Nothing CEO Carl Pei introduced the new, affordable CMF by Nothing sub-brand in early August, and soon after that it registered an upcoming smartwatch and a pair of true wireless earbuds in India. Then, late last month, a huge leak revealed the first three products that will be released under this new name.
That leak also had a rumored announcement date for the smartwatch, earbuds, and charger trio: September 26. And today, Nothing itself confirmed this, at least for the Indian market. The word comes straight from Manu Sharma, Nothing India's Vice President and General Manager. So it's as...
The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max were announced earlier this week as the first phones on the market with a 3nm chipset. The Apple A17 Pro SoC features a 6-core processor with 2 performance cores alongside 4 efficiency units which Apple claims offer a 10% speed bump over the A16 Bionic.
Luckily for us, Geekbench now has benchmark scores for the iPhone 15 Pro series revealing some additional details on the A17 Pro chip as well as giving us a baseline to compare to last year’s A16 Bionic SoC.
iPhone 15 Pro (iPhone 16,1) managed 2,908 single-core points and a 7,238 multi-core...
The Netac Z Slim is a portable solid state drive that is lightweight, compact, reasonably solid, affordable but slow.
It has a full aluminum case which can scratch easily but doesn’t feel tacky given its black color and the lack of any garish features. The Z Slim comes with the strict minimum when it comes to accessories: just USB cable, an adapter and a pouch and there is no bundled software. There’s an LED as well and is available in capacities ranging from 250GB to 2TB. Just bear in mind that it doesn’t carry any IP or MIL-STD ratings; so don’t drop it in a glass of water to impress your colleagues, this is not a water resistant device. It still feels reasonably solid but be aware of these limitations (even if it includes a three-year warranty).
Netac claims that the drive should reach read/write speeds of up to 500 MBps which is slow by today’s standards. That’s because the company chose to use SATA parts rather than the more common and faster NVMe; I cannot fathom; it looks - to me at least - as a way to drive the bill of material to as low as possible. But bargain basement, this one isn’t.
The Z Slim ranks amongst the most expensive “slow” (i.e. SATA based) external SSDs on the market right now. To make things worse, there’s even a handful of portable SSD that offer twice the speed of the Z Slim with a lower price tag.
In a fiercely competitive category, the Z Slim faces some tough competition; with little to differentiate between the products, it’s very often down to price and at the time of writing, that’s a contest that the Z Slim has lost and one that ultimately prevents it from entering our best portable SSD buying guide.
(Image credit: Netac Z Slim)
Netac Z Slim: Benchmark
Given what I knew about the Z Slim, the test results are in no way surprising. Netac says that it will reach 550 MBps on read and write and we got close to those numbers during our synthetic tests. That number goes way down in real life tests, just under 400 MBps. The drive didn’t warm up even under load.
Netac Z Slim: Specs
(Image credit: Netac)
Should I buy the Netac Z Slim?
Netac Z Slim alternatives
The SSK is the fastest of the affordable alternatives with a rated read/write speed of 1050/1000 MBps. It has a useful carabiner and is a tad thicker than the Z Slim.
The Silicon Power PC60 is bland, unassuming and average in everything except its price. It is an entry-level, affordable and capable device that is far, far cheaper than the competition.
The Lexar SL2000 portable SSD is the cheapest 1TB portable SSD right now. Its chassis is mainly plastic and it is bulkier than the Z Slim but that shouldn’t bother bargain hunters.
How I tested the Netac Z Slim
After having formatted the Z Slim to exFAT, I test it the same way I test other storage components (external HDD, microSD cards etc). I use the latest versions of CrystalDiskMark, Atto, AS SSD and AJA benchmarks, noting the best scores achieved in each. They are all free and can be downloaded by anyone. I also transferred a folder of random files, roughly 10GB in size, to get a rough idea of real life performance.
Huawei held a big event in Barcelona today where we got the latest smart wearables from the brand – the Watch GT4 series, Freebuds Pro 3 wireless earbuds and Eyewear 2 alongside a new MatePad 11.5” PaperMatte edition tablet with a focus on eye care.
Huawei MatePad 11.5-inch PaperMatte Edition
Huawei also announced a new version of the MatePad 11.5 featuring a new PaperMatte screen. The new nano-etched screen coating promises a paper-like feel with reduced glare, less eye strain and a more natural writing experience with the second-generation M-Pencil stylus.
MatePad 11.5...
Xiaomi is gearing up to launch its Redmi 13 series in China on September 21. The launch event is set to start at 7PM local time (11PM UTC). The launch poster confirms three Redmi Note 13 devices – the Note 13 5G, Note 13 Pro and Note 13 Pro+.
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (left) and Redmi Note 13 Pro (right)
The poster has the Note 13 Pro+ on the left side and the Note 13 Pro on the right. We can see the higher-end model will feature a curved display and a texture back with several color blocks. Both models will sport triple cameras with a 200MP main sensor which is expected to be Samsung’s...
I've always liked the iPhone's Plus line. The iPhone 14 Plus is a peppy big-screened device with 'good enough' photography and excellent battery life, but no one else seems to like it like I do. The iPhone 15 Plus, though, may have more sway.
Launching alongside the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 15 Plus gets a few updates that make it seem more like part of the club than its predecessor did, changes that also make it more attractive to would-be big-screen smartphone buyers.
Despite retaining the straight sides of the last few generations of iPhone, all of the iPhone 15 series – including the 15 Plus – now have softened, more rounded edges. This may be especially important for the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus, since – in my brief time with it – I found it to be more comfortable to hold than previous 'big' iPhones.
With the iPhone 15 Plus, you still get a 6.7-inch 60Hz OLED display, but now with the Dynamic Island that was exclusive to last year's iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max, instead of a notch. It runs on a more powerful Apple-made A16 Bionic chipset (again like 2022's Pro iPhones), while the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have been bumped up to the even more potent A17 Pro. Also, wave farewell to Lightning; like Galaxys, Pixels, and pretty much every other phone out there, the iPhone now charges via USB-C.
As for the all-important camera setup, you'll still find two lenses in a diagonal layout, but the main sensor jumps from 12MP to 48MP; promising better still image quality in a myriad of conditions – including low light and when zooming in or taking portrait shots – while video stabilization has been improved as a result too. The image sensor on the iPhone 15 Plus (and iPhone 15) is not exactly the same as the one found in the Pro editions but it does get all the cool new photo tricks on its more expensive Pro cousin, including making any photo Portrait (even after capture) and 24MP base images.
With Apple nixing a 64GB storage option a couple of generations ago, you can pick the iPhone 15 up in 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB configurations, with five iPhone 15 colors to choose from, all sporting new color-infused glass backs.
Running iOS 17 out of the box, the iPhone 15 Plus gains all the benefits we've been waiting to test out for months (ever since Apple first showed off the experience, back at WWDC 2023 in June). From Contact Posters to Interactive Widgets and even StandBy (previously thought to be a feature exclusive to iPhones with always-on displays); there are a number of quality-of-life improvements that long-time iPhone users will appreciate on the iPhone 15 Plus.
Thankfully, for all that is new, Apple has left pricing well alone this year in the US, while the UK enjoys a notable price drop, and the phone becomes fractionally pricier in Australia compared to last year's model. Available for pre-order this Friday (September 15) and on-sale the week after on Friday, September 22.
Hands-on iPhone 15 Plus review: Price and availability
Priced from $899 / £899 / AU$1,649
Pre-order from September 15
On sale from September 22
Although there was a rumor of a range-wide price rise this year, the iPhone 15 Plus (along with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro) stays the course in the US, meaning the standard 128GB model starts at $899, just as the iPhone 14 Plus did, one year earlier.
Apple introduced all four new members of the iPhone 15 family to the world at its 'Wonderlust' event on September 12, with the phone going on pre-order on Friday, September 15. It'll then be available to buy a week later, on September 22.
Of course, if you're already sold on the promise of the iPhone 15 Plus, then head on over to our iPhone 15 deals roundup, where we'll be constantly updating the best offers available on Apple's newest entrant in the mobile market.
Hands-on iPhone 15 Plus review: Specs
The main upgrades fall to a new camera system, the Dynamic Island and USB-C, but here's a full breakdown of the hardware on offer.
Hands-on iPhone 15 Plus review: Design
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Similar dimensions to predecessor
Color-infused glass back
USB-C instead of Lightning
At a glance, the iPhone 15 Plus looks very much like the iPhone 14 Plus, but closer examination reveals a newly crafted aluminum frame that gently scrubs away the sharp edges making the larger 15 Plus much more comfortable to hold than the iPhone 14 Plus. It's also slightly lighter.
So long as you like pastels, this year's lineup of iPhone 15 Plus (and iPhone 15) colors includes five finishes (black, blue, green, yellow, and a truly mesmerizing pink), all of which showcase new color-infused glass, with the camera bump more seamlessly rising out of the back panel. It's a good look.
That aluminum frame also now plays host to a USB-C port, where there was once a Lightning port; meaning you should be able to charge with just one cable, if you already own a modern MacBook and/or iPad – with the latter finally ditching Lightning on its base iPad 10.9 (2022) model last year.
If you opt for this more affordable iPhone, you will notice that it doesn't have that nifty new Action button. No, the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 still have the classic ring/silent switch. I'm not against this aging switch but it's definitely not Action button-level useful.
Aside from a tweak to materials and colorways, the Ceramic Shield protecting the back of the phone still plays host to a diagonal dual camera system, while on the front, you'll now find an iPhone 14 Pro-like Dynamic Island, where the notch once lived.
Apple continues to offer some of the best IP-rated protection in the business, quoting figures that actually marginally surpass its IP68 certification against dust ingress and promised water resistance.
The phone is also full of recycled materials from the 75% aluminum frame to precious metals, like 100% recycled cobalt in the battery. Apple has plans to make its phones carbon-neutral too, but the 15 Plus is only a step on this particular journey.
The classic silent/ring switch looks the same on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Hands-on iPhone 15 Plus review: Display
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
2796 x 1290 resolution w/ 60Hz refresh rate
Dynamic Island replaces notch
I find the larger 6.7-inch screen on the iPhone 15 Plus quite pleasing and expansive (even if the bezels are not as thin as they are on the Pro) but it is frustrating that despite also having a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, the iPhone 15 Plus (and iPhone 15) are still stuck at 60Hz, while the Pro models get buttery-smooth 120Hz ProMotion visuals.
In practice, though, I find it hard to believe most consumers will notice the difference in day-to-day use. However, unlike the iPhone 15 Pro Max, this display's Always On support is limited and will make the experience of using the new iOS 17 Standby mode somewhat different. Instead of it staying (dimly lit) while asleep, you'll still have to tap to wake the screen.
Beyond that, the Super Retina XDR OLED is a joy to behold in person, a little brighter this year – so Apple says (a 1,200-nit peak rises to 2,000 nits) – with the same resolution as its predecessor, producing the same 460ppi pixel density.
While the display sounds like it's unchanged from last year, that's not the case. The iPhone 15 Plus (and iPhone 15) display now features the same Dynamic Island found on the iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, and the new iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. Believe me, you will not miss the notch.
Everything that the Dynamic Island could already do (keep track of directions, music, your Uber) can now be achieved on the iPhone 15 Plus, and iOS 17 will hopefully continue to add new functionality over time, even if Apple didn't have any functionality to add during the launch event.
Hands-on iPhone 15 Plus review: Software
iPhone 15 next to iPhone 15 Plus (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Runs iOS 17 out the box
iOS 17 feels like a comparatively minor upgrade, over the beefier features the company introduced in iOS 16, however, there are a few (which our dedicated iOS 17 feature covers) of note that help enhance the user experience on the iPhone 15 Plus.
Contact Posters and NameDrop, real-time location sharing (called Check In) in Messages, automated blurring of nudity in Messages and AirDrop, Live Voicemail (complete with transcription) Interactive Widgets, and a heap more.
The iPhone 15 Plus will feel completely familiar to most iPhone and iOS 16 users. Most of the major changes are embedded in various features that don't necessarily touch the home screen by default. Still, the introduction of the Dynamic Island does make everything seem, fresher and brand new.
Hands-on iPhone 15 Plus review: Cameras
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
48MP main sensor
12MP ultra-wide
12MP front-facing camera
Design-wise, the camera system may look the same as the iPhone 14 and 13 series' before it, but the iPhone 15 Plus's camera setup has a big secret. The main sensor that has – for the longest time – clocked in at 12MP, is taking a leaf out of the iPhone 14 Pro's playbook and making the leap to a whopping 48MP sensor.
This introduces pixel binning to the standard iPhone photographic recipe for the first time and, alongside better shooting in all environments – including low light – should also deliver better quality 2x zoomed and portrait photography. Not to mention better stabilization, across stills and video.
More importantly, the iPhone 15 Plus (and iPhone 15) can now shoot 24MP images that actually combine the best 12MP of information with the full detail of that new 48MP sensor. You also get an effective 2x optical zoom, which is not a zoom lens but takes the middle sub-section out of that full 48MP sensor.
Beyond the megapixel bump, the iPhone 15 Plus's ultra-wide stands at 12MP, as does the front-facing camera (even if it is now concealed within the Dynamic Island).
While I didn't have a chance to take any photos with the iPhone 15 Plus, I did see some original photos on its big 6.7-inch display. They looked really good and the level of detail you get with the combined information of the 48MP sensor and binned 12MP stills is impressive. I'll deliver a verdict on it in my full review.
There are some neat new software tricks in the camera that now allow you to shoot in portrait mode with your standard camera. Basically, you start with a standard photo, the phone recognizes that there are people and that there's depth in the image and saves the info. Later, when you go back, you can transform the photo into a portrait shot, and even select which of your subjects is in focus.
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(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
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(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Hands-on iPhone 15 Plus review: Performance & battery
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Apple A16 Bionic
Up to 512GB of storage
Battery life is unchanged from the iPhone 14 Plus
With the iPhone 14 series, Apple created a larger divide than fans were used to, by sticking the base iPhone 14 and 14 Plus with the same A15 Bionic chip that had been range-wide a year prior, while the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max received exclusive access to the more powerful and power efficient A16 Bionic. For 2023, that two-tier processor trend continues, with the iPhone 15 Plus (and iPhone 15) gaining access to last year's A16 Bionic, while this year's 15 Pro models sport the potentially much more capable A17 Pro.
I only spent a short time with the iPhone 15 Plus but it did function well through a small set of tasks that included some photography and photo editing (trying out the new portrait features). I have no doubt that the phone's A16 Bionic can handle pretty much anything you can throw at it and if it behaves the same as it did in last year's Pros, it still has plenty of clout to take on even new Android flagships in benchmark battles.
Storage remains unchanged from last year, with a baseline of 128GB, a 256GB option, and 512GB at the top of the ladder (the iPhone 15 Pro also starts at 128GB while the Pro Max starts at 256GB). The battery might be slightly larger (Apple is not saying) but the battery life is unchanged from last year.
Apple still quotes 50% charge in 30 minutes and the same 15W and 7.5W wireless charging speeds for MagSafe and the Qi-standard respectively, but beyond that, your iPhone 15 Plus should still be able to last all day without issue. And, yes, it should outlast the smaller and cheaper iPhone 15.
Hands-on iPhone 15 Plus review: Early verdict
With last year's chipset and the venerable silent/ring switch, the iPhone 15 Plus might seem like it's getting the short end of the smartphone stick. The reality is that the A16 Bionic is still some wickedly-fast mobile silicon.
Also, let's not forget that the iPhone 15 Plus has a slightly updated and softer design, the USB-C port, and even the fungible (and fun) Dynamic Island.
Best of all, it now has that big 48MP camera and it's backed by all sorts of new iPhone camera tricks, which will let you do many of the same things you can do with the more expensive iPhone 15 Pro (and Pro Max).
For those who want big-screen iPhone fun without the expense, the now more powerful iPhone 15 Plus may turn out to be a winning choice. Plus, it looks stunning in pink.
The Pimax Crystal VR headset’s mission statement is to deliver the “ultra VR experience” for enthusiasts looking for the next step in immersive gaming. Armed with an exceptionally high pixel count, glass lenses, external tracking cameras, and even the option for an all-in-one mode, in theory, there’s enough under here to rival some of the best VR headsets. However, this one isn’t quite ready for prime time just yet.
However, factoring in the high price tag and the slow roll-out of promised features, the Pimax Crystal currently feels like a product that’s still in development to beta testers rather than the be-all-end-all PC VR and standalone solution that it could be.
Price and availability
The Pimax Crystal is available for $1,599 / £1,699 (around AU$2,500) which positions it as one of the most expensive consumer PR headsets available. As a frame of reference, this is around the same cost as the Meta Quest Pro when it launched and comparable to the HTC Vive Pro 2 with its controllers and base station.
Design and features
(Image credit: Future)
Marketed as having the “highest pixel amount of any consumer VR headset”, the Pimax Crystal’s unique selling point is all about the display: it offers a whopping total resolution of 5760 x 2880 with 35ppd (pixels-per-degrees). For context, that’s significantly higher than the likes of the PSVR 2 and the HP Reverb G2, but considering the jump up in price tag here, that’s also something you’d hope for. It makes for an incredibly high resolution of 2880 x 2880 per eye which can also run at either 90 or 120Hz depending on the supported software.
The build quality of the headset is solid and it’s constructed primarily of black plastic finished in an angular design. It’s very iterative on the company’s previous flagship, the Pimax 8K X, and overall looks and feels appropriate. However, at 960g / 2.11 lbs, it does feel a little heavy when you’re wearing it. There’s a cog wheel at the back which can be tightened or loosened to strap you in, and there’s also a large foam insert for glasses-wearers if you need the extra space.
Where the Pimax Crystal stands out from other PC VR headsets is in its dedicated all-in-one mode that can be activated with the flick of a switch on the device. Powering that is a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 as well as the PC VR Engine Dual-processor chips. The included 5m / 16ft braided cable plugs into the Pimax Crystal and then has DisplayPort, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0 which goes into the back of the PC.
There are two sizable battery packs (6000mAh) included which can be charged with USB-C, and you can swap batteries painlessly enough, using a sliding mechanism that lands with a satisfying click once in place. There’s also the standard power button, volume rocker on the right, and an interpupillary distance slider on the left top side of the headset with an autofocus range between 58-72mm that can be manually adjusted.
Adding to the premium nature of the Pimax Crystal are the high-fidelity DMAS off-ear headphones built into the headset itself, and the four external depth-of-field cameras inside the headset - which means there’s no need for a base station. A base station is traditionally used in high-end PC VR headsets such as the Steam Index to accurately track hand and eye movements. These stations can take up a fair amount of space in your setup or room, so it’s a big plus that this manufacturer has built the cameras into the model itself to negate that.
The two controllers that ship with the Pimax Crystal are similar to what you’ll find on the Meta Quest Pro with a stick and two face buttons on each one, combined with a bumper, trigger, and menu buttons. They are sleek and lightweight, with a good feel in the hand, and charge via USB-C.
Performance
(Image credit: Future)
The company promises a five-minute start-up time from when you plug everything into getting into a game - and in my experience, that’s not too far off the mark. The Pimax Play app itself is easy to use and as well as depicting the headset, controllers, and tracking on screen, also allows you to make further alterations from room settings, to configuring things such as floor calibration, and starting the device remotely.
For the bulk of my time spent with the Pimax Crystal, the eye and finger tracking functionality did not work, however, that’s now been corrected in a recent firmware update, which has also added the standalone mode. Inside the Pimax Play app, I was able to calibrate my eyes and then look around in a virtual space and it worked well, and the same can be said of finger tracking which, while originally glitchy and imprecise a few weeks ago, is now smooth overall.
The standalone mode features its own suite of games available on the Pimax storefront and, while I can commend the fact that it works and looks solid enough, there’s a real lack of compelling, must-have software right now. It feels like an afterthought, and an ultimately odd inclusion in practice for a high-end PC VR headset aimed at the hardcore crowd who aren’t going to want to use this mode, ultimately adding both bulk to the headset and inflating the price to what it is. It’s more of a novelty than something you’ll get any real use out of.
When it comes to PC VR, though, the Pimax Crystal truly shines in supported software, especially when booted up in Steam VR. While the headset essentially emulates the Valve Index for usability, the user experience overall is truly top-tier. The resolution of 2880 x 2880 per eye means that the games tested, including the ground-breaking Half-Life: Alyx, were exceptional. Where I’ve previously had tunnel vision or felt disconnected from VR environments using the likes of the Meta Quest 2 and the older Oculus Rift S, this was not the case with the Crystal due to how sharp and detailed the textures were. There were times when I was left speechless reaching out into the world.
This is bolstered by the excellent audio quality of the DMAS off-ear headphones which added an immersive and accurate surround sound experience. I could hear everything from the whirling of space-age ships flying through the sky right down to more subtle noises such as a can being kicked over or footsteps from behind a closed wooden door - it all sounded incredibly real. I have never experienced audio of this quality from VR, and it would even rival some of the best gaming headsets.
Ultimately, the Pimax Crystal is incredibly powerful and offers the best visual and audio fidelity you can get right now, but you're paying a premium for the privilege. It's why it is a hard sell to all but those enthusiasts who want top-end performance, as for everyone else, you're better off with something with a more aggressive price-to-performance ratio like the Valve Index or something standalone like the Meta Quest 2.
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if…
You want leading image quality in VR
The Pimax Crystal features an incredibly high resolution with each eye running higher pixel counts than many other models on the market.
Stellar audio in VR is a must
The DMAS off-ear headphones are some of the best I’ve used compared to other PC VR gaming headsets available now.
Don’t buy it if…
You want good value for money
The Pimax Crystal is one of the most expensive VR headsets that you can buy right now. The Valve Index and Meta Quest 2 are both better options in terms of price-to-performance and also come in at a cheaper starting price.
You want compelling standalone software
While the Pimax Play now offers its standalone mode, the lacking game support leaves a lot to be desired despite good functionality compared to the likes of the far cheaper Oculus Quest 2.
The Pimax Crystal will be able to play some of the best VR games, and you'll want to make sure you've got one of the best graphics cards and the best CPU to make the most of it.
Infinix launched the Note 30 VIP in June in two colors - Magic Black and Glacier Blue. Today, these are joined by a special edition of the smartphone called Infinix Note 30 VIP Racing Edition.
Infinix teamed up with BMW Group's Designworks for the Note 30 VIP Racing Edition, which, the company says, "stands as a powerful symbol of performance and racing fervor." It integrated racing elements into the phone's design to represent speed and passion and bring personalized experiences to its young users.
The Infinix Note 30 VIP Racing Edition's design draws inspiration from street racing...
Imagine the Razer DeathAdder V3 in wireless form. That’s basically what Razer’s new gaming mouse offering, the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed, is.
There are some differences, of course. It’s got an ever so slightly thinner body and a more pronounced hump for better palm support. It’s heavier. It tops at 4,000Hz polling rate (as opposed to 8,000Hz) and weirdly has a 60M-click rating as opposed to the DeathAdder V3’s 90M. And, as its name implies, it’s a wireless gaming mouse that utilizes Razer’s HyperSpeed Wireless connectivity so you can do away with the cable.
In fact, you’ve got no choice really as there’s no need for cables here, seeing as it’s AA battery-powered. That’s the biggest reason why this one sits at the same price point as the DeathAdder V3, despite being wireless (that typically gives manufacturers an excuse to jack up the price of a product).
At $69.99 / £69.99 / AU$129.95, the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed is easily one of the most affordable brand-name gaming mice I’ve tested, especially in the wireless realm. But don’t take that to mean that you’re sacrificing a lot here.
Yes, there’s the lack of rechargeability, which no doubt a lot of wireless peripherals fans will miss, but it’s a small sacrifice in exchange for all the premium features that you are getting.
It comes, for example, with Razer’s Focus Pro 30K Optical, a maximum speed of 750 IPS, and 8 programmable controls like the aforementioned wired mouse. It also inherited the DeathAdder V3 much-lauded smooth-touch finish – Razer’s own creation that allows the mouse to offer that luxurious, smooth-to-the-touch feeling while brilliantly delivering better grippage than all other gaming mice I’ve tested (and I’ve tested a lot).
It’s so similar to the DeathAdder line that I’ve started to wonder if Razer made a mistake when they were naming it. While it belongs in the brand’s Viper line, it actually looks nothing like the Razer Viper V2 Pro, its intended premium counterpart and one of the best gaming mice on the market.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Veering away from the Viper’s gaming-esque aesthetic, the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed sports the more elegant design and cleaner look for the DeathAdder line. Looking more like the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro, its left and right buttons are nicely grooved toward the front for better ergonomics and grip, as well as, in my opinion, easier pressing. And again, it comes with the DeathAdder V3’s smooth-touch finish, which is quite a departure from the Viper V2 Pro’s textured one.
It’s got its own design improvements and changes as well. Its palm rest has a nice, rear-rested hump that supports both palm and claw grip styles as well as allows your palm to contour nicely and enjoy that necessary support, no matter how big your hand is or how long you’ve been playing.
According to Razer, the company opted for flatter sides (as opposed to curved) to also help it fit different hand sizes and grip styles, but I just found the sides to be a little less supportive, especially where my pinkie usually rests.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
I prefer ultra-lightweight mice for gaming and productivity so while I understand that Razer had to go with AA batteries to keep the price down, I didn’t really enjoy gaming on this one as much. Especially so soon after testing the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed (review to follow). A single AA battery to keep it powered bumps its weight from 59g to 82g and makes it noticeably rear-heavy and unbalanced.
Then again, this is a matter of personal preference. Not all gamers want or enjoy using a lightweight gaming mouse, and there are definitely others out there that are a lot heftier.
While we’re on that subject, inside the battery compartment is a USB garage in which you can keep your wireless receiver safe. Thank goodness – I already lost the original dongle for my Viper V2 Pro, and I have no idea where to properly store its replacement when I’m not using the mouse. As I write this, it’s sitting on my desk vulnerable to my insolent cats’ restless paws.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Like the Viper V2 Pro and the DeathAdder V3, it has six physical buttons, which are all strategically positioned so they’re within easy reach, no matter the size of your hand. However, for added versatility and an easier gaming experience if you’re not too lazy to customize and reprogram, it has a total of 8 programmable controls (the scroll wheel adds front and back scroll to the list).
If you have limited USB ports, you’ll be glad to know that it’s one of Razer’s several peripherals that’s compatible with the HyperSpeed Wireless multi-device support. That means that you can connect it and a supported Razer keyboard to your PC with just a single dongle. If you’re a competitive player and need that considerable bump in polling rate, it also supports up to 4,000Hz with Razer’s HyperPolling Wireless Dongle. That one will cost you extra, but Razer currently has it bundled with the mouse for a little less.
If I’m being honest, though, its native 1,000Hz polling rate is more than enough for most people. On its own, the Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed is already a fast performer, seeing me through my CS:Go sessions as well as those Hogwarts Legacy trials without missing a beat.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
It helps that it also boasts that 30K optical sensor that apparently not only gives it a 99.8% accuracy and better power efficiency but also allows it a wider surface compatibility. I’ve tested it on a couple of different desk mats, a slightly textured office desk, a marble countertop, and other surfaces, and while its pads aren’t the best for the harder ones, that tracking stayed on point.
As I had received my unit days before launch, I really didn’t get a chance to properly drain that one AA battery, but Razer promises up to 280 hours of battery life. While that longevity is nice, the downside is that you’d have to stock up on AA batteries, which I’m not really a fan of as there are other things to consider like proper disposal. And again, having that one battery in there makes the mouse heavier and more unbalanced.
Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed: Price & availability
How much does it cost? $69.99 / £69.99 / AU$129.95
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia
Unlike the Razer Viper V2 Pro, which will set you back a whopping $149.99 / £149.99 / AU$259.95, the price of entry for the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed is much closer to the ground. In fact, at $69.99 / £69.99 / AU$129.95, it’s the exact same price as the wired Razer DeathAdder V3, touting the same marquee features but with that cable-free flair so you don’t have to stay tethered to your desk.
However, if you prefer something more lightweight and more premium, the $149 / £149 / AU$279 Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro is certainly worth considering, if you don’t mind the fact that it doesn’t have that smooth-touch finish.
Value: 4.5 / 5
Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed: Specs
Should you buy the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed?
Buy it if...
You want a premium-feeling mouse for less The Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed boasts that grippy smooth-touch finish you’ll only ever find on Razer’s wired DeathAdder V3, a beautiful and elegant form that’s supportive, and switches that are comfortable and satisfying.
You need a gaming mouse with the best grip Razer swaps out the Viper V2 Pro’s textured finish for its smooth-touch finish that feels more luxurious yet somehow offers a better grip for gaming.
You don’t mind a heavier mouse Due to the price and Razer’s attempt to offer a longer battery life, this one is AA battery-powered, which adds considerable weight to its rear.
Don't buy it if...
You want the most lightweight and balanced mouse If you want something more balanced and incredibly lightweight, better go for the DeathAdder V3 or the Viper V2 Pro.
You prefer something rechargeable Stocking up on AA batteries is a thing of the past. If you want a wireless gaming mouse that’s rechargeable, this isn’t the one for you.
Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed: Also consider
How I tested the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed
Tested the mouse for a couple of days due to time constraint
Used it for playing PC games and for work
Put its marquee features through their paces during testing
Usually, we spend at least a week testing a peripheral, including a wireless gaming mouse like the Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed. Unfortunately, because I received it at the last minute, I only had two days to properly test its functionality and features, which means that I didn’t really have enough time to drain its battery and see for myself if it does indeed last up to 280 hours at 1,000Hz polling rate.
That said, I was able to spend enough time with the mouse to test the rest, from its marquee features like the smooth-touch finish and more pronounced ergonomics to its actual performance, utilizing it as my main work and gaming laptop for two days.
I’ve been testing and reviewing PC gaming peripherals for about 10 years now. Not only do I have plenty of experience with them, but I know what makes the best ones tick and can intuitively tell you which ones are not worth your time and money.
We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up 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.
