The Beelink SER9 HX-370 mini PC is one of a new generation of mini PCs that pack larger desktop performance into a small form factor. This model has been designed around AI applications, with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX-370 processor at its heart with the processor boasting an impressive 12 cores and 24 threads. On paper, this all looks impressive, but it's only when you power up Adobe's Premiere Pro that you start to see just how well-equipped this new technology is for handling heavy computing tasks. The onboard Radeon RX Vega 8 graphics provides plenty of graphics processing for creative work, but even with the heft of the processor, the latest games, while smooth, lack some of the punch and smoothness of visuals that you expect from a larger system.
While small, the SER9 HX-370 still offers plenty of options when it comes to connectivity, including Wi-Fi 6E and a good selection of USB 3.2 ports, although some are a little dated. For both creative and office workers, the fact that it also supports three 4K displays via HDMI 2.1, DP and USB4 makes it a great choice if screen real estate is important.
The CPU and GPU are well specified for a mini PC and the power that the supply is boosted by the inclusion of a new generation AMD XDNA 2 NPU that introduces AI acceleration. This NPU chip can be used by applications designed for use with AI as well as enabling machine learning and deep learning tasks. So if you want to delve into the world of TensorFlow or a similar platform, this could be a great starting point.
The SER9 HX-370 has many appealing features considering its small size; however, the features and performance come at a premium. The price is at the higher end for the best mini PCs we've reviewed, and the form factor will, of course, limit future upgrade options.
Beelink SER9 HX-370: Price and availability
How much does it cost? $1249
When is it out? Now
Where can you get it? Widely available
The Beelink SER9 HX-370 is priced at $999 and $1,249, depending on the choice of internal SSD (500GB or 1TB SSD). It’s available directly from Beelink’s website by clicking here and through online retailers.
Value: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Beelink SER9 HX-370: Specs
Beelink SER9 HX-370: Design
The Beelink SER9 HX-370 measures just 136mm x 136mm x 50mm, and despite its premium build, high-end processor, and features, its sleek, high-quality design is somewhat understated. A close inspection of the exterior reveals that the main all-metal case is elegantly designed, providing an instant premium feel. The weight, at 819g, while not heavy by any standards, is a bit more substantial than your average mini PC.
The casing — front, sides, and top — is made from a single piece of metal, with the base and back constructed from grey plastic, all of which is well finished and gives the impression that the device is robust enough to handle transport without issue. The exterior not only protects the internal components but also integrates with the internal cooling system. With large vents across the back and an aerated base, it's obvious the casing has been engineered to manage the high-performance internal processor and components.
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Like many high-performance mini PCs, there are plenty of connectivity options. Across the front of the machine, there's the small power button, CLR CMOS, 3.5mm audio jack, USB Type-C 10Gbps, and a surprising addition: a row of four small holes, which are part of a dedicated microphone array. Around the back, there’s the DC input, USB4 40Gbps, HDMI 2.1 4K 120Hz, 3.5mm audio, USB 2.0 480Mbps, DP 1.4 4K 120Hz, LAN 2.5G, another USB 2.0 480Mbps, and a USB 3.2 10Gbps.
It’s actually a bit surprising for a model that packs in premium features to hold back on some connectivity options, especially with only a single USB4 port, which limits you to a single ultra-fast storage option and as it stands even with this single USB4 port the machine itsefl isn't optimsed for use with an eGPU.
Design: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Beelink SER9 HX-370: Features
While mini PCs are, by their very nature, compact, the number of features they can pack into their small forms is often impressive. Leading the features for the SER9 is the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX370 Processor, which uses AMD’s latest Zen 5 architecture, with a 12-core, 24-thread setup. What distinguishes this CPU is that it has been optimized for AI-driven tasks and applications. It also features a max boost clock of 5.1 GHz, making it an ideal choice for creative work where intense processing of graphics, images, and video is crucial.
The AI acceleration for the CPU comes via the NPU, a dedicated Neural Processing Unit AMD XDNA 2 NPU, which delivers 80 AI TOPS. For applications able to leverage AI-enhanced workloads, there’s a noticeable boost in performance over more traditional processing, as we've seen with Adobe apps and the advancements in video editing, 3D design, and processing.
As standard, the machine comes with 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM, clocked at 7500MHz, which should suffice for most tasks. Unlike most mini PCs, however, this RAM is integrated and cannot be upgraded.
Regarding graphics, the Ryzen CPU is paired with an AMD Radeon 890M, featuring 16 Compute Units and a clock speed of 2900MHz. This GPU is more than sufficient for most creative and high-intensity applications, but gamers may find it a little limiting. While the SER9 does have a USB4 port, it is not optimized for use with an eGPU, so the internal graphics will likely be the best option available.
In terms of storage, this is an area where the SER9 really stands out compared to other mini PCs. While you can attach ultra-fast external SSDs, there are two PCIe 4.0 x4 slots for SSD storage, supporting up to 8TB of internal storage. Our review version included a 1TB Crucial PCIe SSD, which proved to be extremely fast.
As with most high-performance mini PCs, internal cooling is a significant consideration. Beelink has designed the MSC2.0 cooling system, which uses a vapor chamber, a silent fan, and an SSD heatsink to manage the temperatures that can rise under heavy workloads.
When it comes to display options, the SER9 is capable of using one or all three different display port options to support up to three 4K displays. These options are HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and the USB4 ports. For connectivity, aside from the 2.5Gb wired LAN connection, the system features Wi-Fi 6 (Intel AX200) and Bluetooth 5.2.
On the audio side, there are two 3.5mm audio ports, one on the front and another on the back for headphone or a mic. Interestingly there are also built-in dual speakers which is again an unusual option for this type of mini PC. Another interesting, and quite unique audio feature are the front-facing microphones. These enable AI-powered voice interaction, providing smart audio pickup for voice command recognition for different tasks.
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Features: 4.5 / 5
Beelink SER9 HX-370: Performance
The SER9 HX-370 is a high-performance mini PC, and that's evident from the outset, with Microsoft Office apps and using Google Docs through the browser, all running at speed with no slowdown or issues. This machine definitely has processing power, and as you switch between applications, that speed really becomes apparent.
Benchmark results show that the Beelink SER9 HX-370 offers solid all-round performance for office tasks, creative work, and some gaming, thanks to the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX370 processor, 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and integrated AMD Radeon 890M graphics.
In everyday tasks, the machine's performance was reflected in the benchmarks, with a Geekbench CPU Single score of 14,728 and a PCMark score of 7,205. These scores reflect well with the real world use of applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Docs (Through Chrome).
For creative applications like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, the machine easily handled multiple RAW files from the Sony A7 IV and Canon EOS R5 C, with this performance again reflected in the Geekbench Compute score of 42,770. Switching to Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve for some 4K video editing, the machine again impressed with speed, although the 1TB SSD was a little small and a Samsung EVO T5 was used to expand on the capacity through the USB4 port. However, there was also the option to upgrade the internal storage to an impressive 8 TB, which again is quite a unique feature for a machine of this size. The easy handling of video editing was reflected in the Cinebench CPU Multi score of 21,718 and Cinebench CPU Single score of 2,045.
To truly test the performance, a few games were tried, including Hogwarts Legacy, Tekken 8, and Red Dead Redemption 2. Again, the small machine impressed, although it's unfortunate that the system hasn't been optimised for use with an external GPU. Still, with the AMD Radeon RX Vega 8, performance was impressive, with all games running smoothly, though some slight reductions in quality settings to around medium were necessary. The 3DMark scores (Fire Strike Graphics: 10,256, Time Spy Graphics: 3,666, Fire Strike Overall: 9,384, and Wild Life: 23,206) all reflect the system’s solid gaming performance.
Another point to note on the performance is the speed of the internal SSD. In the benchmark test using CrystalDiskMark, the score showed read/write speeds of 5175.50 MB/s and 4751.30 MB/s. This is extremely fast and ideal for any application that requires high speed disk access.
Overall, the performance of the Beelink SER9 HX-370 is impressive, easily handling office applications and taking on processor-intensive creative tasks. While the machine was able to handle gaming smoothly, the best gameplay was achieved with medium graphic settings, but for a mini PC, this is extremely impressive.
Performance: 5 / 5
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Beelink SER9 HX-370: Final verdict
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
The Beelink SER9 HX-370 is a powerful mini PC that combines compact size with desktop-level performance. Ideal for gaming, creative applications, and heavy multitasking, it offers exceptional value for its price. While its gamer-centric design might not appeal to everyone, its performance and versatility make it a standout choice.
Gtech Orca cordless hard floor cleaner: two-minute review
UK-founded Gtech produces a range of excellent cordless products, from power tools and garden gear to vacuum cleaners and, in this instance, the company’s first ever cordless wet-and-dry hard floor cleaner.
The Gtech Orca Hard Floor Cleaner is only available in white and it’s the perfect partner to the superb Gtech AirRAM 3 cordless upright vacuum cleaner I have already reviewed. With its neat styling and very discrete charging base/self-cleaning plinth, the Orca looks smart enough to be stored somewhere practical rather than having to be hidden away behind closed doors.
Like many of today's best wet-dry vacuum cleaners, the Orca offers a balance of wet mopping and light vacuuming, making it a very decent choice for households with extensive hard flooring. While it might not be as thorough as a standard mop and bucket or have as many bells-and-whistles as some premium models on the market, I can guarantee that it will save you loads of time and hassle when it comes to disappearing large liquid spills of almost any variety, including the kind of stuff you would absolutely not want to tackle with a roll of paper towels.
Granted, there are one or two design anomalies that I would like to see improved on subsequent models but when it comes to performance, this one is well up there with the best of the competition. If you’re looking for an efficient hard floor cleaner that saves a ton of time and effort, the Gtech Orca is well worth a punt.
Gtech Orca review: price & availability
Price: £349.99
Launched: June 2024
Available: UK only
The Gtech Orca’s £350 price tag comfortably reflects its slew of features like cordless operation, dual water tanks and motorised roller for scrubbing. That said, it is quite expensive when compared to products like the lower-priced Vax ONEPWR Glide 2 (£250) or new Bissell HF3 (£300).
In fact, its pricing is almost in line with a premium model like the Tineco Floor One S5 (£399.99) which has far more smarts on board, including automatic adjustment of cleaning based on how dirty the floor is. Although it's nowhere near as pricey as the Dyson WashG1, nor the Tineco Floor One S7 Pro.
Sadly I’ve found no evidence of the Gtech Orca on sale in the US but it’s available at plenty of online stores in the UK. If you fancy joining the Gtech bandwagon, consider buying yourself an Orca direct from Gtech, Amazon, B&Q, AO or Wilko.
Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5
Gtech Orca hard floor cleaner specs
Gtech Orca review: design
Decent water tank sizes
Efficient self cleaning
Poorly positioned on/off trigger
Manually mopping floors is a very messy and extremely energy- and time-intensive household chore, not to mention ineffective at tackling large liquid spillages. The Gtech Orca is here to solve both of those problems.
Like other similarly-styled cordless hard floor cleaners on the market, the Orca serves as both a wet mop and light-duty vacuum cleaner that uses the combination of a revolving towel brush and a mix of fresh sanitised water with floor-cleaning solution to perform a range of hard floor cleaning duties, from general spruce-ups and stain removal to collecting large liquid spills of almost any variety.
And because it includes a vacuum feature, any excess water on the floor is sucked into a dirty water tank, which you then empty down the toilet or sink. When it comes to 21st Century mopping, there’s nothing like having one of these revolutionary machines to hand.
The Orca is remarkably smart looking compared to the competition (Image credit: Future)
So what’s so special about the Orca? Truth is it’s no better or worse than much of the competition when it comes to cleaning performance, though I have to say it’s a much better looker than most others on the market (bar, perhaps, Tineco, which is arguably the most popular of hard floor cleaner brands).
In fact, I’m rather liking the Orca’s sleek, modern and compact aesthetic. It blends well with most household interiors without sticking out like a sore thumb. Put another way, I have no problem sitting this machine within easy reach rather than tucking it away under the stairs.
However, there are a few design anomalies I’m not that keen on. I’ll start at the very top – the handle and interface. Most hard floor cleaners have a finger trigger under the push handle, which is designed to boost water levels to the brush head for deeper cleaning of ingrained stains. By contrast, the Orca’s trigger is used solely for turning it on and off, and this poses an issue when in use because the trigger is positioned in such a way that one’s finger accidentally rests on it while pushing and pulling.
The result? It turns the machine off on a regular basis. The solution? Make sure to grip the handle further back or remember to keep your finger away from the trigger.
There's a small LCD screen to provide information (Image credit: Future)
Actually, I’m surprised that this model has only one level of water dispensation because there may be times when you want more aqua to hand. As it stands, the small LCD screen on top of the handle provides just three options – ‘Sterilising Water’, ‘Eco Vacuum’ and ‘Max Vacuum’. Confusingly, the first option is actually the main cleaning mode, where water is dispensed and collected via the vacuum function.
According to the blurb, the Gtech Orca ‘generates sanitised water eliminating bacteria, viruses and spores, as well as odours for a hygienic clean’. I’ll take that, whatever it means.
The other two options are simply different levels of vacuum where no water is dispensed. I should add at this juncture that this machine isn’t a bona fide dry-work vacuum cleaner, although it will devour most things in its path. It'll need to be supplemented with a dedicated vacuum (head to TechRadar's best cordless vacuum guide for some recommendations there).
The water tanks are generously sized (Image credit: Future)
Heading downwards, you’ll find the 700ml dirty water tank and, just behind it on the other side of the unit, the 800ml clean water tank. This latter tank is actually quite a bit bigger than the competition and that means fewer trips to the tap for refills.
This brings me to another design fault. Since the filler cap for the water tank is positioned on the back of the tank, with the filler marks on the front, it’s very difficult to fill this thing to the right level without causing splashback all over the sink.
While Gtech provides 300ml of its own hard floor solution with the package (about £5 for a replacement), the Orca doesn’t come with a separate solution reservoir like some models, so you need to add a few capfuls to the main tank. Both tanks are easy to fit, though you do need to give them a really firm press until you hear a reassuring click. If you don’t, chances are one of the tanks will pop off while in use.
The towelling roller runs almost to the edge of the floorhead (Image credit: Future)
Like the vast majority of hard floor cleaners, the Orca is equipped with a single 24.5cm towelling roller that spins at a decent rate of knots, sucking up all manner of detritus in the process. And because the roller is almost flush to one side of the unit, this model is very good at edge cleaning, too.
One of the very best things about this new generation of hard floor cleaners is the way they’re able to self clean their brush rollers and internal piping. Simply drop the Orca on its small 30cm x 28cm cleaning plinth and tap the ‘self clean’ button located at the very top of the handle.
You have two levels of self cleaning at your disposal: 85 seconds for Standard and 125 seconds for Deep Clean. And by clean I mean really clean – as if the brush roller had never seen a dirty floor. Top marks here.
Naturally there will be some matted hair deposits and other gunk under the roller’s magnetic protective cover, but this can be easily removed for a quick rinse under a tap. Likewise, the roller itself can also be removed for easy access to the main suction tube. To be honest you will only need to engage in this type of maintenance once every week or so and it’s not too messy a business.
The Orca feels light in the hand and is easy to manoeuvre (Image credit: Future)
At 4.1 kilos, the Orca feels pretty light to carry and its motorised head articulates at a very wide angle to make manoeuvrability a cinch when cleaning along edges and around furniture. At 115cm in height, 28.5cm in width and 23cm in depth, it’s a great size for all users and its overall construction feels sturdy and durable, too.
In terms of running time, the battery provided about 20 minutes of wet mopping before needing a recharge, and between 20 and 40 minutes of vacuuming depending on whether it was set to 'Max Vacuum’ or 'Eco Vacuum' mode. However, it should be noted that the brush roller will always be damp so, as alluded to above, the vacuum modes are essentially for collecting large liquid spills and not for general vacuuming duties.
A row of green charging LEDs kept me in the loop and when finished I simply plonked the Orca on its charging plinth, tapped the self-clean button and left it to recharge for just under five hours.
Design score: 3.5 out of 5
Gtech Orca review: performance
Excellent mopping performance
Great suction on bigger spills
Easy to manoeuvre
Before I get into the Gtech Orca’s performance ratings, I should first mention the types of flooring this model and others like it are suitable for. Clearly, well-sealed materials like linoleum and tile are perfect for a model like the Orca, but bear in mind that the stiff roller will unlikely reach any recessed grouting.
When it comes to wooden floors, you can happily use the Orca on thicker engineered flooring, but I would be careful with standard laminate since the water dispensed will inevitably find its way into the cracks and possibly cause noticeable expansion in the joints. The secret for all hard floors is to not spend too much time in one spot and switch to the vacuum mode to suck up as much remaining moisture as possible. (Here's more on how to clean a hardwood floor.)
Also be mindful if using this machine on polished concrete flooring and do not use anything other than plain water in the tank. This is because concrete is a calcium-based product, so it can be easily damaged by acidic or alkaline cleaning solutions.
Before I get to my official tests, a quick shout out to the developers for making this model so easy to push, pull and steer. It really is a very pleasant thing to use and, at just 73 decibels, it’s remarkably quiet, too.
My sticky spillage test before (left) and after one pass with the Orca (Image credit: Future)
My first test involved the removal of dried soy sauce and honey on my utility room’s tiled flooring. It removed all visible traces in one forward sweep but I still had to perform another three sweeps to remove any invisible sticky residue.
I should also add that most cordless hard floor cleaners struggle with cleaning up heavily ingrained stains. In this instance the best course of action is a bowl of hot water, a scrubbing brush and a pair of knees.
Image 1 of 2
My food spillage test before... (Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 2
... and after one pass with the Orca (Image credit: Future)
Test two required a mashed-up cocktail of various food ingredients that no-one in their right mind would wish to encounter on any given day – a broken egg, a squirt of brown sauce and a sprinkling of raw oats and Crunchy Nut cereal. I didn’t hold out much hope for this test, but strike me down with a feather if it didn’t remove 80 per cent of the offending matter – including most of the eggshell – in one forward push, and the rest of it after a couple more forward and backward motions.
Test three wasn’t an official test, in fact it was a pet accident. Nevertheless, I feel the urge to include it because this type of real-world scenario is exactly what a machine like this was designed for. Before reading the following I would refrain from eating anything because it might not stay down.
In a nutshell, one of my lovely Labradors had been eating grass on the way back from a run and then drank copious amounts of water on our return. You can guess what’s coming but thankfully it was completely clear apart from a few blades of grass. There was a huge amount of it on my wooden floor and, worst of all, it was extraordinarily slimy. Normally I would reach for 10 sheets of Blitz – the only paper towel to have in the home if you’re a pet owner – or, disgustingly, a squeegee and dustpan. But not this time.
Thankfully the Orca arrived partly charged so I steered it over to the offending mess, turned it on and – mind blown – the whole lot disappeared with a strangely satisfying but slightly wretch-inducing whoomph. And that was that. All I had to do was head over to the loo and pour the offending matter down the bowl before putting the whole unit on its cleaning base and selecting its most intensive clean. As revolting as this sounds, I can tell you that, from my own experience, every other alternative cleaning method in a worst-case scenario like this would be, well, infinitely worse.
A self-clean mode helps keep the floorhead fresh (Image credit: Future)
Right, you can get back to your lunch now because that’s all I have to report. Should you buy the Gtech Orca despite some of its irritating design traits? I’d say a resounding yes. It’s simple to manoeuvre, light in the hand, super easy to store and, above all, it performs exceedingly well in pretty much all hard floor cleaning disciplines.
Performance score: 4.5 out of 5
Should I buy the Gtech Orca?
Buy it if...
You have lots of hard flooring
This is a perfect machine for keeping hard floors clean and looking swish. It's low-effort, can tackle daily cleans and larger messes, and the self-clean feature is excellent too.
You have pets or clumsy housemates
The Orca can handle all kinds of solid and liquid spillages, with its combination of wet mopping and light vacuuming.
You need to tackle awkward spaces
The Orca is impressively easy to manoeuvre for a wet-dry vacuum, and the floorhead design will clean right up to the edges of rooms, too.
Don't buy it if...
Most of your home is carpeted
It won't replace a vacuum cleaner for dry cleaning, so there's no real point in a machine like this unless you have a decent amount of hard flooring.
You want smart features
The self-cleaning function is about as clever as this model gets – there aren't even different hydration levels to pick from. Something like the Tineco Floor One S5 offers more in terms of automation.
How I tested the Gtech Orca
I’m personally a big fan of cordless hard floor cleaners, mostly because I’ve endured quite a few spillage and pet-induced scenarios and all of them have been dealt with swiftly and efficiently.
I’ve been using the Orca for general cleaning of my kitchen, dining room and utility room and it’s been a pretty effortless experience. I know it’s working well simply by the brown colour of the water in its container. It also leaves far less moisture behind than a mop and bucket.
However, I was most surprised by how amazingly well the Orca dealt with collecting the large pieces of broken eggshell in my main spillage test. I was also gobsmacked – and rather relieved – by the efficiency with which it collected my dog’s regurgitated watery mix. This event alone was more than enough of a success to give it 4.5 stars out of five for overall performance.
Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank review
Ugreen is a relative newcomer in the charging scene, offering similar products and designs to those of Anker. Anyone who’s familiar with that brand’s magnetic power banks will notice the similarities here, with the Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank being one example.
It sports a minimal and sleek design, with smooth edges and a smart-looking off-white color (it’s also available in black). As for the interface, there’s a single button and no display – the only readout you get comes in the form of five LEDs that indicate battery level and charging status.
Similar to many of the best power banks for portability, the Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank has a slim profile, which it’s able to achieve thanks to its 5,000mAh capacity. This also means it’s light, tipping the scales at just 5.11oz (145g) – although its chief rival, the Anker 621, is slightly leaner at 4.56oz (129g).
The MagSafe charging area is designed to wirelessly charge the best iPhones. It uses the Qi standard and has an output of 7.5W. During my tests, it managed to charge an iPhone 13 Pro from 50% to 100% in about an hour and forty-five minutes, losing about half of its own battery charge in the process. This puts it on a par with the aforementioned Anker 621.
However, what fails to impress is the silicone pad, as it already began showing signs of wear during my time with it. This occurred in just over a week, so this rate of deterioration doesn’t bode well. It could be argued that any rubberized pad will be susceptible to damage like this, but all I can say is that I didn’t experience the same with the PU leather material on the Anker 621. It also picks up dust and debris very easily – again, not something I witnessed with the 621.
There’s only one USB-C port on the Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank, which delivers 15W of power. This managed to charge a half-full Google Pixel 7a in just over an hour, depleting about half of its battery once more. Charging the bank itself from empty to full took just over two hours, which is reasonable.
The Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank costs $29 / £29 / $AU49, making it cheaper than the Anker 621, which costs $39 / £44 (about $AU57). However, the 621 comes in multiple colorways, whereas the Ugreen only comes in black or white, and the overall build quality does seem to be better, which is why we prefer the Anker model over Ugreen’s.
(Image credit: Future)
Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank review: price & specs
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank?
Buy it if…
You want something simple Simply place your MagSafe iPhone on the pad, or plug in any other device via the USB-C port, and you’re away.
You want something cheap Ugreen undercuts its nearest rival, Anker, by a decent amount, making it a more tempting purchase.
Don't buy it if…
You want something durable Even during my limited time with the Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank, it began to show signs of wear, which isn’t promising for its long-term prospects.
You have an Android While MagSafe-compatible Android cases may allow you to use the wireless charging function, it’s not guaranteed to work.
Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank review: Also consider
Anker 621 Magnetic Battery (MagGo) The Anker 621 is very similar to the Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank, with a near-identical design and feature set. Even though it’s slightly more expensive, we do think the extra cost is worth it, as it proved more durable during our tests, with the PU leather pad maintaining its pristine condition throughout. View Deal
With all the recent hype surrounding the launch of the DJI Neo, we can't forget that it was the HoverAir X1 that originally delivered highly effective and, indeed, exciting selfie drone functionality to the mainstream. Building on the success of the HoverAir X1, ZeroZero Robotics has created two new models aimed at more demanding users, with upgraded cameras, improved performance and some interesting new accessories.
The HoverAir X1 PRO and HoverAir X1 PROMAX are more advanced models that will sit alongside the original HoverAir X1. So, this puts more advanced selfie drones at a total of four to choose from. I've flown and reviewed both the DJI Neo and the HoverAir X1, and although both are fantastic drones, for me it's the HoverAir drones that excel in this niche yet growing corner of the drone market.
(Image credit: James Abbott)
With camera drones and FPV drones dominating, the success of selfie drones is a welcome surprise, and they offer something different. The HoverAir X1 PRO is aimed at snow sports and cycling, while the higher-end HoverAir X1 PROMAX is aimed at professional content creation. However, both perform equally well in those scenarios, so cost and camera requirements will be the deciding factor for many people.
Without going into too much detail, and focusing on the profound similarities between the HoverAir X1 PRO and HoverAir X1 PROMAX, both drones offer a variety of intelligent flight modes with drone-only activation, and manual flight control with the smartphone app and a separately available controller.
So, what are the key differences between the two models? We'll go into more detail later, but the PRO can capture 4K video up to 60fps with FHD available up to 120fps, while the PROMAX can capture 8K video up to 30fps with 4K and FHD available up to 120fps alongside 4K 10-bit HLG up to 60fps. Both capture photos in JPEG format.
HoverAir X1 Pro: specs
HoverAir X1 Pro: release date and price
Released September 26 2024
Several kit options are available
More expensive than the DJI Neo
The HoverAir X1 PRO & PROMAX were first available via Indiegogo after a successful crowdfunding campaign, and are now available on the HoverAir website with a shipping date of November 2, with multiple kit options and accessories available. The Standard kit, which includes the drone, one battery, a USB-C cable and a soft storage bag costs $499 / £459 for the PRO while the PROMAX costs $699 / £639. Pricing for Australia is in USD.
The Combo kit includes all of the above plus a second battery, charging hub, 65W power adaptor and a combo case. The PRO version costs $679 / £629 while the PROMAX version costs $879 / £799. This does make the two drones quite expensive for the two main kits that are available, and will likely mean they face fierce competition from the less expensive DJI Neo.
There are also several accessories available, so here's a breakdown of the prices for some of the options available. The PowerCase is $169 / £155, the Beacon and Joystick bundle is $228 / £208, the Multi-function Carry Bag is $79 / £69, the HandleBar Mount is $20, and the ND Filter set is $69 / £65. Buying a Combo kit and several accessories takes the cost of a HoverAir X1 Pro or PROMAX kit into the same price bracket as the DJI Air 3, so this is something to consider.
Price score: 4/5
(Image credit: James Abbott)
HoverAir X1 Pro: design and handling
Compact folding design
Enclosed propellers
Excellent manual flight control via the app
Both the HoverAir X1 PRO and PROMAX feature an identical lightweight folding design that makes them a similar height and width, but slightly shorter than a VHS cassette when folded. At just 6.75oz / 191.5g and 6.79oz / 192.5g respectively, you'll barely even realise you're carrying them, and both will easily fit inside a jacket pocket.
HoverAir X1 PROMAX key specs
Camera: 1/1.3in CMOS & 16mm lens Video resolution: Up to 8K Frame rates: 8K up to 30fps, 4K up to 120fps, 10-bit HLG up to 60fps, FHD up to 120fps Video transmission range: Phone (App): 500 m / Beacon (Controller) up to 1km Flight modes: Manual flight and multiple intelligent flight modes Battery: 1920mAh / up to 16 minutes flight time Charger type: USB-C cable, charging hub, 65W power adapter Weight: 6.79oz / 192.5g Dimensions: 4.13 x 5.86 x 1.34in / 105 x 149 x 34mm folded / 6.81 x 5.86 x 1.53in / 173 x 149 x 39mm unfolded
The overall design is minimalistic, with just a single button surrounded by a directional selector button with a small OLED screen above. This is all you need to initiate flight with just the drone, although to adjust settings and intelligent flight mode parameters you will need to connect the drone to the smartphone app.
The propellers are fully enclosed in a tough plastic frame that keeps the propellers, people and objects safe. Plus, they can withstand bumps and crashesm – and, yes, this was put to the test when I turned quickly on a skateboard ramp and knocked the drone out of the air onto concrete.
The PRO and PROMAX are great at following subjects, but erratic movements where direction is changed in a split second can be problematic, because the drones can't respond quickly enough. Most of the time in these situations, the drones simply lose the subject.
The 1920mAh batteries are advertised to provide up to 16 minutes of flight time, and I was achieving flight times close to this in autumn temperatures, so this appears to be reliable.
Of course, this is nowhere near as long as a traditional camera drone, but the PRO and PROMAX are more suited to short bursts of flight, whether using the intelligent flight modes or manual control. Thermal batteries are available separately for use in cold climates with temperatures as low as -4F / -20C.
Image 1 of 5
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 2 of 5
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 3 of 5
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 4 of 5
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 5 of 5
(Image credit: James Abbott)
To prepare the drones for flight, you simply fold the propeller guards out from beneath the airframe and you're ready to go once they're switched on and the desired mode is selected. This can be with just the drone, using the Hover X1 app or using a physical controller that's available separately and we'll cover that in the next section. Once you've finished flying, simply switch off and fold the drone and the gimbal tilts down to protect the lens.
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Going back to the Hover X1 app, the manual flight interface has been drastically improved and now works in horizontal mode with left and right virtual controls, overlaid on the large camera view, which allows you to enjoy the same level of control as a physical controller.
Admittedly, it's not as good as a physical controller, but I was able to achieve complex maneuvers using both controls at the same time while also incorporating gimbal movement.
This may not sound overly impressive, but for app-based drone control I was hugely impressed and this is the best application of virtual controls that I've ever used. I can confidently say that even if you were to not buy the physical controller, you can still enjoy camera drone-style manual flight, albeit at a shorter distance, with just the Hover X1 app.
Design score: 5/5
HoverAir X1 Pro: features and performance
Fast follow flight speeds
Intelligent flight modes
Palm take off
The main flight aspect of the HoverAir X1 PRO and PROMAX is the intelligent flight modes that use advanced AI algorithms to both track the subject and keep them in the centre of the frame. Just like the original HoverAir X1, the PRO and PROMAX perform superbly when tracking or flying around both static and moving subjects. One feature that makes flying and landing simple is palm take-off and landing, although you can land the drones like a camera drone when using the physical controller.
Both drones can achieve a follow flight speed of up to an impressive 26mph, with bursts up to 37mph. During testing, while cycling, both had no problems keeping up, but what was interesting and to a degree frustrating was the seemingly slow horizontal flight when flying manually. This was even after increasing the speed rates for the drones within Joystick settings in the Hover X1 app where 22.3mph should be possible.
The PRO and PROMAX have wind resistance Level 5, which equates to 24mph and is high when you consider the size and weight of the drone. It wasn't tested in winds of this level, but in gusts approaching 20mph, the two drones showed no signs of struggling and video remained smooth. Both can also fly over water, snow, cliffs and at night when OmniTerrain is active.
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 2 of 3
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 3 of 3
(Image credit: James Abbott)
The PRO and PROMAX, unlike the HoverAir X1, feature active collision detection with the PRO having active rear-side collision detection thanks to a proximity sensor, while the PROMAX offers this alongside vision-based rear-side collision detection using a vision sensor for more effective collision avoidance. Both systems work well when using the intelligent flight modes, but collision avoidance on the whole isn’t as effective as a 360-degree system.
The intelligent flight modes include Hover, Zoom Out, Follow, Orbit, Bird's Eye, Dolly Track and Side Track. All of these work as you'd expect, with Follow, Dolly Track and Side Track being the most fun.
Tracking performance is also excellent and the drones were able to navigate complex environments with ease. There's also Return to Home functionality that's particularly useful when flying the drone manually, but you do have to keep an eye on the video feed for potential obstacles.
Another difference between the two drones is the amount of onboard storage they offer, with the PRO having 32GB and the PROMAX packing in 64GB. This makes sense since the PROMAX is capable of capturing 8K video which has high storage demands. Both can also take microSD cards up to a 1GB capacity.
One aspect of the PRO and PROMAX that hugely improves useability and extends performance is the optional accessories. Whether or not you'll need these will come down to you, but they are all cleverly designed and transform the PRO and PROMAX into more of a drone system than simple selfie drones.
The Beacon is a small unit with a screen that improves subject tracking and can even be used to control the drones manually, although this is fiddly. The Beacon does improve tracking and provides the ability to change intelligent flight modes alongside displaying the camera view where you can capture video and shoot photos.
Image 1 of 6
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 2 of 6
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 3 of 6
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 4 of 6
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 5 of 6
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 6 of 6
(Image credit: James Abbott)
This does undoubtedly provide reliable tracking as tested when cycling using the HandleBar Mount, but the tracking the drones are capable of without the Beacon is so effective that it's not possible to say how much better the Beacon is. The Beacon screen with video record and photo buttons alongside the Live View is still useful and using the Beacon does instil confidence.
The Beacon is best paired with the Joysticks that can be used to create a one-handed motion controller, used together with the Beacon screen providing the camera view, or all of the above with your smartphone acting as the screen. The Joysticks attach to the end of the Beacon with grips that fold down to provide an impressive controller option.
Using the Beacon alone or as part of a controller option extends the range of the drone from up to 1640ft / 500m with the app to 3280ft / 1km with the Beacon. For the former, I'm not sure how reliable this is because when flying at 80m directly overhead I lost the video feed in the Hover X1 app, although I did maintain control of the drone.
Beacon-based control works well, although using early firmware has thrown up some connectivity issues when using a phone attached to the controller; these were being ironed out with updates during the testing period. There's also a Magnetic Clip for the Beacon to attach it to clothing, a Magnetic Adaptor Mount and a Handlebar Mount which make attaching the Beacon to yourself or your bike incredibly simple.
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 2 of 2
(Image credit: James Abbott)
One accessory that's incredibly innovative and, indeed, useful, is the PowerCase for X1 PRO and PROMAX. This is a hard case where you attach an adaptor to the PRO or PROMAX and the case provides around 2.5 battery charges. There's a window that allows you to see the current charge level on the drone's OLED screen, and a strap can be attached for easy carrying. This case allows you to take out just the drone and a single battery, with plenty of charge for a day out.
Other accessories include a set of four ND filters for controlling shutter speed when capturing video. These are comprised of ND8, ND16, ND32 and ND64 filters in a small hard case. There's also a Multi-functional Carry Bag, which is a great way to carry the drones around and the bag can also be attached to the crossbar of bikes by unzipping the centre of the bag and using the enclosed Velcro straps.
Features & performance score: 5/5
HoverAir X1 Pro: image and video quality
PROMAX offers the best image quality
Video is great with both drones
Photo quality is good but not great
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Being a selfie drone with intelligent tracking capabilities, both the PRO and PROMAX produce better quality video than photos, with the PROMAX being the superior of the two. It's also the camera department where these two near-identical drones differ with the PRO sporting a 1/2in CMOS sensor with an equivalent focal length of 17mm. The PROMAX features a 1/1.3in CMOS sensor and 7-layer lens, alongside up to 14 stops of dynamic range and an equivalent focal length of 16mm.
The operation of the cameras and settings is identical for each drone, but the PRO is capable of capturing video in 4K at up to 60fps and 1080p at up to 120fps for slow motion capture. The PROMAX expands greatly on this with 8K up to 30fps, 4K at up to 120FPS for slow motion capture, 4K 10-bit HLG up to 60fps and 1080p up to 120fps. Image quality from both is great overall, although the PROMAX does excel here with improved image quality for both photos and videos.
File sizes for 8K videos are huge, and the need for most people to export at this resolution is limited. But with the PROMAX you can capture at 8K and export at 4K to produce sharp results with a future-proofed original resolution. But only if you have the storage available to keep such large video files. There are also 2.7K and 1080p vertical video options with both drones at frame rates up to 60fps.
Image 1 of 10
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 2 of 10
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 3 of 10
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 4 of 10
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 5 of 10
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 6 of 10
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 7 of 10
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 8 of 10
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 9 of 10
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Image 10 of 10
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Photo quality is good, but you can only capture stills in JPEG format and JPEG processing is visible at all ISO levels. Plus, naturally, color rendition is reduced as the ISO setting is increased so higher ISO photos do appear less saturated than those taken at lower settings. With the PROMAX being aimed more at content creation, the ability to capture photos in DNG format would make sense but is unfortunately unavailable.
The PRO captures photos at 4000x3000px with the ability to use a 2X zoom that produces photos at this resolution with little loss in image quality. The PROMAX can capture in this mode with the zoom feature available, or at a higher 8000x6000px resolution. The larger sensor of the PROMAX undoubtedly produces better image quality, but the PRO remains impressive overall.
Image and video quality score: 4/5
X1 Pro Max Beacon tracking video
X1 Pro Intelligent flight modes video
X1 PRO App and controller video
HoverAir X1 PRO & PROMAX: testing scorecard
Should I buy the HoverAir X1 PRO or the PROMAX?
Buy it if...
You want to track your adventures The HoverAir X1 Pro and PROMAX are the best selfie drones available and are fantastic at tracking moving subjects, both drone-only and using the Beacon.
You value innovative design These drones and their companion accessories are incredibly innovative and easy to use. They offer a true balance of style and substance.
You'd like a compact selfie drone The folding aspect of the PRO and PROMAX makes them incredibly portable alongside their compact and lightweight design.
Don't buy it if...
You would like a more powerful drone The HoverAir X1 PRO and PROMAX offer a wind resistance of Level 5, but larger medium-sized camera drones are much more suited to windy conditions.
You don’t want or need tracking functionality The main point of selfie drones is their subject-tracking capabilities, so if you don’t want a drone primarily for this the PRO and PROMAX aren’t for you.
You're on a budget The HoverAir X1 PRO and PROMAX aren't the cheapest selfie drones available, so if you're on a tight budget consider the DJI Neo which is much less expensive.
HoverAir X1 PRO & PROMAX: also consider
DJI Neo
The DJI Neo is a beginner friendly selfie drone with several different flight control options available to meet the needs of different types of drone pilot. It's capable of autonomous flight for capturing fast-paced action using AI algorithms and can capture up to 4K video and JPEG photos for a lower cost than the X1 PRO and PROMAX.
The HoverAir X1 Pro and PROMAX were tested primarily for their subject tracking capabilities using slower and faster-moving activities to test this. Each flight mode was used alongside manual flight with the Hover X1 app and the Joysticks attached to the Beacon for a camera drone-like experience.
All video and photo modes were tested in a range of lighting conditions extending from bright sunlight to overcast to low light at dusk to push ISO settings. All accessories were also tested to see how much and how well they enhanced the overall useability of the PRO and PROMAX.
Having previously reviewed the HoverAir X1 and the DJI Neo, I was aware of what to expect with drones of this type. But with enhanced features including faster flight speeds, it was possible to push these drones harder to fully experience their capabilities.
Platform reviewed: PS5 Available on: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC Release date: October 25, 2024
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 feels like a throwback in the very best of ways. Lead developers Treyarch and Raven Software have smartly combined some of the most successful elements from entries across the long-running first-person shooter (FPS) series to craft a highly polished experience that excels in almost every regard.
Classic systems such as the traditional prestige mechanics, which offer the most dedicated online players the opportunity to partially reset their progress for exclusive rewards, or the simple but effective weapon attachments still haven’t lost their luster in 2024. It’s not all things that we’ve seen before though, as a handful of clever new innovations, like the flagship ‘omnimovement’ system, and the most high-fidelity graphics we've seen yet successfully drive the franchise forward and keep each facet of the experience feeling fresh.
The result is one of the best FPS games in almost a decade and a must-play for fans of the genre. There are still a couple of sore spots, like a handful of poorly designed multiplayer maps, that hold things back from total perfection, but, with plenty of new content on the way through a barrage of seasonal updates, the next twelve months of Call of Dutyare well-positioned to be some of the greatest yet.
On the run
(Image credit: Activision)
The Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 campaign picks up roughly ten years after the story of 2020’s Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Set in 1991, it’s loosely centered around the events of the Gulf War, though with more of an eye towards covert espionage than boots-on-the-ground conflict. You play as a group of CIA operatives, sent into Iraq to intercept the Iraqi Minister of Defense and bring him back to the government in one piece.
As you might expect, this simple task goes wrong in a matter of minutes when a mysterious military force emerges from the shadows to thwart your mission. Reunited with the fan-favorite rogue spy Russel Adler, it soon becomes apparent that this organization, known as Pantheon, has close ties with the CIA, forcing the team off the grid. It’s a classic Mission Impossible-style premise and, while nothing particularly complex or sophisticated, is a perfectly serviceable framework for a series of absolutely stellar set pieces.
Best bit
(Image credit: Activision)
In a strong field, one particular campaign sequence sees you work as a team, cinematically swapping between characters to break into a shady casino is an absolute treat.
Variety elevates every moment campaign, with all manner of surprising mechanics and environments crammed into its roughly nine-hour runtime. There’s a refreshingly open assassination segment early on, with a variety of possible approaches that incentivises at least a couple of replays. Later on, you’re stealthily infiltrating a political fundraising event, investigating different possible leads, and scanning clues with a high-tech spy camera before a hair-raising motorcycle chase.
One highly memorable mission even takes on a wholly unexpected survival horror edge, equipping you with an overpowered grapple hook and bombarding you with legions of imagined zombies and powerful boss monsters.
In between each mission, you’re sent back to your safehouse, which offers its own suite of activities. Levels are littered with cash, which can be hoovered up and spent on safehouse upgrades to unlock new perks and gear going forward. Quite a few puzzles are hidden across its grounds too, giving achievement hunters plenty of incentive not just to blitz through the story.
This is also without a doubt the best-looking campaign in Call of Duty history, surpassing even the visual excellence of 2022’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Multiple areas are breathtakingly realistic, with absolutely stunning, highly detailed textures and advanced lighting effects. Some of the more abstract scenes also allow the developer to really show off its artistic chops, with bright primary colors and an effective dream-like atmosphere. Performance is delightfully smooth on PlayStation 5 to boot, with resolutely stable frame rates even in the most intense moments.
Back to basics
(Image credit: Activision)
This year’s multiplayer experience smooths out many of my biggest frustrations with recent entries, returning to a formula that will feel immediately familiar to long-time fans. The painfully convoluted weapon attachment system of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is no more, superseded by a simplified selection of accessories that still offers plenty of customization without ever seeming overwhelming.
Rather than countless barely distinct options, each attachment category is populated by a handful of more significant mods. Some provide little buffs, while others bring much bigger bonuses alongside a noticeable drawback or two. Player perks have also been whittled down and are finally available right from the start of a match rather than staggered intervals.
You can choose up to three per loadout, with every perk sorted into a distinct Enforcer, Recon, or Strategist category. While you are free to mix and match between these categories to create your own custom builds, equipping three perks of the same type yields some very powerful bonuses. Picking three Enforcer ones, for example, gives you a major movement speed and health regeneration boost after each successful kill. These combinations are significant enough to tangibly impact play, but everything is still well balanced with no particular set taking a clear lead.
(Image credit: Activision)
The brand-new ‘ominmovement’ system, which lets you sprint, slide, and dive in any direction, is well integrated and leads to countless thrilling moments. Diving backwards off a tall ledge while peppering an enemy with bullets feels completely natural and it’s almost hard to believe that movement hasn’t always been this way. Combined with the high number of more compact 6v6 maps in its 16-map line up, most online matches have an absolutely incredible sense of pace.
There are some notable exceptions, though, mainly thanks to a small number of quite poor maps. Scud, which is set against the ruins of a decimated desert outpost, is a particularly sore example with far too many open sightlines that encourage slow games to a crawl as players favor sitting in key positions with sniper rifles. Rewind, a delightfully 1990s strip mall, is significantly better but still feels a little empty in a 6v6 format given its large size. These complaints will almost inevitably be addressed in future updates as more maps arrive, but it does still slightly dampen the online experience at launch.
Army of the dead
(Image credit: Activision)
The round-based zombies mode is another area where Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 borrows plenty from past games. For the uninitiated, the Zombies mode is deceptively simple - you drop into one of two maps with up to three friends and try to survive against increasingly powerful waves of the undead. Mowing down shambling creatures yields cash, spent on unlocking new areas of the map, buying new weapons, or sticking your gear through a Pack-a-Punch machine for an additional bit of kick. It's an incredibly effective formula and significantly more enjoyable than the more open-world Modern Warfare Zombies found in last year’s game.
That’s far from everything to discover, however, with a raft of easter eggs ranging from cute little references to entire story sequences hidden for the most dedicated players. Exclusive cosmetics, secret achievements, and plenty of level XP reward those who dig deep. I’ve already spent hours in the Zombies mode and, while I did manage to survive to round 41 and find the hilarious zombie bowling minigame on the Liberty Falls map, I still feel like I’m barely scratching the surface of everything that it has in store.
All three major components of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 are an absolute blast and are so brimming with content that they would even work well as entirely standalone games. As a complete package, the level of quality here is something that we haven’t seen from the franchise in years. Call of Duty is well and truly back.
Should I play Call of Duty: Black Ops 6?
(Image credit: Activision)
Play it if…
You want a blockbuster campaign The Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 campaign is the franchise at its best, filled with memorable set pieces and engaging mechanics.
You love frantic multiplayer The online multiplayer is also a treat, with fast-paced encounters and a new ‘omnimovement’ system that practically generates action-movie moments.
Zombies is your go-to The round-based zombies offering in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is some of the best it’s been in years. Expect hours of entertainment if you manage to pull together a few friends for a squad.
Don’t play it if…
You prefer larger-scale maps The 16 launch maps in this year’s installment are mostly quite small. If you prefer larger maps, stick with the likes of 2022’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and its huge Ground War mode instead.
Accessibility
(Image credit: Activision)
There are plenty of accessibility features in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. This includes a wide array of subtitle options for the campaign, and the ability to customize the colors of the entire UI and apply a range of visual filters.
The controls can be fully remapped across the board in both controller and keyboard play, with a range of assist settings that can remove the need to hold certain inputs if required.
How I reviewed Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
I'm a regular Call of Duty player with prior experience reviewing the series in addition to a wide range of other FPS titles. I completed the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 campaign in a single sitting, clocking in at roughly ten hours including the time I spent exploring the safehouse and replaying a few missions.
I then spent around twenty hours (and counting) in its multiplayer mode, trying out all of its available playlists and maps. During that time I reached the maximum level and began Prestige 1. I also played multiple Zombies matches with friends and solo, getting to grips with its mechanics and the two launch maps.
I played on PlayStation 5 using a DualSense Wireless Controller. For audio, I relied on a pair of Astro A50 X headphones, which I found really helped the detailed sound effects shine. Throughout my time with the game, I compared my experience with that of other Call of Duty games.
Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition: Two-minute review
The Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition is a new variant of the classic chair from the brand featuring some brand-new materials. While there’s a familiar chair under the hood, these materials elevate this edition a little beyond its brethren in terms of sheer comfort.
The new soft materials - which Secretlab refers to as NanoGen Hybrid Leatherette and NanoFoam Composite - are legitimately excellent and make for an extremely comfortable chair. The former is an exceptionally soft leatherette that’s a joy to touch, and a material that Secretlab claims is its toughest and plushest yet, offering enhanced stain resistance. latter is a supportive yet delightfully comfortable composite that feels like it has memory foam qualities when you lean back into it. Overall, it does make for some of the comfiest chair materials I’ve experienced in years.
As comfortable as these new materials are - and they really are, don’t get me wrong - I don’t think they’re so good that a regular Titan Evo would feel uncomfortable comparatively. The reality is that a regular Titan Evo is still going to be a great gaming chair, provide excellent support and comfort, and come in a chunk cheaper. This is the NanoGen’s biggest challenge; to justify the jump in cost and convince most people to get it.
More generally, though, as a premium chair, the price is still quite aggressive in the face of the competition. With the likes of the Herman Miller x Logitech Embody and the Razer Fujin Pro coming in substantially more expensive.
Aside from the materials and price tag, the NanoGen shares almost everything else with the now well-established Titan Evo line - everything that makes that chair our pick for the best gaming chair money can buy. From an easy-as-pie construction to a robust and weighty build, plus a host of support- and comfort-enhancing features like excellent armrests and a robust set of adjustability options to a slick and chic finish to every part, the NanoGen Edition channels everything great about the Titan Evo under its new hood.
As a result, all in, the NanoGen largely justifies the price tag and its position as one of the most comfortable gaming chairs. It’s a superb chair and the new materials are not just gimmicks - they make a wonderful difference in terms of comfort and support.
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition: Price and availability
List price: R size: $799 / £669 / AU$1,099; XL size: $849 / £719 / AU$1,199
Available in Pure White and Pure Black only
Available in US, CA, EU, AU, NZ, SG, MY; coming soon to the UK
Coming in at the above prices, this new Titan Evo does come in notably higher than other models adding $250 / £200 over a regular Titan Evo size, and a jump of $200 / £180 for the XL size.
Whether the materials alone are worth this extra investment will likely depend on your preferences, needs, and budget. However, even at this early part of my review, I wouldn’t go as far as saying that the NanoGen Edition makes the other Titan Evo chairs obsolete or ‘uncomfortable’ by comparison at all. As a result, this new edition has its work cut out for it to really warrant and justify the higher price tag.
However, this still comes in much cheaper than the likes of the Herman Miller x Logitech Embody and the Razer Fujin Pro and offers that trademark Secretlab premium gaming chair feel and experience.
In turn, the NanoGen Edition is still much more expensive than the AndaSeat Kaiser 3 XL, a spacious chair that could provide some stern value-based competition.
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition: Specs
Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition: Design and aesthetics
White look is very chic
Signature Secretlab design and build quality
An equally office-friendly aesthetic
At a glance, the NanoGen Edition looks identical to a Titan Evo chair. The chair has a simple, restrained, and chic look in the white finish sent to us for review, and I can imagine the black chair looking equally as slick and perhaps even more office-friendly than the white.
There are no wild flourishes adorning the all-white finish on our chair and it’s a symphony in clean white leatherette material. However, the slight chink in this is the inclusion of a grey armrest and headrest, which are soft and comfortable, but next to the white of the rest of the chair have an almost dirty look. It’s not a huge detractor by any means but something that’s noticeable given that ultra-clean finish elsewhere.
The overall design is straight from the Titan Evo line too, so with that in mind, the build quality and feature set are excellent. It is so well built and robust that you can have serious confidence in this, no matter your seating preference or how aggressively you might shoot about your space.
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
The fabulous castors are as smooth as ever, on the wide wheelbase that provides excellent stability given its (quite large) footprint. The armrests are also a delight. The NanoGen Edition chair features Secretlab’s PlushCell Memory Foam Armrest Tops on its all-new heavy-duty full metal 4D armests, both of which are superb.
There are so many customization options with the armrests themselves - which also offer a great range of adjustment, 50% more than previous iterations - that I’m still tinkering to get the perfect setup weeks into testing. They are sturdy as heck too, while the armrest tops are wonderfully comfortable, swallowing up your elbows in soft cushioned goodness.
The magnetic fixing of the armrest top means you can swap out to another material too should you wish at another time adding further customizability. The only other way it could get even more customizable would be to attach the new Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner.
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition: Comfort and adjustability
Wonderfully soft materials
New foam is extremely comfortable
Plenty of adjustability
In short, the Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition is one of the comfiest chairs I’ve sat on. The new NanoFoam within the chair and the NanoGen Leatherette material that finishes it combined with the brilliant design, build, proportions, and frame of a Titan Evo make one seriously comfy chair.
Sinking into the seat or back and being embraced by the NanoFoam finished in that super-soft new leatherette is really something - and also offers something different to the Secretlab Titan Evo SoftWeave chairs. I’m looking forward to it remaining my go-to daily driver when I'm in the office, but it won’t quite displace the Herman Miller Embody I have at home.
The NanoGen Edition shares the majority of its adjustability options with the wider Titan Evo line so if you’re familiar with those chairs at all, then you’ll be right at home with this one too. Given that I’m used to a shorter chair in the Embody, I have found that if you’re a sloucher or someone who doesn’t totally sit right back into their chair, you’ll need to get used to that - there’s no use to the chair unless you actually lean and sit into it after all.
Working from the ground up, underneath are the usual levers for seat height adjustment and tilt adjustment. On the seat itself, you have a lever for the back recline (which can go all the way to…), on the side, there’s the wheel for the built-in lumbar support (a joy to have), and then there are the armrests.
I have found these to be a particular highlight; as someone who leans a lot on their elbows, the memory foam material was extremely comfy straight away, but the excellent range of adjustability means you won’t be short of different positions for support either. Finishing it off, the magnetic cushion for your head is a soft delight too, but you can remove it if you prefer.
As we know from the brand, it’s all supremely easy to adjust - though you may find yourself tinkering for weeks, like me, chasing that perfect setup.
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition: Assembly
Takes around 30-45 minutes solo
All tools provided
Magnetic parts make it easy
Unlike other premium chairs, such as those from Herman Miller which can roll straight out of the box ready to go, the Secretlab NanoGen Edition does require some construction. Coming neatly and securely flat packed, my XL version was a bit weighty in its box but I could easily slide it around our office carpet on my own to get it in position.
The actual construction of the chair doesn’t take long at all, even on one's own with an XL size. There are essentially only three parts to it - the wheelbase, the seat, and the back - which makes it easy to process which parts slot into others. My time was about 30 minutes all in (maybe 45 if you count some checking of the instructions), though if you’ve built a Secretlab chair before, expect your time to be lower.
(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)
The large-scale instructions on the box are easy to follow and consist of only a few steps, with some minor ‘sub-steps’. You also get all the tools included in the box which is excellent. Magnetic armrests and covers to hide screws are then the icing on the cake and make finishing the chair’s build easy as pie.
The screws are easy to attach and tighten even for someone with small slightly-different hands like mine, and the only time I really found it awkward was when aligning the backrest to the seat. Otherwise, there’s no awkward alignment for bits or the need for a flashlight, and it’s eminently doable on your own - plus you get to squeeze and caress that exquisite material up close all the while.
Should you buy the Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition?
Buy it if...
You’re after some supremely soft and comfortable materials for your gaming chair The NanoGen material and NanoFoam within this chair make for excellent comfort. The chair is supremely soft and comfortable on your posterior and back, and the brilliant armrests complete the whole package.
You want the latest in materials from Secretlab If you were already sold on a Secretlab chair, and are now on the lookout for the best and latest materials going from the brand, then the NanoGen Edition is for you.
You want a chair for long work and play sessions Combining the comfort of the new materials as well as the pedigree of the Titan Evo means this chair is a joy for long periods of work and play, and the easiest of recommendations for those looking for something for hours of comfort.
Don't buy it if...
You’re not sold on paying more for the materials The materials on the NanoGen edition are superb but the jump in price means the ‘regular’ Titan Evo could represent better value for your money if you’re not convinced about the new materials and their fancy names.
You’re on a tight budget Yup, it seems like an obvious point to make but as good as they are Secretlab chairs still require a healthy investment - and one that only increases with the new NanoGen materials.
Also consider...
If you’re still not convinced by the NanoGen Edition, then these two other chairs could be worth considering.
Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 The ‘regular’ Titan Evo chair is still an absolute belter and our pick for the top gaming chair overall you can buy right now. It shares a lot with the NanoGen Edition but crucially comes in a bit cheaper and is still an excellently comfortable gaming chair. If you want comfort from Secretlab but are looking to save money, then the regular Titan Evo could be the way to go.
AndaSeat Kaiser 3 XL If you’re looking for a larger chair but want to maximize value and get some great comfort-focused features at the same time then the AndaSeat Kaiser 3 XL is a fine alternative. Featuring incredibly comfortable and plus materials as well as all the trimmings from lumbar support to 4D arms, it's a great value proposition.
How I tested the Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition
Tested over the course of multiple weeks
Compared to other gaming chairs from the likes of Herman Miller
Tested in all positions
I tested the Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Edition by deploying it as my go-to, daily office chair, and used it over the course of four weeks.
I used it for long stretches of work and also some handheld gaming, and gave each feature and element of the chair a thorough testing in all seating positions, from leaning back, to cross-legged, and everything in between.
Fortunately, I was also able to directly compare it against other chairs we have in the office, notably a Herman Miller Aeron which is currently being reviewed too.
Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet review: Two-minute review
Not content with all but cornering the market in affordable gaming phones, Nubia has now turned its attention to addressing an even more niche market: that of the gaming tablet.
Following the limited launch of the Red Magic Tablet in 2023, the Red Magic Nova Tablet stands as Nubia’s first globally available gaming tablet, and is positioned as a full-sized tablet with top-level gaming performance at a mid-market price.
The Nova largely delivers on that promise, offering a level of gaming performance that punches well above its weight. This machine flies through high-end games on top settings, and although its 10.9-inch 144Hz IPS LCD isn’t the best screen on the market, it is able to keep up with the tablet’s monstrous Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version processor. That’s good news for any games that can hit 120fps or higher.
There is the slight sense that Nubia hasn’t quite thought this whole gaming tablet thing through, though. For example, you have to suspect that committed gamers will be pairing up a Bluetooth controller, so a kickstand or a bundled-in case with a stand would have been useful.
Elsewhere, while performance is extremely impressive, our gaming benchmarks suggest that the Nova Tablet isn’t quite as stable across extended intensive sessions as you might hope. It’s nothing to worry about with today’s most advanced games, though, where everything flies.
Meanwhile, Nubia’s custom UI continues to need work, though Game Space remains a solid way to tweak and optimize your gaming experience.
All in all, the Red Magic Nova Tablet comes across as an extremely capable, keenly priced tablet that perhaps hasn’t yet reached its final form. Those looking for the best tablet performance for less than $500/ £500 should definitely consider it, and we’re excited to see how Nubia’s Red Magic sub-brand refines and develops its gaming tablet vision in future products.
Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet review: price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
From $499/ £439
Open availability from October 16, 2024
The Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet went on sale on October 16, 2024, though at the time of writing, stock has run out due to high demand, and the device is listed as being available to pre-order on Red Magic's official website. Red Magic has, however, told TechRadar that stock will be replenished in November.
Nubia’s Red Magic sub-brand has always supplied outstanding value for money, and that continues to be the case with its first global gaming tablet. Pricing starts from just $499/£439 for the model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
There’s also a second, more premium model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage available for $649 / £559.
You won’t find another Android-based tablet with this level of performance for such a low price. The OnePlus Pad 2 gets closest, offering the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and a similarly swift 144Hz display at a price of £499.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE gets closer to the Red Magic on price, starting from £449. However, it doesn’t even approach the Nova Tablet on raw performance.
It’s possible to buy a tablet that outstrips the Red Magic Nova Tablet for raw performance, but you’ll need to switch over to team Apple to do so. Even then, the mighty M2-powered iPad Air, which starts from $599 / £599, sports a puny 60Hz display, and lacks the Red Magic’s meaty cooling system for sustained gaming.
Value score: 5/5
Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet review: specs
Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet review: design
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 3
(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 3
(Image credit: Future)
Standard tablet shape and size with mostly metal body
Signature semi-transparent window and RGB
No 3.5mm headphone jack
Would benefit from a bundled case or an integrated kickstand
Nubia’s Red Magic gaming phones are pretty chunky and angular, but the Nova’s design is more in line with what you’d expect from a regular tablet. It’s got that familiar flat-edged form factor, with an all-metal body and tightly rounded corners.
At 7.3mm, this isn’t the thinnest tablet on the market, but nor is it distractingly thick. By the same token, a weight of 530g is only a little heavier than the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE – though Nubia’s use of the word ‘dainty’ on its website is a bit of a stretch.
It’s only when you turn the Nova Tablet over and look at the back that it makes its gaming aspirations known. Nubia has applied its familiar semi-transparent finish to the thin band running between the camera module and the opposite edge of the tablet.
Those aren’t actual components you can see through the transparent material, just a fancy bit of circuitry accented by a gold color. You also get a little diagram sketching out the internal heat pipe, with the words ‘Cooling System’ helpfully printed on it. Nubia has also advertised the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version chip in a similar manner.
One genuine component on display is the cooling fan, which can be seen alongside the rear camera. This lights up in full RGB when in use, as do the words ‘Red Magic’ in the opposite corner. It’s not exactly subtle by normal standards, but relative to the wider gamer aesthetic, it’s all quite low-key.
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 2
(Image credit: Future)
The tablet feels nice to handle, with a power key partly recessed on the left edge. This doubles as a fingerprint sensor, and it performs quickly and reliably. As always, it’s never quite as intuitive an experience as the same system on a smartphone, but there is also a basic facial recognition system in place.
I’m a little puzzled by the omission of a 3.5mm headphone jack on the Red Magic. Given the size and thickness of the tablet and its gaming focus, providing the means for latency-free personal audio would seem like an obvious step.
Indeed, it feels as if Nubia hasn’t quite hit upon the final form of the gaming tablet just yet. It makes sense that the Nova lacks the capacitive air trigger buttons of, say, the Red Magic 9S Pro, as gamers are going to be pairing it up with a Bluetooth controller rather than holding it like a phone (though the idea of some rear-mounted capacitive controls is an intriguing one).
With this in mind, I’d argue that having a case with a decent kickstand would be more than a nice extra here, entering into ‘must-have’ territory. The company assures me that an optional cover should be available for the Nova Tablet’s global launch (alongside a stylus), but I wonder if such a thing should come as standard, even if that meant a slightly higher asking price. This feels like the kind of tablet that would really benefit from one. There’s even a case to be made for the device itself having a built-in kickstand, rather like the Nintendo Switch.
Design score: 3.5/5
Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet review: display
(Image credit: Future)
10.9-inch IPS LCD with 2.8K resolution
Rapid 144Hz refresh rate
550 nits peak brightness
The Red Magic Nova Tablet employs a 10.9-inch display, which doesn’t feel as large as it once did. Not with the likes of the OnePlus Pad 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus bursting past the 12-inch mark.
It’s nice and sharp at 1800 x 2880 (Nubia calls this resolution ‘2.8K’), but the stand-out spec is a 144Hz refresh rate. The OnePlus Pad 2 also hits this mark, but it’s not what you’d call a typical refresh rate for a tablet. True, most mobile games won’t even hit the heady heights of 120Hz, but it’s nice to see a little headroom here nonetheless.
This refresh rate is paired with an 840Hz touch sampling rate, which means that it’s nice and responsive for those speedy multiplayer action games, should you not be using a paired Bluetooth controller.
Image quality is solid rather than spectacular. What with this being an IPS LCD, it lacks the pop and punch of an OLED, but that’s still not the kind of component you’ll typically find in a mid-priced tablet.
I would have liked the Nova to get a little brighter, though. Nubia cites a top brightness of 550 nits, which is fine. In practical terms, I frequently found myself cranking it up to the top brightness even when viewing the tablet indoors. This yielded a comfortable viewing experience, but a little more would have been welcome to help overcome those instances of glare or reflectiveness.
The screen is flanked by four symmetrically arranged speakers, with assistance from DTS-X Ultra Sound for a so-called “3D audio experience”. The resulting output is clear and loud, though we’re not talking about anything approaching iPad quality here which, given that price tag, is wholly understandable.
Display score: 3.5/5
Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet review: performance
(Image credit: Future)
Slightly faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ‘Leading Version’ chip
12GB or 16GB RAM of LPDDR5X RAM
256GB or 512GB UFS 4.0 storage
Nubia has used the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version chip here that powers its latest gaming smartphone, the Red Magic 9S Pro. This is a slightly overclocked version of the chip that runs most of the best Android phones in 2024. In other words, it’s one of the very best mobile chips on the market. In benchmarking terms, it’ll top or at least match anything running on Android, and you’ll need to invest in an Apple M2-powered iPad Air or an M4-powered iPad Pro to flat-out beat it.
General performance is unimpeachable, especially with either 12 or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM backing it up. I’m testing the top spec, and I couldn’t make it sweat at all in general usage.
Of course, it’s not in regular scenarios that this tablet needs to be judged. This is a machine that’s built for gaming performance, and there isn’t much to worry about on that front either.
It’ll run both Genshin Impact and Wreckfest on maxed-out graphical settings with more or less perfect fluidity. That’s to be expected, because both of those games are a few years old now.
This speaks to a wider issue with dedicated mobile gaming devices. Mobile games themselves haven’t really pushed any technical boundaries for quite some time – at least not on Android – while mobile processors continue to get more and more powerful. The end result is that even a half-decent mid-range smartphone can play these more visually opulent games pretty well.
Where these gaming devices can set themselves apart is with sustained performance. Those top-notch off-the-shelf chips, when paired with bespoke cooling systems, can run faster for longer. To that end, Nubia has equipped the Red Magic Nova Tablet with a 20,000 RPM cooling fan.
Interestingly, you don’t get the accompanying open vent of the Red Magic smartphone series. This device instead uses the extra internal volume to create an extended but closed loop for cooling. Allied to that is a nine-layer cooling system, together with a 103mm-long 3D heat pipe.
It all sounds very impressive, but I was a little concerned about the performance stability of the Red Magic Nova Tablet. I ran a couple of 3D Mark Stress Tests, which simulate extended gaming performance through 20 consecutive minute-long graphical tests, with the tablet set to maximum gaming performance via the Game Space UI.
The results were mixed. The high-end Solar Bay Stress Test, in particular, ranged from 72% (fairly stable) to 26.5% (downright unstable), indicating that at least some degree of throttling is taking place over time. Switching between Rising and Balanced performance modes didn’t seem to make any difference here, either.
Even that top mark of 72% is far from blistering. It’s about what I got with the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus – a capable performer for sure, but also not a gaming specialist with a particularly extensive cooling system. True, the Red Magic scored higher marks in general, but it was no more consistent with it. I should also note that the tablet would occasionally run uncomfortably hot by the end of these tests.
Interestingly, I found similarly less-than-stellar results in these tests on the Red Magic 9S Pro smartphone. No other tablet or phone series has such a meaty cooling system, so could this indicate some inherent thermal limitations with the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version?
We should always bring it back to the games regardless, and in real-world use, I didn’t run into any throttling issues when gaming for extended spells. After an hour of Wreckfest running on maximum graphical settings, I didn’t notice any big drop in frame rate.
Nubia has included a single 50MP camera on the rear of the phone. Suffice it to say, if no tablet is particularly great for taking pictures, then a mid-priced gaming tablet definitely shouldn’t be relied upon. It’s an appropriately bare-bones offering with no OIS, though it does at least support 4K video at 30fps.
The 20MP selfie camera is similarly limited, though at least Nubia hasn’t resorted to using a terrible under-display example, like with its smartphones. It’ll do fine for video calls.
Performance score: 4.5/5
Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet review: software
(Image credit: Future)
Red Magic OS 9.5 on Android 14
Ugly but functional UI
Game Space UI lets you fine-tune your gaming setup
Software has always been a bit of a weakness with Red Magic devices, and that hasn’t changed with the transition to a larger tablet form factor. You’re getting the same Red Magic OS 9.5 that ran on the Red Magic 9S Pro smartphone, layered over the same Android 14 OS.
It’s not an attractive UI, despite Nubia having corrected a lot of its worst aspects such as clumsy screen-filling widgets and poorly translated text. It still feels a little unfinished, as evidenced by the odd syntax-mangling Game Space notification.
I’d rather not have to deal with Nubia’s custom feed to the left of the main home screen, which pulls in randomly chosen news stories, as well as the kind of game recommendations no self-respecting gamer would entertain.
On a similar point, there are two folders dedicated to Hot Apps and Hot Games on the home screen. Needless to say, none of the applications contained within look remotely ‘hot’.
With all that said, Red Magic OS 9.5 is perfectly smooth and functional. It runs at a consistently speedy lick, and doesn’t flood the home screen with third-party apps. Yes, there’s an extraneous web browser, and yes, Booking.com sneaks its way in again. But both are at least stashed away in the app tray.
There’s no physical switch to activate Nubia’s Game Space app here, unlike with the brand’s gaming phones. It’s still there, though, running along in the background while playing games, as well as being accessible from the drop-down notification menu.
You can use this app to tweak fan, CPU, and GPU settings, and to set up screen recording. You can also tweak screen sensitivity settings here, as well as play around with screen ratios, among other things. It’s a powerful tool for gamers looking to set their favored game up just so.
Ultimately, Red Magic OS 9.5 is a perfectly functional UI that’s easy enough to work with, if tough to truly love.
Software score: 3.5/5
Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet review: battery life
(Image credit: Future)
10,100mAh battery
10 hours of light gaming is possible
80W charging gets it from 0 to 100% in an hour
Nubia has equipped the Red Magic Nova Tablet with a monstrous 10,100mAh battery. That’s bigger even than that of the OnePlus Pad 2, which is a bigger device.
The official estimate for battery life here is up to 10 hours of uninterrupted gaming on a single charge. However, this would presumably be with the display refresh rate set to 60Hz, the brightness kept relatively low, and a fairly undemanding game being played. I suspect that this isn’t a particularly representative scenario for your average committed gamer.
For my own usage, with the brightness and refresh rate cranked up to maximum, I couldn’t get anywhere near that figure, regardless of the game. After 30 minutes of Warzone Mobile, the battery life had dropped by 17%, which maps out to around three hours of gaming.
Even with lighter fare, I couldn’t get close to that stated figure. After 30 minutes of Slay the Spire, that percentage had dropped by 12%, suggesting it would have lasted four hours.
In more normal usage, with a little light gaming, some web browsing, and light app usage, you could very well get through a full working day on a single charge.
With such a large cell, there’s always the worry about charging times. Nubia has mitigated this with 80W charging support, and it even includes the brick in the box.
I couldn’t quite match Nubia’s estimate of a full charge in 55 minutes, but it still only took a smidgen over an hour in my testing. A quick 15-minute splash got it to 36%.
Battery score: 4/5
Should I buy the Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet?
Buy it if...
You want the fastest tablet possible for less than $500/£500 In terms of performance bang for your buck, the Red Magic Nova Tablet beats all comers.
You’re a committed mobile gamer The Nova Tablet is set up for gaming, with top-level performance and a suite of game-enhancing tools.
You dig the gamer aesthetic Nubia hasn’t gone too hard on the gamer aesthetic, but you still get a ‘cool’ semi-transparent motif on the back with some RGB lighting.
Don't buy it if...
You’re a fan of clean UIs Nubia’s custom software is a little on the ugly side, straying too far from stock Android.
You want the ultimate gaming tablet experience, money no object It might be fast and gaming-focused, but an iPad Pro remains a better gaming tablet overall.
You want a genuinely mobile gaming device The Red Magic Nova Tablet isn’t too big or heavy, but it’s still not ideal for gaming on the move.
Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet: also consider
OnePlus Pad 2 The OnePlus Pad 2 is perhaps the most direct competitor here, with its £549/£499 pricing, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 power, and larger 12.1-inch 144Hz display.
iPad Air (2024) The latest 11-inch iPad Air is more expensive than the Nova Tablet at $599 / £599, and its 60Hz display isn’t massively gamer-friendly, but it’s more powerful and has access to a bigger library of high-end games.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE The Galaxy Tab S9 FE is similarly priced and a classier all-round operator, but it lacks the Nova Tablet’s gaming chops thanks to inferior power and a 90Hz display.
How I tested the Nubia Red Magic Nova Tablet
Review test period = 1 week
Testing included = Everyday usage, including web browsing, social media, photography, video calling, gaming, streaming video, music playback
Tools used = Geekbench 6, GFXBench, 3DMark, native Android stats, bundled Nubia 80W power adapter
Onyx has been aggressively pushing out new ereaders and e-paper writing tablets for a while now – the brand released the unique and compact Onyx Boox Palma and the Boox Note Air 3 series in quick succession, then followed it up with a new series called Go. This includes the Onyx Boox Go Color 7 ereader and the Boox Go 10.3 writing tablet that launched together, and a smaller Go 6 ereader that came later. It’s nice to have choices but, at the speed that it’s churning out new models, is Onyx making great products to keep up with the competition?
With the Boox Go 10.3, the Chinese brand has done better than what it did with the Go Color 7, which had too many software flaws when I tested it. The Go 10.3, on the other hand, is a far better device that looks remarkably like the reMarkable 2.
As the name suggests, it’s a 10.3-inch dedicated e-paper writing tablet and, like its Scandinavian counterpart, writes like a dream. Stylus input is fantastic with no lag whatsoever. With different pen and brush choices, plus different nib thicknesses, it will easily work as a digital sketch pad too.
While the reMarkable 2 was designed to remove distractions from the creative process, the Go 10.3 isn’t so discerning – you get full access to the Google Play Store on account of it running on a trimmed-down version of Android 12, plus there are a lot more features in the note-taking application than on a reMarkable. It’s important to note that not all third-party apps will allow stylus input, so you’ll need to decide which ones will be the most useful to you.
It can also double up as an ereader thanks to the baked-in library app (NeoReader), something the reMarkable doesn’t quite master. However, lacking a screen light – just like the reMarkable – you’re not going to be able to use it for nighttime reading.
What I find most impressive here is that Onyx has trimmed its user interface down to make it a lot – and I do mean A LOT – more streamlined than on its previous e-ink tablets, but it still requires a slight learning curve. If you’re willing to put that time in, it could well be the better e-paper writing tablet for you, especially since the price difference between it and the reMarkable 2 isn’t all that different.
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Onyx Boox Go 10.3 review: price & availability
List price: $379.99 / €419.99 (about £355) / AU$699
Ships with a stylus and magnetic sleep case from the Boox Shop
Available to buy directly from the Boox Shop or third-party retailers
Launched in June 2024, the Boox Go 10.3 e-paper tablet carries a list price of $379.99 / €419.99 (about £355) / AU$699. When purchased directly from the Boox Shop, this price includes the stylus and a beige magnetic sleep case, but the latter may not be available as part of the bundle in some markets when bought from third-party resellers.
Given the reMarkable 2 has a similar price tag, now available for $379 / £389 / AU$639 bundled with the base Marker – which is a small drop since the reMarkable Paper Pro was launched – the Boox is quite well priced. In fact, it’s cheaper than the company’s own Onyx Boox Note Air 3, which retails for $479 / €549.99 (around £445) / AU$749 at full price.
However, without a screen light, it’s a little hard to recommend over other writing e-paper tablets like the Kobo Elipsa 2E ($399 / £350 / AU$629) and the Amazon Kindle Scribe (starting price of $339 / £339 / AU$549). If you want something far more portable than the 10-inch tablets, the Kobo Libra Colour will set you back $219.99 / £219.99 / AU$359.95 plus an additional $69.99 / £69.95 / AU$119.95 for the Kobo Stylus 2 purchased separately – that's good bang for buck considering you get a good color display and the full suite of Kobo writing features.
• Value score: 3.5 / 5
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Onyx Boox Go 10.3 review: specs
Onyx Boox Go 10.3 review: Design & display
Beautiful, slimline design in white and grey
10.3-inch E Ink Carta 1200 screen with no frontlighting
Built-in speakers and mic
The Boox Go 10.3 takes a lot of its design cues from the reMarkable 2 but there are some differences that make the Onyx tablet smaller, lighter and potentially more durable. For starters, the Go 10.3 has a textured rear panel that feels very much like faux leather but is plastic. It offers a lot more grip than the glass on reMarkable 2, and makes the Boox lighter in comparison. This also means that the Go 10.3 doesn’t need the little nubs that the reMarkable uses as feet to protect its rear panel.
The aluminum edges of the Go 10.3 are rounded, leading to slim bezels that sit flush with the glass screen. The lower bezel, which is broader on both the Boox and the reMarkable, is comparatively smaller on the Go 10.3, making it the slightly shorter tablet and potentially shaves off a tiny weight too. The flip side to that is the Go 10.3 is more prone to accidental screen touches as compared to the reMarkable 2. Personally, I prefer the bezels on the reMarkable 2, with the metallic finish and white borders – epitomizing Scandinavian minimalism – compared to the light grey on the Boox.
Keeping the rest of the design looking sleek, the Go 10.3’s power button, placed on the top right edge (compared to the top left on the reMarkable), sticks out only marginally, so you can find it by feel. The bottom edge houses the USB-C port in the middle, with speaker and mic grills on either side of it.
The Boox Go 10.3 lying atop the reMarkable 2 (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
The Go 10.3 is now arguably the thinnest writing tablet in this class – its thickness is only just enough to enclose the aforementioned USB-C port – measuring just 4.6mm. That’s just a millimeter less than the reMarkable 2 which, until now, has held the title of the thinnest e-paper writing tablet. The Go 10.3 tips the scales at a mere 375g, which is lighter than the reMarkable 2 (403.5g) and the 2022 Amazon Kindle Scribe (433g). Despite that, it doesn’t feel fragile in the hand.
As the name suggests, the Boox boasts a 10.3-inch display, which uses the E Ink Carta 1200 screen technology. That’s now a generation behind with the Carta 1300 already in use in the Kobo Clara BW and Amazon adopting it in its 2024 range of Kindles. Where the Go 10.3 one-ups the reMarkable 2 is in screen resolution and overall contrast – you get a 300ppi display here (compared to 226ppi), while a side-by-side comparison shows that the blacks are blacker on the Boox. This makes text appear sharper on the Go 10.3 as compared to its competition, although the contrast on the Kobo Elipsa 2E (which also has a 227ppi screen resolution) is much better than the Go 10.3, which makes the latter a superior ereader.
That said, the reMarkable’s screen has a better anti-glare coating than the Boox – during my testing I frequently had issues with overhead lights creating bright spots on the Go 10.3, which made reading at certain angles quite difficult.
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Image 2 of 2
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Thanks to the glass layer on the screen, writing on the Go 10.3 is a pleasure. I’d say it comes close to the reMarkable 2 and the Kindle Scribe – which are my favourite e-paper tablets to write on – with the Boox coming in a very close third. It ships with a stylus, which is a basic pen that doesn’t have the eraser functionality – for such a premium tablet, I think that’s a glaring omission.
If you’re buying the tablet directly from Onyx, you’ll also get a magnetic sleepcover for the Go 10.3. It’s a lovely-looking beige faux-leather folio, with a fold on the rear panel to convert it into a stand. However, the flap that keeps the folio closed is a separate piece that attaches magnetically and is easily dislodged when taking the tablet in and out of the bag. In fact, if you fold the cover back completely, the flap magnetically sticks to the front panel and comes away with it when you close the folio. It’s a small thing but I found it so annoying that I stopped using it after a couple of days into my testing.
Unfortunately you’re likely to lose the stylus without the folio case. While the right edge of the Go 10.3 is magnetic to secure the stylus, it’s too darn weak to be of any use. The curved edge doesn’t help either, reducing the amount of surface area the pen gets to secure itself to.
• Design & display score: 4 / 5
The Boox Go 10.3 beside the reMarkable 2 – the former is slightly shorter and thinner (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Onyx Boox Go 10.3 review: Software & user interface
As mentioned earlier in this review, the Boox Go 10.3 runs a custom, trimmed-down version of Android 12 that focuses purely on reading and writing. Importantly, Onyx has also used this focus to streamline the user interface on the Go 10.3, which makes it a much easier Boox tablet to use than any I’ve tested before.
I suspect it’s this better UX that has eliminated a lot of the software issues I had with the Onyx Boox Go Color 7, or the company put all its efforts into the bigger flagship tablet and didn’t test out the smaller ereader enough before release. Whatever the reason, it means the Go 10.3 is a superior writing tablet that can give the reMarkable 2 a run for its money.
So while you won’t get the smartphone experience here, you will be able to download third-party apps from the Google Play Store, which makes the Go 10.3 a more versatile writing tablet than anything from the competition.
Android OS and apps
Customized Android UX
The most streamlined UX of any previous Boox writing tablet
Not all third-party apps are usable
All current Boox devices run on a customized version of Android – Android 12 in this case – which is how you’re able to get access to the Google Play Store. Despite the OS being a little out of date compared to what you’d get on the latest Android phone, it’s not an issue for an e-paper tablet.
The Boox already has full support for Evernote and OneNote, as well as easy syncing to cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive, but you can also download and use other apps that you prefer. One thing to keep in mind is that not all of them will offer stylus input if the developer hasn’t allowed for it on the Android version of that particular app, or there could be input delays when rendering the writing on screen, which happened to me when trying Evernote.
Another thing to keep in mind when using an e-paper tablet like the Go 10.3 is that not all apps are optimized for this kind of display. Practically every app on the Play Store will have been developed for use on an LCD or OLED display – so a smartphone or a multimedia tablet – and E Ink’s screen tech doesn’t respond as well. Firstly, the screen refresh rate isn’t fast enough for most non-productivity applications, so while you can watch videos on YouTube in black and white, it’s not the best experience. You can play some mobile games (again, in black and white), but your graphics won’t be as clean as on your phone or regular tablet, and that’s despite the Go 10.3 using a mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor paired with an Adreno 610 GPU.
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
What I really like about the Go 10.3 over other similar Onyx Boox note-taking tablets is the overall user interface – it’s a lot cleaner and streamlined here, and isn’t plagued with the same software glitches I found when I tested the Boox Go Color 7. The only problem is that the default Fonts folder in the Settings isn’t connected to the Storage tab where it needs to live – so anyone sideloading fonts will need to create a new Fonts folder under Storage to make them work on NeoReader (the native library app).
The main applications are arranged to the left, making navigation simple, and an easy swipe up from the bottom bezel exits the app you're on. The system settings are also more streamlined, but there are still plenty of customization options within the System Display tab and Gestures. The latter is similar to what you’d find on other Android devices which, I personally think, is a bit of an overkill for the Go 10.3 but I’m sure other users would appreciate the various options.
As with other Boox devices, there’s also a NaviBall, which is optional to use. Tap on this circular icon and it will open a selection of up to nine configurable buttons to trigger up to 30 different functions.
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
You also have the Control Center on the Go 10.3 which is an easy way to access specific features like the AI assistant, Boox cloud storage, Kids Mode, Split Screen and, importantly, the E Ink Center. The last option is the most useful in my opinion as this is where you can control a lot of the system settings for the device, especially adjusting the refresh rate from a choice of four speed settings. Better yet, you can set individual apps at different refresh rates to suit.
The one feature on any Boox device that’s been the least useful is the built-in bookstore. You’ll typically find titles that are already in the public domain, but considering you can always use the Kindle or Kobo app on the Go 10.3, you can ignore the Store tab entirely. You can also use the native browser to make purchases online.
One thing to note here: like the Boox Go Color 7, the Go 10.3 doesn't register on a Mac device's Finder application, which makes it hard to transfer files via a cable. It does, however, register on a Windows machine, but I found that existing files cannot be found via the usual pathways. The best way to use this Boox tablet is via cloud sync.
• Software score: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Writing & productivity
Native note-taking app is great but might be overkill for some users
Broad support for note apps and cloud services
Excellent stylus input
When it comes to writing, the Go 10.3 has excellent stylus input – there was never any lag during my testing. That said, I did have the input fail a few times on the native Notes app (where a line appeared on screen the moment the stylus touches it), and a full restart of the tablet was needed to fixed the problem. I’ve encountered this issue on the Kobo Elipsa 2E as well, but the latter allows for just that page to be refreshed, which solves the problem quicker than on the Boox.
Despite being a grayscale device, there is support for a handful of colors on the Go 10.3. You’ll see the options when you choose a pen or brush type in the Notes app and, when exported – as a PDF or PNG file – you’ll see those colors displayed on your computer.
There are five pen types to choose from, each with up to five thickness (width) levels.
There’s a heck of a lot of other functionalities within the Notes app itself, so you really don’t need a third-party application for writing or drawing, unless you’re syncing them to a specific cloud account.
You can add shapes and layers for, say, flowcharts and you can insert links to notes as well. The AI icon helps convert handwritten notes to text and, for the most part, the conversion is correct unless your handwriting is literally chicken scratches. Similar to the reMarkable 2, the Go 10.3 is excellent for annotating PDF files – you can fill forms and sign on the device, then export to your computer or a cloud service of your choice. There’s also image-to-text support (OCR) available if you need it, which will make pretty much anything within the powerful Notes app searchable.
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Image 2 of 3
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Image 3 of 3
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Each document can have up to 500 pages, but I found that the bigger the notebook gets, the slower it is to reopen the next time you want to access it on the Go 10.3. This happened with a 7-page document, and the largest I had during my testing was 10 pages, so I’m not entirely sure how well a 100-page document will perform, let alone 500 pages. The aforementioned 10-page document even crashed once during my testing period.
The one thing I wish the native Notes app had was an easier way to delete individual pages within a document. This functionality exists, but is hidden away: you need to tap on the page number displayed on the top right corner, which opens the individual pages on a side panel. There, you need to spot the three dots for each page and then select ‘delete’. It’s a lot easier to do this on other writing tablets like the reMarkable 2, the Kobo Elipsa 2E and the Kindle Scribe.
Another missing feature for multi-page documents is tap-to-turn – you have to use the arrow icons on the top right corner to navigate page by page, or open the side panel to reveal all the pages.
If you’re a digital artist, the Go 10.3 will make an ideal sketchpad. There’s 4,096 pressure sensitivity levels that can capture nuances of the stylus quite well, with brush strokes looking quite detailed on the E Ink display. That said, there’s no tilt support on the Go 10.3, which you will get on the reMarkable 2.
• Writing and productivity score: 4.5 / 5
Reading
Native library app is full featured
Default Fonts folder is not linked for use
Lacks a screen light for nighttime reading
Like the native Notes application, the baked-in NeoReader is also full-featured and has been built for e-paper screens. Text is sharp and very readable on the grayscale display and the customizable Floating Toolbar is handy for quick access to shortcuts. However, comparing the 300ppi display on the Go 10.3 with the 227ppi Kobo Elipsa 2E shows a marked difference in contrast – the lower resolution screen has darker text, which makes it stand out more without the frontlight on.
The Boox Go 10.3 (left) is fine to read on but lacks contrast when compared directly to the Kobo Elipsa 2E (right) (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
On the Go 10.3, however, the lack of a light – which it borrows from the reMarkable 2 – makes it hard to use as an ereader for nighttime reading. So if you want your e-ink tablet to double as both an ereader and a note-taker, you might be better off looking elsewhere.
And while there’s wide font support, the NeoReader only has a single (unnamed) serif option available for use without dedicated weights or stylization (like bold and italics). While you can sideload a plethora of fonts, they don’t get saved within the default Fonts folder – instead, you need to create a new one within Storage for the additional fonts to be enabled within the library app.
If you happen to already have a Kindle or Kobo account, I personally recommend them over NeoReader, although the customizations here will be limited to what the two platforms allow on their Android apps. The page setup, though, is cleaner and makes reading a nicer experience. And, as I’ve previously mentioned, the built-in bookstore isn’t worth checking out at all.
• Reading score: 3.5 / 5
Onyx Boox Go 10.3 review: Performance
Minimal ghosting compared to other Boox tablets
Responsive screen
Decent battery life, but significant drain in sleep mode
The combination of the mid-range Snapdragon 680 CPU and the Adreno 610 GPU is plenty to keep the Go 10.3 ticking along real nicely. During my testing, I noticed no issues with core tasks like writing and reading.
It’s arguably one of the best writing experiences I’ve had on an e-ink tablet, with absolutely no stylus input lag, although I found some multi-page handwritten documents can take a little longer than expected to open. One of my documents, which was 10 pages, even crashed, although I think I’ll put this down as a one-off as it happened just once. That said, launching Android apps is quite fast for a device like this and can match some budget phones or traditional tablets.
Individual apps can have their own refresh rates set, which is excellent, although even at the fastest speed, some apps might stutter. This includes the browser which, when scrolling through rapidly, will have a few hiccups. That’s natural, though, as it’s just how e-ink screens are.
One improvement I’ve noticed on the Go 10.3 compared to other Boox tablets is the lack of ghosting. During my testing, I experienced only the mildest when I was using the browser, but had no issues when using the Notes app to write or draw. I did have the occasional overlay when using the NeoReader but, again, it was significantly less than other Boox devices.
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Without a screen light, the 3,700mAh battery can go quite the distance – depending on how much you use the Go 10.3, it can last 2-3 weeks on a single charge. However, there is a significant drain when the tablet is in sleep mode. I found it can drop anywhere from 2% to 10%, depending on how long it stays inactive. Onyx gets around this issue by allowing you to let the device power down completely after a day or two of inactivity (you can select this in the Settings pane), but even then I found a little battery drain. While this issue might be fixable via a future firmware update, it can mean that a full charge could last no more than a week.
Moreover, if you use the built-in speakers for listening to audiobooks or music, you might end up draining the battery a little faster than when using it for just writing and reading. And while sound quality isn't the best for music, it's perfectly adequate for audiobook narrations and can get quite loud within a small room. I personally prefer using one of the best wireless headphones for listening on any e-ink tablet.
Topping up the battery isn’t too bad – I found the Go 10.3 went from 20% to full in approximately two hours. This is when plugged into a 65W wall charger and using a high quality USB-C to C cable (not the provided one) – it will be slower to juice up if you plug the device into a PC, laptop or a docking station, or if you use a USB-A to C cable.
• Performance score: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Should I buy the Onyx Boox Go 10.3 e-paper tablet?
Buy it if...
You want the lightest, thinnest e-paper writing tablet
Thinner and lighter than even the reMarkable 2, the Boox Go 10.3 is arguably the best-looking 10-inch e-paper writing tablet I've tested. It's just a shame that the stylus doesn't secure well to the side or the top of the device.
You want access to Android apps on your e-ink tablet
There are plenty of 10-inch e-paper writing tablets to choose from these days, but the ability to use third-party Android apps might just prove to be advantageous to some users.
You want to do more than just read and write on the e-ink tablet
It might not support stylus tilt functionality, but the Boox Go 10.3 is still wonderful to draw on. And writing is just as great, if not better, with no input lag to complain about. Better yet, it's got built-in speakers, so you can listen to music or audiobooks (even stream via the Android app of your choice).
Don't buy it if...
You want your writing tablet to double as your ereader as well
While you can read on the Boox Go 10.3 just fine, the lack of a frontlight means it's not much use in the dark, when many an avid reader would love to wind down with a good book.
You need more than 64GB of storage
For an expensive tablet, it's a shame that the Boox Go 10.3 has no expandable storage – especially since there are other Boox devices that come with a microSD tray that can support up to an additional 1TB of data.
You'd prefer a more budget-friendly option
Most 10-inch e-ink note-taking tablets are expensive, but if you don't mind opting for a smaller device, like the Kobo Libra Colour or the Kobo Sage, you can save a lot of money despite having to purchase the stylus separately.
Also consider
reMarkable 2
It might be getting a little long in the tooth (having released in 2020), but this Scandinavian writing tablet nails productivity perfectly. No distractions, minimalistic user interface and a remarkable (pun intended) writing experience. If you have some extra cash, the keyboard folio can be real handy. Read our in-depth reMarkable 2 review for more details
Amazon Kindle Scribe
While there's a new (2024) edition of the Scribe available now, the original Amazon writing tablet is a little cheaper and a very good alternative if you want a 10-inch e-ink note-taker. It's the only such device to support Microsoft Word documents natively and it's screen is arguably one of the most well-optimized displays I've tested. Read our full Amazon Kindle Scribe review to learn more
Kobo Elipsa 2E
It's not the smoothest screen to write on, but the note-taking features in Kobo's Advanced Notebooks is par excellence. Handwriting recognition is also one of the best I've tested and, to me, this is arguably the best alternative to opt for if you want both an ereader and a writing tablet in one. Read our full Kobo Elipsa 2E review for more information
If you prefer something smaller and cheaper, you can opt for the Kobo Libra Colour – you'll get a 7-inch color display and the full Kobo writing suite, but you will need to purchase the stylus separately. Check out our in-depth Kobo Libra Colour review to learn more
How I tested the Onyx Boox Go 10.3
Used the device for approximately two months
It became my main writing device during that time
Did some reading and listened to some audio files as well
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
The first thing I did when I took the Go 10.3 out of its box was to sign into my Onyx account to sync existing notes across from previous Boox tablets I've used. I then signed into my Google account to transfer some ebooks to the tablet and access the Play Store.
Previous experience with Boox devices had already taught me to avoid the built-in bookstore, so I promptly downloaded both the Kindle and Kobo Android apps to access the libraries I've built up on those two platforms. I also downloaded a couple of benchmarking applications to determine what CPU was being used (Onyx doesn't make it very clear on its site) and check the battery stats.
The Go 10.3 then became my daily note-taker – I used it for a lot of work-related notes, including jotting down points for this review – and, even though I'm no artist, I did try drawing some simple sketches. All my notes are synced to my Google Drive account for access on a laptop or PC, and I also exported a couple of documents to cloud storage as PDFs for printing.
Given this is a writing tablet first and foremost, I tested the native Notes app thoroughly, but also tried out Evernote briefly.
Platform reviewed: PS5 Available on: PS5, PC Release date: October 31, 2024
PlayStation Studios holds the keys to a staggering number of franchises, but the company really, really wants you to know about Horizon.
That’s the impression I’ve been getting ever since Horizon Zero Dawn debuted on the PlayStation 4 back in 2017, with the company catapulting protagonist Aloy to the front of as many marketing campaigns as possible since. Perhaps that’s down to Hermen Hulst moving from developer Guerilla Games up the ladder to become the boss of Sony’s first-party output, but whatever the case, the franchise is here to stay.
And, while we’re due a blocky version of Aloy’s adventures this year with LEGO Horizon Adventures, we’ve also got a drop-dead gorgeous remaster of the PS4 original coming to PlayStation 5.
If you’ve not caught up with Aloy and her robot-slaying bow skills, Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered offers the best opportunity to do so as one of the best PS5 games of recent years. If you’re a seasoned member of the tribe, however, you may find less to enjoy.
A post-post-apocalypse, again
(Image credit: Sony/PlayStation)
It’s worth noting that attaching ‘Remastered’ to the title of the base game actually feels a little like a misnomer in this context. This is far more impressive than a new lick of paint over the first, original version of the game. That’s not to say it isn’t drastically prettier (which I’ll come to shortly), but if you’re expecting the game to feel a little less special based on that title, you may be surprised.
Within ten minutes, I played as a young Aloy wandering the subterranean halls of a lab that’s been buried for centuries. Aside from the way the light bounces off the water, reflecting intricately across the walls, when Aloy first grabs her Focus (the gadget she uses to navigate the world), the way its purple-hued UI contrasts with the cavernous corridors made me sit forward in my chair.
Exteriors also showcase a significant glow-up. I found there to be more dynamic lighting and lens flare on display, both from the sunlight over mountains and trees and from the angry eye of the Watcher machines, but it’s the foliage that feels most impressive.
(Image credit: Sony/PlayStation)
Aloy walks through it as it sways and reacts to her movements, and she reaches out her hands to touch it in return. Cutscene motion capture has been redone in many spots (at least according to Sony), but some slightly iffy animations with the younger Aloy feel a little off, notably when she falls awkwardly into the aforementioned lab.
That’s alleviated after the time jump that sees her reintroduced as an adult, however, and from that moment on you’d struggle to tell the difference between this remaster and the second game in the series, 2022’s Horizon Forbidden West.
It’s not just Aloy that sees a glow-up, either. Her mentor, Rost, has more detail in his character model, with a more realistic beard than I remember in 2017, and while some unnamed non-player characters (NPCs) look much the same, all named characters have drastically improved detail in their features and clothing, right down to stitching on outfits.
That extends to the machines that roam the world, too, with everything from the Watcher to the Thunderjaw to the Stormbird having clearer, more mechanical details like robotic sinews and circuitry.
Time for another look
(Image credit: Sony/PlayStation)
Sure, it’s prettier than the 2017 original, but Zero Dawn was never a slouch in the visual department. In fact, the reason fewer people were talking about it was likely its awkward release timing alongside the Nintendo Switch and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - another open-world game that enjoyed the benefit of being attached to an established franchise.
With that in mind, this remaster marks a great opportunity to look at Zero Dawn free of those contemporaneous comparisons, and it’s remarkable just how well the game’s underlying mechanics hold up.
It’s a game full of satisfying moments, most notably in combat. Whacking a robot to see its armor plating fly off and sparks fly remains just as enjoyable now as it was in 2017, and while stealth remains a formulaic process of wandering between patches of long grass, there’s something so kinetic about Zero Dawn’s bow and trap combo that makes it no wonder Sony is reportedly working on a game-as-a-service within this universe.
Using the tripcaster to fell a colossal mechanical beast, or sliding away from a Strider while triggering slow motion to fire a fire arrow at the canister on its back are made more tactile by the improved rumble and haptic triggers of the DualSense wireless controller this time around, and while the sound of the Focus through the controller speakers still feels a little annoying at times, the whole thing tickles the brain so nicely that I’d suggest Horizon is to third-person combat what Destiny is to first-person shooters.
Best Bit
(Image credit: Sony/PlayStation)
There’s a moment right at the start of the game where a young Aloy wanders through the ruins of a lab that’s been buried underground. The way the light in the area reflects off the water in the cave-like lab is a great early showcase of this remaster’s graphical fidelity.
Everything is executed to such an impressive level of finesse that I can see myself grinding levels to earn skills for Aloy all over again, and that’s even with features from the sequel missing like vertical traps and a charged spear attack. That means coming back from Forbidden West doesn’t feel as jarring as it could have done, and if you’ve not played Zero Dawn before playing the sequel then there’s never been a better time.
A big part of why it feels so good to play is the performance mode options, which are pretty much a straight transplant from Horizon Forbidden West. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered runs in 4K in Favor Resolution mode but can run in Favor Performance Mode at 30, 40, and 60 frames per second (FPS) modes with tradeoffs at each level on PC, while the PS5 version offers just a 60 FPS version.
I will say that while Resolution mode is often my preference for increased detail, the Performance mode quickly became my standard way to enjoy the remaster. That’s mostly down to the increased fluidity which can be felt throughout just about any animation, whether it’s Aloy running or aiming her bow. Whichever mode I tested, however, I didn’t see frame drops of any real consequence, nor any major drop in visual fidelity.
The only real disappointment when returning from the sequel is that Horizon Zero Dawn’s world is noticeably flatter in terms of topography. There are still hills and craggy cliffs to climb, but Forbidden West added more in the way of verticality to its terrain which makes things feel a little less varied here.
"I’ve been here before"
(Image credit: Sony/PlayStation)
Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered is £45 / $50 for anyone jumping in for the first time, but if you already own it you’ll get it for just £10 / $10. For that, it’s hard not to be tempted given what’s on offer visually, and given it’s been free on various PlayStation promotions in the past, you may be surprised to know you already have access to it.
This Remaster also includes the Frozen Wilds expansion which adds a new region, quests, and skills for Aloy to unlock, making it a truly complete edition - except we’ve already had a Complete Edition… and a PS5 performance patch, too.
That might mean you’re less excited to go back than you otherwise would have been, but you can import your save if you left off at any point prior. The process is very simple, and leans on cloud saves too - I was grateful to have found some old saves from back in 2018 that I could use to get back to some of the game’s most impressive machines. You can also start a New Game+ from your prior save. The Photo Mode is also great, offering a whole host of options with which I snagged the majority of the shots in this review and it’s easy to dive in and out of it from the pause menu.
Your level of enjoyment in Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered will likely depend on how much time you’ve spent with it before. If it turned you into a lifelong fan of Aloy’s adventures, then you’ll undoubtedly pay the modest fee for a visually stunning facelift of the first chapter. If you finished it and put it down, there may be less reason for you to return.
You’ll be disappointed if you’re looking for new content, but that’s not what this Remaster is about. It’s a stunning game, and if you want to revisit the game - or you missed Frozen Wilds and want to see that in all its glory - then this is the definitive and best-looking version of the game to play now.
Should you play Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered?
Play it if...
You flat-out missed it last time Horizon has become a big franchise for PlayStation, and this is a great way to experience its beginnings if you’ve not played the PS4 or upscaled PS5 version.
You want to enjoy your PS5’s graphical prowess As far as PlayStation exclusives go, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is a great way to show off the console’s power with some genuinely impressive visuals and character models.
You’re looking for more Horizon If you’ve been hankering for more PS5 Horizon content after finishing Forbidden West then this is the way to get it - even if it’s retreading old ground in terms of benign a remastered of the original, the cheap upgrade price of $10 / £10 represents exceptional value, and it almost feels like a whole new adventure.
Don't play it if...
You’re looking for new content for the game Aside from the inclusion of Frozen Wilds, there’s little new here that wasn’t around at launch in 2017. The low upgrade pricing helps entice, but unless you’re a huge Horizon fan, you’ll likely dip in and dip out.
Accessibility
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered follows on from Forbidden West with an array of accessibility features including remappable buttons, hold/press options for commands, adjustable weapon wheel speed, and co-pilot functionality to allow a second controller to be used to mirror controls. There are also a series of difficulty settings to make the game easier or more challenging, including modifiers to damage dealt, damage taken, and an auto heal option.
You can opt to have quest destinations automatically show on screen or to be able to explore and find them by yourself, while subtitles are offered in multiple sizes and with or without backgrounds. Tinnitus sounds can also be switched off entirely, and there are audio and vibration cues when action prompts are shown on screen.
The biggest omission, however, is colorblind modes. While these were added post-launch with Forbidden West, they’re simply not here in Zero Dawn Remastered. Here’s hoping it’s patched in soon.
(Image credit: Sony/PlayStation)
How I reviewed Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
I played the game from the beginning for around 10 hours, before jumping into a late game save from the PS4 version to tackle bigger, endgame-level machines for a further five hours.
I spent half of the time in Performance mode, and the other half in the quality mode to test the differences between them. All of this was done on a base (launch) PlayStation 5 console with a Sky Glass 4K TV and the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P.
You know a camera’s special when you don’t want to return it after a review. Almost as soon as I got it in my hands, I knew that would be the case with the Leica Q3 43. To call this one of the best compact cameras is to do it a serious disservice: we’ve already waxed lyrical about how incredible the Q3 model is in our full Leica Q3 review – and this edition shares the same core qualities.
All of the Leica hallmarks are here: beautiful design, stunning build quality, and tactile handling. You get a powerful 60.3MP full-frame sensor, comfortably the most capable you’ll find in any compact camera, with support for 8K 30p video. You also get the same niggles as the standard Q3, including relatively average battery life and autofocus that’s bettered elsewhere. And, of course, there’s the eye-watering Leica price tag.
What sets this edition apart is the glass. This is still a fast, fixed-focal length affair, but the clue with the 43 is in the name: it’s fronted by a 43mm prime lens that’s meant to mimic the natural perspective of your eyes. Wider than 35mm, tighter than 50mm, that focal length offers an unusual field of view which somehow feels instantly and intuitively familiar.
(Image credit: Future)
Even more so than the standard Q3, the Q3 43 feels like the perfect everyday camera. Set aside the cost factor and you’ve got a sublime camera with a focal length that really invites you to view the world, and which also gives you the tools to capture it effectively. With a fast f/2 aperture at its widest, the specially designed APO-Summicron lens nails all of the benchmarks: beautifully smooth bokeh, minimal distortion, and absolutely pin-sharp detail.
That, combined with the high-resolution sensor, makes the Q3 43 a camera that's at home in almost any scenario. Having shot with it for a week, the 43mm focal length lends itself wonderfully to street portraiture, producing stills with a real sense of intimacy. Should you need to re-frame, you have a whole lot of pixels to play with.
There are many things that make the Leica Q3 43 truly unique. No other compact ships with a 43mm prime lens. And you don’t find too many cameras of any description with a 60MP full-frame sensor inside, let alone one that looks and feels this good to shoot with. In short, the Q3 43 is everything a compact camera should be. If you can afford its inordinate price tag, it’s one you’ll never want to leave home without.
(Image credit: Future)
Leica Q3 43: Specs
Leica Q3 43: Price and availability
Launched on 26 September 2024
Priced at $6,295 / £5,900 / AU$11,890
The Leica Q3 43 was released on 26 September 2024. It’s priced at $6,295 / £5,900 / AU$11,890, which means it will set you back more than many of the best mirrorless cameras. It’s an undeniably premium piece of kit with niche appeal. Red-dot cameras never come cheap, and what you’re paying for here goes beyond the spec sheet; it’s the Leica design, build quality, and shooting experience.
The 43 is slightly more expensive than the standard Leica Q3, which is priced at $5,995 / £5,300 / AU$9,790. At this end of the price spectrum, though, you won’t be choosing between the two cameras based on cost. Instead, it’ll come down to whether you’d prefer your full-frame Leica compact with a 28mm or 43mm focal length.
Leica Q3 43: Design
Identical body to the Leica Q3
Modern, minimalist design
Tactile controls and tilting touchscreen
Besides the lens, everything about the 43 is physically identical to the Leica Q3. That means you get the same weighty, magnesium die-cast construction, with the same beautifully pared-back design and the same wonderfully tactile control layout. There’s nothing quite like it at any price point, and you really have to hold the Q3 43 in your hands to appreciate the way it feels.
Everything about this camera is premium, from the weighting of the body to the perfectly judged resistance of the control rings. This is a camera that you want to handle, and one that rewards you with satisfying physical feedback at every turn. The manual focus ring is just one example: it’s so enjoyable to use that you might forget the Q3 43 also has an excellent autofocus option. It's the same story with the macro ring, which twists to reveal a different set of markings for close-up focusing.
This is the kind of camera that you’ll come back to, when it’s sitting on your kitchen counter or entrance hall table, just to pick it up and appreciate it. It's a camera that you’ll never want to leave home without – not only because you want to shoot stills with it, but because the Q3 43 makes it such a joy to do so.
That also extends to the interface, both physical and digital. Pressing and holding to customize buttons makes it easy to adapt the user experience to your liking, while the quick touch menu on the screen feels responsive and intuitive.
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 3
(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 3
(Image credit: Future)
That’s not to say it’s a perfect camera. Like the Leica Q3, the 43 has a small indentation on the rear which serves as a thumb rest, but the compact dimensions mean there isn’t much room for ergonomic sculpting – there are more comfortable cameras to grip over long periods.
As in our review of the Leica Q3, we also felt that the tilting touchscreen isn’t perfectly implemented. While it’s theoretically useful when you're shooting from the hip, it’s not the easiest display to pull out and adjust. During our time with the 43, we were more naturally drawn to the high-res 5.76m-dot viewfinder.
Really, though, it’s very hard to pick fault with a camera that feels as good to use as the Q3 43. Shoot with it for a day, and you’ll wonder how you’ll ever fully enjoy a different camera again.
Leica Q3 43: Features and performance
Phase detection autofocus
Lens-based image stabilization
Single SD UHS-II card slot
In most respects, the Leica Q3 43 shares its spec sheet with the Leica Q3. That includes the 60.3MP full-frame sensor, 8K 30p video recording, and Leica’s best phase-detection autofocus to date, complete with human tracking that’s broadly sticky. And like the Leica Q3, it also has some features which highlight its status as an everyday camera – albeit a very expensive one.
There’s the maximum burst speed of 15fps, which you can only use with the electronic shutter. You also get just one SD UHS-II card slot, while the lens-based image stabilization still can’t compete with the best. You can read more fully about how these features perform in ourLeica Q3 review, but the takeaway is that this isn’t a camera with the outright performance to rival the best mirrorless cameras.
What you’re getting here is not a heavyweight workhorse, but a sublime tool for everyday use. That’s reflected in features such as Leica Looks: preset image styles which can be loaded via the Leica Fotos app over Wi-Fi, allowing less-experienced photographers to achieve different and dynamic effects with no editing. The original DNG files are kept, so it’s non-destructive.
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 3
(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 3
(Image credit: Future)
Leica Q3 43: Image quality
60.3MP full-frame sensor
Fixed 43mm f/2 prime lens
Digital cropping up to 150mm
Where the Leica Q3 has an uncropped 28mm field of view similar to that of your smartphone’s primary camera, the 43 mimics human vision with its APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH lens. That gives you a slightly tighter crop than the more familiar 50mm prime, but a wider angle than the Q3, or any 35mm lenses you might have used. While it’s an unfamiliar number, it’s also an incredibly intuitive one.
By offering a natural, distortion-free view, that glass offers an intimate perspective. It’s one that invites you to look at the world and capture it, whether that’s a portrait, a street scene or something else entirely. Both when framing and reviewing what you’ve shot, there’s a sense of scenes being true to life, both in stills and video.
Specially designed for the 43, the APO-Summicron lens is tightly packaged and pin-sharp. Thanks to its fast f/2 aperture it’s capable of soft backgrounds and beautifully smooth bokeh, strengthening its credentials as a portrait star. We also detected minimal distortion in stills.
Image 1 of 6
(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)
Image 2 of 6
(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)
Image 3 of 6
(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)
Image 4 of 6
(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)
Image 5 of 6
(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)
Image 6 of 6
(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)
Paired with the Q3 43's 60.3MP full-frame sensor, this is a lens that can produce stunning images in a whole range of scenarios, from high-contrast backlit portraits to detailed macro shots. Low light wasn’t an issue either: the lens and sensor pairing seemed able to gather a fair amount of light, and where it was necessary to bump up the ISO we didn’t notice a huge loss of detail in the fine grain of noise.
Like the Leica Q3, you have the option to apply a digital crop. This doesn’t alter the perspective or depth of field, but it does give you the versatility to frame in on subjects. Starting at 43mm, you can apply the digital crop all the way up to 150mm, which is notably tighter than the 90mm maximum of the Leica Q3. It’s a useful trick, although I would generally prefer to crop in after the fact. Helpfully, the crop is only applied to JPEG files, with the full area retained in DNG raw files.
On the standard setting, JPEG images out of the Q3 43 are pleasingly sharp and dynamic. Colors can feel a little understated, but there’s a realism to JPEG stills that nicely complements the 43mm field of view. That said, we’d always advise recording shots in both JPEG and Leica’s DNG format, to give yourself maximum editing flexibility.
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)
Image 2 of 3
(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)
Image 3 of 3
(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)
Should I buy the Leica Q3 43?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
You want the ultimate compact camera With a high-resolution sensor, an incredibly sharp lens and a beautifully designed body, the Leica Q3 43 sets the benchmark for what a premium compact should look, feel, and shoot like.
You want a fresh, unique perspective Giving a natural and intuitive perspective similar to that of the human eye, the 43mm prime lens is a unique proposition among premium compacts, offering a real sense of immersion.
You want to fall in love with photography again Quite simply, the Leica Q3 43 is a sublime camera to shoot with. From the tactile handling to the familiar field of view, it’s exactly what photography should feel like.
Don't buy it if...
You’re on any kind of budget The Q3 43 is a stunning camera in almost every respect, but you’ll also have to pay a hefty sum for the privilege of owning it. Its price tag will mean it stays in wish-list territory for most people.
You want different focal lengths You can crop in on the 60.3MP sensor to simulate zoom up to 150mm, but you’ll need to look elsewhere if you want the genuine versatility of different focal lengths.
You shoot a lot of video
While it can record 8K footage at 30fps, recording limits, the absence of a 3.5mm input, and average image stabilization mean this is a camera for stills first and foremost.
How I tested the Leica Q3 43
(Image credit: Future)
I used the camera for a week
I shot more than 300 stills
I took pictures in a range of conditions
Premium or not, the Leica Q3 43 is pitched as the kind of compact you’ll want to take with you everywhere – so that’s exactly what I did. With a loan period of only a week, I made the most of every day: it went wherever I went. That meant taking the 43 about town, on a drive to the beach, and just about everywhere else.
I shot more than 300 stills over the course of seven days, covering a whole range of scenes and conditions. That included the brightest sunlight that an autumn day in the UK could muster, the more familiar cloudy skies of September, the honey tones of the golden hour, and dark nights sat by a fire pit.
Because the 43mm prime lens is what distinguishes this edition from the standard Q3, I paid particular attention to how that felt when framing different subjects in different scenarios. That spanned taking portraits, street shots, landscapes, and close-ups, to get a full impression of how it feels to work with that unique frame of view.
