February, 2024 - Organizer

Honor Magic6 Pro and Pad 9 tablet go global and Magic V2 RSR gets a price

5:04 pm | February 25, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Honor introduced the Magic6 Pro in China last month, and today, the flagship made its global debut in Barcelona, ahead of MWC. We also welcomed the Honor Pad 9 tablet, which was introduced to the British crowd a few days ago. Honor hyped the flagship and its sports photography prowess, the Magic6 Pro bringing the next generation of what the company calls Falcon Camera system. It introduced AI Motion Sensing capabilities that detect motion and capture multiple frames even before you've pressed the shutter to let you capture the perfect image. There is also the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset...

Acer Predator BiFrost Arc A770 OC review: a flashy makeover for those who want that RGB

5:00 pm |

Acer Predator BiFrost Arc A770 OC: Two-minute review

Following years of anticipation, Intel jumped into the GPU market dominated by AMD and NVIDIA with some respectable results last year.

Both the Intel Arc A750 to the Intel Arc A770 showed real promise and managed to undercut the best graphics cards both chipmakers had to offer despite, at least on price if not necessarily matching performance benchmarks.

Regardless, the A770's price just kept it from being one of the best cheap graphics cards for those looking for a GPU that could provide good ray-tracing alongside hardware-accelerated AI upscaling. Though it couldn’t match the sheer raw 1440p power of an AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT or Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti, general performance was more than respectable for the $349 launch price.

With third-party variants of the A770 available, the Acer BiFrost Arc A770 OC might be a more attractive buy, especially now that the Intel Limited Edition cards are no longer being manufactured. There are a few things that lean in its favor including customizable RGB lighting through the Predator BiFrost Utility and overclocking capabilities.

Sure, the lighting that comes with the BiFrost Arc A770 OC looks more attractive than the original A770, but that’s pretty much the biggest plus when it comes to this GPU over the Intel reference card. Performance power doesn’t increase much even with overclocking, which means that the dual-8-pin connection pulls even more power for no real reason, but you can make adjustments to its power draw if that's an issue. Be sure to make sure Resizable BAR is activated through your motherboard's BIOS settings as well because performance will absolutely tank if you don't.

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An Acer Predator BiFrost Arc A770 OC on a gray deskmat — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

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As mentioned previously, the Acer BiFrost Arc A770 OC comes feature-packed with ray-tracing and AI upscaling capabilities. When it comes to ray-tracing, it’s not going to deliver performance that matches AMD let alone Nvidia, but that doesn’t mean that ray-tracing performance wasn’t good.

When tested with the Dead Space Remake and Cyberpunk 2077, framerates stayed within the 30 fps ball-park. On the other hand, Intel’s XeSS AI upscaling technology is as good as DLSS and AMD FidelityFX in games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023), Forza Horizon 5, and Hi-Fi Rush. Though 1440p performance is generally great, for more fps, brining it down to 1080p delivers better overall results.

There are around 70 games that support XeSS so far with more popular games like Fortnite, League of Legends, and Counter Strike 2 missing from the list. During playtesting some games performed horribly including Crysis Remastered and Forza Motorsport (2023) even when dropped down to borderline potato settings.

As in TechRadar's original A770 review, older games may have performance issues due to driver compatibility, since games developed with DirectX 9 and Direct X 10 were not made with the Arc GPUs in mind, meanwhile, AMD and Nvidia drivers have over a decade of legacy support for these games built-in since earlier versions of the drivers were developed back when those games were first released. That said, DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 performance is much better, and Intel's drivers are being actively improved to support these games.

One thing that surprised me is that the A770 provides pretty decent performance when using Adobe Suite software like Premiere Pro and Photoshop if your project scope is kept reasonable. In the meantime, it’ll be interesting to see Adobe provide official support for the graphics card in the future.

Acer does have a Predator BiFrost Utility that allows users to change RGB lighting within its card, but outside of that, it’s not as useful as Intel’s own Arc Graphics utility driver. Both allow users to have various system overlays alongside overclock power limit, temperature limit, and fan speed. One thing's for sure, even when running at full power, the Acer BiFrost Arc A770 OC wasn’t incredibly loud compared to other power-hungry GPUs available.

Acer Predator BiFrost Arc A770 OC: PRICE & AVAILABILITY

How much does it cost? US MSRP $399 (about £320 / AU$560)
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

The Acer Predator BiFrost Arc A770 OC is currently available now in the US, UK, and Australia. Right now, there are ways to get around the $399 MSRP with some stores like Newegg selling the GPU for around $279. With the original A770 going for as high as $429, the BiFrost Arc A770 OC could be considered a better buy.

For gamers on a more restricted budget looking for the best 1440p graphics card capable of playing many of the best PC games of the past couple of years, the BiFrost Arc A770 is definitely more accessible than comparable Nvidia and AMD graphic cards. Individuals who are working with a higher budget should definitely consider getting the AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT, which is just $50 more at $449 and provides much better 1440p performance.

Acer Predator BiFrost Arc A770 OC: Specs

Should you buy the Acer Predator BiFrost Arc A770 OC?

Buy the Acer Predator BiFrost Arc A770 OC if...

You need for budget level price with nearly mid-tier performance
With solid ray tracing and AI upscaling capabilities, the 1440p performance on the BiFrost A770 OC is commendable.

You require a GPU to match your RGB ready desktop’s flyness
The dual fan design and RGB lighting does look cool compared to the original A770.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best midrange GPU
Due to developer support at the moment, the A770 lags behind AMD and NVIDIA, which means performance won’t be the best for many of the top-tier games.

You want a GPU that uses less power
The Acer BiForst Arc A770 uses a lot of power but the performance doesn’t really reflect that.

Also consider

If my Acer Predator BiFrost Arc A770 OC review has you looking for other options, here are two more graphics cards to consider...

How I tested the Acer Predator BiFrost Arc A770 OC

I spent around two weeks with the Acer Predator BiFrost Arc A770 OC
I used the Acer Predator BiFrost Arc A770 OC for gaming and creative test

Testing with the Acer Predator BiFrost Arc A770 OC happened over a two-week period on a second home computer where I split between gaming and creative tasks. On the gaming side, titles played during testing included Crysis Remastered, Call of Duty Modern Warfare III, Forza Horizon 5, Forza Motorsport (2023), and Dead Space (2023).

Creative usage was split between Premier Pro and Photoshop. I’ve been testing gaming desktops alongside components for around three years for TechRadar and fully understand how GPUs are supposed to perform compared to similar tech.

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.

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen: one-minute review

Samsung’s first The Freestyle projector created quite the buzz with its compact, cylindrical form and superior streaming capabilities compared to other portable projectors. Notably, it featured the same Tizen smart TV interface found in the company’s TVs, which let viewers easily stream from a wide range of apps while also allowing for voice control via Samsung’s Bixby or Amazon Alexa voice assistants. Beyond that, the original The Freestyle could beam images as large as 100 inches, and it provided auto focus and keystone adjustments to quickly align pictures on any surface you pointed it at. We liked it so much when we tested it, that it rocketed to the top of our list of the best portable projectors.

The Freestyle 2nd Gen doesn’t stray too far from the original, but does get a key update with Samsung’s Gaming Hub, a section of the smart interface that houses a range of cloud-based gaming services such as Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, Utomik, and more. This new feature lets you pair the projector with wireless gaming controllers and play premium games without having to connect a physical console – something the Freestyle 2nd Gen’s single micro-HDMI connection doesn’t make easy anyway.

Samsung offers a range of accessories to pair with its portable, including a rechargeable battery base that will give you around 3 hours of playback time and an adaptor to plug it into a standard ceiling light socket for power. While most users won’t need to have images beamed down from the ceiling onto a table or floor, having that capability is just one of the things that makes the Freestyle 2nd Gen a more flexible and fun option than typical projectors.

The Freestyle 2nd Gen’s LED light source provides only limited brightness, which means you’ll get the best picture when viewing in a dim room, or at nighttime if viewing outdoors. Even in those conditions, the projector’s picture lacks the detail and punchy contrast you can expect from the best 4K projectors, making it more of a convenient means to project a big image than a high-quality one. But the Freestyle Gen 2’s compact design and excellent feature set still make it a great portable projector, one that will easily fit in your backpack.

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen Review: price and release date

Release date: August 2023
MSRP: $799 / £649

Samsung’s The Freestyle 2nd Gen sells for $799 / £649. At this writing it is not currently available in Australia, and availability appear to be limited in the UK. The $799 list price is somewhat high compared to other 1080p HD-res compact portable projectors, though it does offer some unique features not found in the competition such as Samsung’s Gaming Hub.

The Freestyle 2nd Gen gets regular discounts during holiday sales events, where it sells for around $599. That price makes Samsung’s portable projector a much better value than at its $799 list price, so sales are worth seeking out and waiting for.

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen Gaming Hub interface — The new Samsung Gaming Hub interface (Image credit: Future)

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen Review: Specs

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen on table with battery base — Samsung's optional battery base accessory provides around 3 hours of power before needing a recharge (Image credit: Future)

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen Review: design and features

Compact and lightweight design
Tizen smart TV interface for streaming
Samsung Gaming hub for cloud-based gaming

The Freestyle 2nd Gen sports the same white cylinder form factor as its predecessor. At just 1.8 pounds, it’s easy to tote around the house and is compact enough to easily stash in a backpack. An included cradle stand rotates 180 degrees and can be tilted 90 degrees, giving you plenty of flexibility as to where you beam images, ceilings included.

Samsung includes a SolarCell remote control that doesn’t require batteries (as the name suggests, it draws energy from available light sources, as well as from your home’s wireless network) and the projector can also be controlled via Samsung’s Bixby or Amazon Alexa voice commands. Such commands can be executed by pressing and holding the Mic button on the remote, but the projector also has built-in far-field mics for hands-free voice control.

The single-chip DLP projector uses an LED light source that Samsung specs for 30,000 hours of use. Auto focus and keystone adjustments let you position the projector even at extreme angles from the wall or other surface you’re projecting on and The Freestyle 2nd Gen’s image will automatically align itself to a 16:9 aspect ratio. Those adjustments can also be carried out manually (and in many cases you'll want to tweak the keystone and focus settings), and there’s the option to shrink the image to a smaller size without physically moving the projector.

Samsung offers a range of accessories to use with The Freestyle 2nd Gen. A socket adaptor lets you plug the projector into a light socket, and is mainly intended for projecting from the ceiling onto a floor or table. There’s also a battery base, which provides several hours of charge and lets you use the projector indoors or out without having to connect to power. A carrying case is another accessory and one that will protect The Freestyle 2nd Gen if you’re bringing it outdoors or to another location.

The Freestyle 2nd Gen is all about streaming and features the same Tizen smart interface found in the company’s TVs. This provides pretty much any streaming app you could want and also has Samsung’s Gaming Hub onboard for cloud-based gaming from services such as Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, Utomik, and others. The projector uses the somewhat dated Wi-Fi 5 standard for streaming, although I didn’t have any issues during my time with it.

As a streaming-centric projector, connections on The Freestyle 2nd Gen are limited to micro-HDMI. No HDMI-to-micro-HDMI cables or adaptors are included, so, like me, you’ll probably need to order one online to be able to plug in an external gaming console, Blu-ray player, or other HDMI source. The micro-HDMI connection supports HDMI-ARC, which allows you to connect it to a soundbar or other audio system. Another option is Bluetooth, with dual Bluetooth supported for both wireless input and output connections, and there’s also wireless app casting from iPhones and Android phones.

Samsung calls The Freestyle 2nd Gen’s built-in 5-watt audio system “360 Degree” sound, and during my use, it did provide surprisingly spacious sound, although with unsurprisingly limited bass. The projector can also do double-duty as a wireless speaker for streaming music via AirPlay or Bluetooth, boosting its already impressive features list.

Design and features score: 4.5/5

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen beaming picture at screen — With The Freestyle 2nd Gen, you'll get the best picture quality results when viewing in a dark room (Image credit: Future)

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen review: picture quality

Limited brightness
Relatively accurate Movie picture mode
Plentiful picture adjustments

Lower-cost LED-based portable projectors typically don’t put out a very bright image, and having seen The Freestyle 2nd Gen in action before starting this review, I knew I would have to temper my expectations. With the picture blown up to maximum size on a 100-inch screen, it was noticeably dim, even when viewed in a completely dark room. Using an ambient light rejecting screen with 0.8 gain, I measured a mere 7.3 nits in Dynamic mode on a 10 percent white window test pattern, and 6.6 nits in Movie mode. By way of comparison, a standard home theater projector such as the BenQ v5000i ultra short throw model I recently tested can deliver 125 nits under the same circumstances.

Image brightness got a boost when I positioned the projector for a smaller picture (there is no zoom lens, though images can be digitally scaled to a smaller size), though it still seemed relatively dim. Picture contrast was decent, with blacks in images showing a good degree of depth, though shadows lacked detail, appearing as more of a dark gray mass.

Colors were most accurate in the Movie picture mode. With that selected, I measured color Delta-E (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) at 5, and the grayscale Delta-E at 14.1. They were notably less so in the Standard and Dynamic modes, but even so, I preferred Standard because it provided a slight brightness advantage over Movie. Watching Asteroid City streamed on Amazon Prime, the film’s hyped-up color scheme came through with all its garishness intact, though there was also a softness to the picture, which was being downscaled to the projector’s native 1080p format.

The projector supports HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG high dynamic range, but I didn’t see much of a picture quality difference when viewing in HDR from standard HD format – something the above peak brightness measurements, which were taken with the projector displaying in HDR backs up. As for other measurements, Samsung’s projector managed 88.5% P3 color space and 68.9% BT.2020 color space coverage, and input lag was 62ms with Game mode active. That last number is a relatively high one compared to what you’ll see from the best gaming TVs, as well as certain projectors such as the BenQ v5000i, though I didn’t have any issues when playing Xbox games in Samsung Gaming Hub.

Picture quality score: 3.5/5

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen inputs section — Side-panel connections include one HDMI with eARC and a USB-C port for power (Image credit: Future)

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen Review: value

Pricier than portable competition
Frequently gets discounts
Enhanced value for gamers

At its $799 / £649 list price, the Freestyle 2nd Gen sits in an awkward spot value-wise. It costs twice as much as other portable 1080p LED projectors with similar brightness specs such as the Anker Nebula Solar Portable. And spending around $1,000 more will get you a 4K model with a significantly brighter laser light engine such as the Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K.

If you find the Freestyle 2nd Gen selling at a discounted price, while still not cheap, it’s value gets a boost. The main advantages Samsung’s projector holds over similar models are its highly flexible setup options, easy portability, and superior smart interface for streaming and gaming. If limited brightness won’t be a big factor in your buying decision, there’s plenty to recommend the Freestyle 2nd Gen.

Value score: 3.5/5

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen remote control held in hand — The projector's remote features a built-in mic for voice commands (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen?

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen close up of lens and controls — (Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don’t buy it if…

Also consider...

Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K
This powerful portable has a laser-based light engine with a whopping 2,400 lumens brightness, though it costs more than twice what you’ll pay for the Samsung. It also has a stunning design, though there’s no built-in battery for easy outdoor use.

Read our full Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K review

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen smart interface — (Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen

I spent about 5 hours in total measuring and evaluating
Measurements were made using Calman color calibration software
Used with an Elite Screens Kestrel Tab-Tension 2 CLR 3 projection screen

When I test a projector, my first step is to spend a few days using it for casual viewing for break-in and to assess the out-of-box picture presets. The next step is to select the most accurate-looking preset (typically labeled Filmmaker, Movie or Cinema) and measure the white balance (grayscale), gamma, and color point accuracy using Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software. The resulting measurements provide Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for each category, and they allow for an assessment of the TV’s overall accuracy.

Along with those tests, I make measurements of peak light output (recorded in nits) for both standard high-definition and 4K high dynamic range using a 10% white window pattern. Coverage of DCI-P3 and BT.2020 color space is also measured, with the results providing a sense of how faithfully the projector can render the extended color range in ultra high-definition sources.

Unlike many portable projectors, the Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen provides a full range of adjustments to calibrate its picture. And while most users aren’t likely to bother using these, it’s nice to know they exist. Knowing that Samsung’s portable will almost exclusively be used for casual viewing, I bypassed a calibration and relied on both streaming reference 4K Blu-ray discs to test its performance in the Movie, Standard, and Dynamic preset picture modes

My projector testing experience spans almost three decades, going back to the early three-gun CRT models.

First reviewed: February, 2024

Read TechRadar's review guarantee

Suri Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush review: can this keep you and the planet clean?

1:30 pm |

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

Suri Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush: One minute review

The Suri Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush tells you a lot about what it's aiming for right there in the name. However, there are other attributes to this powerful yet relatively affordable brush, that make it stand out from the many offerings now vying for your mouth space and the title of best electric toothbrush.

Primarily this is a company that prides itself on being sustainable, meaning it uses recyclable plant-based materials for the heads and bristles. But it also is designed with a simple aluminum frame that's made to be taken apart and fixed if necessary.

The company is so confident that you'll be pleased with what it offers that there is also a 100-day money-back guarantee – which applies to both the UK and US.

The brush is a sonic model, meaning it vibrates rather than oscillates. It also, quite uniquely, offers a carry case that features a UV-C light designed to give your brush head a bacteria-killing clean. A nifty feature that helps it compete even against the tech-crammed top-tier toothbrushes like the Oral-B iO Series 10 and the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000.

Plus – and this is a tiny detail but shows the depth of thinking in design here – you get a sticky back magnet to attach to your bathroom mirror or wall, so the metal toothbrush can sit up and out of the way, keeping your sides clear and clean.

Suri Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush review: Price and availability

Priced at $92 in the US
£75 in the UK
AU$145 in Australia

The Suri Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush might not have been around for long, having launched in 2024, but it has been placed at such an ideal price point it is going to be appealing for a long time – especially if that price drops. It is available in the US, Canada, UK and Europe. It is currently priced at $92 / £75 / AU$145.

However, that is for the brush and charger alone, and if you want the case it will cost you extra. For the brush and UV case, the pricing is $116 / £95 / AU$185. The company says the brush is made to be easily repaired, so you shouldn't need another. Plus, if you do change up, Suri will recycle it all for free.

The heads are sustainable but are still going to wear down so you'll need to factor in replacement costs. A pack of three new heads will cost you $18.45 / £14.40 / AU$28. That includes fast and free shipping as part of the charge.

Value score: 4.5 / 5

Suri Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush review: Specifications

Suri Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush review: Design

IP67 waterproof
Aluminium body
Sustainable, plant-based heads

When it comes to design, this is an area that Suri has worked on from the basics to the finished product with great attention to detail. This is because it had the goal of not only creating a great sonic toothbrush to compete with the big-name brands, but to do it all while remaining eco-conscious.

To do this, Suri used plant-based ingredients for its brush heads, from cornstarch and castor oil. These are shaped into a wave-shaped bristle pattern to take care of interdental cleaning. Plus the company will send these out with a return envelope so you can send them back for recycling.

The brush unit is made from an aluminum frame which lends it a solid and robust feel. The slender shape, thinner in depth than width, feels very comfortable in the hand and makes for a fine balance of weight, both in the hand and when standing up.

I found the included mount simple to set up, with a sticky back and magnetic front, yet it adds so much value. Stick it anywhere and your brush magnetically attaches – keeping your bathroom sides clutter-free and avoiding those black ring marks that most of the other brands leave on your bathroom sides.

The case is also worth shouting about as it not only charges the brush but also features a UV-C light to clean the head, but more on this in the features section. There is also an included puck-style charger base that plugs into a USB-style charging socket.

Suri has spent a lot of time and money refining the design of this toothbrush and it really comes across in the finish. Proof that sustainable and premium can be found in one sleek and sonic electric toothbrush-shaped package.

Design score: 5 / 5

Suri Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush review: Features

Impressive 40+ day battery
Fast charging
UV-C cleaning light

Competing against the already established electric toothbrush competition in the forms of Oral-B and Philips was always going to be a challenge. But one way to really bring it to them is to offer better battery life – something that everyone nowadays appreciates, as one less gadget to charge is a relief. That's why this brush's battery life, which extends to beyond 40 days of use, is a really appealing feature. And, as if that wasn't enough, it also charges to full in just four hours.

The tricks keep helping this brush punch above the price point though, as that travel case is packing a UV-C light. This is a powerful light when it comes to cleaning as it will kill 99.9% of harmful bacteria in a single minute – a great feature especially when travelling. Plus the case charges the toothbrush, is sleek in its finish, and is minimal enough to take up very little room in a wash bag.

Of course, that case is part of the higher priced package – but even having the option to leave that, if it's not for you, in favor of saving a bit of money, is a thoughtful option.

The brush head itself features that wave design for superior cleaning, while the back of the head has a rubberized pattern that can make for the now-standard tongue cleaning with just the right amount of abrasion.

The main body is super minimal with a single button to power on and jump between modes. There are only two of these: Clean or Polish. The lack of modes sounds like a negative, but unless you need a softer mode for sensitive teeth, this can be more than enough. Since this is a sonic setup, it means you can go as gentle or hard as you need, so even the lack of a sensitive setting is probably an intentional choice from Suri.

There is a timer as standard, so you can get that recommended daily two minutes morning and night. This brush also features haptic feedback with vibrations at every 30 seconds so you have that guidance to move between dental zones – all pretty standard and expected of an electric brush at this price.

Features score: 4.5 / 5

Suri Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush review: Performance

Super quiet operating
High-speed sonics at 33,000
Brilliant battery

One of the standout features of this toothbrush is just how quietly it runs, at a meagre 54 db. This is barely noticeable. When you compare to oscillating brushes or premium sonic options, this undercuts them quite considerably – ideal for late-night brushing when a partner, roommate or parent is within earshot.

The brushing performance is above average standard. This is thanks to a combination of that brush head with the wave-shaped bristles of varying lengths that get in between teeth, and those sonic vibrations. The brush will vibrate at 33,000 times per minute which is ideal as a way to break down plaque and clean teeth more effectively than a manual brush, although the lack of oscillation does mean it's not as comprehensive as some of the ultra-premium brushes.

Usefully, when you switch up to Polish mode, you can feel the intensity increase, which allows you to put less pressure on while the brush does more of the work for you. This is useful for those who might struggle to maintain pressure for the full two minutes, or for anyone who wants to achieve a more effective clean without as much pressure on the brushing technique itself.

That battery life is also worth another mention since it's so effective. A four-hour charge time is fantastic. You can easily pop this on in the morning and you're good to go for your evening brush – or even a lunchtime clean if you're that committed. Then having a solid 40 days of use means you don't need to think about battery life for a good month or more.

Details like including the recycling packaging, to send heads back to the company, make it a more realistic process for most people, as does designing the brush to be easily repaired. This is potentially the last brush you need to buy for a very, very long time.

Performance score: 4/5

Suri Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush: Scorecard

Suri Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested

I used the Suri Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush for weeks in order to test the effectiveness of the brush itself as well as that battery performance. I also visited the dentist during this time and was complemented on my cleaning efforts - reflecting well on this brush's performance.

I used the case for travel, over-night, as well as making use of the UV-C light cleaning feature. I mounted the magnetic holder to test its usefulness and was left surprised at how helpful this small addition was.

My brushing was twice daily with that two-minute timer and haptic half-minute guidance vibrations used to get a full and fair brush.

I was also testing other brushes from Oral-B and more which allowed me to see the difference between features like extra modes, oscillations versus sonics, battery life, screes, apps and more.

Soundpeats Air4 Pro review: A cheap, stripped back AirPods Pro alternative

1:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Tags: ANC, Apple Music | Comments: Off

Soundpeats Air4 Pro review: Two-minute review

The Soundpeats Air4 Pro are the definition of fine without ever quite being remarkable. Granted, they’re good value for what they offer but they’re not up there with the very best noise cancelling earbuds and there’s nothing about them that make you rush to tell your mates about something cool it does.

Despite that though, the Soundpeats Air4 Pro mostly sound pretty good. Bass is meaty and while there’s no nice technical detail in the mids or trebles, these are the kind of earbuds that are fine for putting in your ears before a walk, run, or workout session. For most people, that will be just fine.

Notice the word fine featuring a lot? It’s the best word for the Soundpeats Air4 Pro. It does have key essentials like wear detection, which works flawlessly, and there’s a control app. The app isn’t the best or easiest to use but it does offer some core functionality like being able to switch between ANC and Transparency mode.

The latter isn’t great but full ANC does a good job of blocking out irritants although occasionally lets some errant sounds in. Still, not bad at all for the price and Multipoint functionality will please many.

Via the charging case, you get up to 26 hours of battery life, which is pretty good going. The 6.5 hours of charge at a time works out as more than good enough for most situations and the USB-C connection recharges quickly.

At $90 / £80, the Soundpeats Air4 Pro are worth considering. They’re not as exciting as the best noise cancelling earbuds but they’re dependable at this price and I can only see them getting cheaper over time.

Soundpeats Air4 Pro review: Price and release date

The Soundpeats Air4 Pro held in a hand — (Image credit: Future)

Released in September 2023
Officially priced at $90 / £80 / AU$94

The Soundpeats Air4 Pro was released in September 2023 for $90 in the US, £80 in the UK and AU$94 in Australia. The earphones are available in the US and UK directly from Soundpeats as well as through third-party retailers like Amazon for those in Australia.

The earbuds are available in white and black, which are functional colors but not exactly exciting. The best budget wireless earbuds world is a packed field, with the Sony WF-C700N being a little more expensive than the Air4 Pro but not prohibitively so. Instead, the EarFun Air Pro 3 are more closely matched in more than just name.

In terms of other close competitors at the Soundpeats Air4 Pro's price range, there’s always the earlier SoundPeats Air 3 Deluxe, which should see some discounts now it’s been overtaken.

Soundpeats Air4 Pro review: Specs

Soundpeats Air4 Pro review: Features

Up to 26 hours of battery life with ANC disabled
Companion app
aptX lossless sound

The Soundpeats Air4 Pro has most of the core essentials you could want from a pair of earbuds. There’s Multipoint connectivity for when you want to connect two devices and switch between them like your laptop and your phone, which is increasingly vital for most people.

Additionally, there’s SBC and aptX lossless sound – although don’t count on any other codecs to be supported here. Granted, as we’ll see shortly, sound quality isn’t exceptional but it’s solidly reliable at this price. Adding to the aural experience, there’s ANC.

ANC is a slightly mixed bag here. With full ANC on enabled, the Soundpeats Air4 Pro block out surrounding sound well whether we’re talking traffic outside or a noisy dehumidifier in the room. However, it’s not quite as crisp as much pricier earbuds so don’t count on it being high-end. It feels almost rough and ready in how it blocks sound leaving you feeling like you can hear the inner workings. It sounds odd but you won’t complain.

Where complaints arise is with Transparency mode. It’s pretty ropey. I tried using Transparency mode while listening to a podcast on a windy day and could barely hear a thing. That’s quite the test for any pair of earbuds but it led to me checking it was even enabled. During quieter moments, Transparency mode switches to a lot of hissing although you can hear someone speak to you easily enough.

Battery life promises about 26 hours of total playtime with 6.5 hours per single charge. That feels about right with the Soundpeats Air4 Pro lasting long enough that you won’t notice any discrepancies with this figure. There’s no wireless charging but at least there’s USB-C charging which is fairly speedy at a couple of hours for a full charge – something that you’ll likely top up rather than go all or nothing with.

Bluetooth 5.3 continues to ensure good things with the Soundpeats Air4 Pro never seeing any dropouts and nice, efficient running times.

There’s also companion app support but it’s pretty ugly. The actual features are just fine with a simple toggle between noise cancellation modes and disabling wear detection, but don’t count on it looking stylish while you do it. Setting up adaptive EQ is a bit of hassle too.

Features score: 4 / 5

Soundpeats Air4 Pro review: Sound quality

Good ANC
Weak Transparency mode
Strong bass

Temper your expectations based on the price and you’ll be delighted by the Soundpeats Air4 Pro’s sound quality compared to the best earbuds that cost many times more.

Bass is the Soundpeats Air4 Pro’s strong point with a fairly smooth punch that was noticeable while I listened to Foo Fighters’ All My Life and Angel by Massive Attack. At louder volumes, things get distorted but I doubt it’s wise for your ears anyhow.

Trebles and mids are weaker so don’t count on these earbuds for anything more technical or with more subtlety, but it’s unlikely you’re buying a pair of earbuds for less than $/£/AU$ 100 to kick back and relax at home with. Instead, these work well for walks, cleaning, running and your general busy lifestyle.

Sound quality: 4 / 5

Soundpeats Air4 Pro review: Design

Straightforward cycle
Chunky case
Touch controls

I’m no fan of the Soundpeats Air4 Pro’s case. Its lightweight plasticky build feels cheap and it awkwardly manages to feel both smooth yet angular in places. More importantly, while it keeps your earbuds safe, said earbuds are at an unusual angle so you’ll never quite grab them as smoothly as you might like.

Sure, these are relatively small things but if you’re pulling the Soundpeats Air4 Pro out multiple times a day, you’ll notice it. The case also has no IP rating but the earbuds themselves are IPX4 so they can handle some sweat.

The fit of the buds are pretty snug. There are different tip sizes included but I found the standard ones out of the box are just fine. Even when running, these won’t fall out which is always good news. They look a lot like AirPods Pro so at a glance, you can look like you’ve bought something pricier.

There are also touch-sensitive areas on the earbuds with the option to increase or decrease volume, as well as adjust playback. It’s incredibly easy to activate these by mistake so head over to the app and disable them for your sanity’s sake.

Design score: 3 / 5

Soundpeats Air4 Pro review: Value

Useful features
About right for the price

The only truly standout part about the Soundpeats Air4 Pro is its sound quality. It’s pretty good for the price and makes up for a temperamental ANC/Transparency combo. Other than that, there’s a cheapness here that reflects the price accurately.

Against the Sony WF-C700N, this feels like dubious value but if you check out the EarFun Air Pro 3, the battle is a little fairer and more balanced.

Value score: 3.5 / 5

Should I buy the Soundpeats Air4 Pro?

The Soundpeats Air4 Pro on top of a table — (Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don’t buy it if...

Soundpeats Air4 Pro review: Also consider

How I tested the Soundpeats Air4 Pro

Tested over 10 days
Compared to Apple AirPods (Pro 2 and 3rd Gen) and Final Audio UX2000
Listened to Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube videos and Twitch

Over the last 10 days, I’ve replaced my usual AirPods Pro 2 with the Soundpeats Air4 Pro. I previously used the AirPods 3rd Gen so I checked those out a few times to more adequately compare the quality of the Soundpeats Air4 Pro.

I used them on my daily morning walks to see how they coped with the noise of the school run and commute. I also used them a few times on runs to see how good the fit was when I moved quickly (at least, quickly for me) and checked out how they handled running alongside a windy coastline. It was all a good test for the Soundpeats Air4 Pro’s ANC and Transparency modes, as well as adaptive EQ.

For the most part, I listened to Apple Music and Spotify. Spotify was the home of all my podcasts while Apple Music was predominantly for listening to music. At home, I’d spend some time checking out YouTube videos of satire and Let’s Play videos before checking out live streams on Twitch. The iPhone 14 Pro provided everything to the Soundpeats Air4 Pro.

As always, my music taste is a bit all over the place. Some Harry Styles, John Legend, Holst’s The Planets, Linkin Park, and Sting all featured at various points here.

I’ve reviewed audio products for over 10 years. While my main drivers are on the pricier end of the scale these days, I regularly use cheap earphones and headphones for work purposes and am seemingly always asked for recommendations in this price range by friends.

First reviewed in February 2024

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Emma Premium topper review

11:12 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Mattresses Sleep | Comments: Off

Emma Premium topper: Two-minute review

The Emma Premium Mattress Topper is a chunky, 9cm-deep foam topper that promises to boost in-bed comfort without trapping heat. I slept on this topper for two weeks to see if it could deliver on those claims, as well as to judge how it compares to the rest of the best mattress toppers on the market. We rate Emma to be among the best mattress brands on the market (discover the reasons for this in our Emma mattress review and Emma NextGen Premium review), so I was excited to see how this topper performed in practice.

Overall, I was impressed. While it isn't the right fit for me specifically, I believe it will be the ideal topper for certain groups of people. The two layers of foam deliver a plush, squashy feel that's great for lightweight people, some side sleepers, and anyone who is already a fan of a soft mattress. It's also thick enough to totally transform the feel of your existing bed. It's less well suited to heavier individuals and back or stomach sleepers, who (like me) might find the feel too soft, and lacking in support.

Price is another potential sticking point; it's fluctuated quite dramatically while I've been testing and writing this review, although it has remained in the premium price bracket. The quality and the fact it's thick enough to transform your existing mattress go some way to justifying the higher price, but there are plenty of cheaper options for those on a budget. Read on for my full Emma Premium Topper review.

Emma Premium Topper review: Design

Thick, 9cm depth topper with two different layers of foams
Polyester cover can be removed and washed at 40C
No straps or elasticated skirt to keep the topper in place

The Emma Premium Topper has a generous depth of 9cm. Unless your current mattress is pancake thin, it will probably require the purchase of extra-deep sheets. I added it to a 28cm mattress, with the topper taking things to slightly comical heights (I almost had to hop up into bed, and I'm not a short person).

Inside, you'll find two layers of foam: a thinner top layer of ThermoSync foam and a thicker bottom level of comfort foam. The uppermost foam is infused with graphite, to aid with temperature regulation (it also features in Emma's cooling mattress, which you can read about that in our Emma Luxe Cooling mattress review).

Emma Premium Topper zipped open to show foams inside — (Image credit: Future)

The cover is made from 98 per cent polyester and 2 per cent elastane, and it can be removed using the zip and washed at 40C – which isn't quite hot enough to kill off dust mites, but still helpful if you're prone to spillages. The cover isn't suitable for tumble drying, bleaching or ironing. I'd still be tempted to add one of the best mattress protectors, for even easier cleaning.

The base is made from a textured, slightly plasticky material. The topper is described as being flippable, but I'm pretty sure that's an error – I certainly wouldn't want to sleep on that base fabric. Although it's no good for lying on, the textured surface feels nice and durable, and does a good job of keeping the topper in place on the bed. This is good news, since there are no straps or other method of attaching it to your bed.

Emma Premium Topper, pulled up to show grippy base fabric — (Image credit: Future)

During my review, I topped it with a mattress protector with an elasticated skirt, and used a fitted sheet. All that, combined with the grippy base, kept the topper in place effectively. It all felt secure, and I never once had to reposition it during the two-week test period. I'm not sure how well it would fare just with a flat sheet, though.

The Emma Premium Topper is available in UK single, small double, double, king, and super king sizes. At the time of writing, there's one other topper in the Emma range – the Flip Topper, which is thinner at 6cm and can be flipped to give a softer or firmer feel. It's also very pleasing to say out loud.

Emma Premium Topper review: Price & value for money

Sits in the premium price bracket; price has fluctuated
At maximum price, almost as expensive as a full mattress
Thickness and quality of materials somewhat justifies higher pricing

Since I started writing this review, the Emma Premium Topper's pricing has changed quite considerably. At time of my original draft, a double cost £330, but by the time I was ready to publish, this had shot up to £419. Our premium price bracket for toppers is anything above £200 for a double, so it's definitely a pricey option. There are regular Emma mattress sales, but the toppers aren't usually discounted.

At time of publishing, here are the RRPs for the main sizes:

Single: £289
Small double: £349
Double: £419
King: £459
Super king: £509

The topper is thick enough to justify being in that premium bracket; it feels very well made, and it will totally change the feel of your bed. However, I'm not sure it's worth over £400. Some of today's best cheap mattresses cost less than that – in fact, a double Emma Original mattress is only slightly pricier.

Emma Premium Topper review: Comfort & performance

Squishy, sink-in, contouring feel
Thick, so will make your sleep surface feel unstable
Best for side sleepers and those who love a soft mattress

Emma's Premium Topper has a plush, squishy feel, and that softness is enhanced as a result of its thickness. The Emma brand is known for making some of the best memory foam mattresses around, and you're getting some of that magic here. The foam contours gently around the sleeper's joints, gently cushioning and relieving pressure.

Although the feel of a topper will be affected by what's beneath it, because this one is so thick, it has a pretty transformative effect. It's chunky enough to mask any lumps and bumps in an existing mattress – and if your bed is far too firm, then it will sort that right out, too.

Emma Premium Topper with reviewer lying on it — (Image credit: Future)

I'm 5ft 8in tall, of average build, and typically go to sleep on my back but switch to my side in the night. I found this topper too soft to lie on for long periods on my back, as my hips sank too far in and left my back unsupported. It was more comfortable when lying on my side.

That all makes sense: the best mattresses for side sleepers are often a little softer, to prevent pressure from building up in the hip and shoulder while continuing to keep the spine aligned; back and stomach sleepers need something firmer, however, to maintain that neutral spinal position.

Some memory foams have a "quicksand" feel, where they're slow to respond to changes in pressure. That's not really the case here – if I press on the surface and remove my hand, it springs back quickly, and I'm not left with an outline of a handprint in the surface. However, the softness of the foam layers and the overall thickness of the topper mean that the sleep surface can feel a bit unstable, making it slightly tricky to change position.

Emma Premium Topper with weight resting on it to show sinkage — (Image credit: Future)

I would be wary of recommending this topper to heavier individuals, since I often felt that I wasn't quite supported enough. This lead to aches and pains in the morning – maybe the result of shifting about on that slightly unstable surface, perhaps ending up twisting in a sub-optimal sleep position. However, if you're of lighter body weight, or generally just know you get on well with a softer mattress, then this plush topper may prove perfect for you.

Note, too, that the softness and thickness of the topper is particularly noticeable around the edges. Many mattresses come with edge reinforcements; that's never really a feature on a topper, with most shallow enough not to matter. If you need a sturdy edge to push up off when rising in the morning, you might get on better with a thinner or firmer topper.

Close up of cover fabric on Emma Premium Topper — (Image credit: Future)

A common issue with memory foam is that it can cling on to body heat, but I'm pleased to report that I didn't have any problems with the Emma Premium Topper running hot. I found it warmed to a neutral body temperature and stayed that way. I will add the caveat that during testing it was about the coldest overnight temperatures ever seen in my part of England – around -1C, or sometimes colder – so not the best conditions in which to test this properly. Even with that considered, I think the cooling properties of this topper are solid.

Emma Premium Topper review: Customer experience

Free delivery and returns, 100-night trial and 10-year guarantee
Vacuum-packed and rolled for delivery, but still heavy to move

The Emma Premium Topper arrived rolled and vacuum-packed in plastic, and in a box. I was surprised at how big and heavy it was. Many would be right to assume that a topper will be very portable; but at 9cm thick, it adds up to quite a volume of foam (I tested a double size).

Sometimes, foam bed-in-a-box mattresses give off an odour known as off-gassing when released from their wrappings. While harmless, it can be unpleasant. However, there was no reason for concern here: if I stuck my nose right into it, there was a faint "new mattress" smell, but nothing overpowering. Note that experiences can vary from person to person, even with the same product.

The trial period is generous at 100 nights. That's in line with the shortest full mattress trial periods.

Emma Premium Topper specs

Should I buy the Emma Premium Topper?

Buy it if...

✅ You want your mattress to be much softer: This topper is thick, and plush. You could probably lie it on a concrete floor and happily sleep on it.

✅ You're a lightweight side sleeper: This level of squishiness is best suited to side sleepers and those of light body weight. When lying on your side, the foam contours around your joints and prevents pressure building up in the shoulder.

✅ You have a bumpy old mattress: At 9cm thick, the Emma Premium Topper is deep enough to mask all manner of ills beneath it.

Don't buy it if...

❌ You lie on your back or stomach: This topper is likely to be too soft for most back or stomach sleepers, especially if they're on the heavier side. Generally, those positions require a medium-firm or firm feeling bed to keep the spine properly supported.

❌ You have mobility problems: The depth and plushness of the Emma Premium Topper means it will make your mattress super squishy, as a result making it difficult to change position. It will also make the edges of your bed softer and less supportive, which might be an issue if you like to sit on the edge of the bed or use it to push up off when getting up in the morning.

❌ You already have a deep mattress: At 9cm thick, this is one deep topper. Add it to an already thick mattress (such as mine) and your bed quickly starts to look ridiculous. You'll need deep sheets to cover both the topper and your mattress – and, depending on how tall you are and the height of your frame, you genuinely might have to end up having to hop into bed each night.

How I tested the Emma Premium Topper

I slept slept on the Emma Premium Topper every night for two weeks. I added it to a Brook + Wilde Elite mattress (firm feel) and used a thin mattress protector and fitted sheet, along with a duvet and cotton bedding. It was winter during my review period, and very cold overnight – temperatures dipped to -1C on occasion. The temperature in my flat was pretty warm, however.

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