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Ultimate Ears Miniroll review: a chic mini party speaker that brings the bass –if not every feature you might like

6:30 pm | October 14, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi Speakers | Comments: Off

Ultimate Ears Miniroll: Two-minute review

Parties in 2024 are about to get a bit bassier with the new Ultimate Ears Miniroll, a small-form Bluetooth speaker that wants to find its way onto our list of the best party speaker by virtue of the fact that it’s much smaller than all of its rivals.

A revival of the UE Roll from 2015 and UE Roll 2 from a year later, this is now Ultimate Ear’s smallest speaker by a country mile (and also a good few inches). It sits alongside the sonically superior, but much less totable, Wonderboom 4, as well as UE’s more pricy alternatives. Yes, that’s right, it’s not just small but it’s affordable too.

You only have to pay $79 / £69 / AU$99 for the UE Miniroll so it undercuts most of the competition, although a few other major audio brands also have lightweight party speakers like this for roughly the same (or less).

‘Miniroll’ is a funny name – the new UE speaker is bigger than the Roll and Roll 2, and probably doesn’t have any link to the sponge treat manufactured by former chocolate company (and now faux-chocolate company) Cadbury’s.

The Ultimate Ears Miniroll — (Image credit: Future)

But while Cadbury’s has sadly gone downhill in the eyes of many, Ultimate Ears has only improved on the formula of its older speakers. The sound offers loads of bass, marking a notable improvement in audio capabilities over the previous two Rolls. The use of a USB-C port and a longer battery life also make this a more tempting option for people who may consider buying older tech.

Some of the best features of the Roll are here too. I found the carry strap incredibly handy, as I could attach the Miniroll to bags, pieces of furniture or even body parts (well, my wrist) to make it easy to carry around.

The speaker isn’t perfect though, as there’s no smartphone app to bring extra features or offer customization. There’s no equalizer either, something many rival party speakers offer, which will likely put off people who’d find the bass just a little 'too much'. I also wished there was a way to skip or rewind songs, as many other speakers offer, to stop me having to use my phone for these tasks.

Some may also find the max volume a little too low for ‘parties’, especially since bass doesn’t carry as well as treble, though I guess ‘intimate social gathering speaker’ doesn’t have the same ring as ‘party speaker’. I can see this being a great pick for hikers or picnickers who want some tunes, or group runners who blast music to get everyone through that pre-breakfast 5k, rather than for traditional house parties or gatherings.

Ultimate Ears Miniroll review: Price and release date

Released in September 2024
Costs $79 / £69 / AU$99

The Ultimate Ears Miniroll was unveiled and released in mid-September 2024, ready for an outdoor party speaker to be almost obsolete in the wintery northern hemisphere.

The price of the Ultimate Ears Miniroll is $79 / £69 / AU$99, so it’s the cheapest wireless speaker currently offered by UE, and is one of the more affordable options on the market. It also undercuts the two UE Roll models which went for $99 / £99 / AU$149. The Wonderboom is the closest sibling in price at $99 / £89 / AU$149.

In fact, if you’re looking for a party speaker as compact as the Miniroll, the market’s not burgeoning with good-quality options. Your best alternative is the even cheaper (but not quite as chic, and a little older now) Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 (now available for $59 / £59 or around AU$85) followed by the JBL Clip 5, which sells for $79 / £59 / AU$89, so both are actually a bit cheaper in most regions.

Ultimate Ears Miniroll review: Specs

Ultimate Ears Miniroll review: Features

Can link up to other Minirolls
No equalizer or app
12 hour battery life

The Ultimate Ears Miniroll struggles most in the features department because… well, there barely are any.

Unlike with some other UE speakers, the Miniroll doesn’t have a smartphone app, so it doesn’t let you utilize features of some of its rivals. There’s no equaliser, for example, or even different EQ presets for you to toggle between. You can’t change audio codec, fiddle with Bluetooth options or use a ‘find my speaker’ function.

There’s no outdoor mode either, which in other UE devices (it's the 'tree button' on the underside of the Wonderboom 4) strips bass in favor of treble to make the speaker easier to hear over distance. Of all the missing features this is the one I would have liked to see most – as with any bassy speaker, quality (and audibility) quickly drops off if you walk away from the Miniroll.

One thing you can do is connect the Miniroll to its siblings, in order to sync up multiple speakers. However unlike many other UE devices (but like the Wonderboom), you can only pair it to others of its make – ie, other Minirolls. So while your Boom, Megaboom, Everboom, Epicboom and Hyperbooms might all be having their own little party, the Minirolls will have to form their own shindig. According to UE the Miniroll can pair to an unlimited number of other Minirolls though, as long as your budget is equally infinite.

The battery life stretches to 12 hours on a single charge, which is longer than most parties I get invited to. Its a lasting power which positions the Miniroll as a handy device for people going on hikes or camping, as does its design.

Charging is done via USB-C, with a little port just above the strap.

Features score: 3/5

Ultimate Ears Miniroll review: Design

Small compact body
Incredibly handy carry strap
IP67 protected, survives up to 1.2m drop

The key selling point of the Ultimate Ears Miniroll is its design – it’s mini and feels lovely in your hand. A little pebble of a gadget, it weighs only slightly more than a smartphone at 279g, and measures 122 x 105 x 48 mm so it’s incredibly slender.

If you don’t trust measurements, trust me: it’s really easy to carry around whether it’s in the hand, strapped to a bag, inside said bag, or even slipped into a pocket (yes, it fits in my pockets, although that really muffles the audio).

Strapping it to a bag comes thanks to a rubbery strap, which is locked to the Miniroll at one end and is hooked and removable at the other. This gives you lots of versatility in how you attach the Miniroll to things, especially with a gap in the strap letting you hang it from objects. This was my preferred way of using the speaker, hanging it from doorknobs or cupboards – the multitude of ways to position the speaker is great for positioning it in rooms or attaching it to various rucksacks. Ultimate Ear's promotional material even shows someone attaching it to a dog.

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One annoying element of the design comes into play here though, in combination with the speaker’s heavy bass (more on that later). Sometimes when on certain objects, the natural vibrations from the bass would cause the speaker to wobble, and it fell off boxes I put it on several times. Likewise when I hung it up, it’d sometimes shudder from the bass and start to sway – I can’t put it on my bedroom door because the bass makes it repeatedly knock into the wood panel. It’s an odd situation and I had to always think about where I placed the Miniroll.

On the top of the Miniroll are a volume up and volume down button, which should surprise no-one given that the buttons are a giant + and -. The edge of the speaker has the power button as well as the play/pause one, which can also be held to enable pairing with other Minirolls (more on that later). There’s no button to skip or restart tracks so you’ll have to rely on your phone for that.

If you’re worried about damage, the speaker is IP67 rated – that means it’s totally protected from dust particles and can be immersed in water for a depth of a meter for up to half an hour. It’s drop-proof but only up to 1.2 meters, which is something else to bear in mind when placing the speaker – my rucksack is higher than that off the floor and so are most of the tables I’d put it on.

As you can see from the pictures, I tested the pink Miniroll – Calming Pink, as UE calls it – and there’s also black (Gentle Black), blue (Majestic Blue) and white (Revive Gray).

Design score: 4/5

Ultimate Ears Miniroll review: Sound quality

(No need to) turn up the bass
Volume not suitable for large parties
Lack of equalizer limits appeal

I’ve referred to the Ultimate Ears Miniroll as a ‘party speaker’, but I should qualify that ‘party’ part of the phrase – this isn’t for big gatherings in Beverly Hills mansions or beach parties with hundreds of people. Think ‘D&D party’ size – this isn’t the loudest speaker in the world and it will best suit medium- to small-sized groups.

In my (very studious) tests, the Miniroll sounded decent at up to 5 meters distance, but when I got to 10m it was hard to hear parts of the song (partly from the volume, but partly from other sounds being more prominent). I found the Miniroll great for playing music in my bedroom, but unlike some other speakers I’ve tested, its sound didn’t carry through my entire (two-person) flat. If you’re going on a trip with this attached to your bag, you’d better keep your friends close if they want to hear music.

The UE Miniroll isn’t so quiet that it’s going to disappoint you, but you need to temper your expectations in keeping with its size – UE does have bigger speakers if you want to entertain a large number of listeners.

In terms of the audio itself, the Miniroll is a bassy little creature, and I was pretty surprised by just how much bass the thing eked out. I’ve already written about how it literally vibrates from what it’s putting out!

The bass is admittedly a little muddy, and the sheer nature of physics means it doesn’t carry that far (thanks, physics), but bass-heads near to the speaker will really pick up what it’s putting down.

As with any bass-heavy speaker, treble and mids suffer the consequences of this heavy lean, and both lack an extra ounce of detail – they also distort a little at higher volumes. However, balanced treble and audiophile-quality mids aren’t something it'd be truly fair to demand from party speakers at this price. It’s certainly not necessary for the Macarena.

Sound quality: 3.5/5

Ultimate Ears Miniroll review: Value

Form factor makes it appealing for portable music
Some users might prefer other speakers

The Ultimate Ears Miniroll fits its niche really well: it’s cheaper and more portable than many other Bluetooth speakers, with a decent battery life, sufficient protection from life’s bumps and a really handy strap. With that in mind it’s hard to argue that the Miniroll isn’t good value – it’s much better for a certain type of user than other options in the market.

However, if you’re just looking for an affordable Bluetooth speaker for your house or garden, you can find options with better audio and a couple of extra features for a similar price. They just lose portability as a trade-off.

Value: 3.5/5

Should I buy the Ultimate Ears Miniroll?

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Ultimate Ears Miniroll review: Also consider

How I tested the Ultimate Ears Miniroll

Tested for two weeks
Tested at home and on some trips

I tested the Ultimate Ears Miniroll for over two weeks, during which time I used them alongside my Android smartphone.

Most of the testing was done at home but I also took it on a few day trips and picnics to see how well it works outdoors. Mostly I used the speaker for music streaming but I also tested it with spoken word podcasts a little bit as well.

I've been reviewing audio products at TechRadar for 5 years, including other Ultimate Ears products.

First reviewed in October 2024

Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo review: the bean-to-cup coffee machine that’ll have you bossing the barista basics in no time

6:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: Australia, UK, US | Comments: Off

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo: two-minute review

The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine with Cold Brew is available to buy in the US, UK, and Australia. They have slightly different product names in each territory: in the US, the model code is EC9255M, and it’s called La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine with Cold Brew. In the UK and Australia, the model code is EC9255.M, and the full product name is La Specialista Arte Evo Compact Manual Bean to Cup coffee machine with Cold Brew in the UK, and La Specialista Arte Evo Cold Brew in Australia.

Specialista Arte Evo is listed at $699.95 / £549.99 / AU$699 on the official De'Longhi website. You can also purchase it from third-party retailers, including Amazon in the US and the UK, which offer discounts on occasion.

For a quality manual bean-to-cup coffee machine with cold brew capabilities, this is pretty good value, and the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo should be considered alongside one of the best espresso machines.

A compact example of a manual bean-to-cup espresso machine, the Arte Evo has dimensions of 11.2 x 14.4 x 15.9 inches / 285 x 365 x 400mm, and is a pretty weighty 21.5 lbs / 9.3 kg. I did feel that it had the potential to move around despite this, so I always tended to have a steadying hand on the machine whenever I pushed the portafilter and tamper guide in to receive the ground coffee.

A close-up of the control buttons and the pressure gauge. — (Image credit: Future)

There is a helpful small storage compartment in the top of the machine, to the right of the hopper. The My Latte Art steam arm sits on the right of the coffee-making area and can be rotated out, so I could easily get the included metal milk jug under. Located on the back of the machine, the generous 56 fl oz / 1.7L water tank was easy to remove and replace.

One thing I missed with the Arte Evo, is that it doesn’t have changeable hoppers, so it can prove tricky if you like to switch between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. I can’t really complain about this considering the price though, as it’s mainly the more premium coffee machines that have this ability.

There are three temperature settings to choose from on this manual espresso machine, so it can be adjusted to suit whichever beverage is being made, and eight different bean-grinding settings to achieve the right intensity, and I found this useful for perfecting different coffee options.

The portafilter, single-walled filters, and cleaning brush are arranged on a stone-effect surface. — (Image credit: Future)

The Arte Evo comes with two single-walled coffee filters in a single and double dose. The filters were unusually difficult to get out of the portafilter once pushed in. I had to use a taper-ended butter knife to remove the filter each time, so this isn’t the end of the world, but care will need to be taken when attempting to remove them.

The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo was delightfully straightforward to use. The setup process was quick and simple, and thanks to the helpful tips in the quick guide it was easy to determine the perfect grind coarseness, dosage, and techniques to create tasty cups of coffee.

I’m a huge fan of this coffee machine, and I’d recommend it as the best in this price bracket, but if you think you might want some different features or you prefer a different aesthetic, you could always take a look at our selection of the best bean-to-cup coffee machines to see if anything catches your eye.

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo review: price and availability

List price: $699 / £549 / AU$699
Available in the US, UK, and Australia

The list price for the Specialista Arte Evo is $699.95 / £549.99 / AU$699 on the official De'Longhi website. It’s available from other third-party retailers too, including Amazon in the US and the UK, where the price is occasionally discounted.

This is pretty good value for a quality manual bean-to-cup coffee machine with cold brew capabilities, and while it may not have as many grind settings or auto-tamping as the reigning champion of our selection of the best bean-to-cup coffee machines, the Sage Barista Express Impress, this compact De'Longhi espresso machine offers cold brew and is a whole lot cheaper.

Value score: 5/5

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo review: specs

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo review: design and features

Quick and easy setup
Dishwasher safe accessories
Smaller-than-average footprint for manual bean-to-cup machines

The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo is fairly compact as far as manual bean-to-cup espresso makers go, with dimensions of 11.2 x 14.4 x 15.9 inches / 285 x 365 x 400mm. It’s understandably a bit weighty at 21.5 lbs / 9.3 kg, but this is fine as it’s a product that’s not intended to be moved around. One thing I will say, though, is that it didn’t feel quite heavy enough for me to push the portafilter and tamper guide in to receive the ground coffee without a hand on the machine to hold it in place.

One small niggle is that there isn’t the option to have changeable hoppers, which can prove to be a pain if you’ve left the beans in for too long, or if you like to switch between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, for example. It’s only really more premium coffee machines that offer this, so I can’t complain much considering the price of the Arte Evo. If you only use the amount of beans needed to avoid leaving them sitting for too long, or only use one kind of bean, you shouldn’t have any problems.

A close-up of the hopper and the conical burr grinder within it. — (Image credit: Future)

To the right of the hopper, there is a small storage compartment that could fit the filter baskets and small cleaning utensils. At first, I believed that the UK model didn’t come with a tamping mat, as it is not obviously listed on the De'Longhi UK website, but it turned out to be hidden underneath the base fitment in the accessories box. I found it really helpful when tamping my coffee, with a circular indentation for the tamper to sit in, and a shaped area for the portafilter. This also fit the tamper slot after it was removed before attaching the portafilter to the machine, so it was easy to keep things neat and tidy through each stage.

The Arte Evo also comes with a small cup support, to give those mini espresso glasses a little boost. The removable water tank is easy to remove and replace. It has a 56 fl oz / 1.7 capacity, which is plenty for a few cups of java, while also remaining light enough to be maneuvered easily.

A view of the back of the De'Longhi Specialista Arte Evo, which sits on a stone-effect surface in front of a pink backdrop. — (Image credit: Future)

The layout of the grinder, extractor, and My Latte Art steam arm is fairly standard, but the steam arm is in close proximity to where the extraction area and small cup support sit in a bid to save some space. The steam arm rotates outwards, so I could easily get the included metal milk jug under.

Inside the removable drip tray sits a red plastic water level indicator that rises through the cup grille as the tray fills up so it can be emptied before it gets too full. Speaking of the drip tray, it’s really easy to remove for emptying and cleaning. It breaks down into three parts: the cup grille, the cup grille support, and the drip tray itself.

There are three drink presets to choose from, Espresso, Americano (Long Black in the UK and Australia), and Cold Brew. The My Latte Art steam arm was easy to maneuver and I was able to use it to create smooth microfoam, as well as using it to heat and add body to the milk when mocha and cappuccino making.

A close-up view of the OK, temperature, and steam arm buttons, along with the dial to select drink types. — (Image credit: Future)

The Arte Evo has three temperature settings to choose from, so it can be adjusted to deliver the best results for whatever you’re making. It also has eight different bean-grinding settings to achieve the ideal intensity. I mostly used level five for americanos and espresso shots (which I of course used to make my beloved mochas), but I found that level six worked best for cold brews.

The My Latte Art steam arm was easy to maneuver, and thanks to the tips in the quick guide I easily created a smooth microfoam. I also used the steam arm to heat and add body to the milk for mocha making, which I did a lot of in my time with it, as it quickly became my favorite way to make coffee each day.

Design score: 4.5/5

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo review: performance

Simple to use
Hassle-free
Great results

Straight out of the box, the setup and coffee-making process was straightforward. The De'Longhi Quick Guide manual was easy to follow and made setting up this espresso machine a breeze. Plus, for those who are new to a manual bean-to-cup coffee machine, or you’re a visual learner, De'Longhi also has a useful how-to YouTube channel where you can see videos of their coffee machine setup processes.

After washing and drying the accessories and water tank, I put the drip tray back in place and filled the water tank before rinsing the included SoftBalls sachet under running water and dropping it into the tank. Each SoftBalls sachet lasts for three months and is designed to prevent limescale formation without affecting the quality of the coffee. After plugging the machine in and turning it on, I placed a glass bowl under the water spout before pressing okay to initiate a short rinse cycle. I then popped a filter basket into the portafilter before locking it into place, then hit okay again so that it rinsed through.

Some things to note here are that it’s tricky to get the filter baskets out of the portafilter: I had to use a taper-ended butter knife to prise them out, and in addition, it took a fair bit of elbow grease to get the portafilter to lock into place. Perhaps those stronger than me won’t have as much of an issue, but I found myself having to put my other hand on the machine to brace myself when inserting or removing the portafilter. The final part to be flushed through was the steam arm, which was just a case of placing it into the bowl and pushing the steam button on the machine.

The tamper guide, tamper, and nozzle cleaning needle are arranged on a stone-effect surface. — (Image credit: Future)

Once the machine was all set, I experimented with the grind and dose levels until I was happy with the result. This De'Longhi machine comes with a really helpful dosing and tamping guide that simply screws onto the top of the portafilter, so it’s easy to give it a few taps to help the coffee grounds settle before pushing them down with the satisfyingly weighted tamper.

The quick start guide had a helpful little Infusion Temperature Profiles box out, explaining that different beans and roasting colors require specific temperatures, informing me that Robusta coffee beans prefer a lower temperature, and Arabica beans like a higher temperature. As I was using Arabica beans, I used the maximum temperature option (level three) and selected my drink using the right-hand dial, which for my first attempt was an espresso.

A close-up view of the dose level dial, dose selection button, and indicator lights. — (Image credit: Future)

Following the instructions and tips helped me to make a pretty perfect espresso shot in a few minutes. There wasn’t quite as much crema as I’d anticipated, but other than that it was great. When trying out the steam wand on some semi-skimmed milk, I once again found the quick start guide super helpful with its additional barista tips, recommending that fresh cold milk is used and that the metal milk jug is cold. The visuals provided a little guidance, explaining where the nozzle should be placed to get the milk to froth, and these pointers helped me make some lovely foam for a cappuccino on my first attempt.

The Thermoblock heating system and active temperature control feature seemingly worked well during the brewing process, as the extracted coffee tasted spot-on every time. All three presets delivered satisfying and great-tasting results. I used the Espresso preset most frequently, combining it with steamed milk and hot chocolate powder, as I am quite partial to a mocha.

A close-up of the steam arm that sits on the right-hand side of the front of the machine. — (Image credit: Future)

I’ll admit that cold brew coffee isn’t really my thing, so I roped in my very helpful editor to do a taste test for me. I ground a single dose of espresso, which the Arte Evo mixes with 3.7 fl oz /110ml of water; alternatively, I could have ground a double dose, which would then have been used to create a 6 fl oz / 180ml sized drink. In his opinion, the coffee tasted nice, wasn't overly bitter as you'd expect from a cold brew, but it was a little too diluted for his taste.

De'Longhi recommends a grind coarseness of between four and six for cold brew. Originally I aimed for the middle with level five, so I increased the coarseness to level six following the feedback from our team's resident cold brew fanatic. He confirmed that this tweak to the settings did indeed make it stronger and, although not perfect, it was more to his tastes.

Cleaning the machine was fairly straightforward. The drip tray and grill can be removed easily and are dishwasher safe. For thorough cleaning, it’s recommended to run a mixture of white vinegar and water through the water spout, portafilter, and steam arm.

Performance score: 5/5

The De'Longhi Specialista Arte Evo sits on a stone-effect surface in front of a pink backdrop. It has a small cork-topped bottle of milk to its left, and a metal milk jug to its right. — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo?

Buy it if

You want to be your own barista
As the Specialista Arte Evo is easy to operate, and the quick start manual offers so many helpful tips, you’ll be brewing up all kinds of beverages for your family and friends in no time.

You don’t want to dedicate too much space
No manual bean-to-cup machine can be truly compact due to the nature of the espresso-making process. But De'Longhi has been mindful of how valuable countertop space is in our kitchens, which is reflected in the smaller-than-average footprint of this machine.

You want fancy coffee at home
With the La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine, you’ll have the freedom to make your own espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, cold brews, and more, right from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Don't buy it if

You don’t want to have to clean up after every cup
Whether you have your coffee black or white, there’s extra maintenance to consider when it comes to a manual bean-to-cup machine. The extracted ground coffee will need to be knocked out of the filter and rinsed, and any milk will need to be wiped off the steam arm straight away to stop it from solidifying (which it likes to do very quickly).

You want your coffee quick
The process of making a coffee with the Arte Evo isn’t particularly long when compared to similar machines, but compared to a standard instant coffee, it naturally takes longer due to the extra steps involved. It’s certainly worth the effort, though!

You don’t want to get into tweaking settings
Due to the different settings available, including dose adjustment, grinding levels, and water temperature, it may take time to perfect the settings to get the right brew for you.View Deal

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo review: also consider

Ninja Luxe Café
For those who want to take some of the guesswork out of their budding barista journey, the Ninja Luxe Café is a great beginner machine thanks to its grind coarseness guidance, weight-based dosage system, and automatic milk frother. It also has a slightly larger water tank, a removable hopper, and a digital display. Our reviewer was mightily impressed when they tested it out, awarding it four and a half stars. Check out the full review of the Ninja Luxe Café for further details.

De'Longhi Dinamica Plus
Undoubtedly more expensive, but the perfect alternative if you don’t want to take a hands-on approach to coffee making. It’s packed full of features, including a removable ergonomic thermal milk carafe that can be kept in the fridge to keep the milk fresh and cold. Interestingly, this machine is compatible with the De'Longhi link app, allowing you to perform some of its functions remotely. This too was awarded four and a half stars, with little in the way of negatives. Read the full De'Longhi Dinamica Plus review here.

How I tested the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo

I tested the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo over a few weeks
I repeatedly made espresso and frothed milk four days a week
I tested its variety of settings and features

I used the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine roughly three times a day, four days a week for several weeks, for the most part making mochas, cappuccinos, lattes, long blacks, and the odd cup of tea.

I evaluated how easy it was to put together, and how easy the setup process was. I made use of all of the features, paying close attention to the process, testing how easy the machine was to use, and the quality of the drinks produced. I tested all of the different coffee types available, and used all of the included accessories to see how they performed.

Finally, I investigated how easy it was to remove the washable parts of the machine and see how easy they were to clean.

Fujifilm X-M5: two-minute review

Fujifilm's new X-M5 is a dinky and stylish beginner mirrorless camera with a focus on video, delivering sharp 6K video recording in color-rich 10-bit. It also features 4K up to 60fps for cinematic half-speed effects, plus open gate video recording, which means the camera can take information from the full height and width of the 3:2 sensor, rather than being restricted to 16:9 or wider.

Open gate 6K video allows for a new 9:16 vertical video mode without you having to rotate the camera 90 degrees, with the new social media-focused mode cropping the central vertical portion of the frame at 1080p resolution, complete with handy preset recording times of 15, 30 or 60 seconds.

The X-M5 is also equipped with an improved wind filter and three internal directional mics, whereby you can employ any of those mics individually or together based on your video needs, with options for surround, front or back priority, or front and back priority. Alternatively, you can use an external mic for even better audio, connecting via the 3.5mm jack and securing it into the X-M5's hotshoe.

Fujifilm X-M5 camera with flip-screen out, on a marble surface with rich blue background — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

There are some well-considered design touches: the mic port has been positioned on the rear above where the screen sits, while the other ports are on the right-hand side of the camera rather than the left, which means they don't interfere with the flip-out touchscreen when in use. As on the X-T50, you also get a film simulation dial for quickly switching between Fujifilm's legendary color profiles, with three slots for custom profiles.

Price-wise, and indeed for a large part features-wise, the X-M5 matches and therefore sits alongside the photography-focused X-T30 II, and below the X-S20, as an excellent-value starter mirrorless camera for those who shoot more videos than photos. Yet with its tiny form-factor – this is the smallest X-series camera in 2024's lineup – the X-M5 is also a decent walkaround camera, say for street photography, especially with Fujifilm's tiny XF 27mm f/2.8.

Given its low price, naturally there are compromises. The X-M5 does not feature in-body image stabilization, which you get in the pricier X-S20, and which is supremely helpful for smoothing out handheld videos. Instead it employs electronic stabilization which works pretty well, but it incurs a 1.32x to 1.44x crop of the image area, depending on your shooting mode.

That flip-out touchscreen is a lower 1.04m-dot resolution compared to those on other Fujifilm cameras, like the 1.84m-dot one on the X-S20, plus there's no viewfinder as on the X-T30 II, and so the X-M5 might not prove to be the easiest camera to use in bright light. Design-wise, the X-S20 is a better option for enthusiasts – it offers the best of the X-M5 and X-T30 II in one camera, and it has much better battery life, plus image stabilization, although it costs a fair bit more.

Overall, the dinky X-M5 is a highly capable little camera that's not for everyone, but for those starting out making videos it could be one of the most powerful tools available for the money, that's set to trouble our best vlogging cameras guide.

Fujifilm X-M5: price and release date

X-M5 body only: $799 / £799 / AU$1,449
X-M5 with 15-45mm lens: $899 / £899 / AU$1,649
On sale November 14

You can pick up the X-M5 with the 15-45mm kit lens for $899 / £899 / AU$1,649 when it goes on sale on November 14. If you don't need the lens, the X-M5 can be picked up body-only for a little less, at $799 / £799 / AU$1,449.

That price point matches the X-T30 II exactly, making the feature-rich X-M5 one of the cheapest mirrorless cameras available in 2024 with arguably the biggest video bang for buck.

Price score: 5/5

Fujifilm X-M5 specs

Fujifilm X-M5: design and handling

Tiny and lightweight
No viewfinder
Film simulation dial

Tipping the scales at just 12.52oz / 355g, the X-M5 is one of the lightest mirrorless cameras around, and it's properly dinky too. I actually found it a little too small at times, regularly knocking controls, unintentionally taking pictures and so on, but I can certainly see the appeal of its tiny proportions, especially as an everyday walkaround camera.

I was testing the X-M5 with the 15-45mm lens, which is available as a kit with the camera, and is a decent pairing physically. With the camera's modest-sized handgrip and such a tiny body, Fujifilm's larger lenses will feel like a bit of mismatch, and the sweet spot will be smaller zoom and prime lenses – I'd especially like to try the X-M5 with the XF 27mm f/2.8 pancake lens as an alternative to my Ricoh GR IIIx every day camera.

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Top plate of the Fujifilm X-M5 camera on a marble surface with rich blue background — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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Underside of the Fujifilm X-M5 camera on a marble surface with rich blue background — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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Closeup of the Fujifilm X-M5 camera's flip screen, on a marble surface with rich blue background — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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Fujifilm X-M5 camera on a marble surface with rich blue background — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

The Fujifilm X-M5 is sporting the classic Fujifilm retro look with faux-leather finish, plus a top plate (available in black or silver – I had the all-black version) with shooting mode and Film Simulation dials. Like the X-T50, the most popular film simulations are present, plus three customizable slots for your other favorites or recipes. The dial cannot be changed to control something else.

The flip-out screen is unimpeded, unlike on so many other cameras. That's because Fujifilm has smartly positioned the ports on the opposite, right-hand side of the camera. There's also a new position for the mic input, just above where the screen rests. It's a logical placement near the hotshoe, which is where you can secure an external mic, meaning your cable doesn't need to get in the way of camera controls or the screen either.

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Closeup of the Fujifilm X-M5 camera's top plate, on a marble surface with rich blue background — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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Closeup of the mic port of the Fujifilm X-M5 camera, with rich blue background — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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Closeup of the Fujifilm X-M5 camera's ports, on a marble surface with rich blue background — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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Rear of the Fujifilm X-M5 camera with screen folded away, on a marble surface with rich blue background — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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The battery and a memory for the Fujifilm X-M5 camera on a marble surface — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

That 3-inch touchscreen is the lowest-spec screen in Fujifilm's range of cameras, with just a 1.04m-dot resolution compared to the 1.62m-dot and 1.84m-dot screens of the X-T30 II and X-S20 respectively. Still, you get a revised user interface with handy short cuts to shooting modes such as the new vertical video mode.

The X-M5 is powered by Fujifilm's NP-W126S battery, which is the same battery as found in the X-T30 II and other models like the X-T50 and X100VI. Here you get a 440-shot battery life, which is an improvement on some other models, thanks in part to Fujiflm's latest X-Processor 5 engine, although battery life is reduced to more like 330 shots if you're not in Eco mode, nor is it a patch on the X-S20 which goes for much longer.

The key difference between the X-M5 and Fujifilm's other entry-level camera, the X-T30 II, is that the latter has a viewfinder, which can be very helpful for composing photos in bright light. I mainly used the X-M5 in cloudy weather during which detail on the screen was clearly visible. During a bright sunrise, it was a little more challenging to view the screen clearly, but at least it can angled away from glare and reflections.

During that same sunrise shoot I was also taking photos with a thrice-the-price full-frame mirrorless camera. The contrast between how these cameras felt in the hand was clear, with the latter feeling much more premium. Still, for beginners the X-M5 is going to feel the part.

Design score: 4/5

Fujifilm X-M5: features and performance

60-minute video record time
Three internal directional mics
Less effective digital image stabilization only
8fps / 30fps for up to 173 JPEGs

The X-M5 packs a lot of power for such a small camera, but there are also compromises. For example, like the X-S20 it can shoot up to 8fps continuous burst sequences (using the mechanical shutter) or 30fps (with the electronic shutter), but the pricier model is able to squeeze out more frames.

Both cameras use the same processor, so I can only assume that the limited performance of the X-M5 – a still respectable 173 JPEGs or 25 raws in continuous high mode – is due to the fact that it records onto UHS-I SD memory cards, while the X-S20 is compatible with the faster UHS-II SD-type memory card. The X-M5 is no slouch by any means, but it's a shame that it isn't compatible with the latest SD cards.

Offloading those files onto a smartphone should be a breeze. You don't even need to mess around with unreliable Bluetooth connections and slow transfer speeds – the X-M5 offers high-speed file transfer to a smartphone via USB connection, with Fujifilm's XApp. There's also frame.io camera to cloud storage and sharing available for subscribers. These are super handy features for connected content creators.

Fujifilm has equipped the X-M5's autofocus system with its latest subject-detection algorithms, including animal eye AF and touch tracking autofocus for video. In fact, it's better than Fujifilm X-S20 right now, although we were told that the X-S20 will be improved with this latest algorithm via a firmware update.

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Closeup of the Fujifilm X-M5's screen with new UI and the 9:16 portrait video mode — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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Closeup of the Fujifilm X-M5's screen with the built-in microphone direction menu — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

For me, a major downside to the X-M5 is that it lacks in-body image stabilization. To be clear, I wouldn't expect such a feature in a beginner camera given that you won't find it at this price point anywhere else. It just feels like a video-focused camera can really benefit from it, and if I was getting serious about video I'd turn my attention to the X-S20 instead.

The X-M5 utilizes digital image stabilization (DIS) instead, should you need it, and you sure will for handheld videos. The X-S20 also features DIS, which incurs a 1.1x crop of the image area; however, that crop is much more severe in the X-M5 – at least 1.32x and up to 1.44x depending on the video modes and frame rates.

If you want steady video, say for handheld vlogs, your frame will be cropped. That means you need a seriously wide-angle lens to fit yourself in the shot, otherwise vlogging won't really be possible with DIS employed. Alternatively, you can buy a gimbal to stabilize footage and keep DIS switched off. However, adding a gimbal pushes the price up, perhaps to the point where you might as well have bought the X-S20 in the first place.

Don't get me wrong, the X-M5's digital stabilization performs pretty well, but you need to be aware of the limitations that come with using it. A saving grace is that Fujifilm has a superb range of lenses, including ultra-wide angle options which will give you the extra space in your shot when vlogging with DIS active.

Audio recording quality is impressive. The X-M5 features three directional mics (there are two on the X-S20 and X-T30 II) that can be isolated or used together – so for example you can have the mics picking up just your voice vlogging, or audio from in front of and behind the camera for the camera-person and subject conversing, or complete surround sound that captures the ambient sound too.

Fujifilm says the X-M5 has an improved wind filter – though I can't vouch for how this has been improved from my testing – plus 'steady state' noise reduction. There's a mic input too, should you need even better audio recording. I attached a receiver into the mic input and did some vlogging with the wireless mic attached to my clothing, and the whole experience was flawlessly smooth.

Despite some of its flaws regarding features and performance, the X-M5 gets it right where it matters the most for video.

Features and performance: 4.5/5

Fujifilm X-M5: image and video quality

26MP stills and 6K/30p video
10-bit color depth and wide range of bitrates for various qualities / file sizes
New vertical video mode for social media

The X-M5 use the same tried and tested 26MP X-trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 5 engine as the Fujifilm X-S20, which shares the same 6K video resolution and frame rates. Both cameras are capable of recording superb-quality videos, plus decent photos.

There are two key differences between the X-S20 and X-M5. The X-S20 features in-body image stabilization for smoother handheld video clips, plus a higher maximum 360Mbps bitrate to the X-M5's 200Mbps, meaning its best-quality video is less compressed. The X-S20 also imposes just a 1.1x crop when using its digital image stabilizer, while the X-M5's crop is more severe at 1.32x and higher.

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London street photo of a red telephone box and black shop front, taken with the Fujifilm X-M5 — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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Closeup of London souvenirs in a shop, taken with the Fujifilm X-M5 — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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London street photo of a pub sign taken with the Fujifilm X-M5 — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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Dark alleyway with a lone silhouette and bar sign above, taken with the Fujifilm X-M5 — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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London street photo of fallen hire bikes, taken with the Fujifilm X-M5 — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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London street photo of a lady with dog, taken with the Fujifilm X-M5 — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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China Town in London street photo taken with the Fujifilm X-M5 — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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The lack of in-body image stabilization will probably have the most noteworthy adverse impact on video quality, especially for those who shoot handheld vlogs. Digital image stabilization (DIS), which works with the lens' optical stabilization, is less effective, and using it incurs that severe 1.32x crop, so you'll need to use a particularly wide lens with the camera for vlogging, or splash out on a gimbal. Still DIS does a reasonable job smoothing out footage for gentle walking and talking scenarios.

Fujifilm has introduced additional 8Mbps and 25Mbps low bitrates for those who want to work with super-small video files sizes and don't mind the additional compression that affects outright quality. These low bitrates are not proxies recorded alongside higher bitrate videos – you choose the bitrate you want and that's that. Low bitrates are handy if you need to work fast on location, and don't have the time or capacity to work with large file sizes. If your videos are only going to be viewed on phones, these low bitrates are an acceptable option.

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Autumn sunrise over a common in the UK, taken with the Fujifilm X-M5 — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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Autumn sunrise over a common in the UK, with a wooden boardwalk, taken with the Fujifilm X-M5 — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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Tree silhouettes at first light, taken with the Fujifilm X-M5 — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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Backlit cobweb in a tree during sunrise, taken with the Fujifilm X-M5 — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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Woman walking on a boardwalk among pine trees at first light, taken with the Fujifilm X-M5 — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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Man's selfie at first light, taken with the Fujifilm X-M5 — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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Portrait of a male at first light with a still lake backdrop, taken with the Fujifilm X-M5 — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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Cobweb between long blades of grass over water, taken with the Fujifilm X-M5 — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

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Cobweb among ferns, taken with the Fujifilm X-M5 — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

Otherwise, there's not a lot to choose between the two cameras, which reflects well on the X-M5 because it's so much cheaper, at just 56% the cost of the X-S20. The X-S20 has loads more going for it regarding its build and handling, but the X-M5 offers excellent bang for buck in terms of video quality.

Image and video quality: 4.5/5

Fujifilm X-M5: testing scorecard

Should I buy the Fujifilm X-M5?

Buy it if...

You want the best value 6K camera
Open gate 6K video in 10-bit with attractive color profiles? That's some serious video grunt for $800 / £800.

You’d like a tiny every day camera for photos
Paired with a pancake lens like the XF 27mm f/2.8 and you have a tiny snapper ideal for documenting every day life and street photography.

You want a simple, low-cost second camera
Although it's designed for beginners, I can see the X-M5 being popular with hobbyist photographers who already own another Fujifilm camera but are looking for a simple second camera for the every day.

Don't buy it if...

Your focus is on run-and-gun filmmaking
Being limited to digital stabilization means the X-M5's footage will look shaky if your movements are particularly erratic.

You have big hands
If you have large hands you might unwittingly find yourself nudging the X-M5's controls – they are tightly packed together.

You're primarily a photographer
As a primary camera, the X-M5 sure is designed for video. If you take a lot of photos, a camera with a viewfinder like the X-T30 II might be the sensible alternative.

Fujifilm X-M5: also consider

Fujifilm X-S20

A step up from the X-M5 for more serious creators, the X-S20 has better battery life, a viewfinder, a larger body with comfy grip, compatibility with quicker UHS-II SD cards, plus in-body image stabilization. However, the cameras share the same sensor and processor, both shooting 10-bit 6K video and 26MP still, meaning pretty much the same image quality potential (besides the positive impact of image stabilization), and the X-S20 costs a lot more. If you're a photographer first and not wanting to spend extra over the X-M5, then the X-T30 II is a decent alternative.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-S20 review

Sony ZV-E10 II

There's not a lot to choose between the Fujifilm X-M5 and Sony ZV-E10 II. Both are super-compact vlogging cameras with vari-angle touchscreen, built-in multi-directional mics and a 26MP APS-C sensor with 10-bit video recording, although the ZV-E10 II caps out at 4K / 60p whereas the X-M5 can shoot video in 6K. Sony's ZV-E10 II has better battery life and a comfier grip, plus Sony's renowned autofocus skills. However it costs around 20%, while the X-M5 has its own tricks such as its open gate sensor and vertical video. Both cameras enjoy a huge choice of lenses, while neither has in-body image stabilization. In many ways, these are two evenly matched cameras, which is credit to Fujifilm whose camera is costs less.

Read our in-depth Sony ZV-E10 II review

How I tested the Fujifilm X-M5

Fujifilm X-M5 camera with 15-45mm lens, in the hand, with screen flipped out — (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

A week-long loan period of the camera with the 15-45mm lens
Full-production model with final firmware
Paired with wireless mic gear
Vlogging and photography in a range of scenarios

Following an in-depth briefing with Fujifilm and a central London shooting session ahead of the X-M5's launch, I was loaned a full-production version of the camera, with final firmware, for a one-week period, together with the XF 15-45mm kit lens.

I've used the camera for vlogging, testing its internal mics but also pairing it with an wireless mic kit, plus taken plenty of photos in various scenarios, including a sunrise hike.

First reviewed October 2024

XMedia Recode review

9:35 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

When you need to convert between video file formats, you require software that is fast, efficient, accurate and robust. And there are plenty of options out there, such as XMedia Recode.

We’ve tested the best free video converters, but how does XMedia Recode in the field? We took the software for a test run to find out.

XMedia Recode: Pricing & plans

You can’t argue with free, so we won’t. Instead, we’ll lament the fact this software is Windows only

Good news, especially if you’re on a tight budget: XMedia Recode is free. You won’t be charged to use it, nor will you be charged on a regular basis to rent it. It’s free to download, and free to use.

The bad news is that it’s Windows only, preventing conversion possibilities for those who prefer a different type of operating system (if you’re looking for similar software that’s more multi-platform-friendly, take a look at Handbrake).

You can download XMedia Recode by clicking here.

Score: 4.5/5

XMedia Recode: How it works

XMedia Recode during our review process — XMedia Recode can convert to so many video formats (Image credit: XMedia )

XMedia Recode is essentially a one-trick pony: it’s designed to convert video files to other formats. This may sound quite limiting, but there are so many formats out there, it’s great that some software has been created to tackle this task

XMedia Recode supports hardware acceleration using various Nvidia and AMD cards, and is capable of handling a myriad of different file formats, including unprotected DVDs and Blu-rays. It can take chapter markers directly from a DVD or Blu-ray, or allows you to import chapter files, just like it can import subtitle tracks. You’re able to edit the ID3 tag as well as adding album covers, and to finish off, it’s designed for batch processing.

That’s quite an arsenal, so let’s head over to the XMedia Recode page to download the latest version. Make sure you ignore the overwhelming number of ads on the page that entice you to download whatever it is they’re selling - those are not what you’re looking for. Instead, mouse over the ‘Download’ menu at the top of the page, to choose the version that best suits your PC.

Score: 4.5/5

XMedia Recode: Interface

This is definitely XMedia Recode’s weakest point: the interface is sparse, not immediately clear, and doesn’t have the aesthetic you'd expect from modern apps. Still, it does what it does well, so is it really that important that it’s not much to look at?

If you get something that’s open source or free, chances are the interface won’t be high on the list of priorities, and the best thing we could say about XMedia Recode is that it’s functional but not that much to look at.

You’ll find a handful of icons at the top of the software’s window designed to initiate the most common functions, such as opening a disk, a converted disk now available as a file on your hard drive) or any other kind of compatible video files. You can also add what you want to the batch processor, start the encoding process, check for updates and access the community for help, among others.

Beneath that would be a menu giving you access to various parameters, broken down by specific categories, such as format, video, audio, filters, tags, and so on.

Everything is very utilitarian. It does the job, but even finding your way around at first can be a tad tricky. For instance there is no ‘Start’ button. It didn’t take long to realise we needed to add our file to the queue and then click on the Encode button to get the process started, which tells us this software is designed more for those who wish to convert many files in one go, than those more casual users who just need the odd one done now and then. Still, once you know the intricacies of the software and understand how it likes to do things, it becomes a simple matter to use it to its full potential.

Score: 3.5/5

XMedia Recode: Tools

The number of parameters you can change is impressive, letting you customize settings without having to learn the intricacies of file format management and customization

XMedia Recode’s main purpose is to convert video files between formats, and it certainly does not disappoint. The list of available formats that you can access via the ‘Format’ drop down menu, located in the ‘Format’ tab, is impressively long. There are dozens there which are bound to meet your requirements. Heck, there were some on that list we hadn’t even heard of, and others we hadn’t seen in a very long time.

In order to check the process we tried it on some footage taken from an old camcorder, as well as a personal DVD (XMedia Recode cannot read protected discs, which are the overwhelming majority of commercial media, so you’ll either have to find a way to strip those discs of their protection, or just restrict your conversion process to discs you burnt yourself). XMedia Recode will happily read off of a disc or of the relevant folder, saved to a hard drive. Either way, the process is the same, if a little tricky to get started (we’re back to issues with the overly spartan and utilitarian interface).

The ability to add subtitles and chapter markers is most useful (or rip them if they are already present in the video file you’re converting), but we’re not too sure about the usefulness of being able to apply filters to the output. Still, it’s there if you want it, although we suspect not many will.

Once you get used to working with XMedia Recode you’ll find you can whizz through the formatting process. We found the results, even using the default settings, to be fast, and of great quality. In addition, a huge advantage is the ability to save custom settings, enabling you to set the exact format, bit rate, size, frame rate, etc. for each and every file you put it through. To quote a scruffy looking nerf herder we know, “she may not look like much, but she’s got it where it counts”.

Score: 4/5

Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You want a program that's free, fast, and can convert to and from loads of formats.

Don't buy it if...

You need a modern, intuitively designed interface to navigate your preferred software.

We tested the best photo editing PCs and the best laptops for photo editing and these are the machines we recommend.

Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger (3 Ports) review: a pricey but high-quality tri-port plug

6:00 pm | October 13, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Phone Accessories Phones | Comments: Off

Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger (3 Ports) review

The Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger (3 Ports) is a premium multi-port charger that will get your devices juiced up in no time. With three ports – two of which are USB-C and one is USB-A – it’s the ideal solution if you’re someone that needs to charge multiple devices simultaneously.

Let's say you’re out and about and need to charge your phone, laptop, and wireless earbuds. This charger would easily get your devices back to full charge quickly, thanks to a maximum total power output of 100W. That’s definitely going to be more than enough power for the vast majority of people. It’s worth noting, though, that individually, the single USB-A port only has a maximum output of 22.5W, compared to the 100W of the USB-C ports – so bear that in mind when charging more power-hungry devices.

Thanks to its high power output, you’ll be able to fast charge devices, or even super-fast charge them, if they’re compatible with this. For instance, my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, which is capable of super-fast charging, went from 0% to 100% in less than one hour and 30 minutes – even with two PS5 controllers charging alongside it. That’s the sort of speeds you'd expect from the best Android phone chargers or best iPhone chargers.

Given how much power this charger offers, it’s decently compact. Don’t get me wrong, it's not super tiny and lightweight, but compared to competitors that offer around 100W of power, this is nicely sized. The charger has foldable prongs too, which is ideal if you want to carry it in your pocket.

Overall, this is a well-designed plug. It has a sleek, silver exterior that is decently nice to look at, although there are no other color options available. It's well designed on a technical level too, with Anker’s ActiveShield 2.0 safety tech able to monitor temperature and adjust power output, creating a more secure charging experience.

Let’s tackle the elephant in the room though, which is price. This charger is $84.99 / £79.99 (about AU$120) – that’s by no means inexpensive. Not only that, but there are a decent amount of similar products out there at a considerably lower price. For instance, the UGreen Nexode Pro 100W 3-Port GaN Fast Charger is only $64.98 / £59.99 – more on this later. Overall though, the Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger (3 Ports) is still a great multi-port charger and is certain to offer excellent performance and practicality, even when you’re on-the-go.

Front of the Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger (3 Ports) with prongs folded — (Image credit: Future)

Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger (3 Ports) review: Price & specs

Top of the Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger (3 Ports) — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger (3 Ports)?

Buy it if…

You need to charge multiple devices simultaneously
This charger has three ports and offers a maximum power output of 100W. That’s going to be more than enough to get devices such as smartphones, wireless earbuds or headphones and a tablet juiced up quickly, all at once.

You’re in the market for something more premium
You get plenty of capacity here, but that’s not all. This is a well-built, sleek, compact charger with higher build quality than most cheap alternatives. This does mean, of course, you have to pay a fairly steep price.

Don't buy it if…

You only need a phone charger
If you’re only really going to charge your phone or can stomach the concept of juicing up one device at a time, this isn’t the best choice for you. That’s because there are so many great single-port options on the market. For instance, the Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W) is a fantastic, stylish single-port charger that will only cost a fraction of this plug’s price.

You’re looking for a cheap option
If you’re in the market for a cheap multi-port charger, this isn’t it. This plug is part of Anker’s Prime range and there are plenty of cheaper high-wattage, multi-port alternatives available on Amazon (and beyond).

Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger (3 Ports) review: Also consider

UGreen Nexode Pro 100W 3-Port GaN Fast Charger
Ok, so you want a decently powerful multi-port charger, but this option from Anker is just a bit out of your budget. Enter the UGreen Nexode Pro 100W 3-Port GaN Fast Charger. This isn’t quite as compact as Anker’s alternative and only one of the USB-C ports can get up to 100W maximum output, but these are going to be minor issues for the majority of people. At $64.98 / £59.99 (about AU$90), you’re getting a good quality plug for substantially less.View Deal

Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender review: one appliance that can do it all

5:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Comments: Off

Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch: two-minute review

To call the Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch a food processor would be doing quite an injustice to. Yes, it is a food processor, but unlike most of its peers, it comes with a full size blender attachment, as well as personal blender cup and a citrus press. This multi-functional kitchen gadget can even replace your digital weighing scale.

It’s ideal for anyone moving into their first home and looking to set up their kitchen, since it offers so many small appliances in one package. And since Kenwood is a long established kitchen appliance brand, you can rest assured it knows what it’s doing.

The OneTouch sits within Kenwood’s MultiPro range of food processors, and is one of the most multi-functional in the range. Yet it’s still pretty affordable given all that it is capable of. Its biggest competitor in terms of functionality is probably the Ninja 3-in-1 Food Processor with Auto-IQ, but the Kenwood can do more.

On test, I tried all the accessories and it performed well across the board. There were a couple of little design quirks that I noticed along the way, but no major deal-breaker level flaws. You can read my detailed performance review below to see how it compares with the best food processors and best blenders on the market.

Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch: price and availability

List price: £199.99 / AU$349 (about $260)
Availability: UK / Australia

The Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Pood Procesor and Blender FDM73.850SS in the format tested here is only available in the UK. However, in Australia the Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender FDM73.480SS is virtually the same product. The difference is that it doesn’t come with the whisk, citrus press, personal blender, or the 2mm slicing and shredding disc.

In both countries it’s available directly from Kenwood, as well as via Amazon (though at the time of writing it's out of stock at Amazon in both countries). It can also be found at select kitchen appliance retailers, such as Lakeland in the UK.

At the time of writing in the UK the Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch was discounted by both Kenwood and Lakeland, so it is worth hunting around for discounts or checking the price during the big seasonal sales like Black Friday.

Thanks to all the various functions and accessories, this multi-purpose food processor can replace several appliances, and from that perspective it offers very good value for money.

Value for money score: 4.5 out of 5

Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender with attachments in box — The Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch comes with a huge array of accessories and attachments, making it much more than just a food processor (Image credit: Helen McCue)

Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch: design

Control panel has a cluttered appearance
Design is better suited to right handed users
Express serve lid is a useful addition

The Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch isn’t a standout appliance for stunning good looks; it’s built more for practicality and function. For example, I'm not a fan of the color images on the control panel that represent the preset modes. They give the appliance a cluttered, busy appearance even when switched off.

Despite my thoughts on the aesthetic, the controls are very simple to get to grips with. There are just three speeds to choose from and a pulse button. The six preset functions are divided into dough, puree, and mix for the food processor and ice crush, blend, and clean for the blender.

Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender control panel — The color icons on the control panel give the appliance a busy look, even when it's switched off (Image credit: Helen McCue)

There’s no start/stop button - instead you start it by selecting a preset or speed. When you need to stop it, you then have to press the same button again, which doesn’t always come naturally. I got used to it, but it’s a bit of a quirk that took a few goes to get my head around.

Cleverly, the base of the food processor doubles as a digital weighing scale. There’s a button to switch between lb and kg as well as a zero button. Weight is displayed on a small screen, which doubles as the timer when it’s in use as a food processor.

A plastic plate attachment sits on the base to allow you to use it as a scale independent of the food processor accessories. Or, you can weigh directly into the food processor bowl or blender jug.

Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender being used to weigh frozen berries — The base of the Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch serves as a digital scale. You can weigh ingredients on a plastic plate, or directly into the food processor bowl or blender jug (Image credit: Helen McCue)

The machine comes with the main basic food processor attachments that I’d expect, including the knife blade, dough tool, whisk, a 4mm slicing and shredding disc as well as a 2mm slicing and shredding disc.

One stand-out addition is the express serve lid attachment, which is used in conjunction with the slicing and grating discs. It works as a chute to propel the sliced and grated food into a container of your choosing, which means you’re not limited by the size of the main food processor bowl. It’s a great innovation, especially for those who want to slice or grate in bulk.

Cheese grated using Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender — The Serve Lid attachment propels grated or chopped food into a container of your choice (Image credit: Helen McCue)

What makes this food processor truly multi-functional is that it also comes with a full size blender attachment and a personal blender attachment. There’s even a citrus press accessory that attaches to the food processor bowl..

Every large attachment has to be twisted into position on the base. For the food processor bowl and the blender, the lid also has to be twisted and locked in place otherwise they won’t work. This is a necessary safety feature.

Before adding the food processor bowl a long spindle attachment called the drive shaft, has to be placed on the base first. However, the drive shaft doesn’t click or lock in place, in fact, it feels quite loose, so it’s easy to think something is missing when you first assemble it. What’s more, I found that every time I removed the food processor bowl, I knocked the drive shaft and sent it clattering across the counter, which gets a bit annoying.

Another downside is that the main food processor bowl and the blender jug have to be configured on the base with the handle sitting to the right. So they’re not well placed for left-handed users.

The footprint of the base is 22.2 x 27.7cm / 8.7 x 10.9 inches (w x d) and the height depends on the accessory added. The tallest is when the blender jug is attached, which makes it 42.9cm / 16.9 inches high

Design score: 4 out of 5

Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch: performance

Very fast grating and slicing
Uncomplicated to use
Built in scales save time and mess

Food processor

The Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch's lid was incredibly tough to remove for the first few uses but loosened and became far easier the more I used it.

The first thing I did was to use the pulse button to chop an onion. I peeled and quartered the onion, then put it in with the main blade attached, and it took just five pulses to finely chop the onion. To make sure nothing was missed, I removed the lid before the final pulse and scraped off any chunks that were stuck to the side of the bowl. That did the trick to ensure the pieces were all evenly sized.

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Onions ready to be chopped using Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender — It took just five pulses to finely chop a quartered onion (Image credit: Helen McCue)

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Onions chopped using Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender — It took just five pulses to finely chop a quartered onion (Image credit: Helen McCue)

To make up a cake batter I used the main blade again in conjunction with the ‘mix’ preset which successfully combined all of the ingredients into a smooth cake batter in just 45 seconds. The best part was that prior to mixing I was able to weigh the ingredients directly into the food processor, which reduced the number of dishes to clean up.

Chopping nuts was next on the agenda. I threw in a handful of mixed nuts and pulsed it to avoid over-chopping them. It took 18 pulses, so I think it would have been quicker to just put it on the high speed setting. The nuts were chopped nevertheless.

There was a mixture of ground powdery nuts and some chunky pieces, so it didn’t chop them to a consistent texture. However, some of the other Kenwood MultiPro food processors come with a milling attachment. If you frequently chop hard foods like nuts, then it might be worth looking at those other models.

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Chopping nuts with Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender — The texture of chopped nuts was somewhat inconsistent, with some fine powder and some chunks (Image credit: Helen McCue)

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Nuts chopped using Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender — The texture of chopped nuts was somewhat inconsistent, with some fine powder and some chunks (Image credit: Helen McCue)

The last test I did with the main chopping blade was to chop diced beef chunks into a ground beef texture. This task was a breeze for the food processor and the job was done in just 20 seconds on the high speed setting.

It took just five seconds to grate two carrots using the large disc. There were a couple of chunks left un-grated, and having weighed the carrot before grating as well as the chunks that didn’t get shredded, I worked out that the waste was around 8% (and I don’t really consider it waste since I was still able to use these chunks in another recipe).

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Carrots ready to be chopped using Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender — It took just five seconds to grate two carrots using the large disc (Image credit: Helen McCue)

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Carrots chopped using Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender — It took just five seconds to grate two carrots using the large disc (Image credit: Helen McCue)

When grating cheese, I used the large grate disc again, and also the express serve attachment. I wanted to see if any cheese would get lodged or clumped in the express serve mechanism.

A 300g/ 10oz block of cheddar took under 15 seconds to grate and none of it got stuck in the express serve attachment. There were a few chunks of cheese that remained un-grated, amounting to about 8% of the total. But given how fast it is, I’m happy to save those chunks in the fridge for something else.

Grating chocolate can be a messy business and I’m happy to let a machine take care of the job. I used the small disc to grate a 180g / 6oz bar of dark chocolate. It took 40 seconds to push all the chocolate through and I had to press really firmly on the chocolate with the pusher.

Some chocolate did melt to the disc in the process and the chunks that didn’t get grated amounted to 19%, which is quite a lot. However, it’s much faster and easier than doing it by hand and I won’t let those ungrated chunks go to waste.

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Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender — The Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch sliced six carrots in 10 seconds (Image credit: Helen McCue)

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Carrots sliced using Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender — The Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch sliced six carrots in 10 seconds (Image credit: Helen McCue)

Next up was slicing, and it sliced six carrots in an impressive 10 seconds on the highest speed. There wasn’t any waste, though some did end up going through at a bit of an angle, so the slices were somewhat elongated. Overall though, it was a great result.

To slice half a cucumber I set it up with the disc that creates thin slices. It took about eight seconds on the high speed setting to slice the cucumber. The slices were perfectly even and there was no waste.

To test the dough tool, I added the ingredients for a bread dough and selected the ‘dough’ preset. It’s only a 30 second preset but it mixed the ingredients and combined them into a dough within the time.

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Making bread dough using Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender — The dough preset only takes 30 seconds, but produces a well combined result (Image credit: Helen McCue)

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Bread dough made using Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender — The dough preset only takes 30 seconds, but produces a well combined result (Image credit: Helen McCue)

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I was impressed that the suction cups on the base kept the food processor firmly rooted to the counter, even after the ingredients had turned into a big ball of dough that would have some other food processors walking across the counter.

I used the whisk attachment to whip 300ml / 0.6 pints of cream. To avoid over whipping the cream, I selected the medium speed setting. It took two and a half minutes and while the cream was beautifully thick and light, I’d probably try out the high speed setting next time as it took a little longer than I expected.

Whipping cream using Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender — Whipping cream on the medium setting took two and a half minutes - I might use the high speed setting next time (Image credit: Helen McCue)

Personal blender

I made a smoothie consisting of frozen mixed berries, milk, protein powder, half a banana, and a tablespoon of mixed seeds. The Instructions say not to use more than 60g frozen ingredients, so I made use of the integrated scales to weigh my berries before adding to the cup.

To blitz up the smoothie, I selected the ‘blend’ preset, which took 57 seconds. The finished smoothie was a little gritty thanks to the seeds that I had added as well as the seeds in the berries. However, there were no whole seeds and it had a pleasant, slightly aerated texture that was otherwise smooth and well mixed.

After blending, the blade attachment came off the cup in two sections, which wasn’t what I was expecting, but it didn’t actually matter. It made it easier to rinse clean under the tap.

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Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender being used to make berry smoothie — A smoothie made using the personal blender attachment was a little gritty due to the seeds I added, but well mixed and lightly aerated (Image credit: Helen McCue)

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Berry smoothie made using Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender — A smoothie made using the personal blender attachment was a little gritty due to the seeds I added, but well mixed and lightly aerated (Image credit: Helen McCue)

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Blender

To crush ice, I added eight ice cubes and selected the ‘ice crush’ preset. It blended the ice for 28 seconds. At the end of the program, the ice was evenly crushed to a snowy consistency.

I cooked up the chopped onion, grated and sliced carrot from the above tests, into a tasty soup. Then once it had cooled I added it to the blender to blitz into a smooth soup.

I blended the soup on the ‘blend’ setting which takes 57 seconds. This was enough to completely liquidize everything into a perfectly smooth and creamy soup.

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Making soup using Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender — It was easy to blend ingredients into a smooth soup, though a small hole in the lid of the blender means liquid can spit out (Image credit: Helen McCue)

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Soup blended using Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender — It was easy to blend ingredients into a smooth soup, though a small hole in the lid of the blender means liquid can spit out (Image credit: Helen McCue)

The one issue I had with the blender was that there’s a small hole in the lid. And at the start of blending the soup, liquid was spitting out of the hole. In the end I held a paper towel over it and the spitting stopped after the first 10-15 seconds when the soup began to thicken.

Next I half filled it with water and added some dishwashing liquid, then used the 33 second ‘clean’ preset to remove most of the soup residues. It worked a treat and I just had to rinse it and give it a quick wipe to get it fully cleaned.

Citrus press

The citrus press attachment slots on top of the main food processor bowl, in place of the lid. I switched it on to the low speed setting to make orange juice. Even on the low speed setting it felt fast and certainly made short work of the oranges. Four oranges (eight halves) took me around 90 seconds to juice.

The top section catches all the seeds and some of the pulp, leaving the rest of the juice to make its way into the bowl below. It’s a fast and effective attachment for people who want to juice citrus fruits, though the juice is pretty pulpy so if you want it super smooth, you’ll have to pour it through a sieve before drinking.

In general I didn’t find the food processor to be too loud, which is probably in part to do with how fast it processed everything. The blender and personal blender were pretty loud though and both hit a high of 105dB on my noise meter. This noise level is equivalent to outdoor power tools like a chainsaw or leaf blower. Though thankfully it was for less than a minute, so much more bearable.

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Oranges ready to be juiced using Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender — It took about 90 seconds to juice four oranges with the Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch's citrus juicer (Image credit: Helen McCue)

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Oranges juiced using Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender — The juice contains quite a lot of pulp, so you'll need to strain it if you like a smoother texture (Image credit: Helen McCue)

Should you buy the Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch?

Buy it if

You want to grate and slice in bulk

With the express serve attachment, you can slice or grate directly into your own bowl(s), meaning there really is no limit to the amount you can get done without stopping.

You want a multi-tasking all-rounder

At this point it goes without saying that this appliance can take the place of several other appliances. It's the perfect all-rounder to buy if you’re just setting up home and don’t yet own any appliances.

You want digital scales built in

Not only is it a game changer being able to weigh ingredients directly into the food processor bowl or the blender jug, but having the option to use it as a digital scale in its own right is an excellent add-on.

Don't buy it if

You already own a blender or personal blender

If you already own some of the appliances that are included in this bundle, then it simply doesn’t make sense to double up. You’d be better off looking for a model with fewer accessories.

You’re short on storage space

While the number of accessories is what makes this a great value multi-tasking kitchen machine, don’t overlook the fact that there’s a lot to store. If you have a compact kitchen, it’s worth considering whether you have sufficient storage space.

How I tested the Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch

I had the Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch set up on my kitchen counter for a week while I did my best to try out every accessory and attachment at least once. In doing so, I also made use of the integrated weighing scales and tried most of the preset programmes on the control panel.

Further to testing its ability to deal with chopping, slicing, grating, whisking and blending, I was also noting how easy it was to use. This included how easily all the parts slot together as well as whether it’s tricky to clean.

I noted down any annoying features that I encountered and paid attention to whether it struggled or wobbled during use. I used a noise meter to establish how loud it is in use as well as taking into consideration the sheer volume of stuff there is to store. Learn more about how we test.

First reviewed October 2024

Geekom GT1 Mega mini PC review

4:18 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: CPU, PC, RAM | Comments: Off

Geekcom GT1 Mega: 30-second review

Specs

CPU: Intel Core 14th Gen Ultra 9-185H
Graphics: Intel Arc Graphics
RAM: 32GB DDR5, up to 64GB
Storage: 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
Rear Ports: 2 x USB 4.0, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x RJ45 LAN (2.5G), 1 x DC in,
Front Ports: 4 x USB 3.2 Gen2, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x 3.5mm stereo jack, 1
Side Ports: SD Card 4.0, 1 x Kensington Lock
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Audio: HDA CODEC
Camera: N/A
Size: 135mm x 132mm x 46.9mm
OS Installed: Windows 11 Pro
Accessories: VESA Mount, free USB-C hub

The Geekom GT1 Mega instantly sets the tone with the high-quality metal exterior, with its row of USB Type-A ports across the front and a host of connection options across the rear, highlighting that this is something a little different. Inside is the latest 14th Gen Intel Ultra processor, which provides impressive performance in such a compact machine.

The new processor, which in our review sample is the U9-185H option, with the U7-155H also available, enables close integration with AI-enabled features. These work with the Intel NPU, which has the effect of significantly accelerating tasks like AI computation and video rendering, which in real-world terms is an invisible feature that you only witness through the speed of the processing.

There are other hints of this small machine’s power beyond editing 4K footage in DaVinci Resolve, which it handles as if it's a machine many times its own size, and the smooth running of high-impact games. Connecting up two 4K displays is well within its abilities, with an option to support up to four 4K monitors or one 8K through the two HDMI ports and USB4.

Sure enough, for video editing and 3D work, the Geekom ploughs through the processing without issue, and checking all Microsoft Office apps just doesn’t pose any type of stress on the system. While all this power and speed are impressive at such a small size, it is worth noting that the fans will kick in early—there’s a lot of cooling to be done—so if you like silence, while not loud, that fan whirr is apparent.

Then there are the options to upgrade, which, being a mini PC, are limited: a slight boost to the internal RAM and SSD but little else. However, the USB4 ports afford plenty of other expansion options with external SSDs and eGPUs.

As a true mini PC, the GT1 Mega will fit any workspace without issue, and the small VESA mount ensures that it’s easy to fit and mount as needed. That, coupled with the 65W power consumption, means that it can easily be transported and powered in the field with a power station such as the Bluetti AC70.

But is it the best mini PC we've tested? Well, while this is a great compact solution, it comes with a high price tag, especially considering the limited upgrade options. So, if you’re looking to spend this amount, it might be better to look at a larger desktop solution. However, considering the design and advanced technology, on its own or partnered with other devices to expand its function, it’s impressive and an ideal solution for any professional—creative or otherwise—who requires some serious processing power.

Geekom GT1 Mega: Price & availability

Geekcom GT1 Mega — (Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Geekom GT1 Mega is priced at $1,099 and is available directly from Geekom with a 3-year warranty.

Right now, you can save 5% on the Geekom with the code TECHGT1 - from both the Geekom official US site and the official UK site.

You can also save 5% with code TECHRADAGT1 from Amazon US.

Score: 4/5

Geekom GT1 Mega: Design & build

The GT1 Mega is housed in a compact form factor (135mm x 132mm x 46.9mm) that is common for mini PCs, which instantly makes it an ideal choice for anyone with limited workspace or requiring a machine that is easily portable between places of work. The exterior of the machine is of an extremely high quality, with the all-metal finish instantly giving the impression of quality and style. The simple monocoque design of the casing, with the line of four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, 3.5mm audio, and power button, are all neatly laid out, highlighting accessibility.

That look helps to define this system as a core unit that can adapt to what you need it to do. For creatives, accessories such as the Logitech MX Creative Console, keyboard, and mouse can all be plugged in easily without searching around the back. Then on the side, alongside plenty of venting, which alongside the IceBlast 2.0 cooling system helps to keep on top of the heat from the fast processor, is an SD 4.0 card slot—a feature that will appeal to photographers and videographers, although a CFExpress Type-B slot would be great to see. On the other side, for security, there's a Kensington port.

Flipping over to the back, and again there’s a host of connections, including two USB 4.0 and dual 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports, two HDMI 2.0, a USB Type-A 3.2, and one USB 2.0 port.

The overall build is of a high quality, and flipping the machine onto its back, there are four small rubber feet and the hole for the VESA mount. Unscrewing the base gives you access to the inside, where there’s the option to upgrade the RAM from the 32GB to 64GB and swap the PCIe SSD NVMe Gen 4, although our review sample was already fitted with the 2TB version, which is the maximum.

Design: 4.5/5

Geekom GT1 Mega: Features

The Geekom GT1 Mega features Intel's 14th Gen Ultra U9-185H processor with 16 cores and 22 threads. It also features an AI-accelerated NPU, which is capable of delivering processing up to 8 times faster than the previous generation and enables you to access the latest machine learning tasks and compatibility with AI-enabled applications that can make full use of the new technology.

Visuals are supplied through Intel Arc graphics, which support both high-resolution video and gameplay, as well as the ability to run multiple displays from the system. This includes up to four 4K monitors or one 8K.

Inside, the machine features 32GB of Dual-channel DDR5-5600 SODIMM, which can be upgraded to 64GB. This is matched with 2TB of M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 x 4 SSD, which is the maximum that the machine can take.

Connections are a key feature of this small machine, and when it comes to networking, alongside the dual RJ45 2.5Gbps ports, there's also Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, further enhancing connection options.

Alongside the latest Intel processing, the big point of interest here is the expansion options. While those are limited internally, the ability to utilise the two USB4 ports along with the USB 3.2 Gen ports gives you plenty of options. Although the internal graphics are good, if you need the boost of a dedicated external graphics card, then an eGPU can easily be fitted. Likewise, ultra-fast external SSDs, NAS, and mass storage devices are all easily compatible.

The USB4 ports offer plenty of flexibility, with the ability to connect data devices, monitors, graphics, and even deliver up to 15W of PD power to quickly charge devices such as phones, tablets, and camera gear.

When it comes to portability, the small form factor and solid metal build make it nice and robust, but if you're working in the field, then the fact that it only draws 65W of power means that it will sit alongside a portable computing suite that can be used in the field without too much of an issue and powered by a portable power station. However, it does utilise a 19V DC input rather than the more universal USB Type-C, so the external power adapter is required.

Features: 4.5/5

Geekom GT1 Mega: Performance

Benchmarks

Crystal Disk Read: 5049.75MB/s
Crystal Disk Write: 4399.79MB/s
GeekBench CPU Single: 2498
GeekBench CPU Multi: 13916
GeekBench Compute: 39696
PC Mark: 6992
CineBench CPU Multi: 15911
CineBench CPU Single: 1888
Fire Strike Overall: 8133
Fire Strike Graphics: 8886
Fire Strike Physics: 29083
Fire Strike Combined: 2995
Time Spy Overall: 4072
Time Spy Graphics: 3642
Time Spy CPU: 12306
Wild Life: 20948
Windows Experience: 8.3

Getting started with the GT1 Mega is fast, with the usual run-through of options for Windows 11 Pro. Once installed, the WiFi connection to install updates and applications is fast, and there’s little slowdown as you switch from browsing to applications and general use of the machine. Starting with the range of Microsoft Office apps, the machine is simply fast and responsive, with the apps loading quickly. Navigating large Word documents, presentations, and long spreadsheets is handled with no issues or slowdowns. Essentially, the machine just makes short work of this level of applications.

Likewise, two of the best photo editors, Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, caused no issues, with the batch RAW processing of files from the Canon EOS R5C handled without a hitch. We also tested the machine with some of the best video editing software. RAW files along with 4K video Log3 footage from the Sony A7 IV were edited within Adobe Premiere Pro with the same ease. The only issue with video editing was the volume of internal storage; however, switching to using an external 8TB Samsung T5 Evo quickly resolved this, enabling impressive ease of editing for a 15-minute video.

Finally, looking at gaming performance, three games were tested: *Tekken 8*, *Cyberpunk 2077*, and *Hogwarts Legacy*. In all cases, the machine was able to handle most of the graphic processing, though with some minor lag in *Hogwarts Legacy*. However, a Razer Core X eGPU with ASUS GeForce 3060 Ti gave a boost to the graphics performance.

Once the external SSD and eGPU were added to the mix, the power of this small machine matched desktop PCs without issue, offering an incredibly small and effective solution for creative professionals looking for a compact and portable machine that can be used in the field.

Finally, with the performance tested, we checked out how the machine coped with our benchmarking tests. Here, the real-world tests were reflected, with the Geekom GT1 Mega excelling across the board. The Intel Ultra U9-185H processor offered strong multi-core performance, scoring 15,911 in Cinebench CPU multi-core tests, highlighting what we had witnessed during video editing. Storage speeds using the internal SSD are fast, with CrystalDisk scores of 5049.75MB/s for read and 4399.79MB/s for write, ensuring quick boot times and rapid data transfers. Although the 2TB storage will be ample for most users, creatives should look at an external storage solution such as the Samsung T5 Evo or OWC Envoy as an option.

If you do need to access the internal workings of the machine for an upgrade, the process is a little more involved than most. First, the four rubber feet need to be removed, then the four screws taken out, and the base prised off. Then there's the backing plate, which is again held by four screws; this needs to be carefully lifted away as there are two wires connected to the WiFi card. With the base plate propped up, you can access the M.2 Key-M slot for PCIe x4 Gen 4 NVMe SSD, 2280, and dual RAM slots, along with the M.2 Key-M slot PCIe x4 or SATA, 2242. It's also worth noting that the M.2 Key-E slot for CNVi/PCIe WiFi, 2230, can be upgraded, giving some future-proofing. Another interesting feature is the 16-pin FPC SATA connector to connect an FFC SATA cable to a 7mm 2.5" SATA, which opens up further options.

While overall the performance is excellent, the graphics performance is just above average, with the Intel Arc handling most tasks. However, the Fire Strike and Time Spy results show that when pushed, an eGPU should be considered, as we found with Hogwarts Legacy.

Overall, when it comes to performance, the core machine punches well above its size, but what really appeals is the fact that, with applications that support AI, this machine can see a real boost in performance. And if you need more storage for video or graphics for gaming, then an external drive or eGPU can be quickly fitted. The Geekom GT1 is one of the most impressive mini PCs available, with solid build and performance that will suit most creative and high-demand users.

Performance: 4/5

Should you buy the Geekom GT1 Mega?

The Geekom GT1 Mega is a great option for professionals or creatives who need robust computing power in a compact form. Its AI processing and excellent multitasking capabilities make it a great mini PC, though its high price and limited internal, might be an issue for some.

Buy it if...

You need AI-accelerated processing

If your work involves AI tasks, machine learning, or real-time data analysis, the GT1 Mega’s NPU will greatly enhance productivity.

You require multiple high-res displays

The ability to support four 4K monitors or one 8K display makes this mini PC perfect for video editing or digital content creation.

Don't buy it if...

You're on a budget

At nearly £1,000/$1,000, the GT1 Mega's cost is a barrier for casual users or those who don’t need cutting-edge performance.

You want extensive gaming capabilities

While capable, its Intel Arc graphics won't compete with a dedicated gaming PC for high-end gaming performance

For more professional machines, we reviewed the best business computers and best business laptops.

Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad review: the cure for my last-minute iPhone charging woes

11:00 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Phone Accessories Phones | Comments: Off

Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad review

The Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad is reasonably priced at $24.99 / £24.99 / AU$49.95, so it's roughly the same price as a similar charging pad from ESR. Although I can't speak for its charging speeds, the ESR caught my eye as it has a reinforced cable base, and braided nylon around the wire, potentially giving it more longevity than the Anker equivalent, but I'll touch more on this later.

Equipped with Wireless PowerIQ, Anker's signature wireless fast charging, the speed at which the MagGo Wireless Charger Pad juiced up an iPhone 13 Pro was satisfying. It took just two hours and ten minutes to charge it fully, and it charged both AirPods Pro 2, and Motorola Moto Buds+ cases happily.

The magnetic attachment is satisfyingly strong. I was able to shake the phone about vigorously multiple times without the pad shifting more than a tiny amount from side to side. I also tested the magnet's strength by hanging the pad, with the phone attached, by its cable, and the phone stayed put – which is great, even for one of the best iPhone chargers. When it doesn't stay put, on the other hand, is when it's placed on a flat, smooth surface. As the concept behind this particular charger's design appears to be for it to be easy to hold, I can forgive Anker for this.

Due to its slim depth and curved base, it was pleasantly easy to continue to use my phone as it charged. I have rather small hands, and I didn't feel like it was particularly disrupting the way I'd usually hold my phone, which made a welcome change from the power banks I often use for this purpose.

One small negative I have to raise is that the integrated power cable was a little annoying. Because it's not removable, it makes it a little more tricky when you're trying to pack it up when heading out. I've not had it long enough to observe this, but my concern is that the first section of flexible cable that comes out of the pad could become worn over time –though this is only my speculation. My rationale is that if Mous managed to fit a USB-C port in the slimmest part of their low-cost MagSafe Compatible 3-In-1 Portable Charger, then I'd have thought that it'd be plausible for Anker to have done this too.

Overall though, this is a simple but satisfying MagSafe charger. I found it minimally disruptive and nice to hold as I continued to use my phone while replenishing its life force, and when left to charge my phone without me using it, the charging time was good for the price. If you're looking for something cheap but practical because your phone rarely leaves your hand, I'd recommend taking a look at the Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad. However, if you're in the market for something a little different, we have a variety of other chargers to check out in our pick of the best wireless chargers.

The back of the Anker Wireless Charging Pad, which is sitting on a grey stone-effect surface, against a light pink background. — (Image credit: Future)

Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad review: Price & specs

The side of the Anker Wireless Charging Pad, which is sitting on a grey stone-effect surface, against a light pink background. — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad?

Buy it if…

You want a comfortable solution
Due to its small and curved design, it's satisfyingly easy to hold as you continue to use your phone. I have small hands, and I found it a convenient alternative to larger options, like wireless power banks.

You want something small and light
Despite my niggles with the cable, the charger is light and compact, so you won't need to awkwardly cart about a charging stand.

Don't buy it if…

You want to take it out with you regularly
As the cable is fixed into the charging pad, it isn't the best choice if you regularly want to pack it away. You might be more organized than me, and be happy to fold up the cable each time and neatly secure it, but if you want to just chuck it in your bag, it's not as convenient to pull it back out as it would be if you could pack the pad and cable separately.

You want a secure desktop charger
This charger is perfect for hand-held use, but it isn't the best choice for desktop charging. With no anti-slip elements, and a smooth and slightly curved base, there's no chance of it staying put if the phone gets knocked or the cable gets pulled.

Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad review: Also consider

Apple MagSafe Charger
If you're a die-hard Apple consumer, then you'll be happy to know that there's an official Apple charging pad available to purchase at Amazon. Providing up to 15W of power, it's compatible with the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 12, and iPhone 12 Pro. It currently features as the best Apple MagSafe charger in our selection of the best wireless chargers. View Deal

Wondershare UniConverter review

9:36 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

Wondershare’s UniConverter is a bit of a misnomer. Yes of course, you can convert video formats into others, but UniConverter can do a lot more than that. Here, you can download videos, compress files, edit projects, record your screen, and more. Is it a jack-of-all-trades, or a master of none? Let’s find out.

Wondershare UniConverter: Pricing & plans

With subscription plans, a perpetual licence, and a free trial - Wondershare offers you many choices to try out their wares and buy them as you prefer

As you might expect in today’s market, you’ll find subscription options, with a one-year plan for $50, and a two-year plan for $70.

But those of us who prefer to own what we work with haven’t been forgotten for once, and a perpetual licence is also available for $80. On top of that, if you’d rather try before you buy, Wondershare lets you download a free version, which you’ll be able to explore for 7 days. For more like that, we’ve also reviewed the best free video converters.

Not all features are unlocked for free, though. The most glaring restriction is the fact that UniConverter limits your conversion to a third of the original video’s length; for instance, you can only record up to a minute of video, and you’ll have no GPU acceleration. On the plus side, you’re offered 50 AI credits to explore UniConverter’s more advanced features.

As you’d expect, all those limitations are removed when you start paying. The subscription model offers you 600 AI credits, and the perpetual licence comes with 1,000.

So if you’re curious about UniConverter, you can get it for Windows and Mac by clicking here.

Pricing & plans: 4.5/5

Wondershare UniConverter: Interface

Wondershare UniConverter during our review process — The Homepage gives you access to popular tools on the right, while your files and all available tools are on the left (Image credit: Wondershare)

A simple, well-designed interface, giving you various options to navigate through all available tools, and select the one you’re interested in

The interface is well managed, with a small sidebar on the left giving you access to any files you’ve worked on or imported, and all available tools. However, the Home menu is by far the best place to start. From there, you’ll see tools divided into categories such as ‘Converter’, ‘Downloader’, and ‘Compressor’.

Beneath these, are a series of commonly used tools: Video Editor, Screen Recorder, DVD Burner, Player and Image Converter. Clicking on ‘More Tools’ is the same as clicking on ‘Tools’ in the sidebar.

And finally there’s the ‘AI Lab’, highlighting 12 popular ones split into three menus: Hot, Video and Image. Clicking on any one of the non-AI options changes the sidebar to showcase the same tools displayed in ‘Home’, only this time, as a list. It’s all very straightforward and well managed, making it pretty much impossible to get lost, and very easy to get back to the Home page should you do.

Score: 4.5/5

Wondershare UniConverter: Tools

A good list of tools that are easy to use, and allow you to perform many different actions that go far beyond simply converting file formats - so long as you don’t expect too much from the ‘Video Editing’ side

Most tools offer a similar looking interface: any file you might wish to ‘Convert’, ’Compress’, ‘Burn’ or ‘Merge’ for instance, can simply be dragged onto the window from your computer’s file system.

‘Downloader’ obviously needs the URL of the file you wish to download. You can even add multiple URLs in one go (as long as you’ve paid Wondershare), and UniConverter will get on with the job, once you’ve set some simple resolution parameters.

Some tools have to be different, like ’Screen Recorder’. As with any of the best screen recorders, you’ll have to grant UniConverter permission to access your webcam, microphone, and the right to record your screen, but the necessarily tedious process, is very easy to get through, with the software automatically opening the right settings on your machine to grant the right permissions. It’s then a simple matter of choosing which part of the screen to record, whether to activate your webcam or not, which mic to turn on, and you’re set.

Technically speaking, the recording was flawless, however, everything is burned into the video. You can’t for instance edit the recording to remove the webcam footage, or make it fade in or out as needed. It’s where you put it when you were recording and that’s it. Great if you’re a one-shot wonder, and don’t expect too much.

Speaking of editing, there are video editing capabilities… but calling it a ‘video editor’ is a bit of a stretch, especially if you’re an experienced editor yourself. The best video editing software, this is not. Selecting ‘Video Editor’ brings up seven tools, to crop, trim, add a watermark, effects, subtitles, work on the audio or alter the speed… and that’s it.

Trim and Crop are self-explanatory, the Effects are pretty basic and are essentially just some basic colour correction tools along with a range of simple Instagram-like filters. But we did appreciate the ability to work with most tools at once, as once you’ve opened a clip, they’re available through a menu at the top of the window (aside from Trim). It definitely won’t blow the competition out of the water, but if you’re looking to make some simple changes to a recording, you can do it all without leaving UniConverter.

Score: 4/5

Wondershare UniConverter: AI tools

A great assortment of tools designed to improve your videos. But there’s one glaring flaw: you have to spend AI Credits to use them, yet there’s no way to buy more when you run out

We’ve tested quite a few of the best AI tools, and here, we were pleased to see the AI selection surprisingly broad. You’ll have many that can be seen to fit within the workflow of the previously explored tools, such as enhancing video, auto-generating subtitles, stabilize footage, etc. Those actually comprise the bulk of what’s available. But you also get AI options that go beyond what’s expected, such as using ChatGPT 4.0 to generate a script for you.

We tried a few tools, such as the Auto Subtitle, and were very impressed by the results. Even a recording that wasn’t designed to be shared, so we didn’t pay particular attention to diction, was flawlessly subtitled. But even if there were mistakes, you can edit the results, both the text and the timecode. Finally, you have the ability to save the file as a new video, extract the subtitle as an SRT file to use elsewhere (such as YouTube for instance), save it as a work in progress, or all three in one go.

The only drawback to these intriguing tools is your allowance. Subscribing or getting a perpetual licence isn’t enough: you’re given an allotment of credits to use on those AI tools, and once they’re gone, they’re gone! As of this writing, not only do your credits not renew when you renew your subscription, but you can’t even purchase additional ones. Wondershare tell us they’re planning on “launching an AI Credits Plan soon”, but as of right now, be sure to use them sparingly, no matter how cool they might work.

Score: 2.5/5

Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You want to perform a lot of changes and improvements to your video files, and are looking to do it all in one place.

Don't buy it if...

You don’t like the idea of software that can do so many different things, and you’re not a fan of AI tools, especially those based on credits that you can’t replenish.

We tested the best photo editing PCs and the best laptops for photo editing and these are the machines we recommend.

Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI review: a great robovac that will be even greater with software fixes

8:00 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Comments: Off

Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI: two-minute review

Samsung has come out swinging with its Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI robot vacuum and mop. It comes packed with cutting-edge, onboard intelligence tech for navigation, obstacle detection and identification, as well as some upgraded hardware and a self-cleaning base station.

I've been eagerly awaiting the Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI ever since it was first announced, hoping its highly commended on-board intelligence might provide a serious challenge to the likes of iRobot.

Having tested the robot vacuum for three weeks on a variety of floor types and against a litany of obstacles and messes, I, unfortunately, don't think it's quite the best robot vacuum on the market – though I do think it has the potential to shake things up.

I actually had to call in a second unit for review, as the issues I had with the original unit I tested (randomly dropping and abandoning its mop pads, not being able to detect them in the cleaning station, navigation issues and refusing to let me access the live monitoring, being among the most problematic). Largely, I couldn't replicate these issues in my replacement model, so definitely do reach out to Samsung if you spot any major problems after purchasing. My review below reflects my experience with the second, replacement model.

The Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI's greatest enemy is its own software, with some in-app faults and missing features that lead to a frustrating user experience and unfinished cleans (although, in fairness, throughout my testing, many of these bugs seemed to resolve themselves). My overall impression was that of a fairly accomplished, albeit occasionally buggy, robot vacuum that can deliver a competent clean despite slightly lower-than-average suction power for its price point. That's not to say it's lacking in power, mind you – it's still very much capable, and performed fairly well in both its vacuuming and mopping tests.

What you're really paying for is Samsung's on-board intelligence and native compatibility with the wider SmartThings ecosystem, which is a real boon if you own some of Samsung's large appliances and other home products. This sucker's smarts are pretty impressive, especially when it comes to object avoidance, mapping and value-adding features like pet and home monitoring – though unfortunately, my second review unit still wouldn't let me use this feature in iOS.

It's hard to settle on a score for the Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI. If I was to judge on raw potential, assuming every software feature was behaving properly, I'd say it was a brilliant robot vacuum, with its only real weaknesses being its suction power and edge cleaning. However, the difficulties I've had with software have been a little off-putting. Still, it's worth highlighting that throughout my testing many of these bugs have been fixed, and I imagine the remaining issues will continue to be ironed out. Read on for my full Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI review.

Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI review: price & availability

List price: $1,699.99 / £1,299
Launched: July 2024

Samsung's Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI robot vacuum sells for $1,699.99 / £1,299, and is available directly from Samsung as well as third-party retailers like Amazon. Even though that's very much in the premium price bracket, it's actually more affordable than I'd expect – in the UK at least – for a combination robot vacuum and mop with so many next-generation features. Compare this price to, for example, the Roomba Combo 10 Max, which launched in August 2024 at a list price of $1,399 / £1,499.

It's unfortunately quite pricey in the US right now, but it does offer some attractive features above and beyond much of its competition, such as mop pad steam sterilization, stain detection, pet care and a roller brush featuring Samsung's patented Hair Grinder technology. It also offers great specs, as well as easy integration into SmartThings ecosystems – and even onboard Bixby functionality.

Samsung often runs some pretty appealing deals, and especially during major sales events. However, I wouldn't put money on this particular robovac featuring in the 2024 winter sales, given how close its release date is to the start of the Black Friday sales.

Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI specs

Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI review: design

Modern, minimalist and sophisticated design
Rather a large dock with water tanks and dust bin
Camera isn't recessed, risking damage

Clad in all-greige, the Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI and its self-emptying, self-cleaning base make for a modern and slick-looking package that keeps things simple with its design.

On top of the vacuum is the dToF (direct time of flight) LiDAR scanner, a raised ovoid that increases the height of the robovac by 0.6 inches / 15mm, as well as two touch controls. The first commands the vacuum to return to its base, and the other begins or pauses its cleaning cycle. These are only really necessary in an emergency where you don't have your phone or a smart home controller handy. You can lift the rear half of the robot vacuum to reveal the onboard dust bin, reset button and the QR code you'll use for setup. It's unlikely you'll need to remove the dust bin unless there's something stuck, given the clean station automatically empties dirt when the robovac docks.

Samsung Jet Bot Combo AI robot vacuum in its dock — (Image credit: Future)

The front of the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI houses its two 3D depth cameras and its main camera, as well as the built-in microphone for controlling Bixby and detecting sounds around the home. It's worth highlighting these are all active by default, and the vacuum won't work without the cameras, so for those privacy-conscious users, you'll need to manually switch off the microphone. There's also a status light indicator on the top of the robovac's face, as well as another smaller light strip below the camera to help the robot illuminate dark spaces.

View of dust bag and water tank inside Samsung Jet Bot Combo AI dock — (Image credit: Future)

On the rear of the vacuum you'll find the chutes for emptying the water and dust bins, and on its underside are the roller brush, side brush, two circular mop pads and its wheels. The roller brush is secured with an easily removable casing and is made of plastic with coiling rubber wings and soft brushes. The mop pads are fabric and attach magnetically to the robot vacuum. However, unfortunately after just a few uses, the right rondel magnet on my first review unit jammed, abandoning a mop pad mid-clean. Thankfully, simply replacing the mop pad in the cleaning station and commanding the robot vacuum to clean its pads seemed to fix the issue.

Underside Samsung Jet Bot Combo AI robot vacuum, showing two circular mop pads — (Image credit: Future)

When in use, the mop pads can rotate at 170rpm. Overall, I prefer this rotating mop solution over the static mop pad strips found in many Roomba and Roborock devices – the latter can't polish out tough stains as well as rotating rondels can.

To avoid cross-contamination and stinky carpet, the robot vacuum will intelligently lift them when transitioning from hard floors to carpets, or, if you're not mopping at all, the vacuum will discard its mop pads into the base. The latter is a pretty rare feature, but a welcome one, if you want to remove all danger of damp carpets.

Underside of Samsung Jet Bot Combo AI robot vacuum, showing rollers and side brush — (Image credit: Future)

The Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI's side brush is made from individual bristles rather than the rubber material found in many robot vacuums. Personally, I prefer this, finding bristles far less prone to flicking debris. However, they are far more easily damaged and tangled with hair, especially on wet floors after the vacuum has made its mopping rounds. The side brush does not extend to reach tougher spots, but the vacuum is, broadly speaking, intelligent enough to hunt down any wayward messes.

This robovac is also equipped with cliff sensors, surface detectors, stain detectors, and dirt detectors, which it uses to intelligently navigate and thoroughly clean your home without damaging any surfaces.

Samsung Jet Bot Combo AI robot vacuum in reviewer's home — (Image credit: Future)

The dock is a bit of a behemoth at 17.5 x 21.5 x 20.1" / 44.4 x 54.7 x 51 cm, but given that it's basically the robot vacuum equivalent of a car wash, I can understand why. It houses three containers; an 88oz / 2.5L dust bin, a 106oz / 3L water tank and a 127oz / 3.6L dirty water tank in the main body of the base, from which the robot vacuum is emptied and refilled when docked. These are easily removed: simply grip the lid, pull them out, and unclip the tank's lid to empty or refill the water tanks, or remove the lid and slide out the full dust bag.

The vacuum itself ascends a small ramp into a neat little alcove in the dock, at the base of which are the washing plates. After a mopping session, the base station will steam clean the mop pads with high-pressure steam, before drying them with hot air. On the rear of the base you'll find the port for the power supply, which is 59 inches / 1.5m long. You'll need to clear as much space as possible to the sides of the machine to ensure the robovac's navigation is unhindered.

Design score: 4 out of 5

Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI review: performance

Let down by app software
Decent suction, excellent mopping
Obstacle detection and onboard intelligence are great

Samsung's Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI positions itself as a high-spec, high-performance automated home cleaner, but does it fit the bill? Well, kind of – with some software updates, it certainly would, but at the moment it's slightly impeded by its beautiful-looking but semi-functional in-app experience and dodgy mop pad connectors.

Once paired, I was very impressed by the app's design and wide array of features, which I'll talk a little more about later in the review, but I was less pleased with the default settings. For some reason, the robot vacuum by default is set to continually clean until it runs out of battery, which led to an admittedly hilarious but confusing first clean for me. I always run my standardized pickup tests in the smallest room in my home, and asked the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI to just clean that 6.5 x 6.5-foot / 2x2m space. Two hours of solid cleaning later, I realized something was up.

For the avoidance of hilarity/frustration, I'd definitely recommend poring through Samsung's extensive list of settings and options before your first clean. Otherwise, the robovac's first pass around my home to map the layout was broadly a success, with the app creating a fairly accurate floor plan.

Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI on a patterned rug, trying to pick up oats and cornflower — (Image credit: Future)

Onto vacuuming performance. The Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI isn't the most powerful sucker on the market, offering 6,000Pa of suction. Today's most powerful models can achieve almost double that (for example, the Deebot T30S Combo has 11,000Pa on max mode, $1,199.99 or about £950 / AU$1,800). In contrast, Samsung's robot vacuum sits in the comfortable mid-range overall, and while its pricing doesn't necessarily reflect that, its onboard intelligence carries the brunt of the value.

Despite this lower suction, it delivers a great clean. A litany of onboard sensors help the vacuum not only to identify different floor types and obstacles but also spot dirtier areas – whether that's due to stains and spillages or dust and debris – and adjust its cleaning accordingly. The Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI will also lift and lower its mop pads based on the surface area it's cleaning, which I found worked perfectly throughout my testing.

I sprinkled cornflour on my hard floors and low-pile carpet to see how well the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI could pick up fine debris, treading in some of it to create more real-world scenarios. On hard flooring, the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI performed well, collecting a majority of the fine powder. On carpet, however, with its first pass, Samsung's newest robovac didn't really impress me, leaving about 80% of the cornflour on the carpet, even when the machine amped up its suction to tackle the issue.

However, it's a stubborn bot with solid dirt detection technology, and throughout the rest of its clean returned to the fine powder to have another go. After about three attempts during one cleaning job, it did manage to clean up a vast majority of the powder, leaving roughly 20% behind.

On the other hand, the oats I sprinkled to test larger debris pickup on hard flooring were almost entirely suctioned by the robot vacuum in its first pass, including some of the grains closer to the obstacles I had set up for the vacuum to avoid. Thicker-pile carpets present more of a challenge; my rug was left with a fair amount of large and fine debris still in situ.

Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI edge cleaning — (Image credit: Future)

Its bristled side brushes are far superior to the more commonly utilized rubber side brush arms, at least in my opinion, and proved very efficient at sweeping lighter debris straight into the mouth of the robot vacuum. However, they don't offer a great edge clean. It would have been good to see Samsung incorporate an extending side arm to help in this area – a feature offered by a few rival models in this premium price bracket.

As for the hair-grinding technology, I was fairly impressed, but not quite awestruck by the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI. Samsung promises an 880% improvement compared to “a brush without a hair grinder” based on its internal testing, but it's worth highlighting we don't know enough about the brush it was compared to validate that claim, and it really is quite the claim.

That being said, I was very pleased with how few of my long hairs tangled around the roller's brushes. They did, however, wrap around the midsection of the roller (which is usually covered by its casing and therefore wouldn't impact the cleaning), and my hair also made a right mess of the side brush, leaving some of the brush strands permanently bent out of place. For pet owners, however, I imagine the Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI could just be one of the best robot vacuums for pet hair, as shorter hair is far less likely to tangle up either brush.

The onboard dust bin is a little small, so expect your vacuum to regularly empty itself at the base if you're cleaning larger spaces or dealing with higher levels of dirt and debris – thankfully, the battery life is above average for its price, so that will save some time from the cleaning cycle.

Samsung Jet Bot Combo AI robot vacuum cleaning a hard floor — (Image credit: Future)

On the other hand, the Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI's mopping performance is most impressive, with its rotating rondels making quick work of wet spills (coffee), dry spills (also coffee) and sticky spills (dried fruit juice). Plus, thanks to the bot's stain detection, there was scarcely a mark left on my floors after it made its rounds – although the dried-on and sticky spills did take a few laps. Once the robovac has completed its cleaning mission, it returns to the base to have its mop pads steamed, removed, and dried in a two hour-long cycle that leaves them good as new.

I was very impressed with the Samsung Jet Bot AI Combo's navigation system, which deftly avoided all obstacles while still making its way into and around some tight spots to give the most thorough clean it could muster. That includes the fake dog poop I placed on the floor; pet owners will be pleased to learn that this robovac never so much as nudged it. When you first map your home, however, it's important to have floors as clear as possible, as the bot will assume even the smallest obstacle is, in fact, a wall.

Its onboard intelligence can identify a variety of household objects (though Samsung doesn't seem to list these anywhere), both in terms of obstacles and furnishings, which proved to be impressively accurate when I checked in the app.

Object avoidance is a real highlight for the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI. As well as identifying the obstacle, it's pretty clever when it comes to cleaning around it, managing to poke itself in and around non-hazardous obstacles like the cable and sock I left on my multicolored carpet. Broadly speaking, it was capable of recognizing each specific obstacle, though it did repeatedly identify a non-existent plate on my floor. I guess the local ghosts are having a tea party without me…

Performance score: 4 out of 5

Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI review: app

Managed through the very well-designed Samsung SmartThings app
Lots of customization options, but a few too many bugs at time of writing
Samsung Bixby voice assistant built in, but no list of supported commands

This presents a good opportunity to pivot to discussing the app, which is a bit of a beautiful mess. I've tested a fair few robot vacuums, but Samsung's SmartThings app is by far the best designed and offers plenty of easy ways to set up your robovac and customize it just to your liking. That is, of course, provided the in-app features are working, and as of writing this review, many of them aren't.

Let's start with the positives. You can also take more control of your cleaning by adjusting the in-app settings, manually selecting the suction power, cleaning type, driving mode, and water level to ensure your floors are sparkling by the time the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI is done. For instance, you might prefer that your robovac cleans the main part of the room then the edges (or the 'walls' as they're referred to in the Samsung app), or vice versa, or instead focus on quick cleaning in a zig-zag fashion. You can also opt for vacuuming and mopping to occur simultaneously, or instead ask the bot to vacuum first, then come back to mop the room.

Using the map function, you can also set specific settings for different rooms, identify key pieces of furniture and adjust how the vacuum approaches these, highlight areas where the vacuum may need to breach a raised surface and set up no-go zones. When I first began my testing, sometimes editing the map at all would cause it to crash, but thankfully as of writing, it seems to have been fixed. It will, however, room-shame you if you have a smaller area you want to zone – such is the case with my kitchen, which the app won't recognize as a room.

Screen shots of the Bespoke Jet Bot AI companion app — (Image credit: Samsung)

You can also download extension packages to the app to allow pet monitoring and more advanced smart home features. The pet monitoring in particular is pretty useful, allowing you to hunt down your furry friends remotely, instruct the bot to listen out for barks and even play calming music to assuage rowdy pups. I tried this using recordings of dogs barking, which worked well, but when I forgot to switch off the pet detection mode, it continued to alert me that my 'dog' was barking for hours every night.

Similarly, you can program the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI to monitor your home or family when you're away. There's an area in-app where you can also manually control your robot vacuum and view a live stream, too, but in my experience, this works very sporadically at least on iOS, and rarely when you're dialing in on a different Wi-Fi network or using mobile data.

Samsung's Bixby voice assistant is also built into the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI, meaning you can command your robovac with relative ease. There's no list of commands provided, so it's a little hit or miss whether it will understand your instructions. I found being very direct and simple with my wording helped massively, though I'd probably sooner use the app than my voice.

App score: 3.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI?

Buy it if...

You run a SmartThings smart home
If you're a Samsung home appliance fan, the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI is a no-brainer. It integrates effortlessly, and paired with Samsung's wider array of devices offers some excellent added value features.

You're home is a little messy
If there are lots of obstacles around your home, the Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI offers fantastic detection and identification, meaning you won't have to worry so much about tidying up before a cleaning cycle.

You want a more hygienic mop
With its self-cleaning station, the Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI can steam and dry its own mop pads, meaning less bacteria will be left to fester when your vacuum is out of use.

Don't buy it if...

You want something truly hands-off
At least as of writing, I can't in good conscience call the Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI truly hands-free. By all accounts, it should be, but the software just isn't up to scratch right now.

You want powerful suction
With only 6,000 Pa bolstering the Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI, it's just not quite powerful enough for deeper cleans without running several cycles.View Deal

You want to make the most of every intelligent feature
Until Samsung fixes the litany of bugs plaguing the Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI, I wouldn't view many of its intelligent selling points as a given.

How I tested the Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI

I used this as my main vacuum for 3 weeks
I tested all the different modes and features
I ran specific cleaning tests using different types of spillages

For my Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI review, I used the device as my main vacuum cleaner for three weeks in order to assess how it lives up to its specs and marketing, including its suction power, mopping capability and onboard intelligence.

I tested various substances and stains (cornflour, oats, dried-on and wet messes) as well as obstacles (socks, bags, wires) to see how well its AI features detect and treat different obstacles, and also used the app to try its various intelligent features like home and pet monitoring.

For comparison, I used my experience testing robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba Combo J7+ and other TechRadar reviews to judge how well it lives up to its price tag and Samsung's own claims about its performance.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2024

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