RedMagic is planning to launch a small gaming tablet next week and we now get some additional specs details regarding its display, battery and charging.
Tablet 3 Pro display specs
RedMagic Tablet 3 Pro will feature a 9-inch OLED screen with a 165Hz refresh rate and a peak local brightness of 1,600 nits. The panel will also support up to 5,280Hz PWM frequency dimming, SGS-approved blue light filter, and eye protection. The brand also confirmed it will get the Synopsys S3930 touch controller chip.
In related news, Tablet 3 Pro will feature an 8,200mAh battery with 80W...
Tern Setups is one of the first portable monitors that got me interested in working with multiple displays and not just using my iPad as a secondary display when I was using my MacBook.
I've tested out plenty of the best portable monitors, although, not all of them boast the higher screen specs you'll find with this model. So, I was keen to see how the Tern Setups 16-in 4K OLED portable display measured up - and how it lives up to its eye-catching promise.
When I got my package from Tern, I opened it up to find the 16-inch monitor, a sleek magnetic stand, USB-C to USB-C Cables, an HDMI cable, a 30W Brick, and a sleek sleeve to carry the display in so it won't get scratched up when not in use. The packaging is super clean and minimal, fitting the entire brand for Tern beautifully.
The panel is super thin, thinner in person than I expected. There is a slightly thicker part at the bottom back of the display, but that's understandable and still would be considered thin in my book. The bezel is tiny, and the ports are easy to access, regardless of whether you are using the stand or using the monitor without the stand. I followed basic guidelines to set the panel to match my MacBook colors perfectly, giving me rich blacks, bright colors, and gorgeous contrast.
I'm in a phase of life where I am adding MagSafe to everything; I have a BenQ Laptop Light bar I can mount with Magsafe that I keep adding to places. I love mounting my iPhone to different things with MagSafe, and I'll even mount SSDs (Samsung T7s and such) via MagSafe to the back of laptops to give an easy, on-the-go solution to add storage to notebooks. So, when I saw Tern use a magnet to hold a monitor up, I thought it was genius in every way. The stand feels clever and fun, all while being super easy to use.
Another thing that I was thrilled to see is that the Tern monitor has some key ports built-in that make it super practical. They have USB-A, USB-C, and a full-size HDMI, something I have yet to see on a portable monitor. This means that even if I'm not using a laptop but want to display content, I can use a standard, easy-to-find HDMI cable to connect to most devices that output video these days.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
Tern Setups 16-inch 4K OLED portable monitor: In use
I've used this monitor just about everywhere. I've had it in my possession for 139 days as of right now, and in that time, I have taken it on a few trips and many coffee shop runs. However, this has been the perfect "around the studio/house" monitor for my specific workflow. Rather than carrying around a bigger monitor, working without a second monitor, or unpacking my portable monitor in my backpack, I jump to this gorgeous monitor.
It's been the perfect companion for everything from late-night writing sessions (lit up by that BenQ Laptop light bar) to evening light gaming on my iPad or my Nintendo Switch; it's been a fantastic display to help me set up a server Mac Mini that I have and needed to work on, it was a great companion for setting up some Desktop PCs I was testing and more. It has been a portable workhorse that I have been able to rely on for just about everything. This display has become so indispensable that I leave it right where I keep my bag in my studio or other workspaces, ready to break out at any moment.
It's excellent in vertical and horizontal use cases, especially when I use the magnetic stand to raise the display off the desk or table. It's got a super convenient USB-C and USB-A port. However, I would not transfer large files or charge large devices through this, but having quick access for quick file transfer is excellent.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
Now, a few notes that make this a spectacular monitor, but with a little bit of room to grow. First, since the cables hang off the base of one side, this panel needs to be perfectly centered with the magnet, or it can tug one way or another, especially if at full height and with a heavier cable.
Secondly, It's a bummer that the passthrough power caps at 40W, but for most people, that won't be a huge downfall, just for those heavy power users. Thirdly, the Magnetic stand is nifty and super cool, but this may get in the way depending on your bag setup. In some of my backpacks, this fit beautifully without any issues.
In others, the way my bag was orientated, there was no good area to put this stand. So, if you are picking one of these up, ensure you have a place in your bag to safely and securely put the stand, and then you'll have no issues.
All in all, this is the most beautiful portable panel that I have tried. It's gorgeous, and since Tern has a handful of different resolutions and feature options, anyone can find what they need regarding portable displays with Tern.
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design
Beautiful, professional design
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of use
Easy to utilize
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Practicality
Practical for most all
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price
High price, high quality
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
Tern Setups 16-inch 4K OLED portable monitor: Final verdict
The Tern Setups 16-inch 4K OLED portable monitor is the best spec-for-spec, color-accurate portable monitor I have tested. It's beautifully built, high-featured, and tuned for creative and business workflows. Whether you need an easy-to-use display around your house, office, or workspace, or a display you can take on the go in a bag traversing the world, the Tern Setups 4K OLED Portable Monitor is a fantastic option.
Poco introduced the F7 Pro and F7 Ultra back in March, and over the past few weeks rumors about a 'vanilla' F7 joining them have intensified. Today, this is finally confirmed as Flipkart has put up a special microsite for the upcoming device.
While it doesn't give us a specific release date, the URL does mention June, so we assume that means the device will be unveiled by the end of this month.
The microsite goes through the history of the vanilla F series devices, all the way back to the original Poco F1 from 2018, which is billed as "the flagship killer that started it all" and...
Poco introduced the F7 Pro and F7 Ultra back in March, and over the past few weeks rumors about a 'vanilla' F7 joining them have intensified. Today, this is finally confirmed as Flipkart has put up a special microsite for the upcoming device.
While it doesn't give us a specific release date, the URL does mention June, so we assume that means the device will be unveiled by the end of this month.
The microsite goes through the history of the vanilla F series devices, all the way back to the original Poco F1 from 2018, which is billed as "the flagship killer that started it all" and...
As someone who has sworn by iPads and iPadOS for over a decade now, consider me pleasantly surprised to discover just how much fun it is to use the OnePlus Pad 3. For my particular use case, as someone who likes to use tablet computers for a mix of productivity during the day and catching up on YouTube and Netflix in my spare time, the Pad 3 provided me with quality of life features I didn’t even know I needed.
Smart suggestions from Open Canvas that let you split-screen apps in seconds, not to mention having up to three apps open at once with extra capacity for apps sitting in a floating window, all add up to a great experience that’s further emboldened by a bright screen and fantastic battery life.
When you factor in the additional cost of accessories, the complete OnePlus Pad 3 package can set you back a fair bit, and I still think that the entry-level iPad 10.9 is the best value option for more people where tablets are concerned. It’s also a shame that a lack of Android optimisation gets in the way of the grand ambitions of OxygenOS. If something can be done to make key Android apps function more appropriately in tablet form, then the OnePlus Pad 3 could make a fine case for arguably being the best Android tablet out there.
OnePlus Pad 3 review: price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
Starts at $699 / £529 for 12GB of RAM and 256GB storage
A 16GB RAM/512GB storage model is available in the UK, but not the US
You’d be justified for thinking that, with all the upgrades included and the current state of the world economy, that the OnePlus Pad 3 would bring about a hefty price increase over the OnePlus Pad 2, but thankfully that’s not the case.
The OnePlus Pad 3 boasts an entry level price of $699 / £529 for the 12GB RAM/256GB storage model, but that can leap up to £599 for the more robust 16GB RAM/512GB storage option.
Given that the OnePlus Pad 2 had a launch price of $549 / £499 at the checkout, seeing just a £30 uptick this time around (in the UK at least) isn’t too shabby, and I think it’s reasonable request when compared against the larger screen, faster processor, increased storage and improved speakers that you get with this newer model. Sorry, US users, but you know what you did.
What you do need to bear in mind however is that the OnePlus Pad 3 does not come bundled with any of its key accessories. In the US you get the 80W SuperVOOC charger, but in the UK you’ll only find OnePlus’ signature red USB-C cable included. This is where the cost can soar.
The OnePlus Pad 3 Stylo 2 will set you back $99 / £99, so you'll have to factor that in for digital drawing or note-taking, while the OnePlus Pad 3 Smart Keyboard and Folio Case cost $199 / £169 and $49 / £59 respectively. Of course, you can always opt for cheaper alternatives to help mitigate that cost, such as eschewing the Smart Keyboard in favor of one of the best wireless keyboards, but for the most seamless experience where everything complements one another in design language, it can add up.
Value score: 4 / 5
OnePlus Pad review: specs
Starting price
£529
Operating system
OxygenOS 15
Chipset
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
Memory (RAM)
12GB/16GB
Storage
256GB/512GB
Display
13.2-inch 3.4k LCD, 144Hz
Weight
675g
Battery
12,140mAh
Charging
80W SUPERVOOC
Cameras
13MP main, 8MP front
Pretty much all of the key areas have seen an upgrade over the OnePlus Pad 2. There’s now the much faster Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset under the hood which OnePlus claims to provide a 45% and 40% boost in CPU and GPU performance respectively.
Helping to power that chipset is an increase in the default amount of RAM, with the entry-level option now boasting 12GB instead of 8GB, and that’s also paired with a higher starting storage of 256GB as opposed to 128GB. In the UK there is an upgrade option with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, but that model isn't being sold in the US.
What’s sure to turn heads for those who use their tablets as all-day devices is the leap to a massive 12,140mAh battery which absolutely towers above the 9,510mAh cell found within the OnePlus Pad 2. There’s even an increase in charging speeds, now up to 80W, to help you fill up that larger battery even faster. In the US that faster charger comes in the box, but UK users will need to splurge on the faster plug.
OnePlus Pad 3 review: display
(Image credit: Future)
Gorgeous 13.2-inch 3.2K LCD panel
7:5 ratio is helpful for multitasking
Great depiction of colour
Because I’d become so used to using the much smaller iPad 10.9, which has been my go-to tablet for everything over the last few years, I was somewhat gobsmacked by the display that the OnePlus Pad 3 brings to the table. Sure, it’s not quite the 14.6-inch beast that you’ll find on the far pricier Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, but the Pad 3’s 13.2-inch 3.2K LCD display is an eye-catcher for a handful of reasons.
At the surface level, it just looks great. Whether you’re simply admiring the collection of landscape photography that OnePlus offers up for potential wallpapers, or streaming one of the best Disney Plus shows, it all leaps out of the screen with a level of vibrancy that really makes the OnePlus Pad 3 a joy to use. Whenever I had to go back to using my Windows laptop, I always found myself irritated at the immediate downgrade in screen quality.
When I was diving into a bit of Call of Duty Mobile to test out the performance of the device, I ended up playing for quite a bit longer than I usually do just because of how great the game looks on the OnePlus Pad 3. Particle effects really pop thanks to the larger than average sizing, and your eyes are drawn to character models which are given their due thanks to the detailed 3.2K resolution.
The high density of pixels also means that fans of animation will love using this thing for entertainment. Diving into Disney Pixar’s Elemental, the opening scenes in Element City are an absolute feast for the eyes, with your attention drawn equally to what’s happening in the foreground and all the smaller moments of background action.
Because of the unique 7:5 aspect ratio, the OnePlus Pad 3 has just the right amount of height in its display to have multiple windows open at one time, all without any of them feeling too cramped to the point where you’re forced to zoom in. In the time that I’ve been using the tablet, I’ve probably come to value this feature the most as it means I can really maximise its capabilities as a productivity device. I never like to bring a laptop with me on holiday, but for something like this that works so well for both watching content and responding to emails, the OnePlus Pad 3 is exactly the type of device I’d pack in my suitcase.
Display score: 5 / 5
OnePlus Pad 3 review: design
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(Image credit: Future)
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(Image credit: Future)
Barely thicker than the USB-C port at the bottom
Fairly mundane colour options
When you lay your hands on the OnePlus Pad 3, you’ll no doubt notice, before anything else, just how slim this thing is. As soon as I took it out of the box, I became far more cautious in my handling of the Pad 3 until I was able to encase it in the Smart Keyboard accessory that OnePlus sent along with it.
The OnePlus Pad 3 is just 5.97mm thick, which isn’t too far off the 5.1mm thickness of the iPad Pro 2024. Despite its larger than average display, the Pad 3 doesn’t weigh all that much in the hand either, coming in at only 675g. Thankfully, all of this means that, even with the Smart Keyboard in tow, the OnePlus Pad 3 feels wonderfully lightweight in your bag, and it’s very easy to carry around one-handed.
Unfortunately, there isn’t really anything here in the way of visual flare to elevate the OnePlus 3 from competing tablets. There are two colors available in the UK, Storm Blue (the same as the review unit) and Frosted Silver. The silver model won't be sold in the US.
While I can’t speak for the latter, the Storm Blue looks anything but blue to my eyes, striking more as a darker grey. I know that this isn’t uncommon with tablets around this price range, but I would love to see more vibrant options like what you’ll find with the entry-level iPad 10.9.
(Image credit: Future)
It also doesn’t help that the ‘all metal unibody’ of the tablet loves to pick up the occasional smudge, which is never a good look. I also think that the design of the Smart Keyboard accessory could use a bit of an overhaul.
The keyboard itself is fine once you get used to it, but it would be nice if the keys were less mushy and a bit more clicky, similar to what you’ll find on Apple’s Magic Keyboard. The material underneath the keyboard also doesn’t have much grip to it either, and when working at a standard office desk, I found it would slip and slide all over the place with just a slight nudge, which forced me to be a bit more considerate in my typing. This wasn’t the case everywhere that I took the Pad 3, but it’s something that I would like to see fixed in a successor.
Design score: 4/5
OnePlus Pad 3 review: software
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(Image credit: Future)
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(Image credit: Future)
Open Canvas is now better than ever
Android still needs better optimisation on tablets
Software has long been the Achilles heel for almost all Android tablets when weighed up against the seamlessness of Apple’s iPadOS, but to give OnePlus its due, the company has done its best to close the gap with OxygenOS 15.
Compared to some of the more cumbersome Android interface options out there, OxygenOS is clean in its aesthetic and easy to understand in its UI so that, even if you’re someone who’s knee-deep in Apple’s ecosystem and considering picking up an Android tablet for the first time, you’ll get on just fine here.
OnePlus made the excellent decision last year to bring the impressive Open Canvas software (originally found on the OnePlus Open) over to the OnePlus Pad 2. This ingenious bit of tech means that you can easily have up to three apps open at the same time, which has been incredibly helpful whilst writing this review as it means I’ve been able to cross reference my own notes with OnePlus’ official press release without having to constantly minimize and reopen windows.
Open Canvas was already great, but it’s just been given a handy upgrade that now makes launching it even easier than before. If the Pad 3 notices that you’ve quickly jumped from one app to another, it will ask if you want to split-screen these apps so that they sit side by side. The moment you tap this notification, both apps appear instantly – it’s that simple.
(Image credit: Future)
It’s such a small addition to the software but one that ended up saving me a decent chunk of time, and anything that helps to keep your flowstate going when you're in the middle of a tough deadline is fine by me. Apple should take note and bring this to iPadOS in the future.
As great as Open Canvas is, the OnePlus Pad 3 doesn’t completely avoid the optimization problems that plague Android on tablets. Regardless of which device I’m using, I frequently rely on Google Docs and Notion, both of which had issues when trying to run on the Pad 3.
Initially, Notion wouldn’t let me type anything until I was forced to delete the app and then reinstall it, while Google Docs would just flat out refuse to recognize the scrolling gesture on the Smart Keyboard trackpad, so I’ve been forced to use the touchscreen whenever I’ve needed to move through a document.
What I will say is that for a lot of these web-based apps, they do work rather well when you run them in the Chrome browser, similar to how you would with one of the best Chromebooks, but it’s hardly ideal given that it’s never an issue I’ve had to deal with when using iPadOS.
(Image credit: Future)
Unlike a lot of companies right now, OnePlus hasn’t gone so far into AI that it’s taken up the bulk of the upgrades, but there are some helpful AI features now baked into the ‘AI toolkit’ which appears when you’re browsing the web. This allows you to quickly summarise an article if you’re in a rush, or have an AI voice read out its contents for you, even as you dive into other apps. It’s unobtrusive yet well executed, so well done to OnePlus on this front.
Software score: 4 / 5
OnePlus Pad 3 review: performance
(Image credit: Future)
Flagship performance thanks to the latest Snapdragon chip
This is a tablet designed for multitasking
If you’ve already read the specs for the OnePlus Pad 3 then you may have raised an eye-brow at the inclusion of the super-powered Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset under the hood. Not only is this the same processor you’ll find in the best smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Honor Magic 7 Pro, but it also represents a major leap in speed from what we've seen before.
As previously mentioned, the claim is that the 8 Elite can provide a 45% boost in performance to the CPU, and 40% for the GPU. That all sounds great on paper, but what difference does it make to the day to day experience? Plenty, as it turns out.
Just for context, this entire review has been written with the OnePlus Pad 3, and I’ve had Google Docs open alongside a PDF press release, and a Chrome window with several tabs. Occasionally I’ve had a WhatsApp overlay in the corner to quickly respond to messages, and at one point I had Disney Plus playing Avengers: Endgame on top of all these apps, and it didn’t break a sweat. Sure, it did look like some kind of pop-up-filled nightmare, but I was impressed to see no signs of slowdown. Simply put, if you're after a productivity tablet that you can really push to the limits, you’ll get on well here.
The same can be said for gaming. Taking a quick break to enjoy a few rounds of Call of Duty Mobile with an Xbox controller connected via Bluetooth, the OnePlus Pad 3 kept up with every fast-paced moment and all the chaos that a typical match brings with it.
As a final point, I want to draw particular attention to the improved speakers on the OnePlus Pad 3. There are now eight speakers instead of four, and they collectively offer up the best sound I’ve ever come across on a tablet. Layers feel separated so that they each have noticeable depth, and vocals are elevated to make watching shows and films a really enjoyable experience.
Performance score: 5 / 5
OnePlus Pad 3 review: battery
(Image credit: Future)
Charging speeds and battery capacity have been upgraded
No charging brick included
While there have been plenty of upgrades elsewhere, OnePlus has still made sure not to forget about the battery and charging experience. The headline upgrade here is the change to a much larger 12,140mAh battery which OnePlus claims can play triple-A games for six hours, or endure video playback for more than 17-hours. That’s definitely impressive, but I think that the proof is in how it can handle a bit of everything over the course of a day.
Beginning my test at 9:30am, I used the OnePlus Pad 3 as my main work device for typing documents and responding to emails, but over the course of six hours of screen-on time, downloading apps, watching 30-mins of Disney Plus and similarly playing games for 30-minutes, I was able to make it to 5:30pm with about 35% battery left in the tank. Of course, the average work day (for myself at least) doesn't tend to have quite so much time set aside for entertainment, but to still have 35% remaining leaves me with plenty of confidence for the days when I want to hunker down with work.
Charging is a bit of a different story. The OnePlus Pad 3 now support fast charging up to 80W, up from 67W on the OnePlus Pad 2, but you’ll need to buy a compatible charger separately in order to hit those speeds.
For my charging test, I had a 65W charger to hand (which is still faster than most), and managed to get the Pad 3 from 5% battery to 100% in 121 minutes. It took about an hour to reach 56% so if you are strapped for time, that should give you enough power to get through a day with the power saver mode switched on.
Battery score: 4 / 5
Should you buy the OnePlus Pad 3?
OnePlus Pad 3 report card
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Value
For all the upgrades the OnePlus Pad 3 packs, its small price increase is easily justified.
4 / 5
Display
The increased size and unique aspect ratio make the display ideal for work and entertainment
5 / 5
Design
The Pad 3 is incredibly thin and light to the touch, but its overall design isn't too inspiring
4 / 5
Software
OxygenOS is brilliantly intuitive, but Android still needs some work for tablets
4 / 5
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset makes short work of multitasking and gaming
5 / 5
Battery
Plenty of longevity but charging can be slow if you don’t buy an appropriate fast charger
4 / 5
Buy it if…
You need a multitasking tablet for work
If you’re constantly juggling emails, documents and notes then the OnePlus Pad is perfect for jumping between them quickly.
You want one of the best Android tablets out there
Between OxygenOS and the improved battery life, the Pad 3 will leave you wanting for very little within the Android space.
You’re tempted to make the jump from iPad
As a long-time iPad user, I can safely say that I’ll be using the Pad 3 predominantly as my main productivity tablet going forward.
Don’t buy it if…
You aren’t prepared to pay for the accessories
The OnePlus Pad 3 is a great tablet, but it’s made infinitely better by buying at least one of its available accessories which should be factored into the overall cost.
You want the best value tablet
Compared to the iPad Air 2024, the Pad 3 is a bargain, but it’s still more expensive than great value offerings like the Galaxy Tab S10 FE which bundles in the S Pen for free.
You’re knee deep in the Apple ecosystem
Because of the seamless communication between Apple devices, those toting an iPhone or Apple Watch will still find a better overall experience with one of the best iPads.
Also consider
Not convinced by all the OnePlus Pad 3 has to offer? Here are some alternatives worth checking out:
OnePlus Pad 3
Apple iPad 10.9 (2022)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Price
£529
$349 / £329
$1,199.99 / £1,199 (now regularly discounted)
Base storage
256GB
64GB
256GB
Screen size
13.2-inch 3.4k LCD, 144Hz
10.9-inch LCD, 60Hz
14.6-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
Chipset
Snapdragon 8 Elite
Apple A14 Bionic
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Battery
12,140mAh
7,606mAh
11,200mAh
Charging
80W
28.6W
45W
Cameras
13MP main, 8MP front
12MP main, 12MP front
13MP main, 8MP ultra wide, plus 12MP wide and 12MP ultra wide front sensors
OS
OxygenOS w/ Android 15
iPadOS 18
One UI with Android 15
Apple iPad 10.9 (2022)
Apple’s entry-level iPad still manages to defy expectations by offering plenty in the way of productivity and entertainment prowess, and since its successor hit the scene, it can now be found cheaper than ever.
If you know where to look, Samsung’s ultra-premium tablet of yesteryear can be picked up for a significantly reduced price, and it comes with the S Pen stylus included.
I used the OnePlus Pad 3 over a nine-day testing period, using it in my home office, connected to my home Wi-Fi, and also at a local cafe whilst using my OnePlus Open as a hotspot.
Testing the full speed of its 80W fast charging wasn’t possible due to only having a 65W adapter available over the course of this review, which should be taken into consideration when analysing the battery results.
When testing out the gaming performance of the OnePlus Pad 3, I played Call of Duty Mobile, GTA: San Andreas The Definitive Edition, and Dead Cells: Netflix Edition, all with a wirelessly connected Xbox controller.
Samsung has a strange new listing on its Galaxy Store - a Samsung Internet browser specifically for the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7. The listing is now live, but it’s not that special. It’s the same Samsung Internet browser (version v28.0.2.43) which is available for devices running Samsung’s One UI 8 beta.
Both Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 are expected to launch with One UI 8 based on Android 16. The Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 are expected to be unveiled in early July at a dedicated launch event in New York. The pair are expected to be joined by the Flip FE model and we might...
Apple is holding its annual Worldwide Developers Conference next week where we’ll see its latest operating systems which are expected to see a major visual overhaul and new naming scheme.
According to a new report from 9to5Mac, watchOS 26 will offer third-party widgets in the Control Center. This has been a longtime request for Apple Watch users who have so far only had access to Apple’s first-party apps and toggles in the drop-down menu.
Users will also be able to fully customize the widget placement on their smartwatch via the Apple Watch app on their iPhone.
Source
I assigned my five-year-old daughter chief reviewing duties for the VTech KidiZoom Duo FX, a popular cheap compact camera for younger kids that can be picked up for as little as $45 / £40 at leading retailers like Amazon.
After she'd used if for a few months it was time to hear her thoughts. "What do you like most about the camera?" I ask. I can predict the one-word answer before it has left her lips: "Games!"
To be fair, the KidiZoom Duo has had more use than a number of other toys, gadgets and cameras for kids in our house, but I picked one up for her in the hope that she might be inspired to become the next Vivian Maier, not zone out playing the basic games on board.
She might well develop a creative eye over time and start taking fantastic photos, but it won't be the KidiZoom Duo that sends her on that path.
It's just the right fit for small hands, and it'll survive plenty of drops onto hard surfaces too. (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
That said, when I did direct her focus to the KidiZoom Duo's camera, she found it incredibly easy to use. There's a generous grip for both hands that was perfectly sized for her little hands, and it's come away from multiple mishaps and drops onto hard surfaces unscathed.
She can apply various animated filters to the photos, which has brought many smiles over the months, even if the basic photo quality hardly inspires – not that I'd expect anything better from such a low-cost camera.
Practically speaking, the use of four regular AA batteries is a pain. The first batch were flat after less than two days of use (you guessed it – from mainly playing games). I invested in rechargeable batteries, which in the long run has been more cost-effective.
Better battery life topped the list of my daughter's responses to the question "What could make this camera better?", along with more color options for the finish. And from my perspective, better-quality photos might inspire her to use the camera itself more.
Would I recommend the feature-packed VTech KidiZoom Duo FX as a first camera? Absolutely. No other camera comes close at this super-low price. Will it inspire your young ones to take up photography? Probably not.
VTech KidiZoom Duo FX: Price and availability
List price of $55 / £65 / AU$110, but can be found for less
It's available in blue and pink versions, plus there's a pricier Duo 5.0
The best-selling VTech KidiZoom Duo FX has been available for some years now, and its price has settled at around $45 / £40 / AU$100 at leading retailers. It's recommended for children aged thee to nine years, and features and design-wise you'll be hard pressed to find a better alternative.
The FX version of the Duo is available in blue and pink versions. There's also a newer and pricier Duo 5.0 version that we've yet to test.
VTech KidiZoom Duo FX: specs
Quick Specs
Recommended age:
3-9 years
Photos:
Dual cameras; 8MP front, 2MP selfie
Video:
640p
Lens:
4x digital zoom
Memory:
256MB internal, expandable with micro SD
LCD:
2.4-inch, non touch
Connectivity
Micro USB for image transfer, headphone jack
Power:
4x AA-size alkaline batteries (LR6)
VTech KidiZoom Duo FX: design
Tough plastic body in bright pink or blue
2.4-inch LCD and look-through viewfinders
Basic flash
The KidiZoom Duo is a pretty easy camera to control. It features large buttons for key functions, including a joystick to navigate menus and a control wheel for the 4x digital zoom.
The twin viewfinders are simple windows, nothing fancy, spaced so the user can look through both, binoculars-style. My daughter barely used the viewfinders, however, instead focusing her attention on the basic fixed 2.4-inch LCD, which can be pretty hard to see in bright light.
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(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
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(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
I was thankful for the headphone jack on the camera's underside, which meant I could ask my daughter to use headphones rather than having to listen to the music of the on-board games coming out of the KidiZoom Duo's built-in speaker.
Photo and video files are tiny, but the camera's internal 256MB memory still fills up soon enough, so a cheap microSD card is a must-buy. You won't need to go big – even a 32GB one will easily store years' worth of images.
Images can be transferred to a computer by a now-dated micro USB port – the cable is supplied with the camera.
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
To keep costs down, the KidiZoom Duo is powered by AA batteries. You'll need four in all, with two slotting into the left grip and two into the right. You'll need a mini screwdriver to unscrew the internal door that helps secure the batteries in place.
A built-in lith-ion battery would be preferable, making recharges much simpler and quicker. However, if you've got a set of rechargeable AAs, then it's not too much bother to go through the process.
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
VTech KidiZoom Duo FX: Performance
Dual cameras; 8MP front, 2MP selfie
Flash with 1-3m range
4x digital zoom
Image quality is, as you'd expect from such a cheap camera, basic. Photos in JPEG format from the main front camera top out at 8MP, while the selfie camera is just 2MP.
Photo resolution is further reduced when using any one of a number of built-in animated templates and filters, while video quality is even more basic at just 640p.
A soft lens and a tiny image sensor compound matters; the KidiZoom struggles to hold detail in high-contrast sunny scenes, and low-light images are super noisy. Detail is soft, and the 4x digital zoom only further reduces image quality.
You get the picture, but to be fair I wouldn't expect any better for the money. Also, thankfully, there's a built-in flash, which can give a little fill light to your subjects, with a range up to 3m. This flash is super helpful in dim conditions, especially indoors.
(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
It's best to put aside any expectations for photo quality, and focus more on the creative tools on offer, which are more likely to engage young creatives.
For example, there's panorama, wacky slideshow, animation maker, photo editor and voice recorder options, all of which add a little extra to the creative arsenal where the camera alone comes up short.
And what kid doesn't enjoy composing themselves or a family member into animated templates, of which the KidiZoom Duo has in spades?
Yes, any of today's smartphones will take better pictures and probably offer more creative control. But for a device that you can safely leave your child alone with, the cheap KidiZoom Duo fits the bill. It's excellent value too.
VTech KidiZoom Duo FX sample images
Image 1 of 9
The selfie camera takes 1600 x 1200 pixel images and focuses closer than the front camera (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
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You know it – rocking one of the many animated filters on offer. (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
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I took this selfie with the main front camera, which has higher resolution pictures than the selfie camera, however its minimum focus distance is beyond me so detail is soft (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
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Don't expect photos packed with detail (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
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Here the sky is really washed out (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
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You can't really take closeup photos of little details because of the limited minimum focus. The flowers are soft here. (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
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(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
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(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
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(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
Should I buy the VTech KidiZoom Duo FX?
Buy it if...
You want a kid's camera that's rugged and easy to handle The VTech KidiZoom Duo FX big, bold, easily held, and can withstand knocks and drops.
You want a feature-packed toy The KidiZoom Duo FX is more than a camera, it's a handheld gaming device, voice recorder, audio player and more.
Don't buy it if...
You hope to encourage photography skills The KidiZoom offers an element of creative development thanks to its filters and various tools, but the camera itself is very basic.
You'd like decent-quality photos Photo and video quality is poor, even if the built-in flash somewhat improves the picture.
VTech KidiZoom Duo FX: Also consider
Camp Snap camera
The Camp Snap camera is essentially a digital version of the single-use film camera. With no screen and singular purpose, it's the ideal antidote to the KidiZoom Duo's multi-function, games-distracting features.
The pricier myFirst Camera 50 has elements of the KidiZoom Duo, but is more likely to draw attention to the creative aspects, plus the camera and its photos are slightly better quality.
It's been with our family for the best part of a year
My daughters, both within the recommended user age, have used it extensively
We've taken plenty of photos and videos (and played the games!)
This is a long-term review of an older camera that all of my family has contributed to.
We've exhausted the KidiZoom Duo's creative tools, including both cameras for photo and video, its various shooting modes, animated templates and audio recording.
And yes, we got pretty good at the basic selection of games.
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