The BenQ RD280U is the 28-inch variant without the cool ergo arm of the BenQ RD320UA.
With this RD line-up, BenQ has clearly focused on the engineering front, delivering some of the best monitors for programming I've seen, and effectively perfect for those who spend most, if not their entire days, coding software.
Another area that is super helpful with this style monitor is that it is 3:2, meaning that you'll get more vertical space than you would on a typical 16:9 display, and for coding, that's usually fantastic news. It means you can fit more lines of code, helping you finish that script faster.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
BenQ RD280U: Pricing and Availability
The BenQ RD280U is priced at $659.99, making it a premium display for those looking for an engineering monitor. You can pick one up through BenQ's official website or one of their many distributors and online retailers.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
BenQ RD280U: Unboxing & first impressions
BenQ's packaging is pretty straightforward. In the box is the monitor itself, packaged neatly so that it won't be damaged in transit, the monitor arm, the base for the monitor, and any helpful cables you could want. Since this is the standard version and not the Ergo-Arm version, I decided to put the display on a VESA arm quickly, but to each their own.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
I am so used to 16:9 monitors that it took me a second to get used to looking at a 3:2 display. Not as long as it took me to adjust to the LG Dual Up, but it still took me a minute. It looks similar to the 16:9 aspect ratio monitors, but you immediately notice a difference once you start using it.
Outside of using the monitor itself, the display's physical casing is solid and durable, and the light ring in the back is a charming touch. I am one who semi-regularly writes late at night or early in the morning depending on the season and how busy I am - I'm writing this at 11:56pm on a Monday. So, with that being said I enjoy the light ring and using it to bounce light off the wall behind my display to alleviate some eye strain from a bright display and the dark wall behind it.
BenQ RD280U: Design & Build Quality
Specs
Screen: 28.2-inch Panel: IPS Resolution: 3840 x 2560. RefreshRate: 60Hz ResponseTime: 5ms Brightness: 400 nits. ColorCoverage: 95% DCI-P3 Connectivity: HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C with 90W PD, and USB-A ports.
I've been a fan of BenQ monitors for a while now. They are hitting above their weight class if you ask me. The RD models are no exception to this rule either. I don't personally love the giant chin, but I understand what they were going for. Outside of that, though, I love this monitor.
The 3:2 aspect ratio is growing on me, and I notice myself missing the extra height when I am not using this monitor. The matte finish on the screen reduces glare, much like my Paperlike screen protector on my iPad, which I cannot live without now. It also helps enhance visibility if your office is in a room with a lot of natural light, a window, or a lamp behind you. If you had a non-matte screen in those environments, you'd get a crazy glare, but with that matte finish, you can still see the screen.
The stand with this display is super simple and good if you don't need anything fancy. I usually like to put my monitors on a monitor arm to give them a more ergonomic orientation. For this monitor, I have it on a Corsair desk with a built-in rack and monitor arm that's ideal for this display and desk setup.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
BenQ RD280U: In use
I've had this monitor on my team, and it's been rotating for a while now. So far, it has been an absolutely fantastic monitor for day to day use, while over-featured for basic users, for those who do any coding and want a coding mode, for those who would benefit from the halo light built into the back, or those who wish to that matte screen, this monitor is a great option.
As mentioned above, the 3:2 aspect ratio has been excellent for day-to-day productivity tasks and standard work. It seems like such a small change, but it makes a massive difference in the right contexts. I can fit a lot more vertical space on the screen, meaning I can see more on a webpage, more of my windows arranged during a work day, or more of a terminal, GitHub, Postman, and project management tools. It's been a great little productivity hack for the last few months. You notice it more if you are in a full-screen application, but the vertical space is super helpful even if you have multiple windows open.
The clarity of text on this display is outstanding, making long working hours comfortable for your eyes, whether you're working during the day or at night. This is especially true when paired with the soft light reflecting off the wall behind the display, which helps to reduce eye strain even further.
One thing that I have come to appreciate in the last year is monitors that have USB-C connectivity. Now, I still will put one of the best laptop docking stations on a few of my desk setups, but on a simple setup like this one, I love the ease of a single cable setup. Even for my more complex setups, like my main setup that is truly a beast of a setup, I utilize the USB-C connection to the display so I can run the USB ports on the monitor, control the monitor with Display Pilot 2, and so on. No matter which setup it is, I love how easy the USB-C cable setup is, reducing cable clutter, and making the whole setup feel seamless.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design
Technical, high quality
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of use
Easy to use
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Practicality
Right for the right people
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price
Priced well for the product
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
BenQ RD280U: Final verdict
The BenQ RD280U is a niche monitor, there is no doubt about that. Take one look at it and you can tell right away if this monitor is marketed to you or not.
I have some people on my team that do not like the look of this monitor and will quickly tell you this is not for them, yet I also have other people on my team who absolutely love the look, functionality, aspect ratio, and design of this display. So, to each their own.
It might not rank among the best business monitors I've tried, but if you're in coding, engineering, or have the same style tastes, then this monitor will be a fantastic option.
Platform reviewed: PC Available on: PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC Release date: May 16, 2025
What makes Capcom Fighting Collection 2 extra special is its diversity. The first Capcom Fighting Collection was very Darkstalkers/Vampire Savior flavored. This latest compilation, however, manages to deliver something for everyone, with some games that fans have been pining to have re-released on modern platforms for years now.
The big draw in this collection is, of course, Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001. Fighting game legends and casuals alike largely consider it to be one of the greatest the genre has ever seen - owing to its large crossover roster, exceptional soundtrack, and the innovative Groove system.
But that’s not to say the rest of the collection is a dud. You absolutely shouldn’t sleep on the original Capcom vs. SNK and its glorious presentation, nor 3D curiosities like Project Justice and Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein. Both Power Stone games are here, too, and those are among the best party platforming fighters of all time.
The only real stinker in Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is Capcom Fighting Evolution. It’s a bizarre inclusion given its infamous reputation, confusing systems, and roughshod presentation. On the other hand, it’s an interesting one from a curiosity standpoint, and it is still worthy of preservation.
You can also expect the usual smattering of extras, including concept art galleries, achievements, and sound test options. Some games also have fully remixed soundtracks courtesy of the CAP-JAMs team, and there’s plenty of bangers here, especially for Capcom vs. SNK 2.
Go for broke
(Image credit: Capcom)
Before diving into the review proper, here’s a quick rundown of the eight games you can expect to play in Capcom Fighting Collection 2.
Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000 Pro
Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001
Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper
Project Justice
Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein
Power Stone
Power Stone 2
Capcom Fighting Evolution
I won’t be giving a full review of each game individually, as to be quite honest, I’d need around 5,000 words to do so. But what you should know is that - aside from Capcom Fighting Evolution - each game in this collection is absolutely worth playing, whether you’ve done the rounds with fighting games before or not.
For most players, the first port of call will almost certainly be Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001. What seems like a simple crossover fighter on its surface quickly reveals itself as perhaps one of the deepest fighting games ever made. And it’s all thanks to the Ratio and Groove systems.
First of all, Ratio determines the power scaling of the character(s) you select. You have four Ratio points with which to build your team, with higher numbers granting your characters more health and attack strength. For example, you can pick a single Ratio 4 character, or one Ratio 2 and two Ratio 1 fighters.
The Groove system is vastly more complex and will fundamentally change how your team operates. There are six grooves: C, A, P, S, N, and K. Each can apply different properties and abilities, but there are unique quirks within each. C-Groove, for example, is the only Groove that grants you access to Level 2 Super moves. P-Groove gives you a Street Fighter 3: Third Strike-style parry, while K-Groove lets you enter a powered-up rage state. You can only select one Groove, and learning which you like best (not to mention which works best with your chosen characters) is an incredibly rewarding process for those willing to put the time in.
The original Capcom vs. SNK may not be as fondly remembered, but skip on it at your peril. It arguably has the stronger presentation of the two, with charming stage intro animations and one of the slickest attract screens to ever grace the arcades. There are some limitations here compared to its sequel, though. Characters have a preset Ratio, for one, and there are just two Grooves to choose from (either Capcom or SNK). It’s still well worth checking out, though, if only for its mesmerizing Y2K-style presentation.
Party on
(Image credit: Capcom)
If you prefer more casual-friendly 3D fighters, this collection has you covered there, too, in the forms of Project Justice and Plasma Sword. The former is a team-based fighter that pits characters from rivaling high schools against each other, making use of powerful team synergy attacks to quickly turn the tables.
The latter is an interesting one; Plasma Sword (and its predecessor, Star Gladiator) was, allegedly, originally envisioned as a Star Wars fighting game. You’ll be able to see that influence in many of its character designs, too. A four-button fighter not dissimilar to the Soul Calibur games, it’s not the most complex game out there, but it is well worth experiencing for its lighthearted sci-fi charm and bonkers special moves.
Best bit
(Image credit: Capcom)
The crown jewel of the package is undoubtedly Capcom vs. SNK 2. It’s a highly technical fighting game, but certainly one of the most rewarding to this day. Fine-tuning your team and matching them with one of six Groove styles is incredibly satisfying, if only to see what kinds of crazy synergies you can come up with. It truly feels like a game of limitless possibilities, and I can only hope Capcom and SNK revisit the concept in the future.
Then you have Power Stone and Power Stone 2, both of which are a real treat and - for those who prefer less technical fighters that flourish in casual multiplayer environments - perhaps the best games in this collection. The Power Stone games combine melee fighting with a range of fun items, including gatling guns, lasers, and hammers. Both are an unbelievably fun time despite their age, with a cast of charming characters, a lovely art style, and stages that evolve over time. Power Stone 2 does bump things up from two players to four and features all-new stages. But you can’t go wrong with either title, really.
Rounding out the package is Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper, a fantastic arcade version of Alpha 3 with balance changes and extra characters. Then there’s Capcom Fighting Evolution, which - to be polite - is the black sheep of the collection. It’s one you can safely skip due to its frankly horrible presentation, with muddy low-resolution backgrounds and a grossly unbalanced roster.
It’s a curiosity for sure, as a game that chucks in characters from Street Fighter, Darkstalkers, Red Earth, and more, but also one that simply isn’t as fun or rewarding as the other titles in Capcom Fighting Collection 2.
Should I buy Capcom Fighting Collection 2?
(Image credit: Capcom)
Buy it if...
You want to play classic Capcom fighters online Online play works fantastically in Capcom Fighting Collection 2. In my online sessions, I found the connection to be very stable, and ranked play provides incentive to keep on pushing and improving, as it does in all the best fighting games.
You love browsing development material Capcom Fighting Collection 2’s Museum is chock full of interesting concept art, marquee cards, and promotional material - some of which has never been publicly released before. You can also experience the full soundtracks of all games, with some receiving superb remixes from the CAP-JAMs music team.
You’re looking for a new couch staple Capcom Fighting Collection 2 fully supports local play with friends across all titles. The Power Stone games are, of course, excellent for this, but the rest all provide offline multiplayer fun in addition to their online suites.
Don't buy it if...
You’ve no interest in older games Cynical as it might be to say, there’s nothing objectively ‘new’ in Capcom Fighting Collection 2 when it comes to the games. If you prefer more modern fighters or simply have no interest in turn-of-the-century titles, you can give this a miss. Though missing out, you certainly would be, in my opinion.
Accessibility
Capcom Fighting Collection 2 does have a couple of noteworthy accessibility options. One-button supers apply to most games here, letting you input your favorite characters’ flashiest and most damaging moves with little effort - perfect for casual and beginner play. You can also access various CRT filters or disable them entirely based on your preferences.
JBL has pitched its new Tour One M3 wireless over-ear noise-cancellers right into the heart of the action. They’re priced to compete with hitters as big as Bose and Sony, but the company hasn’t just slapped a premium price-tag on and hoped for the best. These headphones are specified to compete, and even have an optional extra that elevates their functionality beyond that of any price-comparable rival.
Wireless connectivity, frequency response and battery life are all well up to standard. Control options are numerous and well implemented. And with the optional Smart Tx transmitter, JBL is able to turn the Tour One M3 into a wireless receiver of non-wireless sources, as well as facilitating group listening for as many people who have Auracast-compatible headphones would like to participate.
There’s no arguing with the standard of build and finish that’s on display here, either, though the majority of the plastics used in the construction don’t feel as expensive as you might expect in a product as pricey as this. Still, at least the comfort quotient is high, thanks to some judicious padding and a low overall weight.
And if you like your sound punchy, upfront and animated, there’s plenty to enjoy here and the JBL don’t scrimp on the details, either. Their spatial audio effect is subtle and effective, and the noise cancellation puts them up there among the best noise cancelling headphones mix with anything that hasn’t got the word ‘Bose’ on it.
Don’t venture into bigger (higher) volume levels, though, because no good can come of it. The treble response, which is assertive at the best of times, can become unruly and the overall sound becomes two-dimensional and rather shouty.
You don’t need me to tell you this is serious money for a pair of wireless over-ear noise-cancellers, even before you add in the cost of the Smart Tx transmitter – $349 ($399 with the transmitter); £329 (£379); AU$479 (AU$549).
JBL has picked a fight with brands as credible as Bose, Bowers & Wilkins, Sennheiser and Sony (to name just four) by pricing the Tour ONE M3 this way, which can mean one of only two things. Either JBL is completely confident or JBL is utterly rash.
There are boxes to be ticked when you’re charging this sort of money for a pair of wireless noise-cancelling over-ears, most of which are marked ‘the best version of X’, and the JBL Tour One M3 ticks all of them.
For instance, they use Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity, and feature multipoint connectivity as well as compatibility with LC3 and LDAC codecs as well as SBC and AAC. They will run for as much as 70 hours (at moderate volume and with noise-cancellation switched off) between charges, and you can expect 40 hours even if you listen at high volume and with ANC switched on.
The ANC itself is a three-stage system: choose between ‘ambient aware’ (an in-app slider controls how much of the outside world is allowed in), ‘talk-thru’ (which pauses music while significantly boosting external sounds, voices in particular) and ‘noise-cancelling’. There’s another slider here, to adjust ANC intensity - or you can switch on ‘adaptive ANC’ to automatically adjust the level based on ambient conditions. ‘Auto compensation’, meanwhile, assesses the headphones’ position on your ear relative to your ear canal in order to adjust ANC on the fly.
JBL suggests the Tour ONE M3 have a frequency response of 10Hz to 40kHz, which, if it’s anything like accurate, should be ample. Sound is served via a couple of 40mm mica dome dynamic drivers.
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
The control app itself has plenty of functionality beyond fiddling with active noise-cancellation, of course – ‘JBL Headphones’ is free for iOS and Android and is one of the most comprehensive apps around.
For instance, it allows you to select a ‘spatial audio’ setting (‘fixed’, ‘head-tracking’ or ‘off’) and investigate your EQ options (there are six presets and the ability to specify some custom settings using a 10-band equalizer). You can take a hearing test to help the headphones adapt to your specific hearing profile, exert some influence of the physical methods of control, set a volume limiter and plenty more besides. These include checking on firmware updates and remaining battery life, plus adjusting the length of time without an incoming signal required before the headphones power down – basically, this app is a model of usefulness and stability.
Then there's the Smart Tx transmitter (a cost option, let’s not forget), through which JBL has an authentic Point of Difference. If you’re familiar with the ‘retransmission case’ that the top-end Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 true wireless in-ears have been supplied with for the past few years, you’ll know one of the things the Smart Tx can do – attach it to a non-wireless source of music, such as the in-flight entertainment system, via one of its USB-C slots and it will wirelessly stream to the headphones.
But there’s more to this little brick than that. It also uses Auracast to allow multiple devices to listen to whatever is playing into it (as long as all headphones are Auracast-compatible, of course). Its full-colour touch-screen duplicates quite a lot of the app’s functions, too, so to make changes you don’t have to fish your phone out of the pocket on the back of the seat in front of you. Yes, it needs charging (via its second USB-C) and, also yes, it’s another thing to disappear down the back of the sofa or something, but for those who fancy its functionality, it’s a very useful little device indeed.
Features score: 5 / 5
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
JBL Tour One M3 review: Sound quality
Punch, drive and detail in fairly equal measure
Effective and quite nuanced spatial audio effect
Easily spooked by bigger volumes
Some headphones don’t really mind the sort of stuff you listen to, or how you choose to listen to it – they just get on with the job, regardless. The JBL Tour One M3, I think I can safely say, are not those headphones.
As far as music styles are concerned, they’re not especially fussy, but where quality of recording is concerned, they have definite preferences. It’s mostly due to their treble response – the top end as reproduced by the Tour One M3 is absolutely as bright and bitey as is acceptable. So if you provoke it with a recording that shares that same high-end edginess – Nick Lowe’s You Got the Look I Like is a good example – things can get compounded into something very close to hardness.
There’s no shortage of detail revealed at the top of the frequency range, though, and that’s the case throughout. At every point the JBL are an observant and insightful listen, able to identify even the most fleeting episodes in a recording. Midrange resolution is impressive, and at the bottom end they punch with the sort of weight and determination we’ve all come to expect from JBL equipment. There’s a slight bias towards the bottom of the frequency range when EQ settings are left alone, but this can be mitigated a little in the app. What EQ adjustment can’t do, though, is affect tonality that’s nicely naturalistic right until the top end gets involved.
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Dynamic impetus is considerable, especially where the biggest shifts in volume or intensity are concerned, and the upheavals in Fiona Apple’s Fetch the Bolt Cutters are described in full. The smaller, but no less significant, harmonic variations get appropriate weighting, too. Soundstaging, when listening in straight stereo, is organized and reasonably expansive, but there’s a pleasant unity to the stage, an idea of performance, that makes for a confident and convincing presentation.
Switch on spatial audio and the effect is much less showy than some rival designs shoot for, and it’s all to the good as far as I’m concerned. The stage opens up in every direction without losing too much of its definition, and the sensation of space doesn’t feel in any way artificial.
No, the major issue here concerns volume, and the Tour One M3's inability to cope with it. Turn up the volume and the sound becomes two-dimensional and rather too assertive – every part of a recording seems to rush to the front of the stage, and the top-end tonality (which is problematic all the time) becomes quite abrasive and almost glassy. ‘Composure’ is the word I’m after, and it deserts the JBL the moment you decide to listen at big levels.
The active noise-cancellation, by way of contrast, needs no excuses making for it. Does it cloak you in an eerie blanket of silence like the equivalent Bose headphones can manage? No, it doesn't. Does it bear comparison to the very best alternatives out there that aren’t by Bose? Most definitely. Without altering their sonic characteristics or introducing a suggestion of counter-signal, the Tour One M3 deal with the vast majority of external distractions and leave you free to get on with listening.
Not too loud, though, obviously.
Sound quality score: 3 / 5
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
JBL Tour One M3 review: Design
Fold flat and inwards, so have quite a small carry-case
Choice of three finishes
Perceived value is not all it might be
Don’t get me wrong, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the way the JBL Tour One M3 are built and finished. Despite having so much articulation in the frame that they can fold up into a winningly compact carry-case, they give every impression of being carefully constructed and ready to last. But when it comes to perceived value, the embodiment of the word ‘premium’ that comes from the look, the feel and, let’s face it, the smell of a pair of headphones, the Tour One M3 don’t have it in anything like the quantities of their price-comparable rivals.
In terms of the look, that might be down to the fact that my review sample is in an insipid finish called ‘mocha’ – perhaps the appearance is a bit classier in the black or blue alternatives. But the color has nothing to do with the way the Tour One M3 feel and the plastics which make up a lot of the frame are hard and feel inexpensive. All of which is unfortunate, given how expensive these headphones actually are.
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
The practicalities of the design are absolutely fine, though. The contact points are pleather-covered memory foam, and they’re softly pliant. The headband adjusts with a very positive action, and the clamping force it exerts is nicely judged. These 278g headphones are easy to wear and it’s simple to get and remain comfortable inside them. JBL isn’t quoting an IP rating, though, so it’s worth making sure you don’t get too comfortable in inappropriate environments.
On the left earcup there’s a slender ‘volume up/down’ rocker switch. On the right, meanwhile, a ‘power on/off/Bluetooth pairing’ slider is positioned above an ‘action’ button that cycles through ‘noise-cancelling’, ‘ambient aware’ and ‘talk-thru’. The surface of this earcup also has a touch surface that allows control over ‘play/pause’, ‘skip forwards’, ‘skip backwards’ and ‘summon voice assistant’, and this is where telephony functions are accessed, too. It’s possible to unintentionally trigger touch controls when feeling for that ‘action’ button, but broadly speaking these are effective, well-implemented user interfaces.
The USB-C slot can be used both for charging the battery and for data transfer - which means the Tour One M3 are genuinely high-resolution headphones if hard-wired to an appropriate source. And there are eight mics spread over the two earcups taking care of voice-assistant interaction, telephony and noise-cancellation.
Design score: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
JBL Tour One M3 review: Value
Variable sound
So-so perceived value
Excellent control options, including the Smart Tx transmitter
Ultimately, the JBL Tour ONE M3 can’t be said to offer cast-iron value for money. They have a lot going for them where comfort is concerned, their noise-cancelling is very good, their control options are all very well realized and, in some ways, they sound very enjoyable and entertaining, too.
But the hard, quite cheap-feeling plastics that make up a lot of the frame, the tendency to lose a little self-control at volume, and the sheer strength of the products they’re competing against all conspire to make the JBL a diverting alternative rather than a nailed-on candidate for your ‘value for money’ shortlist.
Value score: 3.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Should I buy the JBL Tour One M3?
Section
Notes
Score
Features
Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC codec compatibility; optional Smart Tx transmitter a potential game-changer
5 / 5
Sound quality
Excellent ANC; dynamic impetus; nuanced spatial audio; but too easily spooked at high volumes
3 / 5
Design
Fold flat into neat carry-case; comfortable; hard plastic don't lend premium finish
4 / 5
Value
Very good control options; so-so perceived value
3.5 / 5
Buy them if…
You like quite forceful sound There’s no denying the upfront and vigorous nature of the JBL sound in general, and that goes double for the Tour One M3.
You enjoy a USP The Smart Tx transmitter brings a lot of additional functionality to the headphones (as long as you remember to keep it charged).
Comfort is important These headphones are relatively light, the fit is nicely judged, and the contact points are all nice and soft.
Don't buy them if…
You’re especially sensitive to treble sounds At best, the JBL are lively at the top end; at worst, they’re quite hard and unyielding.
You’re big on perceived value It’s not about the build or the finish, they’re both fine. It’s just that the JBL don’t look or feel anything special.
You like to listen at bigger volumes The Tour One M3 are prone to over-excitement at high volume, and lose some of what makes them an enjoyable listen in the first place.
JBL Tour One M3 review: Also consider
Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony’s ubiquitous-for-a-reason WH-1000XM5 are now routinely available at around $299 / £249 (they launched at $399 / £299) and, on a pound-for-pound basis, wireless over-ear noise-cancelling cans don’t get any more rounded or across-the-board excellent than this. Read our full Sony WH-1000XM5 review
Bose QuietComfort Ultra You may prioritize noise-cancelling, of course, and if that’s the case then don’t look any further than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. Where ANC is concerned, everyone else is playing catch-up. Read the full Bose QuietComfort Ultra review
Edifier Stax Spirit S5 If you prefer the road less traveled, though, and you can live without active noise-cancellation, the Stax Spirit 5 from Edifier uses their planar magnetic driver technology to deliver the sweetest of sounds. Read our full Edifier Stax Spirit S5 review
How I tested JBL Tour One M3
Connected to iOS and Android music players, wired and wirelessly
Connected using the Smart Tx transmitter to a laptop
Lots of different music, lots of different file types and sizes
I listened at my desk, connecting the Smart Tx transmitter to a laptop, I listened while out and about and I listened on public transport, to lots of music of many different file types and sizes. I spent over a week critically to get the best feel possible for the JBL.
I love a good permanent desk setup. However, something that is also very real in my life is that I am always on the go, working away from my principal, beloved home office, and I cannot risk losing productivity, nor slowing down while working away from home.
So, I went down the rabbit hole of finding the best portable monitors a few months ago. I had spent time using my iPad as a second screen, but since moving to an iPad Mini 7 from my M1 iPad Pro 11-inch, I lost the screen real estate I wanted.
When I found the Sotsu FlipAction monitors, I snagged the Pro variant without hesitation. I thought it would be perfect for me, but I only upgraded it to the flagship Elite Model shortly after. That was 166 days ago from writing this review (whilst using the Flip Action Elite 16 and my MacBook Pro). Since then, I've had this monitor go everywhere in the laptop sleeve of my 20L Nomatic Backpack, and I have used it almost every day. I have some thoughts.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
Sotsu FlipAction Elite 16: Pricing and Availability
The Sotsu FlipAction Elite 16 Portable Monitor can be purchased through the Sotsu website by clicking here. It's currently priced for pre-order at $789 / £594, and is available in a silver or space black, perfectly complementing a MacBook colorway.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
Sotsu FlipAction Elite 16: Unboxing & first impressions
Right away, when I opened the box, I was struck by just how Apple-esque the Sotsu FlipAction Elite 16 looked, and in the best way. The silver color, the rounded edges, the black bezel matching the silver edge, and the gorgeous display. I
immediately noticed that without changing any settings, I plugged the display into my MacBook Pro, which perfectly matched my MacBook screen. Then, I saw the base and stand. At first, it looked like it would be complex or not exactly what I wanted, but I was sold when I noticed that I could extend the monitor out and have it raise above my MacBook.
When I realized I could set the display in portrait, horizontal, next to my MacBook display, above my MacBook display, or on its own, I was hooked.
As I mentioned, this looks like an Apple product. If Apple were to make a portable monitor, it should buy out Sotsu and make this display itself. It's that good, and matches that well.
The build quality is spectacular and still looks brand new after nearly 200 days of daily use. The hinges work great, the IO is still tight, and the display has had zero issues.
The design is fantastic, and I find myself returning to this portable monitor repeatedly, even when testing others, or having other co-working setups I could plug into.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
Sotsu FlipAction Elite 16: In use
After nearly 200 days of use, I found the absolute sweet spot for this display. I've made a straightforward modification; other than that, I am using this screen as intended, and it has been a dream to use. My single modification was swapping the cable that came with it to a 1m Thunderbolt 4 cable. I added a 40 Gbps right-angle adapter to it, so I still got the cable pointing to the back of my Mac towards the portable monitor.
I did this simply with the ease of my EDC in mind. There was nothing wrong with the cable Sotsu sent, but I knew I'd have some bigger files to transfer that I would want a Thunderbolt 4 cable in my bag for, so I may as well have one that is multi-purpose.
For many reasons, the Sotsu FlipAction Elite 16 has been my secret to productivity. First of all, I can now easily get a two (or three) screen setup, all out of my sleek EDC backpack, all powered with a single power in, one cable connecting my Mac to the display, and then if I want zero latency, one cable running from my Mac to my iPad Mini. Second of all, depending on what I am working on, I can swap between having a stacked monitor layout, to a portrait monitor next to my Mac, to a second display for my iPad, to a completely independent monitor for a Mac Mini, a camera setup, or another device I am working on.
Third, it is lightweight and easy to fit in my backpack without needing to reorganize or shove things in there; it just collapses to almost nothing and slides into a sleeve in my bag. And fourth, it has better screen resolution than the average monitor and most monitors that would even be available. At the same time, I travel, making this an even easier no-brainer to use.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
My daily setup experience now includes the Sotsu FlipAction Elite 16-inch. Setting up my entire workspace only takes seconds, and I can do it nearly anywhere. I usually spend most of my time with the display above my MacBook, at a more ergonomic eye level, and operating as my primary display. My 13-inch MacBook screen below is for my secondary things, running two virtual screens, one for admin, and one for project management. Then my iPad Mini runs anything from research to Spotify, Reminders, Slack, or sometimes Notion.
When I am working on something where I want more vertical space, I'll rotate the display to portrait mode so I can see more lines of whatever I am working on, and then when I am done, I'll rotate it back and move it back to above my MacBook.
If I'm working in an area where stacked monitors don't make sense for some reason, then I'll put it to the left and still have a multi-display setup.
There are a few things that I wish this display had, that would simply be icing on the cake. First, would be a USB-A port. Since I am on a newer MacBook Pro, I don't have any USB-A ports and there have been two instances where I have had to pull out a dongle to use that USB-A device. I wish that up by my SD Card slot reader on the base there could also be a USB-A port.
Secondly, I wish that there was an app integration with the display much like DisplayPilot 2 on any newer BenQ Monitor. However, I have gotten around needing to control display brightness by using an app called Monitor Control. Third, I wish the panel was OLED for the added brightness, and fourth, I wish there was a nano texture display option too, much like what I have on my iPad with a Paperlike screen. However, none of those qualms are cons, just wishes for a customized option.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design
Beautiful, High quality
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of use
Easy to use
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Practicality
Right for most people
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price
Priced well for the product
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sotsu FlipAction Elite 16: Final verdict
In short, this display has become a staple in my EDC Setup for a reason. It has been the perfect portable monitor for me, and its largely due to the design, the 4K panel, and the remarkable multi-function stand. I have no plans to take this out of my everyday carry bag anytime soon, and I plan to continue using this panel nearly daily.
The Coros Heart Rate Monitor is a strap-based monitor designed for your upper arm that uses optical tracking tech to measure blood volume, rather than electrocardiograph or ECG, which measures the heart's electrical signals. While many of the best heart rate monitors use ECG, optical sensors are found in the best smartwatches. Which begs the question: why does Coros' stand-alone HRM use optical sensors instead of ECG?
The short answer, from Coros, is that optical heart rate monitoring works by using light shone through your skin to see your blood flow. While watches can do a reasonable job on the wrist, there is a lot more blood higher up the arm, making a dedicated strap – which can be affixed tightly yet comfortably to that higher arm position – more accurate.
So, for your money, you are getting a more accurate optical heart rate monitor than a smartwatch, yet with arguably a more comfortable wearing position. Unlike a chest strap, it's a comfortable wear for both men and women of all body types and sizes, and to top it off you get a decent 38 hours of use with its rechargeable battery.
Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, this can be used with many different devices from smartwatches and phones to bikes and gym machines. There's also a useful wear detection feature which means this can auto-power on and connect. All you need to do is put it on.
There is basic waterproofing, to 3ATM, but this is more to make it sweat and rain-proof – so don't expect this to be usable for swimming. You also won't find connectivity options like ANT+ here, so that may limit some people in terms of which devices this can be used with.
Coros Heart Rate Monitor key specs
Component
Coros Heart Rate Monitor
Dimensions
42.5 x 28.4 x 9.1mm
Weight
19g with strap
Fit
18-32cm standard, 24-43cm large
Case material
Plastic unit, with polyester fibre, nylon and spandex band
Connectivity
Bluetooth
Compatibility
3 simultaneous
Water resistance
3 ATM
Accelerometer
No
Battery
Rechargeable USB-A
Coros Heart Rate Monitor: Price and release date
Available to buy now in the US, UK, and Australia
Priced at $79 / £69 / AU$140 RRP
A similar price point as Garmin's HRM Pro
The Coros Heart Rate Monitor launched on June 27, 2023 and is available across the globe. It launched with a price of $79 in the US, £69 in the UK and $140 in Australia.
The Coros HRM is available in several colours thanks to a selection of band options, which you can pick at purchase. These include Grey, Lime and Orange. There is also an option to get a large version of the Grey if needed – more details on that in the design section.
You can buy the Coros HRM directly from Coros via sites like Amazon.
Price-wise, it's comparable to the Garmin HRM-Pro, so it's in line with the rest of its competitors without being either outstanding value or egregiously expensive.
Value score: 3.5/5
Coros HRM (Image credit: Future)
Coros Heart Rate Monitor: Design
Comfortable to wear
Easy to fit
Simple design
The Coros Heart Rate Monitor is all about simplicity and as such this is a doddle to wear. Since this is made to go on your bicep, once you've got the right size adjusted to suit you using the velcro fitting, it's a simple case of sliding it up your arm to pop it on.
The strap materials are a combination of polyester fiber, nylon and spandex, which all equate to a very comfortable feel. But, crucially, this is flexible enough to slip on and off with a stretch, but tight enough to stay in place without it feeling too tight or uncomfortable.
At 19g the total weight is barely noticeable. When you consider people run with large phones in arm strap cases and barely notice them, you can imagine how unobtrusive this feels.
Does this feel more comfy than a chest strap? The answer in my case was a yes, but that may vary from person to person. I certainly like the fact this slips on easily, and thanks to that auto-wear detection sensor it'll connect up quickly and easily too.
This is made to fit biceps of sizes between 18 and 32cm. So unless you're very slim or a bodybuilder, this is likely to fit you comfortably regardless of gender. If you are bigger in the arm area then there is the option to go for a larger variant of the strap at point of purchase, which accommodates 24-43cm biceps.
Coros HRM (Image credit: Future)
The sensor setup itself comprises five LEDs with four photodetectors. That combination, representing the best optical heart rate sensors from Coros right now, should mean this is fairly future-proof, unlikely to be eclipsed by more accurate technology for a while. That said, it won't offer SpO2 measurements, so if you're after O2 features then you may want to keep looking elsewhere.
There is an LED light on the side of the main unit which acts as a useful communication light. When on charge this will glow orange until the battery is full after two hours, and it then turns solid green so you know it's good to go.
The charger is USB-A at one end and a proprietary magnetic attachment at the end of the HRM connection. While it's easy to plug into many different power sources, we would have preferred the more efficient, up-to-date USB-C.
The strap is also washable, where the main unit can slide off, making it possible to keep that looking fresh for long periods.
Design score: 4/5
Coros HRM (Image credit: Future)
Coros Heart Rate Monitor: Features
App is minimal
Lots of third-party app compatibility
No swim tracking
The Coros Heart Rate Monitor can be paired to many devices and works with the app you want to use. But there is an included Coros app that you can use, ideal if you've already got other Coros devices like the Coros Pace Pro.
The Coros app is fine for analyzing data, but it won't track you while you're out exercising. So you will need to use a third-party app, like Strava. I connected the HRM by opening the Coros app, and once connected, I could just open Strava, slip on the armband, and it would pull in the HR data directly.
I found this helpful for heart rate training or zone tracking. Generally speaking, I used the phone to collect the data and then only looked at it when analyzing my effort after I was back and showered off, so you'll need to take your phone in a chest, waist or arm-mounted running case.
Coros HRM (Image credit: Future)
It's also worth noting that if you already have a smartwatch and simply want to add a more accurate heart rate tracker than the built-in optical option, this can connect to your smartwatch too. And yes, this did prove more accurate than wrist-based options during our testing, so this could be a viable alternative to a chest strap.
The app is the only way to know an accurate measure of the HRM's battery life. Sure the light on the side can give you rough guidance, but that's not likely to serve you before a run or ride where you'll want reassurance you have enough juice to go the distance. A push notification would have been helpful when connected too.
It's worth noting that this can broadcast heart rate to up to three devices simultaneously. So you could have your watch and phone connected to your bike computer at the same time, for example. I haven't tested this feature yet, but it's good to have the option should the need arise.
Features: 3/5
Coros app (Image credit: Future)
Coros Heart Rate Monitor: Performance
Good accuracy
Easy to use
Very comfortable
One of the most important things to mention here is comfort. This is more comfy to wear than a chest strap, while offering almost the same level of accuracy. It's easy to slip on and off, less noticeable to wear and can also be kept hidden to avoid knocks – with the option to slide it under your sleeve.
While a wrist-worn heart rate monitor in a watch can be useful, wearing this on your bicep is so much more accurate. As mentioned it's a better spot, with more blood, for clearer readings. But it's also higher up the arm with far less movement when running and way less bumping when riding a bike. All that combines to offer great levels of accuracy across sports while staying comfy.
Where this falls down compared to a chest strap is battery life. It's decent, hitting close to the claimed 38 hours in real-world use, but still doesn't compare to the one or two year battery power of some chest straps.
Coros HRM on the left and chest strap on the right. (Image credit: Future)
In one run (image above), with an early hill climb which I use to beat any chance of averaging explaining accuracy, I did spot some issues. I had a competitor chest strap on in addition to the arm-based Coros HRM connected to my phone. On the hill climb, my heart quickly jumped to 170 and the chest strap kept up. However, the Coros strap lagged behind, reading 155. It did catch up, but was a few seconds behind.
After that, as the distance lengthened and those averages came into play, it got even closer, but I was aware of that initial blip.
So while you can see the early discrepancy, generally both the Coros and chest-mounted HRM show similar readings with near-identical max and average heart rate data. It was certainly noticeably more accurate than a wrist-worn optical heart rate sensor is capable of offering.
Performance score: 4/5
Coros HRM: Scorecard
Category
Comment
Score
Value
In line with competition, making it reasonable.
3.5/5
Design
Very well designed to be comfy, work well, be easy-to-use and accurate.
4.5/5
Features
Great app compatibility but loses points on lack of swim support.
3/5
Performance
Accurate, comfortable and easy to use.
4/5
Total
A superb option for accuracy and comfort with charge support.
4/5
Coros HRM (Image credit: Future)
Coros Heart Rate Monitor: Buy it if...
You're need true heart rate training A dedicated HRM detects changes to your heart rate more accurately than a watch alone, allowing you to zone train with quality.
You want comfort and ease The Coros HRM is very comfortable and easy to slip on and off with that auto turn-on and -off functionality, making it a pleasure to use.
Coros Heart Rate Monitor: don't buy it if...
You want to see your data Unless you own a Coros or other smartwatch, then seeing your data isn't easy when phone connected to this HRM.
You want the best battery While battery life here is good, it's not chest strap level performance so consider that charging will be a part of this use.
Designed for multi-sport use, the HRM-Pro is the most advanced heart rate strap Garmin produces, although it’s probably of greater interest to those who already own Garmin products.
The MyZone MZ-Switch isn’t just a chest strap. The center sensor node features an ECG monitor as well as an optical sensor and pops out so it can be worn on the wrist like a smartwatch.
I used the Coros HRM for a few weeks to test. I did this across running and cycling mainly and mixed in longer steady trips out as well as hills and sprints to get a range of results. I compared using a wrist-worn Garmin, a chest strap and, at one point, an optical armband too. I used this with a few different apps to try out how the data could be used, shared and analyzed.
The Samsung 25W 10,000mAh Wireless Battery Pack is a power bank designed for charging Galaxy and other small devices.
It has quite a sleek design with an organic-looking finish, emphasized by the beige colorway of my unit, which is mottled for a pebble-like appearance. It also feels quite solid, although there is some flexing to the panels, so it isn’t the most rugged power bank around.
However, it’s pleasingly thin and light, and combined with the rounded edges at one end, this makes the Samsung 25W 10,000mAh Wireless Battery Pack relatively easy to carry around. However, it’s quite long, even for a wireless power bank, and many of the best power banks with similar power and capacity specs are smaller than this.
What also mars its seamless design is the hump of the wireless charging pad, although its soft material offers extra cushioning and grip for your device, and seems quite resistant to tears and scratches.
There’s no real interface to speak of on the Samsung 25W 10,000mAh Wireless Battery Pack. It features a single power button and five LED dots: one indicating charging activity and the other four representing battery life. These are placed at the end of the unit, next to the USB ports, and are large and bright enough to be seen clearly.
The wireless charging feature is capable of outputting 7.5W of power. It also features two USB-C ports, both of which serve as inputs and outputs. These offer Super Fast Charging, providing 25W of output power each when charging a single device.
Three-way charging is also supported when using both ports and the wireless pad, although the power output drops to 7.5W for all outputs in such cases. It’s also a shame that while charging, the battery life indicators don’t remain lit, so you can’t tell how much battery the Samsung 25W 10,000mAh Wireless Battery Pack has left without pressing the power button first, which is somewhat inconvenient.
It managed to wirelessly charge a Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, which has a 4,755mAh battery, from empty to full in about three and a half hours, which is quite a good performance. In the process, the Samsung 25W 10,000mAh Wireless Battery Pack lost all but one of its LED dots, indicating that it had between 5-20% left in reserve.
This is somewhat disappointing, since it means you’ll only get one full wireless charge out of it. What’s more, charging the bank itself from empty to full took over three hours, which isn’t particularly fast; other 10K power banks are faster at charging themselves than this.
The Samsung 25W 10,000mAh Wireless Battery Pack is reasonably priced considering its wireless charging capability and the inclusion of two USB-C ports for additional charging. However, there are other wireless chargers out there with smaller form factors that perform just as well, such as the Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K), which even includes a handy flip stand for propping up your phone.
Should I buy the Samsung 25W 10,000mAh Wireless Battery Pack Battery Pack?
Buy it if…
You want to charge multiple devices at the same time Thanks to the two USB-C ports and three-way charging support, you can charge all your small devices at the same time.
You want to charge wirelessly The wireless charging capability is quite good, and the soft pad is durable and provides plenty of stability.
Don't buy it if…
You want multiple charges With its 10,000mAh capacity, the Samsung 25W 10,000mAh Wireless Battery Pack won’t be enough for charging your phone more than once.
You want the best value There are cheaper power banks out there with similar specs, and sometimes with extra features to boot.
Samsung 25W 10,000mAh Wireless Battery Pack review: Also consider
Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K) If you’re looking for another power bank with wireless charging capabilities, then the MagGo Power Bank is a great choice, given its small dimensions and integrated stand. Although primarily designed for MagSafe iPhones (hence the name), it works with Android phones as well, although it won’t provide the same magnetic security. MagSafe cases are available for Android phones, but since these aren’t officially endorsed, there’s no guarantee they’ll work with MagSafe chargers. Read our full Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K) review.
I have not heard a lot about X-Chair before I found out about the X4 Executive Chair. I had heard of them as a company, but I haven't done any deep research into who they were or what they produced until this chair. So, I went into it pretty oblivious.
After spending a few minutes customizing what my dream chair would be, I saw the price and the features and thought, let's see if this is worth the money, or if this is an overpriced leather cushion as I have seen in the past. The only other research I did was to check where this nearly $1500 chair was in the line-up regarding other X-Chair offerings.
Surprisingly, this was not the flagship model but the one below. This made me all the more intrigued about how this chair would perform against the best office chairs I've tested - especially given the price-point puts it on par with the likes of the Branch Verve or Herman Miller's offerings.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
X-Chair X4 Leather Executive Chair: Pricing and Availability
The base model of this chair is retailing for $1428. But that price can be pushed up a whole lot more once you add extras, from headrest to heating and cooling pads.
My review unit clocks in at around $2052 in the Cognac leather variant, the X-HMT heat and massage, the headrest, the full rotational arms, the extended seat, the memory foam cushion, and the locking wheels.
You can buy this chair from online retailers like Amazon, as well as X-Chair's website by clicking here, and at the time of review, it's currently discounted by $345.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
X-Chair X4 Leather Executive Chair: Unboxing & first impressions
Even after the unboxing experience, this chair was surprisingly heavy. I was shocked at how heavy this box was when I carried it to my home office from my front step.
In the box, X-Chair sends the chair pieces, the proper assembly tools, and clear instructions for assembly. My setup also came with a power cable to recharge the heat/cool/massaging feature.
The Cognac colorway is a tad more orange than I expected, but then again, maybe that's just in comparison to the dark walnut wood in my office.
Overall, the assembly was straightforward, and I could enjoy this chair within about 38 minutes. Once I got everything together, I appreciated how beautiful this chair was. It's expensive because it's gorgeous and incredibly high-quality.
I chose the cognac because I love the lighter leather look. This one came out a bit oranger than expected, but it is still absolutely beautiful. The stitching and leather quality are spectacular, and the frame is rigid and clean.
This chair feels premium all around, even at the connection points. It feels like it will last a lifetime and is a flagship premium chair. If nothing else, you'll feel like you're getting what you paid for.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
X-Chair X4 Leather Executive Chair: In use
This chair is interesting; I don't know if it's that the Dynamic Lumbar support took a bit to get used to or if it's because I've been in a season of working out of a lot of cafes in terrible chairs, but this chair took me a minute to get used to. Once I dialed in the tension, armrest locations, and other features, I found that I enjoyed the chair. It's comfortable for long periods, the lumbar support holds me in all the right places, and the recline is smooth and comfortable.
The features I was most excited about though are the heating, cooling, and massaging element. This little section is rechargeable with a barrel connector that has a long cable to a USB-A plug. The battery lasts a pretty decent amount of time before needing a recharge too which is great. The massaging feature is much more prominent than I expected it to be, I expected a slight vibration, but it actually does feel like a small massage for my lower back.
Same with the heating and cooling features. I thought that I would barely be able to notice these temperature changes, but in reality I could absolutely tell the heat, it even got a bit too warm for me, and the cool was excellent, especially for me since I usually run a bit warm to start with.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
I've used this chair at my secondary workstation for 159 days as of the time of writing this paragraph. So far, there have been zero issues with any of the components, it's still as clean and beautiful as the day I first got the chair, and I still love it to this day.
It's for sure a very expensive chair. However, if your budget is pretty extreme, or if you are simply looking for a fantastic office chair with some great features and the cost does not matter, then this is a fantastic option for you to look at. It's great, it's pretty customizable, and it should last you quite some time. In line with a lot of premium chairs, the frame itself has a 15-year warranty.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design
Beautiful, professional design
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of use
Easy to utilize
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Practicality
Bougie, but brilliant
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price
Hefty price for an impressive chair
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
X-Chair X4 Leather Executive Chair: Final verdict
The X-Chair X4 Leather Executive Chair is a robust, beautiful, and feature-packed office chair for those looking for a chair that offers beautiful leather combined with ergonomic comfort and fun features like heated, cooled, and massaging lower backs. The frame is sturdy, it can hold a lot of weight, and it's a chair that you'll love to have your friends, family, and co-workers test out on off hours while you enjoy the comforts during business hours.
The Anker 20K 87W power bank has a large capacity and power output, as well as an inbuilt USB-C cable for ease of use. It’s a sleek-looking brick, although it’s quite big. Thankfully, it’s not too thick or too heavy, both of which help to make it more portable than it otherwise would be.
It features a small screen that displays the battery life as a percentage, which is bright and clear, making it easy to glance at. There’s also a relatively large power button next to it, which is very accessible owing to its size.
True to many of Anker’s products, it feels solidly constructed, equal in durability to the best power banks. This extends to the inbuilt USB-C cable, which Anker claims has 11lbs of pulling resistance, and is rated for over 10,000 bends and 5,000 twists during its lifetime.
It folds away neatly, sitting flush with the side panel, and it also feels secure in this housing, so I wasn’t concerned it would come loose or expose the jack to damage. What’s more, the cable is still easy to unsheathe when needed.
However, it isn’t that long, which, given the overall size of the bank itself, can make it a little awkward to use. It also has to be twisted around when connecting to devices in a way that feels unnatural, since the cable is flat rather than cylindrical.
In addition to this integrated cable, the Anker 20,000mAh 87W Power Bank also features a USB-C port, which is capable of input and output (as is the cable), and a USB-A port, which is output only.
The Anker 20,000mAh 87W Power Bank provides 87W of power in total, with a maximum of 65W for single-port charging, which is more than enough to charge large devices, including many modern laptops. It managed to charge my Google Pixel 7a, which has a 4,385mAh battery, in about two hours, which is respectable.
In the process, it lost 30% of its battery life, which means you should be able to get at least three charges out of it, which is acceptable, although some other 20,000mAh banks I’ve tested previously appear to retain slightly more in the tank than this.
Still, the Anker 20,000mAh 87W Power Bank is reasonably priced considering its high power output, build quality, and integrated cable. However, it might not represent great value unless you intend on charging very power-hunger devices; even many modern laptops don’t need 65W to charge quickly. But, if you do, the Anker 20,000mAh 87W Power Bank is a very solid portable and convenient option.
(Image credit: Future)
Anker 20,000mAh 87W Power Bank: price & specs
Price
$69.99 / £49.99 / AU$119.99
Capacity
20,000mAh
Total wattage
87W
Number of ports
3
USB-C
2 (1 x inbuilt cable)
USB-A
1
Wireless charging
No
Weight
15.5oz / 439g
Power-to-weight
46mAh/g
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Anker 20,000mAh 87W Power Bank?
Buy it if…
You want plenty of power 87W is a lot of power, meaning you should be able to charge many laptops and other similarly sized devices comfortably.
You want a solid build The Anker 20,000mAh 87W Power Bank certainly feels durable, and even the housing for the integrated cable seems to offer plenty of security.
Don't buy it if…
You want something small The Anker 20,000mAh 87W Power Bank is a sizable unit, and although it’s admirably thin, there are smaller 20K power banks out there.
You don’t need all that power The 87W total power is probably too much for many, and even the 65W single-charging capability is overkill for many modern laptops.
Anker 20,000mAh 87W Power Bank review: Also consider
INIU P51L-E1 If you’re looking for a bank with the same capacity as the Anker 20,000mAh 87W Power Bank but in a much smaller package, the INIU P51L-E1 could be the ideal solution. It too features a built-in USB-C cable, but also includes a flashlight for even better practicality. However, it has a lot less power (22.5W), so it’s really only suitable for devices no bigger than iPads and the like. Read our full INIU P51L-E1 review.
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 is a 2-in-1 Chromebook with a small form factor for easy portability. It’s this miniature size that first strikes the eye, followed by the sleek and minimal design. It also has a sturdy construction, although it’s thicker and heavier than you might expect. Regardless, the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 is still easy to carry around.
Opening up the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 further reveals its high level of engineering. The hinge mechanism, for instance, is silky smooth to operate yet provides plenty of stability.
Of course, as you may have guessed from its name, the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 is convertible, so you can flip the screen all the way back and use it as a tablet. However, this isn’t ideal, as the aforementioned heft prevents this from being practical for extended periods. It does much better, though, when tented upside down on a desk, as you can still operate it via the touchscreen, but without being burdened by the weight.
When it comes to performance, there are some disappointments. The specs of the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 are rather middling compared to the best Chromebooks, which means that multitasking and even moderate gaming can be a stretch for it. Thankfully, it does much better at light productivity and playing back video content.
The 12.4 inch display I had in my review unit was glorious, rendering images and scenes vividly and with plenty of brightness. The 2560 x 1600 resolution also provides stunning clarity, as does the high gloss finish.
However, the latter aspect can cause prominent reflections, and the contrast can be too high. However, these drawbacks aren’t persistent or egregious, and they didn’t ruin the overall experience for me.
The touchscreen is very responsive and easy to use, as is the trackpad and keyboard. I could type accurately thanks to the generous spacing of the keys, which is impressive when you consider the small form factor of the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360. They’re also very tactile for Chromebook keys.
The Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 sits at the mid-to-high end of the market in terms of pricing, which may seem unjustified given its performance is lacking in certain departments, especially when compared to Windows or Mac laptops. However, that small and sublime build, combined with the exquisite display, might just be enough to win you over.
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 review: Price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
$429.99 / £419 / AU$707
Available now
Higher end of the market
The Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 costs $429.99 / £419 / AU$707 and is available now. However, we have seen it on sale for considerably less. It can be configured with either 32GB or 64GB of storage, and various screen sizes are available, although only one colorway is offered.
This is a good price for a convertible and expertly crafted Chromebook. However, the CPU and RAM it’s equipped with are on the weaker side, but the performance is still capable enough.
It’s still quite a lot more expensive than the Acer Spin 314 Chromebook, though, which is one of our favorite models. This has more storage and a much better battery life than the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360, although its resolution isn’t as high, and we found it can get quite hot when processing strenuous workloads – but these were about the only drawbacks we could find with it.
Value: 4 / 5
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 review: Specs
My Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 review unit was configured with a 12.4-inch display and 64GB of storage.
Price
$429.99 / £419 / AU$707
CPU
Intel Celeron N4500 1.10GHz (2 threads, 2.80GHz)
Graphics
Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics
RAM
4GB LPDDR4x
Screen
12.4-inch WQXGA LED Display (2560 x 1600), Touch
Storage
64GB e.MMC
Ports
1x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 1x microSD, 1x 3.5mm audio
Wireless
Wi-Fi 6, LTE (Option), Bluetooth v5.1
Camera
HD 720p / 8MP
Weight
2.82lbs (1.28kg)
Dimensions
11.3 x 8.1 x 0.7 inches (28.8 x 20.7 x 1.7cm)
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 review: Design
(Image credit: Future)
Looks premium
Heavier than expected
Great hinge mechanism
The design of the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 is a notable step up from the usual budget fare of many Chromebooks. It looks very sleek, especially in the light grey colorway, and its metal-looking imparts a premium appearance that rivals even some of the best laptops around.
Every dimension is almost completely flat, save from the most minimal of protrusions of the power and volume buttons on either side. Even the underside is free from unsightly vents or etchings, and the four rubber feet are very small and thin, which also makes it easier to slide the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 into your bag.
Despite appearances, however, the unit is made from plastic, not metal, and as a result the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 doesn’t feel quite as premium as it looks. It’s still well-made, and Samsung even markets the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 as a tough device, with its spill-resistant keyboard and ability to withstand light drops.
The downside is that it’s thicker and heavier than its small form factor might lead you to believe. This is a minor disappointment from a portability perspective, although it’s still easy to carry around.
Flipping open the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 and positioning the screen at different angles is easy, thanks to the silky smooth hinge mechanism. There’s a small amount of wobble after making adjustments, but this isn’t concerning and it remains perfectly stable in use.
The screen can also rotate all the back to 360 degrees, letting you use the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 as a tablet. This works well to an extent, although the aforementioned thickness and weight means this mode isn’t practical for long periods, and isn’t a match for the best tablets in this regard. However, it works much better when you rotate the screen by about 315 degrees instead, flip it upside down, and tent it on a desk.
The keyboard is also well made, although it feels less premium than the rest of the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360, since the keys have a scratchy texture that doesn’t feel the most pleasant to touch. However, they operate very well, and despite the small layout, they’re generously spaced apart. There’s also a good selection of keys available, including various ChromeOS shortcuts on the top row, arrow keys and a long enter key.
The trackpad falls more in line with the overall standard of the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360. It’s quite small but reasonably wide and feels very smooth to the touch, making it easy to operate.
These are the results of our benchmarking tests for the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360:
TechRadar Battery Life Test: 6 hours and 30 minutes Jetstream2 Benchmark: 108.216 Kraken Benchmark: 1298.6ms Speedometer 3.0: 4.79 (±0.23)
The Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 features an Intel Celeron N4500 1.10GHz CPU and 4GB RAM, neither of which are particularly promising in terms of performance, even by Chromebook standards.
It can handle light tasks, from entertainment to general productivity, but it can come somewhat unstuck even when reasonable demands are made of it. For instance, switching between various windows isn’t always the smoothest experience, and I did experience some stuttering when loading pages and navigating between multiple tabs in Chrome, despite not having an excessive amount open.
Light productivity work is also subject to small amounts of lag on occasion, although for word processing and spreadsheet editing, the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 is still capable enough to be usable without frustration.
When it comes to gaming, the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 is even less impressive. Playing Asphalt Legends Units was a slow and stutter-ridden experience, even on moderate graphical settings.
However, it was much more competent when streaming video content, with 4K videos loading quickly and playing without buffering midway. The viewing experience is further enhanced by the excellent display of the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360.
The WQXGA resolution is very welcome on a Chromebook device, and even more so on a display this small, since the crispness and sharpness is more apparent. This benefits not just video content, but also general navigation and productivity, since the whole UI is rendered with brilliant clarity.
Colors are vivid and there’s plenty of brightness on offer too, both of which mean the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 is immune to the washed-out look that some Chromebook displays suffer from.
(Image credit: Future)
However, the contrast can be a little too strong, which creates a more garish image at times. What’s more, the screen is very glossy, which, while radiant, is prone to heavy reflections. This is more noticeable at lower brightness settings, but thankfully it didn’t ruin my viewing experiences completely – although there were certainly occasions when it was less than ideal.
This high shine also means that finger marks are highlighted more than I would’ve liked, so you’ll likely want to have a cloth to hand if you’re using the touchscreen frequently.
Thankfully, the touchscreen performs excellently: it’s responsive and smooth, which makes navigation and gesturing easy. It’s also great for doodling and creating signatures, although it’s a shame no stylus is included to unleash its full potential in this regard.
The Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 is a joy to type on, with the aforementioned spacing of the keys helping me to achieve greater accuracy. They also have a surprising amount of depth to their travel, which makes them feel more tactile.
The trackpad is pleasant to use as well, despite its relatively small size. Cursor movements are incredibly smooth, and, as with the touchscreen, it’s responsive to the various gestures you can perform.
As for audio, the integrated speakers on the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 are sufficient for clear, distortion-free listening; however, as you might expect, they lack low-end depth. I wouldn’t recommend them for listening to music, but for the odd podcast or YouTube video, they fit the bill.
Performance score: 3.5 / 5
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 review: Battery life
(Image credit: Future)
The battery life of the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 isn’t terribly impressive. During our TechRadar test, where we play a video on a continuous loop, it managed to last six and a half hours. This is considerably down on the Acer Chromebook Spin 314 (2023), our current pick as the best Chromebook overall, which managed over ten hours.
Still, it did better than the Acer Chromebook Plus 515, which we rate as the best student Chromebook, as this managed just over five hours. What’s more, charging the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 is reassuringly quick, as it took just just over two hours to fully replenish from empty.
Battery life: 3 / 5
Should I buy the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360?
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Price
The Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 verges towards the higher end of the Chromebook market, but its design and screen are class-leading.
4 / 5
Design
Small, good-looking, and well-made, the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 puts many other Chromebooks to shame.
4.5 / 5
Performance
The Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 is capable enough, but serious multitasking and gaming are beyond its means. The display is excellent, though.
3.5 / 5
Battery life
The Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 is on the lower end of the longevity spectrum, and didn’t perform terribly well in our battery test.
3 / 5
Total Score
The excellent design and display of the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 are great, but don’t expect blistering multitasking or gaming performance. If you want a small device to do some light work and watch content, it could be the ideal choice.
4 / 5
Buy it if...
You want a high resolution For a Chromebook, the display is very impressive, looking sharper than most.
You want a great design The Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 is small and elegant, as well as being surprisingly sturdy and easy to move around.
Don't buy it if...
You want to use it as a tablet Despite its convertible capabilities, it’s a little too thick and heavy to be used in tablet mode for long periods.
You want a serious multitasker With only 4GB of RAM, the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 can struggle even with basic multitasking at times. Gaming performance is also lackluster.
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 review: Also consider
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360
Acer Chromebook Spin 314
Acer Chromebook Plus 515
Price
$429.99 / £419 / AU$707
$380 / £329 (around AU$661)
$399.99 / £399.99 (around AU$633)
CPU
Intel Celeron N4500 1.10GHz (2 threads, 2.80GHz)
Intel Pentium N6000 Processor
Intel Core i3-1215U
Graphics
Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics
Intel shared graphics
Intel UHD Graphics
RAM
4GB LPDDR4x
4GB DDR4
8GB
Screen
12.4-inch WQXGA LED Display (2560 x 1600), Touch
14-inch Full HD 1920 x 1080p
15.6-inch full HD (1920x1080) display with IPS, 16:9 aspect ratio
Storage
64GB e.MMC
128GB eMMC
128GB
Ports
1x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 1x microSD, 1x 3.5mm audio
USB Type-C x 2, USB 3.1 x 1 , HDMI x 1
1x Type-A USB port, 2x Type-C ports, 1x HDMI port, and 1x headset jack
Wireless
Wi-Fi 6, LTE (Option), Bluetooth v5.1
Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6E AX211, Bluetooth 5.1
Camera
HD 720p / 8MP
720p webcam
1080p HD video at 60 fps
Weight
2.82lbs (1.28kg)
3.42lbs (1.55kg)
3.7lbs (1.68 kg)
Dimensions
11.3 x 8.1 x 0.7 inches (28.8 x 20.7 x 1.7cm)
26.5 x 326 x 227mm
14.2 x 9.39 x 0.79 inches (360.6 x 238.5 x 19.99 mm; W x D x H)
If the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 doesn't seem right for you, here are some alternatives:
Acer Chromebook Spin 314 (2023) As the best Chromebook around in our view, the Acer Chromebook Spin 314 does most things well. It’s a capable performer and has a great battery life, making it a great choice for all kinds of users. It’s also convertible like the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360, but cheaper by a not inconsiderable amount. Read our full Acer Chromebook Spin 314 (2023) review.
Acer Chromebook Plus 515 If you want a device for productivity, look no further than the Acer Chromebook Plus 515. We found it great for multitasking and even for gaming, while the display and speakers also impressed us. Like the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360, though, it doesn’t have a great battery life. Read our full Acer Chromebook Plus 515 review.
How I tested the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360
Tested for full day
Ran benchmark tests
Experienced Chromebook reviewer
I tested the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 for a full day, during which time I used it for general browsing, working, and gaming.
I also put it through TechRadar’s battery test for laptops and Chromebooks, which involves playing back a 1080p movie on a continuous loop. I also ran various benchmark tests to further assess its performance.
I have reviewed numerous laptops and Chromebooks in the past, including other Samsung models. These have ranged in price, form factors, and specs, so I am well versed in the wider portable computer market and know how the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 stacks up to the competition.
Sony's lens department is on a roll. Its superb FE 85mm F1.4 GM II bagged our 2024 lens of the year award; the recent FE 28-70mm F2 GM picked up a five-star rating; and now we have the FE 50-150mm F2 GM, which is the world's first telephoto zoom with consistent f/2 maximum aperture – and it's another stunning flagship optic.
However, following extended use, I'm convinced the 50-150mm is probably the single most versatile lens for the type of photography I often do – events, grass-roots sports, weddings, candids – and it's easily one of the best Sony lenses ever.
The 50-150mm lens is part of Sony's professional G Master (GM) range, which means handling, durability, autofocus performance and optical quality are all top-drawer. Add its bag-of-primes-in-one-lens credentials, and the result is an eye-watering list price.
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
The real kicker, though, is the 50-150mm's heft – it weighs a wrist-tugging 1,340g. It was fine over the course of a soccer match, but all day at a wedding would be a proper workout. It's chunky, too, measuring 102.8 x 200mm – that's a particularly big diameter that will stretch the compartments of a regular camera bag.
Having what is effectively several fast aperture primes in one versatile optic makes sense for a certain type of user. It's the telephoto zoom flexibility and bright maximum f/2 aperture at any focal length that make the 50-150mm the goat for events photography, where speed, low-light performance, rapid autofocus, pin-sharp detail, shallow depth of field and buttery bokeh are needs, not wants. The 50-150mm ranks highly across the board.
Before the 50-150mm lens was announced, my go-to lens combination for events was a 24-70mm f/2.8 and a 135mm f/1.8. However, having put Sony's impressive telephoto zoom through its paces, I'm now reconsidering this setup – and even the camera system I've spent years building up. I can't think of any higher praise for a lens.
Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM: specs
Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM specs
Type:
Standard to telephoto zoom
Mount:
Sony E-mount
Sensor:
Full-frame
Focal length:
50-150mm
Max aperture:
f/2
Minimum focus:
0.4(W)-0.74(T) m / 1.32(W)-2.43(T) ft
Filter size:
95mm
Dimensions:
102.8 x 200mm (4-1/8 x 7-7/8 in)
Weight:
47.3oz / 1,340g (excluding tripod mount)
Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM: price and availability
$3,899 / £3,799 / AU$6,799
Available for pre-order
Beyond its size and weight, if there's one thing that the FE 50-150mm F2 GM lens has going against it, it's the list price – which at the best part of $4,000 / £4,000 / AU$7,000, is eye-watering.
To put that into context, you could pick up both Sony's 24-70mm F2.8 and 135mm F1.8 G Master lenses and have change left over – or, for a little extra, the 24-70mm with Sony's 70-200mm F2.8 GM II.
Put simply, you have to really need the maximum f/2 aperture over f/2.8 to justify the extra outlay, and to put up with that extra weight. I'll get onto the benefits of the brighter aperture later in the reivew.
Naturally, the 50-150mm lens is billed as an ideal pairing with the 28-70mm F2 to cover a huge range of scenarios that would otherwise require an army of primes. I actually think the 50-150mm is the more compelling of the two f/2 lenses.
I'd happily pick up the 50-150mm and a wide prime such as the (cheaper) 24mm F1.4GM instead of the 28-70mm to cover the times when the telephoto zoom isn't wide enough – I'm not sure 28mm is wide enough for me.
Sony announced the 50-150mm lens in April, and at the time of writing it's available for pre-order, with the anticipated sales start date some time in June, 2025.
Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM: Design
Big and heavy
Robust, weather-sealed build
Internal zoom and focusing
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(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
The bigger the maximum aperture, the bigger the lens, so it should come as no surprise that the Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM is a substantial optic – a cumbersome 47.3oz / 1,340g, excluding the tripod mount.
For context, Sony's second-generation 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II lens weighs 36.9oz / 1,045g – that's 20-25% lighter. The pair are identical in length, measuring 200mm, but the diameter of the 50-150mm lens is wider at 102.8mm.
Such is the diameter of the lens, I found it struggled to fit into the padded dividers of numerous camera bags, requiring a reconfiguration of the dividers in most instances. Naturally, the 50-150mm lens' filter thread is bigger than most, too, accepting pricey 95mm lens filters.
Paired with the a7R V, I felt the combination was a little front-heavy and wished for Sony's vertical grip, which would make for a more comfortable setup. Without the grip, I happily photographed a soccer match, while supporting the lens with my second hand.
I would hesitate using the lens for weddings, but the action on such days can be in bursts, so weight might not be an issue. For lengthier, sustained shoots, the 50-150mm isn't too far off the size and weight of pro lenses benefiting from a monopod support.
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(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
The handling of the lens is otherwise superb – every G Master lens I've tested is. Here, in the same mould of the FE 28-70mm F2 GM, you get a full complement of controls; rings for focus, zoom and aperture; plus customizable focus hold buttons, AF/MF, iris (aperture) lock and full time DMF switches – the latter lets you manually override autofocus.
However, optical stabilization is absent, which I find a little surprising. More on this later.
Aperture can be changed on the lens through smooth or clicked adjustments. In general, photographers opt for the tactile clicked feedback, while videographers prefer the smooth movement through f-stops, for whom the ridged ring will be compatible with follow-focus systems.
Zoom is internal, which means the lens barrel remains the same length whatever the focal length. That's one less point of potential weakness in this a fully weather-sealed lens built to withstand the rigors of professional use and inclement weather.
Put simply, no corners have been cut here – this is a top-quality lens. I'd just advise getting hands-on before you buy to check that its size and weight work for you.
Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM: Performance
Fast f/2 maximum aperture at every focal length
Strong center sharpness across the zoom range
Four XD linear motors for rapid, accurate autofocus
In many respects, the FE 50-150mm F2 GM lens is a copy and paste of the superlative FE 28-70mm F2 GM – it's also equipped with four XD linear motors that drive autofocus. Together, these motors make light work of the sizable lens elements, for a truly rapid, reliable and remarkably quiet autofocus.
Autofocus speed and accuracy are paramount for high-pressure events and sports photography, and I've been consistently impressed by the 50-150mm. This is especially the case with the a7R V's subject-tracking capabilities – when shooting grass-roots soccer, in particular. There isn't the slightest hint of hesitation.
As mentioned, what's missing is optical stabilization (OIS). However, Sony's flagship mirrorless cameras, which are the natural choice for such a lens, are equipped with in-body image stabilization (IBIS). Armed with IBIS and the bright maximum f/2 aperture, I haven't given OIS a second thought.
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The maximum f/2 aperture, at 150mm (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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The same shot, but at f/2.8 aperture. See how much smaller the background bokeh is by comparison to f/2 (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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The same shot again, with aperture further reduced to f/4 (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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And one last time, at f/5.6 (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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Bokeh is clean and smooth with the lens set to 150mm f/2, even if there's a catseye shaping (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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The maximum f/2 aperture again (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Like the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM, the FE 50-150mm F2 GM delivers incredible image quality across the board. And of the two, it's the telephoto option that enhances the maximum f/2 aperture with smooth focus fall-off and buttery-smooth bokeh, even if its shaping can be cat's eye.
The series of the same image, above, is shot in sequence with the aperture set to f/2, f/2.8. f/4 and f5.6. Bokeh at f/2 is notably bigger and smoother than f/2.8 – that's one of the reasons to splash out on a bright aperture lens.
A difference of one stop between f/2 and f/2.8 lenses might not sound like much, but bokeh is much bigger at f/2, and you're gathering an extra stop of light that's supremely useful in low light – as is often the case in professional work.
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Lens set to 150mm focal length and f/2 aperture (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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Lens set to 150mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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A similar composition but with the lens set to the widest 50mm focal length, with f/2 aperture. See how different the images look – and just how the telephoto setting accentuates bokeh (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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A similar composition but with the lens set to the widest 50mm focal length, with f/2.8 aperture (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
The 50-150mm's qualities aren't all about bokeh, either – the lens is consistently sharp from center to edges across the zoom range and aperture settings, besides the natural focus fall off when shooting at wider apertures with shallow depth of field.
Having shot all pictures during my test in RAW and JPEG, I further assessed quality through Adobe Camera Raw by directly comparing like-for-like files, keen to know the extent of in-camera correction at play.
Minor pin-cushion distortion across the entire zoom range surprised me – I'd normally expect it just at the telephoto end of this zoom range, not at 50mm. JPEGs are notably sharper than in RAW, too. Still, neither pin-cushion distortion nor relative lens softness are an issue – corrected RAW images are spectacular.
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With the lens set to 150mm, I wasn't really close even to the action from the sidelines. However, with 61MP to play with, I can crop in for the following composition. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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That's much better. And the resolution was still an entirely usable 27MP. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
As for vignetting and color fringing, both are kept under tight control, as are ghosting and flare artifacts when shooting into direct sunlight. Optically, the 50-150mm F2 GM is pretty much flawless, save for easily corrected pin-cushion distortion.
When pairing the lens with a high-resolution full-frame sensor, like I did with the 61MP Sony a7R V, there's no trouble cropping in on stills to effectively further extend reach. I shot a solid set of soccer images, capturing players across the pitch largely from one position on the touchline with the 50-150mm lens.
And it's this cropping flexibility that has convinced me the 50-150mm's wider focal length is much more versatile than 70-200mm.
Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM: sample images
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f/2 – notice minor vignetting (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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f/5.6 – vignetting is basically gone (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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150mm (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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150mm f/2 - (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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50mm f/2 (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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150mm is actually a decent focal length for grassroots sport, especially if you can crop in a little (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
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(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Should you buy the Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM?
Buy it if...
You shoot events photography
For weddings and other events, the 50-150mm F2 offers a versatile zoom range and maximum aperture combination. Depending on the assignment, it could be the only lens you need.
You want top quality performance
Packing prime lens quality and bright aperture versatility, together with snappy autofocus, the 50-150mm doesn't skip a beat.
You need a robust lens
Heavy and big it may be, but the 50-150mm is a superbly built lens that will withstand the rigors of demanding professional use.
Don't buy it if...
You know your focal length
Designed to do the job of several primes, the 50-150mm is overkill for users who usually stick to a specific focal length. If this is you, you'll find a cheaper and smaller alternative prime.
You want a lightweight zoom
If the maximum f/2 aperture is overkill for your work, Sony also offers f/2.8 and f/4 zooms that are both smaller and much cheaper.
How I tested the Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM
I had the lens and the Sony a7R V camera for a three-week loan
I've shot portraits, sports and more
I've also taken multiple series of identical images with the lens at different settings
I had a decent length of time with the Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM lens – almost a month, during which time I was able to test it in multiple scenarios, including sports and for portraits.
Sony loaned me the a7R V to pair the lens with. With the camera's 61MP sensor and superb autofocus, the lens has felt even more versatile – giving greater scope for cropping into images such as distant players in football (soccer) match.
To really show the benefit of the f/2 aperture, I have made sure to use it regularly, and to take like-for-like images at different apertures to compare handling and quality.
