The robot vacuum on review here is the Yeedi M12 Ultra Plus. Elsewhere in the lineup you'll find the Yeedi M12 Pro Plus – this is essentially the same vacuum, but the Ultra Plus has marginally higher suction: 11,800Pa for the Ultra, 11,000Pa for the Pro Plus.
The Yeedi M12 Ultra Plus is a fantastic robot vacuum in terms of cleaning power. The vacuuming is powerful (with suction specs up there with the highest on the market) and reliable, the mopping is efficient – especially thanks to a pad that can shift outwards to enable this robovac to mop right up to the edges of rooms. Reliable object avoidance and very good mapping also help ensure a thorough clean.
In fact, in terms of cleaning alone, it's up there with the best robot vacuums on the market. However, it doesn't quite set itself apart in a way that's much of a game-changer, and it lacks extra features that you will find with other premium models. Perhaps the most notable of those is the lack of voice assistant support (which is surprising at this price point), but you also can't do things like use the bot as a security camera / pet checker. To some, those features will be unnecessary extras, though.
The base station is comprehensive, taking care of much of the maintenance for you, including refilling the bot's water tanks, and washing and drying the mop pads. However, the knock-on of that is that it is quite bulky.
That's the short version; read on for my full Yeedi M12 Ultra Plus robot vacuum review.
(Image credit: Future)
Yeedi M12 Ultra Plus review: price & availability
List price: $1,099 / (about £840 / AU$1,630)
Available: US
Launched: September 2024
An asking price of $1,099 / (about £840 / AU$1,630) may seem exorbitant, but it really isn't with flagship models such as the Yeedi M12 Ultra Plus. Top-of-the-line models basically start at around $1,000 / £1,000 so something that's just a hundred bucks more is reasonable. Add on to that the fact that the Yeedi M21 Ultra Plus comes with powerful suction rated at 11,8000 Pa and has an extendable mop pad for mopping edges, along with great object avoidance, and you're getting pretty good value. While I hesitate to call it a deal, it's worth the price.
Compare, for instance, to the Narwal Freo X Ultra. At $1,399.99 / AU$ 2,299 (about £1,110), it's quite a bit more expensive, doesn't have that extendable mop pad, and isn't quite as powerful(it has 8,200 Pa of suction). The Narwal is a bit more aesthetically pleasing, however, and more feature-filled. For instance, you can actually use it as a security video camera drone.
The Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo is another option that's going to set you back quite a bit with its $1,199.99 / AU$2,299 (about £950) price tag. It's very feature-rich and even comes with a handheld vacuum that self-empties into the base station. While it shouldn't be a huge consideration since all of these robot vacuums frequently return to the base station to wash their mop pads, it does have a 200 minute battery life to the Yeedi M12 Ultra Plus' 290 minutes.
Value for money score: 4 out of 5
Yeedi M12 Ultra Plus specs
Yeedi M12 Ultra Plus review: design
Spinning mop pads – one of which extends to reach the edges of rooms
3D mapping sensors for improved object avoidance
Large water tanks and dust bag in base station
The Yeedi M12 Ultra Plus, as a flagship robot vacuum, comes with some top tier design choices. For instance, while it comes with just one side brush (some models have two), it does have an anti-tangle brush roll. Plus, it comes with two spinning mop pads, one of which can extend out for edge mopping. Both can also lift off the ground for carpet cleaning as well, though it's not quite high enough for thick, shag carpets.
(Image credit: Future)
As far as its sensors go, it utilizes 3D mapping – you can see the results in the app. When it goes around mapping or cleaning, you can actually see two lasers cross in front of it. This helps with seeing objects more fully to avoid them. (Here's more on how robot vacuums navigate, if you're interested.)
(Image credit: Future)
Moving on to the base station. This is on the bulky side, although that's common for docks that offer comprehensive maintenance features, as this one does. Not only will it empty the bot's dustbin, it can also refill its onboard water tank and clean and dry its mop pads.
The most unusual thing about the dock is the fact that the clean and dirty water tanks are flat and wide, sitting on top of the base station instead of the thinner, deeper tanks of other models that sit inside the base station. I'm not sure there's a real practical difference other than the water tanks here are harder to tip over if you're filling up or emptying them.
They're both sizable, with the clean water tank holding 4L and the dirty water tank 3.5L. The dust bag that the robot vacuum automatically self-empties into is also pretty big at 3.4L. Also on hand are features that I've come to expect in flagship robot vacuums with mopping capability, such as hot mop pad washing and drying.
Design score: 5 out of 5
Yeedi M12 Ultra Plus review: performance
Both vacuuming and mopping are great
Extendable mop pad means edges get mopped
Object avoidance is very good
As one would expect with a flagship model, the vacuuming and mopping are both very good with the Yeedi M12 Ultra Plus. I tested this robot vacuum on hardwood and marble floors as well as a bath mat to see how it would do with carpeting.
Tackling the vacuuming first, it sucked up all manner of debris very well. For a more controlled test, I used cereal and sugar and it sucked everything right up. That's to be expected for a robovac that boasts 11,800Pa of suction – right up there with the highest on the market.
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If there's any place to mildly criticize the M12 Ultra Plus, it would be nice to see two side brushes instead of just one, as this would push more dust and debris in front of it to pick up per pass. At least it has a tangle-free brush roll.
While I was impressed with the mopping as well, it's a bit light on how much water it uses so I ended up preferring to use the highest water level when running it. Still, it left floors looking very clean. During that cereal and sugar test, I also tossed some coffee on the floor and it mopped that up fairly quickly.
(Image credit: Future)
Also, one of the mop pads extends out during cleaning so that the Yeedi M12 Ultra Plus is able to get to the edges of rooms. It's a nice feature that not all flagship robot vacuums come with.
Since the mop pads can lift up, when it vacuumed the bath mat that I used to simulate testing on carpet, it left the bath mat dry, meaning you can use this robot vacuum in a hybrid space and it will vacuum and mop hard flooring while just vacuuming carpeted areas.
Since this robot vacuum utilizes its 3D sensors for navigating and mapping, it does a very good job avoiding objects. I saw it go right up to and around chairs that had been moved, without touching (or sometimes barely touching). Just be aware that Yeedi hasn't yet solved cables and cords (no one has, frankly) so you should still pick those up before running the robot vacuum.
Performance-related features also include mop pad washing and drying as well as auto-emptying. They all work very well, though the robot vacuum has a tendency to wash the mop pads before running, which can be annoying if something just spilled and you want to do some spot cleaning.
Battery life
Since the Yeedi M12 Ultra Plus is one of those robot vacuums that regularly returns to its base station to wash its mop pads and empty its onboard dustbin, squeezing every minute of battery life out of it is not going to make a big impact on your experience. Still, its up to 290 minutes of use is fairly remarkable as many robot vacuums, especially with spinning mop pads, have a battery life that's closer to 200 minutes.
Performance score: 4.5 out of 5
Yeedi M12 Ultra Plus review: app
Straightforward to use
Somewhat light on features – no option of voice assistant support
Mapping is mostly good
The app is straightforward, from setup to use. There are no surprises, though some of that is due to the fact that there aren't a lot of extra features here. You won't find the ability to pair with Alexa or use as a remote video drone (this may seem random but more than a few flagship models have this feature).
But, the more important stuff is here, such as running the Yeedi M12 Ultra Plus in vacuum only, mop only, or vacuum and mop mode and the various settings during its cleaning (vacuuming power, mopping water level, etc.). There's also the ability to schedule cleanings, see a log of previous cleanings, edit the map, and adjust some other settings.
I like to focus specifically on the maps as I typically test robot vacuums in a semi-open floor plan and find many to have issues dividing the mapped space into smaller rooms – typically, the whole space, which comprises four rooms, are registered as one big room.
The Yeedi app does a good job dividing that space into smaller rooms, though I did find one instance where it wouldn't accept a division, so I have to either clean two rooms at once or use the zone setting to clean one of those specific rooms. This is an improvement over what I've experienced in the past, not just from Yeedi but other manufacturers as well.
App score: 4 out of 5
Should you buy the Yeedi M12 Ultra Plus?
Design
Sizable water tanks and dust bag in the base station, and the robot vacuum has an extendable mop pad.
5 /5
Performance
Vacuuming and mopping performance are both very good.
4.5 /5
Buy it if...
You want great vacuuming and mopping
There's little to fault with its vacuuming and mopping performance. Plus, it can get to the edges with that extendable mop pad.
You have an open or semi-open floor plan
Its mapping and ability to divide the map in app makes creating new rooms easy, though there are still some quirks.
You want good object avoidance
Maybe it's from that 3D mapping, but the object avoidance is very good, without giving too wide a berth to the objects the robot vacuum is avoiding.
Don't buy it if...
You're on a budget
The price is reasonable compared to other flagship models, but you're dropping quite a bit of cash here.
You want all the bells and whistles
It has all the necessities on hand, but there are a few extras that other flagship models offer that you won't find with this Yeedi – lack of voice assistant support being the main one.
Yeedi M12 Ultra Plus: alternatives to consider
Narwal Freo X Ultra
The Narwal Freo X Ultra sets itself apart just by its base station's aesthetics, with its more aerodynamic look. It's feature-filled and good at vacuuming corners, but is very pricey, has some minor issues with mapping (at least with open floor plans), and is not quite as powerful as the Yeedi M12 Ultra Plus.
It might be louder and more expensive, but the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo is worthy competition to the Yeedi M21 Ultra Plus. Not only does it do a great job vacuuming and mopping – it has that same extendable mop pad to get edges – but it also comes with a handheld vacuum for some extra deep or spot cleaning prowess.
To test the Yeedi M12 Ultra Plus, I used it for a week to vacuum and mop the hardwood floors and a bath mat (to simulate carpeting) in my house. I also tested all the features listed in the app, particularly its mapping. I took note of how well the vacuum cleaned the edges of a room as well as around obstacles.
The Hori Fighting Stick Alpha is a very solid option for those on the hunt for a new fight stick, but only if you’ve already got some familiarity with this type of controller and prefer them for fighting games over regular gamepads. At $200 / £200, I certainly wouldn’t recommend it to players transitioning to fight sticks for the first time. Especially as many of the best fight sticks come in cheaper while still offering a fantastic onboarding experience.
But that doesn’t mean the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha isn’t worth buying. For one, it’s impressively light for its size, meaning it’ll rest on your lap easily. There’s plenty of space on its surface, too, making for a roomy and comfortable stick to use for quick sessions online.
As we see with similarly priced sticks like the Nacon Daija, the Alpha is fully customizable. Its clamshell design allows you to easily open it up and swap out Hori’s components for alternatives should you desire. That goes for the faceplate, too, if you’re keen to add some of your own unique flair to the rather bland default design.
Circling back to comfort, one other dealbreaker here might be the Alpha’s usage of the Noir layout for its buttons. This means the buttons are slightly more offset than what you’d find with the more modern Vewlix layout - where the buttons are gathered closer together. Your preference may vary here, and I certainly found the Noir layout well-suited for four-button games like Tekken 8(Noir is a layout popularized by Namco, after all), but when swapping over to Street Fighter 6, I found myself wanting the more uniform layout of a Vewlix stick.
(Image credit: Future)
Hori Fighting Stick Alpha: Price and availability
$200 / £200
Priced similarly to the Nacon Daija
Newcomers may wish to consider cheaper sticks like the 8BitDo Arcade Stick
The Hori Fighting Stick Alpha is not cheap, and while it is significantly easier on the wallet than premium sticks like the Victrix Pro FS, it’d be understandable if its $200 / £200 price tag turned newcomers away. It’s definitely a workhorse fight stick thanks to its good build quality and customizability, and well worth the investment if you know you’re going to get plenty of use out of it.
However, those dipping a toe in for the first time may want to consider some of the cheaper fight stick options out there. The excellent 8BitDo Arcade Stick comes to mind here. The Xbox/PC version can be had for $119.99 / £99, and the original Switch model often comes in even cheaper than that (and it also works with PC).
Hori Fighting Stick Alpha: specs
(Image credit: Future)
Hori Fighting Stick Alpha: design and features
Solid build quality and impressively lightweight
Features Hori’s Hayabusa modules by default
Fully customizable modules and faceplate
While not the absolute tip-top premium in this regard, there is a good build quality all around on the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha. It’s entirely plastic and rather lightweight compared to many of its peers, but this does mean it sits easily in your lap without feeling like it’s weighing you down. Two rubberized grips on the underside mean it can easily be placed on a desk or similar flat surface without slipping around.
Hori’s own Hayabusa modules are in play here, including eight buttons and a square gate joystick. The top of the board features a line of ancillary function buttons, including Home and sharing buttons as well as options to mute your headset should one be connected via the 3.5mm jack on the left side of the unit. A couple of switches here also let you toggle between Xbox and PC compatibility, as well as a lock switch to prevent pausing or accessing your console’s dashboard for tournament play.
If you’re not keen on those Hayabusa modules, or simply want to swap in other parts like the gold standard Sanwa-Denshi buttons and sticks, you can do so here. The Alpha features a clamshell design that can be opened up via a sturdy latch at the rear side of the unit. I tested swapping out parts myself and found the process to be straightforward. But if you’re new to this kind of thing, you may wish to look up a separate guide as some cable management is involved.
The transparent pane on the surface of the Alpha can also be removed, allowing you to swap in custom faceplates. All in all, it’s a highly customizable stick. You should expect that, given the cost, but it’s nice that you can change up the stick to such a degree based on your preferences nonetheless.
(Image credit: Future)
Hori Fighting Stick Alpha: performance
Sharply responsive across all fighting games tested
Better suited to four-button games due to Noir layout
No option for wireless connectivity
In terms of overall performance, the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha doesn’t really put a foot wrong. You’re getting solid, responsive performance across all of the best fighting games. Hori’s Hayabusa buttons have a very short travel time, allowing you to perform inputs quickly and reliably. Stick motions for special move inputs in games like Street Fighter 6 and Guilty Gear Strive do take some getting used to, but that’s more of a stick thing in general and not really a flaw of the Alpha itself.
The elephant in the room for the Alpha - and whether or not you’re likely to gel with it - is its usage of the Noir button layout which many find to be outdated. As mentioned earlier, Noir has the button column second from the left slightly raised compared to the rest, and the buttons on the far right are slightly lowered, too. This creates an offset that might cause your hand to get uncomfortable during longer play sessions.
Noir is actually excellent for four-button fighting games like Tekken 8 as your fingers will naturally rest over those four leftmost buttons. It can be a little awkward for six-button fighters, however, like Street Fighter 6 and many of the titles featured in Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics. That’s because you’ll more regularly be using the buttons further to the right (by default, for heavy attacks).
You can of course set your own button profiles on the Alpha which may alleviate some of the stress here. But if you’re a Street Fighter player, you may be better served with a stick that adopts the Vewlix layout which has the buttons laid out in more uniform rows.
Lastly, for connectivity on console or PC, you’ll be relying on the included 10ft (3m) USB-C cable. That should be fine for most gaming setups and you can adjust its length via a spool beneath the Alpha’s clamshell. But just know that wireless connectivity isn’t an option here.
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha?
Buy it if...
You’re a Tekken player Four-button fighting games like Tekken 8 or The King of Fighters 15 are well-suited for the Alpha’s Noir button layout.
You’re after a long-lasting, customizable fight stick The Alpha is customizable in terms of its hardware and software, allowing you to swap out components and set your own button profiles. Its sturdy build quality and lightweight design make it excellent for traveling and taking to tournaments, too.
Don't buy it if...
You’re new to fight sticks This is a price thing more than anything else. If you’re just looking to dabble in fight sticks for the first time, cheaper options like the 8BitDo Arcade Stick or Mayflash F300 might suit you better.
You play a wide range of fighting games While you can have success in just about any fighting game with the Alpha, if you juggle a number of fighting games you might find that a Vewlix layout stick is better suited for you, especially for titles like Street Fighter 6.
Also consider...
Still unsure? We’ve reviewed a couple of fight stick alternatives that you may wish to check out instead of the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha. Refer to the table below for a quick rundown of specs.
8BitDo Arcade Stick An excellent budget-friendly fight stick that’s relatively light and travel-friendly. It’s also got wireless connectivity via an included 2.4GHz dongle if you’d prefer that over a stricter wired connection. You will have to contend with slightly higher input lag if you’re going wireless, though, which is worth keeping in mind.
Victrix Pro FS Arguably the cream of the crop when it comes to premium fight sticks, the Victrix Pro FS boasts immaculate build quality and comes fitted with best-in-class Sanwa-Denshi buttons. If money’s no object and you’re going all in on a fight stick, this is the one to go for. Both stick and leverless options are available here, at the same price.
Played a wide variety of fighting games across platforms
I tested the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha over a period of two weeks, playing a variety of fighting games including Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6, Guilty Gear Strive, Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising, and Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes.
I’ve been playing fighting games all my life, and while I’m typically a controller player, I’ve owned a number of fight sticks and thus have been able to channel my experience there into this review. Key things I looked out for during my testing included button responsiveness, the durability of the product, its aptitude to differing fighting game button layouts, and its comfort over longer gaming sessions.
I tested the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha primarily on PC but was also able to hook it up to my Xbox Series X Digital Edition for play on an LG CX OLED TV. Whether I was on console or PC, I didn’t notice any serious deviation when it came to input lag or general performance.
We’ve seen a wide range of new tech announced and showcased at CES 2025, including everything from gaming handhelds to electric scooters. The star of the show has certainly been AI, and the new Acer Aspire Vero 16 takes full advantage all while being encased in a blend of post-consumer recycled plastic and a brand-new oyster shell material.
Acer has stated that the Acer Aspire Vero 16 is committed to carbon neutrality for its entire life cycle. On top of using bio-based materials, it uses an easy to fix design in order to ensure that repairing is an option before replacing.
Price and availability
(Image credit: Future / Jasmine Mannan)
The Acer Aspire Vero 16 is set to release in April in the USat $799.99 and then later on in Q2 in Europe at€1,199. These are starting prices which will fluctuate based on the specifications you’re looking for.
It’s definitely one of the more affordable options on the market, especially in the US. However, regional pricing puts it at a much higher price point elsewhere.
Design
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When first laying-eyes on the Acer Aspire Vero 16, I think its quite clear that it’s made from recycled material due to the color and design. It looks pretty, with a marbled green chassis encasing the entire device including the trackpad. As well as recycled plastic, the chassis is also made from oyster shell material, making it carbon neutral and 100% recyclable.
Unfortunately, when holding and using the Acer Aspire Vero 16, it feels like cheap plastic. The casing has quite a light and fragile feel to it, and I wouldn’t entirely trust the Vero 16 in my backpack without an extra layer of protection like a case or sleeve - and even then, it’s a risk.
Despite being cased in plastic, the Acer Aspire Vero 16 is actually a bit heavier than I was expecting. It weighs in at 3.97 lbs (1.8kg), which isn’t the most lightweight option out there, but isn’t too heavy for you to transport to and from work or keep with you on the go either. Just be sure to pack it up snug and secure.
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The Acer Aspire Vero 16 measures in at less than 2cm and despite being so slim, it still comes packed full of ports. You get to take advantage of two Thunderbolt ports, as well as a USB-A port, an HDMI 2.1 port and an audio jack.
You get an LCD display panel on the Vero 16, which is 1920 x 1200 pixels. Despite not being OLED, the screen is actually very bright and vibrant. It looks absolutely stunning but did leave me wanting slightly more in terms of resolution, however at this price point you can’t complain too much.
Specifications
Performance
(Image credit: Future / Jasmine Mannan)
Picking up the Acer Aspire Vero 16 allows you to take advantage of up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor paired with Intel Arc graphics as well as 32GB of RAM. This machine offers absolutely insane performance, especially for its price point. Regardless of what you’re intending to use it for, it offers a high level of performance for a wide range of productivity and creativity tasks.
Of course, having this processor means you get to take advantage of a range of AI features including Copilot+ to help you speed up the process of everyday tasks. But as AI slowly takes over the laptop space, this is becoming more common.
With a 65Wh battery you’ll get a decent battery life out of this laptop. Acer states it’ll run approximately 10.5 hours, allowing you to get through a work day and then some on a full charge.
Early verdict
Overall the Acer Aspire Vero 16 is an amazing laptop, providing you with great performance at a low price point. As if that wasn’t already good enough, you get a clean conscience as the casing is made from 70% recycled materials and is gorgeous.
One downside is the material feels quite cheap, but this can easily be looked past when you consider all of the other benefits which are on offer. It’s somewhat frustrating that the regional pricing of this laptop makes it less affordable outside of the US and I hope Acer can adjust this prior to the laptop’s release in April.
The Q1 are made to match the Activo P1 player, but you don't need Activo kit to enjoy them. (Image credit: Future / Carrie Marshall)
Activo is the lifestyle sub-brand of audiophile digital audio player specialist, Astell & Kern, delivering high quality hardware for considerably less cash than its parent company. These earbuds are a collaboration with Singaporean IEM firm DITA Audio who, like Astell & Kern, typically focuses on the more affluent audiophile. Are the Q1 set to feature in our best wired earbuds buying guide? It's highly likely.
I tested Activo's debut Activo P1 hi-res audio player last year and found it to be very enjoyable, and as you can see from the colour-matched design the new Q1 hybrid IEMs are clearly intended to be paired with it – although with both 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm standard connectors included in the package they're compatible with a wide range of the best MP3 players and other music-serving sources.
The Q1 are hybrid IEMs with a Knowles balanced armature and a version of DITA Audio's PM1+ 9.8mm dynamic driver, which is highly regarded for its neutral, transparent sound. The PM1+ driver used in the Q1 has extra windings on the voice coil and uses brass instead of the usual stainless steel housing too. Which sounds good on paper – and it is in the listening too.
The sales pitch here is that these are affordable IEMs for audiophiles on the go, and they're a fraction of the price you'd pay for Astell & Kern-branded headphones. They deliver a very clear and entertaining sound, but if you like heavy bass you may need to adjust your device's EQ to push them just a fraction harder.
The Q1s come with a protective case, five pairs of eartips and two connectors. (Image credit: Future / Carrie Marshall)
Activo Q1 review: price and release date
$349 / £299 / about AU$600
Launched in December 2024
The Activo Q1 hybrid IEM headphones were launched in December 2024 with a recommended retail price of $349 / £299 / about AU$600.
Although that makes them cheaper than Astell & Kern's typical IEMs, it's hardly cheap when you consider that our current top pick for wired earbuds, the 1More Triple Driver in-ear headphones, launched at $100 / £70 / AU$150 and can now be found for a little less. And even our 'best step-up' option from those, the Sennheiser IE200, will only set you back around $149.95 / £129.99 / AU$239.95.
Then again, higher-end options such as the fantastic FiiO FH19 cost $599 / £549 / AU$999 and, as any audiophile knows, these types of headphones can stretch into the thousands. It's all about sound-per-pound value isn't it? And here, I think the Q1 have a lot going for them.
Activo Q1 review: design and features
DITA PM1+ 9.8mm dynamic driver and Knowles balanced armature
32-strand MOCCA 2 cable from Cardas
3.5mm standard and 4.4mm balanced connectors
The Activo Q1 resemble professional musicians' IEMs with their mix of white powder-coated centres and transparent resin outers, and their color scheme matches the Activo P1 digital music player. They come with an Activo + DITA-branded mini Tanos Systainer protective case and five sizes of Type-E eartips in a Final Audio case.
The Q1 are built around a modified version of DITA's PM1+ 9.8mm dynamic driver. Here, it's housed in a brass casing and teamed up with a Knowles 33518 balanced armature driver. The dynamic driver first appeared in DITA's Project M IEMs, and according to Activo the modified version here delivers a "hint of romance and sweetness on the foundation of the Project M's sound" – in other words, a slightly warmer and more resonant tone.
The nozzles are PVD stainless steel and the supplied eartips should cover most ear sizes. The tips are a very tight fit; fiddly to put on, but firmly fixed once installed. I lucked out with my first choice of size, easily achieving a good seal without any adjustment. The Q1 also fit very snugly and are well balanced. You never feel as if you've got large lumps stuck in your ears, even after long listening sessions.
The cable is a 32-strand MOCCA2 ultra-pure copper cable from Cardas and its connectors fit easily and feel strongly anchored to the earbuds. At the other end, you can choose between the 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm connectors for your audio source, which is a nice addition to have.
Impedance is 31 ohms and the frequency response is 20Hz to 20kHz. Sensitivity is 109 dB/mW @ 1kHz.
Design and features score: 5/5
The Q1s come with a standard 3.5mm and a balanced 4.4mm connector (Image credit: Future / Carrie Marshall)
Activo Q1 review: sound quality
Excellent instrument separation
Superb clarity
A little bass-light for our taste
These are very responsive, transparent headphones, delivering a well separated sound stage and spacious high frequencies that are particularly fun with close-miked acoustic music of the expensively and/or simply recorded variety. They excel with layered vocals; the Taylor Swift and HAIM collaboration No Body No Crime is particularly luminous. And they're enormous fun with live recordings too.
Like many high quality headphones, the Q1s aren't here to flatter poorly recorded music. But give them something shiny and turn them up a bit and they're very good indeed. The dynamic driver and Knowles balanced armature driver are fast, precise and entertaining: the Q1s make classic tracks such as Orange Juice's Rip It Up sound factory-fresh with shimmering guitars and squelching synths, while in more modern pop such as Charli XCX's Brat the vocals are crisp and clear without struggling with the beats or the bass.
The Q1's frequency response goes down to 20Hz, lower than a standard bass guitar, but lower frequencies often need a bit more juice to be properly present and I found some music, particularly heavier rock, sounded a little too polite for my taste. It's not that the Q1s can't handle the lows; it's that they're not tuned to emphasise them.
It doesn't take a dramatic EQ change to give the lows a bit of a boost, although that may be an issue if your preferred audio source doesn't offer EQ adjustment. Activo's P1 music player does, and I found that a relatively small EQ curve adjustment on the P1 added extra fizz to SOPHIE's Lemonade, made the grinding bass of The Cure's Lullaby remix even more spidery and turned Peter Gabriel's live version of Digging In The Dirt into the Godzilla-stomps-the-city soundtrack you'd have experienced from the front row.
Whether you tweak the low end or not, the Q1s are impressively clear – and that clarity is useful not just for relaxed listening but for making or mixing music too. In my own projects I was able to hear detail and mistakes that weren't as apparent on my usual mixing headphones or on my AirPods Pro/Max.
Sound quality score: 4.5/5
You can have any color you like as long as it's white with transparent resin (Image credit: Activo (Astell & Kern))
Activo Q1 review: value for money
Very affordable compared to the parent brand
Half the price of the best rival devices
Narrower frequency range than some
Activo may be a lifestyle brand, but these in-ears are still aimed at the more premium listener, and that means they're up against some of the very best wired headphones around.
Our current in-ear audiophile pick, the Sennheiser IE 600, has an MSRP of around $800 / £699 and a current street price of $599 / £499; the eight-driver FiiO FH19 has a recommended retail price of $599 / £549 / AU$999. So the Activo Q1s are considerably cheaper than both sets of rivals.
The big difference between these in-ears and the two rivals is the frequency range: the Activo Q1 offers 20Hz to 20kHz but the FiiO delivers 8Hz to 40kHz and the Sennheiser has 4Hz to 46.5kHz. Whether that's worth paying considerably more for will depend very much on personal preference and the quality of your audio sources.
Value score: 4.5/5
Activo Q1: Should you buy them?
Buy them if…
You want premium sound without the price The Q1s deliver a very clear, convincing sound stage with lots of air up topView Deal
You've got a player with EQ adjustment The low-end sometimes needs a bit of extra pushView Deal
You've got multiple sound sources Balanced 4.4mm and single 3.5mm connectors cover most devicesView Deal
Don't buy them if…
You're all about that bass Rival in-ears deliver wider frequency ranges, albeit for more moneyView Deal
You don't like white The Q1s don't come in multiple color options
You mostly commute Good quality noise cancelling may be better for long bus or train journeysView Deal
Activo Q1 review: also consider
Sennheiser IE 200 These wired earbuds from a truly trusted name in audio don't cost much for what you get. If you're not planning on getting the Activo player to pair them with, they may even be the better option – although do note that the plastic housing won't feel as luxurious as the Activo's headshells. Read more in our full Sennheiser IE 200 review
Shure AONIC 3 There's such great passive isolation here, it can sometimes feels as if you’re using active noise cancellation. The sound is also elegant, balanced and with excellent separation and layering, although the bass weight is just a shade off well weighted compared to pricier IEMs, including the Activo Q1 you came here to read about. Read the full scoop in our in-depth Shure AONIC 3 review.
How I tested
Tested with Activo P1 player, hi-fi and Mac
Compressed, lossless and hi-res audio
Tested at home and while traveling
I tested the Q1s with their intended partner, the Activo P1 hi-res audio player, and I also used them with my Marantz CD player, with vinyl through my Onkyo amp and with my own music projects on a Mac with a Komplete Audio interface.
For that latter option I compared the Q1s with my go-to mixing headphones, a set of Beyer-Dynamic DT770 Pros, as well as more casual earbuds from Apple and Bose. And I have to say, the Activo Q1 more than held their own, however I tested them.
The Ayaneo Pocket Micro truly needs to be held in your hands to be believed. It’s an incredibly small Android tablet, weighing under 9oz / 250g and coming in at just 6.1 x 2.5 x 0.71in / 156 x 63 x 18mm, with in-built thumbsticks, D-pad, face buttons, and shoulder inputs. It sports a colorful 960 x 640 3.5in IPS touchscreen75, in a 3:2 aspect ratio that is perfect for playing Game Boy Advance games.
It’s no secret that this has been designed as an emulation handheld first and foremost, as it even comes with a custom Android launcher and Ayaneo app suite useful for importing a wide range of retro games - even if it is a bit jagged and unpolished at times. Links to top emulators on the Google Play Store, plus the easy-to-access microSD card slot, make it surprisingly simple to get a library full of games up and running.
Diving into Game Boy Advance classics like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Pokémon Ruby is a treat, thanks in no small part to the wonderfully responsive controls. If you’ve ever tried your hand at mobile emulation, you’ll know that touchscreen inputs feel nowhere near as good as the real thing. The buttons and D-pad here are pleasantly soft, with a spongy feel reminiscent of the Nintendo 2DS. GBA games run perfectly and look sublimely crisp. This even includes more demanding titles that skirted with 3D visuals, like the open-world crime caper Driver 3.
While Game Boy titles are the focus thanks to the size of the display, the Ayaneo Pocket Micro is also capable of emulating a wide range of other systems. Performance does begin to suffer if you attempt anything more advanced than a PSP, however, which is to be expected given the use of the more budget-oriented Helio G99 chipset.
This is also the story with native Android gaming. Simple 2D experiences like Stardew Valleyor the Vampire Survivors-like 20 Minutes Till Dawn run superbly, while complex 3D worlds like those in Genshin Impact or Zenless Zone Zerocause frame rates to tumble. It’s also hard to ignore the quality of the speakers which are pretty poor. It’s reasonable to expect these kinds of cutbacks at this price point, but the muddy audio makes headphones almost a necessity even when you’re gaming at home.
(Image credit: Future)
Ayaneo Pocket Micro: Price and availability
Currently available via IndieGogo
Prices start at $189 (around £153) via early bird pricing
Retail prices start at $219 (around £177)
The Ayaneo Pocket Micro is currently only available via IndieGogo.
A basic model with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage will set you back $189 (around £153) via early bird pricing, or $219 (around £177) at retail. You can also grab a more premium version with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage starting at $249 (around £202) via early bird pricing, or $279 (around £226) at retail. IndieGogo will ship to a wide range of regions, but just bear in mind that prices can vary depending on the current exchange rate.
Multiple colors are available for each version. The more affordable variant comes in a cute red or sleek black, while the more premium model is offered in black or a clearly Game & Watch-inspired gold and maroon.
This price is certainly not a huge amount to pay for an Android tablet, let alone one with a specialist design like this. It is roughly the same price as other modern Game Boy successors, like the premium Analogue Pocket which starts at $129.99 (around £174), so a pretty good value proposition on the whole.
Ayaneo Pocket Micro: Specs
Ayaneo Pocket Micro: Design and features
Very robust metal shell
Pleasant buttons and D-pad
Full Android functionality
When you take the Ayaneo Pocket Micro out of the box, the first thing you’ll probably notice is that it’s built like a tank. I tested an early production sample, but you wouldn’t know it from the quality of the overall feel. It’s constructed using a CNC aluminum alloy frame, lending the outside of the tablet an incredibly robust feel. It seems considerably more sturdy than the likes of the Nintendo Switch Lite, and could probably go head to head with the brick-like original Game Boy in a drop test - though for obvious reasons I wasn’t too keen to test that.
The back of the tablet is plastic, which helps keep the weight at a manageable 8.21oz / 233g. My model came in the black colorway, so the front is a clean black with a bezel-less 3.5-inch screen. To the left of the screen, you will find the well-sized D-pad and left thumbstick. On the right are the face buttons (in the traditional Nintendo layout) and the right thumbstick. Both thumbsticks are very small but are still capable of more than enough motion for 3D gaming.
Underneath all of that, there are two sets of small rectangular buttons. The first set serves as the start and select button in games, while the others are an ‘Aya Button’ (which calls up a floating settings menu) and a button that returns you to the system’s home screen.
On the top of the console, there are four shoulder buttons, a power button with an integrated fingerprint reader (an excellent feature that saves you from having to enter passwords on the tiny little screen), and a simple volume rocker. That’s not all, though, as the console’s flat right side features a dedicated home button and a mappable ‘RC’ button.
(Image credit: Future)
If you want to expand your storage, there’s a microSD card slot on the left-hand side under a little rubber flap. No microSD card is included, so you will need to source your own. I found that it was incredibly tricky to insert a card on my model, as the flap was difficult to open and the card itself just didn’t seem to click into place properly. Thankfully, Ayaneo states that this is a known issue with pre-production versions of the device and should be ironed out by the time you get your hands on one.
As you might expect, there is your usual USB-C port for charging on the bottom of the system.
In terms of overall features, the Ayaneo Pocket Micro is a fully-fledged Android tablet. You can download apps using the Google Play Store, though the small screen will make it difficult to perform tasks like messaging, document editing, and so on. Gaming is definitely where this device shines, and the custom Ayaneo software is designed to ensure a simple gaming experience. Links to recommended emulators (both paid and free) are easy to access from the AyaSpace app and the system’s in-built controls were immediately recognized by every one that I tried.
(Image credit: Future)
Ayaneo Pocket Micro: Performance
Perfect for Game Boy emulation
Also plays basic mobile games
Speakers are poor
The Ayaneo Pocket Micro excels at Game Boy emulation. Every GB, GBC, and GBA game that I tested ran perfectly. Running at 4x the original Game Boy Advance resolution, the picture is incredibly crisp. While not OLED, the colors of the IPS screen are still very vibrant with great viewing angles that are well-suited to portable play. The screen is also bright enough to be used comfortably outdoors without any glare.
You will begin to encounter some performance issues if you attempt more intensive emulation, however. PlayStation 2 titles are hit-and-miss and I found that the screen size actually made it difficult to work out what was going on in detailed environments like the open world of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. PSP games ran acceptably too, but again the screen size made it difficult to read tutorial text in the likes of God of War: Chains of Olympus.
Attempting to emulate more recent consoles results in a stuttery, laggy mess but that’s to be expected given the relatively modest chipset here. This is definitely one to buy if you’re most keen to play Game Boy games.
Unlike a conventional mobile phone, the Ayaneo Pocket Micro has an in-built fan for active air cooling. It can get slightly loud when you crank it up to the maximum power in the settings menu, but it seems very effective at keeping the device cool while you play.
As an Android tablet, the Ayaneo Pocket Micro can also be used for native mobile titles but keep your expectations in check. This is not a high-spec gaming phone, so it’s going to struggle if you don’t stick to the simplest titles. Throughout my testing, I managed to consistently achieve 5-6 hours of battery life which is pretty solid given the tablet’s miniscule size. It should comfortably last for the duration of a commute, where its pocketable nature really shines.
That said, the rectangular shape did start to dig into my palms when I attempted longer sessions. The corners have been rounded off slightly, which definitely helps, but your palms are still going to get sore after a few hours.
There is one bigger problem with the Ayaneo Pocket Micro though: its speakers. They’re very poor, producing a weak, muddy sound that lacks any bass or real clarity. In-game music sounds tinny and sometimes even a little crackly.
It’s not massively noticeable when you’re playing Game Boy titles, as they have relatively limited audio capabilities in the first place, but is incredibly apparent when trying out more modern games. Headphones are an absolute must, which makes the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack a real shame. Bluetooth is an option, but having to fiddle with headphone pairing is an obstacle every time you want to play.
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Ayaneo Pocket Micro?
Buy it if...
You want a modern Game Boy The Ayaneo Pocket Micro is ideal for emulating GB, GBC, and GBA games. They run flawlessly and look absolutely superb on the small 3:2 screen. The physical controls are also a joy to use.
You’re after a cheap tiny gaming tablet The Ayaneo Pocket Micro might not be the most powerful tablet out there, but it’s incredibly small and easy to stash in your pocket.
Don't buy it if...
You want higher specs The MediaTek Helio G99 is a modest mobile chipset. Dedicated gaming phones will offer significantly better performance in mobile games, while handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch Lite will run retro titles more smoothly at a similar price.
Also consider...
After a device like the Ayaneo Pocket Micro? Consider these two alternatives.
Modretro Chromatic The Modretro Chromatic is capable of playing your favorite GB and GBC cartridges natively. It’s got excellent buttons, superb overall build quality, and a shape incredibly reminiscent of the original handheld.
Nintendo Switch Lite Plenty of GB, GBC, and GBC games are available on Nintendo Switch Lite as part of the Nintendo Switch Online subscription services or in various retro collections. It also benefits from a huge library of great exclusive games, plus a compact all-in-one design.
I tested the Ayaneo Pocket Micro over a period of three months. I used the 8GB + 256GB model in its black colorway, accompanied by a case provided by the manufacturer. In addition to the built-in storage, I relied on a SanDisk Extreme microSD card to transfer game files from my PC.
I played a wide variety of Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games on the Ayaneo Pocket Micro. This included Tetris, Pokemon Red, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Wario Land 3, Pokemon Ruby, Driver 3, Metroid Zero Mission, and more. I also tested a small handful of PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation Portable games in addition to a few other platforms. I was also careful to evaluate the handheld's performance in native mobile titles, such as the popular Call of Duty: Mobile.
Throughout my time with the handheld, I constantly compared the playing experience to my hands-on testing of gaming smartphones and a wide range of gaming handhelds. For audio, I relied on a pair of Beats Solo Buds.
The OnePlus 13R builds on the winning formula of its predecessor, the OnePlus 12R, by delivering prolonged battery life, a dazzling display, and plenty of power in a slick, premium package.
Its price is not as competitively low as the brand’s earliest ‘flagship killers’, but if you’re after a flagship phone without the quite frankly eye-watering price tags that come with them, the OnePlus 13R delivers plenty while only compromising in a few small areas.
This is only the second time an R-Series handset has launched internationally; the initial ‘R’ branded devices (of series 9, 10, and 11) did not reach European or North American shores.
The OnePlus 13R is a less tricked-out – and thus more affordable – version of the flagship OnePlus 13 which launched alongside it. Think of this phone like Samsung’s ‘FE’ variants of its high-end S series and Google’s ‘A’ line of its Pixel phones.
(Image credit: Future)
The 6.78-inch display is colorful and sufficiently bright, making it easy to use even in direct sunlight. The screen is flat, and flush with the phone’s aluminium frame, which results in a pleasing viewing experience.
Meanwhile, the sizable 6,000mAh battery lasted me two days on a single charge, and even power users will get more than a day’s use from the OnePlus 13R before needing to reach for the charging cable. But reach for the cable you will, as there’s no wireless charging.
There’s plenty of power under the hood, with the previous flagship generation Snapdragon chipset at its heart, ably assisted by 12GB of RAM. It means the 13R can handle pretty much anything you throw at it.
While the trio of cameras on the rear may not have the very latest features of the current-gen flagships, it’s a great point-and-shoot camera that holds its own in most scenarios.
Holding the 13R may be a little tricky for those with smaller hands though, as this is a large phone. And you’ll want to be careful around water, as this handset isn’t protected against submersion. It’s merely splash-proof, which does mean it’ll be okay in the rain.
The OnePlus 13R is an accomplished smartphone that borrows many of the features from the brand's previous flagship phone, while being kept just out of reach of some of the very latest tech which has been reserved for its non-R, numerical twin.
OnePlus 13R review: price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
OnePlus 13R price is $599 / £679
Available with 12GB RAM + 256GB ROM in North America and Europe
India also has the option of a 16GB + 512GB variant
When it comes to buying the OnePlus 13R, things are kept simple with just one storage configuration of 256GB ROM + 12GB RAM available in North America and Europe.
For those in India, there’s a beefier 512GB + 16GB additional configuration, which may have some in Western markets looking enviably over to Asia.
The OnePlus 13R price is $599 / £679, matching the launch price of its predecessor (the OnePlus 12R) in the US, but coming in at £30 more expensive in the UK.
With the same launch price in the US as last year’s 256GB OnePlus 12R, the 13R is well positioned in the market, offering a big screen, big battery, and plenty of performance at a price point that undercuts Apple. Meanwhile, for UK buyers the £30 price increase is a little frustrating, but OnePlus has improved on its predecessor and the 13R still offers a solid all-round experience.
This price point sits the OnePlus 13R towards the top end of the ‘affordable flagship’ market, and unlike the OnePlus 12R, the US only gets the 256GB ROM + 12GB RAM. There’s no cheaper variant with 8GB/128GB of RAM and storage this time round.
That means it’s more expensive than the smaller, more palm-friendly Pixel 8a – Google’s own take on an affordable flagship – yet similarly priced to the AI-loaded Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and alternative Nothing Phone (2), although the latter is now a year and a half old at the time of writing.
One of the big draws of the OnePlus 13R will be its supreme battery life, but if battery life is the most important focus in a big-screened phone for you, then you may want to look at the Honor Magic 7 Lite. It’s a chunk cheaper and boasts an even bigger battery (6,600mAh), although it has less power and storage and isn’t available in North America.
Value score: 4 / 5
OnePlus 13R review: specs
The OnePlus 13R comes with a trio of headline specs. There’s the big, bright, and bold 6.78-inch display boasting a maximum brightness of 4,500 nits, the huge 6,000mAh battery that can keep you going for two days, and slick performance thanks to the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset as the brand’s previous generation flagship, the OnePlus 12.
There’s also a trio of cameras around the back, fast 80W wired charging, and 256GB of storage which will keep all but the most prolific power users happy.
OnePlus 13R review: design
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(Image credit: Future)
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Wonderfully premium aluminum and glass frame
A little large for small hands, and can’t be submerged in water
The OnePlus 13R is a slick piece of hardware, with a sleek aluminum frame wrapping around the circumference of the handset, which is sandwiched on either side by glass.
The flat sides are reminiscent of Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro series, as well as the Oppo Find X8 range – the latter of which shares various design cues with the OnePlus 13 series, as the two brands are part of the same overarching company.
To complete the premium package the screen and rear of the phone are covered in Gorilla Glass 7i, the first OnePlus phone to harness this new glass type, which maker Corning claims is “specifically engineered to address the need for improved drop protection and scratch resistance.”
This means the 13R should be able to resist the odd drop and knock, but during my review time with the phone, I didn’t really put this to the test.
While the aesthetics may not be entirely unique, the OnePlus 13R has a premium look and feel; it’s built solidly and outperforms its price tag.
Those with smaller hands will find the size of the device overbearing – especially for one-handed use – while I’d have liked the power and volume buttons on the right of the 13R placed lower down.
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The volume rocker especially was a stretch for my thumb, resulting in awkward shuffles in the hand to turn the volume up. If OnePlus placed these a few millimeters lower the buttons would fall naturally under the thumb, making for easier manipulation.
OnePlus’ now iconic alert slider is present on the OnePlus 13R, providing an easy way to toggle between silent, vibrate, and ring modes – although it suffers the same placement affliction as the volume and power – it’s placed just a little too high up on the left of the phone for my taste.
While this was a novel addition in the early days of OnePlus, its inclusion now feels a little superfluous as user habits have evolved over the years resulting in fewer people switching regularly between ring states. Former OnePlus co-founder, Carl Pei, even tweeted to say “most people never use it” in regards to the alert slider.
The USB-C port sits centrally on the bottom edge of the phone, flanked by the SIM tray (which supports two cards) and the speaker. On the back, the smooth, minimalist finish of my Nebular Noir-colored device is interrupted only by the enormous circular camera housing.
It’s aligned to one side of the handset – providing a small point of differentiation to the centrally placed camera bump on the Find X8 devices – which does displace the weight slightly, but isn’t an issue during daily use. OnePlus has managed to keep the weight of the 13R to a reasonable 206g, which allows it to sit comfortably in the hand.
One disappointing feature is the handset’s IP65 water resistance rating. It’s an improvement over the IP64 rating of its predecessor and protects against jets of water, but an IP68 rating (water resistance for submersion) is not uncommon in this price bracket.
Design score: 4 / 5
OnePlus 13R review: display
(Image credit: Future)
The 6.78-inch display is big, bright and colorful
A peak brightness of 4,500 nits makes it great for use in the sun
OnePlus makes a big deal about the display on this phone, and the good news is it lives up to the billing. It’s big, bright and colorful.
At 6.78 inches, it’s a sizable offering, much larger than the 6.1-inch screen on the Pixel 8a, a hair bigger than the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE (at 6.7 inches), while it’s the same size as the Honor Magic 7 Lite – another big-battery competitor.
There’s plenty of real estate for apps, and the slender uniform bezels all the way around give it a premium appeal. The only interruption on the screen is the circular cutout at the top of the display for the 16MP front-facing camera.
The 1264 x 2780 (1.5K) resolution – which gives you a pixel density of 450 ppi – is par for the course. OnePlus says the 13R can deliver a maximum brightness of 4,500 nits, but you won’t actually see that level of brightness in real-world use.
In my time with the phone, the OnePlus 13R’s screen performed very well in bright light, whether indoors or outdoors. If you’re fortunate enough to find yourself in a particularly sunny climate, you can be confident you’ll be able to see what’s on-screen in direct sunlight.
(Image credit: Future)
And when the weather turns and rain starts to fall, the OnePlus 13R continues to perform thanks to Aqua Touch 2.0. Taking the phone into the rain, the screen continued to respond well when my use was uninterrupted by the conditions – rain can cause issues on other phones, where the screen is confused by water droplets leading to unregistered taps or erroneous inputs.
Another nice inclusion for the OnePlus 13R is Glove Mode, allowing you to interact with the screen while wearing woolen or sheepskin gloves (up to 0.5cm thick). This mode isn’t on by default, you need to dive into the accessibility menus in the Settings apps (you can search “glove” in Settings to find the mode quicker) to enable it.
Once enabled, I was impressed by just how responsive the screen was when wearing a pair of woolen gloves. With the mode switched off, there was zero response from the screen when wearing gloves, so the difference is stark.
Interactions do require a little more force to be applied compared to non-glove use, but that’s not a surprise. OnePlus does note that glove mode does not support gameplay, so if you’re planning to have a round of PUBG while vacationing in Lapland, Finland, you may want to wait until you’re inside and gloveless before parachuting into battle. Opening and closing apps, moving around the interface, scrolling social, and tapping out messages are all easily done, however.
Display score: 4.5 / 5
OnePlus 13R review: software
(Image credit: Future)
OxygenOS 15.0 offers plenty of customization options
OnePlus guarantees four years of OS updates, but rivals offer more
The OnePlus 13R is an Android 15 smartphone, with the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system underpinning the software you see on the screen.
It’s not pure Android, as OnePlus has applied its OxygenOS 15.0 interface on top, providing the handset with a familiar look and feel for users of the brand’s previous generation of devices.
What this gives you is a slightly different look and feel to the stock Android platform (found on Pixel handsets). My OnePlus 13R also arrived pre-loaded with additional apps on top of the default system offerings.
These included Netflix, Amazon Music, Booking.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, Lyft, and AliExpress. You may find some of these pre-installed apps useful, but if you don’t the good news is they can be uninstalled entirely from the phone – leaving you with more of the apps you want.
I have seen phone manufacturers pre-install many more apps than on the OnePlus 13R, and also forbid users from uninstalling them, so what OnePlus has done isn’t cause for concern.
OnePlus says it has reduced the overall size of OxygenOS 15 by 40%, meaning it takes up less of the 256GB of internal storage space, leaving you more room for apps, games, photos, videos, and more.
OnePlus’ overlay also provides a wide range of customization features, allowing you to make the OnePlus 13R personal to you. From a range of home screen widgets and the ability to tweak the size, shape, and design of app icons, to different options from the drag-down motion to access the notifications bar and quick settings – there’s plenty to explore.
The Open Canvas feature from the OnePlus Open and OnePlus Pad 2 is present here, so I could have two apps side-by-side on screen. A horizontal bar divides the screen, and I could drag it up and down to resize the two apps.
There’s also the option to open an app in a floating window, and I could move around the rest of the phone’s interface while keeping the selected app open in a small area of the screen. Useful if you’re watching a video or part of a busy group chat and want to look up information in other apps.
I could even drag and ‘pin’ up to two of these floating windows to the edge of the screen, minimizing them to a transparent app logo tucked off the side of the display. A quick tap on the logo opened it back up as a floating window.
These multitasking features work well on the OnePlus 13R, and while it’s a little fiddly to enable split screen or floating window (and to pin these), it’s impressive when you get multiple apps all working at once – especially if you have two apps on split screen and then a third in a floating window.
The OnePlus 13R comes future-proofed too, with OnePlus committing to four years of software updates and six years of security updates for the device. While this is a good offering, it’s not industry-leading. Apple has offered five years of updates for some time, while Google and Samsung offer seven years of software and security updates on their latest devices.
And this wouldn’t be a 2025 smartphone without a mention of AI. In the Photos app (the OnePlus version, not Google’s Photos app) you’ll find the AI Editor option with four tools for you to use. More on these in the camera section.
Google’s Gemini AI assistant also comes pre-loaded on the OnePlus 13R, giving you access to features such as Circle to Search and Magic Compose (for help writing text messages).
Software score: 4 / 5
OnePlus 13R review: cameras
(Image credit: Future)
A capable all-round camera delivers great images in most conditions
Plenty of modes and settings for avid photographers
The OnePlus 13R packs a trio of cameras in the sizable, circular camera housing, headlined by a 50MP Sony LYT-700 main sensor alongside a 50MP telephoto sensor, providing support for the 2x zoom. The sensor array is completed by an 8MP ultra-wide sensor with a 112-degree field of view. There’s also an LED flash to help illuminate dark scenes.
On the front, you get a 16MP selfie camera, but there’s no wide-angle lens to expand the view to fit more faces. You’ll either have to press cheeks together or live with the fact some people may not make it in the frame.
The OnePlus 13R camera app loads swiftly and comes packed with features, with quick access icons for Google Lens, exposure, retouch (beautification mode), and filters ensuring you’re Instagram-ready in no time.
You can move between different camera modes by swiping horizontally above the shutter button – with smartphone staples ‘Video’ and ‘Portrait’ quickly accessible on either side of the default ‘Photo’ mode.
For those who like to fine-tune their shooting experience, ‘Pro’ mode gives granular controls for ISO, Shutter speed, exposure, focus, and white balance – plus there’s the option to shoot in RAW rather than JPG for greater editing flexibility in programs such as Photoshop.
Dive into the ‘More’ section and you’ll find further modes to choose from including night, panorama, slo-mo video, and time-lapse.
In short, the OnePlus 13R camera app gives you plenty of choice and customization options, but the good news is it takes good photos in the default setting – for those who don’t want to have to mess with settings.
In most conditions, the 13R is a very capable smartphone camera. It’s not at the same level as the best camera phones on the market, but that’s to be expected given it sits a tier below the true premium flagship offerings.
Camera score: 4 / 5
OnePlus 13R review: camera samples
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Portrait mode does an excellent job of keeping the cat in focus while blurring the sofa behind (Image credit: Future)
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Macro mode is automatically enabled when you get close to your subject (Image credit: Future)
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In bright daylight, the OnePlus 13R is a great point-and-shoot camera (Image credit: Future)
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The default 1x zoom (Image credit: Future)
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Tap to the 2x optical zoom and you’ll get closer to your subject while maintaining image quality (Image credit: Future)
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The 13R can zoom all the way to 20x digitally (Image credit: Future)
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At night, the OnePlus 13R captures detailed shots (Image credit: Future)
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And does impressively well close-up in lowlight (default shooting mode) (Image credit: Future)
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The selfie camera produces bright, clear shots – although they can be a little overexposed (Image credit: Future)
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Switch to Portrait mode when using the selfie camera and you get a more natural result and decent blurring around the subject (Image credit: Future)
As with its predecessor, the advice for those who want to take their smartphone photography seriously on the OnePlus 13R is to stick to the main 50MP camera. It benefits from both EIS (electronic image stabilization) and OIS (optical image stabilization) to improve results.
You can use the phone as a reliable point-and-shoot to capture outdoor and indoor shots, both during the day and at night. The OnePlus 13R camera particularly impressed me during a nighttime walk through a light trail, with the default settings handling the variable lighting conditions very well.
I was able to take a series of striking low-light images with minimum effort as I walked through the trail, and this is exactly what I want from a smartphone camera. Something that can quickly and easily generate great results for social and group chats.
The OnePlus 13R also offers solid editing tools, allowing you to tinker with pictures way after you’ve taken them. As mentioned earlier in this review, OnePlus has included a number of AI-powered editing tools in its own gallery (the 13R has two photo galleries, the default OnePlus app, and the Google Photos app – the latter of which has its own editing tools as well).
AI Unblur, as the name suggests, can take your blurry photographs and reduce the lack of focus. It can be applied to any image, not just ones taken on the 13R, although I found the difference made – while an improvement – was minimal.
What I found more useful was AI Detail Boost. This enhances busy images to provide better clarity and contrast throughout your shots – again, working on any image.
Then there’s AI Eraser and AI Reflection Eraser. The former you’ll likely be familiar with as it’s a tool most smartphones offer, allowing you to remove people/animals/objects from your shots. It works well here, although it can struggle with busier scenes and complex backgrounds.
Reflection Eraser takes things a step further by, yup you’ve guessed it, attempting to remove reflections on windows, glass, or screens. I tried this on a number of images, with varying success. Generally, improvements were made, but I didn’t manage to completely remove reflections in any of the images I tested it on.
In all, the AI tools are a nice addition to the OnePlus 13R, but they don’t deliver an experience that stands out over similar tools available on other phones.
Hyperboost performance settings are great for mobile gamers
The OnePlus 13R comes packed with power, ensuring it keeps up with pretty much anything you can toss its way.
While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset isn’t the latest top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite offering from Qualcomm, it’s the same flagship chipset that featured in the OnePlus 12. What this means is the 13R still packs a punch, backed up by a capable 12GB of RAM.
The interface flows well, and the performance along with the 120Hz displays makes for slick, smooth scrolling on social media. Apps load quickly, although for more demanding titles the OnePlus 13R doesn’t feel quite as fast under the finger as the true flagships on the market.
That’s not really an issue, and considering the price point of this phone I was more than happy with the performance I was getting, whether that was browsing social, streaming video, checking emails, doing work (including writing parts of this very review) or taking a well-earned gaming break.
I ran a number of benchmark tests from 3DMark, Geekbench, CrossMark, JetStream, and WebXPRT 4 to really push the capabilities of the OnePlus 13R. It performed admirably with flagship-level (or close to flagship) results, reinforcing the fact there’s plenty of power available in this phone.
Fire up a game and you’ll notice the handset’s Hyperboost performance settings are automatically engaged, giving you live data on the phone’s condition during your gaming session.
From the drop-down panel, you can easily keep an eye on your fps (frames per second), latency, and how hot the OnePlus 13R is getting thanks to a temperature sensor embedded under the display.
There are three modes to choose from, with ‘Balanced’ being the default setting. You can alternatively switch to ‘Low power’ which will help extend your gaming session when the battery is running low by reducing screen refresh and lowering touch response.
(Image credit: Future)
Then there’s ‘Pro Gamer’ which channels all power to your game resulting in increased temperature and battery drain. A pop-up even warns you to consider only using this mode during ambient temperatures.
There are even more tools to play around with in the Hyperboost menu, including tweaking the GPU settings, toggling key features on and off, and screen recording controls to capture epic battles. In short, if you’re big into mobile gaming, the OnePlus 13R has plenty to offer.
The OnePlus 13R comfortably handled Genshin Impact at 60fps and its highest graphics setting (at 30fps). Load screens took a beat longer to process compared to the high-end flagship phones, but it didn’t detract from gameplay. While the handset did get warm it never reached an uncomfortable temperature.
Something else that impressed me during testing was the performance of the biometric scanners. Located under the display close to the bottom of the screen, the fingerprint scanner is well placed for your thumb to land on it every time when unlocking.
It performs well too, with great responsiveness and no read failures experienced during my time with the phone.
You can also choose to enable face unlock. It’s quick to register your face, and in daylight, the OnePlus 13R is able to instantly recognize you and unlock, even from awkward angles such as sneakily looking at your phone from under a desk.
Performance score: 4 / 5
OnePlus 13R review: battery
(Image credit: Future)
TA huge 6,000mAh battery delivers two-day use on a single charge
80W charging sees 1%-100% in 52 minutes, but no wireless charging
One of the biggest selling points for the OnePlus 13R is its huge 6,000mAh battery, providing the handset with excellent longevity and giving you the peace of mind of truly all-day battery life without the need to even consider reaching for a charger.
During our heavy-usage days, we found we’d still be getting into bed at the end of the day with the battery at least 20%, and on days where we curbed our gaming and video watching, we could easily unplug at 7am and then plug in at 11pm with 50% still left in the tank.
With slightly more thoughtful use (i.e. no gaming and videos and limited social media) the OnePlus 13R is capable of delivering two days of battery life from a single charge without the need to switch to a battery-saving mode.
The SUPERVOOC charging speed has been reduced from 100W on the OnePlus 12R to 80W on the new OnePlus 13R, as the firm looks to preserve the overall life of the mammoth power pack inside.
(Image credit: Future)
The 80W charging still delivers a good amount of juice in a short amount of time, and with the right fast-charging plug adapter (you only get a USB-C cable in the box in the UK) the OnePlus 13R can go from 1% to 100% in as little as 52 minutes.
Using a fast 60W charging block, the OnePlus 13R replenished from 15% to 31% in 15 minutes, and the battery got back to 48% after 30 minutes (increasing 33 percentage points in half an hour). Respectable top-up times, especially if you need to swiftly add charge before stepping out of the house.
These charging times will improve if you have an 80W charging block to take advantage of the maximum supported charging speed.
The only blemish in the OnePlus 13R’s battery story is the fact it doesn’t have wireless charging. This feature has been reserved for its pricier sibling – the OnePlus 13, so you’ll need a cable to top up the 13R.
Battery score: 4.5 /5
Should you buy the OnePlus 13R?
Buy it if...
You want a brilliant balance of battery power and performance With a 6,000mAh battery and punchy Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the OnePlus 13R delivers excellent battery life along with flagship-level performance (even though the chipset is a year old).
You’re after a big screen that won’t break the bank Forget the Pro Max and Ultra devices, the OnePlus 13R delivers a big screen experience at a lower price point, and it does it really well. The 6.78-inch display is brilliantly bright and colorful, making whatever you do on it look great.
You want a slick mobile gaming machine Add together the battery life, performance, and display, and the OnePlus 13R has all the hallmarks of a fantastic gaming device. The Hyperboost performance settings are the icing on the cake.
Don't buy it if...
You’re looking for the best update longevity OnePlus has made positive strides by announcing its OnePlus 13 series handsets will receive four years of OS updates and six years of security updates, but it still lags behind the competition. Apple, Google, and Samsung all offer more years of OS updates.
You want the biggest battery for your buck If battery life is your core focus for buying a new phone, the OnePlus 13R and its 6,000mAh power pack certainly makes a good case, but the Honor Magic 7 Lite has a bigger battery (6,600mAh) at a lower price – although it’s not as powerful, and not available in North America.
You’re after proper water resistance The OnePlus 13R carries an IP65 dust and water resistance rating, which translates to the phone being able to cope with droplets and jets of water (such as rain), but isn’t protected if you were to accidentally drop it in the bath/sink/swimming pool.
OnePlus 13R review: also consider
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE The Galaxy S24 FE isn’t the cheapest of the rivals, but it comes stuffed to the brim with Galaxy AI features, excellent battery life, and decent performance.
Google Pixel 8a This Galaxy is about to be replaced, but it still hits hard with amazing cameras, the water-resistant S Pen camera remote, and tons of other features.
I used the OnePlus 13R as my daily device for more than two weeks, testing it in a wide range of daily scenarios.
From night-time photography walks around illuminated festive trails and trips to live sporting events, to hours spent playing games (including Pokemon Go, Clash Royale, and Genshin Impact) and streaming videos (via Netflix, DAZN, YouTube, and Disney+), the 13R experienced high-usage and demanding applications to push the screen, chipset and battery to their limits. I braved the storms, taking the phone outside during heavy downpours to test the screen resistance, while also chasing the sun to put the 4,500 nits display through its paces.
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There were quieter days too, where I was checking emails, scrolling social media, and listening to music without the demands of gaming or video, to get a true feeling of how the battery and interface work. I even wrote some of this very review on the OnePlus 13R, to see how it coped as a work device – as life isn’t all pleasure. At least, not for me.
Alongside daily use, I ran numerous benchmarking tests from the likes of Geekbench, CrossMark, 3DMark, and more, to find out if the OnePlus 13R lived up to its performance billing – which it certainly did.
The Technogym Connected Dumbbells are all about smart tech and compact design. Instead of cluttering your space with loads of weights, these adjustable dumbbells give you a range from 2kg to 24kg in a sleek, compact package—ideal if you’re short on space or just starting your fitness journey.
What makes them really stand out, however, is their AI smarts. Built-in sensors track things like your reps, sets, and weights, which sync up with the Technogym App. The app’s AI Coach then uses this data to suggest exercises and tweak your workouts to help you hit your goals—just like having a PT in your pocket.
I loved the twist-handle design for weight adjustments. It’s quick, smooth, and satisfying to use. The build quality is top-notch, too, giving you confidence they’ll handle even your sweatiest sessions. That said, a max weight of 24kg might not be enough for advanced lifters, and the price tag could scare off anyone keeping an eye on their wallet.
After testing these for weeks, including doing full-body workouts and app-guided routines, I’d say they’re a great choice for those who value convenience and tech-driven motivation. If you’re an experienced lifter or on a tight budget, though, you might want to look elsewhere.
Technogym Connected Dumbbells: Price and availability
Dumbbells+ bundle costs £2,530 / $3120 / AUS$5030, which includes a stand, an exercise mat, a foam roller, and resistance bands
Comes with a two-month free trial of the Technogym Plus membership, which is £8.99/month thereafter
Available now in UK, launching soon in US and Australia
The Technogym Connected Dumbbells can be purchased directly from the brand’s official website or flagship stores in the UK for £1,410. At that price, they’re definitely not cheap, especially when competitors like Kabata are offering a similar setup for just $999 / £810. Or there are less-smart-but-similar options available, like the Bowflex SelectTech 552, which can be found online for around £350. Then, on top of that, you’ll have to fork out an extra £8.99/month for the Technogym Plus app if you want to take advantage of its full feature set. Gulp.
If you’re opting for the more complete Connected Dumbbells+ bundle, which includes a sturdy stand, exercise mat, foam roller, and resistance bands, this pushes the price up to a whopping £2,530. Sure, it’s a more complete package if you’re building out your home gym, but it’s a massive cost for a stand and some fitness accessories which can be bought separately elsewhere for much less. The price does include installation and setup, though, which is a nice touch for those who’d rather not fuss with assembly.
If you’re outside Europe and in the market for a pair of these babies, you’ll need to wait a bit—a US and Australian launch is coming later in 2025.
Price score: 3/5
Technogym Connected Dumbbells: Specifications
Technogym Connected Dumbbells: Design and build
(Image credit: Future)
Stylish black and silver finish fits any modern gym space
Knurled metal handles offer solid grip, even when you’re sweating
Twist-handle weight adjustment is smooth and precise
When it comes to design, Technogym’s Connected Dumbbells are a masterclass in how to serve style and substance in one neatly finished package. The black and silver finish feels effortlessly modern, meaning these dumbbells won’t look out of place even if they’re just sitting in the corner of your living room. And let’s be honest—no one wants a home gym setup that makes a space look cluttered. Thankfully, the minimalist look is spot-on here.
But it’s not just about aesthetics. I found the knurled metal handles were a delight to hold throughout most workouts. They’re grippy enough to reassure you they won’t slip, even when your palms are on the sweaty side. You won’t be getting that insecure feeling you can find with some cheaper alternatives.
Adjusting the weight is where the magic really happens. The twist-handle mechanism is smooth and intuitive. It’s ridiculously easy to use, and that satisfying click lets you know the weight’s locked and ready to go. Whether you’re grabbing 4kg for bicep curls or cranking up to 20kg for squats, it’s all very seamless-feeling. The weight range itself, 2kg to 24kg, covers most bases for a variety of exercises, although seasoned lifters might find it limiting if they’re used to heavier loads.
One of the standout features has to be the optional Strength Corner stand. It’s not just there to look pretty—although it does. The stand keeps your workout space organized, stores accessories like a foam roller and resistance bands, and even has a tablet (or in my case, phone) holder so you can follow along with the app without constantly looking down. I found it’s compact enough for smaller spaces—like me in my garden room-cum-gym space—and it means you have everything in one place, saving you from rummaging around mid-session.
As you’d expect from the premium gym equipment brand that is Technogym, the build quality of the Connected Dumbbells is top-tier across the board. Everything feels solid and well-made. The weight plates lock in securely, so there’s no wobbling when you’re mid-rep. The only small snag is docking the dumbbells back into their base—it’s a bit fiddly at first, especially if you’re rushing. But once you’ve nailed the technique, it’s not an issue at all.
In short, the design of these dumbbells is as functional as it is good-looking. They’re durable, user-friendly, and stylish enough to show off.
Design score: 4.5/5
Technogym Connected Dumbbells: Features and performance
(Image credit: Future)
AI coaching adapts workouts to your progress
Built-in sensors track reps, sets, and weight use
App motivates with milestones and progress tracking
These dumbbells aren’t just your bog-standard piece of gym equipment—they’re essentially a workout buddy. Each dumbbell is fitted with smart sensors that track every rep, set, and weight you use. This data syncs to the Technogym App and this is where the clever stuff happens. The app’s AI Coach uses all that info to create personalized workout plans, tweaking them as you progress. It’s like having a PT in your pocket.
The app itself is super easy to navigate. Whether you’re looking to do strength training, active recovery, or something in between, there’s a workout for it. One of my favorite features is the little celebratory ping when you hit a new PB. It’s a small touch, but it genuinely makes you feel like a champ. That said, the app isn’t perfect. It doesn’t track bodyweight exercises like push-ups or planks, which feels like a bit of a letdown if you like mixing things up.
In terms of how they handle workouts, these dumbbells are a dream. Like I said earlier, adjusting the weight on them is quick and fuss-free thanks to the twist-handle mechanism. It’s smooth, precise, and feels really robust. Even at heavier weights, the dumbbells feel perfectly balanced, which makes a huge difference during more intense sessions when you’re rushing around.
Connectivity deserves a mention too. The sensors sip battery, so you’re not constantly worried about them dying on you. During my time with the dumbbells, I also experienced no glitches or lag between the app and the weights; it all worked pretty seamlessly, which is reassuring. Although for nearly £1,500, so they should. The only downside, I’d say, is the 24kg max weight. This could be a sticking point for anyone looking to go heavy. A 32kg max weight would have solved this issue, IMO.
Nevertheless, for anyone just starting out or at an intermediate level, these dumbbells are a great option. They’re smart, efficient, and genuinely make your workouts more engaging. Advanced lifters might find themselves craving more weight, but for most people, they’ll hit the sweet spot.
Performance score: 4 / 5
Technogym Connected Dumbbells: Verdict
(Image credit: Future)
The Technogym Connected Dumbbells hit the mark for anyone wanting stylish, space-saving, and tech-packed gym gear. They’re easy to use, look great and the AI-driven app makes training feel a lot less like guesswork. Beginners and casual users will love the convenience and motivation these dumbbells bring to the table.
That said, they’re not for everyone. The limited weight range means serious lifters will likely need something heftier, and the steep price might put off anyone on a budget. Plus, the app’s inability to track bodyweight exercises is a bit of a head-scratcher. Although, this could always be addressed with a simple update at a later time.
So, if you’ve got the cash and crave the tech-savvy features, these dumbbells could be a game-changer. For the right user—especially those tight on space—they’re a smart, functional, and a downright stylish addition to a home gym.
Technogym Connected Dumbbells: Scorecard
Technogym Connected Dumbbells: Should I buy?
Buy them if…
You want a tidy home gym. These dumbbells replace 12 sets of weights, making them perfect for small spaces.View Deal
You need tailored workouts. The AI-powered app adapts to your goals and tracks progress effortlessly.View Deal
You’re after sleek, premium gym gear, They look great and work even better—a real statement piece for any home.View Deal
Don’t buy them if…
You’re into heavy lifting. The 24kg max weight won’t cut it for advanced strength training.View Deal
You’re saving the pennies. They’re pricey, especially compared to other adjustable dumbbells.View Deal
You like tracking bodyweight exercises. The app doesn’t log non-dumbbell moves like push-ups or planks, for some reason.View Deal
Also consider
SelectTech 552 A more budget-friendly alternative with a similar 2kg-24kg range. The dial system is smooth and easy to use, but you miss out on the smart features.
Kabata Smart Dumbbells Like Technogym’s offering, these smart dumbbells use AI to automatically adjust to your fitness and strength levels, ensuring you’re lifting the right amount of resistance. And for a much lower cost. However, with a 27kg maximum weight per dumbbell, they are just as limited when compared to other options on the market. View Deal
JaxJox DumbbellConnect (£599) These smart dumbbells offer app-based tracking like Technogym but they max out at an even lower 22kg. Good for casual users, but limited for heavier training.
I tested the Technogym Connected Dumbbells over a few weeks, throwing them into my regular workout routines. This meant squats, lunges, and chest presses to push the weight range to its limits. I paired them with the Technogym app to see how well the tracking and AI coaching worked, manually comparing the app’s data with my own counts. I also used the optional Strength Corner stand to keep things organized and explored its extra features. Durability and ease of use were put to the test during high-intensity sessions.
GE Cync Lighting Dynamic Effects Smart Bulb: two-minute review
The GE Cync Lighting Dynamic Effects Smart Bulbs are a fantastic addition for anyone looking to add some smart and (per the name) dynamic lighting to their smart homes. While GE offers all sorts of different lighting options, the smart bulbs comes in two versions: A19 and B30. The first, reviewed here, fits into most traditional light fixtures, while the B30 is ideal for recessed lighting.
You don’t need a hub for the GE Cync Lighting Dynamic Effects Smart Bulbs, so adding them into a smart home is pretty straightforward. That said, they are limited to certain ecosystems – a minor travesty in this day and age where Matter certification is becoming more widely adopted.
Overall though, the GE Cync Lighting Dynamic Effects Smart Bulbs belong in the conversation for the best smart lights due to, not only their easy implementation, but the wide range of colors and effects on offer.
The A19 bulbs fit most standard light fixtures (Image credit: James Holland)
Physically, the GE Cync Lighting Dynamic Effects Smart Bulbs look like most smart bulbs in that they keep the same basic shape of the bulb form factor. The outer part of the bulb is an opaque white while the lower portion towards the base is covered in a matte white casing presumably covering the more digital components of the bulb.
The A19 version reviewed here is on par with a 60 watt light bulb ,offering 800 lumens in terms of brightness with a color temperature of 2,700k. Since this is a bulb with a focus on dynamic lighting, there are 16 million colors and white tones available, and the brightness can be fully adjusted.
The GY Cync Lighting Dynamic Effects Smart Bulbs offer 16 million colors to choose from, and different temperatures of white light (Image credit: James Holland)
Likewise, pairing the light bulb is very easy and straightforward, consisting of physically installing the bulb, turning on the lamp, and going through the setup prompts on the Cync app. Having dealt with a number of smart bulbs over the years, I have found that cheaper ones (aka budget brands) can have connectivity issues during pairing and sometimes even during use.
The GE Cync Lighting Dynamic Effects bulb might be a little spendy compared to other models, but its connectivity is rock solid. In fact, the closest I‘ve had to any issue is a second or two of lag when turning off through the app, but that’s only if the light’s been on for a while.
Setting up the bulbs using the mobile app is refreshingly straightforward (Image credit: James Holland)
I also tested it with Alexa The setup took just a few steps, and Alexa responded quickly to my voice commands. Unfortunately, this smart bulb only has access to Google Home and Alexa. While that accounts for a good number of smart home ecosystems, it leaves plenty of people in the cold, something that Matter certification would help with, and which isn't on offer here. What’s surprising is that GE does have some Matter-supported bulbs, such as in the reveal and direct connect models.
The GE Cycle Lighting Dynamic Effects Smart Bulbs work with Alexa and Google Assistant, but not Apple HomeKit (Image credit: James Holland)
Most of the magic for this smart bulb is accessible via the app. Each installed light bulb shows up as its own entry in the app, and shows up as a boxy tile with an on/off toggle and a slider to adjust brightness. Tapping the tile doesn’t open more menu diving as one would expect. Instead, you’ll end up turning the light on or off depending on its current setting.
To dig deeper, there’s a little inward pointing arrow at the edge of the icon that, when pressed, moves the tile to the side to reveal four smaller icons. The first gives access to a color wheel where you can really fine-tune the color you want. If there aren’t 16 million colors available here, then it’s probably close. There are some other options in this section of the app where you can just select some preset lighting including different shades of white and some basic colors.
The app allows you to set a color for the whole bulbs, or divide it into sections (Image credit: James Holland)
I won’t say shame on you if you stick to these settings, but you’re missing out on what this light bulb can do if you don’t go beyond that. The second of the four smaller icons allows you to subdivide the lightbulb into four differently colored sections for when you want to get a little wild, but still want static lighting.
The third icon is probably the most unique to the GE Cync Lighting Dynamic Effects Smart Bulb as this is where the actual dynamic effects are available. First, it should be noted that the dynamic effects are subdivided into two sections of effects, selectable by pressing on ‘light shows’ or ‘music shows’ at the bottom.
Whichever is selected will show a number of presets already loaded onto the bulb, as well as a section of other presets to explore and preview that can be downloaded as well. All the dynamic effects can be customized, though the level of customization depends on the effect itself. Usually, you can change the brightness and selected colors used (many of the presets cycle through different colors for their effects) at the minimum.
The bulb's 'light shows' are a fun addition, and all dynamic effects are customizable (Image credit: James Holland)
The light shows are fun, but are a bit more static than the music shows, which use the microphone on your smartphone (and you can select the sensitivity) to respond to aural stimulus. It’s really cool to see the smart bulb change color and intensity according to the dynamics of a song. The only minor issue is that it responds much better with the volume up. So, when I have a music show effect loaded and am listening to music at a comfortable level that one could talk over, the effect only seems to respond to the peaks of the audio and is off otherwise. To get the full experience, I have to turn up. While cool, I have to consider my neighbors when choosing to turn it up.
Lastly, the fourth icon is for settings. While I won’t spend too much time on this, it’s worth mentioning that there’s a feature here called ‘Trueimage’ that lets you take a picture to set as the background of the smart bulb tile, and preview changes even if you're not in the same room.
TrueImage is a tool that lets you preview changes to the color of your smart bulbs even when you're in a different room (Image credit: James Holland)
The Cync Lighting Dynamic Effects Smart Bulb looks great, whether on a white light setting – regardless of the warmth (I do like to go warmer) – or one of the dynamic effects with its full color array.
Really, the only shortcomings of this light bulb is the lack of Matter support. While somewhat expensive on a per-bulb basis, it’s not an unreasonable price. And, the dynamic effects are worth the cost.
GE Cync Lighting Dynamic Effects Smart Bulb: specs
GE Cync Lighting Dynamic Effects Smart Bulb: price and availability
Prices start at $19.99 (about £20 / AU$40)
Available now
Available in the US and Canada
Getting a two-pack of the A19 size direct from GE will run you $37.99, while a single bulb costs $19.99 MSRP. Their availability is limited to the US and Canada, as they unfortunately do not work in the UK or Australia. The B30 is priced very similarly with a single bulb, though it’s listed at a range from around $17 to $26 depending on the retailer.
Pricewise, the GE Cync Lighting Dynamic Effects Smart Bulbs are a little on the higher end, considering that a two-pack of the Govee Wi-Fi LED Bulb goes for $23.99 / £23.39. Of course, there are some trade-offs, particularly the fact that the Govee’s brightness and the app design could be better.
However, $20 a bulb is not an inappropriate price point. Nanoleaf Matter Essentials costs $19.99 / £19.99 / AU$39.99 for an A19 bulb. While Nanoleaf’s app is a bit buggy compared to the rock-solid setup of the GE Cync, it does come with Matter certification is more universal in application.
Should you buy the GE Cync Lighting Dynamic Effects Smart Bulb?
Buy it if
You want dynamic effects
The dynamic effects available here are a treat, especially the ones that respond to audio, and set it apart from the competition. Get enough of these and you could probably throw your own rave.
You want easy connectivity
This smart bulb is incredibly easy to set up and use, not to mention that its connectivity is rock solid.
Don't buy it if
You don’t want to spend too much
At about $20 per bulb, the GE Cync Lighting Dynamic Effects Smart Bulb is on the pricier end. If you’re trying to stretch your budget (maybe you’re trying to get a bunch of bulbs), there are plenty of smart bulbs that are much more affordable.
GE Cync Lighting Dynamic Effects Smart Bulb: also consider
Govee Wi-Fi LED Bulb
If you’re on a budget, the Govee Wi-Fi LED Bulb might be the way to go. Sure, the colors could be a little brighter and the app could be better designed, but you can get two Govee bulbs for almost the price of one GE Cync smart bulb. The Govee likewise supports Google Home and Alexa.
The Nanoleaf Matter Essentials might need a hub for Apple HomeKit, but it's Matter-certified, meaning that you can use it with any smart home ecosystem. If you have something outside of Google Home or Alexa, that immediately puts it above the GE Cync bulbs. On the flip side, their setup is not quite as rock solid as the GE Cync’s.
How I tested the GE Cync Lighting Dynamic Effects Smart Bulbs
Tested over a couple weeks
Tested all the different features including multiple dynamic effects
Used with a voice assistant
I spent a couple weeks using the GE Cync Lighting Dynamic Effects Smart Bulbs to get an idea of how they function against how they’re advertised and to see if they’re worth the price. I tested the various presets, from static colors to various dynamic effects. I even connected it with Alexa to see how it would work with a voice assistant.
After having tested the GE Cync Lighting Dynamic Smart Bulbs, I found them to be ideal for those who want a little extra from smart lighting, particularly those engrossing dynamic effects.
I’ve spent the last few years reviewing all sorts of gadgets from audio equipment and robot vacuums to laptops and more with a detailed eye on whether the product works as advertised and is beneficial to those who might be interested in it. For more details, see how we test, rate, and review at TechRadar.
Like many CNC machines of this type, the Twotrees TTC450 Pro CNC router comes almost completely built, with only a few finishing touches needed before it's up and running.
However, when it comes to out-of-the-box usability, it's worth noting that CNC machines are not as straightforward as the best 3D printer or best laser engraver I've tried. Calibration must be done manually, but thankfully, Twotrees provides plenty of Wiki guides to walk you through the setup process and more details in the provided paper manual as well as on the USB that ships with the machine. You'll also need different types of software to operate the machine, and in this review, I utilised Easel for the CNC functions and Lightburn for the laser engraving, both paid-for versions.
When first starting, it's not easy if you're unused to CNC machines. Having used a few, I've found this to be the norm. Expect to spend time watching tutorial videos and calibrating the machine with the probe before achieving successful results; one of the key elements here is to note that you have to set the home point for every new material and enter both the height and size. However, once you follow the calibration process step-by-step, things begin to make sense—but do expect to spend some time head-scratching. As long as you secure your materials tightly using the nuts and bolts provided, you shouldn't encounter too many issues.
When it comes to use, the machine supports a good variety of materials and router tool bits, with the two router options and the laser engraving head. While it can handle thin, soft metals such as aluminium, it's not suited for machining tougher materials like steel. Like most home DIY CNC machines, the TTC450 Pro is primarily designed for woodworking and other softer materials.
The CNC's design is distinctly workshop-like, as with most machines of this type sporting an open frame. However, Twotrees has refined the design, adding an easy-to-use touchscreen that lets you access settings, recall previously loaded files, and manage calibration and maintenance. Both router options are high-quality and can be swapped out easily, taking around five minutes with the review sample. Two Trees also supplied the laser engraver head, which further adds to the appeal of the machine. For a normal-sized workshop, having a machine that can act as both types of machines is definitely an advantage, and the fact that it's built so solidly only boosts the laser engraving performance.
The TTC450 Pro, like all CNC machines, takes time to master. Don't expect to become an expert after one sitting. Spending time watching videos and learning how to use the software is essential, as is ensuring every bolt is kept tight. While I have aspirations for more advanced CNC work, my current projects on this machine have still produced some pretty decent results. After several weeks of familiarisation, I've found it to be one of the easier CNC machines to use, and overall, I've been impressed with the quality of the work that I can even produce. If you're looking for a machine for a small business or as a dedicated hobbyist, the TTC450 Pro is an excellent option. It's far easier to use than some DIY alternatives, especially given the price.
Twotrees TTC450 Pro: Price and Availability
The TTC450 Pro is widely available and can be purchased directly from the Twotrees website by clicking here, as well as from many DIY and online retailers.
Twotrees TTC450 Pro: Design
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
The design and build of the TTC450 Pro are simple, with an open-frame design that makes the mechanics of the machine nice and straightforward. When the TTC450 Pro arrives, you can literally just take it out of the box and assemble a few parts—mainly the crossbar, router, and screen—tighten everything up, and off you go. When the box arrived, it took me around 45 minutes to unpack, sort out all the parts, and get the machine into its initial working condition, slightly longer than anticipated but still not bad.
One early point to note about the build is that, while this is a smaller desktop machine, it is by no means small. Considering its footprint, which measures 742 x 689 x 413 mm, you'll need about a metre squared of desktop space to position the machine comfortably. A standard 60 cm width work surface won't suffice. After assembling the machine, I found I had to extend my workspace, which is typically dedicated to 3D printers and laser engravers that fit easily on standard kitchen-width surfaces. Like a few other CNC machines, including my main CNC machine, the TTC450 Pro requires considerably more space.
Additionally, and this is a serious consideration, the mess generated by this machine, particularly sawdust, will require a clear and contained area if you don't want mess spread throughout the room. There is a dust extraction system available for around $99, and I would highly recommend adding this to the purchase.
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
When it comes to weight, these are not light machines. Given that this machine spins at high speeds, its weight is actually an advantage. I've found it's a good idea to bolt CNC machines down to your work surface to reduce vibrations and achieve better results. Although this machine isn't enormous, it still weighs a significant 20.6 kg, so while one person can move it, it is heavy.
The machine is whole well thought out, with a touchscreen positioned on the left-hand side and the main router mounted on top. The workspace, measuring 460 x 460 x 80 mm, is a good size and the work base includes screw holes, making it easy to bolt down materials without needing to create your own.
As mentioned, the machine also supports a range of accessories, including the laser engraver and a cylindrical engraving attachment, along with a host of tool bits for the two different router options. Switching between the routers and the laser is quick, with bolted-in clamps holding the tools in place, so a single Allen key is all that's needed. It's not quite a quick release, but it's fast enough.
As for compatible materials, the TTC450 Pro can engrave plywood, MDF, solid wood, acrylic, carbon fibre, aluminium, copper, and even some thin stainless steel.
For file transfer, you can use USB, Wi-Fi, or a TF/microSD card. It's worth noting the Wi-Fi only supports 2.4 GHz rather than 5 GHz, and there's no Bluetooth, Ethernet, or USB flash drive support.
Twotrees TTC450 Pro: Features
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
When it comes to features, the TTC450 Pro is well-equipped for a CNC machine of this price. First and foremost, when the box arrived, the machine was mostly prebuilt. Assembly was relatively straightforward, and using the instructions provided, Two Trees estimates it will take around 10 minutes to construct. If you have ample space, I would imagine this is just about accurate, but if you're short on space, set aside around 45 minutes to unpack, organise, and clear enough room to lay everything out neatly. It's worth preparing your workspace beforehand.
A nice but also essential touch is that the TTC450 Pro includes features essential for the professional use of CNC as the safety stop feature. If something goes wrong, pressing this button halts all operations immediately.
Although the open-frame design has a somewhat DIY aesthetic, Two Trees has opted for a sleek aluminium frame. While not as refined as modern laser engravers or 3D printers, it's a significant improvement over the industrial-style CNC machines of the past. A 3.5-inch colour touchscreen makes navigating the machine far easier compared to many CNC systems that lack built-in screens or controls and usually solely rely on a connected PC to work.
Specs
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Frame structure: Sheet Metal + Aluminum Profile + Injection Molding + Stainless Steel Product size: 742mmX689mm X 413mm Working range: 460mmX460mmX80mm(18.1in*18.1in*3.14in) Supported tool diameter: 0.5mm to 7mm(ER11 chuck) Compatible engraving materials: Plywood/MDF/Solid Wood/Acrylic/Carbon Brazing/Aluminum/Copper/Stainless Steel Net weight: 15.45KG Gross weight: 20.6KG Touch screen: 3.5-inch IPS capacitive touch color screen (480*320 resolution) Firmware type: GRBL open source, supports both CNC and laser (no firmware required) Support: TF storage card | USB port | Wifi-2.4G Hz Engraving accuracy: 100±0.05mm Maximum engraving speed: 800mm/min Maximum acceleration: 1000mm/s² Programming software: Artcam, Fusion360, EASEL, Carveco Maker, etc. Support system: MacOS\Windows\Linux Program support format: .nci\Gcode
Another nice touch is the fact that the tool head is dustproof, helping it stay cleaner for longer, and this could potentially improve its longevity; routers tend to break after a while due to debris entering the venting, so this design aspect is nice to see. As you look over the machine, you also notice that it features larger motors than you usually see on lighter-duty machines like 3D printers or laser engravers, again all helping to improve the longevity of the machine.
While the machine is considered small for a CNC, the build space is still pretty decent at 460 x 460 mm, with enough depth to handle many larger projects. The machine also features large 8mm gantry side plates that help add to the overall strength, and brass calibration nuts are used on the lead screws again to aid with the precision and durability of the machine.
A notable addition is the cylindrical engraving option, which is easy to set up and use, essentially bolting into the surface and plugging in. This works in much the same ways as the rotary options common with laser engravers and offers more creative options. However, as with other aspects of CNC use, there's a steep learning curve, and my attempts so far haven't been that successful. However, this is a user rather than a machine error.
One addition that I would have liked to test with the machine is the dual dust extraction system, which helps maintain a cleaner workspace. Without it, sawdust or metal debris scatters across your workshop. CNC machines are inherently messy, so investing in the dust extraction system is highly recommended if it's not included in your kit.
The TTC450 Pro supports a tool diameter range of 0.5 to 7 mm and uses an ER11-style chuck. It primarily relies on open-source GRBL firmware, which supports both CNC and laser use without requiring additional updates. For engraving, you can expect accuracy within ±0.05 mm, a maximum engraving speed of 800 mm/min, and a maximum acceleration of 1000 mm/s².
In terms of software support, it's compatible with programs like ArtFusion 360, Easel, and Carbide Create, among others that support the mainboard. The system accepts files.NC or G-code formats, depending on your preference.
Twotrees TTC450 Pro: Performance
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Starting with the Two Trees TTC450 Pro CNC router does take a little time. While it's quick and easy to set up, and Two Trees estimates about 10 minutes for assembly, I found it took quite a bit longer. However, after clearing space and extending one of my work surfaces to accommodate the machine, it took about 45 minutes before I was ready to power on. Initially, I used the Mac system set up in my workshop, but a machine like this would also pair perfectly with a mini PC.
Once everything was connected, I used the Easel software package to control the TTC450 Pro. There are plenty of compatible CNC software options available, and many are open source and free, although these can be a bit more complex to set up and use. Once everything is set and before starting, you need to calibrate the machine to recognise the bit height using the included probe.
With your material placed on the build platform, you attach the probe on top of the material, plug the probe into the socket on the tool head, and connect the crocodile clip to the drill bit. Through the touchscreen interface, you select "Probe," and the machine lowers the tool head until the drill bit touches the probe. Once this is done, you're ready to begin CNC machining.
If you're accustomed to high-end laser engravers or 3D printers, you might expect almost completely automatic calibration. However, most CNCs, including TTC450 Pro, require far more manual input. This machine is more advanced than many others, but you still need the starting point for your CNC file. For example, using Easel, you load your CNC file into the software and connect it to the machine. Then, you run through the software prompts that give step-by-step instructions for what you need to do with the material and machine. Using Easel makes this process relatively straightforward as there are drivers and software presets pre-configured for the TTC450 Pro; using Candle or other applications, you'll need to configure everything from scratch.
Once your design is ready in Easel, you're ready to start the CNC machining. Unlike a 3D printer or laser engraver, where you simply press "print," CNC machining involves additional steps. Within the software, you select "Carve" and follow prompts to specify material thickness, type, and drill bit size, and then move the tool head position over the bottom left corner of the material. After confirming these settings, the machine checks the dimensions to ensure they stay within material boundaries.
The final screen provides a last-minute checklist. The first button lifts the tool head, the second and third buttons start the tool head spinning and confirm functionality, and finally, you press "Carve" to begin machining.
Once the machine starts, the default speed is slow and steady, but there's plenty of flexibility over this speed as you become more familiar with the machine and materials you're working with. While you shouldn't leave the machine unattended, it works exceptionally well and proved to be very reliable. For a CNC machine priced under £1,000, the quality of the output is exceptional. The build quality, high-quality lead screws, and rigid frame ensure precision throughout the test.
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
For projects that cut through materials, I recommend placing an additional sheet underneath to protect the build surface. Although switching to the laser cutter for cutting, most materials will usually do the job, and this is why the machine stands out: that fact that you have that versatility. It includes two different tool heads; the standard router supports a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastics, and carbon fibre sheets. For larger wood projects, you can mount a more powerful router, which allows for intricate and large-scale work. A laser cutter head is also available for tasks like 2D shapes. Switching heads takes about 5 minutes to unbolt, replace, and recalibrate, which is relatively quick. However, there's the case of updating firmware to make the switch; this takes a further five minutes or so and is definitely an area of the machine that could do with a bit of a tweak, as some technical knowledge is required. It took me a few attempts to get the hand of the process so while it's relatively straight forward it can prove a little perplexing at first.
Having three different tool heads offers significant flexibility. The rotary tool, included in the box, is another accessory with steep learning curves. Although my initial results were underwhelming, this was due to user error rather than machine limitations. The dust extraction vacuum accessory, which I didn't have for this review, is a must-have, and through this test, I've been using an extraction system from a larger machine, you'll see in the image the result of using nothing!
The TTC450 Pro relies on open-source or third-party software. While this allows broad compatibility, there isn't a single, unified software solution like Snapmaker offers, which, for those starting out again, adds to the learning curve. For CNC work, Easel is ideal, while laser engraving requires software like LightBurn. Fortunately, these applications are straightforward, and many users will already be familiar with them, as they are widely used in other CNC and laser engravers.
Twotrees TTC450 Pro: Final verdict
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
When it comes to performance, the Twotrees TTC450 Pro is a surprisingly good multi-use machine at an exceptional price. There are many aspects to like about it. First and foremost is the design. Its open frame makes it very easy to use and manoeuvre. The size is relatively large, and you may need to extend a work surface to accommodate it slightly. However, it's comparable with most larger laser engravers and other small CNC machines.
What sets the TTC450 Pro apart from many other CNC machines of this style and type is its build quality. Two trees have taken it up a notch from the usual extruded aluminium and open-frame designs. While it still follows the same fundamental technology and design principles, Two Trees has ensured that the quality of its parts and components is a step above, and because of this, it has a more professional feel compared to other CNC machines at this price.
When it comes to setup and assembly, Two Trees suggests 10–15 minutes. However, I would recommend allowing 45 minutes to an hour to familiarise yourself with all the components and parts. It's also good to take your time and ensure all bolts and screws are tightened properly, as any looseness will affect the quality of your CNC results.
One slight issue I found during assembly was that, while the instructions lay out exactly where everything goes, some cables are only just long enough to reach their connectors, requiring some fiddling to get everything into place. Additionally, a minor annoyance is that the bolts are of different sizes, meaning frequent changes between Allen keys. It's not a major problem, but it can be a little frustrating during assembly.
Once the machine is built and ready to start a CNC project, there is a steep learning curve, particularly if you've never used a CNC machine before. For those new to CNC, I highly recommend Easel software. It's straightforward to use, and you should get excellent results relatively quickly. The setup process is relatively simple, and the Easel software provides a step-by-step guide to get started, which is incredibly helpful for beginners. There is also a good level of resources available online, written in an accessible way that doesn't assume prior knowledge—unlike many other CNC applications.
The Twotrees TTC450 Pro is an entry-level CNC, but it's also an extremely powerful one considering its price. While it's a great starting point for beginners, it will also appeal to experienced users, such as those in small businesses or looking for a desktop solution. My advice for anyone purchasing this machine is to also invest in the vacuum attachment. As with any CNC machine, a lot of waste is produced, and without a vacuum, that debris will spread throughout the room.
For the money, the TTC450 Pro is a superb option, offering plenty of flexibility with its three tool head options. These allow you to machine a wide variety of materials and use the machine as either a laser engraver or a CNC router. In my opinion, it's one of the best options on the market at present.
Should you buy the Twotrees TTC450 Pro?
Buy it if...
You need versatile functionality The TTC450 Pro offers CNC routing, laser engraving, and more, making it ideal for users seeking a flexible, multi-use machine for diverse projects.
You're a beginner or pro With easy setup and powerful features, this machine suits beginners learning CNC as well as professionals seeking a reliable, compact option if space is limited.
Don't buy it if...
You want plug-and-play The machine requires manual calibration and setup, making it less suitable for those looking for a completely automatic, out-of-the-box solution.
You lack workspace Its large footprint demands a decent amount of workspace, so it's not ideal if you only have a limited amount of space.
It looks like a GoPro with its mounting case and front-facing screen, but the Akaso Brave 8 comes at a more modest price, with image quality that will meet the demands of most users. With 2x batteries, a dual charger, a remote control, and a range of mounts, it has everything you need out of the box.
During my review, the small front-facing screen made it easy to vlog adventures, whilst the rear touchscreen was responsive enough to touch to make changing settings easy. However, there are also negatives; the image stabilization in-camera is good, without being great, but the so-called SuperSmooth option, which requires processing in the accompanying camera app, isn't a patch on what GoPro offers; and the improvement over the Brave 8's in-camera stabilization is modest. The app is useable but clunky in places, and the sound recording could also be improved.
Overall, the Akaso Brave 8 is a solid little action camera with all you need to get started; the video quality is good, and the stabilization ok if you aren't hammering the camera on a bike, be it pedal or motorized. The problem is that older generation GoPro Hero cameras can still be purchased new in some places for around the same price, and more recent ones will solve many of the faults of the Akaso Hero 8. So, whilst it is cheaper than the GoPro Hero 13 Black, those thinking about the Akaso Hero 8 may want to step back a GoPro generation or two instead. For ideas of other options check out our best action cameras guide.
That said, Akaso is an emerging brand, and its products regularly seem to be discounted or have extras, such as memory cards, also offered as part of the package. So if the stabilization and audio issues won't affect you significantly, it may be worth keeping your eyes open for an offer.
Akaso Brave 8: price and release date
The Akaso Brave 8 is available via Amazon and, at the time of writing, is priced at $289.99, but there is the option of a promotional $50 money-off voucher. In the UK, the kit also includes at 64GB Micro SD card and is £244.99, not including a £40 off voucher promotion.
Keep an eye out for deals and limited-time offers on Amazon, particularly during sales periods when additional memory cards or money-off vouchers may be applied.
Akaso Brave 8 specs
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Akaso Brave 8: design
The Akaso Brave 8 action camera adopts a familiar design: let's be honest, it is a GoPro clone in a market that is already flooded with GoPro competitors. However, even at a glance, you can tell that it is far from a cheap knock-off, with a rear touchscreen, front facing screen, all packaged in a body that is waterproof up to a depth of 33ft / 10m.
Size-wise the Akaso Brave 8 measures 63x45x36.5mm which overall makes it slightly smaller than the GoPro Hero 13 Black, which measures 71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6mm
Behind the 16mm f/2.5 lens sits a 1/2 inch size sensor. As a comparison, the GoPro Hero 13 uses a 1/1.9inch sensor, which means the two sensor sizes are comparable. The sensor can capture images at up to a 48MP resolution, and video can be captured at up to 4K 60fps. If you want to shoot timelapse videos, then these can be captured at 8K resolution, whilst moving timelapses (hyperlapses) can be captured at 4K 30fps.
If slow motion is more your thing, then 2.7k footage can be captured at up to 120fps and Full HD can go to an impressive 200fps.
All of that footage is saved on to Micro SD cards, and the Brave 8 can accept cards with a capacity of up to 512GB. In terms of speed, my review sample of the Akaso Brave 8 was supplied with an Akaso-branded 64GB Micro SD XC UHS I card with U3 rating, meaning the card had a minimum write speed of 30MB/s - which is the same as a V30 card.
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The layout of the camera is straightforward; there is a rear touch-sensitive screen, as well as a smaller square front screen that sits alongside the lens. There are just three buttons on the camera with the power/display button on top and a Recording start/stop button. On the side is the Mode button.
The Micro SD card socket and a USB-C socket are located on the side of the camera, behind a well-sealed waterproof door. The USB-C socket can be used to power the camera or charge the battery.
On the bottom of the camera is an equally well-sealed battery compartment. Akaso supply two batteries, each with a capacity of 1,550mAh, which is a little less than the 1,900mAh batteries of the GoPro Hero 13 Black. However, credit to Akaso for supplying two batteries so that you can always been filming and charging, which, as I found out, is needed with this camera.
The extra battery is just one of a whole host of supplied accessories, including a tiny USB-C dual battery charger, so you can charge both batteries at the same time. A remote control is also included, as well as a camera mounting frame/case, a GoPro style mount, a helmet mount, a handlebar mount, an adhesive pad, a zip tie, a strap, and a lens cloth. It is a very solid set of accessories.
Akaso Brave 8: performance
Overall, the Akaso Brave 8 performed very well, especially considering its price. However, it wasn't without its quirks, and we will discuss those shortly.
Of course, the main thing is the video quality. I did most of my shooting in the 4K / 30fps setting, which produced quite nice footage that is on par with what you would expect for an action with a sensor of this size.
Key to a lot of action cameras is, of course, stabilization performance, and there are three different modes to choose from. The first is no stabilization. Then, there is a Normal, an in-camera stabilization mode with a six-axis gyroscope that applies the EIS 4.0 algorithm to stabilize the footage electronically. Finally, there is a Super Smooth option. This mode records all of the gyroscopic information but doesn't apply any of it in the camera; instead, you upload your clip to the app, where the gyroscopic data is read, and then stabilization is applied.
I found that the difference between the Normal stabilization and the Super Smooth stabilization wasn't as dramatic as I thought it would be. In most circumstances, I believe that users are probably better off just sticking to the Normal option, which softens rather than completely smoothing out any bumps or shakes. The extra step of uploading and applying Super Smooth in the app seems like a significant additional effort for a very little extra reward. Here, the camera falls way behind the stabilization that the latest GoPro cameras offer.
A decent amount of settings allow control of the video image. You can change the exposure metering to any one of several modes, and there is exposure compensation should you wish to make adjustments, which I did.
Generally, the camera produced images with a good exposure. I did tweak it a few times in extreme conditions. For example, filming in a forest could be pretty dark, with the bright light coming through the trees, causing the image to be dark, and then at other times, with no sky in the shot, it lightened the image quite a lot. I found myself making +/-0.3EV changes to the image to balance this out. What it was good at was getting the exposure correct when a face was in the scene, which is great for vlogging and filming your adventures. I advise experimenting with the different metering settings and seeing what suits your needs best.
In addition to exposure compensation, you can also change the ISO sensitivity, sharpness, plus there are two color settings - Normal or Vivid. It may not be the most comprehensive in terms of all the color settings or image styles. Still, it is good enough for the basics, particularly if your goal is capturing memories rather than producing cinematic experiences.
Some lasting memories I captured included filming my children running in and out of the sea on holiday. I put the Brave 8 on a selfie stick and shot low-angle shots of them running and jumping over the waves. The waves sometimes smashed over the camera, completely submerging it in salty Atlantic water. After a few months, the camera still works perfectly fine, with no adverse effects from the sand or saltwater.
The in-camera microphone recorded voices clearly enough, but it should be noted that wind noise was picked up quite significantly, even when it wasn't obviously windy. I wouldn't think of using the audio if I was on a motor or pedal bike. Additional microphones can be attached via USB-C, but sadly, the camera has no mounting points.
The touchscreen worked well and was responsive, with onscreen buttons and navigation presenting no problem. I found it was easy to change settings and navigate the menu.
As well as the included remote control, there is also the option to control the camera via voice commands. Again, I tried this - it is especially useful when you have the camera mounted to a helmet. The real trick is remembering the exact commands that you have to say to start and stop recording and to make sure that you say them clearly.
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I didn't take many images with the camera as the video aspect is more appealing to people, but the photos look okay. There are problems with exposure, which is largely due to the sensor's small size. There didn't seem to be much HDR processing going on in terms of lightening shadow areas or pulling back highlights like you would get with a smartphone these days.
Given it is a wide-angle lens, you probably want to stick to the 48MP resolution just in case you do want to crop in a little bit more as images are very very wide on the camera.
As you would expect, there are further record modes, such as being able to shoot a time-lapse video or a time-lapse photo, that I'll be honest I didn't delve too much into, however, I did have a quick play around with them, and there seems to be quite a long interval between the images taken to create a time-lapse video, so I wouldn't use it for any activities such as mountain biking or running or skiing or anything like that. If you want to create a little clip of a ride, you're better off using the Hyperlapse setting for that, while the timelapse mode is better for things you would traditionally use a timelapse for, such as clouds passing over city scenes.
Overall, I am pretty impressed with the image quality and features that the Akaso Brave 8 offers. However, it lacks the finesse and quality you expect from a GoPro, DJI, or Insta360 action camera. Sadly, the image stabilization will be a letdown for those wanting super steady footage. Similarly, the microphone and audio processing need some tweaking to bring it up to scratch.
However, Akaso will be a budget action camera brand to keep an eye on as they have a solid foundation on which to build, particularly as some of the issues can be updated via firmware or more power processing in a future camera.
Should I buy the Akaso Brave 8?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
You can't afford GoPro Although GoPro has faced competition from DJI in recent years, they are still the leading action camera brand. However, if you can't stretch to a GoPro the the Akaso Brave 8 provides most of the features at a cheaper price.
You want an all-in-one solution With so many accessories included in the box, the akaso Brave 8 is great for those who want to get started filming straight away rather than trawling Amazon for the mounts and extra batteries that they need.
You want to stand out from the crowd If you don't want to go with the usual brands and try something new, Akaso seems to be a brand to keep an eye on in the action camera world.
Don't buy it if...
You want to take photos Although the Akaso Brave 8 can capture photos, its quality falls way behind that of most contemporary smartphones. If you think you will be taking more pictures than videos, then it is probably best to avoid the Akaso Brave 8.
You don't mind having an older kit
If you don't mind an older action camera, then the GoPro Hero 10 Black has many of the same features, but with with better stabilization, for around the same price new, or significantly cheaper if you go with a used camera.
You won't be getting wet. If you like to keep your feet dry, then something like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 offers superior image quality and stabilization but obviously lacks the ability to be used underwater.
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How I tested the Akaso Brave 8
I used the camera for a couple of months in a variety of situations
I filmed a hike I did in British Columbia
I tested the waterproof properties by filming on the beach and in the sea
I used the Akaso Brave 8 for several months as a compact camera to film family events and vacations. I even used it a few times to film my kids playing in the sea, which allowed me to test the camera's waterproof qualities.
On a trip to British Columbia, Canada, I turned the camera on myself, using a selfie stick to film myself while hiking and mounting it on a small tripod while swimming in a glacial lake.
Finally, I used one of the included mounts to attach the camera to my bike helmet. With my iPhone mounted to the bike, I could monitor what was being filmed using the Akaso app.
At various points during the camera's use, I connected it to my smartphone to check footage and add stabilization to specific videos. I also used the voice control options and the physical remote control.
