appear to be largely dependent on each sleeper's personal preferences based on what they typically sleep on at home, rather than their build and weight exclusively. Our experience serves as further proof that comfort is subjective. (Fortunately, Tuft & Needle offers a 100-night at-home trial.)
Despite the varied opinions on firmness, our group unanimously praised the Mint Hybrid for its comfort while side sleeping, citing exceptional pressure relief and steady support. Back sleepers were also satisfied, although one tester (5-foot-7 and 200lbs) would have liked it a bit firmer along his lumbar. As the lone stomach sleeper, I encountered some lower back pain due to sinking in my midsection, which is also where I happen to carry most of my weight.
(Image credit: Alison Barretta)
All of us were impressed by the Mint Hybrid's pressure relief. When I tested the pressure relief of this mattress with a 50lb kettlebell, it sank around three inches into the surface. For human bodies, this resulted in immediate contouring and joint relief. One of our panelists has a torn labrum in his right shoulder, and he was able to lie on that side without pain.
Despite its exceptional pressure relief, my personal experience left me craving more midsection support when side sleeping – again, likely related to my build. A built-in lumbar crown, like the one found in the Saatva Loom & Leaf mattress, could be helpful for sleepers who need additional support in that area, especially if they're dealing with regular back problems.
Comfort score: 4 out of 5
T&N Mint Hybrid mattress review: Temperature regulation
T&N's Micro Diamond foam draws heat away from body.
A dual layer of coils aids in sufficient airflow
As the name suggests, the Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid is a cooling mattress. The brand emphasizes its Micro Diamond memory foam, which is designed to draw heat away from your body via diamond particles embedded in the foam. But that's not the only cooling element present – there's also a layer of gel and graphite-infused open-cell foam, along with two levels of springs to help air flow more freely.
(Image credit: Alison Barretta)
I tend to sleep warm but didn't overheat on the Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid. That's a testament to its construction, which also includes a soft, breathable cover. Although it lacked a prominent cool-to-touch sensation, it still felt plenty comfortable. A few members of the testing panel remarked that they found it refreshing to sleep on, especially on the brink of another sweltering summer.
For context, I ran my central air conditioning unit most nights and kept the room temperature between 68 and 71 degrees F. Throughout the testing period, I slept on 100% cotton sheets and used a mid-weight poly-blend comforter.
Temperature regulation score: 4.5 out of 5
T&N Mint Hybrid mattress review: motion isolation
Performed poorly during drop tests
However, customer reviews tell another story
Since I have a twin bed, I conducted a drop test to evaluate how well the Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid isolates motion. I placed an empty wine glass on the surface of the bed and dropped a 10lb weight from six inches high, from varying distances, to simulate a partner's movements when shifting positions or getting in and out of bed.
From the farthest point (25 inches), the glass didn't topple at all. However, when I dropped the weight from four and 12 inches away from the glass, there was noticeable movement, and the weight itself bounced several times before settling.
My conclusion is that you may be disturbed by a partner who moves around during the night or has a different sleeping schedule, especially if you sleep close to each other. However, I noticed that the mattress doesn't creak at all, regardless of movement. If you're sensitive to noises while sleeping, this may not be a huge issue.
Further, several customer reviews suggest that the Mint Hybrid's motion isolation is quite good, despite my test results indicating otherwise. This discrepancy could be related to my smaller bed lacking a feature generally reserved in larger beds. In my humble opinion, though, solo sleeper beds should perform just as well in such areas.
That said, memory foam mattresses tend to be better at isolating motion than their hybrid counterparts on the whole. For an example of a mattress that excels at limiting movement, read our Nectar Mattress review.
Motion isolation score: 2.5 out of 5
T&N Mint Hybrid mattress review: edge support
Firmer springs along the perimeter for reinforced edges
Still, most testers felt unstable sitting on the edge of the bed
Although the Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid has firmer springs along the perimeter, my fellow testers and I were mixed on the quality of its edge support.
The smallest tester, who's 5-foot-4 and 125lbs, found herself well supported when sitting on the edge of the bed. However, one of my taller volunteers, who's 5-foot-11 and 185lbs, felt as though the bed was pushing him forward. Most of us within that range felt the edges could have been sturdier – and I even had to quickly scramble towards the center of the bed when I rolled too close to the edge in my sleep.
I also assessed the Mint Hybrid's edge support by placing a 50lb kettlebell on the middle perimeter. It only sank two inches – compared to three inches when I placed that same weight in the center of the bed. That's a surefire sign that the firmer springs were functioning, but it didn't translate to substantial support for me or most of my fellow testers.
(Image credit: Alison Barretta)
I believe edge support should not be a feature exclusive to larger beds – it's a fundamental aspect that benefits everyone, no matter the bed size. Supportive edges are crucial for those with mobility issues as it allows them to get in and out of bed with more ease. Meanwhile, for sleepers who occasionally find themselves teetering on the edge of the bed (like myself), sufficient edge support is a key safety measure that prevents any sudden falls.
Customer reviews suggest that the Mint Hybrid's edge support is sufficient for larger bed sizes, but if you're seeking a solo sleeper bed with sturdy edges, you may want to look elsewhere.
Edge support score: 3 out of 5
T&N Mint Hybrid mattress review: setup
Enlist help for unpacking – this mattress weighs 72lbs to 138lbs
Can take up to 72 hours to fully expand
Potential for off-gassing
(Image credit: Alison Barretta)
If you decide to purchase a Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid mattress, consider enlisting the help of a family member or friend to assist you with unpacking it, especially if you live alone or have an injury. While shipping is free, there's no option to upgrade to white-glove delivery. My twin-sized Mint Hybrid weighed 72lbs – and if you opt for a queen or king, expect to haul between 112lbs and 138lbs, respectively.
My mattress arrived double-boxed, which made setup more of a challenge. It took two of us to wriggle the smaller box out of the larger one. After a few moments, we were able to place the wrapped mattress on top of my platform bed frame, where we unrolled and unwrapped it.
(Image credit: Alison Barretta)
Note that the longer a mattress remains in its box, the more time it'll take to fully expand. Thus, I unpacked my Mint Hybrid mattress as soon as it arrived and set it up about 12 hours before bedtime. According to Tuft & Needle, it could take up to 72 hours for the mattress to fully expand, but I was able to sleep on it the first night without noticeable discomfort.
(Image credit: Alison Barretta)
I did detect a whiff of off-gassing in my small bedroom, but this issue was quickly resolved by running an air purifier and cracking open a window (albeit reluctantly, due to the heavy smoke from North American wildfires). You're less likely to encounter this problem if you have a larger space and unbox your mattress as soon as you get it into your home.
Setup score: 3.5 out of 5
T&N Mint Hybrid mattress review: customer reviews
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 100 reviews (July 2023)
Fans say it's comfortable and excellent at limiting movement
Complaints regarding firmness and ease of setup
At the time of testing, the Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid had only been released for three months, so there isn't a huge pool of reviews for me to wade through. It's made a fine first impression, though, with a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from over 100 customers as of July 2023.
Most of the reviews are five stars. Those who like the Mint Hybrid mattress say it's comfortable and cooling – and several people even claim that it's helped alleviate their joint and back pain. Motion isolation is another aspect that fans of this mattress like. (My drop tests on a smaller twin bed tell another story, so make of that what you will.)
There aren't many reviews below five stars, but the ones that exist are hardly scathing. Some claim that it's firmer than advertised (firmness is subjective!) while others docked points for the somewhat difficult setup process.
We'll be sure to update this section over time as more reviews come in.
Should you buy the Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid mattress?
(Image credit: Alison Barretta)
If you're a side sleeper who tends to overheat, the Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid will hit a lot of the right notes. The adaptive foam and nanocoils offer loads of comfort and pressure relief, while the layers of springs and cooling foam help maintain a suitable surface temperature for sleeping. The removable, machine-washable cover is a convenient feature for those who want a mattress that's easy to clean. However, if edge support and motion isolation are important to you, consider a queen size or larger. These features were noticeably lacking in the solo sleeper bed I tested.
Also, be aware that this mattress is expensive – a queen retails for close to $2,000. I'd strongly recommend waiting for a Tuft & Needle mattress sale. The brand doesn't offer evergreen discounts like some of its rivals, but It does cut prices around major holidays, such as upcoming Labor Day mattress sales. Even after a discount, this is still a pricey option. If you're working with a limited budget, you won't have a problem finding a comparable model for less, as I detail below.
T&N Mint Hybrid mattress review: also consider
Cocoon by Sealy Chill Hybrid Mattress This budget-friendly cooling mattress is perpetually on sale. (A queen regularly sells for $899.) It has a medium feel, reinforced edges, and a cooling cover that wicks away heat and moisture. For a nominal fee, you can add an extra layer of cooling foam plus an advanced cooling cover. Like the T&N Mint Hybrid, the Cocoon Chill Hybrid comes with a 10-year warranty and a 100-night trial – but at this price point, those amenities seem more than fitting, and you'll get free sheets and pillows with purchase, too. Read our Cocoon by Sealy Chill mattress review(we tested the all-foam version)
Saatva Classic Mattress Similar in price to the Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid, the luxury Saatva Classic is a better value upfront. It comes with a one-year trial, a forever warranty, and free white glove delivery to your room of choice. You'll be able to choose the firmness and height you like for tailored comfort, as well. It also has two layers of coils for better airflow and all-over support, along with reinforced edges and a specialized lumbar crown to aid sleepers with lower back and hip pain. Read our Saatva Classic Mattress review
GhostBed Luxe Mattress The GhostBed Luxe is another mattress that's always on sale – a permanent 50% discount drops the price of a queen to below $1,600. Like the T&N Mint Hybrid, this is a softer mattress that'll appeal to side sleepers craving loads of pressure relief. It's not the coolest bed we've slept on (despite GhostBed's claims), but it's still leagues ahead of most foam-based models in temperature regulation. Included are a 101-night trial, a 25-year warranty, and a pair of free pillows. Read our GhostBed Luxe Mattress review
How I tested the Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid mattress
During a three-week period in June 2023, I slept on a twin Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid twin mattress using 100% cotton sheets and a polyester comforter. I kept my sleep environment consistent, with the room temperature between 68 and 71 degrees F. Outside temps were steadily rising as summer approached in the Mid-Atlantic.
Alongside my experience (and those of verified T&N customers), I asked five individuals to sleep on the Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid for at least 15 minutes in their preferred positions, sitting on the edges as they got in and out of bed. Our panelists range in size from 5ft4in and 125lbs to 6ft and 190lbs. One participant has a torn labrum in his right shoulder, while I struggle with recurring lower back pain.
I also carried out a series of tests to gauge the Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid's performance when it comes to edge support, overall firmness, and motion isolation. This provides a more objective look at the mattress, beyond personal preferences and potential biases.
Introduction
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